Database Users

[Q] Some questions about rooting

Hello guys, I have some questions I am hoping you experienced people can answer for me.
After doing a bunch of research, I am left a bit confused since a lot of the posts are older, and things have changed over the last few months, especially with locked bootloaders and such.
My current phone is:
-Samsung S4 (Fido based) SGH-i337M
-Android Version 4.3
-Baseband Version i337MVLUEMK6
I only want to ROOT the phone, so I can remove a bunch of excess Samsung bloatware that I never use, I am not really interested in custom ROM's at this time.
1. What is a Custom Recovery exactly?
I keep reading about Custom Recoveries but I don't really know what they are exactly... . Is this just a Firmware mirror that I can go back to at any time AFTER I root the device? Do I need to root the device to CREATE the Custom Recovery?
2. CAN I go back to "Stock" easily? Can I just find the original 4.3 Samsung FW and load it up?
3. I know that moving to 4.4 will require another Root when it becomes available later this month from Samsung, however can I go to the Default Android 4.4 ROM at this time, skipping all the Samsung Stuff?
4. I see a programmed called KINGO offering to root my phone for me, but then somebody said something about there not being a Custom Recovery available for it, which goes up to my original question. Can I not just revert back to unrooted status after?
Thanks to anybody who can help me with these noobish questions, I appreciate it.

I don't have your model so don't want to guess at rooting.
But:
Do not remove Bloatware after rooted. Get Titanium BackuP from the Market. The paid version (support devs) and just freeze the apps until you know they have no negative impact after freezing.
Do a Nandroid ASAP and put a copy on PC also.
Read this on your Recovery question:
http://freedupthoughts.com/2013/04/what-is-custom-recovery-why-should-i.html
You have an unlocked bootloader with the i337m
Someone else can address correct rooting for your specific device and get the correct recovery for it. I prefer TWRP.

Steping up my G2!

Hello, i am looking for help to find out what i need to set up/have in order to flash a custom rom.
All i have is stock G2 with the latest update, phone model is LG-D802, android version is 4.4.2 and it not rooted.
I know first off i need to root the damn thing, but if any of you could point out some kind of post or guide with some kind of step by step info of how to root and after that how to continue with a flash of rom that would be awesome.
I`ve spend some time around the forum looking for such post but couldnt find one, and i am kinda scared to do this on my own since i`ve soft bricked a lot of my old devices.

invictos said:
Hello, i am looking for help to find out what i need to set up/have in order to flash a custom rom.
All i have is stock G2 with the latest update, phone model is LG-D802, android version is 4.4.2 and it not rooted.
I know first off i need to root the damn thing, but if any of you could point out some kind of post or guide with some kind of step by step info of how to root and after that how to continue with a flash of rom that would be awesome.
I`ve spend some time around the forum looking for such post but couldnt find one, and i am kinda scared to do this on my own since i`ve soft bricked a lot of my old devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
easiest method, is to use the KDZ method (huge thread on it here) to get back to jelly bean, then download towleroot. one click root.

Samsung S5 - Lollipop - can i downgrade back to KitKat

Hi Guys,
I stupidly got excited and installed the official Lollipop (S5 on THREE UK network) update when i was notified.
BUT...
I want to go back to KitKat as i preferred it (i wont go into reasons why)
Is there a downgrade path for me, either officially or unofficially?> I dont think there is at the moment.
Thanks guys!

Yep, this forum is literally packed with instructions on how to do it, a simple search will bring up what you need

hi thanks, i thought with the new protected bootloader i didnt think it possible.
this is what i read:
Note: The G900FXXU1BNL9 Android 5.0 Lollipop update comes with a protected bootloader it is clearly emphasize that the “SE for Android Status – Enforcing” that might cause issues when you try to downgrade to the old software updates. This also applies if you are planning into rooting and installs any custom recovery and any unsigned firmware once you are on Android 5.0 Lollipop , so please be aware with that.

manikm303 said:
hi thanks, i thought with the new protected bootloader i didnt think it possible.
this is what i read:
Note: The G900FXXU1BNL9 Android 5.0 Lollipop update comes with a protected bootloader it is clearly emphasize that the “SE for Android Status – Enforcing” that might cause issues when you try to downgrade to the old software updates. This also applies if you are planning into rooting and installs any custom recovery and any unsigned firmware once you are on Android 5.0 Lollipop , so please be aware with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yesterday I tried out AllianceROM 6.0 and a few hours ago I went back to 4.4.2 'cause I liked it better than Lollipop. Here's what I did :
1. Enter Download Mode and flash STOCK 4.4.2 KitKat firmware in Odin (I used 3.10.6) and let it start booting.
2. It won't boot, this is normal (I panicked when this happened though ).
3. Go to recovery and factory reset/wipe data your phone.
4. Now hit reboot in recovery and your phone will boot up again (YAY :sun.
5. OPTIONAL : If you've made a nandroid backup before going to 5.0 you can now flash TWRP and restore it over your STOCK 4.4.2 KitKat firmware.
Hope I helped Let me know if it works out for you!

