Okay guys so I got my S4 for Christmas as an upgrade from an S3. I love it. Its a beast and it is just amazing. Here's my problem, after a bunch of head scratching and reading, I finally found out how I was supposed to root it while running the latest jail cell of an update, MK2. The only thing I did to my phone is root it. No custom recovery or anything. Now that the android 4.4.2 update is coming soon, I really want to update to it, but obviously I can't just take the OTA when it comes out, so I need to go back to stock, no root, nothing, the thing is I have no idea how to safely do it and I have very bad dyslexia so keeping track of all the threads that tell me what to do is impossible for me. Can someone please give me a simple step by step on how to do go back to stock? And where I can get the firmware from?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
My recommendation would be to search the Samsung website for an MK2 Odin.tar stock firmware image for your s4. If you can't find it there then I recommend looking on XDA for a no data wipe MK2 image. Once the OTA hits for 4.4.2 touchwiz KitKat I recommend you wait for the devs to find a root exploit for it. Or if you don't mind spending a few bucks you could buy super su pro and enable root survival mode and it keeps root over an ota. But I'll see if I can link you to a non data wipe stock MK2 image.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578209
Here are the stock MK2 images just in case. There are full data wipes and no data wipes available. Hope I was able to help!
damnyouwaffles said:
Okay guys so I got my S4 for Christmas as an upgrade from an S3. I love it. Its a beast and it is just amazing. Here's my problem, after a bunch of head scratching and reading, I finally found out how I was supposed to root it while running the latest jail cell of an update, MK2. The only thing I did to my phone is root it. No custom recovery or anything. Now that the android 4.4.2 update is coming soon, I really want to update to it, but obviously I can't just take the OTA when it comes out, so I need to go back to stock, no root, nothing, the thing is I have no idea how to safely do it and I have very bad dyslexia so keeping track of all the threads that tell me what to do is impossible for me. Can someone please give me a simple step by step on how to do go back to stock? And where I can get the firmware from?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please understand that currently there is no way to root KitKat on bootloader locked devices.
Yes, you can restore a no-wipe MK2 ROM and return to stock, then take the 4.4 update when it's rolled out, but you may be stuck on stock for good if you do that.
k1mu said:
Please understand that currently there is no way to root KitKat on bootloader locked devices.
Yes, you can restore a no-wipe MK2 ROM and return to stock, then take the 4.4 update when it's rolled out, but you may be stuck on stock for good if you do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
k1mu, we will be repeating this countless times when the OTA happens
Related
I'm currently rooted on VRUAMDK with (what I believe to be anyway) the first method from when the phone was released. I didn't have much time to bother with it when ME7 came out so I just froze SDM in TiBu and ignored it until now.
Today I saw the info about the MI1 update and decided to give it a shot updating. I saw that it was already rooted so I figured I'd just go for it and do an OTA after unfreezing SDM. However, when I tried that the install restarted the phone into Team Win Recovery and didn't complete. I assume this was because TWR blocks the install to avoid you losing root or something like that.
What I'm wondering is if there's a way to update to MI1 through TWR or some other alternative to the Verizon OTA so I don't lose root at all? I would like to know if there's a similar method for rooted phones with ME7 (since my girlfriends phone is rooted on that.).
Thanks in advance.
Don't take the OTA. Just get an MI1 stock deodex ROM. For the love of God keep your bootloader intact. The newer ones are not exploitable.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
ozzzzysh said:
Don't take the OTA. Just get an MI1 stock deodex ROM. For the love of God keep your bootloader intact. The newer ones are not exploitable.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I thought that might be the right course of action but wasn't sure that the ROMs were equivalent of an OTA or just a custom rebuild of the old version.
As for my Girlfriend whose phone came with ME7? Should she just take the OTA and then Root again?
The MI1 OTA, from what I've gathered, enables a custom software counter. So unless she's planning on staying fully stock I would avoid the update. MI1 didn't really change enough to justify anyone to update as far as I know.
