Develop Bugs

[Q] Rooting without ROMing?

I just got the new G3 and am looking into rooting, but I'm not interested in using any ROMs.
I've done the same with my Epic 4g for the last few years, but have run into issues at times.
My question is, will I run into any issues if I just run a rooted, non-ROMed phone? If so, are there things I can do to prevent them?
I'm only looking to be able to freeze bloatware, use adblocks, get free hotspot, use backup utilities, etc. But I don't want to run into issues with sprint updates, etc.
Basically wondering what the best way to utilize a rooted, non-ROMed G3 would be.
Thanks for the help.

Xolias21 said:
I just got the new G3 and am looking into rooting, but I'm not interested in using any ROMs.
I've done the same with my Epic 4g for the last few years, but have run into issues at times.
My question is, will I run into any issues if I just run a rooted, non-ROMed phone? If so, are there things I can do to prevent them?
I'm only looking to be able to freeze bloatware, use adblocks, get free hotspot, use backup utilities, etc. But I don't want to run into issues with sprint updates, etc.
Basically wondering what the best way to utilize a rooted, non-ROMed G3 would be.
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easiest way without issues would probly be to get all the sprint updates before you root. Once ur up to date flash CWM or Twrp thru Odin and flash the Team epic root from recovery file while in there. Then if you dont want the custom recovery flash the stock one back after your rooted.

billard412 said:
Easiest way without issues would probly be to get all the sprint updates before you root. Once ur up to date flash CWM or Twrp thru Odin and flash the Team epic root from recovery file while in there. Then if you dont want the custom recovery flash the stock one back after your rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply, after looking through and reading about the FreeGS3 ROM, I'm thinking of going with Twrp and flashing FreeGS3.
Though, all I'm seeing for Twrp is installing through GooManager, which requires a root. I know how to use the CWM tar in odin and flash the Team Epic root, but I'm not sure how to get twrp on before cwm.
Is there a tar file for twrp like the cwm one used in QBKing77s root videos?

Xolias21 said:
Thanks for the quick reply, after looking through and reading about the FreeGS3 ROM, I'm thinking of going with Twrp and flashing FreeGS3.
Though, all I'm seeing for Twrp is installing through GooManager, which requires a root. I know how to use the CWM tar in odin and flash the Team Epic root, but I'm not sure how to get twrp on before cwm.
Is there a tar file for twrp like the cwm one used in QBKing77s root videos?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont think theres one posted but i made my own here ya go https://dl.dropbox.com/s/gegn4jfuc74sq1d/TWRP (3).tar?dl=1

billard412 said:
dont think theres one posted but i made my own here ya go https://dl.dropbox.com/s/gegn4jfuc74sq1d/TWRP (3).tar?dl=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last question, if I were to install twrp on top of cwm, is there a way to remove cwm? Or a reason to for that matter?

Xolias21 said:
Last question, if I were to install twrp on top of cwm, is there a way to remove cwm? Or a reason to for that matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, twrp will just replace it

billard412 said:
nope, twrp will just replace it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess cwm and twrp share the same partition.
Will just root using cwm and install twrp over goomanager.
Awesome, thank you again.

No problem, if needed here is a flashable zip that will install TWRP from CWM https://dl.dropbox.com/s/v3t8u6ebs3pvstq/TwrpRecovery.zip?dl=1

[ROOT] For all you that don't know what and how

Root. A word so simple, yet so complexed.
Every android user on XDA should know what it is, but people only know what they can do with it, not how and why.
There are already a ton of threads describing what root is, but here's something most of those threads forget:
To obtain root access, you need a 'su' binary inside /system/bin .
Also, you need an app to control apps that gain root privileges. The two you're most likely to hear about are SuperUser (SU) and SuperSuperUser (SuperSU).
So, if you have a recovery, you can flash a zip file that puts a su binary inside /system/bin , and installs the controller app (SuperUser and SuperSU). -- That way you don't need a PC to root your phone. Also, you don't lose any data and there's no risk of bricking your phone.
But, as I can see, people here aren't aware that they don't need PCs for rooting.
They flash kernels from all sorts of stock FW releases, use a billion programs, and finally, they get root after a good amount of time and flashing, usually with a lot of risk of bricks.
So, a quick step-by-step guide on how to do root like a pro:
1. You need a phone with a recovery and internet (be it WiFi or mobile data).
2. Go here: http://downloads.noshufou.netdna-cdn.com/superuser/Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip and save the file to your phone. Remember where you saved it!
3. Boot into recovery and flash the zip.
4. Reboot back into Android
Optional:
5. Realize that this process is far better than the ones that need a PC, because it's simpler. Thank me.
6. Tell it to your friends, so they don't mess around with huge downloads and flashing kernels.

