I'm not trying to be lazy. I've spent time searching for how to root my S4 i337, but for a newb like myself the process is extremely confusing since there seems to be so much different information out there, and not a lot about i337. From what I've discovered Towelroot no longer works as an option after I upgraded to 4.4.2 and I've tried other approaches which have failed as well. So without further ado
Is it possible to root a galaxy AT&T galaxy s4 i337 running 4.4.2 baseband I337UCUFNI1 ? If so, could someone share the links I should look at to accomplish this task?
Maybe I need to revert back to an earlier android release ? which I'm fine doing assuming something like this link should work: http://www.teamandroid.com/2014/03/30/update-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337-android-442-kitkat-goldeneye-rom/2/
After I revert (assuming it's needed) could someone recommend the next steps(links/threads) to get me to either a custom rom or latest 4.4.2 stock build (I'd prefer a custom rom for fun, but i'm fine with whatever is easiest.)
I have Odin installed and understanding getting to download mode, but deciding which "link" to follow out there for instructions is not easy for a beginner so any recommended 'easiest' approaches for my device would be appreciated.
TIA
rickcr said:
I'm not trying to be lazy. I've spent time searching for how to root my S4 i337, but for a newb like myself the process is extremely confusing since there seems to be so much different information out there, and not a lot about i337. From what I've discovered Towelroot no longer works as an option after I upgraded to 4.4.2 and I've tried other approaches which have failed as well. So without further ado
Is it possible to root a galaxy AT&T galaxy s4 i337 running 4.4.2 baseband I337UCUFNI1 ? If so, could someone share the links I should look at to accomplish this task?
Maybe I need to revert back to an earlier android release ? which I'm fine doing assuming something like this link should work: http://www.teamandroid.com/2014/03/30/update-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337-android-442-kitkat-goldeneye-rom/2/
After I revert (assuming it's needed) could someone recommend the next steps(links/threads) to get me to either a custom rom or latest 4.4.2 stock build (I'd prefer a custom rom for fun, but i'm fine with whatever is easiest.)
I have Odin installed and understanding getting to download mode, but deciding which "link" to follow out there for instructions is not easy for a beginner so any recommended 'easiest' approaches for my device would be appreciated.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Subscribe to All Thing AT&T. It has all the information needed, including how to root NI1.
root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...php?p=55537351
look there for instructions. it works . Flash the older kernal using odin, if it fails to flash the first time. Repeat. After u get it to flash. Then run towelroot. After u install towelroot. Flash the ni1 kernal. You will keep root. Thats how I did mine.
Purchased my S4 at launch, only rooted it and never really got around to tweaking it much. It has slowed down a bit so now is the time.
I'm on MDL, stock 4.2.2, and rooted with TWRP 2.5.0.2 On to the questions/clarifications, hopefully these aren't egregious. I know the info is out there but for actually finding specific information, the xda forums are a bit overwhelming and sometimes conflicting...
1) Recovery - Latest/preferred recovery for the s4 (on MDL) with auto-loki baked in? Are any of the latest versions of TWRP/CWM dangerous/incompatible or can I just install the latest/greatest with ROM Installers and go from there?
2) Modem - Flashing an updated modem, regardless of ROM/OS # should not break anything and/or lock down the bootloader any more so than it already is at MDL, correct? Updating the baseband will have no effect on the build # and thus loki is still and option (versus safestrap)? Preferred modem at this time? (ATT, SF Bay Area)
3) ROMS - Any ROM, followed by loki patch or flashed via an auto-loki capable recovery should be fine, correct? Is a ROM specifically built for safestrap applications and thus would not work with MDL, or are ROMs noted as being safestrap ready just able to be used via safestrap, but loki as well?
4) Hard to keep track of all the ROMs and the builds and branches etc - Can anyone point me in the right direction of either a) the latest stock touch-wiz 4.4.4 ROM that can be flashed over MDL without essentially updating past MDL? b) the best/most recent pure google (Play Store S4 Edition) ROM, same story with not breaking MDL?
Again, I apologize I am sure the info is all buried in here somewhere, it just gets to a point where pointed questions rather than multiple 500+ post threads are hopefully less likely to brick my phone. Ideally I just want to get on the latest software (and enable screen casting, for one). Assuming it comes quick enough, once I get this process down I will probably make the jump to 5.0 when it is ready, anticipate a couple months? Who knows.
Thanks, much appreciated.
Norcalz71 said:
Purchased my S4 at launch, only rooted it and never really got around to tweaking it much. It has slowed down a bit so now is the time.
