Hey guys! I really hope someone out there could help me.
Soooo, I rooted my phone a while ago (galaxy s4 i337 build mk2 4.3) to erase all the bloatware and stuff.
I decided to unroot it using titanium backup because my phone was starting to slow down, even after moving off all pictures/music (what was taking up the most storage).
When i unrooted it, it was still slow and the update wouldn't go past 27%, so i was stuck on 4.3.
A few days ago I tried to flash the stock firmware using Odin and lost 4g data/any type of network data but still can connect to wifi and call/text.
ps I used a post from androidrootz, and since I am a new member, I am unable to post that link in this post.
Does anyone have any idea what could have caused that/what i could do to fix it?
HALP!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Post 5 of this thread has a descriptive return to stock section
Good day everyone, my friend upgraded his at&t i337 device to the official lollipop, but the issue is, I can't get the phone rooted, tried kingo root and a host of others but all prove abortive. So I need downgrade back to kitkat so I will upgrade back to a rooted lollipop rom since it's the only way out. Thanks!
Look at this thread and this.
Also, read around the forum for information you may find useful before trying that. I've read that kingroot (not kingoroot) may work on 5.0.1. Start here.
creepyncrawly said:
Look at this thread and this.
Also, read around the forum for information you may find useful before trying that. I've read that kingroot (not kingoroot) may work on 5.0.1. Start here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, friend. I already downgraded since yesterday. I know how to work it and all that stuff, was only scared that the bootloader wasn't downgradeable since I intending going back to stock. So I downgraded the moment I found that OC3 bootloader allows downgrading to nb1. Thanks again!
Dear Benevolent Android Wizards: please help me root an AT&T S4! I plan to buy a used S4 and want to make sure it can be rooted. Are some firmware versions rootable and some not? If so, which ones? I've seen phones available running I337UCUFNB1 and NJ4, as an example. I tried to check the forums here, but I'm new to this and it's too confusing. Also, as time passes, some of the comments become dated and wrong. One forums here say to downgrade NC1 by flashing NB1, take OTA update to NC1, then OTA to NL1- but I don't know if these OTAs are still available, for example. I'm simple and hope someone can explain things in a simple way! I don't want custom ROMs, just to root and maybe make backups. Please help, O Wise Ones!
You will probably buy a phone with at least 4.4.2 or above. It can be rooted by flashing the NB1 firmware (if it is not already on NB1), flashing the NC1 kernel and rooting with Towelroot. Then you can upgrade to 4.4.4 or 5.0.1, depending on what you want. You can install Safestrap to do backups on KitKat or Flashfire to do backups on Lolipop.
Here is a good place to start reading. Contains all info and links you need.
Thanks a lot!
So you're saying that any S4 running 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 should be able to be rooted?
And I would use Odin to flash NB1 firmware and then NC1 kernel (also using Odin?), then Towelroot would work?
How do I get the phone back to the firmware and kernel it came with?- also with Odin?
Yes. Or 5.0.1 for that matter.
You can root phones with earlier versions of the firmware as well.
All the instructions you need are available in the thread I linked above. You probably don't want to go back to what firmware came on the phone. You will need to decide if you want KitKat, in which case you should flash the latest one, which is NJ5, or Lolipop, in which case you will have some decisions to make as well.
Thanks, I will definitely read that whole thread once I get a chance.
Isn't there some issue with changing firmware where the software changes how the phone interfaces with the cell and wifi radios and they don't work right after you change version? Don't you have to do something to make sure the ROM and radio software stay in sync? Or isn't that an issue when changing stock ROMs with Odin?
Shouldn't be an issue. The stock firmware includes the corresponding modem, but the modems are interchangeable and can be flashed separately. There is a thread dedicated to modems in the general forum.
I would definitely recommend that you read enough to be comfortable with what you are going to do before you flash. There are several good threads in the general forum that you should familiarize yourself with.
Thanks again. I read 10 pages of the thread you mentioned in your first reply:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Very helpful
Another question- you said to load NB1 firmware on the phone, but also NC1 kernel, apparently, NC1 is required for towelroot to work. Why not just load NC1 firmware- won't the NC1 kernel will come along? Is NB1 firmware specifically needed for some reason?
Or did you mean to keep upgrading from NB1to reach the final desired firmware, say NL1, then flash the NC1 kernel, root with towelroot, then flash the final desired (in my example, NL1) kernel.
Also, the first section in that link says if you want to end up on Lollipop OC3 or OC4, to root using Kingroot, but warns "there is mixed feeling about this application". Can't I root with towelroot instead to avoid Kingroot?
