Database Users

Won't boot into custom recovery

Hey guys, this is my first post on this forum. I have been doing a lot of research about rooting my s4 (SGH-1337, i9505) on firmware 4.3, and after a long process of trying different methods, I finally found a method that works, using a chinese root program. When I use root checker, it says my device has been fully rooted. However, I am having trouble booting into custom recovery. I used rom manager to flash clockworkmod touch, and it says flash succeeded, but whenever I try to boot into recovery, it will only take me into the stock android recovery. I decided to try to flash CWM through Odin, but every time I try that it says flash failed. I am not sure what the issue is here, and I have tried almost all of the methods that I have found. Any help would greatly appreciated!

chucktheduck said:
Hey guys, this is my first post on this forum. I have been doing a lot of research about rooting my s4 (SGH-1337, i9505) on firmware 4.3, and after a long process of trying different methods, I finally found a method that works, using a chinese root program. When I use root checker, it says my device has been fully rooted. However, I am having trouble booting into custom recovery. I used rom manager to flash clockworkmod touch, and it says flash succeeded, but whenever I try to boot into recovery, it will only take me into the stock android recovery. I decided to try to flash CWM through Odin, but every time I try that it says flash failed. I am not sure what the issue is here, and I have tried almost all of the methods that I have found. Any help would greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The I337 and i9505 are not the same device. We cannot have a custom recovery on our 4.3 firmware with the I337 because of the locked bootloader. The i9505 is the international version, and has an unlocked bootloader since no carrier is enforcing a lock on it. So you can only have root and use root apps for now, and then use Safestrap when it is updated for flashing other Touchwiz or GPE 4.3 ROMs.

DeadlySin9 said:
The I337 and i9505 are not the same device. We cannot have a custom recovery on our 4.3 firmware with the I337 because of the locked bootloader. The i9505 is the international version, and has an unlocked bootloader since no carrier is enforcing a lock on it. So you can only have root and use root apps for now, and then use Safestrap when it is updated for flashing other Touchwiz or GPE 4.3 ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much. I guess I'll have to wait to be able to unlock the bootloader. Do you know of any methods now that can unlock it?

There is no method and may never be a method.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

graydiggy said:
There is no method and may never be a method.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just found this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42320391.
I should be able to at least install custom recovery using this method correct? Loki is sort of a workaround right?

chucktheduck said:
I just found this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42320391.
I should be able to at least install custom recovery using this method correct? Loki is sort of a workaround right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for MK2 4.3 on AT&T I337. If that's your device and firmware version, at this time, your bootloader is locked. Safestrap is 4.2.2 only. Patience.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Bootloader unlock Galaxy s4 sgh-i337 4.4.2 kitkat

I rooted my galaxy s4 sgh-i337 runing android 4.4.2 today using towel root. It is an apk you install and will root any phone with 4.4.2 or lower. Well I tried flashing clockworkmod but when it restarts a message from at&t comes up saying that unauthorize software is trying to install on phone. So I think that means the bootloader is locked. How do I unlock it so I can flash CWM and perform a nandroid backup. Then I want to install custom roms. I know alot of people were looking for 4.4.2 root for s4 so might want to post another thread about towel root. towelroot .com

patstar5 said:
I rooted my galaxy s4 sgh-i337 runing android 4.4.2 today using towel root. It is an apk you install and will root any phone with 4.4.2 or lower. Well I tried flashing clockworkmod but when it restarts a message from at&t comes up saying that unauthorize software is trying to install on phone. So I think that means the bootloader is locked. How do I unlock it so I can flash CWM and perform a nandroid backup. Then I want to install custom roms. I know alot of people were looking for 4.4.2 root for s4 so might want to post another thread about towel root. towelroot .com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You CANNOT install CWM or TWRP. You will need to use SafeStrap recovery. Read up about it, as I have the older Loki bypass and don't need/use towelroot or safestrap.
With safestrap you are limited to flashing Touchwiz based roms. You can flash modems. You CANNOT flash kernels.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

RockRatt said:
You CANNOT install CWM or TWRP. You will need to use SafeStrap recovery. Read up about it, as I have the older Loki bypass and don't need/use towelroot or safestrap.
With safestrap you are limited to flashing Touchwiz based roms. You can flash modems. You CANNOT flash kernels.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can't use cyanogenmod, aosp, aopk, or pacman roms?

patstar5 said:
So I can't use cyanogenmod, aosp, aopk, or pacman roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's one partially working Google Play edition rom, but otherwise, no.

