Develop Bugs

Help for first time Note 2 user.

Hello. I just ordered my galaxy note 2 N7100 Int. version(not the n7105 lte one). I live in Greece and the phone should have arrived by 15-20 January. Even though I'm not an android noob and im using android for 2-3 years and made my own ROMs as well, I have no clue how Samsung phones work. So I would like a detailed guide please about the steps I'm will mention:
*What is the latest official firmware I can install on my N7100? How can I do that?(I'm not familiar with OTA's)
*How can I root that firmware? What is the best option for rooting it?(chainfire etc but give details on how to do it with those methods)
*Do I need to unlock my bootloader to install custom recovery and flash a rom?If so how can I do that?
*Is Philz recovery fully working and compatible with 4.4+ ROMs? If so how can I install it? If not whats the best recovery with support for 4.4+ ROMs?
*What is the best ROM with the features of Note 3?(stable no bugs good for gaming) How can I install that ROM?
*What is the best 4.4 ROM?(stable no bugs good for gaming) How can I install that ROM?
*How do I backup my IMEI?
*What is the procedure to install a ROM?(on my old phone it was : 1)Backup 2)Factory reset 3)Wipe cache,dalvik cache, system, data, and again format cache 4)Install ROM 5)Install GAPPS and reboot. Done. Are there any differences here?
I wont buy a new phone for the next 1-2 years at least so I wont my new phone to be safe when playing with custom ROMs. If you are about to comment without a detailed guide or at least telling me where to look for that guide dont comment at all, it wont help me.Thanks in advance and sorry for the trouble.

Too many questions to answer and therefore I recommend to go to the Development section for further information. Each Rom has its own install instructions, just read there and learn more about your device :good:
You can't get spoonfed here, sorry mate.

To try to answer just a few... really too many questions, you need to read a bit before posting so many questins
*What is the latest official firmware I can install on my N7100? How can I do that?(I'm not familiar with OTA's)
MKD - Indian, MK9 - european, ML3 - asian. They all work on any int 7100 model.
*Do I need to unlock my bootloader to install custom recovery and flash a rom?If so how can I do that?
You just have to root.
*What is the best ROM with the features of Note 3?(stable no bugs good for gaming) How can I install that ROM?
Most popular are DN3 and Phoenix (also maybe DR Ketan's custom ROM, but it isn't developed anymore). I personaly use Criskelo which is really stable and smooth.
*What is the procedure to install a ROM?(on my old phone it was : 1)Backup 2)Factory reset 3)Wipe cache,dalvik cache, system, data, and again format cache 4)Install ROM 5)Install GAPPS and reboot. Done. Are there any differences here?
In Phils's recovery (I recommend v 5.15, not v 6.x - because of Aroma bug) you do "prepare for ROM flashing" and then flash ROM. Erasing dalvik/system/cache etc can't hurt but is not necessary, all is done in one go. From ODIN - go to download mode, connect to PC, run ODIN and select md5 file to flash.

dalanik said:
To try to answer just a few... really too many questions, you need to read a bit before posting so many questins
*What is the latest official firmware I can install on my N7100? How can I do that?(I'm not familiar with OTA's)
MKD - Indian, MK9 - european, ML3 - asian. They all work on any int 7100 model.
*Do I need to unlock my bootloader to install custom recovery and flash a rom?If so how can I do that?
You just have to root.
*What is the best ROM with the features of Note 3?(stable no bugs good for gaming) How can I install that ROM?
Most popular are DN3 and Phoenix (also maybe DR Ketan's custom ROM, but it isn't developed anymore). I personaly use Criskelo which is really stable and smooth.
*What is the procedure to install a ROM?(on my old phone it was : 1)Backup 2)Factory reset 3)Wipe cache,dalvik cache, system, data, and again format cache 4)Install ROM 5)Install GAPPS and reboot. Done. Are there any differences here?
In Phils's recovery (I recommend v 5.15, not v 6.x - because of Aroma bug) you do "prepare for ROM flashing" and then flash ROM. Erasing dalvik/system/cache etc can't hurt but is not necessary, all is done in one go. From ODIN - go to download mode, connect to PC, run ODIN and select md5 file to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey @dalanik thanks for your quick answer. I have some more questions for you. First of all, are 4.4+ roms stable for this phone for daily use and gaming? Is Philz recovery 5.15 compatible with 4.4+ roms? How do I root my device(latest official firmware) and how do I use ODIN(why is odin needed, what is odin doing)?What about backing up my IMEI? Thanks in advance.

I haven't tried 4.4 ROMs so I don't knpw. As for rooting just have a look at the forum there are several threads on rooting. Odin flashes ROMs.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

dalanik said:
I haven't tried 4.4 ROMs so I don't knpw. As for rooting just have a look at the forum there are several threads on rooting. Odin flashes ROMs.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What should I use to flash roms, odin or recovery(twrp, cwm etc)?

Actually Odin can be used to flash I.e. bootloader which recovery can't. Odon is used to flash official Samsung stock ROMs in md5 format while recovery is used fir custom ROMs mostly with the Aroma installer.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

dalanik said:
Actually Odin can be used to flash I.e. bootloader which recovery can't. Odon is used to flash official Samsung stock ROMs in md5 format while recovery is used fir custom ROMs mostly with the Aroma installer.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to flash Phoenix ROM or DN3 or any KK ROM I dont need ODIN correct?

