Database Users

Would someone mind looking over my plan to root my Note 4? I just want to be sure

I have experience rooting a Xoom, an Atrix, and an S3, but at the same time I usually just follow instructions to the bullet point while only vaguely understanding what I'm doing.
I got my cracked screen replaced at a non-samsung outlet yesterday which I'm pretty sure voids my warranty, and if so, I want to take advantage of that by rooting. But a lot has changed since the last time I rooted a phone - they're talking about "systemless root" and flashing an SELinux Permissive Kernel and then "Oh no wait you don't have to flash such a kernel in this new version" and I have no idea what any of that is referring to, all that stuff is new to me.
I have a Canadian Note 4 SM-N910W8 running the latest COK3 OTA update on 5.1.1. I found this rooted ROM which I'm pretty sure is the one I want, but then, it's the only one I found, if there are more or better rooted ROMs please let me know:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/snapdragon-dev/trltecan-n910w8-aoa1-stock-rooted-t3025538
The instructions for how to install it keep changing for every version though. It also says I need to start by flashing TWRP via ODIN - Okay, I've done that before, but I want to make sure I get the right one. I found a couple of sources:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/general/ref-stock-firmware-kernel-modem-recovery-t2920452 - twrp-2.8.7.0-trltecan.img.tar
and:
http://galaxynote4root.com/cwmtwrp-recovery/ - openrecovery-twrp-2.8.1.0-trltecan.img.tar
Not sure which one I should use.
All I want is to be able to edit the keyconfig files to get my USB controller working, to be able to edit system files to change the Touchwiz aggressive background app closing and allow apps to remain in memory for much longer to make it more like Windows memory management, and to be able to install Xposed modules like statusbar volume.
But I want to make sure that I'm doing everything *exactly* right, and that's why I like to ask real human beings to confirm my plan before starting. So I download one of those TWRP files, download ODIN, plug my phone into my PC, use ODIN to flash TWRP, boot into TWRP, use TWRP to wipe data, cache, dalvik, and system, and then install the rooted ROM I linked above. Have I got all that right? What's all this SELinux and systemless root stuff I keep hearing about, and why don't I need to do that anymore with the latest version of this rooted rom? Will this break any key features on my Note 4 like my spen or my external USB or my blood oxygen meter or all the cool novelty **** that Samsung Note 4 comes with?

Right here goes the rom u have is the right one for ur phone. There will be others around byt u can try that ome to start with. The twrp recovery u need is the 6th one on the list down the model numner is at the end of the file name, its the .tar file u want zip can be used also but thats using recovery to flash the rom. Using odin 3.09 latest one i think. U need to hold down volume down, home and the power to boot into download mode open idon with kies closed and end task with task manager in window.
Now whem oden starts u need to select the phone tab and choose the twrp recovery and flash that leaving everything unchecked apart from restart and reset time all others should be blank, i flashed with erase nand and nearly bricked my phone, thats one to leave for the experts lol.
Once u flashed recovery i think u need to root even though the rom is rooted rom i think it needs to be rooted before u flash the rom, not sure but its what was on the instructions i followed. If u try find a root file off here for ur phone u do same as u did flashing the recovery file and tjats it wait for phone to restart and reboot fully after flashing each recovery and root, i always do from knowimg its best ti imstall wimdows apps ome at a ti, e and reboot between the installs as less syste, errors can happen that way , well not system errors but linked dll files not been copied right and the like.
Thanks
Steve
Still need help them post back and will do my nest nut i a newb, i have an understandimg of how things work but by no means am i an expert i do what u do, i follow imstructions and learn as i go along what thimgs are and what they do, best way then u kmow what ur messing or dealing with.
U also, well i did for my 910f need to use a specific twrp or at least the latest release.
The walk throughs on most sites are all the right way to do it, just others are explained better than others and imclude other stuff if it goes wrong which believe me it can go wrong, easy as not seeimg a check box tocked or not ticked and boom paper weight lol

Digipro said:
The twrp recovery u need is the 6th one on the list down the model numner is at the end of the file name, its the .tar file u want zip can be used also but thats using recovery to flash the rom.
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Click to collapse
Okay but what about the other site I found, the XDA forum with TWRP recovery files? They seem like newer versions, but then that left me wondering if the reason the other site has older versions is because it's just outdated, or because only the older versions will work.
Thanks for all your help btw!

Your welcom, the rom you want is fine, u want to go for either of the roms version 3.21 de bloated or regula,, de bloated is where they take slot of apps by google and also carrier apps that sometimes come installed.
Steve.

New OTA update today

Hey guys, thought I would make a discussion thread about the new update today for the Sprint S5's. Looks like todays update was just over 200 MB. I don't know if it affects the latest chainfire root yet or not.
But yeah, make your stock S5 search for a update and you should find one waiting.
I've noticed:
The Android Security Patch Level is now December 1, 2016
Software version is now G900PVPU3CPL2

Do we know how long Samsung will continue to update our phone OTA? I appreciate that we still have support. It's not so bad being 1 month behind in security updates since even with security updates we are still vulnerable to 0-day exploits anyway.

Does anyone have a copy or link to this update? I want to see if it helps with signal on nougat based roms.
Thanks in advance

KIES
The~Skater~187 said:
Does anyone have a copy or link to this update? I want to see if it helps with signal on nougat based roms.
Thanks in advance
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The best way to actually try and get this is through Kies or SmartSwitch apps. Sam Mobile does not have this, and it would be, about another month from now, till they even have it... Been there too many times looking for this so call update.
I know that is does state 01dec2016 security update. I also know, that Knox is added to (at least, all Knox is added data (Kbs, not Mbs) I also believe, they (Samsung, tech side phone updates) have added more apps for Knox. However, we don't have anything that is related to these new updates. heck 2 of them, state they have DATA. Through the stock app manager, you have an option, to erase this, because it is not installed....
not sure if this helps you find what you are looking for. ...
( me 2cents on this),... Why extra apps and data../. Why do we have to download a complete new Stock Rom, when we already were stock anyway ???) (Me dog did a real number on the phone. had to be a good eBay and Amazon shopper... Completely rebuild my S5.
Wondering if the S5 will be having A real update, such as 7.1... ??? !!!) we S5, was not on or in the press release early this month, regard the Samsung, Android updates... 7.0, 7.1 NOUGAT !!!
I certainly believe that they will in time update the S5 to 71 Nougat

This may just be a hunch but I have a feeling that if the Note 8's don't blow peoples faces off that the S5 probably won't be seeing Nougat officially (from Sammy).

Well there's a new update today for me anyways. This one is just over 27 MB's. 2 new updates in one month!
The new software version is called G900PVPS3CQA2
New antutu score updated.

It's very unlikely that S5 will receive an official N OTA from any carrier(or any msm8974, for that matter) as Qualcomm had planned 'no official support' for msm8974 past M. It was already very late in the cycle for M, and may not have made it onto the list for M had the msm8994 sucked less.

Does anybody know if we are still able to root our phone model with this new update?

LEN671 said:
Does anybody know if we are still able to root our phone model with this new update?
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I don't know for sure myself, as I have not gotten the update bring on aftermarket firmware. But I would imagine if you flash twrp and apply the latest supersu, it should work. I know that's how I did it with the cpk1 update.
Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I don't want anyone bricking their device based on what I've said.

