Database Users

S5 recovery 20$ min read all please. I'm desperate

- Intro
- Done and searched so far
- My Questions. (Jump to the end unless you think I haven't search prior )
- Bounty
INTRO
Hey guys. I'm french Canadian (please understand my bad written )
and thanks to the phone I choosed (s5 active g870w telus)
I'm becoming pretty much bilingual I've checked all over
around The Web and over this forum. And can't find an accurate
answer . I know I picked the wrong phone for rooting but
as a construction worker it was a good compromise.
DONE AND SEARCHED
My Samsung Galaxy s5 Active g870w from Telus
is still on 4.4.2 since there is no and there will not be
any update for a while.
I managed to used the g900w8 version of
Chain fire auto root method using Odin 3.09
to get roots.
I have also succès to flash Unity 2.0.1 rom.
So far I figured that my version can count as
the Canadian version of the s5 small g900w8. (I may be wrong)
I found a stock Firmware (that accualy make my
lies in russian ) Wich I used a lot lately due to all
my soft brick.
My goal is to be able to upgrade to a nice custom rom
on lollipop. I was hoping Fusion. And as for the recovery
TWRP would be my choice if it was possible.
Now I am stuck trying to install TWRP. I have followed
multiple guide. I have tried to install from TWRP manager
the version 2.8.6.0 klte. I have tried 3 times and after the app
installation I tried to reboot to recovery using Quick boot,
i always end up in Odin mode.
I then tried to install using Odin flashing the same version
Downloaded from TWRP.me site. Then it let me load into
my stock version. Then if I try to reboot in recovery
it still stock.
I even tried to use safestrap both version at&t and Verizon
and both soft bricked me.
I have read or scan about every thread and none talk about
S5 a g870w. Beside the att version Wich are locked.
QUESTIONS
My Questions and I really beg for answers even if
You have only 1 answer.
1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
BOUNTY
It might not be much but I offer a 20$ minimum bounty for who ever
take me outta this non ending bulls*"t.
Thanks guys. And please I swear I have search and read a lot
just Google my model number and you'll always end up on me
Searching and I seems to be the only one g870w talking about
recovery or custom rom. All I found is how to root...
Jon

1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
No, it is different flashing anything that isn't designed for your exact model number ( even the AT&T ones which are one letter different) won't work.
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
No, only firmwares for your exact phone will work without someone modifying something specific for you.
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
Flashing any other model number but your own risks bootloop/bricking as they although look similar can have different firmware partitions amongst other things.
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
If someone can have a look at TWRP is possible that they can make a version work for you: ideally I would say with it being so difficult as so few have your model I would go to stock: root and use xposed, and leave the rest.
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
Sure, happy to help but don't know how much can help when you are trying firmwares for different versions.
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
Unless someone has made I've for your model type I doubt it.
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
Yeah unfortunately this is quite likely.

thanks for taking the time.
Now I'll go private with you for personal things.
but before maybe few extra questions will help the very few others in
the same painful situation.
about compatibility you answered no.
What made me search so bad is that I've seen
other members(g870a) claiming they we're using
g900 roms I'll search for a link.
-Does it mean even tho its risky or
it means that American version have more luck ?
-am I still able to use a recovery like safestrap?
-can I hang myself?
- and if I'd like to have TWRP and a know custom rom
would it be a lot of works for Des.
Is it "askable" are some working for money?
I hate stuck to death I miss my note 3 like crazy. .. damn

Rooting a S5 G900F. Total newbie.

Last week I received a brand new S5 G900F, no carrier, and want to have administrator privileges in order to remove bloatware. Plus, it would be nice to have adblock and apps to back up the entire system, both which aren't available in the phone's stock form, and maybe a custom ROM and Kernel.
I have never rooted a phone nor messed with its system files, so I'm a complete newbie on this. Also, I haven't connected it to the Internet yet, so that the phone is in its stock form before rooting it.
What's the simplest, safest yet effective method for rooting my phone? Afterwards, can I just update the phone to the latest version using the regular system settings menu, or should I do it externally (downloading the update on the PC)? Any particular tips on what to do next, such as what apps to remove, which to install and so on, if possible while keeping it simple? I read that CM 12.1 (ROM) + Ktoonsez (Kernel) is the way to go.
Thanks in advance.