By custom software counter, I mean that if you were to tinker with your phone too much, it would blow a permanent qfuse that would let Samsung know not to grant your warranty when the time comes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Reonar_Dauth said:
Okay, I thought that might be the right course of action but wasn't sure that the ROMs were equivalent of an OTA or just a custom rebuild of the old version.
As for my Girlfriend whose phone came with ME7? Should she just take the OTA and then Root again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither update offers anything of real value that the custom rom's aren't bringing to the table. Hell there are flashable radios even. Apps to SD for me7 might be the only useful feature. But there are custom me7 roms. Wait on the devs to update you.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
No real value over the MDK release. It just locks things down.
Get one of the ROMs based on MI1.
Move along,,,, Nothing to see....
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
PeterifficX said:
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash any rom you want. The only way you'll lock yourself down is if you take an official update.
Verification please
PeterifficX said:
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crawshayi said:
You can flash any rom you want. The only way you'll lock yourself down is if you take an official update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey folks...... :highfive: I'm currently working on my Ex Wifes phone SCH-I545. I've not updated or done anything to her phone since I rooted and installed Beanstown. Quite some time ago. Any way, Her Android version is 4.2.2/VRUAMDK. :good: TWRP for recovery, not sure the version. My question is, Can I just flash any of the latest ROMs to her phone? I just want to make sure I don't screw her phone up. @Crawshayi, I see your answer right there. I just want to double check and know that I won't lock her phone down.
I really appreciate you guys. Without you and XDA, I'd be completely lost.
Sincerely
David C
Edit: Thanks guys. Everything worked perfect. My phones are running flawless.
Showing off here. NOTE 2 left side this on my right.
im on build JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK and rooted. I have removed a lot of bloat on the phone and it is not stock anymore. I want to flash a factory image so I could update to 4.3. Any guide I could follow to get there ?
Thanks in advance.
Jalh said:
im on build JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK and rooted. I have removed a lot of bloat on the phone and it is not stock anymore. I want to flash a factory image so I could update to 4.3. Any guide I could follow to get there ?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres a short guide in the thread that has the odin images. Basically download the image and flash under pda. Make sure you got all the proper drivers.
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk.
Jalh said:
im on build JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK and rooted. I have removed a lot of bloat on the phone and it is not stock anymore. I want to flash a factory image so I could update to 4.3. Any guide I could follow to get there ?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case you're not aware, you're lucky enough to be on MDK which is the ONLY build to allow you to unlock the bootloader and flash custom roms. If you take any updates past MDK you will lose the ability to unlock the bootloader and will only be able to root. Also, THERE IS NO GOING BACK once you take the updates, so if you change your mind, tough luck. Most people here including myself would strongly advice to stay on MDK.
Crawshayi said:
In case you're not aware, you're lucky enough to be on MDK which is the ONLY build to allow you to unlock the bootloader and flash custom roms. If you take any updates past MDK you will lose the ability to unlock the bootloader and will only be able to root. Also, THERE IS NO GOING BACK once you take the updates, so if you change your mind, tough luck. Most people here including myself would strongly advice to stay on MDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your recommendation at this point ? I just dont know what to do .... i want to upgrade to 4.3, but i dont want to lose the opportunity to be on MDK.
Jalh said:
Your recommendation at this point ? I just dont know what to do .... i want to upgrade to 4.3, but i dont want to lose the opportunity to be on MDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stay on MDK. A 4.3 touch wiz rom won't be far behind. Be patient. Nitro had an alpha release already. Data isn't working but it'll get there.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Also very little difference you will see between 4.2 and 4.3. Not worth giving up bootloader for.
Thank you all for your recommendations, I would definitely stay with the MDK for a while.
I asked a similar question back in October, but fell out of the loop again and didn't want to necro an old post. I just want to verify that the information I got back then is still relavent.
