Database Users

[Q] Rooting the Samsung Galaxy SGH-I337

I've never rooted my phone before, but I'm very familiar with customizing the phone, etc. I also read about custom ROMS and was wondering if flashing my ROM is the same and/or similar to rooting the device or once the device is rooted, do you then decide what type of ROM you want to use to put on the device and is there specific advantages/disadvantages to different ROMs developed by different people? Is there a particular favorite someone would use over another? Please let me know because I've decided to try rooting my S4 today. After the latest Android 4.3 update, some things haven't been working particularly well since I had already installed other apks from newer versions of Android (like the newer camera and gallery), and after the latest update, things just don't seem to run as smoothly so I've decided to wipe the device and start from scratch again. So I've seen threads about ways to root the device but is one way better than another and the same goes with custom ROMs (and whether this is the same thing or not)?

MJ9 Root
Well, I also just read in another thread that there currently isn't a way to root the I337 4.3 Build number ending in MJ9. So does this mean I can't root this device and I'm stuck restoring it back to how it was?

Rolldog said:
Well, I also just read in another thread that there currently isn't a way to root the I337 4.3 Build number ending in MJ9. So does this mean I can't root this device and I'm stuck restoring it back to how it was?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct that you can't root it. I don't know what you mean by restoring it back to the way it was
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Rolldog said:
I've never rooted my phone before, but I'm very familiar with customizing the phone, etc. I also read about custom ROMS and was wondering if flashing my ROM is the same and/or similar to rooting the device or once the device is rooted, do you then decide what type of ROM you want to use to put on the device and is there specific advantages/disadvantages to different ROMs developed by different people? Is there a particular favorite someone would use over another? Please let me know because I've decided to try rooting my S4 today. After the latest Android 4.3 update, some things haven't been working particularly well since I had already installed other apks from newer versions of Android (like the newer camera and gallery), and after the latest update, things just don't seem to run as smoothly so I've decided to wipe the device and start from scratch again. So I've seen threads about ways to root the device but is one way better than another and the same goes with custom ROMs (and whether this is the same thing or not)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as you have asked several questions in here, I have moved to Q and A. We don't allow "best rom" discussion as that can only be determined by the individual.
The other questions are, however, "ok" to ask, and I know the many helpful users here will certainly jump in with assistance!

Method for Rooting Newest ATT Build

Can some of you guys point me in the direction for the best method of rooting the most recent ATT version. There seems to be a few methods and I can't quite pin down the one I should be using. I've had HTC phones in the past and rooting this phone seems to be much easier other than I'm not sure which method to use due to so many variants of the phone. I appreciate the help.

louslugger15 said:
Can some of you guys point me in the direction for the best method of rooting the most recent ATT version. There seems to be a few methods and I can't quite pin down the one I should be using. I've had HTC phones in the past and rooting this phone seems to be much easier other than I'm not sure which method to use due to so many variants of the phone. I appreciate the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few methods to rooting the G2. The 3 most commonly referred to ones are,
IORoot25.
TowelRoot.
StumpRoot.
IORoot is as simple as enabling USB Debugging, connecting your G2 to your PC and then running the .bat file on your computer.
TowelRoot comes in the form of an .apk which you can run on your device, essentially rooting your phone wirelessly.
StumpRoot also comes in the form of an .apk which you can run on your device.
I recommend going with IORoot25 for your AT&T D800. It has the highest and most clearly stated compatibility, and from reading user feedback here on XDA, it causes the least amount of problems (mostly related to compatibility).

I have an AT&T Model too, and the method that worked for me was using StumpRoot
Here I leave you the download link. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B52QDJW8irNzVzFOTjFjdzNSZ2s&authuser=0

looking to root nexus 4 for the first time

hello everyone,
I am thinking of rooting my nexus 4 phone so i can upgrade to Marshmellow CM13. i have a nexus 7 that i have rooted many times but it is the WiFi only version and never rooted anything that has a cell connection before and considering i only have one cellphone i am a little hesitant.
the biggest question i have is how much should i be concerned about rooting and installing a custom ROM will delete my IMEI number? also when rooting and installing the ROM should i remove the SIM card?
thanks

phrozenstare said:
hello everyone,
I am thinking of rooting my nexus 4 phone so i can upgrade to Marshmellow CM13. i have a nexus 7 that i have rooted many times but it is the WiFi only version and never rooted anything that has a cell connection before and considering i only have one cellphone i am a little hesitant.
the biggest question i have is how much should i be concerned about rooting and installing a custom ROM will delete my IMEI number? also when rooting and installing the ROM should i remove the SIM card?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the concerns you have are real. Root has nothing to do with your IMEI . You do not need to remove SIM card, although if you want to be careful, you can remove SIM card before root and nothing will be affected (just for your peace of mind).
You should get Marshmallow on your device, it will breathe a new life into it.
As for the rooting procedure, there are tons of resources available. You can basically get the toolkit, adb drivers and everything else is pretty self explanatory, step by step procedure outlined in the toolkit.

