Hello all,
I have a AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 that just updated to 4.3. Can someone direct me to how I can gain root access? Also, I am assuming that noone has published a way to crack the bootloader as of yet? Thanks in advance for any help concerning this.
Neil
neil7398 said:
Hello all,
I have a AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 that just updated to 4.3. Can someone direct me to how I can gain root access? Also, I am assuming that noone has published a way to crack the bootloader as of yet? Thanks in advance for any help concerning this.
Neil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several methods of rooting 4.3 but outside of that you will NOT be able to install any custom ROM's, recoveries,etc.
However, these methods are unsupported by XDA as the authors are in China and haven't released vital information on the ingenuity of their program (in terms of privacy and security). Thus I am unable to post it here, however... a simple Google search will yield the program if you are willing to take the risk of a random Chinese company having who knows what data from your device. The only way to have avoided using these programs would have been to put SuperSU into survival mode prior to upgrading to MK2 (4.3).
neil7398 said:
Hello all,
I have a AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 that just updated to 4.3. Can someone direct me to how I can gain root access? Also, I am assuming that noone has published a way to crack the bootloader as of yet? Thanks in advance for any help concerning this.
Neil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is reported to work on AT&T MK2 without Chinese help http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Root help
I was looking to root AT&T MK2 4.3 S4 for 2 reasons. 1. to be able to tether 2. to be able to record calls. I read other threads but found that after root, I need to install Wanam xposed framework, and reviews show that both hacks don't successfully work on MK2.
Saferoot is probably is best root method for MK2 AT&T but Safestrap recovery does not appear to be as good as TWRP or CWM as ROM Slots are required and memory will not be used to fullest.
Please help, anyone has success with any root method to accomplish 1. tether 2. call recording successfully on MK2?
or Successful recovery install (TWRP or CWM ) so the custom ROMS like hyperdrive can be installed.
Thanks all...
Safestrap help...
Hi all.. Please help me with another question... (AT&T MK2 4.3 S4)
First I would like to thank all developers for great great work here and all members for sharing their experiences and suggestions...
Do I have to create ROM slot in order to flash Hyperdrive ROM and keep stock ROM as it is
OR I can backup and wipe stock ROM and flash hyperdrive over it, and keeping one active ROM?
Only reason I dont want to create ROM slot is that then I will not be using the whole memory, I want to use all16GB..
Also I am getting a security policy update pop up on phone, should I install it before rooting or just ignore it?
Please advise,
call recording
guys anyone knows if call recording works on MK2 4.3. It does not work on stock ROM using Wanam. The phone freezes. Not sure if it will work with any other ROM.
So i'm fairly new to the android rooting world coming from a ( Iphone 4S ). I had a upgrade so I said what the heck and I switched over to the "edge" program up to the S5. So now this phone is on the Verizon edge plan and I have questions about rooting it.
1. If I use towel root will it set off knox?
2. Will I be able to install a custom recovery after its rooted with towel root without setting off knox?
3. Will I be able to set the phone to stock firmware (for warranty,edge up etc)?
4. After the phone is on original software will Verizon and/or Samsung know if it was rooted?
5 How would I set it back to stock firmware if I use towel root?
6. Anybody root a S5 that's on the Verizon edge up program?
I would like to avoid setting off knox
Thanks fellas I know I sound like a full on N00b lol. I look forward to hearing back from you folks.
PSM 6.4 said:
this phone is on the Verizon edge plan and I have questions about rooting it.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There have been 76,104 posts asking these questions, so consider doing a forum search next time. Not only would you get a faster answer, but existing threads are a wealth of useful information.
Towel root has not incremented Knox in the past. However a recent OTA update - if your phone downloaded it - blocks the Towel root exploit. The workaround to that is to use a program called Odin to install an older, pre-update (pre June 3rd) version of the firmware to the phone. Then Towel root will work.
Most carriers do not lock phone bootloaders. Verizon is one of the few that does. This means that you cannot install a custom recovery or kernel directly. You can use the Safestrap program to emulate a custom recovery though. Attempting to install a conventional custom recovery may increment Knox.
