[Q] Upgrade SGH I337 to Andriod kitkat - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Hello,
I have samsung SGH I337 phone and its not rooted. I bought this phone in Sep 13 and unlocked with some code. Currently its stuck at 4.2.2. and I want to upgrade the phone to latest 4.4.* . As I unlocked the phone, this stopped getting update from ATT and dont show any available updates.
Can someone share the process to upgrade to latest kitkat ?

First, if you're on mdb or mdl firmware you might want to reconsider upgrading. If you are you have the ability to use twrp or cwm custom recoveries and easily flash roms
But if you still want to go ahead and update then flash the nb1 tar file in Odin http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
This will wipe your device so backup anything on your internal sdcard. You will not lose the sim unlock.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

My S4 build number is JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL.
Forgive my ignorance but can you tell me what is the significance of mdb or mdl firmware. Also does upgrading the Android would create any issues on my phone.
Need one more information on Kitkat version i.e. which kitkat version is stable and has no issues.

sanstorm1979 said:
My S4 build number is JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL.
Forgive my ignorance but can you tell me what is the significance of mdb or mdl firmware. Also does upgrading the Android would create any issues on my phone.
Need one more information on Kitkat version i.e. which kitkat version is stable and has no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on mdl firmware. There are users here who would love to be on that firmware version. Being on mdl allows you to run custom recoveries. With newer firmware you can only use safestrap as a custom recovery which limits what you can flash.
Edit, once you go to nb1 firmware you will not be able to go back to mdl.
But you said you're not rooted and have not run custom recoveries. So if that is not important to you then flashing the nb1 firmware will up grade you to 4.4.2 kk.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

sanstorm1979 said:
My S4 build number is JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL.
Forgive my ignorance but can you tell me what is the significance of mdb or mdl firmware. Also does upgrading the Android would create any issues on my phone.
Need one more information on Kitkat version i.e. which kitkat version is stable and has no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you upgrade to 4.4.4, and want to flash custom roms you'll have to use safe strap. If you keep 4.2.2 you can flash 4.4 roms also. I wouldn't recommend updating, but it's your choice.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You're on mdl firmware. There are users here who would love to be on that firmware version. Being on mdl allows you to run custom recoveries. With newer firmware you can only use safestrap as a custom recovery which limits what you can flash.
Edit, once you go to nb1 firmware you will not be able to go back to mdl.
But you said you're not rooted and have not run custom recoveries. So if that is not important to you then flashing the nb1 firmware will up grade you to 4.4.2 kk.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am on the mf3 firmware.i want to upgrade to 4.4.2 whats the best way.have been reading on this for 2 weeks it just keeps getting confusing.

Related

[Q] Is rooting needed prior to downgrade stock firmware to previous version (stock)?

Hello,
I have tried to downgarde S4 i337m Bell Canada from 4.3 to 4.2.2. Sam Mobile version - and the flash crashes at 2% (fails) using ODIN. Using Odin I can flash back to 4.3 and it works.
Is this an issue with the firmware file itself, or do I need to root and prep the phone in any other way?
I think the file is the cause, I don't see how the Phone's 4.3 would 'block' the flash.
Thanks,
mfreeman3769 said:
Hello,
I have tried to downgarde S4 i337m Bell Canada from 4.3 to 4.2.2. Sam Mobile version - and the flash crashes at 2% (fails) using ODIN. Using Odin I can flash back to 4.3 and it works.
Is this an issue with the firmware file itself, or do I need to root and prep the phone in any other way?
I think the file is the cause, I don't see how the Phone's 4.3 would 'block' the flash.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is ALL S4's that took the updates to 4.3 and IF you try flashing back from 4.3 to 4.2.2 you can brick your phone. Check out the international S4 forums and see these results. The bootloaders do NOT ALLOW going backwards any longer. The same thing is happening on the S3's that updated to 4.3 as well. At least with the S3's they can still get a custom recovery and flash any Roms, including 4.2.2 based Roms that do not flash bootloaders.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
I thought you could on the 1337m.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Use mobile odin and flash the old firmware. MobileOdin does not flash bootloaders. Also I have seen 4.3 bootloader mixed with 4.2.2 firmware disables wifi for some reason.
Let us know how it goes.
Mobile Odin not working in 4.3 ....
SaHiLzZ said:
Use mobile odin and flash the old firmware. MobileOdin does not flash bootloaders. Also I have seen 4.3 bootloader mixed with 4.2.2 firmware disables wifi for some reason.
Let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Latest Update for AT&T I337?