someone755 said:
Root. A word so simple, yet so complexed.
Every android user on XDA should know what it is, but people only know what they can do with it, not how and why.
There are already a ton of threads describing what root is, but here's something most of those threads forget:
To obtain root access, you need a 'su' binary inside /system/bin .
Also, you need an app to control apps that gain root privileges. The two you're most likely to hear about are SuperUser (SU) and SuperSuperUser (SuperSU).
So, if you have a recovery, you can flash a zip file that puts a su binary inside /system/bin , and installs the controller app (SuperUser and SuperSU). -- That way you don't need a PC to root your phone. Also, you don't lose any data and there's no risk of bricking your phone.
But, as I can see, people here aren't aware that they don't need PCs for rooting.
They flash kernels from all sorts of stock FW releases, use a billion programs, and finally, they get root after a good amount of time and flashing, usually with a lot of risk of bricks.
So, a quick step-by-step guide on how to do root like a pro:
1. You need a phone with a recovery and internet (be it WiFi or mobile data).
2. Go here: http://downloads.noshufou.netdna-cdn.com/superuser/Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip and save the file to your phone. Remember where you saved it!
3. Boot into recovery and flash the zip.
4. Reboot back into Android
Optional:
5. Realize that this process is far better than the ones that need a PC, because it's simpler. Thank me.
6. Tell it to your friends, so they don't mess around with huge downloads and flashing kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Simple question, how can i get recovery, if for get it, i need first a root phone?

SteBanVe said:
A Simple question, how can i get recovery, if for get it, i need first a root phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think u need an unlocked bootloader. U can root using bin4ry method without unlocking bootloader but it works upto 6.1.a.2.50 only.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app

bluechelsea said:
I think u need an unlocked bootloader. U can root using bin4ry method without unlocking bootloader but it works upto 6.1.a.2.50 only.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have Xperia S 2.55, and bin4ry method doest work. To apply this method, i repeat my question how can i get recovery, if for get it, i need first a rooted phone?

someone755 said:
1. You need a phone with a recovery...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you suppose we get a custom recovery without using different tools or unlocking bootloader?

Yes great guide, but only for UB ... for LB you need root BEFORE you install CWM...
al with .55 FW i recomend - flash any older rootable FW, root it, install CWM ... via CWM flash stockbased rom ( KA, XTX ) and thats all... or you an flash prerooted .55 FW ....

Okay, fine, schratch that!
Use goo.im manager from the play store and install the TWRP recovery!
Problem solved, but the main point is that people don't need PCs for root!!

someone755 said:
Okay, fine, schratch that!
Use goo.im manager from the play store and install the TWRP recovery!
Problem solved, but the main point is that people don't need PCs for root!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the app now how do i install recovery and boot into it?
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app

Help for a somewhat new person.

I am new with rooting my phone. I have used Rooted phones before, I followed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2258633 Motochopper how to. I ran into a problem. I click the superuser app that was installed onto my phone, and it tells me that "The Superuser binary (su) must be updated. Please choose an installation method. Recovery mode installation is recommended for HTC devices." I click install and it tells me there was an error. I would like to root my phone along with potentially installing CWM so that I can easily install Cyanogenmod when they release a stable verison for the S4. Also would love to install titanium backup along with some Adfree apps.
Any help would be very much appreciated.

OK, so it looks like you already have it rooted.
When super SU asks that question, dont install via CWM, tell it to just install normally.
Once you have SuperSU working, Download Rom Manager from the play store and install CWM Recovery right from within the ROM Manager app.
It will give you the option to pick between two types of CWM(ClockWorkMod). The Touch version, like its name gives you the ability to use the touch screen and not only the volume up/down + Power button.

