[Q] Just upgraded from a Nexus 5, I have a few questions! - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hows everyone doing! I just sold my Nexus 5 and picked up a At&t GS5 for use on Straight Talk, I'm really liking the device so far and its a nice change from stock android (Previously used a G-nex, N4 and N5).
This is my first 'locked' device in awhile and I've been out of the Samsung loop for awhile, I appreciate any input you guys have. I'm currently at work and can't do too much researching yet.
Anyway, the device I picked up was at 4.4.2 and I rooted it with Towelroot. I know the newest software is 4.4.4 and I would like to know how to upgrade and still keep root.
I would also like to know how to manage the LED from a system level, I would prefer not having an app running in the background causing wakelocks (like lightflow does). All I really want is it to pulse faster so I can leave it on my desk in silent mode and just peek at it from time to time.
I appreciate everyone's input!

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[Q] 4.2 rooted or 4.4 update?

So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own both an I337 and an M919 and, given the flexibility of the M919, I was able to try both official and leaked 4.4 TW releases mainly for the I9505. Based on those experiences I would say take the update. 4.4 update should be noticeably faster.
In regard to keeping root, I'm hoping SuperSu Pro's Survival mode works.
I'd say go with the update if you don't care about root. The only problem is Knox is more locked down, also more bloat/crap ware on the new update. I do love the camera on the lockscreen, plus the album artwork on the lock screen is a big + for me. I don't know if art is implemented into the gs4 but it does make a difference but the only thing is, is that most apps are not optimized for it yet.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda premium
So should I revert the few changes I have done? IE, I've killed startup apps with ES Task Manager and (obviously) disabled the software update checker.
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
As far as experience goes, I say wait and keep your options open. I like the freedom of a clean rom, free from bloat and clutter of apps that i dont use. Not to mention a battery life that exceeds far beyond a regular un-rooted device. Visit the numerous threads of other people's experiences. I'm rooted and have been able to try out different rooms from 4.2 to 4.4. Accepting an ota will unroot your device without anyway of reverting back. Good luck with your decision.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on the not locked down version, then you shouldn't take the update. It will lock your bootloader and that device will never see an AOSP ROM again. You should wait for something like StockUp to be updated to the new 4.4 or use any of the many other 4.4 ROMs available. If you really want to get one with the stock update and locked bootloaders, I'm sure someone would love to trade.
aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We were able to get the MK2 tar files rather quickly after the OTA release and will hopefully be able to get the 4.4 tars just as quickly. If that's the case you will be able to flash all partitions, except the bootloader, to run the 4.4 ROM and keep your unlocked bootloader. I would not give up the unlocked bootloader if I were you.
scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
crazy_dragonlady said:
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
jd1639 said:
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
crazy_dragonlady said:
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't but it works fine on att. Very easy to root and mod. No locked bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 5
John The Rhino said:
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
scottiemedic said:
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, no worries. The reality is I would much rather play with my kids (if I had any) than an electronic device. So it's nice to know your priorities are right. There's few picture worthy moments we get from our phones, but kids provide such memories constantly. For everyday use, stock is fine & was for me for a little while. You are doing the right thing by waiting until you know more before you do something wrong & brick your phone. This is the place where you can learn how to root, install Safestrap recovery & flash incredible custom rom on your mf3 S4 when you are ready.