Rooting is not required to install a custom rom. All you need to do is install twrp and flash cm13 from twrp.

mohsinkhan35 said:
None of the concerns you have are real. Root has nothing to do with your IMEI . You do not need to remove SIM card, although if you want to be careful, you can remove SIM card before root and nothing will be affected (just for your peace of mind).
You should get Marshmallow on your device, it will breathe a new life into it.
As for the rooting procedure, there are tons of resources available. You can basically get the toolkit, adb drivers and everything else is pretty self explanatory, step by step procedure outlined in the toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for clearing that up for me. i was looking to eventually upgrade to marshmallow on my phone with a custom ROM since google stopped supporting it so i am going to see if the first release of CM13 will be stable enough.

phrozenstare said:
thank you for clearing that up for me. i was looking to eventually upgrade to marshmallow on my phone with a custom ROM since google stopped supporting it so i am going to see if the first release of CM13 will be stable enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest installing AOSP 6.0 ROM, with YayPrime kernel. Or you can get a ROM that supports Layers and get GravityBox module which has everything for customizing your phone to your liking.
I found that CM overall has few bugs that get carried over from one version to another. I also found it to be a bit aggressive on the battery but that is totally dependent on the user. Enjoy :good:

I have a stock nexus 4.. running 5.1.1. Is there any benefit with me rooting the phone and putting on android 6? As google did not officially release android 6 for the nexus 4, will everything work on my nexus 4 if I install it? Sorry for the newbie questions but I have never rooted or installed a custom ROM before.
Thanks

brandcc said:
I have a stock nexus 4.. running 5.1.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I installed CM13 yesterday without problems and I'm looking forward to receive updates for my phone since it still suits my needs.

Root is not required to install a custom rom. You only need a custom recovery to install a custom rom.
Although flashing ROMs may affect the efs folder that contains the imei information, it has never happened to me. Several members recommend keeping an efs backup somewhere safe just in case.

Beginner's Guide?

Hey guys, so I plan on getting this phone within the next month and I want to be prepared to unlock the bootloader and install magisk as soon as I get it. The guides I've looked at just jump right into it without explaining anything. What are the best up-to-date guides for bootloader unlocking and custom recovery installing? Thanks for any help!

EarthboundHero said:
Hey guys, so I plan on getting this phone within the next month and I want to be prepared to unlock the bootloader and install magisk as soon as I get it. The guides I've looked at just jump right into it without explaining anything. What are the best up-to-date guides for bootloader unlocking and custom recovery installing? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to know that there are 3 versions of the phone. A2017 (chinese), A2017G (intl) and A2017U (USA). I don't really know the exact differences, but keep in mind that the A2017U has probably the best support and has the most ROMs and kernels and stuff available. The A2017 comes, from what I've heard, with a recovery in Chinese. And the A2017G has development and stuff but you definitely want to avoid bricking it (DFU mode might need you to disassemble the phone). Besides from that the guides are well written, for example the one I used for my A2017G was okay (from Controllerboy). Everything's explained. If you find something that's not evident send the guide link here and ask.

I just got this phone today too. Man I don't see why anyone's even rooting this... It's working great for me. I spent a couple hours in settings, setting up Nova, and all that, and I'm really amazed by this phone. Stock Antutu and it's scoring 155k! Very fluid phone too. I got scared during delivery, because I started reading horror stories about this phone, and development it seems like there's always something broken or not working correctly. I really really don't see the need to mess with the software one bit! I would recommend sticking with stock just to see how you enjoy it, before taking any risks. I used to be a flashaholic, but after marshmallow, the need isn't really there anymore. Android has become so smooth, rooting has lost most of its novelty. At least that's my opinion.

Reasons to root
JoRocker said:
I just got this phone today too. Man I don't see why anyone's even rooting this... It's working great for me. I spent a couple hours in settings, setting up Nova, and all that, and I'm really amazed by this phone. Stock Antutu and it's scoring 155k! Very fluid phone too. I got scared during delivery, because I started reading horror stories about this phone, and development it seems like there's always something broken or not working correctly. I really really don't see the need to mess with the software one bit! I would recommend sticking with stock just to see how you enjoy it, before taking any risks. I used to be a flashaholic, but after marshmallow, the need isn't really there anymore. Android has become so smooth, rooting has lost most of its novelty. At least that's my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot of reasons to root it. Maybe you are just used to the Cyanogenmod ROMs ans don't want to use any of the proprietary ROMs and Launchers. XPosed Framework, adblock, VPN, custom CA Certificates and Linux arm with VNC in the background are only some of hundreds of reasons to root your phone.

