Database Users

Can NE3 be flashed over NF4?

I flashed the stock UK NF4 rom and then tried flashing the Australian NE3 rom over it but it won't go past the Samsung logo after flashing it.

Nope
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

My understanding was that you could flash and kk over each other but not downgrade to jellybean.

uf21 said:
My understanding was that you could flash and kk over each other but not downgrade to jellybean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NF can't be downgraded to NE. AFAIK.
Once the letter upgraded u can't gi back to previous letter series. It will be considered downgraded.
The bootloader is different, and it is the ome which lock the downgrading process.

antique_sonic said:
NF can't be downgraded to NE. AFAIK.
Once the letter upgraded u can't gi back to previous letter series. It will be considered downgraded.
The bootloader is different, and it is the ome which lock the downgrading process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When did Samsung start doing this? When I had my s3 I was able to downgrade to any version but now I can't even downgrade at all. This is really frustrating. Now I'm stuck on a firmware that cripples my GPS.

uf21 said:
When did Samsung start doing this? When I had my s3 I was able to downgrade to any version but now I can't even downgrade at all. This is really frustrating. Now I'm stuck on a firmware that cripples my GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the introduction of JB.
You shouls really research these things beforehand. Mainly because it's mentioned i n pretty much every flash thread.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk 2

uf21 said:
When did Samsung start doing this? When I had my s3 I was able to downgrade to any version but now I can't even downgrade at all. This is really frustrating. Now I'm stuck on a firmware that cripples my GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samsung started this stuff when they started to use KNOX.
They agressively update the bootloader for any patches useful to protect their system evironment. Therefore, in KK, AFAIK, any changes of the firmware letter, means new bootloader.
what most of users do normally (if they have a rooted device), is just flash a newer custom ROM, and stay with their old bootloader (KK). By doing this way, you still can jump any older custom ROM base without any problem.
But once you flash a new original firmware, it will flash the new bootloader as well. And it is non-downgradable.
cheers.

[Q] Can't update to KitKat

So, I got this phone and it's running 4.1.2 (System version 98.18.78.XT907.Verizon.en.US) and I wanted to upgrade to KitKat but when I check for updates it says it's already up to date. What do I need to do to get the KitKat update?

Droid909 said:
So, I got this phone and it's running 4.1.2 (System version 98.18.78.XT907.Verizon.en.US) and I wanted to upgrade to KitKat but when I check for updates it says it's already up to date. What do I need to do to get the KitKat update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could flash XML firmware with RSD Lite
[GUIDE][FAQ][KK] How to Root, Boot Unlock & More
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

sd_shadow said:
You could flash XML firmware with RSD Lite
[GUIDE][FAQ][KK] How to Root, Boot Unlock & More
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! It worked

Even with locked bootloader?
Can I do the update to KitKat with a locked BL? I'm on the same 98.18.78 as the op and I have root on my otherwise stock 4.1.2 JB xt907.

wec777 said:
Can I do the update to KitKat with a locked BL? I'm on the same 98.18.78 as the op and I have root on my otherwise stock 4.1.2 JB xt907.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2869432
[GUIDE][FAQ][KK] How to Root, Boot Unlock & More

wec777 said:
Can I do the update to KitKat with a locked BL? I'm on the same 98.18.78 as the op and I have root on my otherwise stock 4.1.2 JB xt907.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can update with locked bootloader, you can not downgrade with locked bootloader.
see [GUIDE][FAQ][KK] How to Root, Boot Unlock & More
I believe best option is flash VZW_XT907_4.4.2-KDA20.62-10.1_1FF.xml.zip with RSD Lite then unlock bootloader
do not use VZW_XT907_4.4.2-KDA20.62-15.1_1FF.xml it can not be unlocked at this time

WORKING!!! Thanks y'all!
sd_shadow said:
yes you can update with locked bootloader, you can not downgrade with locked bootloader.
see [GUIDE][FAQ][KK] How to Root, Boot Unlock & More
I believe best option is flash VZW_XT907_4.4.2-KDA20.62-10.1_1FF.xml.zip with RSD Lite then unlock bootloader
do not use VZW_XT907_4.4.2-KDA20.62-15.1_1FF.xml it can not be unlocked at this time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashed VZW_XT907_4.4.2-KDA20.62-10.1_1FF.xml.zip with RSD Lite; file 15 which was system.img didn't want to load & kept telling me "fail" but I did NOT exit the Fastboot mode (don't like expensive bricks), I just kept trying until it worked on a different USB port.
Got root via towelroot.apk & then unlocked bootloader using motoapocalypse.apk.
Install TWRP recovery from http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/51942-recoverytwrp-2800/
Installed my apps & made a backup.
Works like a charm; thanks!