(Soon to be) New TMO G2 owner

Just have a few questions and concerns about moving to this phone, figured I'd give it a shot and see what the collective group thought...
Background: Coming from a GS3 (T999L LTE model) and avid hater of KNOX and stupid warranty bit tripping issues, lock outs and general d*cking around the device manufacturer does to the device to make tinkering next to impossible. I understand there is a similar situation with the G2, and also understand there *might* be ways to work around it?
1. Seeing as the new OTA has gone live for the G2 on Tmo, how likely is it that I'll receive a new unit with the update on it?
1a. If I get one without the latest update, how easy is it to then root/custom recovery/update retaining all of those​2. I'm perfectly cool using the stock ROM, I mostly just root for debloating and ad-blocking (I love supporting devs, some don't have ad-less options though). How much bloat might I encounter and are they easily disabled (without need for root).
3. Are there any goofy folder setups in the internal SD card? (meaning on the GS3, once you went to 4.3 it changed the layout to /sdcard/0/DCIM versus the original /sdcard/DCIM)
4. I've grown very accustomed to using the volume rocker to change tracks when I'm in the car, so I don't have to look down for the next arrow...Is this an option that is baked in or will I need to use Xposed?
4a. Is Xposed working on the latest official ROM? I've seen people having it working and others saying it doesnt​5. I really want a wallet style case for my device, nothing special, maybe 2 slots to carry a burner debit card (I'm notorious for forgetting my wallet and want to carry a card with my phone since I never forget it). What would you recommend? I've seen the Poetic Flipbook (http://goo.gl/eGf0XL) and feel like it would be a good fit for what I'm looking for...Thoughts?
Thanks for your time, can't wait to jump ship to the G2!
thetolsonator said:
Just have a few questions and concerns about moving to this phone, figured I'd give it a shot and see what the collective group thought...
Background: Coming from a GS3 (T999L LTE model) and avid hater of KNOX and stupid warranty bit tripping issues, lock outs and general d*cking around the device manufacturer does to the device to make tinkering next to impossible. I understand there is a similar situation with the G2, and also understand there *might* be ways to work around it?
1. Seeing as the new OTA has gone live for the G2 on Tmo, how likely is it that I'll receive a new unit with the update on it?
1a. If I get one without the latest update, how easy is it to then root/custom recovery/update retaining all of those​2. I'm perfectly cool using the stock ROM, I mostly just root for debloating and ad-blocking (I love supporting devs, some don't have ad-less options though). How much bloat might I encounter and are they easily disabled (without need for root).
3. Are there any goofy folder setups in the internal SD card? (meaning on the GS3, once you went to 4.3 it changed the layout to /sdcard/0/DCIM versus the original /sdcard/DCIM)
4. I've grown very accustomed to using the volume rocker to change tracks when I'm in the car, so I don't have to look down for the next arrow...Is this an option that is baked in or will I need to use Xposed?
4a. Is Xposed working on the latest official ROM? I've seen people having it working and others saying it doesnt​5. I really want a wallet style case for my device, nothing special, maybe 2 slots to carry a burner debit card (I'm notorious for forgetting my wallet and want to carry a card with my phone since I never forget it). What would you recommend? I've seen the Poetic Flipbook (http://goo.gl/eGf0XL) and feel like it would be a good fit for what I'm looking for...Thoughts?
Thanks for your time, can't wait to jump ship to the G2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well lets begin-
1)about it coming wit the update I would not know I'd say 50/50 chance(if it's on the latest 4.4.2 it is not rootable you would have to flash back to 4.2.2 using this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432476 then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2673736 to get to kit kat with root and custom recovery)
2)yes each variant has it's amount of bloat but some are worse than others and it can be easily be removed except for the ciq which can be disabled on 4.2.2 but on kk it's giving issues
3)yes it is sdcard/0/dcim
4)I grew used to that feature two but I have not looked for a replacement but iknow g2 exposed has that option but until xposed framework gets updated to 2.5 it will not work on kitkat but works without issues on 4.2.2
5)as for case I use spigen so I don't have any recommendations but check out the g2 accessories thread and you can find help there and look through the stuf that has been reviewed already
yea it's an awesome phone
To be honest the g2 is and awesome device but the nexus 5 comes with no bloat and is stock android out of the box g2 is a great device but get its more bugfree twin nexus 5 is prob around the same price as the g2 and your going to T-Mobile I would go with nexus 5
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk

Stock / Non Annoying Android?

Hi,
I'm a longtime iOS user that just bought a galaxy s5 to see if it was good for me, I however have been disappointed because of all the annoying software that comes preloaded that slows the phone down, I tried out a nexus 5 and loved it however I had received the international version which wouldn't work with Sprint, so I thought I'd try the S5 and I like it except I wish it was more like the nexus 5(non-laggy, etc...) so now I'm curious...is there anything out there that will turn the sgs5 basically into stock Android like nexus 5? How do I install them? I couldn't find any reliables build on cyanogenmod nor could I figure out how to backup in case I wanted to revert back to standard android that came with it...I don't know if I put enough research into finding what I'm looking for but I googled and read stuff that I didn't quite understand most of the day. Any help would be very appreciated.
Sorry to ask such a dumb question to those who are going to troll.
Search XDA for s5 debloat or similar, it will give you a list of what can be removed, and I think there are some debloat tools as well.
Try this on for size should be right up your alley http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2857451
..

[Q] Know that I want to, but not what I want.

