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[Q] Confused about kltevzw ROMs

Hi, I'd like something cleared up. I have a Verizon Galaxy S5 running Kitkat 4.4.4 which I have rooted. I was wanting to flash this Liquidsmooth ROM on it. It says it supports it, right? But how do you install this ROM if the locked bootloader keeps you from installing TWRP or CWM Recovery? Can it only be installed on the developer edition? I can't seem to find a definitive answer.
Thanks in advance.

RayburnD said:
Hi, I'd like something cleared up. I have a Verizon Galaxy S5 running Kitkat 4.4.4 which I have rooted. I was wanting to flash this Liquidsmooth ROM on it. It says it supports it, right? But how do you install this ROM if the locked bootloader keeps you from installing TWRP or CWM Recovery? Can it only be installed on the developer edition? I can't seem to find a definitive answer.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says in the OP the ROM is AOSP based, which means you cannot flash it on the retail Verizon version. It can only be flashed on the Developer Edition Verizon variant.

Ok, that's what I was thinking, but wasn't sure. Thanks for your help!

RayburnD said:
Hi, I'd like something cleared up. I have a Verizon Galaxy S5 running Kitkat 4.4.4 which I have rooted. I was wanting to flash this Liquidsmooth ROM on it. It says it supports it, right? But how do you install this ROM if the locked bootloader keeps you from installing TWRP or CWM Recovery? Can it only be installed on the developer edition? I can't seem to find a definitive answer.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering exactly the same thing. I'm a total noob, I've never flashed a ROM. I rooted Verizon Galaxy S5, w KitKat 4.4.4. I wondered: if Lollipop kills Safestrap, how am I supposed to recover from a inappropriate Lollipop ROM? I was so frustrated by this question, I just bought (a cheap, mint) Developer Edition Samsung Galaxy S5. Now what? I would like to flash ROMS on my new phone , have found threads to do so, but the general question remains: what ROMS are right? Can the Developer Edition (DE) take any ROM that a non-Developer Edition can take? Can the DE S5 take ANY AOSP ROM? Such as CM 12.1? And to phrase the question for those with the non-DE S5 - how does one recover from a bad Lollipop ROM, if one cannot install recovery on a locked bootloader Verizon S5? -- and if one cannot use Safestrap (because I thought Safestrap was broken in Lollipop). Does one have to downgrade to KitKat to fix an incorrect ROM situation? Lots of questions, I'll research, but these still remain. Thank you!

lazrus1 said:
I was wondering exactly the same thing. I'm a total noob, I've never flashed a ROM. I rooted Verizon Galaxy S5, w KitKat 4.4.4. I wondered: if Lollipop kills Safestrap, how am I supposed to recover from a inappropriate Lollipop ROM? I was so frustrated by this question, I just bought (a cheap, mint) Developer Edition Samsung Galaxy S5. Now what? I would like to flash ROMS on my new phone , have found threads to do so, but the general question remains: what ROMS are right? Can the Developer Edition (DE) take any ROM that a non-Developer Edition can take? Can the DE S5 take ANY AOSP ROM? Such as CM 12.1? And to phrase the question for those with the non-DE S5 - how does one recover from a bad Lollipop ROM, if one cannot install recovery on a locked bootloader Verizon S5? -- and if one cannot use Safestrap (because I thought Safestrap was broken in Lollipop). Does one have to downgrade to KitKat to fix an incorrect ROM situation? Lots of questions, I'll research, but these still remain. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A developer edition cannot run Roms for the retail edition. You will lock your device. You can backup your phone or flash something else by using Odin to flash a kernel of an earlier build such as nk2. This will bring safestrap back up.

lazrus1 said:
I was wondering exactly the same thing. I'm a total noob, I've never flashed a ROM. I rooted Verizon Galaxy S5, w KitKat 4.4.4. I wondered: if Lollipop kills Safestrap, how am I supposed to recover from a inappropriate Lollipop ROM? I was so frustrated by this question, I just bought (a cheap, mint) Developer Edition Samsung Galaxy S5. Now what? I would like to flash ROMS on my new phone , have found threads to do so, but the general question remains: what ROMS are right? Can the Developer Edition (DE) take any ROM that a non-Developer Edition can take? Can the DE S5 take ANY AOSP ROM? Such as CM 12.1? And to phrase the question for those with the non-DE S5 - how does one recover from a bad Lollipop ROM, if one cannot install recovery on a locked bootloader Verizon S5? -- and if one cannot use Safestrap (because I thought Safestrap was broken in Lollipop). Does one have to downgrade to KitKat to fix an incorrect ROM situation? Lots of questions, I'll research, but these still remain. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't suggest installing roms based off retail firmware for the de version as it'll probably lock your bootloader. Developer editions can take any aosp rom made for the kltevzw, and any rom that isn't based off of retail firmware, for that matter. Safestrap doesn't work on lollipop, but if you want it to run all you have to do is flash a kitkat kernel on odin and safestrap will work again, ths system will not, however, unless you install a lollipop kernel.

