Related
Hey there. I rooted my Vibrant successfully, but realized I left some important things out. I used this guide to root my Vibrant: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723479
The problems:
1) I can't nandroid (not that I need to, I only have 4 apps)
2) I would like to install either Miui v4 or CyanogenMod 9 but cannot as my recovery screen does not show me the options to do so (I only get the 4 options you normally would get unrooted, such as "Reinstall Packages"), so I'm stuck with the lame default homescreen.
3) I'm currently on 2.1-update1; should I upgrade to 2.2? If so, must I unroot to upgrade, and then reroot? And if this were the case, how do you unroot, and can I reroot using the same method in the link above?
Also, I was looking at this guide: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Sa...te_Guide#Installing_the_ClockworkMod_Recovery
and noticed the line "This guide assumes the Samsung Vibrant already has Android 2.2 build UVKB5 already installed on it."
Does this mean 2.2 is required to install the CWM Recovery?
Thank you.
I'm not sure how you don't have CWM recovery if you followed the guide as it is written. Maybe its because the 2.1 is updated? I would do the following and see if that's all it takes. You definitely don't want to update to stock 2.2 via Kies or anything of that nature.
Worst case scenario, we can have you Odin back to stock JFD. You'll be smooth sailing from there.
Search the forums and find the update.zip for CWM for our Vibrant.
Put that on the lowest level of your INTERNAL storage. Not your microsd card. For example f:\update.zip
Now go to your boring 4 option stock recovery and select reinstall packages. It will reboot to the same boring screen. Select reinstall packages again, and it will reboot into Clockwork Mod Recovery.
Let me know if that does anything for you. Also what version of stock recovery do you have?
Toast6977 said:
Search the forums and find the update.zip for CWM for our Vibrant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can pull that directly from my signature, if OP wants. (Only works on Eclair [JFD] build btw)
Also OP, You will have to have a ROM that you are going to want to flash saved on your Internal SD card. Jsut download it, put in a folder and follow the ROM OP's instructions. Since you are fresh and new, I would NOT suggest flashing anything of ICS or JB until you get the hang of things first.
Read, read and then read somemore. When it comes time to flash ICS or beyond, there is a guide in my signature. Good luck and make sure to hit Toast's "Thanks" button. He is a good asset to have around here.
Wow! I was hesitant to even check today, let it alone this early! Did not think that I would have two very useful replies waiting for me. Thanks guys, much appreciated!
I'll try the Odin thing out first before I even try to flash (you need root first before flashing, I'm assuming). Just out of curiosity, what is JFD and Odin? I'm still gonna try it out using the guides found here, but just curious.
EDIT: Damn, it worked like a charm! Now I have CWM. The mistake I made was that I only installed the Superuser/ROOT and not both. Gonna play with it for a bit now
I'm glad that your issue was solved
If you have any other questions/issues feel free to hit us up. We tend to lurk around these parts from time to time.
--you could now modify the title of this post to add [Solved] to the title or contact Oka1 and let him know it's case closed.--
Toast6977 said:
I'm glad that your issue was solved
If you have any other questions/issues feel free to hit us up. We tend to lurk around these parts from time to time.
--you could now modify the title of this post to add [Solved] to the title or contact Oka1 and let him know it's case closed.--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for teaching me the etiquette around here as well
Finally got my ATT SG4 rooted and recovery installed. Downloaded Goldeneyerom, backed up, wipe/reset, and when i try to flash it fails immediately
downloading another ROM in the meantime but what has happened here? i swear i never get it right :/
and for the record i'm clueless here. I dont know what MK2 and NC1 and all that is, I just want to flash something that lets me bypass the load screen and has all the bloatware removed. Any link would be appreciated
Please be specific
What bootloader is your device using? What Firmware are you currently running? What Rom are you trying to flash? Did you verify the MD5 of the ROM you downloaded? Are you sure you are rooted? What custom recovery are you using?
Thread cleaned and moved.
ponp74 said:
What bootloader is your device using? What Firmware are you currently running? What Rom are you trying to flash? Did you verify the MD5 of the ROM you downloaded? Are you sure you are rooted? What custom recovery are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bootloader is locked
stock mk2
any rom that will actually work
not sure how to verify the MD5
towelroot says im rooted
super user is installed
root checker says i have root access
using safetrap as recovery since its the only one i can use
hopefully that was enough info for you to be able to help me with the next step. I should this was going to be alittle easier, been at it two weeks now and i have basically just been doing everything the wrong way.
Are you using SafeStrap specific ROM?
My device needs Loki Doki. I've never had a SafeStrap device. I wonder if the ROM you're attempting to use doesn't work for your device type. Try using ROMs like http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2468860 wich are made for devices uing SafeStrap. Most ROMs on here are de-bloated so whichever one you choose, it'll be better than the original one your phone came with.
Firmware/Radio shouldn't affect your phone's ability to install a ROM, just affects your performance (i.e. signal quality, etc.)
Like I've mentioned, I've yet to ever deal with SafeStrap so its a bit out of my league. Can anyone else offer up some advice?
ponp74 said:
My device needs Loki Doki. I've never had a SafeStrap device. I wonder if the ROM you're attempting to use doesn't work for your device type. Try using ROMs like http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2468860 wich are made for devices uing SafeStrap. Most ROMs on here are de-bloated so whichever one you choose, it'll be better than the original one your phone came with.
Firmware/Radio shouldn't affect your phone's ability to install a ROM, just affects your performance (i.e. signal quality, etc.)
