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Dear Benevolent Android Wizards: please help me root an AT&T S4! I plan to buy a used S4 and want to make sure it can be rooted. Are some firmware versions rootable and some not? If so, which ones? I've seen phones available running I337UCUFNB1 and NJ4, as an example. I tried to check the forums here, but I'm new to this and it's too confusing. Also, as time passes, some of the comments become dated and wrong. One forums here say to downgrade NC1 by flashing NB1, take OTA update to NC1, then OTA to NL1- but I don't know if these OTAs are still available, for example. I'm simple and hope someone can explain things in a simple way! I don't want custom ROMs, just to root and maybe make backups. Please help, O Wise Ones!
You will probably buy a phone with at least 4.4.2 or above. It can be rooted by flashing the NB1 firmware (if it is not already on NB1), flashing the NC1 kernel and rooting with Towelroot. Then you can upgrade to 4.4.4 or 5.0.1, depending on what you want. You can install Safestrap to do backups on KitKat or Flashfire to do backups on Lolipop.
Here is a good place to start reading. Contains all info and links you need.
Thanks a lot!
So you're saying that any S4 running 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 should be able to be rooted?
And I would use Odin to flash NB1 firmware and then NC1 kernel (also using Odin?), then Towelroot would work?
How do I get the phone back to the firmware and kernel it came with?- also with Odin?
Yes. Or 5.0.1 for that matter.
You can root phones with earlier versions of the firmware as well.
All the instructions you need are available in the thread I linked above. You probably don't want to go back to what firmware came on the phone. You will need to decide if you want KitKat, in which case you should flash the latest one, which is NJ5, or Lolipop, in which case you will have some decisions to make as well.
Thanks, I will definitely read that whole thread once I get a chance.
Isn't there some issue with changing firmware where the software changes how the phone interfaces with the cell and wifi radios and they don't work right after you change version? Don't you have to do something to make sure the ROM and radio software stay in sync? Or isn't that an issue when changing stock ROMs with Odin?
Shouldn't be an issue. The stock firmware includes the corresponding modem, but the modems are interchangeable and can be flashed separately. There is a thread dedicated to modems in the general forum.
I would definitely recommend that you read enough to be comfortable with what you are going to do before you flash. There are several good threads in the general forum that you should familiarize yourself with.
Thanks again. I read 10 pages of the thread you mentioned in your first reply:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Very helpful
Another question- you said to load NB1 firmware on the phone, but also NC1 kernel, apparently, NC1 is required for towelroot to work. Why not just load NC1 firmware- won't the NC1 kernel will come along? Is NB1 firmware specifically needed for some reason?
Or did you mean to keep upgrading from NB1to reach the final desired firmware, say NL1, then flash the NC1 kernel, root with towelroot, then flash the final desired (in my example, NL1) kernel.
Also, the first section in that link says if you want to end up on Lollipop OC3 or OC4, to root using Kingroot, but warns "there is mixed feeling about this application". Can't I root with towelroot instead to avoid Kingroot?
Sorry! As I learn more it brings up new questions.
xdafan15 said:
Thanks again. I read 10 pages of the thread you mentioned in your first reply:
HTML:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Very helpful
Another question- you said to load NB1 firmware on the phone, but also NC1 kernel, apparently, NC1 is required for towelroot to work. Why not just load NC1 firmware- won't the NC1 kernel will come along? Is NB1 firmware specifically needed for some reason?
Or did you mean to keep upgrading from NB1to reach the final desired firmware, say NL1, then flash the NC1 kernel, root with towelroot, then flash the final desired (in my example, NL1) kernel.
Also, the first section in that link says if you want to end up on Lollipop OC3 or OC4, to root using Kingroot, but warns "there is mixed feeling about this application". Can't I root with towelroot instead to avoid Kingroot?
Sorry! As I learn more it brings up new questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NB1 is the only full stock tar available. There is no full NC1 stock tar, or any other 4.4.2 or above stock tar. No matter which distribution you are on, 4.4.2 4.4.4 or 5.0.1, to go back to stock you have to flash NB1 with Odin.
If you want Lolipop, I would suggest that you root with towelroot, and then use the keep root method to go to OC4.
I'm trying to decide if I should update up to NJ5, OC3, or OC4. Any thoughts about advantages/disadvantages? Should I just update to the latest (OC4) for simplicity?
I don't have an opinion between KitKat and Lolipop.
As far as OC3 or OC4, the OC4 update is just a bug fix update from OC3 that supposedly protects from at least part of the stagefright vulnerability. NJ5 is the same update with respect to JN4.
