Develop Bugs

[root] samsung galaxy s3/s4 (qualcomm)

I have heavily modified the MotoChopper exploit by XDA member drjbliss to handle the new changes to file permissions in JellyBean 4.3+. Because this tool is based on MotoChopper it will likely support the same device list that MotoChopper supports however i have only tested it on the T-mobile T999 & T999L and the i337 .​
If you would like to test it on other devices it should be fairly safe to try as it should either work or fail, of course testing anything like this is always at your own risk and i am not liable for any damage to your device, self esteem and so on. If you do test it on your device, please report your results here so that I can try to fine tune it if need be.​
For this current version you will have to have TWRP installed on your device.
if it works for you don't forget to hit the thanks button! enjoy.
all instructions on how to use are inside the tool. this is for windows users only.
https://www.cubby.com/pl/AOSP-RT.zip/_8993b27f32b9447996c3611b3af19cd8

Does this set off the KNOX flasher for the m919 on 4 3
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

roote223 said:
Does this set off the KNOX flasher for the m919 on 4 3
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know but I will ask my friend who used it on his to test, I believe he was using a custom ROM but I will ask and get back to you as soon as I hear from him.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999L using xda app-developers app

MotoDefier said:
I do not know but I will ask my friend who used it on his to test, I believe he was using a custom ROM but I will ask and get back to you as soon as I hear from him.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999L using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aight thanks.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

roote223 said:
Aight thanks.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So sorry I need to edit the main post, I have been working on so many different projects, we did not test it on the M919 it was actually tested on the i337. If you are talking about the flash counter though this will not trip the flash counter, however flashing twrp will trip the binary status, and possibly the Knox counter, I need someone to test it, but I can't tell you how to correct it if it does trip it.
i guess what i should say is that while i have not had a confirmed success of fail on the m919 i have provided the tool to a few who have not been kind enough to report its status
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999L using xda app-developers app

MotoDefier said:
So sorry I need to edit the main post, I have been working on so many different projects, we did not test it on the M919 it was actually tested on the i337. If you are talking about the flash counter though this will not trip the flash counter, however flashing twrp will trip the binary status, and possibly the Knox counter, I need someone to test it, but I can't tell you how to correct it if it does trip it.
i guess what i should say is that while i have not had a confirmed success of fail on the m919 i have provided the tool to a few who have not been kind enough to report its status
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999L using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I'm just worried about the KNOX counter.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

roote223 said:
No worries. I'm just worried about the KNOX counter.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So now Sammy has a flash counter a Knox counter and a binary status? Next thing you know their entire kernel is going to be some kind of counter.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999L using xda app-developers app

The funny thing is when they switch to that tizen bs they are probably going to require the phones to root in order to switch like Ubuntu for the phones.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

roote223 said:
No worries. I'm just worried about the KNOX counter.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will put it this way, since I did not take into account Knox being an issue , I will say that yes it will probably trip the Knox counter, but we won't know for sure until someone is willing to try it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999L using xda app-developers app

Please help me out
how would i go about rooting my new at&t galaxy s4
its i337
android 4.3
baseband: mk2
would this method erase all my data on my phone?
Will this really work because i been searching with no luck lately
need step by step instructions please

juniorAG said:
Please help me out
how would i go about rooting my new at&t galaxy s4
its i337
android 4.3
baseband: mk2
would this method erase all my data on my phone?
Will this really work because i been searching with no luck lately
need step by step instructions please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it will not erase the data on your phone.
The step by step instructions are inside the tool, if you need instructions on how to flash TWRP to your device via Odin you can find them in the forums. I would include them but it is really outside of the scope of the tool, while the tool requires TWRP to work TWRP is not related in any way to the tool, the tool is simply TWRP dependent.
It has worked on the i337 already, whether or not it works on mk2 has yet to be determined, however the tool is designed in such a way it will either work or fail, if it fails it will not harm your device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG SGH-T999L rooted Slim4.3 official build 2.2

[Q] Upgrading from 4.2.2 to custom 4.3/4.4

Ok guys, new to this phone, just came from an xperia z. I've been doing some reading and i'm a little bit lost.
So far I have my phone on 4.2.2, never been updated, and i have it rooted and running clockworkmod as a recovery.
I have a few questions before I do anything, i've been reading about KNOX and i'm a bit confused. Does KNOX come back when you update to a different rom? When I fired up SuperSU for the first time it asked me if I wanted to disable KNOX features, and it did so successfully. My question is, is there anything to look out for before updating?

