Ok, so I have searched the forums for a few days now and I'm still a bit confused on certain aspects of rooting and flashing roms.
Information:
Galaxy S5 Tmobile, SM-G900T
From what I gather from my build number I have NK2 Firmware.
It is USB debug enabled.
Drivers installed (Not with Kies so it won't interrupter the flash process.)
I have the latest version if Odin ready to go.
My understanding of the Root Process for my phone so far:
1. Find the Model of your phone and Firmware Version as well as take note on Android version. In my case from what I have read I'm going to want to downgrade to 4.2.2 to use towel root.
2. Install Drivers, set up USB debugging.
3. Download the proper ROM that you want to downgrade to making sure that it matches model and firmware.
4. Flash using ODIN following a tutorial I have saved from here.
5. Once flashed, use towel root to gain SU then Flash back over to 4.4.2 and you will have regained Root. After that you can use another ROM ETC.
Now here is where I'm confused. First off, I'm having a hell of a time finding the right ROM for me. I keep seeing explicit warning about flashing ROMS for the wrong build number. In my case it's NK2 as I stated earlier. I can't seem to find one for NK2 ANYWHERE. Also, I'm having a hell of a time finding the ROM for 4.2.2 for the G900T. What am I missing and what if anything in the instructions am I missing or potentially doing wrong once I do find the right ROM with Firmware NK2?
In short I just need clarification and possibly a pointer to the right direction of the needed ROM that's compatible with my Firmware NK2.
Any help would be much appreciated. I really am trying to read and learn as much as possible but with all the information here I'm not sure which to follow and what's outdated. Thanks.
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*
If this is in the wrong place, feel free to delete this post.
I'm a n00b at rooting and don't trust myself to use a guide which may be outdated. Can someone post me some instructions or a link to an updated version of the root I need. I only want to root my phone to de-bloat it, as I cannot stand those useless apps.
Phone details;
Model number - SM-G900F
Android version - 5.0
Baseband version - G900FXXU1BOJ1
Everything is stock.
Thanks
EDIT 1: I had to do a little research because I couldn't find the baseband version I needed and found out I could use the SM-G900F (International Qualcomm) CF Auto Root which I found on here; http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2696537#sthash.8q6iwfow.dpuf
I then followed a video on how to root the phone using the file I had. (I'm a major n00b )
The video I used - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWzMbM5SCk
Starts @ 10:16
Credit to *Detection* for guiding me, I appreciate it bro.
Flash CR Auto Root from the CF AR thread
If that fails, reflash a stock ROM as it will likely bootloop your phone, and follow this guide
or just follow this one first
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64961009&postcount=2
*Detection* said:
Flash CR Auto Root from the CF AR thread
If that fails, reflash a stock ROM as it will likely bootloop your phone, and follow this guide
or just follow this one first
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64961009&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give these options a go and update the post with my results.
I followed this tutorial to root my S5 on Lollipop, worked on first try [emoji1] It's pretty easy to do, just a few clicks & you're done with it [emoji4]
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/root-galaxy-s5-sm-g900f-android-5-0-lollipop-cf-auto-root-1478356
Just noticed that Bell released the 6.0.1 update for my phone (at least I think Bell is BMC, since sammobile stopped displaying the carrier names I'm not sure anymore http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N910W8/BMC/). How would I go about doing that? I'm assuming there's more to this update than software, they usually include stuff like radio/modem/bootloader firmware updates that I can't get by just using some custom MM build. So I have to install their update to get that. But I'm running 5.1.1, using some custom debloated version of COK3.
I've got lots of questions that I couldn't answer with my google-fu. Is the 6.0.1 build rootable? Does xposed work on it? Can I use Chainfire's Flashfire to update it? https://flashfire.chainfire.eu/ Or do I have to completely downgrade to stock to apply the OTA update? Chainfire's Flashfire says it won't work with a locked bootloader, but that only applies to Verizon Note 4's, right, not Bell? I'm pretty sure my bootloader is unlocked or I wouldn't have a rooted phone with a custom rom and recovery. And it says "things get tricky with a modified /system partition like if you're running xposed", which I am, so what does that mean for me?
Thanks for any help! I know a lot of these questions can be vaguely answered by google if I look hard enough, but I like to be absolutely sure of all the steps for my exact phone before I go do anything that could possibly hard-brick it.
Hi All,
Complete noob here, so please be gentle!
