Develop Bugs

[INFO][FAQ] All things KitKat - How to update, ROOT, return to stock, & more!

This thread contains information about the KitKat 4.4.2 update to the T999 variants of the Samsung Galaxy S3. Here you will be able to find information on updating, rooting, installing custom recoveries and roms, as well as how to return to stock should you feel the need to. If you feel you need additional help or would like further clarification on a subject just leave a reply in this thread and myself or someone familiar with the matter will do our best to answer and provide promptly help. This is a work in progress since KitKat is new to our devices. As we learn more, additional info and links will be posted. Huge thanks to DocHoliday77 for giving me ideas and helping me make things clearer!
Below I tried to put together a list of questions regarding KitKat in hopes to alleviate confusion and educate others.
F.A.Q.
[Q] Can I just flash the KitKat modem on my older firmware to see if my signal will improve?
WARNING! WARNING!
A) I feel like this is probably the most important thing to know about the KitKat update as of now. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT flash any 4.4.2 modems if you have not taken the official 4.4.2 update for your device via OTA or Odin. If you do, you will brick your device and you will not be able to unbrick it. The current debrick method does not work! Also please do not try to downgrade your bootloader, any such attempt can also brick your device.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[Q] My signal has been terrible with KitKat, how can I downgrade my modem to see if I will get a better signal?
A) You cannot use older modems with 4.4.2. You will have no service.
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Click to collapse
[Q] Will KitKat give me Knox?
A) Unsurprisingly, Knox is present in 4.4.2 as it was in 4.3. For more info on Knox, scroll down to the second post.
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Click to collapse
[Q] Is it possible to root my device without tripping the Knox/warranty bit counter, and how can I make sure it stays untripped?
A) Yes, it is possible to root and keep your counter untripped. Scroll down to "How to root" and you will find your answer. To keep the counter at 0, avoid flashing custom recoveries and kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[Q] I have tripped my Knox/warranty bit counter, how can I reset it?
A) There is currently no way to reset this counter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[Q] Can I still flash a custom recovery with KitKat firmware?
A) Yes. Please scroll to the end of this post for more info and recommendations.
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[Q] I am in developer options and I cannot find the option to change my runtime to ART, how can I change it? I'm confused.
A) ART runtime cannot be chosen as default because the option is disabled by Samsung in all of their KitKat firmwares. The default will be Dalvik.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your device has not yet received the KitKat update, please be patient and wait for your carrier to update. If you feel you cannot wait for an official update, there is the option to update unofficially by flashing a custom Rom, just remember that they will be taken from other device's firmware so it may not work the same with your device or it have missing features native to yours. For more information and what you need to update unofficially, check method 3 below on "How to update or return to stock."
General F.A.Q.s
[Q] What Rom's can I safely flash?
A) Any Rom and kernel in this section of the fourms should be okay. Roms labeled for d2lte will work for any d2 device, and T999 Roms will work on T999V & T999N for example.
BUT....some ROM's will not flash without a little intervention, so to speak. If you get a Status 7 error and the ROM will not flash, this is what you do:
Unzip the Rom.
In the Meta-Inf folder, delete the signatures (CERT.RSA, CERT.SF, MANIFEST.MF)
Browse to META-INF\com\google\android\ and open the updater-script in Notepad++
At the top of the script, there will be one or several lines beginning with "Assert". Delete these Lines. Save the updater-script.
Re-Zip the Rom and try again to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[Q] Why is my WiFi and/or Bluetooth not working after flashing a T999 based Rom?
A) Most likely this is due to a kernel/module mismatch. Try flashing a custom kernel or a stock modified kernel to fix this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[Q] Why does my phone say it is a T999 or other model?
Because you flashed a rom that was based on or intended for the original T999 model. This is perfectly normal.
If you really want to change it, go to /system/build.prop and edit all lines that say SGH-T999, to your model or whatever you like.
(WARNING!!!) If you change this to a different model than the T999 or T999L, some apps may think they are on that different model device. This can cause a brick if you try to flash firmware with Mobile Odin. Other apps may not function as intended. Use Caution!
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Click to collapse
How to update or return to stock:
Method 1:
The simplest method. If you are on official and unrooted stock firmware, you can simply check for update to your device by going into settings, more, about device, software update. This option is if you do not want root access or plan to root at another time.
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Click to collapse
