I've been away from Android since my original droid in 2009 (iPhone 4s currently), so bare with me on these questions.
From what I understand if you root a Galaxy S5 (Verizon) you void your warranty? Is this true? Would I need to root to do something like change the Galaxy's notification center (I think the colors are beyond ugly) (Not even sure if its possible)?
http://imgur.com/gu31fxh
Do I need to root to change icons to a different image (icon pack)?
You don't need root to use a standard icon app. But you will find that won't change system app icons or elements. So it's limited in it's scope. Rooting may affect your warranty if Verizon found out about it. The logical extension of that is to revert the root before making a warranty claim. There shouldn't be any permanent evidence of rooting provided that you don't increment the Knox flag. Note that some root methods will increment the Knox flag and some e.g. "Towel root" don't.
For the "theming" that you want to do, it sounds like you will need root. And you should be able to root without incrementing Knox. Note that Verizon is more restrictive than most carriers and a custom recovery, kernel or bootloader will also trip Knox. You can probably emulate a custom recovery through a program called Safestrap though.
Nor it is assured that incrementing Knox will void your warranty. Samsung will try to disavow a warranty if you do, but they are on shaky legal ground there. And most warranty claims are handled through carriers, not directly with Samsung. And most carriers do not care about the Knox status, although I don't know Verizon's position on that.
It doesn't sound like you read many threads in the forum or did a search before posting though or you'd already know much of this. That's an unfortunate habit and you should consider doing a search before posting. There is a wealth of information in existing threads that often answers your questions immediately. And in any case puts you in a more informed position to ask questions and you understand your phone better in the end.
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Related
1. Is SafeStrap the only custom recovery currently available for the Verizon Variant of Samsung's S4 (i545) on build ME7?
2. In general, are there ways to partition ROM slots in order to share data? For example, could stock be installed in the stock slots designated allotment for system, and another (CM or something) on the custom ROM 1's system area, but they both share data?
3. How does a manufacturer know if a unit has been rooted?
4. What are some apps that might be considered necessities on a rooted S4 (for instance, the multi-window fix)?
5. What is your idea of the perfect ROM?
Crackow97 said:
1. Is SafeStrap the only custom recovery currently available for the Verizon Variant of Samsung's S4 (i545) on build ME7?
2. In general, are there ways to partition ROM slots in order to share data? For example, could stock be installed in the stock slots designated allotment for system, and another (CM or something) on the custom ROM 1's system area, but they both share data?
3. How does a manufacturer know if a unit has been rooted?
4. What are some apps that might be considered necessities on a rooted S4 (for instance, the multi-window fix)?
5. What is your idea of the perfect ROM?
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1. You might want to ask that on the Verizon Galaxy S4 forums -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2314 . This one is for the Google Play Edition, International and International LTE variants so there could be a little difference in the hardware and software.
2. (I think we'd need a dev to answer that)
3. Well, recently, we discovered that the GS4 seems to have an active e-fuse within it, which isn't good news because (in most cases - I think it's different in Europe) once it's tripped ( ie; Knox will show an 0x1 on download mode) there goes your warranty. Once you have updated to the new Knox bootloader, you can't downgrade either but there is an ongoing development on the Note 3 forums that suggests that there is now a way to get around the Knox bootloader (it remains 0x0) when you flash a pre-rooted ROM.
4. The only necessary app IMO is Titanium Backup (and eventually ROM Manager when development gets farther).
5. My idea of a perfect ROM is one that's hybrid stock and AOSP. I like AOSP ROMs as they've almost always had better battery life (there's less bloat) but the camera has always been a weak point because Samsung's camera has always been proprietary so our devs will never see the source which they would probably need to adapt to their ROM projects. The closest ROMs that has gotten to that IME has been ParanoidAndroid and SlimBean.
HTHs
P.S.: Someone correct me if I'm wrong about any points here.
I'm sorry that I posted that question in an inappropriate area, I hadn't realized. :silly:
The inclusion of the eFuse is absolutely terrible news. There is, however, a tiny ray of hope: that is a Knox feature. Knox is not yet active in ME7 build, so (fingers crossed) the eFuse may not be in use, yet. Still, why would Samsung have included security hardware that they are not using whatsoever? Isn't part of the beauty of an Android product the freedom that comes along with owning one? These large companies are beginning to closely resemble the fruity fiends from the other side. Although we may have taken extra freedoms with our devices, we must still be protected from manufacture error. Is this to say, for instance, that if I were to flash my S4 (that happens to need to be replaced, the processor has a terrible heat problem), then Samsung would take a look at the phone, determine that it had been previously flashed, and force me to live with it literally burning holes in my pocket?