This makes me truly sad. I was so looking forward to possibly flashing these ROMS and now...I have to get it my time machine and go backwards lol whenever I find the time to figure the downgrading thing out. Sounds to me like I'll be happier when I do find the time.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

There is no way going back to the older bootloader. The only way to go back would be to find an older S4 on eBay etc. with the old BL
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

patstar5 said:
I rooted my galaxy s4 sgh-i337 runing android 4.4.2 today using towel root. It is an apk you install and will root any phone with 4.4.2 or lower. Well I tried flashing clockworkmod but when it restarts a message from at&t comes up saying that unauthorize software is trying to install on phone. So I think that means the bootloader is locked. How do I unlock it so I can flash CWM and perform a nandroid backup. Then I want to install custom roms. I know alot of people were looking for 4.4.2 root for s4 so might want to post another thread about towel root. towelroot .com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the post below are correct except being able to go back to firmware with an unlocked boot loader.. Install safestrap 3.72 and install recovery. You will get a Twrp recovery .. dont try flashing custom kernels ..It might flash but none of the setting such as overclock etc. will work .nor will you be on that kernel version afterwrds .. I guess the simple answer is no for cwm and aosp roms .. You will be only able too flash custom stock roms

Wifi issues with towelrooted gs4
First off this may not be the right place for this (first time poster), and if so, either please help me in finding the right forum or forgive my ignorance.
I rooted my galaxy s4 today, and I have found that when I am trying to use wifi I am unable to connect to some pages. Using chrome I am unable to load google.com, or google anything directly from the search bar. And the app imgur also doesn't load whilst on wifi, but if I switch to my cell network they load just fine. If I had unlimited data of course this would not be an issue, but that is not the case and therefore I come to this forum and hope that someone can help me out!
My s4 is an at&t i337. I would amazingly, greatly appreciate any help!
Much thanks in advance!

lost recovery with unlocked bootloader
Hello,
longtime flasher here, not as familiar with gs4.
My girl has a sgh-i337 that has been bootloader unlocked since day one. Been on TWRP and slim rom the whole time too.
I was wiping Cache, Dalvik Cache, and System prior to doing a rom update and TWRP glitched out while updating partition after the final wipe operation. Screen went black. Boots to download mode only.Will not boot rom (as system was wiped) but shows the samsung custom unlocked logo. When in download (odin) mode, I see product name: sgh-1337, Current Binary: Samsung Official, System Status: Custom CSB_OEM_LSB: 0x30 Write Protection: enable
universal android toolkit will not show device connected so Installation of custom recovery through toolkit fails. ADB will not show device connected. ODIN will show device connected, though.
To recover with odin, can I flash the I337UCUAMDL from sammobile and retain unlocked bootloader?
Thanks for any and all help.

What is the bootloader version you need to unlock? I have 4.2.2 Red ATT S4, Baseband Version : I337UCUAMF3 / BUILD: JDQ39 , if i was able to unlock how would i go about doing so? I was hoping i could do something with Loki if not? How does Loki work exactly as well?

Congrats, you just voided your warranty. It will be 0x1 instead of 0x0.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

Just FYI for you guys hijacking the thread. It is usually better for you if you start your own thread. Most people skim these threads and may lose track of who they were helping or give bad info to you thinking they were replying to the original question. Or, just skip the thread if they don't think the OP tiltle interests them.
You will get more direct answers and quicker help if you do. Or try to post here--
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2320430
Just trying to get you faster and more accurate responses--:good:

How did you root S4?
patstar5 said:
I rooted my galaxy s4 sgh-i337 runing android 4.4.2 today using towel root. It is an apk you install and will root any phone with 4.4.2 or lower. Well I tried flashing clockworkmod but when it restarts a message from at&t comes up saying that unauthorize software is trying to install on phone. So I think that means the bootloader is locked. How do I unlock it so I can flash CWM and perform a nandroid backup. Then I want to install custom roms. I know alot of people were looking for 4.4.2 root for s4 so might want to post another thread about towel root. towelroot .com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you root your galaxy? I've been trying for two days now and no matter what I try to do it never works, fortunately I haven't bricked my phone but I feel like it's only a matter of time! I have a:
Samsung SGH-I337 for AT&T
4.4.2
Baseband Version: I337UCUFNI1
Kernel version: 3.4.0 Sep. 4th
Security software version v1.0 Release 2

