Accepting the new OTA (10/15/13) - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

I have been meaning to unroot my S4 and remove the SafeStrap recovery. I haven't found a ROM worth trying out and it seems that the process if giving a lot of people a headache. I actually have grown to love some features of TW and when I need a visual change I throw up a custom launcher and I'm perfectly content. So my question is....
If I accept the OTA, will that remove root AND the SafeStrap recovery automatically and then I'll be back to square one or will I still have to remove SS via ADB? Thank you!
Mike

Best way to get back to fully stock is to flash your device with Odin. You can find the factory images in the android Dev section.

mikesevenfold said:
I have been meaning to unroot my S4 and remove the SafeStrap recovery. I haven't found a ROM worth trying out and it seems that the process if giving a lot of people a headache. I actually have grown to love some features of TW and when I need a visual change I throw up a custom launcher and I'm perfectly content. So my question is....
If I accept the OTA, will that remove root AND the SafeStrap recovery automatically and then I'll be back to square one or will I still have to remove SS via ADB? Thank you!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait save the ota from the cache folder and post it for us before you do!

Seems like there really was not an answer to the question. Ill reitterate . S4 vruame7 with root and safe strap. Will updating to last update remove root and safe strap or just root and not safestrap.. any takers?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Nobody will really be able to answer this until developers have time to dig into the update. Most likely the end result would not be preferred. I would wait... if its an OTA, please grab it from the cache folder and upload it somewhere for the devs to inspect so they can give you an answer.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

jhasty01 said:
Nobody will really be able to answer this until developers have time to dig into the update. Most likely the end result would not be preferred. I would wait... if its an OTA, please grab it from the cache folder and upload it somewhere for the devs to inspect so they can give you an answer.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that info. In my situation I am rooted I hav xframework with some mods but no safe strap. I dont mind losing root but dont wanna run into a brick situation my cpu is crashed so odin is not an option at this time.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Related