I'm making more progress on your thread- I'm up to page 20 now and feeling much more comfortable as I see how to deal with (or hopefully avoid) other's problems.
I think I'm almost ready to go, but I know I have one more question- I know that some versions of towelroot need internet access, but when you flash the NC1 kernel onto NB1, you lose wifi. I plan to do this on a phone that will not have data, at least at the beginning. I saw others talk about getting around this and they said they used an earlier version of towelroot that didn't need internet. Do you think that will work for me?
If I get a chance, I'll edit here and list the specific older version.
squatting in this thread because I too have an s4 w/ ni1 bootloader (4.4.2) .. gonna check that thread out too ... (fist bumps @xdafan15 .. me and u are the lone desperados)
got some good help too. check that thread about ALL THINGS ROOT in the general tab.
I found the version of towelroot v3 that doesn't need internet access. It is referenced here in the first post.
File here
@creepyncrawly or anyone else who knows: Is is OK to use this version to root instead of the normal version of towelroot 3 that needs internet access?
xdafan15 said:
I found the version of towelroot v3 that doesn't need internet access. It is referenced here in the first post.
File here creepyncrawly or anyone else who knows: Is is OK to use this version to root instead of the normal version of towelroot 3 that needs internet access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go ahead at try it. I don't actually have the S4, so I don't know from first hand experience, but it will either work or it won't. I expect it will work.
I got a surprise- I bought a used S4 and when I checked it, found out it has 4.2.2, MDL- one of the rare ones that was never updated and still has the unlocked bootloader! So all of the work I've been doing was somewhat off target.
Now I guess I need to root 4.2.2 and flash a custom rom to get the phone updated. If I update with the stock firmware it'll lock the bootloader permanently.
I found instructions to root on the first post here "[HOW-TO] The ULTIMATE All-In-One Guide - I337M & MDL - MF3 - MK2"
Is that the correct method?
I wonder if I can just load towelroot and root that way?
Can anyone suggest an updated ROM (preferably one that has been patched against stagefright)?
Do I also flash this phone using Odin? And does the firmware always go in the "AP" slot?
Sorry, I'm trying to learn this and I thought I'd be using the locked bootloader method in the 2nd post.
MDL oh don't let that bad boy ever update. You can root and unroot as often as you like.
Can you please help me understand what to do? I have a Samsung Galaxy s4 with AT&T that I switched to Straight Talk. I need to know how to root this phone but this forum is very confusing and outdated. Plz help me!
Hi, @Tmtd78. The S4 is getting pretty old now so this forum is pretty quiet. What version of android does your phone have? Under *Settings*, *About device*, what are the last 3 characters under *Build number*? I think every version of android on this phone can be rooted, but you will have to spend some time here to learn how everything works. Did you read the posts linked earlier by @creepyncrawly? Read the first and last 10 or 20 pages of each thread of interest and you will get the idea. The method you use will depend on the firmware your phone has. If it has the mdl or mdb bootloader, you probably will want to make sure the firmware doesn't update.
By the way, to @creepyncrawly and @engloa, thanks for your help. I was able to learn how to successfully root my S4, load a custom recovery, make backups, load a custom ROM, and make some tweaks to the kernel. Everything is running well now.
It was a long road, but everything was here on XDA and I appreciate your help.
@xdafan15, the build number is NI1. And I will definitely read the posts. I really appreciate you getting back with me so fast. I'm just scared I'm going to mess something up lol.
Sure thing. I'm not an expert, just a beginner, but I have learned a few things along the way. The NI1 bootloader is locked so you will need to follow the instructions for using Odin under the first post shown above by @creepyncrawly (here). Also, read this one. Also, this.
As long as you are 1) careful to not load code incompatible with an AT&T S4 onto your device and 2) follow instructions EXACTLY you should be fine. Be wary of following instructions listed on a forum that is not specific to the AT&T S4. Don't get sloppy and try to do stuff from memory- read and follow the instructions step by step. The good news is as long as you don't cause as few specific types of problems with your storage, I think you'll be able to Odin back to the NB1 firmware and start over.
Learn how to and practice booting your phone into download and recovery modes.
Get Odin running on your computer and see if it will recognize your device. A guide here. I think .tar or .tar.md5 files always go in the *AP* slot if memory serves. You may also see references to an older version of Odin where the *AP* slot was called *PDA*
Hey Guys,
I am a proud owner of a new S5 and I am no root newby as I had any other android devices before.