Method 2:
You can use this method to update your device or return it to its factory state, should you need to. Simply download the stock firmware linked below and flash it with Odin. Just remember, you cannot downgrade your device once you have updated to 4.3 or higher firmware. You can, however, flash an equal or higher version. For example, you updated your device to 4.3 MJC firmware, you can only flash 4.3 MJC, 4.3 NC2, or 4.4.2. If on NC2 firmware you cannot downgrade to MJC even though it is 4.3 because it is a lower firmware. If you flashed 4.4.2, you can only flash 4.4.2. Follow the link below and scroll past the words "root66" where you will see "Official Firmware." Detailed instructions on how to use and flash firmware with Odin will also be found there. Thanks to my good friend @DocHoliday77 for the thread and mrRobinson for the firmwares!
Stock Firmware:
Download
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Click to collapse
Method 3:
You can flash a custom Rom with your custom recovery, but you will need at least a 4.3 bootloader and modem. Bootloader update is required otherwise your device will not boot, modem is needed for data. If you decide to go this route and are on 4.3 bootloader and modem do not upgrade them under any circumstance unless you want a brick and headaches! I will link stock Roms here overtime, meanwhile search for one you like in the development section Click to go to Development Section
Stock NB8 4.4.2 port from Sprint. Daily driver stable! Thanks Doc!
Download Sprint port here
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Click to collapse
How to root:
Method 1:
If you are looking to update your device and be rooted out of the box, check out the pre-rooted root66 firmware thread by @DocHoliday77. Just find the 4.4.2 firmware for your device, download it, and flash with Odin. Detailed instructions on how to use and flash with Odin can also be found in the link below. Make sure you click the box below the words "root66." Knox counter should remain untripped, but it is unconfirmed as of now. If you want to be safer about your counter staying untripped, continue to method 2.
Download root66
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Click to collapse
Method 2:
Use TowelRoot by the legendary geohot. This method is very simple and useful if you have already updated to 4.4.2 and want root access nice and easy. Confirmed to keep your Knox counter untripped!
Download TowelRoot
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Click to collapse
How to install a custom recovery:
Remember, any and ALL methods to flash custom recovery will trip Knox/warranty counter. After installing a custom recovery you will be able to flash custom ROMs, scripts, and mods!
Method 1:
Download your recovery tar file and flash it with Odin in download mode.
Instructions:
Flash File In ODIN
- Power down your device
- Simultaneously press and hold VOL DOWN + HOME BUTTON + POWER BUTTON
- At *Warning* screen, press VOL UP
- Connect your device to its USB cable and plug cable into PC
- Start ODIN on PC
- Verify that "Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are UNCHECKED
- Click PDA button ("AP" in newer versions)
- Browse PC and select your tar file
- WAIT for "START" button to be enabled (may take a minute)
- Click START button to begin recovery install
- Disconnect USB only when download is finished and you see the message "PASS!" in a green box.
- Remove battery and reboot straight to recovery, very important!
- Now you can either flash whatever you want, or reboot back into system.
Instructions were taking from a thread by az_biker and edited for our device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method 2:
Use an app from the playstore to flash custom recovery like goomanager, ROM Manager, or my favorite, flashify! These method is useful if you have root access on your device, would prefer avoid using Odin, or do not have access to a computer to use Odin.
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Information about Knox
Knox allows people to use their device on a secure business (work) network. It allows the data which belongs to the business to be encrypted per DoD standards. Once the Knox/warranty bit is tripped, you can no longer use this service because it proves the device has been tampered with. You can imagine how much simpler it would be to manipulate this service without the restrictions Samsung had to enforce in order to protect sensitive data. This is the main reason I believe the Knox bootloader was added and why root access, once gained, is still limited in some cases. There is also claims that a tripped warranty bit means your warranty will be void, but I have not seen any cases where people have been denied warranty. However it is better to play it safe than sorry if you really do care about warranty.
Wikipedia sums it up pretty nicely.
Read more about Samsung Knox on Wikipedia
How to remove Knox
If you do not use or plan to use Knox, the limitations imposed by Samsung can affect your overall experience with root access, or make the service become bloatware. For this reason you may want to remove it. Follow the link below to make your device Knox free. Flash in custom recovery and do not forget to nandroid before you flash! Thanks to bilgerryan over in the Sprint forums!
Get Knox removal zip here

Ill take one!
---------- Post added at 02:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
And another!
---------- Post added at 02:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 AM ----------
Good write up btw! Thanks!

