Develop Bugs

[Q] "Knox" firmware and the m919 version?

I have read (<here> and <here>)
about new firmware versions that will not allow resetting the counter (warranty flag) to initial conditions when restoring to stock after after unlocking or rooting.
If the phone developed a hardware problem, warranty repair could be denied.
The firmware version "MGG" and beyond are reported to have this problem.
Questions:
Does this also apply to the m919 T-Mobile version?
Has anybody seen it on an m919?
Is it going out with an OTA update?
Or is MGG specific to the i9505?
I am shopping for a GS4 m919, and I want confirm that it has the "pre-MGG" firmware version before purchase.
Questions:
Is the ID contained in the "Baseband" ID string in the phone information?
Are there different identifier strings used on the M919?

The T-Mobile S4 has not received the KNOX Bootloader, it will most likely come with the 4.3 update. If anyone is on stock, I would recommend you guys disable OTA updates as you may get automatically updated to 4.3 with the KNOX bootloader.

for once...im dreading an update from tmobile

If I've already rooted and installed a custom recovery (Clockwork Mod), and nothing else, does anyone know if the 4.3 update with KNOX will still be usuable? In other words, will the phone still get an automatic OTA update and will that update install correctly?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

DigitalHeretic said:
If I've already rooted and installed a custom recovery (Clockwork Mod), and nothing else, does anyone know if the 4.3 update with KNOX will still be usuable? In other words, will the phone still get an automatic OTA update and will that update install correctly?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wont let you get the update it will pop a box up saying unable to uodate your device has been modified. . Try to check for an uodate youll see what im talking about... I went back to stock just to see if there was anything for updates which there wasnt andbwent to reroot and installed su abd it didn't flash correctly thru odin said to heck with it till the am checked for an update for giggles in the am and wouldn't even check
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

i'm glad I read this thread. i was going to wait until i tried the stock 4.3 update before deciding to root and install custom ROMs. With KNOX coming, I'm just going to root ASAP. I like PA on my Nexus4, so I'll probably go with that for my S4.

So you guys are saying the new update with "knox" won't allow you to reset the counter and only that or will it stop you from completely rooting and installing custom roms?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

futty said:
So you guys are saying the new update with "knox" won't allow you to reset the counter and only that or will it stop you from completely rooting and installing custom roms?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me clarify some things. The KNOX processes and functions are already on the stock ROM, most devs remove them, though. So many of you with custom ROMs haven't seen anything related to KNOX.
What the new T-Mobile update (when it gets pushed out) is most likely to come with is a "KNOX Bootloader" which will introduce a thing called "KNOX Flag" which is similar to the old counter we're all used to. This is the counter that @Chainfire was successful in resetting with his app, Triangle Away.
Unfortunately, @Chainfire or anyone else for that matter, has not been able to reset the KNOX flag.
The KNOX flags is this:
0x0 = You have not tripped the KNOX flag.
0x1 = You have tripped the KNOX flag.
Again, once you trip that flag, rooting, flashing a custom recovery, etc.. there is NO way to reset it as of now. And any KNOX functionality on your phone will not work. But the worst part is Samsung will refuse warranty on your device if they see a 0x1 in your bootloader.
Another thing.. on the new bootloader, if you try to downgrade, even with an official Samsung firmware, it will fail and you will trip the KNOX flag.
So once you're on the new bootloader, there's no going back.
There's been speculation that there's an eFuse at play here.
Anyway, this is the reason why I am suggesting you all disable OTA updates and wait until a ROM is built without the new bootloader and all the functions (Wifi, MMS, etc.) are working.

mgbotoe said:
for once...im dreading an update from tmobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, its sammy we have to blame for this one :/ Not T-Mobile lol.
PSSSST! Don't let them know you are dreading it, or they might put it off longer xD
As to the OP.
The KNOX Warranty counter is rumored to be what is called an eFUSE. If this is true, then resetting the KNOX warranty counter will be impossible without taking apart your phone and replacing that specific eFUSE.
However, there are rumors that some root methods DO NOT trip this new counter. Is that good? Yes, is that bad? Yes. For those users who like stock kernels and just wanna root, this is okay for them. But for 99.999999 percent of us who love to flash new kernels and get more from our devices, then it trips the counter.
I personally congratulate Samsung as well as hate them at the same time for this. I congratulate them because what seems to be happening a lot is users flash a million and 2 things to their device having not one single clue what they are doing, thus bricking their 500+ dollar smartphone then claiming it as a warranty claim and getting another one. I also feel they are trying to flex their ego muscles too -.-
I also believe that if you have insurance, this does not apply. It is only for warranty claims. Which like you stated OP, it only means Samsung can choose to deny to repair or replace it. I have read a lot of thread before where users tripped the older binary flash counter, and still were given a new device. I honestly don't know how this is going to play out for the lot of us. For me, my warranty is over in a few months anyhow so i don't really care. But its still kind of a dickish thing Samsung is doing.
I am also hoping that we can extract the contents of the new update and keep our older bootloaders and create a flashable zip with the new update stuff and have it still work. I know there were some issues with the international S4 4.3 update but im not sure if it was entirely caused by the bootloader.

