How To Update and Root to 4.4.4 - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4

Hi, sorry this is probably a noob question but I've been reading through the forums and got confused how to update my rooted s4. Normally I would just install the custom rom with the update but it seems like this isnt the case right now.
I'm currently on 4.2.2, rooted, and have wicked as my rom. How would I update to 4.4.4? From what I understand there is a new modem and firmware... something to do with NH7? Can someone explain to me what NH7 does. Thanks for all your help!

NH7 is the newest firmware based on 4.4.4 and it is recommended if you plan of using 4.4.4 tw roms. To update it just download the NH7 firmware from general thread and flash it with Odin, after that you can use cf-auto root to root, or if you're just planning to flash a ROM then just flash recovery and then flash ROM.. If you care about tripping your Knox counter then just know that flashing recovery or rooting will trip it

babexdragon said:
Hi, sorry this is probably a noob question but I've been reading through the forums and got confused how to update my rooted s4. Normally I would just install the custom rom with the update but it seems like this isnt the case right now.
I'm currently on 4.2.2, rooted, and have wicked as my rom. How would I update to 4.4.4? From what I understand there is a new modem and firmware... something to do with NH7? Can someone explain to me what NH7 does. Thanks for all your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mention that you want to update and that under normal circumstances you would simply flash the an updated custom ROM... yet you say you've read it isn't that simple, right?
You are correct, it isn't THAT simple, but it is ALMOST that simple. Being as that you are still on the old 4.2.2 pre-KNOX bootloader and all, you can flash and flash and flash all day long and a single use of Triangle Away is all you'd need to still be able to revert your device back to 100% stock, both firmware AND flash counters if you ever needed to for some reason. If you use Odin, Kies, or take an OTA update you will lose that ability. Anything you flash once you go through official channels to update will trip your KNOX counter... and that cannot be reset. The problems you've read about simply flashing an updated custom ROM is that you will have problems with data.
The data drops can be avoided by flashing the newest modem, which would be NH7. Understand though, that method only updates your GSM modem; your LTE modem would be unaffected. This would only be a problem though if you are having trouble receiving LTE where others with the same carrier can get it with no problem. If you aren't having any problems with LTE, then I would recommend to simply update your GSM modem and use the custom recovery of your choice (ClockWorkMod, Philz Touch, or TWRP) to flash any of the ROMs in the T-Mobile GS4 Android Development section.
To update your GSM modem, follow the instructions in this thread. That thread is for updating to the 4.4.2 NB4 modem, which that modem would actually be all you need; but if you wish to have the NH7 modem, just use the modem.bin ONLY file from this post instead of the modem package included in the tutorial thread. After that little bit of work, you can flash any Android version you want; from 4.2.2 all the way up to 4.4.4... AOSP, TouchWiz, or the Google Play Edition ROMs.

So from what I understand...
1. Update the modem not firmware
2. Flash ROM
So I don't need to re-root?

You are correct.
No need to re-root.