Crackow97 said:
I'm sorry that I posted that question in an inappropriate area, I hadn't realized. :silly:
The inclusion of the eFuse is absolutely terrible news. There is, however, a tiny ray of hope: that is a Knox feature. Knox is not yet active in ME7 build, so (fingers crossed) the eFuse may not be in use, yet. Still, why would Samsung have included security hardware that they are not using whatsoever? Isn't part of the beauty of an Android product the freedom that comes along with owning one? These large companies are beginning to closely resemble the fruity fiends from the other side. Although we may have taken extra freedoms with our devices, we must still be protected from manufacture error. Is this to say, for instance, that if I were to flash my S4 (that happens to need to be replaced, the processor has a terrible heat problem), then Samsung would take a look at the phone, determine that it had been previously flashed, and force me to live with it literally burning holes in my pocket?
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No worries, it's still an S4 after all. Samsung's diving for gov't and BYOD enterprise solutions now that Blackberry's demise is almost certainly a forgone conclusion. For that, they need to have good security on these devices. And yes, with this, Samsung can definitely blame the consumer for hardware issues once the warranty has been voided. One of the supposed reasons this is going on right now (according to someone quoting Samsung) is that Samsung's gotten tired of taking in warranty repairs that are due to ppl not following instructions and either frying their internals or hard bricking. In the case of OC'g, I can see where they are coming from because it's also a fact that when you OC a processor on a PC, it will shorten it's lifespan. Personally, I think it's a cop out from that whole SGS3/SGN2 SDS disaster and that was (IMHO) a QC issue. In any case, between designgears & Chainfire (and brought to us by DjeMBeY), there seems to be a bit of a solution now on how ppl can safely root their phones post Knox install.
Sorry maybe i've missed something
but what is so bad about tripping knox.
surely if we are rooting and installing custom roms then we should have our warranties void unless we have special developer versions of the devices (i.e moto x developer version which does allow rom installation)
given that the galaxy note 3 does not why should be care about tripping or not?
if we install a new rom then we are voiding warranty and running the risks anyway?
If i'm samsung and someone is taking a device in due to issues with the software then i would want to know if they attempted a install custom software or not..
surely this is a good idea by samsung to do this?
I agree with you on this one, but I think a lot of people are upset at the fact there's no way of going back to stock without leaving a trace of root anymore. To be honest though, if you root then you know very well you're voiding your warranty, why should Samsung repair a device you've modified away from their software?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
p4j1 said:
I agree with you on this one, but I think a lot of people are upset at the fact there's no way of going back to stock without leaving a trace of root anymore. To be honest though, if you root then you know very well you're voiding your warranty, why should Samsung repair a device you've modified away from their software?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
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Yeah I agree. I don't think Knox is bad at all.
p4j1 said:
I agree with you on this one, but I think a lot of people are upset at the fact there's no way of going back to stock without leaving a trace of root anymore. To be honest though, if you root then you know very well you're voiding your warranty, why should Samsung repair a device you've modified away from their software?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
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its not the fact it cant be completely undone for me. really winds me up is why not allow it to automatically reset the device knows when the rom is custom or official so surely if it knows that knox can be allowed to run on an official device. And me messing with the software is no grounds to void hardware warranty imho. its only the same as Ford voiding the warranty of your brand new car because you used the wrong petrol station
gazeddy said:
its not the fact it cant be completely undone for me. really winds me up is why not allow it to automatically reset the device knows when the rom is custom or official so surely if it knows that knox can be allowed to run on an official device. And me messing with the software is no grounds to void hardware warranty imho. its only the same as Ford voiding the warranty of your brand new car because you used the wrong petrol station
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I'd say it's because once a custom rom/software has been installed onto the device no matter what you do there may be assumptions there are traces of files left, or the fact that the custom rom has malfunctioned some of the hardware. Putting a stock rom back on only covers it up but the matter of the fact is KNOX sets out to identify these things.
I've rooted my device personally because im not too fussed about warranty, it's not going to put me off buying future samsung devices to be honest.
Rooting a device is not a crime i think. Btw, how many percent of users root or install custom roms,only miniscule. Its like punishing those enthusiasts, who can really indirectly promote a brand. It doesnt even make economic sense for sansung. I changed my mind and got G2 instead.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
Knox isn't bad per se but I chose Samsung because of all manufacturers, they're the only one aside from Nexus phones, that can be completely reverted back to stock. It's not as easy as undoing a jailbreak on iOS but it's still the easiest. Sony strips your phone of DRM once you unlock the bootloader, HTC flags your phone as unlocked/relocked with no way of reverting unless you got yourself an uber popular phone. When they introduced Knox, it basically stopped me from rooting my phone. Now I wouldn't have any problem if only software warranty is voided but tripping Knox also voids hardware warranty so if your phone suddenly stopped working, it won't be covered even if it was just a hardware defect.