I'd have a look at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2546024
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

xDC23 said:
Ok guys, new to this phone, just came from an xperia z. I've been doing some reading and i'm a little bit lost.
So far I have my phone on 4.2.2, never been updated, and i have it rooted and running clockworkmod as a recovery.
I have a few questions before I do anything, i've been reading about KNOX and i'm a bit confused. Does KNOX come back when you update to a different rom? When I fired up SuperSU for the first time it asked me if I wanted to disable KNOX features, and it did so successfully. My question is, is there anything to look out for before updating?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update via OTA, your bootloader will come with a KNOX counter, which cannot be reset at the moment. If you flash anything when you have that, it will trip the counter and your warranty is voided.
I'd suggest flashing a 4.3 or 4.4 rom if you wanna update it, then flash the MK2 modem to get normal signal.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

This is what I did, however: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544612
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I also flashed cyanogen. This is what my baseband, etc look like
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

You get Knox if you take the official 4.3 update.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 05:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 AM ----------
Or flash the 4.3 boot loader.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Android_Monsters said:
I'd have a look at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2546024
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android_Monsters said:
This is what I did, however: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544612
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had actually seen this, but I wasnt sure.
Ok i see you went the ODIN route on this. I see that there's data drops and idk what else in the warnings.....any problems there?
Yo_2T said:
If you update via OTA, your bootloader will come with a KNOX counter, which cannot be reset at the moment. If you flash anything when you have that, it will trip the counter and your warranty is voided.
I'd suggest flashing a 4.3 or 4.4 rom if you wanna update it, then flash the MK2 modem to get normal signal.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I do not care about any warranty, I take care of my electronics. Not trying to be rude, but i wanted to clear that up. I know warranty is out the window at this point.
So I can update to just about any rom, but i would have to flash the MK2 modem right after to fix signal problems?
Sorry for so many questions, but i guess I am a bit late getting into the S4 game.

Yes, that's right. Beware of potential issues though, some people have reported the modem didn't stick when they flashed it. It went fine for me and most people, but I just wanna give you a heads up.
And somehow flashing rom with Odin always causes issues for me. TWRW is the best!
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

Yo_2T said:
Yes, that's right. Beware of potential issues though, some people have reported the modem didn't stick when they flashed it. It went fine for me and most people, but I just wanna give you a heads up.
And somehow flashing rom with Odin always causes issues for me. TWRW is the best!
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not planning on flashing roms through ODIN, just the modem.
So if i flash this now, its SUPPOSED to stick onto the phone even if i fluctuate through different roms?
Also, if i install a rom that says knox-free i would be able to flash it no problem right?

Yes. You only need to flash the modem once. All the custom roms on here are KNOX free, so no worries there.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

Yo_2T said:
Yes. You only need to flash the modem once. All the custom roms on here are KNOX free, so no worries there.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. Thank you for the help! I just flashed the modem and its showing mk2 in the baseband version, so i guess it went through. It had the 4.2.2 bootloader, not the 4.3.
So just to clarify, now that it has this installed I'm free to install any custom rom I want?

xDC23 said:
Great. Thank you for the help! I just flashed the modem and its showing mk2 in the baseband version, so i guess it went through. It had the 4.2.2 bootloader, not the 4.3.
So just to clarify, now that it has this installed I'm free to install any custom rom I want?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Enjoy your S4
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

Yo_2T said:
Yes. Enjoy your S4
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I will! Thanks for your help! :good:

I take care of my S4 too, and I still avoid Knox like the plague. I'm sure the next person to own this phone will appreciate it.
Anyway, you might consider installing Mobile Odin from the Play Store. I've flashed a couple roms that caused my baseband to show as unknown and using MO to reflash the MK2 modem was insanely more convenient than using Odin on my PC.