Hi Avensvvvvvv
The best, safeest way to Root? - Have a look in the Q&A Forum, its mostly all here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2700073
Some people use TowelRoot...
I used CF Auto root and found it easier. You can find here at XDA or at http://droidors.com/2015/03/24/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900i-android-lollipop-5-0/ be aware that this link is for the g900i ot the g900f.
As for updating etc....a lot of the latest ROMS come with OTA (over the air) updates. Which ROMS? There is kind of a rule here that you dont ask which ROM is best because the idea is that you do loads of reading and try them out for yourself Lately Ive been playing around with PhoeniX ROM, Alliance ROM and some of the CM stuff...but all are good. Removal of Bloatware is pretty straight forward using Titanium Backup - or some ROMS supply their own method for doing do. Just be sure to not mess around with any of the system files while your still learning. Search Bloatware and you should find some good advice.
Thats about it mate - the main thing is to read, read, read and ask lots of questions before you do anything. Otherwise you'll have a very expensive paperweight on your desk Most of the people here are cool with Noobs asking questions in the correct forums....by the way this post should really be posted in the Q&A forum
Good luck flashing and rooting...and most of all....have fun!
Mugsyfied

You have a good answer in the above post.....
But in future, you need to give us more information about your device so that we can offer advice that is suited more exactly to your circumstances....
The version of Android currently running on your device is one critical bit of info you didn't provide.....
Some things to bear in mind about your phone....
1) Samsung have included something called Knox on these phones....it is basically an un-resettable 'eFuse' which 'tripps' when you flash any custom software to your device. Samsung are using it as an indicator to allow them to deny warranty claims.
2) when you root your phone you WILL trip knox, this will probably prevent you from receiving OTA updates to your device....and even if (by some miracle) you did get an OTA, it will remove your root access, and you'll have to start again....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

HELP REQUIRED to choose a ROM for Galaxy S4 i9505 android 4.3 version~~

Hi guys, Newbie to forum and rooting here! I own a Galaxy S4 i9505 android version 4.3 and want it to upgrade to a higher, better and stable version. I've been doing a lot of research and found that the latest 6.0.1 gives issues with wifi on s4! I always wanted to root my phone but never did but since pokemon go doesn't run on 4.3 I'm glad that I'm forced to root it ! So, which is the best ROM and android version that I should upgrade my phone to that'll not show any bugs or issues! I don't care if the android version's not latest..I own only one phone! Just want to run pokemon go and exploit some features that rooting will provide! Thanks for help~

There aren't any ROMs that are 100% bug free. Even Samsung ROMs have bugs.
Also, the matter of "which ROM is better" is subjective.

GDReaper said:
There aren't any ROMs that are 100% bug free. Even Samsung ROMs have bugs.
Also, the matter of "which ROM is better" is subjective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the reply! I'm aware that no ROM maybe 100% bug free but maybe there are some which have insignificant bugs?? and also perhaps the older ROMs..say the ones with android 5.0.x maybe so because of more updates? In that regard, I would really like if you would recommend one such ROM to your knowledge! Thanks!

phoenixs4 said:
Hey thanks for the reply! I'm aware that no ROM maybe 100% bug free but maybe there are some which have insignificant bugs?? and also perhaps the older ROMs..say the ones with android 5.0.x maybe so because of more updates? In that regard, I would really like if you would recommend one such ROM to your knowledge! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Google Play Edition ROM has always been working well for me.

