Verify steps on root and ROM -Tmo S4 - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4

I have been away from Android and recently made the switch back (Smart Move!). I bought a Galaxy Note 2 and rooted it and tried some custom ROMs. In the process I tripped Knox and then I went back and read up on it and understand how it happened. I sold that phone and got a S4 with 4.2.2 stock on it. I want to root and move up to a 4.3 custom ROM but I want to make sure I have the steps down as far was not dealing with knox again.
1. Root the phone (I used Chainfire Auto Root previously on the Note 2)
2. To move up to 4.3, I need to find a custom rom without knox and flash.
3. If I ever want to go back to stock 4.2.2, I should be able to if I never install knox (this is the piece that I really want to verify).
Tripping knox isn't a showstopper by any means but I would like to get back to the original stock firmware if I wanted to so I asking if the steps above are accurate. From what I have read, I think if I stay away from custom roms with knox, I should be okay.
Thanks for you help!

You're steps are accurate. Just don't flash the 4.3 bootloader.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jgc70 said:
1. Root the phone
2. Install TWRP recovery (my preferred recovery, but you need a custom one)
3. To move up to 4.3, I need to find a custom rom without knox and flash. I highly suggest the wicked rom. It's a modified stock 4.3 rom
4. If I ever want to go back to stock 4.2, never upgrade the bobootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added bother step but yes you're on the right track

Thanks for the info. Phone has been rooted and custom recovery installed. I am going to try out Wicked too.

