Database Users

Optional fix to a MF3 brick (point of no return)

After just playing around with odin.
I think i have found a fix.
I flashed http://downloads.fairview5.com/i337/I337UCUEMJ6_full_wipe.tar.md5.7z through odin and it went through for the first time.
Then i used the pit file called "SGS-I337_16GB.pit" idk where it is but it's on the forums
Note:This will upgrade your phone to 4.3 and there are no root methods for 4.3 as of right now.Plus there might be some problems with the playstore.(i haven't encounter any yet)
Also remember that you can go to bestbuy and ask them to flash your phone so you can stay on 4.2.2. This is for people who just want to fix it now instead of going to a store.
Credit to jball and rayburne for telling me to put the downsides and other opitions

Cool deal buddy
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Odischeese said:
After just playing around with odin.
I think i have found a fix.
I flashed http://downloads.fairview5.com/i337/I337UCUEMJ6_full_wipe.tar.md5.7z through odin and it went through for the first time!!!!!!
Then i used the pit file called "SGS-I337_16GB.pit" idk where it is but it's on the forums
And now i have recovery!
Not just recovery, but i have my phone back!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't that the leaked 4.3 fw?

xuanphucn said:
isn't that the leaked 4.3 fw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and it works like a charm.
I still have no clue why it can flash with odin if you're on MF3, regardless i am happy with it as it is the only rom that you can flash (that i know of) if you're on MF3.

Just a word of caution to anybody who wants to try this, there is no root method for it and playstore is having some issues installing some apps.
Edit, here's the thread discussing mj6 and some of the issues people are having http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46860747

Playstore?
jd1639 said:
Just a word of caution to anybody who wants to try this, there is no root method for it and playstore is having some issues installing some apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having no problems with the playstore as of right now.I'm downloading over 4gb of apps right now. I'll post back if there's any problems.:good:
After downloading 4GB of apps, there were no problems.

Odischeese said:
Yes and it works like a charm.
I still have no clue why it can flash with odin if you're on MF3, regardless i am happy with it as it is the only rom that you can flash (that i know of) if you're on MF3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm MF3 as you know and I'm using Omega V12 4.2.2 and it's a rom .I use Safestrap with no problems
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jball said:
I'm MF3 as you know and I'm using Omega V12 4.2.2 and it's a rom .I use Safestrap with no problems
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but i was talking about flashing with odin though
Some people with the MF3 problem couldn't even get to their stock recovery like me:crying:
This is the only ROM i know of that you can flash with odin on MF3.

Even if you don't have a stock recovery you should have been able to use Safestrap. I don't have stock recovery
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jball said:
Even if you don't have a stock recovery you should have been able to use Safestrap. I don't have stock recovery
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was ****ed big time. I did install SS but like i told you yesterday, SS ****ed up the wiping and it looked like SS just deleted itself. The reason why i said that because SS never came up. My phone never could go past the bootlogo nor bring up the 2 SS options. If i had SS at the time then i would of never came to forums lol

Odischeese said:
After just playing around with odin.
I think i have found a fix.
I flashed http://downloads.fairview5.com/i337/I337UCUEMJ6_full_wipe.tar.md5.7z through odin and it went through for the first time!!!!!!
Then i used the pit file called "SGS-I337_16GB.pit" idk where it is but it's on the forums
And now i have recovery!
Not just recovery, but i have my phone back!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odischeese said:
I was ****ed big time. I did install SS but like i told you yesterday, SS ****ed up the wiping and it looked like SS just deleted itself. The reason why i said that because SS never came up. My phone never could go past the bootlogo nor bring up the 2 SS options. If i had SS at the time then i would of never came to forums lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you were able to fix your phone and share with other to help them out, but I feel this title is a little misleading.
Yes you are fixing a soft bricked MF3 phone but the fix is upgrading them to MJ6 4.3. I understand a fixed MJ6 phone is better than a broken MF3 phone but I think it should be mentioned in your instructions. Best Buy is an alternative to fixing your phone and remaining on 4.2.2. Maybe a fix is around the corner for MF3 soft bricks that won't apply to MJ6 devices (yes I agree high unlikely but it should be mentioned this is upgrading the user to 4.3).
Sorry to hear your troubles with Safestrap. I'm on MF3 using SS and not had a problem. I think I have installed most of the 4.2.2 ATT and International Roms without issue. With what you described above about SS, I can only guess that SS has a bug that you encountered that affected your stock slot or you mistakenly wiped or flashed something to your stock slot that hosed your MF3 stock slot. Either way glad you recovered and shared your fix.

