Database Users

Samsung Galaxy S4 US Cellular Rooting Issues

Alright, so there isn't really a US Cellular area that I can find, so I'm going to do this here.
I'm having some issues rooting my phone, it's a US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4 SCH-R970
I dont know if its because i updated it once, or what, but NO attempt to use Motochopper or any other root tool has worked, and i am not nearly skilled enough to start poking around the inside of my phone to do it myself manually or anything.
Every time i use motochopper, after is pushes for root for like 10 seconds, i get a message on there that says:
Failure
Cleaning
blahblah
and i am FAIRLY certain its because i updated my phone once, and if that is the case, can i just reset to factory settings, or something else?
this whole thing is getting on my last nerve, because my phone is out of service, so i dont care about the warranty, and i just want to root it, get a new recovery, and flash a new ROM, and i cant find anything to help me anywhere.
so thank you, in advance, for replying
if you need any other info, just ask

fightthefallen said:
Alright, so there isn't really a US Cellular area that I can find, so I'm going to do this here.
I'm having some issues rooting my phone, it's a US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4 SCH-R970
I dont know if its because i updated it once, or what, but NO attempt to use Motochopper or any other root tool has worked, and i am not nearly skilled enough to start poking around the inside of my phone to do it myself manually or anything.
Every time i use motochopper, after is pushes for root for like 10 seconds, i get a message on there that says:
Failure
Cleaning
blahblah
and i am FAIRLY certain its because i updated my phone once, and if that is the case, can i just reset to factory settings, or something else?
this whole thing is getting on my last nerve, because my phone is out of service, so i dont care about the warranty, and i just want to root it, get a new recovery, and flash a new ROM, and i cant find anything to help me anywhere.
so thank you, in advance, for replying
if you need any other info, just ask
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google "Cf-auto root" for your model and you will find what your looking for.it is an odin procedure
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

thanks
jball said:
Google "Cf-auto root" for your model and you will find what your looking for.it is an odin procedure
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for that
now can anyone let me know, or link me to something telling me, if i have a locked bootloader or not?
i feel like mine is unlocked but i want to be sure
EDIT: Worked like a charm, thank you for the root ^^ Thanks'ed!

fightthefallen said:
thanks for that
now can anyone let me know, or link me to something telling me, if i have a locked bootloader or not?
i feel like mine is unlocked but i want to be sure
EDIT: Worked like a charm, thank you for the root ^^ Thanks'ed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now search/google Clockworkmod for your model phone and follow its procedure. It should also be an Odin procedure.
Read everthing and take no shortcuts!
Also I don't own your model phone!
I'm just trying to help
If CWM installs and is successful than you should be good.
You could also try Rom manager from the playstore just for CWM .
After installing rom manager open the app and hit the top button for installing CWM ,in the next screen go with the top selection and if your phones model pops up hit install.
Do not use rom manager to boot to CWM recovery.
Power it off and boot into recovery manually. If it boots to CWM than there you go.now un install rom manager and
Start your search for roms
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

woot
Alright cool, so i have root access and now i have CWM
now i think all i need to do is unlock my bootloader because i can start recovery from ROM manager, but when i try to do it myself, it says booting recovery up top in little blue letters, but then it just restarts my phone again
EDIT: nevermind, i guess i was just holding the power+volup buttons for too long xD
i keep getting this error

Towelroot work??

I know outside of Att note 3 it hasn't been confirmed to work but wondering if anyone tried it on other note devices? Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Used it installed safestrap and when it reboots get the unlock symbol on the boot screen
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Works fine on my device. For the unlock symbol, download latest SU and updated binaries. That will go away.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Definitely works for getting root. Rooted, installed SuperSU, Xposed, SafeStrap all successfully. Now struggling to get a rom to work (tried Eclipse & Hyperdrive). Both say they install successfully via SafeStrap and then hangs on boot up. I've seen one other post on the Eclipse thread for the same problem, so it might be something to keep an eye on.

i can verify that this method works. i just installed superuser and it works flawlessly. the only thing is make sure to download the superuser app from here so you have the updated binaries: http://download.chainfire.eu/447/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.99r4.zip

re
i have root access verified w/root checker
downloaded v1.99r4.zip and installed it
when i open it it asks for me to update binary and it fails installation
any ideas or workarounds??

