Help with rooting - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

OK everyone. I have searched up and down. Trying to root my s4 with 4.4.2 and nothing will work. And I can't find a good link to download odin. Towelroot fails, motochopper fails. I'm stuck. It also won't install the latest OTA update. Network Unlocked from att.

harwood39 said:
OK everyone. I have searched up and down. Trying to root my s4 with 4.4.2 and nothing will work. And I can't find a good link to download odin. Towelroot fails, motochopper fails. I'm stuck. It also won't install the latest OTA update. Network Unlocked from att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about your phone but mine is AT&T and it is carrier unlocked
I updated to Android 5.0.2 but I also would like to root and flash a custom recovery
Also like you, I couldn't find a nice guide on how to root my device
-----------EDIT-----------
try this link, contains all links regarding SGH-I337: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53758227#post53758227
forget my last message, I just found this link

Related

[Q] What model (version) of s4 is exactly this?

What model (version) of s4 is exactly this phone? which software is installed on it? is it stock or not ? plzz help and tell me its complete version details
My phone is sgh-i337 or gt-i9505 ? Or only baseband version is i337...or any firmware version difference ? Help
Open the back and remove the battery. Look on the label. Unless the person who sold you the phone physically changed the label, or removed it, it will accurately tell you the hardware version of your phone.
Given that the boot loader and modem (baseband) are for the AT&T version, SGH-I337, it seems likely that the hardware is I337.
Edit: Also, check that it's not a cheap fake clone. There are apps that can check hardware, and run benchmarks, etc. Search "Genuine Galaxy" on the play store.
creepyncrawly said:
Open the back and remove the battery. Look on the label. Unless the person who sold you the phone physically changed the label, or removed it, it will accurately tell you the hardware version of your phone.
Given that the boot loader and modem (baseband) are for the AT&T version, SGH-I337, it seems likely that the hardware is I337.
Edit: Also, check that it's not a cheap fake clone. There are apps that can check hardware, and run benchmarks, etc. Search "Genuine Galaxy" on the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On back its printed gt i9505...and I installed genuine galaxy it also says its genunine and model gt i9505......but why baseband is different :/ ?
I think my baseband is of different phone but hows that possible...
why someone would change it...
ahsandon007 said:
I think my baseband is of different phone but hows that possible...
why someone would change it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've really no clue. I'm not aware whether an AT&T modem will even work on that phone.
If the hardware is genuine GT-I9505, then you will most likely get a more definitive answer in the XDA-Developers forum for that phone.
ahsandon007 said:
What model (version) of s4 is exactly this phone? which software is installed on it? is it stock or not ? plzz help and tell me its complete version details
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's most likely an I337 with an I9505 system. Either way, since the bootloader is i337, that means it's locked so if it ever was an I9505 it's not now, but mist likely it wasn't ever.
I checked indownload mode its sgh i337....can I install back stock firmware ...see this site http://www.att.com/esupport/softwareUpdateArticle.jsp?sid=KB419415&cv=820
is it possible to flash through odin this stock lollipop firmware?
Finally I got it....its i337...I checked imei on imei.info it says it is i337 and also checked for blacklist its all clean....and I opened back cover and see it and its written "MADE BY SAMAUNG" ...spelling of samsung is wrong ...it means sticker and software are of 9505 and hardware are i337 at & t usa carrier....I think its changed in korea...phone is converted....now planning to download stock firmware of i337 lollipop and install through odin...
if anyone have link plz share
ahsandon007 said:
Finally I got it....its i337...I checked imei on imei.info it says it is i337 and also checked for blacklist its all clean....and I opened back cover and see it and its written "MADE BY SAMAUNG" ...spelling of samsung is wrong ...it means sticker and software are of 9505 and hardware are i337 at & t usa carrier....I think its changed in korea...phone is converted....now planning to download stock firmware of i337 lollipop and install through odin...
if anyone have link plz share
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot loader is locked, so you can't do this exactly. You can install stock KitKat, install safestrap, and upgrade to lollipop that way. You need to read through the forums to understand what you are doing before you proceed. I'd suggest you do quite a bit of reading, and only flash when you are sure you know what you want to do.
creepyncrawly said:
The boot loader is locked, so you can't do this exactly. You can install stock KitKat, install safestrap, and upgrade to lollipop that way. You need to read through the forums to understand what you are doing before you proceed. I'd suggest you do quite a bit of reading, and only flash when you are sure you know what you want to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send me links of threads from which I can understand and also which kitkat version should I install ...if u explain me in detail it will be helpful ..plz
