Database Users

[Q] Unrooting or updating

Hi, almost a year ago shortly after I got my S4 I was very eager to root it, so I came here and followed the guides. I successfully flashed the ROM and proceeded to root my phone but still didn't fully understand the process. I've been sitting on the same version of Android (4.2.2) for a while now and cannot update because there was a file I had to back up and rename. This file was the file which launched the updater, and wasn't part of the guide...
Just now I decrypted my phone, re-flashed it with TWRP, did a factory reset and still have a rooted phone with no update file. I fear the risk of bricking it if I proceed with adding ROM's. Is there an easy way to either update my phone, or unroot it? I may have naively made the only backup image the one that was rooted and with no update file. Staying rooted and updating would be prefered but I just have no idea what I'm doing, to be honest :fingers-crossed:
-Take care, Rob

tenthsun said:
Hi, almost a year ago shortly after I got my S4 I was very eager to root it, so I came here and followed the guides. I successfully flashed the ROM and proceeded to root my phone but still didn't fully understand the process. I've been sitting on the same version of Android (4.2.2) for a while now and cannot update because there was a file I had to back up and rename. This file was the file which launched the updater, and wasn't part of the guide...
Just now I decrypted my phone, re-flashed it with TWRP, did a factory reset and still have a rooted phone with no update file. I fear the risk of bricking it if I proceed with adding ROM's. Is there an easy way to either update my phone, or unroot it? I may have naively made the only backup image the one that was rooted and with no update file. Staying rooted and updating would be prefered but I just have no idea what I'm doing, to be honest :fingers-crossed:
-Take care, Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@tenthsun
Could u tell me what is your firmware from about device .....If u have MDL or MDB then u just install any custom 4.4 Kitkat roms and then flash loki patch. U are pretty lucky to have that firmware. Do Not update using your phone coz u would stuck with locked BL and u won't be able to use loki patch anymore. On the other side if u like to unroot just odin to stock firmware according to your firmware.
☆Swyped From Venomous Droid Blue Chrome Edition☆

ted77usa said:
@tenthsun
Could u tell me what is your firmware from about device .....If u have MDL or MDB then u just install any custom 4.4 Kitkat roms and then flash loki patch. U are pretty lucky to have that firmware. Do Not update using your phone coz u would stuck with locked BL and u won't be able to use loki patch anymore. On the other side if u like to unroot just odin to stock firmware according to your firmware.
☆Swyped From Venomous Droid Blue Chrome Edition☆
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to be MDL.
Much appreciated and I think i'll try Odin because I want to be able to update officially from Samsung for now.
Thank you

[Q] Please Help! Cant Flash Recovery!

Ive been going so crazy trying for about 15 hours total now trying to root and get a custom recovery on my phone, for some reason, nothing will work. I do have alot of experience with rooting and ive done just about everything, attempting to get this phone to flash a custom recovery.
ATT SGH i337
4.4.4
KTU84P.I337UCUFNJ4
I am currently rooted, but i cannot get a custom recovery. I have just tried this method,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297033
with that tool, however after running it, it successfully flashes the recovery, then boots me into the Odin Mode Download screen with the picture of an android. Same thing with trying any other method of flashing a recovery. Can someone please tell me how to get past this, im so exhausted trying to fix this. I tried factory reseting my phone from the phones settings and even that brought me back to the download screen with a picture of an android. I cant get into any recovery at all! Stock or custom it sends me back to that screen.
How can i flash a custom recovery and get this working? Thank you guys in advance

You're on nj4. Safestrap is the only recovery you're going to be able to use. Read the stickies in the general forum
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You're on nj4. Safestrap is the only recovery you're going to be able to use. Read the stickies in the general forum
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i installed the proper NJ4 safestrap apk and pressed install recovery, however it still says it is not installed "reboot to recovery" is greyed out. Upon booting into recovery, i am still stuck in Odin mode. Anyway for me to stop odin mode from continuing to come up instead of recovery?.

I would guess the system is looking for stock recovery, and it isn't there any more due to your flashing the CWM OUDHS recovery and/or TWRP. You probably need to put the stock recovery back.

