Database Users

[Q] AT&T SG4 SGH-I337 Slow

Hello. Sorry for the noobie question. I tried to search the forums, and I did find the noob beginner guide, but I still wasn't sure, so I prefer to ask before I screw up my phone lol.
I have the AT&T SG4 SGH-I337 Phone. It was fine before it was upgraded to 4.4.2 (I didn't want to upgrade, but it did it on its own one day). Once it went to 4.4.2, everything is just DOG SLOW. I mean everything. In Car Audio takes forever to connect, phone calls takes like 5 secs to answer, even after I press the answer button. To unlock the phone I have to press the code 2-3 times, as I can see the keys I press is lagging behind.
What I wanted to ask is this: How can I bring this phone back to the previous OS? Or How can I modify this phone to a stock OS, where all this bloatware crap is not installed?
All I care for is my Bluetooth, in car audio and calls and have a phone that's fast enough as it was originally.
can someone point me to the right thread where it gives me step by step instructions? Ive never modified a Samsung Phone before.
I found this thread, but wasn't sure if its the right one for my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
Thank you VERY MUCH. Thanks....

Don't use those links, some are redirecting me to questionable sites. Not sure if it does to you also.
I don't have time atm but someone will get you the correct info. :good:
It may have been a bad download that updated you--
Also, those files are too old for you if you look at thread date--
---------- Post added at 07:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:25 PM ----------
This would be a starting point
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Assume you are now on NC1
Believe you will need to Odin back to NB1 then update to NC1
If you want to root other steps involved--This thread covers it pretty well
Some one else more familiar can be exact, as I am on old bootloader and no handson exp--
Read the OP on the link very well and generally not a good idea to use links outside xda unless you are 120% sure of what you are doing--good luck--

Cornelp said:
Hello. Sorry for the noobie question. I tried to search the forums, and I did find the noob beginner guide, but I still wasn't sure, so I prefer to ask before I screw up my phone lol.
I have the AT&T SG4 SGH-I337 Phone. It was fine before it was upgraded to 4.4.2 (I didn't want to upgrade, but it did it on its own one day). Once it went to 4.4.2, everything is just DOG SLOW. I mean everything. In Car Audio takes forever to connect, phone calls takes like 5 secs to answer, even after I press the answer button. To unlock the phone I have to press the code 2-3 times, as I can see the keys I press is lagging behind.
What I wanted to ask is this: How can I bring this phone back to the previous OS? Or How can I modify this phone to a stock OS, where all this bloatware crap is not installed?
All I care for is my Bluetooth, in car audio and calls and have a phone that's fast enough as it was originally.
can someone point me to the right thread where it gives me step by step instructions? Ive never modified a Samsung Phone before.
I found this thread, but wasn't sure if its the right one for my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
Thank you VERY MUCH. Thanks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest getting the Google Play Edition rom as stock android is much better optimized. Tutorials are available on the all things NC1 post. This will require root and installing a custom rom. Your warranty (if still applicable) will be void if you choose to do this. Regardless, the software on the device is not well optimized and the touchwiz UI is unnecessary imo. The GPE rom also does not have the samsung or at&t bloatware.

cxzzcx said:
I would suggest getting the Google Play Edition rom as stock android is much better optimized. Tutorials are available on the all things NC1 post. This will require root and installing a custom rom. Your warranty (if still applicable) will be void if you choose to do this. Regardless, the software on the device is not well optimized and the touchwiz UI is unnecessary imo. The GPE rom also does not have the samsung or at&t bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The google play ROM I would not mind, but I cant seem to find a way to root my SG4 NC1 firmware.
Do you happen to have a link or directions, please?
Thanks...

Cornelp said:
The google play ROM I would not mind, but I cant seem to find a way to root my SG4 NC1 firmware.
Do you happen to have a link or directions, please?
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can root using geohot's towelroot.

Cornelp said:
The google play ROM I would not mind, but I cant seem to find a way to root my SG4 NC1 firmware.
Do you happen to have a link or directions, please?
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the "All things ATT" link rugmankc gave you. In the first posts in that thread you will get links to the root method, safestrap, and a list of compatible ROMs. A few thoughtsL
1. Before making any changes to you phone, charge it to 100 %, unplug the charger, and let it sit idle for some number of hours. Then check to see what services are using most of the power. For a while my own 4.4.2 GS4 was slow, and it turned out to be google play framework services bogging things down, and this showed up as an excessive battery drain during idle. If you phone uses more than say 0.5% battery per hour when completely idle / screen off (but with cell and wifi on), something's up. Fix it and maybe your problems will resolve.
2. Next step: back up any data / photos etc. and do a factory data reset from the settings menu. After it has been reset, perhaps whatever problem is going on will be cleared up.
3. You don't need to root the phone to ODIN a stock firmware (NB1 then flash update to NC1). Links are on the ALL Things ATT thread. This should take it all the way back to proper NC1, bypassing any mess that might have happened if you got a corrupt flash during your OTA update.
If the phone still performs so poorly as you describe after a flash back to stock, there's a problem that's more than the OS/ROM. Sure, the stock build is a bit laggy and bloated, but it's not so bad as what you are seeing.
If you find a restored stock ROM to be better but still laggier than you like, I have had good results with the GoldenEye ROM, flashed according to the instructions in the ATT thread. To flash, you must first root and install safestrap (selinux mode changer set to permissive may be required). You then boot to the safestrap recovery, wipe everything but the SD card, then flash the rom, SuperSU, ATT Module, and ATT BuildProp/APN. That should get you up and running on a new ROM.
I'm a died in the wool geek but I read through this forum and others for two weeks before attempting... but I'm very happy with the phone as it works on GoldenEye. I'm on V36, but V38 is current.
Good luck