Telling it to install normally causes it to just tell me there was an error, it also tells me it is out of date as well. Titanium Backup tells me that it cant get root access and I was never asked about it.

OK, so your phone is not rooted then.
Your going to have to try rooting it again or flashing an already rooted rom with Odin.

I just tried it again, this time it said failure after the install of the superuser.apk. I just read that one of the later updates by samsung can make it harder to root. I just got my phone and i was fully updated. What Roms, are already rooted for the S4. I am actually enjoying some of the default apps that came with the phone.

Wicked (and most ROMs that don't include the [STOCK] tag) are pre-rooted...but you'll need to ODIN a custom recovery first then flash the ROM.
If you want to stay on rooted stock, follow the steps in the "root May 7 MDL" thread to ODIN a rooted kernel, and you'll be good to go.
(You don't need root access to get a custom recovery flashed)
Basically, any of your options are pretty straightforward, but they're going to involve Odin-ing stuff.

So there isn't really a way to just root my phone without installing a custom rom?

There was before the second update, with the second update rooting got just a little bit more steps
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium

movieaddict said:
There was before the second update, with the second update rooting got just a little bit more steps
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is there a way to keep it stock but root it? What are the other steps I would have to take. Why does Samsung not like people rooting their phones, I thought carriers were the ones that hated people rooting their phones

Spud37 said:
So is there a way to keep it stock but root it? What are the other steps I would have to take. Why does Samsung not like people rooting their phones, I thought carriers were the ones that hated people rooting their phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you still on the MDB firmware or have you done any over the air updates? Specifically the May 7 update which is MDL. Motochopper is specifically for then older firmware (MDB) and it won't work if you are already on the updated. MDL firmware. In which case you would have to follow these instructions to acquire root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41162041
I usually use a market app called root checker to quickly check if I do have root.
And yes you can be rooted on stock.
Sent from my SGH-M919

lazaro17 said:
Are you still on the MDB firmware or have you done any over the air updates? Specifically the May 7 update which is MDL. Motochopper is specifically for then older firmware (MDB) and it won't work if you are already on the updated. MDL firmware. In which case you would have to follow these instructions to acquire root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41162041
I usually use a market app called root checker to quickly check if I do have root.
And yes you can be rooted on stock.
Sent from my SGH-M919
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root checker says no root. I believe it does have that over the air update installed. T Mobile updated it when they gave me the phone, because they thought I didn't really know anything about phones. I assume this means I have to follow another method to root my phone?

If you have the MDL update you have to root using the steps listed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268880
Easily done, just a few more steps.

ronin4740 said:
If you have the MDL update you have to root using the steps listed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268880
Easily done, just a few more steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is going to sound like a dumb question but from reading all of that I need to use ODIN to install the ROOT_M919?UVUAMDL onto the phone? that should root the phone and allow me to install ROM Manager and install CWM from there right?
Also would doing this delete everything I have on my phone right now?

Spud37 said:
This is going to sound like a dumb question but from reading all of that I need to use ODIN to install the ROOT_M919?UVUAMDL onto the phone? that should root the phone and allow me to install ROM Manager and install CWM from there right?
Also would doing this delete everything I have on my phone right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you use Odin to install one of the recoveries. You use the recovery to install the zip ROOT_M919?UVUAMD. Personally I didn't use that file. I installed the kernel in recovery and SuperSU in recovery. And no, it won't delete things on your phone.

Atmazzz said:
No, you use Odin to install one of the recoveries. You use the recovery to install the zip ROOT_M919?UVUAMD. Personally I didn't use that file. I installed the kernel in recovery and SuperSU in recovery. And no, it won't delete things on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much, I am about to go and do this. I will use the kernel you suggested since that looks like a better option, after flashing the kernal should i reboot and just use it normally for a bit and then go to recovery and flash SuperSU?
EDIT: The steps on the thread for ODIN are for installing a rooted ROM, I am assuming its still the same steps for installing a recovery instead of a rooted ROM

Spud37 said:
after flashing the kernal should i reboot and just use it normally for a bit and then go to recovery and flash SuperSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I remember right I just flashed them both at the same time. Just make sure you do the kernel first.
---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:59 PM ----------
Spud37 said:
EDIT: The steps on the thread for ODIN are for installing a rooted ROM, I am assuming its still the same steps for installing a recovery instead of a rooted ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The steps for Odin are for the stock rom, but yes, you use it the same way for a recovery.