I think if youre on 4.1.2 you need to flash new bootloader. Each rom has instructions so hav3 a look at rom thread
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

First when arrives your phone see the firmware version, if it has 4.3 and flash custom recovery firmware etc you loose your warranty and for the moment is not possible to take warranty back. If your firmware is 4.1.2 the things are more simple you can flash everything (except 4.3 official bootloader also 4.3 official firmware witch includes bootloader) and have when you need your warranty back.
All your answers are in the forum search for start dr.ketan threads. You can start from here (old thread but very good writed for 4.1.2 there are some differences with 4.3 you have to check before act for example mobile Odin trigger the warranty at 4.3 also triangle away cannot affect knox etc etc)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1896696
he has plenty of guides solutions etc and I think you will find many answers for your questions. Now if your phone is at 4.1.2 firmware and you want to flash 4.3, root etc or 4.3 custom rom (not all) repost to guide you how to flash and also have your warranty back.
Kaloriziko.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

vagsvag said:
First when arrives your phone see the firmware version, if it has 4.3 and flash custom recovery firmware etc you loose your warranty and for the moment is not possible to take warranty back. If your firmware is 4.1.2 the things are more simple you can flash everything (except 4.3 official bootloader also 4.3 official firmware witch includes bootloader) and have when you need your warranty back.
All your answers are in the forum search for start dr.ketan threads. You can start from here (old thread but very good writed for 4.1.2 there are some differences with 4.3 you have to check before act for example mobile Odin trigger the warranty at 4.3 also triangle away cannot affect knox etc etc)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1896696
he has plenty of guides solutions etc and I think you will find many answers for your questions. Now if your phone is at 4.1.2 firmware and you want to flash 4.3, root etc or 4.3 custom rom (not all) repost to guide you how to flash and also have your warranty back.
Kaloriziko.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello @dalanik, @vagsvag I just got my Note 2(Italy version) GT-N7100. Here's the details from the settings menu
*Android 4.1.2(gives me the ability to update to 4.3)
*Baseband N7100XXDMF1
*Kernel 3.0.31-1071214
*Build number JZO54K.N7100XXDME6
The phone is COMPLETELY stock, no root no custom recovery nothing. Can you please give me full instructions on how to install this ROM please?

About 4.4 ROMs, i have tried them.
Things that don't work:
- Bluetooth ear piece???
- Camera is not 100% stable
- I don't have sound when recording videos (Could be just me, no one else is mentioning it )
- Bad FPS in games (tried many kernels and governors, still bad. AGAIN, could be just me, no one else is mentioning it )
And that's it.
For DN3
- Root
- Flash recovery (TWRP my choice)
- Full wipe (data,system,internal storage,cache)
- Flash DN3 (you will now get a bootloop)
- Flash it ONE MORE TIME,
There is something wrong with AROMA installer, if you look closely it doesn't install the ROM for the 1st time, hence the bootloop.
Also, you DON'T NEED TO FLASH the new bootloader. I'm on the DMG1 bootloader and i'm running DN3.
If you don't flash the bootloader, you have to flash the Wi-Fi fix, to get the Wi-Fi working.
You may also experience a reboot once in a week or 2 weeks, it's random.
I personally don't want to flash the BL, because i'm terrified of ODIN. I have a bad history with it :laugh:

Mashed_Potatoes said:
About 4.4 ROMs, i have tried them.
Things that don't work:
- Bluetooth ear piece???
- Camera is not 100% stable
- I don't have sound when recording videos (Could be just me, no one else is mentioning it )
- Bad FPS in games (tried many kernels and governors, still bad. AGAIN, could be just me, no one else is mentioning it )
And that's it.
For DN3
- Root
- Flash recovery (TWRP my choice)
- Full wipe (data,system,internal storage,cache)
- Flash DN3 (you will now get a bootloop)
- Flash it ONE MORE TIME,
There is something wrong with AROMA installer, if you look closely it doesn't install the ROM for the 1st time, hence the bootloop.
Also, you DON'T NEED TO FLASH the new bootloader. I'm on the DMG1 bootloader and i'm running DN3.
If you don't flash the bootloader, you have to flash the Wi-Fi fix, to get the Wi-Fi working.
You may also experience a reboot once in a week or 2 weeks, it's random.
I personally don't want to flash the BL, because i'm terrified of ODIN. I have a bad history with it :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Mashed_Potatoes thanks for your reply but please make things a little bit more detailed..
- Root -- how can I root my device? Link?
- Flash recovery (TWRP my choice)? I want Philz recovery. How do I flash it? Is there any problems with flashing DN3 with Philz recovery?
-What are the prerequisites to get DN3 ROM to work FULLY? Have you noticed any important bugs while using it? What bootloader do I have to flash to get DN3 ROM to work? How can I flash that bootloader? Remember I'm on stock 4.1.2
-How can I access Recovery on this phone?

