Database Users

[Q] Updating stock 4.2.2 - options?

Hi all!
I have a stock Samsung GT-I9505 with 4.2.2
Version Info
AP: I9505XXUAMDM
CP: I9505XXUAMDM
CSC: I9505OXXAMDB
I'd like to update to a stock or stockish rom, without Knox bootloader, updating the modem and then rooting.
I've done a lot of reading on the topic but I'm getting somwhat confused as there are so many different methods depending on the version, and if you have Knox. There are also Modem/Wi-Fi issues etc.
Any tips on the method or can someone advise which stock rom/modem to go for?
I'm trying to set out and build up a step by step method that will avoid any complications.

cps_goodbuy said:
Hi all!
I have a stock Samsung GT-I9505 with 4.2.2
Version Info
AP: I9505XXUAMDM
CP: I9505XXUAMDM
CSC: I9505OXXAMDB
I'd like to update to a stock or stockish rom, without Knox bootloader, updating the modem and then rooting.
I've done a lot of reading on the topic but I'm getting somwhat confused as there are so many different methods depending on the version, and if you have Knox. There are also Modem/Wi-Fi issues etc.
Any tips on the method or can someone advise which stock rom/modem to go for?
I'm trying to set out and build up a step by step method that will avoid any complications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash Pre-rootedXXUBMGA through Odin and then Install triangle away and reset the binary , and then flash any Custom Recovery via odin and download a Custom 4.3 rom you want then go to recovery do a full wipe and flash the custom rom you downloaded.. Have a nice day.

Repulsa said:
Flash Pre-rootedXXUBMGA through Odin and then Install triangle away and reset the binary , and then flash any Custom Recovery via odin and download a Custom 4.3 rom you want and flash it via recovery. Have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! Still reading all I can to avoid mistakes.
After installing a Custom recovery, I take it I don't need to reset the binary anymore? Will search about whether I can flash back the standard recovery.
Would it not be better to install a Pre-rooted and knox-free stock 4.3 rom? Are there any holes to avoid?

cps_goodbuy said:
Thanks for the info! Still reading all I can to avoid mistakes.
After installing a Custom recovery, I take it I don't need to reset the binary anymore? Will search about whether I can flash back the standard recovery.
Would it not be better to install a Pre-rooted and knox-free stock 4.3 rom? Are there any holes to avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's how i do it since im still on old bootloader and and doesnt have knox warranty void (I do it from the scratch because i want a fresh install hehe) , anyways you need to root your phone and install a custom recovery and download a 4.3 custom rom and flash it via recovery , once done flashing you need to flash a 4.3 modem in order to prevent a dropping signal issue. Have a nice day.

Repulsa said:
Well that's how i do it since im still on old bootloader and and doesnt have knox warranty void (I do it from the scratch because i want a fresh install hehe) , anyways you need to root your phone and install a custom recovery and download a 4.3 custom rom and flash it via recovery , once done flashing you need to flash a 4.3 modem in order to prevent a dropping signal issue. Have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to flash a stock 4.3 rom (without the bootloader) so I don't have to do a data wipe?

yuuuuuuuu said:
Is it possible to flash a stock 4.3 rom (without the bootloader) so I don't have to do a data wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a custom 4.3 rom but not a stock 4.3 rom since that will give u a newbootloader mate. Im giving you all the tips i can . But feel free either search the forum or wait for some1's opinion. Have a nice day.
Sent from Hell ?

[Q] where to start? clockword recovery mod etc

Hi there guys,
I've been used to flashing android devices in the past (+2 years ago), but I don't have much experience with it nowadays.
first my current situation:
-I'm running MJ7 atm, rooted with kingo
i'm looking fo flash note's 3 4.4.2 kitkat rom, or omega rom, or cm11
If I understood correctly:
1) install a clockwork mod recovery for my 9005
> what "image" do I use for that? clockwork mod recovery doesn't have the note 3 9005 in it's list
2) install another rom through clockwork mod recover?
I've already tried looking for answers on this forum, but either they aren't for my specific device, or it doesn't explain the steps
Any suggestions guys?
The custom recovery is needed because... samsung's recovery is limited or something?
Trying to find answers to these questions!
In case I overlooked some topics, feel free to point me towards them!
Thanks in advance!
Nick