Atmazzz said:
If I remember right I just flashed them both at the same time. Just make sure you do the kernel first.
---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:59 PM ----------
The steps for Odin are for the stock rom, but yes, you use it the same way for a recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I didn't get any error using ODIN, however when I try and boot into CWM using Volume Up + Power it just goes to android recovery. Which doesn't have any of the options I need. Am I just booting up the wrong way, or did I do something wrong. I tried both the touch version and the non-touch version

Spud37 said:
Okay I didn't get any error using ODIN, however when I try and boot into CWM using Volume Up + Power it just goes to android recovery. Which doesn't have any of the options I need. Am I just booting up the wrong way, or did I do something wrong. I tried both the touch version and the non-touch version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 options. uncheck auto reboot in Odin. When Odin is done, unplug your phone, pull your battery, then boot into recovery. Or .. when Odin is done and it reboots your phone, keep holding volume up to get to recovery.

Atmazzz said:
2 options. uncheck auto reboot in Odin. When Odin is done, unplug your phone, pull your battery, then boot into recovery. Or .. when Odin is done and it reboots your phone, keep holding volume up to get to recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You so much. However it now seems like I have both Super User and SuperSU installed.

How did you root? Did you install the ROOT_M919?UVUAMDL zip and install SuperSU?

[Q] which recovery after root?

Howdy, I plan on rooting my tablet in a few days. The instructions say to root, then, flash stock recovery. Is flashing the stock recovery necessary if i plan on using goo to install twrp recovery prior to flashing cleanrom on my device?
Also, the cleanrom thread says to flash the appropriate version of twrp. Am I to assume the latest version on goo is the ticket for that?
Also, while the dev has indicated there will be further versions after 1.2, can I expect to simply download updates, or expect to flash new versions every time? I guess this particular question doesn't really matter I'm just interested.
And finally, has anybody used heimdall with any success with the p600? Google says no...
I would have posted this on the clean rom thread but was not allowed since I have not had enough posts yet. moving this to there would not hurt my feelings.
I appreciate any and all help and of course feel appreciation and give thanks to the developers who have put in such great effort. Thank you.

sleekmason said:
Howdy, I plan on rooting my tablet in a few days. The instructions say to root, then, flash stock recovery. Is flashing the stock recovery necessary if i plan on using goo to install twrp recovery prior to flashing cleanrom on my device?
Also, the cleanrom thread says to flash the appropriate version of twrp. Am I to assume the latest version on goo is the ticket for that?
Also, while the dev has indicated there will be further versions after 1.2, can I expect to simply download updates, or expect to flash new versions every time? I guess this particular question doesn't really matter I'm just interested.
And finally, has anybody used heimdall with any success with the p600? Google says no...
I would have posted this on the clean rom thread but was not allowed since I have not had enough posts yet. moving this to there would not hurt my feelings.
I appreciate any and all help and of course feel appreciation and give thanks to the developers who have put in such great effort. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a lot questions! Lol.... here's two answers:
If you want to flash CleanRom, then you don't need to root your stock rom, just use Odin to flash TWRP and that will either let you install CleanRom or let you install SuperSU (root). You can the recovery from their website.
I'm on the P600 and the goomanager didn't install the recovery correctly, so I had to flash with odin.
I don't know about Heimdal. Good luck on your ten posts
Sent from my SM-P600

Odin eh?
grmcrkrs said:
That's a lot questions! Lol.... here's two answers:
If you want to flash CleanRom, then you don't need to root your stock rom, just use Odin to flash TWRP and that will either let you install CleanRom or let you install SuperSU (root). You can the recovery from their website.
I'm on the P600 and the goomanager didn't install the recovery correctly, so I had to flash with odin.
I don't know about Heimdal. Good luck on your ten posts
Sent from my SM-P600
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that root is neccesary to flash twrp. If that is not the case, they why use Odin at all?
Heimdall is a program reverse engineered to work on Samsung devices. Potentially more stable than odin. Open source. I use a linux box but will have access to a windows box in a week or so.

