Database Users

[Q] Can't go into recovery. May have softbricked.

Hi there. I think I soft-bricked my phone. I am running mf3 firmware on my i337 galaxy s4 and i tried to flash Graviton. I was using safestrap and I, like an idiot, didn't use a romslot and did it over my stock. Seemed to work fine until I actually booted the phone. It can't access wifi and therefore wont go past the find wifi screen. I try to enter recovery but it just keeps going to the download screen. After trying every way I could find I still cant either wipe my phone or flash the stock firmware. I have tried kies and odin but nothing works. Can anyone help me out or am I royally screwed?

LCubed22 said:
Hi there. I think I soft-bricked my phone. I am running mf3 firmware on my i337 galaxy s4 and i tried to flash Graviton. I was using safestrap and I, like an idiot, didn't use a romslot and did it over my stock. Seemed to work fine until I actually booted the phone. It can't access wifi and therefore wont go past the find wifi screen. I try to enter recovery but it just keeps going to the download screen. After trying every way I could find I still cant either wipe my phone or flash the stock firmware. I have tried kies and odin but nothing works. Can anyone help me out or am I royally screwed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as long as the phone can go into download mode, you can use odin to reflash the stock firmware (and factory recovery). Check samsungupdates for your model/region and stock/official firmware. You'd have to re-root after. I did the same thing a while back, lost my recovery and this is the method I used to bring my phone back to life, was just sitting at the samsung logo and had no recovery (but had download mode).

LCubed22 said:
Hi there. I think I soft-bricked my phone. I am running mf3 firmware on my i337 galaxy s4 and i tried to flash Graviton. I was using safestrap and I, like an idiot, didn't use a romslot and did it over my stock. Seemed to work fine until I actually booted the phone. It can't access wifi and therefore wont go past the find wifi screen. I try to enter recovery but it just keeps going to the download screen. After trying every way I could find I still cant either wipe my phone or flash the stock firmware. I have tried kies and odin but nothing works. Can anyone help me out or am I royally screwed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Odin recognize the phone? Also, when you say it won't go past the "find wifi" screen, does that mean it booted to the "Welcome" screen?

nerdyblonde said:
Does Odin recognize the phone? Also, when you say it won't go past the "find wifi" screen, does that mean it booted to the "Welcome" screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry should have edited the first post. I actually fixed my original problem and am now having a different one. I got all the way through nd did a restore of my stock rom. I then tried to flash the graviton one to a different rom-slot in safestrap. So now there is a completely different partition in the storage and the flash didnt work so I'm now completely stuck in download mode. I have tried to flash the tar files in odin and it fails every time. I should have all of the necessary files for mf3.

LCubed22 said:
Sorry should have edited the first post. I actually fixed my original problem and am now having a different one. I got all the way through nd did a restore of my stock rom. I then tried to flash the graviton one to a different rom-slot in safestrap. So now there is a completely different partition in the storage and the flash didnt work so I'm now completely stuck in download mode. I have tried to flash the tar files in odin and it fails every time. I should have all of the necessary files for mf3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the 16GB Galaxy, try flashing this file in the PIT slot in Odin.. Don't put any other files in the PDA slot, etc. It's worked many times when phone would only boot to download..
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fptxnxsqevjhnt9/SGS-I337_16GB.pit

Hey Nerdyblonde, what does this pit file do?
I softbricked my phone when trying to flip from CWM to TWRP. (Thought I could just wipe phone and odin flash on top of CWM... VERY WRONG). Now I can't get into recovery and my phone is telling me to use kies recovery *shudder*. So I tried kies when I couldn't Odin flash to stock rom and still nothing.
nerdyblonde said:
If you have the 16GB Galaxy, try flashing this file in the PIT slot in Odin.. Don't put any other files in the PDA slot, etc. It's worked many times when phone would only boot to download..
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fptxnxsqevjhnt9/SGS-I337_16GB.pit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

snoops609 said:
Hey Nerdyblonde, what does this pit file do?
I softbricked my phone when trying to flip from CWM to TWRP. (Thought I could just wipe phone and odin flash on top of CWM... VERY WRONG). Now I can't get into recovery and my phone is telling me to use kies recovery *shudder*. So I tried kies when I couldn't Odin flash to stock rom and still nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry it took a few days to answer.. The Kies screen was the same thing that happened to me... I have the MF3 version, so I can't install custom recovery, but I couldn't boot into recovery period. I flashed that pit file in the pit box on Odin, it restored my recovery.
Do you have MDL or MF3? If you have MDL, I would be really careful not to flash MF3 unless you want to stick with basically stock until one of the geniuses here figures out how to unlock the bootloader.