seventje84 said:
Hi there guys,
I've been used to flashing android devices in the past (+2 years ago), but I don't have much experience with it nowadays.
first my current situation:
-I'm running MJ7 atm, rooted with kingo
i'm looking fo flash note's 3 4.4.2 kitkat rom, or omega rom, or cm11
If I understood correctly:
1) install a clockwork mod recovery for my 9005
> what "image" do I use for that? clockwork mod recovery doesn't have the note 3 9005 in it's list
2) install another rom through clockwork mod recover?
I've already tried looking for answers on this forum, but either they aren't for my specific device, or it doesn't explain the steps
Any suggestions guys?
The custom recovery is needed because... samsung's recovery is limited or something?
Trying to find answers to these questions!
In case I overlooked some topics, feel free to point me towards them!
Thanks in advance!
Nick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so before you flash you need to know that if you upgrade to 4.4.2 Official your bootloader upgrades and you cannot use CM nor can you go back to 4.3. SO you need to decide which you'd prefer to do.
As for recovery, yes you need a custom recovery to flash a custom mod. -- CWM by Chenglu is the only recovery that currently works on Kitkat 4.4.2.
TWRP/PhilZ/CWM work on 4.3 - so you can flash anything up until MK/ML*
CM11/OMEGA/CRASH/ALLIANCE etc all run on Mj7/MK2-3/ML2 currently so are compatible with your 4.3 build
Since you rooted via Kingo, is your KNOX preserved? because installing a custom recovery will void this.

radicalisto said:
OK, so before you flash you need to know that if you upgrade to 4.4.2 Official your bootloader upgrades and you cannot use CM nor can you go back to 4.3. SO you need to decide which you'd prefer to do.
As for recovery, yes you need a custom recovery to flash a custom mod. -- CWM by Chenglu is the only recovery that currently works on Kitkat 4.4.2.
TWRP/PhilZ/CWM work on 4.3 - so you can flash anything up until MK/ML*
CM11/OMEGA/CRASH/ALLIANCE etc all run on Mj7/MK2-3/ML2 currently so are compatible with your 4.3 build
Since you rooted via Kingo, is your KNOX preserved? because installing a custom recovery will void this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, I want to thank you for the swift response!
So basically:
-once I flash original 4.4.2 I get a new bootloader and I cannot install a different rom except stock one atm?
-If I flash CM11/Omega etc it's no issue.. Any idea why though? CM11 is also 4.4.2 based.. but it doesn't come with new restrictive bootloader I suppose?
-I rooted through kingo, and during boot I don't see any special "text", so I suppose my knox is preserved
-about the "voiding", I found a piece of text in the european law here about rooting and voiding warranty that will help me if I ever needed that warranty
-Question about CMW recovery: If I install it from the play store, what kind of "recovery" do I need to install? is there a Database for that or some sort?

seventje84 said:
First of all, I want to thank you for the swift response!
So basically:
-once I flash original 4.4.2 I get a new bootloader and I cannot install a different rom except stock one atm?
-If I flash CM11/Omega etc it's no issue.. Any idea why though? CM11 is also 4.4.2 based.. but it doesn't come with new restrictive bootloader I suppose?
-I rooted through kingo, and during boot I don't see any special "text", so I suppose my knox is preserved
-about the "voiding", I found a piece of text in the european law here about rooting and voiding warranty that will help me if I ever needed that warranty
-Question about CMW recovery: If I install it from the play store, what kind of "recovery" do I need to install? is there a Database for that or some sort?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- Yup, once you get the new bootloader you can't downgrade, you can however flash ROMS which are created with this new bootloader, so far SweetROM, AndroidNow NG and(soon to be coming) AllianceROM are NA6 compatible.
2-CM was built on the old BL source, it'll probably eventually get updated to NA6 BL at some point, but for now it's based on MJ7 BL.
3/4- Yup if you are EU like myself, then KNOX warranty means nothing to us, I was just confirming you were aware of this
-- CWM has to be installed via ODIN, takes 20seconds to flash via PDA option in ODIN 1.85. CWM will be your main base recovery and you can install/wipe/mount etc as and when you need to.
*Side note, my advice, stick with your current bootloader and avoid the new kitkat bootloader, install CWM and flash in temasek's CM build and custom kernel. It's a fantastic build! just need to install the gAPPS to get Playstore and google apps etc - also Official Nightlies have been announced and are live by CM**
Any other queries just post away :good:

seventje84 said:
First of all, I want to thank you for the swift response!
So basically:
-once I flash original 4.4.2 I get a new bootloader and I cannot install a different rom except stock one atm?
-If I flash CM11/Omega etc it's no issue.. Any idea why though? CM11 is also 4.4.2 based.. but it doesn't come with new restrictive bootloader I suppose?
-I rooted through kingo, and during boot I don't see any special "text", so I suppose my knox is preserved
-about the "voiding", I found a piece of text in the european law here about rooting and voiding warranty that will help me if I ever needed that warranty
-Question about CMW recovery: If I install it from the play store, what kind of "recovery" do I need to install? is there a Database for that or some sort?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do we find that piece of law? Im just curious since I'm also knox 0x1 Hehe. Currently running Androidnow but after 1 day it seems that I have some forced reboots. Don't know where it comes from. I guess it's because I installed the rom from external sd.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Koumorisword said:
Where do we find that piece of law? Im just curious since I'm also knox 0x1 Hehe. Currently running Androidnow but after 1 day it seems that I have some forced reboots. Don't know where it comes from. I guess it's because I installed the rom from external sd.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you dirty flash? - try another ROM, that may be a little buggy... However I suspect you didn't do a full wipe and that's the issue with the FC's

radicalisto said:
Did you dirty flash? - try another ROM, that may be a little buggy... However I suspect you didn't do a full wipe and that's the issue with the FC's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the Cwm based Phil "prepare for other rom" wipe. Manual wipe would be better you think?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Koumorisword said:
I did the Cwm based Phil "prepare for other rom" wipe. Manual wipe would be better you think?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, that wipe should be enough. Probably a buggy ROM. Try another and see if you have any issues.

Koumorisword said:
Where do we find that piece of law? Im just curious since I'm also knox 0x1 Hehe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want to look for EU Directive 1999/44/CE
http://matija.suklje.name/rooting-and-flashing-your-device-does-not-void-the-warranty-in-eu

[Q] Rooting S4 (Build No. NC1)

I am new to flashing so sorry if I have asked some stupid questions.
I have SGH-I337 (ATT) and would like to root and then maybe install Cyanogenmod or any other custom ROM.
Device Details:
Baseband - NC1
Build No. - NC1
Android Version - 4.4.2
I tried to root NC1 directly using motochopper. Then I read and I am now trying to downgrade.
I have got ODIN 3.09 but it does not say support to I337. I have gone through Noob Helper
I have downloaded all zips from Downgrade
After reading the article of Modems; I got confused about my bootloader.
I also have gone through the thread but after that confusion, I did not proceed ahead.
Could anyone please help me?
How to identify boot-loader?
Which ODIN to use or do I need to use SAFETRAP (not sure if bootloader is MF3) ?