supersu
Furthermore, for verification, super su does not root your device, it only manages the permissions of those programs that need root access. Can somebody else chime in for verification?

sleekmason said:
Furthermore, for verification, super su does not root your device, it only manages the permissions of those programs that need root access. Can somebody else chime in for verification?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you CAN flash recovery without rooting, and if your not rooted then TWRP asks if you'd like to install SuperSU and root that way. I guess you don't have to believe me though
Sent from my SM-P600

grmcrkrs said:
No, you CAN flash recovery without rooting, and if your not rooted then TWRP asks if you'd like to install SuperSU and root that way. I guess you don't have to believe me though
Sent from my SM-P600
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that sounds great but doesn't TWRP need root in order to be installed? my understanding is yes. If not I should be able to install it using Goo manager. from what I've read the developers for GooManager are very serious and would not allow a non working application to remain in their program.

sleekmason said:
Howdy, I plan on rooting my tablet in a few days. The instructions say to root, then, flash stock recovery. Is flashing the stock recovery necessary if i plan on using goo to install twrp recovery prior to flashing cleanrom on my device?
Also, the cleanrom thread says to flash the appropriate version of twrp. Am I to assume the latest version on goo is the ticket for that?
Also, while the dev has indicated there will be further versions after 1.2, can I expect to simply download updates, or expect to flash new versions every time? I guess this particular question doesn't really matter I'm just interested.
And finally, has anybody used heimdall with any success with the p600? Google says no...
I would have posted this on the clean rom thread but was not allowed since I have not had enough posts yet. moving this to there would not hurt my feelings.
I appreciate any and all help and of course feel appreciation and give thanks to the developers who have put in such great effort. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wont need to root if your intent is to just flash my ROM.
Appropriate version would be 2.6.3.3
As far as updates / patches... Depends on the issue. Mostly do full updates if something changes. If its a bug fix then I would just do a patch.
Hemidall? No, never tried it.
Basically to flash a custom ROM you just need to flash TWRP using Odin then flash the ROM using TWRP.
You dont techincally need to root unless you want to stay stock and have root. But that is no fun!
Also, the goo.im app does not work with this device so you have to use Odin manually (for simplicity).
Hope this helps!

sleekmason said:
that sounds great but doesn't TWRP need root in order to be installed? my understanding is yes. If not I should be able to install it using Goo manager. from what I've read the developers for GooManager are very serious and would not allow a non working application to remain in their program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the TWRP thread, and others are having problems installing through goomanager. I also wanted to install it that way, but it wouldn't work. But it didnt work. It also wouldn't flash through the stock recovery. Hence, odin.
Sent from my SM-P600

thank you for the clarification! in order to flash TWRP in Odin do I simply use the AP slot as you would to flash autoroot by their directions?
one of the things thats tripped me up is that on the TWR P site as well as in Google Play it says you must have a rooted device. This would suggest that in order to get TWRP on your device it would already have to be rooted. it seems strange to me that the tablet will allow odin to install it on a non rooted device.
hoops I guess. So being a non Windows user, that is not familiar with the Windows operating system,( bet you don't hear that everyday) ,I would suppose the order would go something like this.
1 download Samsung drivers from kies.1
2. Download TWRP from site for odin.
3. Open odin.
4. go to download mode on device.
5. Plugin device and wait for it to be recognized.
6. Drag the Twrp zip for odin to the AP slot, enter,
7. Wait for it to .......?
8. Reboot.
9 download the cleanrom rom.
10. Reboot into recovery
11. Installcleanrom
12 enjoy.
a couple of other questions concerning the SD card. Should I leave it in during any or all of these processes? I've seen where other people have had problems with their SD card not being read is this due to it not being installed when they install clean rom? I really do appreciate all the help.
not breaking my device by doing something stupid is paramount. Lol! as I will be using my daughters computer any other information regarding the installation of the Samsung drivers or Odin would be much appreciated I do not want to hurt her computer.