Is installing custom ROMs still the best way to bring my MDK S4 up to the current version? If so, what should I be looking for in a ROM title to tell me that it's just a stock ROM that gives the same experience as the OTA? Someone mentioned Deodex'd in my last post, but I have no idea what that means or if it's what I should be looking for.
And for an S4 that came stock with ME7? Should my girlfriend (with an ME7 update) just take the newest OTA and root that, or is there a benefit to sticking with ME7 and installing a ROM? If the answer is to go with a ROM then she'll want the stock new OTA experience as well for now, are there any ME7 ROMs available that can do that?
Thanks again guys!
Don't touch your MDK S4. Leave it on MDK with Loki. It's practically an unlocked bootloader with actual TWRP and CWM. You can still install 4.3 TouchWiz stock ROMs on it because you can change the kernel. Plus you can run AOSP ROMs, which is awesome.
Reonar_Dauth said:
I asked a similar question back in October, but fell out of the loop again and didn't want to necro an old post. I just want to verify that the information I got back then is still relavent.
Is installing custom ROMs still the best way to bring my MDK S4 up to the current version? If so, what should I be looking for in a ROM title to tell me that it's just a stock ROM that gives the same experience as the OTA? Someone mentioned Deodex'd in my last post, but I have no idea what that means or if it's what I should be looking for.
And for an S4 that came stock with ME7? Should my girlfriend (with an ME7 update) just take the newest OTA and root that, or is there a benefit to sticking with ME7 and installing a ROM? If the answer is to go with a ROM then she'll want the stock new OTA experience as well for now, are there any ME7 ROMs available that can do that?
Thanks again guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're girls me7 s4 might as well update to mj7 or mk2 (4.3) as then she'll still be using Safestrap. Mostly everyone is running Hyperdrive anyways. Great performance and battery life with that. Update it, throw Safestrap 3.71 on there then Hyperdrive 12....pretty much bug free.
As far as you're MDK phone just grab whatever AOSP 4.3 or 4.4 ROM you like. You're lucky to have that phone!!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I have ME7 on my phone and decided to update to be compatible with hyperdrive.
I started the installation like 6 hours ago; is it supposed to take this long?
I had it rooted and got rid of all the bloatware from Verizon using titanium. Would that have something to do with it? Otherwise, I don't know what's going on. Thank you, and I apologize if this was addressed in any other thread.
TheDarkAbed said:
I have ME7 on my phone and decided to update to be compatible with hyperdrive.
I started the installation like 6 hours ago; is it supposed to take this long?
I had it rooted and got rid of all the bloatware from Verizon using titanium. Would that have something to do with it? Otherwise, I don't know what's going on. Thank you, and I apologize if this was addressed in any other thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its not supposed to take that long. So you're trying to take the ota from me7 you're saying right? You may have to Odin if that doesn't work for you. Sometimes unfreezing and removing mods just doesn't do it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Mistertac said:
No its not supposed to take that long. So you're trying to take the ota from me7 you're saying right? You may have to Odin if that doesn't work for you. Sometimes unfreezing and removing mods just doesn't do it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry. Can you link me to where I can find how to do that
Thanks again
TheDarkAbed said:
Sorry. Can you link me to where I can find how to do that
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several youtube videos on Odin process
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
decaturbob said:
Several youtube videos on Odin process
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went on youtube, but all of them say that they are for I9505. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to look, but my model number says SCH-I545. Does that mean I'm unable to use the process?
Sorry again for asking so many questions.
TheDarkAbed said:
I went on youtube, but all of them say that they are for I9505. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to look, but my model number says SCH-I545. Does that mean I'm unable to use the process?
Sorry again for asking so many questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Process is similar. ..you just need to have correct image file.
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
TheDarkAbed said:
I went on youtube, but all of them say that they are for I9505. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to look, but my model number says SCH-I545. Does that mean I'm unable to use the process?