Like I've mentioned, I've yet to ever deal with SafeStrap so its a bit out of my league. Can anyone else offer up some advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright i tried flashing that rom with safestrap and it also failed immediately
help!
I am not SafeStrap savvy either. But, with MK2, I "think" you can only flash 4.3 roms and may need the older SafeStrap. I would, if you haven't, get up on the SafeStrap thread and check out "All Things MK2 etc" thread. This isn't an easy phone to flash and some more research may save some headaches. I didn't catch your post count. You need 10 to post in Dev Section. Always wipe System along with Data and Caches before flashing rom. Assume those are available in SafeStrap recovery. You might want to upgrade to NB1/NC1.
You do need to check rom md5 after downloading with file manager like ES File Explorer. I use a Command Window and just drag downloaded rom to window. The md5 is basically a way to check that you got to your phone what the download site was suppose to send. It is a checksum. Roms don't always download correctly. However with all your failures, I doubt that is your problem. The md5, if available will be listed on thread OP page and/or download page. Also, try downloading to Internal, if you are not, and see if that helps.
A lot of this you can Google, as I did in the beginning. If all else fails go to the thread "No Stupid Questions" It is Stickied at top of Q&A and SafeStrap is currently toward bottom of first Q&A page. :good:
It's probably because you have safestrap version 3.71? If that's the case all the latest Roms require Safestrap 3.72 so try updating and see what happens
rugmankc said:
I am not SafeStrap savvy either. But, with MK2, I "think" you can only flash 4.3 roms and may need the older SafeStrap. I would, if you haven't, get up on the SafeStrap thread and check out "All Things MK2 etc" thread. This isn't an easy phone to flash and some more research may save some headaches. I didn't catch your post count. You need 10 to post in Dev Section. Always wipe System along with Data and Caches before flashing rom. Assume those are available in SafeStrap recovery. You might want to upgrade to NB1/NC1.
You do need to check rom md5 after downloading with file manager like ES File Explorer. I use a Command Window and just drag downloaded rom to window. The md5 is basically a way to check that you got to your phone what the download site was suppose to send. It is a checksum. Roms don't always download correctly. However with all your failures, I doubt that is your problem. The md5, if available will be listed on thread OP page and/or download page. Also, try downloading to Internal, if you are not, and see if that helps.
A lot of this you can Google, as I did in the beginning. If all else fails go to the thread "No Stupid Questions" It is Stickied at top of Q&A and SafeStrap is currently toward bottom of first Q&A page. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brownie9987 said:
It's probably because you have safestrap version 3.71? If that's the case all the latest Roms require Safestrap 3.72 so try updating and see what happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?
Damani311 said:
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, told you. Sorta. Would keep reading those related threads and go to the 4.3 ROM threads listed in All Things MK2 and read the OP and last 20 pages of thread to get a feel. The different SafeStraps are particular in how you flash Roms to them. So check that out too. As far as how the roms work, it will vary for each user. So, have a backup. Good Luck.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Well you're right on that part 3.72 isnt for MK2 BUT! after you get Safestrap 3.71 installed on MK2 you can use this method and flash this NC1 Rooted Rom in Safestrap Method 2 Post 3 to be exact http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2730144 follow the instructions to a T and you will be on NC1 4.4.2 and once there you will have to download terminal emulator and type "su" then enter then "setenforce 0" (that changes you're SElinux status to Permissive instead of enforcing) because the safestrap 3.72 apk wont install properly once done with that download a busybox apk installer and reinstall busybox after that you should be good to go install safestrap 3.72 and then reboot into VIOLA
Damani311 said:
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damani311 said:
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Daman you got two pieces of bad advice here.
1. Double check suggestions before doing them
2. That's done by reading thoroughly the threads I suggested till you understand enough not to get into trouble
Looks like trouble on Hyper also, that's why I am re-stressing study first. I want you to get it right the first time. SafeStrap is complicated untill you understand all of it--:good:
rugmankc said:
Daman you got two pieces of bad advice here.
1. Double check suggestions before doing them
2. That's done by reading thoroughly the threads I suggested till you understand enough not to get into trouble
Looks like trouble on Hyper also, that's why I am re-stressing study first. I want you to get it right the first time. SafeStrap is complicated untill you understand all of it--:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i bricked my sd card permanently with that 3.72 attempt
i got another thread going where i've flashed the rom, but it doesnt have wifi and i can't get it to work right...i'm getting there. slowly:silly:
Damani311 said:
yeah i bricked my sd card permanently with that 3.72 attempt
i got another thread going where i've flashed the rom, but it doesnt have wifi and i can't get it to work right...i'm getting there. slowly:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok good
did flash correct modules?
another month you'll be getting other folks out of trouble--
rugmankc said:
ok good
did flash correct modules?
another month you'll be getting other folks out of trouble--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well just putting 3.72 on there and trying to flash anything bricked my sd card
not sure what order to flash rom/modules/compatiblility packet, but i'm getting no wifi/internet and all the bloatware is still there: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2520418&page=111
my posts are on the second to last page but i just want to flash that rom. or any rom.. I've been at this ten days now :/
Damani311 said:
well just putting 3.72 on there and trying to flash anything bricked my sd card
not sure what order to flash rom/modules/compatiblility packet, but i'm getting no wifi/internet and all the bloatware is still there: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2520418&page=111
my posts are on the second to last page but i just want to flash that rom. or any rom.. I've been at this ten days now :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't be able to assist any further, sorry. I have reached my limit on SafeStrap.