mayurd said:
I am new to flashing so sorry if I have asked some stupid questions.
I have SGH-I337 (ATT) and would like to root and then maybe install Cyanogenmod or any other custom ROM.
Device Details:
Baseband - NC1
Build No. - NC1
Android Version - 4.4.2
I tried to root NC1 directly using motochopper. Then I read and I am now trying to downgrade.
I have got ODIN 3.09 but it does not say support to I337. I have gone through Noob Helper
I have downloaded all zips from Downgrade
After reading the article of Modems; I got confused about my bootloader.
I also have gone through the thread but after that confusion, I did not proceed ahead.
Could anyone please help me?
How to identify boot-loader?
Which ODIN to use or do I need to use SAFETRAP (not sure if bootloader is MF3) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont worry about Odin saying the device is i9505 or so. The flash will work.
For samsung phones running full stock firmware, all the components have the same version. Since your build is NC1, your bootloader is also NC1.
You are in the right track. Follow the downgrade thread to partial downgrade to MK2. Then use saferoot to root. Then install safestrap v3.72. Then use the deadly venom kitkat magic tool to install any kitkat rom of your choice from this list (post 3).
You cannot install any AOSP based rom. So, no CM. Even google play edition roms dont work.
You can install AOSP themed roms (like BlackBox3.0)

jmjoyas said:
Dont worry about Odin saying the device is i9505 or so. The flash will work.
For samsung phones running full stock firmware, all the components have the same version. Since your build is NC1, your bootloader is also NC1.
You are in the right track. Follow the downgrade thread to partial downgrade to MK2. Then use saferoot to root. Then install safestrap v3.72. Then use the deadly venom kitkat magic tool to install any kitkat rom of your choice from this list (post 3).
You cannot install any AOSP based rom. So, no CM. Even google play edition roms dont work.
You can install AOSP themed roms (like BlackBox3.0)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response. I have downgraded to MK2 and have done the root.
I was wondering if you could tell me if it is possible to install Liquid Smooth ROM. I have seen the video and I have downloaded from here which says S4 unified. Also, there are some videos claiming CM on S4.
Could anyone please help on the same?

mayurd said:
Thank you for the response. I have downgraded to MK2 and have done the root.
I was wondering if you could tell me if it is possible to install Liquid Smooth ROM. I have seen the video and I have downloaded from here which says S4 unified. Also, there are some videos claiming CM on S4.
Could anyone please help on the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As already stated, no AOSP based roms will work (ROMs that are built by compiling AOSP code). Only TouchWiz based roms will work. If you need AOSP look and feel, you can install an AOSP themed rom.
CM/AOSP on ATT S4 is only possible if you have the MDB/MDL bootloader. Anything above that, it wont work.

jmjoyas said:
As already stated, no AOSP based roms will work (ROMs that are built by compiling AOSP code). Only TouchWiz based roms will work. If you need AOSP look and feel, you can install an AOSP themed rom.
CM/AOSP on ATT S4 is only possible if you have the MDB/MDL bootloader. Anything above that, it wont work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the repeated questions.
I tried to update through Safestrap with BlackBox. But I got stuck on the boot screen where it shows Samsung Logo. I might have done something wrong. I just clicked next on BlackBox 3.0. Could anyone please help me !
Edit:
When I tried to reboot into recovery mood (Vol Up + Home + Power) it says:
" Secure Fail Kernel
(Warning Sign) System Software not authorised by ATT has been found on your phone"

Don't select the reboot now option in the aroma installer at the end. Then, after the ROM flash is complete and before you reboot the phone, you need to put the phone back in download mode and flash the MLD ap/bl/cp files from the tool
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

jmjoyas said:
Don't select the reboot now option in the aroma installer at the end. Then, after the ROM flash is complete and before you reboot the phone, you need to put the phone back in download mode and flash the MLD ap/bl/cp files from the tool
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the NB1 using ODIN but it still stays on Samsung Logo with custom logo. I am not able to navigate any where else from that screen.
Edit:
I was able to go into system recovery. Please let me know if I can fix the error somehow.
Thanks a lot !

