Database Users

[Q] Rooting options

Hey,
I have recently acquired SGS4 in place of my SGS3. I have used to change a rom every week, but now all I would like is a stable, rooted and .
I just discovered all the fuss about Knox and I am even more dissapointed. I really didn't want to buy another Samsung device (Exynos resources, SDS and their horrible overlay) but the offer on it was just insanely good compared to everything else to I took it.
Anyway, below are my current bootloader/firmware information:
http://i.imgur.com/G5pThnv.png
http://i.imgur.com/sl7M1VC.png
As you can see it is 4.3 from T-Mobile from november.
Now would you be so kind and tell me:
Can I root and modify my rom and bootloader on any custom without loosing my warranty?
If not, can I root and change the rom to the google edition?
If nope again, hopefuly I can at least use root with one of the latest Samsung roms? (without T-Mobile bloatware)

You live in the EU. That means that even if Samsung doesn't want to fix your device because you tripped Knox (unlikely that they won't fix it), the store you bought it from still has to fix it even with Knox tripped. That is consumer law which should also apply in Poland.
You can only root without tripping Knox.
You can not flash a recovery without tripping Knox, thus you cannot flash custom roms without tripping it.
So just root and flash the rom you want. You can even skip the part of rooting and just flash a custom recovery.
There are no downsides if you tripped Knox.

[Q] Knox Trip

Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Thanks!

No way to install AOSP rom without tripping knox. However, you can install custom touchwiz rom without tripping knox.
we are in the same boat. My warranty has only three months remaining. I will only trip knox if ktoonsez kernel come for official TW lollipop.

ha966 said:
Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tripped knox 2 months after purchase.
Chances are low that a brand new device malfunctions. Even so, there are reported cases where people who tripped knox said that they were still able to send the device to be serviced in warranty conditions.

I'm going to try it, I will let you guys know if it worked.

Flashed cyanogenmod, works like a charm.
I have 0x1 but that seems that i still have warranty.

ha966 said:
Flashed cyanogenmod, works like a charm.
I have 0x1 but that seems that i still have warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your warranty is void.

ha966 said:
Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash cyanogenmod (or other AOSP roms), but you can flash other Samsung-based custom roms without tripping knox.
The method is quite complex though. Generally you have to downgrade your kernel, root with towelroot, use Mobile Odin Pro to flash a new rom preserving root, update bootloader to have wifi.
The risk of mistakes is quite high.
But if you want to have a deeper look, jump here
As you will see the first step is rooting without tripping knox, which is already a challenge.
Once you achieve that, you will find that root gives you already enough mod opportunities, so you may not feel the need to flash custom roms.

khsh97 said:
Your warranty is void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.

Lennyz1988 said:
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is awesome. But as far as I know Samsung are not the ones who will handle the warranty, but the store from where you bought it the phone.
I bought mine from DOMO (an electronics store here in my country), which means that they will handle the warranty, not Samsung.
Either way, warranty is void once you temper with the software (rooting and changing roms), it is even stated in the "Warranty will be void if" clause. Unless you change back to stock before sending it in.

GDReaper said:
That is awesome. But as far as I know Samsung are not the ones who will handle the warranty, but the store from where you bought it the phone.
I bought mine from DOMO (an electronics store here in my country), which means that they will handle the warranty, not Samsung.
Either way, warranty is void once you temper with the software (rooting and changing roms), it is even stated in the "Warranty will be void if" clause. Unless you change back to stock before sending it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung gives warranty to their product. They do that freely. But that's completely separate from your consumer rights.
The store where you bought it from has a legal obligation to fix the phone within a certain period of time. You can even pull the device apart, put it back together and you still have your rights. As longs as the fault is not caused by you. I'm talking about countries within the EU. The warranty void message has absolutely zero consequences.
Compare it with a pc. You can reinstall Windows, install a different Windows version, install Linux and when your motherboard breaks down, it will never void your warranty because you installed different software.
So you basically have two options. You can send it directly to Samsung or send it to the store you bought it from.
In the Netherlands Samsung made an announcement that tripping Knox, flashing your phone will NEVER void your warranty. Even if you manage to brick it, they will fix it free of charge.

Hello,
I am new to samsung and knox and really I am lost with so much information specially because I have a original version.
I have a i9505 without any upgrade, so I still have the Apr 12 kernel with I understand doesn't have knox.
Can I install any custom rom?
Can I then revert back to stock? And to stock without knox?
If I install custom roms in the forum they will upgrade my kernel and knox will be installed?
What is the best approach to continue knox free?
Thanks

Custom roms or GPE roms are your best bet if you want knox free roms.
Better upgrade to the latest software and root, then install a custom rom.
If you want stock without knox, you can install a knox-free (knox has been removed by the dev) touchwiz rom.