wec777 said:
Flashed VZW_XT907_4.4.2-KDA20.62-10.1_1FF.xml.zip with RSD Lite; file 15 which was system.img didn't want to load & kept telling me "fail" but I did NOT exit the Fastboot mode (don't like expensive bricks), I just kept trying until it worked on a different USB port.
Got root via towelroot.apk & then unlocked bootloader using motoapocalypse.apk.
Install TWRP recovery from http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/51942-recoverytwrp-2800/
Installed my apps & made a backup.
Works like a charm; thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for updating to the unlockable version and taking advantage of it. Too many people ignore the warnings that .15 is not unlockable and beg for an unlock... Not gonna happen! Happy Flashing!
Sent from my RAZR M on BlissPop Lollipop 5.0.2 from Tapatalk

g900az bootloop

I've spent a week trying to upgrade to lollipop. Finally got it done today and hated it. Tried to downgrade back to 4.4.2 but didn't work.
I'm currently sitting on the samsung colored screen that bootloops. I get beyond the white boot screen. I have twrp 2.8.5.0 installed and working fine. I tried to nandroid restore a 4.4.2 but thats what put me in this bootloop. Any suggestions?

Yes
Update your Bootloader, So you can go to Recovery and Wipe Everything except the External Storage, and try flashing the rom.

DBlackFireD said:
Yes
Update your Bootloader, So you can go to Recovery and Wipe Everything except the External Storage, and try flashing the rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
update bootloader, you mean with a 4.4.2 bootloader? Wouldnt the nandroid already have the correct bootloader?

Isriam said:
update bootloader, you mean with a 4.4.2 bootloader? Wouldnt the nandroid already have the correct bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO, a nandroid backup does NOT contain bootloader or modem. They must be flashed separately, see the thread below for download links, flash in odin
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52210611

wow thank you, didnt know that.
ok so it appears g900az bootloader can't be found on the internet that i see. can i extract it from a stock rom and flash it on its own? i'm thinking that i cannot go down to 4.4.2 from 5.0 on the stock rom.
G900AZTUU3BOG3_G900AZAIO3BOG3_G900AZTUU3BOG3_HOME.tar

COfatboy said:
NO, a nandroid backup does NOT contain bootloader or modem. They must be flashed separately, see the thread below for download links, flash in odin
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52210611
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait, in TWRP you can include bootloader and modem. I always do this. After using this nandroid to restore, it does not seem to restore the bootloader as I still have the 5.0 bootloader.

Isriam said:
wait, in TWRP you can include bootloader and modem. I always do this. After using this nandroid to restore, it does not seem to restore the bootloader as I still have the 5.0 bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Modem yes bootloader no. When you see the option to backup "boot" in TWRP that is the boot.img which is NOT the bootloader.

COfatboy said:
Modem yes bootloader no. When you see the option to backup "boot" in TWRP that is the boot.img which is NOT the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interesting, thank you! i went ahead and installed a decent 5.1.1 rom since i needed xposed. so far so good, but i do miss my 4.4.2. i could not get any bootloader to flash for my g900az even the 4.4.2 odin rom.

Gs5
Are you sure I can just flash overy the stock lollipop romantic because I have to try downgrade back to kitkat and it's been trial and error

I have successfully downgraded from 5.1.1 to 5.0
I seem to remember reading once you go to 5.0 you can not downgrade to 4.4.2. Not 100% sure though.

COfatboy said:
I have successfully downgraded from 5.1.1 to 5.0
I seem to remember reading once you go to 5.0 you can not downgrade to 4.4.2. Not 100% sure though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can downgrade to 4.4.2, you only have to downgrade your bootloader to use an 4.4.2 android version.
If you are already using an 5.0 Bootloader version, when you try to flash an 4.4.2 android version you get into a LOOP - BOOTLOOP.
Even i didn't know about that thread. Thank you for posting it.

DBlackFireD said:
Yes, you can downgrade to 4.4.2, you only have to downgrade your bootloader to use an 4.4.2 android version.
If you are already using an 5.0 Bootloader version, when you try to flash an 4.4.2 android version you get into a LOOP - BOOTLOOP.
Even i didn't know about that thread. Thank you for posting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused by your reply so please clarify. You say you can downgrade your bootloader to 4.4.2 but then your next sentence says if you are using 5.0 bootloader and flash 4.4.2 you get a boot loop. That is my experience also, are we having a translation issue here?

Isriam said:
I'm confused by your reply so please clarify. You say you can downgrade your bootloader to 4.4.2 but then your next sentence says if you are using 5.0 bootloader and flash 4.4.2 you get a boot loop. That is my experience also, are we having a translation issue here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because from what i researched, the G900AZ came already with an 5.0 Bootloader. Dunno if i got that wrong, but i understood that.