Related

Root JB 4.3 without voiding warranty

alrights guys I didn't see this anywhere in ur forum so here it is, after exchanging my s4 for a replacement, I got it with 4.3 and all this Knox nonsense already installed, Now I don't really care that much for samsung's warranty but I went out and look for a way to root our latest without triggering Knox counter just head on to the thread below and check it out... it has a catch but I would say it's worth the trade off.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
lol Dude, we just discussed this in another forum and this has been discussed in many forums. :silly:
Anyways... I've used this Verizon method on my buddies ATT Galaxy S4 with a locked bootloader on a 4.3 MK2 baseband. It does not trip the KNOX flag. There are no "trade-offs." It functions well. Chainfires AutoRoot works as well.
So with this method you cannot make a nandroid backup OR even restore one?
HTCMDA said:
So with this method you cannot make a nandroid backup OR even restore one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not tried to make a nandroid with a locked BL and will try tomorrow (damn sure it won't work). Best bet is to try Online Nandroid Manager. Nandroid backups require a custom recovery, it has nothing to do with having root.
Ive been out of the rooting world for a while, but with research, Ive caught up a little. However I do have a couple of questions;
With this method, can I still install a custom vanilla rom with 4.3/4.4?
If not, what are the benefits?
knipp21 said:
Ive been out of the rooting world for a while, but with research, Ive caught up a little. However I do have a couple of questions;
With this method, can I still install a custom vanilla rom with 4.3/4.4?
If not, what are the benefits?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, this will only root your phone (give your apps su/superuser access). You will still need to flash a custom recovery (i.e., PhilZ, TWRP, CWM) to flash roms like a custom Vanilla ROM. If you are on 4.2.2 bootloader, you can simply flash a custom recovery and flash the ROM. If you are on 4.3, you will be on the KNOX bootloader and if you flash a custom recovery to flash the ROM, you will void your KNOX warranty. If you don't care about the warranty or has expired, there is no difference.
1) Download Vanilla Rom,
2) Flash custom recovery tar (i.e., PhilZ, TWRP, CWM).
3) Go into recovery and flash rom.
4) ????
5) ??
6) Profit.
xdapowerapps said:
No, this will only root your phone (give your apps su/superuser access). You will still need to flash a custom recovery (i.e., PhilZ, TWRP, CWM) to flash roms like a custom Vanilla ROM. If you are on 4.2.2 bootloader, you can simply flash a custom recovery and flash the ROM. If you are on 4.3, you will be on the KNOX bootloader and if you flash a custom recovery to flash the ROM, you will void your KNOX warranty. If you don't care about the warranty or has expired, there is no difference.
1) Download Vanilla Rom,
2) Flash custom recovery tar (i.e., PhilZ, TWRP, CWM).
3) Go into recovery and flash rom.
4) ????
5) ??
6) Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont really care about the warranty, if its samsung and not t mobile.. But that isnt a def answer yet.
And ok, I guess Ill hunt the threads to see how to install the recovery. Thanks man
knipp21 said:
I dont really care about the warranty, if its samsung and not t mobile.. But that isnt a def answer yet.
And ok, I guess Ill hunt the threads to see how to install the recovery. Thanks man
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, even some of the T-Mobile apps now recognize if you have root and could possibly use that as proof that you voided your warranty. Tmobile/Samsung, vice versa, won't be much difference. You'd just have to find a store person that isn't knowledgeable on the subject and get a replacement. Good luck.
yea about that!
Yea I notice after I posted LOL.. a and here I was thinking I found the "holy grail" of rooting LOL!! but anyway those that Need to know just like it has been said.. this will get u rooted with out triggering Knox. this only applies to those that upgraded OTA or got their S4 already with JB 4.3 in it.. like I did after a warranty exchange... HOWEVER if u install any Custom Recovery u will trigger the counter VOIDING ur warranty FOREVER!!! LOL well maybe not but at least til someone (and who knows if someone ever will) figures Knox out. So think twice before you do anything, cause no here will take responsability for your actions...
HAPPY FLASHIN!!
Just did this to my T-Mobile SGS4. It worked just as described. The Knox counter wasn't tripped, but Custom is indicated on the Download screen (Vol Down+Home+Power).
Here's what my Download screen now says:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SGH-M919
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Custom
KNOX KERNEL LOCK: 0x0
KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0x0
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
eMMC BURST MODE: enabled
Thanks for the link to the other thread. :good:
Now I can use Titanium Backup, Greenify, ADB - rooted, esFile Explorer - rooted. Not needing a Custom Rom or Custom Recovery yet. And, to get it back to un-rooted, there are instructions in the other thread about that.
Rob
rlichtefeld said:
Just did this to my T-Mobile SGS4. It worked just as described. The Knox counter wasn't tripped, but Custom is indicated on the Download screen (Vol Down+Home+Power).
Here's what my Download screen now says:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SGH-M919
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Custom
KNOX KERNEL LOCK: 0x0
KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0x0
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
eMMC BURST MODE: enabled
Thanks for the link to the other thread. :good:
Now I can use Titanium Backup, Greenify, ADB - rooted, esFile Explorer - rooted. Not needing a Custom Rom or Custom Recovery yet. And, to get it back to un-rooted, there are instructions in the other thread about that.
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just remember, you won't be able to make full nandroid backups (give Online Nandroid Manager a shot if you want to try).
xdapowerapps said:
Just remember, you won't be able to make full nandroid backups (give Online Nandroid Manager a shot if you want to try).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IFAIK, until I plan to flash a custom ROM I shouldn't need a full Nandroid. I can always flash a stock ROM, and between the Google Backup/Restore and TiB, I should get almost everything back. Music/Video, etc are all on the MicroSD.
Unless I'm sadly mistaken. This is my first foray into messing with the SGS4. I was very active flashing on my HTC HD2, starting with various builds for WM6.5, and then moving on to SD builds of Android and then NativeSD with cLK, etc. I was running Tytung's KitKat until I got this phone in December. I work for a small company and the SGS4 was my Christmas Bonus. The HD2 was just too long in tooth to keep up with all the advances in Android. But, since you could flash everything - radios, bootloaders, recoveries, builds, etc., I could change out/update my version of Android almost daily.
Rob
rlichtefeld said:
IFAIK, until I plan to flash a custom ROM I shouldn't need a full Nandroid. I can always flash a stock ROM, and between the Google Backup/Restore and TiB, I should get almost everything back. Music/Video, etc are all on the MicroSD.
Unless I'm sadly mistaken. This is my first foray into messing with the SGS4. I was very active flashing on my HTC HD2, starting with various builds for WM6.5, and then moving on to SD builds of Android and then NativeSD with cLK, etc. I was running Tytung's KitKat until I got this phone in December. I work for a small company and the SGS4 was my Christmas Bonus. The HD2 was just too long in tooth to keep up with all the advances in Android. But, since you could flash everything - radios, bootloaders, recoveries, builds, etc., I could change out/update my version of Android almost daily.
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The beauty of a nandroid backup is that it takes a snapshot of your phone as it stands. Within five to eight minutes, you can restore your phone as it stood before it messed up. No re-downloading apps, changing settings, replacing system apps (i.e., installing Note 3 My Files and Gallery), etc. It saves the hassles of slow TiB/Helium restoration, especially if you have hundreds of apps. Sure, you can start fresh and manually restore things, but having it done within eight minutes without lifting a finger is extremely nice to have in your arsenal. Has come in handy several times for me since I test ROMs very frequently.
Congrats on your bonus, a very nice bonus indeed. It is a great phone. I was thinking about switching to a Note 3 or waiting for the S5 but this phone is perfect for my hands. Note 3 with an Otterbox Defender case is too big for my taste and the S5 is still a ways off. Plus, the development for this phone has far exceeded my expectations so I'm a happy camper for now.
xdapowerapps said:
No, this will only root your phone (give your apps su/superuser access). You will still need to flash a custom recovery (i.e., PhilZ, TWRP, CWM) to flash roms like a custom Vanilla ROM. If you are on 4.2.2 bootloader, you can simply flash a custom recovery and flash the ROM. If you are on 4.3, you will be on the KNOX bootloader and if you flash a custom recovery to flash the ROM, you will void your KNOX warranty. If you don't care about the warranty or has expired, there is no difference.
1) Download Vanilla Rom,
2) Flash custom recovery tar (i.e., PhilZ, TWRP, CWM).
3) Go into recovery and flash rom.
4) ????
5) ??
6) Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What method did you use to install a custom recovery? I saw this in the thread:
Important - please read
If you fail to read this, you will be taunted.
1. You can't install custom recovery and custom ROMs using this technique. See Safestrap for a way to install some custom ROMs.
2. Resetting the "Custom" and open padlock indication during boot can be worked around using the Xposed Framwork and Wanam Xposed. Get those two from the Play Store.
In Wanam, tick "Security Hacks", "Fake System Status".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you use the safestrap like he suggested? I just got a replacement from t-mobile, i can't be stuck on tw lol.
root is still better then no root lol thank you for the info.
This is all great info, on rooting 4.3....
but how do you UNROOT ?
Xx_Joe_Wireless_xX said:
This is all great info, on rooting 4.3....
but how do you UNROOT ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into SuperSU, then click permanent cleanup.
You have to make sure busy box is removed as well, or system will show custom
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Is there a way to get back to the stock rom???
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
KRAZYADROIDMASTER said:
Is there a way to get back to the stock rom???
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the only mod you did was to follow the instructions in this thread, then you aren't changing the ROM, you are only giving yourself Root privileges.
To Unroot, go to the thread in the original post, and look at the second message in that thread.
Here's the link to that exact message:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48392024&postcount=2
You will be
1) removing BusyBox
2) Using SuperSU to "Full Unroot"
If you've done more than was laid out in the original message in that thread, then you will probably need to
3) Remove any Custom Recovery
4) Flash an original ROM
There are several threads discussing getting back to a Stock ROM.
Rob