Tulsadiver said:
A developer edition cannot run Roms for the retail edition. You will lock your device. You can backup your phone or flash something else by using Odin to flash a kernel of an earlier build such as nk2. This will bring safestrap back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you!
Are there any AOSP ROMS based on CM12.1 that are semi-stable? I saw the one by albinoman887 , but that one does not yet seem stable, and since I am a n00b, might not be a good idea to flash it.... Are there any other ROMS for Samsung GS5 kltevzw phones with unlocked bootloaders that you know of?
thank you!

lazrus1 said:
thank you!
Are there any AOSP ROMS based on CM12.1 that are semi-stable? I saw the one by albinoman887 , but that one does not yet seem stable, and since I am a n00b, might not be a good idea to flash it.... Are there any other ROMS for Samsung GS5 kltevzw phones with unlocked bootloaders that you know of?
thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am too unfamiliar with the developer edition. I wouldn't want to mess up your phone.

Samsung Galaxy S4 I337 cannot find latest update 4.4.4

Hey guys,
My brother has the S4 i337 model and he's on 4.4.2
This phone is unlocked and he's using Tmobile on it.
For some reason it cannot find 4.4.4 via OTA and Kies
Is this because it's on tmobile or this model didn't get 4.4.4 yet.
Do I need to root it and flash a rom on it?
Thanks

krazyq said:
Hey guys,
My brother has the S4 i337 model and he's on 4.4.2
This phone is unlocked and he's using Tmobile on it.
For some reason it cannot find 4.4.4 via OTA and Kies
Is this because it's on tmobile or this model didn't get 4.4.4 yet.
Do I need to root it and flash a rom on it?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some models of the Samsung Galaxy S4 just didn't get the update, for instance my i337 didn't even get the 4.4.2 Kitkat update and was stuck on JellyBean. Your best bet is to just flash a 4.4.4 Rom on it. Clears out the bloated stock software.

Brandon.Black said:
Some models of the Samsung Galaxy S4 just didn't get the update, for instance my i337 didn't even get the 4.4.2 Kitkat update and was stuck on JellyBean. Your best bet is to just flash a 4.4.4 Rom on it. Clears out the bloated stock software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's really lame
So to make sure I do this the right way
I have to root the phone first
then install custom recovery
then flash rom right?
Or does the boot loader need to be unlocked?
Any rom recommendations?
I'd like for it to be stock so it's stable since my brother needs this for testing purposes

krazyq said:
that's really lame
So to make sure I do this the right way
I have to root the phone first
then install custom recovery
then flash rom right?
Or does the boot loader need to be unlocked?
Any rom recommendations?
I'd like for it to be stock so it's stable since my brother needs this for testing purposes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes correct, but if your boot loader is locked then you're going to need to download SafeStrap Recovery for locked bootloaders. Then once you have installed that, there's only very limited amount of Roms you can install because of the kernel, if you find a ROM that changes the kernel your phone won't boot. But a ROM that is fully working is called "GoldenEye ROM" its a 4.4.2 ROM but is really clean, stock, and clears out all that bloated nonsense. There's no 4.4.4 Roms for locked bootloaders yet.

Brandon.Black said:
Yes correct, but if your boot loader is locked then you're going to need to download SafeStrap Recovery for locked bootloaders. Then once you have installed that, there's only very limited amount of Roms you can install because of the kernel, if you find a ROM that changes the kernel your phone won't boot. But a ROM that is fully working is called "GoldenEye ROM" its a 4.4.2 ROM but is really clean, stock, and clears out all that bloated nonsense. There's no 4.4.4 Roms for locked bootloaders yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this info
I'll look into it