Frankenscript said:
Use the "All things ATT" link rugmankc gave you. In the first posts in that thread you will get links to the root method, safestrap, and a list of compatible ROMs. A few thoughtsL
1. Before making any changes to you phone, charge it to 100 %, unplug the charger, and let it sit idle for some number of hours. Then check to see what services are using most of the power. For a while my own 4.4.2 GS4 was slow, and it turned out to be google play framework services bogging things down, and this showed up as an excessive battery drain during idle. If you phone uses more than say 0.5% battery per hour when completely idle / screen off (but with cell and wifi on), something's up. Fix it and maybe your problems will resolve.
2. Next step: back up any data / photos etc. and do a factory data reset from the settings menu. After it has been reset, perhaps whatever problem is going on will be cleared up.
3. You don't need to root the phone to ODIN a stock firmware (NB1 then flash update to NC1). Links are on the ALL Things ATT thread. This should take it all the way back to proper NC1, bypassing any mess that might have happened if you got a corrupt flash during your OTA update.
If the phone still performs so poorly as you describe after a flash back to stock, there's a problem that's more than the OS/ROM. Sure, the stock build is a bit laggy and bloated, but it's not so bad as what you are seeing.
If you find a restored stock ROM to be better but still laggier than you like, I have had good results with the GoldenEye ROM, flashed according to the instructions in the ATT thread. To flash, you must first root and install safestrap (selinux mode changer set to permissive may be required). You then boot to the safestrap recovery, wipe everything but the SD card, then flash the rom, SuperSU, ATT Module, and ATT BuildProp/APN. That should get you up and running on a new ROM.
I'm a died in the wool geek but I read through this forum and others for two weeks before attempting... but I'm very happy with the phone as it works on GoldenEye. I'm on V36, but V38 is current.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your help. Yeah everytime I redo my phone, from scratch, it works OK for about an hour. Then bam, it goes back to being a low pain in the rear. This is ONLY after the phone upgraded to 4.4.2. I didn't choose that upgrade, actually I didn't want to upgrade, but OTA upgrade took over and BAM, I got screwed.
OK I just installed the Safestrap and rooted the phone. Now I gotta figure out the rom part.
Im still going thru that link that rugmankc gave me above. Now im trying to figure out how to change the OS, since I just rooted the phone. I have to do this. Ive gotten really really tired of the phone being so slow, I basically give up on many tasks that I need to do, just cause its too slow.
Ill update once I get it figured out, hopefully I wont brick it, that's the only thing that im afraid of.

Don't remember, did you consider Odin back to stock and start over. If not, whatever was causing the slow downs may still be there. Could have been a bad update.
Read the SafeStrap thread by HashCode carefully. I read the OP 100% and last 30 pages or so of thread and don't even use it. It is complicated to me. IE which slot to flash to stock or rom. I think stock, Flash Modules. Install Selinux and set to permissive. And using correct SafeStrap. Gives me a headache and I am not even needing to use it--
Good Luck--as mentioned just backup whenever you can before moving to next major step. :good::good:

rugmankc said:
Don't remember, did you consider Odin back to stock and start over. If not, whatever was causing the slow downs may still be there. Could have been a bad update.
Read the SafeStrap thread by HashCode carefully. I read the OP 100% and last 30 pages or so of thread and don't even use it. It is complicated to me. IE which slot to flash to stock or rom. I think stock, Flash Modules. Install Selinux and set to permissive. And using correct SafeStrap. Gives me a headache and I am not even needing to use it--
Good Luck--as mentioned just backup whenever you can before moving to next major step. :good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Actually I backed up my phone already, as I reformatted it last night again. I don't know how to Odin back to stock. What is that? Is that a stock Android? Sorry I don't know.
Thanks...