LEN671 said:
Does anybody know if we are still able to root our phone model with this new update?
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Click to collapse
Yes.. I did
I ran into some issues and factory reset, deleted my Internal Storage, and then ODined PK1 Stock onto my Sprint S5. I then got a prompt that G900PVPU3CPL2 update was available. After the phone restarted I was then prompted to update to G900PVPS3CQA2 After that one installed and restarted.. I successfully rooted using CFAutoroot and then put the latest TWRP Recovery on.
Now.. what screwed me up is me trying to put a 7.1.1 Rom on (LOS and even Resurrection Remix). Phone froze and would not allow me to enter any info in or select Wifi. When it did.. I had ZERO signal/data. I then re-odined.. PK1.. without the updates, rooted, and Twrped, then flashed the 7.1.1 (LOS and RR) with no problems. Made back-ups of both (within TWRP) and was able to Restore all three at will. I am currently back on the STOCK/ROOTED w/all updates including the QA2.. as I didn't feel like doing the customization of the 7.1.1. Roms with the game (SuperBowl) getting ready to come on.
Personally I like the Stock- Rooted -Updated- Twrp config as the only thing that bothers me is the heading theme being that Samsung Aqua blue. If I could theme it.. I might stay with it

Cmicasa the Great XvX said:
Yes.. I did
I ran into some issues and factory reset, deleted my Internal Storage, and then ODined PK1 Stock onto my Sprint S5. I then got a prompt that G900PVPU3CPL2 update was available. After the phone restarted I was then prompted to update to G900PVPS3CQA2 After that one installed and restarted.. I successfully rooted using CFAutoroot and then put the latest TWRP Recovery on.
Now.. what screwed me up is me trying to put a 7.1.1 Rom on (LOS and even Resurrection Remix). Phone froze and would not allow me to enter any info in or select Wifi. When it did.. I had ZERO signal/data. I then re-odined.. PK1.. without the updates, rooted, and Twrped, then flashed the 7.1.1 (LOS and RR) with no problems. Made back-ups of both (within TWRP) and was able to Restore all three at will. I am currently back on the STOCK/ROOTED w/all updates including the QA2.. as I didn't feel like doing the customization of the 7.1.1. Roms with the game (SuperBowl) getting ready to come on.
Personally I like the Stock- Rooted -Updated- Twrp config as the only thing that bothers me is the heading theme being that Samsung Aqua blue. If I could theme it.. I might stay with it
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the info!! This is what I wanted to hear!! Someone who had the newest update and then went into detail of what they encountered. Thank you again!! Much appreciated!!

You can always see the latest official stuff for our phones here: https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G900P/SPR/
The only way we'll ever see Nougat on the S5 is via rom ports, or CM14/CM14.1 Official, which is supporting the S5.

LEN671 said:
Thank you for the info!! This is what I wanted to hear!! Someone who had the newest update and then went into detail of what they encountered. Thank you again!! Much appreciated!!
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No problem. After using the STOCK/ROOTED MM version with all the updates , I have decided that I really am just gonna stay on it. It is smooth, fast, and has all the things I need. I killed Bloatware so outside of the pull-down bar being aqua blue.. and background being white I'm very content.
Anyone know of an app for rooted phones that will allow me to rectify those things?

Cmicasa the Great XvX said:
No problem. After using the STOCK/ROOTED MM version with all the updates , I have decided that I really am just gonna stay on it. It is smooth, fast, and has all the things I need. I killed Bloatware so outside of the pull-down bar being aqua blue.. and background being white I'm very content.
Anyone know of an app for rooted phones that will allow me to rectify those things?
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Click to collapse
@cmicasa the Great, I keep getting a failed when using Odin, CFAutoroot, KingoRoot, KingRoot, and even when I try to use TWRP. I also read somewhere that I would have to unlock the Bootloader in order for this to work? Do you mind sending me a message in PM about how you did your rooting? If you don't mind sir. Thank you again for your time and assistance.

LEN671 said:
@cmicasa the Great, I keep getting a failed when using Odin, CFAutoroot, KingoRoot, KingRoot, and even when I try to use TWRP. I also read somewhere that I would have to unlock the Bootloader in order for this to work? Do you mind sending me a message in PM about how you did your rooting? If you don't mind sir. Thank you again for your time and assistance.
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Click to collapse
This is everything I did including putting PK1 on my phone, letting it then upgrade to G900PVPU3CPL2 and then update to G900PVPS3CQA2 After that one installed and restarted.. I proceeded to Root and put custom recovery on. Because U will not get the OTA updates once U root
Here are my steps Len:
1) First make sure U have the ODIN 3.10 or above> Links are here SamsungOdin or here Odin Download
2) Then go into Download Mode by pressing the "Volume down +home and then Power buttons" Once device boots hit the volume up button and Android dude should appear
3) open ODIN (I used 3.10) and plug phone to computer.
Load the PK1 tar in the PDA Slot, put your phone in Download Mode (power off, hold Vol Down, Home, and Power), and connect your phone to the PC. (I checked F.Reset and Auto Reboot)
Then after that is successful run CF Auto Root or whatever root injector you have in the PDA slot again. Once that finishes (wait until Odin tells you it was a Success before doing anything), get ROM Toolbox or something of that nature and remove any app with Knox in the title or that has the Knox symbol.
Load your phone into Download Mode one last time and then put whatever recovery you have (I use TWRP, make sure you grab the .tar format instead of the zip) and put that in the Bootloader slot in Odin. Then you're good to go, rooted and custom recovery, sky's the limit.
-I found a perfect site that does exactly what I did using CFAUTOROOT. It explains everything including TWRP
then for Root http://www.stechguide.com/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-android-marshmallow/
then for Recovery http://www.stechguide.com/install-twrp-recovery-samsung-galaxy-s5/

Cmicasa the Great XvX said:
This is everything I did including putting PK1 on my phone, letting it then upgrade to G900PVPU3CPL2 and then update to G900PVPS3CQA2 After that one installed and restarted.. I proceeded to Root and put custom recovery on. Because U will not get the OTA updates once U root
Here are my steps Len:
1) First make sure U have the ODIN 3.10 or above> Links are here SamsungOdin or here Odin Download
2) Then go into Download Mode by pressing the "Volume down +home and then Power buttons" Once device boots hit the volume up button and Android dude should appear
3) open ODIN (I used 3.10) and plug phone to computer.
Load the PK1 tar in the PDA Slot, put your phone in Download Mode (power off, hold Vol Down, Home, and Power), and connect your phone to the PC. (I checked F.Reset and Auto Reboot)
Then after that is successful run CF Auto Root or whatever root injector you have in the PDA slot again. Once that finishes (wait until Odin tells you it was a Success before doing anything), get ROM Toolbox or something of that nature and remove any app with Knox in the title or that has the Knox symbol.
Load your phone into Download Mode one last time and then put whatever recovery you have (I use TWRP, make sure you grab the .tar format instead of the zip) and put that in the Bootloader slot in Odin. Then you're good to go, rooted and custom recovery, sky's the limit.
-I found a perfect site that does exactly what I did using CFAUTOROOT. It explains everything including TWRP
then for Root http://www.stechguide.com/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-android-marshmallow/
then for Recovery http://www.stechguide.com/install-twrp-recovery-samsung-galaxy-s5/
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Click to collapse
Thank you very much for breaking it down dummy style. Haha. It definitely helps. I will try it out when I get to my house and PC.

LEN671 said:
Thank you very much for breaking it down dummy style. Haha. It definitely helps. I will try it out when I get to my house and PC.
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LOL.. no issues. Definitely go to those bottom links. They even have pictures. Be careful though.. I tried to experiment and see what checking the "Nand and Erase" in odin.. and damn near bricked my phone. Had to get PIT file and rebuild. Working smoother than ever now.. and like I said.. I'm sticking to Stock/Rooted and Xposed

Cmicasa the Great XvX said:
LOL.. no issues. Definitely go to those bottom links. They even have pictures. Be careful though.. I tried to experiment and see what checking the "Nand and Erase" in odin.. and damn near bricked my phone. Had to get PIT file and rebuild. Working smoother than ever now.. and like I said.. I'm sticking to Stock/Rooted and Xposed
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Click to collapse
So just to clear, there is no need to unlock the Bootloader? Also, if my phone has a password, does it need to be disabled? I.e. lock security feature such as creating a pattern in order to unlock the device to use.

LEN671 said:
So just to clear, there is no need to unlock the Bootloader? Also, if my phone has a password, does it need to be disabled? I.e. lock security feature such as creating a pattern in order to unlock the device to use.
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I'm confused on that. Your phone will be booted into DOWNLOAD mode during the time of ODIN. Your Password will be inconsiquential

Cmicasa the Great XvX said:
I'm confused on that. Your phone will be booted into DOWNLOAD mode during the time of ODIN. Your Password will be inconsiquential
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Okay, I am just making sure as I am not sure if that was one of reasons why Odin came back saying "FAIL". Thank you again.

Samsung S7 Edge is locked - Unlock or Data Extract help? Unique Situation...

Ok guys, new here and I've done a bit of reading on this already. From what I gather, the S7 Edge is difficult if not impossible to unlock without a factory reset. Here's the issue.
This phone belongs to my friend's husband who was severely injured in an accident at work. He's in a coma and probably won't survive. He was severely burned over 90% of his body with chemicals and he has no fingerprints to unlock the fingerprint scanner. In addition, his wife doesn't know his password, so I figured I'd see if I could do anything for her. I tried the Dr. Fone program, but it's apparently incompatible with the S7 Edge. He keeps getting texts and messages and we can't check them. The phone is also set for a daily alarm at 1:30 AM, and apparently you can't power it down without the lock code either. Ideally, I'd like to either gain access for her or at least extract what data we can from the thing before factory resetting it. It would also be nice to power it down so that it doesn't keep putting out an alarm every night in the middle of the night. All his contacts with his family are inconveniently stored in the phone as well. It's kind of a worst case scenario.
Any assistance or recommendations for a course of action for this situation would be fantastic. I don't have any other information on the device itself other than that it's running on Freedom Mobile's network in Ontario, Canada. They've said they can factory reset it for her, but we were trying to avoid that and get any contacts or messages from his phone if possible.
Thanks in advance for any help! I know it's a long shot!
Edit: I managed to power down the phone with the Power Button/Volume Down trick after about 9 tries, so at least the alarm won't go off. Other than that, no luck.

Unique situation? More like fked up situation.
Anyways I am assuming its a completely stock phone with USB debugging turned off. Hope its not carrier locked, if yes then here are the steps:
1. Flash Custom Recovery on the Phone using Odin
2. Use aroma file manager from the Recovery, you need to download it separately, put it on its SD card.
3. Now using aroma file manager navigate to Data Folder and then; System Folder and find “gesture.key” or “password.key” for pattern lock or password lock respectively.
4. Delete those any password related file and reboot. It should be unlocked now.

Thanks VERY much, UnNaMeD__!!!
I'm looking at Odin and the Recovery firmware right now. Is there a recommended version? I see TWRP and CWM, but primarily TWRP mentioned, and it looks like the .tar files are easy to find. I'm pretty new to this type of mod and I don't want to brick the phone, I know it's a risk. I'm looking at faqs on theandroidsoul and the cyanogenmods forum which seem quite thorough. Apparently I can't post the links as I'm a new user here....seems fair I suppose, especially considering the forum content.
My friend's husband didn't have a microSD card in (just checked), but I can toss a spare one of mine in for Aroma, which I found. I probably need for format it for FAT32, not NTFS though? Is there any way to tell if it's carrier locked? It's from a small phone company, not one of the bigger guys. I'm going to wait until I hear back to get started on this, as I'm decent with Windows based systems, but unfamiliar with the nuances of modding Android. I use a stock Sony XZ Premium myself.
Again, thanks very much! I've got some hope we can get in touch with his family now!
UnNaMeD__ said:
Unique situation? More like fked up situation.
Anyways I am assuming its a completely stock phone with USB debugging turned off. Hope its not carrier locked, if yes then here are the steps:
1. Flash Custom Recovery on the Phone using Odin
2. Use aroma file manager from the Recovery, you need to download it separately, put it on its SD card.
3. Now using aroma file manager navigate to Data Folder and then; System Folder and find “gesture.key” or “password.key” for pattern lock or password lock respectively.
4. Delete those any password related file and reboot. It should be unlocked now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

maxlords said:
Thanks VERY much, UnNaMeD__!!!
I'm looking at Odin and the Recovery firmware right now. Is there a recommended version? I see TWRP and CWM, but primarily TWRP mentioned, and it looks like the .tar files are easy to find. I'm pretty new to this type of mod and I don't want to brick the phone, I know it's a risk. I'm looking at faqs on theandroidsoul and the cyanogenmods forum which seem quite thorough. Apparently I can't post the links as I'm a new user here....seems fair I suppose, especially considering the forum content.
My friend's husband didn't have a microSD card in (just checked), but I can toss a spare one of mine in for Aroma, which I found. I probably need for format it for FAT32, not NTFS though? Is there any way to tell if it's carrier locked? It's from a small phone company, not one of the bigger guys. I'm going to wait until I hear back to get started on this, as I'm decent with Windows based systems, but unfamiliar with the nuances of modding Android. I use a stock Sony XZ Premium myself.
Again, thanks very much! I've got some hope we can get in touch with his family now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use odin 3.13 the latest
Then download twrp recovery 3.2.2.0 tar file for hero2lte the latest.
Boot your phone into odin mode by restarting your phone while holding power home button and vol down. When your reach the confirmation screen press OK.
Open odin and put the tar file in the ap slot and click the ap box and hit start to begin flashing.
Now restart ur phone by holding power home and vol down then immediately hold power home vol up to reach custom recovery.
Edit I just tested this myself
Flash the zip file from this thread no need to go looking for files in system.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2780696
Should remove password pin or pattern.
To check if it's network locked just look at the back of your phone if it says 935u or Verizon wireless or 935W8 then the phone is unlocked for different networks.

maxlords said:
Thanks VERY much, UnNaMeD__!!!
I'm looking at Odin and the Recovery firmware right now. Is there a recommended version? I see TWRP and CWM, but primarily TWRP mentioned, and it looks like the .tar files are easy to find. I'm pretty new to this type of mod and I don't want to brick the phone, I know it's a risk. I'm looking at faqs on theandroidsoul and the cyanogenmods forum which seem quite thorough. Apparently I can't post the links as I'm a new user here....seems fair I suppose, especially considering the forum content.
My friend's husband didn't have a microSD card in (just checked), but I can toss a spare one of mine in for Aroma, which I found. I probably need for format it for FAT32, not NTFS though? Is there any way to tell if it's carrier locked? It's from a small phone company, not one of the bigger guys. I'm going to wait until I hear back to get started on this, as I'm decent with Windows based systems, but unfamiliar with the nuances of modding Android. I use a stock Sony XZ Premium myself.
Again, thanks very much! I've got some hope we can get in touch with his family now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just look at back of your phone and tell me its model, Like G935F. I will give you the correct recovery file. And recoveries have option to enable storage too so you can access data from computer. But to be honest it never worked for me. You could also give it a try before doing other steps.
You could contact on PM, or even better I could also help you over whatsapp if you wish.
And I never heard that you could brick phone by flashing recovery, maybe only if you flash incorrectly. A bad recovery will make recovery useless, but phone would still boot. Thats my experience.
I have broken password before of a Mediatek device. If you want I could try it on my own S7 Edge too to be 100% sure.

I'll send you a PM as well, but I just checked and it's a G935W8. Sorry for the delay, I work shift work and I'm pretty busy. I'm going to work on the phone on the weekend. I don't have Whatsapp currently, but I can get it. Thanks again for your kindly assistance!
UnNaMeD__ said:
Just look at back of your phone and tell me its model, Like G935F. I will give you the correct recovery file. And recoveries have option to enable storage too so you can access data from computer. But to be honest it never worked for me. You could also give it a try before doing other steps.
You could contact on PM, or even better I could also help you over whatsapp if you wish.
And I never heard that you could brick phone by flashing recovery, maybe only if you flash incorrectly. A bad recovery will make recovery useless, but phone would still boot. Thats my experience.
I have broken password before of a Mediatek device. If you want I could try it on my own S7 Edge too to be 100% sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

maxlords said:
I'll send you a PM as well, but I just checked and it's a G935W8. Sorry for the delay, I work shift work and I'm pretty busy. I'm going to work on the phone on the weekend. I don't have Whatsapp currently, but I can get it. Thanks again for your kindly assistance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey alright no problem.
Download TWRP for G935W8 from official TWRP website:
https://teamw.in/samsung/samsunggalaxys7edge.html
You can follow some instructions from this thread regarding flashing:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7...overy-official-twrp-hero2lte-3-0-0-0-t3334084
Flashing TWRP might cause your phone to not boot. You will need to download dm-verity disabler from the thread above.
So download TWRP, Aroma file manager, dm-verity bypass, and zip file to disable pass that the other user posted: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2780696
Download all these files and put aroma file manager, dm-verity bypass and that password zip file bypass on your SD.
Make sure auto reboot is disabled in odin, follow instruction in thread about how to install twrp. If the auto reboot is disabled, phone will just remain at the same screen, so after the flashing is done from odin. You need to force reboot on your phone (volume down + power button for few seconds), just when the screen goes off, you need to immediately press recovery button combination (vol up + home + power). Here once you enter TWRP recovery see if you can enable MTP and trasnfer data to PC, if not, goto install zip and try password bypass zip file. If it works file then ok and proceed to install dm-verity bypass file and reboot your phone. If that zip doesn't works. You need to go to same install zip file option and now install aroma file manager. From there delete the password files that I told you about earlier, flash dm-verity and reboot again.
Thats it, if get confused about a step, tell me.

Well, I attempted to install TWRP through the latest version of Odin, but it didn't work. The error message I got in Recovery/Download mode was:
"Custom Binary (RECOVERY) Blocked By FRP Lock."
I looked that up online and apparently to install TWRP, I need to remove the FRP lock. I found a program called RealTerm which can supposedly bypass the FRP lock, but it doesn't seem to be connecting to the locked phone and it's not exactly user friendly.
Am I missing something here? Or is there no way to bypass the FRP lock on the unit?

N00b w/ "new SGH-I337 that is running original kernel & 4.2.2 & needs to be updated

N00b w/ "new SGH-I337 that is running original kernel & 4.2.2 & needs to be updated
I am going to apologize from the start. I've read through a lot of threads here and have ended up more confused (and somewhat scared lol). I am a tad more skilled than average when it comes to PCs but I'm a complete mess when it comes to phones!
For various reasons, I like my old ATT Samsung S4 SGH-I337 but am hard on them and need to replace them about every 2 years (I usually wear out the power port among other things). I buy a replacement, copy over my apps, etc, maybe run a minor update and I'm good to go. This time, I bought a "new" open box S4 on Ebay for a great price but when I went to install all my apps, discovered that it was STILL (since it was "brand new") running Android 4.2.2 and the original kernel from the release in 2013! Ok, no big I thought, I will just run the ATT update and I will be good. Nope. Too far out of date and no one at ATT or Samsung is willing to help. I did learn that if I can get 4.4.4 on the phone, then I should be able to update it via ATT to 5.0.1 but I can't even find those files (or at the least any links to them that are still any good!)
Due to life issues, it is critical that I get this phone updated ASAP. Please, can someone spell out step by step in N00b-speak where I can get the needed files and how I update this phone to 5.0.1 or better? I'd really rather not root it if I can avoid it but will do what is needed. I'll buy you a beer (or reasonable beverage of your choice! )
Samsung Galaxy S4 (ATT) SGH_I337
Android 4.2.2
Baseband ver: I337UCUAMDL
Kernel ver: 3.4.0-453947
[email protected]#1
Sat April 27 17:06:05 KST 2013

SilkRoadDog said:
I am going to apologize from the start. I've read through a lot of threads here and have ended up more confused (and somewhat scared lol). I am a tad more skilled than average when it comes to PCs but I'm a complete mess when it comes to phones!
For various reasons, I like my old ATT Samsung S4 SGH-I337 but am hard on them and need to replace them about every 2 years (I usually wear out the power port among other things). I buy a replacement, copy over my apps, etc, maybe run a minor update and I'm good to go. This time, I bought a "new" open box S4 on Ebay for a great price but when I went to install all my apps, discovered that it was STILL (since it was "brand new") running Android 4.2.2 and the original kernel from the release in 2013! Ok, no big I thought, I will just run the ATT update and I will be good. Nope. Too far out of date and no one at ATT or Samsung is willing to help. I did learn that if I can get 4.4.4 on the phone, then I should be able to update it via ATT to 5.0.1 but I can't even find those files (or at the least any links to them that are still any good!)
Due to life issues, it is critical that I get this phone updated ASAP. Please, can someone spell out step by step in N00b-speak where I can get the needed files and how I update this phone to 5.0.1 or better? I'd really rather not root it if I can avoid it but will do what is needed. I'll buy you a beer (or reasonable beverage of your choice! )
Samsung Galaxy S4 (ATT) SGH_I337
Android 4.2.2
Baseband ver: I337UCUAMDL
Kernel ver: 3.4.0-453947
[email protected]#1
Sat April 27 17:06:05 KST 2013
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too was lucky enough to snag a S4 off ebay with the original kernel still on it. So with that said....do NOT update your phone! You're on the very special Android 4.2.2 jelly bean MDL bootloader! If you update, you will lose the ability to boot AOSP ROMs and install a custom recovery like TWRP.
AOSP ROMs can take you past Android 5.0.x lollipop and give you Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat. You can also boot custom touchwiz ROMs that will take you to Android 5.0.x lollipop. Use the towel root app to root the phone and then freeze any OTA with the titanium backup app. You can also benefit from my guide here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-one-guide-to-mdl-bootloader-t3584122

StoneyJSG said:
I too was lucky enough to snag a S4 off ebay with the original kernel still on it. So with that said....do NOT update your phone! You're on the very special Android 4.2.2 jelly bean MDL bootloader! If you update, you will lose the ability to boot AOSP ROMs and install a custom recovery like TWRP.
AOSP ROMs can take you past Android 5.0.x lollipop and give you Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat. You can also boot custom touchwiz ROMs that will take you to Android 5.0.x lollipop. Use the towel root app to root the phone and then freeze any OTA with the titanium backup app. You can also benefit from my guide here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-one-guide-to-mdl-bootloader-t3584122
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply. So I root it, then where do I go from there? How do I know what ROM is what and which one will give me at the least what I had on the old phone (less bloatware would be nice but right now I am so up a creek that I would be ok with stock)? Also, do you have good links to the tools you recommend? One issue I have been having searching here is that the 3-4-year-old posts here have sketchy or dead links.

SilkRoadDog said:
Thank you for your reply. So I root it, then where do I go from there? How do I know what ROM is what and which one will give me at the least what I had on the old phone (less bloatware would be nice but right now I am so up a creek that I would be ok with stock)? Also, do you have good links to the tools you recommend? One issue I have been having searching here is that the 3-4-year-old posts here have sketchy or dead links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, I always try to help when possible. After rooting you can follow my guide to get Loki doki installed. Then you can install a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod. My guide gets you clock work mod recovery installed but it's an old version. I use it though and it works fine for me. If you want TWRP recovery, you will have to search the web on how to install it with loki doki.
After a custom recovery is installed you can choose to boot touchwiz based ROMs or AOSP based ROMs like cyanogen mod. Custom touchwiz ROMs will look just like stock only modified (deodex, debloated, etc.) and AOSP ROMs will look like bone stock Android only with added features.
You can find AOSP ROMs in the original Android development forum here in the s4 forums. You can find touchwiz ROMs in Android development which is right under original Android development forum. Sorry, but I don't have any links to tools handy except for the link to my guide which I posted above in my last post. I use golden eye ROM on my s4 which is a stock based touchwiz ROM on Android 5.0 lollipop.
When booting ROMs, be sure that they do not have a bootloader update or else it'll override everything and will patch the loki doki exploit and lock down everything for good.

StoneyJSG said:
No problem, I always try to help when possible. After rooting you can follow my guide to get Loki doki installed. Then you can install a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod. My guide gets you clock work mod recovery installed but it's an old version. I use it though and it works fine for me. If you want TWRP recovery, you will have to search the web on how to install it with loki doki.
After a custom recovery is installed you can choose to boot touchwiz based ROMs or AOSP based ROMs like cyanogen mod. Custom touchwiz ROMs will look just like stock only modified (deodex, debloated, etc.) and AOSP ROMs will look like bone stock Android only with added features.
You can find AOSP ROMs in the original Android development forum here in the s4 forums. You can find touchwiz ROMs in Android development which is right under original Android development forum. Sorry, but I don't have any links to tools handy except for the link to my guide which I posted above in my last post. I use golden eye ROM on my s4 which is a stock based touchwiz ROM on Android 5.0 lollipop.
When booting ROMs, be sure that they do not have a bootloader update or else it'll override everything and will patch the loki doki exploit and lock down everything for good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the reply. While I am very grateful, with all due respect, I understood only about half of it. Here is the deal. I'm an older guy N00b with chronic pain issues under an extreme amount of stress, and my cognitive abilities are not what they should be. There was a step by step guide posted back in 2015 that is what I need but most of the links are bad or sketchy. Like I said above, I really need something along the lines of "go here and here to get this software and put it in "X" place. Then press these keys and do "Y", then press those keys and do "Z". I'm really sorry to be so difficult but I am trying my best to get it.

SilkRoadDog said:
Thank you so much for the reply. While I am very grateful, with all due respect, I understood only about half of it. Here is the deal. I'm an older guy N00b with chronic pain issues under an extreme amount of stress, and my cognitive abilities are not what they should be. There was a step by step guide posted back in 2015 that is what I need but most of the links are bad or sketchy. Like I said above, I really need something along the lines of "go here and here to get this software and put it in "X" place. Then press these keys and do "Y", then press those keys and do "Z". I'm really sorry to be so difficult but I am trying my best to get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gotcha, no problem. Okay so what's the status of your phone now? Rooted? Not rooted? To root, goto https://towelroot.com on your phone and click the big red thing in the middle of the page. Make sure you have a Wi-Fi or data connection to the internet, as this will root your phone. Then goto https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...tt-or-verizon-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337sch-i545/amp/ to get loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery. You can also install TWRP recovery instead of clockwork mod recovery, I THINK this is the link: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...rp-on-rooted-galaxy-s4-using-goo-manager/amp/
Galaxys4root.com is a reputable site ran by Mr. HIGH ON ANDROID himself, Xedomax aka Max Lee. The tools you need should be on his site for download and the links shouldn't be dead. He also has a YouTube channel with videos on how to do different things with your phone. My guide I wrote that I linked before, has step by step instructions on how to root and install a custom recovery and how to boot custom ROMs.

StoneyJSG said:
I gotcha, no problem. Okay so what's the status of your phone now? Rooted? Not rooted? To root, goto https://towelroot.com on your phone and click the big red thing in the middle of the page. Make sure you have a Wi-Fi or data connection to the internet, as this will root your phone. Then goto https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...tt-or-verizon-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337sch-i545/amp/ to get loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery. You can also install TWRP recovery instead of clockwork mod recovery, I THINK this is the link: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...rp-on-rooted-galaxy-s4-using-goo-manager/amp/
Galaxys4root.com is a reputable site ran by Mr. HIGH ON ANDROID himself, Xedomax aka Max Lee. The tools you need should be on his site for download and the links shouldn't be dead. He also has a YouTube channel with videos on how to do different things with your phone. My guide I wrote that I linked before, has step by step instructions on how to root and install a custom recovery and how to boot custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, It's not rooted yet so I will start down the path laid out. What do you recommend as a source for Touchwiz (wth is that anyway? lol) ROMs? I don't know enough about Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat to make the call there but I do want to be able to access the Google apps and play store as before.

SilkRoadDog said:
Ok, It's not rooted yet so I will start down the path laid out. What do you recommend as a source for Touchwiz (wth is that anyway? lol) ROMs? I don't know enough about Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat to make the call there but I do want to be able to access the Google apps and play store as before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your instructions say " Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you." Do I do that before "loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery."? If so, where is a good source for them? If not, when do I do I install them?
".

StoneyJSG said:
I gotcha, no problem. Okay so what's the status of your phone now? Rooted? Not rooted? To root, goto https://towelroot.com on your phone and click the big red thing in the middle of the page. Make sure you have a Wi-Fi or data connection to the internet, as this will root your phone. Then goto https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...tt-or-verizon-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337sch-i545/amp/ to get loki doki installed and clockwork mod recovery. You can also install TWRP recovery instead of clockwork mod recovery, I THINK this is the link: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...rp-on-rooted-galaxy-s4-using-goo-manager/amp/
Galaxys4root.com is a reputable site ran by Mr. HIGH ON ANDROID himself, Xedomax aka Max Lee. The tools you need should be on his site for download and the links shouldn't be dead. He also has a YouTube channel with videos on how to do different things with your phone. My guide I wrote that I linked before, has step by step instructions on how to root and install a custom recovery and how to boot custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, forget anything I typed here in the last hour lol. Somehow there were two locals and I was in the wrong one. So far so good. So back to the other question above. " " Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you."" I still need to do that, right? if so, where do I find those apps?
Thank you so much.

SilkRoadDog said:
Ok, It's not rooted yet so I will start down the path laid out. What do you recommend as a source for Touchwiz (wth is that anyway? lol) ROMs? I don't know enough about Android 6.0.x marshmallow or 7.0.x nougat to make the call there but I do want to be able to access the Google apps and play store as before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz is the "skin" user interface that Samsung puts on top of Android. It is the stock SAMSUNG rom. Just Google touchwiz then Google stock Android, you'll see a difference. I like touchwiz so I am running a custom ROM called "Golden eye". You can download it from the Android development forum here in the S4 section. Other people like stock Android. The magic of being on the MDL bootloader is that you can boot touchwiz and bone stock Android ROMs. Most custom ROMs both stock Android and touchwiz based will let you access Google apps and the play store.
---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 PM ----------
SilkRoadDog said:
Ok, forget anything I typed here in the last hour lol. Somehow there were two locals and I was in the wrong one. So far so good. So back to the other question above. " " Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you."" I still need to do that, right? if so, where do I find those apps?
Thank you so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get all those app except towel root on the play store. Once installed you can use ES file explorer to back them up to apk files then use the my files app that's on ya phone to move them to your SD card for use with your new ROM or keep them where they are since my guide tells you how to keep your data in tact...well for touch wiz ROMs anyway.

StoneyJSG said:
Touchwiz is the "skin" user interface that Samsung puts on top of Android. It is the stock SAMSUNG rom. Just Google touchwiz then Google stock Android, you'll see a difference. I like touchwiz so I am running a custom ROM called "Golden eye". You can download it from the Android development forum here in the S4 section. Other people like stock Android. The magic of being on the MDL bootloader is that you can boot touchwiz and bone stock Android ROMs. Most custom ROMs both stock Android and touchwiz based will let you access Google apps and the play store.
---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 PM ----------
You can get all those app except towel root on the play store. Once installed you can use ES file explorer to back them up to apk files then use the my files app that's on ya phone to move them to your SD card for use with your new ROM or keep them where they are since my guide tells you how to keep your data in tact...well for touch wiz ROMs anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since this is a "new" phone and I have nothing to back up yet, do I need to run a backup or can I follow your guide from that point, clean things up and install the ROM of choice?

SilkRoadDog said:
Since this is a "new" phone and I have nothing to back up yet, do I need to run a backup or can I follow your guide from that point, clean things up and install the ROM of choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's always good to make a backup in case anything goes wrong with your phone down the road you can get back to where you started without having to flash the MDL stock Rom in ODIN by connecting your phone to your computer. You should though keep a copy of ODIN and the MDL bootloader .tar ODIN file. However, it's entirely optional to make a back up so you could just follow the guide from that point and clean up for a ROM install if you don't want to make a backup.
You can also boot a ROM and then make a backup after you have everything set up. You can back up the stock Rom or any ROM you boot/install. That's the magic of having a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod.

StoneyJSG said:
It's always good to make a backup in case anything goes wrong with your phone down the road you can get back to where you started without having to flash the MDL stock Rom in ODIN by connecting your phone to your computer. You should though keep a copy of ODIN and the MDL bootloader .tar ODIN file. However, it's entirely optional to make a back up so you could just follow the guide from that point and clean up for a ROM install if you don't want to make a backup.
You can also boot a ROM and then make a backup after you have everything set up. You can back up the stock Rom or any ROM you boot/install. That's the magic of having a custom recovery like TWRP or clock work mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, since I already started the install before seeing this, I have no idea what I backed up or where it is. :crying:
First off, I want to thank you so much for the help. I owe you and would like to buy you a beer or the like. I have my phone back now! There were issues with the Golden Eye install (it froze at the Samsung logo for over an hour) and I had to wipe everything and start over then I was able to get it up and running. Is this the right one? https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2313469
Quick question: Do you know if that ROM supports an external SD card larger than 32gig?
I am having some issues and so far am not thrilled with this ROM and am wondering if it's the right one or if I screwed up. It hasn't been worked on since 2015 and the dev is hasn't been responsive in years. On my phone, it's really buggy. It boots slow, apps hang when loading, a few don't work right, the screen can flash or freeze and TouchWiz keeps crashing like it was doing at the end on my old phone's life. Any ideas as to why?

SilkRoadDog said:
Unfortunately, since I already started the install before seeing this, I have no idea what I backed up or where it is. :crying:
First off, I want to thank you so much for the help. I owe you and would like to buy you a beer or the like. I have my phone back now! There were issues with the Golden Eye install (it froze at the Samsung logo for over an hour) and I had to wipe everything and start over then I was able to get it up and running. Is this the right one? https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2313469
Quick question: Do you know if that ROM supports an external SD card larger than 32gig?
I am having some issues and so far am not thrilled with this ROM and am wondering if it's the right one or if I screwed up. It hasn't been worked on since 2015 and the dev is hasn't been responsive in years. On my phone, it's really buggy. It boots slow, apps hang when loading, a few don't work right, the screen can flash or freeze and TouchWiz keeps crashing like it was doing at the end on my old phone's life. Any ideas as to why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you made a nandroid backup with TWRP recovery or clockwork mod recovery, then the backup file will be on your phone SD card or internal memory. Use the my files app to find it. It should be under a folder called TWRP or clockwork mod.
Hey no problem man, I know how it is to goto a forum and have 87,000 people view your post yet nothing is said. Yes that link is the correct link to golden eye ROM. When booting a ROM for the first time it will get stuck at the Samsung logo for awhile, this is normal but it shouldn't be more than 20 minutes. I think the S4 can handle SD cards up to 128GB, it might only be 64GB though.
Very odd golden eye ROM is giving you issues, I have only had one problem with it and that was the text message app acting up every so often. When you booted golden eye did you use the Aroma installer so it just asks you questions and you pick what you want? If not wipe and start over using aroma, it's built into the ROM. Also be sure to tell Aroma you want to use the "imperium kernel". That's the kernel I am using. Golden eye ROM doesn't have a bootloader update in it, so you'll stay on MDL and not have to worry about your phone patching the loki exploit.
I think you can also use the hybrid max kernel, but I don't think it's in the Aroma installer so if you want it you will have to download it from the forums here and flash it separately.
Another thing you can try is just "nuking your phone" as explained in my guide that wipes everything and gives you a nice clean install. The only reason I included the "keep your data" method in my guide is because I just stumbled upon it by doing it on my phone.
If all else fails and as a last ditch effort, you could send the phone to me and I will see if I can get it up and running with golden eye ROM, then send it back. No guarantees though as I'm no developer or anything, just a guy that knows the basics of Android ROMs and root.

Final report. It turns out the problems I've been having were related to the SU Super App. There have been complaints about the recent version. I thought that it was a corrupt install of Golden Eye so got a clean DL from another mirror and was getting ready to start all over. This time I was going to follow the dev's install instructions step by step instead of yours and his. However, I couldn't install TWRP as he instructed. It hung at 100% and never completed. I thought that maybe Super SU was the issue there so I uninstalled it and all of my other problems went away! So happy. Thank you for everything. I do owe you a drink!

SilkRoadDog said:
Final report. It turns out the problems I've been having were related to the SU Super App. There have been complaints about the recent version. I thought that it was a corrupt install of Golden Eye so got a clean DL from another mirror and was getting ready to start all over. This time I was going to follow the dev's install instructions step by step instead of yours and his. However, I couldn't install TWRP as he instructed. It hung at 100% and never completed. I thought that maybe Super SU was the issue there so I uninstalled it and all of my other problems went away! So happy. Thank you for everything. I do owe you a drink!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey glad it finally worked out for you. You will need superSU though, try a different version of it and that might fix the issue you're having with the latest version. That is unless you have the kingroot super user app, then you can use that but it's not as good as superSU. I had problems with it authorizing my root apps so I got rid of it and installed superSU. No problem glad to help and no thanks needed but if you really wanna buy me a beer go for it lol.

Hi all. I'm new to rooting can any one please help and point me to the right tutorial to root a samsung s7

Hi All
Looking for a best tutorial to follow and the right one for my phone really don't want to brick it, obviously :/. as there seems to be a few versions for the S7
I have the following: S7 android 8.0.0 SM-G930F not sure what else I need to know! I'm in the UK so I assume UK phones come with Exynos cpu's
and as far as I am aware android 8 is Oreo! but when they say Stock Rom I assume they mean the same as what came with the phone the original rom?
if so is there an alternative stable rom without the crap included or is it just as simple to delete every thing you don't want now it's rooted! and does that mean if I reset the phone its back to normal with all the crap included! or is there a way to keep it rooted even after reset! and should anything be disabled I.e prepare the phone before attempting to root like any kind of auto encryption that needs disabling and just one more question
if at anytime the rooting process hangs for a ridiculous amount of time when should I throw in the towel! and what are the chances of retrieving the phone back to original state! or does a dirty shutdown brick it?.
I started the root process but failed at first hurdle!, followed instructions install Odin3_v3.13.1 but when I connected the phone nothing showed up in Odin? though I will have another go just to confirm I followed it correctly, I'll update this when it's done.
this was the tutorial I followed:
Easy 4 Newbie [Root Guide]SM-G930F, G935F, G930FD, G935FD (Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge)
Warning ! Please note that the official TWRP for Nougat on Galaxy S7/ S7 Edge is not available yet but based on my experience the Marshmallow version is working on Nougat. By installing a custom recovery on your S7 and S7 Edge and rooting it...
forum.xda-developers.com
I know alot of questions I would really appreciate any help and clarification on the above.
many thanks
Regards
Daz

Look pal, rooting the phone is just like being an adult, it means you will get rid of Samsung's "Child Care".
Yes, UK models use Exynos chip, but you have to be sure, look at your baseband version, if it is G930FXXX, then you are good.
ROMs are in two shapes:
Stock-based: These are just like the one you are using, or other Samsung phones does, like Samsung Experience, One UI, TouchWiz. Maybe MIUI and FlymeOS will come into account, as there are ROMs based on them + Samsung's.
AOSP: These are pure Android ROMs, with few modifications to the core, but keeping the UI as close to the source as possible, Google & OnePlus phones come with a near-to-pure operating systems.
Changing a ROM is not risky, as long as you follow the instructions, without any unaccounted improvising.
Before you install a ROM, read the working and bug list, to make sure you are installing something you have an idea of.
You need to install TWRP recovery (or any other one you like), and format data, in order to be able to travel among ROMs and/or root your device.
Formatting is only required because the phone is forcibly encrypted, and TWRP can not decrypt it, at least not for this device.
Rooting is simply about flashing a 5-MB file, Magisk, then rebooting to system, no need to wipe data.
No need to do any additional steps, unless you are trying to hide root from some apps and/or pass SafetyNet.

Mohamedkam000 said:
Look pal, rooting the phone is just like being an adult, it means you will get rid of Samsung's "Child Care".
Yes, UK models use Exynos chip, but you have to be sure, look at your baseband version, if it is G930FXXX, then you are good.
ROMs are in two shapes:
Stock-based: These are just like the one you are using, or other Samsung phones does, like Samsung Experience, One UI, TouchWiz. Maybe MIUI and FlymeOS will come into account, as there are ROMs based on them + Samsung's.
AOSP: These are pure Android ROMs, with few modifications to the core, but keeping the UI as close to the source as possible, Google & OnePlus phones come with a near-to-pure operating systems.
Changing a ROM is not risky, as long as you follow the instructions, without any unaccounted improvising.
Before you install a ROM, read the working and bug list, to make sure you are installing something you have an idea of.
You need to install TWRP recovery (or any other one you like), and format data, in order to be able to travel among ROMs and/or root your device.
Formatting is only required because the phone is forcibly encrypted, and TWRP can not decrypt it, at least not for this device.
Rooting is simply about flashing a 5-MB file, Magisk, then rebooting to system, no need to wipe data.
No need to do any additional steps, unless you are trying to hide root from some apps and/or pass SafetyNet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mohamedkam000
Thanks for replying. I'm not confused about why I want to root the phone. I'm just trying to understand the inner workings and the risks as I'm not as clued up with phone OS's as I am windows. I don't care about warrantees or hiding the the fact it's rooted I just want a clean rooted phone free of big brother well inside at least I know you will never completely keep them out but making it hard is a start lol.
Thank you very much for all the above especially on clarifying about the roms and the reason TWRP formats due to encryption nice one
My Baseband version slightly different though it's G930FXXU8ETI3 not sure if having a U instead of a third X makes any difference!
and I posted wrong tutorial I'm actually following this one below again not sure if that matters.
Guide How to root Android 8.0 Oreo Stock ROM on Galaxy S7 ( 100% Working )
Hi . i see too many peoples have problem on rooting Android 8.0 Oreo Stock Rom on Galaxy S7 ( edge ) and they cant get passed from the verification field error ! ok its bcuz they do only 1 step wrong , here i just wanna tell you all the steps 1...
forum.xda-developers.com
Again many thanks for clarifying that lot up very informative and much appreciated.
Kind regards
Daz

CitizenSmith said:
Hi Mohamedkam000
Thanks for replying. I'm not confused about why I want to root the phone. I'm just trying to understand the inner workings and the risks as I'm not as clued up with phone OS's as I am windows. I don't care about warrantees or hiding the the fact it's rooted I just want a clean rooted phone free of big brother well inside at least I know you will never completely keep them out but making it hard is a start lol.
Thank you very much for all the above especially on clarifying about the roms and the reason TWRP formats due to encryption nice one
My Baseband version slightly different though it's G930FXXU8ETI3 not sure if having a U instead of a third X makes any difference!
and I posted wrong tutorial I'm actually following this one below again not sure if that matters.
Guide How to root Android 8.0 Oreo Stock ROM on Galaxy S7 ( 100% Working )
Hi . i see too many peoples have problem on rooting Android 8.0 Oreo Stock Rom on Galaxy S7 ( edge ) and they cant get passed from the verification field error ! ok its bcuz they do only 1 step wrong , here i just wanna tell you all the steps 1...
forum.xda-developers.com
Again many thanks for clarifying that lot up very informative and much appreciated.
Kind regards
Daz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter which version of Android you are using, root is the same.
However, on stock ROMs, it might sometimes get rough, as you may end up with Wi-Fi not working (happened to me Q1 2020).
If you really want to learn how Android OS works, then rooting the stock ROM is not your way.
Try AOSP ROMs, preferably start with Oreo ones, you can root in 3 common way, LineageOS SU Add-on, Magisk, Super SU.
But before you tickle your phone, you have to make a backup of your current device, of every partition, EFS is the most important partition, so make sure it is safe.
Baseband version doesn't matter a lot, unless you're paranoid with updates, it is sorted alphabetically, each string on its own.
The phone is more similar to a linux machine than to a Windows PC.
Edit: To root stock ROM, you have to flash dm verity, so you don't end up encrypted again.

Mohamedkam000 said:
It doesn't matter which version of Android you are using, root is the same.
However, on stock ROMs, it might sometimes get rough, as you may end up with Wi-Fi not working (happened to me Q1 2020).
If you really want to learn how Android OS works, then rooting the stock ROM is not your way.
Try AOSP ROMs, preferably start with Oreo ones, you can root in 3 common way, LineageOS SU Add-on, Magisk, Super SU.
But before you tickle your phone, you have to make a backup of your current device, of every partition, EFS is the most important partition, so make sure it is safe.
Baseband version doesn't matter a lot, unless you're paranoid with updates, it is sorted alphabetically, each string on its own.
The phone is more similar to a linux machine than to a Windows PC.
Edit: To root stock ROM, you have to flash dm verity, so you don't end up encrypted again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for clearing quite a few things up I thought rooting stock rom would have been far safer way forward wow how wrong was I! but I guess I am just trying to find any kind simile to windows in any way but as you pointed out again it's more like Linux which again I've only played around with ubuntu and mint for a short period so again not to up on Linux lol.
It's funny I was just reading up on AOSP ROMs then got your message. I see they have a stable but not complete! Android 10 not that I would consider it need as I need a stable OS so Oreo is fine for me.
I have backed up phone using Smart Switch on the PC I assume that copy's every thing that's needed, I reset the phone in anticipation all be it prematurely but at least it restored all my data so if anything that was a good test of the back up at least .
I will have look at some AOSP ROMs and see what's involved there, I'll check out their tutorial hopefully it will include the whole process including root.
I gather by your comment using a AOSP ROM you don't need to use dm-verity or will that still be needed!.

The first thing to do is to flash (install) TWRP, it's a custom recovery (think of it as a mini OS that can boot before Android), that will be the base for any of your future tinkering.
Here is the thread, read the FP carefully: [Recovery][Exynos] Official TWRP for Galaxy S7 (herolte)
Once TWRP installed, you can do many things:
Install addons like Magisk. Magisk is the tool you use to obtain root. Forget SuperSU, its outdated, and don't works in modern versions of Android.
Install a custom ROM (this subforum is the perfect place to find them).
Backup & restore an image of your current ROM (very useful).

mooms said:
The first thing to do is to flash (install) TWRP, it's a custom recovery (think of it as a mini OS that can boot before Android), that will be the base for any of your future tinkering.
Here is the thread, read the FP carefully: [Recovery][Exynos] Official TWRP for Galaxy S7 (herolte)
Once TWRP installed, you can do many things:
Install addons like Magisk. Magisk is the tool you use to obtain root. Forget SuperSU, its outdated, and don't works in modern versions of Android.
Install a custom ROM (this subforum is the perfect place to find them).
Backup & restore an image of your current ROM (very useful).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Mooms for the input
I tried to follow your links tutorial which he gives three options only one is any good to me and that was installing twrp using Odin but I'm having issues at every turn!. I can't even get Odin to recognise my phone it just wont pick it up I have Samsung driver installed and I have reinstalled many times I found an article claim to have a workaround but that was BS just selling some other app I even change the driver as described on there page,
7 Tips to Fix Odin Not Detecting Phone
Are you using Odin flash tool to flash your Samsung phone but it is not recognized by Odin? Here are 7 tips to fix Odin not detecting phone.
www.imyfone.com
.
but that did nothing so reinstall normal driver again.
feels like it's just not meant to be :/
Thanks again.

CitizenSmith said:
Thanks again for clearing quite a few things up I thought rooting stock rom would have been far safer way forward wow how wrong was I! but I guess I am just trying to find any kind simile to windows in any way but as you pointed out again it's more like Linux which again I've only played around with ubuntu and mint for a short period so again not to up on Linux lol.
It's funny I was just reading up on AOSP ROMs then got your message. I see they have a stable but not complete! Android 10 not that I would consider it need as I need a stable OS so Oreo is fine for me.
I have backed up phone using Smart Switch on the PC I assume that copy's every thing that's needed, I reset the phone in anticipation all be it prematurely but at least it restored all my data so if anything that was a good test of the back up at least .
I will have look at some AOSP ROMs and see what's involved there, I'll check out their tutorial hopefully it will include the whole process including root.
I gather by your comment using a AOSP ROM you don't need to use dm-verity or will that still be needed!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AOSP ROMs are pure, you can't say they are not complete. They are complete, and what OEMs do, like Samsung and Xiaomi is just a customization that you can do, too.
It is preferred that when you take a backup, take it with TWRP, just to ensure you backed up phone's partitions, along with "EFS".
The root procedure on Android 6+ is done by patching the Kernel (boot.img), so unless you take backup of that, you cannot keep root.
There are stable custom ROMs, custom ROMs are meant for custom adjustments, however the stability depends on your phone, and the way you use it, you can compare AOSP vs. Stock and see the difference.
AOSP ROMs doesn't need dm verity, well, at least not if the developer did not mention the encryption part.

Mohamedkam000 said:
AOSP ROMs are pure, you can't say they are not complete. They are complete, and what OEMs do, like Samsung and Xiaomi is just a customization that you can do, too.
It is preferred that when you take a backup, take it with TWRP, just to ensure you backed up phone's partitions, along with "EFS".
The root procedure on Android 6+ is done by patching the Kernel (boot.img), so unless you take backup of that, you cannot keep root.
There are stable custom ROMs, custom ROMs are meant for custom adjustments, however the stability depends on your phone, and the way you use it, you can compare AOSP vs. Stock and see the difference.
AOSP ROMs doesn't need dm verity, well, at least not if the developer did not mention the encryption part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the roms I have looked at mention external touch buttons at bottom of phone do not work or something else in the phone I'm just reading their comments.
I understand about the stock & custom rom's now that's not my problem at least not at the moment as I am miles away from choosing a rom! as I can't even get out the starting gate!. I can not get TWRP on my phone as the only way I can see to get it on a unrooted! phone is to use Odin but as I said Odin doesn't work at least not for me it does not see my phone. I would love to take a back up using twrp but that won't happen until I find a way to get TWRP on a unrooted phone. what crazy paradox is this!. you can't root phone without twrp installed and twrp won't install on a unrooted phone!. that makes perfect sense.

CitizenSmith said:
Some of the roms I have looked at mention external touch buttons at bottom of phone do not work or something else in the phone I'm just reading their comments.
I understand about the stock & custom rom's now that's not my problem at least not at the moment as I am miles away from choosing a rom! as I can't even get out the starting gate!. I can not get TWRP on my phone as the only way I can see to get it on a unrooted! phone is to use Odin but as I said Odin doesn't work at least not for me it does not see my phone. I would love to take a back up using twrp but that won't happen until I find a way to get TWRP on a unrooted phone. what crazy paradox is this!. you can't root phone without twrp installed and twrp won't install on a unrooted phone!. that makes perfect sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your phone allow MTP communication? I mean can you transfer files when the phone is turned on?
Does the phone show any notification about a usb connection?
If not, then you have probably a bad USB cable, at least, or you have a hardware issue that can go as deep as a burned charging port.
If yes, then either your USB cable is not as fast as the phone requires, or you haven't installed the Samsung USB Drivers on your PC.
Unfortunately, you cannot root your device without PC, at least not since Lollipop.

CitizenSmith said:
Thanks Mooms for the input
I tried to follow your links tutorial which he gives three options only one is any good to me and that was installing twrp using Odin but I'm having issues at every turn!. I can't even get Odin to recognise my phone it just wont pick it up I have Samsung driver installed and I have reinstalled many times I found an article claim to have a workaround but that was BS just selling some other app I even change the driver as described on there page,
7 Tips to Fix Odin Not Detecting Phone
Are you using Odin flash tool to flash your Samsung phone but it is not recognized by Odin? Here are 7 tips to fix Odin not detecting phone.
www.imyfone.com
.
but that did nothing so reinstall normal driver again.
feels like it's just not meant to be :/
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version of Odin are you using ?
Use this version (latest): Odin v3.14.4
Which version of the Samsung USB drivers are you using ?
Use this version (latest): https://developer.samsung.com/mobile/android-usb-driver.html

Mohamedkam000 said:
Does your phone allow MTP communication? I mean can you transfer files when the phone is turned on?
Does the phone show any notification about a usb connection?
If not, then you have probably a bad USB cable, at least, or you have a hardware issue that can go as deep as a burned charging port.
If yes, then either your USB cable is not as fast as the phone requires, or you haven't installed the Samsung USB Drivers on your PC.
Unfortunately, you cannot root your device without PC, at least not since Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Yes I can transfer files.
Yes phone asks to allow or block file transfer and it ohone shows up in Devices and Drives list and I can access the phone directory and shows up as Samsung s7 icon.
I will try another USB lead but the one I'm using is new and wasn't cheap but still a possibility I have had leads that weren't suitable for other things I was trying so it is worth a try.
Thanks

mooms said:
Which version of Odin are you using ?
Use this version (latest): Odin v3.14.4
Which version of the Samsung USB drivers are you using ?
Use this version (latest): https://developer.samsung.com/mobile/android-usb-driver.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I downloaded Odin this was latest one Odin3_v3.13.1 though I have doubts that one version update will fix this issue as I did not see many if any people having my issue so they all used Odin and I believe theirs are fine even with older versions! but as I said Mohamedkam it's worth a try I will down load that version and give it a try.
As for the Samsung usb driver I believe that is where I got mine
SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones no version visible under properties on file version 1.7.23.0.
The USB connection seems to be fine I have uninstalled then re-download and reinstalled a couple of times.
I can transfer files no problem it shows up as Galaxy S7 Icon with card and phone drive inside.
I'll update shortly thank you.
Update:
I just went to try new Odin and whilst checking my phone have seen I have Offical TWRP app installed? I have no clue as to how that's got in there! as Odin did not show phone so I could select nothing!.
In the phone I open app and if i select backup existing recovery it opens and Select Folder tab and under that Selected Folder: /sdcard Filename: Recovery .img and at the bottom of screen Root access required.
I just hope it's installed correctly!. it is showing in playstore my apps as well just to confirm. if this is now installed what should I do next Now not sure what tutorial to start following.
I am just going to try the new odin and see if it picks up the phone back soon.

OK Seem that it now shows up in the new Odin. at least I think it has! in the log window I see this: <ID:0/004> Added!!
I didn't see that before.
Would be grateful if you could tell me how to proceed from here!

Correct, you don't need he latst version of Odin or the Samsung drivers, bit it was just to be sure.
You need to be in download mode, but before, you must have checked OEM unlock & USB debug in developer options (mandatory).
I've written a tutorial with images here (in French):
Samsung Galaxy S7 (edge) - Mangez un Oreo! [Topic Unique] - Page : 487 - Téléphone Android - Technologies Mobiles - FORUM HardWare.fr

mooms said:
Correct, you don't need he latst version of Odin or the Samsung drivers, bit it was just to be sure.
You need to be in download mode, but before, you must have checked OEM unlock & USB debug in developer options (mandatory).
I've written a tutorial with images here (in French):
Samsung Galaxy S7 (edge) - Mangez un Oreo! [Topic Unique] - Page : 487 - Téléphone Android - Technologies Mobiles - FORUM HardWare.fr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said the older version did not show any kind of data what's so ever and the phone was in download mode. phone displayed "Downloading" which I believe it says that even if it's not doing anything! so a tutorial explained. I think it must have installed the Official TWRP app even though phone did not show up in Odin everything was blank however when I installed the new version of Odin like you suggested it then showed up as <ID:0/004> Added!!. so your suggestion work thanks for that and I did enable OEM unlock & USB debug I did long time ago.
I would check out your tutorial but unfortunately I don't speak French and translating instructions is too risky but thank you for the offer but I'll carry on look around still undecided on what custom rom to go for as I said some comments point out small issues and the developers also state certain things are not working so that is making it hard to consider one if you know what I mean.
Again Thank you for your input very much appreciated.

CitizenSmith said:
As I said the older version did not show any kind of data what's so ever and the phone was in download mode. phone displayed "Downloading" which I believe it says that even if it's not doing anything! so a tutorial explained. I think it must have installed the Official TWRP app even though phone did not show up in Odin everything was blank however when I installed the new version of Odin like you suggested it then showed up as <ID:0/004> Added!!. so your suggestion work thanks for that and I did enable OEM unlock & USB debug I did long time ago.
I would check out your tutorial but unfortunately I don't speak French and translating instructions is too risky but thank you for the offer but I'll carry on look around still undecided on what custom rom to go for as I said some comments point out small issues and the developers also state certain things are not working so that is making it hard to consider one if you know what I mean.
Again Thank you for your input very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a note that, when you flash TWRP, you have to boot immediately to the recovery, so as to enforce its existence, cause I remember they phone has an original recovery backed up somewhere, and gets triggered when you reboot directly to system instead of the unofficial binary.
I advise you to watch guides on YouTube, it's more .. understandable.

CitizenSmith said:
still undecided on what custom rom to go for as I said some comments point out small issues and the developers also state certain things are not working so that is making it hard to consider one if you know what I mean.
Again Thank you for your input very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend to go with ALEXNDR ROM: zero bugs, everything works perfectly (it's based on stock ROM).
[ROM][G930F/FD][ALEXNDR] * U8EUE1 * DevBase v7.4 * Encryption support [Jul-10]
Important notes for Developers / Chefs !!! This ROM is NOT based on any other custom ROM. My work contains many original ideas and innovations that I introduced as the first in the ROM development (see "Changelist" in post #2). Of course, it...
forum.xda-developers.com

Mohamedkam000 said:
Take a note that, when you flash TWRP, you have to boot immediately to the recovery, so as to enforce its existence, cause I remember they phone has an original recovery backed up somewhere, and gets triggered when you reboot directly to system instead of the unofficial binary.
I advise you to watch guides on YouTube, it's more .. understandable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yer I read that but I've ended up with TWRP installed and did not do that process because I was unaware it installed until it showed up.
As I said I'll just keep looking for now I know I'll find one that works for me from start to finish.
and I've been checking youtube but wouldn't want to use any links their providing but it may help familurise myself with the whole process if i watch enough of them.
Thanks again for your help.

mooms said:
I recommend to go with ALEXNDR ROM: zero bugs, everything works perfectly (it's based on stock ROM).
[ROM][G930F/FD][ALEXNDR] * U8EUE1 * DevBase v7.4 * Encryption support [Jul-10]
Important notes for Developers / Chefs !!! This ROM is NOT based on any other custom ROM. My work contains many original ideas and innovations that I introduced as the first in the ROM development (see "Changelist" in post #2). Of course, it...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mooms
I will check that out many thanks. I wonder if you could help me here. I am in the middle of the rooting process but have hit a snag. again!
I have now installed TWRP successfully then no-verity-opt-encrypt-3.1 all went fine and I'm at point of flashing Magisk but have an issue when I swipe to flash is gives me a error in red saying "invalid zip file format !"
I downloaded it from github here.
GitHub - topjohnwu/Magisk: The Magic Mask for Android
The Magic Mask for Android. Contribute to topjohnwu/Magisk development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
I click on "code" tab and then "download zip" and I placed that in a download folder on my sd card when I select it I get the above error any ideas as to why I am getting this am I downloaded the correct file?
thanks for any assistance you could give.