Database Users

[ROM]Updated! 4.4.4 SU4.21 fully rooted with writable system on LOCKED BL

Hello guys!
I've found the way for getting Android 4.4.4 rooted without write-protection on root filesystem
Original post on 4pda.ru Warning! Russian language detected!)
So, this is small and very simple instruction:
Preparation:​1. You should be on SU2-3.3 (Blur 19.6.3) or SU2-3-15 (Blur 19.5.3) rooted and have SafeStrap installed!
2. You have never flashed SU4.21 (Blur 21.11.21) Android version 4.4.4 via RSDLite and you have never taken OTA with 4.4.4!!!
Let's do it and enjoy fully rooted 4.4.4!​1 I've done 2 ZIP-files, download one, you prefer:
full rooted stock 4.4.4 SU4.21 with hosts-file ADBLOCK trick.
Download 4.4.4_full here
full rooted Debloated stock 4.4.4 SU4.21, with Touchless Control, Active Display, NFC, Wireless Monitor (inc. Cromecast)
Download 4.4.4_debloated here
Debloated ROM develompent was stopped, due to my smartphone physical damage. Im' sorry.
Regards, Dmitry.
2. Copy downloaded zip in to device storage.
3. Reboot to SafeStrap
4. Select Insall button, select ZIP, you prefer.
5. For locked bootloader: when installation will finish, reboot you device in to bootloader and flash stock kernel from SU4.21
you could take it here or from ZIP-file.
6. After flashing boot.img just reboot you smartphone and enjoy 4.4.4 with root and writable /system
For unlocked bootloader - all done, just reboot your device .
DO NOT PERFORM ANY WIPES!
If something happend with you phone, you can revert to SU2-3-15 (Blur 19.5.3) via RSDLite, get root, install SafeStrap
If you need to clean bloatware, use my Custom Recovery compatibility scripts, could be downloaded in this topic
If you found any features, you need, missing, please, pm me.

i am BL Unlocked, so no need for this for me... but if this is the case and it works then great find my man!!

Given the recent vulnerability published by Dan Rosenberg, I'm hesitant to update to 4.4.4, as it may patch this vulnerability - keeping the bootloader locked indefinitely. I would just keep this in mind if considering this update.
EDIT: Got my information wrong. The date on the OTA is before the date the vulnerability was published. 4.4.4. seems good to go in that case.

has anyone tried this yet?

Thinking about trying this - doing a backup now in Safestrap.
Would like to be able to see this...
"2. You have boot.img from SU4-21, you can download it below "
Where do you see this information? How do I know what version I have in 4.4?

rdenova said:
Thinking about trying this - doing a backup now in Safestrap.
Would like to be able to see this...
"2. You have boot.img from SU4-21, you can download it below "
Where do you see this information? How do I know what version I have in 4.4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings>About Phone>Build number

summer.cat said:
1. You should be on SU2-3.3 rooted and have SafeStrap installed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This, I see under Build Number.
summer.cat said:
2. You have boot.img from SU4-21, you can download it below
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This, I do not see any place and is why I asked.

Wait so is this a fully write protection off?

mrwinkle said:
has anyone tried this yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like this fella did...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-ultra/general/update-19-5-3-obake-t2845903

ceelos218 said:
Wait so is this a fully write protection off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sertainly)
PS: i've read many questions about build versions and firmware versions, so if you couldn't understand which firmware you have, follow this:
First update 4.4 - SU2.3-15 (suits for gaining root and wp off by @beaups wbegone)
Second update 4.4 - SU2.3-3
Latest update 4.4.4 - SU4.21
hope, it will be helpfull.

summer.cat said:
sertainly)
PS: i've read many questions about build versions and firmware versions, so if you couldn't understand which firmware you have, follow this:
First update 4.4 - SU2.3-15 (suits for gaining root and wp off by @beaups wbegone)
Second update 4.4 - SU2.3-3
Latest update 4.4.4 - SU4.21
hope, it will be helpfull.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of using the SU for identifying builds, you should probably the system version number as that is more frequently used. 19.5.3, 19.6.3, 21.11.21