I need latest update for Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T I337 model as I live outside USA and for some reason when I click on Software Update (Settings -> About device) nothing happens.
Below is the details for Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T I337 phone
Model Number - SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Android Version - 4.3
Baseband version - I337UCUAMDL
Kernel version - 3.4.0_StockUp_tw_4.3
Build Number - StockUp MJ6 v1.1
I need some guidance on how I can update my phone to the latest updates that is available for AT&T I337 model
Look forward to getting some tips and guidance on this matter
Search for mk2 tar files
jd1639 said:
Search for mk2 tar files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the required file from this forum which was redirected to another download site as shown below
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407566574
Do you I use the following instructiuon that is found in this forum
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279
1.POWER OFF YOUR PHONE AND GO TO DOWNLOAD/ODIN MODE ( VOLDOWN+HOME+POWER)
2.DOWNLOAD ODIN (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2537619&d=1390629800) AND MAKE SURE U HAVE THE LATEST DRIVER INSTALL FROM SAMSUNG KIES
3.DOWNLOAD AND EXTRACT I337MK2_Combined_Odin_Tar FILES
4.START ODIN AND FOLLOW IN ORDER WHERE EACH FILE SHOULD GO INTO ODIN SLOT....
I need confirmation if the above instruction is correct to get the latest update for Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T i337 model?
You're currently on mdl firmware. This firmware allows you to put on a custom recovery and flash roms. Are you sure you want to update? You will no longer have the ability to put on a custom recovery.
jd1639 said:
You're currently on mdl firmware. This firmware allows you to put on a custom recovery and flash roms. Are you sure you want to update? You will no longer have the ability to put on a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well not interested in custom recovery as long as I get the latest update that looks like offical Samsung Galaxy S4 updates for i337 model. Will I be getting latest update for future updates?
userS4i337 said:
Well not interested in custom recovery as long as I get the latest update that looks like offical Samsung Galaxy S4 updates for i337 model. Will I be getting latest update for future updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes to all your question.....i337MK2 tar md5 contain 4 seperated files ( first released ) follow the image guide where u have to place into ODIN SLOT ....the one that said combined ALL IN ONE ( newest released ) mean that u just flash into PDA ODIN SLOT ONLY.....just follow that guide on second post it would get u to latest ATT MK2 4.3 firmware. But like @jd1639 said with MDL firmware u can install anything even 4.4.2 rom and also there is alot of custom stock rom without ATT bloatware out there that u can install .....goodluck and PM me if u need more help. FYI if u got helped by someone please hit THANK button to show your appreciation ....:good::good:
I'll update my S4 to the latest update and you can send me yours. I'd kill for mdl firmware...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-1337 using Tapatalk
That is my another question regarding ATT bloatware? Will the combined TAR file contain the ATT bloatware?
Is there a way I can remove the ATT bloatware after I have upgraded the phone, as I find the ATT bloatware annoying
userS4i337 said:
That is my another question regarding ATT bloatware? Will the combined TAR file contain the ATT bloatware?
Is there a way I can remove the ATT bloatware after I have upgraded the phone, as I find the ATT bloatware annoying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it contains all the bloatware, another reason not to upgrade and flash custom roms.
Edit, it has not been mentioned yet but one you upgrade you can not go back to a previous firmware.
When I upgrade to MK2, does this mean I will need to perform factory reset and all my existing app will be gone or will the app remain on the phone even after the upgrade.
I will do the backup before the upgrade but at the moment when I connect the Phone to the PC, it would mot pick up so maybe I will need the latest software driver, is that correct? I have the same problem with Kies which does not recognise when phone is connected.
Any suggestion would be great.
userS4i337 said:
When I upgrade to MK2, does this mean I will need to perform factory reset and all my existing app will be gone or will the app remain on the phone even after the upgrade.
I will do the backup before the upgrade but at the moment when I connect the Phone to the PC, it would mot pick up so maybe I will need the latest software driver, is that correct? I have the same problem with Kies which does not recognise when phone is connected.
Any suggestion would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you Odin I believe you lose everything anyway.
rbedell said:
When you Odin I believe you lose everything anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not always, most times a factory reset is needed to clear the phone of old apps and data. Root, is lost, but apps that require root can still be present which can become a problem when root is no longer available.
A friend of mine has a rooted MDL firmware s4 and wants a rooted stock version of the latest update. Can someone please provide a link to the latest flashable stock ROM for the att s4? Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Henrock11 said:
A friend of mine has a rooted MDL firmware s4 and wants a rooted stock version of the latest update. Can someone please provide a link to the latest flashable stock ROM for the att s4? Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why doesn't your friend flash a custom rom instead
He wants a stock touchwiz ROM. If their is a custom ROM based on the latest firmware then by all means direct me to it and I'll flash that for him. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Henrock11 said:
He wants a stock touchwiz ROM. If their is a custom ROM based on the latest firmware then by all means direct me to it and I'll flash that for him. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's on mdl which allows a custom recovery and easy flashing of roms. If he upgrades to mk2, the latest, he'll lose that ability. Try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47713264
Right, we have a custom recovery and an unlocked boot loader and I flashed an older build of that Google edition ROM, but he just really wants the ability to move his apps2sd. I didn't see a mention of the apps2sd feature in the change logs. Thanks for replying so quickly.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