Go to the No Stupid Question thread in Q&A. And tell exactly where you are and ask for next step. Maybe odin back to stock and start over after some re-reading. jd is pretty good there with helping out on all kinds of issues. You generally won't get much help in the actual Dev thread. :good:
Also, tedusa77 is pretty good too
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279
Ok guys, here's the deal. i bought a secondhand s4 which was advertised as a google edition. it has a couple of annoying issues, first i noticed it switching itself off and on. the worst problem with it is that when my battery goes reeeally dead it just bootloops when i have recharged. the only way i can get it back on is to start it in recovery mode (which is clockworkmod v6.0.4.4) then do a factory wipe. so yeah thats a major pain. the s4 itself is a red model and behind the battery it says its a gt-19505, however in the settings on the phone it says its a gt-19505g.
my goal is to install an official firmware if possible that i may be able to update easily, the worry that i have is that i dont know if it would then accept my network as although it appears to run google edition custom firmware it may not once i install something official on it. this may be a nooby statement i know but a noob i am lol.
if its at all possible could i keep the cwm recovery?
and if its any help when i load the other boot loader thingy (with the green android on it) in the top left it says gt-19505, im just sayin cus im sure its vital which ever this phone actually is.
here are as many details as i can give but please ask if im missing anything
ANDROID VERSION 4.4.2
KERNEL VERSION 3.4.0-faux123-KK44-GE-Custom
[email protected]omain #20
Sun Dec 1 02:30:28 CST 2013
BASEBAND VERSION 19505XXUFNA1
BUILD NUMBER KOT49H.S001.131204
also upon booting in the top left it says "kernel is not seandroid enforcing
set warranty bit:kernel"
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME And please tell me where to start as i tried updating it via kies to fix it but it just wont connect, i assume due to custom firmware.
The Google Play Edition S4 devices didn't come in any color but white. Therefore, this is an I9505 with a custom ROM on it. The download mode screen reading GT-I9505 confirmed it.
Since this is an I9505 and not an I9505G, the main question is whether this device will work with your SIM card. For that, simply insert your SIM card and boot the device. If you get signal, you're good. Otherwise you'll have to unlock the device, either by purchasing an unlock code from one of the sites that sells them, or by trying the unlock methods available on the forums.
This will also help answer the question of which stock ROM you can install on the device. If the S4 doesn't prompt you to unlock the device, then you can install one of the unbranded S4 ROMs available on sammobile.com. After that, you can put the recovery of your choice on the S4, though I recommend TWRP over the other options.
Thanks for your help. I'm a little confused though, at the moment with this custom google edition ROM it does take my sim, in fact I bet it takes any sim, I heard that was a feature of google play devices. What I meant was after I install the stock ROM will it then not take my sim. So if it has already been unlocked How would I know which ROM to install? As I now know its not a google edition, is it possible to install an official google edition ROM? Do i use this download mode, Odin, or cwm to install a firmware. I'm just not sure what my starting point is. I don't wanna follow someone's guide yet to installing something just in case I'm jumping the gun and need to uninstall this custom ROM somehow.
Sorry for asking questions that I'm sure seem dumb I'm really just trying to learn at the moment I'm green as they come with android. BTW thanks for your suggestions so far, you def seem like you know what you're talking about, cheers
Google Play devices are carrier unlocked, but this is not a Google Play Edition S4. Therefore the device was carrier unlocked at some point in its past. The unknown here is how the original owner unlocked the device. If he or she used the unlocking methods found on XDA there is a chance the lock will be lost when installing a stock ROM.
If the S4 is unlocked, you aren't restricted to a particular region and can install any I9505 ROM using Odin, though I recommend the carrier unbranded ROMs. You cannot install a stock Google Play Edition ROM on the device as the model number of a GPE device is not the same as the device you have. However, you're already rooted and have a custom recovery installed. In I9505 Development here on XDA there is a Google Play Edition ROM that can be installed on your device. Download it to your S4, wipe everything in recovery, then flash the ROM's flashable zip in recovery. I've used said ROM and it works quite well.
OK I have found the 5.0.1 ge ROM , but in there it says I must use latest recovery or whatever plus it recommended one different to mine, is it safe to install using my version of cwm or do I need to learn how to change it??
Deleted by user
TWRP is recommended as there are people who are still maintaining it, unlike Clockworkmod and Philz. While you probably can get the ROM installed using the version of Clockworkmod you have, learning how to change recoveries is useful.
OK thank you for all your help my friend, I will now find out how to do this, I'm sure there is a section on this somewhere, BTW I think you are right about my device being rooted, but I wanted to check and I followed a guide and used super su but apparently its not rooted so I guess something must've gone wrong. Bit scary if I try to change my recovery or my firmware and this causes a brick hmmmmm
It's virtually impossible to brick the S4, especially as the recovery is flashed through Odin.
Phew that's a relief. Thanks man.... Well I'm gonna just risk using cwm for now as I'm new to this........ Thanks a whole lot for your time I really mean that.
KlLLFRENZY said:
Phew that's a relief. Thanks man.... Well I'm gonna just risk using cwm for now as I'm new to this........ Thanks a whole lot for your time I really mean that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use TWRP. CMW is outdated.
