Develop Bugs

[Q] Samsung Galaxy Ace IIx GT-S7560m

THE COMPLETE FAQ HAS MOVED HERE!

Blaster3K said:
Hello eh!
I just purchased the "Virgin mobile" Samsung Galaxy Ace IIx GT-S7560m to replace my faulty HTC EVO 3D (unlocked not rooted)
phone. I know I know it is a downgrade however, for what I need it for it is fine. Except.... for... ONE..... MAJOR...... PROBLEM!!!
I cannot move any apps to the SDCARD?? I have tired an adb method on another site (message me I guess to get URL) to no avail (its dated I know) . I have searched and looked around however I am confused at what tutorial I should follow and use? I decided to post and ask the knowledgeable beings here. If I can root this phone perfect!!! If not is there any information anyone can give me in regards to this problem.
*update*
Playing with it more and reading the specs on Virgins Canadian website
the unit has "Enhanced Memory: 4GB ROM + 6Gb RAM"?????
I have a 16GB SD card in and that is just being used for my music currently
as I cannot directly copy anything to it..... It seems this unit is really "locked down"
is this "virtual" memory? I am starting to think the unit has no real HARDWARE ram
just a page file type ram, like using a usb stick for ready boost. Also I cannot install
anything unless its on play store.... thinking I may have to return it?
Anyone want to take a stab at this one?
Thanks in advance
Blaster3K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you install apps from the play store? If yes, then please try to install ES Task Manager and post a screenshot or at the least post the information provided by the app on "About Phone"

your phone single core 1mhz ??
it comes with ics right ??
how much ram ??

Messi10 said:
your phone single core 1mhz ??
it comes with ics right ??
how much ram ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He says 6GB RAM but i don't it's true. Well anyways, no clear specs on that phone yet. I have my hopes up with the fact that it's running ICS. No clear info on Samsung's website though.

Messi10 said:
your phone single core 1mhz ??
it comes with ics right ??
how much ram ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1GB RAM ..
Sent from my GT-I8160 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 11:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 AM ----------
http://m.samsung.com/ca/consumer/mobile/mobile-phones/smartphones/GT-S7560ZKMBMC-spec
Why that Phone is similar to Mini SIII ? 4.0 inch too :sly:
Sent from my GT-I8160 using xda premium

Seems Canada ace 2 version..
On samsung Canada site there isnt" gt-i8160)

I uploaded the requested screenshots.
The phone is not that bad at all surprisingly just needs a root method,
even installing UI launcher is hit and miss some install some say "insuffencient storage"
The same error goes for widgets.

Yeah this phone has better hardware than i8160, do you happen to know it's chipset?
As for root method, it seems not so many people own this phone right now. Maybe its possible to make the kernel support CWM as i have read somewhere that there's a guide to do so, haven't tried though.
Sent from my GT-I8160 using my superhuman powers

Dr01nE said:
Yeah this phone has better hardware than i8160, do you happen to know it's chipset?
As for root method, it seems not so many people own this phone right now. Maybe its possible to make the kernl support CWM as i have read somewhere that there's a guide to do so, haven't tried though.
Sent from my GT-I8160 using my superhuman powers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i rooted it using 7562 root patch zip file after using oden to install cwm recovery in download mode im no expert but it seemed to work and gave me root access im didnt notice any ill effects thus far
im guessing the zip file is simewhat universal for ics rooting
i decided to use the 7562 tutorial as i
thought the hardware and os rom were very similar to the 7560 here in canada

I will try to do that later and I will post my results.
Hopefully this will work... I am still confused as to memory usage
it says on the virgin site that is has enhanced memory. It is an
odd configuration. Also I have no clue what the GPU is yet
its so new that GSM arena as no specs on it!!
Any links to download all the tools I need that you have used etc?
Thanks in advance!

Blaster3K said:
I will try to do that later and I will post my results.
Hopefully this will work... I am still confused as to memory usage
it says on the virgin site that is has enhanced memory. It is an
odd configuration. Also I have no clue what the GPU is yet
its so new that GSM arena as no specs on it!!
Any links to download all the tools I need that you have used etc?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Antutu Benchmark can give the GPU and other info on the "i" tab then select system info
Sent from my GT-I8160 using my superhuman powers

its not same with i8160. dont flash any kernel or rom i8160 to your rom.
soc not same.
single core 1ghz
i think its adreno.
and please delete screenshoot with imei.
Sent from my GT-I8160 using xda premium

