Help upgrade S4 from stock KitKat to latest Lineage - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Hi Gurus,
I am dusting off my old AT&T branded S4 (SGH-I337/jflteatt) which still runs KitKat (4.4.2) to Lineage (I think 14.x images are available). The BaseBand version is: I337UCUFNI1. It is out of contract, so no worry about getting any official updates.
The thread here about TWRP for this phone made it look easy to install with the official app from the PlayStore. But after installing TWRP, I get an error 'System software not authorised by AT&T has been found" when I boot either to recovery or to ROM. I am guessing Secure Boot is still actively preventing custom images from booting.
So, how do I bypass this and go about successfully installing Lineage? Will Loki help me do it? Once I install TWRP, is it just a matter of installing official Lineage, or should I make other considerations?
Thanks in advance.

You have to be on the jelly bean MDL bootloader in order to install any custom recovery or ROM. Once you have upgraded to kit kat, you cannot go back. Only the MDL bootloader can take advantage of loki, all other bootloaders (including yours) can't as the exploit was patched in the MK3 firmware I think.

Related

[Q] Please Help!

Tried to flash a rom using TWRP and now I'm stuck on the Samsung Custom screen??? Seems like a soft brick. Need the phone to function......
Looks like you didn't flash the proper version of TWRP and flashed one for one of the other versions of the S4, 9500 or 9505 which have unlocked bootloaders. A special version of TWRP is made for the SGH-I337 because of its locked bootloader which contains the Loki exploit to allow it to boot.
Download Odin and the Stock Firmware, install USB drivers for phone, drivers are included in Samsung Kies or you can get them seperately
Put phone into Download mode
Restore stock firmware.
Use this to Root your phone and install the proper TWRP in one blow. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
Use TWRP to flash any SGH-I337 Rom you want if thats what you were going to do, as long as it has the Loki patch. (Current CM10.1 does).

[Q] Deleted Stock Recovery?