I read that it was possible to downgrade to 4.2 ANE2 Bootloader in order to root with Towelroot, so I might not trigger KNOX
But I read that the ne Models of the S5 have a locked bootloader, so a downgrade to ANE2 is not possible anymore.
Is this strill true?
I would love to see my Phone rooted but if its not possilble (its still in my package lol) I would rather send it back and decide for another phone -.- since I would like to keep my warranty intact.
Appreciate any answers
Regards!
the first thing when you ask put max information about your phone lol y know s5 have many series 900f 900h 900a and ....
Yup, need the model S5 first, then we can check if it can be rooted or not
Hey
it is 900f sorry I did not mention!
HustleberryFinn said:
Hey
it is 900f sorry I did not mention!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash this with ODIN
http://download.chainfire.eu/397/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-klte-kltexx-smg900f.zip
If that doesn't work, flash TWRP 2.8.7.0 with ODIN, then flash SuperSu.zip from TWRP recovery
As I said in my beginning post. I would like to have my warranty intact, so I guess rooting with CF Auto Root is not the best Idea, isn't it? (It triggers KNOX)
My Problem is simply, that I would like to know if a downgrade to an earlier bootloader is still possible if the device is delivered with Android 5.0.
You are describing the procedure for towelrooting......flashing an older kernel, using Towelroot and then re - flashing your original kernel. This has worked for many people (myself included) who were on KitKat before they rooted.......
You are on lollipop, this method won't work for you as flashing a KK kernel onto a lollipop firmware will more than likely make the phone unbootable. .....meaning you won't be able to use towelroot at all.
If you want rooted lollipop and knox at 0x0, you'll have to downgrade the entire firmware to KK, towelroot it and use Flashfire to return to your original but root injected lollipop firmware.
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Rooting brand new s5 lollipop
Sorry if this a seems to be noob question (but i did not find any answer nowhere).
I want to root my S5 kltexx (G900F) through Odin3_v3.10.7 with TWRP.tar + UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.
Q:
What the difference between them (excepting date of publication and version)?:
- openrecovery-twrp-2.8.4.0-klte.tar
- openrecovery-twrp-2.8.4.0-gt-klte.tar
- twrp-2.8.7.0-klte.img
Which should i use?
Thanks in advance for answer.
triceraptor said:
Sorry if this a seems to be noob question (but i did not find any answer nowhere).
I want to root my S5 kltexx (G900F) through Odin3_v3.10.7 with TWRP.tar + UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.
Q:
What the difference between them (excepting date of publication and version)?:
- openrecovery-twrp-2.8.4.0-klte.tar
- openrecovery-twrp-2.8.4.0-gt-klte.tar
- twrp-2.8.7.0-klte.img
Which should i use?
Thanks in advance for answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol install the last release if you want to be sure no bug with latest custom roms
@triceraptor The 2.8.7.0 seems to be the only version of TWRP that works with some Lollipop firmwares too......
The 'img' file you quoted won't work with odin....you need the .tar version.
Also, make sure re-activation lock is off before you start......otherwise this WILL interfere with the flash.
You *should* be able to find it under....
Settings>>Security......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
keithross39 said:
You are describing the procedure for towelrooting......flashing an older kernel, using Towelroot and then re - flashing your original kernel. This has worked for many people (myself included) who were on KitKat before they rooted.......
You are on lollipop, this method won't work for you as flashing a KK kernel onto a lollipop firmware will more than likely make the phone unbootable. .....meaning you won't be able to use towelroot at all.
If you want rooted lollipop and knox at 0x0, you'll have to downgrade the entire firmware to KK, towelroot it and use Flashfire to return to your original but root injected lollipop firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! Thanks for your post!
My problem is, that it is mentioned that you cannot fully downgrade to KK because the new Devices with Lolli have a locked bootloader. And with that, downgrading to an older KK OS will not do anything because with a modern bootloader its not possible to use towlroot.
So my original intention was simply to find out if it is true - Do the new devices have a locked loader or not.
If your option works, I am glad to try it out, but with a locked loader your advice seems kind of complicated.
To the best of my knowledge. locked bootloaders are carrier specific......
AT&T and (I believe) Verizon are the primary culprits.....There may be 'enhanced security' on newer bootloaders/firmware, but that's a separate issue. If your device is the 'F' variant, which is used mainly in Europe and the UK, a locked bootloader shouldn't be an issue.....It *might* be necessary to flash a .pit file simultaneously to the downgrade though, just to make sure that *every* trace of the LP firmware is removed (this isn't required every time, but is there as an option if needed).