[Bounty Discussion] Bootloader bounty discussion thread

In order to help make openyoureyes life a little easier, feel free to discuss your issues with the Bootloader here. Please pledge to the Bootloader unlock bounty to motivated the talented individuals to keep this phone from being locked down. Link is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2359090
I for one have gained so much knowledge and help from this thread, I gladly donated. Also support your Devs that give you the roms that make our phones awesome.
Thread is long overdue...too much crap in the other thread.
Thanks for opening this. I for one am pretty content with my S4 overall..... but only because I'm running darkslide ME7.
I feel terrible for those of you who are unable to run custom roms. The bigger issue here for all of us is what will be coming in the future? Will I buy another Samsung device after this debacle? I'm not sure.
I have been contemplating leaving Verizon for T-Mobile because of this nightmare...
I think the lesson to learn here is to never buy a locked device again, and never buy a flagship phone in its debut...because the company is just going to release a developer edition a month later and give us all the shaft.
My .02 cents
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
I read something on here about "do not flash the latest update" less than 1 minute after starting the update. I actually contemplated doing a battery pull in the middle of it. In the end I just let it ride. Hope I made the right decision.
I wonder how many people that said "I'm willing to lose root, I'm just going to take the update" are now trying to return their phones or *****ing about not having root.
slak? said:
I read something on here about "do not flash the latest update" less than 1 minute after starting the update. I actually contemplated doing a battery pull in the middle of it. In the end I just let it ride. Hope I made the right decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine a week ago and did the same thing. Going to take it back to Microcenter and exchange for a White one just to try and get MDK.
lycwolf said:
I got mine a week ago and did the same thing. Going to take it back to Microcenter and exchange for a White one just to try and get MDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microcenter is the greatest place on earth.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Guys its happening again. Stop having conversion. The devs dont care where you got your phone or how it is or if youre going to return it. Keep this discussion to a minimal otherwise just go back to the original forum or pm each other but unless you found how to unlock bootloader or recovery or you are adding to the bounty then dont reply to anything else or post anything here. We are trying to keep this short, clean and easy for devs. Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
zagan131313 said:
Guys its happening again. Stop having conversion. The devs dont care where you got your phone or how it is or if youre going to return it. Keep this discussion to a minimal otherwise just go back to the original forum or pm each other but unless you found how to unlock bootloader or recovery or you are adding to the bounty then dont reply to anything else or post anything here. We are trying to keep this short, clean and easy for devs. Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why post bounty in here when theres a thread for that? majority of ppl coming here are not "devs".. its suppose to be discussion so the duscussion isnt in the bounty thread.. talking about being on me7 is directly related to bounty thread as ppl are anxiously hoping/waiting for an awesome dev to help us. but imo, itd b harder for openyoureyes to now search through two threads to track the bounty $.. good job!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
zagan131313 said:
Guys its happening again. Stop having conversion. The devs dont care where you got your phone or how it is or if youre going to return it. Keep this discussion to a minimal otherwise just go back to the original forum or pm each other but unless you found how to unlock bootloader or recovery or you are adding to the bounty then dont reply to anything else or post anything here. We are trying to keep this short, clean and easy for devs. Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the discussion thread. Perhaps you meant to say that in the actual bounty thread.
JUST A THEORY!!
I just came over from tmobile GS2 t989 unaware of the bs going on with ME7.
With the limted amont of research this is my theory.
Could I odin the md2 kernel on my me7 device dl a rooted mdk rom rename it update.zip and flash it in stock recovery then flash the mdk kernel to reset it so I can root it with custom recovery
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biglil1 said:
JUST A THEORY!!
I just came over from tmobile GS2 t989 unaware of the bs going on with ME7.
With the limted amont of research this is my theory.
Could I odin the md2 kernel on my me7 device dl a rooted mdk rom rename it update.zip and flash it in stock recovery then flash the mdk kernel to reset it so I can root it with custom recovery
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't Odin back to any previous kernel at all. That's the main issue with this ME7 update
biglil1 said:
JUST A THEORY!!
I just came over from tmobile GS2 t989 unaware of the bs going on with ME7.
With the limted amont of research this is my theory.
Could I odin the md2 kernel on my me7 device dl a rooted mdk rom rename it update.zip and flash it in stock recovery then flash the mdk kernel to reset it so I can root it with custom recovery
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think that would have been discovered already lol.. once updated to me7 as far as i kno you cant odin anything back to mdk.. just renaming the file doesnt change the contents of it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
The most I can think of to make this thing work is to somehow change the requirements that this update looks for in recovery, bootloader, etc. But that's up to the devs as i have no knowledge in android developing
How come we dont have a recovery yet? i understand an unlock but isn't a recovery easier to make too? i remember all the other phones i had ( droid 2, razr maxx) The recovery came out right when the root did.
elliwigy said:
..... just renaming the file doesnt change the contents of it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's to my understanding in order to flash in stock recovery u have to rename the file to update.zip; I understand that it doesnt change the contents of that file but (correct me if I'm wrong) but thats the only way stock recovery will recognize it.
Thank you for your explanation appreciate it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
biglil1 said:
It's to my understanding in order to flash in stock recovery u have to rename the file to update.zip; I understand that it doesnt change the contents of that file but (correct me if I'm wrong) but thats the only way stock recovery will recognize it.
Thank you for your explanation appreciate it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it would most likely give status 7 or error out.. theres more to it than renaming the file to get it to flash through stock recovery...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
resurektz said:
How come we dont have a recovery yet? i understand an unlock but isn't a recovery easier to make too? i remember all the other phones i had ( droid 2, razr maxx) The recovery came out right when the root did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Droid 2 had a bootstrap, if I recall.
Not sure about razr maxx.
Since you need it to boot INTO the recovery, you need to be able to unlock the bootloader and change how it boots up.
Some devices have vulnerabilities with the bootloader that allow it to be bypassed, like a bootstrap etc.
Phatdawg said:
Droid 2 had a bootstrap, if I recall.
Not sure about razr maxx.
Since you need it to boot INTO the recovery, you need to be able to unlock the bootloader and change how it boots up.
Some devices have vulnerabilities with the bootloader that allow it to be bypassed, like a bootstrap etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Razr maxx has safestrap its different then the other recoveries.
Question, is the bounty a "good faith" or is there some account for it?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Don't know what's wrong...