Hello, so even though I'm fairly new to the world of custom ROM's I feel as though this website has provided me with more than sufficient information for me to keep on flashing. I've flashed a few ROM's in the past but I'm currently stuck as for what I should do next. I currently have an S4 ATT MF3 which I would like to upgrade to MK2 so that I can put a 4.4.2. ROM via Safestrap using the Deadly Venom method.
Based on the guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573080) I need to boot into the stock recovery and flash stock MF3 then MK2 which I can then root and safestrap. When I added my first ROM on this device I replaced the stock ROM (I have a hatred for TouchWiz) and replaced with a GPE ROM.
My phone can no longer boot into the stock Samsung recovery, it merely just bootloops instead, but I can still flash via Safestrap. So what should I do? Can I get the stock recovery back? Would I have any issues if I flash the MK2 update via Safestrap instead of the stock recovery? Will flashing the MF3 stock tar via Odin be all that I need to do? Any advice would be appreciated!
DarthVayda said:
Hello, so even though I'm fairly new to the world of custom ROM's I feel as though this website has provided me with more than sufficient information for me to keep on flashing. I've flashed a few ROM's in the past but I'm currently stuck as for what I should do next. I currently have an S4 ATT MF3 which I would like to upgrade to MK2 so that I can put a 4.4.2. ROM via Safestrap using the Deadly Venom method.
Based on the guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573080) I need to boot into the stock recovery and flash stock MF3 then MK2 which I can then root and safestrap. When I added my first ROM on this device I replaced the stock ROM (I have a hatred for TouchWiz) and replaced with a GPE ROM.
My phone can no longer boot into the stock Samsung recovery, it merely just bootloops instead, but I can still flash via Safestrap. So what should I do? Can I get the stock recovery back? Would I have any issues if I flash the MK2 update via Safestrap instead of the stock recovery? Will flashing the MF3 stock tar via Odin be all that I need to do? Any advice would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind losing your user data (back up anything you want from internal storage) just flash the MK2 full ODIN. Otherwise, there is a thread somewhere with just the MF3 recovery image and if you have root you could use an app to manually flash that (don't remember the app).
DeadlySin9 said:
If you don't mind losing your user data (back up anything you want from internal storage) just flash the MK2 full ODIN. Otherwise, there is a thread somewhere with just the MF3 recovery image and if you have root you could use an app to manually flash that (don't remember the app).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app is flashify
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Possible to restore stock recovery?
So after (stupidly) assuming that I knew what I was doing since I have been rooting/flashing/breaking/fixing my S3 for two years now that I would be able to easily install CM11 on my dad's S4 since he is always complaining about AT&T bloatware. He is running the absolute latest update from AT&T and never rooted or anything. I was able to successfully root it using the extSdCard method, but then made the mistake of trying to flash TWRP.
After a couple of failures, I went onto these forums to see that it is well documented that custom recoveries do not work with the latest firmware. Noted, and I will keep an eye out for updates to this issue.
My questions:
Since the goal was only to install Cyanogenmod 11, I would have just run the CM Windows Installer if I wasn't trying to create a full stock backup first (hence why I tried rooting and installing TWRP first). Since that is no longer an option, has anyone attempted to use the CM Windows Installer on the MF3 build? I assume that if a custom recovery cannot be installed that this method will not work, but was just wondering if anyone has had success.
The more important questions...
Since the stock recovery is now gone, will this create an issue if a new OTA update is released and he attempts to install? I am wondering if the OTA updates rely on the existing recovery to complete the update or if the OTA will rebuild it before installing the update?
Lastly, are there reliable methods for restoring the stock recovery?
Thanks everyone!
pravus87 said:
So after (stupidly) assuming that I knew what I was doing since I have been rooting/flashing/breaking/fixing my S3 for two years now that I would be able to easily install CM11 on my dad's S4 since he is always complaining about AT&T bloatware. He is running the absolute latest update from AT&T and never rooted or anything. I was able to successfully root it using the extSdCard method, but then made the mistake of trying to flash TWRP.
After a couple of failures, I went onto these forums to see that it is well documented that custom recoveries do not work with the latest firmware. Noted, and I will keep an eye out for updates to this issue.
My questions:
Since the goal was only to install Cyanogenmod 11, I would have just run the CM Windows Installer if I wasn't trying to create a full stock backup first (hence why I tried rooting and installing TWRP first). Since that is no longer an option, has anyone attempted to use the CM Windows Installer on the MF3 build? I assume that if a custom recovery cannot be installed that this method will not work, but was just wondering if anyone has had success.
The more important questions...
Since the stock recovery is now gone, will this create an issue if a new OTA update is released and he attempts to install? I am wondering if the OTA updates rely on the existing recovery to complete the update or if the OTA will rebuild it before installing the update?
Lastly, are there reliable methods for restoring the stock recovery?
Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would flash in Odin the stock mf3 tar file, but out will wipe the device. All his apps and data. If you can find the mf3 recovery image file you could try to flash that in flashify, if you're rooted
Edit, found this. I didn't download the file but I'm guessing it's a .img file. You could flash that in flashify or use the dd command
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
pravus87 said:
So after (stupidly) assuming that I knew what I was doing since I have been rooting/flashing/breaking/fixing my S3 for two years now that I would be able to easily install CM11 on my dad's S4 since he is always complaining about AT&T bloatware. He is running the absolute latest update from AT&T and never rooted or anything. I was able to successfully root it using the extSdCard method, but then made the mistake of trying to flash TWRP.
After a couple of failures, I went onto these forums to see that it is well documented that custom recoveries do not work with the latest firmware. Noted, and I will keep an eye out for updates to this issue.
My questions:
Since the goal was only to install Cyanogenmod 11, I would have just run the CM Windows Installer if I wasn't trying to create a full stock backup first (hence why I tried rooting and installing TWRP first). Since that is no longer an option, has anyone attempted to use the CM Windows Installer on the MF3 build? I assume that if a custom recovery cannot be installed that this method will not work, but was just wondering if anyone has had success.
The more important questions...
Since the stock recovery is now gone, will this create an issue if a new OTA update is released and he attempts to install? I am wondering if the OTA updates rely on the existing recovery to complete the update or if the OTA will rebuild it before installing the update?
Lastly, are there reliable methods for restoring the stock recovery?
Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to the above post from jd, the CM installer will not work on our device as our bootloader is locked. There is no way to run any AOSP based ROM once your phone is on MF3 firmware or higher.
DarthVayda said:
Hello, so even though I'm fairly new to the world of custom ROM's I feel as though this website has provided me with more than sufficient information for me to keep on flashing. I've flashed a few ROM's in the past but I'm currently stuck as for what I should do next. I currently have an S4 ATT MF3 which I would like to upgrade to MK2 so that I can put a 4.4.2. ROM via Safestrap using the Deadly Venom method.
Based on the guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573080) I need to boot into the stock recovery and flash stock MF3 then MK2 which I can then root and safestrap. When I added my first ROM on this device I replaced the stock ROM (I have a hatred for TouchWiz) and replaced with a GPE ROM.
My phone can no longer boot into the stock Samsung recovery, it merely just bootloops instead, but I can still flash via Safestrap. So what should I do? Can I get the stock recovery back? Would I have any issues if I flash the MK2 update via Safestrap instead of the stock recovery? Will flashing the MF3 stock tar via Odin be all that I need to do? Any advice would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pravus87 said:
So after (stupidly) assuming that I knew what I was doing since I have been rooting/flashing/breaking/fixing my S3 for two years now that I would be able to easily install CM11 on my dad's S4 since he is always complaining about AT&T bloatware. He is running the absolute latest update from AT&T and never rooted or anything. I was able to successfully root it using the extSdCard method, but then made the mistake of trying to flash TWRP.
After a couple of failures, I went onto these forums to see that it is well documented that custom recoveries do not work with the latest firmware. Noted, and I will keep an eye out for updates to this issue.
My questions:
Since the goal was only to install Cyanogenmod 11, I would have just run the CM Windows Installer if I wasn't trying to create a full stock backup first (hence why I tried rooting and installing TWRP first). Since that is no longer an option, has anyone attempted to use the CM Windows Installer on the MF3 build? I assume that if a custom recovery cannot be installed that this method will not work, but was just wondering if anyone has had success.
The more important questions...
Since the stock recovery is now gone, will this create an issue if a new OTA update is released and he attempts to install? I am wondering if the OTA updates rely on the existing recovery to complete the update or if the OTA will rebuild it before installing the update?
Lastly, are there reliable methods for restoring the stock recovery?
Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the MF3 stock recovery, flash in PDA slot in Odin(AP in Odin v3.09+): https://mega.co.nz/#!klcz1B4J!BVAno0CcaJ7aXc9tHgUtpQ0vy_NF5ceh7RogLR6JBTU
muniz_ri said:
Here is the MF3 stock recovery, flash in PDA slot in Odin(AP in Odin v3.09+): https://mega.co.nz/#!klcz1B4J!BVAno0CcaJ7aXc9tHgUtpQ0vy_NF5ceh7RogLR6JBTU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to everyone for all the information, and thank you especially for sharing the link. I am staying with my parents short-term in a very rural area with awful internet and I was dreading downloading the 2+GB stock firmware file just to get recovery back. This is perfect. Thanks again!