Hey,
Like the title states, I know that I want to root my Note 4 (SM-N910G), I know that I want to do it to get rid of the crap that comes pre-installed. I also know I want to try and improve the battery life that has been decimated by updating to 5.0.1 and I also know I want access to app ops (this I want almost above all else).
What I want to know is, would I be better off searching for guides and such on loading custom roms? Or just rooting and staying with Lollipop?
Regards,
inpraiseofbacchus
Inpraiseofbacchus said:
Hey,
Like the title states, I know that I want to root my Note 4 (SM-N910G), I know that I want to do it to get rid of the crap that comes pre-installed. I also know I want to try and improve the battery life that has been decimated by updating to 5.0.1 and I also know I want access to app ops (this I want almost above all else).
What I want to know is, would I be better off searching for guides and such on loading custom roms? Or just rooting and staying with Lollipop?
Regards,
inpraiseofbacchus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
i basically have same attitude as you. Rooting and enjoying Lollipop. Anyway, i rooted my N910F snap a few hours after i got it way back in October 2014 and have not looked back. I prefer to have control over my devices.... be it a pc /laptop or phone ! I am on lollipop and enjoying it. My device is "tuned"
good(according to me.. apart from one or 2 small "bugs"..eg. recent button lag etc) Battery usage is very good, very smooth overall etc. I have counted my " rooted apps " that have permission to run and its about 20 apps n all !
So overall my life, with devices is made much easier, with rooting and using apps like direct Data Toggle or Toggle Network apps (switching between LTE only or LTE /3G or 3G only)
So i would say for me rooting and enjoy Lollipop..!
good luck
willcor said:
hi,
i basically have same attitude as you. Rooting and enjoying Lollipop. Anyway, i rooted my N910F snap a few hours after i got it way back in October 2014 and have not looked back. I prefer to have control over my devices.... be it a pc /laptop or phone ! I am on lollipop and enjoying it. My device is "tuned"
good(according to me.. apart from one or 2 small "bugs"..eg. recent button lag etc) Battery usage is very good, very smooth overall etc. I have counted my " rooted apps " that have permission to run and its about 20 apps n all !
So overall my life, with devices is made much easier, with rooting and using apps like direct Data Toggle or Toggle Network apps (switching between LTE only or LTE /3G or 3G only)
So i would say for me rooting and enjoy Lollipop..!
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up rooting easily enough, enjoyed all the freedom that rooting provides. I ended up installing something I think (after I installed it) was a bit suspicious so now I have installed TWRP and will completely wipe it, install the stock firmware and root all over again.

Need to update from KitKat 4.4.4

Hi all,
I've got a developers edition Galaxy Note 4 that I bought directly from Samsung 7ish years ago and it's still my daily driver. I rooted it immediately upon getting it and have never updated it past the KitKat version of Android that it came with. I rely on Google Voice and just got a message saying that Voice would soon stop running on KitKat so I need to upgrade my version of Android.
I've been out of the scene for a long time (as evidenced by my still using a 7 year old phone) so I'm looking for advice on a ROM to move to. My requirements are:
Must have root.
Must support Google Voice
Battery life is very important to me. This is one of the main reasons I stayed with KitKat. When later versions came out people were reporting much worse battery life. Not sure if this is still the case.
Must support s-pen. I use this quite frequently.
I prefer to stay with something close to stock. I don't need flashy 3D launcher effects of anything. I've got a Galaxy Tab S7+ and I'm familiar with (and like) recent versions of Samsung's UI.
GPS must be functional. I use Maps and Waze for navigation same need to continue. This probably won't be an issue, but I mention it because I remember some ROMS having trouble with this years ago.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It's been so long since I've done this stuff I don't remember where to start. In addition to being rooted, I've got what is probably a very old version (2.8.1.1) of TWRP installed. Not sure if it would matter, but I'm also still on one of Verizon's old truly unlimited plans.
I've been doing some research and unless anyone here has a better idea I'm guessing the best move for me would be to upgrade to one of the official Android 6 builds that Samsung released for this phone. From what I gather, custom ROMs do not fully support the S-pen. Is that correct?
Do any pre-rooted versions of the Samsung 6.0.1 release exist that I could flash with my existing version of TWRP? I've seen some discussion of updating bootloaders but I'm not really sure what that's all about. Like I said, it's been many years since I've done this stuff.
Any and all advice and instruction and links appreciated.
I'd leave it be and ditch Gookill Voice... enjoy the better battery life.
blackhawk said:
I'd leave it be and ditch Gookill Voice... enjoy the better battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would, but I've used Google Voice for everything. In all these years I've never given anyone my actual carrier phone number. They've all gotten my Google Voice number.
I'm glad you left your comment though. It reminded me that battery life getting worse was one of the reasons I never did the update.
Not real sure what I'm going to do. I might just limp along as it is for a month and maybe buy the Galaxy Fold 3 when it comes out.
I use the a Custom ROM which is Android 6.0.1 for my SM-N910P called Q15_Plus_TidBits_VB3.0.1. So far I get about 14 hours on the battery with average use, and that is without using the battery saving modes. It is stable, and quite honestly runs everything (including Google Voice which I rely on). The only complaint I can think of is that I don't have a 'power button flashlight' feature installed.
Unidave199 said:
I use the a Custom ROM which is Android 6.0.1 for my SM-N910P called Q15_Plus_TidBits_VB3.0.1. So far I get about 14 hours on the battery with average use, and that is without using the battery saving modes. It is stable, and quite honestly runs everything (including Google Voice which I rely on). The only complaint I can think of is that I don't have a 'power button flashlight' feature installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds great! Does this rom maintain support for the s-pen?
hacksaw999 said:
That sounds great! Does this rom maintain support for the s-pen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure does!

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