th3doorMATT said:
How did you root your galaxy? I've been trying for two days now and no matter what I try to do it never works, fortunately I haven't bricked my phone but I feel like it's only a matter of time! I have a:
Samsung SGH-I337 for AT&T
4.4.2
Baseband Version: I337UCUFNI1
Kernel version: 3.4.0 Sep. 4th
Security software version v1.0 Release 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=55537351
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Using Odin 3.10
jd1639 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=55537351
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried using other methods I'm not home to try this one out but every time I've connected my phone to Odin the COM Port has always been blue, I've never gotten it to be yellow like I've read in other guides. Any time I've tried to flash when it's blue it's failed. Any suggestions to get it yellow?

th3doorMATT said:
I've tried using other methods I'm not home to try this one out but every time I've connected my phone to Odin the COM Port has always been blue, I've never gotten it to be yellow like I've read in other guides. Any time I've tried to flash when it's blue it's failed. Any suggestions to get it yellow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe in Odin 3.09 it is blue I've always used 1.85 where it's yellow. What tar file are you trying to flash?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
I believe in Odin 3.09 it is blue I've always used 1.85 where it's yellow. What tar file are you trying to flash?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. I still don't know why it fails but when I get home I'll have to let you know. I've deleted several after failing. I'm sure I can find them again and I think I still have a few as well so I'll let you know.

CF Auto Root and Towelroot
jd1639 said:
I believe in Odin 3.09 it is blue I've always used 1.85 where it's yellow. What tar file are you trying to flash?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used both CF Auto Root, Towelroot, and Motochopper guides and none of them have worked.
The only file I have on my computer is: philz_touch_6.08.9-jflteatt.tar.md5 as one of the files I used but that didn't work. I actually had already downloaded the files from the article you had linked but I didn't get around to it yet, I'm going to try that method out in about 15-30mins and see what happens.

It worked!
jd1639 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=55537351
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Followed everything on that post and it worked! I'm rooted!
Though I'm not sure if you know about custom recoveries. I'm having issues with installing any of them and having it work. I am currently trying Safestrap and for some reason it won't install the recovery. It'll go through the process, but the state of the recovery won't change or anything.
I ultimately want to install CM11, but I'm really struggling to find a way that works!

unlocked bootloader.....
patstar5 said:
I rooted my galaxy s4 sgh-i337 runing android 4.4.2 today using towel root. It is an apk you install and will root any phone with 4.4.2 or lower. Well I tried flashing clockworkmod but when it restarts a message from at&t comes up saying that unauthorize software is trying to install on phone. So I think that means the bootloader is locked. How do I unlock it so I can flash CWM and perform a nandroid backup. Then I want to install custom roms. I know alot of people were looking for 4.4.2 root for s4 so might want to post another thread about towel root. towelroot .com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still can't figure how to install the .apk file from kingroot..? How do you install the file to root it..?

Help sought: Screwed up my S4 and seeking a fix

Note: Relevant device info will be provided below.
Dear techwizards,
I've been trying to root my phone for a while, I've done it before: both my S II and S III were international variants, and rooting those devices was very simple. But after getting an S IV from America and consensually downloading a samsung issued update -- I had yet to read up on the disadvantages of knox -- my rooting and android experience took a turn for the worse.
Long story short -- I know developers are a proud bunch who value their time -- I tried rooting my phone yesterday after almost smashing my phone on a coffee table. They say it's a well known side effect of Touchwiz, but I'll leave that to you.
I used a towelroot.com root -- a wonderful tool, if I may say so. After that, I visited the CM website and picked out the compatible CM11. I never got to flashing it though, as my problems arose while installing a recovery.
I had downloaded an app, a something recovery or another. They had an option to flash recoveries on there--it would download your recovery for you and do all the work, which seemed plausible as most video tutorials demonstrated. To my astonishment, doing so bricked my phone.
I tracked back, looked for the samsung stock rom, downloaded all 2.2 gb's of it and flashed it. It worked. My phone was functional but I suspect something within it stinks. My device, apparently for security reasons, wont let my wifi or 4g to establish a connection. It's making it impossible for me to fix this problem as I can't root my device or flash a custom rom.
About Device:
Pre problem I was running a:
SGH-I337UCUFNC1 baseband. Build Number ending with: NC1.
Android version: 4.2.2
Post problem:
Baseband: I337UCUFNC1
Build Number: JSS15J.I337UCUEMK2
Android version 4.3.
If I could find my original stock 4.2.2 NC1 version and get simple instructions on how to re-install it back to stock version, I'd be very grateful.
If you know how I could fix the internet issue on the MK2 one, and provide some simple instructions of how to root it, I'd be grateful too.
If you think neither would work, and have something else in mind, Im open to your suggestions.
Much Regards,
Y