Roll ultra
Enviado desde mi GT-I9505 mediante Tapatalk

Me, ive come from many years of custom ROMs on my S2, and due to all the issues with CM13 which was the last ROM i ran on it, i retired the S2 the other day and got a cheap second hand S4, and i have to say after all the drama of custom CM13 on the S2, i am actually enjoying the stock 5.01 LP ROM on the S4. All ive done is run CF Auto Root and then run this debloat app on it Until i do enough research on what a good custom ROM to install, im just going to stick with the stock 5.0.1...
Stock 5.01 is available here at sammobile
It should be enough of an upgrade over 4.3, plus you should probably flash this at least once before going to a custom ROM anyways...for reasons i wont bore you with
You can try this first up as an alternate to sammobile.com (because they limit your speed):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/tool-samfirm-samsung-firmware-t2988647
This backdoors a fast download from Sammobile...much faster
I just got it to finally work to download my ROM!
Or if you try the main sammobile.com website
If you choose to go this route, pick your country, and if you want an unbranded, no carrier bloat version, pick the one form your country with no carrier name after it in brackets, i.e. pick the one with just the 3 letter region code in brackets after it. Note: its about 1.4Gb to download, and unlike the old days sammobile will make it fricking painful to get without paying them...they throttle the download. Im on my 8th go trying to get my ROM, every time it fails you have to restart, so they soak up your data allowance the bastards, but theres nowhere else i know of to get my ROM
Or another alternate:
http://fw.updato.com/

Ok so I've decided to flash this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...om-untouched-google-play-edition-5-1-t3198177
But I'm getting confused between the meanings of rooting and flashing ROM. Do I need to "root" my phone (I would use Super SU) before flashing it? Because I'm following this tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDlV3plfnVA
and his recovery screen looks different than mine. Apparently, he's using clockworkMod CWM but how do I do that? So, if I root my phone first then will my recover screen look similar to his? It's confusing! Please help!

Like i said id flash a stock ROM first before going custom....GPE still counts as a custom ROM
Be sure to read this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67514801&postcount=1380 and more than just the front page of any ROM, this one has a few issues, i assume fixed.....
As for recovery, you should forget about Phliz (it can have issues with newer ROM's) and use TWRP instead (i used to hate TWRP, but CWM based recoveries seemingly arent being updated to fix issues lately)
I did a quick post about installing it (and fixing a potential niggle) here earlier: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67769031&postcount=6

**Updating the Firmware Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900F**

Ok so here's my dilemma:
I have searched and searched for about 4 straight days on what to do and can't seem to pinpoint the procedure I need to enforce. This is my first posting by the way, and I'm kind of a noob to all of this stuff, but extremely intrigued by it all, that I can't seem to put my phone or laptop away as long as I have the free time to do more research.
I just recently rooted my Samsung Galaxy S5 variant G900F (was extremely excited that it was a success on my first try!). I just purchased this device in July (and it came unlocked as far as to using whichever carrier I wanted). Now, what I'm looking to do is update my firmware (from what I've gathered, I believe I need to do that in order to install a custom ROM? If I'm wrong, please correct me). So my device information is as follows:
MODEL: SM-G900F
PRODUCT NAME: kltexx
PRODUCT CODE: SM-G900FZWAMRU
PDA: G900FXXS1CQD8
CSC: G900FOJP1CQB1
BASEBAND: G900FXXU1CQB1
BOOTLOADER: G900FXXS1CQD8
BUILDNUMBER: MMB29M.G900FXXS1CQD8
ANDROID VERSION: 6.0.1
KERNEL VERSION: 3.4.0-10662519
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (TM) 330
MODEM: MSM8974PRO
I don't know what other information someone would need in order to help point me in the right direction of what I need to do, but it would be greatly appreciated! If you need any other information, let me know! I can't seem to tell which region this device is typically set up for (as I said, I'm a noob) so if someone can explain that a little, that would be wonderful too. Thank you so much!!