How's that going for you?
Hiya.
I am still trying to root this thing without much success - Partly because I was waiting for somebody else to do it this way first - I think part of the problem is that I have found no way to backup the stock GT-S7560M firmware so if I did screw it up I'd be somewhat stuck. There seemed to be an indication that a recovery mode boot (vol-down, home, power) would allow this and a clear cache partition (which is what I really wanted to do originally anyway!) but I can never get that to work.
I guess I will wait a couple of days to discover if you have any disasters, and then try it your way - Any pointers to a nice simple tutorial and fileset?
Thanks.
brock28 said:
i rooted it using 7562 root patch zip file after using oden to install cwm recovery in download mode im no expert but it seemed to work and gave me root access im didnt notice any ill effects thus far
im guessing the zip file is simewhat universal for ics rooting
i decided to use the 7562 tutorial as i
thought the hardware and os rom were very similar to the 7560 here in canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added 3rd December 2012 at 12:00 AM ---------- Previous post was 2nd December 2012 at 11:14 PM ----------
Ah I got impatient and did it anyway - It's rooted and happy, the only problem now of course, is the yellow warning triangle. I got myself Chainfire's Triangle Away but that didn't work so I had to do a refund on that (Sorry Chainfire!). Any luck on the counter reset anyone who has rooted this?
Lorry said:
Hiya.
I am still trying to root this thing without much success - Partly because I was waiting for somebody else to do it this way first - I think part of the problem is that I have found no way to backup the stock GT-S7560M firmware so if I did screw it up I'd be somewhat stuck. There seemed to be an indication that a recovery mode boot (vol-down, home, power) would allow this and a clear cache partition (which is what I really wanted to do originally anyway!) but I can never get that to work.
I guess I will wait a couple of days to discover if you have any disasters, and then try it your way - Any pointers to a nice simple tutorial and fileset?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I am waiting for the jelly bean update then ill try root
I do not want to brick the phone

Ace II, GT-S7560M - rooted but NO triangle away.
Lorry said:
I got myself Chainfire's Triangle Away but that didn't work so I had to do a refund on that (Sorry Chainfire!). Any luck on the counter reset anyone who has rooted this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope! Same problem here...rooted using SuperSU, flashed CWM 5.0, all seems OK but I've got that annoying triangle showing at every reboot. It's really weird though, when I tried running Triangle Away, it didn't even tried installing the supporting software (as it did on my Note II and S3) and it returned an error right away saying "Could not locate the hidden partition. Are you running ICS?"
On the other hand I would normally just re-initiate the phone through Kies to return to the stock firmware but it seems Samsung didn't bother releasing it yet - not available in Sammobile or anywhere else.

I cannot intsall Antutu benmark or tester keep getting insuffient storage error
this phone is driving me to drink

Blaster3K said:
I cannot intsall Antutu benmark or tester keep getting insuffient storage error
this phone is driving me to drink
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have already crammed your phone with "STUFF" or something else is wrong. Installed both Antutu and Velamo without any problems
Antutu - 4044 (although Antutu is less and less trusting)
Velamo - 302
In both cases the GT-S7560M was on the very bottom of the list BUT as always, take those results with a big grain of salt. I did so even in the case of the Note II, shown at the other end of the spectrum - the top. In the end, benchmarks truly mean NOTHING for what one may experience in day to day usage.
For a brand new, $200 phone I believe the GT-S7560M delivers in every aspect.

I think a lot of the space problem is that linking things to the sdcard is just carrying on filling the same memory as it would, had it been on internal memory anyway - The external sdcard (and nicely, I noticed today that it does work with 64gb ones) is mounted as /mnt/extSdCard and not /mnt/sdcard so everything tends to go horribly wrong, and even rooted I haven't yet found an app that gives me a work around to this. Sensibly it seems I should be able to pop some post-boot links in there to fix things, or symlinks from /mnt/sdcard/X -> /mnt/extSdCard/X but this doesn't seem like I should be having to bother to work around some perverse change they have made anyway.
I am from a Sony background, incidentally, so why they are doing this is utterly beyond me.
As for the $200 phone - Actually, Future Shop paid me $100 to take mine away
M.
nacos said:
You must have already crammed your phone with "STUFF" or something else is wrong. Installed both Antutu and Velamo without any problems
Antutu - 4044 (although Antutu is less and less trusting)
Velamo - 302
In both cases the GT-S7560M was on the very bottom of the list BUT as always, take those results with a big grain of salt. I did so even in the case of the Note II, shown at the other end of the spectrum - the top. In the end, benchmarks truly mean NOTHING for what one may experience in day to day usage.
For a brand new, $200 phone I believe the GT-S7560M delivers in every aspect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 05:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 PM ----------
nacos said:
On the other hand I would normally just re-initiate the phone through Kies to return to the stock firmware but it seems Samsung didn't bother releasing it yet - not available in Sammobile or anywhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this keep root though? I seemed to remember in the OTA Rootkeeper notes, there was something about it not keeping root after a Kies update. Mind you I have never even loaded Kies, so I don't have a clue what I am on about in this respect really - I just figured the Rootkeeper people may do.
Anyway if you do ever work out a way around the annoying triangle, do share; though I think I have given up all hopes of any warranty exchanges on this now anyway.

Lorry said:
The external sdcard (and nicely, I noticed today that it does work with 64gb ones) is mounted as /mnt/extSdCard and not /mnt/sdcard so everything tends to go horribly wrong, and even rooted I haven't yet found an app that gives me a work around to this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coming from the Note 2 and before the S3, the extSdCard format doesn't surprise me at all. When I transitioned from the S2 to the S3 I was really pissed for that exact reason BUT regardless, you still shouldn't have that issue with not being able to install Antutu or other large software. Not only that I haven't had any problems with Antutu but I have just finished installing TomTom and it runs nice and smoothly.
Lorry said:
As for the $200 phone - Actually, Future Shop paid me $100 to take mine away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it's one of the two: you either went with a long term contract OR you had a gun pointed at the guy from Future Shop. When I said $200, I was talking about us, non-robbers, normal citizens, who would be buying the phone outright - because we already have another 3 new phones at home, and therefore there is no such thing as a hardware upgrade available .
Lorry said:
Would this keep root though? I seemed to remember in the OTA Rootkeeper notes, there was something about it not keeping root after a Kies update. Mind you I have never even loaded Kies, so I don't have a clue what I am on about in this respect really - I just figured the Rootkeeper people may do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done it many times. As long as Kies allows initiation (Tools > Firmware Upgrade and Initiation) you'll certainly get rid of any custom binaries, including root and recovery. I would do a factory reset before the initiation anyway. In other words, YES, you'll loose the root BUT I guess that's why you would go that route.