It's in the same All Things ATT, MK2 thread under Returning to Stock Odin. An option if you still have issues. Takes you back to stock NB1, firmware and all. Kinda like your update, but think you may have got a bad update. Other options are to wipe internal in case bad stuff still there. Frankenscript was pretty thorough--:good:
SafeStrap is how you are going to flash a new OS/Rom. You can't flash custom kernels and aosp roms unless TW based like a couple GPE mentioned.
Read/Scan the two mentioned threads, as in OP and first and last couple dozen pages. Probably the last are more important. You will see folks asking the same questions you will eventually ask. I have read thousands of pages over the years and it has kept me out of trouble--most of the time--

rugmankc said:
It's in the same All Things ATT, MK2 thread under Returning to Stock Odin. An option if you still have issues. Takes you back to stock NB1, firmware and all. Kinda like your update, but think you may have got a bad update. Other options are to wipe internal in case bad stuff still there. Frankenscript was pretty thorough--:good:
SafeStrap is how you are going to flash a new OS/Rom. You can't flash custom kernels and aosp roms unless TW based like a couple GPE mentioned.
Read/Scan the two mentioned threads, as in OP and first and last couple dozen pages. Probably the last are more important. You will see folks asking the same questions you will eventually ask. I have read thousands of pages over the years and it has kept me out of trouble--most of the time--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, that link really got me confused as heck lol. Ive been reading that link the entire weekend and still im a bit confused.
I rooted the phone with towelroot. Ive installed SafeStrap, but it worked the first time I ran it. Now if I want to run it again it crashes my phone. Not sure what that is about.
Either way, now my understanding is that I should be able to download a rom for my phone and flash it. From that link that I was given, its very confusing.
Could someone PLEASE PLEASE help me here with this?
My phone is an AT&T US SG4. Here are the details:
SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Android 4.4.2
BaseBand I337UCUFNC1
Kernel Ver 3.4.0-1125940
Build # KOT49H.I337UCUFNC1
Which ROM can I use for my phone? As long as its stock, I don't care which version, Google Play ROM or CY or Golden, whichever, as long as I get rid of this crappy Samsung and AT&T stuff off my phone.
Could someone please help me out here? I know that link says everything, but jeez, im trying to make sense of it, and so far, I got the phone rooted, but just cant figure out the ROM part.
Thanks...

I can't help with specifics as I don't need SS.
Make sure you have correct SS--3.72, afaik
Flash, I believe, to stock slot not rom slot but confirm that
Install Selinux app from Play and set Permissive--afaik
The above items are things people get into trouble with, so reconfirm them
Just keep reviewing the thread and the SafeStrap thread in Dev section by HashCode. Maybe go back more pages from end of threads as you have time. You can post in All things thread now for help and at 10 posts in Dev section. It will come together in time--:good:
Flash roms only for you build, think there is a list within that thread or another one in General or Q&A.
iB's Goldeneye 38 is good and you can use the Aroma to select SafeStrap and the Slimmed down version.
Read his SS flashing instructions first.
Make sure you use SafeStrap recovery to wipe ALL--System/Data/Caches before flashing--:good:

Cornelp: Having recently been through all this, I wrote up a short summary with some links for another user, and it might help you to look through it. It's an overview written from my end-user perspective, not a replacement for the detailed posts the devs have done.
However, based on your description, I would say the best thing to do is ODIN back to stock because I have a sneaking suspicious you got a bad OTA flash. It happens. Going back to stock will be the best way to eliminate that as a source of problems. Learn how in the All things ATT thread OP.
Best of luck to you!
Marc

Frankenscript said:
Cornelp: Having recently been through all this, I wrote up a short summary with some links for another user, and it might help you to look through it. It's an overview written from my end-user perspective, not a replacement for the detailed posts the devs have done.
However, based on your description, I would say the best thing to do is ODIN back to stock because I have a sneaking suspicious you got a bad OTA flash. It happens. Going back to stock will be the best way to eliminate that as a source of problems. Learn how in the All things ATT thread OP.
Best of luck to you!
Marc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frankenscript,
Thank you very much, I will read up on that link you gave me. How would I ODIN back to stock? Do you have specific details on that? I did read something about that on the All things ATT, but wasn't clear.
Thanks...

Cornelp said:
Frankenscript,
Thank you very much, I will read up on that link you gave me. How would I ODIN back to stock? Do you have specific details on that? I did read something about that on the All things ATT, but wasn't clear.
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Complete instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51130818&postcount=5
Basically, download ODIN to your PC, run it, get phone into download mode, connect phone to PC via USB, in ODIN select the NB1 file, tell it to start. When done, reboot phone. Then flash the NC1 update from an SD card using stock recovery.
A good pictorial description of how to flash can be found in this S3 thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Though for a different phone (the S3, not our S4), the process is still the same.
Good luck. I'm headed off to a work trip and won't be on the forum much this week!

Frankenscript said:
Complete instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51130818&postcount=5
Basically, download ODIN to your PC, run it, get phone into download mode, connect phone to PC via USB, in ODIN select the NB1 file, tell it to start. When done, reboot phone. Then flash the NC1 update from an SD card using stock recovery.
A good pictorial description of how to flash can be found in this S3 thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Though for a different phone (the S3, not our S4), the process is still the same.
Good luck. I'm headed off to a work trip and won't be on the forum much this week!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you all. I was able to revert back to the NB1 stock, but it failed the first time. I had to download and install the NB1 Rootable Odin. For some reason, the NB1 Odin didn't work, but the Rootable one worked.
So im glad I was able to go back. Now I just gotta test it and see if it does slow down as it did before. I will post update, in case anyone else has the same problem, maybe this would be a good solution.
Thanks again to all of you guys, really appreciate it. I really hope it worked.