NickVXD said:
@Mashed_Potatoes thanks for your reply but please make things a little bit more detailed..
- Root -- how can I root my device? Link?
- Flash recovery (TWRP my choice)? I want Philz recovery. How do I flash it? Is there any problems with flashing DN3 with Philz recovery?
-What are the prerequisites to get DN3 ROM to work FULLY? Have you noticed any important bugs while using it? What bootloader do I have to flash to get DN3 ROM to work? How can I flash that bootloader? Remember I'm on stock 4.1.2
-How can I access Recovery on this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to use the search option.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2143479 - How to root
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKfURLDlCRg - How to flash recovery
I don't know about Philz i had it before TWRP but that was before DN3 existed =D
I found no bugs in DN3, its a bit slower than 4.1.2 and the ram usage is higher
You flash the bootloader through ODIN too but i cant help you about that i don't know
Once you root your phone download an app called Quick Boot which will allow you to access Download and Recovery modes with one click

Hey guys I need a little bit more help.
 @Androidwizzard @dalanik @vagsvag
I successfully rooted my device with CF and ODIN and now I installed latest Philz recovery as well.
One last question.. I'm now on official 4.1.2(again xD)and like I have said again I want to install DN3 ROM.. What bootloader do I need to flash to get DN3 to work?How do I know what bootloader Im using right now?
What I think the procedure is
1)Install 4.3 bootloader while running 4.1.2
2)Make a backup with Philz recovery
3)Full wipe and install 4.3 DN3 ROM.
Is this correct? Dont forget to answer the other things I asked you!! Thanks in advance!!

NickVXD said:
Hey guys I need a little bit more help.
@Androidwizzard @dalanik @vagsvag
I successfully rooted my device with CF and ODIN and now I installed latest Philz recovery as well.
One last question.. I'm now on official 4.1.2(again xD)and like I have said again I want to install DN3 ROM.. What bootloader do I need to flash to get DN3 to work?How do I know what bootloader Im using right now?
What I think the procedure is
1)Install 4.3 bootloader while running 4.1.2
2)Make a backup with Philz recovery
3)Full wipe and install 4.3 DN3 ROM.
Is this correct? Dont forget to answer the other things I asked you!! Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is only ONE bootloader you can flash that is KNOX-Free, and that is MJ5. All other bootloaders have KNOX. Do not use Wi-Fi fix as that will fix your Wi-fi but may introduce instability, reboots, etc. Well, not the Fix, the fix is fine, but the rest of the old bootloader. Just flash MJ5.
I'd do backup FIRST and then flash bootloader.

dalanik said:
There is only ONE bootloader you can flash that is KNOX-Free, and that is MJ5. All other bootloaders have KNOX. Do not use Wi-Fi fix as that will fix your Wi-fi but may introduce instability, reboots, etc. Well, not the Fix, the fix is fine, but the rest of the old bootloader. Just flash MJ5.
I'd do backup FIRST and then flash bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is KNOX? If I flash MJ5 while running 4.1.2 and then flash DN3 are there going to be any problems?(instabilities wifi issues etc)Also how do I backup my bootloader? And what bootloader am I running now?

NickVXD said:
Hey guys I need a little bit more help.
I successfully rooted my device with CF and ODIN and now I installed latest Philz recovery as well.
One last question.. I'm now on official 4.1.2(again xD)and like I have said again I want to install DN3 ROM.. What bootloader do I need to flash to get DN3 to work?How do I know what bootloader Im using right now?
What I think the procedure is
1)Install 4.3 bootloader while running 4.1.2
2)Make a backup with Philz recovery
3)Full wipe and install 4.3 DN3 ROM.
Is this correct? Dont forget to answer the other things I asked you!! Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FIRST of ALL: Don't use the latest Philz, RUN 5.15 is the best way to flash 4.3 custom roms with Aroma installer!
As mentioned: You got to take MJ5 if you ever want to go back to stock 4.1.2 at any time, besides you won't have wifi issue.
Only way to change bootloader: PC Odin.
Befor starting to install a custom rom read the instructions on the OP of the desired rom. There you find all necessary wipes to do :good:

Androidwizzard said:
FIRST of ALL: Don't use the latest Philz, RUN 5.15 is the best way to flash 4.3 custom roms with Aroma installer!
As mentioned: You got to take MJ5 if you ever want to go back to stock 4.1.2 at any time, besides you won't have wifi issue.
Only way to change bootloader: PC Odin.
Befor starting to install a custom rom read the instructions on the OP of the desired rom. There you find all necessary wipes to do :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Androidwizzard so to flash DN3 ROM this is what I have to do:
1)Flash Philz 5.15 recovery with ODIN
2)Flash MJ5 bootloader while running official 4.1.2
3)Make a backup of current with recovery
4)Make the necessary wipes with recovery and flash DN3 ROM
Is everything I mentioned above correct?
Also how do I go back COMPLETELY stock if I ever want?
And btw is DN3 ROM good for games? I play lots of heavy games like GTA:SA etc..
Thanks A LOT guys for helping me, I know I'm annoying but I'm really new to Samsung and this all seems really strange

NickVXD said:
@Androidwizzard so to flash DN3 ROM this is what I have to do:
1)Flash Philz 5.15 recovery with ODIN
2)Flash MJ5 bootloader while running official 4.1.2
3)Make a backup of current with recovery
4)Make the necessary wipes with recovery and flash DN3 ROM
Is everything I mentioned above correct?
Also how do I go back COMPLETELY stock if I ever want?
And btw is DN3 ROM good for games? I play lots of heavy games like GTA:SA etc..
Thanks A LOT guys for helping me, I know I'm annoying but I'm really new to Samsung and this all seems really strange
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you find all you need from the godfather Dr Ketan:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48032704&postcount=4753
There are several links and guides, :good:

Bootloader rp swrev : 1 .... and general questions

galaxy s3 4.3 sgh i747m with Roger's on twrp recovery
Hi I have rooted my phone two days ago and im new to the rooting world of android there is soooo much stuff to learn !!!
I want to know what does it mean when im in odin mode and I see
qualcomm secureboot enable.... and bootloader rp swrev :1 what does it means actually ? I try to find information but it's not clear i dont want to install a custom rom and brick my phone ...
i have so many question ...
if I install a custom rom does my boot loader have to be unlock or i shouldn't care ?
I do i check if my bootloader is unlock ?
Is the carrier is important when you put a custom rom ?
where I can find the gapps file made for my phone ?
1 rom that interest me is wicked sensation rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2286350 it look so sick but once again it says for at&t can I install it if im with rogers because they are the same model ?
it's some little tecnical question that I have can some one help me

Are you on stock Rogers 4.3? If you are, loading a custom recovery will void the warranty by tripping the Knox counter.
If you have no warranty and just want to install a custom ROM, you can install a custom recovery via Odin and flash the ROM you want.

audit13 said:
Are you on stock Rogers 4.3? If you are, loading a custom recovery will void the warranty by tripping the Knox counter.
If you have no warranty and just want to install a custom ROM, you can install a custom recovery via Odin and flash the ROM you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes im on stock 4.3 but my warranty is over so it doesn't really matter I have TWRP recovery so if I want to flash a rom there is no problem ?
I made a nandroid backup in case

carlosQC said:
Yes im on stock 4.3 but my warranty is over so it doesn't really matter I have TWRP recovery so if I want to flash a rom there is no problem ?
I made a nandroid backup in case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer Philz Touch which is based on CWM because I had problems flashing with TWRP.
There should be no problem as long as the ROM is supported by TWRP.

carlosQC said:
Yes im on stock 4.3 but my warranty is over so it doesn't really matter I have TWRP recovery so if I want to flash a rom there is no problem ?
I made a nandroid backup in case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't just go around flashing all the ROMs you think look or sound cool. I would suggest doing your research beforehand. For example, if you want to install the newer KitKat ROMs, you HAVE to be on a JellyBean bootloader. Click HERE for the bootloader guide if you need it.
Also, your TWRP should always be up to date. The link for the latest (may be outdated, idk...)TWRP is HERE
Lastly, if you ever run into any problems and want to go back to stock, or you just want to start fresh and start from scratch, then use this. This has never failed on me. Click HERE
Remember, YMMV.
Best of luck!

I don't think you need a 4.3 bootloader for all ROMs. I have loaded Cyanfox, CM11, and Vidalus which are all 4.4.2 ROMs without issue. I personally prefer to stay away from the 4.3 bootloader because I want the ability to return my phone to stock for warranty purposes.
The OP is running 4.3 stock and the link you provided could brick his phone.

audit13 said:
I don't think you need a 4.3 bootloader for all ROMs. I have loaded Cyanfox, CM11, and Vidalus which are all 4.4.2 ROMs without issue. I personally prefer to stay away from the 4.3 bootloader because I want the ability to return my phone to stock for warranty purposes.
The OP is running 4.3 stock and the link you provided could brick his phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never said that the OP needed to update his bootloader, I was just mentioning as an example if he wanted to then he would probably need to if he wanted to flash a KitKat ROM.
But you are right, for him, I would stay away from 4.3 since you can't downgrade.

[Q] Q| before updating to 4.3

hi guys , this is my first post so bare with me ...
first of all i would love to say thanks to this community , i have learned a lot trough out the years iv'e been reeding this forum....
i have a question before i update my note 2 from 4.1.2 to 4.3 ...
i rooted it with cf root a long time ago , should i unroot my phone before updating to the official 4.3 ?
also my counter is 1 , should i use triangle away and reset it to 0, or it doesn't matter?
and which odin should i use (link would be useful) 1.85 or 3.07?
one last question , is it normal to see in the recovery mode an android lying on the floor with a red triangle ?
sorry if my English is quite bad ... its not my main language

hi , i dont like spamming but my thread went way down bump

DinaSap said:
hi , i dont like spamming but my thread went way down bump
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can avoid upgrading to official 4.3 it would best to do that,cause if you upgrade to 4.3 you'll be on knox bootloader which means you can never downgrade back to 4.1.2.So in my suggestion flash any 4.3 Custom ROM,you might not have wifi working once you flash the ROM,you need to download the MJ5 bootloader ,it's the last known bootloader which is KNOX free and you can use it to flash 4.3 TW,4.4 AOSP and 4.4.2 TW leaked rom.I can link you to the MJ5 bootloader and how to flash it once you choose the custom 4.3 ROMS.As far as 4.3 custom roms there are many out there and it wouldn't be fair to compare which is best cause all the developers have worked hard to make their ROM stand out so try 2-3 different 4.3 ROMS for a week and see which suits your needs and usage.Also each ROM thread has an FAQ thread so read that carefully with flashing instructions or if you'd need any additional files to be sideloaded along with the ROM ZIP.If you have any doubts don't forget to use the search option thread in each ROM thread you'll most likely have your questions answered.Since you are already rooted you don't need to re root but odin V3.07 is needed to flash the MJ5 bootloader.Below are the links to both files along with instructions how to flash MJ5 bootloader.Also on 4.1.2 before you proceed to 4.3 make a backup of your STOCK ROM along with EFS folder.
MJ5 Bootloader
MJ5 bootloader Odin instructions
Odin 3.07