ahsandon007 said:
Send me links of threads from which I can understand and also which kitkat version should I install ...if u explain me in detail it will be helpful ..plz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You seem to understand what you are doing. You should be able to figure this out on your own.
Start here.
Also this.
And this.
Or try some of the fine custom firmware in the Android Development forum.
ahsandon007 said:
(in a private message) Hey...there are so many things I cant understand in threads...can you plz tell me step by step how I can update to stock lollipop my sgh i337 ...safestrap etc..stuff ..thnx in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not own this phone, so I can't test or speak from personal experience. I already gave you the links to the information you need ^^^. I don't know if you can receive Over The Air (OTA) firmware updates. You may not be able to if you're not in USA. Also, I'm not sure if you need to be on an AT&T sim. If you can, you can get stock lollipop without root with this method: go to the "[GUIDE]Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Installing Safestrap" which is the second link. Go to the second post titled "Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Instructions" and click the button to expand the instructions for "OPTION 1 - Stock Lollipop (No ROOT)"
If you cannot receive OTA updates, then currently your option would be to first flash NB1, manually flash the NJ4 update, root and install safestrap. In the Odin to Stock guide, perform both step 1 and step 2 under "NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4" After this, you can use the "[How-To] Update to I337_OC3 - 5.0.1 and KeepRoot (4/7/2015) " thread, which is the third link above ^^^.
Your third option would be to wait until the developers post a method for flashing Lollipop directly from Odin.
creepyncrawly said:
I do not own this phone, so I can't test or speak from personal experience. I already gave you the links to the information you need ^^^. I don't know if you can receive Over The Air (OTA) firmware updates. You may not be able to if you're not in USA. Also, I'm not sure if you need to be on an AT&T sim. If you can, you can get stock lollipop without root with this method: go to the "[GUIDE]Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Installing Safestrap" which is the second link. Go to the second post titled "Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Instructions" and click the button to expand the instructions for "OPTION 1 - Stock Lollipop (No ROOT)"
If you cannot receive OTA updates, then currently your option would be to first flash NB1, manually flash the NJ4 update, root and install safestrap. In the Odin to Stock guide, perform both step 1 and step 2 under "NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4" After this, you can use the "[How-To] Update to I337_OC3 - 5.0.1 and KeepRoot (4/7/2015) " thread, which is the third link above ^^^.
Your third option would be to wait until the developers post a method for flashing Lollipop directly from Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I successfuly updated to 4.4.2 stock NB1 software manually thorough odin then manually flashed NJ4 by stock recovery...now im not receiving ota update to lolipop....now what nxt to do ? should i root NJ4 and install OC3...
And actually I dont want to root i nedd unrooted stock OC3 ...if you know any direct method to flash..
After update to nj4 4.4.4 im getting delays in sending text msgs and making calls....what to do now should i flash different modem or baseband any ideas ?? :/
Now that you have updated your user account, we can see that you are in Faisalabad, Pakistan using Mobilink carrier. As far as I know, you will not be able to receive an over the air update, nor be able to use Kies to update. Someone who knows more could give a definitive answer on this.
Assuming that you will be unable to use OTA or Kies, your options are:
- root, install safestrap, install rooted OC3
- wait unitl (and if) developers post an Odin flashable version of stock unrooted OC3.
As far as your other issues, you could install the NB1 modem (baseband) and see if that clears up the issues, as it was working before.
creepyncrawly said:
Now that you have updated your user account, we can see that you are in Faisalabad, Pakistan using Mobilink carrier. As far as I know, you will not be able to receive an over the air update, nor be able to use Kies to update. Someone who knows more could give a definitive answer on this.
Assuming that you will be unable to use OTA or Kies, your options are:
- root, install safestrap, install rooted OC3
- wait unitl (and if) developers post an Odin flashable version of stock unrooted OC3.
As far as your other issues, you could install the NB1 modem (baseband) and see if that clears up the issues, as it was working before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downgraded modem to NB1 and no signal then i used OC3 modem it works bit better than previous one.....lags sometimes ...is there any way to flash 9505 modem to i337 phone ? :/
I upgraded to 5.0.1 using keeproot method of flashfire...thanks broo very very much.....
baseband problem still exists on OC3 modem....i maximum get 3/5 signal bars....can i flash i9505 modem using mobile odin or ant method ?
EDIT: i flashed successfuly 9505 modem but baseband version goes unknown and no sim/signal....is there any fix? Flashing efs?
What if I dwld 9505 lolipop from sammobile and install by odin or flashfire?