I know and I've been trying to find out a way to do that. Could you help me if that's what I need to do? Once I reinstall stock recovery will safestrap work?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

I would suggest that you flash nb1 then nb4, root and install safestrap. At this point, a clean install is your best bet. Refer to this thread in the general forum.

U can get stock recovery back by either flashing the whole stock firmware via odin or extracting the recovery image from the firmware and flashing it by its self via odin I don't know anything about safestrap as I'm on Canadian version some one else can hopfully help u out with tht

I read what you posted and I don't entirely understand. Could you point to me to a download a maybe dumb it down a bit?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

How would I do that..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

xstokerx said:
U can get stock recovery back by either flashing the whole stock firmware via odin or extracting the recovery image from the firmware and flashing it by its self via odin I don't know anything about safestrap as I'm on Canadian version some one else can hopfully help u out with tht
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exxoriscism said:
I read what you posted and I don't entirely understand. Could you point to me to a download a maybe dumb it down a bit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exxoriscism said:
How would I do that..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are on NJ4 (I337UCUFNJ4). There is no flashable "whole stock firmware" for that version. There is a flashable whole stock firmware for the NJ1 version (I337UCUFNB1). Also, there is no easy way to "extract the recovery image out of the firmware and flash it by its self via odin." The reason for this is that you need a .tar archive to flash in odin, so if you extract just the recovery, you then need a Linux box, or a Linux virtual machine running on your windows pc to make the tar file from it.
This is why I suggested that you flash the NB1 full stock firmware, and then flash the upgrade to NJ4 from stock recovery, as outlined in the guide I linked.
As you asked for a little more detailed help, I'll try to walk you through following the Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Guide.
First, read through post #1 and the FAQ in post #3. Next, you need to decide what version you want to end up with. Let's assume that you want to end with NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4. (If you want to end with OC3 -- Lollipop 5.0.1, then the instructions are a little different.)
In post #2, under the section titled NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4 expand Step 1 - Odin to stock. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Follow the steps; they are pretty self explanatory. Part 1 installs full stock NB1, and Part 2 installs the upgrade to NJ4.
You are now on fully stock NJ4. If you want to root and install Safestrap, expand Step 2 -- Root and Install Safestrap. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Again, the steps are pretty self explanatory.
That's it. If you want to now install custom firmware, you are ready, or you can just stay on stock if you prefer.

creepyncrawly said:
You are on NJ4 (I337UCUFNJ4). There is no flashable "whole stock firmware" for that version. There is a flashable whole stock firmware for the NJ1 version (I337UCUFNB1). Also, there is no easy way to "extract the recovery image out of the firmware and flash it by its self via odin." The reason for this is that you need a .tar archive to flash in odin, so if you extract just the recovery, you then need a Linux box, or a Linux virtual machine running on your windows pc to make the tar file from it.
This is why I suggested that you flash the NB1 full stock firmware, and then flash the upgrade to NJ4 from stock recovery, as outlined in the guide I linked.
As you asked for a little more detailed help, I'll try to walk you through following the Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Guide.
First, read through post #1 and the FAQ in post #3. Next, you need to decide what version you want to end up with. Let's assume that you want to end with NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4. (If you want to end with OC3 -- Lollipop 5.0.1, then the instructions are a little different.)
In post #2, under the section titled NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4 expand Step 1 - Odin to stock. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Follow the steps; they are pretty self explanatory. Part 1 installs full stock NB1, and Part 2 installs the upgrade to NJ4.
You are now on fully stock NJ4. If you want to root and install Safestrap, expand Step 2 -- Root and Install Safestrap. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Again, the steps are pretty self explanatory.
That's it. If you want to now install custom firmware, you are ready, or you can just stay on stock if you prefer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and i did everything under the NJ4 Kitkat 4.4.4 section. I am rooted and everything worked except for safestrap. I open it and press install recovery and everytime it finishes it says "state:Not Installed". And reboot to recovery is greyed out. Upon manually rebooting into recovery mode, i am in normal stock recovery.
I cant use the selinux mode changer it says. To root i didnt use towelroot because installing the NC1 kernel disables my wifi connection, and since the phone has no service, i had to use KingO Root. I have confirmed root access using root checker. But Safestrap wont work.
What do i do? Is safestrap not working because i didnt root with towelroot? I assumed it didnt quite matter how i rooted. If it is because of towelroot, then how do i get towel root to work while on the NC1 kernel with no wifi and no cell service?