[Q] Unable to install CWM or TWRP on Note 3 after 4.4.2 update

So I've been running a rooted Note 3 for a while. When the Note 3 Kitkat update came out, I updated it via Odin as OTA update was not available since I was rooted.
All the posts I read had mentioned that updating to 4.4.2 from 4.3 would erase all my data but after updating via odin all my data was in place. I had only lost root which I rooted again though CF Auto Root.
The problem now is that when I try to install CWM (via Odin) or TWRP (via Goo or Odin), it goes through the installation but then the phone goes into a boot loop of sorts..It's NOT the normal boot loop which gets stuck on the Samsung logo.
What happens is that the phone vibrates twice (with a 1 sec interval in between), then the Samsung Note 3 N-9005 screen appears with "Booting Recovery..." on the top left and within a sec it goes blank and then back to 2 vibrates and the screen come on to show Samsung Note 3 N-9005.
The only way I found to fix this was a battery pull and then turning on the device holding the power, home and down vol key to boot into recovery and then flashing CF Auto Root again.
I don't know why am I not able to install any of these recoveries. I've made sure I try to install the latest versions of them which are Kitkat compatible.
Anyone else with this problem or a solution?
Can a Cache and data wipe fix this? But the problem again being I won't be able to backup my ROM since i can't get these recoveries to install!

There is a script in official firmware that checks for official recovery and if it finds a custom one it tries to overwrite with official one. If i remember correct it's called install-recovery. sh
PhilZ recovery handles it automatically.

It's impossibe to flash anything other than the leaked 4.4.2 stock because you flashed your bootloader to kitkat, no you MUST stay on sammy 4.4.2 till the devs found a solution for this. Thats why you have to read carefully be4 you flash.

silentvisitor said:
There is a script in official firmware that checks for official recovery and if it finds a custom one it tries to overwrite with official one. If i remember correct it's called install-recovery. sh
PhilZ recovery handles it automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No luck!
I tried PhilZ recovery from the below link.
http://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/hltexx
What are my other options?

sid8907 said:
No luck!
I tried PhilZ recovery from the below link.
http://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/hltexx
What are my other options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one seems to be the only one working with 4.4.2 right now.

Possible solution
The way I can suggest is to create a little update.zip file with little updater-script to remove install-recovery.sh file from device (just one line needed).
Ok, I found a zip which I am attaching below. You(or anyone) may review the script before flashing.
Place this on your external (or internal) sdcard.
In ODIN don't check Auto reboot
Flash Recovery. Remove phone when it says PASS.
Remove battery. Start in Recovery mode by pressing buttons.
You should now be in new Recovery.
Flash that zip file.
Reboot.
You should be good.

The Auto Reboot for some reason is faded out. Tried different versions of Odin and also tried to open it with the phone connected/disconnected.

I am out of ideas.
I would suggest you to wait for someone to come up with working solution. Being too adventurous with ODIN could brick your device.

sid8907 said:
The Auto Reboot for some reason is faded out. Tried different versions of Odin and also tried to open it with the phone connected/disconnected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clear out all your ODIN caches etc, delete all files and keep 1.85.
Flash this (only working recovery on 4.4.2) via PDA in ODIN, If it doesn't reboot auto after saying PASS or RESET.. just turn phone off, reboot into recovery and it'll be fine.
EDIT: Just re-read, Re flash your Stock 4.4.2 (Use XEO not the leaked one!) and then start again

Thanks!
Maybe a little off topic, but is there a way to install CM11 on Stock 4.4.2 on the Note 3?
I've been reading Samsung is out with a new bootloader so there is no way round this?