[q] help!!!! Bricked s3!

I was trying to update my bootloader so I could update to a current KK ROM. I don't know what happened but I cant even get into download mode with a jig. It takes a charge and is somewhat detected by windows but that's it.
Can someone please point me in the right direction for a possible fix?
thanks for the help!

Where did you get the bootloader for your phone? Are you sure it was for the i747m and not i747?

audit13 said:
Where did you get the bootloader for your phone? Are you sure it was for the i747m and not i747?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2321310
Flashed MK5 and lost my baseband and IMEI.
Tried another one and kuput.

Once you flash the mk5 bootloader, it cannot be downgraded. Any attempts to downgrade could brick the phone.
SInce your phone isn't booting, you may have to have it jtagged.
I have seen a thread for de-bricking but that looks like it is for the AT&T s3.

audit13 said:
Once you flash the mk5 bootloader, it cannot be downgraded. Any attempts to downgrade could brick the phone.
SInce your phone isn't booting, you may have to have it jtagged.
I have seen a thread for de-bricking but that looks like it is for the AT&T s3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would it have lost my IMEI?
I saw a method that involved a 16gb SD card...just need to find more specific instructions....any ideas?
If not where can I find detailed instructions to do a jtag? I have access to the tools required.
I purchased an early upgrade to a Nexus 5 and would rather return it and return to my S3 so the sooner the better!
Thanks for the assist!

Jtagging is not simple because you would need to disassemble the phone in order to access the relevant points on the motherboard.
Did the phone boot after you flashed the mk5 bootloader? Did you flash another bootloader after that?
Which carrier is your phone with?
You could try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2549068
The MK5 bootloader is the stock 4.3 bootloader to Canadian carriers.

audit13 said:
Jtagging is not simple because you would need to disassemble the phone in order to access the relevant points on the motherboard.
Did the phone boot after you flashed the mk5 bootloader? Did you flash another bootloader after that?
Which carrier is your phone with?
You could try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2549068
The MK5 bootloader is the stock 4.3 bootloader to Canadian carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did boot after mk5 but no baseband or imei.
Its with Bell.
I'll check it out tx
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

solaris11 said:
It did boot after mk5 but no baseband or imei.
Its with Bell.
I'll check it out tx
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the phone boots? If it does, did you try flashing an updated modem? Try an updated modem before de-bricking.
BTW, I was able to install several KK ROMs using the stock 4.1.2 bootloader. Upgrading wasn't necessary for Validus, Cyanfox, and CM11.

audit13 said:
So the phone boots? If it does, did you try flashing an updated modem?
BTW, I was able to install several KK ROMs using the stock 4.1.2 bootloader. Upgrading wasn't necessary for Validus, Cyanfox, and CM11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I tried flashing another one after that because of the no imei/baseband. And now it won't boot. I was trying to upgrade from an older omni 4.4 ROM to the latest one and cwm wouldn't flash the ROM using the latest cwm
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

solaris11 said:
No I tried flashing another one after that because of the no imei/baseband. And now it won't boot. I was trying to upgrade from an older omni 4.4 ROM to the latest one and cwm wouldn't flash the ROM using the latest cwm
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try to flash an older Bell bootloader? If you did, this would have cause the bricking.
Is it possible the battery has been depleted?

audit13 said:
Did you try to flash an older Bell bootloader? If you did, this would have cause the bricking.
Is it possible the battery has been depleted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I did flash an older one ....no it takes a charge tested it in a friends s3.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

solaris11 said:
I think I did flash an older one ....no it takes a charge tested it in a friends s3.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you've tried several times to get into download or recovery without success. Do you have any warranrt left on the phone? You may have to get it jtagged.