lazygregg said:
i have root access verified w/root checker
downloaded v1.99r4.zip and installed it
when i open it it asks for me to update binary and it fails installation
any ideas or workarounds??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rerun towelroot

re
drewcam888 said:
Rerun towelroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've done that multiple times...
reran towelroot, it reboots phone..open supersu the version that i downloaded earlier from the website and try to download supersu binary and it fails

lazygregg said:
i've done that multiple times...
reran towelroot, it reboots phone..open supersu the version that i downloaded earlier from the website and try to download supersu binary and it fails
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seem to be in the same boat as well. Things I have tried and it still does not work:
Installed Play Store Edition
Installed 1.99r4
Installed 1.99r5
All of them are saying I need to update binaries. While I am technically rooted and can grant permissions to apps, I need to get into SuperSU so I can modify some settings.
There are several others have issues on Reddit as well, so its not a couple of people.

exaltedgod said:
I seem to be in the same boat as well. Things I have tried and it still does not work:
Installed Play Store Edition
Installed 1.99r4
Installed 1.99r5
All of them are saying I need to update binaries. While I am technically rooted and can grant permissions to apps, I need to get into SuperSU so I can modify some settings.
There are several others have issues on Reddit as well, so its not a couple of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this. Install safestrap 3.7x. Open it, give su permission, install recovery, hit the home button. Open supersu, update binary thru cwm/twrp. Don't click to reboot phone into recovery from supersu. Hold down home and bring safestrap back up. Reboot to recovery from there and it should update the binary. Hope this helps.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium HD app

Dc4479 said:
Try this. Install safestrap 3.7x. Open it, give su permission, install recovery, hit the home button. Open supersu, update binary thru cwm/twrp. Don't click to reboot phone into recovery from supersu. Hold down home and bring safestrap back up. Reboot to recovery from there and it should update the binary. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is being very peculiar. After I installed Safe Strap, SuperSU went fine, able to get in and do what I needed to get done. I reboot into recovery. Made a backup, and rebooted system. Went right to SuperSU again. And the same issue occurs, constantly asking for updated binaries. I am trying everyone once more to make it all work. If not, then I will just stick with what I have and hopefully it doesn't cause any other issues.
Thank you for the help thus far. :good:

exaltedgod said:
This is being very peculiar. After I installed Safe Strap, SuperSU went fine, able to get in and do what I needed to get done. I reboot into recovery. Made a backup, and rebooted system. Went right to SuperSU again. And the same issue occurs, constantly asking for updated binaries. I am trying everyone once more to make it all work. If not, then I will just stick with what I have and hopefully it doesn't cause any other issues.
Thank you for the help thus far. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I just did all this last night...I installed SafeStrap and installed Recovery, then went into SuperSU and clicked Normal when asking for updating Binaries and it hasnt asked again thankfully. All of this of course was after installing BusyBox from the Play Store.
Note though: Safestrap isnt working for flashing roms just yet, just like someone else said here, and someone else said this in the Jasmine Rom forum. I just tried it myself and everything looks fine when installing, but then when you boot up, screen goes black and unresponsive after the SS splash screen on a reboot. Hopefully we have an update to SS soon. Fair warning - make sure you create a backup of your System/Data, etc in SS before messing around...it makes it so much easier to restore in case something screws up.

pmt223 said:
Yeah I just did all this last night...I installed SafeStrap and installed Recovery, then went into SuperSU and clicked Normal when asking for updating Binaries and it hasnt asked again thankfully. All of this of course was after installing BusyBox from the Play Store.
Note though: Safestrap isnt working for flashing roms just yet, just like someone else said here, and someone else said this in the Jasmine Rom forum. I just tried it myself and everything looks fine when installing, but then when you boot up, screen goes black and unresponsive after the SS splash screen on a reboot. Hopefully we have an update to SS soon. Fair warning - make sure you create a backup of your System/Data, etc in SS before messing around...it makes it so much easier to restore in case something screws up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, can someone enlighten me on what this "root" does? I've been running SafeStrap 3.72 with HyperROM 8 and just yesterday, successfully installed Towelroot on my Verizon Note 3. I downloaded the new SU to my SDcard before running Towelroot and was able to run it immediately after root and all looks good. But... what did I actually gain? Can I now install Cyanogen or others? I am a bit fuzzy on the difference, if any, on a rooted phone vs. an unlocked bootloader. Those of us on the Verizon retail Note 3 still don't have unlocked bootloaders do we? I miss the ease of playing with my old S3! LOL. Thanks!

