Database Users

[Q] Can I upgrade to 4.4?

So when I first got my note I imediately used this guide to flash kitkat and completely ****ed it up, it just stuck on the Samsung n9005 screen.
This was a link to C4ETech's video called "Galaxy Note 3 - Samsung Official Kitkat 4.4.2 - How to Flash/Install" but I had to remove it.
I assumed it was something to do with the CSC code (mine being BTU) so I installed a BTU rom using this guide.
This was a link to TheSmokingAndroid's video called "HOW TO UNBRICK & UNROOT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3" but I had to remove it.
Now I want to install a kitkat rom preferably a stock one but there isn't one for BTU. So I looked at the custom roms as some support BTU but require the device to be on 4.4 already. How can I get onto 4.4 if every 4.4 rom requires a 4.4 phone? Will I have to wait until an official BTU update comes out?
I've attached a screenshot of my About Phone page (which doesn't have BTU anywhere, I don't get it).
I probably have the complete wrong end of the stick so sorry for wasting everyone's time but if you have a minute to help I'd really appreciate it.

HelloMyNamesTom said:
So when I first got my note I imediately used this guide to flash kitkat and completely ****ed it up, it just stuck on the Samsung n9005 screen.
This was a link to C4ETech's video called "Galaxy Note 3 - Samsung Official Kitkat 4.4.2 - How to Flash/Install" but I had to remove it.
I assumed it was something to do with the CSC code (mine being BTU) so I installed a BTU rom using this guide.
This was a link to TheSmokingAndroid's video called "HOW TO UNBRICK & UNROOT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3" but I had to remove it.
Now I want to install a kitkat rom preferably a stock one but there isn't one for BTU. So I looked at the custom roms as some support BTU but require the device to be on 4.4 already. How can I get onto 4.4 if every 4.4 rom requires a 4.4 phone? Will I have to wait until an official BTU update comes out?
I've attached a screenshot of my About Phone page (which doesn't have BTU anywhere, I don't get it).
I probably have the complete wrong end of the stick so sorry for wasting everyone's time but if you have a minute to help I'd really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try *#1234# might come up there. Anyways, go over to Sammobile and grab any of the latest 4.4.2 KitKat ROMs for your device (9005) as you said. And it should work fine.
Advice: Wipe your phone, not compulsory but advisable. Cheers!

I have a canadian variant note 3 900w8 and i want to flash 4.4.2 as well but i was hoping to flash the t-mobile version as i have heard of issues with the 9005 rom compatibility, just wondering if anyone has had experience yet, or if it has been done.

stanley08 said:
Try *#1234# might come up there. Anyways, go over to Sammobile and grab any of the latest 4.4.2 KitKat ROMs for your device (9005) as you said. And it should work fine.
Advice: Wipe your phone, not compulsory but advisable. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help but I've already done that and the newest version I can get is 4.3 I'll just wait until my phone gets the update, Thanks anyway

I've managed to get onto 4.4 now by flashing a polish ROM after reading that they support BTU, I don't know how to delete this thread so I'm just letting everyone know my issue is resolved

Jagerfarts said:
I have a canadian variant note 3 900w8 and i want to flash 4.4.2 as well but i was hoping to flash the t-mobile version as i have heard of issues with the 9005 rom compatibility, just wondering if anyone has had experience yet, or if it has been done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want the ability to flash back to 4.3 from 4.4, install custom recovery and roms and keep your Knox 0x0, head over here and do some reading ( if you haven't been there already ).

[Q] Should I update from 4.3 JB to 4.4.2 KK ?

Hello
I recently got my S4 i9505. I'm planning to root it
I have Android version 4.3
I used to flash costum roms on my s2 but I'm not really planning to do much flashing on my S4. not soon anyway
So as I connected the phone to Kies to make sure the drivers were downloaded so I can proceed with rooting
Firmware update popped up
I'm not sure what the best option for me now.
Should I root now and then I'd be able to flash a costume KK rom? and are there any stable ones that are better than the stock?
Can I use kies to update my rooted phone?
Maybe I should stick with JB 4.3? Which one is better 4.3 or 4.4.2?
I remember facing some issues when I update my s2 back. So I searched for the KK Update for the s4 and some people weren't so happy with their KK update
I know that doesn't represent the majority but still it could happen to me
So I confused myself
What is your advice to me?
sorry for the long post
Also I have an extra question What is KNOX? and do I need it?

egy_b0y said:
Hello
I recently got my S4 i9505. I'm planning to root it
I have Android version 4.3
I used to flash costum roms on my s2 but I'm not really planning to do much flashing on my S4. not soon anyway
So as I connected the phone to Kies to make sure the drivers were downloaded so I can proceed with rooting
Firmware update popped up
I'm not sure what the best option for me now.
Should I root now and then I'd be able to flash a costume KK rom? and are there any stable ones that are better than the stock?
Can I use kies to update my rooted phone?
Maybe I should stick with JB 4.3? Which one is better 4.3 or 4.4.2?
I remember facing some issues when I update my s2 back. So I searched for the KK Update for the s4 and some people weren't so happy with their KK update
I know that doesn't represent the majority but still it could happen to me
So I confused myself
What is your advice to me?
sorry for the long post
Also I have an extra question What is KNOX? and do I need it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, the most problems in 4.4.2 are fixed, so if you flash the officical, latest firmware of your country you shouldn't have any problem.
An important thing: if you flash a custom rom, your warranty will be set 0x1, that means, you lost your garanty if you flash a custom rom, that's the so called KNOX. You can use knox like a second system on your phone, with all secure data in it, you can only access with a passwort and all datas are locked without this passwort.
Root your phone after the software update if you want to root it.

