Database Users

[Q] New S4, Tried to Root, Bricked, Have New 1

I'm looking for re-inforcement here:
After MUCH reading, searching here and the net, I tried Motochopper, which failed, then went to CF-Root, these very shaky old hands instead of clicking on the file for the L720, clicked on the file for 900.
Bricked it.
Sprint gave me a new one (didn't even have it a day), reinstalled FoxFi and can tether USB/Bluetooth, but not WiFi which I need for the Tablet.
Now I'm gun shy.
It would seem that there are 10-15 methods, but CF-Root seems the best and NOW I have the file for the L720.
I've an S4,
Software: L720VPUAMF9
Build: JD939.L720VPAMDL
S/W Boot Status: Samsung
Kernel: 2.4.0-529760 - Dated 4.27.2013
Can someone reinforce which method is the least prone to problems? I'm not that interested in flashing ROM's, just want the WiFi Tether.
Thanks in advance and for those who feel the need to tell me search/been discussed/look etc.,I have A LOT.

a quick look in android dev gave this vid i used it many times: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_hXUJ-u-cw
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257101 you must've skipped over this thread its stickied as well

You can tether natively with this mod:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256950
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

just use cf with the correct file

nemofbaby2010 said:
a quick look in android dev gave this vid i used it many times: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_hXUJ-u-cw
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257101 you must've skipped over this thread its stickied as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't see it the sticky, probably bleary.
So CF-Root (with the PROPER files seems to be the way to go.
Thanks for the reply, it's a bit different then a pad, if you screw up the pad, your not out your only phone - just a pad (BUT not to downplay the cost).

Salil999 said:
You can tether natively with this mod:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256950
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BUT needs root.

RBraverman said:
BUT needs root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can do it through Odin, but I'm not 100% sure.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

lafester said:
just use cf with the correct file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fine with an MDL?
GAWD I can't believe I took the wrong file.

RBraverman said:
Fine with an MDL?
GAWD I can't believe I took the wrong file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd just Odin a rooted rom... it's way easier than using a root method, and as a bonus, you'll get familiar with the most powerful recovery method for your phone! It'll even fix most bricks!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

RBraverman said:
Fine with an MDL?
GAWD I can't believe I took the wrong file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the one that matches your version. I think you can go to settings > More > about phone and see if it's mdl or MF9
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

bender beerman said:
I'd just Odin a rooted rom... it's way easier than using a root method, and as a bonus, you'll get familiar with the most powerful recovery method for your phone! It'll even fix most bricks!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about that, but I'm relatively contented with the stock software/firmware. If there were a simple ROM, I might do it. I like the idea of - maybe- TWRP - but really only need/want to tether WiFi and add a firewall.
What'dya think?
AND why would it be easier?

Salil999 said:
Use the one that matches your version. I think you can go to settings > More > about phone and see if it's mdl or MF9
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is an MDL but I didn't see a different file for the 720, just the 900 if it's a MDL or MF9 (foreign, I believe)?

Here is your answer
RBraverman said:
It is an MDL but I didn't see a different file for the 720, just the 900 if it's a MDL or MF9 (foreign, I believe)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you have ventured out to try it again, but if not you'll find all your answers here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257101
Just do the OTA updates on your phone. Should be two of them at this point, one to MDL, then when it is done to MF9. After you see MF9, do CF autoroot. Then install TWRP as your recovery, followed by the HotSpot. Just do what the videos show and you'll be fine.
I think I did exactly what you did. I got my new phone and tried to install the HotSpot while on MDC (whatever original version was), after doing CF autoroot. Failed to read the part about HotSpot being specifically for MF9. Used Odin to reverse back to stock Rom and Recovery and ten followed steps I outlined from there. Phone is working awesome and WiFi is best I've seen. Barely uses battery.

I used the qbking77 videos from youtubes and was rooted with twrp recovery in 5 minutes tops it's the best way to do anything. To see it get done step by step is the best way for me.
For wifi tether several roms got it built in already.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Root method for NC1 update?

So before I go any further I would just like to quickly note that I have tried to do some research on this question before posting it and have came up empty handed.
Now for the question: My Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 updated to NC1 the night that the update was released and I was wondering how I could currently achieve root on NC1?
Specs:
Model: Samsung SGH-I337
Android Version: 4.4.2
Baseband: I337UCUFNC1
Currently running 100% stock and would like root.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!