(Need Help) Flashing rom, modem, and recovery

HI many name is Sameer. I bought Samsung S4 from a dealer who sells unlocked and rooted phone.
HE said to me its from outside and its unlocked plus rooted. so i was glad its rooted and unlocked now the problem is i dont see the super su app on the phone but i can use apps that require root access.(weird)
Now when i used to use htc explorer (pico) I never had to install any modems or some baseband thingy so i'm a little confused here.
Goals; I want to install this Rom: JFLTE-GPE
This rom requires latest modem and twrp
Twrp is no biggy i can install it using twrp manager, but i don't know if i can install a modem and i don't even know if i even have to cuz the guy who gave me(mobile) must have installed some modem to make my domestic sim work i live outside US
I want someone to help me on how to install modem and to tell me weither i have to install one or not.
Also i want to know if i install the rom will my device lock and i won't be able to use my domestic sim
I know there are a lot of guides out there, i'm here cuz i couldn't figure them out.
Forgive me for my bad English.
SS of about device for all the info: Screen Shot

I am not absolutely sure about the domestic lock stuff, but when I got my L720, I flashed an entire stock firmware on it, updating the modem, system and everything in the process, yet the phone capability isn't affected in any way. I flashed CM12.1 on it, made a small patch to jump between GSM and CDMA (GPe probably won't need it), and all is well.
Assuming that you don't need to worry about the network problems, you need to learn how to use Odin, and find a latest modem file that's Odin-flashable. Or to save this trouble, you can flash a full latest firmware just like what I did, although this means you'll also have to re-flash your TWRP recovery.
One tip: TWRP is also flashable from Odin, and this is the suggested method.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]

Hi
really need some help really bad, Im stuck and battery running down.
I have a s7e and I have tried so any times to root it and three times Iv had to take it into have it fixed ie re-flashed
I have recovery installed and can go into that ok.
Iv put suppersu on and no-verity-encrypt-2.2
and thats about as far as iv got cant do any thing more as I dont know what to do.
keeps saying cant mount some thing, did a back up of every thng to sdcard but it said it cant do it.
Its cost me a 150.0 so far getting it re-flashed after I miss it up lol no its not funning
But the other half has saiid she will do some thing really nasty if I have to spend any more on getting it fixed and was told to not do it.
but it got the better of me had another go and now i in a mess again, cant seem to get passed this point.
any help pointers would be great and i will be every so regretful if you can help get this rooted I haveread so much now Im brian dead.
thanks again for any help given.

N00b w/ "new SGH-I337 that is running original kernel & 4.2.2 & needs to be updated

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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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!
Click to expand...
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.

How to upload LineageOS to i337 with locked bootloader I337UCSGOK3 and other things..

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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.

Hi all. I'm new to rooting can any one please help and point me to the right tutorial to root a samsung s7

Hi All
Looking for a best tutorial to follow and the right one for my phone really don't want to brick it, obviously :/. as there seems to be a few versions for the S7
I have the following: S7 android 8.0.0 SM-G930F not sure what else I need to know! I'm in the UK so I assume UK phones come with Exynos cpu's
and as far as I am aware android 8 is Oreo! but when they say Stock Rom I assume they mean the same as what came with the phone the original rom?
if so is there an alternative stable rom without the crap included or is it just as simple to delete every thing you don't want now it's rooted! and does that mean if I reset the phone its back to normal with all the crap included! or is there a way to keep it rooted even after reset! and should anything be disabled I.e prepare the phone before attempting to root like any kind of auto encryption that needs disabling and just one more question
if at anytime the rooting process hangs for a ridiculous amount of time when should I throw in the towel! and what are the chances of retrieving the phone back to original state! or does a dirty shutdown brick it?.
I started the root process but failed at first hurdle!, followed instructions install Odin3_v3.13.1 but when I connected the phone nothing showed up in Odin? though I will have another go just to confirm I followed it correctly, I'll update this when it's done.
this was the tutorial I followed:
Easy 4 Newbie [Root Guide]SM-G930F, G935F, G930FD, G935FD (Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge)
Warning ! Please note that the official TWRP for Nougat on Galaxy S7/ S7 Edge is not available yet but based on my experience the Marshmallow version is working on Nougat. By installing a custom recovery on your S7 and S7 Edge and rooting it...
forum.xda-developers.com
I know alot of questions I would really appreciate any help and clarification on the above.
many thanks
Regards
Daz

Look pal, rooting the phone is just like being an adult, it means you will get rid of Samsung's "Child Care".
Yes, UK models use Exynos chip, but you have to be sure, look at your baseband version, if it is G930FXXX, then you are good.
ROMs are in two shapes:
Stock-based: These are just like the one you are using, or other Samsung phones does, like Samsung Experience, One UI, TouchWiz. Maybe MIUI and FlymeOS will come into account, as there are ROMs based on them + Samsung's.
AOSP: These are pure Android ROMs, with few modifications to the core, but keeping the UI as close to the source as possible, Google & OnePlus phones come with a near-to-pure operating systems.
Changing a ROM is not risky, as long as you follow the instructions, without any unaccounted improvising.
Before you install a ROM, read the working and bug list, to make sure you are installing something you have an idea of.
You need to install TWRP recovery (or any other one you like), and format data, in order to be able to travel among ROMs and/or root your device.
Formatting is only required because the phone is forcibly encrypted, and TWRP can not decrypt it, at least not for this device.
Rooting is simply about flashing a 5-MB file, Magisk, then rebooting to system, no need to wipe data.
No need to do any additional steps, unless you are trying to hide root from some apps and/or pass SafetyNet.