Thanks for replying.
If I upgrade the software first it will also upgrade the kernel to a version with knox with I will not be able to remove again. Isn't correct?
If I install a custom rom will it also upgrade my kernel to a version with knox?

filtragem said:
Thanks for replying.
If I upgrade the software first it will also upgrade the kernel to a version with knox with I will not be able to remove again. Isn't correct?
If I install a custom rom will it also upgrade my kernel to a version with knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes.
2) Kernel has nothing to do with knox. Knox is in the bootloader and the rom. Custom roms do not upgrade your bootloader.

So what is the advantage of upgrading first?
Isn't best to install a custom rom as is without having knox even close to my phone?
My previous question about returning to stock was if I need to send my phone for repair (I am still on warranty) can I be stock again but remain knox free, after installing a custom rom?
Thanks and sorry for probably so basic questions

Please read this thread and gain knowledge from Chainfire (developer of CF-Auto-root, SuperSU). Many of the questions asked have answer there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45666586
AFAIK from reading the referenced thread only Knox-apps and libs are removed. That isn't truly Knox-free when bootloader is still holding the Knox features.
Even Chainfire hasn't been able to remove Knox.
Please give example what custom ROM is truly Knox free.

Lennyz1988 said:
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about Asian countries?

O-T said:
Please read this thread and gain knowledge from Chainfire (developer of CF-Auto-root, SuperSU). Many of the questions asked have answer there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45666586
AFAIK from reading the referenced thread only Knox-apps and libs are removed. That isn't truly Knox-free when bootloader is still holding the Knox features.
Even Chainfire hasn't been able to remove Knox.
Please give example what custom ROM is truly Knox free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will read it.
I don't know if any custom rom is knox free.
I am still knox free because I have an old bootloader, and didn't install any update.
It's possible to install a new rom without updating the bootloader?
If I install a CM rom will it install a bootloader with knox? If not, can I later reinstall a samsung rom with a bootloader without knox?

filtragem said:
Thanks, I will read it.
I don't know if any custom rom is knox free.
I am still knox free because I have an old bootloader, and didn't install any update.
It's possible to install a new rom without updating the bootloader?
If I install a CM rom will it install a bootloader with knox? If not, can I later reinstall a samsung rom with a bootloader without knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any version CM/AOSP rom don't include bootloader or modem/non-hlos firmware as @GDReaper reply 2). Most Deodexed TouchWiz (TW-based) usually neither. Mind there can be exceptions for TW-based roms.
CWM or TWRP recovery isn't the same as bootloader hence it don't trip Knox.
I had previously CWM 6051, changed to TWRP 2840 and CM11. Updated to complete Samsung stock 501 lollipop directly from that state using PC Odin 3.07. Recovery back to stock and unrooted in one single Odin flash with preserved state Knox 0x0. Phone is GT-I9295 hardware 95% identical to GT-I9505 (some buttons +screen/camera difference).
Downgrade to Samsung TouchWiz rom with Knox-free bootloader =< MH1 when bootloader is newer (N** =kitkat or O** =lolipop) will trip Knox. Because Knox featured bootloader can't be downgraded without trip 0x1.
Updating to any Samsung TouchWiz rom with bootloader don't trip Knox.
Find version:
ADB or Terminal command: getprop ro.bootloader
It's common to press XDA Thanks Button sometimes.

Stock partition / different model trip Knox? HELP

Help, everyone:
If only the system.img.ext4 extracted from an official stock ROM of SM-G900F is flashed by Odin to a SM-G9008W phone, will that trip Knox?
Both are S5 models with Android 5.0 but probably different subversion (OJ6 to OI2), and a stock ROM/partition of a different S5 model is used. I also wonder if Kingo or any other root works for S5 Lollipop without affecting Knox.
It is commonly described that flashing stock ROM will keep Knox, but the definition is unclear, as well as the mechanism of Knox check.

How is it unclear?
If it is stock, it will not trip KNOX, end of story
Only custom trips KNOX

Thanks for getting back. So that surely includes flashing another S5 model stock ROM and also its isolated system partition only (system.img.ext4 packaged as tar)?
I am not certain that these operations will not trip Knox because I do not know the mechanism behind Knox nor where the signatures are stored/checked/compared.

