Related
Hello all, if anyone could please help me, I would be extremely grateful.
I updated my Cyanogenmod nightly to the release for December 8th, 2013. The download seemed to be fine, it rebooted into the twrp, and then it rebooted, but then my phone never loaded back up. I tried restarting my phone with the power button, and eventually resulted to the battery pull, but yet my phone still wouldn't load.
I then tried going into the twrp again, and tried to flash a nightly upload that I had used from December 4th, it seemed to of loaded, but again my phone never loaded up.
I tired all day to use Odin to flash the ATT stock firmware, but I kept getting an ODIN FAILED error. I tried several different firmware downloads for ATT, and again, still no luck.
I am really upset over this, and would love to know why the update didn't work, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, how do I fix my device???
Samsung experience shop
Go to a Best buy with a local Samsung Experience center. They can flash the Latest 4.3 software on it from your carrier as long as it turns on and gets to download mode. I did the same thing to mine a month or so back and it saved my phone haha. Its a cool tool they have that i wish i could some how pirate haha
jonathanml86 said:
Hello all, if anyone could please help me, I would be extremely grateful.
I updated my Cyanogenmod nightly to the release for December 8th, 2013. The download seemed to be fine, it rebooted into the twrp, and then it rebooted, but then my phone never loaded back up. I tried restarting my phone with the power button, and eventually resulted to the battery pull, but yet my phone still wouldn't load.
I then tried going into the twrp again, and tried to flash a nightly upload that I had used from December 4th, it seemed to of loaded, but again my phone never loaded up.
I tired all day to use Odin to flash the ATT stock firmware, but I kept getting an ODIN FAILED error. I tried several different firmware downloads for ATT, and again, still no luck.
I am really upset over this, and would love to know why the update didn't work, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, how do I fix my device???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd still try Odin. If you go to best buy, once you get 4.3 no custom recovery or cyanogen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
HiTideBlastoise said:
I'd still try Odin. If you go to best buy, once you get 4.3 no custom recovery or cyanogen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually able to unbrick my phone using the Kies app for Mac. I don't know why I didn't try this earlier. I suppose I was trying to hold onto my root, and ability to flash custom roms onto my phone. Less than 24 hours of stock firmware, and I'm already annoyed. I also ran an update from At&T, and now I'm on 4.3. I'm still a n00b when it comes to the rooting and flashing. Yes, I can manage to follow and read directions to get my phone loaded with custom roms. But here's where I'm at now....
I'm running an unrooted AT&T Galaxy S4 with 4.3. I want Cyanogenmod back, and I want it now!!!
What do I do next????
jonathanml86 said:
I'm running an unrooted AT&T Galaxy S4 with 4.3. I want Cyanogenmod back, and I want it now!!!
What do I do next????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PRAY?
hnldriver77 said:
PRAY?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, but seriously. what can i do? and how do i do it?
you can root it, but that will trip the knox counter to 0x1,
id suggest going into download mode to see if you've tripped the knox counter to 0x1, if not and you want no warranty go to the original dev thread and look for ways on rooting there
if your wanting warrenty, your pretty much hooped then bud...
sopra rsorsifi
hnldriver77 said:
you can root it, but that will trip the knox counter to 0x1, but if thats not a issue then look in the original development thread...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the overall summary and importance of this knox counter?
Unfortunately at this point, you have root through vroot or kingo and that is all I can say. You cannot install a custom recovery, so no cyanogen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Hey all. I'm sure this gets asked quite a good bit but I am looking for some information on the Note 3 and it's current status of rom/root abilities. I have an S4 at the moment so I am fairly saavy with Samsung hardware and procedure at this point. I am going to assume that Verizon pushed out a locked boot thus killing everyone's ability to install roms and TWRP. If this is true, is there a specific build I should be looking for wen I go to get my phone? Also, what does the SafeStrap scene look like on this device? Is it relatively stable?