Mohamedkam000 said:
Look pal, rooting the phone is just like being an adult, it means you will get rid of Samsung's "Child Care".
Yes, UK models use Exynos chip, but you have to be sure, look at your baseband version, if it is G930FXXX, then you are good.
ROMs are in two shapes:
Stock-based: These are just like the one you are using, or other Samsung phones does, like Samsung Experience, One UI, TouchWiz. Maybe MIUI and FlymeOS will come into account, as there are ROMs based on them + Samsung's.
AOSP: These are pure Android ROMs, with few modifications to the core, but keeping the UI as close to the source as possible, Google & OnePlus phones come with a near-to-pure operating systems.
Changing a ROM is not risky, as long as you follow the instructions, without any unaccounted improvising.
Before you install a ROM, read the working and bug list, to make sure you are installing something you have an idea of.
You need to install TWRP recovery (or any other one you like), and format data, in order to be able to travel among ROMs and/or root your device.
Formatting is only required because the phone is forcibly encrypted, and TWRP can not decrypt it, at least not for this device.
Rooting is simply about flashing a 5-MB file, Magisk, then rebooting to system, no need to wipe data.
No need to do any additional steps, unless you are trying to hide root from some apps and/or pass SafetyNet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mohamedkam000
Thanks for replying. I'm not confused about why I want to root the phone. I'm just trying to understand the inner workings and the risks as I'm not as clued up with phone OS's as I am windows. I don't care about warrantees or hiding the the fact it's rooted I just want a clean rooted phone free of big brother well inside at least I know you will never completely keep them out but making it hard is a start lol.
Thank you very much for all the above especially on clarifying about the roms and the reason TWRP formats due to encryption nice one
My Baseband version slightly different though it's G930FXXU8ETI3 not sure if having a U instead of a third X makes any difference!
and I posted wrong tutorial I'm actually following this one below again not sure if that matters.
Guide How to root Android 8.0 Oreo Stock ROM on Galaxy S7 ( 100% Working )
Hi . i see too many peoples have problem on rooting Android 8.0 Oreo Stock Rom on Galaxy S7 ( edge ) and they cant get passed from the verification field error ! ok its bcuz they do only 1 step wrong , here i just wanna tell you all the steps 1...
forum.xda-developers.com
Again many thanks for clarifying that lot up very informative and much appreciated.
Kind regards
Daz

CitizenSmith said:
Hi Mohamedkam000
Thanks for replying. I'm not confused about why I want to root the phone. I'm just trying to understand the inner workings and the risks as I'm not as clued up with phone OS's as I am windows. I don't care about warrantees or hiding the the fact it's rooted I just want a clean rooted phone free of big brother well inside at least I know you will never completely keep them out but making it hard is a start lol.
Thank you very much for all the above especially on clarifying about the roms and the reason TWRP formats due to encryption nice one
My Baseband version slightly different though it's G930FXXU8ETI3 not sure if having a U instead of a third X makes any difference!
and I posted wrong tutorial I'm actually following this one below again not sure if that matters.
Guide How to root Android 8.0 Oreo Stock ROM on Galaxy S7 ( 100% Working )
Hi . i see too many peoples have problem on rooting Android 8.0 Oreo Stock Rom on Galaxy S7 ( edge ) and they cant get passed from the verification field error ! ok its bcuz they do only 1 step wrong , here i just wanna tell you all the steps 1...
forum.xda-developers.com
Again many thanks for clarifying that lot up very informative and much appreciated.
Kind regards
Daz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter which version of Android you are using, root is the same.
However, on stock ROMs, it might sometimes get rough, as you may end up with Wi-Fi not working (happened to me Q1 2020).
If you really want to learn how Android OS works, then rooting the stock ROM is not your way.
Try AOSP ROMs, preferably start with Oreo ones, you can root in 3 common way, LineageOS SU Add-on, Magisk, Super SU.
But before you tickle your phone, you have to make a backup of your current device, of every partition, EFS is the most important partition, so make sure it is safe.
Baseband version doesn't matter a lot, unless you're paranoid with updates, it is sorted alphabetically, each string on its own.
The phone is more similar to a linux machine than to a Windows PC.
Edit: To root stock ROM, you have to flash dm verity, so you don't end up encrypted again.