If you have modified the ROM, it is no longer stock

*Detection* said:
If you have modified the ROM, it is no longer stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the first case, the unmodified stock ROM of another location (CHM->XMF) is used, or the unmodified stock ROM of another S5 model is used.
In the second case, part of the unmodified stock ROM i.e. the unmodified system partition (of another S5 model) is used. And so between system partition and the others, there will be a mix of model and may be different android 5.0 sub-versions.
So will both cases work and not trip Knox? Thanks for clarifying with any tested/confirmed answer.

I tripped KNOX months ago, you'll have to test and confirm
It's your project, not fair asking other people to see if your hacking trips their KNOX, do it yourself

Just trying to solicit any experience before doing such irreversible experiment... no need to risk your device if you haven't.
Any similar experience or advice from others? Your sharing is very much appreciated.

Questions About The Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE SPH-L720T (Sprint version)

OK. I just bought this new thing and am looking for some feedback before I even think about installing custom recoveries, ROMs, APP's, etc.
On GSMArena.com my device is listed as the i9505. Everything matches up except the model version under "About device" where it states it as being the SPH-L720T (Baseband L720TVUJOH2).
Now what I want to know is, is that just carrier branding or is my phone indeed the i9505 and will all of the i9505 stuff work on it? It may seem like a silly question but I just paid $300 for this thing and the last thing I want to do is brick it.
The reason why I am asking all of this is because Samsung seem incapable of releasing a fully functioning or secure ROM (Stage-fright issues, widgets draw crashing on "Touchwiz" UI, etc). The current Android version I am running is "Lollipop" build 5.0.1 (official).
Which brings me to my next question: I noticed that my device has "KNOX" installed. Is there any way to install custom ROMs and/or recoveries without tripping it? I want to try to avoid voiding the warranty if possible.
Also this is an unlocked device so will flashing custom ROMs disable that?
Thanks.

I have an s4 with i9500 on it but i reality its an SPH-720T. You can know for sure in the bootloader
So far I had no problem installing i9505 ROMs like 'Super WizCyan, Albe95 S6, Imperium LL Rom' and i am corrently using Albe95 LolliROM 6.0 and it works fine :good: with the latest SPH-720T carnal (OH1) an the Imperium Karnal works too (v2.6)
It is rooted with CF-Auto-Root for SPH-720 and I have TWRP Recovery instaled

Grumpy Cat said:
OK. I just bought this new thing and am looking for some feedback before I even think about installing custom recoveries, ROMs, APP's, etc.
On GSMArena.com my device is listed as the i9505. Everything matches up except the model version under "About device" where it states it as being the SPH-L720T (Baseband L720TVUJOH2).
Now what I want to know is, is that just carrier branding or is my phone indeed the i9505 and will all of the i9505 stuff work on it? It may seem like a silly question but I just paid $300 for this thing and the last thing I want to do is brick it.
The reason why I am asking all of this is because Samsung seem incapable of releasing a fully functioning or secure ROM (Stage-fright issues, widgets draw crashing on "Touchwiz" UI, etc). The current Android version I am running is "Lollipop" build 5.0.1 (official).
Which brings me to my next question: I noticed that my device has "KNOX" installed. Is there any way to install custom ROMs and/or recoveries without tripping it? I want to try to avoid voiding the warranty if possible.
Also this is an unlocked device so will flashing custom ROMs disable that?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into download mode. What does it say your model is in download mode?

The SPH-L720T is just carrier branding. It should be an I9505.
Installing a custom recovery will trip knox. You will have to stay stock if you don't want to trip knox. But beware, knox doesn't like root. Meaning that you will have random reboots if you root your phone and knox is installed.
I recommend reading your warranty document to see what kind of damages it covers. I read mine and it concluded that my warranty covers excrements. So I tripped knox after the first month.

Lennyz1988 said:
Boot into download mode. What does it say your model is in download mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says SPH-L720T. But according to GDReaper (and the online specs) it is carrier branding.
GDReaper said:
The SPH-L720T is just carrier branding. It should be an I9505.
Installing a custom recovery will trip knox. You will have to stay stock if you don't want to trip knox. But beware, knox doesn't like root. Meaning that you will have random reboots if you root your phone and knox is installed.
I recommend reading your warranty document to see what kind of damages it covers. I read mine and it concluded that my warranty covers excrements. So I tripped knox after the first month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap, I might have already tripped it installing SuperSU (through Play Store, and that's all it took to root it). Under download mode it says "Knox warranty void 0x1". Does that mean I tripped it?
That said, no random reboots the only issue I have is that I can't access the widgets app draw on Touchwiz UI without an FC (but I use a Nova Launcher anyway), and i9505 stuff should work with mine, right? I am thinking about installing EchoeROM, provided it doesn't have the problems the "official" one does.