I kept my SD card installed while flashing TWRP in Odin and had no problems. If you're worried then take it out. As far as Odin goes... run it as an admin and after connecting your Note (in DL mode) just click on "AP" and navigate to the directory where you saved the TWRP file. From there just hit "start" and your good to go. Odin isn't gonna mess anything up on your daughters pc and if you have a copy of the stock recovery just reflash it if you run into problems with TWRP. Also, read through all the different threads/watch YouTube videos. Most of this has been covered many times over and you can see what success or problems others have had.

[GUIDE] how to root Sph-L710/L710T S3 4.4.2 (updated as of 8/19/2015)

I'm sorry i had the wrong links and because of this i had miss information. So i formally apologize by updating with the proper links.
this first method doesn't work with the Sph-L710T or the Sph-L710 on NJ2/NJ3
First method: You can root the stock 4.4.2 ND8/NDC:laugh:
1st. Make sure your on 4.4.2 ND8 or NDC
2nd. Download Towel Root
3rd. Place Towel Root in sdcard or internal storage
4th. With any file manager find and install Towel Root
5th. Open Towel Root and well root
6th. Go to play store and download https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu&hl=en and also https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stericson.busybox&hl=en let super user update the binary
7th. Flash any recovery you want {personally i went with PhilZ Touch (this was before PhilZ had a root Option)}
8th. Enjoy your rooted stock 4.4.2 ND8/NDC
Down below is one more way too root Stock ND8/NDC/NJ2/NJ3 or NF4/OA3 (L710T) and basically any other update
(link to the almighty ODIN)
Second Method: mostly recommended
1st. Odin flash TWRP
2nd. In Odin choose PDA, PA or AP then select the TWRP Tar you just downloaded
3rd. Make sure Auto reboot is unchecked (also at this time your s3 should be in download mode)
4th. Hit start and let Odin let it finish!!
5th. Hold power button to turn off your S3, after it turns off about 10 seconds later it will turn back on to the battery charging screen so before that quickly hold Volume+ and Home, to boot into recovery
6th. now your in TWRP
7th. so to root your stock rom with TWRP flash the following file SuperSU.zip by Chain fire (pro tip. Install any other custom recovery the same way I did for TWRP above if it is in .tar format)
and here is Philz recovery for the D2Lte 6.48.4 ( which you must flash in TWRP)
and here is TWRP that was made specifically for the D2Rephersher/triband/L710T TWRP (which you must flash in a recovery)
Third method Most recent.
Hidyman said:
This is in reference to Samsung Galaxy S3 for Boost Mobile SPH-L710.
Just want to let anyone out there that updated their Boost S3 to L710VPUC0J1 know that you can still root and/or ROM your phone.
Use the instructions to (use Odin to) update the recovery to TWRP first (in the second set of instructions). I had trouble trying to go right to PhilZ Recovery (which I believe is based off of ClockWorkMod). I Had to do the TWRP (twrp-2.8.7.0-d2spr.img.tar) first.
It was the only way to get it to actually accept the recovery, not sure why, maybe because the latest Samsung firmware fixed an exploit or two.
This is an older phone, but it is still a viable one.
I hope this helps someone out there.
It took me a while to figure this quandary out.
As always this WILL flag KNOX, but I'm sure this won't be an issue at this date and time (8/2016).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

work on ND8 rom? sprint phone?

Tekone said:
work on ND8 rom? sprint phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i want to say yes but towel root does come with a warning that it might brick your device.....but i want to say yes since most things that can be done to the ND8 can be done to the NDC and also in reverse order.....so try it and report back it will be good to know if it works on both bootloaders

Sprint S3 Android 4.4.2 ND8-It works!
I just used this method to root my Sprint S3 running Android 4.4.2 and ND8, since my USB port is on the fritz, and it worked successfully. I have root, and was able to do a full apps backup with Titanium Backup, and gained root access in ES File Explorer. Next, download and install a custom backup. Thanks, great job, and could not have been made easier to do!

oops
Rooted the phone in one click. Unfortunately, I lost all data (no 3G or 4G connection). Did I goof? I'm looking in the stickies and can't seem to find an answer. I'd appreciate any help I can get.

henhun said:
Rooted the phone in one click. Unfortunately, I lost all data (no 3G or 4G connection). Did I goof? I'm looking in the stickies and can't seem to find an answer. I'd appreciate any help I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ND8 or NDC? have you tried updating your profile/PRL?