Ingram0421 said:
So before I go any further I would just like to quickly note that I have tried to do some research on this question before posting it and have came up empty handed.
Now for the question: My Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 updated to NC1 the night that the update was released and I was wondering how I could currently achieve root on NC1?
Specs:
Model: Samsung SGH-I337
Android Version: 4.4.2
Baseband: I337UCUFNC1
Currently running 100% stock and would like root.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same way you root NB1. This has been asked, you proceed with the downgrade as normal. It may help to go to NB1 first and then MK2.
Sent from my SGH-I337 running BlackBox 3.0

Here is how to root NC1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=52289782
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

All noobs should take a look at the general forum before making questions other had made. There are several guides there that can help you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I'm not exactly sure who you're calling a "noob", but if I would like to make a new thread that someone has already asked then I will damn sure do as I please. I appreciate your link in your first reply but the word noob isn't exactly a friendly one and some people take offense to it whether or not it is intended to do so.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Anyone know anything new about bootloader unlock?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

dpwguenther said:
Anyone know anything new about bootloader unlock?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, still locked
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

That blows, I thought about perpously bricking my phone , sending it to a pay service from eBay and requesting they put 4.2 on it so many times now
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

Ingram0421 said:
I'm not exactly sure who you're calling a "noob", but if I would like to make a new thread that someone has already asked then I will damn sure do as I please. I appreciate your link in your first reply but the word noob isn't exactly a friendly one and some people take offense to it whether or not it is intended to do so.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At one point we all were and called ourselves like that. What bothers is that we see the same questions on new threads over and over. A forum was design to read and search. Once you don't find your answer you post a new thread. Some moderators will suggest the same to avoid clogged our forum. That's how we should treated and care for. I don't feel it's offensive and if it is apologize to those who feel that way.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I remember when I had my GS3 I had to flash stock 4.3 (which if I'm not mistaken still has a locked bootloader) and then I flashed a custom stock 4.1 rom and was able to flash the latest CM 11 plus a modem/bootloader combo zip from 4.3 and it worked fine. Is that even in the realm of possibilities with the GS4?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

dpwguenther said:
I remember when I had my GS3 I had to flash stock 4.3 (which if I'm not mistaken still has a locked bootloader) and then I flashed a custom stock 4.1 rom and was able to flash the latest CM 11 plus a modem/bootloader combo zip from 4.3 and it worked fine. Is that even in the realm of possibilities with the GS4?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the GS3 also and it was great you could flash anything Ubuntu and more, but now AT&T tied our hands because the war it's having with Samsung we pay. Others phones like the HTC it's reported to be bootloader unlocked. You can flash cm 11 without any problem.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Update firmware AT&T SAMSUNG GALAXY S4, SGH-I337, MF3, 4.2.2 to 4.3 or 4.4.2?

How do you update firmware from AT&T SAMSUNG GALAXY S4, SGH-I337, MF3, 4.2.2 to 4.3 or 4.4.2?

joeydija said:
How do you update firmware from AT&T SAMSUNG GALAXY S4, SGH-I337, MF3, 4.2.2 to 4.3 or 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in the general forum. You'll need to use Odin
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639
jd1639 said:
Look in the general forum. You'll need to use Odin
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply.
I've searched the general forum, but I'm having trouble sifting through all the information.
Have you ever updated your firmware for a rooted phone?
I understand how to use Odin, but I need a tutorial.
I'll look again.

?...
I'm still not sure what to do, I really want to experience the most out of my rooted phone.
I'd like the newest advancements...
How bout this question, anyone reading this have my phone type and what did you do with your phone?

joeydija said:
I'm still not sure what to do, I really want to experience the most out of my rooted phone.
I'd like the newest advancements...
How bout this question, anyone reading this have my phone type and what did you do with your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the all in one tar file from this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49687770. Then use saferoot to root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48392009
If you want nb1 then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51067706
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Flash the all in one tar file from this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49687770. Then use saferoot to root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48392009
If you want nb1 then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51067706
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thanks so much!