Get into stock recovery and factory reset. I am not sure why you flashed NB1 though, as there is no direct root method for it yet
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

jmjoyas said:
Get into stock recovery and factory reset. I am not sure why you flashed NB1 though, as there is no direct root method for it yet
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He probably was following the steps that were provided elsewhere here that had you go from nc1 to nb1 then back to the M (I can't remember which M) one.

jmjoyas said:
Get into stock recovery and factory reset. I am not sure why you flashed NB1 though, as there is no direct root method for it yet
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had rooted MK2 and the installed the custom ROM (Blackbox) and then was suppose to flash NB1.
So, if I just did a factory reset it would solve my error?
Thanks for the help!
Edit:
I tried doing the factory reset. It just wipes all the user data. And I am still stuck on the same screen with Samsung and the custom logo.

mayurd said:
I had rooted MK2 and the installed the custom ROM (Blackbox) and then was suppose to flash NB1.
So, if I just did a factory reset it would solve my error?
Thanks for the help!
Edit:
I tried doing the factory reset. It just wipes all the user data. And I am still stuck on the same screen with Samsung and the custom logo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have sent you a PM. Probably I can assist better on hangout.

[newbie] galaxy s4 att UCUAMDL

hi all , sorry but my english is so bad
i just bought a galaxy s4 att secondhand , this had bassband UCUAMDL . and i checked the lastest version of it is 4.2.2
can i upgrade my phone up to 4.4 ?
and i dont know terminology about "MF3 - MK2 ............."
could you tell me ?
thanks so much :victory::victory::victory:

Root. Install TWRP recovery. Flash a rom 4.4.4 or try some lollipop love!! You are lucky enough to have an unlocked bootloader..

HORiZUN said:
Root. Install TWRP recovery. Flash a rom 4.4.4 or try some lollipop love!! You are lucky enough to have an unlocked bootloader..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks so much ,
can you get me links :crying:
but MF3 - MK2 ............. what is it ?
when i flash rom , what i have to notice ?

I hope you don't have MF3. If that's the case, I'm pretty sure that SafeStrap is your only recovery option.

HORiZUN said:
I hope you don't have MF3. If that's the case, I'm pretty sure that SafeStrap is your only recovery option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but i dont know MF3 >"<
what is it ?
how check it on my phone ?

HORiZUN said:
I hope you don't have MF3. If that's the case, I'm pretty sure that SafeStrap is your only recovery option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am in 4.2.2

sonluyen94 said:
but i dont know MF3 >"<
what is it ?
how check it on my phone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same question. hopefully someone will be able to explain it to us.

MF3 would be the last three digits of your system software version

HORiZUN said:
MF3 would be the last three digits of your system software version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my baseband : I337UCUAMDL
kernel version : 3.4.0-453947 - [email protected] #1
android version : 4.2.2
build number : JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL
it is my phone >"<

You don't have MF3, and that's a good thing. You can install a custom recovery. You need to root, install a custom recovery, and then you can start flashing roms.

sonluyen94 said:
my baseband : I337UCUAMDL
kernel version : 3.4.0-453947 - [email protected] #1
android version : 4.2.2
build number : JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL
it is my phone >"<
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nogods said:
I have the same question. hopefully someone will be able to explain it to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, use TowelRoot.com to root the phone, and use TWRP manager to install TWRP on your device. After that check out the development section of this very forum and flash any ROM you wish. 4.2.2 or 4.4.4 or 5.0 or anywhere in between (Just read the thread and instructions first!!!). Whatever you do, never update using the OTA updater on the stock ROM! Also, dotn ever flash an image in Odin that isn't MDL, because if you go higher than MDL, you lose the ability to have a custom recovery. You are one of the lucky ones, cherish the ability, and read through threads before flashing, stuff. Good Luck!
Also, you don't have to worry if the ROM says safestrap compatible, because you don't have to use Safestrap, you can have TWRP instead (which is better), because all Safestrap ROMS are TWRP compatible, but not vice-versa.

npjohnson said:
Ok, use TowelRoot.com to root the phone, and use TWRP manager to install TWRP on your device. After that check out the development section of this very forum and flash any ROM you wish. 4.2.2 or 4.4.4 or 5.0 or anywhere in between (Just read the thread and instructions first!!!). Whatever you do, never update using the OTA updater on the stock ROM! Also, dotn ever flash an image in Odin that isn't MDL, because if you go higher than MDL, you lose the ability to have a custom recovery. You are one of the lucky ones, cherish the ability, and read through threads before flashing, stuff. Good Luck!
Also, you don't have to worry if the ROM says safestrap compatible, because you don't have to use Safestrap, you can have TWRP instead (which is better), because all Safestrap ROMS are TWRP compatible, but not vice-versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks so much :fingers-crossed:
but can you talk to me what rom is good about battery ?

sonluyen94 said:
thanks so much :fingers-crossed:
but can you talk to me what rom is good about battery ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most if not all. They're all built from either GPE or CM.