summer.cat said:
Hello guys!
I've found the way for getting Android 4.4.4 rooted without write-protection on root filesystem
Original post on 4pda.ru Warning! Russian language detected!)
So, this is small and very simple instruction:
Preparation:
1. You should be on SU2-3.3 rooted and have SafeStrap installed!
You have never flashed 4.4.4 via RSDLite and you have never taken OTA with 4.4.4!!!
2. You have downloaded boot.img from SU4-21
can be downloaded here https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_kAWkXp3XK9VmpnSGNaVUZtTDQ/edit?usp=sharing
Let's do it!
1. Download 4.4.4_rooted.zip here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_kAWkXp3XK9amVwNjJKUjk4QmM/edit?usp=sharing
2. Copy 4.4.4_rooted.zip in to device storage.
3. Reboot to SafeStrap
4. Select Insall button, select 4.4.4_rooted.zip
5. After flashing reboot to bootloader and flash via fastboot tools boot.img file from point 2 above
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
6. Reboot after flashing boot.img
7. Enjoy 4.4.4 with root and writable /system
If something happend with you phone, you can revert to SU2-3.15 via RSDLite, get root, install SafeStrap
PS: You flashing clean from bloatware system! As clean as possible, but everything works fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
....So, does this mean I can finally install some ROMs on my retail Moto? I came from a bootloader-locked 4.4 install with root.

thebenshow said:
....So, does this mean I can finally install some ROMs on my retail Moto? I came from a bootloader-locked 4.4 install with root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i mean, you can use 4.4.4 without write protection

I'm about to try this out to n my xt1080 on 4.4.4... I will update when I'm finished

Can this be used for the droid mini?

I should have read closer I got too excited about about getting root... I already took 4.4.4 OTA... I need root

Am I the only one waiting for clear confirmation from someone who was rooted on 19.6.3 that did the steps in this thread that they are now on 4.4.4 with root and write protection permanently off?

BriCo84 said:
Am I the only one waiting for clear confirmation from someone who was rooted on 19.6.3 that did the steps in this thread that they are now on 4.4.4 with root and write protection permanently off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am too lol. Been refreshing this thread ever since I ran across it.

Anyone try this?

He is talking about using safestrap on a 4.4 ROM. If you EVER updated to 4.4.4, this will never work for you as you will never be able to disable write-protect to be able to install safestrap.
OP: perhaps you should make this more clear in the original post. Specifically that it will not work if you ever updated to 4.4.4 (Actually, the OP DOES say this...), AND that you're not actually running the 4.4.4 rom, but rather a 4.4.4 stock-based, safestrap-compatible ROM. If you are using this successfully, your bootloader AND your partition table are still on 4.4, which allows you to retain WP-off, safestrap, and root.
But yeah...this will absolutely work if you never updated past 4.4. We have known about this for a long time...I'm surprised a guide was just recently put out about this.

I337mvlufnc1 bootloader - What are my options?

I picked up a used GS4 JFLTECAN and the battery life on the stock rom is brutal, so I would really like to try something else. I have flashed recoveries kernals and roms before on other devices but have never had to deal with these "locked" boot loaders.
I have the I337mvlufnc1 bootloader and the most recent Android 5.0.1 OTA update from Rogers. My ROM and modem are I337MVLUGOH1
Can I ODIN TWRP at this point? Or will I brick my device?
Here's how I wound up at this point.
I have managed to root by odining SuperUserSU.zip by following these instructions; http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...4gA4TauS3dXnXcIOA&sig2=MHLMfY4z5M21bgTArDKniQ
I installed wakelock detector and a root uninstaller for bloatware as well as greenify to take advantage of root and try to fix battery drain issues. However I did something wrong and now whenever I boot "Package Access Helper" and "System UI" both unfortunately stop. I am also being prompted to select a homescreen every time I boot (touchwiz variants)
Rather than factory resetting to the stock firmware I would prefer to get on something different. any help is appreciated.
Paging @raptor170 ?

