How to update bootloader, stuck on MG1 - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

I know this is counter intuitive to most people, they usually want to stick with the older bootloader without that KNOX crap.
I want the newest bootloader so I can run the current kernel for 4.4.2, right now my phone is stuck on the MG1 bootloader, which can't run the kernel for this version and I don't have WIFI.
I tried flashing numerous times with ODIN for factory firmware from sammobile. I have an I337M from Canada (Rogers/Bell/Telus)
I can't get OTA to get working again because it thinks I'm on modified system etc, bootloader, even I reflashed everything...

Have you tried a data factory reset from within stock recovery?

BriEE said:
I know this is counter intuitive to most people, they usually want to stick with the older bootloader without that KNOX crap.
I want the newest bootloader so I can run the current kernel for 4.4.2, right now my phone is stuck on the MG1 bootloader, which can't run the kernel for this version and I don't have WIFI.
I tried flashing numerous times with ODIN for factory firmware from sammobile. I have an I337M from Canada (Rogers/Bell/Telus)
I can't get OTA to get working again because it thinks I'm on modified system etc, bootloader, even I reflashed everything...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check here, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2269304
Remember your on a I337M, your bootloader is unlocked. Do NOT flash any US-based AT&T firmwares or your end up with a normal locked I337. What version are you trying to flash in Odin? Flashing the MG1 firmware should work, what errors is Odin producing?

Related

Downgrade Impossible (I9500 Folks) Help

After flashing 4.3 leak on my I9500 using Odin 3.09, it doesn't boot up as it should, I have wiped data/cache, but to no avail. I even flashed the Russian official 4.3 firmware, but it just doesn't boot up as it should.
When I turn on the phone, the phone stops right after the "Galaxy S4 I9500," screen. I see a black screen right after that.
I tried to downgrade my phone using Odin 3.09, 3.07 and 3.04, but it keeps failing. My S4 shows "unsupported version," when I try to flash stock 4.2.2.
I am guessing this is probably happening because of the newer bootloader, the newer bootloader is making it impossible to downgrade to an older version.
exclaimed said:
After flashing 4.3 leak on my I9500 using Odin 3.09, it doesn't boot up as it should, I have wiped data/cache, but to no avail. I even flashed the Russian official 4.3 firmware, but it just doesn't boot up as it should.
When I turn on the phone, the phone stops right after the "Galaxy S4 I9500," screen. I see a black screen right after that.
I tried to downgrade my phone using Odin 3.09, 3.07 and 3.04, but it keeps failing. My S4 shows "unsupported version," when I try to flash stock 4.2.2.
I am guessing this is probably happening because of the newer bootloader, the newer bootloader is making it impossible to downgrade to an older version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok try this first use the cf root provided in the cf root thread and then dload the latest 4.2.2 http://samsung-updates.com/details/14135/Galaxy_S_4_Exynos_Octa/GT-I9500/XFE/I9500XXUBMH1.html from here and flash it see what happens
Solved.
The problem was that I didn't flash the stock rom that came with my phone. I flashed that and my phone was restored to its factory settings. However my imei was messed up, it was showing me 0049. I rooted, flashed twrp recovery and used twrp to restore from a backup and I got my imei back along with my data.
I will wait for 4.3 to become flashable and see how it goes then.
hypergamer1231 said:
ok try this first use the cf root provided in the cf root thread and then dload the latest 4.2.2 http://samsung-updates.com/details/14135/Galaxy_S_4_Exynos_Octa/GT-I9500/XFE/I9500XXUBMH1.html from here and flash it see what happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I got back from version 4.2.2 to say. Thank you. But the 4.2.2 's what I want to install other versions (eg Russian version) still odin error. Is it possible to install other versions?
volkantipi said:
Hi, I got back from version 4.2.2 to say. Thank you. But the 4.2.2 's what I want to install other versions (eg Russian version) still odin error. Is it possible to install other versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had this issue on my gs3 , try to move the odin md5 rom file and the odin folder to C: or my documents . maybe one of those directories where u have them right now are too large (odin has issues with long directories)