Related

Downgrading from 4.4.x to 4.3

I was wondering if I may run into any problems by doing this.
I know that on an AT&T phone (i747), if you do that, you may lose your modem and needs to be reflashed (you get a null IMEI)
Is it the same on a SGH-T999? I was planning to flash this ROM:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=26636
Thanks
There is no 4.4.2 to downgrade from for the T999.
If you just have a 4.4.2 Rom, you don't need to do anything.
The firmware you linked is the latest available so you can flash it regardless of what you have now.
There is no 4.4.2 update for the T999 so yes you can flash it but it is not a ROM, it is firmware, please do not confuse these two they are very different!
Yeah... I'm afraid I am confused. What I did was to flash this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690947
Isn't that a ROM?
However I would like to go back to 4.3, so I was just wondering if I could have any problems.
Sorry for the noob questions. I think it was clear to me, but I'm afraid it's not...
Thanks
Yes that is a rom, what you linked to in the first post is firmware which contains more than just the system and that is where you run into problems when downgrading
serio22 said:
Yes that is a rom, what you linked to in the first post is firmware which contains more than just the system and that is where you run into problems when downgrading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I'm on 4.4.4 right now, is there a way to go back to 4.3?
_LEM_ said:
So if I'm on 4.4.4 right now, is there a way to go back to 4.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flash the link you provided in the first post or flash a 4.3 rom.. Understand this, flashing a rom will not determine if you can downgrade or not, flashing firmware will. Since there is no 4.4 firmware for the T999 you can still flash the 4.3 firmware. If there was a 4.4 firmware and you took the OTA or updated via Odin then the only thing you could do is flash a 4.3 rom, firmware will not be an option
Edit: oh and btw I accidently pressed the thanks button so you got a free one
serio22 said:
Yes, flash the link you provided in the first post or flash a 4.3 rom.. Understand this, flashing a rom will not determine if you can downgrade or not, flashing firmware will. Since there is no 4.4 firmware for the T999 you can still flash the 4.3 firmware. If there was a 4.4 firmware and you took the OTA or updated via Odin then the only thing you could do is flash a 4.3 rom, firmware will not be an option
Edit: oh and btw I accidently pressed the thanks button so you got a free one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I understand better now. I have always been kind of confused between ROMs and firmwares.
PS: I triple thanked you.