Mohamedkam000 said:
It doesn't matter which version of Android you are using, root is the same.
However, on stock ROMs, it might sometimes get rough, as you may end up with Wi-Fi not working (happened to me Q1 2020).
If you really want to learn how Android OS works, then rooting the stock ROM is not your way.
Try AOSP ROMs, preferably start with Oreo ones, you can root in 3 common way, LineageOS SU Add-on, Magisk, Super SU.
But before you tickle your phone, you have to make a backup of your current device, of every partition, EFS is the most important partition, so make sure it is safe.
Baseband version doesn't matter a lot, unless you're paranoid with updates, it is sorted alphabetically, each string on its own.
The phone is more similar to a linux machine than to a Windows PC.
Edit: To root stock ROM, you have to flash dm verity, so you don't end up encrypted again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for clearing quite a few things up I thought rooting stock rom would have been far safer way forward wow how wrong was I! but I guess I am just trying to find any kind simile to windows in any way but as you pointed out again it's more like Linux which again I've only played around with ubuntu and mint for a short period so again not to up on Linux lol.
It's funny I was just reading up on AOSP ROMs then got your message. I see they have a stable but not complete! Android 10 not that I would consider it need as I need a stable OS so Oreo is fine for me.
I have backed up phone using Smart Switch on the PC I assume that copy's every thing that's needed, I reset the phone in anticipation all be it prematurely but at least it restored all my data so if anything that was a good test of the back up at least .
I will have look at some AOSP ROMs and see what's involved there, I'll check out their tutorial hopefully it will include the whole process including root.
I gather by your comment using a AOSP ROM you don't need to use dm-verity or will that still be needed!.

The first thing to do is to flash (install) TWRP, it's a custom recovery (think of it as a mini OS that can boot before Android), that will be the base for any of your future tinkering.
Here is the thread, read the FP carefully: [Recovery][Exynos] Official TWRP for Galaxy S7 (herolte)
Once TWRP installed, you can do many things:
Install addons like Magisk. Magisk is the tool you use to obtain root. Forget SuperSU, its outdated, and don't works in modern versions of Android.
Install a custom ROM (this subforum is the perfect place to find them).
Backup & restore an image of your current ROM (very useful).

mooms said:
The first thing to do is to flash (install) TWRP, it's a custom recovery (think of it as a mini OS that can boot before Android), that will be the base for any of your future tinkering.
Here is the thread, read the FP carefully: [Recovery][Exynos] Official TWRP for Galaxy S7 (herolte)
Once TWRP installed, you can do many things:
Install addons like Magisk. Magisk is the tool you use to obtain root. Forget SuperSU, its outdated, and don't works in modern versions of Android.
Install a custom ROM (this subforum is the perfect place to find them).
Backup & restore an image of your current ROM (very useful).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Mooms for the input
I tried to follow your links tutorial which he gives three options only one is any good to me and that was installing twrp using Odin but I'm having issues at every turn!. I can't even get Odin to recognise my phone it just wont pick it up I have Samsung driver installed and I have reinstalled many times I found an article claim to have a workaround but that was BS just selling some other app I even change the driver as described on there page,
7 Tips to Fix Odin Not Detecting Phone
Are you using Odin flash tool to flash your Samsung phone but it is not recognized by Odin? Here are 7 tips to fix Odin not detecting phone.
www.imyfone.com
.
but that did nothing so reinstall normal driver again.
feels like it's just not meant to be :/
Thanks again.

CitizenSmith said:
Thanks again for clearing quite a few things up I thought rooting stock rom would have been far safer way forward wow how wrong was I! but I guess I am just trying to find any kind simile to windows in any way but as you pointed out again it's more like Linux which again I've only played around with ubuntu and mint for a short period so again not to up on Linux lol.
It's funny I was just reading up on AOSP ROMs then got your message. I see they have a stable but not complete! Android 10 not that I would consider it need as I need a stable OS so Oreo is fine for me.
I have backed up phone using Smart Switch on the PC I assume that copy's every thing that's needed, I reset the phone in anticipation all be it prematurely but at least it restored all my data so if anything that was a good test of the back up at least .
I will have look at some AOSP ROMs and see what's involved there, I'll check out their tutorial hopefully it will include the whole process including root.
I gather by your comment using a AOSP ROM you don't need to use dm-verity or will that still be needed!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AOSP ROMs are pure, you can't say they are not complete. They are complete, and what OEMs do, like Samsung and Xiaomi is just a customization that you can do, too.
It is preferred that when you take a backup, take it with TWRP, just to ensure you backed up phone's partitions, along with "EFS".
The root procedure on Android 6+ is done by patching the Kernel (boot.img), so unless you take backup of that, you cannot keep root.
There are stable custom ROMs, custom ROMs are meant for custom adjustments, however the stability depends on your phone, and the way you use it, you can compare AOSP vs. Stock and see the difference.
AOSP ROMs doesn't need dm verity, well, at least not if the developer did not mention the encryption part.

