Database Users

Question: Modifying OTA!

Is it possible to modify a carrier OTA (lets say change the stock kernel with custom) before pushing it to your device via TWRP recovery??
(reason, i hear the Knox bootloader cannot be removed in TW 4.3 update because the kernel depends on it. And id like to flash the OTA instead of full odin image to avoid full wipe and re-installation)
Any help appreciated, and thanks in advance

Anyone? Bump
I know there is a lot of talent in here..

Xdenwarrior said:
Is it possible to modify a carrier OTA (lets say change the stock kernel with custom) before pushing it to your device via TWRP recovery??
(reason, i hear the Knox bootloader cannot be removed in TW 4.3 update because the kernel depends on it. And id like to flash the OTA instead of full odin image to avoid full wipe and re-installation)
Any help appreciated, and thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is not possible to change the direct OTA zip as it's not in the same format as usual ROM zips. If you have a real custom recovery and exploit, you'll have to wait for a modified update to install 4.3, or run a custom 4.3 ROM from the development section or check the other S4 forums (i9505 may have one).

DeadlySin9 said:
I believe it is not possible to change the direct OTA zip as it's not in the same format as usual ROM zips. If you have a real custom recovery and exploit, you'll have to wait for a modified update to install 4.3, or run a custom 4.3 ROM from the development section or check the other S4 forums (i9505 may have one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well how do I modify the update?? Not interested in custom roms really since they get rid of like all Samsung stuff, which is what Galaxy S4 is all about. (I can't stand pure nexus experience - so dull and boring)

Xdenwarrior said:
Well how do I modify the update?? Not interested in custom roms really since they get rid of like all Samsung stuff, which is what Galaxy S4 is all about. (I can't stand pure nexus experience - so dull and boring)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, I don't believe it is possible. There are plenty of ROMS that do keep the Samsung stuff, such as StockUp and other ROMS in the i9505 section.

DeadlySin9 said:
Like I said, I don't believe it is possible. There are plenty of ROMS that do keep the Samsung stuff, such as StockUp and other ROMS in the i9505 section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
um, ok. Didnt really get what you meant by wait for modified update, or run custom 4.3 ROM which i believe is essentially same thing unless you mean someone takes the original mk6 odin image and modifies it. But us Canadians don't need an exploit, since carriers don't lock bootloaders

Xdenwarrior said:
um, ok. Didnt really get what you meant by wait for modified update, or run custom 4.3 ROM which i believe is essentially same thing unless you mean someone takes the original mk6 odin image and modifies it. But us Canadians don't need an exploit, since carriers don't lock bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This update is ONLY for ATT I337 phones. You will damage your phone if you push this update to your I337M phone. Do not do it unless you are developer and you can create your onw rom.
Follow this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2535801

[Q] ASOP Looking rom with touchwiz kernel

Hello all,
I picked up a Galaxy S4 when ATnt discounted a "certified new" off contract device for $190 a few weeks back.
I upgraded it from my nexus 4 and well.. I just prefer the look of stock android, however the better screen, battery life and LTE are great reasons to upgrade.
I was wondering if there was a 4.4.2 KitKat rom for this device ( SGH-i337 ) that will resemble the look and feel of my Nexus4.
My device has the latest bootloader so the LOKI method will not work
Thanks for the input.
EDIT: my device is rooted with safestrap installed on the latest OTA

koszor said:
Hello all,
I picked up a Galaxy S4 when ATnt discounted a "certified new" off contract device for $190 a few weeks back.
I upgraded it from my nexus 4 and well.. I just prefer the look of stock android, however the better screen, battery life and LTE are great reasons to upgrade.
I was wondering if there was a 4.4.2 KitKat rom for this device ( SGH-i337 ) that will resemble the look and feel of my Nexus4.
My device has the latest bootloader so the LOKI method will not work
Thanks for the input.
EDIT: my device is rooted with safestrap installed on the latest OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blackbox 3.0 or Purified/Goldeneye with Domination theme are the closest you can get to AOSP.