Knox default status is 0x0
Any modifications done to the bootloader will make it 0x1 which means knox has been triggered.
Since it is already tripped, you might as well flash a custom recovery.
The SPH-L720T has the same specs as the normal GT-I9505 S4. You can compare them yourself.
It is just a rebranded I9505.

I get that it is just a rebranded version of the GT-i9505 but I had to make absolutely sure. In other threads some are saying they have issues. And since I have "screwed the pooch" and tripped KNOX (unless Chainfire's "Triangle Away" can reset the counter), I might as well start flashing then.
I was just reading over this article on how to deal with KNOX and it doesn't seem to cause any issues for me since I am already rooted via Super SU. Will I have to remove it anyway or can I just go ahead and flash TWRP via Odin (can you recommend any version?) without any issues? And is CF-Auto-Root really necessary? I have some experience with all of this from rooting and flashing my old S3 MINI, KNOX and CF-Auto-Root are the only two I'm not sure about.
Oddly enough, while it does say that KNOX (and KNOX II) is installed I can't find the shortcut as described in the article. This is a refurbished phone so god knows what has been done to it.
Thanks.

CF-Auto-Root is only needed for rooting. Since you are already rooted, you don't need it.
As far as I know, Knox status 0x1 is permanent. It can't be changed back to 0x0. The flash counter is a different thing. It shows how many times a firmware has been flashed on the device. I'm not sure if stock roms cout towards your flash counter.
If you have no issues with Knox and root then there is no reason to remove knox.
You can simply flash twrp from their site. The variant you're looking for is for the Qualcomm S4. I used Odin 1.85 and 3.09 with success in the past.

Is it possible to flash a custom rom without tripping Knox?

Hello,
So recently, I've encountered the same Issue I've been having for a long time with any sort of Samsung device - performance. I find my device annoyingly slow. A factory reset fixes this but then the phone bogs down.
I've decided to look into potentially flashing a custom rom to see if they're far more optimised than the stock rom. The problem is, I'm a warranty freak. I like to keep my warranty intact and modify the device later on once the warranty has gone. Obviously, the Knox flag is a thing and I don't want to trip it.
When I had my One Plus 3, I had none of this and rooting/custom roms didn't bother me as it was covered in the warranty - this is a big no no with Samsung.
I'm not so much wanting to change the kernel or the bootloader or use TWRP - just install a new custom rom to hopefully get some performance gains and maybe root too.
TL;DR Is there a viable method to installing a custom rom without tripping Knox?

I am precisly on the same situation as you are

WhaleTrain said:
Hello,
So recently, I've encountered the same Issue I've been having for a long time with any sort of Samsung device - performance. I find my device annoyingly slow. A factory reset fixes this but then the phone bogs down.
I've decided to look into potentially flashing a custom rom to see if they're far more optimised than the stock rom. The problem is, I'm a warranty freak. I like to keep my warranty intact and modify the device later on once the warranty has gone. Obviously, the Knox flag is a thing and I don't want to trip it.
When I had my One Plus 3, I had none of this and rooting/custom roms didn't bother me as it was covered in the warranty - this is a big no no with Samsung.
I'm not so much wanting to change the kernel or the bootloader or use TWRP - just install a new custom rom to hopefully get some performance gains and maybe root too.
TL;DR Is there a viable method to installing a custom rom without tripping Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a exynos version then its impossible this moment to have a custom rom without having twrp, which in turn will trip Knox and may effect warranty depending what currently in

sofir786 said:
If you have a exynos version then its impossible this moment to have a custom rom without having twrp, which in turn will trip Knox and may effect warranty depending what currently in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang it, I do have the Exynos version.
So is there an exploit only applicable to the SD variant?

WhaleTrain said:
Dang it, I do have the Exynos version.
So is there an exploit only applicable to the SD variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the kind-of exploit is only on SD variant.
Although, it can be said that the exploit isn't that good as well, since you will be unable to flash custom ROM (only debloats etc IIRC).
So, they are unable to flash cutom kernel etc.

hi , what about installing custom rom with heimdall? no need for root, no need for twrp. will this triggger knox as well? does exynos/snapdragon matter in this scenario?

hey,
heimdall is only an alternative to odin, anything non samsung trips knox

Is there any way to flash an official rom without rooting to replace my actual one from my carrier? or just a way to at least change the boot screen logo?

Deleted