[Q] Samsung S4 SGH-i337m - Can I root it normally - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey people of XDA,
It's my first time posting so forgive me if its a repeat or dumb question but here goes my story :
I bought a used S4 that was rooted + aws enabled. It was working fine until one day it got stuck on the Samsung logo during boot. I tried clearing cache and factory resetting from the recovery but that didnt work. So I proceeded to reverting the phone to the stock rom with odin, which I got from Android rootz ( Google telus s4 stock rom, its the first link ).
So that worked, the phone booted its 4.2.2 but , no Wifi and no sound no AWS. My question are :
- Why arent the wifi and sound working if it was stock ?
- can I root my S4 following the steps in this thread : (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800 ) ?
- does it matter which version of Android im on ? for instance, I was thinking about installing the stock kikat for telus before rooting ?
- Does it matter if i use odin 1.85 vs newer versions
THANKSSS

mjkblj54 said:
Hey people of XDA,
It's my first time posting so forgive me if its a repeat or dumb question but here goes my story :
I bought a used S4 that was rooted + aws enabled. It was working fine until one day it got stuck on the Samsung logo during boot. I tried clearing cache and factory resetting from the recovery but that didnt work. So I proceeded to reverting the phone to the stock rom with odin, which I got from Android rootz ( Google telus s4 stock rom, its the first link ).
So that worked, the phone booted its 4.2.2 but , no Wifi and no sound no AWS. My question are :
- Why arent the wifi and sound working if it was stock ?
- can I root my S4 following the steps in this thread : (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800 ) ?
- does it matter which version of Android im on ? for instance, I was thinking about installing the stock kikat for telus before rooting ?
- Does it matter if i use odin 1.85 vs newer versions
THANKSSS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I would install 4.4.2
2. If it wont work with odin1.85 use the 3.09 version
3. Install philz touch recovery and select "clean to install a new rom" so everything will be cleaned and the wifi should work fine after flash with odin
4. root it with www.towelroot.com
5. I hope I answered all your questions

Hey,
I really appreciate your help...i just started all this stuff yesterday so lm going to look into philz touch recovery. Also I think I know how to root using odin so im just going to do that once my phone starts working ( unless that doesnt work on 4.4.2 ? )
However, Right now can i just use odin to add in kit kat stock rom for telus ( or any other stock rom for that matter - maybe the one i used was bad )? I honestly want to worry about rooting and AWS after getting the phone fully functional
Thanks again i really appreciate your help

Related

[Q] Phone freezing after custom ROM flash

Hi all
I desperately need help i have no idea what to do anymore. Yes i tried to root and rom my phone and i messed up now i cant get it back to just normal functionality.
I downloaded a custom rom and installed twrp 2.6 recover. I flashed a rom and when i started it i only noticed that it was for a Galaxy s2. I could not get out of the setup so it ran and failed. After that i have had the problem that the phone boots fine and goes into any app and has full
functionality until i set it down and the phone locks itself, then the lag is so huge i have to restart my phone to get anything done.
I have tried flashing the correct Omega v13 rom and does the same. Also dit the same with the backup that i made with TWRP before i did the first flash.
Also i tried to get it back to the stock firmware using the following guides.
DroidViews | How to Unbrick Your Bricked Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500, GT-I9505, SCH-I545
How to Unroot and Restore Official Stock Firmware for Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 & GT-I9505 | WhatsWithTech.
I have flashed it and done every step correctly but when it boots the first time the whole touch screen doesnt react only the return and home keys work on first startup. If i restart the phone at this point (Just flashed stock firmware re partition with PIT file and new stock kernel) i can complete it but the same problem persists
Please tell me someone can help me fix this screwup.
I have a GT- I9500 Octacore international with Jellybean 4.2.2
This is the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active forum (meaning the I9295 International version/I537 US AT&T only model), not the Galaxy S4 (I9500/I9505/etc) forum which is located here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2162
Good luck with the problem(s) you're having, however.