emtownsend said:
So, can someone enlighten me on what this "root" does? I've been running SafeStrap 3.72 with HyperROM 8 and just yesterday, successfully installed Towelroot on my Verizon Note 3. I downloaded the new SU to my SDcard before running Towelroot and was able to run it immediately after root and all looks good. But... what did I actually gain? Can I now install Cyanogen or others? I am a bit fuzzy on the difference, if any, on a rooted phone vs. an unlocked bootloader. Those of us on the Verizon retail Note 3 still don't have unlocked bootloaders do we? I miss the ease of playing with my old S3! LOL. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you dont gain an unlocked bootlader. At this point, only the Almighty will make that happen lol. For us with Verizon Notes (and some others), this helps the folks who either a) dont want to use Kingo or the other web methods, and b) folks who were on stock 4.4.2 NC4, like from an OTA (like me). This now gave me root, where when the OTA came out people were fearing there would never be a root for it (thanks to everyone else who put monies towards a bounty). Many people as well as myself cannot use SafeStrap successfully to fully flash a rom yet (you'll see this remarked in a lot of places), so Im sure there is an update forthcoming. In the meantime, I can use TB and freeze/uninstall a lot of the bloatware crap, and use Xposed for whatever else, which is fine by me. But no, we are still a no-go on full rooting and unlocked bootladers like on some other phones, which means no CyanogenMod, etc.

pmt223 said:
No, you dont gain an unlocked bootlader. At this point, only the Almighty will make that happen lol. For us with Verizon Notes (and some others), this helps the folks who either a) dont want to use Kingo or the other web methods, and b) folks who were on stock 4.4.2 NC4, like from an OTA (like me). This now gave me root, where when the OTA came out people were fearing there would never be a root for it (thanks to everyone else who put monies towards a bounty). Many people as well as myself cannot use SafeStrap successfully to fully flash a rom yet (you'll see this remarked in a lot of places), so Im sure there is an update forthcoming. In the meantime, I can use TB and freeze/uninstall a lot of the bloatware crap, and use Xposed for whatever else, which is fine by me. But no, we are still a no-go on full rooting and unlocked bootladers like on some other phones, which means no CyanogenMod, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah. Got it. Thanks!
* I successfully used SafeStrap to install HyperROM 8 on slot 1 only, so I had to lose my stock ROM, but I'm OK with that.

cnotes2019 said:
I know outside of Att note 3 it hasn't been confirmed to work but wondering if anyone tried it on other note devices? Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i rooted today with towelroot. i have a verizon note 3 on 4.4.2

[Q] Can't unlock rooted sgh-i337 on 4.4.4

I have a stock SGH-i337 running android 4.4.4 that is rooted.
I've rolled back to NC1 without success. I'm currently at NJ4.
I need to go from AT&T to T-Mobile.
I cannot access the hidden menus to remove the carrier lock.
None of the methods mentioned here seem to work - *#0011#, *#9090#, etc.
Any ideas?

Install safestrap, then flash the mf3 modem. Then try regionlockaway.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Did that work? I'm going to be trying this for a phone my daughter bought a couple of days ago. It's an AT&T S4 that she wants to use on Tmobile.
The phone is on 4.4.4 and using I337ucuFNJ4. She used Ebay unlocking service and said they couldn't do it because of money owed on the previous owners account. She gave me the IMEI and it looks clean (as she did check this online and with AT&T before buying).
How can the phone essentially have a clean IMEI if money is still owed on the account? I'll get it from her on Friday and see what I can do.

