The S4 is still a decent phone in 2016 with it's amoled display, pretty good battery life, and decent performance. But it's a shame that AT&T/Samsung offer nothing for unlocking the bootloader. The last time that I searched, the only option for an SGH-I337 OK2 build was to install Safestrap and a Touchwiz rom. Has anything changed? I tend to use apps from FDroid, and I would really like to run a debloated rom such as Cyanogenmod on this thing (no Samsung/Touchwiz, AT&T, Google). What are the best options today?
fitzly said:
The S4 is still a decent phone in 2016 with it's amoled display, pretty good battery life, and decent performance. But it's a shame that AT&T/Samsung offer nothing for unlocking the bootloader. The last time that I searched, the only option for an SGH-I337 OK2 build was to install Safestrap and a Touchwiz rom. Has anything changed? I tend to use apps from FDroid, and I would really like to run a debloated rom such as Cyanogenmod on this thing (no Samsung/Touchwiz, AT&T, Google). What are the best options today?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None so far for the locked bootloader, unless you have 2013 bootloader like ADB, MDL.
AT&T intentionally lock the bootloader as such they will not offer any tools or ways to unlock the bootloader. Not just S4 all the AT&T phones has locked bootloader.
With the locked bootloader your option to flash custom rom is via either safestrap ro flashfire.
Regardless of what custom rom you use, you have to flash the AT&T kernel in the end, in order your phone to work.
There might be some AOSP roms flashable with safestrap in Android development section.
sway8966 said:
None so far for the locked bootloader, unless you have 2013 bootloader like ADB, MDL.
AT&T intentionally lock the bootloader as such they will not offer any tools or ways to unlock the bootloader. Not just S4 all the AT&T phones has locked bootloader.
With the locked bootloader your option to flash custom rom is via either safestrap ro flashfire.
Regardless of what custom rom you use, you have to flash the AT&T kernel in the end, in order your phone to work.
There might be some AOSP roms flashable with safestrap in Android development section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like it is time to either abandon ship on AT&T, Samsung, or both.
Any recommendations on carriers and devices in the U.S.?
I really like Samsung's amoled displays, and 5.5" is getting too big for portability / everyday use. My HTC One LCD display gives me eyestrain after much use. And it seems to be a problem finding a ~5" amoled device that is both AT&T compatible and allows for unlocking the bootloader.
Ideally, I would like a device that has ~5" amoled display, sd slot, good battery life, removable battery, and can run custom roms on a carrier who doesn't try to be a dictator on what I can run on my own devices.
fitzly said:
It sounds like it is time to either abandon ship on AT&T, Samsung, or both.
Any recommendations on carriers and devices in the U.S.?
I really like Samsung's amoled displays, and 5.5" is getting too big for portability / everyday use. My HTC One LCD display gives me eyestrain after much use. And it seems to be a problem finding a ~5" amoled device that is both AT&T compatible and allows for unlocking the bootloader.
Ideally, I would like a device that has ~5" amoled display, sd slot, good battery life, removable battery, and can run custom roms on a carrier who doesn't try to be a dictator on what I can run on my own devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think all the samsung phones made for america has locked bootloader. You can check on this forum for which phone can be rooted and which are not.
The other way around should be using the international phones. However, on AT&T network, only the phone make for AT&T can get the LTE signal. I tried with the Asus Zenfone 2. The only way I can get LTE signal in Asus Zenfone 2 is on T-mobile network.
I like the idea of removable battery but in order to make the phone thinner, they all have to go with the I-phone route, non-removable battery.
sway8966 said:
None so far for the locked bootloader, unless you have 2013 bootloader like ADB, MDL.
AT&T intentionally lock the bootloader as such they will not offer any tools or ways to unlock the bootloader. Not just S4 all the AT&T phones has locked bootloader.
With the locked bootloader your option to flash custom rom is via either safestrap ro flashfire.
Regardless of what custom rom you use, you have to flash the AT&T kernel in the end, in order your phone to work.
There might be some AOSP roms flashable with safestrap in Android development section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a new Android AOSP 7.0 Nougat ROM for Galaxy S4 AT&T, but I don't think I would be able to install it because my bootloader is UCUGOK2?
Link: http://www.cyanogenmods.org/forums/topic/update-galaxy-s4-att-nougat-7-0-aosp-rom/
cookiecorn said:
There is a new Android AOSP 7.0 Nougat ROM for Galaxy S4 AT&T, but I don't think I would be able to install it because my bootloader is UCUGOK2?