Update: I found a selinux Mode changer apk on xda and installed it. I tried it and safestrap still would not work and said "not installed". I also reflashed the NC1 Kernel and the same thing happened. I booted into recovery for confirmation.
I guess its maybe because i didnt root with towelroot? But it is impossible without phone service because flashing NC1 disables the wifi. Please reply as soon as you can

I can't help with your current issue with safestrap because I don't own this phone. I have worked on my son's S4, and a couple of others that have come through my hands. I have performed the exact process you just used with no issues.
I would suggest you post your issues in the guide thread where someone who has more experience with safestrap can help.

creepyncrawly said:
I can't help with your current issue with safestrap because I don't own this phone. I have worked on my son's S4, and a couple of others that have come through my hands. I have performed the exact process you just used with no issues.
I would suggest you post your issues in the guide thread where someone who has more experience with safestrap can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i move this thread?

Exxoriscism said:
Can i move this thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't move this thread into that one. But you can state your issue in that thread and then provide a link to this one for more info.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Galaxy S4 How to unroot?

I rooted my AT&T Galaxy S4 running Android 5.0.1 using kingroot and it worked great. I proceeded to try to install a custom ROM, which failed and I never even overwrote the stock ROM. So I am currently using the stock ROM. I recently got an update from AT&T for the stagefright patch, but every time I try to install the update, it puts the device into a secure boot download screen. I have to reboot the device to get back to Android. I also tried factory reset but it also causes the secure download screen to show up. I want to trade in to upgrade soon and I need to know how to fix this. Thanks!

Ok, if you want to get the stagefright patch and still be rooted, follow directions here with the stock rooted rom. http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
After the flash, don't install or flash anything else, update with the OTA from AT&T. If you want to remove the custom padlock nag, use triangle away from play store.
If you just want to get it completely stock, Odin to stock NB1 by following directions in this thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
You can take the OTA updates after that but only one every 24 hours. It'll update from NB1 to NJ4 first. Not sure how many updates get you to OC4 4.
Snapping along on stock rooted 0C4 I337, wishing for some good up to date lollipop ROM's to throw into flashfire

Thank You!
buggerritt said:
Ok, if you want to get the stagefright patch and still be rooted, follow directions here with the stock rooted rom. http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
After the flash, don't install or flash anything else, update with the OTA from AT&T. If you want to remove the custom padlock nag, use triangle away from play store.
If you just want to get it completely stock, Odin to stock NB1 by following directions in this thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
You can take the OTA updates after that but only one every 24 hours. It'll update from NB1 to NJ4 first. Not sure how many updates get you to OC4 4.
Snapping along on stock rooted 0C4 I337, wishing for some good up to date lollipop ROM's to throw into flashfire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You so much! I was having a hard time finding a solution! I appreciate it very much!

rooted - trying take OTA lollipop dont care about keeping root

i was able to take part one of the update which i think did something to Root....when I open SuperSU it says cant install binary, may need to re-root. I don't want root anymore. I tried second OTA update and fails.
I'm guessing i just have to odin flash a stock img?...my question is, can i do the lollipop one? or do i have to do kitkat and just take the OTA? also, does it matter which version of kitkat or lollipop?
thanks!

download the latest stock rom from somewhere, and flash with odin or flashfire. That should be all you need to do.

thanks...just flashed one of the lollipops and worked great! didnt have to even kept data and custom went away!