radicalisto said:
Clear out all your ODIN caches etc, delete all files and keep 1.85.
Flash this (only working recovery on 4.4.2) via PDA in ODIN, If it doesn't reboot auto after saying PASS or RESET.. just turn phone off, reboot into recovery and it'll be fine.
EDIT: Just re-read, Re flash your Stock 4.4.2 (Use XEO not the leaked one!) and then start again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!

sid8907 said:
Thanks!
Maybe a little off topic, but is there a way to install CM11 on Stock 4.4.2 on the Note 3?
I've been reading Samsung is out with a new bootloader so there is no way round this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have to do a little reading but I believe CM11 is now working on the KK bootloader...

sid8907 said:
So I've been running a rooted Note 3 for a while. When the Note 3 Kitkat update came out, I updated it via Odin as OTA update was not available since I was rooted.
All the posts I read had mentioned that updating to 4.4.2 from 4.3 would erase all my data but after updating via odin all my data was in place. I had only lost root which I rooted again though CF Auto Root.
The problem now is that when I try to install CWM (via Odin) or TWRP (via Goo or Odin), it goes through the installation but then the phone goes into a boot loop of sorts..It's NOT the normal boot loop which gets stuck on the Samsung logo.
What happens is that the phone vibrates twice (with a 1 sec interval in between), then the Samsung Note 3 N-9005 screen appears with "Booting Recovery..." on the top left and within a sec it goes blank and then back to 2 vibrates and the screen come on to show Samsung Note 3 N-9005.
The only way I found to fix this was a battery pull and then turning on the device holding the power, home and down vol key to boot into recovery and then flashing CF Auto Root again.
I don't know why am I not able to install any of these recoveries. I've made sure I try to install the latest versions of them which are Kitkat compatible.
Anyone else with this problem or a solution?
Can a Cache and data wipe fix this? But the problem again being I won't be able to backup my ROM since i can't get these recoveries to install!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's the link for twrp for ya'll http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50333147&postcount=398

sid8907 said:
So I've been running a rooted Note 3 for a while. When the Note 3 Kitkat update came out, I updated it via Odin as OTA update was not available since I was rooted.
All the posts I read had mentioned that updating to 4.4.2 from 4.3 would erase all my data but after updating via odin all my data was in place. I had only lost root which I rooted again though CF Auto Root.
The problem now is that when I try to install CWM (via Odin) or TWRP (via Goo or Odin), it goes through the installation but then the phone goes into a boot loop of sorts..It's NOT the normal boot loop which gets stuck on the Samsung logo.
What happens is that the phone vibrates twice (with a 1 sec interval in between), then the Samsung Note 3 N-9005 screen appears with "Booting Recovery..." on the top left and within a sec it goes blank and then back to 2 vibrates and the screen come on to show Samsung Note 3 N-9005.
The only way I found to fix this was a battery pull and then turning on the device holding the power, home and down vol key to boot into recovery and then flashing CF Auto Root again.
I don't know why am I not able to install any of these recoveries. I've made sure I try to install the latest versions of them which are Kitkat compatible.
Anyone else with this problem or a solution?
Can a Cache and data wipe fix this? But the problem again being I won't be able to backup my ROM since i can't get these recoveries to install!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jp.26 said:
here's the link for twrp for ya'll http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50333147&postcount=398
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so.... yeah i just updated my bootloader to 4.4.2 and this drove me literally insane. ive been working on it for 4 hours now. i encountered so many problems with installing the bootloader. exact same problem as SID8907. i gotta tell you tho.... you worked some magic my friend. i tried almost everything. then i came across your link. i was like why not? so i flashed the img in odin..... anddddd :drumroll pleaseeeeee:: IT WORKED. ahhh....... so much frustration and the problem is solved!!! thank you so much JP.26 :good::laugh:

is there any word on how to fix this been looking for hours tmobile note beast dont want to put any roots down on my phone before i find a way to flash cm or a non bloated note rom would be nice.

I'll that I've managed is to root and flash twrp I found a way to turn cwm recovery into a tar file and flash through odin. But i just get into a boot loop with cwm due to the boot loader I presume but tarp works fine I just can't flash cm11. I get boot loop every time
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

im sorry but im confused here... does this all simply mean that there is not yet a working cwm for 4.4.2 yet? and that while we can root, there is no working recovery for this version?