[Q] Rooted MDL TWRP with Gearmanager?

I rooted and disabled the OTA updates when I first got my phone, and I've been satisfied with my MDL 4.2.2 setup. However I know I will be receiving a Galaxy Gear S watch for Xmas and I understand you need the KitKat update to make it work with the Galaxy Gearmanager.
So I reenabled the OTA updates, it downloaded a 978mb file, but it failed to flash with the TWRP recovery. Should I spend any more time trying to update my phone, or is there a 4.2.2 workaround for the Gearmanager?
You can stay on your MDL boot loader, with TWRP. Flash a ROM Like SjoStock-i 8.0 (or 8.1). It has the included files to allow your gear to work and you will have KitKat based ROM as well with all the bells and whistles

[Q] Got a used D800..

Should I flash the latest KK image to ensure the modem and bootloader are latest version..
The baseband says: M8974A-AAAANAZM-1.0.190082
I received it with 2.7.0.0 twrp and there were custom rom zips all over.. so I can not tell when it was rooted..
Open to suggestions..
Hey mystique
If you want to start with a clean slate I recommend getting your stock image from here
And use the lg flashtool in the back to stock guide to flash it.
Incidently, since your on twrp 2.7 I assume that you're on the jb boot loader
What was that "phone info tool" to find the bootloader version..
Looks like the device was initially rooted in July 2014..
Assuming that they had kk and such..