I'm on MDL, stock 4.2.2, and rooted with TWRP 2.5.0.2 On to the questions/clarifications, hopefully these aren't egregious. I know the info is out there but for actually finding specific information, the xda forums are a bit overwhelming and sometimes conflicting...
1) Recovery - Latest/preferred recovery for the s4 (on MDL) with auto-loki baked in? Are any of the latest versions of TWRP/CWM dangerous/incompatible or can I just install the latest/greatest with ROM Installers and go from there?
2) Modem - Flashing an updated modem, regardless of ROM/OS # should not break anything and/or lock down the bootloader any more so than it already is at MDL, correct? Updating the baseband will have no effect on the build # and thus loki is still and option (versus safestrap)? Preferred modem at this time? (ATT, SF Bay Area)
3) ROMS - Any ROM, followed by loki patch or flashed via an auto-loki capable recovery should be fine, correct? Is a ROM specifically built for safestrap applications and thus would not work with MDL, or are ROMs noted as being safestrap ready just able to be used via safestrap, but loki as well?
4) Hard to keep track of all the ROMs and the builds and branches etc - Can anyone point me in the right direction of either a) the latest stock touch-wiz 4.4.4 ROM that can be flashed over MDL without essentially updating past MDL? b) the best/most recent pure google (Play Store S4 Edition) ROM, same story with not breaking MDL?
Again, I apologize I am sure the info is all buried in here somewhere, it just gets to a point where pointed questions rather than multiple 500+ post threads are hopefully less likely to brick my phone. Ideally I just want to get on the latest software (and enable screen casting, for one). Assuming it comes quick enough, once I get this process down I will probably make the jump to 5.0 when it is ready, anticipate a couple months? Who knows.
Thanks, much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try to help with a few of these questions, but others I am not familiar with very much. On that note DO NOT update your bootloader!!! It will be locked down further and Loki will NOT WORK. And you could NOT flash any kernels with safestrap. So with safestrap ONLY the stock kernel can be used. Now on to your questions...
1) I am using TWRP 8.1 if I remember correctly. You can find it in the Original Android Development section. It does NOT Auto Loki, so keep the loki-doki flashable zip on your sdcard OR use Roms that already have/use the boot.Loki kernels like ShoStock-i 8.1
2) Modem flashing will NOT lock anything up further as far as the bootloader. You can flash ANY or ALL of them from my modem thread. See which works BEST FOR YOU in YOUR AREA. I am in So Cal and the best for me has been either MDL. But I have and do test ALL of them. You can always flash back to whichever one works best for you.
3.) Like I said I use ShoStock-i 8.1 because it has and does EVERYTHING I need my phone to do and does it without any issues. I have NOT tried to use a Safestrap modified ROM so I have very little experience with that. Normally most devs will have two separate versions, one for safestrap compatible and one for us without safestrap. ShoStock-i is already built with Loki in the kernel so you do not NEED to flash Loki-Doki patch.
4) there are NO Touchwiz 4.4.4 Stock Roms for ATT yet. But I did try out one of the Touchwiz 4.4.4 T-Mobile based Roms and it worked perfectly. You can either get it from the ATT forums and I believe it is already lokified, or get it from the T-Mobile forum and make sure to flash Loki-Doki patch before booting up phone after flashing the ROM. Again the will NOT update your bootloader past your MDL bootloader, so you are good as you are with no worries. By the way on ShoStock-i 8.1 the screen casting to Chromecast works PERFECTLY without having to flash any other .apk's or mess with ANYTHING
This is the exact same boat I'm in. Trying to track down the answers as well. Will keep an eye here as well to watch for answers.
awesome reply thanks RockRatt, that just about covers it. I will maybe give the ShoStock ROM a go and see how I like it. As long as all the normal features are working fine, I should be good.
One last thing I forgot - Odin. I have the stock odin firmware files from when my phone was new (The MDL package). As long as I dont update the bootloader, I should be able to Odin back to the brand new in box state should something go awry or not dig the other ROMs, correct?
Thanks again,
Norcalz71 said:
awesome reply thanks RockRatt, that just about covers it. I will maybe give the ShoStock ROM a go and see how I like it. As long as all the normal features are working fine, I should be good.
One last thing I forgot - Odin. I have the stock odin firmware files from when my phone was new (The MDL package). As long as I dont update the bootloader, I should be able to Odin back to the brand new in box state should something go awry or not dig the other ROMs, correct?