Mohamedkam000 said:
AOSP ROMs are pure, you can't say they are not complete. They are complete, and what OEMs do, like Samsung and Xiaomi is just a customization that you can do, too.
It is preferred that when you take a backup, take it with TWRP, just to ensure you backed up phone's partitions, along with "EFS".
The root procedure on Android 6+ is done by patching the Kernel (boot.img), so unless you take backup of that, you cannot keep root.
There are stable custom ROMs, custom ROMs are meant for custom adjustments, however the stability depends on your phone, and the way you use it, you can compare AOSP vs. Stock and see the difference.
AOSP ROMs doesn't need dm verity, well, at least not if the developer did not mention the encryption part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the roms I have looked at mention external touch buttons at bottom of phone do not work or something else in the phone I'm just reading their comments.
I understand about the stock & custom rom's now that's not my problem at least not at the moment as I am miles away from choosing a rom! as I can't even get out the starting gate!. I can not get TWRP on my phone as the only way I can see to get it on a unrooted! phone is to use Odin but as I said Odin doesn't work at least not for me it does not see my phone. I would love to take a back up using twrp but that won't happen until I find a way to get TWRP on a unrooted phone. what crazy paradox is this!. you can't root phone without twrp installed and twrp won't install on a unrooted phone!. that makes perfect sense.

CitizenSmith said:
Some of the roms I have looked at mention external touch buttons at bottom of phone do not work or something else in the phone I'm just reading their comments.
I understand about the stock & custom rom's now that's not my problem at least not at the moment as I am miles away from choosing a rom! as I can't even get out the starting gate!. I can not get TWRP on my phone as the only way I can see to get it on a unrooted! phone is to use Odin but as I said Odin doesn't work at least not for me it does not see my phone. I would love to take a back up using twrp but that won't happen until I find a way to get TWRP on a unrooted phone. what crazy paradox is this!. you can't root phone without twrp installed and twrp won't install on a unrooted phone!. that makes perfect sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your phone allow MTP communication? I mean can you transfer files when the phone is turned on?
Does the phone show any notification about a usb connection?
If not, then you have probably a bad USB cable, at least, or you have a hardware issue that can go as deep as a burned charging port.
If yes, then either your USB cable is not as fast as the phone requires, or you haven't installed the Samsung USB Drivers on your PC.
Unfortunately, you cannot root your device without PC, at least not since Lollipop.

CitizenSmith said:
Thanks Mooms for the input
I tried to follow your links tutorial which he gives three options only one is any good to me and that was installing twrp using Odin but I'm having issues at every turn!. I can't even get Odin to recognise my phone it just wont pick it up I have Samsung driver installed and I have reinstalled many times I found an article claim to have a workaround but that was BS just selling some other app I even change the driver as described on there page,
7 Tips to Fix Odin Not Detecting Phone
Are you using Odin flash tool to flash your Samsung phone but it is not recognized by Odin? Here are 7 tips to fix Odin not detecting phone.
www.imyfone.com
.
but that did nothing so reinstall normal driver again.
feels like it's just not meant to be :/
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version of Odin are you using ?
Use this version (latest): Odin v3.14.4
Which version of the Samsung USB drivers are you using ?
Use this version (latest): https://developer.samsung.com/mobile/android-usb-driver.html

Mohamedkam000 said:
Does your phone allow MTP communication? I mean can you transfer files when the phone is turned on?
Does the phone show any notification about a usb connection?
If not, then you have probably a bad USB cable, at least, or you have a hardware issue that can go as deep as a burned charging port.
If yes, then either your USB cable is not as fast as the phone requires, or you haven't installed the Samsung USB Drivers on your PC.
Unfortunately, you cannot root your device without PC, at least not since Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Yes I can transfer files.
Yes phone asks to allow or block file transfer and it ohone shows up in Devices and Drives list and I can access the phone directory and shows up as Samsung s7 icon.
I will try another USB lead but the one I'm using is new and wasn't cheap but still a possibility I have had leads that weren't suitable for other things I was trying so it is worth a try.
Thanks

mooms said:
Which version of Odin are you using ?
Use this version (latest): Odin v3.14.4
Which version of the Samsung USB drivers are you using ?
Use this version (latest): https://developer.samsung.com/mobile/android-usb-driver.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I downloaded Odin this was latest one Odin3_v3.13.1 though I have doubts that one version update will fix this issue as I did not see many if any people having my issue so they all used Odin and I believe theirs are fine even with older versions! but as I said Mohamedkam it's worth a try I will down load that version and give it a try.
As for the Samsung usb driver I believe that is where I got mine
SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones no version visible under properties on file version 1.7.23.0.
The USB connection seems to be fine I have uninstalled then re-download and reinstalled a couple of times.
I can transfer files no problem it shows up as Galaxy S7 Icon with card and phone drive inside.
I'll update shortly thank you.
Update:
I just went to try new Odin and whilst checking my phone have seen I have Offical TWRP app installed? I have no clue as to how that's got in there! as Odin did not show phone so I could select nothing!.
In the phone I open app and if i select backup existing recovery it opens and Select Folder tab and under that Selected Folder: /sdcard Filename: Recovery .img and at the bottom of screen Root access required.
I just hope it's installed correctly!. it is showing in playstore my apps as well just to confirm. if this is now installed what should I do next Now not sure what tutorial to start following.
I am just going to try the new odin and see if it picks up the phone back soon.

OK Seem that it now shows up in the new Odin. at least I think it has! in the log window I see this: <ID:0/004> Added!!
I didn't see that before.
Would be grateful if you could tell me how to proceed from here!