All good advice. Plus when you root and get Twrp recovery installed do a backup thru Twrp (Nandroid) and keep on phone and put a copy on pc. That way you have something to restore if you get in trouble. Also, your bootloader is not unlocked. No Att i337s are. Instead devs use an exploit called Loki-Doki to bypass Sammy's security checks to allow custom roms/kernels etc to flash. You can google Loki Doki and read up on it. If the rom or kernel is not loki'd you will have to flash the zip thru recovery to allow the rom or kernel to flash. You will come across this when flashing International roms and kernels. I don't have link any more so maybe someone else can link it. Keep it on SD card. Like noted read OP carefully and last 20 pages of rom thread. Builds newer than MDL are blocked by Att from using Loki and require SafeStrap. Which you don't need to worry about. Although you can read up on it. Good Luck. [emoji1]
Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk

I hope you won't mind me jumping in your thread.,
I've recently had to odin my mdl phone back to stock. I haven't done that in a long time. I have root, and supersu, and busybox. The TWRP Manager app is malfunctioning and I cannot use it to install recovery. They list the crash I am experiencing in the play store as a known problem, and they say it will take time to fix. I have a good loki'd copy of twrp but the stock recovery doesn't want to install it. I even changed the name to "update.zip" and it fails. So my problem is I need a recovery. I am considering installing Clockworkmod's ROM Manager to install their recovery, and then using their recovery to install the good loki'd twrp that I want. Does this sound like a good plan? I have been away from this hobby for a while.

plasticglock said:
I hope you won't mind me jumping in your thread.,
I've recently had to odin my mdl phone back to stock. I haven't done that in a long time. I have root, and supersu, and busybox. The TWRP Manager app is malfunctioning and I cannot use it to install recovery. They list the crash I am experiencing in the play store as a known problem, and they say it will take time to fix. I have a good loki'd copy of twrp but the stock recovery doesn't want to install it. I even changed the name to "update.zip" and it fails. So my problem is I need a recovery. I am considering installing Clockworkmod's ROM Manager to install their recovery, and then using their recovery to install the good loki'd twrp that I want. Does this sound like a good plan? I have been away from this hobby for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a recovery zip in a custom recovery. So if you have the loki'd twrp in a zip file, flashing cwm first will work
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You can flash a recovery zip in a custom recovery. So if you have the loki'd twrp in a zip file, flashing cwm first will work
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, that's exactly what I was planning. I remember avoiding CWM last year due to some issue on this device so I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to do more harm than good. :good:

plasticglock said:
Thanks man, that's exactly what I was planning. I remember avoiding CWM last year due to some issue on this device so I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to do more harm than good. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM manager didn't work. It said it installed cwm recovery but it didn't. I was able to install the latest TWRP with this ROM Installer and it worked like a charm! I then installed my custom TWRP from there, rebooted recovery, and installed Danvh's Google edition. I'm setting it up right now. I'm so happy to get my phone back. I just hope the odin flash fixed my problems.
To the OP try ROM installer to get your custom recovery going. Also if you like simple and fast AOSP check out Danvh's google edition rom, but stick to 4.4.4 for now. 5.0 is out but its buggy. Here's a link to the custom version of twrp that I use. https://www.dropbox.com/l/iDQQqlzNbyiFbQrMF4XcRc It's already loki'd so you can flash it if you have any problems with the latest build.