arasarn said:
I picked up a used GS4 JFLTECAN and the battery life on the stock rom is brutal, so I would really like to try something else. I have flashed recoveries kernals and roms before on other devices but have never had to deal with these "locked" boot loaders.
I have the I337mvlufnc1 bootloader and the most recent Android 5.0.1 OTA update from Rogers. My ROM and modem are I337MVLUGOH1
Can I ODIN TWRP at this point? Or will I brick my device?
Here's how I wound up at this point.
I have managed to root by odining SuperUserSU.zip by following these instructions; http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...4gA4TauS3dXnXcIOA&sig2=MHLMfY4z5M21bgTArDKniQ
I installed wakelock detector and a root uninstaller for bloatware as well as greenify to take advantage of root and try to fix battery drain issues. However I did something wrong and now whenever I boot "Package Access Helper" and "System UI" both unfortunately stop. I am also being prompted to select a homescreen every time I boot (touchwiz variants)
Rather than factory resetting to the stock firmware I would prefer to get on something different. any help is appreciated.
Paging @raptor170 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my understanding with that bootloader is that it will prevent you from downgrading to say 4.3 etc etc. To be extra Safe, have stock firmware files from sammobile handy, but you should be good..... Don't quote me on it tho lol

He was successful on twrp flash, anyone watching this lol, all i337m unlocked

So If anyone else gets a used galaxy s4 here is the procedure to root and install custom recovery with the most recent OTA updates installed. There is no need to worry about any locked bootloader or anything.
Step 1: get root with Odin
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...5M21bgTArDKniQ
go to twrp.me
Step 2: flash twrp 2.8.4.0 with Odin
Step 3: flash twrp 2.8.7.0 (or a newer version if one is available) via twrp itself. After 2.8.4.0 TWRP only has .img files released which are to be flashed directly from twrp.
Step 4: Flash a rom.

arasarn said:
So If anyone else gets a used galaxy s4 here is the procedure to root and install custom recovery with the most recent OTA updates installed. There is no need to worry about any locked bootloader or anything.
Step 1: get root with Odin
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...5M21bgTArDKniQ
go to twrp.me
Step 2: flash twrp 2.8.4.0 with Odin
Step 3: flash twrp 2.8.7.0 (or a newer version if one is available) via twrp itself. After 2.8.4.0 TWRP only has .img files released which are to be flashed directly from twrp.
Step 4: Flash a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easiest waytp flash the ol s4 great writeup for anyone starting off on the s4. Let me add a step 3a: backup efs in twrp for if the rare case you loose imei, chance of getting it back

raptor170 said:
Easiest waytp flash the ol s4 great writeup for anyone starting off on the s4. Let me add a step 3a: backup efs in twrp for if the rare case you loose imei, chance of getting it back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add this to the first post of the Canadian galaxy s4 mega thread.

Flashing on 935F

Hi all.
I have the 935F International on it's way to me, delivering in the next day or so
By all accounts the 935F is already unlocked. To prepare, I have already downloaded Odin 3.11.1, CF's root file, TWRP twrp-3.0.2-2-hero2lte tar, and a custom ROM and bootloader/modem files.
I'm not a noob to flashing, just newish to Samsung.
What is the best way to start? Boot into stock, enable bootloader unlock on developer options, run Odin and flash TWRP, then CF's root file? Also, I want to run unencrypted - format data using advanced wipe 'yes' method?
The ROM states it sets root on installation. Do I then need to flash CF's root file?
Further, how are bootloader/modem tar files flashed? Is it as simple as selecting BL for bootloader, although I don't see anything for the modem??
Finally, what is the actual order of all this? I'm thinking: TWRP first, Format internal data second, CF root third, ROM flash from TWRP fourth, reboot to download mode from TWRP and then flash modem/bootloader last. Then reboot all together to set the phone up?
Thanks and any help is appreciated

1. Update to latest firmware
2. CF-Autoroot
3. TWRP
4. Flash no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip, wipe data.
5. Reboot recovery, mount system.
6. Wipe all except internal and external sd.
7. Flash your ROM

dynospectrum said:
1. Update to latest firmware
2. CF-Autoroot
3. TWRP
4. Flash no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip, wipe data.
5. Reboot recovery, mount system.
6. Wipe all except internal and external sd.
7. Flash your ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info :good:
When you say update to latest firmware this is Bootloader and Modem yes?
Steps 2 & 4 - just having done a little more research, are these outdated now?; as TWRP (latest) now fixes encryption and the ROM will inject (for a better term ) SuperSU when installing it? Or will this still need to be done irrespective of using the latest version of TWRP and ROM?
Cheers and thanks :good:

If you're not new to rooting and custom roms, pretty much all you need is to unlock OEM in Dev Options in Settings, Restart the device and hold Vol Down+Home+Power to get into Download Mode and press Up at the blue screen. Plug in your USB to your phone and run the tool on your PC.
Once Rooted, its business as usual. You don't need a guide to install TWRP, just install the Flashify app and let it do it for you, and then have no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip handy to flash. I know no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip is essential if you flash TWRP through ODIN, but not 100% sure if you should if you flashed TWRP through Flashify, I always flash no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip regardless so I unno.
Also if you find yourself in a semi-bricked situation where you can't figure out your problem, as long as you have Download Mode, you'll always have a way to get back to a working device. Samsung Smart Switch for Windows has an Emergency Mode that will revert your device back to Factory Conditions.

peteri8706 said:
Thanks for the info :good:
When you say update to latest firmware this is Bootloader and Modem yes?
Steps 2 & 4 - just having done a little more research, are these outdated now?; as TWRP (latest) now fixes encryption and the ROM will inject (for a better term ) SuperSU when installing it? Or will this still need to be done irrespective of using the latest version of TWRP and ROM?
Cheers and thanks :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been doing things this way since day 1 with no problems. My advice would be to do it the same way. I can assure you a solid install ;]
Yes, firmware is bootloader & modem. Great thread for this is here http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/official-stock-firmware-update-odin-t3335065

LineageOS on a vzw Galaxy S5?

Can I put LineageOS on my Galaxy S5 using SafeStrap? If not, would Odin do the trick instead?
What, if anything, do I need to do to maintain root?
Do I need to unlock the bootloader before flashing the ROM?
Do the steps in the above link work on unlocking the verizon bootloader or will I make a brick?
If there's a link to getting LineageOS onto my Verizon S5 while keeping root please point me in the right direction. Thank you.

androidman807 said:
Can I put LineageOS on my Galaxy S5 using SafeStrap? If not, would Odin do the trick instead?
What, if anything, do I need to do to maintain root?
Do I need to unlock the bootloader before flashing the ROM?
Do the steps in the above link work on unlocking the verizon bootloader or will I make a brick?
If there's a link to getting LineageOS onto my Verizon S5 while keeping root please point me in the right direction. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you first need to root then unlock bootloader then install twrp then flash Lineage and Gapps and your all set , all information regarding how to root and unlock bootloader are in the vzw section , do make a full back up of your sdcard(micro sd card) to your computer because unlocking the bootloader will wipe/format your memory card(keep that in mind)
also i suggest you update your modem and bootloader , just in case you would like to test the ported rom which most of them run on a higher bootloader and with a old bootloader you will face issues with wifi and nav buttons specially with the vzw variant (i also have a vzw) , update it to i think the highest so far by @jrkruze is qf2 , for example the skiesrom (a s8 port) runs on a qf5 bootloader but updating vzw bootloader to qf2 fixes the wifi and nav button bugs.
Good Luck and also do properly read the instructions word for word.

I'm so grateful for your response. You've been down this road and know the traps. I believe my original post has the right thread on unlocking the bootloader for vzw, and I appreciate the warning about it erasing the micro-sd card.
Two follow-up questions:
Where can I find the update for the modem?
Also to avoid the wifi and nav problems, do I want the QF2 or QF5? And where do I find those? Here it says to use latest bootloader (QA1) with QF2 modem. Does that make sense? If so I just need to know where to find those.
Thank you again so very much.
KazuDante said:
you first need to root then unlock bootloader then install twrp then flash Lineage and Gapps and your all set , all information regarding how to root and unlock bootloader are in the vzw section , do make a full back up of your sdcard(micro sd card) to your computer because unlocking the bootloader will wipe/format your memory card(keep that in mind)
also i suggest you update your modem and bootloader , just in case you would like to test the ported rom which most of them run on a higher bootloader and with a old bootloader you will face issues with wifi and nav buttons specially with the vzw variant (i also have a vzw) , update it to i think the highest so far by @jrkruze is qf2 , for example the skiesrom (a s8 port) runs on a qf5 bootloader but updating vzw bootloader to qf2 fixes the wifi and nav button bugs.
Good Luck and also do properly read the instructions word for word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