Tkkg1994 said:
First, the most problems in 4.4.2 are fixed, so if you flash the officical, latest firmware of your country you shouldn't have any problem.
An important thing: if you flash a custom rom, your warranty will be set 0x1, that means, you lost your garanty if you flash a custom rom, that's the so called KNOX. You can use knox like a second system on your phone, with all secure data in it, you can only access with a passwort and all datas are locked without this passwort.
Root your phone after the software update if you want to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the fact is that 4.4.2 GNG8 international version cannot be rooted....

christty31 said:
the fact is that 4.4.2 GNG8 international version cannot be rooted....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's wrong, just not with towelroot.

thank you for your input

[Q] Installing 4.4.4 and keeping root and Knox 0x0

Hi everyone.
I received my Galaxy s4 yesterday the c9515L variant and it came with the 4.4.2 version of android. Using TowelRoot I rooted it and now is working fine , It constantly wants me to upgrade to the newest version (I guess 4.4.4) and I wonder if i'd loose the root and if the Knox would be activated once I try to do the root again.
Also I installed Xposed and some modules, did that trip the knox?
Also, Is there any ROM available that won't trip the knox to 0x01 and having more features thatn stock? I guess to install the Rom I'd need Recovery and thus tripping knox...
Sorry for asking so many questions but as you can see I'm new to the SGS4 comunity.
Thanks.

1. Do you mean GT-i9515L? coz C9515L doesn't exist...
2. The update isn't android 4.4.4 for sure.

Joku1981 said:
1. Do you mean GT-i9515L? coz C9515L doesn't exist...
2. The update isn't android 4.4.4 for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, my mistake, what I meant was I9515L.
And, If I currently have the 4.4.2 and it wants to make a system update in "your" opinion what would that be? 4.4.2.1?? No? I though so..... thats why I said 4.4.4.
Any information regarding my questions would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

ringox said:
First of all, my mistake, what I meant was I9515L.
And, If I currently have the 4.4.2 and it wants to make a system update in "your" opinion what would that be? 4.4.2.1?? No? I though so..... thats why I said 4.4.4.
Any information regarding my questions would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tale a look for example in Sammobile.com your updates and you will know something more of your device. It is likely that new models of Samsung using TW will update directly to android 5.0 Lollipop in early 2015 (but your device no maybe). Press "THANKS" button if the info helped you and Merry Xmas

Flash Stock ROM [Q/A]

Hey Guys,
today i got a Galaxy s4 black edition and there is a ROM called: Phoenix Rom. So i want to flash back to Stock ROM but im really not sure which one i want to flash on it because i dont want to brick my phone or something. Can i flash this http://www.handy-faq.de/forum/galaxy-s4-i9505xxugng8-kk-4-4-odin-kies-dbt-1t-23-07-2014-t306745/ without any problems?
Phone: GT-I9505
Basisbandversion: I9505XXUGNG8
Buildnumber: KOT49H.I9505XXUGNF1

That ROM will work without a problem. However, that may not have the added wallpapers and sounds the black edition devices have. Is there a reason you're not wanting Android 5.0.1 on your device?

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
That ROM will work without a problem. However, that may not have the added wallpapers and sounds the black edition devices have. Is there a reason you're not wanting Android 5.0.1 on your device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your Answer, i flashed that rom and it works perfectly. There is also an OTA update for Lollipop but im not sure to do that because i heard that lollipop has a lot of bugs like battery draining and so on. Im afraid if i upgrade it to lollipop i cannot downgrade it to KK. But do u think i should update?

I'm inclined to believe Samsung patched the battery drain bug, but you'd have to try it and find out. If you end up not liking it, going back down to the earlier version shouldn't be an issue, especially as you already have a Knox-enabled bootloader on your S4. There are tutorials on the forums here that I believe walk you through the process. Take a look at them before doing the OTA update.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I'm inclined to believe Samsung patched the battery drain bug, but you'd have to try it and find out. If you end up not liking it, going back down to the earlier version shouldn't be an issue, especially as you already have a Knox-enabled bootloader on your S4. There are tutorials on the forums here that I believe walk you through the process. Take a look at them before doing the OTA update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it really that my knox bootloader is enabled or not if i do the OTA update? And how can i see that it is enabled or not? Anyway can i root my phone if im on lollipop with CF auto root trough odin ?