Lennyz1988 said:
Use TWRP. CMW is outdated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to, I really do but I'm struggling here. Before I wrote that last comment I tried to find a guide on this forum for swapping to twrp, but couldn't and didn't wanna bug this guy as he had helped enough. Anyway I went to the place he told me and have hit another wall anyway because I don't know how to use the firmware the relevant kernel or the git. My life is so busy and I'm getting about an hour on this subject a day and its gonna take forever lol
If you can help me on my way even a little its much appreciated, I would like to use twrp and the 5.0.1 ge plus the right kernel of course
KlLLFRENZY said:
I want to, I really do but I'm struggling here. Before I wrote that last comment I tried to find a guide on this forum for swapping to twrp, but couldn't and didn't wanna bug this guy as he had helped enough. Anyway I went to the place he told me and have hit another wall anyway because I don't know how to use the firmware the relevant kernel or the git. My life is so busy and I'm getting about an hour on this subject a day and its gonna take forever lol
If you can help me on my way even a little its much appreciated, I would like to use twrp and the 5.0.1 ge plus the right kernel of course
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys4internationalqualcomm.html
Follow the Odin guide. It's excactly the same when you flashed CWM.
@Lennyz1988: The S4 was bought secondhand and already had CWM on it from the original owner.
@killfrenzy: Follow the guide Lenny mentioned, but don't worry about the second paragraph. Our device isn't one of those that restores the original recovery on boot.
ok will do, i just tried the app install method but as i suspected, it said root is required for this app and promptly exited so i shall do the odin method, i heard that some people remove root or it could be that it was done wrong. also after reading a few posts here and there i found out that someone had similar issues with their phone random re-booting and they had custom ge with the wrong kernel so it seems once im done my issues should be history if i learn how to install fw + kernel, after this twrp thing i will be one step closer for sure. i also know ppl slate lollipop but once im all done with this im sure i will have picked up enough terminology to install cfw's to my hearts content. hooray for forums and people like you, sounds like im kissin ass but its just gratitude
so using the twrp install guide i gotta install using the odin method i have now got 3.07 odin but this is the next step.........
Odin Install Method (No Root Required):
You will need to download and install Odin on your PC. Once you have Odin installed, download the proper .tar file for your device from the download link above. Power off your device. Turn on your device using the proper key combo to get into download mode and attach the device to your computer via a USB cable. Use the PDA tab or button to browse to and select the tar file that you downloaded and flash the device.
lololol nothins ever simple i see the list of tar files in the link above but no mention at all as to which is the proper .tar for my device, i guess they assume the guide is for people who have done it before. more research tomorrow maybe i gotta be up early ugh
Lennyz1988 said:
https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys4internationalqualcomm.html
Follow the Odin guide. It's excactly the same when you flashed CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think you misunderstood, I have flashed nothing yet I got it like this. I'm completely green
Don't suppose anybody knows which is the tar file for my device?? S4gt-19505
OK now I get it, the list of tars in that section are all the same just newer builds of the same version. Seems obvious if you have done this before, but I wasn't to know that and cannot assume things. I'm also gonna guess and say Lenny thinks my s4 needs this particular version for an international, am I right?? Anyway it would've made a lot of sense but how does he know. I have no idea what this phone was I have never owned it new.
Different devices have different codes. For example, jfltexx is the I9505. A T-Mobile S4 would be jfltetmo, and so on.The link Lenny provided is for the I9505. Download the 2.8.6.0 version as its the latest.
As to how you were supposed to know, having never owned one, you weren't. There are tutorials in the General forum though that can help.
N00b w/ "new SGH-I337 that is running original kernel & 4.2.2 & needs to be updated
I am going to apologize from the start. I've read through a lot of threads here and have ended up more confused (and somewhat scared lol). I am a tad more skilled than average when it comes to PCs but I'm a complete mess when it comes to phones!
For various reasons, I like my old ATT Samsung S4 SGH-I337 but am hard on them and need to replace them about every 2 years (I usually wear out the power port among other things). I buy a replacement, copy over my apps, etc, maybe run a minor update and I'm good to go. This time, I bought a "new" open box S4 on Ebay for a great price but when I went to install all my apps, discovered that it was STILL (since it was "brand new") running Android 4.2.2 and the original kernel from the release in 2013! Ok, no big I thought, I will just run the ATT update and I will be good. Nope. Too far out of date and no one at ATT or Samsung is willing to help. I did learn that if I can get 4.4.4 on the phone, then I should be able to update it via ATT to 5.0.1 but I can't even find those files (or at the least any links to them that are still any good!)
Due to life issues, it is critical that I get this phone updated ASAP. Please, can someone spell out step by step in N00b-speak where I can get the needed files and how I update this phone to 5.0.1 or better? I'd really rather not root it if I can avoid it but will do what is needed. I'll buy you a beer (or reasonable beverage of your choice! )
Samsung Galaxy S4 (ATT) SGH_I337
Android 4.2.2
Baseband ver: I337UCUAMDL
Kernel ver: 3.4.0-453947
[email protected]#1
Sat April 27 17:06:05 KST 2013
SilkRoadDog said:
I am going to apologize from the start. I've read through a lot of threads here and have ended up more confused (and somewhat scared lol). I am a tad more skilled than average when it comes to PCs but I'm a complete mess when it comes to phones!
For various reasons, I like my old ATT Samsung S4 SGH-I337 but am hard on them and need to replace them about every 2 years (I usually wear out the power port among other things). I buy a replacement, copy over my apps, etc, maybe run a minor update and I'm good to go. This time, I bought a "new" open box S4 on Ebay for a great price but when I went to install all my apps, discovered that it was STILL (since it was "brand new") running Android 4.2.2 and the original kernel from the release in 2013! Ok, no big I thought, I will just run the ATT update and I will be good. Nope. Too far out of date and no one at ATT or Samsung is willing to help. I did learn that if I can get 4.4.4 on the phone, then I should be able to update it via ATT to 5.0.1 but I can't even find those files (or at the least any links to them that are still any good!)