Just a heads up for T999 users who are going to flash root66 in Odin: flashing root66 in Odin DID trip the warranty bit for my device. I was running NC2 on my T999 (T-Mobile), flashed root66 NC2 and the bit was tripped. If you're worried about maintaining warranty eligibility you should take note.

friedchocolatesoda said:
Just a heads up for T999 users who are going to flash root66 in Odin: flashing root66 in Odin DID trip the warranty bit for my device. I was running NC2 on my T999 (T-Mobile), flashed root66 NC2 and the bit was tripped. If you're worried about maintaining warranty eligibility you should take note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but this thread is for touchwiz kitkat. Its not intended for 4.3 or any other build unless specifically related.
But still, im not sure why it tripped the bit on yours. It did just fine on mine and others...

I know this is a kitkat thread but it also tripped the warranty bit on my t999l
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

friedchocolatesoda said:
Just a heads up for T999 users who are going to flash root66 in Odin: flashing root66 in Odin DID trip the warranty bit for my device. I was running NC2 on my T999 (T-Mobile), flashed root66 NC2 and the bit was tripped. If you're worried about maintaining warranty eligibility you should take note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chalky7880 said:
I know this is a kitkat thread but it also tripped the warranty bit on my t999l
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
this is odd as it should not trip the counter even though it was in jellybean.. to my knowledge the counter is tripped when you flash a custom recovery, but I will edit the OP until further confirmation.. thanks for the heads up guys
Edit: flashing kernel will also trip counter
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Your probably right. I did flash a custom recovery so I bet that's what tripped it
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

chalky7880 said:
Your probably right. I did flash a custom recovery so I bet that's what tripped it
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good, all feedback is appreciated. Believe it or not, it actually gave me the idea to mention in the OP how to keep the warranty bit from being tripped for those who want to avoid tripping it. Thank you!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Just fyi for everyone, there have been claims for both in the root66 thread. Some say it tripped the bit, while for others like myself it did not. No idea why, but I do not believe it has anything to do with the root66 firmware. There have been people who tripped the warranty bit just by taking the ota!

DocHoliday77 said:
Just fyi for everyone, there have been claims for both in the root66 thread. Some say it tripped the bit, while for others like myself it did not. No idea why, but I do not believe it has anything to do with the root66 firmware. There have been people who tripped the warranty bit just by taking the ota!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be a big screw up for Samsung. Really hope this is not the case
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Its not a common occurrence, but it has happened.

[Q] Steps to unroot via Kingosoft, upgrade to 4.4.2 then use TowelRoot?

My Note have 4.3 and it's rooted with Kingosoft. KNOX has NOT been trip.
I am wondering if I can upgrade to 4.4.2 and use TowelRoot to root WITHOUT tripping KNOX, as follow:
1. Unroot with Kingosoft (the Windows app is capable of this)
2. Hard reset the phone
3. Obtain 4.4.2 via OTA (or KIES?)
4. Use TowelRoot

re: upgrading
lanwarrior said:
My Note have 4.3 and it's rooted with Kingosoft. KNOX has NOT been trip.
I am wondering if I can upgrade to 4.4.2 and use TowelRoot to root WITHOUT tripping KNOX, as follow:
1. Unroot with Kingosoft (the Windows app is capable of this)
2. Hard reset the phone
3. Obtain 4.4.2 via OTA (or KIES?)
4. Use TowelRoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to un-root the phone.
#1: Perform a hard reset.
#2: Download and odin flash the official stock N900T Kitkat 4.4.2 NF1 firmware
from http://SamMobile.com or other trusted source. (it will not trip the knox)
#3: Use Towelroot to root the phone.
As you most likely know already you will not be able to flash any custom
recovery like twrp or cwm if you don't want to trip the knox flag which
means that you will not be able to flash any custom roms either.
Good luck!