Sorry! As I learn more it brings up new questions.
xdafan15 said:
Thanks again. I read 10 pages of the thread you mentioned in your first reply:
HTML:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Very helpful
Another question- you said to load NB1 firmware on the phone, but also NC1 kernel, apparently, NC1 is required for towelroot to work. Why not just load NC1 firmware- won't the NC1 kernel will come along? Is NB1 firmware specifically needed for some reason?
Or did you mean to keep upgrading from NB1to reach the final desired firmware, say NL1, then flash the NC1 kernel, root with towelroot, then flash the final desired (in my example, NL1) kernel.
Also, the first section in that link says if you want to end up on Lollipop OC3 or OC4, to root using Kingroot, but warns "there is mixed feeling about this application". Can't I root with towelroot instead to avoid Kingroot?
Sorry! As I learn more it brings up new questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NB1 is the only full stock tar available. There is no full NC1 stock tar, or any other 4.4.2 or above stock tar. No matter which distribution you are on, 4.4.2 4.4.4 or 5.0.1, to go back to stock you have to flash NB1 with Odin.
If you want Lolipop, I would suggest that you root with towelroot, and then use the keep root method to go to OC4.
I'm trying to decide if I should update up to NJ5, OC3, or OC4. Any thoughts about advantages/disadvantages? Should I just update to the latest (OC4) for simplicity?
I don't have an opinion between KitKat and Lolipop.
As far as OC3 or OC4, the OC4 update is just a bug fix update from OC3 that supposedly protects from at least part of the stagefright vulnerability. NJ5 is the same update with respect to JN4.
I'm making more progress on your thread- I'm up to page 20 now and feeling much more comfortable as I see how to deal with (or hopefully avoid) other's problems.
I think I'm almost ready to go, but I know I have one more question- I know that some versions of towelroot need internet access, but when you flash the NC1 kernel onto NB1, you lose wifi. I plan to do this on a phone that will not have data, at least at the beginning. I saw others talk about getting around this and they said they used an earlier version of towelroot that didn't need internet. Do you think that will work for me?
If I get a chance, I'll edit here and list the specific older version.
squatting in this thread because I too have an s4 w/ ni1 bootloader (4.4.2) .. gonna check that thread out too ... (fist bumps @xdafan15 .. me and u are the lone desperados)
got some good help too. check that thread about ALL THINGS ROOT in the general tab.
I found the version of towelroot v3 that doesn't need internet access. It is referenced here in the first post.
File here
@creepyncrawly or anyone else who knows: Is is OK to use this version to root instead of the normal version of towelroot 3 that needs internet access?
xdafan15 said:
I found the version of towelroot v3 that doesn't need internet access. It is referenced here in the first post.
File here creepyncrawly or anyone else who knows: Is is OK to use this version to root instead of the normal version of towelroot 3 that needs internet access?
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Click to collapse
Go ahead at try it. I don't actually have the S4, so I don't know from first hand experience, but it will either work or it won't. I expect it will work.
I got a surprise- I bought a used S4 and when I checked it, found out it has 4.2.2, MDL- one of the rare ones that was never updated and still has the unlocked bootloader! So all of the work I've been doing was somewhat off target.
Now I guess I need to root 4.2.2 and flash a custom rom to get the phone updated. If I update with the stock firmware it'll lock the bootloader permanently.
I found instructions to root on the first post here "[HOW-TO] The ULTIMATE All-In-One Guide - I337M & MDL - MF3 - MK2"
Is that the correct method?
I wonder if I can just load towelroot and root that way?
Can anyone suggest an updated ROM (preferably one that has been patched against stagefright)?
Do I also flash this phone using Odin? And does the firmware always go in the "AP" slot?
Sorry, I'm trying to learn this and I thought I'd be using the locked bootloader method in the 2nd post.
MDL oh don't let that bad boy ever update. You can root and unroot as often as you like.
Can you please help me understand what to do? I have a Samsung Galaxy s4 with AT&T that I switched to Straight Talk. I need to know how to root this phone but this forum is very confusing and outdated. Plz help me!
Hi, @Tmtd78. The S4 is getting pretty old now so this forum is pretty quiet. What version of android does your phone have? Under *Settings*, *About device*, what are the last 3 characters under *Build number*? I think every version of android on this phone can be rooted, but you will have to spend some time here to learn how everything works. Did you read the posts linked earlier by @creepyncrawly? Read the first and last 10 or 20 pages of each thread of interest and you will get the idea. The method you use will depend on the firmware your phone has. If it has the mdl or mdb bootloader, you probably will want to make sure the firmware doesn't update.