Due to life issues, it is critical that I get this phone updated ASAP. Please, can someone spell out step by step in N00b-speak where I can get the needed files and how I update this phone to 5.0.1 or better? I'd really rather not root it if I can avoid it but will do what is needed. I'll buy you a beer (or reasonable beverage of your choice! )
Samsung Galaxy S4 (ATT) SGH_I337
Android 4.2.2
Baseband ver: I337UCUAMDL
Kernel ver: 3.4.0-453947
[email protected]#1
Sat April 27 17:06:05 KST 2013
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too was lucky enough to snag a S4 off ebay with the original kernel still on it. So with that said....do NOT update your phone! You're on the very special Android 4.2.2 jelly bean MDL bootloader! If you update, you will lose the ability to boot AOSP ROMs and install a custom recovery like TWRP.
AOSP ROMs can take you past Android 5.0.x lollipop and give you Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat. You can also boot custom touchwiz ROMs that will take you to Android 5.0.x lollipop. Use the towel root app to root the phone and then freeze any OTA with the titanium backup app. You can also benefit from my guide here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-one-guide-to-mdl-bootloader-t3584122
StoneyJSG said:
I too was lucky enough to snag a S4 off ebay with the original kernel still on it. So with that said....do NOT update your phone! You're on the very special Android 4.2.2 jelly bean MDL bootloader! If you update, you will lose the ability to boot AOSP ROMs and install a custom recovery like TWRP.
AOSP ROMs can take you past Android 5.0.x lollipop and give you Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat. You can also boot custom touchwiz ROMs that will take you to Android 5.0.x lollipop. Use the towel root app to root the phone and then freeze any OTA with the titanium backup app. You can also benefit from my guide here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-one-guide-to-mdl-bootloader-t3584122
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply. So I root it, then where do I go from there? How do I know what ROM is what and which one will give me at the least what I had on the old phone (less bloatware would be nice but right now I am so up a creek that I would be ok with stock)? Also, do you have good links to the tools you recommend? One issue I have been having searching here is that the 3-4-year-old posts here have sketchy or dead links.
SilkRoadDog said:
Thank you for your reply. So I root it, then where do I go from there? How do I know what ROM is what and which one will give me at the least what I had on the old phone (less bloatware would be nice but right now I am so up a creek that I would be ok with stock)? Also, do you have good links to the tools you recommend? One issue I have been having searching here is that the 3-4-year-old posts here have sketchy or dead links.
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Click to collapse
No problem, I always try to help when possible. After rooting you can follow my guide to get Loki doki installed. Then you can install a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod. My guide gets you clock work mod recovery installed but it's an old version. I use it though and it works fine for me. If you want TWRP recovery, you will have to search the web on how to install it with loki doki.
After a custom recovery is installed you can choose to boot touchwiz based ROMs or AOSP based ROMs like cyanogen mod. Custom touchwiz ROMs will look just like stock only modified (deodex, debloated, etc.) and AOSP ROMs will look like bone stock Android only with added features.
You can find AOSP ROMs in the original Android development forum here in the s4 forums. You can find touchwiz ROMs in Android development which is right under original Android development forum. Sorry, but I don't have any links to tools handy except for the link to my guide which I posted above in my last post. I use golden eye ROM on my s4 which is a stock based touchwiz ROM on Android 5.0 lollipop.
When booting ROMs, be sure that they do not have a bootloader update or else it'll override everything and will patch the loki doki exploit and lock down everything for good.
StoneyJSG said:
No problem, I always try to help when possible. After rooting you can follow my guide to get Loki doki installed. Then you can install a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod. My guide gets you clock work mod recovery installed but it's an old version. I use it though and it works fine for me. If you want TWRP recovery, you will have to search the web on how to install it with loki doki.
After a custom recovery is installed you can choose to boot touchwiz based ROMs or AOSP based ROMs like cyanogen mod. Custom touchwiz ROMs will look just like stock only modified (deodex, debloated, etc.) and AOSP ROMs will look like bone stock Android only with added features.
You can find AOSP ROMs in the original Android development forum here in the s4 forums. You can find touchwiz ROMs in Android development which is right under original Android development forum. Sorry, but I don't have any links to tools handy except for the link to my guide which I posted above in my last post. I use golden eye ROM on my s4 which is a stock based touchwiz ROM on Android 5.0 lollipop.
When booting ROMs, be sure that they do not have a bootloader update or else it'll override everything and will patch the loki doki exploit and lock down everything for good.
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the reply. While I am very grateful, with all due respect, I understood only about half of it. Here is the deal. I'm an older guy N00b with chronic pain issues under an extreme amount of stress, and my cognitive abilities are not what they should be. There was a step by step guide posted back in 2015 that is what I need but most of the links are bad or sketchy. Like I said above, I really need something along the lines of "go here and here to get this software and put it in "X" place. Then press these keys and do "Y", then press those keys and do "Z". I'm really sorry to be so difficult but I am trying my best to get it.
SilkRoadDog said:
Thank you so much for the reply. While I am very grateful, with all due respect, I understood only about half of it. Here is the deal. I'm an older guy N00b with chronic pain issues under an extreme amount of stress, and my cognitive abilities are not what they should be. There was a step by step guide posted back in 2015 that is what I need but most of the links are bad or sketchy. Like I said above, I really need something along the lines of "go here and here to get this software and put it in "X" place. Then press these keys and do "Y", then press those keys and do "Z". I'm really sorry to be so difficult but I am trying my best to get it.