I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked, want to update to I337UCUGOK2 to unlock bootloader

I hit on UPDATE on the phone for an OTA update but it only says UNABLE TO CONNECT AT&T SERVER. When I bought it, it had 5.0.1 (I337UCUGOC3) out of the box. Searching on internet says that is bootloader locked (so I cant do anything).
- Can I Update to I337UCUGOK2 and bootloader will be unlocked (I mean, will I be able to do it)?
- Does anyone know where can I grab I337UCUGOK2 for offline install and is it ODIN safe to update it (remember I have I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked)?
please help

Once the bootloader is locked, it will always be locked until someone finds a way to unlock it. Updating the bootloader will not allow it to be unlocked.

cybercuate said:
I hit on UPDATE on the phone for an OTA update but it only says UNABLE TO CONNECT AT&T SERVER. When I bought it, it had 5.0.1 (I337UCUGOC3) out of the box. Searching on internet says that is bootloader locked (so I cant do anything).
- Can I Update to I337UCUGOK2 and bootloader will be unlocked (I mean, will I be able to do it)?
- Does anyone know where can I grab I337UCUGOK2 for offline install and is it ODIN safe to update it (remember I have I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked)?
please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.

help... I want to RMA it
sway8966 said:
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everywhere says I need a kitkat rom as base.
My s4 came with 5.0.1 with OC3 and bootloader locked out of the box. I tried some post where says I can flash TWRP and CWM but my phone stucked on bootloops. Then I managed to get back to stock rom and now when I want to turn it on it says " SAMSUNG (and lower on the screen) Custom"
Camera began to fail and I want to return it as RMA but I was looking to reset the flash counter but every post I read is that OC3 bootloader locked users are just doomed.
Do you know a method that I can do for reset that counter?
Camera dont focus anymore and I tried all the posts about safemode, etc.

cybercuate said:
Everywhere says I need a kitkat rom as base.
My s4 came with 5.0.1 with OC3 and bootloader locked out of the box. I tried some post where says I can flash TWRP and CWM but my phone stucked on bootloops. Then I managed to get back to stock rom and now when I want to turn it on it says " SAMSUNG (and lower on the screen) Custom"
Camera began to fail and I want to return it as RMA but I was looking to reset the flash counter but every post I read is that OC3 bootloader locked users are just doomed.
Do you know a method that I can do for reset that counter?
Camera dont focus anymore and I tried all the posts about safemode, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing TWRP and CWM is for the AT&T S4 with older bootloader (MDL, MDB). After that two firmware versions the bootloader is locked.
For AT&T S4 the last full firmware released is NB1. After that they released incremental updates via OTA. That is why you need kitkat (NB1) as base.
For NB1, Muniz uploaded two firmwares. One is the stock and the other is rootable stock. Try the stock one and see you still have the custom symbol.
To reset the counter, there is an app calls Triangle away by Chainfire. However, it does not work on AT&T S4 with locked bootloader.

Trying Odin-Stock NB1
sway8966 said:
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sway8966 said:
Flashing TWRP and CWM is for the AT&T S4 with older bootloader (MDL, MDB). After that two firmware versions the bootloader is locked.
For AT&T S4 the last full firmware released is NB1. After that they released incremental updates via OTA. That is why you need kitkat (NB1) as base.
For NB1, Muniz uploaded two firmwares. One is the stock and the other is rootable stock. Try the stock one and see you still have the custom symbol.
To reset the counter, there is an app calls Triangle away by Chainfire. However, it does not work on AT&T S4 with locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll try Odin it with the stock rom from your link. I'll post news here when it finish flashing

1st part - Success
I'm on 4.4.2 NB1, flash counter back to normal but still bootloader locked
Now I have to go back to OC3 to RMA it.
OTA does nothing, smartswitch shows no updates neither kies.
I'll have to Odin it back to OC3
Can I have some help?

And Success. I'm back on stock OC3 no root.
time to RMA
- camera still doesn't focus
- boot screen is back to normal but when in odin mode the counter shows 0x1
- sometimes shows "sim card could not be detected" or similar messages and force me to restart the phone (just happend 2 times until now, never happend before)
I followed this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Post 2
Thanks to sway8966