Ok so I have the s4 rooted with towelroot and flashed the modem back to NJ4. Everything works fine.
Installed busybox then safestrap 3.72 and all of it installed fine. I have SuperSu and did a check root all is fine.
Now do I flash in safestrap the MF3 modem files and install regionlockaway then flash back to NJ4 with Odin? Man I have been searching around for hours to try and get this done. I hate asking for help, but if someone could give a little more detail it would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to brick this thing and was trying to get this down to give it to her in a couple of hours. Thanks guys.

I have a new paper weight.
I've fallen back to my original Galaxy S.
I hope the GS6 arrives soon.

Is unlocking this at&t phone even possible? And what did you do to brick your phone dude? I get the feeling I'm wasting my time with this, that it's not possible and people in the know are having a laugh. I hope that is not the case here.
There is just too much BS on the internet and feel like I'm searching for a needle in a haystack at this point.

Battery failure / short circuit / smoke / bad luck. I have to obtain a battery before I can tell if the damage is permanent.

Got it to work!
Ok I first off sorry for your trouble and hope the phone is not damaged buddy.
I used this technique here http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...aranteed-free-sim-unlock-mk2-nb1-nc1-t2852979
Odin 3.10 was no longer working for me to flash baseband modem so did it all using safestrap. The files that safestrap uses are zip files and use them like they are (don't unzip them to use) and they are about 22 mb's in size.
The trick for me is it didn't work right away. I had to reflash with safestrap my NJ4 modem and reboot.... and put in the correct APN settings for T-Mobile.
So it does work and hope I can help others that fall into the same problem. If you need help just leave a message in this thread and I've subscribed to it so will get an email letting me know.
APN settings - https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-17581
This page came in helpful for grabbing need modem/baseband firmware - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2496517
Good luck! Do a backup in Safestrap if you're nervous. You can always start over.

The good news - only the battery was burnt.
What boot loader do I have? getprop ro.bootloader returns I337UCUFNJ4 and getprop ro.boot.baseband returns MDM. I presume that MDM is the bootloader version and I337UCUFNJ4 is the modem version.
I'm concerned that the guides and tips are for older versions of the GS4 that don't work on 4.4.4 and may actually do damage.

Ok glad to hear the good news man. The I337UCUFNJ4 is your modem right now.
A nice little free google play store program to use to get info on your phone is called Phone INFO, download it now please.
This will show you all kinds of information on your phone and what you need is to know is Device Type to know which Safestrap to install. Mine or my daughters was klteatt.
Keep in mind I don't have the phone in hand anymore, gave it back to her last night.
What you'll need to download from the modem page link is the I337UCUFNJ4 and the MF3 modems and keep them in their zip format to use. Create a folder on your external sd card ( mine was EXT SD Downloads ) and put both modem zip files in there.
Another program that needs to be installed is called BusyBox and I just used the free version https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stericson.busybox&hl=en
You will need this busybox installed for safestrap to work properly. And also have developer Options activated and check install from unknown sources etc etc (you can do a quick search on this one) it's key to have this done and very quick to do.
Now if you follow the instructions here http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...aranteed-free-sim-unlock-mk2-nb1-nc1-t2852979
the only thing I did different was flash back the modem MF3 firmware back to the NJ4 that you currently have. APN T-Mobile settings might have auto populated once the card was recognized (I had manually put it in earlier when it didn't work before flashing to NJ4) so not sure.
When safestrap is installed properly it will say so at the top of screen and nothing is greyed out. Do a backup so you can start over if you screw it up. Take like ten minutes or so, no worries.
I've had very little coffee this morning and sorry for being a bit all over the place with this. Let me know how it goes and if you need more help. Good Luck! At least you know it will work, I didn't.
I used Safestrap-JFLTE-3.72-kk-B01 (sorry for confusion forget the klteatt, sorry)------- phone INFO - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en

I followed the instructions very carefully. The problem is that I no longer have cellular service on any network.
I've rebooted, tried to reflash each of the modems. NJ4 flash fails while the MF3 flash seems to work, but I still have no cellular service.
Phone info shows bootloader NJ4 and baseband MF3

hmmm makes it a bit harder not having the phone with me anymore. You did the developers options correctly?
Perhaps use Play Store and download 'SELinux Mode Changer' to see if it will allow you to install through Safestrap the NJ4 modem firmware?