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Click to collapse
I gotcha, no problem. Okay so what's the status of your phone now? Rooted? Not rooted? To root, goto https://towelroot.com on your phone and click the big red thing in the middle of the page. Make sure you have a Wi-Fi or data connection to the internet, as this will root your phone. Then goto https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...tt-or-verizon-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337sch-i545/amp/ to get loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery. You can also install TWRP recovery instead of clockwork mod recovery, I THINK this is the link: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...rp-on-rooted-galaxy-s4-using-goo-manager/amp/
Galaxys4root.com is a reputable site ran by Mr. HIGH ON ANDROID himself, Xedomax aka Max Lee. The tools you need should be on his site for download and the links shouldn't be dead. He also has a YouTube channel with videos on how to do different things with your phone. My guide I wrote that I linked before, has step by step instructions on how to root and install a custom recovery and how to boot custom ROMs.
StoneyJSG said:
I gotcha, no problem. Okay so what's the status of your phone now? Rooted? Not rooted? To root, goto https://towelroot.com on your phone and click the big red thing in the middle of the page. Make sure you have a Wi-Fi or data connection to the internet, as this will root your phone. Then goto https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...tt-or-verizon-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337sch-i545/amp/ to get loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery. You can also install TWRP recovery instead of clockwork mod recovery, I THINK this is the link: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...rp-on-rooted-galaxy-s4-using-goo-manager/amp/
Galaxys4root.com is a reputable site ran by Mr. HIGH ON ANDROID himself, Xedomax aka Max Lee. The tools you need should be on his site for download and the links shouldn't be dead. He also has a YouTube channel with videos on how to do different things with your phone. My guide I wrote that I linked before, has step by step instructions on how to root and install a custom recovery and how to boot custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, It's not rooted yet so I will start down the path laid out. What do you recommend as a source for Touchwiz (wth is that anyway? lol) ROMs? I don't know enough about Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat to make the call there but I do want to be able to access the Google apps and play store as before.
SilkRoadDog said:
Ok, It's not rooted yet so I will start down the path laid out. What do you recommend as a source for Touchwiz (wth is that anyway? lol) ROMs? I don't know enough about Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat to make the call there but I do want to be able to access the Google apps and play store as before.
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Click to collapse
Your instructions say " Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you." Do I do that before "loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery."? If so, where is a good source for them? If not, when do I do I install them?
".
StoneyJSG said:
I gotcha, no problem. Okay so what's the status of your phone now? Rooted? Not rooted? To root, goto https://towelroot.com on your phone and click the big red thing in the middle of the page. Make sure you have a Wi-Fi or data connection to the internet, as this will root your phone. Then goto https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...tt-or-verizon-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337sch-i545/amp/ to get loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery. You can also install TWRP recovery instead of clockwork mod recovery, I THINK this is the link: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...rp-on-rooted-galaxy-s4-using-goo-manager/amp/
Galaxys4root.com is a reputable site ran by Mr. HIGH ON ANDROID himself, Xedomax aka Max Lee. The tools you need should be on his site for download and the links shouldn't be dead. He also has a YouTube channel with videos on how to do different things with your phone. My guide I wrote that I linked before, has step by step instructions on how to root and install a custom recovery and how to boot custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, forget anything I typed here in the last hour lol. Somehow there were two locals and I was in the wrong one. So far so good. So back to the other question above. " " Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you."" I still need to do that, right? if so, where do I find those apps?
Thank you so much.
SilkRoadDog said:
Ok, It's not rooted yet so I will start down the path laid out. What do you recommend as a source for Touchwiz (wth is that anyway? lol) ROMs? I don't know enough about Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat to make the call there but I do want to be able to access the Google apps and play store as before.
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Click to collapse
Touchwiz is the "skin" user interface that Samsung puts on top of Android. It is the stock SAMSUNG rom. Just Google touchwiz then Google stock Android, you'll see a difference. I like touchwiz so I am running a custom ROM called "Golden eye". You can download it from the Android development forum here in the S4 section. Other people like stock Android. The magic of being on the MDL bootloader is that you can boot touchwiz and bone stock Android ROMs. Most custom ROMs both stock Android and touchwiz based will let you access Google apps and the play store.
---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 PM ----------
SilkRoadDog said:
Ok, forget anything I typed here in the last hour lol. Somehow there were two locals and I was in the wrong one. So far so good. So back to the other question above. " " Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you."" I still need to do that, right? if so, where do I find those apps?
Thank you so much.
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Click to collapse
You can get all those app except towel root on the play store. Once installed you can use ES file explorer to back them up to apk files then use the my files app that's on ya phone to move them to your SD card for use with your new ROM or keep them where they are since my guide tells you how to keep your data in tact...well for touch wiz ROMs anyway.
StoneyJSG said:
Touchwiz is the "skin" user interface that Samsung puts on top of Android. It is the stock SAMSUNG rom. Just Google touchwiz then Google stock Android, you'll see a difference. I like touchwiz so I am running a custom ROM called "Golden eye". You can download it from the Android development forum here in the S4 section. Other people like stock Android. The magic of being on the MDL bootloader is that you can boot touchwiz and bone stock Android ROMs. Most custom ROMs both stock Android and touchwiz based will let you access Google apps and the play store.
---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 PM ----------
You can get all those app except towel root on the play store. Once installed you can use ES file explorer to back them up to apk files then use the my files app that's on ya phone to move them to your SD card for use with your new ROM or keep them where they are since my guide tells you how to keep your data in tact...well for touch wiz ROMs anyway.