I apologize for not looking more but I am at work and then immediately going to pickup my girlfriend and head over to get my phone. Any and all responses would be greatly appreciated.
I bought my Note 3 about a week ago and it came with the latest firmware. I was able to very easy root with Kingo and install safestrap which is very much stable BTW.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
After you install safestrap be sure to flash chainfires supersu 1.85 in recovery to rid the kingo Supersu app that kingo puts on your phone. Enjoy that Note 3 bro
good luck!
It will most likely come with the MJE firmware which is the latest. Root with Kingo and then flash chainfires SU and install Safestrap. There is a ton of write ups on the forums about the procedure. I came to the Note 3 from the S4 as well and it's all very similar.
mexiking713 said:
I bought my Note 3 about a week ago and it came with the latest firmware. I was able to very easy root with Kingo and install safestrap which is very much stable BTW.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My exact scenario as well, my Note 3 came with THe latest firmware right before MJE, I forget, but regardless neither version could be rooted with Root De La Vega. I used Kingo, my knox is still 00x00 and I have safestrap installed and running the Hyperdrive ROM. If you are worried about the superuser app that kingo installs you will probably be prompted to update it anyway which will replace it with the play store version. I'm not sure why you'd be concerned, but I've seen some chatter about replacing the superuser app.
MR H3LLMAN said:
Hey all. I'm sure this gets asked quite a good bit but I am looking for some information on the Note 3 and it's current status of rom/root abilities. I have an S4 at the moment so I am fairly saavy with Samsung hardware and procedure at this point. I am going to assume that Verizon pushed out a locked boot thus killing everyone's ability to install roms and TWRP. If this is true, is there a specific build I should be looking for wen I go to get my phone? Also, what does the SafeStrap scene look like on this device? Is it relatively stable?
I apologize for not looking more but I am at work and then immediately going to pickup my girlfriend and head over to get my phone. Any and all responses would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an all incusive thread for start to finish rooting of the N3 in my sig. You can read through it and see the steps. If you get a Note 3 you WON'T be disappointed!
Safestrapp has bypassed the locked bootloader and offers the added awesomeness of being able to boot directly into different roms just waiting to be used. Ingenious and very easy.
Take the N3 plunge, you won't be sorry
Ok, i just got my samsung galaxy s5 a week ago. And yesterday i checked for an update and there was one and i downloaded it and installed it. The update said it improved software stability on the s5. I have the t-mobile version and after i intstalled the update i found out that geohot released a root for the device :| . what im afraid of is that this update fixed the exploit the root is using or, this update will detect whether i root the device or now and knox will be tripped. does anyone else know anything about this update that was sent out by t-mobile yesterday?
KERNAL version
3.4.0-1616466
Fri May 23 20:25:39 KST 2014
Build Number
KOT49H.G900TUVU1ANE6
SE for Android Status
Enforcing
SEPF_SM-G900T_4.4.2_0016
Fri May 23 20:25:18 2014
Security software version
MDF v1.0 release 3
VPN v1.4 Release 1
nightlyshade said:
Ok, i just got my samsung galaxy s5 a week ago. And yesterday i checked for an update and there was one and i downloaded it and installed it. The update said it improved software stability on the s5. I have the t-mobile version and after i intstalled the update i found out that geohot released a root for the device :| . what im afraid of is that this update fixed the exploit the root is using or, this update will detect whether i root the device or now and knox will be tripped. does anyone else know anything about this update that was sent out by t-mobile yesterday?
KERNAL version
3.4.0-1616466
Fri May 23 20:25:39 KST 2014
Build Number
KOT49H.G900TUVU1ANE6
SE for Android Status
Enforcing
SEPF_SM-G900T_4.4.2_0016
Fri May 23 20:25:18 2014
Security software version
MDF v1.0 release 3
VPN v1.4 Release 1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Towelroot, it is confirmed working on the S5 and it doesn`t trip KNOX. Link http://towelroot.com/ and click the Lambda from the phones browser and follow instructions.