SUCCESS!!!
All sorted.
The hardest part was finding a link to the rom. sammobile kept giving me a gateway 502 error.
im now back to kitkat, AND no THREE UK rubbish.

manikm303 said:
SUCCESS!!!
All sorted.
The hardest part was finding a link to the rom. sammobile kept giving me a gateway 502 error.
im now back to kitkat, AND no THREE UK rubbish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.....so which firmware did you flash? I'm with 3 as well......though for me, all the 3 c**p was frozen with TiBu as soon as I rooted (along with 100+ other 'system' apps too)......I don't want/need all that knox/Samsung/Google rubbish either.......lol
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 SM-G900F S5

I used a stock Samsung 4.4.2 btu mate...took me forever to find a good link though
Still got the Samsung rubbish on it though but I prefer an official rom to a 3rd party one.

Guide me Please
manikm303 said:
I used a stock Samsung 4.4.2 btu mate...took me forever to find a good link though
Still got the Samsung rubbish on it though but I prefer an official rom to a 3rd party one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okey so i want to downgrade mine s5 from Lolipop to Kitkat 4.4.2. But i wonder if i breaks my varanty and can you make like an min guide and add the links you used also please
Would be really helpful since i'm not sure on where to download the things required. And can i get the Stock samsung 4.4.2, whitout messing up anything, incase i turn my phone in for repairs some time and what not. (cause they can complain that you have touched up stuff in the programs ect )
i appriciate any help peace

answer
hey guys i just followed this tutorial to downgrade it was so easy took several minutes now im running kitkat again yaaay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glNRCuH4Yyw

Rooting a G2 with the LP firmware still possible.

I love my G2 so much because of the current ROM i am using and for what I use my phone for, I really don't need anything better. The problem is I fool with it so much I am concerned about it wearing out or breaking so I want to buy a backup G2 in case something happens. I imagine a new or used one would problably come with the latest firmware (5.01 or 5.1.1) and I am concerned about being able to root it. It's been so long since I rooted my phone (I think I used ioroot originally) and I haven't kept up with newer root methods so I don't know if they work with the latest firmware or has Verizon closed that door.
Is there still a way to root a G2 VS980 if it comes preinstalled with the latest lollipop updates from Verizon?
I searched through the forums but can't seem to find a definitive answer. Thanks for any advice...

Yes. Please search on LG One Click root. I have rooted my phone LG G2 F320k variant on 5.0.2

Thanks for that info. I saw the OneClick thread, but I was concerned about something they said on the first page about not working on 5.1.1. I didn't read through the whole thread so maybe that problem was resolved and the original post was never updated.

Rooting a S5 G900F. Total newbie.

Last week I received a brand new S5 G900F, no carrier, and want to have administrator privileges in order to remove bloatware. Plus, it would be nice to have adblock and apps to back up the entire system, both which aren't available in the phone's stock form, and maybe a custom ROM and Kernel.
I have never rooted a phone nor messed with its system files, so I'm a complete newbie on this. Also, I haven't connected it to the Internet yet, so that the phone is in its stock form before rooting it.
What's the simplest, safest yet effective method for rooting my phone? Afterwards, can I just update the phone to the latest version using the regular system settings menu, or should I do it externally (downloading the update on the PC)? Any particular tips on what to do next, such as what apps to remove, which to install and so on, if possible while keeping it simple? I read that CM 12.1 (ROM) + Ktoonsez (Kernel) is the way to go.
Thanks in advance.

Hi Avensvvvvvv
The best, safeest way to Root? - Have a look in the Q&A Forum, its mostly all here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2700073
Some people use TowelRoot...
I used CF Auto root and found it easier. You can find here at XDA or at http://droidors.com/2015/03/24/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900i-android-lollipop-5-0/ be aware that this link is for the g900i ot the g900f.
As for updating etc....a lot of the latest ROMS come with OTA (over the air) updates. Which ROMS? There is kind of a rule here that you dont ask which ROM is best because the idea is that you do loads of reading and try them out for yourself Lately Ive been playing around with PhoeniX ROM, Alliance ROM and some of the CM stuff...but all are good. Removal of Bloatware is pretty straight forward using Titanium Backup - or some ROMS supply their own method for doing do. Just be sure to not mess around with any of the system files while your still learning. Search Bloatware and you should find some good advice.
Thats about it mate - the main thing is to read, read, read and ask lots of questions before you do anything. Otherwise you'll have a very expensive paperweight on your desk Most of the people here are cool with Noobs asking questions in the correct forums....by the way this post should really be posted in the Q&A forum
Good luck flashing and rooting...and most of all....have fun!
Mugsyfied

You have a good answer in the above post.....
But in future, you need to give us more information about your device so that we can offer advice that is suited more exactly to your circumstances....
The version of Android currently running on your device is one critical bit of info you didn't provide.....
Some things to bear in mind about your phone....
1) Samsung have included something called Knox on these phones....it is basically an un-resettable 'eFuse' which 'tripps' when you flash any custom software to your device. Samsung are using it as an indicator to allow them to deny warranty claims.
2) when you root your phone you WILL trip knox, this will probably prevent you from receiving OTA updates to your device....and even if (by some miracle) you did get an OTA, it will remove your root access, and you'll have to start again....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg