I have a bunch of questions
What has gone before:
Droid X2 (rooted)
Galaxy S3 (Rooted and tethered)
Galaxy S4 (Rooted and tethered with Stang5liter's excellent ROM)
I'm sure you are beginning to see a pattern here..!
The Story So Far:
I just got hold of a Galaxy S7, G930V, (Yes, it's Verizon). Build is VVRUBQC5 (Nougat). Naturally I have rooted it (using the "Eng-Root kernel and ROOT.BAT" method). So far so good. The only thing missing is tethering. I am grandfathered into the old Verizon Unlimited plan, and want to get tethering working (which it currently isn't), From the research that I have done, tethering is difficult under Nougat, but if there is a way to get it working, that would be great. Debloating and enhancing performance would also be great, but stock rooted with tethering is adequate for my needs.
Options:
Stick with Nougat Rooted Stock, sort out tethering and de-bloat/tune as necessary
Downgrade to MarshMallow and install a tried-and-true debloated ROM such as Stang5liter or the S7 flat ROM.
Questions:
What benefits does Nougat give over MM? What do I lose if I downgrade?
I see that G930VVZW4BQC9 is available. If I take the OTA, I will lose root. Is it still rootable using the Eng-Root method, or have Big Red found a way to prevent that? IOW, has anyone succeeded in rooting G930VVZW4BQC9?
Are there any problems or restrictions on downgrading to an earlier version of Android? When I try using ODIN to flash an earlier version (PE1), I get a "Fused 4 > Binary 2" message.
Related
I ordered the AT&T unlocked S5 Active off Swappa from a seller that resells phones from corporate usage. It came with 4.4.2 and some modifications that lead me to believe the company does did not permit upgrades. That said, it was hell to get MTP working on it and it did not read any microSD cards (yes I troubleshot plenty). They offered to replace it and so I have a Verizon S5 (not Active) on the way instead, as I'm hoping for more official upgrade support (Marshmallow this month??).
Aaanyway, regarding root, updates, tips/tricks, etc, any suggestions?
I'm coming from the AT&T Moto X 2013 but have a good deal of experience with roots, mods, etc.
rino757 said:
I ordered the AT&T unlocked S5 Active off Swappa from a seller that resells phones from corporate usage. It came with 4.4.2 and some modifications that lead me to believe the company does did not permit upgrades. That said, it was hell to get MTP working on it and it did not read any microSD cards (yes I troubleshot plenty). They offered to replace it and so I have a Verizon S5 (not Active) on the way instead, as I'm hoping for more official upgrade support (Marshmallow this month??).
Aaanyway, regarding root, updates, tips/tricks, etc, any suggestions?
I'm coming from the AT&T Moto X 2013 but have a good deal of experience with roots, mods, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, it's a very easy procedure I was hunting and hunting when I got mine (about a month ago) so I've done plenty of research.
Mine had 4.4.2 on it as well. There is a downgrade process which is fairly simple and straightforward. It requires using Odin. I also followed a thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/tut-root-tripping-knox-t2803951 which helped me a lot. I also read that towelroot isn't working, so I found one set of tools which has towelroot plus v2 and v3. v3 worked for me the second time. Try googling some stuff, there is tons of information, I'm looking for a good ROM or at least a pre-rooted updated stock ROM. I have version 0A8, which is the first OTA lollipop update. I'm looking for a ROM based off of lollipop there are tons based on kitkat kernel thou. CM is working on I think 12.1 So I may downgrade again because the downside to having Verizon lollipop installed, TWRP will no longer work. Stay with kitkat, install TWRP, and go from there, think I'm going back to kitkat to find a decent ROM, I like having recovery. Hope I helped a bit
silverdragon76 said:
Honestly, it's a very easy procedure I was hunting and hunting when I got mine (about a month ago) so I've done plenty of research.