However you play it, it would be best to keep checking to see that re-activation lock is disabled, as this will only lead to issues if it becomes enabled.
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
HustleberryFinn said:
Hey! Thanks for your post!
My problem is, that it is mentioned that you cannot fully downgrade to KK because the new Devices with Lolli have a locked bootloader. And with that, downgrading to an older KK OS will not do anything because with a modern bootloader its not possible to use towlroot.
So my original intention was simply to find out if it is true - Do the new devices have a locked loader or not.
If your option works, I am glad to try it out, but with a locked loader your advice seems kind of complicated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with Kieth. I was 90% sure it was carrier specific. You could use the towel root method, but I have rooted my phone the Cf way, and already get 0x1 so there is no point for me. You should be able to flash an older firmware. Then just reset all data and reboot good as old.
Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk
keithross39 said:
To the best of my knowledge. locked bootloaders are carrier specific......
AT&T and (I believe) Verizon are the primary culprits.....There may be 'enhanced security' on newer bootloaders/firmware, but that's a separate issue. If your device is the 'F' variant, which is used mainly in Europe and the UK, a locked bootloader shouldn't be an issue.....It *might* be necessary to flash a .pit file simultaneously to the downgrade though, just to make sure that *every* trace of the LP firmware is removed (this isn't required every time, but is there as an option if needed).
However you play it, it would be best to keep checking to see that re-activation lock is disabled, as this will only lead to issues if it becomes enabled.
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! Thanks again!
So I tried to downgrade but my screen of my new 900f stays totally black after downgrading.
I found a thread with the same problems - btw u participated in it as well- http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/help/custom-recovery-protection-samsung-t3135004/page8
Do you know any solutions for it? I would really like to use the towlroot method
Did you downgrade with or without pit?
As I mentioned in my earlier reply, the pit will erase EVERY trace of the old firmware from the device. Just make sure you get the CORRECT pit as flashing the wrong pit has the *potential* to permanently brick your device.
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
keithross39 said:
Did you downgrade with or without pit?
As I mentioned in my earlier reply, the pit will erase EVERY trace of the old firmware from the device. Just make sure you get the CORRECT pit as flashing the wrong pit has the *potential* to permanently brick your device.
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried it with a PIT file yet, but ins on my schedule for tomorrow!
Just in Case - I search for tutorials right now - do I have to flash the pit simultaneously or is there any special order I have to do it?
With all my past devices I never had to put so much effort for a root -.-"
Lol.....newer device = bigger headache.
Yes the pit is flashed simultaneously....
Load it into odin as a file with pit extension (kinda obvious that one lol) and then load the firmware tar.....and flash.
Can't stress this enough though.......
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE CORRECT PIT.....
Good luck fella....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
keithross39 said:
Lol.....newer device = bigger headache.
Yes the pit is flashed simultaneously....
Load it into odin as a file with pit extension (kinda obvious that one lol) and then load the firmware tar.....and flash.
Can't stress this enough though.......
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE CORRECT PIT.....
Good luck fella....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got some time the last hour. With the pit file - worked perfectly and rooted! Knox 0x0.
Thank you very much for your effort!
Glad I could help fella......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
keithross39 said:
Glad I could help fella......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! Same problem again. I had to send the device with the working downgrade back, because the mic was defect -.-
Now I tried to do the Same stuff with PIT file, but this time the Phone screen stays black
(Downgrade to ANE with Pit file. No Samsung Logo and nothing...have to geht to the Downgrad Menu blind in order to Flash the old 5.0 LP OS. Then it works again)
Do you have and other advices for me?
I have multiple s5 active phone one which had ne4 build installed and the one that my wife was using had been updated to the 0F3 build. I am new to android flashing and programming but had a tech background. Using odin I was able to downgrade the NE4 build to android 4.4.2 using the stock rom from Sam mobile which i was then able to root the phone. The problem is the phone with the 0F3 build. I am not able to downgrade it with the stock rom even after formatting. I have read where the reactivation lock could cause the auth. Failure when using odin. I have verified that block was unchecked and still the same problem. After more research I have read it is not possible to downgrade the system after upgraded to 0F3. So what I am wondering is there any roms out there that I could flash to the 0F3 build without issue? Is there a custom root able rom available? Thanks for any help I can get!! I'm stuck!
If you are not with one of the carriers that saddles you with a locked bootloader, then you should be able to downgrade.....