EarthboundHero said:
Hey guys, so I plan on getting this phone within the next month and I want to be prepared to unlock the bootloader and install magisk as soon as I get it. The guides I've looked at just jump right into it without explaining anything. What are the best up-to-date guides for bootloader unlocking and custom recovery installing? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need for any guides just use my toolkit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/tool-axon7toolkit-t3573108

JoRocker said:
I just got this phone today too. Man I don't see why anyone's even rooting this... It's working great for me. I spent a couple hours in settings, setting up Nova, and all that, and I'm really amazed by this phone. Stock Antutu and it's scoring 155k! Very fluid phone too. I got scared during delivery, because I started reading horror stories about this phone, and development it seems like there's always something broken or not working correctly. I really really don't see the need to mess with the software one bit! I would recommend sticking with stock just to see how you enjoy it, before taking any risks. I used to be a flashaholic, but after marshmallow, the need isn't really there anymore. Android has become so smooth, rooting has lost most of its novelty. At least that's my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are obviously reasons for root, BUT i am with you on this one. I have personally not found a reason to root yet. And that means a lot coming from me, as i am a real ROM-whore and update-slut. The firmware suits my needs perfectly, i have a 2017U with firmware B029 installed. Oh and do check @bkores tookit! It rocks!

bkores said:
No need for any guides just use my toolkit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/tool-axon7toolkit-t3573108
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey does your rootkit work with a phone that can't access adb? Like I was looking at the EDL method of returning my Axon 7 to stock for an RMA exchange. I am exchanging it because mtp/quick charge/adb does not work anymore. Fastboot still works.

runderekrun said:
Hey does your rootkit work with a phone that can't access adb? Like I was looking at the EDL method of returning my Axon 7 to stock for an RMA exchange. I am exchanging it because mtp/quick charge/adb does not work anymore. Fastboot still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader unlock and restore stock options both use EDL.

runderekrun said:
Hey does your rootkit work with a phone that can't access adb? Like I was looking at the EDL method of returning my Axon 7 to stock for an RMA exchange. I am exchanging it because mtp/quick charge/adb does not work anymore. Fastboot still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had this problem before. It's because I updated an "N" version of Windows without installing the latest media feature pack. If you have an "N" version of Windows, make sure to install the media feature pack.

EarthboundHero said:
I've had this problem before. It's because I updated an "N" version of Windows without installing the latest media feature pack. If you have an "N" version of Windows, make sure to install the media feature pack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am aware of that issue but this is something else. Quick charge doesn't work at all and adb doesn't either. In fact a buddy of mine plugged his Axon into my computer and it worked just fine so..

I just got this phone today and it came with 6.0.1 MM B29. I am pretty impressed by the features that ZTE has added in to their stock UI. I hear that has gotten better with the N updates.
If I OTA update bone stock to N B25 and decide I miss root, I can go back and downgrade to N B19 via various methods and unlock the bootloader, install TWRP, root, and custom ROM etc?

2 User Account limit Oreo

V20 990DS I add one user Account no problems when trying to add a third one the add is greyed out. Is there a workaround to allow more user accounts?

Ok looks like I have to work out how to root then unroot after.
Ok further looking and no root option for 990DS Oreo even then this model seems difficult and risky to root. Annoying how they put a artificial limit in.

ian.spencer said:
Ok looks like I have to work out how to root then unroot after.
Ok further looking and no root option for 990DS Oreo even then this model seems difficult and risky to root. Annoying how they put a artificial limit in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is root, just do upto the twrp he twrp flash step using dirty santa root method, then flash latest twrp again and flash rooted oreo and mk kernel.

Do you have a link as it seems the only instructions say you have to downgrade to early version of Android N. This also sound like I will end up with a rooted phone. Yes I've spent many hours reading and looking into this but it seems you have to understand a lot of info not included in the tutorial. I've rooted older Samsung phones in the past but the instructions were clear and it was easier in Android 4. Some apps just don't like rooted phones so I don't want that. Thanks.

ian.spencer said:
Do you have a link as it seems the only instructions say you have to downgrade to early version of Android N. This also sound like I will end up with a rooted phone. Yes I've spent many hours reading and looking into this but it seems you have to understand a lot of info not included in the tutorial. I've rooted older Samsung phones in the past but the instructions were clear and it was easier in Android 4. Some apps just don't like rooted phones so I don't want that. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do have to be rooted to edit build.prop, however with magisk you can hide the fact that the phone is rooted from almost all apps (configurable in magisk manager).