How to manually update I747 to 4.4.2

Hey guys,
I got a I747 I want to give to my mother as a gift.
I downgraded 4.1.2 to 4.1.1 and ran the secret menu unlock to unlock the sim card, that worked perfectly.
Now I want to update this out of 4.1.1 to 4.4.2 but I cannot find a stock firmware to run on odin anywhere.
Do I need to go to 4.3 first? Is there a stock firmware for that?
SamMobile stops at 4.1.2... OTA obviously doesn't work.
How Can I get this done..
Iz3man said:
Hey guys,
I got a I747 I want to give to my mother as a gift.
I downgraded 4.1.2 to 4.1.1 and ran the secret menu unlock to unlock the sim card, that worked perfectly.
Now I want to update this out of 4.1.1 to 4.4.2 but I cannot find a stock firmware to run on odin anywhere.
SamMobile stops at 4.1.2... OTA obviously doesn't work.
How Can I get this done..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just flash stock 4.1.2 firmware from sammobile and then run OTA updates.
I also found this on sammobile: Canada (Bell Mobile) (Black Edition), Version: Android 4.4.2, PDA: I747MVLUFNE6
CSC: I747MOYCFNE6, MODEM: I747MVLUFNE6
audit13 said:
You can just flash stock 4.1.2 firmware from sammobile and then run OTA updates.
I also found this on sammobile: Canada (Bell Mobile) (Black Edition), Version: Android 4.4.2, PDA: I747MVLUFNE6
CSC: I747MOYCFNE6, MODEM: I747MVLUFNE6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will it work though.
I have it already on my pc, I updated my wife's with it.
If I update to 4.1.2 will OTA come? Even with the I747(not the I747m) on the Bell network?
Iz3man said:
Will it work though.
I have it already on my pc, I updated my wife's with it.
If I update to 4.1.2 will OTA come? Even with the I747(not the I747m) on the Bell network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Motorola Atrix from Bell. I flashed it with stock ATT firmware and received OTA updates from ATT over wi-fi.
Since you have the i747, start with stock pre-rooted ATT 4.1.1. This will flash the stock recovery, radio, and bootloader. Run triangle away, flash a stock unrooted ATT stock 4.1.1 ROM, and take the OTA updates.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...mctr=(not provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=135374642
audit13 said:
I have a Motorola Atrix from Bell. I flashed it with stock ATT firmware and received OTA updates from ATT over wi-fi.
Since you have the i747, start with stock pre-rooted ATT 4.1.1. This will flash the stock recovery, radio, and bootloader. Run triangle away, flash a stock unrooted ATT stock 4.1.1 ROM, and take the OTA updates.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...mctr=(not provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=135374642
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I guess it wasn't clear, my bad.
I have 4.1.1 stock firmware on my att 1747. It has never been rooted.
I run the Ota and I got an error, now it tells me "Your software is up to date".
Can I flash a bell i747m 4.4.2 image onto this i747 or will it brick?
Iz3man said:
Ok, so I guess it wasn't clear, my bad.
I have 4.1.1 stock firmware on my att 1747. It has never been rooted.
I run the Ota and I got an error, now it tells me "Your software is up to date".
Can I flash a bell i747m 4.4.2 image onto this i747 or will it brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash i747m firmware on your phone but DO NOT flash the radios or bootloader from an i747m to an i747 and vice versa. Bricking is a really possibility if you do that.
Do you have a custom recovery? If you do, you will need to install a stock recovery.
Try resetting the phone (wiping cache, data) in recovery or through the ROM itself.
audit13 said:
You can flash i747m firmware on your phone but DO NOT flash the radios or bootloader from an i747m to an i747 and vice versa. Bricking is a really possibility if you do that.
Do you have a custom recovery? If you do, you will need to install a stock recovery.
Try resetting the phone (wiping cache, data) in recovery or through the ROM itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I have the stock recovery. How do I not flash the radio and boatloads when using the firmware from sammobile?
You cant. You cannot flash another devices firmware. Odin wont let it happen and if it did youd end up hard bricked due to mixed firmware. For example your sbl1, modemst and param partitions (plus others) would be i747 and youd be flashing sbl2, sbl3, rpm, etc from an I747M.
The only thing you could use are the system partition and kernel, nothing else. There are two ways to accomplish this, one is to build a rom from the firmware and flash that. The other is to flash with mobile odin, but that requires root and youd still have to be very careful.
Another priblem I see you encountering is you cannot run 4.4.2 without 4.3 or newer firmware. It will not boot otherwise.
You need to go to the General section and follow one of enewman17's tutorials to get to either 4.3 or 4.4.2. Personally, I dont see any other way you will be able to accomplish it.
audit13 said:
You can flash i747m firmware on your phone but DO NOT flash the radios or bootloader from an i747m to an i747 and vice versa. Bricking is a really possibility if you do that.
Do you have a custom recovery? If you do, you will need to install a stock recovery.
Try resetting the phone (wiping cache, data) in recovery or through the ROM itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, based on Doc holiday, and others they say It cannot be done and from my experience I beleive them.
Thank you,
It's very difficult to do this when others are giving bad advice.
So for the record, cannot flash i747m firmware to i747.
Thanks!
The annoying part here is I can do it with my m7, I just flashed the Dev edition onto my Bell m7 with no problems.
All devices are different in many ways. What is perfectly safe to do with one brand or model can brick another.
And I wouldnt call it "bad" advice... I've seen audit13 and others helping lots of folks with very good advice. We all make mistakes and we all have more we can learn about these devices. No one knows everything about this stuff and shouldnt let that prevent them from trying to help.
Those who are trying to help are doing so with the best of intentions and tell people what they think could be the best way to solve a given problem. In cases like this one, its easy to see how anyone would think its ok to flash different firmware between similar models based on being able to do so on other devices they are familiar with. (If I had gone into those forums I wouldve been telling people the opposite and ended up being wrong there.)
All I can say is chalk it up as a new lesson on a different device, and I hope you still appreciate that someone was trying to help.
@audit13 I hope none of this discourages you from helping. Ive seen plenty of threads where your advice was sound and appreciated, and I am glad you have been around to help so many people out!
Now, back on the problem at hand... if you want to be running the latest 4.4.2 kk, you will have the option to use the OS (/system and kernel) from either the I747 or I747M firmware. But first you must fully update to a minimum of the 4.3 MJB firmware for the I747. Once you have this running for your base firmware/bootloader, you can then run the Bell or AT&T (4.3 or 4.4.2) system. (I hope this is making sense!)
So first, update the full 4.3, MJB, firmware via Odin. (Theres a thread in General with the file, ill post the link in a min).
If you want to update to 4.4.2 firmware, you can then follow enewman17's tutorial to do so via OTA.
You can then either stay with that, or use Mobile Odin to flash ONLY the system and kernel from the Bell firmware.
Let me know if any of that needs better clarification! Also let us know what your ultimate goal is. From the options you have, where do you want to end up?
---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------
Ok, here are some links.
Stock MJB firmware (flash in Odin)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2722660
enewman17's thread for updating to 4.4.2 (high success rate)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2789917
Official, unmodified 4.4.2 OTA
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2788012
After updating with the 4.3 firmware, you can first try using the official ota to update. Then, if that fails you can go to enewman17's thread and try his method.
DocHoliday77 said:
All devices are different in many ways. What is perfectly safe to do with one brand or model can brick another.
And I wouldnt call it "bad" advice... I've seen audit13 and others helping lots of folks with very good advice. We all make mistakes and we all have more we can learn about these devices. No one knows everything about this stuff and shouldnt let that prevent them from trying to help.
Those who are trying to help are doing so with the best of intentions and tell people what they think could be the best way to solve a given problem. In cases like this one, its easy to see how anyone would think its ok to flash different firmware between similar models based on being able to do so on other devices they are familiar with. (If I had gone into those forums I wouldve been telling people the opposite and ended up being wrong there.)
All I can say is chalk it up as a new lesson on a different device, and I hope you still appreciate that someone was trying to help.
@audit13 I hope none of this discourages you from helping. Ive seen plenty of threads where your advice was sound and appreciated, and I am glad you have been around to help so many people out! ]
:thumbup::beer::sly:
err on the side of kindness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Need Absolutely Pure AT&T 4.4.2