Coming from the Note 2 and before the S3, the extSdCard format doesn't surprise me at all. When I transitioned from the S2 to the S3 I was really pissed for that exact reason BUT regardless, you still shouldn't have that issue with not being able to install Antutu or other large software. Not only that I haven't had any problems with Antutu but I have just finished installing TomTom and it runs nice and smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been at war with a Motorola Defy all night - My brain hurts. But anyway, there is someone working on the sdcard thing over on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1786014 so that thread is worth a look. I am still on a stock firmware so as yet it's no good for me - But it may be for you.
I guess it's one of the two: you either went with a long term contract OR you had a gun pointed at the guy from Future Shop. When I said $200, I was talking about us, non-robbers, normal citizens, who would be buying the phone outright - because we already have another 3 new phones at home, and therefore there is no such thing as a hardware upgrade available .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope! No firearms involved! They are just desperate to push Koodo's new plans at the moment. They have some pretty good Canada Wide ones, although as long as you aren't going to use lots of voice it's fine to stick with the $30 a month one. The phone costs $150 which goes on the tab but they gave me $100 back at futureshop - So technically it'd only ever cost me $50 to get out of my contract at any time - Nothing long term. I looked for a catch, I couldn't find one - And it's not Rogers!
And now before we get sulked at for not talking about technical stuff, I shall get back on topic...
I've done it many times. As long as Kies allows initiation (Tools > Firmware Upgrade and Initiation) you'll certainly get rid of any custom binaries, including root and recovery. I would do a factory reset before the initiation anyway. In other words, YES, you'll loose the root BUT I guess that's why you would go that route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaah that's good to know if I ever need to return it for anything! Although most of my phones get dropped in the sea/rivers/off-cliffs well before they are ever allowed to break software wise (hence my battles with the Motorola Defy and the Sony Xperia Active).

is the att version locked down like the note 3?

The note 3 is a great piece of hardware but it was a nightmare for devs I hope they backtrack on that with this one. Not getting my hopes up though.

powdered_donuts said:
The note 3 is a great piece of hardware but it was a nightmare for devs I hope they backtrack on that with this one. Not getting my hopes up though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably...Maybe...Absolutely and most Definitely LOCKED.

powdered_donuts said:
The note 3 is a great piece of hardware but it was a nightmare for devs I hope they backtrack on that with this one. Not getting my hopes up though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it will be locked down!!! Us consumers never really OWN our phone that WE purchase!!! So tired of AT&T and others. I sure hope Geohot can bring us some towelroot

chrispyutec said:
Of course it will be locked down!!! Us consumers never really OWN our phone that WE purchase!!! So tired of AT&T and others. I sure hope Geohot can bring us some towelroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root took a long time for the note 3 but in the end the real fight was and still is the bootloaders. No custom kernels means even with root all you get is basically a bunch of differently themed semi customized stock Roms to play with

powdered_donuts said:
Root took a long time for the note 3 but in the end the real fight was and still is the bootloaders. No custom kernels means even with root all you get is basically a bunch of differently themed semi customized stock Roms to play with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. I gave up my AT&T note 3 for T-Mobile S5 just for the unlocked bootloader. Although I really would like to see the bootloader unlocked, I can kinda live without unlocked bootloader if I have at least root. I will no longer buy a phone if I can't at least get root. I always wait until root has been achieved before making any purchase. Gotta love HTC for not locking down, but I just don't like their phones that much.

99.999% sure the ATT version will have a locked bootloader. This means it will always be a cat and mouse game with root.
My advice is to wait and not pre-order anything yet. Let the dust settle and see which device will work for you and have root available.
1. You have to ask yourself how long do you normally keep phones? Can you afford to wait 6 months or more (or never if you accidentally take an update) for root on an ATT device you are going to have for 1-2 years?
2. The Tmobile version will most likely have an unlocked bootloader which means you never have to worry about root. It will also most likely work on ATT like the GS5 and the Note3 before it and it will have updates long after Tmobile and Samsung stop supporting it.
If you have Tmobile in your area and you want root it really is the best way to go and cheaper. Why not give them a try? The next best is a Tmobile device on ATT, and third, well.... forget about root.

I have the same very question.
Being on ATT, will the Note 4 be able to be Rooted, and even more important, allow Custom Recovery for ROM's ? If not, NO WAY I can get the Note 4. And Safestrap is not an option, that's a handicapped and gimped wannabe recovery.
Nice thing with HTC, they openly and officially allow their One M8 to have the bootloader unlocked directly through HTC's own website. I did just that with my ATT carrier One M8, and converted it to a GPE. Would like to see Samsung allow that too.

Without a doubt it will be locked.