jbscripts33 said:
Ok so here's my dilemma:
I have searched and searched for about 4 straight days on what to do and can't seem to pinpoint the procedure I need to enforce. This is my first posting by the way, and I'm kind of a noob to all of this stuff, but extremely intrigued by it all, that I can't seem to put my phone or laptop away as long as I have the free time to do more research.
I just recently rooted my Samsung Galaxy S5 variant G900F (was extremely excited that it was a success on my first try!). I just purchased this device in July (and it came unlocked as far as to using whichever carrier I wanted). Now, what I'm looking to do is update my firmware (from what I've gathered, I believe I need to do that in order to install a custom ROM? If I'm wrong, please correct me). So my device information is as follows:
MODEL: SM-G900F
PRODUCT NAME: kltexx
PRODUCT CODE: SM-G900FZWAMRU
PDA: G900FXXS1CQD8
CSC: G900FOJP1CQB1
BASEBAND: G900FXXU1CQB1
BOOTLOADER: G900FXXS1CQD8
BUILDNUMBER: MMB29M.G900FXXS1CQD8
ANDROID VERSION: 6.0.1
KERNEL VERSION: 3.4.0-10662519
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (TM) 330
MODEM: MSM8974PRO
I don't know what other information someone would need in order to help point me in the right direction of what I need to do, but it would be greatly appreciated! If you need any other information, let me know! I can't seem to tell which region this device is typically set up for (as I said, I'm a noob) so if someone can explain that a little, that would be wonderful too. Thank you so much!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Your case seems to be llike somebody comes to a shop asking the shop assistant: "I want to buy something but I don't know what"
But now to be serious - in order to help you, you need to specify what you really want to achieve because from what you wrote I am not sure.
You have SM-G900F phone with latest MM 6.0.1 firmware for Mauritus (MRU) region. So you should be good to go.
If you just want to play with your phone, then OK but you should be aware that when you root your phone or flash any of the custom firmware you will loose your warranty. You wrote that you are rooted already so that is it -> KNOX flag is set 0x1. But if you bought a used phone then you should bother too much with that (warranty doesn't matter).
To flash any of the compatible custom roms you usually need a custom recovery (for example TWRP) and you are free to flash custom roms (following OP instructions of course).
That's it for the beginning

Many40 said:
Hi,
Your case seems to be llike somebody comes to a shop asking the shop assistant: "I want to buy something but I don't know what"
But now to be serious - in order to help you, you need to specify what you really want to achieve because from what you wrote I am not sure.
You have SM-G900F phone with latest MM 6.0.1 firmware for Mauritus (MRU) region. So you should be good to go.
If you just want to play with your phone, then OK but you should be aware that when you root your phone or flash any of the custom firmware you will loose your warranty. You wrote that you are rooted already so that is it -> KNOX flag is set 0x1. But if you bought a used phone then you should bother too much with that (warranty doesn't matter).
To flash any of the compatible custom roms you usually need a custom recovery (for example TWRP) and you are free to flash custom roms (following OP instructions of course).
That's it for the beginning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Well my initial goal was to install a custom rom but couldn't seem to find one that included my build number, so was a little confused. There's many to choose from, but I can't just download any of them. Or does a specified build number not convenient?
I have the TWRP downloaded, for some reason I thought I needed to update my firmware since I didn't see it anywhere as far as roms went. I'm mostly experimenting right now. I looked into rooting for 4 months before I finally did it. And now I'm overwhelmed with excitement of all the things I can do, that I don't know where to start! So I thought a different ROM would be a good start. I really enjoy customizing my phone and making it as unique as possible, any suggestions as far as which ROM I can do?

jbscripts33 said:
Thank you! Well my initial goal was to install a custom rom but couldn't seem to find one that included my build number, so was a little confused. There's many to choose from, but I can't just download any of them. Or does a specified build number not convenient?
I have the TWRP downloaded, for some reason I thought I needed to update my firmware since I didn't see it anywhere as far as roms went. I'm mostly experimenting right now. I looked into rooting for 4 months before I finally did it. And now I'm overwhelmed with excitement of all the things I can do, that I don't know where to start! So I thought a different ROM would be a good start. I really enjoy customizing my phone and making it as unique as possible, any suggestions as far as which ROM I can do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, now I know a little bit more. You are on the latest stock rom foreseen for your region. So you are good to go for any customization. To flash a custom rom you need a custom recovery. when you are already rooted the easiest way is to install TWRP app from the Play store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.twrp.twrpapp
and flash the recovery.
Before flashing any custom rom it is highly recommended to do nandroid backup from TWRP (backup of all important partitions of your phone).
Then you can try a custom rom. Check this subforum:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/development
or this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development
and find a rom of your choice. Read carefully the OP (compatibility, features, issues) and decide.
You might start with LineageOS based on android 7.X Nougat. But be aware that custom roms might have some bugs and are based on pure android sources so they will give you pure android experience. Some might love it but some are disappointed

I'm scaring to brick my phone. So how to backup all things ?