[Help] Install twrp in Galaxy s5 sm-g900v 6.0.1

Hey there I just got a new samsung galaxy s5, and I have been searching on the internet since yesterday, and haven't been able to find a thread that gives me information about installing custom recovery or installing a rom based in stock without any bloatware.
My phone is the samsung galaxy s5 sm-g900v (not rooted, i haven't been able to do it, maybe it's not posible yet )
android 6.0.1
kernel version 3.4.0
So my questions are:
Can I flash the twrp.tar file with odin?
Is there anyway to install a rom based in the stock of samsung but without bloatware?
And finally, can I root android 6.0.1 in my verizon s5?
Thanks in advance

you have alot to learn my friend.. if you are on 6.0.1 i dont think you can downgrade. you need to be on a 5.0 and then root then if you have a samsung board you can unlock the boot loader to install TWRP if its a toshiba you cant..

zachspod said:
you have alot to learn my friend.. if you are on 6.0.1 i dont think you can downgrade. you need to be on a 5.0 and then root then if you have a samsung board you can unlock the boot loader to install TWRP if its a toshiba you cant..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the s5, but i get rid of it,im back on my old lg g2, seems it was imposible to install a clean rom on that device.

6.0.1 is downgradable. If you had a 15 chip then you could get TWRP. Even if you had an 11 chip you could still flash a debloated rom on Lolipop.

leotakacs said:
6.0.1 is downgradable. If you had a 15 chip then you could get TWRP. Even if you had an 11 chip you could still flash a debloated rom on Lolipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've searched but I'm lost on where and how to downgrade 6.01? Is it just flashing over a 5.0 ? or is there more to it because it's new? And where can you find a guide for rooting 6.01 or downgrading it and then rooting?

leotakacs said:
6.0.1 is downgradable. If you had a 15 chip then you could get TWRP. Even if you had an 11 chip you could still flash a debloated rom on Lolipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already gave the phone to my gf, but what would happen if I try to flash a stock based debloated rom with my pc? I mean flashing the debloated version of 6.0.1?

shibtastic said:
I've searched but I'm lost on where and how to downgrade 6.01? Is it just flashing over a 5.0 ? or is there more to it because it's new? And where can you find a guide for rooting 6.01 or downgrading it and then rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a G900V 5.0 Lollipop Odin TAR. If you have a CID 11 chip then you can either:
- Downgrade to lollipop and stay rooted their.
- Stay / upgrade to marshmallow but not have root.

DanyMarroquin said:
I just got the s5, but i get rid of it,im back on my old lg g2, seems it was imposible to install a clean rom on that device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can downgrade from marshmellow to lolipop however you cannot downgrade to kitkat due to the fact that the bootloader is different

I advise you DO NOT make move to unlock bootloader on locked device.Like install 900f roms 900f kernels. Because i tried this **** and my s5 is turned to trash. Do not try belive me.
Best Wishes...
SM-N930F

Y4HY4 said:
I advise you DO NOT make move to unlock bootloader on locked device.Like install 900f roms 900f kernels. Because i tried this **** and my s5 is turned to trash. Do not try belive me.
Best Wishes...
SM-N930F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you advising those with a locked bootloader not to unlock it? If you have the right emmc, there are like 4 different methods to do it. It's simple!

[I9500] Downgrade 6.0.1 to 4.4.2

Hello all, quick question
I have an S4 I9500 running GearCM13 (6.0.1) and I want to go back to stock 4.4.2, would following this guide do the trick or is it no longer possible to downgrade?
If this has already been discussed, a link is appreciated as I've searched and found nothing conclusive.
Thanks

It depends on your bootloader. If you never upgraded the bootloader from 4.4.2 you should be able to go back to stock rather easily. You may be able to go back even with an upgraded bootloader, since both the 5.0.1 bootloader and 4.4.2 bootloaders have Knox. You'll just have to try the guide.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
It depends on your bootloader. If you never upgraded the bootloader from 4.4.2 you should be able to go back to stock rather easily. You may be able to go back even with an upgraded bootloader, since both the 5.0.1 bootloader and 4.4.2 bootloaders have Knox. You'll just have to try the guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that's the info I needed.
To summarize the whole situation which led me to want to downgrade: I was on GEARCM13 and battery drain was too much to handle so I wanted to go back to a KK 4.4.2 rom (Ozcan) but then I read about Infernus Rom (Based 5.1.1 Ale95 Note Port) and went that way. Strephon's info helped me notice I didnt have to downgrade anything since I have a 5.0.1 bootloader.
Kinda convoluted response, if anyone wants further details, please pm.