I recently bought a new, "unlocked" LG V20 from an auction site.
The trouble is it came with AT&T carrier ROM, which being in the UK and not on AT&T means that it's stuck with the all of the branding and no access to updates.
Build number: NRD90M
Software version: H91010I
Android security patch level: December , 2016
If it's at all possible, I'd like to flash it with a generic non-carrier LG ROM, but unsure of what ROMs are safe to use on this phone, or exactly how to go about doing it.
I've looked at lots of forums and Youtube videos, but many of the links I've found are broken, or the instructions assume a level of previous knowledge that I don't have.
I'm not looking for the very latest firmware, or any trick customisations. I just want a phone that doesn't annoy me!
Can anyone advise what ROM to use, where to download it, and step by step instructions to install it without bricking my phone.
TIA
Bassman_62
Bassman_62 said:
Hi All,
Complete noob here, so please be gentle!
I recently bought a new, "unlocked" LG V20 from an auction site.
The trouble is it came with AT&T carrier ROM, which being in the UK and not on AT&T means that it's stuck with the all of the branding and no access to updates.
Build number: NRD90M
Software version: H91010I
Android security patch level: December , 2016
If it's at all possible, I'd like to flash it with a generic non-carrier LG ROM, but unsure of what ROMs are safe to use on this phone, or exactly how to go about doing it.
I've looked at lots of forums and Youtube videos, but many of the links I've found are broken, or the instructions assume a level of previous knowledge that I don't have.
I'm not looking for the very latest firmware, or any trick customisations. I just want a phone that doesn't annoy me!
Can anyone advise what ROM to use, where to download it, and step by step instructions to install it without bricking my phone.
TIA
Bassman_62
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theirs a h910 root thread in the guide section >
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=3664500&share_fid=3793&share_type=t
Being on 10i dirty santa method may work
I always stayed with stock rooted debloated roms on the V20. Most all the custom roms don't support the second screen or have something else I just didn't like.
I have a stock rooted Oreo thread in the developer section that I used for months until I got the PH1 [emoji16]
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Use dirty santa, to unlock the bootloader and root, then you can flash 996 rom which should be unbranded
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs
Try Super Rom. It's bare bones. No bloatware from LG or ATT.
Follow the steps here to flash TWRP https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/how-to/root-h910-v10m-t3664500. I'm having trouble with backups fully restoring, but it works otherwise.
I'd imagine you could install Super Rom right after you can access TWRP, but I haven't tried it. I did it after flashing 10r.
Download Super Rom and put it on your SD card. Flash it after wiping everything https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/rom-superv20-h918-t3764390. During the installation, it will ask you if you want to flash a kernel. Select mk2000. The speed difference is astounding. It's slow and lags without the kernel, but extremely fast if you include it. Boot system and set it up. Then go back to TWRP and flash SuperSU for root.
jeremyn87 said:
Try Super Rom. It's bare bones. No bloatware from LG or ATT.
Follow the steps here to flash TWRP https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/how-to/root-h910-v10m-t3664500. I'm having trouble with backups fully restoring, but it works otherwise.
I'd imagine you could install Super Rom right after you can access TWRP, but I haven't tried it. I did it after flashing 10r.
Download Super Rom and put it on your SD card. Flash it after wiping everything https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/rom-superv20-h918-t3764390. During the installation, it will ask you if you want to flash a kernel. Select mk2000. The speed difference is astounding. It's slow and lags without the kernel, but extremely fast if you include it. Boot system and set it up. Then go back to TWRP and flash SuperSU for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong! Flash root immediately after you flash the rom
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs
You can just flash a US996 KDZ using patched LGUP, unticking modem. Don't accept OTA updates though
Thanks all,
Not been ignoring you - just crazy busy.
So if i understand correctly, the 996 rom will give me a stock, unbranded V20 with the 2nd screen working?
Is there any particular version of the rom to look for, or any to avoid.
TIA (again)
Update
I posted something else here, which wasn't relevant.
Bassman_62 said:
Thanks all,
Not been ignoring you - just crazy busy.
So if i understand correctly, the 996 rom will give me a stock, unbranded V20 with the 2nd screen working?
Is there any particular version of the rom to look for, or any to avoid.
TIA (again)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash the newest US996 KDZ, don't worry about modem (they're both GSM only devices, so US996 modem should work on the h910, and it'll also change the unlocked-bands to US996). Use the patched LGUP from this forum, it allows cross flashing