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Just don't update the bootloader...So no flashing newer firmware that contains the bootloader files. Most if not all custom Roms do not have the bootloader files in them. So no problem flashing back to MDL stock if the need never arises. I still in fact have the original MDB bootloader installed that came with the phone before the MDL firmware update.
Ok, so I have searched the forums for a few days now and I'm still a bit confused on certain aspects of rooting and flashing roms.
Information:
Galaxy S5 Tmobile, SM-G900T
From what I gather from my build number I have NK2 Firmware.
It is USB debug enabled.
Drivers installed (Not with Kies so it won't interrupter the flash process.)
I have the latest version if Odin ready to go.
My understanding of the Root Process for my phone so far:
1. Find the Model of your phone and Firmware Version as well as take note on Android version. In my case from what I have read I'm going to want to downgrade to 4.2.2 to use towel root.
2. Install Drivers, set up USB debugging.
3. Download the proper ROM that you want to downgrade to making sure that it matches model and firmware.
4. Flash using ODIN following a tutorial I have saved from here.
5. Once flashed, use towel root to gain SU then Flash back over to 4.4.2 and you will have regained Root. After that you can use another ROM ETC.
Now here is where I'm confused. First off, I'm having a hell of a time finding the right ROM for me. I keep seeing explicit warning about flashing ROMS for the wrong build number. In my case it's NK2 as I stated earlier. I can't seem to find one for NK2 ANYWHERE. Also, I'm having a hell of a time finding the ROM for 4.2.2 for the G900T. What am I missing and what if anything in the instructions am I missing or potentially doing wrong once I do find the right ROM with Firmware NK2?
In short I just need clarification and possibly a pointer to the right direction of the needed ROM that's compatible with my Firmware NK2.
Any help would be much appreciated. I really am trying to read and learn as much as possible but with all the information here I'm not sure which to follow and what's outdated. Thanks.
-So, its been a while. I'm currently on MK2 and would like to finally update to the latest rootable update. If i can use hyperdrive that'd be ideal. The question: which orocess is best? I'm safestrapped. I suppose i'll first have to restore to stock mk2, then update somehow right? Can someone give me a step by step approach? (E.g. step 1) follow this link/guide and do what it says, step 2) use this link's update, step 3) root with this.) I'm so far behind on my browsing that the guides have completely lost me! I had some vague and confusing instructions from a couple friends but i lost my chat/text history and their insturctions are gone now. But as far as catching up goes, im lost...MF3 and MK2 is all i know.
EDIT: So... I've found this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
That will allow me to Odin to any base...now the problem is...i want to Odin to a base that can use hyperdrive. It says i need 4.4.2 and NC5
**
This Rom is able to be installed on the Galaxy S4 Using a MDK Custom Recovery or on 4.4.2 Base with Safestrap**
**
Safestrap Users:
If you are on 4.3 rom, you must update your base to the NC5 Kitkat 4.4.2 firmware before flashing this rom: Please READ and follow the thread by Surge HERE to do so! :
**
Can i just Odin to NC5? Is there another name for NC5? Im not seeing NC5 on the Odin list.
There's my problem folks.
Jamesyboy said:
-So, its been a while. I'm currently on MK2 and would like to finally update to the latest rootable update. If i can use hyperdrive that'd be ideal. The question: which orocess is best? I'm safestrapped. I suppose i'll first have to restore to stock mk2, then update somehow right? Can someone give me a step by step approach? (E.g. step 1) follow this link/guide and do what it says, step 2) use this link's update, step 3) root with this.) I'm so far behind on my browsing that the guides have completely lost me! I had some vague and confusing instructions from a couple friends but i lost my chat/text history and their insturctions are gone now. But as far as catching up goes, im lost...MF3 and MK2 is all i know.
EDIT: So... I've found this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
That will allow me to Odin to any base...now the problem is...i want to Odin to a base that can use hyperdrive. It says i need 4.4.2 and NC5
**
This Rom is able to be installed on the Galaxy S4 Using a MDK Custom Recovery or on 4.4.2 Base with Safestrap**
**
Safestrap Users:
If you are on 4.3 rom, you must update your base to the NC5 Kitkat 4.4.2 firmware before flashing this rom: Please READ and follow the thread by Surge HERE to do so! :
**
Can i just Odin to NC5? Is there another name for NC5? Im not seeing NC5 on the Odin list.
There's my problem folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Annnddddd upon further research Nc5 appears to be the verizon build for nc1. Now the only issue/question that remains is whether to choose Ni1 or NC1. The Hyperdrive OP speaks about 4.4.2 but also mentions the NC5(NC1) build. Which is a requirement? Are they the same? Because NI1 appears to improvments according to att.