Accepting any OTA firmware updates will likely deactivate root on your phone, meaning that it would have to be rooted again.
If you completely remove root and install stock firmware on your phone, the carrier should not be able to tell provided that you have not incremented the Knox counter. Knox is, in practical terms, irreversible. You aren't going to be able to decrement it anytime soon.
If you read the forums, you'd learn a lot more about your phone and the options available.
.
fffft said:
There have been 76,104 posts asking these questions, so consider doing a forum search next time. Not only would you get a faster answer, but existing threads are a wealth of useful information.
Towel root has not incremented Knox in the past. However a recent OTA update - if your phone downloaded it - blocks the Towel root exploit. The workaround to that is to use a program called Odin to install an older, pre-update (pre June 3rd) version of the firmware to the phone. Then Towel root will work.
Most carriers do not lock phone bootloaders. Verizon is one of the few that does. This means that you cannot install a custom recovery or kernel directly. You can use the Safestrap program to emulate a custom recovery though. Attempting to install a conventional custom recovery may increment Knox.
Accepting any OTA firmware updates will likely deactivate root on your phone, meaning that it would have to be rooted again.
If you completely remove root and install stock firmware on your phone, the carrier should not be able to tell provided that you have not incremented the Knox counter. Knox is, in practical terms, irreversible. You aren't going to be able to decrement it anytime soon.
If you read the forums, you'd learn a lot more about your phone and the options available.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi fffft thanks for your reply I really appreciate it. I wasn't sure if Odin would set off knox. I have rooted and installed custom OS's and recoveries a lot of galaxy/android phones in the past but not on a Verizon Android/ S5. Wasn't sure of the procedures were any different. I have read a lot of threads pertaining to this subject before I even started this thread and I have learned a lot on the new S5. I just wanted to get my "specific" questions answered. I'll be sure to research a little more before I start new threads. Thanks again.
fffft said:
There have been 76,104 posts asking these questions, so consider doing a forum search next time. Not only would you get a faster answer, but existing threads are a wealth of useful information.
Towel root has not incremented Knox in the past. However a recent OTA update - if your phone downloaded it - blocks the Towel root exploit. The workaround to that is to use a program called Odin to install an older, pre-update (pre June 3rd) version of the firmware to the phone. Then Towel root will work.
Most carriers do not lock phone bootloaders. Verizon is one of the few that does. This means that you cannot install a custom recovery or kernel directly. You can use the Safestrap program to emulate a custom recovery though. Attempting to install a conventional custom recovery may increment Knox.
Accepting any OTA firmware updates will likely deactivate root on your phone, meaning that it would have to be rooted again.
If you completely remove root and install stock firmware on your phone, the carrier should not be able to tell provided that you have not incremented the Knox counter. Knox is, in practical terms, irreversible. You aren't going to be able to decrement it anytime soon.
If you read the forums, you'd learn a lot more about your phone and the options available.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best answer, what a guy.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Hello Gurus,
I have the Canadian S4 (I337MVLUFNI2) running stock 4.4.2. I've just downloaded the Lollipop upgrade from Koodo but did not install.
I'm looking to root and flash CM12 or other ROMs, but I'd like to try Lollipop first.
Few questions about the upgrade:
-Will I be able to root the device after upgrading to Lollipop?
-If I don't like Lolipop, can I revert to my 4.2.2 using my Kies back up ?
-If I want to be able to evert, do you recommend that I root my 4.4.2 and take a nandroid back up first ?
(Battery life is important for me. If the upgrade turns out to be disastrous as some online reports indicates, I'd like to be able to go back to 4.2.2).
-What is the recommended way to root and install recovery for my device ?
Thanks to all..
Do what I did.