+1 on towelroot. Works fast and nothing negative can happen if you mess up. I'm talking about the rooting process that is. Hit one button and done. If it's not compatible it just won't root
Sent to you from my slimmed down S5
your KNOX will trigger only if you install CUSTOM RECOVERY or CUSTOM KERNEL. and the safest method that I KNOW to root without triggering KNOX is TOWEL ROOT as described by our 2 good member in your thread.
rooting makes private mode useless
Towel Root is your best bet, like Chaintanyapatel8880 said the only time Knox will trigger is flashing a custom recovery or rom. I think the only rom you can flash that won't trigger it is the alliance rom in the tmobile section since there is an option to flash it through Odin.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
nightlyshade said:
Ok, i just got my samsung galaxy s5 a week ago. And yesterday i checked for an update and there was one and i downloaded it and installed it. The update said it improved software stability on the s5. I have the t-mobile version and after i intstalled the update i found out that geohot released a root for the device :| . what im afraid of is that this update fixed the exploit the root is using or, this update will detect whether i root the device or now and knox will be tripped. does anyone else know anything about this update that was sent out by t-mobile yesterday?
KERNAL version
3.4.0-1616466
Fri May 23 20:25:39 KST 2014
Build Number
KOT49H.G900TUVU1ANE6
SE for Android Status
Enforcing
SEPF_SM-G900T_4.4.2_0016
Fri May 23 20:25:18 2014
Security software version
MDF v1.0 release 3
VPN v1.4 Release 1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reiterating from my personal experience. T-Mo G900t KOT49H.G900TUVU1ANE6
I recently sent back a knox tripped back for battery issues, the battery life was horrid. Freaking Android system. (No problemas)
After trying towelroot i'm rooted with stock rom, Make sure to do these things when you do root, Disable ServiceIQ (Find in search) and start looking into making modifications via system tuner but don't do the one click partition stuff that improves stuff for you, that will earn you a factory reset and a whole lot of force closes. =)
Since i've rooted i've had no issues with installing Xposed, BusyBox and all the other goodies that rooting comes with but remember, if you do install a new rom which usually requires a new recovery you WILL trip knox :cyclops: (Correct me if i'm wrong)
I can't tell you how many times i've factory reset and rentered in my credentials but i'm loving titanium backup now.
Stay stock and modify, but don't touch bootloader or recovery
I'd love to get back to Alliance rom or Omega, but I want the radio updates until stuff is ironed out or knox is beaten. I made the mistake of rooting the first day and was stuck with the ANCH baseband and couldn't do anything about it and when you trip your knox you say byebye to radio and modem updates until the higher ups figure things out.
I'm not new to flashing ROMs, but I am new to flashing them for the S5. What is it with this KNOX thing that everyone keeps talking about? Why is it so dangerous? Is that the reason modding for the S5 seems to be at a standstill?
Luuthian said:
I'm not new to flashing ROMs, but I am new to flashing them for the S5. What is it with this KNOX thing that everyone keeps talking about? Why is it so dangerous? Is that the reason modding for the S5 seems to be at a standstill?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KNOX is advanced security. Before if the binary counter goes custom we can use triangle away and reset the counter which will set the phone for the warranty but in case of KNOX, there is no way we can reset once it becomes 0x1. and the warranty is gone... there is no way as of yet to reset it... it can become 0x1 if you flash custom recovery and or custom kernel but if you use TOWEL ROOT by GEOHOT, knox will not change. I have tried personally...
Ah, okay. So you can actually easily flash the S5 (well, as much as any other locked phone) but people don't want to lose their warranty...
Doesn't seem like the worst trade-off to me though. If a Google Play edition of the device hits, I would gladly flash my device to a stock Android 5.0 ROM on the S5.