Using an S4 as emergency phone, and I need slight guidance for rooting & recovery

Hello
My LG V10 came across the famous bootloop issue, and I shipped it to LG. In the meantime, I am using an old S4 that was saved for emergencies like this one. It is running 4.4.4, I337UCUFNJ4, and I rooted it with Kingoroot.
I understand that it should OTA to 5.1 in pronably a day or 2 if I check for a software update; it sat turned off since 2014, so it did not receive anything.
1. Do I OTA and reroot?
2. Can I manually jump to 5.1?
Ultimately, I would like to install TWRP and the Blissrom or some other ROM, but I don't want to take an OTA that may screw me up for later. I read that there's a loki thing that will prevent future installations of recovery or something like that. I realize that I will be using a short time (2-3 weeks), but I would like to leave it rooted and with a good ROM.
Thank you

The bootloader is locked so that means TWRP cannot be flashed to the phone and the phone will only run custom ROMs based off a stock Samsung ROM.
OTA updates will not work if the phone is rooted.

audit13 said:
The bootloader is locked so that means TWRP cannot be flashed to the phone and the phone will only run custom ROMs based off a stock Samsung ROM.
OTA updates will not work if the phone is rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused or perhaps you are misinformed. I have seen a lot of ROMs for this device including Blissrom and many others. All od them get flashed through twrp or Safeway or aome name like that.

You mean safestrap?
Maybe you are thinking of the non-AT&T models of the s4 that work with custom ROMs such as Lineage and Validus. Only the AT&T version of the s4 has a locked bootloader, starting with Android 4.3 and up.
There has never been an sgh-i337 s4 with a locked bootloader than can run TWRP. Same goes for the AT&T sm-n900a note 3 with a locked bootloader.

audit13 said:
You mean safestrap?
Maybe you are thinking of the non-AT&T models of the s4 that work with custom ROMs such as Lineage and Validus. Only the AT&T version of the s4 has a locked bootloader, starting with Android 4.3 and up.
There has never been an sgh-i337 s4 with a locked bootloader than can run TWRP. Same goes for the AT&T sm-n900a note 3 with a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But there's a forum dedicated to AT&T development full of roms here on xda.

Yes, there is a full section but you need to look at the ROM requirements. Some of these ROMs were developed before AT&T pushed out an OTA update that locked the bootloader. Other ROMs are made for the non-AT&T s4 such as the sgh-i337m and gt-i9505.
You will not see any ROM that is not based off a stock Samsung ROM that can be installed onto an AT&T s4 that has a locked bootloader. Also, you will not see any version of TWRP/CWM/Philz that can be installed onto an AT&T s4 that has a locked bootloader. Same goes for the AT&T sm-n900a.
I understand your skepticism and appreciate your posts as we are all here to learn from each other.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2785166
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/help/ez-unlock-bricked-phone-galaxy-att-s4-t3703235
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/help/help-installed-chainfire3d-phone-doesnt-t3700830
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/help/samsung-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337-ok2-locked-t3458353

Thanks for the clarification. So how do I know if my bootloader is locked? If I took that ota update that messed things up?

The bootloader becomes locked when the phone is updated to Android 4.3 or newer. I think it needs to be on the MDL bootloader to be unlocked. Anything beginning with an "N" or "O" means that the bootloader is locked.

Thanks audit. And I assume that there's no way to go backwards to a pre-4.3 rom and unlock that bootloader.
So. I'm on 4.44 rooted. Do i remove root and take any ota and reroot? I guess that I'll settle for going as high as possible with the stock rom but rooted with the ability to disable some of the bloatware.
How can I proceed?
In those links that you mentioned, it states that we can flash debloated TouchWiz roms that might be better than stock. Is that right? So can I do that?

You will need to install safestrap to flash a custom ROM. The debloated ROMs must be based off a ROM that is designed for the AT&T s4.
I recommend reading through this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221

Audit... I odined back to nb1, rooted, and used flashify to get to rooted stock oc3.
How can I get to ok3? And should I leave ota services frozen so as to not ruin and loose root?

OTA will not work with a rooted phone.
Maybe this will help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56453108&postcount=2
I don't have an sgh-i337 so I can't tell you how to get back to a completely stock ROM to get OTA updates. I have the sgh-i337m which is the Canadian version of the s4 without a locked bootloader.

I wrote a guide and FAQ revolving around the MDL bootloader here (if anyone cares to read it):
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-one-guide-to-mdl-bootloader-t3584122