androidman807 said:
I'm so grateful for your response. You've been down this road and know the traps. I believe my original post has the right thread on unlocking the bootloader for vzw, and I appreciate the warning about it erasing the micro-sd card.
Two follow-up questions:
Where can I find the update for the modem?
Also to avoid the wifi and nav problems, do I want the QF2 or QF5? And where do I find those? Here it says to use latest bootloader (QA1) with QF2 modem. Does that make sense? If so I just need to know where to find those.
Thank you again so very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Latest bootloader (after you unlocked your current bootloader) : https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73734257&postcount=3143
latest modem : https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61802396&postcount=1 ( use the ones in the odin section , you will need to be bootloader unlocked and have odin+latest samsung drivers installed)
latest twrp : https://dl.twrp.me/klte/ ( the ones that ends with .tar are for flashing using odin , since you dont have twrp yet but flashing twtp comes last after rooting and unlocking bootloader and updating bootloader then update the modem then odin flash twrp then have lineageos and nougat gapps on memory card. reboot while holding vol up and home button to reboot into twrp to install lineageos system then gopengapps , afterwards you can install magisk to have root access on lineageOS as well .
p.s after you unlock bootloader and the system reboots normally return to download mode then use odin to flash twrp , i just noticed(remembered that latest bootloader update uses twrp and not safestrap recovery.
to unlock current bootloader : https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71202995&postcount=3

Thank you so much. So if I understand right it's:
1) UNLOCK bootloader
2) UPDATE bootloader (latest is QF2)
3) update modem (latest tar was QI2)
4) flash TWRP from Odin (you linked to klte version; qualcomm but I have vzw)
5) install LineageOS and gapps from TWRP
6) install magisk from TWRP to get root
Is that correct?
Correct bootloader and modem versions?
OK to use klte for Verizon?
Magisk is for root, done last, and not superSu?
If all those are Yes, then I guess the prep work is done and now I just have to bite the bullet, do a safestrap and titanium backup and dive in.
Thanks again - I really do appreciate it.
KazuDante said:
The Latest bootloader (after you unlocked your current bootloader) : https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73734257&postcount=3143
latest modem : https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61802396&postcount=1 ( use the ones in the odin section , you will need to be bootloader unlocked and have odin+latest samsung drivers installed)
latest twrp : https://dl.twrp.me/klte/ ( the ones that ends with .tar are for flashing using odin , since you dont have twrp yet but flashing twtp comes last after rooting and unlocking bootloader and updating bootloader then update the modem then odin flash twrp then have lineageos and nougat gapps on memory card. reboot while holding vol up and home button to reboot into twrp to install lineageos system then gopengapps , afterwards you can install magisk to have root access on lineageOS as well .
p.s after you unlock bootloader and the system reboots normally return to download mode then use odin to flash twrp , i just noticed(remembered that latest bootloader update uses twrp and not safestrap recovery.
to unlock current bootloader : https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71202995&postcount=3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

androidman807 said:
Thank you so much. So if I understand right it's:
1) UNLOCK bootloader
2) UPDATE bootloader (latest is QF2)
3) update modem (latest tar was QI2)
4) flash TWRP from Odin (you linked to klte version; qualcomm but I have vzw)
5) install LineageOS and gapps from TWRP
6) install magisk from TWRP to get root
Is that correct?
Correct bootloader and modem versions?
OK to use klte for Verizon?
Magisk is for root, done last, and not superSu?
If all those are Yes, then I guess the prep work is done and now I just have to bite the bullet, do a safestrap and titanium backup and dive in.
Thanks again - I really do appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes thats correct , also there is no vzw variant of lineage since vzw is merged under klte , so every rom you download the one you have to choose is klte unless the dev make a build for each variant but not likely to happen anymore.