Towelroot does not work on NF1.
Dam Phone

grose65 said:
Towelroot does not work on NF1.
Dam Phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? So is there no way to root a 4.4.2 stock T-Mobile ROM WITHOUT tripping KNOX?

re: towelroot
lanwarrior said:
Really? So is there no way to root a 4.4.2 stock T-Mobile ROM WITHOUT tripping KNOX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, follow the guide I posted, I did make an error about NF1,
however you can download the N900T NE6 4.4.2 firmware from
http://SamMobile.com or other trusted source, then you can use
Towelroot successfully without tripping the knox counter.
Good luck,

Misterjunky said:
Yes, follow the guide I posted, I did make an error about NF1,
however you can download the N900T NE6 4.4.2 firmware from
http://SamMobile.com or other trusted source, then you can use
Towelroot successfully without tripping the knox counter.
Good luck,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Misterjunky! I'll do the upgrade and will update this thread.

grose65 said:
Towelroot does not work on NF1.
Dam Phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Misterjunky said:
Yes, follow the guide I posted, I did make an error about NF1,
however you can download the N900T NE6 4.4.2 firmware from
http://SamMobile.com or other trusted source, then you can use
Towelroot successfully without tripping the knox counter.
Good luck,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, quick question: once I successfully upgraded to 4.4.2 NE6 and root it with Towelroot, I should be able to upgrade to NF1 and root it with MobileOdin Pro following this method, right?
Link 1: http://www.andromods.com/root-unlock/knox-safe-tmobile-galaxy-note-3-nf1-rooted-volte.html
1. Extract the NF1 firmware, then copy the ‘tar.md5′ to your sd card.
2. Run the Mobile ODIN Pro and scroll down to ‘Open file…’.
3. Here’s some options you should enable prior to flashing, ‘inject root’, ‘mobile odin boxes’ and ‘reboot to download mode after flashing’.
4. Once flashing completes and your phone boot into download mode, connect it to your computer.
5. Now run Odin3 desktop version, we use v.3.09 with only the reboot and update bootloader boxes are ticked.
6. In order to make the VoLTE working, you need to reflash the CSC file from NF1 firmware.
Link 2: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53574142
You'll want to flash the full firmware through mobile odin pro, tick the inject root and mobile odin boxes, and select reboot to download mode after flashing. Once in download mode, flash the bootloader with regular desktop odin 3.09 with only the reboot and update bootloader boxes checked. No guarantees, but that SHOULD retain knox 0x0 and root.
EDIT: Forgot to ask: how do flash the CSC file? Just select "CSC" from Odin and point to the NF1 firmware?

Quick update: upgraded to NE6 via Odin, run TowelRoot, success! KNOX 0x0! No need to unroot first.
I "chickened" out on upgrading to NF1 with CSC install, though. Seems that there maybe some problem in the long run if I upgrade following my post above. So I'll wait for now.

Tried downgrading too NE6 and Odin says no memory and failed.
Dam Phone

[Q] N900TTMBBMI7 to N900TUVUDNF1 Upgrade

Guys...Im not a total newbie but I have a couple of question. I have my SM-N900T rooted with N900TTMBBMI7..used odin, CF-Root etc etc and its working great...so I have dabbled enough in this so I am a bit dangerous. I have CWM recovery and Titanium backup and can/do make backups before I add any apps, etc.
I would like to upgrade to N900TUVUDNF1 and I have seen that in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2761451 there is a deodexed, rooted version by Jovy23 so that is great...I do have a couple of questions I want to be clear on before I start this process :
1) I see that people talk about needing a specific bootloader...do I? Can anyone clarify that for me?
2) I have lots of apps installed on my N900TTMBBMI7 now as you can imagine. Would the process be to install N900TUVUDNF1 with odin as per the instructions and THEN, install Titanium backup and restore my apps? I dont want to spend a lot of time getting the phone back to what I have now if I can avoid it.
3) Will the N900TUVUDNF1 install wipe out my CWM recovery ? Do I need to re-install it after flashing N900TUVUDNF1 ?
4) If something goes really wrong, the process to revert would be to install CWM recovery and restore my N900TTMBBMI7 backup?
Anything else you guys would like to advise me of will be greatly appreciated...
thanks!!

