Database Users

[Q] Some questions about rooting

Hello guys, I have some questions I am hoping you experienced people can answer for me.
After doing a bunch of research, I am left a bit confused since a lot of the posts are older, and things have changed over the last few months, especially with locked bootloaders and such.
My current phone is:
-Samsung S4 (Fido based) SGH-i337M
-Android Version 4.3
-Baseband Version i337MVLUEMK6
I only want to ROOT the phone, so I can remove a bunch of excess Samsung bloatware that I never use, I am not really interested in custom ROM's at this time.
1. What is a Custom Recovery exactly?
I keep reading about Custom Recoveries but I don't really know what they are exactly... . Is this just a Firmware mirror that I can go back to at any time AFTER I root the device? Do I need to root the device to CREATE the Custom Recovery?
2. CAN I go back to "Stock" easily? Can I just find the original 4.3 Samsung FW and load it up?
3. I know that moving to 4.4 will require another Root when it becomes available later this month from Samsung, however can I go to the Default Android 4.4 ROM at this time, skipping all the Samsung Stuff?
4. I see a programmed called KINGO offering to root my phone for me, but then somebody said something about there not being a Custom Recovery available for it, which goes up to my original question. Can I not just revert back to unrooted status after?
Thanks to anybody who can help me with these noobish questions, I appreciate it.

I don't have your model so don't want to guess at rooting.
But:
Do not remove Bloatware after rooted. Get Titanium BackuP from the Market. The paid version (support devs) and just freeze the apps until you know they have no negative impact after freezing.
Do a Nandroid ASAP and put a copy on PC also.
Read this on your Recovery question:
http://freedupthoughts.com/2013/04/what-is-custom-recovery-why-should-i.html
You have an unlocked bootloader with the i337m
Someone else can address correct rooting for your specific device and get the correct recovery for it. I prefer TWRP.

S5 recovery 20$ min read all please. I'm desperate

- Intro
- Done and searched so far
- My Questions. (Jump to the end unless you think I haven't search prior )
- Bounty
INTRO
Hey guys. I'm french Canadian (please understand my bad written )
and thanks to the phone I choosed (s5 active g870w telus)
I'm becoming pretty much bilingual I've checked all over
around The Web and over this forum. And can't find an accurate
answer . I know I picked the wrong phone for rooting but
as a construction worker it was a good compromise.
DONE AND SEARCHED
My Samsung Galaxy s5 Active g870w from Telus
is still on 4.4.2 since there is no and there will not be
any update for a while.
I managed to used the g900w8 version of
Chain fire auto root method using Odin 3.09
to get roots.
I have also succès to flash Unity 2.0.1 rom.
So far I figured that my version can count as
the Canadian version of the s5 small g900w8. (I may be wrong)
I found a stock Firmware (that accualy make my
lies in russian ) Wich I used a lot lately due to all
my soft brick.
My goal is to be able to upgrade to a nice custom rom
on lollipop. I was hoping Fusion. And as for the recovery
TWRP would be my choice if it was possible.
Now I am stuck trying to install TWRP. I have followed
multiple guide. I have tried to install from TWRP manager
the version 2.8.6.0 klte. I have tried 3 times and after the app
installation I tried to reboot to recovery using Quick boot,
i always end up in Odin mode.
I then tried to install using Odin flashing the same version
Downloaded from TWRP.me site. Then it let me load into
my stock version. Then if I try to reboot in recovery
it still stock.
I even tried to use safestrap both version at&t and Verizon
and both soft bricked me.
I have read or scan about every thread and none talk about
S5 a g870w. Beside the att version Wich are locked.
QUESTIONS
My Questions and I really beg for answers even if
You have only 1 answer.
1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
BOUNTY
It might not be much but I offer a 20$ minimum bounty for who ever
take me outta this non ending bulls*"t.
Thanks guys. And please I swear I have search and read a lot
just Google my model number and you'll always end up on me
Searching and I seems to be the only one g870w talking about
recovery or custom rom. All I found is how to root...
Jon

1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
No, it is different flashing anything that isn't designed for your exact model number ( even the AT&T ones which are one letter different) won't work.
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
No, only firmwares for your exact phone will work without someone modifying something specific for you.
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
Flashing any other model number but your own risks bootloop/bricking as they although look similar can have different firmware partitions amongst other things.
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
If someone can have a look at TWRP is possible that they can make a version work for you: ideally I would say with it being so difficult as so few have your model I would go to stock: root and use xposed, and leave the rest.
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
Sure, happy to help but don't know how much can help when you are trying firmwares for different versions.
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
Unless someone has made I've for your model type I doubt it.
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
Yeah unfortunately this is quite likely.