Exel said:
Anyway, this is the reason why I am suggesting you all disable OTA updates and wait until a ROM is built without the new bootloader and all the functions (Wifi, MMS, etc.) are working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you disable OTA updates on a stock S4?
Hitting "Software Update" takes me to a Boolean"Update Now" popup with no other option than choosing Yes, No or Wifi. No option to defeat future updates is offered.
Going into developer mode doesn't seem to add any pertinent options either (correct me if I'm wrong).
Clearly, Samsung doesn't want us to be able to disable updates unless or until we root, which I'm doing this weekend on the basis of this thread.

Reignogleph MMXI said:
Where do you disable OTA updates on a stock S4?
Hitting "Software Update" takes me to a Boolean"Update Now" popup with no other option than choosing Yes, No or Wifi. No option to defeat future updates is offered.
Going into developer mode doesn't seem to add any pertinent options either (correct me if I'm wrong).
Clearly, Samsung doesn't want us to be able to disable updates unless or until we root, which I'm doing this weekend on the basis of this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You indeed have to root to disable OTA updates.

Once the update hits im going to extract the system.img to get all the files.
Then explore where all of the Knox crap is and get rid of it.
I know I want be alone in doing this...all who develop for the S4 will be on top of it.
Someone will figure out a way to get around this Knox BS...
Sent from a Insane S4
SICK MADE DEVELOPMENT

alloycowboy said:
Once the update hits im going to extract the system.img to get all the files.
Then explore where all of the Knox crap is and get rid of it.
I know I want be alone in doing this...all who develop for the S4 will be on top of it.
Someone will figure out a way to get around this Knox BS...
Sent from a Insane S4
SICK MADE DEVELOPMENT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats fine and dandy for us with existing phones.. I already removed all the knox crap from my phone, and will update but not kernel and do the same..
But what about all future phones.. If indeed the kernel is locked with knox and there is no way to remove it we are screwed for new phones coming out.

lgkahn said:
thats fine and dandy for us with existing phones.. I already removed all the know crap from my phone, and will update but not kernel and do the same..
But what about all future phones.. If indeed the kernel is locked with knox and there is no way to remove it we are screwed for new phones coming out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. If thats the case....then alot of people will ditch Samsung.
But I have a feeling we will figure out Knox. Its man made so it can be hacked. Who when and how is the question.
Sent from a Insane S4
SICK MADE DEVELOPMENT

that's also why I paid 400 bucks for a T-Mobile sgs 4 and I am using it on at&t... I refuse to pay or support a phone with a locked bootloader.. matter of principle...i would ditch att if T-Mobile had decent service in my area.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Questions before I buy

So I've been thinking about picking up a new note 3 and I'm curious about a few things before I buy and any input would be great
1: if I root the note 3 will I trip Knox if I debloat ? Or would I have to freeze anything I don't want to run
2: anyone know if bestbuy extended warranty is void if I trip Knox?
3: can I still ruin Knox if I root it or will I have to freeze all Knox related software?
4: can I restore stock Rom via Odin or whatever other method without tripping Knox?
Thanks
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app

Probably be better if you posted that over in the note 3 section...
Might get a better response from people actually using the device...
Concerning the note 3 there's ways around the Knox thing...
But personally we're in the New year, so that means a new device is going to be coming soon...
That's why I didn't jump at the 3. Still missing some features that will be addressed in the next release...
Just to name a few for you, 64 bit, Ois(optical image stabilization)... I read they might use sapphire crystal, as the glass for the new devices...
Superior stuff there. Same thing they use on expenses watches...
I'll say do some Google searching b4, you jump the gun...
Just my 3¢™
SENT FROM MY SAMMY i317 USING TAPATALK4