As far as i know, only 2 carriers are guilty of locked bootloaders......Verizon and AT&T......otherwise (Unless your carrier is a subsidiary of one of them) you should be able to downgrade.....
Have you tried flashing a pit file along with the firmware?
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
After doing more research that looks to be the problem both phones was bought from at&t at different times and have different builds. So the bootloader must be locked on the other phone. I was looking into the flash fire method but being that the phone is already on 5.0 and not rooted there is nothing I can currentry do to root it right? Since it won't let me flash a different rom even a downgraded 4.4.4 rom.
I have recently bought an S5 from straight talk. It uses Verizon towers. It came with 6.0.1 marshmallow.
Model-sm-s903vl
Baseband-s903vludu4aph3
Kernel version-3.4.0-8867563
Wed. Aug 10 2016
Build number-mmb29m.s903vludu4aph3
Cid-11xxxxxxxxxx
Android security patch level-August 1 2016
I'm having issues obtaining root on this device. I'm not sure if the bootloader comes unlocked or not. I tried kingroot, iroot,framaroot and few others. None have succeeded. I even tried the chainfire method in Odin and it fails every time. I've read downgrading is an option but from my understanding is that on a locked bootloader you can't downgrade. Attempt to ends in a hard brick. So correct me if I'm wrong. So after all is said anyone know how to root this thing? It's becoming quite frustrating.
anyone???
Bump
bump
bump this phone is so locked down...
from what I hear. A member here is working on the testing firmware. From my understanding, it's the firmware that was first put on this model to do testing and it runs 4.4 Kit Kat. The problems in it is a whole load of things including no cellular service. I think they have all things but contacts working correctly so far. Oh and best part is your able to root on the test firmware but people need those bugs worked out to have a stable usable phone. I tried things more simple like the Kit Kat firmware from the sm-902l model. It's still an s5 that runs on straight talk but different model numbers obviously and it runs 4.4. So I thought give it a try but Odin fails it every time
Any update on rooting the phone?
lotto44 said:
Any update on rooting the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No update on the 6.0. Just downgrade and root. Follow my thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...orial-root-sm-903vl-downgrading-to-4-t3580168
i have been searching for weeks now for a way to root my G935P on QH1 firmware and cant seem to find anything that works. Am i missing something or is there currently no way to root on this firmware? I have tried almost every root method for the G935P and every one of them bootloops my phone, and i think its because they are for older firmwares and its not letting me flash older firmware.
One method that looked promising was to flash U firmware, but i tried this too and it didnt work, dont know if im doing something wrong or if U firmware is not able to be installed after ive updated to this latest QH1 firmware.
RIght now im kind of kicking myself for installing this latest system update, but one of the root methods i tried that was one of the steps was to go to system update and let it update to the latest firmware and now it seems as if im stuck here with no way to root
I'm in the same boat, I recently just upgraded from the Note 3 (brother gave me his S7E). I'm not new to rooting, but its definitely not as easy as it used to be.
rfrick93 said:
I'm in the same boat, I recently just upgraded from the Note 3 (brother gave me his S7E). I'm not new to rooting, but its definitely not as easy as it used to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not worth rooting this phone. The method is extremely unstable. Any reason why you need to root? There could be a non root workaround
BDog21 said:
i have been searching for weeks now for a way to root my G935P on QH1 firmware and cant seem to find anything that works. Am i missing something or is there currently no way to root on this firmware? I have tried almost every root method for the G935P and every one of them bootloops my phone, and i think its because they are for older firmwares and its not letting me flash older firmware.
One method that looked promising was to flash U firmware, but i tried this too and it didnt work, dont know if im doing something wrong or if U firmware is not able to be installed after ive updated to this latest QH1 firmware.
RIght now im kind of kicking myself for installing this latest system update, but one of the root methods i tried that was one of the steps was to go to system update and let it update to the latest firmware and now it seems as if im stuck here with no way to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. The bootloops is crazy! I have rooted the tmobile and verizon versions before with no issues. I was begining to think the Qualcomm boot file was bad. But it appears it's with the sprint s7 edge.
lvpre said:
Not worth rooting this phone. The method is extremely unstable. Any reason why you need to root? There could be a non root workaround
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not unstable at all.. I have mine rooted for a long time. It's fast and works just fine... If you follow the steps in order, then you should have no problems at all... This is the simplest method of all.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-s7-edge/how-to/sm-g935p-spr-root-nougat-7-0-data-t3568780