6th_Hokage said:
ND8 or NDC? have you tried updating your profile/PRL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya know. People keep talking about ND8 and ND___. I have no idea what that means. I know I should be embarrassed.
UPDATE: FIGURED IT OUT, BASEBAND VERSION. GOTCHA. IT IS NDC.
I was JUST coming back to update my post. I DID update the PRL and restarted my phone. That seems to have done the trick. Thank GOD I got my data connection back!! It worked. Even though I found the info somewhere else, thank you so much for the quick reply. PRL update fixes the problem. You're awesome.

I used it before i had a custom recovery. And on reboot i wouldnt have root. After i ran it root checker told me i was rooted then reboot killed. I installed philz and all was ok
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Free mobile app

jbnorton0524 said:
I used it before i had a custom recovery. And on reboot i wouldnt have root. After i ran it root checker told me i was rooted then reboot killed. I installed philz and all was ok
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
many users of basically the same phone report different things with every root method out there. If it worked for you that's great tell other users what you did for it to work and if it didn't work, then ask for help and you will get help; some people don't have success with any method while others do with all of the methods.....my phone falls under every method.....

Successful Towelroot on VM Galaxy S3 4.4.2.NDC
6th_Hokage said:
you can root the stock 4.4.2
first step make sure your on 4.4.2
second step download Towel Root
third step place Towel Root in sdcard or internal storage
fourth step with any file manager find and install Towel Root
fifth step root
sixth step go to play store and download Superuser (Chainfire) and also Busy Box (Stericson) let super user update the binary
seventh step flash any recovery you want personally i went with Philliz Touch
eighth step if you want flash a custom rom now if not enjoy your rooted stock 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight forward, fast and easy. I did notice the following:
1) Updating binary reported it did not successfully install. I've seen this before on other devices, but everything worked well. Ext SD and Camera all OK. Everything works fine so far - Titanium, Nandroid, Root Browser, etc.
2) At one point, I was directed to install Busy Box. Having done this on other devices, I said "Yes" and installed it.
3) I see that my device now shows Device Status as Custom ( was Normal before, if I remember correctly). Is this due to Busy Box?
4) Is Device Status the only way to know the KNOX Status? I see no yellow triangle as I did on my Galaxy Reverb.
5) I got a Google warning to uninstall Towelroot since it is usafe and a security exploit. I understand that.
I would like to verify the KNOX status and if tripped in the Towelroot process, to let potential users know of that possibility.
Thank You! And thanks to everyone who has continued to work on keeping root free!
Dave

dave260 said:
Straight forward, fast and easy. I did notice the following:
1) Updating binary reported it did not successfully install. I've seen this before on other devices, but everything worked well. Ext SD and Camera all OK. Everything works fine so far - Titanium, Nandroid, Root Browser, etc.
2) At one point, I was directed to install Busy Box. Having done this on other devices, I said "Yes" and installed it.
3) I see that my device now shows Device Status as Custom ( was Normal before, if I remember correctly). Is this due to Busy Box?
4) Is Device Status the only way to know the KNOX Status? I see no yellow triangle as I did on my Galaxy Reverb.
5) I got a Google warning to uninstall Towelroot since it is unsafe and a security exploit. I understand that.
I would like to verify the KNOX status and if tripped in the Towelroot process, to let potential users know of that possibility.
Thank You! And thanks to everyone who has continued to work on keeping root free!
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox only notifies Samsung that your device isn't stock anymore not necessarily rooted like with a custom recovery and then flashed mods and what not but if you Odin the stock rom it resets the counters so Samsung will never know....and that i have noticed TowelRoot doesn't trip that counter.....only the recoveries and when you update the binary (<---completely forgot to fix that) you must hit the option normal not TWRP/CWM

churninern said:
I just used this method to root my Sprint S3 running Android 4.4.2 and ND8, since my USB port is on the fritz, and it worked successfully. I have root, and was able to do a full apps backup with Titanium Backup, and gained root access in ES File Explorer. Next, download and install a custom backup. Thanks, great job, and could not have been made easier to do!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news because same boat here. It worked on 4.3 as well.
I had the phone hacked before and something must not be fully stock so the Ota fails.
I downloaded a package and mobile odin should flash it properly and then I can root it with this again and install a nice modified TouchWiz rom.