I'm not sure myself tarp works but I can't flash cm11
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Phillz cwm Dev edition I think that's the name works its a themed touch cwm. This works great but still can't flash cm so gayyyy
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

I was wondering what happened to the cmw too.
The modded cmw by Chenglu is the only one working that I know of.
Link to thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2454079

bootlooping sucks.....

Ok so now I have a brand new S4. Came in the mail yesterday. So I rooted it. No problem...... went to add a custom rom. (Sacs custom rom to be exact) reboots ok. Galaxy S4 screen. Then the custom rom screen and it stays there........ phone gets extremely hot. I went into recovery. Wiped data. Wiped cache. Wiped dalvik cache. Nothing. So I says ok, forget it. I'm going to Just take the root off and go back to stock firmware. Odin fails to unroot every time. I get Fail (Auth). I downloaded the right tar files to unroot. I even deleted them and re downloaded them. Same results. I'm going crazy because I just got this phone and I can't use it. Any help on what I'm doing wrong? Mind you I've been rooting for years and I've never had this problem before. Also it's a newer S4 that has the Sprint Spark screen. Anything would help. Thanks

sonny82 said:
Ok so now I have a brand new S4. Came in the mail yesterday. So I rooted it. No problem...... went to add a custom rom. (Sacs custom rom to be exact) reboots ok. Galaxy S4 screen. Then the custom rom screen and it stays there........ phone gets extremely hot. I went into recovery. Wiped data. Wiped cache. Wiped dalvik cache. Nothing. So I says ok, forget it. I'm going to Just take the root off and go back to stock firmware. Odin fails to unroot every time. I get Fail (Auth). I downloaded the right tar files to unroot. I even deleted them and re downloaded them. Same results. I'm going crazy because I just got this phone and I can't use it. Any help on what I'm doing wrong? Mind you I've been rooting for years and I've never had this problem before. Also it's a newer S4 that has the Sprint Spark screen. Anything would help. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sph-l720t?? I've heard conflicting reports about compatibility with custom sph-l720 ROMs and spark capable sph-l720t. Best case scenario is you get it to boot, I doubt you will have working Spark functionality, however.
With the galaxy s4 TW custom ROMs you need to reboot recovery after doing your wipes and before flashing your ROM. Also, IIRC, it is best to boot to download mode from fully powered off (maybe even recovery, but I've never needed to do so).
It is also best to be on the newest custom recoveries, like twrp 2.7.0.1 and latest philz (6.25?? not sure on this one)
The steps should look like this.
1 - boot to recovery and do all your wipes.
2 - reboot recovery
3 - flash rom
3.1 wipe dalvik and cache
4 - Boot and let it settle, if you are stuck on the splash screen for longer than 10 minutes chances are it is not going to boot.
Holler back and let us know.

sonny82 said:
Ok so now I have a brand new S4. Came in the mail yesterday. So I rooted it. No problem...... went to add a custom rom. (Sacs custom rom to be exact) reboots ok. Galaxy S4 screen. Then the custom rom screen and it stays there........ phone gets extremely hot. I went into recovery. Wiped data. Wiped cache. Wiped dalvik cache. Nothing. So I says ok, forget it. I'm going to Just take the root off and go back to stock firmware. Odin fails to unroot every time. I get Fail (Auth). I downloaded the right tar files to unroot. I even deleted them and re downloaded them. Same results. I'm going crazy because I just got this phone and I can't use it. Any help on what I'm doing wrong? Mind you I've been rooting for years and I've never had this problem before. Also it's a newer S4 that has the Sprint Spark screen. Anything would help. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Odin fails then you DID download the wrong tar file. Since you said you just got your phone then you need to know what version you have, there are 2: the L720 & the L720T. If your phone was brand new when you bought it than most likely it is the L720T and none of the roms on this site are compatible with your phone. Some of them will work but you will loose features or have to take extra steps to get the rom working. Once you know which phone you have, you will need to download the correct tar file. If you do have the L720 than the only tar file that will get your phone up and working is the full NAE tar. If you have the L720T then you will need the NC6 ful tar. Any older tar files will fail.