I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked, want to update to I337UCUGOK2 to unlock bootloader

I hit on UPDATE on the phone for an OTA update but it only says UNABLE TO CONNECT AT&T SERVER. When I bought it, it had 5.0.1 (I337UCUGOC3) out of the box. Searching on internet says that is bootloader locked (so I cant do anything).
- Can I Update to I337UCUGOK2 and bootloader will be unlocked (I mean, will I be able to do it)?
- Does anyone know where can I grab I337UCUGOK2 for offline install and is it ODIN safe to update it (remember I have I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked)?
please help
Once the bootloader is locked, it will always be locked until someone finds a way to unlock it. Updating the bootloader will not allow it to be unlocked.
cybercuate said:
I hit on UPDATE on the phone for an OTA update but it only says UNABLE TO CONNECT AT&T SERVER. When I bought it, it had 5.0.1 (I337UCUGOC3) out of the box. Searching on internet says that is bootloader locked (so I cant do anything).
- Can I Update to I337UCUGOK2 and bootloader will be unlocked (I mean, will I be able to do it)?
- Does anyone know where can I grab I337UCUGOK2 for offline install and is it ODIN safe to update it (remember I have I337UCUGOC3 bootloader locked)?
please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
help... I want to RMA it
sway8966 said:
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everywhere says I need a kitkat rom as base.
My s4 came with 5.0.1 with OC3 and bootloader locked out of the box. I tried some post where says I can flash TWRP and CWM but my phone stucked on bootloops. Then I managed to get back to stock rom and now when I want to turn it on it says " SAMSUNG (and lower on the screen) Custom"
Camera began to fail and I want to return it as RMA but I was looking to reset the flash counter but every post I read is that OC3 bootloader locked users are just doomed.
Do you know a method that I can do for reset that counter?
Camera dont focus anymore and I tried all the posts about safemode, etc.
cybercuate said:
Everywhere says I need a kitkat rom as base.
My s4 came with 5.0.1 with OC3 and bootloader locked out of the box. I tried some post where says I can flash TWRP and CWM but my phone stucked on bootloops. Then I managed to get back to stock rom and now when I want to turn it on it says " SAMSUNG (and lower on the screen) Custom"
Camera began to fail and I want to return it as RMA but I was looking to reset the flash counter but every post I read is that OC3 bootloader locked users are just doomed.
Do you know a method that I can do for reset that counter?
Camera dont focus anymore and I tried all the posts about safemode, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing TWRP and CWM is for the AT&T S4 with older bootloader (MDL, MDB). After that two firmware versions the bootloader is locked.
For AT&T S4 the last full firmware released is NB1. After that they released incremental updates via OTA. That is why you need kitkat (NB1) as base.
For NB1, Muniz uploaded two firmwares. One is the stock and the other is rootable stock. Try the stock one and see you still have the custom symbol.
To reset the counter, there is an app calls Triangle away by Chainfire. However, it does not work on AT&T S4 with locked bootloader.
Trying Odin-Stock NB1
sway8966 said:
Unlocking/exploiting the bootloader for the AT&T is still in process, I think.
Bootloader locked means you can not install custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or custom kernel. You can still root, you can still use odin and you can still install custom rom using either safestrp or flashfire.
Here is the thread explaining how to upgrade stock or rooted stock roms.
The explanation starts from installation of NB1 firmware so that you can easily root the phone by using twolroot.
If you do not care for the root you can start reading from the step 2 "Flash update in stock recovery"
Since you are on OC3, you need OC3 to OC4 and OC4 to OK2 files to get OK2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sway8966 said:
Flashing TWRP and CWM is for the AT&T S4 with older bootloader (MDL, MDB). After that two firmware versions the bootloader is locked.
For AT&T S4 the last full firmware released is NB1. After that they released incremental updates via OTA. That is why you need kitkat (NB1) as base.
For NB1, Muniz uploaded two firmwares. One is the stock and the other is rootable stock. Try the stock one and see you still have the custom symbol.
To reset the counter, there is an app calls Triangle away by Chainfire. However, it does not work on AT&T S4 with locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll try Odin it with the stock rom from your link. I'll post news here when it finish flashing
1st part - Success
I'm on 4.4.2 NB1, flash counter back to normal but still bootloader locked
Now I have to go back to OC3 to RMA it.
OTA does nothing, smartswitch shows no updates neither kies.
I'll have to Odin it back to OC3
Can I have some help?
And Success. I'm back on stock OC3 no root.
time to RMA
- camera still doesn't focus
- boot screen is back to normal but when in odin mode the counter shows 0x1
- sometimes shows "sim card could not be detected" or similar messages and force me to restart the phone (just happend 2 times until now, never happend before)
I followed this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642
Post 2
Thanks to sway8966

Categories

Resources