nicetucu said:
hmmm makes it a bit harder not having the phone with me anymore. You did the developers options correctly?
Perhaps use Play Store and download 'SELinux Mode Changer' to see if it will allow you to install through Safestrap the NJ4 modem firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been there. Did that. No joy.
There is an NJ4.tar.md5 file. How do I use it?

ua549 said:
Been there. Did that. No joy.
There is an NJ4.tar.md5 file. How do I use it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash it in Odin
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

I used ODIN to flash the file. Baseband is still MF3. Still no joy. I'll try going back to NC1.

ua549 said:
I used ODIN to flash the file. Baseband is still MF3. Still no joy. I'll try going back to NC1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the nb1 tar file. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Try the nb1 tar file. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! The phone is now working but I have to download, install and configure all (~150) of my apps again.
It will take a couple of days to pair all the Bluetooth devices (plus travel). I wish I'd known that this was a complete reset. I could have captured many of the apps, network locations and configurations. That said, I don't have to buy a new phone.

ua549 said:
Thanks! The phone is now working but I have to download, install and configure all (~150) of my apps again.
It will take a couple of days to pair all the Bluetooth devices (plus travel). I wish I'd known that this was a complete reset. I could have captured many of the apps, network locations and configurations. That said, I don't have to buy a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry man, I thought if you've used Odin before you knew it would wipe your phone.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

yikes..... well good thing is the phone works. Glad it worked out, well kinda lol.

I'm happy I don't have to buy a new phone before the GS6 arrives. I'll just stick with AT&T until then.
I appreciate everyone's help!

[Q] rooting help please

im not sure where to post this but ill post it here you can move it if its wrong but i need help im new to the rooting thing this is my first time having android and switched over from apple and i jailbroke my iphones and loved it so id like to do the same for my galaxy s5 i tried to flash something using odin on it and it softbricked (i think thats what its called) my phone and it got stuck in a boot logo i wound up not being able to find the original software to flash back onto my phone so i had to take it into a bestbuy and get it fixed with a samsung rep but id rather not so basically im asking someone to help walk me through how to root my phone its got lollipop (5.0) on it ive tried looking up guides and stuff and i get lost with the technical terms and everything else i need an idiots guide lol please and thank you in advance ^_^ its a sm-g900v

Follow @muniz_ri 's directions from his KeepRoot thread near this one.

does it matter if im not already rooted?

Veid71 said:
does it matter if im not already rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to Root a phone, you should be unrooted.
Don't be afraid of the technical terms. If you've jailbroken iPoops, then you should be able to Root an Android no problem!
FOLLOW THIS THREAD STEP BY STEP.....AND THIS THREAD HERE. If you have a question about a specific step, feel free to ask. Between the two threads, you should be able to figure it out.
Standard Disclaimer ( I am not responsible if you FUBAR your device. I am merely pointing in the write (hehe) direction. )
Good luck!

Veid71 said:
does it matter if im not already rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find these instructions a little easier to follow. Skip down to the notes #4 for unrooted phones. The one step left off is you need busybox installed on your phone before safestrap will install. Search for it on play store. Like was mentioned, ask questions if you get stuck.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...l/how-to-update-to-g900vvru1boa8-5-0-t3020546

Tulsadiver said:
I find these instructions a little easier to follow. Skip down to the notes #4 for unrooted phones. The one step left off is you need busybox installed on your phone before safestrap will install. Search for it on play store. Like was mentioned, ask questions if you get stuck.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...l/how-to-update-to-g900vvru1boa8-5-0-t3020546
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at that thread and went to download the number 4 step but on the download page it said the uploaded name and that the download was for the galaxy s4 is it still okay?
Also is there anyway I download the original stock OS that way if something goes wrong I just flash it back into my phone?

Veid71 said:
I looked at that thread and went to download the number 4 step but on the download page it said the uploaded name and that the download was for the galaxy s4 is it still okay?
Also is there anyway I download the original stock OS that way if something goes wrong I just flash it back into my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That file is good, just mis-named. Here is a listing of all stock files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784880

Tulsadiver said:
I find these instructions a little easier to follow. Skip down to the notes #4 for unrooted phones. The one step left off is you need busybox installed on your phone before safestrap will install. Search for it on play store. Like was mentioned, ask questions if you get stuck.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...l/how-to-update-to-g900vvru1boa8-5-0-t3020546
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks and do I install busybox before I try to root my phone or afterwards?
Sent from my SM-G900V

After you use towelroot. Busybox won't install unless you have root.