Sorry again for asking so many questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same process, but get the image for your i545 from the Android Development forum for this phone.
is there any benefit to keeping ME7 or just update to most recent update? thanks for the help.
Hey guys,
So I have a rooted Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 SCH-1545 running the MK2 build. I've been getting software update messages from Verizon the past few days I'm assuming for the new kit Kat. Since I'm rooted will I be OK if I update the phone with the new software or does anyone know if I will have any problems with it? Cheers.
Can't OTA update while rooted, will fail or soft brick you
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
opiejuan said:
Hey guys,
So I have a rooted Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 SCH-1545 running the MK2 build. I've been getting software update messages from Verizon the past few days I'm assuming for the new kit Kat. Since I'm rooted will I be OK if I update the phone with the new software or does anyone know if I will have any problems with it? Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really want to update to Kit Kat and you're not worried about root you can simply Odin the kit Kat no wipe file.
If you want root you can follow one of the guides on here to keep root while upgrading... those are somewhat involved however so if you're not comfortable with Odin etc you may just want to stay on MK2. That's what I would do... More options to you on MK2
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Mistertac said:
If you really want to update to Kit Kat and you're not worried about root you can simply Odin the kit Kat no wipe file.
If you want root you can follow one of the guides on here to keep root while upgrading... those are somewhat involved however so if you're not comfortable with Odin etc you may just want to stay on MK2. That's what I would do... More options to you on MK2
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
absolutely correct, at this point makes no sense to take 4.4 OTA, even with upgrade/downgrade available. Until issues are resolved and more ROMS are available for the non-mdk phone users thru safestrap its best stay back and wait a while.
Well Bob.. not many think of those things and rather just be on the latest and greatest. However once that wears off we see all the questions pop up on here regarding going back... Then the problems come with that process too so its just better IMO to sit tight unless your very good at troubleshooting and Odin.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Mistertac said:
Well Bob.. not many think of those things and rather just be on the latest and greatest. However once that wears off we see all the questions pop up on here regarding going back... Then the problems come with that process too so its just better IMO to sit tight unless your very good at troubleshooting and Odin.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
couldn't agree more. Just look at the struggles so many have had with the upgrade/downgrade methods and odin issues, much can be blamed on the users trying this stuff and not understanding what they are getting into. Luckily (or unluckily) the avalanche of kitkat hasn't hit as there really aren't safestrap compatible roms out (except for maybe 2), once HD 16 comes out sit back and watch the fireworks as issues happen, even to those knowledgeable with odin.
safestrap, odin, udgrade/downgrade and no direct root method for kitkat gonna make the next few months interesting.
opiejuan said:
Hey guys,
So I have a rooted Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 SCH-1545 running the MK2 build. I've been getting software update messages from Verizon the past few days I'm assuming for the new kit Kat. Since I'm rooted will I be OK if I update the phone with the new software or does anyone know if I will have any problems with it? Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ota update to NC5(KitKat) will fail because you are rooted but will not cause any harm after the failer. It will leave your current set-up intact(just clearing up this point for everyone). You will need to unroot before taking the ota update.
If you are running stock MK2 except for root you can easily upgrade to NC5 and maintain root access by following these instructions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2749660
Hello,
I am really new to rooting and custom roms. I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find a tutorial on how to root the S4-i545 on NC5. I don't understand custom recovery, and overall I'm just a really bad noob at this. Could I be linked to an informative tutorial to help me better understand things? Also, if there is a tutorial on how to root the i545 on NC5 that would be fantastic.
I'm really stuck and I've been researching for the past few days and still haven't come across anything helpful..
Thanks!
error 404
I thing it's not available
Reconde said:
Hello,
I am really new to rooting and custom roms. I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find a tutorial on how to root the S4-i545 on NC5. I don't understand custom recovery, and overall I'm just a really bad noob at this. Could I be linked to an informative tutorial to help me better understand things? Also, if there is a tutorial on how to root the i545 on NC5 that would be fantastic.