I'm new to rooting and the whole android scene. Just bought my s4 a month ago and rooted it this week. I've been trying to customize themes and icons and I know I need to deodex the files on my phone. I downloaded universal deodexer and dropped the files where I needed to but the program wouldn't run. My question is, is there any other way to deodex the files and how exactly do I locate them? Maybe I didn't locate the right ones.
First off, its pretty cool that you are actually trying to learn what you are doing. The initial learning curve is pretty big but you will get the hang of it piece by piece. I can't speak for everyone but I as still learning and started with the Droid years ago. Take a look at this post for some useful info. Credit to Obsidian for the definitions and links. Just take note that some of his definition do not apply to this phone since it was created for the Bionic, but most of the info is helpful and universal.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/28127-ob...omsrootwipthreadsguidessafestrap/#entry751016
Now, to answer your question. Honestly I would flash a pre-deodexed rom and use it to modify things. A few are in the Samsung Development section that are basically TouchWiz minus the bloat. You may even find one there that suits you perfectly with no extra modding.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Yea I was trying to learn. Then I bricked my phone by trying to install a new font. Now waiting for a replacement.
unbrick...
Anthony825 said:
Yea I was trying to learn. Then I bricked my phone by trying to install a new font. Now waiting for a replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check out the youtube channel of DroidModd3rX... find his video titled "Verizon Galaxy S4 How To Unbrick, Unroot, Return to Factory Set"... even if you don't have a Verizon GS4 this will help you if you bricked your device. If you have a different Carrier than verizon then check out "wwjoshdew" channel on youtube........ check out his video titled "How To Unroot and Flash your Galaxy S4 to Stock Android 4.2.2"..... I'm sorry i didn't find you earlier.:crying: ........ this might help you to not pay where you "voided your warranty... please please please do this if you can get your phone back from the company. It will re-warranty your device.
It's ok, I found that video on you tube, and a couple others. I tried all their methods for I bricking, but to no avail. Now all it says is "firmware upgrade error. Please continue in Kies". But it won't let me do anything else.
Anthony825 said:
It's ok, I found that video on you tube, and a couple others. I tried all their methods for I bricking, but to no avail. Now all it says is "firmware upgrade error. Please continue in Kies". But it won't let me do anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even ODIN?
Yea i tried Odin, 3.07 and I tried three different stock images and none of them worked. It got to a part during the process that said "Auth (fail)" and then it would close out the program. I just got my replacement yesterday but I'm kind of afraid to root it again lol.
Although I would really like to root it again, since half of the stuff I used it for had nothing to do with what caused the problem in the first place. I was just really excited to download and install a custom room that didn't lag as much as this nonsense from Samsung.
Anthony825 said:
Although I would really like to root it again, since half of the stuff I used it for had nothing to do with what caused the problem in the first place. I was just really excited to download and install a custom room that didn't lag as much as this nonsense from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your original problem sounded like you were trying to flash the mdk firmware on a me7 firmware which would cause auth fail in odin.
But I couldnt find any info above. If you did the the me7 root method you wont have write permissions because boot loader is locked. which would brick your phone when you flash a rom.
Is the me7 root method the one that roots through the micro SD? Is there a way to do so and unlock the bootloader currently or has one not been released yet for the newest Verizon update?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Anthony825 said:
Is the me7 root method the one that roots through the micro SD? Is there a way to do so and unlock the bootloader currently or has one not been released yet for the newest Verizon update?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you did it through terminal then yes. you are on me7 which is why odin gave you problems. currently there is no way to unlock the bootloader. only the firmware previous to me7 can unlock it. So you might be stuck for a while.
Well that's kind of a drag. Installing custom ROMs is the only thing that an unlocked bootloader does? Or is there another reason to root the phone now instead of waiting for a root that unlocks it? Sorry for all of the questions...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
update when you got your phone?
Anthony825 said:
Is the me7 root method the one that roots through the micro SD? Is there a way to do so and unlock the bootloader currently or has one not been released yet for the newest Verizon update?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you update to the new update that the phone was bugging you about when you first got your phone? if yes, then, YOU CANNOT FLASH ANYTHING! OR IT WILL BRICK YOUR DEVICE. if you haven't, then, thank the good Lord that you didn't fall into the samsung trap. you can check on Settings/mydevice/about_phone/Build_Number.... i believe the last frace would say me7... if then, you're kinda screwed for now... if you have something else than youre ok:good:... If you're verizon you WANT TO HAVE "MDK" as your last 3 characters on your build number. MDK=:angel: ......Good luck!:laugh:
Anthony825 said:
Well that's kind of a drag. Installing custom ROMs is the only thing that an unlocked bootloader does? Or is there another reason to root the phone now instead of waiting for a root that unlocks it? Sorry for all of the questions...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root still lets you uninstall or freeze that bloatware on your phone. Only thing I used iy for anyways. have about an extra 400mb of ram freed.
Well that is good to know in case I decide to go through with rooting again. Is there a way to uninstall that update? Or am I stuck waiting for a new method to root the phone that allows flashing? I might root again just to have some of the apps like gmd gesture and greenify.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Anthony825 said:
Well that is good to know in case I decide to go through with rooting again. Is there a way to uninstall that update? Or am I stuck waiting for a new method to root the phone that allows flashing? I might root again just to have some of the apps like gmd gesture and greenify.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you cant do anything right now besides the root. cant uninstall because the bootloader is locked.
some rooted apps are nice to have. just gonna have to wait patiently
In that case, are there any apps you would suggest getting that won't destroy my phone again? I checked online for a list of must-have apps but half of them were directed at people who were experienced with rooting.
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Anthony825 said:
In that case, are there any apps you would suggest getting that won't destroy my phone again? I checked online for a list of must-have apps but half of them were directed at people who were experienced with rooting.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just get titanium backup for now. and remove some bloatware a safelist can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314265 would not experiment with deleting random things it could cause brick problems nothing much else. if you are not comfortablr with that just try and wait for bootloader to be unlocked which has no eta
I may just do that. If I were to root again on me7 since there's no unlock method, if one were to be released would I be screwed or is there normally a way to do that at a different time than the root?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium

For people that need help (NEW TO ANDROID)

I want to post this thread to help those of you
who are new to android and to the Galaxy S4.
There are many videos on how to do kool things
to your S4, but most of them don't include the
Verizon version of those kool new things. If you
need help and you are relatively new, I ca listen
to your questions and help you out. Most of the
developers are too busy doing other things so we
can have kooler things for our devices, they don't
need another task to take upon their shoulders.
Thank you all developers for Giving us the great
power that comes with Android.
Don't take this the wrong way, but something about this post makes me hope that you'll only be pointing people in the direction of the proper guide, not trying to explain it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the thread, i am new to android, just switched over from iphone (but i am actually very tech savvy). any idea how/if i can update to android 4.3 on touchwiz while while maintaining my root on the mdk version? i read an article saying you can force the 4.3 update to any s4
edit:
just realized the article was for google play edition, but seeing that i am rooted, does it make a difference?
thecrunked said:
Thanks for the thread, i am new to android, just switched over from iphone (but i am actually very tech savvy). any idea how/if i can update to android 4.3 on touchwiz while while maintaining my root on the mdk version? i read an article saying you can force the 4.3 update to any s4
edit:
just realized the article was for google play edition, but seeing that i am rooted, does it make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the 4.3 ports are aosp I believe. So no TW. theres a thread about them in the Q and A section.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
thecrunked said:
Thanks for the thread, i am new to android, just switched over from iphone (but i am actually not very tech savvy). any idea how/if i can update to android 4.3 on touchwiz while while maintaining my root on the mdk version? i read an article saying you can force the 4.3 update to any s4
edit:
just realized the article was for google play edition, but seeing that i am rooted, does it make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That's not how android works. It's not like an iPhone where all of the updates come from apple. Android updates don't come from Google unless you own a Nexus device or a GE device. They usually come from the OEM and carrier. And it's not universal. You can't apply an update from another carrier on your device. The only thing you could do at this point is to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. I think there are a few ROMs in development that have a 4.3 base, but that's it. Also, you can't maintain the MDK version and also update to 4.3. They're two completely different versions with many of the components being different, including the bootloader and recovery.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
mateopase said:
No. That's not how android works. It's not like an iPhone where all of the updates come from apple. Android updates don't come from Google unless you own a Nexus device or a GE device. They usually come from the OEM and carrier. And it's not universal.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC and Samsung handle the updates for their Google Play edition device.
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Well , i think i posted this on the verizon GS4 forum... which i have quite of bit of knowlege... if you are already advanced in rooting ROMs and etc.... this is not for you... im trying to help those with little knowledge the best i can... thats all
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
There are no touch wiz android 4.3 yet.... your best bet is staying on mdk.... because any update that verizon pushes out will lock the loki hack and brake root.... check out the post on the list of ROMs the GS4 has. If you don't like any of the ROMs you'll have to wait for a prerooted Android 4.3for Galaxy S4 to come out.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
And yes... if i don't know something... of course ill point to the direction that is needed.... i dont know everything.
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thepianoman77 said:
And yes... if i don't know something... of course ill point to the direction that is needed.... i dont know everything.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your willingness to help out folks newer to Android.
thanks for the info. my gs4 is rooted on mdk with goomanager's recovery. i have been happy with touchwiz so far, so i haven't flashed any other roms yet. i disabled the OTA update with titanium backup but i am a little curious about the VRUAME7 update. what exactly is the deal with that, you can root but not use a custom recovery (so your stuck on touchwiz) or can i get a rooted version of it and have recovery too while enjoying whatever the new updates are.
I have one question for everyone. Depending on the answers I get, the if it aint broke dont fix it rule will apply. So here it goes. (fingers crossed)
I was on Beans MDK Rom with stock kernel and decided to try Darkslide Rom. My phone didnt like the that rom so I flashed back to Beans using my nandroid backup using TWRP. Everything is working fine with no issues at all. Here is where my question comes. I looked at my baseband and it show ME7. Why? My backup should have put me on MDK...right? How I get baseband back to MDK? Anyone have suggestions?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
thecrunked said:
thanks for the info. my gs4 is rooted on mdk with goomanager's recovery. i have been happy with touchwiz so far, so i haven't flashed any other roms yet. i disabled the OTA update with titanium backup but i am a little curious about the VRUAME7 update. what exactly is the deal with that, you can root but not use a custom recovery (so your stuck on touchwiz) or can i get a rooted version of it and have recovery too while enjoying whatever the new updates are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a device that wasn't officially updated to ME7 then you can flash any of the ME7 roms in the dev section. You'll enjoy the new features such as apps2sd and you can flash the ME7 modem separately (Darkslide flashes it for you).
GameChanger said:
I have one question for everyone. Depending on the answers I get, the if it aint broke dont fix it rule will apply. So here it goes. (fingers crossed)
I was on Beans MDK Rom with stock kernel and decided to try Darkslide Rom. My phone didnt like the that rom so I flashed back to Beans using my nandroid backup using TWRP. Everything is working fine with no issues at all. Here is where my question comes. I looked at my baseband and it show ME7. Why? My backup should have put me on MDK...right? How I get baseband back to MDK? Anyone have suggestions?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The baseband refers to the modem which isn't changed by flashing most roms or restoring nandroids. However, since Darkslide flashes it alongside the rom (only rom that does this) that is why your baseband changed to ME7. You can get back the MDK modem in a few threads but there is an easy one to find in the second post of the BoneStock rom.
Sent from my GS4
il buono said:
If you have a device that wasn't officially updated to ME7 then you can flash any of the ME7 roms in the dev section. You'll enjoy the new features such as apps2sd and you can flash the ME7 modem separately (Darkslide flashes it for you).
The baseband refers to the modem which isn't changed by flashing most roms or restoring nandroids. However, since Darkslide flashes it alongside the rom (only rom that does this) that is why your baseband changed to ME7. You can get back the MDK modem in a few threads but there is an easy one to find in the second post of the BoneStock rom.
Sent from my GS4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am back on MDK again. I searched everywhere for an answer. Thanks il buono
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
There is one ROM that someone created that is pre rooted... i forgot where i saw it... but yes... its only a Rom so you would be able to go back to whatever Rom you backed up... that being CM10 or stock...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
GameChanger said:
I am back on MDK again. I searched everywhere for an answer. Thanks il buono
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im glad you you found the answer you were looking for.=]
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
How do I tell which build the phone is at the store
Hi,
I'm new to android and all internet phones.
I'm using a relic right now Motorola e815 with just the phone (text blocked) and I need to get a GS4 for Verizon. I modified my e815 7 years ago, so I could put ringtones on it from the card, but the state of the art (SOTA) curve seems a bit steep with never having used an android phone.
I would like to get the GS4 root it and put custom ROMs on it. From what I read currently, I think this can be done only on the expensive developer phones, or pre ME7 builds.
My questions are:
How do I tell which build the phone has at the store so I can tell if they are selling ME7 or not? Another thread from today said the stock 16gb phones at the store a few days ago when he got his were all pre ME7. Another thread on another board said try asking for the least popular color. OK, but how do I quickly check what the build version is. Yes I've UTFSE, but I must not be calling something by the correct name in the search engine.