1: if I root the note 3 will I trip Knox if I debloat ? Or would I have to freeze anything I don't want to run
2: anyone know if bestbuy extended warranty is void if I trip Knox?
3: can I still ruin Knox if I root it or will I have to freeze all Knox related software?
4: can I restore stock Rom via Odin or whatever other method without tripping Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, it doens't if you have froze all KNOX related things, something with ELM and security service update (with/grey shild icon).
2. I don't know how it is in your country, but in my country you lose automatic your shop warranthy, even if you flash anything to stock or even if you're on the first 2 warranthy years.
3. You can still use it but it's highly recommanded to NOT use it. Freezing KNOX apps is the safest method because somethimes SuperSu and KNOX getting in conflict with each other. If you like you can even debload it.
4. Yes you can!
I highly recomend to root with the KingoRoot method. It's a program for your Windows desktop and you can get it here
Just select Note 3 by devices:
http://www.kingoapp.com/
It's an easy tool to ROOT your device without tripping the KNOX counter!
I hope this is helpfull for you and sorry for my bad English.

[Q] Clarifying questions..

I'm thinking of upgrading from my GS3, non lte, to the Note 3. As I've looked around the forms here, it would seem as though Knox is an added security measure so t-mobile can more easily detect root?
Is there a way to have root without tripping this counter? Is there a way to flash a custom Rom or kernel without tripping it?
If this has been answered apologize, I did look around before making new thread.
Thanks!
Also on a side note, white or black note 3?

t3tr1s_ said:
I'm thinking of upgrading from my GS3, non lte, to the Note 3. As I've looked around the forms here, it would seem as though Knox is an added security measure so t-mobile can more easily detect root?
Is there a way to have root without tripping this counter? Is there a way to flash a custom Rom or kernel without tripping it?
If this has been answered apologize, I did look around before making new thread.
Thanks!
Also on a side note, white or black note 3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox isn't really for T-mobile to detect root/custom firmware but for Samsung warranty. A fair amount of people on here have stated that they still sent their phones in to Sammy for warranty and they still got their phones fixed. T-mobile really only look for cracked screens, water damage and that the phone powers on and boots up. Not to say you'll never have an issue but i would say it's not really that big of a deal to trip the Knox counter. Especially if you bought the insurance like Asurion. I don't think they even care if your rooted and ROM'd

Awesome. My concern here is that I would be disqualified from the jump program... I'd like to get the Note 4 as soon as it comes out.. Is there currently any way to root and flash a room without tripping Knox? Or can we only root without tripping Knox?

Before this gets locked, yes you can root without tripping knox. As mentioned knox is for samsung to deny repairs if they see fit (if the phone is sent to them). Tmobile could care less if the phone is rooted or not. You just have to be careful about warranty repairs for samsung, thats what they may or may not look at.

t3tr1s_ said:
Awesome. My concern here is that I would be disqualified from the jump program... I'd like to get the Note 4 as soon as it comes out.. Is there currently any way to root and flash a room without tripping Knox? Or can we only root without tripping Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the old 4.3 firmware yes you can root with Root De La Vega and not trip the Knox counter but once you put ANY custom recovery it will trip the counter. Now on the OTA 4.4.2 that was released on Wednesday, the only 2 current ways to root (TWRP or Philz CWM) will trip the Knox counter no matter what. So until something comes out like an updated ROOT De La Vega, there's no way to even root without tripping the Knox counter.
Also from what i read, RDLV isn't being developed anymore so unless they decide to do something with it for the all the 4.4.2 releases hitting phones these days there may not be anything for a bit to root without tripping knox.

Jfree3000 said:
Before this gets locked, yes you can root without tripping knox. As mentioned knox is for samsung to deny repairs if they see fit (if the phone is sent to them). Tmobile could care less if the phone is rooted or not. You just have to be careful about warranty repairs for samsung, thats what they may or may not look at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true for 4.3 but so far you can't on 4.4 from everything I have seen. Do you now of a way to not trip knox on 4.4?

Jfree3000 said:
Before this gets locked, yes you can root without tripping knox. As mentioned knox is for samsung to deny repairs if they see fit (if the phone is sent to them). Tmobile could care less if the phone is rooted or not. You just have to be careful about warranty repairs for samsung, thats what they may or may not look at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I miss something? Is there a way to Root 4.4.2 without tripping Knox? I don't care I've tripped Knox the first night i had my N3 but I didn't think there was a way. Kningo and RDLV i thought borked the phones and caused bootloops.