By the way, to @creepyncrawly and @engloa, thanks for your help. I was able to learn how to successfully root my S4, load a custom recovery, make backups, load a custom ROM, and make some tweaks to the kernel. Everything is running well now.
It was a long road, but everything was here on XDA and I appreciate your help.
@xdafan15, the build number is NI1. And I will definitely read the posts. I really appreciate you getting back with me so fast. I'm just scared I'm going to mess something up lol.
Sure thing. I'm not an expert, just a beginner, but I have learned a few things along the way. The NI1 bootloader is locked so you will need to follow the instructions for using Odin under the first post shown above by @creepyncrawly (here). Also, read this one. Also, this.
As long as you are 1) careful to not load code incompatible with an AT&T S4 onto your device and 2) follow instructions EXACTLY you should be fine. Be wary of following instructions listed on a forum that is not specific to the AT&T S4. Don't get sloppy and try to do stuff from memory- read and follow the instructions step by step. The good news is as long as you don't cause as few specific types of problems with your storage, I think you'll be able to Odin back to the NB1 firmware and start over.
Learn how to and practice booting your phone into download and recovery modes.
Get Odin running on your computer and see if it will recognize your device. A guide here. I think .tar or .tar.md5 files always go in the *AP* slot if memory serves. You may also see references to an older version of Odin where the *AP* slot was called *PDA*
moded my i337 long ago with the following and it has been working fine.
Rooted,
installed safestrap 3.72 (TWRP V2.7.0 0)
I have nothing installed an any of the slots only the STOCK rom box s lit
I have 4.4.4 KitKat installed (I337UCUFNJ4)
I have also installed the fix to allow WIFI hotspot since I use consumer cellular and they allow hotspot for free. I also wanted NO updates that would eventially slow the phone to a crawl and possbily remove my wifi hotspot mod.
I now have some apps that need lolipop 5.0 minimum and I'd like tofin a way to upgrade this phone to that.
I'm not a power andriod user but do know computers and networking and am a techie by nature. I was able to do the above myself but have long forgotten the steps.
Do you have recommendations for the easiest and safest way to update to 5.0 or higher on this S4? I know want to retain the wifi hotspot mod. the rest of the stuff on the phone is normal stuff that can be reinstalled.
thanks
This thread may help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
cousindan said:
moded my i337 long ago with the following and it has been working fine.
Rooted,
installed safestrap 3.72 (TWRP V2.7.0 0)
I have nothing installed an any of the slots only the STOCK rom box s lit
I have 4.4.4 KitKat installed (I337UCUFNJ4)
I have also installed the fix to allow WIFI hotspot since I use consumer cellular and they allow hotspot for free. I also wanted NO updates that would eventially slow the phone to a crawl and possbily remove my wifi hotspot mod.
I now have some apps that need lolipop 5.0 minimum and I'd like tofin a way to upgrade this phone to that.
I'm not a power andriod user but do know computers and networking and am a techie by nature. I was able to do the above myself but have long forgotten the steps.
Do you have recommendations for the easiest and safest way to update to 5.0 or higher on this S4? I know want to retain the wifi hotspot mod. the rest of the stuff on the phone is normal stuff that can be reinstalled.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking for the Oreo ROM. Is there any way to get an oreo custom ROM for my GS4? I contacted AT&T but they told me that they no more provide support for GS4. TIA.
The only way to get an Oreo ROM running is to be on the MDL bootloader. Since you're on NJ4 your phone was updated past MDL and thus you are now stuck. Since you are on kit kat, you can use safe strap to boot custom touchwiz ROMs or you can update to lollipop and boot ROMs with flash fire. You can jump around to a few different kit kat versions I think, but that's all you can do as your bootloader is locked. Unless you upgrade to lollipop that is then you can only jump around to lollipop versions.
audit13 said:
This thread may help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 That's how I got mine to OK2 with root. This post provided the needed Flashfire app
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78037038&postcount=1089
A Mobile Hotspot App is also mentioned in this post
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76089302&postcount=1084
If you search the thread for "Mobile Hotspot" without the quotes you'll find 4 posts that talk about it. I believe that's what the "I337_OK2_TetherAddOn.zip" is for in the first post.:good:
Forgot to mention set your phones time/date to manual and set the date to before March of 2018 I think it is before installing and running Flashfire for it to work. That's also mentioned somewhere here.