Mine had 4.4.2 on it as well. There is a downgrade process which is fairly simple and straightforward. It requires using Odin. I also followed a thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/tut-root-tripping-knox-t2803951 which helped me a lot. I also read that towelroot isn't working, so I found one set of tools which has towelroot plus v2 and v3. v3 worked for me the second time. Try googling some stuff, there is tons of information, I'm looking for a good ROM or at least a pre-rooted updated stock ROM. I have version 0A8, which is the first OTA lollipop update. I'm looking for a ROM based off of lollipop there are tons based on kitkat kernel thou. CM is working on I think 12.1 So I may downgrade again because the downside to having Verizon lollipop installed, TWRP will no longer work. Stay with kitkat, install TWRP, and go from there, think I'm going back to kitkat to find a decent ROM, I like having recovery. Hope I helped a bit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helped a ton I was thinking of sticking with the Active so I wouldn't need a case, but with all the development here, I'm glad I switched. And the Verizon model seems to be doing better than the AT&T one in terms of OTAs.
I was on a 4.4.4 for a long time as OTAs lock bootloaders.
I am happily rooted on 5.0 running a TW stock rooted ROM.
Beware of OTAs..... they can kill you. LP is Def better!
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Sry about the terrible shorthand. Finally broke down and factory reset my verizon gs5. Before setting up i decided to roll it back, root it, and get a debloated PB1 rom from here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370
So, if like me, and you have the nov/dec VZW OTA update on your phone PJ2 if i recall, this link got me rolled back and rooted. This method added busybox which i didn't really understand, safestrap which i actually kinda liked, and initially kingroot then the flash went to superSU.
I kinda liked the marshmallow os a touch better with the google now launcher and everything verizon as removed as possible vs 5.x.x. Basically the verizon OTA update to marshmallow essentially bricked my phone (not enough space after like 3 years of never re-formatting). I love my tablet that essentially runs just a bare bones no BS google android marshmallow software similar to what a pixel has or nexus had.
Doin more reading looking for such a rom i found this link:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909
This successfully unlocked the bootloader. They omit that you should make sure you have the rom on he phone or sd card before starting. So before using odin make sure the rom is on the phone and matched the bootloader unlocker you wish to use. This method of flashing used TWRP recovery which i found to be...different than safestrap but functional all the same.
QUESTION 1
Is there a rom for the SM-G900V that is similar or identical to a non branded google device like how the pixel comes stock?
I haven't messed around with the phone since unlocking the bootloader and flashing it to the VZW_BPB1_ODEX_DEODEX_V9 using the TWRP Recovery. Basically if my best bet is a debloated stock but rooted vzw rom that is 6.x.x and then manually removing/deactivating the garbage from vzw apps i'll do it. But figured this was the place to ask if there was already a rom out there that works on the SM-G900V. Because i can easily put a rom that does the job instead of tinkering more than i have too.
QUESTION 2
Now that i used the SafeStrap_PB1_Bootloader_Unlock_AIO.zip and flashed VZW_BPB1_ODEX_DEODEX_V9.zip using the method from the second link. It APPEARS i can just load a 6.x.x rom and use TWRP Recovery to flash that. Am i mistaken? Will i need to do the unlock bootloader process over for the PD1 PF4 or whatever boatloader unlocker corresponds with the rom. OR...now that the bootloader is no longer verizon'ed can i basically swap roms to my hearts content as long as they do not also try to install a new bootlaoder??
I have no idea how to "tag" either poster from the links i mentioned but i'm certain many here as well as they could answer both questions easily.
Ok, I bought a new Verizon S5 in July of 2015. I rooted it a couple days later using Towelroot. The CID is 11, so it has a locked bootloader. I never had a single issue with the phone, and honestly, never thought about doing any updates, as it just kept chugging along dependable every day. I recently retired the S5, as I bought a mint, used Note 4 and fell in love with it. I am getting ready to sell the S5, but want to fully update it to 6.0.1 Marshmallow DQH2. I am not worried about losing root, as I am selling the phone, and will probably remove root anyway. I have a few questions though:
1) Can I update from Kit Kat all the way to Marshmallow and the latest update, or do I have to do it in increments?
2) Is it easier to update, then remove root?
3) What would be the easiest way to update to DQH2?
4) Since its rooted, can I just download the stock DQH2 firmware and flash it in Odin and go from KK to MM?
4A) If it can be flashed as stated above, will I lose root?
4A-1) Is there a rooted DQH2 firmware that can be flashed?
Thanks in Advance!!!