Noob questions- Please help me with rooting! Some specific questions:

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?
Click to expand...
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*

cant figure out how to root a g900v running 4.4.2 and ank7. any help?

Like the title says, I have a g900v running 4.4.2 with ank7 and it seems like that's a combo nobody else has. I had it rooted before but I believe I accidentally updated with an OTA at one point and lost root. Does anyone know how to regain root from here, or guide me to which updates I should install to get to a rootable firmware? Thanks in advance!
also, I do like 4.4.2 a little more than 5.0. My gf has 5.0 and I'm not too fond of it, but if 5.0 or 6.0 are a lot better speed-wise then I'd be ok with upgrading. I'm just not a big fan on how it looks.
Does anyone have any tips or knowledge on what I need to do to get root back?
Have you tried to root using towelroot by geohot?
you can install it just by googling towelroot and then installing it
once installed you just click make it rain and you should get root
Try this web page if it doesn't work at first
http://www.naldotech.com/how-to-fix-towelroot-phone-isnt-supported-problem/
otherwise flash using odin to a different KitKat firmware that is supported by towelroot and then root

Has anyone been able to ROOT their SM-n910v Marshmallow 6.0.1?

Build MMB29K. I've tried and can't get TWRP loaded on there. I just bought this phone, but thinking about sending it back and keeping my rooted Note 3 if I can't get this to root! Here is the partial link to my post on Reddit about this same topic:
galaxynote4/comments/52my2m/has_anyone_been_able_to_root_their_smn910v/
Still no solution. Please help!
Same here
Can't get Odin to write the bootloader successfully.
mrcomedicgenius said:
Build MMB29K. I've tried and can't get TWRP loaded on there. I just bought this phone, but thinking about sending it back and keeping my rooted Note 3 if I can't get this to root! Here is the partial link to my post on Reddit about this same topic:
galaxynote4/comments/52my2m/has_anyone_been_able_to_root_their_smn910v/
Still no solution. Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right if u took the ota you are locked as far the bootloader goes ....flashing will not be possible til this is corrected ....im told u can odin back to 5.1.1 which has a pretty easy method the safely upgrade so rooting and unlock are simplified. I never tried to rooting from the stock firmware.... does kingroot ever get u rooted? If so the u could try the aforementioned method but u would need a 6.0.1 compatible kernel (Sprint) given u r on there dev cid .
in the verizon note 4 form is where you should be looking because you have a locked bootloader.

Root lost after upgrading to G900W8VLS1DPF3 !

I recently upgraded my S5 firmware to G900W8VLS1DPF3 and a few hours later security update prompt popped up. I went ahead and installed it. Later I realised that root was lost, not sure if it was the security update or the firmware upgrade. Tried PD3 version of CF-Root, it ran successfully but still no root access available. I have tried to look around on the Internet to see anyone has been able to root this firmware, couldn't see anything relevant.
So, is it possible to root this PF3 version, has anyone been successful? Any other methods I could try?
Thanks
No one has a clue?
Hi!
It seems your phone is
Canada (Telus)(TLS)
SM-G900W8
GALAXY S5
6.0.1
flash SuperSU through custom recovery (TWRP for example)
Samsung TWRP page https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys5qualcomm.html
Reyse said:
Hi!
It seems your phone is
Canada (Telus)(TLS)
SM-G900W8
GALAXY S5
6.0.1
flash SuperSU through custom recovery (TWRP for example)
Samsung TWRP page https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys5qualcomm.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Reyse, I have used that method dozens of times and yet it never crossed my mind this time! Must be getting old!
I have root access once again, thanks again.
hello all, someone have a link for update the S5 modem with the last update G900W8VLS1DPF3
just the modem(band)
please
thanks
While I don't know of a website that hosts modem
Images but you can download the whole firmware image and
extract the modem firmware and flash it, which you
probably are aware.
spaziomilano said:
hello all, someone have a link for update the S5 modem with the last update G900W8VLS1DPF3
just the modem(band)
please
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my updated baseband modem and frmware just from flashing xXx No Limit ROM that's how I got that build on my klte
Sent from my SM-G900W8 using XDA-Developers mobile app

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