[Q] MDL Firmware

Currently have a AT&T S4 rooted with MDL firmware. I have flashed other 4.3 loki roms without any problems (using Goldeneye 20 now). From the reading that I have done on the forums, it is my understanding that certain roms require a newer firmware version, for example, Hyperdrive. Is that a correct statement? If so, will that continue to be the trend with later releases? Can anyone provide any additional information to help me understand this better? Thanks in advance!
beefwilliams said:
Currently have a AT&T S4 rooted with MDL firmware. I have flashed other 4.3 loki roms without any problems (using Goldeneye 20 now). From the reading that I have done on the forums, it is my understanding that certain roms require a newer firmware version, for example, Hyperdrive. Is that a correct statement? If so, will that continue to be the trend with later releases? Can anyone provide any additional information to help me understand this better? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For MDL, that does not apply. Basically people with MF3+ phones need to upgrade to 4.3 to have 4.3 ROMs. All you need to do is continue to use loki and never upgrade your bootloaders.
DeadlySin9 said:
For MDL, that does not apply. Basically people with MF3+ phones need to upgrade to 4.3 to have 4.3 ROMs. All you need to do is continue to use loki and never upgrade your bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless he wants a 4.4.2 rom then he needs the new bootloader....which is locked! so stay away of 4.4.2 for now
Flashing roms (unless stated by OP) will not update your bootloader correct? Since I am one of the lucky ones to have the MDL, I don't want to jeopardize it.
daraj said:
Unless he wants a 4.4.2 rom then he needs the new bootloader....which is locked! so stay away of 4.4.2 for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, he can flash a 4.4.2 ROM with the MDL bootloader as long as he gets a loki 4.4.2 kernel. Otherwise the 4.4.2 Google Edition thread wouldn't get much attention
beefwilliams said:
Flashing roms (unless stated by OP) will not update your bootloader correct? Since I am one of the lucky ones to have the MDL, I don't want to jeopardize it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing ROMs will not touch your bootloaders. Just never take any OTA updates to the stock ROM, and never ODIN any firmware except MDL. OTA updates on custom ROMs will only work in some cases (GE doesn't because they're ported from a different model, Hyperdrive will because it has a specialized system).
I'm MDL on 4.2.2, how did you upgrade to 4.3 but keep your MDL?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Wittyusernametaken said:
I'm MDL on 4.2.2, how did you upgrade to 4.3 but keep your MDL?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the StockUp ROM, it's just MK2 with bloat removed and you can even flash the bloat back on if you want.
DeadlySin9 said:
You can use the StockUp ROM, it's just MK2 with bloat removed and you can even flash the bloat back on if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting yeah, no bloat love here, I've got a metric ton of it frozen with Titanium. I was thinking that the only thing I could try was http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2356276 . I haven't actually flashed any roms yet, only rooted and have twrp. Thank you for the info
I'm on MDL firmware (AT&T) running Hyperdrive RSL13 with KTs kernel. I've had 4.2.2 and 4.4.2 roms on this phone. You can bounce around with no problem. My recovery auto lokis...using shabby penguins recovery.

[Q] S4 / can I downgrade?

I have a S4 on MK2 on AT&T
The fact that I am stuck on TW is depressing. And to top things off AT&T has disabled WIFI tethering, which I was using occasionally.
Is it possible to ODIN back to stock and the firmware the phone came with a year ago?
Is it correct that the originally firmware would allow me to flash Cyanogen / Task etc?
What firmware do I need to get? I understand MF3 is also bad?
You cannot downgrade.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
wavemaster00 said:
I have a S4 on MK2 on AT&T
The fact that I am stuck on TW is depressing. And to top things off AT&T has disabled WIFI tethering, which I was using occasionally.
Is it possible to ODIN back to stock and the firmware the phone came with a year ago?
Is it correct that the originally firmware would allow me to flash Cyanogen / Task etc?
What firmware do I need to get? I understand MF3 is also bad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As stated above, you can't downgrade. You can enable tethering by the thread in the general section and use Safestrap to change to other TW ROMs like Foxhound which has AOSP theming.
Sent from Black<3's I337 running Hyperdrive
You could only downgrade from 4.3 if you were using the leaked 4.3 ROM with the MJB bootloader. The official OTA 4.3 updates cannot be downgraded as Samsung blew a "qfuse" with this major (4.3) update preventing reversion of the bootloader.
However, you can change or downgrade the actual ROM filesystem, provided that you keep your MK2 boot loader in place. That means that you can't revert to a pre 4.3 stock ROM but you can use custom ROMs that are 99% stock while restoring the functionality that you'd like to restore.
.
.