Tulsadiver said:
After you use towelroot. Busybox won't install unless you have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks what about safestrap? And what is that?

That is your custom recovery. Once installed hit "install recovery" and if everything was done right it will show recovery as being installed.

Tulsadiver said:
That is your custom recovery. Once installed hit "install recovery" and if everything was done right it will show recovery as being installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay and when do I install that? And that file I downloaded the one that I said is for the s4 do I just flash that whole thing onto it?
Sent from my SM-G900V

No. That file is the first step. It is installed via Odin.
Have you ever hooked your phone up to the PC before? In otherwards, have you installed the USB drivers yet? If not, your PC will not even recognize your phone. Download this to your computer and install it.
http://www.mediafire.com/?a4hd8y0c1iakysk

Tulsadiver said:
No. That file is the first step. It is installed via Odin.
Have you ever hooked your phone up to the PC before? In otherwards, have you installed the USB drivers yet? If not, your PC will not even recognize your phone. Download this to your computer and install it.
http://www.mediafire.com/?a4hd8y0c1iakysk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my pc will recognize my phone I've backed it up a few times using kies3
Sent from my SM-G900V

I just rooted mine today and it was challenging - several times I thought my phone was DONE. Luckily that wasn't the case.
Take a look at my post on this forum and follow all the way through, there are my steps in there and I can answer specific questions you may have...
rooting-help-stuck-safestrap-wipe

bootchSS said:
I just rooted mine today and it was challenging - several times I thought my phone was DONE. Luckily that wasn't the case.
Take a look at my post on this forum and follow all the way through, there are my steps in there and I can answer specific questions you may have...
rooting-help-stuck-safestrap-wipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read it but I'm a bit confused what's MOAR?
Sent from my SM-G900V

Veid71 said:
I read it but I'm a bit confused what's MOAR?
Sent from my SM-G900V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MOAR is a custom ROM for people on rooted OA8. Very nice.

Download Unsuccessful MSG - KK to N910VVRU1BOAF

I'm trying to root, then unlock my Retail phone. I heard it can be done on BOAF 5.0.1. I downgraded my phone to KK ANJ5 (details on what steps I took, here)
I actually did a Factory Data Wipe twice before beginning, although the instructions said I only needed to do it once (doing it twice shouldn't hurt).
When I tap the System Updates button, it appears to start downloading, then after a few minutes, I'll get an error message saying "Download Unsuccessful". I've done this several times. Why is this happening now? I've cleared everything. Could Verizon have pulled the update? Can I install the two files manually? If so, please point me to the right direction. Thanks.

Flash N910VVRU2BOG5_StockRestore.tar.md5 using Odin. It will upgrade you and you will be able to convert your phone to developer mode using the steps in the thread.

Sizzlechest said:
Flash N910VVRU2BOG5_StockRestore.tar.md5 using Odin. It will upgrade you and you will be able to convert your phone to developer mode using the steps in the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took the latest safe upgrade, I think it's BP1 or something like that., to 5.1.1. THAT worked.

So basically we have to be on 5.1.1 ??
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app

rrjskj said:
So basically we have to be on 5.1.1 ??
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just saying that's what for sure worked for me. KK didn't work at all. I don't know if you "have to" be on it or not.

JOSHSKORN said:
I'm just saying that's what for sure worked for me. KK didn't work at all. I don't know if you "have to" be on it or not.
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I might give it a whirl if fix doesn't come soon. In the meantime could u point me in the right direction for the safe upgrade files and what Odin version ?? Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app

http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...nt/firmware-safe-upgrade-to-lollipop-t3313224
read everything!

Rom-Addict said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...nt/firmware-safe-upgrade-to-lollipop-t3313224
read everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already did it I appreciated.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app

I've had it work on boaf, bpa, bog5. kk wouldn't work for me. using king root 4.0,.all unlocks (n4.n4.bin. n4.fix) worked for me. bpa (5.1.1)required the emotion kernel to boot. also returned my original Cid to use kies to restore all apps & data, then odined back again, unlocked, rooted ect. be patient

Rom-Addict said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...nt/firmware-safe-upgrade-to-lollipop-t3313224
read everything!
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Click to collapse
What confused me and a few other people in that thread is that you NEED to flash that kernel before the SuperSU linked there if you want to root 5.1.1 firmware. I thought it was just if you had taken the OTA 5.1.1.

Sizzlechest said:
What confused me and a few other people in that thread is that you NEED to flash that kernel before the SuperSU linked there if you want to root 5.1.1 firmware. I thought it was just if you had taken the OTA 5.1.1.
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This is what I did (I think). Kinda hard to remember everything. For more information, read through the HOWTO thread. I think I started posting at about page 9.
went ahead and did the safe upgrade via Odin
Swapped out my MicroSD card for a different one I had laying around
Unlocked my phone
Powered Down (If I could, or remove the battery)
Removed the MicroSD card (otherwise it would boot loop)
Connected to My Computer
Boot to Download Mode (DOWN ARROW+HOME+POWER BUTTON)
Flashed TWRP using Odin
Reinserted the original MicroSD Card (Different SD card than what was used during the unlock process, the same one I was using prior to unlocking)
Booted into TWRP (UP ARROW+HOME+POWER BUTTON)
It prompted me to install SuperUser, so I did, it caused a bootloop, so I pulled my battery.
Removed MicroSD Card, plugged it into my computer and put SuperSU.zip and a kernel (See this post) zip file on it, re-inserted the MicroSD into my phone
Booted to TWRP (UP ARROW+HOME+POWER BUTTON)
Flashed the two files I'd just put on my MicroSD (Not sure if a reboot is required or if they could be done at the same time, I rebooted each time)
I did not clear cache/dalvik. Not sure if that was necessary.
This is all what got me to where I'm at, now.

JOSHSKORN said:
This is what I did (I think). Kinda hard to remember everything. For more information, read through the HOWTO thread. I think I started posting at about page 9.
...
This is all what got me to where I'm at, now.
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Click to collapse
For 5.0.1, you don't need to flash a new kernel, so that's why it works. If you want to upgrade to N910VVRU2BPA1:
Download N910VVRU2BPA1_StockRestore.tar.md5.7z and uncompress with 7-zip.
Flash with Odin.
Reboot phone back into Download Mode and flash TWRP with Odin.
Copy MultiSystem-Kernel_LP-5.1.1.zip and BETA-SuperSU-v2.67-20160203160253-TruncatedBoot-Fix.zip to the phone's internal memory. (Include xposed-v75-sdk21-arm-arter97-snapdragon.zip if you want XPosed.)
Reboot to recovery and flash all three in the above order.
Wipe cache and Davlik cache. Reboot to system.

Sizzlechest said:
Flash N910VVRU2BOG5_StockRestore.tar.md5 using Odin. It will upgrade you and you will be able to convert your phone to developer mode using the steps in the thread.
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I'm on 4.4.4 is this what I need to do a lot of other people are having the problem of getting the commands to work on 4.4.4 and are asking the question of do we need to upgrade some aren't getting answered and some are being told different things I'm sorry for asking but I need to know so I can unlock my bootloader thank you

Jimmy8 said:
I'm on 4.4.4 is this what I need to do a lot of other people are having the problem of getting the commands to work on 4.4.4 and are asking the question of do we need to upgrade some aren't getting answered and some are being told different things I'm sorry for asking but I need to know so I can unlock my bootloader thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seems to be a bug in the detection routine on the program that changes the bootloader to developer when run on 4.4.4. If you want to follow the original directions, upgrade (first) to a 5.0.1 firmware since that is known to work with the unlocker and no new kernel needs to be flashed. If you get it to work for 5.0.1, then you can always upgrade to 5.1.1 or flash another rom.
If you want to try to go straight to 5.1.1 by flashing through Odin, you can try it. I'm almost positive you could downgrade to 5.0.1 if that doesn't work. (If you take the software upgrade through Verizon, you will have problems downgrading AFAIK.)