re: NF1 firmware
calderonr said:
Guys...Im not a total newbie but I have a couple of question. I have my SM-N900T rooted with N900TTMBBMI7..used odin, CF-Root etc etc and its working great...so I have dabbled enough in this so I am a bit dangerous. I have CWM recovery and Titanium backup and can/do make backups before I add any apps, etc.
I would like to upgrade to N900TUVUDNF1 and I have seen that in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2761451 there is a deodexed, rooted version by Jovy23 so that is great...I do have a couple of questions I want to be clear on before I start this process :
1) I see that people talk about needing a specific bootloader...do I? Can anyone clarify that for me?
2) I have lots of apps installed on my N900TTMBBMI7 now as you can imagine. Would the process be to install N900TUVUDNF1 with odin as per the instructions and THEN, install Titanium backup and restore my apps? I dont want to spend a lot of time getting the phone back to what I have now if I can avoid it.
3) Will the N900TUVUDNF1 install wipe out my CWM recovery ? Do I need to re-install it after flashing N900TUVUDNF1 ?
4) If something goes really wrong, the process to revert would be to install CWM recovery and restore my N900TTMBBMI7 backup?
Anything else you guys would like to advise me of will be greatly appreciated...
thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#1: The NF1 bootloader is part of the official Samsung N900T NF1 Kitkat firmware.
Here is the direct download link for the firmware:
chrome://mega/contenthttp:
https://mega.co.nz/#!ioglFaQD!IzrjOKfoQXnfzTVjItUnjVvqzVSoG4s0wkKLTvit9BY
#2: You will need to restore your apps with titanium backup after odin
flashing the official stock NF1 firmware.
#3: Odin flashing the NF1 firmware will wipe cwm recovery so you will need
to odin flash TWRP recovery which can be found here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45687485/openrecovery-twrp-2.7.2.0-hltetmo-4.4.img.tar
#4: Before flashing TWRP you will need to odin flash cf-autoroot which
can be found here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45687485/CF-Auto-Root-hltetmo-hltetmo-smn900t.tar.md5
#5: Once you flash NF1 firmware you cannot revert back to MI7 firmware
it will either bootloop or get stuck on boot screen if you try doing it.
In other words you cannot downgrade the firmware once it's updated to NF1.
Good luck!

Misterjunky said:
#1: The NF1 bootloader is part of the official Samsung N900T NF1 Kitkat firmware.
Here is the direct download link for the firmware:
chrome://mega/contenthttp:
https://mega.co.nz/#!ioglFaQD!IzrjOKfoQXnfzTVjItUnjVvqzVSoG4s0wkKLTvit9BY
#2: You will need to restore your apps with titanium backup after odin
flashing the official stock NF1 firmware.
#3: Odin flashing the NF1 firmware will wipe cwm recovery so you will need
to odin flash TWRP recovery which can be found here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45687485/openrecovery-twrp-2.7.2.0-hltetmo-4.4.img.tar
#4: Before flashing TWRP you will need to odin flash cf-autoroot which
can be found here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45687485/CF-Auto-Root-hltetmo-hltetmo-smn900t.tar.md5
#5: Once you flash NF1 firmware you cannot revert back to MI7 firmware
it will either bootloop or get stuck on boot screen if you try doing it.
In other words you cannot downgrade the firmware once it's updated to NF1.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thanks for the quick reply..I am glad you answered because I was totally under the impression that reverting back was indeed possible..I would have been in a wold of hurt if something went wrong and I could not revert since I use this device for work as well. So this of course begs a few more followup questions
1) The firmware at https://mega.co.nz/#!ioglFaQD!IzrjOK...4s0wkKLTvit9BY I assume is NOT rooted and therefore I would have to root with CF-Root etc...correct?
2) What is exactly the bootloader in this context? You are not refering to TWRP/CWM I assume? Is it the built in code to get the startup going? I am familiar with Linux bootloader like LILO and GRUB...is it the same concept?
3) Understood on restoring apps with Titanium backup...you refer only to the official firmware. Are you suggesting that I should not use the stock rooted NF1 I found?
4) Understood that flashing NF1 will wipe out CWM. You state to odin flash TWRP. Does that mean I should NOT use CWM and switch to TWRP? I am more familiar with CWM and I would like to continue using that one if possible.
5) Lastly and more importantly, why will reverting back to MI7 will cause the bootloop or stuck on boot screen? Any solution to that at all?
Again, thanks for your suggestions and quick reply!!