wilzard said:
sph-l720t?? I've heard conflicting reports about compatibility with custom sph-l720 ROMs and spark capable sph-l720t. Best case scenario is you get it to boot, I doubt you will have working Spark functionality, however.
With the galaxy s4 TW custom ROMs you need to reboot recovery after doing your wipes and before flashing your ROM. Also, IIRC, it is best to boot to download mode from fully powered off (maybe even recovery, but I've never needed to do so).
It is also best to be on the newest custom recoveries, like twrp 2.7.0.1 and latest philz (6.25?? not sure on this one)
The steps should look like this.
1 - boot to recovery and do all your wipes.
2 - reboot recovery
3 - flash rom
3.1 wipe dalvik and cache
4 - Boot and let it settle, if you are stuck on the splash screen for longer than 10 minutes chances are it is not going to boot.
Holler back and let us know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it worked!!!!! you are the man!!!! thanks a lot!!!!!

cruise350 said:
If Odin fails then you DID download the wrong tar file. Since you said you just got your phone then you need to know what version you have, there are 2: the L720 & the L720T. If your phone was brand new when you bought it than most likely it is the L720T and none of the roms on this site are compatible with your phone. Some of them will work but you will loose features or have to take extra steps to get the rom working. Once you know which phone you have, you will need to download the correct tar file. If you do have the L720 than the only tar file that will get your phone up and working is the full NAE tar. If you have the L720T then you will need the NC6 ful tar. Any older tar files will fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool so where would i find these new tar files?

cruise350 said:
If Odin fails then you DID download the wrong tar file. Since you said you just got your phone then you need to know what version you have, there are 2: the L720 & the L720T. If your phone was brand new when you bought it than most likely it is the L720T and none of the roms on this site are compatible with your phone. Some of them will work but you will loose features or have to take extra steps to get the rom working. Once you know which phone you have, you will need to download the correct tar file. If you do have the L720 than the only tar file that will get your phone up and working is the full NAE tar. If you have the L720T then you will need the NC6 ful tar. Any older tar files will fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im on L720. now this new NAE tar. will it put me back to stock firmware? because thats what i want to do. no rrot on this phone.

sonny82 said:
im on L720. now this new NAE tar. will it put me back to stock firmware? because thats what i want to do. no rrot on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download the NAE tar file from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663619
You should use Odin 3.07 or 3.09 to install. Make sure you run Odin in administrator mode.

sonny82 said:
it worked!!!!! you are the man!!!! thanks a lot!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, dude. Very happy to hear that.

tar files
Where can I get the NC6 tar file. I have the SPH720T , I rooted it fine, then tried to get the native tether to work and now my phone starts up and then gets stuck on the Sprint Sparks screen, I've tried 4 different tar files and all fail. I'm using Odin 3.9

[Q] Tried flashing my Note 3 to a kernel to install Biggins 8, won't boot, help!

Hey everyone,
I'm sorry for the poor formatting, I've gone a day already without sleep. I decided to install Biggins onto my Note 3 from MJE. So I flashed the NC4 firmware as asked. It Passed in Odin 3.09, and then the phone never booted.
Okay...
So here I'm about to eat my shoes because I'm tired and I do stupid things when I'm tired.
I realize by now I've probably lost Safestrap Recovery, so I boot into regular recovery, I guess Samsung Recovery mode (said manual mode). I thought "Oh, Well I'll just wipe everything here and install it then." I did realize there's a reason Safestrap Recovery is there and that's to install the ROM onto the certain Stock Rom slot like it says too - after I wiped it all.
I've spent hours on this, and it might be the sleep deprivation at it's work here. Not sure what else to do. When I enter recovery I see a dead No Command droid laying down. In red at the top it says Android system recovery, KOT49H.N900VVRUCNC4
I'm very aggravated at this and about ready to throw a temper tantrum mixed with irresponsibility and booze.
What do I do? Is this something simple I'm not getting or something difficult?

Need to start from scratch. Download NC4 firmware and flash in Odin. Then re-root, safestrap, and flash rom.

