OK so I recently got my hands on an S4 (GT-I9505). This is an upgrade from my previous phone that was stolen; I had an S3 with CM11 installed. So as I have enjoyed CM11 previously I would like to use it on my new S4. I have a few questions:
Is the default boot-loader locked? What alternatives exist for this device?
If I root and install a custom boot-loader, would I be able to replace it later if I wanted to?
Broad question, but what security features does Cyanogenmod come with?
Is there a stock CM phone location service built in to the OS, i.e. like a tracker?
Can I encrypt the device storage with CM11 without installing apps to do this?
Can I encrypt the removable storage without installing apps to do this?
How do I restrict USB mounting of the media folders on the phone/removable media to a specific machine?
Can I restrict access to the ADB via USB to a specific machine only?
The stock recovery menu states CTC code applied "BTU" (I'm in the UK). Does the bootloader apply this setting so the phone knows which region to operate in and if so does the CWM boot-loader also apply this code too (I don't want to run into problems after where the phone won't associate to a network due to some issue with CTC, or maybe I've misunderstood this concept...) ?
I know, dumb questions eh.
You have more than a few questions there. :lol:
The only S4 devices that have locked bootloaders are ones purchased from the United States cellular carriers AT&T and Verizon. Current bootloader code includes Knox security software, which is not found on the SIII.
You don't install a custom bootloader. Custom kernels and recoveries can be easily restored to stock using Odin.
Your questions regarding CyanogenMod I can't answer, as I don't use CyanogenMod.
Encrypting the removable storage may be possible, but it varies from ROM to ROM. You'll have to read up on the ROM you choose to use.
AFAIK, you can't restrict mounting of media folders.
You cannot restrict access to ADB to one specific machine.
The bootloader has nothing to do with the CSC code. Where you're planning on installing a custom ROM it won't matter anyway.
The only stupid questions are the ones that aren't asked. But, most of this information applies to the SIII as well. Surely you had to have been aware of some of it, as the two devices really aren't that different when you get right down to it.
Thanks for your feedback.
Related
Hello all!
Glad I can report that the towelroot exploit worked successfully on my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 phone.
I'm a noob to Android devices, but I think they are awesome
I've spent most the day reading up on Android backup and recovery, differences between rooting and unlocking the bootloader, and I have a couple of questions relating to these topics:
1) I've rooted my Samsung Galaxy S5, and, in the event that I accidentally loaded a virus on my phone, or seriously messed something up with my root access, I'd like to have a way out of it. I've been reading up on the Android Recovery Mode: Wipe Data/factory reset. My question is this: Is it still okay to use this feature after I've rooted my ROM using towelroot? Also, if I use this feature, will it also completely re-install system software (like a Win 7 Reinstall)? Or is this just deleting some user data and leaving the once upon a time read only folders alone?
If method one mentioned above isn't a full OS restore, I think this is my other option...
2) Since I've rooted my phone with towelroot, I know that my bootloader is still locked. I know that another backup option is to use CWM to do a custom backup/recovery, however, I know that unlocking the bootloader right now may not be possible. I can't find any already existing threads relevant to Verizon Galaxy S5 bootloader unlocking since towelroot has been released released, however, I have stumbled upon this website which mentions my phone in the list: (I can't post links yet, please google "samsung galaxy s5 cwm phizl", and click on the second link. What do you guys think of this guide, do you think this will actually work for the unlocked Verizon Galaxy S5?
Thank's for any help with this.
Does this question stump everyone?
If you do a wipe it goes back to how it was when you first installed the rom/ first boot.
shredfast said:
I'd like to have a way out of it. I've been reading up on the Android Recovery Mode: Wipe Data/factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is oversimplified, but the files on your phone are more or less organized like this -
1. User settings, installed apps (data partition) - this is what a factory data reset would erase.
2. System files (most of them) - these read only files don't normally change unless you get an OTA firmware update. If you accidentally delete or somehow corrupt system files, you can reinstall the firmware to fix these. A custom ROM (if your bootloader was unlocked) would replace the files here.
3. Cache. These are temporary files. Some problems can be fixed by deleting these. If deleted, your phone will rebuild the cache when it boots.