Ikr! I had T-Mobile but we moved a few years back to an area where they don't have service really at all. I wish I could let them pay my termination fees and bring my four lines there I would save money too. Oh well..

powdered_donuts said:
Ikr! I had T-Mobile but we moved a few years back to an area where they don't have service really at all. I wish I could let them pay my termination fees and bring my four lines there I would save money too. Oh well..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the Tmobile device instead and use it on ATT. Don't be pulled in by the ATT Next hype\propaganda either. You still pay full price for the device. Why not get one that you actually own.

mircury said:
Get the Tmobile device instead and use it on ATT. Don't be pulled in by the ATT Next hype\propaganda either. You still pay full price for the device. Why not get one that you actually own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know I'm not falling for the next plan and all that crap not interested in adding more to my monthly bill. I thought about getting the T-Mobile version but I'm starting to just lean towards getting a nexus from google when the new one comes out. Hate to leave Samsung behind but I'm feeling like the time has come to move on

mircury said:
99.999% sure the ATT version will have a locked bootloader. This means it will always be a cat and mouse game with root.
My advice is to wait and not pre-order anything yet. Let the dust settle and see which device will work for you and have root available.
1. You have to ask yourself how long do you normally keep phones? Can you afford to wait 6 months or more (or never if you accidentally take an update) for root on an ATT device you are going to have for 1-2 years?
2. The Tmobile version will most likely have an unlocked bootloader which means you never have to worry about root. It will also most likely work on ATT like the GS5 and the Note3 before it and it will have updates long after Tmobile and Samsung stop supporting it.
If you have Tmobile in your area and you want root it really is the best way to go and cheaper. Why not give them a try? The next best is a Tmobile device on ATT, and third, well.... forget about root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a good idea. If you want the phone, go get it now. I remember very well that after someone root the HTC phone with s-off, they make it not rootable with it being s-off. It took many months and ransom money for hacker to find it get rid of the s-off.

chong67 said:
Not a good idea. If you want the phone, go get it now. I remember very well that after someone root the HTC phone with s-off, they make it not rootable with it being s-off. It took many months and ransom money for hacker to find it get rid of the s-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very, very bad advise. You are basically advising people to buy and hope that an exploit will be found, and it's a bad gamble at most. Have you gotten any recent Samsung phones? We aren't talking HTC here. Look at the Note 3, Galaxy S4 and S5 history. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the phone. I'm saying you should not pre-order it or get it on day one. With the Tmobile note 3 it took a week and a half after release to confirm that it had an unlocked bootloader. At that point a custom recovery was ODIN flashable and root was forever available. It was even faster to confirm that the ATT version was locked down and as of today the bootloader has NEVER been cracked! No CM or AOSP! Only stock kernels are usable. The same with the ATT S5. The bootloader is still locked down. Root has been obtained through an exploit that has since been patched. So if you take an update you are screwed. A bootloader exploit for the latest samsung devices has not been found for the ATT S4, S5, and Note 3 for 1.5 years now.
I have a huge info thread over in the ATT Note 3 section if you want to read it.
My point is, wait for confirmation that a particular device is bootloader unlocked before you put down $750 on a device.

mircury said:
Very, very bad advise. You are basically advising people to buy and hope, and it's a bad gamble at most. Have you gotten any recent Samsung phones? We aren't talking HTC here. Look at the Note 3, Galaxy S4 and S5 history. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the phone. I'm saying you should not pre-order it or get it on day one. With the Tmobile note 3 it took a week and a half after release to confirm that it had an unlocked bootloader. At that point a custom recovery was ODIN flashable and root was forever available. It was even faster to confirm that the ATT version was locked down and as of today the bootloader has NEVER been cracked! No CM or AOSP! Only stock kernels are usable. The same with the ATT S5. The bootloader is still locked down. Root has been obtained through an exploit that has since been patched. So if you take an update you are screwed. A bootloader exploit for the latest samsung devices has not been found for the ATT S4, S5, and Note 3 for 1.5 years now.
I have a huge info thread over in the ATT Note 3 section if you want to read it.
My point is, wait for confirmation that a particular device is bootloader unlocked before you put down $750 on a device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
better advice! But you can certainly blindly guarantee that at&t is locked down.

Am I wanting Root for wrong reasons?
I have been rooting and installing custom ROMS for a few years now. All Samsung phones.
I'm growing tired of custom ROMS. While some are very solid, I have not tried any at all that don't have one problem or another. So, I'm hoping I can be satisfied with just rooting and maybe even staying on TW. I'll be trying to analyze the features I'd lose from Nova if I stay on TW, vs the TW features of the Note 4 I'd lose by going to Nova.
But my main question is do I really NEED root? I'm thinking I want it in order to do true backups (with more concern about data than backing up apps). I am of the impression that data backups may not be possible w/o root. True? Or, depending on App? I know that TIBU seems to want root...I've never tried to use TIBU w/o root.
Also, I use other apps that seem to work better with root, ie. Lightflow, TIBU, Tasker (a must), ES File Explorer, Gravity Box, Notification Shortcuts, Utter, Widget Locker, and others I suppose.
Seems to me I NEED root. Am I misinformed?
Maybe the T-Mobile version of the Note 4 is what I should look for.