DBlackFireD said:
Because from what i researched, the G900AZ came already with an 5.0 Bootloader. Dunno if i got that wrong, but i understood that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok that makes sense. my g900az shipped with 4.4.2 a long time ago. i just now started to upgrade it, but didnt realize xposed only worked on 5.1 not 5.0, so it took me awhile to find a 5.1 rom that was good enough. i like stock odex'd roms with xposed. thats hard to find, and custom roms are just too custom for me.

How to install cwm or twrp Galaxy S4 ATT

I can't figure out how to do this at all. I know it's online somewhere, but for the life if me I can't figure out where. Someone please help!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

I have I337UCUFNJ5
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

You have to sell your phone and buy an i9505. Then you can install TWRP or CWM on your Galaxy S 4.

I believe the ATT version of the s4 has a locked bootloader so flashing TWRP or CWM is not possible atm.

audit13 said:
I believe the ATT version of the s4 has a locked bootloader so flashing TWRP or CWM is not possible atm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any way to perform a nandroid-style backup/restore then?
I'd like to flash the latest stock ROM but would like a return path to what I currently have now if things go badly.

I would check out the Verizon s4 forum to confirm whether your bootloader is locked. If it is locked, there's very little you can install in terms of ROMs. Not sure about TWRP or CWM.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon

Facing Same Problem
I'm Also Facing The Same Problem.
Is There Anybody To Tell Me That How Can I Check My Bootloader Status (Locked/Unlocked)

Shazilsonu said:
I'm Also Facing The Same Problem.
Is There Anybody To Tell Me That How Can I Check My Bootloader Status (Locked/Unlocked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easy, if you have updated your phone to a newer version of Android, then your BL is locked.

NB1 4.4.2 is My Official ROM. I Updated It To NJ4 4.4.4 Using Android System Recovery And Then I Updated It 5.0.1 Lollipop Via Same Way.
I Think My Bootloader Is Locked.

Bootloader on LP is definitely locked.

So What Should I Do "audit13"

Once the bootloader is locked, you will need to use safestrap to flash files. Also, you'll be limited to tw-based custom ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254

Safestarp Is not Working Dude....
I Tried To Install Safestarp And I Have Lost My Android System Recovery.
Now When I Boot My Device Into Recovery Mood It Takes An Error And My Device Goes to Download Mood.
My Device Has No Recovery Now.

This may help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642

Thanx Dude.
Thanx for helping.

Did you fix it?

Soled
audit13 said:
Did you fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Have Soled My Galaxy S4 AT&T i337.
Now I'm Looking For Galaxy Note 3.
So What Model Number I Should Buy Which Can Be Rooted Easily And Has Unlocked Bootloader.

I believe the att version of note 3 also has a locked bootloader. Get the T-Mobile version or the Canadian version.

Galaxy Note 3
audit13 said:
I believe the att version of note 3 also has a locked bootloader. Get the T-Mobile version or the Canadian version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Dude.
Whats Up?
I Have Bought Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-9005)
I Have Rooted It But I Want To Downgrade It To It's Official ROM And Than Update It Step By Step After Rooting My Device.
Whats Your Opineon About.

All you need to run OTA updates is use the unroot option from the root program and have a stock recovery. OTA updates will not work on a rooted system.
The quickest way to update your phone to the latest ROM would be to flash the lastest stock ROM from sammobile and then check for OTA updates.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N9005/

Bricking by OTA update after re-flashing stock ROM

I've read many posts that if we, re - flash the stock ROM, and then perform an OTA update, then it might brick the device, due to the bootloader incompatibility.
So, here I'm not sure, what type of bricking(soft brick or hard brick).
And, can someone explain in detail, what's actually happens, in this case?
As in, if I install a custom ROM, and then reflash the stock ROM, and perform an OTA update, would it brick the device?
~ Thanks

Nope, you won't. Custom roms don't touch the bootloader.
Sent from my Moto G⁴ Plus using Tapatalk

Silesh.Nair said:
Nope, you won't. Custom roms don't touch the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay,
my confusion is, what if I manually flash an old bootloader(not sure if the version of the bootloader changes with the official updates) , while flashing an older stock ROM, and then I update that old stock ROM installation, via OTA update, does it brick the device?
And if it doesn't, what are the other circumstances, wherein official OTA updates can brick the device.

You cannot flash an old bootloader over a new one. It will error out.
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Silesh.Nair said:
You cannot flash an old bootloader over a new one. It will error out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so it means basically an official update can never brick the device.
Thanks for clearing it