4. SDcard. Built in, internal storage space for user files, downloads, etc. If you have a physical SD card, that is seperate and referred to as the external or secondary SD card.
5. Other stuff e.g. the bootloader, modem, etc.
A 100% backup is often referred to as a "Nandroid". Meaning that you backup the entire memory (NAND). You can only do that properly with a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. The next closest thing would be an app like Titanium Pro.
The system data reset will only default the user settings (data partition). It won't remove most user files (internal SD card) or touch the read only system files (system partition).
I don't know what your second question really pertains to. You should have described it fully, rather than try to get us to replicate your Google search. I'll just say that it's highly unlikely that anyone will figure out how to unlock the Verizon bootloader anytime soon.
Verizon has an unlocked Developer model phone, but it is handicapped by poor firmware updates. If you want the advantages of an unlocked bootloader, change carriers. Most carriers do not lock the S5 bootloader. Just ATT, Verizon and a few US CDMA carriers.
Because your bootloader is locked, you can't use a real custom kernel or recovery. But they can be emulated with Safestrap.
.
I'm coming from the HTC environment and the Note 4 will be my first Samsung phone. I have a few concerns regarding root. Assuming the Note 4 can be rooted, using the Note 3 and the S5 as a precident, how does one maintain updates? With HTC, if you had root, you could flash a new ROM for software updates (newer android versions, bug fixes, carrier updates). However, to update firmware, like updated radios, you needed S-Off.
Please help explain. With the Note 4, what will we need in order to do the following, and what is the likelyhood each of the following will be possible:
1) Obtain Root to run apps requiring root (Titanium, adblocker, WIFI tether...)
2) Install custom recovery
3) Flash custom ROMs
4) maintain a phone with updated and current Firmware and Radios.
Otherwise, what do people do who root there phone on day 1? Do they go 1-2 years with the phone without updating firmware?
Thank you
you can update samsung software with no issues. Assuming they'll keep it like the Note 2, there under the settings>update, there are different tabs, and one is Samsung.
Modems and other such updates, you'll just need to wait a day or two for someone to upload the newer OTA with root. Sometimes, some of the root tools, like SuperUser, will have OTA survivor mode, but they're not guaranteed to worked.
End of the day, it's not anything you're not already use to
Thanks for the response. So if the bootloader is NOT able to be unlocked, what will we be missing out on then? If the bootloader IS locked and there is no way around it, we can still root, flash ROMS, and update radios/firmware?
we can only go by the past to predict the future, but in US ATT Note 3 had locked bootloader, T-mobile loader was unlocked, so it was up to the carrier, but I believe both had way to root. One problem with Samsung was Knox software, which once triggered by root or loading custom firmware couldn't be reset back to zero. Based on that flag some people claimed to be refused warranty repairs, others didn't, so who knows. One thing is that Samsung "donated" knox to Google L Android, so it may be on all Android phones in the future, but again who knows how Google will implement it. It may take a time for developers to find their way around new phone, so if you have concerns, wait a little until all is clear, for now we can only guess. My Note 3 is rooted, "official" with Knox flag 0, but I had to wait for proper methods to be developed and every time I update I need to re root (and make some other changes) again. There could be developer model also with everything open, who knows.
Thanks for the response.
I just need to clarify what can be done on a rooted Samsung device vs what can be done with a rooted AND unlocked Samsung device.
Am I correct:
Rooted Only:
-superuser
-can run root required apps (Titanium, Wifi Tether)
-can flash custom ROM but must be stock based only, and must be on stock kernel
-can NOT install CM or TWRP custom recovery
-can update firmware and radios but must OTA and then re-root
you cant flash a rom with stock recovery
if no bootloader unlock, and no custom recovery, then no rom flashing..
flyhighx said:
.... Rooted Only:
.. -can flash custom ROM but must be stock based only, and must be on stock kernel .../QUOTE]
As stated above, this not correct. You'll able to flash the stock firm via Odin. In fact, you'll be able to get the tar file from Samsung if you wanted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used it in awhile, but I believe you still need a custom recovery to use Mobile Odin, don't you?
i want root mostly for four reasons:
Disable logging
Multi window enable more apps
Make one hand mode background black
because its mine and i can...