Has anything new come around in the last 6+ months?

4.2.2 / MDL here. I'm rooted to freeze the metric ton of bloatware/greenify/xposed. Didn't get into ROMs because I'm afraid of bricking my only phone.
Been sidelined for several months with health issues, wondering if there's been any new stuff down the pipeline or if I should stay at 4.2.2/MDL? TIA.
Sliced bread has come out. Jk, given the time taken for someone to answer you, nothing new has come out that's earth shaking. Other than new firmware. If everything works for you it probably isn't worth upgrading.
You're on mdl which allows you to flash a number of different roms which you aren't taking advantage of. The latest firmware, nc1, is rootable with towel root. You can flash touch wiz based roms but that doesn't seem to be an interest to you So you might consider updating to nc1 if you want the latest firmware. But many people would like to be in your shoes with mdl firmware.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
If you have root and custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) and want to update to newer firmware I would suggest Sho-Stock-i V7.0 Then you w I uld have the newest firmware without having to use Safestrap and be limited to what you can do with your phone.
I would STAY AWAY from updating to the newest firmware (stock firmware) NC1 as right now you can do ANYTHING you want with your phone. That is why I suggested ShoStock to have the best of both worlds. Personally there is NOT MUCH different between your MDL 4.2.2 firmware and the newest 4.4.2 firmwares. Maybe a little smoother.
Sent From My ATT S3 i747 Dark Blue BadAss Theme
Would reception be better with 4.4.2? We recently took a road trip and on a very long stretch my hubby on 4.4.2 had coverage the whole time while I had 0 service for about 1/2 of the stretch. Other areas he was pulling data fine while my phone showed no service or a G and up and down arrows which was completely new to me. It's bizarre.
RockRatt said:
If you have root and custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) and want to update to newer firmware I would suggest Sho-Stock-i V7.0 Then you w I uld have the newest firmware without having to use Safestrap and be limited to what you can do with your phone.
I would STAY AWAY from updating to the newest firmware (stock firmware) NC1 as right now you can do ANYTHING you want with your phone. That is why I suggested ShoStock to have the best of both worlds. Personally there is NOT MUCH different between your MDL 4.2.2 firmware and the newest 4.4.2 firmwares. Maybe a little smoother.
Sent From My ATT S3 i747 Dark Blue BadAss Theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I have recovery? I only remember rooting, no option for twrp or cwm. Am I hosed now?
Wittyusernametaken said:
I don't think I have recovery? I only remember rooting, no option for twrp or cwm. Am I hosed now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are still in fact on MDL then you can get TWRP or CWM recovery and flash as I stated above. You can use ShoStock-i once you have a custom recovery. First VERIFY you have MDL bootloaders. Then if you do look into "Motochopper +Loki" which will give you the custom recovery. Then flash to ShoStock-i. Then you can flash any of the modems in my thread to find which works best for your phone in your area. Maybe see which "baseband" (baseband=Modem) your husbands phone has (if it is also a i337 S4).
Sent fron I337 Red BadAss Themed ShoStock 7.0
do you have a link for the Sho-Stock-i V7.0? I can't find it? Also would any version of CyanogenMod work? I can't find one that would work without me upgrading to 4.4 if my google searches are correct. Sorry for the delay in replying... health issues are a PITA.
Wittyusernametaken said:
do you have a link for the Sho-Stock-i V7.0? I can't find it? Also would any version of CyanogenMod work? I can't find one that would work without me upgrading to 4.4 if my google searches are correct. Sorry for the delay in replying... health issues are a PITA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do NOT need to update to run ShoStock. Just flash his newest in recovery (TWRP/ cwm/etc.) It will give you the newer firmware of 4.4.2 but NOT give you the 4.4.2 bootloader. So you can always flash back to your MDL stock firmware via odin. Like I said, the best of both worlds. Keeping the bypassed bootloader while running newer firmware. Just use ShoStock 8.1 (NOT THE SAFESTRAP VERSION)

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