audit13 said:
I assume you've tried several times to get into download or recovery without success. Do you have any warranrt left on the phone? You may have to get it jtagged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah even with a jig. Its not under warranty...my brother has the tools required and experience soldering boards so that's a last resort. Will try the method posted previously.
I'm not minding this nexus 5. If I get my s3 going I may just sell it and keep this lol.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

solaris11 said:
Yeah even with a jig. Its not under warranty...my brother has the tools required and experience soldering boards so that's a last resort. Will try the method posted previously.
I'm not minding this nexus 5. If I get my s3 going I may just sell it and keep this lol.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know where you are located but if you're in Toronto, I recommend Ming Wireless in downtown Toronto. They charge $75 to jtag a Samsung.

audit13 said:
I don't know where you are located but if you're in Toronto, I recommend Ming Wireless in downtown Toronto. They charge $75 to jtag a Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 4 hrs away from Toronto so not really an option
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

solaris11 said:
About 4 hrs away from Toronto so not really an option
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's too bad. I wish you and your brother the best of luck. The s3 is a nice phone, but not as nice as the N5!

audit13 said:
That's too bad. I wish you and your brother the best of luck. The s3 is a nice phone, but not as nice as the N5!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help.
Yeah I'm enjoying the nexus, but I had to pay an arm and a leg for an early upgrade, so I just want everything back to normal so I can get a new phone without paying a fortune for it lol...trying not to get too attached to this one for the time being
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

One word. Odin

Apph3x said:
One word. Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The op can't get into download mode so i don't think Odin will help.
Loading an incorrect bootloader can result in a hard brick where the phone needs to be jtagged.

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4 Odin Root Problems

So i recently wanted to root my S4 with Odin. I did everything it asked, once booted it tells me
KERNEL IS NOT SEANDROID ENFORCING
SET WARRANTY BIT: KERNEL
It goes on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Screen, but stays there the whole time.
I don't have any recovery option, only download mode works.
please help, because i think i bricked my S4.

Read here, all your questions will be answered by Chainfire.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41797153
Pp.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

PanchoPlanet said:
Read here, all your questions will be answered by Chainfire.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41797153
Pp.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still no luck, it does the exact same thing.

Flash back to stock and root with cf-auto root, make sure you use the correct one!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

serio22 said:
Flash back to stock and root with cf-auto root, make sure you use the correct one!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do i flash it? My only choices are Odin and download mode.

You may need to do a factory reset. Then Odin. If no custom rom, factory reset will put u back to stock.
Pp.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

SevenLionsHD said:
How do i flash it? My only choices are Odin and download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin back to stock. Then Odin CF-AUTO ROOT
Haters Make Me Famous
Deviant Development Team Member

PanchoPlanet said:
You may need to do a factory reset. Then Odin. If no custom rom, factory reset will put u back to stock.
Pp.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a recovery option nor a factory reset option. i can get pass my T-mobile Screen..
I seen a link, saying there was a Stock Odin Flash Firmware, but the link doesn't work so
Really don't know what else to do. Like i said my only options are Odin and download mode.

The Sickness said:
Odin back to stock. Then Odin CF-AUTO ROOT
Haters Make Me Famous
Deviant Development Team Member
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Odin have a option to do a full wipe/factory reset?
That may be the only option.
He must have used the wrong root script, like AT&T or Sprint root.
Pp.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

SevenLionsHD said:
I don't have a recovery option nor a factory reset option. i can get pass my T-mobile Screen..
I seen a link, saying there was a Stock Odin Flash Firmware, but the link doesn't work so
Really don't know what else to do. Like i said my only options are Odin and download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get it at sammobile.com.. You can also just flash a recovery and then a stock ROM
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

PanchoPlanet said:
Does Odin have a option to do a full wipe/factory reset?
That may be the only option.
He must have used the wrong root script, like AT&T or Sprint root.
Pp.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only Options are: Auto Reboot F. Reset Time
Flash Lock Nand Erase All
T Flash
Re-Partition
LED Control
Here is other options: Bootloader
PDA
Phone
CSC
That's pretty much it.

serio22 said:
Get it at sammobile.com.. You can also just flash a recovery and then a stock ROM
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently downloading a Stock Rom that's works with Odin, not from sammobile.com because it didn't load up the website.
Hope this will work, if not i don't know what I'll do.

PanchoPlanet said:
Does Odin have a option to do a full wipe/factory reset?
That may be the only option.
He must have used the wrong root script, like AT&T or Sprint root.
Pp.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i didn't downloaded the Stock Rom, because i thought this one would've work (UVUAMDL Official TAR)
I did it with Odin and failed right away. I don't think this can be fixed. So i quit,unless someone has a ''Way'', but
i doubt it.

SevenLionsHD said:
Well i didn't downloaded the Stock Rom, because i thought this one would've work (UVUAMDL Official TAR)
I did it with Odin and failed right away. I don't think this can be fixed. So i quit,unless someone has a ''Way'', but
i doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need either 4.3 or 4.4.2, MDL is 4.2.2, it'll never flash, so flash 4.3 or 4.4.2, you can only flash 4.3 if you had that firmware before you attempted to root, if you had the latest update you need 4.4.2!!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

serio22 said:
You need either 4.3 or 4.4.2, MDL is 4.2.2, it'll never flash, so flash 4.3 or 4.4.2, you can only flash 4.3 if you had that firmware before you attempted to root, if you had the latest update you need 4.4.2!!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fixed my phone..I bypassed the "SEANDROID EFORCING" screen..I had 4.4.2 before I tried to root..but since I bypassed it took me back to 4.2.2..and since then I've been getting issues on the phone such as: The wifi doesn't work and my mobile hotspot doesn't either. I can't update my android version since it tells me my phone was modified. But umm yeah.

SevenLionsHD said:
I fixed my phone..I bypassed the "SEANDROID EFORCING" screen..I had 4.4.2 before I tried to root..but since I bypassed it took me back to 4.2.2..and since then I've been getting issues on the phone such as: The wifi doesn't work and my mobile hotspot doesn't either. I can't update my android version since it tells me my phone was modified. But umm yeah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you manage to get it to 4.2? As far as I know downgrading from official 4.4 firmware WILL brick your phone. There's no way around it. I'm very curious to know how you did it! Thanks in advance!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app

mrzhadow said:
How did you manage to get it to 4.2? As far as I know downgrading from official 4.4 firmware WILL brick your phone. There's no way around it. I'm very curious to know how you did it! Thanks in advance!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was in 4.4.2 I wanted to root it (of course) but I used the wrong baseband version/file so it messed up. Then it gave me like some type of warning saying (SEANDROID EFORCING) Warranty Bit: Kernel
I told my bro to fox it and he did, idk how he did it but he did. I search up on youtube SEANDROID EFORCING and I guess thats how he managed to save my phone.

SevenLionsHD said:
I fixed my phone..I bypassed the "SEANDROID EFORCING" screen..I had 4.4.2 before I tried to root..but since I bypassed it took me back to 4.2.2..and since then I've been getting issues on the phone such as: The wifi doesn't work and my mobile hotspot doesn't either. I can't update my android version since it tells me my phone was modified. But umm yeah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what happens when you flash a 4.2.2 ROM which you can still do.. that SEANDROID message doesn't prevent anything so there is nothing to bypass.. If you're ok with 4.2.2 then I guess you're good but personally I would prefer to be at least on 4.3.. All you have to do is follow my previous directions
Edit: you could also just flash a 4.3 or 4.4.2 ROM
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

serio22 said:
That's what happens when you flash a 4.2.2 ROM which you can still do.. that SEANDROID message doesn't prevent anything so there is nothing to bypass.. If you're ok with 4.2.2 then I guess you're good but personally I would prefer to be at least on 4.3.. All you have to do is follow my previous directions
Edit: you could also just flash a 4.3 or 4.4.2 ROM
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm good on 4.2.2, just wondering if 4.3 will fix my Wifi issues. If not there is no point in going to 4.3

SevenLionsHD said:
I'm good on 4.2.2, just wondering if 4.3 will fix my Wifi issues. If not there is no point in going to 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Is 4.4.2 Bootloader Locked?