Link: http://www.cyanogenmods.org/forums/topic/update-galaxy-s4-att-nougat-7-0-aosp-rom/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they clearly stated that your bootloader has to be exploitable (MDB/MDL). If not that bootloader you can not install custom recovery. Those rom need custom recovery to install on the phone.
sway8966 said:
Yes they clearly stated that your bootloader has to be exploitable (MDB/MDL). If not that bootloader you can not install custom recovery. Those rom need custom recovery to install on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Sway.
Is it possible to unlock bootloader UCUGOK2 and change it to UCUAMDB or UCUAMDL?
If so, do you have a link guide?
Thanks again.
There is no way to flash an unlocked bootloader over a locked bootloader or to unlock a locked bootloader at this time.
cookiecorn said:
Thanks Sway.
Is it possible to unlock bootloader UCUGOK2 and change it to UCUAMDB or UCUAMDL?
If so, do you have a link guide?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the ATT-S4 , the answer is no. There is a JTAG service to unbrick the bricked bootloader but there is no posting saying that re-write the bootloader to MDB/MDL.
So far, only the verizon S4 has a way to unlock the bootloader.
fitzly said:
The S4 is still a decent phone in 2016 with it's amoled display, pretty good battery life, and decent performance. But it's a shame that AT&T/Samsung offer nothing for unlocking the bootloader. The last time that I searched, the only option for an SGH-I337 OK2 build was to install Safestrap and a Touchwiz rom. Has anything changed? I tend to use apps from FDroid, and I would really like to run a debloated rom such as Cyanogenmod on this thing (no Samsung/Touchwiz, AT&T, Google). What are the best options today?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible to run anything other than tw. There are great tw Roms that are debloated making them very light and fast especially when paired up with a custom kernel and the correct settings. Just a got an old s4 from a friend and I decided to revive it from its misery. Now it's snappy and decent battery life.
sway8966 said:
I think all the samsung phones made for america has locked bootloader. You can check on this forum for which phone can be rooted and which are not.
The other way around should be using the international phones. However, on AT&T network, only the phone make for AT&T can get the LTE signal. I tried with the Asus Zenfone 2. The only way I can get LTE signal in Asus Zenfone 2 is on T-mobile network.
I like the idea of removable battery but in order to make the phone thinner, they all have to go with the I-phone route, non-removable battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all Samsung phones have locked bootloaders in the U.S. Just Verizon and AT&T, unless t-mobile and sprint jumped on the locked bootloader band wagon.
how do you verify if the BL is Locked? Because I managed to root and change modem to mdb and rom to mk2 from much higher version, sim unlocked my att i337, so i just want to check before I load a new rooted rom, from safstrap
Boot into download and confirm that the model # is sgh-i337. Do you see anything about Knox?
You could also boot into the ROM, install the Samsung Info App, and look at the bootloader version.
audit13 said:
Boot into download and confirm that the model # is sgh-i337. Do you see anything about Knox?
You could also boot into the ROM, install the Samsung Info App, and look at the bootloader version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same unfortunate boat as OP. I downgraded from 5.0.1 / OK2 to 4.4.2 / NB1 and rooted in hopes of installing custom ROMs but now I run into what looks like locked bootloader. When in download mode my details are:
KNOX KERNEL LOCK: 0x0
KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0x1
what can i get out of this info?
The bootloader is definitely locked and cannot be onlocked. You can use safestrap to flash custom ROMs that are based off a stock TW ROM. You can also root the phone and debloat.
I was really salty about the bootloader being locked when I upgraded from my S3 which I had CM13 rom. Last few months I've been using Thor rom, absolutely solid and I got the Grace UX look on it. I'd recommend it or Lollirom.
ChewyFurrr said:
I'm in the same unfortunate boat as OP. I downgraded from 5.0.1 / OK2 to 4.4.2 / NB1 and rooted in hopes of installing custom ROMs but now I run into what looks like locked bootloader. When in download mode my details are:
KNOX KERNEL LOCK: 0x0
KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0x1
what can i get out of this info?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this other thread can point you in the right direction. I tried the Xposed framework portion however, but that part wouldn't work with my AT&T Galaxy S4.
Thread: [GUIDE] AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 Lollipop 5.0.1 OK2 Root Xposed Etc.
Keeping my eyes open for other options. Good luck.:good:
Here's the round up as far as AT&T Samsung flagship locked bootloader phones go:
Galaxy S - factory unlocked bootloader
Galaxy S2 - factory unlocked bootloader
Galaxy S3 - factory unlocked bootloader
Galaxy S4 - factory locked bootloader - exploit bypass (loki doki) available if on MDB or MDL firmware.