thanks for taking the time.
Now I'll go private with you for personal things.
but before maybe few extra questions will help the very few others in
the same painful situation.
about compatibility you answered no.
What made me search so bad is that I've seen
other members(g870a) claiming they we're using
g900 roms I'll search for a link.
-Does it mean even tho its risky or
it means that American version have more luck ?
-am I still able to use a recovery like safestrap?
-can I hang myself?
- and if I'd like to have TWRP and a know custom rom
would it be a lot of works for Des.
Is it "askable" are some working for money?
I hate stuck to death I miss my note 3 like crazy. .. damn

Help Root G900W8 Lollipop

Hello,
I really want to root my G900W8 Galaxy S5 which currently has Lollipop, all I really need is root I would like to keep the original Rom. I've been reading a lot on this forum but most options need you too install a new rom as I understand it. I really don't care about nox either as I'm out of the warranty any how. Can you please provide a quick guide or direct me to one that would be best.

Flash this with ODIN 3.10.6
http://download.chainfire.eu/406/CF-Root1/CF-Auto-Root-kltecan-kltevl-smg900w8.zip

So flashing that will I still be at Lollipop 5.0 or does this downgrade me to 4.4.2 I would prefer to stay with 5.0 if possible. Also do I still need to install Super SU and gaps?

Yes it will stay on LP
No it doesn't downgrade you to KK
No you don't need SuperSU, CF Auto Root installs that for you
Why would you need Gapps? You're not flashing a custom ROM
There are no more steps needed or I would have included them in the instructions on how to root your phone - wouldn't be much good if I missed steps out or flashed your phone to a completely different version of Android when you asked specifically how to root Lollipop...
But you know, if you took some time to read some of the thousands of threads with all this info in them, you'd know all this
Shouldn't be messing about with things before you've done some self-educating, or your next thread will be asking how to unbrick your S5
I was already well experienced with Android (Different device) when I got my S5, but I didn't start rooting or messing until I'd spent a few weeks reading a shed load of threads in the S5 forums, until I was 100% sure I knew what I was doing
Word of Advice: Go find the EFS partition backup thread before doing anything else

Thanks so much for the help

Rooting a S5 G900F. Total newbie.

Last week I received a brand new S5 G900F, no carrier, and want to have administrator privileges in order to remove bloatware. Plus, it would be nice to have adblock and apps to back up the entire system, both which aren't available in the phone's stock form, and maybe a custom ROM and Kernel.
I have never rooted a phone nor messed with its system files, so I'm a complete newbie on this. Also, I haven't connected it to the Internet yet, so that the phone is in its stock form before rooting it.
What's the simplest, safest yet effective method for rooting my phone? Afterwards, can I just update the phone to the latest version using the regular system settings menu, or should I do it externally (downloading the update on the PC)? Any particular tips on what to do next, such as what apps to remove, which to install and so on, if possible while keeping it simple? I read that CM 12.1 (ROM) + Ktoonsez (Kernel) is the way to go.
Thanks in advance.

Hi Avensvvvvvv
The best, safeest way to Root? - Have a look in the Q&A Forum, its mostly all here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2700073
Some people use TowelRoot...
I used CF Auto root and found it easier. You can find here at XDA or at http://droidors.com/2015/03/24/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900i-android-lollipop-5-0/ be aware that this link is for the g900i ot the g900f.
As for updating etc....a lot of the latest ROMS come with OTA (over the air) updates. Which ROMS? There is kind of a rule here that you dont ask which ROM is best because the idea is that you do loads of reading and try them out for yourself Lately Ive been playing around with PhoeniX ROM, Alliance ROM and some of the CM stuff...but all are good. Removal of Bloatware is pretty straight forward using Titanium Backup - or some ROMS supply their own method for doing do. Just be sure to not mess around with any of the system files while your still learning. Search Bloatware and you should find some good advice.
Thats about it mate - the main thing is to read, read, read and ask lots of questions before you do anything. Otherwise you'll have a very expensive paperweight on your desk Most of the people here are cool with Noobs asking questions in the correct forums....by the way this post should really be posted in the Q&A forum
Good luck flashing and rooting...and most of all....have fun!
Mugsyfied

You have a good answer in the above post.....
But in future, you need to give us more information about your device so that we can offer advice that is suited more exactly to your circumstances....
The version of Android currently running on your device is one critical bit of info you didn't provide.....
Some things to bear in mind about your phone....
1) Samsung have included something called Knox on these phones....it is basically an un-resettable 'eFuse' which 'tripps' when you flash any custom software to your device. Samsung are using it as an indicator to allow them to deny warranty claims.
2) when you root your phone you WILL trip knox, this will probably prevent you from receiving OTA updates to your device....and even if (by some miracle) you did get an OTA, it will remove your root access, and you'll have to start again....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

I'm scaring to brick my phone. So how to backup all things ?