rayburne said:
I'm glad you were able to fix your phone and share with other to help them out, but I feel this title is a little misleading.
Yes you are fixing a soft bricked MF3 phone but the fix is upgrading them to MJ3 4.3. I understand a fixed MJ3 phone is better than a broken MF3 phone but I think it should be mentioned in your instructions. BB is an alternative to fixing your phone and remaining on 4.2.2. Maybe a fix is around the corner for MF3 soft bricks that won't apply to MJ3 devices (yes I agree high unlikely but it should be mentioned this is upgrading the user to 4.3).
Sorry to hear your troubles with Safestrap. I'm on MF3 using SS and not had a problem. I think I have installed most of the 4.2.2 ATT and International Roms without issue. With what you described above about SS, I can only guess that SS has a bug that you encountered that affected your stock slot or you mistakenly wiped or flashed something to your stock slot that hosed your MF3 stock slot. Either way glad you recovered and shared your fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I was just a little over exited finding a fix and quickly made a title.
I'll edit the instructions a little more...
Thanks for catching my mistakes :good:

Odischeese said:
Yeah I was just a little over exited finding a fix and quickly made a title.
I'll edit the instructions a little more...
Thanks for catching my mistakes :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Naw man, I'm not claiming you made any mistakes :good:
Just trying to help others who read the OP to fully understand the fix.
I'm just glad you found an alternative fix to Best Buy and shared it with others!

rayburne said:
Naw man, I'm not claiming you made any mistakes :good:
Just trying to help others who read the OP to fully understand the fix.
I'm just glad you found an alternative fix to Best Buy and shared it with others!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh ok
what do you think i should rename the title btw???

"Optional fix to a MF3 brick" point of no return
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thanks man, you got me back up and running... I know it's not ideal but it works...

jball said:
"Optional fix to a MF3 brick" point of no return
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Optional fix to a MF3 brick point of no return"
the entire quote???

Sure
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Getting my S4 on Tues, have some questions to rom/root it.

So I am upgrading from my beloved S3 to the Red S4 now, getting it in on Tues. Thank you employee line deals.. So anyways, I saw some stickies about to avoid the OTA otherwise can not flash a diff kernel, correct? That there are no odin files of the new update.
That being said, How will I know when I get my device in, if they already gave it to me updated or if its where I can custom rom it. Would figure its a certain thing in the status menu part for a version. Dont wanna mess this up, so doing my research now.
Also any custom roms that are super worth it? I know on my S3, I use a nice one with the multi window and floating windows. So if there is a super good one to use, IF I can use one, what is it?
Also does the toolbox program we used for the S3 work for S4? (Havent checked on updates in awhile) cause I need to least root this sucker if I wanna restore my titanium backups.
Anyways thanks for any points in the right direction, this is the part I always hated.. working with a new phone then sitting with it till I study up on all the roms and tweaking of it.

When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.

Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT? Then chances may be slim of anything other than mf3. But I did get a MDL from Walmart (they had black and white if I remember correctly, not sure about red). I got a black one with MDL about a month ago and they had two others in stock. So places like that MAY be a better bet for you.
Now this is MY opinion and take it for what it is worth. I will NEVER be buying another ATT phone due to how hard they are locking the boitloaders down. NEVER... So my next suggestion is get a T-Mobile S4 and you can use it on ATT and it does not have locked bootloaders at this time and hopefully never.
Read all the sticky threads about MF3 and prepare yourself in case you want to keep it. Good luck to you
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

You will have to try out different roms and see for yourself what they have to offer.if it turns out to be MF3 take the most important advice "!!READ!!"
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Before you get your phone read a whole lot about it. Read all the pinned (stickies) threads first. Then keep reading before you do anything with it. Good luck!

RockRatt said:
Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, getting from ATT dealer accounts, while I know I can use T-Mobiles stuff, I wouldnt have the "LTE" ability, which is what is happening now with my TMO S3, I have 4G, yes, but not LTE. So giving that phone to my friend for her upgrade, so she can get LTE with TMO while upgrading myself. Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
Qbeezy24 said:
When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.