Thr33-F0ur said:
Blackbox 3.0 or Purified/Goldeneye with Domination theme are the closest you can get to AOSP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! I appreciate the fast response I'm going to try them tonight
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2429072
will this one work for the i337?

koszor said:
Awesome! I appreciate the fast response I'm going to try them tonight
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2429072
will this one work for the i337?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You'll have to goto blackboxroms.com for the download.

koszor said:
Hello all,
I picked up a Galaxy S4 when ATnt discounted a "certified new" off contract device for $190 a few weeks back.
I upgraded it from my nexus 4 and well.. I just prefer the look of stock android, however the better screen, battery life and LTE are great reasons to upgrade.
I was wondering if there was a 4.4.2 KitKat rom for this device ( SGH-i337 ) that will resemble the look and feel of my Nexus4.
My device has the latest bootloader so the LOKI method will not work
Thanks for the input.
EDIT: my device is rooted with safestrap installed on the latest OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also keep an eye on Eclipse rom. It is the only Touchwiz/AOSP hybrid rom that actually has an authentic AOSP pull-down and notification. It also has a whole bunch of AOSP stuff. The kitkat version of the rom will be released soon I think.

4ndroid99 said:
I would also keep an eye on Eclipse rom. It is the only Touchwiz/AOSP hybrid rom that actually has an authentic AOSP pull-down and notification. It also has a whole bunch of AOSP stuff. The kitkat version of the rom will be released soon I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every rom I've tried to install leaves me at a blank screen where I have to use Odin to bring my phone back, did I miss something?

koszor said:
Every rom I've tried to install leaves me at a blank screen where I have to use Odin to bring my phone back, did I miss something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you follow the instructions from this thread.
Scroll down the the 4.4.2 rom section and there is a step by step how-to.
More importantly, make sure you're installing only Touchwiz-based roms, since you're bootloader locked and on safestrap.

4ndroid99 said:
Make sure you follow the instructions from this thread.
Scroll down the the 4.4.2 rom section and there is a step by step how-to.
More importantly, make sure you're installing only Touchwiz-based roms, since you're bootloader locked and on safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51067706
I followed that guide, two different Roms both would not boot, I can downgrade to mk2 and have nb1 baseband ...is that the firmware I need to be running to flash the ROM? Or can I be on nc1

koszor said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51067706
I followed that guide, two different Roms both would not boot, I can downgrade to mk2 and have nb1 baseband ...is that the firmware I need to be running to flash the ROM? Or can I be on nc1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What roms did you try?

4ndroid99 said:
What roms did you try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gravitron and GoldenEye both said safestrap compatible , gravitron booted to a black screen after the phone displays galaxy s4
GoldenEye let me go to safestrap but did not boot at all

koszor said:
Gravitron and GoldenEye both said safestrap compatible , gravitron booted to a black screen after the phone displays galaxy s4
GoldenEye let me go to safestrap but did not boot at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you flash the nb1 kernel modules immediately after flashing the rom?

koszor said:
Gravitron and GoldenEye both said safestrap compatible , gravitron booted to a black screen after the phone displays galaxy s4
GoldenEye let me go to safestrap but did not boot at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoldenEye requires you to replace the updater script, did you do that?

Thr33-F0ur said:
Did you flash the nb1 kernel modules immediately after flashing the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, and then i booted to odin mode to flash the 3 other files in the BL AP and CP slots
4ndroid99 said:
GoldenEye requires you to replace the updater script, did you do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im going to try this again, i missed that part

Moderator Edit: Thread about rom with specific features begets replies about roms that are great to try. The roms with the features iterated n the OP are the ones that you discover by looking, reading, comparing, and flashing. Thread closed.

Softbrick/other questions

Just got my I337, using with simple mobile. Managed to sim unlock via this method, and was feeling pretty good. I think I had (have?) MK2. So using the stock ROM, it kept on asking to autoupdate. Didn't know if that would screw anything up, so attempted to install a kitkat venom ROM. I now can't get out of safestrap recovery. I'm not sure if the issue was trying to install a kitkat ROM, or if I mistakenly put it in the primary ROM slot. Anyway, I'm on a linux box without any immediate access to windows, so it looks like ODIN is out of the question. Been scouring the forums, but I have a few questions:
1. What are the limitations of the locked bootloader? Not really sure what I'm sidestepping by using a custom recovery. I had read that it limited me to TW ROMS (which is fine by me actually), but I see AOSP and other ROMs posted...
2. What exactly is meant by MK2, NC1, MF3, etc? I understand that they are progressions of SOMETHING, but not sure what--guessing it's the whole AT&T update, including ROM, modem, kernel? And I can't seem to find what exactly the progression is...
3. Is there a ROM that I should try to flash to get me back up and running before I start trying to screw with something else? Like I said, I have access to safestrap 2.71, adb, and an SD card, so I feel like this shouldn't be TOO hard to fix