ewingr said:
Also, I use other apps that seem to work better with root, ie. Lightflow, TIBU, Tasker (a must), ES File Explorer, Gravity Box, Notification Shortcuts, Utter, Widget Locker, and others I suppose.
Maybe the T-Mobile version of the Note 4 is what I should look for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget adaway, my number 1 use for root, and ya you should be looking at the tmo note. That's coming from someone who did it on the 3rd gen note.

mircury said:
..., and ya you should be looking at the tmo note. That's coming from someone who did it on the 3rd gen note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll probably look into that. I typically take advantage of subsidy, but may be worth going with TMO. If the Note 4 had 4GB mem, that would make it easier to make the extra spend. I was hoping for a phone that I may be happy with for longer than 2 years. (Of course the root issue may be the driving factor for purchasing the TMO version, irrespective of other considerations).

ewingr said:
I have been rooting and installing custom ROMS for a few years now. All Samsung phones.
I'm growing tired of custom ROMS. While some are very solid, I have not tried any at all that don't have one problem or another. So, I'm hoping I can be satisfied with just rooting and maybe even staying on TW. I'll be trying to analyze the features I'd lose from Nova if I stay on TW, vs the TW features of the Note 4 I'd lose by going to Nova.
But my main question is do I really NEED root? I'm thinking I want it in order to do true backups (with more concern about data than backing up apps). I am of the impression that data backups may not be possible w/o root. True? Or, depending on App? I know that TIBU seems to want root...I've never tried to use TIBU w/o root.
Also, I use other apps that seem to work better with root, ie. Lightflow, TIBU, Tasker (a must), ES File Explorer, Gravity Box, Notification Shortcuts, Utter, Widget Locker, and others I suppose.
Seems to me I NEED root. Am I misinformed?
Maybe the T-Mobile version of the Note 4 is what I should look for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with you on all points. Except not sure we "have to root". The Note 4 will be able to handle all "Bloatware" and still fly. Koush's Helium does a good job backing up apps/data. No Nandroid, but if you are not rooting and running the risk of soft bricking and needing to restore a Nandroid, they won't be needed. The cloud for Google will always be there to restore those accounts. The rest you can backup to your sdcard and pc. Not sure I need theming like Xposed offers. As, I am liking the stock look of the S5 which I am running on my S4.
That all being said I would probably get a TMO one on ATT if LTE runs fine and root/flash roms since it is in the blood at this point--

Off topic...
rugmankc said:
..Koush's Helium does a good job backing up apps/data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you posted this. I had not heard of Helium. I'll have to check it out.
One thing I like to be able to do is backup and restore just data. I'll have to see if that can be done. It's interesting that it doesn't require root, when everything else does.
....
Just went to Play Store, and leaves me a bit confuse. The instructions are a bit confusing, as 1a says "Root user? You're done", then goes on to say to install on the PC, which implies to me if non-rooted, you must do backups to PC.
I'll go and read the Wiki.
[Update]
A few things that are discouraging, from the WIKI, re: Helium:
If you're using a non-root device, you MUST connect to a PC via the USB port of your device to enable ADB backup permissions.
In problematic applications, ALL Google Apps are listed
...you are using a non-root device, you need to enable Helium at every reboot of the device. This is a PITA
You made a backup to a removable SD card. Again, not advisable as mounting then re-mounting a physical card between devices is problematic for backups. Use PC Download, a cloud destination or device-to-device sync.
Those are just the issues I'm not sure I'd want to mess with. So, hoping to ultimately achieve ROOT.

ewingr said:
Glad you posted this. I had not heard of Helium. I'll have to check it out.
One thing I like to be able to do is backup and restore just data. I'll have to see if that can be done. It's interesting that it doesn't require root, when everything else does.
....
Just went to Play Store, and leaves me a bit confuse. The instructions are a bit confusing, as 1a says "Root user? You're done", then goes on to say to install on the PC, which implies to me if non-rooted, you must do backups to PC.
I'll go and read the Wiki.
[Update]
A few things that are discouraging, from the WIKI, re: Helium:
If you're using a non-root device, you MUST connect to a PC via the USB port of your device to enable ADB backup permissions.
In problematic applications, ALL Google Apps are listed
...you are using a non-root device, you need to enable Helium at every reboot of the device. This is a PITA
You made a backup to a removable SD card. Again, not advisable as mounting then re-mounting a physical card between devices is problematic for backups. Use PC Download, a cloud destination or device-to-device sync.
Those are just the issues I'm not sure I'd want to mess with. So, hoping to ultimately achieve ROOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try MyBackUp Pro from Play Store--Have used it for years. Assuming it updates for Note 4--sure it will. You can email them--

[Q] Update to 4.4 KitKat Yes or No?

I had an i747M Galaxy S3 that I bought as an i747.
Had to send ot back, as thanks to DocHoliday77, I realized my network connectivity issues on AT&T in the US were because it was a Canadian version phone. Confirmed by AT&T as well.
I sent it back, got refunded, and now have a US version AT&T i747 running JB 4.1.1.
I keep getting prompted to update the software. (Firmware) According to AT&T TS, it would be an update to 4.4 KitKat.
My only option to avoid the update seems to be to root the phone. I really have no need to root the phone, but I don't know if I want the update.
I bought the phone outright, so it is mine. I do realize that rooting voids the warranty.
QUESTION 1: If I do root with the root injected firmware that does not trip the counter, will that prevent future OTA updates?
QUESTION 2: Is KitKat an improvement? Should I just let it do it?
I have gone to app mgr to try to force stop/ disable the "AT&T updater", but it is greyed out, so I can't disable it.
Thanks for any input!