I apologize in advance if this seems like a repeated question.
I have a carrier-locked Galaxy S3 from AT&T. I have a modified 4.4.2 image running. As a result it appears the network unlock code does not work. I've tried a couple of alternatives ways to unlock but none have worked. I'm on my fifth attempt... and if this doesn't work the device will be permanently locked to AT&T's network.
I'd like to flash with ODIN a completely stock 4.4.2 image. No root, no busybox, no additions, no subtractions, no changes whatsoever.
I cannot seem to find a link which has an absolutely pure AT&T image. If someone would post a link to a pristine 4.4.2 image I'd appreciate it. Thank you in advance
I'm running 4,4,2 baseband NE4, The "about" shows "Device status Custom".
From everything I have seen and read, there is no such thing as a pure stock ATT 4.3 or 4.4.2 ROM. ATT never released a full 4.3 or 4.4.2 Odin flashable ROM for the i747. 4.3 and 4.4.2 were only available as OTA updates.
Now that you are on 4.4.2 bootloader and modem, don't flash anything that attempts to downgrade the bootloader.
When you say "modified image", do you mean a custom ROM?
The closest I have seen is the stock rom posted by enewman17. However, it does still have busybox and root. He does give a download of the stock recovery. Maybe it would be possible to install, remove root and busybox, then go back to stock recovery. Keep in mind that you only have one attempt remaining and I have not tried this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2789917
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2788357
Audit13, I say modified because, as best I can remember, I used this process: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2789917
I typically keep records of what I do to my phones but I figured that 4.4.2 would be the last upgrade from AT&T. I never expected network unlocking to be such an ordeal.
Dawgdoc, I think I will try to reflash the OTA. I think I saw a post suggesting it can't be done twice. I'll do a little research and report what I find.
I suspect this phone will end up a gift to one of my niecies or nephews. Thanks for your advice.
You can't reflash the ota. You MUST be running stock MJB for it to work because all it does is patch the files on your device.
It'll be late before I can try, but I'll try to put up a purely stock NE4 rom. I've seen several people needing one, and am sure it will be needed again down the road...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

[Q] Updating a already Rooted Galaxy S3 that's on 4.1?