[Q] Accidentally installed VZ firmware (i think) on ATT (SGH-i337)

HI everyone. I think i accidentally installed the wrong firmware on my att sgh-i337 GS4. I'm not positive but that's what I think will happen. Appears that it is not rooted as I ODIN keeps failing. Also wireless does not work so I cannot get any internet connection to work. I just want to get back to ANYTHING usable. KIES does not see my device. Please help me get back to anything. I was trying to help a friend with his phone and ended up in this state so I want to get it back to him working in anyway. I've done a few of these and never had this much trouble. Help please. Thanks.

Just flash the correct firmware in Odin. Do you know what firmware version the device was on?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Just flash the correct firmware in Odin. Do you know what firmware version the device was on?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. I've been trying to do this. Whenever I do that ODIN says "AUTH FAIL" Originally i was on ATT Stock 4.4.2. Thank you for your reply. Very much appreciated.

fuzzyreets said:
Right. I've been trying to do this. Whenever I do that ODIN says "AUTH FAIL" Originally i was on ATT Stock 4.4.2. Thank you for your reply. Very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you flashing the nb1 tar file
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Are you flashing the nb1 tar file
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. I have one that I thought was correct from the other day when I started this mess. Can you tell me where to get the appropriate file?

fuzzyreets said:
Not sure. I have one that I thought was correct from the other day when I started this mess. Can you tell me where to get the appropriate file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in the general forum, index all things att......
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Look in the general forum, index all things att......
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. Is this correct? I was going to use the "rootable" one...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Thanks again for the help.

fuzzyreets said:
Okay. Is this correct? I was going to use the "rootable" one...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Thanks again for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that should work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Yes, that should work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Thank you.

jd1639 said:
Yes, that should work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Fixed! Thank you a million. Now, what's the proper way to root this device at this point? I spent at least an hour reading about how to root the sgh-i337 with 4.4.2 which it appears this phone is now running. I don't want to go through that mess again. If you could provide me this step now I would really appreciate it. Again, can't thank you enough.

fuzzyreets said:
Awesome! Fixed! Thank you a million. Now, what's the proper way to root this device at this point? I spent at least an hour reading about how to root the sgh-i337 with 4.4.2 which it appears this phone is now running. I don't want to go through that mess again. If you could provide me this step now I would really appreciate it. Again, can't thank you enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use towel root by geohot. Just Google it
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Use towel root by geohot. Just Google it
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I will try that again. I did use that first last time and it would appear rooted based on the root checker app then I would reboot and it would say it's not rooted. Additionally things that required root said the phone wasn't rooted.

fuzzyreets said:
Okay I will try that again. I did use that first last time and it would appear rooted based on the root checker app then I would reboot and it would say it's not rooted. Additionally things that required root said the phone wasn't rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also getting tons of unauthorized actions messages...

fuzzyreets said:
Also getting tons of unauthorized actions messages...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again see the index, all things at&t.... You should do the update to nc1 before rooting with towel root
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Again see the index, all things at&t.... You should do the update to nc1 before rooting with towel root
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I"m killing you here but i'm treading lightly based on my last experience. The NC1 update I found is only 20mb. Not a full build obviously. The thread says this:
"irst you need to odin back to stock NB1, and then flash the NC1 update in stock recovery.
NC1 update zip can be found here.
https://mega.co.nz/#!L55B1DoI!uALQRe...BBQgwT-wfC6ByY"
Not sure how to do that at htis point. Thanks.

fuzzyreets said:
I know I"m killing you here but i'm treading lightly based on my last experience. The NC1 update I found is only 20mb. Not a full build obviously. The thread says this:
"irst you need to odin back to stock NB1, and then flash the NC1 update in stock recovery.
NC1 update zip can be found here.
https://mega.co.nz/#!L55B1DoI!uALQRe...BBQgwT-wfC6ByY"
Not sure how to do that at htis point. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also..yes trying to figure it out based on "Post 3" as indicated but I'm not totally sure where i'm coming from or where I'm going...

[Q] Couple of Queries, plz help

I have acquired an S4 i337 from At&t, it's on the MF3 4.2.2, i have used towel root to root it and installed safestrap as well...
i wanted to upgrade to 4.4, should i just odin the firmware onto it by putting it into download mode? which 4.4 is best for it in terms of stability and stuff...? i think only stock touchwiz is recommended since i don't know whether it's bootloader is locked or not...
second
can i root the 4.4 through towel root easily or is there a problem with it... which in your opinion is the best for the i337? I won't be able to downgrade again yeah?