[Q] clockwork mod removal

I rooted my friends S3 ATT with the s3 toolkit v7.0 he now wants me to unroot it so he can take the 4.3 update it have run the unroot and remove zip multiple times ( I even re rooted it and tried removing it again) and it will not remove clockwork mod recovery even though it says it will, it has successfully unrooted it the phone and removed super user and busy box . he does not want to loose all the data on his phone is there another way to remove clock work mod and get him back to the stock recovery so he can take the 4.3 update with out using triangle away ?
thanks
You would need to flash the stock recovery to replace CWM.
audit13 said:
You would need to flash the stock recovery to replace CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where do I acquire a stock recovery and is it flashed through oden or through clockwork ?
thanks
I'm not sure where to find the stock recovery as I have never seen one that is flashable via Odin, CWM, or TWRP.
By updating to stock 4.3, the phone will have a bootloader that cannot be downgraded and Knox will be installed.
I personally avoided the 4.3 update because the 4.3 bootloader makes it tough to go back to stock and tripping the knox counter will void the warranty. Also, knox can interfere with root access.
audit13 said:
I'm not sure where to find the stock recovery as I have never seen one that is flashable via Odin, CWM, or TWRP.
By updating to stock 4.3, the phone will have a bootloader that cannot be downgraded and Knox will be installed.
I personally avoided the 4.3 update because the 4.3 bootloader makes it tough to go back to stock and tripping the knox counter will void the warranty. Also, knox can interfere with root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually I'm a blind idiot it is an option right in the tool kit i have just reflashed it and all is good
THANK YOU VERY MUCH I could not have fixed this with out your help
(he never used any custom roms and does not mind that his unit will be locked )
iiipm said:
actually I'm a blind idiot it is an option right in the tool kit i have just reflashed it and all is good
THANK YOU VERY MUCH I could not have fixed this with out your help
(he never used any custom roms and does not mind that his unit will be locked )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for the post. I learned something too:good:

Okay to upgrade from 4.1.2?

New to this phone and I am running 4.1.2 there is a system update a 4.3 that's already downloaded and ready to install but I wanted to make sure the update didn't install any new locks on my phone before I accept. I plan on rooting soon.
Thanks
Rich
U get knox but there are ways to still root with knox so go ahead update
High Definition Note II
Uuum hold on. If you plan to root your phone there is no point in allowing the OTA which does install KNOX. Root now and save that extra trouble.
tx_dbs_tx said:
Uuum hold on. If you plan to root your phone there is no point in allowing the OTA which does install KNOX. Root now and save that extra trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the poster wants to install 4.3, then accept the update, root, then flash your 4.3 rom.. This way you won't have all those reboot, lock up issues, that people keep on having.. Plus most devs do not have knox filex in their roms.. And you won't have to flash the wifi fix..
I Would Accept It.
doubledragon5 said:
If the poster wants to install 4.3, then accept the update, root, then flash your 4.3 rom.. This way you won't have all those reboot, lock up issues, that people keep on having.. Plus most devs do not have knox filex in their roms.. And you won't have to flash the wifi fix..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was in this position, I would accept the update as doubledragon5 said and move forward with root, etc. I have 4.1.2 right now and want the 4.3 update, but I'm rooted and trying to figure out how to unravel this to get to 4.3 myself.
flashred said:
If I was in this position, I would accept the update as doubledragon5 said and move forward with root, etc. I have 4.1.2 right now and want the 4.3 update, but I'm rooted and trying to figure out how to unravel this to get to 4.3 myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your rooted, go back to bone stock MC2 like I have mentioned in a few other threads. accept the 4.3 udate from sprint, re-root using the tookit, then flash away...
doubledragon5 said:
If the poster wants to install 4.3, then accept the update, root, then flash your 4.3 rom.. This way you won't have all those reboot, lock up issues, that people keep on having.. Plus most devs do not have knox filex in their roms.. And you won't have to flash the wifi fix..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doubledragon5 said:
If your rooted, go back to bone stock MC2 like I have mentioned in a few other threads. accept the 4.3 udate from sprint, re-root using the tookit, then flash away...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! You're the first to shed some light on this for me. To get back to stock using the toolkit, would I need to first flash stock recovery, then Stock Firmware, then bone stock MC2? Afterwards boot in, accept the update, then re-root using the toolkit.
flashred said:
Thank you! You're the first to shed some light on this for me. To get back to stock using the toolkit, would I need to first flash stock recovery, then Stock Firmware, then bone stock MC2? Afterwards boot in, accept the update, then re-root using the toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering the same thing. But if we root then accept the OTA won't that enable the knox counter? So that if we now, "flash away".... won't every flash be counted?
Shouldn't we root, then install the custom roms without the knox? Or do the custom roms also include the knox counter tripping mechanism?
I would like to know how this works also.
Thanks.
I just recently came from 4.1.2 rooted running a deoxided stock rom. I didn't do the OTA update to 4.3. I used the TeamRejects Deoxidexed rooted deknoxed stock rom, the updated MK4 modem, and the WiFi fix. It took about 15-20 minutes to get everything done. I needed to download Odin too for WiFi fix. I didn't run the WiFi fix till I knew there was an issue.
Not much of complaint, but I wish there was a kernel like Perseus for TouchWix based roms. The only one I found was Devil Kernel, but for whatever reason, wasn't stable with TeamReject's ROM. I didn't really care for his custom Kernel ajdustment manager and STweaks didn't work with it at all. Ideally, I prefer a stock rooted deknoxed deoxidized bare bones rom (just phone, contacts, google play) so I have a working phone and can access Google Play so I can install the apps I prefer. The closest I found was Classic Rom but it freezes on initial rom load; Plus, I'm not a fan of the colors and the few things he choose to include.
Stock 4.3 Deodexed, deknoxed, Rooted Rom Available?
lovekeiiy said:
I just recently came from 4.1.2 rooted running a deoxided stock rom. I didn't do the OTA update to 4.3. I used the TeamRejects Deoxidexed rooted deknoxed stock rom, the updated MK4 modem, and the WiFi fix. It took about 15-20 minutes to get everything done. I needed to download Odin too for WiFi fix. I didn't run the WiFi fix till I knew there was an issue.
Not much of complaint, but I wish there was a kernel like Perseus for TouchWix based roms. The only one I found was Devil Kernel, but for whatever reason, wasn't stable with TeamReject's ROM. I didn't really care for his custom Kernel ajdustment manager and STweaks didn't work with it at all. Ideally, I prefer a stock rooted deknoxed deoxidized bare bones rom (just phone, contacts, google play) so I have a working phone and can access Google Play so I can install the apps I prefer. The closest I found was Classic Rom but it freezes on initial rom load; Plus, I'm not a fan of the colors and the few things he choose to include.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, you came exactly where I did except you with a different ROM. I would like to get from my 4.1.2 rooted up to 4.3 rooted stock,deodexed, deknoxed if at all possible.
flashred said:
Thank you! You're the first to shed some light on this for me. To get back to stock using the toolkit, would I need to first flash stock recovery, then Stock Firmware, then bone stock MC2? Afterwards boot in, accept the update, then re-root using the toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for not getting back sooner. I have been busy with work, and family things.Use billards return to full stock with counter reset. It installs everything including recovery, boot loader,firemware etc... Then set up your phone, when prompt accept the ota update.. Once done retoot, and flash what ever 4.3 rom you want.. The knox counter will still be there, but if you need a trip back to Sprint, go back to Full MC2 stock, knox counter will no longer be there.. Most 4.3 room do not include the Knox files so no worries there.
flashred said:
So, you came exactly where I did except you with a different ROM. I would like to get from my 4.1.2 rooted up to 4.3 rooted stock,deodexed, deknoxed if at all possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it. The odd part, I have been able to flash Reject's stock deoxidezed deknoxed rom with no problem. I tried to flash Classic 3, but it froze on Classic's initial loading page (the one after the Samsung boot loader). I had issues another rom, but turned out it was for the international model; I wasn't paying attention where I was in the forums.
If you do what I did, you'll need to flash modem update using Odin on the PC. So, you may need to download Odin.
---------- Post added at 05:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:56 AM ----------
Depending on what you like to do, you may find 4.3 MK4 more limiting, espcially on the TouchWiz side. AOSP probably more mod friendly at this point. From what I've been able to find, there is only one custom kernal for 4.3 TouchWiz which is Devil's Kernal. It's solid, but my phone was unstable. Not sure if the phone since I may have taken out something it used when I was trying to debloat the phone. Didn't care for his Kernel Tweak manager. Neither the stock or devil's kernal supports Stweaks. Neither I could figure out how to change the boat loading animation.
I have nothing against AOSP projects. I like them. But as far as I know, none support the Spen, which I like to use with web browsers. Don't use the Samnsung Spen apps. Just wasn't that impressed with them, but I see how they can be useful. Although, SketchPro is really nice with it. I just find TouchWiz is more than sufficient for my needs and stock isn't as quirky.