I want to say there's a way to stop it w/o root, but I honestly can't remember!
I did want to suggest that while still on 4.1.1, take advantage and use the free Sim unlock method posted in General. That way if you ever sell it you can offer it to many more people than if it's locked.
Or if you ever need to use it on another network, you can.
As for kk, I can't do a full update unfortunately, but judging from the roms I've ported for the T999, I think it's great! There are plenty of people that will both agree and disagree though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

I was only able to postpone it by doing a factory reset. No big deal as I do not have much stuff on the phone yet. It was going to do the update whether I wanted it or not, as I had postponed it a maximum of 3 times.
It's party the principle of the matter. I should not be forced to install a new version, but also I like this version fine, and AT&T has admitted problems with KitKat and the S4 (or maybe it was the S5?), and I don't want to run into any issues on mine. I own the phone outright, so I should be able to do what I want with it.
I still have 11 days to take it back to Best Buy and return it for full refund, so I guess I could let it update, and if I don't like it, I can return it, get another that has 4.1.1 on it, and root it.
I'll head over to general right now and do the free sim unlock.
Once again, thanks for your reply and insight Doc!

Evidently the update had already downloaded when I had the phone on wi-fi when I first got it. The install postponements were only allowed 3 times once the update was downloaded.
After I did the factory reset, I made sure I had wi-fi turned off.
Now, the check for updates button is the active one, whereas before, the continue update was highlited/active, and the check for updates was greyed out. This was because the update had already downloaded. Factory resetting got rid of it.
According to AT&T, the update can only be done when on wi-fi, so as long as I have my wi-fi turned off, it shouldn't be an issue.
I don't use wi-fi much at all, just my data plan.
This at least gives me some time to figure out a way to disable the updater, or root the phone, or go with the update. I may at some point want to use wi-fi, so I'll need to decide what to do.
Thanks again Doc!

I am using 4.4 and do not have any problems..... My battery life has been signicantly better on KK then JB and my ram sits at around 500mb.....this is my own opinion but I suggest to update after you do the free unlock

I will probably do that. I haven't unlocked the phone yet, as I guess I need another sim, non AT&T, to do the unlock?
Thanks for the info on the KK. I appreciate it!

Actually, no you don't need another sim! That's only if you unlock with a code.
There are unlock threads in all the forums, including this one. But I knew right where this one was so....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2023709
Just follow instructions. Theyre the same for tmobile and att. I just knew exactly where to find the tmobile one.
Quite easy to do!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

PSA: Buy a Fire Phone during the recent fire sale? Do NOT downgrade the OS!

Did you pick up an unlocked Fire Phone from the recent sale at Amazon? You probably got a device running Fire OS 3.6.8.
It may be tempting to flash back to an earlier software version to attempt root, but you should hold off for now. I, and a few others it seems, are now stuck with phones that can't really do much. Registering with Amazon doesn't work, phones get hot, and we have no access to apps. The worst part is that we don't have the 3.6.8 image yet, so there's no way to go back.
Until we get a way to go back to 3.6.8, you should refrain from downgrading.
Has anyone downgraded from 3.6.8 successfully?
If we can't downgrade from 3.6.8, what does that mean for root access? Are we stuck with stock Fire Phone OS?

Downgrading the unlocked 3.6.8 to the ATT 3.5.0 without first clearing data and cache causes bootloops. If the cache and data is cleared the phone boots up but you will have no icons and no internet connection. You will basically be in a unfunctional state and phone keeps getting warmer and warmer.

Flashing back to 3.5.2 will get the phone functioning as a phone
but the Amazon server will not register the device

Cannot locate 3.6.8 file on their server (see download list topic)

Wow this explains a lot. In my efforts to mess with the boot loader and work on the phone, I downgraded to 3.5 and now have this problem. Got it to 3.5.2 which gives me a few apps, but I can't register and its unusable. I hope they release something soon. Might hit up Amazon Support to see if I can get them to help.
---------- Post added at 03:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------
An update: I just got off the phone with a knowledgeable rep (took 2 tries). She said that they can't pull any information, manuals, or reference to a version higher than 3.5.2.
She did take the time to escalate my issue with a trouble ticket that will go to the advanced IT and devs, which should at least bring the problem to their attention.
She said I will get a response or update in the next 5 business days. Until then, I will just keep trying to reverse engineer the bootloader and see if I can make any edits to it to allow unlocking, or maybe an exploit.

Man....thank goodness I let reason prevail! I thought that after this massive dump, there would be all kinds of devs going wild. 3.6.8 on mine. Mainly got it because my Prime is up this month, and I wanted a backup phone in case I burn up my Note 4 from flashing. Gotta say, it's a solid piece of hardware, and Amazon put some pretty cool fun stuff to play with. Thanks a ton for the heads up!

