Finding lots of old threads on this topic which don't work with PF4. Are there any current solutions to get around an activation locked phone? I've tried to downgrade to OG5 and NG5, but no luck it wont allow it. (my bootloader is not unlocked).
-Inet
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I currently have AT&T stock (I used to have a custom ROM then had to flash to stock ROM to be able to flash to another custom ROM--however, I accidentally flashed a newer version of the AT&T stock ROM which locked my bootloader and I could no longer flash to a custom ROM). I updated my AT&T stock ROM recently and now my back/menu buttons don't work, so I want to see if I can flash to a custom ROM now.
I don't remember the procedure to flash a custom ROM--do I first need to get root in order to unlock the bootloader to be able to flash ROMs (i.e. if I have root then I am guaranteed to be able to unlock bootloader in order to flash ROM)? Is the baseband version the only thing that determines whether I can unlock the bootloader and then be able to flash ROMs?
I currently have OK2 as broadband version and checked one of the stickied threads which said this:
" ROOT
OK2 -- No direct root method. Must Odin OC4 kernel, use Kingroot, then Odin OK2 kernel back."
Does that mean what I have to do is use Odin to get OC4 kernel, then use Kingroot, then Odin OK2 kernel and then I will be able to have root, which means I can then unlock my bootloader and be able to flash to ANY ROM (not just TouchWiz-based ROMs)? Is there anything else I need to consider or is this 100% foolproof? In the future, what should I be careful of in order to prevent getting my bootloader locked again--just that I don't flash a stock (AT&T) ROM that is known to lock back the bootloader?
Thank you all!
There's no way to unlock the bootloader if you have updated your device to the lastest firmware version. The only thing you can do is flash SafeStrap and use Stock Kernel Based ROMs which are compatible with Safestrap.
As regards to the procedure of rooting an OK2 firmware, I'm afraid I won't be able to help you.
Have a happy new year.
mindstormer said:
...however, I accidentally flashed a newer version of the AT&T stock ROM which locked my bootloader ...
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I was just about to sit down and flash a stock ROM. Can you explain what you mean by this? Did you flash OK2 and it caused you a problem?
smock9 said:
I was just about to sit down and flash a stock ROM. Can you explain what you mean by this? Did you flash OK2 and it caused you a problem?
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It was a while ago but I used to have I believe an MDL broadband version which meant I could flash any ROM available. I tried a different ROM, didn't like it, then decided to flash back to the stock ROM but accidentally flashed a newer version of it, which meant that my bootloader is now locked. With a locked bootloader, apparently I can only flash to a newer stock ROM (not other ROMs like Cyanogenmod) via Safestrap.
I think if you don't have the MDL broadband version you shouldn't worry about it anyway because it is locked and you will only be limited to flashing stock ROMs.
Slight correction
The previous entry is not entirely correct. Like the OP, I was originally on an unlocked bootloader on my i337. I'd purchased my i337 on the first day and eschewed OTA updates. I wanted to try a touchwiz based ROM, Hyperdrive, and in doing so I recall flashing the stock NB1 firmware. Every firmware beginning with NB1 has a locked bootloader and there has been no progress for more than a year in unlocking the bootloader again. This can limit you to either stock ROMs OR other touchwiz based ROMs like Hyperdrive. I love the Hyperdrive ROM (now on release 21) but its developer has moved on to a newer phone, so it's stuck at Android 4.4.2 and no one has picked up the project in many months. There are several other touchwiz based ROMs for the i337 version of the S4 which I have also tried but I prefer Hyperdrive's myriad customization, even without proper patching. I'll be moving on soon to the Nexus 6P as my daily driver, but would very much like to keep my S4 up to date with a custom ROM. Given the number of people that have been in this same situation, where a newer stock ROM from AT&T locked a previously unlocked bootloader, it's been surprising that the issues have not been overcome on a phone as popular as the Galaxy S4 was and continues to be. I've seen unlocked versions of the S4 selling for just under $400 in the last week of 2015.
Use the desktop version of Kingoroot to root and use Super su and update the binary. Don't forget to hit thanks if this helped.
The bootloader for the at&t s4 was never unlocked. The MDL bootloader had a flaw in it that allowed you to use LOKI which is a lock bypass, not a way to unlock the bootloader.
Hello guys, hope you can help me out.
Im have an sm g900v S5 here in Argentina. It is not rooted but it is unlocked somehow (dont know exactly how because I bought it that way). Now, Id like to update to 6.0.1 if possible without losing this condition, I mean, Ill still need to use it in Argentina so I have to make sure it wont be re-locked to Verizon.
Should I first downgrade to ni2 and root, and once rooted update to 6.0.1? In that case which guide should I follow to update from NI2 rooted to 6.0.1?
Any help will be much appreciated!!!
Best regards
Ignacio
I would rooting first then check to see if your phone is bootloader unlocked by going to download mode on your phone by turning off your device then holding the home button and power and volume down button at the same time
once your phone has a screen that says odin mode look for a line that says mode developer if you don't see developer your bootloader is locked to get out of odin mode pull out your battery then put it back in
if it is unlocked go to this guide other wise if it isn't unlocked search XDA for s5 verizon bootloader unlock and follow that guide then proceed to the guide below
If you want offial software without losing root or bootloader unlock I would recommend a mm custom rom such as
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...pdate-to-g900voe1-5-0-keeproot-t3149784/page1
IF you want a custom rom cm13 is a popular mm ROM
Looked thru the other threads, and didnt see anything that pertained directly perhaps someone can point me in the right direction.
Have my stock S5 from verizon, on 4.4.4 NK2 firmware. Looking to update to whatever is the most current stock firmware with root. I'm coming to this from years of rooting Sprint devices, this is my first Verizon and I've been putting it off forever. Been getting the nag screen everyday now for a software update and I figured it was the time to update this and get myself root.
Thanks in advance for any help in where to look. Please forgive me in advance if this is a duplicate, I searched...I really did, but since its all new to me I wanted to ask.
Looks like the process is to flash 4.4.2, root, check if bootloader can be unlocked, and then proceed 2 different ways if it can be dev bootloader unlocked. If it can, unlock bootloader, flash twrp, and then flash whatever rom you want. If you can't unlock the bootloader, folow the guides to upgrade keeping root with safestrap and use roms that are TW for locked bootloaders. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I just got a 4.4.4 g900v myself in a trade and I'm figuring out how to proceed as well.
Ok, slight difference. You can root & check the bootloader from 4.4.4...
Root here (Using NCG stock kernel...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver.../safely-upgrade-root-4-4-4-nha-volte-t2879348
If you're having trouble finding the NI2 kernel like I did it's here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784880
Then use the method bootloader unlock from method 3 here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909
If you can unlock your bootloader (I could), then flash the bootloader of choice from that link above to correspond to the rom you want. I'll be trying out Phoenix with pd4 (installed from above link) from here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/development/port-phoenix-rom-v12-0-t3400292
Hi,
This has probably already been answered somewhere on the site but, I'm looking to flash a stock bootloader on my i9505. The current bootloader is stopping me from using Android Pay so, would someone be able to provide me with the latest bootloader and instructions on how to flash it on without rooting the device?
Thank you
The bootloader thread is literally under your thread at the moment.
The simplest way would be to just do a software update.
Also, if your device is not rooted or otherwise unmodified, then you should be able to use Android Pay without problems.
I have a question since I watched the youtube video on how to upgrade my phone samsung s4 at&t to Oreo, but I read that I need a bootloader. Then when I read articles here in xda, mostly says that this phone can't be unlock? so How do I deal with this? Please explain simply because I am new in this.
If the phone is running an MDL bootloader, it may be possible to flash Oreo. If the phone is running a newer bootloader, the phone can only run TWRP and will not run Nougat or Oreo.
hjayc24 said:
I have a question since I watched the youtube video on how to upgrade my phone samsung s4 at&t to Oreo, but I read that I need a bootloader. Then when I read articles here in xda, mostly says that this phone can't be unlock? so How do I deal with this? Please explain simply because I am new in this.
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Click to collapse
You cannot unlock the bootloader. However, if you're on the MDL bootloader then you can use an exploit called loki doki to install a custom recovery and a custom ROM. If you're on a newer bootloader other than MDL, then you are stuck with only booting custom touch wiz based ROMs and must use safe strap if on kit kat or flash fire if on lollipop.
Can you oden back to mdl if you are running NJ4.
does it matter id i upgraded to Kittkatt with a custon rom vs ota update on if the bootloader got locked? does goldeneye kittkatt 4.4.4 lock the bootloader?
cousindan said:
Can you oden back to mdl if you are running NJ4.
does it matter id i upgraded to Kittkatt with a custon rom vs ota update on if the bootloader got locked? does goldeneye kittkatt 4.4.4 lock the bootloader?
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Click to collapse
No you cannot odin back to MDL, if you try you will brick your phone. It doesn't really matter how you update given your bootloader is locked (unless you're on the MDL firmware). Golden eye ROM does not lock the bootloader, no custom ROMS lock the bootloader.