My t-mobile store says that if you root your phone then it voids your warranty, so obviously they won't allow me to upgrade... So I know they check for it.. How is it you guys have stores where they don't seem to care?

Root without tripping knox or...

I need to root my tablet so I can use a few apps I like. I had it on my Samsung note 10.1 2012 and used triangle away. Not really looking for a rom, at this point I like stock ROM.
Any help please?

This has been answered a 1000 x before. Knox flag will trip and no known way to reset.

I have already rooted but have since noticed an issue with my display and I am past the return date for Best Buy. Because I have tripped Knox, I will not be able to send it in to Samsung?

touchwiziscute said:
I have already rooted but have since noticed an issue with my display and I am past the return date for Best Buy. Because I have tripped Knox, I will not be able to send it in to Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always send it back for repair. Whether the repair cost is covered by warranty will depend on your local laws and or willingness of the service center. Just return it in official status and "play dumb"

Triangle away won't work?

Nope... it wont work on knox... will only work on normal counter.

edan1979 said:
Nope... it wont work on knox... will only work on normal counter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't bother answering only to repeat myself again. .....

I too would love to root but don't want to trip Knox. Samsung are real bastard for introducing it. Too bad the only capable hacker Geohot sold out and works for Google patching exploits now...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

What about this towel root thing? It says it roots without tripping Knox, is this true?

please read... towel root no longer working on new release since geohot = the guy who make it are now working with google to patch those exploit.

Features lost when Rooting?

I asked in one of the root threads and didn't get a reply. From looking through the existing threads I understand that you lose samsung pay and the hidden folder feature. I can live with those but is there any other features lost when unlocking the bootloader?
1.) Once knox is tripped will features be lost forever or start working again once tablet is returned to stock?
2.) Still shows as widevine L1? Any loss in resolution from an streaming apps (youtube, netflix, amazon prime, youtube tv)?
3.) Any other apps or features not working?

1. I rooted my Note 4 phone and Note Pro 12.2 tablet some years ago. Back then, I did this installing a custom recovery called TWRP. This blows an e-fuse on the main board, which prohibits Knox from working forever. Flashing back to stock recovery can't "unblow" a fuse.
2. Not sure about this one, sorry.
3. In my experience, rooting broke only those apps that relied on Knox. But I suppose these days more apps are likely to detect if they're running on a rooted device and refuse to run. That would account for the popularity of tools like Magisk that try to hide the root state from apps.
After I moved away from those devices (S7 Edge and Tab S3 were next in my history), I abandoned the rooting game. Not sure the value is worth the cost anymore.
EDIT: There are apparently ways to root without flashing a custom recovery -- this was news to me, and shows how long I've not been playing the rooting game, heh.

SteveRiley said:
1. I rooted my Note 4 phone and Note Pro 12.2 tablet some years ago. This blows an e-fuse on the main board, which prohibits Knox from working forever. Flashing back to stock can't "unblow" a fuse.
2. Not sure about this one, sorry.
3. In my experience, rooting broke only those apps that relied on Knox. But I suppose these days more apps are likely to detect if they're running on a rooted device and refuse to run. That would account for the popularity of tools like Magisk that try to hide the root state from apps.
After I moved away from those devices (S7 Edge and Tab S3 were next in my history), I abandoned the rooting game. Not sure the value is worth the cost anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I have rooted my samsung devices in the past as well but I believe the last one I did was my note 4 as well but I don't remember widevine being a thing back then or at least I didn't care. Of all the features I am concerned about that. Don't really care about the other samsung features save for maybe dex but I don't think that is affected. Can anyone rooted confirm if they still have widevine? Is any legit premium video app like netflix or youtube tv affected? My oneplus 7 pro had widevine downgraded I believe when the bootloader unlocked which was annoying.

SteveRiley said:
1. I rooted my Note 4 phone and Note Pro 12.2 tablet some years ago. This blows an e-fuse on the main board, which prohibits Knox from working forever. Flashing back to stock can't "unblow" a fuse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not quite true these days.
Using Magisk to root doesn't "blow the e fuse".
Rooting without installing TWRP will keep the warranty status 0x0 which is valid.
BTW: Netflix ect. Works just fine.
It's nice to see old Note 4 guyz around. I was very active in the sprint Note 4 forums years ago. IMO that was the very best phone samsung ever made. @tx_dbs_tx was a mad man of a developer for that device.