calderonr said:
Wow, thanks for the quick reply..I am glad you answered because I was totally under the impression that reverting back was indeed possible..I would have been in a wold of hurt if something went wrong and I could not revert since I use this device for work as well. So this of course begs a few more followup questions
1) The firmware at https://mega.co.nz/#!ioglFaQD!IzrjOK...4s0wkKLTvit9BY I assume is NOT rooted and therefore I would have to root with CF-Root etc...correct?
2) What is exactly the bootloader in this context? You are not refering to TWRP/CWM I assume? Is it the built in code to get the startup going? I am familiar with Linux bootloader like LILO and GRUB...is it the same concept?
3) Understood on restoring apps with Titanium backup...you refer only to the official firmware. Are you suggesting that I should not use the stock rooted NF1 I found?
4) Understood that flashing NF1 will wipe out CWM. You state to odin flash TWRP. Does that mean I should NOT use CWM and switch to TWRP? I am more familiar with CWM and I would like to continue using that one if possible.
5) Lastly and more importantly, why will reverting back to MI7 will cause the bootloop or stuck on boot screen? Any solution to that at all?
Again, thanks for your suggestions and quick reply!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful who you listen to on xda.
If your knox warranty flag is 0x0 DO NOT follow those instructions if you want it to stay that way.
To check, boot into download mode (reboot with volume+power+voldown.
If it's 0x0 and you want to keep it that way, you'll want to know that if you upgrade, flashing a custom recovery WILL ALWAYS trip knox once your bootloader is on kitkat.
The caveat is that if you want kitcat, you have to upgrade your bootloaders for things to work properly.
Now, with all that out of the way...
I would recommend going up to NF4 (bypassing NF1) as it is the latest.
I have a link in my sig with all the files for NF4 which also contains the upgrade method that doesn't trip knox.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T
---------- Post added at 11:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 AM ----------
In case you can't see my sig due to being in xda app or tapatalk:
NF4 files and instructions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2834398
Or if you're dead set on NF1, there's a link to that thread at the top of the NF4 post. The instructions in post 2 of the nf4 thread are valid for nf1 add well.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T

toastido said:
Be careful who you listen to on xda.
If your knox warranty flag is 0x0 DO NOT follow those instructions if you want it to stay that way.
To check, boot into download mode (reboot with volume+power+voldown.
If it's 0x0 and you want to keep it that way, you'll want to know that if you upgrade, flashing a custom recovery WILL ALWAYS trip knox once your bootloader is on kitkat.
The caveat is that if you want kitcat, you have to upgrade your bootloaders for things to work properly.
Now, with all that out of the way...
I would recommend going up to NF4 (bypassing NF1) as it is the latest.
I have a link in my sig with all the files for NF4 which also contains the upgrade method that doesn't trip knox.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toastido...Thanks for the reply...I have already tripped the warranty counter so lets say that at this point I am OK with that
So a few questions for you :
1) I am OK going to NF4 and I assume that the files/links you pointed me to below will still work on a tripped knox flag? Correct?
2) Does the same apply that if I go to NF4 there is no way to revert back to MI7?
3) Does your NF4 upgrade link/instructions contain the bootloader needed ? I assume so but want to make sure just in case I need anything else other than what you pointed me to. I am asking this because you stated "if you want kitcat, you have to upgrade your bootloaders for things to work properly. "
4) Can I continue to use CWM or do I have to switch to TWRP?
5) What about rooting? Is your firmware rooted or do I need to do it myself? If so, what do you recommend for rooting?
Thanks!!!

calderonr said:
Toastido...Thanks for the reply...I have already tripped the warranty counter so lets say that at this point I am OK with that
So a few questions for you :
1) I am OK going to NF1 and I assume that the files/links you pointed me to below will still work on a tripped knox flag? Correct?
2) Does the same apply that if I go to NF1 there is no way to revert back to MI7?
3) Does your NF1 upgrade link/instructions contain the bootloader needed ? I assume so but want to make sure just in case I need anything else other than what you pointed me to. I am asking this because you stated "if you want kitcat, you have to upgrade your bootloaders for things to work properly. "
4) Can I continue to use CWM or do I have to switch to TWRP?
Thanks!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey!
1) yes. I'd recommend just flashing the full package in desktop odin in that case. Power of your device completely for 10 to 30 seconds then boot directly to download mode.
2) yes. Once you go up from jb to kk you cannot go back. This is due to bootloader update efuses.
3) yes they do.
4) you can use cwm if you want, just make sure to get the correct one. Usually they are tagged kk or 4.4. Using jb versions will no longer work.
I assume you meant nf4, but the same applies to either.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T