Also how do I make sure the CSA does not update the phone and that there is no automatic update before I get home and turn it off? I don't want to find a phone I can root and ROM, but have some idiot screw it up for me by doing the OTA or it happening on my way home from the store. Also if I go to get an app from ? (titanium backup) to turn off autoupdate, do I risk it automatically updating before I can get the chance to root it?
Thank you very much for any help your suggestion you have to offer me and anyone else reading this.
minionhunter said:
Hi,
I'm new to android and all internet phones.
I'm using a relic right now Motorola e815 with just the phone (text blocked) and I need to get a GS4 for Verizon. I modified my e815 7 years ago, so I could put ringtones on it from the card, but the state of the art (SOTA) curve seems a bit steep with never having used an android phone.
I would like to get the GS4 root it and put custom ROMs on it. From what I read currently, I think this can be done only on the expensive developer phones, or pre ME7 builds.
My questions are:
How do I tell which build the phone has at the store so I can tell if they are selling ME7 or not? Another thread from today said the stock 16gb phones at the store a few days ago when he got his were all pre ME7. Another thread on another board said try asking for the least popular color. OK, but how do I quickly check what the build version is. Yes I've UTFSE, but I must not be calling something by the correct name in the search engine.
Also how do I make sure the CSA does not update the phone and that there is no automatic update before I get home and turn it off? I don't want to find a phone I can root and ROM, but have some idiot screw it up for me by doing the OTA or it happening on my way home from the store. Also if I go to get an app from ? (titanium backup) to turn off autoupdate, do I risk it automatically updating before I can get the chance to root it?
Thank you very much for any help your suggestion you have to offer me and anyone else reading this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer SOME of your question... I believe that there is really no way to know if the phone has the me7 update on it without turning it on to check... I'm sorry.... I got my phone around the same time the new update was coming out. You can always ask the store assistant to try to set up the phone while you're in the store, that way you can quickly set it up... then go to settings/more/about phone/build number to check if the last three characters are me7 or not...... Although it would be hard to find a way out of that if you find out it has the me7 update.......
If you know for sure that the phone does not have me7 on it for sure..... turn all data off ... wi-fi, moble network... etc.... and download Titanium Backup apk to your computer..... from there you can transfer it to an sd card or USB it to your phone and install it manually....... BUT... for the app to work you have to be already rooted.... so before you buy the phone you need to watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm3jw3hft1g and follow all instructions for the downloads... You dont nee a network connection to root.... DO NOT TURN YOUR DATA/WI-FI CONNECTION UNTIL YOU FOLLOW ALL I'M TELLING YOU..... once you are rooted SUCCESSFULLY..... run titanium backup find "SDM 1.0" click on it and freeze it!... this will make it so Titanium Backup will Deny the process that pushes the updates.... ater THE APP HAS BEEN FROZEN. You can turn the data back on.... Having done this... you are now able to install the Loki hack and flash ROMs... instructions for Loki hack= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc_Mh_nNPPw ...... if you have any more questions... PLEASE ASK.... Good Luck. so review...................... ALSO if you need very extremely thorough instructions on how to use Titanium backup see this video. "" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZEa10WtFng
1. Find GS4 without me7
2. Turn off all data
3. Root GS4
4. Download Titanium Backup.apk to PC
5.Transfer apk to phone storage
6. Install Titanium Backup manually on GS4
7. Find "SDM 1.0" and Freeze it
8. You are now safe from me7 update
9. Turn data back on if wished
10. Loki hack bootloader
11. GO CRAZY!!!
"unrelated"
BTW to anyone reading this.... how do you add a link to a word... you know... like when people say.... click here.... and then the word "here" has a ling in it... ??
thepianoman77 said:
snip
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Click to collapse
Thank you very much, that is excellent!!!
I'll let you know how it goes.
thepianoman77 said:
"unrelated"
BTW to anyone reading this.... how do you add a link to a word... you know... like when people say.... click here.... and then the word "here" has a ling in it... ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
type something like this:
Click (URL=www.google.com]This[/URL] Link
except put in a [ instead of ( infront on where i initially typed URL