But I also need it rooted without tripping knox (for work purposes..)
Hello,
as thread title says, I need some advice from professionals here for my new Galaxy S5.
Well it's not quite new (almost 1 year) but never rooted it or flashed it, so I still got OS (original system) by Samsung.
I am a pretty amateur on such stuff. First I need some advice what to do: Rec & Root or flash custom rom?
Followng things are important to me:
The System has to be stable and fast: no lags, no crashes, no errors (I do not expect 100% stability, since not even OS is 100% stable, but it has to be at least stable as OS or even a bit more)
I need features and nice widgets (Rom must also be afordable to other apps and widgets, I 'd prefer Samsung OS widget)
I need good quality on camera (preferred OS cam software and features)
Good signal and GPS (Good and fast GPS is a MUST!!, as I use often Navigon when I travel with my car)
Good video player and galery app (Preferred Samsung OS Galery App, but video player can also be different than Samsung OS Video Player if its working fine)
What I do not do with my phone:
I do not play games
I do not read e-books
I don't understand the purpose of KNOX! Do I need it really?
Here are some details of my Smartphone:
Model no: SM-G900F
Android version: 5.0
Modem version: G900FXXU1POJ1
Kernel version: 3.4.0-6364590
Build number: LRX21T.G900FXXU1POK5
Securitysoftware version: MDF v1.1 release 4 / VPN v1.4 Release 3
I would be greatful if someone could give an advice if it is worth to flash a custom rom and if yes what rom based in what moden and kernel versions or if a simple root with recovery install is enough?.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Hi @GordonSpace.......
Most of what you said in your post leads me to believe that there are many things about the stock OS that you are happy with. That being the case, the old adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind.....meaning (for now) you might as well stay with stock. If you start flashing CM custom roms (for example) you will lose that look and feel.
On to your question about Knox.....
In a nutshell, knox is based around an 'eFuse' which will trip or blow as soon as you modify your device. This eFuse CANNOT be reset. Samsung are, in some cases, denying warranty repairs on devices where knox has been tripped.
So basically, as soon as you flash CF Root or TWRP to gain root, your warranty is void (Samsung normally provide a 2 year warranty on their devices). Tripping knox will also prevent future 'over the air' updates. So even if you unrooted your device you would be stuck with the version of the OS that you have on your device. Finally, tripping knox will prevent your device from connecting to 'business enterprise secure' servers. So if you currently use your phone on your employers network, this will no longer be possible.
If you still want to go ahead and forget about knox, this is the easiest way to gain root......
Follow exactly....
1) deactivate 'Reactivation Lock' (can be found under Security in Settings).
2) copy SuperSU zip to your device.
3) boot into download mode.
4) Odin flash TWRP 2.8.7.0 (specifically this version).
5) DO NOT allow phone to boot, (uncheck auto reboot in odin and if necessary remove the battery as soon as the TWRP flash has completed) then.....
6) boot directly into recovery. (Vol +, Power & Home button combination)
7) flash SuperSU zip.
8) boot device as normal.
TWRP 2.8.7.0 by Dees_Troy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727406
superSU zip v2.46 by Chainfire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
When you have root access, you can get Titanium Backup from the playstore and freeze/delete the 'bloatware' that comes pre - installed on Samsung firmwares.
That will then give you the stability of the software designed for the phone coupled with the look and feel that you like, but without the resource hogging rubbish that most people with unrooted phones have to put up with......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
thanks
keithross39 said:
Hi @GordonSpace.......
Most of what you said in your post leads me to believe that there are many things about the stock OS that you are happy with. That being the case, the old adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind.....meaning (for now) you might as well stay with stock. If you start flashing CM custom roms (for example) you will lose that look and feel.
On to your question about Knox.....
In a nutshell, knox is based around an 'eFuse' which will trip or blow as soon as you modify your device. This eFuse CANNOT be reset. Samsung are, in some cases, denying warranty repairs on devices where knox has been tripped.