You installed Android 4.4.2. 100% positive you have Knox, as all Samsung firmware from 4.3 on has it. Installing the OTA update will restore the Knox apps. Fortunately, CF-AutoRoot still works so you'll have no issues rooting if you install the update.

Ok thank you for your helpful advises, i will flash a kernel on my s4 to stop this overheating issue.

Downgrade 6.0.1 to 4.4.2 or 5.1.1 ?

Hi Guys,
New to this device, but not new to Android... Read all over the web, various sites (esp this one) about this device and seeing mixed views/comments. Some saying its possible, others saying it will brick or flag the Knox.
Is it possible to downgrade this phone (G900F) currently on the latest 6.0.1 stock rom. But was wondering if I could try either official stock of 4.4.2 or 5.1.1 of this device.
Or due to this bootloader, is it likely to brick or even trip Knox?
Thanks, Lister

Lister Of Smeg said:
Hi Guys,
New to this device, but not new to Android... Read all over the web, various sites (esp this one) about this device and seeing mixed views/comments. Some saying its possible, others saying it will brick or flag the Knox.
Is it possible to downgrade this phone (G900F) currently on the latest 6.0.1 stock rom. But was wondering if I could try either official stock of 4.4.2 or 5.1.1 of this device.
Or due to this bootloader, is it likely to brick or even trip Knox?
Thanks, Lister
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official stock ROMs shouldn't trip Knox because they are, ummm, official.
I think the G900F bootloader is unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-G900I using XDA Labs

Why downgrade in the first place..... ? 6.0.1 is way better than previous FWs...

Hi @Dirty Flasher,
Yeah, that's what I thought... It's all stock, so all should be good... But I've read reports saying it will trip Knox as since a certain version of Marshmallow, the bootloader has been locked to only go with future firmwares and not allow downgrades. I assume to prevent people restoring to the older firmware (with bootloader) which was unlocked, that allowed rooting without tripping. But some say it will trip, others say it will not... I'm confused, and wondered if anyone has tried this, and what the outcome was... Don't want to trip Knox unnecessarily... if someone has already tried and tested it.
Dirty Flasher said:
Official stock ROMs shouldn't trip Knox because they are, ummm, official.
I think the G900F bootloader is unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-G900I using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @Zlate2255,
I got this device when it was already one 6.0.1, so I missed seeing it go through the various stages. I would like to see how it used to look like and work. As there are some features that have been removed since, such Face Unlock and Iris tracking when viewing pages. Whilst the latter is still there burried away, it barely works, so should be removed completely. But would just be nice to see what it did look like.
Zlate2255 said:
Why downgrade in the first place..... ? 6.0.1 is way better than previous FWs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Lister

With my G900W8, I could downgrade to 4.4.2 with very-first firmware for G900W8 (NCG). Just try the earliest version of 4.4.2 and then upgrade back to 5.1.1

You can downgrade the g900f to every firmware (if unlocked) you want. On some s5 devices who have a locked bootloader like the at&t version there have been reported some problems.
Therefore, you shouldn't run into any problems while downgrading.
If you want some pro and cons to the firmwares:
Kitkat:
+ dark design (the touchwiz apps like contacts)
+ more battery friendly than marshmallow
- less security due to no security updates
- you might run into some minimal bugs, for example on wikipedia you sometimes have to reload the page to watch pictures (at least on mine)
- no app permissions can be removed (only with root and app ops)
Lollipop:
Honestly, I havent used this one that much, but here you have a white design with the different statusbar and pull down menu, better security (but not as good as on marshmallow) and the material design, but slightly worse battery time.
Marshmallow:
+ OTA Updates still available, best option for security
+/- White design, material design
+ new icons (but tbh not a real deal)
- less battery friendly (atleast for me even tho doze is enabled on marshmallow)
So yeah, choose what you want
And be sure that you have an unbranded device (check your csc) before downgrading/updating.

Hi @tm60405,
Wow, what a fantastic post... Thank you, exactly what I was looking for, and thanks for your reviews of each rom too.
- appreciate that, cheers
Quick question, how do I know if my Bootloader is unlocked??
Its a G900F (UK) was originally on the Three network, however I've flashed it to pure stock BTU, and to the EE network and back to stock BTU (all Marshmallow roms).
So where am I looking, or how do I know if the Bootloader is unlocked? Also, what am I looking for in the CSC info...??
Many thanks, Lister

Install the app called phone info from the play store.
Then, you swipe to the csc code and you can see your info and remember the csc you are on.
If it is BTU, you can install another firmware based on BTU without problems. But even if you don't have BTU, you can try installing BTU because it doesn't contain much bloatware. In the worst case, you just install the firmware with the csc you had before.
Then, follow the instructions on sammobile.com and there will be no problems during the installing process.
After downgrading, you might get a bootloop. Then, you have to factory reset your device, so get the data from the internal storage elsewhere BEFORE the installation.
And if the download takes too long, try another browser like opera, for me it takes around 1 hour only instead of 4-5 hours on chrome.
If you might have another problem while installing the firmware, say so.