Backup all files to PC
Flash lollipop firmware through Odin which you can download from sammobile
Reboot into recovery and wipe data and cache(this will erase everything on phone)
Boot up phone and setup accounts
Then once finished flash this through odin http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800
Flash twrp through odin
Boot up and copy files back to phone
Reboot into recovery and flash cm12 or whatever you want
So far, there is not a root method for Lollipop on the S4, nor does Xposed work for it yet (lots of issues with the way Samsung implemented ART to Touchwiz).
There is a keep root method in the S4 general Forum, which is just a way to keep root throughout the install of lollipop if you are already rooted on the current ROM you're upgrading from. I'm on my phone though so apologies for not linking it.
I'm not certain if a kies backup will restore after the upgrade, but even though the keep root method removes safestrap functionality, there is a way to get it working temporarily, which may provide some hope.
Seeing as you're using a Canadian model I don't think you need safestrap, and seeing as I do (AT&T model), I can't tell you how other recoveries will handle the situation.
DankHeals said:
So far, there is not a root method for Lollipop on the S4, nor does Xposed work for it yet (lots of issues with the way Samsung implemented ART to Touchwiz).
There is a keep root method in the S4 general Forum. I'm on my phone though so apologies for not linking it.
I'm not certain if a kids backup will restore after the upgrade, but even though the keep root method removes safestrap functionality, there is a way to get it working temporarily, which may provide some hope.
Seeing as you're using a Canadian model I don't think you need safestrap, and seeing as I do (AT&T model), I can't tell you how other recoveries will handle the situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800 worked for me to root stock lollipop on my Bell s4
Zehlek said:
Actually http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800 worked for me to root stock lollipop on my Bell s4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, didn't realize the Canadian model had a root method yet. I'm in america on AT&T and our bootloaders are locked.
Zehlek said:
Actually http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800 worked for me to root stock lollipop on my Bell s4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Zehlek, I'm coming from CM11 (details below). I'm trying to move to CM12 because CM11 is doing strange things with my GPS. Which version would you recommend that is stable for the SGH-I337M? I read the CM12 dev page, but I'm a little nervous about the whole "editing scripts" part of the process.
Current Software -
SGH-I337M
CWM v6.0.5.1
CM v11-20141112-snapshot-m12-jflte
Dear Benevolent Android Wizards: please help me root an AT&T S4! I plan to buy a used S4 and want to make sure it can be rooted. Are some firmware versions rootable and some not? If so, which ones? I've seen phones available running I337UCUFNB1 and NJ4, as an example. I tried to check the forums here, but I'm new to this and it's too confusing. Also, as time passes, some of the comments become dated and wrong. One forums here say to downgrade NC1 by flashing NB1, take OTA update to NC1, then OTA to NL1- but I don't know if these OTAs are still available, for example. I'm simple and hope someone can explain things in a simple way! I don't want custom ROMs, just to root and maybe make backups. Please help, O Wise Ones!
You will probably buy a phone with at least 4.4.2 or above. It can be rooted by flashing the NB1 firmware (if it is not already on NB1), flashing the NC1 kernel and rooting with Towelroot. Then you can upgrade to 4.4.4 or 5.0.1, depending on what you want. You can install Safestrap to do backups on KitKat or Flashfire to do backups on Lolipop.
Here is a good place to start reading. Contains all info and links you need.
Thanks a lot!
So you're saying that any S4 running 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 should be able to be rooted?
And I would use Odin to flash NB1 firmware and then NC1 kernel (also using Odin?), then Towelroot would work?
How do I get the phone back to the firmware and kernel it came with?- also with Odin?
Yes. Or 5.0.1 for that matter.
You can root phones with earlier versions of the firmware as well.
All the instructions you need are available in the thread I linked above. You probably don't want to go back to what firmware came on the phone. You will need to decide if you want KitKat, in which case you should flash the latest one, which is NJ5, or Lolipop, in which case you will have some decisions to make as well.
Thanks, I will definitely read that whole thread once I get a chance.
Isn't there some issue with changing firmware where the software changes how the phone interfaces with the cell and wifi radios and they don't work right after you change version? Don't you have to do something to make sure the ROM and radio software stay in sync? Or isn't that an issue when changing stock ROMs with Odin?