Correct, you don't need he latst version of Odin or the Samsung drivers, bit it was just to be sure.
You need to be in download mode, but before, you must have checked OEM unlock & USB debug in developer options (mandatory).
I've written a tutorial with images here (in French):
Samsung Galaxy S7 (edge) - Mangez un Oreo! [Topic Unique] - Page : 487 - Téléphone Android - Technologies Mobiles - FORUM HardWare.fr

mooms said:
Correct, you don't need he latst version of Odin or the Samsung drivers, bit it was just to be sure.
You need to be in download mode, but before, you must have checked OEM unlock & USB debug in developer options (mandatory).
I've written a tutorial with images here (in French):
Samsung Galaxy S7 (edge) - Mangez un Oreo! [Topic Unique] - Page : 487 - Téléphone Android - Technologies Mobiles - FORUM HardWare.fr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said the older version did not show any kind of data what's so ever and the phone was in download mode. phone displayed "Downloading" which I believe it says that even if it's not doing anything! so a tutorial explained. I think it must have installed the Official TWRP app even though phone did not show up in Odin everything was blank however when I installed the new version of Odin like you suggested it then showed up as <ID:0/004> Added!!. so your suggestion work thanks for that and I did enable OEM unlock & USB debug I did long time ago.
I would check out your tutorial but unfortunately I don't speak French and translating instructions is too risky but thank you for the offer but I'll carry on look around still undecided on what custom rom to go for as I said some comments point out small issues and the developers also state certain things are not working so that is making it hard to consider one if you know what I mean.
Again Thank you for your input very much appreciated.

CitizenSmith said:
As I said the older version did not show any kind of data what's so ever and the phone was in download mode. phone displayed "Downloading" which I believe it says that even if it's not doing anything! so a tutorial explained. I think it must have installed the Official TWRP app even though phone did not show up in Odin everything was blank however when I installed the new version of Odin like you suggested it then showed up as <ID:0/004> Added!!. so your suggestion work thanks for that and I did enable OEM unlock & USB debug I did long time ago.
I would check out your tutorial but unfortunately I don't speak French and translating instructions is too risky but thank you for the offer but I'll carry on look around still undecided on what custom rom to go for as I said some comments point out small issues and the developers also state certain things are not working so that is making it hard to consider one if you know what I mean.
Again Thank you for your input very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a note that, when you flash TWRP, you have to boot immediately to the recovery, so as to enforce its existence, cause I remember they phone has an original recovery backed up somewhere, and gets triggered when you reboot directly to system instead of the unofficial binary.
I advise you to watch guides on YouTube, it's more .. understandable.

CitizenSmith said:
still undecided on what custom rom to go for as I said some comments point out small issues and the developers also state certain things are not working so that is making it hard to consider one if you know what I mean.
Again Thank you for your input very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend to go with ALEXNDR ROM: zero bugs, everything works perfectly (it's based on stock ROM).
[ROM][G930F/FD][ALEXNDR] * U8EUE1 * DevBase v7.4 * Encryption support [Jul-10]
Important notes for Developers / Chefs !!! This ROM is NOT based on any other custom ROM. My work contains many original ideas and innovations that I introduced as the first in the ROM development (see "Changelist" in post #2). Of course, it...
forum.xda-developers.com

Mohamedkam000 said:
Take a note that, when you flash TWRP, you have to boot immediately to the recovery, so as to enforce its existence, cause I remember they phone has an original recovery backed up somewhere, and gets triggered when you reboot directly to system instead of the unofficial binary.
I advise you to watch guides on YouTube, it's more .. understandable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yer I read that but I've ended up with TWRP installed and did not do that process because I was unaware it installed until it showed up.
As I said I'll just keep looking for now I know I'll find one that works for me from start to finish.
and I've been checking youtube but wouldn't want to use any links their providing but it may help familurise myself with the whole process if i watch enough of them.
Thanks again for your help.

mooms said:
I recommend to go with ALEXNDR ROM: zero bugs, everything works perfectly (it's based on stock ROM).
[ROM][G930F/FD][ALEXNDR] * U8EUE1 * DevBase v7.4 * Encryption support [Jul-10]
Important notes for Developers / Chefs !!! This ROM is NOT based on any other custom ROM. My work contains many original ideas and innovations that I introduced as the first in the ROM development (see "Changelist" in post #2). Of course, it...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mooms
I will check that out many thanks. I wonder if you could help me here. I am in the middle of the rooting process but have hit a snag. again!
I have now installed TWRP successfully then no-verity-opt-encrypt-3.1 all went fine and I'm at point of flashing Magisk but have an issue when I swipe to flash is gives me a error in red saying "invalid zip file format !"
I downloaded it from github here.
GitHub - topjohnwu/Magisk: The Magic Mask for Android
The Magic Mask for Android. Contribute to topjohnwu/Magisk development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
I click on "code" tab and then "download zip" and I placed that in a download folder on my sd card when I select it I get the above error any ideas as to why I am getting this am I downloaded the correct file?
thanks for any assistance you could give.