nola mike said:
Just got my I337, using with simple mobile. Managed to sim unlock via this method, and was feeling pretty good. I think I had (have?) MK2. So using the stock ROM, it kept on asking to autoupdate. Didn't know if that would screw anything up, so attempted to install a kitkat venom ROM. I now can't get out of safestrap recovery. I'm not sure if the issue was trying to install a kitkat ROM, or if I mistakenly put it in the primary ROM slot. Anyway, I'm on a linux box without any immediate access to windows, so it looks like ODIN is out of the question. Been scouring the forums, but I have a few questions:
1. What are the limitations of the locked bootloader? Not really sure what I'm sidestepping by using a custom recovery. I had read that it limited me to TW ROMS (which is fine by me actually), but I see AOSP and other ROMs posted...
2. What exactly is meant by MK2, NC1, MF3, etc? I understand that they are progressions of SOMETHING, but not sure what--guessing it's the whole AT&T update, including ROM, modem, kernel? And I can't seem to find what exactly the progression is...
3. Is there a ROM that I should try to flash to get me back up and running before I start trying to screw with something else? Like I said, I have access to safestrap 2.71, adb, and an SD card, so I feel like this shouldn't be TOO hard to fix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, fixed my problem, though still don't have all the answers to my questions. I couldn't find a way to unbork without odin. Luckily my mom was in town visiting, and had a windows box that I used--I think I would have been hosed otherwise. Anyway, managed to revert to MK2 stock, and then upgrade to Goldeneye kit kat ROM via this method (my baseband is now listed as xxxxxxMLD).
I guess that MLD/NC1/NB1/MK2 are just ROM/radio firmware versions (kernel too, or is that completely unchangeable)? Still don't know the exact order of release, and if anyone could enlighten me a bit as to my other questions, I'd appreciate it...
I'll probably hold off on trying to change anything else until I have reliable access to windoze, unless someone can give me the steps using linux/adb.

nola mike said:
Well, fixed my problem, though still don't have all the answers to my questions. I couldn't find a way to unbork without odin. Luckily my mom was in town visiting, and had a windows box that I used--I think I would have been hosed otherwise. Anyway, managed to revert to MK2 stock, and then upgrade to Goldeneye kit kat ROM via this method (my baseband is now listed as xxxxxxMLD).
I guess that MLD/NC1/NB1/MK2 are just ROM/radio firmware versions (kernel too, or is that completely unchangeable)? Still don't know the exact order of release, and if anyone could enlighten me a bit as to my other questions, I'd appreciate it...
I'll probably hold off on trying to change anything else until I have reliable access to windoze, unless someone can give me the steps using linux/adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The order of firmware versions with Android version - MDB(4.2.x) -> MDL(4.2.x) - > MK2(4.3)->MLD(4.4 leak)->NB1(4.4.x)->NC1(4.4.x)
The bootloader for SGH-I337 was always locked.
1. This means that the stock kernel and recovery cannot be replaced.
2, The bootloader cannot be downgraded.
But, there was a bug in the first 2 releases, that loki exploited and provided a workaround for #1.
When flashing a firmware that contains the bootloader (aboot.mbn), it does a version check. The version check is through a fuse count maintained in the bootloader. MLD and MK2 although are different Android versions, have the same bootloader version. That means you can flash one over the other (go back and forth). The same with NB1 and NC1. But, once you update to NB1, you cannot go back to MK2.
Since the kernel cannot be replaced, all the ROMs we flash have to be compatible with the kernel that we have on the phone. Hence the mention of TW only ROMS. We cannot flash CM/AOSP/AOKP/GPE (most) ROMS. The AOSP ROMS you are seeing are themed TW roms only.

jmjoyas said:
The order of firmware versions with Android version - MDB(4.2.x) -> MDL(4.2.x) - > MK2(4.3)->MLD(4.4 leak)->NB1(4.4.x)->NC1(4.4.x)
The bootloader for SGH-I337 was always locked.
1. This means that the stock kernel and recovery cannot be replaced.
2, The bootloader cannot be downgraded.
But, there was a bug in the first 2 releases, that loki exploited and provided a workaround for #1.
When flashing a firmware that contains the bootloader (aboot.mbn), it does a version check. The version check is through a fuse count maintained in the bootloader. MLD and MK2 although are different Android versions, have the same bootloader version. That means you can flash one over the other (go back and forth). The same with NB1 and NC1. But, once you update to NB1, you cannot go back to MK2.
Since the kernel cannot be replaced, all the ROMs we flash have to be compatible with the kernel that we have on the phone. Hence the mention of TW only ROMS. We cannot flash CM/AOSP/AOKP/GPE (most) ROMS. The AOSP ROMS you are seeing are themed TW roms only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, very enlightening.

nola mike said:
Thanks for that, very enlightening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as an update, seems there's a workaround for Odin called heimdall, which is cross platform. . Haven't tried it, but looks like it should work.