Note 3 unuccessful downgrade from kit kat 4.4.2 to Jelly bean 4.3

Greetings
This is the last resort as I know there is plenty of info on here for everyone's questions but at the minute i'm boggled!
I have the note 3 / gt - n9005 UK version.
I went from stock 4.3 to 4.4.2 then to the more recent 4.4.2 update a few weeks back.
I subsequently rooted the latest 4.4.2 without hiccups.
So this activated the Knox 0x1 warranty issue ( no big concern right ? )
I found 4.4.2 to be problematic i.e unable to write to SD card without the SD card write app from google stores.
Also I found I couldn't transfer folders or files from the root of the phone onto my desktop!
So in my moment of wisdom I chose to try and downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.3
Having downloaded the original stock 4.3 rom from sam mobile I tried to flash to the phone using odin............no joy
Having done some more research I read that once you have updated to 4.4.2 there is NO going back.........true or false ???
So remembering how clever you boys and girls are on here I decided to read a few threads and came across:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461929&nocache=1
Pretty amazing stuff.....however I tried both options using the stock rom pre rooted with no knox and for phones knox 0x01 and then also tried the philz flashable zip roms.
To no avail, none of them worked for me personally and I wanted to know why ?
I go to recovery mode having installed philz touch latest version and clean and wipe the personal data and dalvik caches. Tried to install the zip from sd card, it installs and says enjoy.................but doesnt boot up ?
The odin version installs and then gets stuck in the recovery booting mode ??
Can anyone clarify any methods to remedy this method to downgrade to jelly bean 4.3 on a note 3 having already had kit kat 4.4.2 rooted ?
Many thanks for reading and any help in advance :angel:
You cannot downgrade......
Sent from komsa's Air
tsam19 said:
Greetings
This is the last resort as I know there is plenty of info on here for everyone's questions but at the minute i'm boggled!
I have the note 3 / gt - n9005 UK version.
I went from stock 4.3 to 4.4.2 then to the more recent 4.4.2 update a few weeks back.
I subsequently rooted the latest 4.4.2 without hiccups.
So this activated the Knox 0x1 warranty issue ( no big concern right ? )
I found 4.4.2 to be problematic i.e unable to write to SD card without the SD card write app from google stores.
Also I found I couldn't transfer folders or files from the root of the phone onto my desktop!
So in my moment of wisdom I chose to try and downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.3
Having downloaded the original stock 4.3 rom from sam mobile I tried to flash to the phone using odin............no joy
Having done some more research I read that once you have updated to 4.4.2 there is NO going back.........true or false ???
So remembering how clever you boys and girls are on here I decided to read a few threads and came across:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461929&nocache=1
Pretty amazing stuff.....however I tried both options using the stock rom pre rooted with no knox and for phones knox 0x01 and then also tried the philz flashable zip roms.
To no avail, none of them worked for me personally and I wanted to know why ?
I go to recovery mode having installed philz touch latest version and clean and wipe the personal data and dalvik caches. Tried to install the zip from sd card, it installs and says enjoy.................but doesnt boot up ?
The odin version installs and then gets stuck in the recovery booting mode ??
Can anyone clarify any methods to remedy this method to downgrade to jelly bean 4.3 on a note 3 having already had kit kat 4.4.2 rooted ?
Many thanks for reading and any help in advance :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% you cannot downgrade to jelly bean. you are stuck on kitkat forever.. :fingers-crossed:
As far as I know, only Canadian version can downgrade. For some reason that I didn't really care to research.
I did the same thing as you. I didn't like KitKat and tried to downgrade.
It doesn't work. We are stuck on KitKat. . .