Odin the NC4 full tar again. Then as soon as you're done, go into the factory recovery and do the factory reset and you're phone will boot. Then you can re-root, safestrap, etc

It probably was an accident but this goes in the Q & A section. Hope you get up and running.

I agree that you need to Odin the FULL NC4 Tar file. Since you've wiped Safestrap off your phone, you need to enter "Download" mode and NOT the stock recovery mode.
To enter download mode, start with the phone powered off. You may need to do a battery pull as a last resort. Then, with the phone powered off, simultaneously press the volume down, home and power buttons. Release all the buttons when the Warning! screen appears. Then press the volume up button to confirm you want to boot into "Download" mode.
Once there, you can now launch Odin on your computer and connect your phone via USB to your computer. Since it sounds like you've already flashed via Odin, you should already have the USB drivers installed.
Flash the full NC4 Tar file, let it reboot and you'll be back to stock. Root via Towelroot, install Busybox, reboot, then reinstall Safestrap.
Good luck!!

Matthewbe said:
Hey everyone,
I'm sorry for the poor formatting, I've gone a day already without sleep. I decided to install Biggins onto my Note 3 from MJE. So I flashed the NC4 firmware as asked. It Passed in Odin 3.09, and then the phone never booted.
Okay...
So here I'm about to eat my shoes because I'm tired and I do stupid things when I'm tired.
I realize by now I've probably lost Safestrap Recovery, so I boot into regular recovery, I guess Samsung Recovery mode (said manual mode). I thought "Oh, Well I'll just wipe everything here and install it then." I did realize there's a reason Safestrap Recovery is there and that's to install the ROM onto the certain Stock Rom slot like it says too - after I wiped it all.
I've spent hours on this, and it might be the sleep deprivation at it's work here. Not sure what else to do. When I enter recovery I see a dead No Command droid laying down. In red at the top it says Android system recovery, KOT49H.N900VVRUCNC4
I'm very aggravated at this and about ready to throw a temper tantrum mixed with irresponsibility and booze.
What do I do? Is this something simple I'm not getting or something difficult?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget to breath, you'll be OK, Samsung makes a tuff phone!

same exact thing
winlinand said:
Don't forget to breath, you'll be OK, Samsung makes a tuff phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same this is happening to me. i tried reflashing firmware with odin 1.85, i haven't been able to find 3.09 anywhere. i'm wondering that was the problem.
i used these instyructions
[ROM/ROOT][N900VVRUCNC4][4.4.2] Stock Root DeOdex [06/18/14] NC2/NC4/DevEd COMPATIBLE ★ Insecure Modules/Selinux Permissive ON NC4 Bootloader!!

I need help with installing the Alliance ROM PLEASE.