toastido said:
Hey!
1) yes. I'd recommend just flashing the full package in desktop odin in that case. Power of your device completely for 10 to 30 seconds then boot directly to download mode.
2) yes. Once you go up from jb to kk you cannot go back. This is due to bootloader update efuses.
3) yes they do.
4) you can use cwm if you want, just make sure to get the correct one. Usually they are tagged kk or 4.4. Using jb versions will no longer work.
I assume you meant nf4, but the same applies to either.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeap...I meant NF4 and I sent in an edit but you beat me to it..ok...I will give this a try...I did ask one more question on the edit that I am not sure where it went...
5) About rooting...if I use odin to flash the full package as I have done before (selecting PDA), how would you recommend I root the NF4 since I assume the stock firmware is NOT rooted. Do you recomend CF-Root?
thanks aod sorry to pestering I want to make sure I do this right the first time!!

calderonr said:
Yeap...I meant NF4 and I sent in an edit but you beat me to it..ok...I will give this a try...I did ask one more question on the edit that I am not sure where it went...
5) About rooting...if I use odin to flash the full package as I have done before (selecting PDA), how would you recommend I root the NF4 since I assume the stock firmware is NOT rooted. Do you recomend CF-Root?
thanks aod sorry to pestering I want to make sure I do this right the first time!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Np. As for number 5, yes, CF-Auto-Root is the best (maybe the only?) method for fw beyond ne6. If you do this and find supersu missing, a simple install from the play store afterwards will fix you right up.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T

toastido said:
Np. As for number 5, yes, CF-Auto-Root is the best (maybe the only?) method for fw beyond ne6. If you do this and find supersu missing, a simple install from the play store afterwards will fix you right up.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toastido :
Not trying to be dense here but help me understand this. Its re. the inability to go back to MI7 from NF4. You say it has to do with the bootloader, BUT, if I take a CWM backup BEFORE I flash NF4, would not that backup contain the MI7 bootloader in it, so when/if I restore the backup, would not that also restore the MI7 bootloader and the device would not even notice it had flashed NF4 before? Granted I would have to re-clash the JB compatible CWM before I restored, but would that not work? If not, can you explain why?
Thanks!!

calderonr said:
Toastido :
Not trying to be dense here but help me understand this. Its re. the inability to go back to MI7 from NF4. You say it has to do with the bootloader, BUT, if I take a CWM backup BEFORE I flash NF4, would not that backup contain the MI7 bootloader in it, so when/if I restore the backup, would not that also restore the MI7 bootloader and the device would not even notice it had flashed NF4 before? Granted I would have to re-clash the JB compatible CWM before I restored, but would that not work? If not, can you explain why?
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it would not work. The reason, as stated in a previous post, is due to eFused bootloaders. Once the efuse is tripped, it cannot be reset, and the bootloader will fail if it's value is lower than the fused value. Otherwise just flashing the bootloader backwards would work. If you go the odin route you will be protected by odin mode. If you try via recovery of a nandroid that contains the bootloader, it'll either just not work, or (worse) brick your device.
The fuses are tripped in a sequential order. 0,1,2,3 etc. JB BL can only operate on fused value of 1 or lower. KK BL can only install and function (depending on current version) at 3 or lower.
NB4 will fuse to 2. NE6 through NF4 I believe will fuse to 3, thus preventing the JB BL from functioning.
Hope that helps.
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T

Let me know how it goes. I have to update mine to.. I'm on NB4 with no issues but I should update anyways.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app

Upgrade software for a rooted phone

I have a rooted note 3 t-mobile phone, I wanted to upgrade to kitkat or any newer software available, but I have no clue how to do it without loosing the root.
Model number
SM-N9OOT
Android version 4.3
Kernel ver
3.4.0-1670611
Is it necessary to upgrade?
Thanks.

re: root
midomi333 said:
I have a rooted note 3 t-mobile phone, I wanted to upgrade to kitkat or any newer software available, but I have no clue how to do it without loosing the root.
Model number
SM-N9OOT
Android version 4.3
Kernel ver
3.4.0-1670611
Is it necessary to upgrade?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the big deal about re-rooting the phone, it only takes about 10 seconds?
Here is the direct download link for the latest odin flash official N900T NF4 firmware:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/f...VUDNF4_N900TTMBDNF4_N900TUVUDNF4_HOME.tar.md5
Here is the odin flash direct download link for cf-autoroot:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45687485/CF-Auto-Root-hltetmo-hltetmo-smn900t.tar.md5
Good luck!