Thanks for the heads up, pretty sure you saved a few flashaholics from a headache

Have a question:
Is German 3.6.2 (you can choose english as language in it) working without getting hot? (Modem Version is same as in 3.6.8: ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_06_05)
Version 3.6.8:
ro.build.lab126.project= ???? not available
ro.build.product=juniper
ro.product.name=juniper
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_06_05
Version 3.6.2 (German)
ro.build.lab126.project= ???? not available
ro.product.name=caraway
ro.build.product=caraway
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_06_05
Version 3.5.2 (AT&T)
ro.build.lab126.project=duke-1.1_release_lewis
ro.product.name=full_duke_kodiak
ro.build.product=duke
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_05_17
Version 3.5.1 AT&T
ro.build.lab126.project=duke-1.1_release_lewis
ro.product.name=full_duke_kodiak
ro.build.product=duke
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_05_17
Version 3.5 AT&T
ro.build.lab126.project=duke-1.0_release_lewis
ro.product.name=full_duke_kodiak
ro.build.product=duke
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_05_17

B1ackByte said:
Have a question:
Is German 3.6.2 (you can choose english as language in it) working without getting hot? (Modem Version is same as in 3.6.8: ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_06_05)
Version 3.6.8:
ro.build.lab126.project= ???? not available
ro.build.product=juniper
ro.product.name=juniper
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_06_05
Version 3.6.2 (German)
ro.build.lab126.project= ???? not available
ro.product.name=caraway
ro.build.product=caraway
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_06_05
Version 3.5.2 (AT&T)
ro.build.lab126.project=duke-1.1_release_lewis
ro.product.name=full_duke_kodiak
ro.build.product=duke
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_05_17
Version 3.5.1 AT&T
ro.build.lab126.project=duke-1.1_release_lewis
ro.product.name=full_duke_kodiak
ro.build.product=duke
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_05_17
Version 3.5 AT&T
ro.build.lab126.project=duke-1.0_release_lewis
ro.product.name=full_duke_kodiak
ro.build.product=duke
ro.build.version.lab126.modem=PB_02_05_17
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 3.6.2 software worked fine for me ... only thing was no activation with the amazon servers (which basically makes the phone useless. No Market / No video's / No Mayday / No Music nothing related to Amazon works without the activation.
The Phone made calls and sent / received txt no problem.

Thanks for the heads up. Will hold off and side load a few .apks that are a must for my life style. New phone will be here in a few hours.

Pleasantly, I hounded Amazon for 2 days via every support channel (chat, phone, email), hoping i would run into the one overqualified, underpaid 1st tier support guy who can work off script. No luck. Basically at the end of all of this mess, i have to wait 2-5 business days for an engineer to "get back to me". Fookin awesome. 3.5.2 is completely useless without device registration, everything but email is pretty much tied to that. *Sigh*. I really hope someone manages to get the firmware. At this point, im simply waiting out the next few days only to surely be told to RMA the device. I just find it horrendous that a huge company like Amazon does NOT have procedures in place for a potential interrupted OTA, at least one that doesn't require shipping the device back. Shame on me for jumping the gun without verifying that the download to the latest firmware was ACTUALLY for my device (who knew the had another sku?). Shame on Amazon for sucking so bad at every stage of their "shoppers phone" rollout.

Sess said:
Pleasantly, I hounded Amazon for 2 days via every support channel (chat, phone, email), hoping i would run into the one overqualified, underpaid 1st tier support guy who can work off script. No luck. Basically at the end of all of this mess, i have to wait 2-5 business days for an engineer to "get back to me". Fookin awesome. 3.5.2 is completely useless without device registration, everything but email is pretty much tied to that. *Sigh*. I really hope someone manages to get the firmware. At this point, im simply waiting out the next few days only to surely be told to RMA the device. I just find it horrendous that a huge company like Amazon does NOT have procedures in place for a potential interrupted OTA, at least one that doesn't require shipping the device back. Shame on me for jumping the gun without verifying that the download to the latest firmware was ACTUALLY for my device (who knew the had another sku?). Shame on Amazon for sucking so bad at every stage of their "shoppers phone" rollout.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the exact same situation as you, waiting for Amazon to fix my phone, so I sympathize. Having said that, let's be fair and not blame amazon for this; they sold us a premium phone for 200 dollars, which I can attest worked very well out of the box. It didn't prompt me to update it or anything and with a few tweaks it was actually giving me a great battery life and performance, until I decided on my own to get adventurous and flash stuff on it. That is certainly not Amazon's fault. If we had used the phone as it was delivered none of this would have ever happened. So let's wait and see what they do to fix it. I am confident they will release the firmware or worst case they replace the phone with a new one.

najoor said:
I am in the exact same situation as you, waiting for Amazon to fix my phone, so I sympathize. Having said that, let's be fair and not blame amazon for this; they sold us a premium phone for 200 dollars, which I can attest worked very well out of the box. It didn't prompt me to update it or anything and with a few tweaks it was actually giving me a great battery life and performance, until I decided on my own to get adventurous and flash stuff on it. That is certainly not Amazon's fault. If we had used the phone as it was delivered none of this would have ever happened. So let's wait and see what they do to fix it. I am confident they will release the firmware or worst case they replace the phone with a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then lets also be fair and take note of the fact that the phone is being sold for 200$ because it was grossly overpriced for what was offered. That still has not changed. Regardless, as a good corporate citizen its quite standard to provide tools to enable their users to restore the phone to standard working order. Had i not downgraded the phone i would not be in this mess. I acknowledge that. But i would also like to point out that had they provided something as simple as a release firmware bin file, i would not be in this mess either. Just gonna have to wait this out, but I will not be an amazon apologizer if they can't be bothered to give power users the basic tools to resolve their own issues.