EDIT: I have successfully installed the Alliance ROM. Here's how i did it.
Prerequisites:
Your phone at at least 50% battery
A charge cable
MicroSD card that you can plug into your computer
Odin 3.09
SafeStrap, version 3.75 APK on your MicroSD card
Alliance ROM on your MicroSD card
NCG tar.md5 (the big file, not the kernel)
I started off on a rooted 5.0 VZW Galaxy S5. After some confusion, I downgraded to NCG (4.4.2) using Odin. After doing that, I went to Towelroot, got the APK, rooted, downloaded SuperSU from the play store (I had to sign into google at this point), installed it's binaries (NORMALLY! Don't choose the TWRP method), rebooted when it asked me to. From there, I installed BusyBox from the play store and installed it within the app. Then I installed Safestrap (version 3.75), which I had on my MicroSD card. I used the app My Files to navigate to my MicroSD and installed the APK. Then I installed it within the app, and when the "reboot to recovery" button worked, I rebooted into SafeStrap recovery mode. At this point, the Alliance ROM zip file should ALREADY BE ON YOUR MICROSD CARD, WHICH SHOULD BE IN YOUR PHONE. Now, you're going to press the INSTALL button to the top right in Safestrap recovery, and you're going to navigate to your MicroSD card. It might be already opened to that. Then you're gonna select the Alliance ROM and flash it. After it successfully flashes, reboot into download mode (if for some reason you aren't able to do it immediately, you get into download mode by holding volume down, home button, and power button at the same time). Now, using Odin, you're gonna flash the firmware that the instructions in the Alliance thread tells you to (here's the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver.../rom-alliancerom-build-3-rom-control-t2818632). If everything works, it's gonna take a couple of minutes, optimize apps, and boot.
Huge thanks to Beans and his team for creating the Alliance mod, and huge thanks to Tulsadiver for helping me get through the process during my confusion.
Original thread below
Hi. I'll cut to the chase. I was an idiot and thought I could just flash the Alliance ROM from my SD card, but my phone is currently a factory restored 5.0. So, after unsuccessfully flashing Alliance ROM, I thought, well, I probably need to be on 4.4.2 to do this. So, what I'm wondering is, do I need to go back down to 4.4.2 to install Alliance ROM? And do I need Safestrap recovery to do it, or can I do it from stock recovery (home button+volUp+Power)? I did a lot of digging in the Alliance ROM post and there were no posts regarding my problem/question, probably because they're all experienced and I'm not (this is my first time trying to flash a custom ROM).
It SOUNDS like I need to flash a full stock tar using Odin, is that correct? Once I do that, I would be on stock wiped 4.4.2, I assume. From there, could I flash the Alliance ROM and continue with the instructions? Or do I need to root first and get safestrap and all that crap? I feel like Beans was really vague with his instructions on installing ROMs, but whatever. Please help though, I'm kind of stuck in the middle of this with a softbricked phone.
Thank you so much in advance, I appreciate it.
~isra
EDIT: Also, I was on ROOTED 5.0 Lollipop just before this. I just got so sick of lollipop, I was ready for something different. So here we are. To confirm, my phone is the standard retail SM-G900VZW model.
EDIT2: Apparently App Ops and SuperSU survived the wipe and, after downloading Root Checker, I can confirm that I'm still rooted... Huh.

israphial said:
Hi. I'll cut to the chase. I was an idiot and thought I could just flash the Alliance ROM from my SD card, but my phone is currently a factory restored 5.0. So, after unsuccessfully flashing Alliance ROM, I thought, well, I probably need to be on 4.4.2 to do this. So, what I'm wondering is, do I need to go back down to 4.4.2 to install Alliance ROM? And do I need Safestrap recovery to do it, or can I do it from stock recovery (home button+volUp+Power)? I did a lot of digging in the Alliance ROM post and there were no posts regarding my problem/question, probably because they're all experienced and I'm not (this is my first time trying to flash a custom ROM).
It SOUNDS like I need to flash a full stock tar using Odin, is that correct? Once I do that, I would be on stock wiped 4.4.2, I assume. From there, could I flash the Alliance ROM and continue with the instructions? Or do I need to root first and get safestrap and all that crap? I feel like Beans was really vague with his instructions on installing ROMs, but whatever. Please help though, I'm kind of stuck in the middle of this with a softbricked phone.
Thank you so much in advance, I appreciate it.
~isra
EDIT: Also, I was on ROOTED 5.0 Lollipop just before this. I just got so sick of lollipop, I was ready for something different. So here we are. To confirm, my phone is the standard retail SM-G900VZW model.
EDIT2: Apparently App Ops and SuperSU survived the wipe and, after downloading Root Checker, I can confirm that I'm still rooted... Huh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download busybox from play store. Install it. Install safestrap. Once recovery is installed, go into recovery, install alliance, from within safestrap, boot into download mode and flash the full firmware Odin tar.

Tulsadiver said:
Download busybox from play store. Install it. Install safestrap. Once recovery is installed, go into recovery, install alliance, from within safestrap, boot into download mode and flash the full firmware Odin tar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so I don't need to downgrade my phone? Keep in mind I'm on stock rooted 5.0, which just got factory reset so I got nothing except for the root. Also, what full firmware odin tar are you referring to? NE9? This one: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23610159112652201
Or this one: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712472727
I'm getting these links from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ment/stock-collection-kernels-modems-t2842069
I really appreciate you replying. Thank you.

The first one. That firmware will downgrade you to NE9.

Tulsadiver said:
The first one. That firmware will downgrade you to NE9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I don't need to downgrade to install the ROM. Got it. Thank you. Is there anything else I should know?