Misterjunky said:
What's the big deal about re-rooting the phone, it only takes about 10 seconds?
Here is the direct download link for the latest odin flash official N900T NF4 firmware:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/f...VUDNF4_N900TTMBDNF4_N900TUVUDNF4_HOME.tar.md5
Here is the odin flash direct download link for cf-autoroot:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45687485/CF-Auto-Root-hltetmo-hltetmo-smn900t.tar.md5
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome for the firmware link.
Also, seeing as he's on 4.3, perhaps he doesn't want to trip knox, which your bullish statement will do.
I asked you nicely in pm to link to my thread instead of stealing my links, but since you ignored that, be prepared to have me comment on your posts where you try to pass them off as your own, or at least fail to attribute.
I appreciate that you want to help others, but please attribute links and/our abide by the posters requests when they ask you.
Thanks
Sent from my leanKernel 3.4 powered stock 4.4.2 (NF4) SM-N900T

I always have trouble in rooting the phone, I just got lucky this time d: I even reset my phone to factory a few times before I got my phone rooted.

re: rooting
midomi333 said:
I always have trouble in rooting the phone, I just got lucky this time d: I even reset my phone to factory a few times before I got my phone rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange, I never did have any issues when rooting or re-rooting
my phone. Usually when I see someone having problems rooting it's
usually caused by not using the time-tested method of odin flashing the
correct and latest version of cf-autoroot designed for the N900T.
Good luck!

Follow the directions from Effortless. And get the free version of Triangle Away (link in OP). It's "effortless".
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2765014

midomi333 said:
I have a rooted note 3 t-mobile phone, I wanted to upgrade to kitkat or any newer software available, but I have no clue how to do it without loosing the root.
Model number
SM-N9OOT
Android version 4.3
Kernel ver
3.4.0-1670611
Is it necessary to upgrade?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it necessary to upgrade? IMO not really unless you care about VoLTE and Download booster. In that case here's what I would do to upgrade and retain root and knox 0x0:
Download ne6 firmware from link below
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2769856
Followed this instruction below to update from 4.3 MI7 to 4.4.2 ne6 and ne6 bootloader and keep root and not trip knox. OR if I'm not mistaken, you can just flash ne6 rom and bootloader via PC odin without tripping knox since they are stock firmware and bootloader. Then root with www.towelroot.com.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53016778&postcount=9
After you update to ne6 with root, f you wanna keep going and update to latest nf4 then go to the thread below, and download nf4 firmware, bootloader, and MODEM+NON-HLOS. Follow step 2 on how to update to nf4 and retain root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...900tuvudnf4-extracted-stock-firmware-t2834398
If you care about working wifi calling then follow instruction below instead of step 2.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54621389&postcount=86
Good luck!

Root

I'm not rooted but bootloader and baseband numbers are the latest N900TUVUDNF9 . So my next step would be to Odin a custom recovery and flash effortless ROM? How do I root without flashing effortless ROM? SO I CAN BACK UP MY factory ROM?

ace2153 said:
I'm not rooted but bootloader and baseband numbers are the latest N900TUVUDNF9 . So my next step would be to Odin a custom recovery and flash effortless ROM? How do I root without flashing effortless ROM? SO I CAN BACK UP MY factory ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you dont care about Knox, simplest way will be to use Chainfires CF Auto Root. As simple as that. I think the link is http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46098939. Do a quick search and you'll get it.
If you do care about Knox, it is a simple but little more tedious process. You'll have to Odin back to NE6, then use Towelroot method to root, then flash NF9 again. Read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...-to-root-nf4-knox-0x0-effortless-nf4-t2846142.
All this has been covered extensively in the forums.