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

S5 recovery 20$ min read all please. I'm desperate

- Intro
- Done and searched so far
- My Questions. (Jump to the end unless you think I haven't search prior )
- Bounty
INTRO
Hey guys. I'm french Canadian (please understand my bad written )
and thanks to the phone I choosed (s5 active g870w telus)
I'm becoming pretty much bilingual I've checked all over
around The Web and over this forum. And can't find an accurate
answer . I know I picked the wrong phone for rooting but
as a construction worker it was a good compromise.
DONE AND SEARCHED
My Samsung Galaxy s5 Active g870w from Telus
is still on 4.4.2 since there is no and there will not be
any update for a while.
I managed to used the g900w8 version of
Chain fire auto root method using Odin 3.09
to get roots.
I have also succès to flash Unity 2.0.1 rom.
So far I figured that my version can count as
the Canadian version of the s5 small g900w8. (I may be wrong)
I found a stock Firmware (that accualy make my
lies in russian ) Wich I used a lot lately due to all
my soft brick.
My goal is to be able to upgrade to a nice custom rom
on lollipop. I was hoping Fusion. And as for the recovery
TWRP would be my choice if it was possible.
Now I am stuck trying to install TWRP. I have followed
multiple guide. I have tried to install from TWRP manager
the version 2.8.6.0 klte. I have tried 3 times and after the app
installation I tried to reboot to recovery using Quick boot,
i always end up in Odin mode.
I then tried to install using Odin flashing the same version
Downloaded from TWRP.me site. Then it let me load into
my stock version. Then if I try to reboot in recovery
it still stock.
I even tried to use safestrap both version at&t and Verizon
and both soft bricked me.
I have read or scan about every thread and none talk about
S5 a g870w. Beside the att version Wich are locked.
QUESTIONS
My Questions and I really beg for answers even if
You have only 1 answer.
1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
BOUNTY
It might not be much but I offer a 20$ minimum bounty for who ever
take me outta this non ending bulls*"t.
Thanks guys. And please I swear I have search and read a lot
just Google my model number and you'll always end up on me
Searching and I seems to be the only one g870w talking about
recovery or custom rom. All I found is how to root...
Jon
1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
No, it is different flashing anything that isn't designed for your exact model number ( even the AT&T ones which are one letter different) won't work.
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
No, only firmwares for your exact phone will work without someone modifying something specific for you.
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
Flashing any other model number but your own risks bootloop/bricking as they although look similar can have different firmware partitions amongst other things.
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
If someone can have a look at TWRP is possible that they can make a version work for you: ideally I would say with it being so difficult as so few have your model I would go to stock: root and use xposed, and leave the rest.
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
Sure, happy to help but don't know how much can help when you are trying firmwares for different versions.
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
Unless someone has made I've for your model type I doubt it.
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
Yeah unfortunately this is quite likely.
thanks for taking the time.
Now I'll go private with you for personal things.
but before maybe few extra questions will help the very few others in
the same painful situation.
about compatibility you answered no.
What made me search so bad is that I've seen
other members(g870a) claiming they we're using
g900 roms I'll search for a link.
-Does it mean even tho its risky or
it means that American version have more luck ?
-am I still able to use a recovery like safestrap?
-can I hang myself?
- and if I'd like to have TWRP and a know custom rom
would it be a lot of works for Des.
Is it "askable" are some working for money?
I hate stuck to death I miss my note 3 like crazy. .. damn