Sizzlechest said:
There seems to be a bug in the detection routine on the program that changes the bootloader to developer when run on 4.4.4. If you want to follow the original directions, upgrade (first) to a 5.0.1 firmware since that is known to work with the unlocker and no new kernel needs to be flashed. If you get it to work for 5.0.1, then you can always upgrade to 5.1.1 or flash another rom.
If you want to try to go straight to 5.1.1 by flashing through Odin, you can try it. I'm almost positive you could downgrade to 5.0.1 if that doesn't work. (If you take the software upgrade through Verizon, you will have problems downgrading AFAIK.)
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Click to collapse
Thanks I just upgraded through Verizon to 5.0.1 and I'll give that a try and see if it works if not I'll safe upgrade to 5.1.1 thanks

Jimmy8 said:
I'm on 4.4.4 is this what I need to do a lot of other people are having the problem of getting the commands to work on 4.4.4 and are asking the question of do we need to upgrade some aren't getting answered and some are being told different things I'm sorry for asking but I need to know so I can unlock my bootloader thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that doesn't work, I recommend you rollback to 4.4.4 (you should be able to if you're on BOAF), then take the safe upgrade to BP1. Once you do that, you should be good to go. That is, I wasn't able to convert to developer mode on KK, but after taking the safe upgrade, I was. Maybe it had to do with the BOAF bootloader, and if that's the case, "maybe' you're ok doing it as is. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be back if it doesn't work, but if it DOES work, can you report back? In fact, I also have a thread in Q&A titled Root Survey. Please post there as well ONLY if you were able to successfully convert. I wanted to compile a list of users that were able to convert, where they were before they started, what worked, what didn't, and so far, all what I'm seeing is, is that starting from KK doesn't work, although we were told all along to keep KK. I also heard one user said that he had taken all OTAs to 5..1.1., still made the conversion process work, BUT, his phone was a developer phone to begin with but he accidentally locked it with a Retail ROM. I'm kind of a noob, myself, but from what I do know, I don't recommend taking any OTAs anyway past BOAF, otherwise the conversion "might not" happen, but there are a lot of people who have taken all OTAs so we'll see what happens with them.

JOSHSKORN said:
If that doesn't work, I recommend you rollback to 4.4.4 (you should be able to if you're on BOAF), then take the safe upgrade to BP1. Once you do that, you should be good to go. That is, I wasn't able to convert to developer mode on KK, but after taking the safe upgrade, I was. Maybe it had to do with the BOAF bootloader, and if that's the case, "maybe' you're ok doing it as is. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be back if it doesn't work, but if it DOES work, can you report back? In fact, I also have a thread in Q&A titled Root Survey. Please post there as well ONLY if you were able to successfully convert. I wanted to compile a list of users that were able to convert, where they were before they started, what worked, what didn't, and so far, all what I'm seeing is, is that starting from KK doesn't work, although we were told all along to keep KK. I also heard one user said that he had taken all OTAs to 5..1.1., still made the conversion process work, BUT, his phone was a developer phone to begin with but he accidentally locked it with a Retail ROM. I'm kind of a noob, myself, but from what I do know, I don't recommend taking any OTAs anyway past BOAF, otherwise the conversion "might not" happen, but there are a lot of people who have taken all OTAs so we'll see what happens with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't even get king root to root it constantly reboots my phone during rooting process I've tried different versions and it doesn't matter do you have any suggestions or point me in the direction to roll back to 4.4.4 I've been out of the game for a while so I've forgotten a lot of stuff on how to do this thank for all your help so far

Jimmy8 said:
I can't even get king root to root it constantly reboots my phone during rooting process I've tried different versions and it doesn't matter do you have any suggestions or point me in the direction to roll back to 4.4.4 I've been out of the game for a while so I've forgotten a lot of stuff on how to do this thank for all your help so far
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Click to collapse
Believe me, I'm with you right there, as well, been out of the game for so long. Thanks Verizon Retail locking. Anyway....
Where are you right now? Your Android version/Build Number.

joshskorn said:
believe me, i'm with you right there, as well, been out of the game for so long. Thanks verizon retail locking. Anyway....
Where are you right now? Your android version/build number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.0.1 / n910vvru1boaf