Mysticales said:
Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it would be almost exactly business as usual. Of course READ any Roms HOW TO INSTALL section. About the only difference from the S3 flashing is if you are flashing kernels/Roms make sure the are loki'd or use Loki doki during flashing. Again read up on this.
Mysticales said:
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can flash some Roms (4.2.2 based Roms) with Safestrap. Read all about safestrap as I do not have it and don't know many if the answers since I cannot test. But the one thing is be VERY CAREFUL removing bloat with tibu, once it is gone you will NOT be able to get it back. Read many horror stories if debloating gone wrong and phone not working.
Mysticales said:
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes download either Motochopper or I like "Casual+Motochopper" as it gives you a recovery as well. Either cwm or twrp.
No at that point it is NOT safe from OTA updates, you will need to FREEZE certain apps with tibu.
Check out the Roms section. I haven't used it but I believe there is a "neutered mf3 stock firmware" that has the ota updating parts removed already. If you do NOT freeze the apps ATT set up mf3 to Auto Download and INSTALL mf3. Most users got it while they were sleeping, even if they were only stock and rooted. But IF you have a custom recovery and a ROM on it you will not get the auto update and install.
Mysticales said:
So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDB was what came with the phone and MDL was updated within a few weeks if I remember correctly. I believe I still have the mdb bootloaders on my phone and my wife's came with MDL and has those bootloaders. I have seen NO DIFFERENCE as far as flashing or things working differently in my case.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

nash2000 said:
So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believe you cannot flash kernels with safestrap. And only 4.2.2 based Roms will work and possibly on tw Roms, but there might be one cm variant that would work. Just check out the safestrap thread for more info on all if this. I think they even have a list if tested working Roms there.
No one knows FOR SURE but I believe the new 4.3 update blows a second qfuse, this will make it so you cannot downgrade to anything lower than MJ6.
MF3 blows the first qfuse which is why you cannot downgrade to MDL bases.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Mysticales said:
Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I just got my phone!!!! I got mine at Costco which I normally get my phone through best buy but there insurance plan stinks now.
Anyways, My phone had the MDF!! So get your phone at Costco!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

[email protected] said:
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I am rooted... you think after being a pioneer with a beloved Htc G1, that I would EVER be on a device without root. =p (Man.. the reinstalling of a 100 apps manually alone without titanium backup along with its prefs, config and data would take a week to get right) I used that exFat method.
But yea, even tho I am rooted, I wouldnt "mind" a diff rom.. or least debloat this sucker. Half tempted to see which ATT apps I could get rid of, issue is... no odin to restore to if something messes up. I am sure someone will do a mf3 recovery sometime eh?
Oh... btw, how would I disable any auto OTA that could come in the future?

Issue flashing 'Google' edition ROMs...

Hi, I'm probably being very idiotic atm but I can't think of any logical issues.
I'm using the Samsung Galaxy S4 i337.. I downgraded from NB1 to MK2, got root, installed safestrap, and attempted to install this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544474
It was my understanding this came with Loki-Doki (saw it floating around in a different thread asking if it worked, can find it if nessecary) as a patch. So I downloaded and backed up my stock install, and attempted to install this.
Now the problem is when I boot, it returns me to a bootloop, if you could call that progress.. It vibrates occasionally while bootlooping (samsung - safeboot - blackscreen - vibrate - samsung....). I still have access to safestrap, download mode and so on, if it helps at all. I've also tried http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537495 WITH loki-doki (as it is explicitly stated) to no success either..
I'm looking for one of two solutions;
how to get stock firmware back, or how to properly install this? Or any variation thereof. . . I don't know what the problem is ahaha

Bumping to say multiple wipes>reflashes later the blue screen has yet to occur, not sure what that was... Bootlooping is the huge problem now!

You can't use that rom. You need a tw based rom. This one is aosp
Sent from my Nexus 5

jd1639 said:
You can't use that rom. You need a tw based rom. This one is aosp
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the second one work with my phone though? And the comments say 'working on i337'etc on the first one... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537495
It's still giving me the same problems with loki-doki.

Rhymey said:
Doesn't the second one work with my phone though? And the comments say 'working on i337'etc on the first one... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537495
It's still giving me the same problems with loki-doki.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only works if you have mdl firmware and not on safe strap
Sent from my Nexus 5

jd1639 said:
It only works if you have mdl firmware and not on safe strap
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guh. Well ****. They should make that more obvious in the OP.. saw no mention of either of those being an issue..
Any similar roms that still have TouchWiz or should I just roll back to OTA 4.4.2?

Rhymey said:
Guh. Well ****. They should make that more obvious in the OP.. saw no mention of either of those being an issue..
Any similar roms that still have TouchWiz or should I just roll back to OTA 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Sent from my Nexus 5

So will it ever be possible to flash AOSP ROMs on NB1?

Not until the bootloader is unlocked. There is no telling when that will be.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Best bet is to find a ROM that you like, then install the Google Experience Launcher apk. It will give your phone the stock google launcher.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Domination Theme will also extensively theme your touchwiz rom to give it a more complete AOSP look without an AOSP rom.