I don't care about Tripping knox, or voiding any warranty.
Outside of that, is the 4.4.2 bootloader locked? Meaning, can I easily flash a custom recovery TWRP or CWM? Are you able to downgrade the firmware at any point, or are you locked in doing that?
I had an AT&T S4 but got tired of it's locked bootloader, so I sold it and I am back on my S3 for now. I was considering picking up a new T-mobile s4 and then unlocking it for AT&T, but I wanted to be sure it was an unlocked bootloader on 4.4.2 before I did.
Thanks.

It's unlocked, the only thing you can't do is downgrade the firmware but you can still flash 4.2.2 or 4.3 ROMs
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serio22 said:
It's unlocked, the only thing you can't do is downgrade the firmware but you can still flash 4.2.2 or 4.3 ROMs
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Okay, sounds great. I don't have any particular need to go back to something lower than 4.4.2, so that is really no big deal. I am just trying to get myself educated on where the phone is limited.
Thanks.
EDIT: So your are saying that I would not be able to downgrade to an official 4.3 firmware for example via odin, but I could use twrp to flash a custom 4.3 based rom. Just making sure I understand you correctly.

evisser4 said:
Okay, sounds great. I don't have any particular need to go back to something lower than 4.4.2, so that is really no big deal. I am just trying to get myself educated on where the phone is limited.
Thanks.
EDIT: So your are saying that I would not be able to downgrade to an official 4.3 firmware for example via odin, but I could use twrp to flash a custom 4.3 based rom. Just making sure I understand you correctly.
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4.3 i believe still works as it holds the newer bootloader. But 4.2 you will need to use a ROM zip to install that one. If you try in Odin it fails due to signature headers not matching in the bootloader.

evisser4 said:
EDIT: So your are saying that I would not be able to downgrade to an official 4.3 firmware for example via odin, but I could use twrp to flash a custom 4.3 based rom. Just making sure I understand you correctly.
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Yup, that's exactly what I'm saying ?
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elesbb said:
4.3 i believe still works as it holds the newer bootloader. But 4.2 you will need to use a ROM zip to install that one. If you try in Odin it fails due to signature headers not matching in the bootloader.
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Any stock firmware below 4.4.2 will cause FC's problems and/or soft brick.
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Kriptik210 said:
Any stock firmware below 4.4.2 will cause FC's problems and/or soft brick.
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lol

Kriptik210 said:
Any stock firmware below 4.4.2 will cause FC's problems and/or soft brick.
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Actually, it will just give you a fail message in Odin
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serio22 said:
Actually, it will just give you a fail message in Odin
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Then I must have tried a different firmware. I swear it was stock 4.2.2
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Kriptik210 said:
Then I must have tried a different firmware. I swear it was stock 4.2.2
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That will fail in Odin. No way will it cause a brick.
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I read somewhere that flashing even an untouched Samsung 4.4.2 firmware though Odin would trip Knox. Can anyone confirm that??
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Shaftamle said:
I read somewhere that flashing even an untouched Samsung 4.4.2 firmware though Odin would trip Knox. Can anyone confirm that??
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The Knox flag is only tripped when you flash a non-stock Recovery. If you only flash stock ROMs, it will not trip Knox.
However, some Root methods install a non-stock Recovery and this will trip the flag.
Rob

rlichtefeld said:
The Knox flag is only tripped when you flash a non-stock Recovery. If you only flash stock ROMs, it will not trip Knox.
However, some Root methods install a non-stock Recovery and this will trip the flag.
Rob
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Thanks man. I don't know to much about Knox because I have an MDK Verizon s4. I'm researching this for my girl. Thanks for clarifying. So it sounds like towel root with no recovery is a safe plan. Thanks again.
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Shaftamle said:
Thanks man. I don't know to much about Knox because I have an MDK Verizon s4. I'm researching this for my girl. Thanks for clarifying. So it sounds like towel root with no recovery is a safe plan. Thanks again.
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Let us know how it worked. I rooted before TowelRoot was available, and wanted a non-stock Recovery so was fine with the Knox flag being set.
Rob