Darkangels6sic6 said:
That's great news because same boat here. It worked on 4.3 as well.
I had the phone hacked before and something must not be fully stock so the Ota fails.
I downloaded a package and mobile odin should flash it properly and then I can root it with this again and install a nice modified TouchWiz rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just a quick add on Mobile Odin and stock ND8/NDC don't mix at all

Knox Counter and "Device Status"
6th_Hokage said:
Knox only notifies Samsung that your device isn't stock anymore not necessarily rooted like with a custom recovery and then flashed mods and what not but if you Odin the stock rom it resets the counters so Samsung will never know....and that i have noticed TowelRoot doesn't trip that counter.....only the recoveries and when you update the recovery you must hit the option normal not TWRP/CWM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. I may be over thinking these indicators. All I did was Towelroot, successfully. On the phone, the "About Device, Status" now says CUSTOM (was "Official"). The Knox counter according to app "Phone Info" shows Knox Counter at 0x0. As you said, since the counter is not tripped, should be no problem on warranty. So then Device Status CUSTOM is not a problem? I'm not really worried about warranty at this point, but I think I'll hold off further mods for another 6 moths.
Thanks again for your help!

6th_Hokage said:
just a quick add on Mobile Odin and stock ND8/NDC don't mix at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I tried the md8 and mk3 "mk3 is what it's on". Both just restart and get stuck on splash screen :/.
I have to go to download mode and and restart it that way to boot system back up.
Do you have any other suggestion. I'm not sure what part of the system is altered. It seems like a stock recovery and it's stock firmware "now rooted". Maybe the kernel.
I can't use USB at all.
I'm guessing maybe I should install twrp. Then install a stock zip or try out a 4.3 rom that way. I would like to get to md8 one way or another. Most md8 Roms want you to odin or flash an md8 base.

Darkangels6sic6 said:
Thanks. I tried the ND8 and MK3 "MK3 is what it's on". Both just restart and get stuck on splash screen :/.
I have to go to download mode and and restart it that way to boot system back up.
Do you have any other suggestion. I'm not sure what part of the system is altered. It seems like a stock recovery and it's stock firmware "now rooted". Maybe the kernel.
I can't use USB at all
I'm guessing maybe I should install TWRP. Then install a stock zip or try out a 4.3 rom that way. I would like to get to md8 one way or another. Most ND8 Roms want you to Odin or flash an md8 base.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cause they need the ND8 base to work as intended...my suggestion would be to get the usb port on your phone fixed but i don't know how expensive that will be

6th_Hokage said:
just a quick add on Mobile Odin and stock ND8/NDC don't mix at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6th_Hokage said:
cause they need the ND8 base to work as intended...my suggestion would be to get the usb port on your phone fixed but i don't know how expensive that will be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid you would say that.

Holy crap. May I say, I am quite impressed. I never planned on rooting my S3 (I like it that much!) but this just looked so damn easy to do and it was!
For the curious! I have a Virgin Mobile S3, and I'm on Kitkat 4.4.2, baseband NDC. Verified root with Root Checker Basic. No problems with mobile data.
Many thank yous, 6th_Hokage!

strangelady said:
Holy crap. May I say, I am quite impressed. I never planned on rooting my S3 (I like it that much!) but this just looked so damn easy to do and it was!
For the curious! I have a Virgin Mobile S3, and I'm on Kitkat 4.4.2, baseband NDC. Verified root with Root Checker Basic. No problems with mobile data.
Many thank yous, 6th_Hokage!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your welcome strangelady and if you want check out the links in my signature area for other cool stuff

added two more t=root methods