Need help with a galaxy s4 gt-i9505

Hi everyone,
just a long-time forum-lurker in the dark here, now I'm here asking for help to restore my galaxy s4.
Here's the story:
gt-i9505 no brand, italian official firmware 4.4.4 (kitkat), never updated, only used towelroot to gain rood adn unistall couple of unused apps.
everything worked fine
Then i decided to upgrade to lollipop.
downloaded last samsung lollipop rom for my phone from sammobile, made a full backup via TWRP Recovery, and installed lollipop via Odin.
Then the nightmare begun :
1st problem, no modem, no connection, only wifi, i restored EFS, still not working, reinstalled modem via odin and then i got my imei and connection again.
2) think i've tried to change the rom to a custom downloaded here (i don't even remember the name), then i tried couple other roms.
this as far as i remember
Now the phone has a samsung original lollipop rom, wifi won't turn on, data not working, knox status is obviously altered (so i cannot restore it via kies or whatever the software name is now) BUT It overheats a lot after few minutes and i'm forced to shut it off to not damage it.
I'd like to restore it to a full working condition, i think i've messed up with bootloaders, modems and roms from different android versions.
can anyone help ?
Current status is
model : gt-i9505
android security patch : 2016:11-01
Baseband version : I9505XXUGNK2
kernel version : 3.4.0-5978264 [email protected] #1 Wed Nov 16 19:05:34 KST 206
build version : LRX22C.I9505XXUPK2
Android SE state : enforcin SEPF_GT-i9505_5.0.1-1_0070 Wed Nov 19:10:21 2016
SEcure Boot status Type:SAmsung
Knox VErsion 2.3
Hey, @dokrobei
Take a look on my Guide.
You need the guide clean install from the scratch. Please read it carefully till the end. There avaible links with all necessary stuff like modem/bootloaders/stock rom-firmware/recommend customs roms etc.
Hi @Retrial, thanks for the answer..
I've managed to reinstall stock KitKat 4.4.2 and working modem drivers, following another tutorial here. Now Wi-Fi, 3g and bt works fine, BUT the phone overheats a lot. It's not a battery problem and sure it's software related 'cause it wasn't like this before my stupid first attempt to upgrade to lollipop.
I've searched the forum for the overtheating near the flash zone problem, some say that is a microsd problem (wich I removed), some other that's a battery problem (wich is not in my case).
Do you think I should start from scratch again following your guide? IHow do I know wich modem / bootloader is right for my phone? I think the problem is there, maybe wrong modem version..
dokrobei said:
Hi @Retrial, thanks for the answer..
I've managed to reinstall stock KitKat 4.4.2 and working modem drivers, following another tutorial here. Now Wi-Fi, 3g and bt works fine, BUT the phone overheats a lot. It's not a battery problem and sure it's software related 'cause it wasn't like this before my stupid first attempt to upgrade to lollipop.
I've searched the forum for the overtheating near the flash zone problem, some say that is a microsd problem (wich I removed), some other that's a battery problem (wich is not in my case).
Do you think I should start from scratch again following your guide? IHow do I know wich modem / bootloader is right for my phone? I think the problem is there, maybe wrong modem version..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all there is no need to still be on KitKat...a lot of apps don't support Kitkat nowdays...and is outdated.
I will recommend first to proper upgrade to Lollipop stock and then use some of the latest android Pie Custom JDC Roms by following my complete guide. As I said above there is a full guide with links and very well explained steps. The latest Firmware for our S4 i9505 is QK1 - No matter which country you will choose, and it's recommened to have the latest. Just read it carefully till the end and check the asterisks.
The overheating it may be no compatible Modem/Bootloader since you messed up with Lollipop. To check what Modem and Bootloder you can simply install "Device HW Info" or "Phone Info" app and check.
Let me know how it goes, and if you have any question or problem feel free to ask. Good Luck :fingers-crossed:
Retrial said:
First of all there is no need to still be on KitKat...a lot of apps don't support Kitkat nowdays...and is outdated.
I will recommend first to proper upgrade to Lollipop stock and then use some of the latest android Pie Custom JDC Roms by following my complete guide. As I said above there is a full guide with links and very well explained steps. The latest Firmware for our S4 i9505 is QK1 - No matter which country you will choose, and it's recommened to have the latest. Just read it carefully till the end and check the asterisks.
The overheating it may be no compatible Modem/Bootloader since you messed up with Lollipop. To check what Modem and Bootloder you can simply install "Device HW Info" or "Phone Info" app and check.
Let me know how it goes, and if you have any question or problem feel free to ask. Good Luck :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok,so
downloaded latest italian rom wich is I9505XXUHPK2_I9505ITVHPL1_ITV from sammobile and installed it via odin.
installed compatible bootloader and modemas per your guide (PK2)
rebooted to check if everything was working using stock before going to custom...and...
it started overheating as soon as i tuned on wifi. i only managed to install phoneinfo to check wich modem i have as you suggested, then i had to turn the phone off it off cause it became reeally hot and i thought i could break it. modem chip is "mdm9215m". any suggestion? maybe i should try to instale all the lollipop modems / bootloaders from your post...
dokrobei said:
ok,so
downloaded latest italian rom wich is I9505XXUHPK2_I9505ITVHPL1_ITV from sammobile and installed it via odin.
installed compatible bootloader and modemas per your guide (PK2)
rebooted to check if everything was working using stock before going to custom...and...
it started overheating as soon as i tuned on wifi. i only managed to install phoneinfo to check wich modem i have as you suggested, then i had to turn the phone off it off cause it became reeally hot and i thought i could break it. modem chip is "mdm9215m". any suggestion? maybe i should try to instale all the lollipop modems / bootloaders from your post...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After every flash the device become hot. Let the rom settle for a while.
If you have PK2 Firmware then you need PK2 Modem and Bootloader. So no, don't try other modem/bootloader.
Retrial said:
After every flash the device become hot. Let the rom settle for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed it last night and checked if it was working this morning. I'm sure the high temps are not related to the usage or to the battery. It become hot eachtime i turn on wifi. Havent tried with data but I think it will be the same thing.

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