0) Check if Reactivation Lock is turned OFF.
...
4) Flash this DQH2 and it will erase everything, including root.
4A) Yes.
4A-1) No.
Forget the rest of the questions.
P.S. The first boot after flashing will take 10-15 min. so be patient.
bbsc said:
0) Check if Reactivation Lock is turned OFF.
...
4) Flash this DQH2 and it will erase everything, including root.
4A) Yes.
4A-1) No.
Forget the rest of the questions.
P.S. The first boot after flashing will take 10-15 min. so be patient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Whats the highest I can update, and retain root? I am re-thinking things now, as the package disabler app I was using and very fond of.... has been updated, and evidently does not work like it used to. I used this app on my Note 4, and was so happy with being able to disable all the bloatware and OTA etc... that I didnt bother to root the Note 4. I thought that if I lost root upgrading the S5, I would just install the same package disabler app, so it wouldnt be a problem, as thats really the only reason I root.... to get rid of bloatware. I may want to keep root now though
widowmaker17 said:
Whats the highest I can update, and retain root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BPB1, Android 5.0.
You may also like the idea to install a custom debloated 6.0.1 ROM without root. If you've decided not to sell the S5.
Just another viewpoint if you haven't updated the phone yet: there are buyers who look primarily for phones with earlier versions of android, and it could actually increase the value/selling chance of your phone if you keep it on an earlier version and advertise it as such.
This gives the purchaser the opportunity to install the version they might want, especially since it's relatively difficult to find a Verizon S5 (or any Verizon Samsung phone) with 1. an unlocked bootloader and 2. an earlier version of Android such as KitKat installed.
I know this doesn't necessarily answer your questions, but it might be of benefit.
Like a lot of noobies to the Verizon S5, I've discovered I bought an eMMC 11 locked bootloader S5 and I can't run the stuff I had on my last phone (USC S5 in my case). I've passed denial and anger, and am struggling with acceptance. Maybe the choices aren't THAT bad (ugh, they probably are). So help those of us who just bought a new (used) phone accept reality...
So it looks like the choice at this point is Unrooted Marshmallow or Rooted Lollipop. And is it really worth all the trouble to install Safestrap to end up with the Unrooted Marshmallow like what's already on the phone?
So, what are the pros/cons of rooted lollipop? What does one lose/What does one gain? Is it worth it?
SupraLance said:
And is it really worth all the trouble to install Safestrap to end up with the Unrooted Marshmallow like what's already on the phone?
So, what are the pros/cons of rooted lollipop? What does one lose/What does one gain? Is it worth it?
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Click to collapse
SM-G900V is a very good phone from any point of view.
I've bought near 20 of them, it's my hobby to repair something .
Some were sold, some I've presented to my friends, some are in use in my family.
Really, all my family use this phone model, despite I'm on the opposite side of the globe from Verizon.
So, as an active SM-G900V user I can say:
1. There's no better firmware than a lightly debloated stock TW ROM.
2. A normal, usual user should not use a rooted phone as a daily driver. Rooted phone demands much more attention than a normal device to keep it in working state.
3. I personally don't use rooted phones even if I can root them.
4. CID11 (Toshiba EMMC) seems to be more reliable than CID15 (Samsung EMMC). N.B.: I'm sure, but it's only my observation.
5. You can install many good ROMs on CID11 phone, but you're limited to TW.
6. SafeStrap is not a root substitution but a way to flash a custom ROM to your phone.
So, CID11 phone and unrooted MM is my choice.
But if you cannot live without root and still want to find a CID15 phone, you may want to look at this and this threads.
So I assume you run the stock MM with safestrap, and used a debloat zip through safestrap to debloat? If there is an already debloated stock MM rom I'm not seeing it, but this place has so many similar subforums and outdated stickies it's really confusing now.
I agree with you about using non-rooted stock DD. On my USC S5, I have multirom that lets me switch back and forth between that and LOS by just rebooting and I have the best of both worlds at my fingertips. But I do use the unrooted but debloated TW most.
SupraLance said:
So I assume you run the stock MM with safestrap, and used a debloat zip through safestrap to debloat? If there is an already debloated stock MM rom I'm not seeing it, but this place has so many similar subforums and outdated stickies it's really confusing now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I run "almost stock" MM even WITHOUT safestrap for everyday use.