singhpratik87 said:
If you can avoid upgrading to official 4.3 it would best to do that,cause if you upgrade to 4.3 you'll be on knox bootloader which means you can never downgrade back to 4.1.2.So in my suggestion flash any 4.3 Custom ROM,you might not have wifi working once you flash the ROM,you need to download the MJ5 bootloader ,it's the last known bootloader which is KNOX free and you can use it to flash 4.3 TW,4.4 AOSP and 4.4.2 TW leaked rom.I can link you to the MJ5 bootloader and how to flash it once you choose the custom 4.3 ROMS.As far as 4.3 custom roms there are many out there and it wouldn't be fair to compare which is best cause all the developers have worked hard to make their ROM stand out so try 2-3 different 4.3 ROMS for a week and see which suits your needs and usage.Also each ROM thread has an FAQ thread so read that carefully with flashing instructions or if you'd need any additional files to be sideloaded along with the ROM ZIP.If you have any doubts don't forget to use the search option thread in each ROM thread you'll most likely have your questions answered.Since you are already rooted you don't need to re root but odin V3.07 is needed to flash the MJ5 bootloader.Below are the links to both files along with instructions how to flash MJ5 bootloader.Also on 4.1.2 before you proceed to 4.3 make a backup of your STOCK ROM along with EFS folder.
MJ5 Bootloader
MJ5 bootloader Odin instructions
Odin 3.07
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi ,first of all thanks for the replay ....
two questions :
1 . im aware that i won't be able to downgrade to 4.1.2 .... but why would i want to downgrade , after all you need 4.3 to be able to update to 4.4 soon,am i missing something ?
2. and if i would still prefer an official 4.3 rom , do i need to reset counter and unroot aswell ?
by the way, if my recovery has an android lying on his back with the belly open and a red triangle is it normal ?

DinaSap said:
hi ,first of all thanks for the replay ....
two questions :
1 . im aware that i won't be able to downgrade to 4.1.2 .... but why would i want to downgrade , after all you need 4.3 to be able to update to 4.4 soon,am i missing something ?
2. and if i would still prefer an official 4.3 rom , do i need to reset counter and unroot aswell ?
by the way, if my recovery has an android lying on his back with the belly open and a red triangle is it normal ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer you first unanswered question,if you don't want to downgrade ever then you can go ahead and download the official firware OTA or via sam mobile for your respective region.
Second question,apparently to unroot you need to download stock 4.1.2 of your country and flash it via odin that will unroot your phone and you'll be back on 4.1.2 stock then you can check for updates via phone or head over to sam mobile for stock 4.3 and flash it.
That red triangle in recovery means you are in stock recovery as far as i can tell
read this post as well. http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/1720z8/noob_friendlyguide_unroot_your_galaxy_note_2s3/
The thing is i never upgraded to official 4.3 and wont upgrade to official 4.4 i directly came from 4.1.2 STOCK,rooted it and been on custom ROM ever since.so you might want to google a bit more about how to unroot your 4.1.2 and reset the custom status and then download 4.3

singhpratik87 said:
To answer you first unanswered question,if you don't want to downgrade ever then you can go ahead and download the official firware OTA or via sam mobile for your respective region.
Second question,apparently to unroot you need to download stock 4.1.2 of your country and flash it via odin that will unroot your phone and you'll be back on 4.1.2 stock then you can check for updates via phone or head over to sam mobile for stock 4.3 and flash it.
That red triangle in recovery means you are in stock recovery as far as i can tell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks again
uhm , does it matter if my flash counter is at 1 ? and insted of flashing again the rom could i use the full unroot from super su ?
sorry if im bothering you , its just that i don't want to screw up my phone .....

DinaSap said:
thanks again
uhm , does it matter if my flash counter is at 1 ? and insted of flashing again the rom could i use the full unroot from super su ?
sorry if im bothering you , its just that i don't want to screw up my phone .....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
READ THIS
Read this as well
the above two links will take care of your flash counter ,will reset it

singhpratik87 said:
READ THIS
Read this as well
the above two links will take care of your flash counter ,will reset it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ill repeat my question incase i wasn't clear .... is it necessary to have the binary counter at 0 to update to 4.3 .
if i have my counter at one when i update, will it trigger knox?

DinaSap said:
ill repeat my question incase i wasn't clear .... is it necessary to have the binary counter at 0 to update to 4.3 .
if i have my counter at one when i update, will it trigger knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after you are on stock 4.1.2, you need to reset flash counter via triangle away if you wish to update via OTA or ready to claim warranty..
Knox will be triggered after you upgrade to 4.3 and use odin to flash any files.