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Click to collapse
Since this is a "new" phone and I have nothing to back up yet, do I need to run a backup or can I follow your guide from that point, clean things up and install the ROM of choice?
SilkRoadDog said:
Since this is a "new" phone and I have nothing to back up yet, do I need to run a backup or can I follow your guide from that point, clean things up and install the ROM of choice?
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Click to collapse
It's always good to make a backup in case anything goes wrong with your phone down the road you can get back to where you started without having to flash the MDL stock Rom in ODIN by connecting your phone to your computer. You should though keep a copy of ODIN and the MDL bootloader .tar ODIN file. However, it's entirely optional to make a back up so you could just follow the guide from that point and clean up for a ROM install if you don't want to make a backup.
You can also boot a ROM and then make a backup after you have everything set up. You can back up the stock Rom or any ROM you boot/install. That's the magic of having a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod.
StoneyJSG said:
It's always good to make a backup in case anything goes wrong with your phone down the road you can get back to where you started without having to flash the MDL stock Rom in ODIN by connecting your phone to your computer. You should though keep a copy of ODIN and the MDL bootloader .tar ODIN file. However, it's entirely optional to make a back up so you could just follow the guide from that point and clean up for a ROM install if you don't want to make a backup.
You can also boot a ROM and then make a backup after you have everything set up. You can back up the stock Rom or any ROM you boot/install. That's the magic of having a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, since I already started the install before seeing this, I have no idea what I backed up or where it is. :crying:
First off, I want to thank you so much for the help. I owe you and would like to buy you a beer or the like. I have my phone back now! There were issues with the Golden Eye install (it froze at the Samsung logo for over an hour) and I had to wipe everything and start over then I was able to get it up and running. Is this the right one? https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2313469
Quick question: Do you know if that ROM supports an external SD card larger than 32gig?
I am having some issues and so far am not thrilled with this ROM and am wondering if it's the right one or if I screwed up. It hasn't been worked on since 2015 and the dev is hasn't been responsive in years. On my phone, it's really buggy. It boots slow, apps hang when loading, a few don't work right, the screen can flash or freeze and TouchWiz keeps crashing like it was doing at the end on my old phone's life. Any ideas as to why?
SilkRoadDog said:
Unfortunately, since I already started the install before seeing this, I have no idea what I backed up or where it is. :crying:
First off, I want to thank you so much for the help. I owe you and would like to buy you a beer or the like. I have my phone back now! There were issues with the Golden Eye install (it froze at the Samsung logo for over an hour) and I had to wipe everything and start over then I was able to get it up and running. Is this the right one? https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2313469
Quick question: Do you know if that ROM supports an external SD card larger than 32gig?
I am having some issues and so far am not thrilled with this ROM and am wondering if it's the right one or if I screwed up. It hasn't been worked on since 2015 and the dev is hasn't been responsive in years. On my phone, it's really buggy. It boots slow, apps hang when loading, a few don't work right, the screen can flash or freeze and TouchWiz keeps crashing like it was doing at the end on my old phone's life. Any ideas as to why?
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Click to collapse
If you made a nandroid backup with TWRP recovery or clockwork mod recovery, then the backup file will be on your phone SD card or internal memory. Use the my files app to find it. It should be under a folder called TWRP or clockwork mod.
Hey no problem man, I know how it is to goto a forum and have 87,000 people view your post yet nothing is said. Yes that link is the correct link to golden eye ROM. When booting a ROM for the first time it will get stuck at the Samsung logo for awhile, this is normal but it shouldn't be more than 20 minutes. I think the S4 can handle SD cards up to 128GB, it might only be 64GB though.
Very odd golden eye ROM is giving you issues, I have only had one problem with it and that was the text message app acting up every so often. When you booted golden eye did you use the Aroma installer so it just asks you questions and you pick what you want? If not wipe and start over using aroma, it's built into the ROM. Also be sure to tell Aroma you want to use the "imperium kernel". That's the kernel I am using. Golden eye ROM doesn't have a bootloader update in it, so you'll stay on MDL and not have to worry about your phone patching the loki exploit.
I think you can also use the hybrid max kernel, but I don't think it's in the Aroma installer so if you want it you will have to download it from the forums here and flash it separately.
Another thing you can try is just "nuking your phone" as explained in my guide that wipes everything and gives you a nice clean install. The only reason I included the "keep your data" method in my guide is because I just stumbled upon it by doing it on my phone.
If all else fails and as a last ditch effort, you could send the phone to me and I will see if I can get it up and running with golden eye ROM, then send it back. No guarantees though as I'm no developer or anything, just a guy that knows the basics of Android ROMs and root.
Final report. It turns out the problems I've been having were related to the SU Super App. There have been complaints about the recent version. I thought that it was a corrupt install of Golden Eye so got a clean DL from another mirror and was getting ready to start all over. This time I was going to follow the dev's install instructions step by step instead of yours and his. However, I couldn't install TWRP as he instructed. It hung at 100% and never completed. I thought that maybe Super SU was the issue there so I uninstalled it and all of my other problems went away! So happy. Thank you for everything. I do owe you a drink!
SilkRoadDog said:
Final report. It turns out the problems I've been having were related to the SU Super App. There have been complaints about the recent version. I thought that it was a corrupt install of Golden Eye so got a clean DL from another mirror and was getting ready to start all over. This time I was going to follow the dev's install instructions step by step instead of yours and his. However, I couldn't install TWRP as he instructed. It hung at 100% and never completed. I thought that maybe Super SU was the issue there so I uninstalled it and all of my other problems went away! So happy. Thank you for everything. I do owe you a drink!