[Q] Stuck At Boot Animation From Lollipop Downgrade

Ok so I'd like to put AllianceROM on my international version SM-G900F H3G UK model.
To do so, my plan is to downgrade lollipop to 4.4.2 stock, root with TowelRoot, then install the ROM through Mobile Odin Pro (to preserve the KNOX counter). I've just tried to flash 4.4.2 onto the phone, but I cannot get it to start at all after it's flashed. The phone just hangs on the Three (H3G) boot animation.
I'm hoping that I've just got confused with the Sammobile site and that I've just flashed the wrong 4.4.2 firmware (so far tried flashing ANG2 and ANE2). Something I should have checked earlier but I just thought they were updated versions of the same ROM).
If I can't successfully boot into 4.4.2, I'd like to try flashing lollipop to retrieve some files I forgot to backup (another silly mistake). I'm not sure whether I can take files off it through the ADB sideload or whatever but if I have to lose all my data then I'm not too bothered.
What's the best way to go about my situation?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Boot to recovery and factory reset
*Detection* said:
Boot to recovery and factory reset
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, thanks man. After flashing lollipop, I can now boot up and back up stuff. I'll flash 4.2.2 again and factory reset.

I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked, want to update to I337UCUGOK2 to unlock bootloader

I hit on UPDATE on the phone for an OTA update but it only says UNABLE TO CONNECT AT&T SERVER. When I bought it, it had 5.0.1 (I337UCUGOC3) out of the box. Searching on internet says that is bootloader locked (so I cant do anything).
- Can I Update to I337UCUGOK2 and bootloader will be unlocked (I mean, will I be able to do it)?
- Does anyone know where can I grab I337UCUGOK2 for offline install and is it ODIN safe to update it (remember I have I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked)?
please help
Once the bootloader is locked, it will always be locked until someone finds a way to unlock it. Updating the bootloader will not allow it to be unlocked.
cybercuate said:
I hit on UPDATE on the phone for an OTA update but it only says UNABLE TO CONNECT AT&T SERVER. When I bought it, it had 5.0.1 (I337UCUGOC3) out of the box. Searching on internet says that is bootloader locked (so I cant do anything).
- Can I Update to I337UCUGOK2 and bootloader will be unlocked (I mean, will I be able to do it)?
- Does anyone know where can I grab I337UCUGOK2 for offline install and is it ODIN safe to update it (remember I have I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked)?
please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
help... I want to RMA it
sway8966 said:
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everywhere says I need a kitkat rom as base.
My s4 came with 5.0.1 with OC3 and bootloader locked out of the box. I tried some post where says I can flash TWRP and CWM but my phone stucked on bootloops. Then I managed to get back to stock rom and now when I want to turn it on it says " SAMSUNG (and lower on the screen) Custom"
Camera began to fail and I want to return it as RMA but I was looking to reset the flash counter but every post I read is that OC3 bootloader locked users are just doomed.
Do you know a method that I can do for reset that counter?
Camera dont focus anymore and I tried all the posts about safemode, etc.
cybercuate said:
Everywhere says I need a kitkat rom as base.
My s4 came with 5.0.1 with OC3 and bootloader locked out of the box. I tried some post where says I can flash TWRP and CWM but my phone stucked on bootloops. Then I managed to get back to stock rom and now when I want to turn it on it says " SAMSUNG (and lower on the screen) Custom"
Camera began to fail and I want to return it as RMA but I was looking to reset the flash counter but every post I read is that OC3 bootloader locked users are just doomed.
Do you know a method that I can do for reset that counter?
Camera dont focus anymore and I tried all the posts about safemode, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing TWRP and CWM is for the AT&T S4 with older bootloader (MDL, MDB). After that two firmware versions the bootloader is locked.
For AT&T S4 the last full firmware released is NB1. After that they released incremental updates via OTA. That is why you need kitkat (NB1) as base.
For NB1, Muniz uploaded two firmwares. One is the stock and the other is rootable stock. Try the stock one and see you still have the custom symbol.
To reset the counter, there is an app calls Triangle away by Chainfire. However, it does not work on AT&T S4 with locked bootloader.
Trying Odin-Stock NB1
sway8966 said:
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sway8966 said:
Flashing TWRP and CWM is for the AT&T S4 with older bootloader (MDL, MDB). After that two firmware versions the bootloader is locked.
For AT&T S4 the last full firmware released is NB1. After that they released incremental updates via OTA. That is why you need kitkat (NB1) as base.
For NB1, Muniz uploaded two firmwares. One is the stock and the other is rootable stock. Try the stock one and see you still have the custom symbol.
To reset the counter, there is an app calls Triangle away by Chainfire. However, it does not work on AT&T S4 with locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll try Odin it with the stock rom from your link. I'll post news here when it finish flashing
1st part - Success
I'm on 4.4.2 NB1, flash counter back to normal but still bootloader locked
Now I have to go back to OC3 to RMA it.
OTA does nothing, smartswitch shows no updates neither kies.
I'll have to Odin it back to OC3
Can I have some help?
And Success. I'm back on stock OC3 no root.
time to RMA
- camera still doesn't focus
- boot screen is back to normal but when in odin mode the counter shows 0x1
- sometimes shows "sim card could not be detected" or similar messages and force me to restart the phone (just happend 2 times until now, never happend before)
I followed this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Post 2
Thanks to sway8966