Hello friends,
I would like to install custom rom on my phone Note 4 sm-n910C . I'm not an experienced person for it. But basicly I know that I need to root my phone 1st then install suitable version of TWRP on my phone. And then I can backup my stock rom and all things. Then install custom rom file.
But I scare to brick my phone doing this procedure. So I wonder, can i backup my phone's stock rom and other all things (kernel, firmware, modem etc...) without TWRP ? I mean , can do it with pc software ?
And if my phone become brick, thus, can i restore it completely via pc then ?
If i can do that, how ?
I'll be appreciate if you help me ?

Choose your Country and phone provider and download the stock ROM from Sammobile
If it's needed then use Odin to reload it. There's plenty of guides how to use it including those that explain how to root. I recently rooted one of my Note 4s, a N910C and apart from using a slightly older version of TWRP was pretty straightforward.
I used this guide and the downloaded the files from the links in it but there's other's available but be 100% sure you're following the guide for a N910C.
I'm not that knowledgeable about Rooting compared to many people on here although I've rooted all my Tablets and Phones but seem to recall you may need to use an older version of Odin to do so. The most difficult problem I had was getting the correct driver installed that would recognise all my devices and even that was just persistence. Just read everything a few times and double check you have the correct files before you start, it's pretty straightforward.
In all the above comments I'm assuming you're using the last version of the stock ROM that was released.

@Big Elf
Thank you very much for your reply and explanation. I looked at your shared pages. And I'd like to start it.
But I have some quesitons to not make a mistake. If you guide me, I will be appreciate.
But before that let me share my phone feautres screen shots. You may see all detailed information.
SCREENSHOTS
I can't share links due to xda rules bcos I need to reach 10 post. So pls complete http section if it need for below scrshoot links.
1- drive.google.com/open?id=0B6aBME5e-tzcYk1zY0dqeTZaMVk4eEdWbjN4SWVPSEU3cXFr
2- drive.google.com/open?id=0B6aBME5e-tzccHF6UFpCT29JT1ozRUFoMUtmWmZ0V0J3c19z
3- drive.google.com/open?id=0B6aBME5e-tzcajVnMGkyMTRJdmo3OTNPc29SQXlEbkY0R3N3
And My Questions
1- First of all ty for rooting page. According to explanation i'm going to root my phone. But I wonder that android version is matter or not. My phone version is 6.0.1 as you see. Is it okay, its suitable for my phone, right ?
2- As far as I read on internet, There are all TWRP versions are different for all diffrent smartphones. According to above scrshoot informations, which is the suitable, stable and latest version for my phone ? And Where can i find it from ? Or if its possible could you forward me exact page and/or link please ?
Because my scared major thing is that. Wrong type of TWRP. And so brick my phone. Btw, let me ask, wrong version lead to brick phone, right ?
If I install the true type (version anyway) of TWRP then I will be relax. Because after that, process will be very easy for me. I experienced from Huawei's first phone "IDEOS X5" . I have installed TWRP and custom roms on it , on years 2012-2013. I only scare to make mistake via perform it on note 4 & brick it.
Thank you so much again.

You've made your first mistake . I explained you need to read everything carefully and double check you have the correct files before starting so that you're reasonably confident that you know what you're doing.
The link I posted explaining how to root also has the link to the version of TWRP and Odin needed to install and Root it but you didn't read it properly.
You're running the same version of the ROM I have on my N910C albeit a different country (which won't make a difference).
If you install the Official TWRP App from Team Win you can update TWRP after rooting. I'd also suggest installing the SuperSu (Pro) App from Codingcode which will update itself after rooting. I also use Root Checker (Pro) from joeykrim to check that root has worked and SuperSu has installed correctly. All those apps are available in the Play Store. I pay for the Pro versions as I appreciate the work that's gone into them and as a thank you to the developers.
You don't have to root it so don't feel that you have to do so.
Although all my phones are rooted my Note 4s (N910Fs and a N910C) still run the stock ROM and the main reasons I did so was to run Adaway and also to debloat neither of which are essential. I also wanted to know how to do it.
Installing another non-Samsung ROM has 4 main disadvantages:
You lose the fine control over the OLED screen including the boost mode in bright sunlight
You lose some of the functionality of the s-pen
You lose a lot of quality from the camera that you won't get back with any ROM.
Most of the ROMs have some faults other than those just mentioned but are usually but not always minor.