About to ota with voodoo, concern

Hi everyone, I'm finally about to OTA my verizon s4. I'm going to use voodoo to protect the root. I'm a little concerned about what voodoo is showing me, before I do the update. I have super su installed and not the other Superuser app and it gives me a link for the superuser one.
Please everyone let me know if it's safe to proceed and that I don't need to also install that other Superuser app, which I don't like. Screenshot attached, thank you in advance!
bobstone said:
Hi everyone, I'm finally about to OTA my verizon s4. I'm going to use voodoo to protect the root. I'm a little concerned about what voodoo is showing me, before I do the update. I have super su installed and not the other Superuser app and it gives me a link for the superuser one.
Please everyone let me know if it's safe to proceed and that I don't need to also install that other Superuser app, which I don't like. Screenshot attached, thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me7 is rootable so even if you lose root you can get it back.
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk.
True, I just hate to go thru the trouble if I don't have to. I only have access to a work pc so its kind of a pain.
Im real good with tech but can't afford problems with this phone and yes im a little paranoid lol
Don't do it bro! If your own MDK your golden
Keep MDK. It has the most ROM friendly bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Im on mdk but I have no interest in loading different roms or anything so I really don't care about the bootloader. If I had a second phone then hell yeah I would go crazy but this is my daily driver and I can't screw with it. Besides, I actually like the stock rom. I just need root because I can't stand the limitation not being rooted.
So aside from my concern about the Play Store link in voodoo, will I have to also temporarily unroot after I protect root?
bobstone said:
Im on mdk but I have no interest in loading different roms or anything so I really don't care about the bootloader. If I had a second phone then hell yeah I would go crazy but this is my daily driver and I can't screw with it. Besides, I actually like the stock rom. I just need root because I can't stand the limitation not being rooted.
So aside from my concern about the Play Store link in voodoo, will I have to also temporarily unroot after I protect root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally understandable but root and flash a custom recovery. You may change your mind later and it'll be too late to do anything about it. There's a stock rooted ME7 in the dev section so you'd get the stadibility of stock, root and a bootloader you can manipulate if you ever choose to.
I've never been fond of flashing especially when I have no backup cell phone and I've already tweaked this phone to my liking. I honestly will never want to flash this phone... as dumb as that sounds
bobstone said:
I've never been fond of flashing especially when I have no backup cell phone and I've already tweaked this phone to my liking. I honestly will never want to flash this phone... as dumb as that sounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough. In that case, forgo OTArootkeeper/voodoo/whatever, accept the ME7 update and root it via the method in the Dev section. DISCLAIMER!! By doing this, you waive all rights to whine about your bootloader in the future
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I hear ya. I guess ill just try voodoo and update just for ****s n giggles and reroot if I have to. Is that reroot forum clearly titled or if not, do you have its link?
While im at it, will the xposed framework still work after ota or any concerns?
Any response to the above? Also, is it a prerequisite to unfreeze apps?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my rooted Galaxy S4
bobstone said:
Any response to the above? Also, is it a prerequisite to unfreeze apps?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my rooted Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Don't take the OTA. I know you said you have no interest in flashing roms, but why limit your options now when you don't know what the future will bring. Plus even if you do take the ota and gain root, you cannot mess with the kernel. If it was me, I would just download the stock root deodexed version of me7.