You can only use safestrap for the recovery. See in the general forum index, all things at&t....
You can't flash cm, only touch wiz based roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You can only use safestrap for the recovery. See in the general forum index, all things at&t....
You can't flash cm, only touch wiz based roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never got to installing or attempting to install CM.
Things took a turn for the unexpected after I tried installing CMW recovery.
Please reread my post

I've read it. You can't install cwm. That's what had messed up your device. The only recovery you can use is safestrap
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
I've read it. You can't install cwm. That's what had messed up your device. The only recovery you can use is safestrap
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. Thanks for the info. Do you know what could be done to restore my device to stock? As of now I'm running a MK2 Android 4.3 on a NC1 4.2.2 device and the wifi/4g connection aren't working.

androidshmandroid said:
I see. Thanks for the info. Do you know what could be done to restore my device to stock? As of now I'm running a MK2 Android 4.3 on a NC1 4.2.2 device and the wifi/4g connection aren't working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you look for the thread I pointed you to? In the general forum index, all things at&t... You're going to want to start there. That'll link you to this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49687770
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

Since your bootloader is already locked, you might as well Odin to stock. Odin to NB1 then use stock recovery to flash the NC1 update from a zip file on a microSD.
Part of the problem is that the NC1 is not 4.2.2 like you listed, but 4.4.2. That's the update you applied that started the sordid tale. When you were on 4.2.2, with bootloader MD<something>, you could have flashed CM or whatever, because you would be able to have TWRP or CWM recovery. When Samsung pushed out a 4.3 update (MK2 I believe) all the unlocked bootloader fun was over, probably permanently for this phone.
When you flashed MK2 firmware (4.3) onto the phone, parts of it don't work with the NC1 baseband, causing the problems you've seen. If you Odin NB1, then do the quick zip update from stock recovery to get all the way to NC1, you'll be back to stock and everything should work.
Once that's done, you can go through this process:
1. Root with Towelroot.
2. Install SuperSU to manage root access. (You might have to reboot, it's a 50%/50% shot... sometimes it hangs trying to disable Knox... no worries just reboot)
3. Install SafeStrap... it will create the safestrap recovery. You might need to install SELinux Mode Changer app (from play store) and set to permissive, to get Safestrap installed.
4. Boot to the SafeStrap recovery. Install any touchwiz rom. Only touchwiz compatible roms will work. I liked GoldenEye.
When installing touchwiz ROMs, typically one flashes the ROM, then SuperSU, then the NC1 modules, then the ATT BuildProp/APN file. Sounds complex but goes quickly. Some roms have some of these things built in.
Good luck! I eventually decided I didn't like the ATT Samsung restrictions of the locked boot loader, and bought a T-Mobile M919 variant of the S4. Unlocked boot loader. Woo hoo. And works fine on ATT.
Marc

[Q] New to rooting

I have a Galaxy S5 SM-G900V Version 5.0 I am wondering if it is possible to root it any help would be greatly appreciated

If you read the post above yours, or any of the posts in this forum, you will probably figure out how to root your device. Pro tip!

I have read them and have tried several different ways but I must be missing something because when I flash my device it keeps going into boot recovery and I cant get it to go any further

bobyluvjr said:
I have read them and have tried several different ways but I must be missing something because when I flash my device it keeps going into boot recovery and I cant get it to go any further
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You soft bricked it. I recommend using Kies 3 to repair and initialize the phone again to stock, unless you made a nandroid backup. Then, you'll have to flash a NK2 retail stock, since no one has been able to find a method to root AO8 Lollipop 5.0 without tripping knox. If you don't mind tripping knox, which voids your warranty.