jhill110 said:
That's not quite true these days.
Using Magisk to root doesn't "blow the e fuse".
Rooting without installing TWRP will keep the warranty status 0x0 which is valid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, this is interesting news! I just might take the plunge, then. Thanks for making me smarter.
EDIT. See conversation here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s7/how-to/guide-unlock-tab-s7-bootloader-t4158841
Confirmed that unlocking the boot loader and rooting with modified firmware does trip Knox. Magisk can try to conceal this bypass some security checks, but not always successfully.
jhill110 said:
It's nice to see old Note 4 guyz around. I was very active in the sprint Note 4 forums years ago. IMO that was the very best phone samsung ever made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agree. Once upon a time a Galaxy Note was not just a Galaxy S with a stylus. Alas, it appears Samsung is diligently heading away from what made the Note a distinctive device.

SteveRiley said:
Hey, this is interesting news! I just might take the plunge, then. Thanks for making me smarter.
100% agree. Once upon a time a Galaxy Note was not just a Galaxy S with a stylus. Alas, it appears Samsung is diligently heading away from what made the Note a distinctive device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the knox tripped when you unlock the bootloader, don't you need to do this even if you root your device without installing twrp?

mikedavo said:
I thought the knox tripped when you unlock the bootloader, don't you need to do this even if you root your device without installing twrp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you do need to unlock the bootloader to root your device... But that doesn't trip knox.

Rooting with magisk will definitely trip knox, even without TWRP.

jhill110 said:
That's not quite true these days.
Using Magisk to root doesn't "blow the e fuse".
Rooting without installing TWRP will keep the warranty status 0x0 which is valid.
BTW: Netflix ect. Works just fine.
It's nice to see old Note 4 guyz around. I was very active in the sprint Note 4 forums years ago. IMO that was the very best phone samsung ever made. @tx_dbs_tx was a mad man of a developer for that device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone else confirm this?

smartymcfly said:
Can anyone else confirm this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You loose warranty once device is rooted. No matter if with SuperSU or magisk. Root is root

Cindysmith0994 said:
Rooting with magisk will definitely trip knox, even without TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it sure? Even without TWRP?
By the way, knox is really important for personal use? I will still able to encrypt my tab? And update it without problem?

jhill110 said:
That's not quite true these days.
Using Magisk to root doesn't "blow the e fuse".
Rooting without installing TWRP will keep the warranty status 0x0 which is valid.
BTW: Netflix ect. Works just fine.
It's nice to see old Note 4 guyz around. I was very active in the sprint Note 4 forums years ago. IMO that was the very best phone samsung ever made. @tx_dbs_tx was a mad man of a developer for that device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you make an instruction? Thanks

umibuzu said:
Is it sure? Even without TWRP?
By the way, knox is really important for personal use? I will still able to encrypt my tab? And update it without problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lose L1 once the BL is unlocked though. So kiss goodbye HD on netflix and such on the ts7+ which is beneficial.

EugenStanis said:
You loose warranty once device is rooted. No matter if with SuperSU or magisk. Root is root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see the picture in the post that was quoted?
It shows as rooted and knox efuse intact. So the warranty would still be good as long as it doesn't trip the efuse.
Look at the picture before telling me a generic answer. I already know that when the excuse is blown the warranty is lost. How do they have root without tripping the efuse?

This is the picture I am referring to.

See conversation here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s7/how-to/guide-unlock-tab-s7-bootloader-t4158841
Confirmed that unlocking the boot loader and rooting with modified firmware does trip Knox. Magisk can try to conceal this bypass some security checks, but not always successfully.

smartymcfly said:
Can anyone else confirm this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes wrong

umibuzu said:
Is it sure? Even without TWRP?
By the way, knox is really important for personal use? I will still able to encrypt my tab? And update it without problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlpcking bootloader alone doesnt trip knox but as soon as u flash any custom firmware i.e. disabled vbmeta, twrp, magisk etc. then it will trip knox.
theres thousands of threads on xda alone about tripped knox and what works n doesnt work so id go n look for urself before anything..
and usually it will break ota updates but can depend on device etc. but ull likely have to update via odin

Jedi.Tester said:
Can you make an instruction? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes wrong

bs3pro said:
You lose L1 once the BL is unlocked though. So kiss goodbye HD on netflix and such on the ts7+ which is beneficial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dunno what L1 is but unlocking by itself doesnt trio knox, its custom firmware that trips it.. basically anything u do after unlocking lol
and netflix can still work.. its trivial for netflix