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Click to collapse
Hey glad it finally worked out for you. You will need superSU though, try a different version of it and that might fix the issue you're having with the latest version. That is unless you have the kingroot super user app, then you can use that but it's not as good as superSU. I had problems with it authorizing my root apps so I got rid of it and installed superSU. No problem glad to help and no thanks needed but if you really wanna buy me a beer go for it lol.
Hello to all forum members. :highfive:
Recently I got into my hands the Samsung S4 SGH-I337 version of AT&T, at least I think so. The current version of Android on it is 5.0.1.
When I set the phone to recovery mode, I think I see the modem version: I337UCSGOK3. Correct me if this is not the modem version, but I am sharing it because I guess this information will be helpful to make alternative software installation.
I've already spent 7 days trying to change the software, reading one by one what I will find about such an update. I tried tons of instructions and they all didn't let me do upload/change somehow software nor even install TWRP.
Tried to upload TWRP (I think I found 6 different files) using different applications from the original Android system - Failed. ie. I used TWRP straight from the system, I also used Flashify. When I use this Flashify app I installed TWRP, but it didn't let my phone go into recovery mode, it just went straight to the download. For me it looks like there is something to not let flash/change this to TWRP.
I tried to upload TWRP via ODIN, it doesn't work, it crashes during installation with error messages.
I also tried to upload lineageos version lineageos.17.1.recovery.img via the normal recovery mode, but every time I try I get an error about the signature not matching.
I tried to upload the software by ADB, I have had connection, I was able to see the phone, but I can only use adb sideload recover.img command and although I tried different images and .zip files, unfortunately nothing works. I think I also get an error that the signature does not match.
Can I ask you for some hints, maybe some instructions that will really work. Many instructions were based on specific versions of the bootloader, is what I called the modem above maybe I named this wrong and this is the bootloader version? If so, does anyone know about the instructions for this version of the bootloader? It seems to me after my problems that it is strangely blocked. Maybe someone knows how to make it work. I would like to change the software to change the system language to Polish. Unfortunately, the apps: MoreLocale2 and Language Enabler and probably about 4 others from the play store are not working.
Of course, the phone is rooted with Kingoroot, the applications detect that there is root, after all, after selecting the Polish language, it does not work in the system.
I would like to change Androind 5.x to LineageOS, because there you can do much more and it works better, more efficiently and saves battery. And I will be able to change language defenetly.
this is not the first time when I do that things. I have changed the regular S4 jfltexx many times, this is not the slightest problem for me.
Summarizing:
1. I would like to change the language to Polish, if it doesn't work or it won't be possible, it's a waste of time or something else
2. I would like to unlock the bootloader and upload TWRP, it can be CWM if anyone knows it will work and has an instruction that I can test
3. Then I would like to upload lineageos.
I'd appreciate any hints to test these things above.
On page:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=81418691&postcount=29
I read that it will be possible to upload TWRP, but if it is a special version of TWRP prepared for this phone. Will someone be so nice and tell me if something like this exists and if so, where can I find such TWRP for uploading via ODIN.
Thank yo all for your time spending to read this.:good:
PS: Dear Moderators if this thread is not in proper place please correct this. Thank you.
Those instructions are for another bootloader. Your bootloader is locked, which is why TWRP won't install. There is no way to unlock it or downgrade. You also can't boot AOSP based ROM like Lineage OS. What you can do is root the phone and install touch wiz based ROM like Golden eye ROM by using the flash fire app if you're on lollipop or safe strap recovery if you're on kit kat.
StoneyJSG said:
Those instructions are for another bootloader. Your bootloader is locked, which is why TWRP won't install. There is no way to unlock it or downgrade. You also can't boot AOSP based ROM like Lineage OS. What you can do is root the phone and install touch wiz based ROM like Golden eye ROM by using the flash fire app if you're on lollipop or safe strap recovery if you're on kit kat.
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Click to collapse
Big Thank You for your suggestion and answer on my question.:good:
Right now I have Lolipop installed on the phone so related to this above I can only install something with touchwiz. Hope it will let me to change language to the Polish.
Would you be able to point me some links to instruction, please. I try to find this on forum but failed (getting ROM for nintendo). At least links to the software so I can try using flashfire app. The best it will be instruction, as I have situation in which when I use this app phone want boot after. Maybe it was related to the software, which I shouldn't use or maybe I do this in not proper way.
For everything what I get I'm saying thank you. :highfive:
No problem, I help when I can. The flash fire app you can get from the Google play store I believe, but your phone might need a specific version like the Verizon S4 does I don't know. The touch wiz ROMs are in this forum under Android development, go there and you should see ROMs like golden eye which is a touch wiz based ROM.
Here's a link that might help you, but the S4 is an old phone so it's hard to find links and guides that aren't buried deep in the forum posts.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...guide-to-install-custom-rom-i337-att-t3483736
StoneyJSG said:
No problem, I help when I can. The flash fire app you can get from the Google play store I believe, but your phone might need a specific version like the Verizon S4 does I don't know. The touch wiz ROMs are in this forum under Android development, go there and you should see ROMs like golden eye which is a touch wiz based ROM.
Here's a link that might help you, but the S4 is an old phone so it's hard to find links and guides that aren't buried deep in the forum posts.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...guide-to-install-custom-rom-i337-att-t3483736
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Click to collapse
Let me check this and back with the details what is working.
Alright man, good luck! I may not be able to help much further though, as I now have a Galaxy S10 and my S4 is just my storage phone, but I can try if it's something I know.