ATT S4 KitKat 4.4.2 - Is Cyanogenmod possible? alts...

Hi All,
Appreciate the guides and community here. Looking for a little help on my ATT S4 KitKat 4.4.2. It's rooted via Towelroot.
I want to run a custom rom that isn't slow. I have Odin, proper Samsung USB drivers.
1) Can CNW be used on my phone to boot to recovery? If not, what are the alternatives and how do I use them (is there a guide you can share)?
2) Do I have NC1 on my phone, what the heck is NC2, NC1-what does this mean, is it relevant?
Thanks all
-Christian

If you have updated your phone to the att 4.4.2 firmware then you should be on NC1 which means you cannot put cwm or any CM rom. The only recovery you can use is safestrap. After that you can only flash rooms the specifically say safestrap compatible and you must flash the att_nc1 module after flashing rom for WiFi to work. Read the safestrap thread under the development section before doing anything.
Sent from my GT-P3110 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the help-trying it out now. Will keep ya posted

freestylejunki32 said:
If you have updated your phone to the att 4.4.2 firmware then you should be on NC1 which means you cannot put cwm or any CM rom. The only recovery you can use is safestrap. After that you can only flash rooms the specifically say safestrap compatible and you must flash the att_nc1 module after flashing rom for WiFi to work. Read the safestrap thread under the development section before doing anything.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572978
Sent from my GT-P3110 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the thread you were referring to?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572978

Yes, I would also read over All Things ATT/MK2 etc in General--:good:
Those numbers NC1 etc are your build version. Can be found under Settings/About Phone. It will dictate what you can and can't do on your phone--We have no NC2 yet. :good:

rugmankc said:
Yes, I would also read over All Things ATT/MK2 etc in General--:good:
Those numbers NC1 etc are your build version. Can be found under Settings/About Phone. It will dictate what you can and can't do on your phone--We have no NC2 yet. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have nb1. No luck getting safe strap to take. Install completes but does not recognize status as installed or allow boot to recovery.
I have rooted, supersu, busybox, and no luck with safestrap. Any ideas.
Upon booting I notice an icon that looks like a unlocked lock beneath the samsung logo. Touching it does nothing...
Thanks for getting back to me

potat5656 said:
Thanks. I have nb1. No luck getting safe strap to take. Install completes but does not recognize status as installed or allow boot to recovery.
I have rooted, supersu, busybox, and no luck with safestrap. Any ideas.
Upon booting I notice an icon that looks like a unlocked lock beneath the samsung logo. Touching it does nothing...
Thanks for getting back to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use safestrap. So not sure. Did you wipe all including system. And flash to correct slot. Stock slot I believe. Use correct safestrap. Also need sellinux, spelling? The lock is suppose to be there if rooted. Read the last 20 pages of the hash code safestrap thread plus the op. And same on All Things ATT/MK2 in General. May give some ideas. ☺
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

rugmankc said:
I don't use safestrap. So not sure. Did you wipe all including system. And flash to correct slot. Stock slot I believe. Use correct safestrap. Also need sellinux, spelling? The lock is suppose to be there if rooted. Read the last 20 pages of the hash code safestrap thread plus the op. And same on All Things ATT/MK2 in General. May give some ideas. ☺
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aha! Safestrap running and custom ROM installed. Is there an index comparing all Safestrap/Touchwiz based roms? Runnign SHO right now and it's pretty bland (resolution looks low too).
I'm looking for something like a stock nexus experience with WiFi tethering.
thanks for the help mates

potat5656 said:
Aha! Safestrap running and custom ROM installed. Is there an index comparing all Safestrap/Touchwiz based roms? Runnign SHO right now and it's pretty bland (resolution looks low too).
I'm looking for something like a stock nexus experience with WiFi tethering.
thanks for the help mates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure on index. Best though to try them yourself as they don't always work the same on different phones.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

potat5656 said:
Aha! Safestrap running and custom ROM installed. Is there an index comparing all Safestrap/Touchwiz based roms? Runnign SHO right now and it's pretty bland (resolution looks low too).
I'm looking for something like a stock nexus experience with WiFi tethering.
thanks for the help mates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iam all for custom ROMS. I made one for the Tab3. If all you want is the stock Nexus experience, you could just download the Google Now Launcher which is Google release the AOSP launcher. Then if you want the individual AOSP apps, you can do a search here or a google search, and you will find XDA threads that provide the apps with installation instructions.