How to have custom recovery

Hey guys its been a week since i bought the note 2 and i rooted it. But i cannot find how to flash a custom recovery tutorial anywhere. I am on jellybean 4.1 and the rest of the details (firmware etc) can be found on the screenshots attached..
I would highly appreciate if someone can send me a link to the guide for flashing.. thanks a lot in advance
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Just simply flash via Odin
You can choose CWM, Philz touch or TWRP

RazaVakil7995 said:
Hey guys its been a week since i bought the note 2 and i rooted it. But i cannot find how to flash a custom recovery tutorial anywhere. I am on jellybean 4.1 and the rest of the details (firmware etc) can be found on the screenshots attached..
I would highly appreciate if someone can send me a link to the guide for flashing.. thanks a lot in advance
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got two options either root your phone while being on 4.1.2 or upgrade to official Indian 4.4.2 and then root it.Ofcourse once you root your current 4.1.2 you can try custom 4.4 ROM and if you don't like it you can go back to 4.1.2 or flash a 4.3 custom ROM. To root your 4.1.2 rom read this guide.If you decide to upgrade to 4.4.2 Indian firmware download it from here.
To flash the 4.4.2 ROM on your phone download it from the above link(there are 3 links where the ROM is uploaded) ,use any of the links and download the zip file,extract it you'll get a tar file,put your phone into download mode ,open odin v3.09 on pc and flash the official stock rom by checking the AP tab on odin.You can find tutorials on youtube on how to use odin to flash official stock firmware so just look them up if you need it.Once you flash stock ROM you can root your phone via this guide.
Okay so now things to remember.If you root your 4.1.2 ROM and want to try 4.3 or 4.4 custom ROM you need to flash MJ5 bootloader in order to have working wifi.Bootloader is flashed directly on your mother board and it cannot be downgraded only be upgraded.MJ5 is the last 4.3 bootloader which is KNOX free(what is knox ,blah blah,you can read about it on google).Advantage of MJ5 is you can try 4.1.2/4.3/4.4.2 rom and your warranty and knox remain intact but if you upgrade to official 4.3 or 4.4.2 ROM you'll be on knoxed bootlooader which means you cannot downgrade to 4.1.2 anymore plus rooting a phone with knoxed bootloader will trigger knox 0x1 and your warranty if any will be void (no way yet to reset Knox).So if you have warranty on your phone then my advise is root your 4.1.2 Rom,download any 4.3 or 4.4.2 custom ROM,you wont have wifi working then flash the MJ5 bootloader from here and read this post on how to flash bootloader.
I know it's a lot of info to you but your best guide is self reading from the above links i hooked you up with.Also read comments from people cause that's how I learned I read and read a lot before i jumped the rooting bandwagon cause wanted to make sure i don't brick my phone. Ofcourse whenever in doubt STOP RIGHT THERE and ask us.Dont attempt things that you are not sure of.Good luck.

Thanks for the help
singhpratik87 said:
You got two options either root your phone while being on 4.1.2 or upgrade to official Indian 4.4.2 and then root it.Ofcourse once you root your current 4.1.2 you can try custom 4.4 ROM and if you don't like it you can go back to 4.1.2 or flash a 4.3 custom ROM. To root your 4.1.2 rom read this guide.If you decide to upgrade to 4.4.2 Indian firmware download it from here.
To flash the 4.4.2 ROM on your phone download it from the above link(there are 3 links where the ROM is uploaded) ,use any of the links and download the zip file,extract it you'll get a tar file,put your phone into download mode ,open odin v3.09 on pc and flash the official stock rom by checking the AP tab on odin.You can find tutorials on youtube on how to use odin to flash official stock firmware so just look them up if you need it.Once you flash stock ROM you can root your phone via this guide.
Okay so now things to remember.If you root your 4.1.2 ROM and want to try 4.3 or 4.4 custom ROM you need to flash MJ5 bootloader in order to have working wifi.Bootloader is flashed directly on your mother board and it cannot be downgraded only be upgraded.MJ5 is the last 4.3 bootloader which is KNOX free(what is knox ,blah blah,you can read about it on google).Advantage of MJ5 is you can try 4.1.2/4.3/4.4.2 rom and your warranty and knox remain intact but if you upgrade to official 4.3 or 4.4.2 ROM you'll be on knoxed bootlooader which means you cannot downgrade to 4.1.2 anymore plus rooting a phone with knoxed bootloader will trigger knox 0x1 and your warranty if any will be void (no way yet to reset Knox).So if you have warranty on your phone then my advise is root your 4.1.2 Rom,download any 4.3 or 4.4.2 custom ROM,you wont have wifi working then flash the MJ5 bootloader from here and read this post on how to flash bootloader.
I know it's a lot of info to you but your best guide is self reading from the above links i hooked you up with.Also read comments from people cause that's how I learned I read and read a lot before i jumped the rooting bandwagon cause wanted to make sure i don't brick my phone. Ofcourse whenever in doubt STOP RIGHT THERE and ask us.Dont attempt things that you are not sure of.Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that's a lot of info you provided there, thanks. I am not new to rooting as far it goes I have rooted and flashed many roms on my galaxy s advance and my micromax A87 before that. But note 2 was a flagship device so there are many complications that come along which got me confused. As for now, I have my rooted 4.1.2 stock rom along with cwm recovery flashed via rom manager. I am planning to flash either DN3 or the Xperia Z-ized rom. So my question is: do I have to flash mj5 bootloader to flash DN3 and xperia z-ized or can I directly flash it from cwm (with factory reset and necessary wipes of course)?
BTW, I have heard that knox is a security application that prohibits rooting on samsung phones. It also had a reward for $18k for those who can bypass the knox on the S5 and root it. If I am right, then I think I am fairly acquainted to knox.
Once again, thanks a lot for helping! Appreciate it