To be honest, the only reasons I root my phone would be Cerberus and Titanium Backup and I doubt they could wreck my phone just by being there. Android doesn't have the same ease iOS have where you can just restore your backup to any new phone and have everything exactly as it was on your old phone. Titanium Backup is one of those few apps that gives me a similar experience by restoring all my apps and app data. My contacts and SMS are already covered by Google but app backups on the other hand is something I still need.
It should be illegal to refuse warranty for hardware, because of software modifications and no, I can't think of any way software could cause hardware failure, even massive overclocking should pretty much end with thermal shutdown and no drama whatsoever. Knox is not bad idea, but it should be included on separate business line of phones only. There are many versions of GS4 like mini, active etc. why not come out with secure GS4 business with Knox and leave consumer phones alone? They even pushed Knox on my 1yr old GS3, which I couldn't care less since it's out of warranty anyway, but it's just another useless bloatware and one more reason to root to get rid of it.
To me it is insane that I can't fully back up my phone without rooting and rooting could void my warranty.
So I have spent the last 4 devices with Motorola and have never owned a Samsung device. Needless to say I find the stock rom a mess. I have few questions before I dive in. I am on VZW btw and it is an off contract phone that I never plan on using a warranty claim or anything.
Is Knox just the usual flashcount and root detection? Or does it have the ability to brick your device if you start tinkering.
Are there CM based roms that utilize all of the hardware features, or is the pen and ir blaster useless on custom roms?
Are there any software updates to avoid? Right now I am on N900VVRUBMJE.
Is the bootloader locked? (Probably don't have to ask since its Verizon.
I know these are probably easy to look up. To tell you the truth I am just very tired right now. Had to drive 3 hours to get the deal I got on this device.
This is the wrong forum for you. Your looking for the Verizon Note 3 forums. From what I read, your bootloader is locked.
Edit:
You might want to check on your forums and see if you got the developer's version of the Note 3 for VZN. That bootloader is unlocked. Knox is a security feature, once you void Knox, you can't go back. It won't brick your phone or anything, you just won't be able to use Knox anymore. I might be wrong on the using Knox part.
I just purchased a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge today and I'm already inclined to start customizing it. I am the type of people who get obsessed with the variety of custom ROMs, tweaks, modifications, etc. and I was a die-hard development fan on my M7 and M8. I went for an iPhone 6 Plus for a while but now I am back and more eager than ever!
I had a Galaxy S5 for a little while (one of the worst phones I've owned, to be quite honest) and I remember there was something called "knox" or similar, which is triggered whenever you use ODIN to root or install a custom ROM, therefore voiding your warranty; is it the same case with the S7? I'm currently doing research about its development and how things work with it, but it's just an important question I haven't found an answer to yet.
With the HTC, for instance, you could do everything then just run a RUU and go back to fully stock without voiding anything.
And by the way, are there any custom ROMs you'd recommend? I was a huge fan of Viper ROM on all my HTC devices (One X, M7, M8) but I don't see that team developing for the S7.
Thank you for your time!
I can only give you info from my experience. I rooted my S6 the day I got it but after a few weeks had issues with reception. It was sent to samsung for repair who promptly returned it as the Knox counter was tripped and would not repair it under warranty. Even tried using the old EU Directive and sales of goods act but they would not budge. This was in the UK. I would say here its completely hit and miss if they will repair it so just be cautious.
Marshall1975 said:
I can only give you info from my experience. I rooted my S6 the day I got it but after a few weeks had issues with reception. It was sent to samsung for repair who promptly returned it as the Knox counter was tripped and would not repair it under warranty. Even tried using the old EU Directive and sales of goods act but they would not budge. This was in the UK. I would say here its completely hit and miss if they will repair it so just be cautious.
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Although I'm a huge fan of rooting and customizing, I'd rather be on the safe side in case anything happens. I doubt the Samsung service center technicians are actually very 'savvy' over here, however I don't think I'd like to take the risk. Am I going to be missing on a lot if I just remain stock? I'm curious.
TarekElsakka said:
Although I'm a huge fan of rooting and customizing, I'd rather be on the safe side in case anything happens. I doubt the Samsung service center technicians are actually very 'savvy' over here, however I don't think I'd like to take the risk. Am I going to be missing on a lot if I just remain stock? I'm curious.