Rooted Verizon Galaxy S5 (G900V) - Upgrade from Kitkat to Lollipop and Keep Root?

I have a Verizon Galaxy S5 (G900V) that I rooted a couple of years ago and never updated any further. It's currently running 4.4.4 / NK2 and I've been looking at upgrading to a Lollipop build. I have the Toshiba 11x eMMC so it doesn't sound like Marshmallow is an option if I want to keep root. I've spent significant time rooting through the forums and I can't seem to find a method to update my phone from KitKat to Lollipop (while keeping root) that is current, has the necessary files available to download, and works. Using FlashFire and G900V_OE1_Stock_Rooted_ROM.zip followed by Odin and an OD5 bootloader is failing on my phone for whatever reason. The other methods, including muniz_ri's, don't seem to have current files available for download.
I've fried my brain searching with no success. If anyone could point me to current directions/files to upgrade from KitKat to a solid Lollipop build while maintaining my root access, it would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you.

I would Odin this file https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24438995911970571
That will take you to stock PB1 then follow this guide to get root https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370
Then I would use flash fire or LP safe strap to flash a ROM I recommended
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...ang5litre-edition-5-0-pb1-devnon-dev-t3381850 or https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...enix-rom-9-0-ported-g900v-ported-rom-t3188443

OrneryTX said:
I have a Verizon Galaxy S5 (G900V) that I rooted a couple of years ago and never updated any further. It's currently running 4.4.4 / NK2 and I've been looking at upgrading to a Lollipop build. I have the Toshiba 11x eMMC so it doesn't sound like Marshmallow is an option if I want to keep root. I've spent significant time rooting through the forums and I can't seem to find a method to update my phone from KitKat to Lollipop (while keeping root) that is current, has the necessary files available to download, and works. Using FlashFire and G900V_OE1_Stock_Rooted_ROM.zip followed by Odin and an OD5 bootloader is failing on my phone for whatever reason. The other methods, including muniz_ri's, don't seem to have current files available for download.
I've fried my brain searching with no success. If anyone could point me to current directions/files to upgrade from KitKat to a solid Lollipop build while maintaining my root access, it would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have root so just skip the rooting part everything you need is here to https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71202995&postcount=3

jrkruse said:
You have root so just skip the rooting part everything you need is here to https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71202995&postcount=3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I'm reading that correctly, I can skip to step #9 of the "Directions For Users With CID 11' Toshiba eMMC" section and then use the EMMC_11_PB1_5_0_1_LL_Firmware_Bootloader.zip and VZW_BPB1_ODEX_DEODEX_V9.zip files. Is that correct?

OrneryTX said:
So if I'm reading that correctly, I can skip to step #9 of the "Directions For Users With CID 11' Toshiba eMMC" section and then use the EMMC_11_PB1_5_0_1_LL_Firmware_Bootloader.zip and VZW_BPB1_ODEX_DEODEX_V9.zip files. Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You must have safestrap and use it to flash EMMC_11_PB1_5_0_1_LL_Firmware_Bootloader.zip and rom

jrkruse said:
Yes. You must have safestrap and use it to flash EMMC_11_PB1_5_0_1_LL_Firmware_Bootloader.zip and rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Success! Now on 5.0 and PB1 with no significant issues during or after the upgrade.
Many thanks!

jrkruse said:
Yes. You must have safestrap and use it to flash EMMC_11_PB1_5_0_1_LL_Firmware_Bootloader.zip and rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me add a caveat to that success story. I do notice that I don't have the Safestrap recovery option during the boot up process and it looks like this is expected behavior for Lollipop. The "Reboot to Recovery" option with the app is also not active or functional. What's the best way to get back the full Safestrap functionality? I found the below thread of yours but I'm not sure if the files and instructions are current. Thoughts?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/development/safestrap-5-0-lollipop-t3313800

jrkruse said:
Yes. You must have safestrap and use it to flash EMMC_11_PB1_5_0_1_LL_Firmware_Bootloader.zip and rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OrneryTX said:
Let me add a caveat to that success story. I do notice that I don't have the Safestrap recovery option during the boot up process and it looks like this is expected behavior for Lollipop. The "Reboot to Recovery" option with the app is also not active or functional. What's the best way to get back the full Safestrap functionality? I found the below thread of yours but I'm not sure if the files and instructions are current. Thoughts?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/development/safestrap-5-0-lollipop-t3313800
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I see where I went wrong with Safestrap but it's going to be a little while before I can investigate further. Don't want to brick my phone at work and not be able to phone home.
I'll update after I do some more troubleshooting.
Thanks again.