RazaVakil7995 said:
Wow that's a lot of info you provided there, thanks. I am not new to rooting as far it goes I have rooted and flashed many roms on my galaxy s advance and my micromax A87 before that. But note 2 was a flagship device so there are many complications that come along which got me confused. As for now, I have my rooted 4.1.2 stock rom along with cwm recovery flashed via rom manager. I am planning to flash either DN3 or the Xperia Z-ized rom. So my question is: do I have to flash mj5 bootloader to flash DN3 and xperia z-ized or can I directly flash it from cwm (with factory reset and necessary wipes of course)?
BTW, I have heard that knox is a security application that prohibits rooting on samsung phones. It also had a reward for $18k for those who can bypass the knox on the S5 and root it. If I am right, then I think I am fairly acquainted to knox.
Once again, thanks a lot for helping! Appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are on stock 4.1.2 MJ5 is required for wifi to work.i learned 2 weeks ago that even mj5 is not required as previously thought by us at least not while flashing 4.4.2 TW rom.When you flash 4.4.2 custom ROM you wont have wifi working,then flash custom kernel like agni or nadia and wifi works flawlessly so one doesn't need to flash mj5 bootloader.I am not sure if this would work on 4.3 ROM you could try xperia z'd 4.3 custom ROM then flash a compatible 4.3 custom kernel and see if wifi works if it does you're set.This was new to most of us so I asked the person who told me about this how did he manage to do this and he told me apparently custom kernels have some sort of wifi drivers on them so when we flash custom kernels on 4.4.2 ROM wifi works but it wont work on stock kernel unless you upgrade to MJ5 and on stock kernel.MJ5 is safe to flash anyways since its knox free bootloader.
Actually 4.3 and 4.4.2 note 2 phones and others got knox on them but we found a way to disable knox after rooting our phone SuperSu disables it but knox is triggered to 0x1 and there's no way to reset KNOX since it's concerned with the motherboard of the phone which is the heart and soul of out note 2.So that bounty you might be talking about how to reset it perhaps.Even if they succeed in reversing it doesn't necessarily mean it would work on note 3 or note 2 cause of the phones being of different hardware .i don't know the technicalities of this.

singhpratik87 said:
Since you are on stock 4.1.2 MJ5 is required for wifi to work.i learned 2 weeks ago that even mj5 is not required as previously thought by us at least not while flashing 4.4.2 TW rom.When you flash 4.4.2 custom ROM you wont have wifi working,then flash custom kernel like agni or nadia and wifi works flawlessly so one doesn't need to flash mj5 bootloader.I am not sure if this would work on 4.3 ROM you could try xperia z'd 4.3 custom ROM then flash a compatible 4.3 custom kernel and see if wifi works if it does you're set.This was new to most of us so I asked the person who told me about this how did he manage to do this and he told me apparently custom kernels have some sort of wifi drivers on them so when we flash custom kernels on 4.4.2 ROM wifi works but it wont work on stock kernel unless you upgrade to MJ5 and on stock kernel.MJ5 is safe to flash anyways since its knox free bootloader.
Actually 4.3 and 4.4.2 note 2 phones and others got knox on them but we found a way to disable knox after rooting our phone SuperSu disables it but knox is triggered to 0x1 and there's no way to reset KNOX since it's concerned with the motherboard of the phone which is the heart and soul of out note 2.So that bounty you might be talking about how to reset it perhaps.Even if they succeed in reversing it doesn't necessarily mean it would work on note 3 or note 2 cause of the phones being of different hardware .i don't know the technicalities of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know all this man??

RazaVakil7995 said:
How do you know all this man??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lurking around in xda and reading as much as I can and participating in discussions related to Knox.I was clueless to all this Knox and how it works.My previous phone was HTC HD2 so samsung note II was the first serious smartphone I owned so just wanted to be extra careful that I don't end up bricking my device so read and read and asked questions.

[Q] What is the best & safest rooting method

Hi everyone.
Is there any way to root the Note 2 N7100 on Samsung official firmware Kitkat without tripping Knox. ??
My bootloader is ND4
My baseband is ND3
My PDA is ND4
If there is a safe method, what is it ...
I tried TR but got that my device is not supported.
My Knox is 0x0
If there isn't & I must trip Knox to root, so what's the best & safest method for rooting my N7100?? My warranty is gone long time ago anyway.
And if I'm gonna trip Knox so I prefer to have a custom recovery, what should I use? I thought of TWRP but found some complaining that 2.8.6 caused loss of signal... What should I use??
One more question, please.
Will rooting my phone & tripping Knox prevent future OTA update to the long awaited official Samsung Lollipop??
If the answer is yes is there a way around it ?? Will I be able to flash it by Odin after getting it from any where like Sammobile ?
Sorry for being long & Thanks

zoghrob said:
Hi everyone.
Is there any way to root the Note 2 N7100 on Samsung official firmware Kitkat without tripping Knox. ??
My bootloader is ND4
My baseband is ND3
My PDA is ND4
If there is a safe method, what is it ...
I tried TR but got that my device is not supported.
My Knox is 0x0
If there isn't & I must trip Knox to root, so what's the best & safest method for rooting my N7100?? My warranty is gone long time ago anyway.
And if I'm gonna trip Knox so I prefer to have a custom recovery, what should I use? I thought of TWRP but found some complaining that 2.8.6 caused loss of signal... What should I use??
One more question, please.
Will rooting my phone & tripping Knox prevent future OTA update to the long awaited official Samsung Lollipop??
If the answer is yes is there a way around it ?? Will I be able to flash it by Odin after getting it from any where like Sammobile ?
Sorry for being long & Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just root it as posted in sticky thread.
You don't have warranty, so just don't bother. Use odin, root and install recovery, then rom.
You can flash stock rom via odin if you want, you can install custom roms via recovery.
I'm using TWRP for 2 years and never had any problem. You can also use Philz. For normal user it doesn't really matter.