I rooted my dad's phone a while back ago so he can use tethering in case of emergencies etc. He recently got a smart watch and I wanted to updated it so that he can use it. But it has not been touched since that day. I essentially want rooted stock rom, I'm unaware of where to find that the closest I can find is StockMod kitkat. Which seems to not work on ATT phones? I just want to make sure that I don't brick his only phone on christmas. So is there something I should be aware of?
His model is SGH-i747
Baseband
i747UCDLK3
Build number
jro03
So how do I go about upgrading it? Can I just flash TWRP and flash any rom using TWRP?
I found this, so I should install new TWRP, then flash a specified kernel then flash rom? would this be safe route?
Some of the latest ROMs require a 4.4.2 bootloader and modem.
The simplest and safest way to get the latest bootloader may be to flash back to unrooted stock 4.1.1 and run OTA updates until the phone is running the latest KK ROM. You can then flash TWRP or CWM and a custom ROM.
audit13 said:
Some of the latest ROMs require a 4.4.2 bootloader and modem.
The simplest and safest way to get the latest bootloader may be to flash back to unrooted stock 4.1.1 and run OTA updates until the phone is running the latest KK ROM. You can then flash TWRP or CWM and a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this require flashing with ODIN? I just want it so that it works with root is not required anymore.
Yes, you would flash the 4.1.1 stock ATT ROM via Odin. I prefer Odin 3.07.
You cannot install OTA updates with root.
You can try flashing just the bootloader and modem but I prefer the long slow route of OTA updates.
I rather do it this way, manually so my dad can enjoy it today. I was wondering how can I update it's TWRP? it's at 2.3 but the TWRP manager keeps crashing when I update it.
I highly recommend the latest d2lte version of Philz Touch for recovery.
https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/d2lte/
Ok I ****ed up, flash that kernel and did whatever and bam ****ed up. Not working... ****, I still ahve download mode and Recovery but it will not boot into the OS. I get a flash of samsung and then nothing else happends...****
I decided to flash stock DLK3 in odin. Then let the updates take it course (my dad doesn't need root) Where Can I find the file?
The stock ATT firmware is on sammobile.com.
If you want root, OTA to the latest 4.4.2, install Philz, flash supersu via recovery.

Flash New bootloader and modem while on Old Rom?

I have a Canadian Galaxy S3, on 4.1.1 DLK4 Official. I rooted it, and have TWRP.
I want to upgrade my rom to a CM12/13 but of course with root and custom recovery, OTA updates are blocked.
I need newer bootloaders and modem to run the newer android versions.
Should I install them now, while on 4.1.1, and then flash CM12, or should I sequentially update each of the AT&T firmwares until I get up to 4.4.2?
Do official roms have the bootloaders and modems in them and install them automatically?
Should I use the Kies restore method?
The Canadian and att s3 phones are not the same model number. Don't flash an att bootloader to your Canadian phone as this may brick the phone.
Flash latest stock rom from Sammobile.com, flash twrp, flash cm.
audit13 said:
The Canadian and att s3 phones are not the same model number. Don't flash an att bootloader to your Canadian phone as this may brick the phone.
Flash latest stock rom from Sammobile.com, flash twrp, flash cm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, but i can use AT&T roms tho?
The i747m will work with d2can, d2lte, and d2att Roms.
Is it safe to flash straight from 4.1.1 to 4.4.2 using a sammobile rom? will i brick due to Knox bootloader and modem?
Can I flash it using TWRP?
If someone could link a tutorial that would be very helpful.
I keep reading stuff that says to flash the newer bootloader before flashing a 4.3 firmware, and some that say the opposite. Others say that people should incrementally update.
I want to go from 4.1.1 original with Root and TWRP, to CM13.
Thank you.
Yes, you can flash the latest stock 4.4.2 rom from Sammobile.com directly to your phone. No need to do anything other than backing up your data.
audit13 said:
Yes, you can flash the latest stock 4.4.2 rom from Sammobile.com directly to your phone. No need to do anything other than backing up your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Now I just need to get the balls again to use odin. Flashing the custom recovery using the Universal Tool Kit that had step by step walkthrough was adrenaline rush enough LOL.
I could also use Kies, as that has 4.4.2 OB3 (telus), and also has "emergency firmware recovery" feature if a brick ever happens. Though ideally the only time boot.img gets flashed is only with Full Stock Firmware files.
I find kies to be unreliable when I have tried to restore firmware so I always stuck with Odin.

Categories

Resources