This is because some applications (mostly bank applications) do not run on the phone with safestrap installed.
But safestrap is used for flashing process.
I use this ROM in unrooted variant as my daily driver.
This ROM is nice too.
Of course, only system partition is altered. Bootloader, modem, kernel remain stock from SM-G900V.
Did you ever run Havoc OS or put multiboot on your USC S5 variant? You might give it a try on this new one. I too did a few S5 emmc11? or so and had to safestrap them. I have 2 here now that are Verizon variants im needing new screens for and not sure what they are on. Should hopefully be ok and older binary.
noidodroid said:
Did you ever run Havoc OS or put multiboot on your USC S5 variant? You might give it a try on this new one. I too did a few S5 emmc11? or so and had to safestrap them. I have 2 here now that are Verizon variants im needing new screens for and not sure what they are on. Should hopefully be ok and older binary.
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Click to collapse
hey buddy., can help me out., with the instruccions to unlock the bootloader and istall twrp on my gs5., i have the emm11 chip., i tried but i can't
moded my i337 long ago with the following and it has been working fine.
Rooted,
installed safestrap 3.72 (TWRP V2.7.0 0)
I have nothing installed an any of the slots only the STOCK rom box s lit
I have 4.4.4 KitKat installed (I337UCUFNJ4)
I have also installed the fix to allow WIFI hotspot since I use consumer cellular and they allow hotspot for free. I also wanted NO updates that would eventially slow the phone to a crawl and possbily remove my wifi hotspot mod.
I now have some apps that need lolipop 5.0 minimum and I'd like tofin a way to upgrade this phone to that.
I'm not a power andriod user but do know computers and networking and am a techie by nature. I was able to do the above myself but have long forgotten the steps.
Do you have recommendations for the easiest and safest way to update to 5.0 or higher on this S4? I know want to retain the wifi hotspot mod. the rest of the stuff on the phone is normal stuff that can be reinstalled.
thanks
This thread may help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
cousindan said:
moded my i337 long ago with the following and it has been working fine.
Rooted,
installed safestrap 3.72 (TWRP V2.7.0 0)
I have nothing installed an any of the slots only the STOCK rom box s lit
I have 4.4.4 KitKat installed (I337UCUFNJ4)
I have also installed the fix to allow WIFI hotspot since I use consumer cellular and they allow hotspot for free. I also wanted NO updates that would eventially slow the phone to a crawl and possbily remove my wifi hotspot mod.
I now have some apps that need lolipop 5.0 minimum and I'd like tofin a way to upgrade this phone to that.
I'm not a power andriod user but do know computers and networking and am a techie by nature. I was able to do the above myself but have long forgotten the steps.
Do you have recommendations for the easiest and safest way to update to 5.0 or higher on this S4? I know want to retain the wifi hotspot mod. the rest of the stuff on the phone is normal stuff that can be reinstalled.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking for the Oreo ROM. Is there any way to get an oreo custom ROM for my GS4? I contacted AT&T but they told me that they no more provide support for GS4. TIA.
The only way to get an Oreo ROM running is to be on the MDL bootloader. Since you're on NJ4 your phone was updated past MDL and thus you are now stuck. Since you are on kit kat, you can use safe strap to boot custom touchwiz ROMs or you can update to lollipop and boot ROMs with flash fire. You can jump around to a few different kit kat versions I think, but that's all you can do as your bootloader is locked. Unless you upgrade to lollipop that is then you can only jump around to lollipop versions.
audit13 said:
This thread may help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 That's how I got mine to OK2 with root. This post provided the needed Flashfire app
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78037038&postcount=1089
A Mobile Hotspot App is also mentioned in this post
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76089302&postcount=1084
If you search the thread for "Mobile Hotspot" without the quotes you'll find 4 posts that talk about it. I believe that's what the "I337_OK2_TetherAddOn.zip" is for in the first post.:good:
Forgot to mention set your phones time/date to manual and set the date to before March of 2018 I think it is before installing and running Flashfire for it to work. That's also mentioned somewhere here.