Galaxy S5 - factory locked bootloader
Galaxy S6 and variants (S6 edge) - factory locked bootloader
Galaxy S7, S7+, and S7 edge - factory locked bootloader
Galaxy S8 and S8+ - factory locked bootloader
The only AT&T phones I know of that can be unlocked bootloader wise are HTC devices as HTC offers a developer program which will unlock it for you. I am not sure about LG, Google, or Motorola devices branded by AT&T.
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
910t is mod friendly. To root a 910t, you flash Odin and load SuperSU (systemless) as indicated above or flash a permissive kernal and system level root. It is also compatible with att network if that is your carrier. Just need to unlock it.
Thanks guys, that helps, I will go for a 910t then.
weard1212 said:
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you buy a developer edition verizon model and last time I checked they were upwards of around $800. Your best bet is W8 or T. I did all the research like you and ended up buying a T and have never been happier
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Unlocked means sim unlocked)
Bootloader Unlocked verizon phones can be flashed with a custom rom, and if you get a verizon phone, I suggest a Bootloader unlocked one. Verizon and AT&T phones with locked bootloaders can't be rooted with Chainfire. Chainfire should NOT be used on a phone with a locked bootloader because it flashes partitions and will most likely hard brick your phone. I would still sugest against a Bootloader non-unlocked Verizon or AT&T phone. Also using a custom recovery or odin to flash super-su has worked much better for me with a lot less less risk than Chainfire.
Whatever you decide upon dont get the EDGE. it needs special roms, and it wont work with gear VRs. i have the euro verison, and didnt have any problems rooting. cf-autoroot and done.
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
joebelachi said:
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Careful there, usually 'unlocked' like on Swappa or similar means carrier unlocked, not boot loader unlocked.
I was looking into buying a J727V, it looks like the bootloader may be locked, obviously this stops me from putting in my own custom rom, can anyone confirm?
Last time I bought a (I think) Note 4 I had to get a developer version so that the boot loader was not locked in order to put on a custom rom.
If it is bootloader locked is there a different version of the J7 that I can get that I can use on Verizon?
MAsterOSkillio said:
I was looking into buying a J727V, it looks like the bootloader may be locked, obviously this stops me from putting in my own custom rom, can anyone confirm?
Last time I bought a (I think) Note 4 I had to get a developer version so that the boot loader was not locked in order to put on a custom rom.
If it is bootloader locked is there a different version of the J7 that I can get that I can use on Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes all carrier bootloader is locked you need to buy unlocked phone or i think there are some unique processes are available also on xda to unlock boot loader but i am not confirm.
Is any work being done to try to unlock the bootloader of the SM-G955U model? Just got the phone so I'm out of the loop and was wondering what the hold up is. Bought a simple mobile version and put my T-Mbile sim in it. Works great so it is definitely carrier unlocked, but the bootloader is locked which means I cannot install a custom recovery. Not very happy with Touchwiz...
abel408 said:
Is any work being done to try to unlock the bootloader of the SM-G955U model? Just got the phone so I'm out of the loop and was wondering what the hold up is. Bought a simple mobile version and put my T-Mbile sim in it. Works great so it is definitely carrier unlocked, but the bootloader is locked which means I cannot install a custom recovery. Not very happy with Touchwiz...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I no one's doing anything on that side of stuff, you can still get root and there is a custom rom out there by a user named Partcyborg, do not expect to see any aosp/lineageos roms out, there isn't events fully working one for the exynos version
I just "upgraded" from an S5 to an S7 that I bought on Ebay running G930PVPU6BRD2. Coming from an S5, I just assumed (before I bought the S7) that the S7 could be rooted, but based on my web research, it seems impossible. Before I give up and live my life unrooted for the first time ever, I just want to confirm... Can I root my S7?
RazzMcTazz said:
I just "upgraded" from an S5 to an S7 that I bought on Ebay running G930PVPU6BRD2. Coming from an S5, I just assumed (before I bought the S7) that the S7 could be rooted, but based on my web research, it seems impossible. Before I give up and live my life unrooted for the first time ever, I just want to confirm... Can I root my S7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader is locked down tight.
method was found to root using 'engineering bootload'. This method yeilds limited root. No custom roms.
Sprint started updating bootloader separately of other carriers AND e-fused the bootloader so engineer bootloader no longer work on Sprint variant.
The digit '6' in G930PVPU'6'BRD2 isbthe bootloader version identifier. No going backward, e-fused.
Kaptain: Thank you for that excellent explanation.