All right thanks for the help guys.

[Q] bootloader rooting and I don't know what I'm doing

I want to root my phone which I found towel route which I I downloaded but its not really working, which I found out is due to bootloader being locked. so I decided what I needed to do was unlock the bootloader but I'm reading all these forums which are talking about roms and I have no idea what that is. I was wondering if someone could kind of walk me through this a little bit like talk about it n smaller not so technical terms because I don't really understand it. I know some coding and a lot of the technical know-how but I've never really worked with phones and really deep programming I guess. I'm sure I could figure it out if someone explained it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlK3r81kQPw&list=FLRvqjdmBGEGRU4qfddJMuDQ&index=33
Here's a video that might help a little. It's sort of old, but depending on which version of android you're on it'll probably help you get root access at the very least

What firmware version are you on? If you're on newer firmware the vid the other guy linked to is not going to work for you. There are tutorials in the general forum that can help you.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Galaxy s4
I was able to root my phone using towel root, then I disabled Knox with supersu. I wanted to remove all the bloat wear so I thought getting a new rom would do it (I've been researching) and I tried that three times but it keeps resetting my phone to factory settings. What am I doing wrong? I tried CM and that pacman one. I really like the aok(whatever letter) one but it's not compatible with my phone. I have a galaxy s4 unlocked, it's at&t but I actually have tmobile. I have all the at&t software AND tmobile crud on here. I really want it gone. I was trying to install the roms through my sd card with my phone on odis mode.

plethoralaura said:
I was able to root my phone using towel root, then I disabled Knox with supersu. I wanted to remove all the bloat wear so I thought getting a new rom would do it (I've been researching) and I tried that three times but it keeps resetting my phone to factory settings. What am I doing wrong? I tried CM and that pacman one. I really like the aok(whatever letter) one but it's not compatible with my phone. I have a galaxy s4 unlocked, it's at&t but I actually have tmobile. I have all the at&t software AND tmobile crud on here. I really want it gone. I was trying to install the roms through my sd card with my phone on odis mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using safestrap and flashing touch wiz based roms? Cm and Pac will not work on your device if you're using safestrap.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Inever got around to downloading safestrap. I thought that was something you did after you downloaded the rom. And I've never heard of the other one. It shows up with something about verification problems. I should have written it down. It took so long for my phone to turn back on.

plethoralaura said:
Inever got around to downloading safestrap. I thought that was something you did after you downloaded the rom. And I've never heard of the other one. It shows up with something about verification problems. I should have written it down. It took so long for my phone to turn back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what firmware version your phone is on but I'm guessing it's on a newer version where cwm or twrp recoveries are not going to work. You'll need to install safestrap and install roms with it.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Okay. I will try that. I did post a picture of my device information in my second post in case it had what you were asking get for.

plethoralaura said:
Okay. I will try that. I did post a picture of my device information in my second post in case it had what you were asking get for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry,I didn't see that. I'm on my mobile. You're on nc1 firmware. You definitely need safestrap.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] Need Help Updating AT&T S.Galaxy 4 V. 4.2.2 Rooted to Newest Version AT&T

Hey guys,
I ran a search but I don't understand half the things people are writing. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could please explain to me my options. In layman's terms, as I do not understand half the abbreviations and jargons here.
I rooted my phone over a year ago and really don't remember much about the process. I can't download important apps from Google Play anymore as they require newer versions than 4.2.2... So I'm stuck on this old version and need to update ASAP.
I have ONLY rooted the phone. I haven't done any mods or installed any ROMS. It's on stock AT&T Rom. (sometimes I wonder why I even bothered in the first place).
Can someone please point me in the right direction, I want a regular STOCK AT&T newest version, whether it stays rooted or not that's fine, but a newer version, KitKat preferably. What are my options? The simplest method would help me the most.
Things I really need backed up: My Text Messages, Voicemail, Call Logs, Whatsapp Messages etc. What is the best way to back that up? If I use Titanium Backup, and I don't have root after I update, Titanium Backup would be obsolete. So what would my other option?
Please help.
Much appreciated,