I'm really stuck and I've been researching for the past few days and still haven't come across anything helpful..
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting and custom roms loading are not for the faint of heart. Going to NC5 is fairly complex process and requires alot of patience and alot knowledge concerning odin process as using odin is key part of the inst all of downgrading. I take it your phone is already NC5 and you took the OTA?
decaturbob said:
rooting and custom roms loading are not for the faint of heart. Going to NC5 is fairly complex process and requires alot of patience and alot knowledge concerning odin process as using odin is key part of the inst all of downgrading. I take it your phone is already NC5 and you took the OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I downloaded the OTA from Verizon for 4.4.2. I've heard many times that a NC5 root is not available, so is there any way you know to downgrade back to 4.3 for root? I understand there is a post by surge on how to upgrade to NC5 and keep root after that, but I can't seem to find a post on how to downgrade back to 4.3
Reconde said:
Yes. I downloaded the OTA from Verizon for 4.4.2. I've heard many times that a NC5 root is not available, so is there any way you know to downgrade back to 4.3 for root? I understand there is a post by surge on how to upgrade to NC5 and keep root after that, but I can't seem to find a post on how to downgrade back to 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the following: from Surge1223.
That will allow you to downgrade to 4.3, root it, then eventually upgrade to 4.4 while retaining root.
You do NOT want to downgrade to 4.3 if you've installed 4.4. The kernel modules for 4.3 won't work unless you run bypasslkm at every boot, which appears to be a challenge for a number of people. Once you've started the NC5 upgrade, you really want to be on 4.4.
If you're still on 4.3 (MK2) and want to upgrade to NC5, I'd recommend using this. It's a lot easier to do, but it only applies if your MK2 system is basically factory stock but rooted (or if you can get it back to stock.)
I've gotten my answer on downgrading, could someone please explain to me what recovery is?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
k1mu said:
Read the following: from Surge1223.
That will allow you to downgrade to 4.3, root it, then eventually upgrade to 4.4 while retaining root.
You do NOT want to downgrade to 4.3 if you've installed 4.4. The kernel modules for 4.3 won't work unless you run bypasslkm at every boot, which appears to be a challenge for a number of people. Once you've started the NC5 upgrade, you really want to be on 4.4.
If you're still on 4.3 (MK2) and want to upgrade to NC5, I'd recommend using this. It's a lot easier to do, but it only applies if your MK2 system is basically factory stock but rooted (or if you can get it back to stock.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, as a newcomer I can confirm that following Surge's method is not the easiest but I was able to pull it off on the first try. Now currently Using NC5 4.4.2 rooted and running smoothly. I'm going to try to run Hyperdrive's newest release as soon as the rom download is finished.
---------- Post added at 04:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:03 PM ----------
Reconde said:
I've gotten my answer on downgrading, could someone please explain to me what recovery is?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have read this already but... there are a lot of useful noobie links you can find regarding general info in the General section! And by saying this I mean that... I read those couple of weeks back and its nothing from another world. Good luck!
Reconde said:
I've gotten my answer on downgrading, could someone please explain to me what recovery is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's three ways you can boot your android device.
First is normal mode. That's the way it nomally boots, running the full operating system.
The second is downloader mode. This mode allows you to flash new software images using ODIN.
The third is recovery mode. Factory recovery allows you to flash updates, wipe the stock ROM, factory reset, etc. A custom recovery allows you to flash arbitrary updates (those which aren't signed by Samsung).
Phones running MDK bootloader can have a custom recovery that allows you to flash nonstandard ROMs.
Past MDK, this requires the use of Safestrap recovery.
Quick question - where would I put necessary files on my SD card? Under which directory?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Reconde said:
Quick question - where would I put necessary files on my SD card? Under which directory?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put on extsd card..whatever name u want to use
sent by safestrap enabled bajarom
Closed at OP request.