I would flash the nb1 tar file in Odin and then go from there. You can root everything including oc3. Read through this and you'll find ask your answers, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53758227
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
I would flash the nb1 tar file in Odin and then go from there. You can root everything including oc3. Read through this and you'll find ask your answers, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53758227
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for replying, that's very helpful. Also if i may, i need to flash 4.3 before 4.4 or just go directly towards 4.4?
since it says from any base... ?
it's just downloading the firmware (NB1) then putting the phone into download mode, start Odin and wait for the phone to reboot? that's it?

jafferkhan said:
thank you for replying, that's very helpful. Also if i may, i need to flash 4.3 before 4.4 or just go directly towards 4.4?
since it says from any base... ?
it's just downloading the firmware (NB1) then putting the phone into download mode, start Odin and wait for the phone to reboot? that's it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's as simple as that. Put the tar in PDA or AP slot depending on what version of Odin you're using. Only have f.reset and auto reboot checked.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Yes it's as simple as that. Put the tar in PDA or AP slot depending on what version of Odin you're using. Only have f.reset and auto reboot checked.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i can flash 4.4.2 directly from 4.2.2?

jafferkhan said:
so i can flash 4.4.2 directly from 4.2.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can with Odin, but do your know the bootloader version of 4.2.2 you're on? If you're on mdb or mdl you probably don't want to update. On 4.2.2 you can use twrp or cwm custom recoveries and flash any roms your want. Once you're on 4.4.4 you'll be limited.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Yes you can with Odin, but do your know the bootloader version of 4.2.2 you're on? If you're on mdb or mdl you probably don't want to update. On 4.2.2 you can use twrp or cwm custom recoveries and flash any roms your want. Once you're on 4.4.4 you'll be limited.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay that's kinda uncool of samsung to lock the bootloader, how would i know which bootloader i have? how do i check? i have installed safestrap by the way... any help?

jafferkhan said:
okay that's kinda uncool of samsung to lock the bootloader, how would i know which bootloader i have? how do i check? i have installed safestrap by the way... any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into setting, about device. Look at the last three characters build number. That's a good indication of what your bootloader is. If your rooted the best way is in a terminal emulator type
su
getprop ro.bootloader
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

OK I did that it says MF3 in the last three for the build number...
And thanks again man for helping me out... I really appreciate it

jafferkhan said:
OK I did that it says MF3 in the last three for the build number...
And thanks again man for helping me out... I really appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, mf3 already has a bootloader that you can't do much with. Definitely update to nb1 by flashing the tar file in Odin.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Ok, mf3 already has a bootloader that you can't do much with. Definitely update to nb1 by flashing the tar file in Odin.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so will have to unlock the phone for carriers after i upgrade to NB1?

jafferkhan said:
so will have to unlock the phone for carriers after i upgrade to NB1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the device is already sim unlocked it'll remain so after flashing the stock firmware.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
If the device is already sim unlocked it'll remain so after flashing the stock firmware.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first of all, i wanted to thank you for your swift replies and help, you've been very generous, thank you ...
final question, is 4.4.2 a good upgrade from 4.2.2? is it worth it? i've read 4.4.2 had some issues with the S4... should i remain on 4.2 or upgrade to 4.4? what do you suggest? i've got the firmware (NB1) downloaded alongwith Odin... should i go for it?

jafferkhan said:
first of all, i wanted to thank you for your swift replies and help, you've been very generous, thank you ...
final question, is 4.4.2 a good upgrade from 4.2.2? is it worth it? i've read 4.4.2 had some issues with the S4... should i remain on 4.2 or upgrade to 4.4? what do you suggest? i've got the firmware (NB1) downloaded alongwith Odin... should i go for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would. It has bug fixes and you can update to lollipop if you want. You can still have root and safestrap if you want. There really is no downside to it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Hey man just wanted to say thanks for your guidance. You've been very helpful. I'm running 4.4.2 and it's great, smoother and better than 4.2.2... Thanks for the prompt replies.
Cheers
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

jafferkhan said:
Hey man just wanted to say thanks for your guidance. You've been very helpful. I'm running 4.4.2 and it's great, smoother and better than 4.2.2... Thanks for the prompt replies.
Cheers
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it's working for you
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

I'm glad you were around to assist me. I know I'm bad but could you tell me about the the S5 launcher? Can I use it on the stock NB1? Also another thing, is it true the Nj4 is better than NB1?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app