If NI1 was just released to block root or if hhperdrive requires a build match then obviously NC1 is the waymto go because the others were ruled out.
Jamesyboy said:
Annnddddd upon further research Nc5 appears to be the verizon build for nc1. Now the only issue/question that remains is whether to choose Ni1 or NC1. The Hyperdrive OP speaks about 4.4.2 but also mentions the NC5(NC1) build. Which is a requirement? Are they the same? Because NI1 appears to improvments according to att.
If NI1 was just released to block root or if hhperdrive requires a build match then obviously NC1 is the waymto go because the others were ruled out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need to be on Kitkat. You shouldn't have any issues. NB1 is the only one that actually has an ODIN file and Hyperdrive should still work on it, but I OTA'd to NJ4 and it's running fine.
What model (version) of s4 is exactly this phone? which software is installed on it? is it stock or not ? plzz help and tell me its complete version details
My phone is sgh-i337 or gt-i9505 ? Or only baseband version is i337...or any firmware version difference ? Help
Open the back and remove the battery. Look on the label. Unless the person who sold you the phone physically changed the label, or removed it, it will accurately tell you the hardware version of your phone.
Given that the boot loader and modem (baseband) are for the AT&T version, SGH-I337, it seems likely that the hardware is I337.
Edit: Also, check that it's not a cheap fake clone. There are apps that can check hardware, and run benchmarks, etc. Search "Genuine Galaxy" on the play store.
creepyncrawly said:
Open the back and remove the battery. Look on the label. Unless the person who sold you the phone physically changed the label, or removed it, it will accurately tell you the hardware version of your phone.
Given that the boot loader and modem (baseband) are for the AT&T version, SGH-I337, it seems likely that the hardware is I337.
Edit: Also, check that it's not a cheap fake clone. There are apps that can check hardware, and run benchmarks, etc. Search "Genuine Galaxy" on the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On back its printed gt i9505...and I installed genuine galaxy it also says its genunine and model gt i9505......but why baseband is different :/ ?
I think my baseband is of different phone but hows that possible...
why someone would change it...
ahsandon007 said:
I think my baseband is of different phone but hows that possible...
why someone would change it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've really no clue. I'm not aware whether an AT&T modem will even work on that phone.
If the hardware is genuine GT-I9505, then you will most likely get a more definitive answer in the XDA-Developers forum for that phone.
ahsandon007 said:
What model (version) of s4 is exactly this phone? which software is installed on it? is it stock or not ? plzz help and tell me its complete version details
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's most likely an I337 with an I9505 system. Either way, since the bootloader is i337, that means it's locked so if it ever was an I9505 it's not now, but mist likely it wasn't ever.
I checked indownload mode its sgh i337....can I install back stock firmware ...see this site http://www.att.com/esupport/softwareUpdateArticle.jsp?sid=KB419415&cv=820
is it possible to flash through odin this stock lollipop firmware?
Finally I got it....its i337...I checked imei on imei.info it says it is i337 and also checked for blacklist its all clean....and I opened back cover and see it and its written "MADE BY SAMAUNG" ...spelling of samsung is wrong ...it means sticker and software are of 9505 and hardware are i337 at & t usa carrier....I think its changed in korea...phone is converted....now planning to download stock firmware of i337 lollipop and install through odin...
if anyone have link plz share
ahsandon007 said:
Finally I got it....its i337...I checked imei on imei.info it says it is i337 and also checked for blacklist its all clean....and I opened back cover and see it and its written "MADE BY SAMAUNG" ...spelling of samsung is wrong ...it means sticker and software are of 9505 and hardware are i337 at & t usa carrier....I think its changed in korea...phone is converted....now planning to download stock firmware of i337 lollipop and install through odin...
if anyone have link plz share
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot loader is locked, so you can't do this exactly. You can install stock KitKat, install safestrap, and upgrade to lollipop that way. You need to read through the forums to understand what you are doing before you proceed. I'd suggest you do quite a bit of reading, and only flash when you are sure you know what you want to do.
creepyncrawly said:
The boot loader is locked, so you can't do this exactly. You can install stock KitKat, install safestrap, and upgrade to lollipop that way. You need to read through the forums to understand what you are doing before you proceed. I'd suggest you do quite a bit of reading, and only flash when you are sure you know what you want to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send me links of threads from which I can understand and also which kitkat version should I install ...if u explain me in detail it will be helpful ..plz
ahsandon007 said:
Send me links of threads from which I can understand and also which kitkat version should I install ...if u explain me in detail it will be helpful ..plz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You seem to understand what you are doing. You should be able to figure this out on your own.