Shouldn't be an issue. The stock firmware includes the corresponding modem, but the modems are interchangeable and can be flashed separately. There is a thread dedicated to modems in the general forum.
I would definitely recommend that you read enough to be comfortable with what you are going to do before you flash. There are several good threads in the general forum that you should familiarize yourself with.
Thanks again. I read 10 pages of the thread you mentioned in your first reply:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Very helpful
Another question- you said to load NB1 firmware on the phone, but also NC1 kernel, apparently, NC1 is required for towelroot to work. Why not just load NC1 firmware- won't the NC1 kernel will come along? Is NB1 firmware specifically needed for some reason?
Or did you mean to keep upgrading from NB1to reach the final desired firmware, say NL1, then flash the NC1 kernel, root with towelroot, then flash the final desired (in my example, NL1) kernel.
Also, the first section in that link says if you want to end up on Lollipop OC3 or OC4, to root using Kingroot, but warns "there is mixed feeling about this application". Can't I root with towelroot instead to avoid Kingroot?
Sorry! As I learn more it brings up new questions.
xdafan15 said:
Thanks again. I read 10 pages of the thread you mentioned in your first reply:
HTML:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Very helpful
Another question- you said to load NB1 firmware on the phone, but also NC1 kernel, apparently, NC1 is required for towelroot to work. Why not just load NC1 firmware- won't the NC1 kernel will come along? Is NB1 firmware specifically needed for some reason?
Or did you mean to keep upgrading from NB1to reach the final desired firmware, say NL1, then flash the NC1 kernel, root with towelroot, then flash the final desired (in my example, NL1) kernel.
Also, the first section in that link says if you want to end up on Lollipop OC3 or OC4, to root using Kingroot, but warns "there is mixed feeling about this application". Can't I root with towelroot instead to avoid Kingroot?
Sorry! As I learn more it brings up new questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NB1 is the only full stock tar available. There is no full NC1 stock tar, or any other 4.4.2 or above stock tar. No matter which distribution you are on, 4.4.2 4.4.4 or 5.0.1, to go back to stock you have to flash NB1 with Odin.
If you want Lolipop, I would suggest that you root with towelroot, and then use the keep root method to go to OC4.
I'm trying to decide if I should update up to NJ5, OC3, or OC4. Any thoughts about advantages/disadvantages? Should I just update to the latest (OC4) for simplicity?
I don't have an opinion between KitKat and Lolipop.
As far as OC3 or OC4, the OC4 update is just a bug fix update from OC3 that supposedly protects from at least part of the stagefright vulnerability. NJ5 is the same update with respect to JN4.
I'm making more progress on your thread- I'm up to page 20 now and feeling much more comfortable as I see how to deal with (or hopefully avoid) other's problems.
I think I'm almost ready to go, but I know I have one more question- I know that some versions of towelroot need internet access, but when you flash the NC1 kernel onto NB1, you lose wifi. I plan to do this on a phone that will not have data, at least at the beginning. I saw others talk about getting around this and they said they used an earlier version of towelroot that didn't need internet. Do you think that will work for me?
If I get a chance, I'll edit here and list the specific older version.
squatting in this thread because I too have an s4 w/ ni1 bootloader (4.4.2) .. gonna check that thread out too ... (fist bumps @xdafan15 .. me and u are the lone desperados)
got some good help too. check that thread about ALL THINGS ROOT in the general tab.
I found the version of towelroot v3 that doesn't need internet access. It is referenced here in the first post.
File here
@creepyncrawly or anyone else who knows: Is is OK to use this version to root instead of the normal version of towelroot 3 that needs internet access?
xdafan15 said:
I found the version of towelroot v3 that doesn't need internet access. It is referenced here in the first post.
File here creepyncrawly or anyone else who knows: Is is OK to use this version to root instead of the normal version of towelroot 3 that needs internet access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go ahead at try it. I don't actually have the S4, so I don't know from first hand experience, but it will either work or it won't. I expect it will work.