If Amazon didn't lock down the Fire Phone so much, maybe people wouldn't be bothered to attempt to root it and change things Amazon clearly failed to do. Why can't I even change my launcher to Nova without issue? Amazon block wallpapers and widgets, so it's just a black screen with icons. If I wanted that, I would have stuck with iOS 3. The Fire Phone is locked down harder than iOS devices, which I never thought would happen. If they would loosen up to the grip, the phone would probably sell better. People want a phone they can make theirs, and that doesn't mean just what their Amazon portfolio looks like.
Worse yet, they still haven't forked over the latest update. I'm glad I bought two Fire Phones, because I can at least use one.
Now I see why no one wants this thing.

Just a side note re: registration:
I got my device several weeks ago and I think it was an earlier version than 3.6.8 - I downgraded to 3.5.0 per the instructions, rooted, all that works.
Now I just tried to register for the first time to get Prime, and found that I can't. So that doesn't seem specific to having come from the newest version, they must have disabled activation of all old ones?
Given that I'm in a working rooted state, I'm just going to leave it like this for now and hope that I can eventually flash forward without losing features that are unlocked like this, and finally claim that Prime service.

got tired of waiting on amazon, returned the phone, bought an iphone 6 plus. Will be using my shield tablet for all my android specific needs. @#$% amazon.

Side loading apks still works correct?

Yes

B1ackByte said:
Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more question if you don't mind, are you still able to create a wifi hotspot and tether with the phone?

Yes

SM-G925T problems. Please help ASAP. Thanks

I have yet to find a answer to this question anywhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have a SM-G925T and I had rooted and flashed roms to this device in the past and have been able fix all of the problems I have run into until now. I am not currently able to use my phone for texting/caling/mobile data until I connect to wifi (with wifi calling on t-mobile) I am not able to do anything, but when I do connect to wifi I can make calls and tests. I have been looking everywhere and not seen anyone with the same problem. I feel as though I corrupt the EFS folder or IMEI as my IMEI now shows 360000000000006 and the actual IMEI is entirely different. If anyone has an answer to this that doesn't involve sending it to Samsung I would love the help.

What have you tried to fix this problem? Reset APN? Reflash rom? What rom are you using? Also dont sent it to Samsung, just ask for tmobile to replace it unless you dont have insurance.
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

The problem is rooting.
Returning to stock will fix and solve all your problems.
Pp.

i ran into the same issue 2 days ago and searched this plus many other sites for a solution. i kept getting answers saying something about a root key needed to be fixed. or the other answer i was getting told was to flash [KERNEL] UniKernel v8-0002 COH9. i ultimately ended up taking it back to t-mobile and got a new phone. but the manager told me it was missing certificates and the stock kernel. i hope this little piece of information helps, and i hope you have better luck in restoring your phone than i did.

Every time this phone S6edge, gets an update it becomes harder and riskier to root the S6e and still have a working phone.
This top of the line device (until the S7 gets here) isn't your average phone to experiment with, try a plain android like a nexus Google phone, there's probably a handful of developers working on the Nexus alone Vs one (maybe) for the S6e?
I know xda forums are all about taking control of your phone but not this puppy, you must surrender to Samsung on this one.
My phone is 6 months old and works great, even after updates it just gets better and better and after marshmallow gets here this phone will be a greater device.
I have stayed stock and never attempted to root because I was following and reading all threads started on the S6e and it was a hot mess, a lot of stuff and phones going wrong at first and as soon as some one found an exploit Samsung had it removed and safe root went right out the window.
I have learned to like stock and I'm ok with it. And my phone works all the time.
Pp.

PanchoPlanet said:
Every time this phone S6edge, gets an update it becomes harder and riskier to root the S6e and still have a working phone.
This top of the line device (until the S7 gets here) isn't your average phone to experiment with, try a plain android like a nexus Google phone, there's probably a handful of developers working on the Nexus alone Vs one (maybe) for the S6e?
I know xda forums are all about taking control of your phone but not this puppy, you must surrender to Samsung on this one.
My phone is 6 months old and works great, even after updates it just gets better and better and after marshmallow gets here this phone will be a greater device.
I have stayed stock and never attempted to root because I was following and reading all threads started on the S6e and it was a hot mess, a lot of stuff and phones going wrong at first and as soon as some one found an exploit Samsung had it removed and safe root went right out the window.
I have learned to like stock and I'm ok with it. And my phone works all the time.
Pp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree!

+2!!!!!

I personally have had no problems with rooting my phone or with custom roms. The only time I had an issue was when I changed my boot splash. The first time I bricked my phone and had to use emergency recovery with Smart Switch. I am also going to suggest you try that before you return your phone. Make sure you backup you internal SD first though because Smart Switch will erase everything. I think it will fix your problem be cause the emergency recovery is started with your serial number. so I do believe it will fix your efs issue. It is definitely worth a try.
Future reference. TWRP does backup your EFS if you click the checkbox for it.