Luuthian said:
Ah, okay. So you can actually easily flash the S5 (well, as much as any other locked phone) but people don't want to lose their warranty...
Doesn't seem like the worst trade-off to me though. If a Google Play edition of the device hits, I would gladly flash my device to a stock Android 5.0 ROM on the S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually It is a golden deal even if we loose warranty. rooting and custom recovery unlocks tons of features. It's like heaven for smartphone...
Luuthian said:
Is that the reason modding for the S5 seems to be at a standstill?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Urghhh if I read another statement like that I'm gonna scream! Modding is NOT at a standstill!! Why do so many people use these sweeping statements just because they can't have a fully working non Samsung based Rom. Modding is very much on the move for Samsung based roms. If you are waiting for fully working non Samsung you may as well have bought a N5 as by not using Samsung software you lose a hell of a lot of what makes an s5 and s5! Buy a nexus... Save some money and be happy
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
towerlroot worked here without messing up knox.
this is my first smartphone I was worried too -- ecspecially because I have insurance on the phone lol
I have not put in custom rom there yet because I need to get a SD card and would rather move my apps there before doing so, but no issues and the thing could not be easier to do with his program.
That's great...
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The question is, can a rooted (but older) firmware be as secure as a non-rooted (up-to-date) firmware?
Sure you install apps or modify certain files/settings to improve security, but what if there's a serious security flaw in the kernel?
Installing a newer kernel would render towelroot useless (the reason i don't mention CF-Auto-Root is because of KNOX, but you can't always have the best of both worlds)
Goldie said:
Urghhh if I read another statement like that I'm gonna scream! Modding is NOT at a standstill!! Why do so many people use these sweeping statements just because they can't have a fully working non Samsung based Rom. Modding is very much on the move for Samsung based roms. If you are waiting for fully working non Samsung you may as well have bought a N5 as by not using Samsung software you lose a hell of a lot of what makes an s5 and s5! Buy a nexus... Save some money and be happy
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean it like that. I assume people simply aren't working on it much because the bootloader hasn't been unlocked. POintless to build ROMs that can't be used yet. That's all. I'm actually quite happy with my S5, and would be even if we never saw a big ROM community for it. It's a good phone, and Touch Wiz is far less intrusive than it used to be. Even knowing an F device is in the works I'm still happy with my purchase.
Heya. I have a rooted verizon note 3. I see i can get the 4.4.4 ota update. So i uninstalled root via SuperSU. I get an error trying to do the ota update. Is there a way to install this update without having to use odin and flashing stock? I dont want to lose all my appz settings etc. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Probably not a good idea to take the update. I'd wait until our trusty devs get ahold of the OTA and do their magic.
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install the nk1 modem. That is all you need if you are trying to get better reception.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95897840722641747
Flash with Odin 3.09.
lackdog said:
Heya. I have a rooted verizon note 3. I see i can get the 4.4.4 ota update. So i uninstalled root via SuperSU. I get an error trying to do the ota update. Is there a way to install this update without having to use odin and flashing stock? I dont want to lose all my appz settings etc. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might just of been the best error ever, especially if you use root a lot. No way to go back and no known, released root at the moment for that version. Like above me has said, try flashing the NK1 modem using Odin and see if that improves your signal any.
Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
lackdog said:
Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want the benefits "fixes" of the latest, would be be smart to Odin stock so you are clean when you take the OTA.
lackdog said:
Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do realize...that if you take the OTA...you WILL lose root. At this point in time...there is no known way to root 4.4.4 and the latest OTA.
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
how to track 4.4.4 rooting progress?
donc113 said:
You do realize...that if you take the OTA...you WILL lose root. At this point in time...there is no known way to root 4.4.4 and the latest OTA.
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have read ambiguous posts of people who have used the 4.4.4 OTA on a towelroot'ed Verizon Note 3s. I've been skeptical that this would work and keep root so thanks for clarifying.