Not that I know of. ROM installations are different so always refer to their installation instructions. Some will say to flash the firmware first. The op knows best. Alliance NE9 says to do a full wipe (everything but SD card). Install the ROM, reboot to download mode ( don't hit reboot system). Once in download mode, flash the firmware tar and let your phone reboot.

Tulsadiver said:
Not that I know of. ROM installations are different so always refer to their installation instructions. Some will say to flash the firmware first. The op knows best. Alliance NE9 says to do a full wipe (everything but SD card). Install the ROM, reboot to download mode ( don't hit reboot system). Once in download mode, flash the firmware tar and let your phone reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I installed Safestrap and did all that, but when I press the reboot into recovery button, it just reboots the phone normally. It doesn't go into safestrap recovery. Am I supposed to hold some buttons or something?

Did safestrap ask for SuperSU permissions? Did you install busy box? You can't just download the app.

Tulsadiver said:
Did safestrap ask for SuperSU permissions? Did you install busy box? You can't just download the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've installed BusyBox and given SS root permissions. I installed the APK 3.75 Safestrap that I used to get into SS recovery when I was getting to rooted 5.0 a while back, so I know that the APK isn't corrupt or anything like that.

I forgot. You are on lollipop. You need to flash the NE9 kernel first ( via Odin). You already have safestrap but it doesn't work on lollipop. After you flash the NE9 kernel you will have the option to boot into recovery. Have alliance on your SD card ready to install.

Tulsadiver said:
I forgot. You are on lollipop. You need to flash the NE9 kernel first ( via Odin). You already have safestrap but it doesn't work on lollipop. After you flash the NE9 kernel you will have the option to boot into recovery. Have alliance on your SD card ready to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found a "NE9 Stock tar.md5". Does that sound right? DL is here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567721275

Found a "NE9 Stock tar.md5". Does that sound right? DL is here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567721275

israphial said:
Found a "NE9 Stock tar.md5". Does that sound right? DL is here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567721275
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is it.

Tulsadiver said:
That is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I'm going to flash the kernel then, then I'll get back to you if anything comes up. Again, I really appreciate you helping me. Thank you.

Tulsadiver said:
That is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It booted into stock recovery mode after odin successfully flashed NE9. Now do I install the ROM from stock recovery, or do I boot the phone and get to Safestrap to install the ROM from Safestrap recovery? I am currently in recovery mode.

You must not have had safestrap on your phone after all. Can you get back to download mode? You probably need to flash your lollipop kernel to get back to lollipop.

Tulsadiver said:
You must not have had safestrap on your phone after all. Can you get back to download mode? You probably need to flash your lollipop kernel to get back to lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely had safestrap. Though, here's something: Everyone talks about a menu that pops up during boot that allows you to enter either safestrap recovery, or boot, and I've never had/seen that menu, even when I was rooting 5.0. Yes, my BusyBox worked and was properly installed, and yes, I had Safestrap recovery installed.
I just tried rebooting and it after sitting at the first screen for a while, it rebooted quickly and went back into recovery mode. What if I try installing Alliance from recovery mode? Will it work?

israphial said:
I definitely had safestrap. Though, here's something: Everyone talks about a menu that pops up during boot that allows you to enter either safestrap recovery, or boot, and I've never had/seen that menu, even when I was rooting 5.0. Yes, my BusyBox worked and was properly installed, and yes, I had Safestrap recovery installed.
I just tried rebooting and it after sitting at the first screen for a while, it rebooted quickly and went back into recovery mode. What if I try installing Alliance from recovery mode? Will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never been on stock recovery before. I think it has to be a custom recovery. You might need to pull your battery and let it set for a bit and see if you can get into download mode.

Tulsadiver said:
I've never been on stock recovery before. I think it has to be a custom recovery. You might need to pull your battery and let it set for a bit and see if you can get into download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get into download mode perfectly fine. I'm going to kernel back to 5.0 then...
But what do I do now? Should I downgrade to 4.4.2 with the stock firmware once I successfully boot 5.0?
EDIT: Yup, booted 5.0 perfectly fine. Now what? Downgrade to 4.4.2 and flash the NE9 Kernel?

Proof that Safestrap is on my phone:
http://imgur.com/cGa1v1n