I got a surprise- I bought a used S4 and when I checked it, found out it has 4.2.2, MDL- one of the rare ones that was never updated and still has the unlocked bootloader! So all of the work I've been doing was somewhat off target.
Now I guess I need to root 4.2.2 and flash a custom rom to get the phone updated. If I update with the stock firmware it'll lock the bootloader permanently.
I found instructions to root on the first post here "[HOW-TO] The ULTIMATE All-In-One Guide - I337M & MDL - MF3 - MK2"
Is that the correct method?
I wonder if I can just load towelroot and root that way?
Can anyone suggest an updated ROM (preferably one that has been patched against stagefright)?
Do I also flash this phone using Odin? And does the firmware always go in the "AP" slot?
Sorry, I'm trying to learn this and I thought I'd be using the locked bootloader method in the 2nd post.
MDL oh don't let that bad boy ever update. You can root and unroot as often as you like.
Can you please help me understand what to do? I have a Samsung Galaxy s4 with AT&T that I switched to Straight Talk. I need to know how to root this phone but this forum is very confusing and outdated. Plz help me!
Hi, @Tmtd78. The S4 is getting pretty old now so this forum is pretty quiet. What version of android does your phone have? Under *Settings*, *About device*, what are the last 3 characters under *Build number*? I think every version of android on this phone can be rooted, but you will have to spend some time here to learn how everything works. Did you read the posts linked earlier by @creepyncrawly? Read the first and last 10 or 20 pages of each thread of interest and you will get the idea. The method you use will depend on the firmware your phone has. If it has the mdl or mdb bootloader, you probably will want to make sure the firmware doesn't update.
By the way, to @creepyncrawly and @engloa, thanks for your help. I was able to learn how to successfully root my S4, load a custom recovery, make backups, load a custom ROM, and make some tweaks to the kernel. Everything is running well now.
It was a long road, but everything was here on XDA and I appreciate your help.
@xdafan15, the build number is NI1. And I will definitely read the posts. I really appreciate you getting back with me so fast. I'm just scared I'm going to mess something up lol.
Sure thing. I'm not an expert, just a beginner, but I have learned a few things along the way. The NI1 bootloader is locked so you will need to follow the instructions for using Odin under the first post shown above by @creepyncrawly (here). Also, read this one. Also, this.
As long as you are 1) careful to not load code incompatible with an AT&T S4 onto your device and 2) follow instructions EXACTLY you should be fine. Be wary of following instructions listed on a forum that is not specific to the AT&T S4. Don't get sloppy and try to do stuff from memory- read and follow the instructions step by step. The good news is as long as you don't cause as few specific types of problems with your storage, I think you'll be able to Odin back to the NB1 firmware and start over.
Learn how to and practice booting your phone into download and recovery modes.
Get Odin running on your computer and see if it will recognize your device. A guide here. I think .tar or .tar.md5 files always go in the *AP* slot if memory serves. You may also see references to an older version of Odin where the *AP* slot was called *PDA*
Like the title says, I have a g900v running 4.4.2 with ank7 and it seems like that's a combo nobody else has. I had it rooted before but I believe I accidentally updated with an OTA at one point and lost root. Does anyone know how to regain root from here, or guide me to which updates I should install to get to a rootable firmware? Thanks in advance!
also, I do like 4.4.2 a little more than 5.0. My gf has 5.0 and I'm not too fond of it, but if 5.0 or 6.0 are a lot better speed-wise then I'd be ok with upgrading. I'm just not a big fan on how it looks.
Does anyone have any tips or knowledge on what I need to do to get root back?
Have you tried to root using towelroot by geohot?
you can install it just by googling towelroot and then installing it
once installed you just click make it rain and you should get root
Try this web page if it doesn't work at first
http://www.naldotech.com/how-to-fix-towelroot-phone-isnt-supported-problem/
otherwise flash using odin to a different KitKat firmware that is supported by towelroot and then root