Rapunzl said:
You soft bricked it. I recommend using Kies 3 to repair and initialize the phone again to stock, unless you made a nandroid backup. Then, you'll have to flash a NK2 retail stock, since no one has been able to find a method to root AO8 Lollipop 5.0 without tripping knox. If you don't mind tripping knox, which voids your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are wrong lmao.. we have root for the g900v (he must be having user errors if he cant get it to work) but there is NO process for the g900v that will trip Knox at all because we cant touch the BL due to it being locked.. Knox has nothing to do with anything at this point. His warranty is still good but yes, his phone is soft bricked if he cant boot up
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

bobyluvjr said:
I have a Galaxy S5 SM-G900V Version 5.0 I am wondering if it is possible to root it any help would be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried finding a full ncg tar file (full meaning it includes the kernel), Odin that to put you on ncg. Download towelroot and install it. Run towelroot and that should root you. Download latest safestrap and install it. Then download any other the rooted lollipop roms and the lollipop kernel(kernel will be downloaded on computer) . Install it via safestrap, boot directly into download mode and Odin the lollipop kernel. Reboot. Should be rooted lollipop and good to.

New too rooting
ok I managed to figure this all out i think I got it to restore back to 5.0 using odin by flashing the stock files I found on the forums then I found another tutorial on rooting and followed it and managed to figure it out so now I am running
Android Version
4.4.4
Baseband Version
G900VVRU1ANHA
Kernel Version
3.4.0
[email protected]#1
Build Number
KTU84P.G900VVRU1ANHA
I don't know if that means any thing to you guys but my next task is to find a rom that ultimately will get rid of allot of the boat from verizon and ideally I would like to have the multi user feature but I am not sure that is availible for android 4.4.4

elliwigy said:
you are wrong lmao.. we have root for the g900v (he must be having user errors if he cant get it to work) but there is NO process for the g900v that will trip Knox at all because we cant touch the BL due to it being locked.. Knox has nothing to do with anything at this point. His warranty is still good but yes, his phone is soft bricked if he cant boot up
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm new to the locked bootloader, so I stand corrected on that point. You taught me something, and I got a laugh out of you.

[Q] I337UCUFNJ4 AT&T Galaxy S4 4.4.4 only download mode

i root my gs4 with odin, everything went fine but I wanted to get my gs faster so i downloaded kernel for gs4 and flashed it. mistake here. i didnt check if it supports 4.4.4. it only support devices under 4.3 so.. no wifi. that was the problem i had other than that, all was good. than I downloaded some OTA file for my gs4 and when i tried to flash it with safestrap, it kept said fail. so i thought it's maybe because i already have OS installed... so i wiped system,data and i tried to flash that OTA file, fail again. now im screwd. there is no OS on my gs4. when i trun it on, it vibrates, than reboots and than goes into Odinmode and say something like "nornal boot not possible" in red.
so i spent couple days searching how to get my phone work again but everything i tried didnt work. and for galaxy s4 sgh i337 nj4 version 4.4.4 it even made me think it was made just for me.
i tried kies, failed it told me to do emergency recovery but my phone does not show on list.
can anyone please help me.. Im new to Samsung Galaxy..

im thinking about following this guide since there are no options
http://www.androidrootz.com/2014/03/how-to-unrootunbrick-at-galaxy-s4-sgh.html
is this okay?

JustinBushke said:
im thinking about following this guide since there are no options
http://www.androidrootz.com/2014/03/how-to-unrootunbrick-at-galaxy-s4-sgh.html
is this okay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to use the ODIN file from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Flash that in ODIN, use the rootable version if you want to root it using towelroot.
Besides that, you can't flash any custom kernels on the S4 unless you're on the 4.2.2 MDL bootloader, and there's no way to get back to that from 4.4.

DeadlySin9 said:
You'll have to use the ODIN file from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Flash that in ODIN, use the rootable version if you want to root it using towelroot.
Besides that, you can't flash any custom kernels on the S4 unless you're on the 4.2.2 MDL bootloader, and there's no way to get back to that from 4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your reply. i will try that after couple hours.
but I am curious if i can use I337UCUFNB on NJ4 bootloader. i have nj4 bootloader

JustinBushke said:
Thank you so much for your reply. i will try that after couple hours.
but I am curious if i can use I337UCUFNB on NJ4 bootloader. i have nj4 bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will work.

DeadlySin9 said:
Yes, it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much! You saved my life!
I want to be just like you helping other people
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app