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??
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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] How to root

Hi guys, I just got a galaxy s4 for t mobile and it came with 4.2.2 version of android. I'm scared to brick the phone but I really want to root it. Can someone point me to the right direction? Been reading some tutorials but they are for different versions of android. How do I root my phone without bricking it or tripping Knox?
itsfredo said:
Hi guys, I just got a galaxy s4 for t mobile and it came with 4.2.2 version of android. I'm scared to brick the phone but I really want to root it. Can someone point me to the right direction? Been reading some tutorials but they are for different versions of android. How do I root my phone without bricking it or tripping Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.2.2 doesnt have Knox. Use CF-Auto Root by Chainfire to root.
The Sickness said:
4.2.2 doesnt have Knox. Use CF-Auto Root by Chainfire to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Now it seems that cf auto root comes with a stock kernel and recovery. Is this changeable? Can I install a custom recovery and kernel after using cf auto root? Or should I find a different method of rooting for this? Are there any safe ones out there. It seems that a lot is outdated and I'm afraid of installing the wrong thing.
itsfredo said:
Thanks! Now it seems that cf auto root comes with a stock kernel and recovery. Is this changeable? Can I install a custom recovery and kernel after using cf auto root? Or should I find a different method of rooting for this? Are there any safe ones out there. It seems that a lot is outdated and I'm afraid of installing the wrong thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if towelroot will root 4.2.2, but it doesn't install a recovery.
Rob
itsfredo said:
Thanks! Now it seems that cf auto root comes with a stock kernel and recovery. Is this changeable? Can I install a custom recovery and kernel after using cf auto root? Or should I find a different method of rooting for this? Are there any safe ones out there. It seems that a lot is outdated and I'm afraid of installing the wrong thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're calling a rooting method outdated while using the exact "outdated" software it was meant to root in the first place. CF-autoroot is as safe as safe can be. In fact, I know it still works for 4.3 and I THINK 4.4.2; it just trips the KNOX counter on them... still gets the job done though.
As far as your concern of installing the recovery; it first flashes its own recovery so it can use an exploit, then reverts it back to stock. I believe the kernel is untouched.
If your end goal is to move on to custom recoveries and custom ROMs you can bypass the rooting process altogether and go straight for the recovery/ROM.
lordcheeto03 said:
You're calling a rooting method outdated while using the exact "outdated" software it was meant to root in the first place. CF-autoroot is as safe as safe can be. In fact, I know it still works for 4.3 and I THINK 4.4.2; it just trips the KNOX counter on them... still gets the job done though.
As far as your concern of installing the recovery; it first flashes its own recovery so it can use an exploit, then reverts it back to stock. I believe the kernel is untouched.
If your end goal is to move on to custom recoveries and custom ROMs you can bypass the rooting process altogether and go straight for the recovery/ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
You really don't need CF Auto Root at all until all you want to do is root the stock rom.
If you want to install a customer rom, use Odin to install a custom recovery and flash whatever you want from there.
lordcheeto03 said:
If your end goal is to move on to custom recoveries and custom ROMs you can bypass the rooting process altogether and go straight for the recovery/ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's precisely my end goal. And I guess my question is how to do this safely with the Android version I have.
I didn't mean the root method was outdated; I was talking about some of the information that's on the general forum regarding root. There is even a post on one of the stickies asking for updated info in May. This scares me because for all I know I can follow one of these methods to root or install a custom recovery/rom and end up with a brick because something is no longer compatible.
I guess my question is: what is the best (updated) method of installing a custom rom/recovery for my tmobile s4 with android 4.2.2?
Use cf autoroot and flash clockworkmod through Odin. Download rommanager. Download a rom. Hit install rom from SD card. Pick your ROM from downloads.
itsfredo said:
That's precisely my end goal. And I guess my question is how to do this safely with the Android version I have.
I didn't mean the root method was outdated; I was talking about some of the information that's on the general forum regarding root. There is even a post on one of the stickies asking for updated info in May. This scares me because for all I know I can follow one of these methods to root or install a custom recovery/rom and end up with a brick because something is no longer compatible.
I guess my question is: what is the best (updated) method of installing a custom rom/recovery for my tmobile s4 with android 4.2.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your apprehension, i really do. What I've said to do has worked for me when i got the phone over a year ago, and has worked here recently when i did it again. I'm trying to tell you there is no need for an updated way of doing what you want. If you want root, use CFauto root. Like i said, that method was done specifically for MDB and MDL firmwares, there is no better choice. Newer yeah, but better? Not a chance. Your firmware is equally outdated and it's worked for millions of users without fail.
As far as a custom ROM goes, find one you want to use, put it on your SD card, pick a recovery (CWM, Philz, or TWRP), flash that in Odin, boot to recovery (power+volume up) , do a full wipe (system, data, and cache) select the ROM, and flash. No need to root at all if you want to go straight to a custom ROM.
EDIT: Obviously, you might want to perform a nandroid backup once you flash your recovery... but that's really optional as long as you have the stock Odin-flashable firmware. Totally up to you.
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