I have a question though. Where should I look to keep track of the latest news about a root technique for a Verizon Note 3? Also, is there a place to contribute to a bounty for someone who can figure this out?
I ask because If you google "samsung note 3 Verizon 4.4.4 towelroot" there are tons of hits, but most of them are from eons ago and while I root my phone, I am not a developer, and so don't know the lay of the land. In the past I've just searched for "root verizon samsung note 3" and crawled through the resulting mound of irrelevant material until eventually I found the answer. Or is the answer simply that every few days I search again to see if anything new pops up?
I realize this is a totally newbie question, but I'm a long-time newbie: I've been rooting my phones for years but I don't have a lot of phones and updates only come out every so often so I never really move up the learning curve of how to do this quickly and easily. I suspect others have the same problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
My phone messed up earlier this week and I had to use repair assistant and when I did it updated me to NK1 KitKat 4.4.4 and I lost root and can not get it back plus the reception issue is still terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marlon1691 said:
I too have read ambiguous posts of people who have used the 4.4.4 OTA on a towelroot'ed Verizon Note 3s. I've been skeptical that this would work and keep root so thanks for clarifying.
I have a question though. Where should I look to keep track of the latest news about a root technique for a Verizon Note 3? Also, is there a place to contribute to a bounty for someone who can figure this out?
I ask because If you google "samsung note 3 Verizon 4.4.4 towelroot" there are tons of hits, but most of them are from eons ago and while I root my phone, I am not a developer, and so don't know the lay of the land. In the past I've just searched for "root verizon samsung note 3" and crawled through the resulting mound of irrelevant material until eventually I found the answer. Or is the answer simply that every few days I search again to see if anything new pops up?
I realize this is a totally newbie question, but I'm a long-time newbie: I've been rooting my phones for years but I don't have a lot of phones and updates only come out every so often so I never really move up the learning curve of how to do this quickly and easily. I suspect others have the same problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It likely is possible to update and keep root. But if after updating you screw up a mod, etc. and need to get back to stock you will lose root permanently.
flashing modem
leroybrute said:
Just install the nk1 modem. That is all you need if you are trying to get better reception.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95897840722641747
Flash with Odin 3.09.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello I see flashing with odin 3.09, I think I have 3.29- does it matter and I am on biggins rom as well. You dont have to unroot or anything?
Thanls,
TJ
tjmethod said:
Hello I see flashing with odin 3.09, I think I have 3.29- does it matter and I am on biggins rom as well. You dont have to unroot or anything?
Thanls,
TJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no Odin 3.29 out. Just Google Odin 3.09 and download to your desktop if you don't
already have it. Then flash the modem to your phone. Don't unroot.
Odin 3.09
leroybrute said:
There is no Odin 3.29 out. Just Google Odin 3.09 and download to your desktop if you don't
already have it. Then flash the modem to your phone. Don't unroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I did have the 3.09, plugged in as media & media 3.0 but it didnt work- any ideas?... I think I have plenty of space. Attached is is the screen I get on Odin.
Thanks,
TJ
tjmethod said:
Hi I did have the 3.09, plugged in as media & media 3.0 but it didnt work- any ideas?... I think I have plenty of space. Attached is is the screen I get on Odin.
Thanks,
TJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to put your phone in download mode before plugging into pc. Make sure debugging is checked in developer settings.
Thanks…
I forgot the download mode and to check the debug- always in a rush…
Ill check it when I get in- thanks again
tjmethod said:
I forgot the download mode and to check the debug- always in a rush…
Ill check it when I get in- thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I thank you... Ha
GoNavyMike said:
lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
My phone messed up earlier this week and I had to use repair assistant and when I did it updated me to NK1 KitKat 4.4.4 and I lost root and can not get it back plus the reception issue is still terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon forced me to upgrade before they would troubleshoot my phone.
I was not able to do it OTA, but using the Verizon upgrade tool works.