[Q] Galaxy S4 GT-i9505 no updates & other issue

I have had my Galaxy S4 GT-i9505 for nearly a year now, it currently runs Android 4.3 and I have been trying to update it to KitKat version but it seems impossible. I have tried to search for updates using Kies and using Software update in Settings -> About Device, but it always tell me "The latest updates have already been installed", even though there is a newer update available. Any ideas?
Also: When choosing WDCMA Network Mode in Network Settings, my phone seems to weirdly to go no signal. It would function normally when the screen is on but as soon as I press the lock button, it loses signal and I can't use the phone's network. GSM works just fine though, but the speed I get with GSM is close to zero. Any idea why this would occur?

Tempt12 said:
I have had my Galaxy S4 GT-i9505 for nearly a year now, it currently runs Android 4.3 and I have been trying to update it to KitKat version but it seems impossible. I have tried to search for updates using Kies and using Software update in Settings -> About Device, but it always tell me "The latest updates have already been installed", even though there is a newer update available. Any ideas?
Also: When choosing WDCMA Network Mode in Network Settings, my phone seems to weirdly to go no signal. It would function normally when the screen is on but as soon as I press the lock button, it loses signal and I can't use the phone's network. GSM works just fine though, but the speed I get with GSM is close to zero. Any idea why this would occur?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dial *#1234# and tell me what appears.

joku1981 said:
dial *#1234# and tell me what appears.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ap : I9505xxuemk8
cp : I9505xxuamdc
csc : I9505btuemk5

Flashing a custom modem fixed the internet issue!

Your current firmware is here. Install through Odin to update, but keep in mind you will have to reinstall everything afterward. Note that installing a custom recovery will prevent OTA updates from functioning so if you have a custom recovery installed, use Odin to flash the stock recovery, then try updating.

Tempt12 said:
Flashing a custom modem fixed the internet issue!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download your rom over Sammobile. to get 4.4.2 if you want 4.4.4 head over to the development section.

xDroidZz said:
download your rom over Sammobile. to get 4.4.2 if you want 4.4.4 head over to the development section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How safe is flashing a custom recovery image and then flashing a custom ROM? Also, if I flash a recovery image using Odin, does it require rooting to install the ROM?
How recommended is the ROM below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397511
Thanks for all those who have replied so far, very very appreciated.

Tempt12 said:
How safe is flashing a custom recovery image and then flashing a custom ROM? Also, if I flash a recovery image using Odin, does it require rooting to install the ROM?
How recommended is the ROM below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397511
Thanks for all those who have replied so far, very very appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your warranty gets void okay?
So if you are really willing to flash a Custom Rom, TWRP/CWM Recovery and a Custom Kernel
Its not going to be so hard actually.
The MOST IMPORTANT part that you will need to do before flashing a custom rom is to ROOT AND FLASH A CUSTOM RECOVER SUCH AS TWRP
Auto-Root from Chainfire which i used also.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219803
that doesnt include a custom recovery. you need to download and flash it for yourself over odin. go search it since i forgot where to find it. lol but a little re-search you can find it easily.
I would recommend you these 3 roms since i use them a lot.
S5 Port ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2706844
Note 4 Port ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9505-develop/rom-albe95-rom-t2967688
Google Play Edition 5.0 ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2557353&highlight=gallery
there are alot of tutorials in the internet. just search for them. good luck.

xDroidZz said:
Your warranty gets void okay?
So if you are really willing to flash a Custom Rom, TWRP/CWM Recovery and a Custom Kernel
Its not going to be so hard actually.
The MOST IMPORTANT part that you will need to do before flashing a custom rom is to ROOT AND FLASH A CUSTOM RECOVER SUCH AS TWRP
Auto-Root from Chainfire which i used also.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219803
that doesnt include a custom recovery. you need to download and flash it for yourself over odin. go search it since i forgot where to find it. lol but a little re-search you can find it easily.
I would recommend you these 3 roms since i use them a lot.
S5 Port ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2706844
Note 4 Port ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9505-develop/rom-albe95-rom-t2967688
Google Play Edition 5.0 ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2557353&highlight=gallery
there are alot of tutorials in the internet. just search for them. good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had the warranty for 10 months and never used it, 2 months left and I couldn't care less about voiding it. Thanks for the great reply, will surely follow your steps in case I decide to flash a custom ROM.