Start here.
Also this.
And this.
Or try some of the fine custom firmware in the Android Development forum.
ahsandon007 said:
(in a private message) Hey...there are so many things I cant understand in threads...can you plz tell me step by step how I can update to stock lollipop my sgh i337 ...safestrap etc..stuff ..thnx in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not own this phone, so I can't test or speak from personal experience. I already gave you the links to the information you need ^^^. I don't know if you can receive Over The Air (OTA) firmware updates. You may not be able to if you're not in USA. Also, I'm not sure if you need to be on an AT&T sim. If you can, you can get stock lollipop without root with this method: go to the "[GUIDE]Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Installing Safestrap" which is the second link. Go to the second post titled "Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Instructions" and click the button to expand the instructions for "OPTION 1 - Stock Lollipop (No ROOT)"
If you cannot receive OTA updates, then currently your option would be to first flash NB1, manually flash the NJ4 update, root and install safestrap. In the Odin to Stock guide, perform both step 1 and step 2 under "NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4" After this, you can use the "[How-To] Update to I337_OC3 - 5.0.1 and KeepRoot (4/7/2015) " thread, which is the third link above ^^^.
Your third option would be to wait until the developers post a method for flashing Lollipop directly from Odin.
creepyncrawly said:
I do not own this phone, so I can't test or speak from personal experience. I already gave you the links to the information you need ^^^. I don't know if you can receive Over The Air (OTA) firmware updates. You may not be able to if you're not in USA. Also, I'm not sure if you need to be on an AT&T sim. If you can, you can get stock lollipop without root with this method: go to the "[GUIDE]Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Installing Safestrap" which is the second link. Go to the second post titled "Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Instructions" and click the button to expand the instructions for "OPTION 1 - Stock Lollipop (No ROOT)"
If you cannot receive OTA updates, then currently your option would be to first flash NB1, manually flash the NJ4 update, root and install safestrap. In the Odin to Stock guide, perform both step 1 and step 2 under "NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4" After this, you can use the "[How-To] Update to I337_OC3 - 5.0.1 and KeepRoot (4/7/2015) " thread, which is the third link above ^^^.
Your third option would be to wait until the developers post a method for flashing Lollipop directly from Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I successfuly updated to 4.4.2 stock NB1 software manually thorough odin then manually flashed NJ4 by stock recovery...now im not receiving ota update to lolipop....now what nxt to do ? should i root NJ4 and install OC3...
And actually I dont want to root i nedd unrooted stock OC3 ...if you know any direct method to flash..
After update to nj4 4.4.4 im getting delays in sending text msgs and making calls....what to do now should i flash different modem or baseband any ideas ?? :/
Now that you have updated your user account, we can see that you are in Faisalabad, Pakistan using Mobilink carrier. As far as I know, you will not be able to receive an over the air update, nor be able to use Kies to update. Someone who knows more could give a definitive answer on this.
Assuming that you will be unable to use OTA or Kies, your options are:
- root, install safestrap, install rooted OC3
- wait unitl (and if) developers post an Odin flashable version of stock unrooted OC3.
As far as your other issues, you could install the NB1 modem (baseband) and see if that clears up the issues, as it was working before.
creepyncrawly said:
Now that you have updated your user account, we can see that you are in Faisalabad, Pakistan using Mobilink carrier. As far as I know, you will not be able to receive an over the air update, nor be able to use Kies to update. Someone who knows more could give a definitive answer on this.
Assuming that you will be unable to use OTA or Kies, your options are:
- root, install safestrap, install rooted OC3
- wait unitl (and if) developers post an Odin flashable version of stock unrooted OC3.
As far as your other issues, you could install the NB1 modem (baseband) and see if that clears up the issues, as it was working before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downgraded modem to NB1 and no signal then i used OC3 modem it works bit better than previous one.....lags sometimes ...is there any way to flash 9505 modem to i337 phone ? :/
I upgraded to 5.0.1 using keeproot method of flashfire...thanks broo very very much.....
baseband problem still exists on OC3 modem....i maximum get 3/5 signal bars....can i flash i9505 modem using mobile odin or ant method ?
EDIT: i flashed successfuly 9505 modem but baseband version goes unknown and no sim/signal....is there any fix? Flashing efs?
What if I dwld 9505 lolipop from sammobile and install by odin or flashfire?