[Q] Upgrade From MDK - Don't Care About bootloader

I've been trying hard to find the answer and I just can't - I searched these threads for a while.
I currently have Galaxy S4 with MDK which is rooted and has the unlocked bootloader.
I have SDM and SEAndroid frozen on Titanium Backup.
I want to un-freeze those and upgrade to the newest version but still keep my root and all of my root apps. I don't care about the unlocked bootloader - all the root apps I use don't have anything to do with using the bootloader (well I have twrp installed but don't use it).
Can I use OTA Rootkeeper, unfreeze SDM and SEAndroid and take the OTA update? Will I still have root access (again remember, I don't need to have unlocked bootloader)?
I ask because I'm very happy with everything on my phone the way it is - I like where my apps are, I like everything. I don't want to bother flashing roms - I just have no interest. I want to do the update and have everything the way it was and all my folders in their place (less the unlocked bootloader) and still have root for my programs like Titanium Backup and Greenify. super su - etc.
Please - any help would be appreciated.
Afaik, taking the update will ineed cost you your current root. However, I am on stock 4.3 and root using vroot and then used a script to uninstall the foreighn superuser app and add supersu. I have experienced no ill effects as of yet, though some would say that they aren't comfortable using this root method. There is no evidence to support it being entirely safe nor malicious in intent. It does provide root and you can keep all your apps data. Though...if you take the update, I would strongly suggest a factory reset to decrease potential problems...just my 2 cents buddy
Unlocked bootloader??? You should tell us how you did it so you can collect the huge bounty
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2504408
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
richii0207 said:
Unlocked bootloader??? You should tell us how you did it so you can collect the huge bounty
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
notice he said he was on MDK
T.C.P said:
notice he said he was on MDK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying that it's possible with MDK?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
T.C.P said:
notice he said he was on MDK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader is technically only bypassed through a Loki exploit, not unlocked.
For all intents & purposes that doesn't change anything to most users so I don't know what Richii was trying to get at.
Sent from the 215
bjoostema said:
Afaik, taking the update will ineed cost you your current root. However, I am on stock 4.3 and root using vroot and then used a script to uninstall the foreighn superuser app and add supersu. I have experienced no ill effects as of yet, though some would say that they aren't comfortable using this root method. There is no evidence to support it being entirely safe nor malicious in intent. It does provide root and you can keep all your apps data. Though...if you take the update, I would strongly suggest a factory reset to decrease potential problems...just my 2 cents buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My whole thing is I would really rather not do a factory reset??
Not sure what richi is getting at or if he actually read my post (mdk)?
mades32388 said:
My whole thing is I would really rather not do a factory reset??
Not sure what richi is getting at or if he actually read my post (mdk)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash a stock rooted 4.3 rom. There problem solved
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Surge1223 said:
Just flash a stock rooted 4.3 rom. There problem solved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is thats what theyre calling a "dirty flash"? Can you tell me which rom is a stock 4.3?
mades32388 said:
My whole thing is I would really rather not do a factory reset??
Not sure what richi is getting at or if he actually read my post (mdk)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read it clearly, you said you had an "unlocked" bootloader so I was curious on what process you used to unlock it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I have an MDK so I don't need it. But please do someone a favor, don't kill that MDK S4. Either just flash a rooted 4.3 that was designed for your MDK device, or sell it to someone so they have the opportunity to play with it. There are a ton of people on this forum stuck on the newer versions that would kill to get what you have.
Erievon said:
I have an MDK so I don't need it. But please do someone a favor, don't kill that MDK S4. Either just flash a rooted 4.3 that was designed for your MDK device, or sell it to someone so they have the opportunity to play with it. There are a ton of people on this forum stuck on the newer versions that would kill to get what you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't kill it if I knew how to upgrade stock rom without losing my apps and data - lol. That's really my problem. Looks like there's a stock rom here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517611 - but there are so many files there. I have no idea what to do or which one to download? I don't know what Loki'd Kernel is or Aroma installer, deodexed, etc etc (and I don't have the time) - I just want to upgrade and keep my apps and data the way they are - lol. If after I upgrade it's no good - I'll go back to my backup.
I have MDK with TWRP installed.
Thanks!
mades32388 said:
I won't kill it if I knew how to upgrade stock rom without losing my apps and data - lol. That's really my problem. Looks like there's a stock rom here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517611 - but there are so many files there. I have no idea what to do or which one to download? I don't know what Loki'd Kernel is or Aroma installer, deodexed, etc etc (and I don't have the time) - I just want to upgrade and keep my apps and data the way they are - lol. If after I upgrade it's no good - I'll go back to my backup.
I have MDK with TWRP installed.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup your apps & data using TiBu, then flash a stock 4.3 rom.
Sent from the 215
I can walk you through the steps of flashing a ROM buddy, just PM me. I'll look around for a good 4.3 but it would be preferable for you to find a ROM that suits your needs. There are definitely a couple 4.3 options available, check 'em out and let me know if you want to proceed.

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