Are you sure you want to update from 4.2.2. You probably have the option to flash custom roms on your phone. There are many custom roms that that'll put 4.4.4 on your phone. Since you're rooted get terminal emulator from the play store. In it type
getprop ro.bootloader
If the last three characters are mdb or mdl you have a lot of options. I can help walk you through on how to get a custom rom on your phone.
You can update your firmware and bootloader to 4.4.4 too but you'll lose the option to flash most custom roms.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Are you sure you want to update from 4.2.2. You probably have the option to flash custom roms on your phone. There are many custom roms that that'll put 4.4.4 on your phone. Since you're rooted get terminal emulator from the play store. In it type
getprop ro.bootloader
If the last three characters are mdb or mdl you have a lot of options. I can help walk you through on how to get a custom rom on your phone.
You can update your firmware and bootloader to 4.4.4 too but you'll lose the option to flash most custom roms.
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Click to collapse
Thanks bud,
I got I337UCUAMF3
I'll be honest, I haven't really messed with any custom ROMS before. I just use the stock AT&T one. But I would like to upgrade to KitKat so my phone is faster and can download / upgrade the latest Apps. Lollipop isn't out for the AT&T Samsung S4 right?

Kepela523 said:
Thanks bud,
I got I337UCUAMF3
I'll be honest, I haven't really messed with any custom ROMS before. I just use the stock AT&T one. But I would like to upgrade to KitKat so my phone is faster and can download / upgrade the latest Apps. Lollipop isn't out for the AT&T Samsung S4 right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will the phone Not download the latest 4.4.4 from the phone settings?? Settings/More/About Device/Software Update. It must be connected to WiFi to download!!! Or you can get the AT&T S4 i337 to Stock 4.4.4 NJ4 Kit Kat Scroll down this page, easy to do. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642

tailgunner9 said:
Will the phone Not download the latest 4.4.4 from the phone settings?? Settings/More/About Device/Software Update. It must be connected to WiFi to download!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. My phone is rooted... Is it supposed to download to 4.4? And also couldn't there be issues with that?

I found this post. So I know this is ONE option: But I'll lose my Root. Which is fine if that's my only option.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728462
As the OP says, I will lose ROOT. So my question would be, If I back up using Titanium Backup, how can I restore my backup if Titanium Backup works only on ROOT? This is very important.
@ jd1639 - He had mentioned there were several other options, so I will wait to hear them, and I can make a decision from there. Otherwise, I may have to fork out another $150 - $200 Bucks on a Samsung Galaxy S5 or S6. depending which suits my needs.
Many thanks for the replies!

Kepela523 said:
I found this post. So I know this is ONE option: But I'll lose my Root. Which is fine if that's my only option.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728462
As the OP says, I will lose ROOT. So my question would be, If I back up using Titanium Backup, how can I restore my backup if Titanium Backup works only on ROOT? This is very important.
@ jd1639 - He had mentioned there were several other options, so I will wait to hear them, and I can make a decision from there. Otherwise, I may have to fork out another $150 - $200 Bucks on a Samsung Galaxy S5 or S6. depending which suits my needs.
Many thanks for the replies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on mf3 bootloader which doesn't really allow you to flash any roms anyway. You'd have to use safestrap.
What I'd do is flash the nb1 tar file in Odin. That'll update you to 4.4 and the device should then ota update itself from there. You will lose root, you can root it again if you want. See this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
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jd1639 said:
You're on mf3 bootloader which doesn't really allow you to flash any roms anyway. You'd have to use safestrap.
What I'd do is flash the nb1 tar file in Odin. That'll update you to 4.4 and the device should then ota update itself from there. You will lose root, you can root it again if you want. See this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
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Thanks JD, do you know if this wipes my phone? In other words, does it factory reset my phone?

Yes Flash the NB1 Stock file as he said. But you are going to loose Root and any pictures etc. stored on phone memory, so copy them to your PC or SD card. I always like to take SD card out just in case when I flash just in case it may erase it. But after you flash NB1 Stock or the Stock Root it is like a phone and have to set it up. Then it should Update to 4.4.4 itself from the settings/ Software update. Good luck. Any problem let us now.

Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.

Kepela523 said:
Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to root even the 4.4.4. It just gets a little trickier to do it and you have to flash modules in Odin. In the general forum see "all things at&t....." by guut13
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Kepela523 said:
Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I think you are correct. So if you want to root again use the Rootable to flash in Odin. Once you go from Jelly Bean to Kit Kat bootloaders are Locked for some .tar Same for Lollipop, they have not been able to root and unlock bootloader as yet. Just follow the steps and take your time and all will be good. Have done it several times on mine with Odin.

Hey guys, I just wanted to take the time and thank you both for the help. I finally updated today. After backing up all my data and making sure everything was safe to go. Bam! I did exactly as you suggested and had zero issues... I am now on 4.4.2
There were a couple hiccups along the way, but I figured them out without too much of a hassle.
Cheers again and best of luck to the both of you!