So basically, as soon as you flash CF Root or TWRP to gain root, your warranty is void (Samsung normally provide a 2 year warranty on their devices). Tripping knox will also prevent future 'over the air' updates. So even if you unrooted your device you would be stuck with the version of the OS that you have on your device. Finally, tripping knox will prevent your device from connecting to 'business enterprise secure' servers. So if you currently use your phone on your employers network, this will no longer be possible.
If you still want to go ahead and forget about knox, this is the easiest way to gain root......
Follow exactly....
1) deactivate 'Reactivation Lock' (can be found under Security in Settings).
2) copy SuperSU zip to your device.
3) boot into download mode.
4) Odin flash TWRP 2.8.7.0 (specifically this version).
5) DO NOT allow phone to boot, (uncheck auto reboot in odin and if necessary remove the battery as soon as the TWRP flash has completed) then.....
6) boot directly into recovery. (Vol +, Power & Home button combination)
7) flash SuperSU zip.
8) boot device as normal.
TWRP 2.8.7.0 by Dees_Troy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727406
superSU zip v2.46 by Chainfire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
When you have root access, you can get Titanium Backup from the playstore and freeze/delete the 'bloatware' that comes pre - installed on Samsung firmwares.
That will then give you the stability of the software designed for the phone coupled with the look and feel that you like, but without the resource hogging rubbish that most people with unrooted phones have to put up with......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello keithross and thank you for your response.
I use my smartphone only in private.
However it still has 11 months warranty by Samsung. Another Idea I had was to sell my Galaxy S5 as it is (OS and Knox) and buy another smartphone.
However what would be your recommendation for a new smartphone?
I was thinking about LG or HTC. But I'm not sure about to purchase a "famous" brand device or just a cheap one like Mobistel, Huawai and such.
What is a nice smartphone to have it root / flashed?
Regards
Kiri
I have about 9 months of warranty left on my phone....but I was able to root without tripping knox.....simply because I rooted before I allowed my phone to update to Lollipop (I rooted with Towelroot while running KitKat) then debloated, and customised the stock firmware.....so I have my phone as I want it, and still have knox intact.
The S5 will probably be my final Samsung smartphone, but as of this moment, I haven't given much thought as to what I'll replace it with. I'm half tempted to keep it beyond the end of it's warranty and start trying out custom roms at that point. It does everything I want it to do, so why would I need to replace it?
On the other hand, if i did replace it, I'd probably stay with one of the well known brand names.....The chances are that they'll have more dev support than the less popular makes of device....but I won't waste my money on any more flagship devices, I'll probably look at the 'upper midrange' devices as they'll (by that time) probably have similar specs to my current device (the way technology is currently advancing, they may even be superior to the S5)......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
CyanogenMod
I decided to flash cyanogenmod snapshot
1. However I do not understand the difference between klte and kltedv rom (kltedv = vodafone. does that mean my provider has to be vodafone?)
2. TWRP or Cyanogen Recovery?
3. Do I need to install a diff Kernel version?
4. Anything I should take care about before I flash? (something special about Samsung drivers, kernel, odin etc...?)
Thx for your support.
1....In all honesty I can't answer having never flashed custom to my S5.
2....TWRP recovery over Cyanogen recovery....Every time. Cyanogen recovery is little better (if at all) than stock recovery.
3....flashing a different kernel isn't strictly speaking necessary....unless you want to be able to change processor clock speeds and voltage and apply various other specialist 'tweaks'.....
4....after rooting (but before flashing) make a backup of your EFS folder (critically important) it contains, amongst other things, your IMEI number. If this folder becomes corrupted, you're in a whole world of hurt....
Back up any personal data that you can't afford to lose....things like photos etc.
Make sure you have a copy of your current firmware available....If it all goes pear shaped, you'll possibly need it to recover your phone.
The version of Odin that has most compatibility with the S5 is v3.10.7 though other versions *should* work.
Get hold of and install the Samsung USB drivers on your pc....They come bundled with Kies available on Samsung's website. (If you install Kies, you will need to use task manager on your pc to kill the kies processes prior to flashing anything with Odin).
Use the usb cable that came with your phone when connecting it to your pc.