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Ad-less Youtube, Viper Audio + Dolby + Bests Audio, Xposed and if you're into learning about how it all works; rooting will only improve your understanding and overall enjoyment of your phone!
Voiding your warranty can be very country dependent. Where I live, if I root my phone, then if I have a hardware issue then legally they have to honor the warranty. Samsung will still try and tell you that it's not covered but will fold when pressed. On the other hand if I rooted and bricked the phone permanently, then I am on my own.
Evil-Santa said:
Voiding your warranty can be very country dependent. Where I live, if I root my phone, then if I have a hardware issue then legally they have to honor the warranty. Samsung will still try and tell you that it's not covered but will fold when pressed. On the other hand if I rooted and bricked the phone permanently, then I am on my own.
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Thanks for your replies, gentlemen. I'm assuming the way to go would be either TWRP > CF-AutoRoot (or whatever is available right now) to root stock ROM or TWRP > Custom ROM, correct?
And is Xposed fully compatible with the latest firmware? 6.0.1 that is.
TarekElsakka said:
Thanks for your replies, gentlemen. I'm assuming the way to go would be either TWRP > CF-AutoRoot (or whatever is available right now) to root stock ROM or TWRP > Custom ROM, correct?
And is Xposed fully compatible with the latest firmware? 6.0.1 that is.
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Most of samsung phones are rootable using twrp>cf auto root.
Flash xposed.zip from twrp.
Sent from my SM-G925F
Evil-Santa said:
Voiding your warranty can be very country dependent. Where I live, if I root my phone, then if I have a hardware issue then legally they have to honor the warranty. Samsung will still try and tell you that it's not covered but will fold when pressed. On the other hand if I rooted and bricked the phone permanently, then I am on my own.
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Hey,
I noticed your in Australia. I used to have the same understanding as you.
I have an interesting thread on Whirpool on the exact subject, and have a current pending NCAT case before the court against Samsung for this exact same issue! They have refused to fix my S7 Edge display with what they have admitted to being a manufacturing defect, because the knox counter is tripped. And no, they haven't folded....Yet
MementoM said:
I'm not so much worried about the warranty as I'm worried about these mobile games. A lot are specifically looking for the root access in your phone and blocking it or simply just banning you based on having root even if you don't cheat. Xposed, Xprivacy, Root Cloak no longer work to hide it. It's depressing especially if you pay some of these game companies and log in one day to find you've been banned for nothing. It's their game you agree to their ToS but it really sucks because I've always loved changing my phone up. Now my hands are tied /sigh and it looks like my rooting days are over if I want to continue playing these root detection games.
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That's really weird, though. What if you're a developer who roots their device for development or whatever other purposes that are 'legal'? Do they still have the right to block your access? I've honestly never heard of that before. However, on iOS you cannot really play Pokemon Go if your device is jailbroken, unless you install a masking tweak like Masterball, so you may be right.
I'm not much of a gamer on mobile phones so I am not really focused on that, however I am thinking about the warranty issue.
ih8un said:
Hey,
I noticed your in Australia. I used to have the same understanding as you.
I have an interesting thread on Whirpool on the exact subject, and have a current pending NCAT case before the court against Samsung for this exact same issue! They have refused to fix my S7 Edge display with what they have admitted to being a manufacturing defect, because the knox counter is tripped. And no, they haven't folded....Yet
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It was some time ago that I dealt with Samsung and Knox was not involved so their stance might have changed. Still was not a pleasant experience.
Are you taking the case to court directly yourself or is it going via the ACCC?
Let us know how it goes. I'm interested to hear the results.
So after some years I came back to a Samsung Smartphone. And while searching for a method to root my phone, I triped over all the discussions about knox, that/if you lose it etc.
My question here is: For which situations should I keep knox and therefore my phone unrooted? Is it really neccessary? Will I have more good or bad out of it, compared to a "custom system"?
What I know: Knox is a safety feature, that keeps your system kinda semi sandboxed. It is neccessary to use some features like Samsung Pay or sth. and also to get some guarantee stuff done.
What I DON'T know: I never felt really "unsafe" or had some sensible files on my phone. Also had never big repairs or waranty probs with my device. And I don't plan to use Samsung Pay and stuff (old man, modern stuff *lol*). So I don't know which other benefits I would have out of it.
And especially: For which kind of problems you would lose the waranty?
If you intend to keep the phone forever then just trip the counter, if intend to sell it later on, better not, the next buyer might want this feature, currently in mine country only this model, note 5, s7, s7 edge has it.