A very basic assumption may have been overlooked, but it seems the CID on my lollipop PB1 is 11 Toshiba eMMC. Method 2 of unlocking stopped at step 4 with an error in the terminal screen indicating this is only for Samsung eMMCs. Is it possible to unlock an 11, and if so, where would I find those steps?
KazuDante said:
yes thats correct , also there is no vzw variant of lineage since vzw is merged under klte , so every rom you download the one you have to choose is klte unless the dev make a build for each variant but not likely to happen anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

androidman807 said:
A very basic assumption may have been overlooked, but it seems the CID on my lollipop PB1 is 11 Toshiba eMMC. Method 2 of unlocking stopped at step 4 with an error in the terminal screen indicating this is only for Samsung eMMCs. Is it possible to unlock an 11, and if so, where would I find those steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly cid 11 cannot be unlocked , best option is to only change current S5 with another S5 and hope its a CID 15 , or sadly get another phone but check xda forum to see if it has any latest custom roms and bootloader can be unlocked.
But for CID 11 theres no unlocks for those , only thing is safestrap roms that allows you to run ports like PhoenixRom and other stock but modded roms but using safestrap

Thanks you so much again. How can I tell which ROMs are stock I can use in safestrap (like Phoenixrom) and which are custom I can't use (like LineageOS)?
And if I have a safestrap backup to my sd card of my stock lollipop and don't like phoenix (which seems to be MM) can I restore from safestrap back to my stock LL?
KazuDante said:
sadly cid 11 cannot be unlocked , best option is to only change current S5 with another S5 and hope its a CID 15 , or sadly get another phone but check xda forum to see if it has any latest custom roms and bootloader can be unlocked.
But for CID 11 theres no unlocks for those , only thing is safestrap roms that allows you to run ports like PhoenixRom and other stock but modded roms but using safestrap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

androidman807 said:
Thanks you so much again. How can I tell which ROMs are stock I can use in safestrap (like Phoenixrom) and which are custom I can't use (like LineageOS)?
And if I have a safestrap backup to my sd card of my stock lollipop and don't like phoenix (which seems to be MM) can I restore from safestrap back to my stock LL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that im not sure about that so i cant give you any pointers since i have not done anything with safestrap besides the process to unlock the bootloader.

Thanks anyway. It seems it should work, since safestrap won't disappear. Maybe I should post a new thread. Thank you again for all your time.
KazuDante said:
that im not sure about that so i cant give you any pointers since i have not done anything with safestrap besides the process to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I am also essentially looking to install LineageOS on my Galaxy S5, but before proceeding, I just wanted to make sure that what I'm looking to do is correct. Currently I am running an old version of PhoenixROM with an old unlocked bootloader. I know that I will need to update the bootloader in order to prevent issues, such as wifi not working.
Should all I need to do is follow JKruse's instructions here, flashing LineageOS as the last and final step? I'm hoping that it is this easy, but I do have my doubts and that is why I am asking on here for advice.
Thank you to all in advance!

verizon s5 on pd1 mm rootable or not?

Hi all, I really need some help here. I am reading in some stickied tutorials that mm is not rootable, and on some others it says it may be rootable if your mmc begins with 15 and may be able to unlock bootloader. I don't know which to go by here. My sons phone is a verizon s5, on pd1 and has mmc number beginning with 15. I really want magisk in it as some apps we use simply don't work with straight root. I have scoured the internet in hopes of finding the info needed and came up with too many conflicting reports so I came back to ask the experts here. However, even the search function here still leads me to some conflicts. Can someone please link me to a tutorial that I can use to root his phone? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

tattmann said:
Can someone please link me to a tutorial that I can use to root his phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only directly root PD1 (or any MM firmware) if the phone's bootloader is unlocked already.
SM-G900V's bootloader is locked by default, CID15 means that it can be unlocked.
In the case if rooting is possible (CID15) for Android 6.0 (PD1 is a 6.0 firmware) you'll need to:
1. Flash a firmware which allows direct rooting. Modern method is to flash COMBINATION firmware. This rooting has nothing to do with the future rooting of your PD1, this rooting is for unlocking the bootloader.
2. Gain root and install SafeStrap recovery.
3. Flash a MM (say, PD1) bootloader and unlock it.
4. Download stock PD1 firmware and remove the bootloader from it.
5. Flash this firmware with Odin.
The result of these operations will be a SM-G900V phone with stock PD1 firmware and unlocked bootloader. Now you can root your PD1.
6. Download TWRP from their site and flash it with Odin.
7. Download Magisk zip-file.
8. Flash Magisk zip-file with TWRP.

ok, lengthy process lol. Is ok, I will start looking for the files to download and get everything set up. Thank you for your time and for replying.
UPDATE: I got it. The phone is now on resurrection remix with twrp and magisk. Thank you for your help!