yaro666 said:
Just root it as posted in sticky thread.
You don't have warranty, so just don't bother. Use odin, root and install recovery, then rom.
You can flash stock rom via odin if you want, you can install custom roms via recovery.
I'm using TWRP for 2 years and never had any problem. You can also use Philz. For normal user it doesn't really matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your help.
Actually I found no sticky threads for rooting 4.4.2. Most of the sticky threads are dating since 2012 with 4.1.2 & 4.3.
However by searching I found 2 threads for 4.4.2, one of them is
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2767604
This one uses CF-auto-root... but no mention about any custom recovery. Will I lose root or mess things up if I install TWRP after that??
The other thread is
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2730764
This one uses the typical steps that I know, custom recovery then SuperSU. But it uses Philz recovery. Can I substitute it with TWRP??
Thank you for your help & patience.

The most important question: Why do you want to root?
If you like to flash a custom rom no need for root, any custom recovery - TWRP or CWM - flashed with Odin will do.

Androidwizzard said:
The most important question: Why do you want to root?
If you like to flash a custom rom no need for root, any custom recovery - TWRP or CWM - flashed with Odin will do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not planning to flash custom rom right now, may be later.
I want to root to be able to use some apps that require root. Plus, having full control over my phone.

In odin you have option to choose recovery file - AP.
After flashing recovery just install superSU via recovery.
DO a backup of your device and EFS before you flash anything.

yaro666 said:
In odin you have option to choose recovery file - AP.
After flashing recovery just install superSU via recovery.
DO a backup of your device and EFS before you flash anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help.
I don't know how to make a backup without recovery. So I flashed TWRP 2.8.6, took a backup then installed SuperSU via TWRP.
All went well except that I lost the signal and IMEI.
I found that I flashed TWRP t03gup while I should flashed t03g.
I reflashed the correct file then flashed the modem.bin of XXUFND3.
Everything thing is back to normal again except 2 things:
The icon of my service provider shifts place to the last app page after reboot, no matter where I place it...
The phone status shows custom (expected) but stays so even after using Triangle Away.
Is it better if I flash the stock firmware then recovery then SuperSU? ?? Or flashing the modem as I did was enough to straighten things up? ?
Thank you for your patience and help.

zoghrob said:
Thank you for your help.
I don't know how to make a backup without recovery. So I flashed TWRP 2.8.6, took a backup then installed SuperSU via TWRP.
All went well except that I lost the signal and IMEI.
I found that I flashed TWRP t03gup while I should flashed t03g.
I reflashed the correct file then flashed the modem.bin of XXUFND3.
Everything thing is back to normal again except 2 things:
The icon of my service provider shifts place to the last app page after reboot, no matter where I place it...
The phone status shows custom (expected) but stays so even after using Triangle Away.
Is it better if I flash the stock firmware then recovery then SuperSU? ?? Or flashing the modem as I did was enough to straighten things up? ?
Thank you for your patience and help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be OK just as it is now, but if you have 30min free time, you can flash stock, root, custom rom with full wipe to make sure you have everything straighten up

yaro666 said:
It should be OK just as it is now, but if you have 30min free time, you can flash stock, root, custom rom with full wipe to make sure you have everything straighten up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
30 min or even an hour is ok by me...
I'll do it right away. Flash stock, TWRP recovery then root with SuperSU.
As for the custom rom it'll have to wait as I didn't make up my mind which Lollipop to get... I'm kinda confused about it very much. I can't decide which to get.
I'm open for suggestions. lol
Thanks a million for your support.

If you need your phone for business don't flash lollipop. Still in beta phase, so bugs are occuring often.
I use dr. ketan's V14 and it's the most stable rom I have used

yaro666 said:
If you need your phone for business don't flash lollipop. Still in beta phase, so bugs are occuring often.
I use dr. ketan's V14 and it's the most stable rom I have used
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is for personal use not for business.
But I think I'll follow your advice & give Dr. Ketan's V14 a try.
I did flash stock firmware then flashed TWRP 2.8.6 (correct file this time.. lol) then installed root.
I did backup my phone & EFS by TWRP. All is excellent now.
Now I'll backup my contacts, sms, apps & data using Titanium back up then go for Dr. ketan's rom.
Wish me luck.
Thanks.

you will be positively surprised if youhad stock the whole time.
cheers
salute

yaro666 said:
you will be positively surprised if youhad stock the whole time.
cheers
salute
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... it's awesome. ..
Thumbs up. ..
You are right.
I'm wondering right now how did I stuck to the stock firmware all the past time.
Thanks.