Galaxy s4 att stuck on screen with costum and a padlock

Okay, here is the deal. I was trying to install a costum rom on my att galaxy s4. What I did was I rooted it using king root and tried to flash a rom through rom toolbox, but I believe it was just going to take me to my recovery. After that the screen got stuck on the costum screen with the padlock, and only seems to turn on with a charger plugged into it. I am on 5.0.1 lollipop and have managed to flash the original recovery, but any stock rom I try to flash using Odin fails by saying complete thread failed or something like that, and says on my phone binary 1 or something like that. I really need help on where to start.
Thanks
What is the exact Odin error?
AT&T never released a full firmware for flashing via Odin beyond 4.1.2. Look here for a possible solution: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
Once the phone is running a 4.3 or higher bootloader, the bootloader is locked and custom ROMs can't be installed unless the custom ROM is based on a stock ROM.
There's an ODIN flashable Android 4.2.2 MDL bootloader tar file out there somewhere too.
If the bootloader is locked, and it sounds like it is since it's running 5.01, Odin will not be able to flash a 4.2.2 ROM or bootloader.
audit13 said:
If the bootloader is locked, and it sounds like it is since it's running 5.01, Odin will not be able to flash a 4.2.2 ROM or bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any other options, or should I just give up on it?
Look at this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814.
Pay attention to this part of the post which may help:
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your Knox Warranty Flag.
2. The process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, and Stock Recovery.
3. No need to wipe prior to flashing! The ROM will automatically perform a factory data reset.
4. If you are not already rooted (or to unbrick) you must first flash the I337UCUFNB1_Rootable_Full_Odin.tar (use Odin's PDA slot (AP in Odin v3.09+), root with Towelroot, then proceed with the above process.
5. To learn more about FlashFire's capabilities on locked bootloader devices see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...10&postcount=2​
audit13 said:
Look at this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814.
Pay attention to this part of the post which may help:
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your Knox Warranty Flag.
2. The process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, and Stock Recovery.
3. No need to wipe prior to flashing! The ROM will automatically perform a factory data reset.
4. If you are not already rooted (or to unbrick) you must first flash the I337UCUFNB1_Rootable_Full_Odin.tar (use Odin's PDA slot (AP in Odin v3.09+), root with Towelroot, then proceed with the above process.
5. To learn more about FlashFire's capabilities on locked bootloader devices see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...10&postcount=2​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I finally fixed it. I had downloaded that rom before, but it hadn't worked. I decided to try it again and used a different USB port and it worked! Thanks for the help!

Selling a rooted S4, but I want to factory reset. Can I?

Hello
I need to sell my S4, and it is rooted. I'd like to do a factory reset on it, but I ask if doing so will lose root. I rooted it back in 2017, so I don't remember what I did to it, but I assume that I unlocked the bootloader so that I could root.
I can erase all data and pictures and apps manually, and leave it clean AND rooted, but I might prefer to do a factory reset. If I lose root, it won't be a big deal since any potential buyer of this phone might not even know what root is.
Thanks and be safe
Rooting the S4 has nothing to do with the bootloader, if you have a custom recovery installed then you're on the MDL or MDB bootloader which is a rare exploited bootloader. If you want to reset the phone, I would use Odin to do it by flashing the stock firmware you're currently on.
StoneyJSG said:
Rooting the S4 has nothing to do with the bootloader, if you have a custom recovery installed then you're on the MDL or MDB bootloader which is a rare exploited bootloader. If you want to reset the phone, I would use Odin to do it by flashing the stock firmware you're currently on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Stoney.. Might you know where I can find the latest stock odin file?
Sent from my OnePlus7Pro using XDA Labs
That depends on your current bootloader. You can flash the one you're on or flash a newer one. You can't flash an older one after a newer one though. Check your bootloader, if you're on MDL then you need the MDL firmware. If you're on anything else aside MDL then you will need other firmware.
Try here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
And
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/general/s4-unified-guides-collection-t3966126

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