Now I lost root, & I gained a whole bunch of bloatware. Very frustrating
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brainfire2 said:
GoNavyMike said:
Verizon forced me to upgrade before they would troubleshoot my phone.
I was not able to do it OTA, but using the Verizon upgrade tool works.
Now I lost root, & I gained a whole bunch of bloatware. Very frustrating
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why you should always tell them you are on the latest firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read about 4.4.4 and didn't like what they took away from 4.4.2. I won't go to it. If I were you I'd 'towelroot'- (get the simple steps on xda), and 'beanstown 106' has all the firmwares for these phones, put the nc4 on w/ 4.4.2, then install biggins rom v7, then upgrade via dirty flash with 8.0 then immediately w/ 8.3- fast touch response and after about 3-4 days, you'lI be getting twice the battery life… I jumped up to the new v9 but they dont have the theme for it yet. I miss the Kromex blue on black…
Hey there
I am basically fixing my sister's Galaxy S5 (G900H) by just completely formatting the device and installing the latest software since it has slowed down considerably. The only experience I ever had with Samsung devices was with my old Galaxy S3 so I'm kind of familiar with the whole process or at least I'll do some reading to catch up, but my question is, which ROM should I go for? What is the latest and most stable? I know this is a difficult question to answer because it is subjective and based on personal preference (I'm a HTC addict so I know all about that), however I cannot really see any of the familiar ROMs like Android Revolution HD, Venom/Viper ROM, etc. so I am having a hard time deciding. I want a ROM that is as stock as possible like Android Revolution HD on many devices.
Any help is appreciated.
Thank you guys!
EDIT: On a side note, I know the best thing to do would be to go to SamMobile and download the latest official firmware, but from my experience with many Android devices I believe that custom ROMs are the best since they are debloated and customized for optimum performance and battery life, especially since Samsung seems to enjoy bloating their devices with so many unnecessary things.
Latest stock lollipop is great IMO, no need for custom at least for mine
Custom always come with problems from experience, better speed and smaller size at the expense of stability, Id opt for stability every time
Thank you for your reply. I decided I should install the latest official ROM then root the device and debloat it myself. It'll take a bit more time but it's worth it, I suppose. Thanks again!
That's what I've done, the stock ROMs are great IMO, apart from the bloat of course
Just be advised that some people are finding it impossible (or very difficult) to root the latest Lollipop firmwares......
If you have KitKat on the device, a better option would be to root that, then retain root access through and during the upgrade process.....The way to do that (so I believe) is.....
Root KitKat. ...
Use Mobile Odin or Flashfire (both apps by Chainfire) to upgrade to Lollipop while injecting root at the time of flashing.
For info......Flashfire is the newer, more up to date of the two.....
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
I know this is a late reply but I recently acquired my sister's S5 after giving her my other phone, an iPhone 5S (stupid move by her, I know, but good for me), and the device is currently on Android KitKat. I already downloaded the latest Lollipop firmware from SamMobile, so from my understanding I should root KitKat using Flashfire, then upgrade and at the same time include the root file using Flashfire?
Thanks!
TarekElsakka said:
I know this is a late reply but I recently acquired my sister's S5 after giving her my other phone, an iPhone 5S (stupid move by her, I know, but good for me), and the device is currently on Android KitKat. I already downloaded the latest Lollipop firmware from SamMobile, so from my understanding I should root KitKat using Flashfire, then upgrade and at the same time include the root file using Flashfire?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No fella.....not quite.....
You can't use Flashfire unless you already have root access.....
If you are on KitKat, you have 2 options for root.......
1) Towelroot......This will give you root without tripping Knox
2) CF Root......will give you root but WILL trip Knox.
Once you have got root THEN use Flashfire to upgrade to Lollipop and retain root.....
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
Awesome, @keithross39, thank you for the helpful information. This is a stupid question but what is Knox?