Make sure you've disabled your firewall and antivirus before attempting to use Odin.
If you need any more help just let me know by commenting below.....
Luck fella
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Hey thanks mate. I rooted my device with CF autoroot via odin. I read that CM13 with Android 6 is as a stable version out now. Probably I am gonna flash it. However, I have a question with my current root of S5. Currently the wifi passwords are being save as an encrypted hex key in the wifi_supplicant.conf file. However I would like to use an app that saves and shows my wifi passwords, but unfortunately due to the encryption of S5 it's not a help for me. Any recommendations what can I do to save the real PW instead of the encrypted key?
Sorry fella....The tech aspects of your question have gone right over my head like an international Jumbo Jet....I have no idea what you're even asking about, let alone how to solve it for you. Your best bet would be to create a thread specifically for this question.....you will probably get more views for that thread than for this one.....sorry mate....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
GordonSpace said:
Hey thanks mate. I rooted my device with CF autoroot via odin. I read that CM13 with Android 6 is as a stable version out now. Probably I am gonna flash it. However, I have a question with my current root of S5. Currently the wifi passwords are being save as an encrypted hex key in the wifi_supplicant.conf file. However I would like to use an app that saves and shows my wifi passwords, but unfortunately due to the encryption of S5 it's not a help for me. Any recommendations what can I do to save the real PW instead of the encrypted key?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should already know the passwords if they are your routers/APs
I don't know my passwords. The thing is, that sometimes we go to some cafés and such where I have saved the PW of the router, but sitting with friends some of them do not have it to connect with wifi. Thats why I am asking if there is a possibility to view the passwords I saved in my wifi connections (not as a hex key but the true passwords). Anyway.. thx for help. I guess thats Samsung OS. Hope it won't be with CM13 like this.
Hello all!
Got a few questions I'd like some help from everybody to figure out please! Here's a basic summary of my problem:
Recently moved down to Queensland, Australia, and had a friend from the US ship me a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 (SM-G900V), on account of phones being super expensive down here. Received the phone, put in my Telstra SIM card, and altered the APN Settings, and got the phone working properly, no problems with it really.
However, I'd love to root the phone in order to hopefully upgrade the Android OS from 5.0 to something newer. There's a couple little features I'd also like to get rid of, which I imagine would be possible upon successfully rooting the phone:
- On the Notifications Panel, there is a permanent Notification that reads: "SIM card is not from Verizon Wireless." (I would love to remove this).
- All of the Verizon Apps from my Apps Menu.
If I were to root it, is there anyway I could install the Telstra based OS, or a network unrestricted OS, that wouldn't have all of the unwanted apps in the Application Menu?
In a nutshell, what I'm requesting help for, is in order to root my phone and get an updated OS (hopefully), without having to use a Custom ROM? Although I'm not completely against using a Custom ROM.
Thanks in advance.
Bump....Somebody please help me...I'm having trouble even installing the recovery. ODIN will start the process of installing the custom recovery to the phone, then will fail within 5 seconds...
I have the LTE version of the tablet (SM-T725 running android 10 (fully up to date), UK). The device is (so far) unmodified. It was bought through Vodafone, but has never had a network lock.
To give a general overview of my experience, I have rooted the majority of my android devices in the past, but this is my first Samsung device for a several years.
I have a few questions, I hope someone can answer them.
1 - Will unlocking the bootloader and installing this kernel(https://forum.xda-developers.com/ta...el-luiskernel-gts4lvwifi-gts4lvlte-t3977343), twrp, and magisk, result in any features being lost? (Dex, HDMI, USB OTG storage, HD netflix, anything relating to knox, good lock, etc.)
1A - If any features will be lost, is it possible to restore them through, for example, a magisk module, and if so, which ones?
2 - Are there any apps I should expect to stop working completely?
3 - Is it possible to backup the tablet's data prior to unlocking the bootloader in a way that allows it all to be restored after installing the kernel/twrp/magisk?
4 - Is there anything else I should know before unlocking the bootloader and installing the kernel/twrp/magisk?
5 - How will future system updates work? Obviously OTA is out of the question, but what other methods are available, and are there any downsides?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any help in answering these questions.