Hello friends,
I would like to install custom rom on my phone Note 4 sm-n910C . I'm not an experienced person for it. But basicly I know that I need to root my phone 1st then install suitable version of TWRP on my phone. And then I can backup my stock rom and all things. Then install custom rom file.
But I scare to brick my phone doing this procedure. So I wonder, can i backup my phone's stock rom and other all things (kernel, firmware, modem etc...) without TWRP ? I mean , can do it with pc software ?
And if my phone become brick, thus, can i restore it completely via pc then ?
If i can do that, how ?
I'll be appreciate if you help me ?

Choose your Country and phone provider and download the stock ROM from Sammobile
If it's needed then use Odin to reload it. There's plenty of guides how to use it including those that explain how to root. I recently rooted one of my Note 4s, a N910C and apart from using a slightly older version of TWRP was pretty straightforward.
I used this guide and the downloaded the files from the links in it but there's other's available but be 100% sure you're following the guide for a N910C.
I'm not that knowledgeable about Rooting compared to many people on here although I've rooted all my Tablets and Phones but seem to recall you may need to use an older version of Odin to do so. The most difficult problem I had was getting the correct driver installed that would recognise all my devices and even that was just persistence. Just read everything a few times and double check you have the correct files before you start, it's pretty straightforward.
In all the above comments I'm assuming you're using the last version of the stock ROM that was released.

@Big Elf
Thank you very much for your reply and explanation. I looked at your shared pages. And I'd like to start it.
But I have some quesitons to not make a mistake. If you guide me, I will be appreciate.
But before that let me share my phone feautres screen shots. You may see all detailed information.
SCREENSHOTS
I can't share links due to xda rules bcos I need to reach 10 post. So pls complete http section if it need for below scrshoot links.
1- drive.google.com/open?id=0B6aBME5e-tzcYk1zY0dqeTZaMVk4eEdWbjN4SWVPSEU3cXFr
2- drive.google.com/open?id=0B6aBME5e-tzccHF6UFpCT29JT1ozRUFoMUtmWmZ0V0J3c19z
3- drive.google.com/open?id=0B6aBME5e-tzcajVnMGkyMTRJdmo3OTNPc29SQXlEbkY0R3N3
And My Questions
1- First of all ty for rooting page. According to explanation i'm going to root my phone. But I wonder that android version is matter or not. My phone version is 6.0.1 as you see. Is it okay, its suitable for my phone, right ?
2- As far as I read on internet, There are all TWRP versions are different for all diffrent smartphones. According to above scrshoot informations, which is the suitable, stable and latest version for my phone ? And Where can i find it from ? Or if its possible could you forward me exact page and/or link please ?
Because my scared major thing is that. Wrong type of TWRP. And so brick my phone. Btw, let me ask, wrong version lead to brick phone, right ?
If I install the true type (version anyway) of TWRP then I will be relax. Because after that, process will be very easy for me. I experienced from Huawei's first phone "IDEOS X5" . I have installed TWRP and custom roms on it , on years 2012-2013. I only scare to make mistake via perform it on note 4 & brick it.
Thank you so much again.

You've made your first mistake . I explained you need to read everything carefully and double check you have the correct files before starting so that you're reasonably confident that you know what you're doing.
The link I posted explaining how to root also has the link to the version of TWRP and Odin needed to install and Root it but you didn't read it properly.
You're running the same version of the ROM I have on my N910C albeit a different country (which won't make a difference).
If you install the Official TWRP App from Team Win you can update TWRP after rooting. I'd also suggest installing the SuperSu (Pro) App from Codingcode which will update itself after rooting. I also use Root Checker (Pro) from joeykrim to check that root has worked and SuperSu has installed correctly. All those apps are available in the Play Store. I pay for the Pro versions as I appreciate the work that's gone into them and as a thank you to the developers.
You don't have to root it so don't feel that you have to do so.
Although all my phones are rooted my Note 4s (N910Fs and a N910C) still run the stock ROM and the main reasons I did so was to run Adaway and also to debloat neither of which are essential. I also wanted to know how to do it.
Installing another non-Samsung ROM has 4 main disadvantages:
You lose the fine control over the OLED screen including the boost mode in bright sunlight
You lose some of the functionality of the s-pen
You lose a lot of quality from the camera that you won't get back with any ROM.
Most of the ROMs have some faults other than those just mentioned but are usually but not always minor.