Knox is an eFuse that gets unalterably tripped if a custom software package is installed.......
It's primary use is to ensure that a device is safe for connection to enterprise (business) networks.....
But Samsung are also using it as a warranty flag.....
Once Knox is tripped, they refuse to supply any form of warranty repair......even if the software modifications had absolutely nothing to do with the fault......
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
Thanks again, keith, you've been a great help. The device's warranty has already ended quite some time ago because it was only for one year, but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry in case a factory problem comes up somehow. Thanks again!
No problem fella....too true...better safe than sorry..
I think I read some time back that Samsung refused to repair a knox tripped device even though the phone owner offered to pay in full for the repair.....
Shows you how serious Samsung is about Knox.....
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
I agree you can always run into issues with custom ROM's. Although I prefer them over stock to be honest. The inner tech nerd in me.
DigitalCorrosion said:
I agree you can always run into issues with custom ROM's. Although I prefer them over stock to be honest. The inner tech nerd in me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True.....it's fair to say that we wouldn't be here if we didn't care for the benefits of custom roms.....
But for me at least, knox has (temporarily) removed that option. When my warranty has expired, I guess I'll start to experiment.....but that's not for another 15 months yet.......
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
I just tried rooting using TowelRoot but it kept giving me an error "this phone isn't currently supported". I went on Google and tried changing the code strings by tapping the "welcome" sign three times and changing the codes, but none of them worked. I guess my only option is to root using CF-Auto-Root, huh?
TarekElsakka said:
I just tried rooting using TowelRoot but it kept giving me an error "this phone isn't currently supported". I went on Google and tried changing the code strings by tapping the "welcome" sign three times and changing the codes, but none of them worked. I guess my only option is to root using CF-Auto-Root, huh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The device probably *is* supported but the kitkat build may be too recent.....
Go to settings >> about device and check the build date.....
If it was compiled on or after July 1st 2014, then you need to download an older kernel and Odin flash it before attempting to towelroot.....
The exact steps are as follows.
1) source a copy of your current kernel and an older (device specific) Kernel.
2) odin flash the older kernel.
3) Reboot, install towelroot and run it
4) odin flash your current kernel.
5) Reboot and enjoy root access.
At stage 3, your phone will appear to be unstable, don't worry about this, it is to be expected.
For information, which build of kitkat is installed on your device as of now?
Edit.....This is the guide I followed to root....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2843044
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
Okay, let's see:
Model number: SM-G900H
Android version: 4.4.2
Kernel version: 3.10.9-2109283
[email protected] #1
Wed Jul 9 14:56:51 KST 2014
By looking at the information, I don't think I am running a recent version at all!
Ah.....900 "H"......exynos version right?
I don't have experience of that model, and I think I read that the H variant isn't compatible with Towelroot. ......
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.....
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
I am not sure which version it is, to be honest. I've tried Googling but I couldn't find anything related to official kernels, just custom ones. If I were to take a wild guess, I'd have to assume that I could extract the kernel from an old firmware on SamMobile? This seems to be the oldest one for my device:
2014-04-01 Egypt 4.4.2 G900HXXU1ANCI G900HOJV1ANCH
But then again is extracting the kernel from it even possible?
Just done a bit of Googling.......
http://www.droidviews.com/root-att-and-verizon-galaxy-s5-without-voiding-knox-warranty/
If you decide to try and towelroot, you are going to go down a long and unsuccessful road....
From what I've read, CF Root is the only option.....
Sent from my rooted, debloated stocKK kn0x0 SM-G900F
It seems like I am going to go the custom ROM route since I will be tripping the knox system at any case. Thanks for all your help, man, I truly appreciate it.
I have been a HTC user for a long, long time now and my main recovery is TWRP, should I go for that on my S5? I only see Philz (CWM) recovery mentioned around here, though, so I'm not too sure. I'm also going for this ROM: AbhiDroid S6 port for S5[SM-G900H].