Develop Bugs

[Q] Question regarding SGH-T989D (Telus)

I would just like to say that I have searched for a definitive answer for a couple days with no luck.
Background: I had a Samsung Galaxy S II X (SGH-T989D) from Telus and I wanted to try root it and flash it a few months ago. I was not sure about what I was doing and ended up bricking it - without a stock kernel to go back to. I have received my replacement phone through Best Buy and have been running stock ever since.
I want to do this the proper way and really can't afford to brick another one right now.
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A) Backing up stock kernel:
Question 1) I would like to if it is possible for me to create a backup of the stock kernel from my phone now, so that if anything breaks, I can reset it to stock. I found this post but the links are dead.
Question 2) If it is possible for me to create a backup of the stock kernel, how would I go about it? I've looked but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for in the way of an answer here so if you could point me in the right direction that would be great.
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B) SGH-T989 ROMs...
Question 3) This one is confusing for me. Are SGH-T989 ROMs compatible with my phone? When I bricked my phone last time I'm not exactly sure what I did, but I know that I was trying to flash a custom ROM on it. It may have not been compatible with the T989, I'm not sure. In any case, a solid answer here would be amazing.
C) Almost done
Question 4) This is my last question. If all of the above is impossible/will not work for my phone, I would just like to know if it is possible to root my phone without breaking it. If I understood correctly, to root it I must flash it? I'm not sure how that works/what the difference is between flashing/rooting or how they are connected.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance if you take the time to answer me.
- Chris

gingerbeard said:
I would just like to say that I have searched for a definitive answer for a couple days with no luck.
Background: I had a Samsung Galaxy S II X (SGH-T989D) from Telus and I wanted to try root it and flash it a few months ago. I was not sure about what I was doing and ended up bricking it - without a stock kernel to go back to. I have received my replacement phone through Best Buy and have been running stock ever since.
I want to do this the proper way and really can't afford to brick another one right now.
------------
A) Backing up stock kernel:
Question 1) I would like to if it is possible for me to create a backup of the stock kernel from my phone now, so that if anything breaks, I can reset it to stock. I found this post but the links are dead.
Question 2) If it is possible for me to create a backup of the stock kernel, how would I go about it? I've looked but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for in the way of an answer here so if you could point me in the right direction that would be great.
------------
B) SGH-T989 ROMs...
Question 3) This one is confusing for me. Are SGH-T989 ROMs compatible with my phone? When I bricked my phone last time I'm not exactly sure what I did, but I know that I was trying to flash a custom ROM on it. It may have not been compatible with the T989, I'm not sure. In any case, a solid answer here would be amazing.
C) Almost done
Question 4) This is my last question. If all of the above is impossible/will not work for my phone, I would just like to know if it is possible to root my phone without breaking it. If I understood correctly, to root it I must flash it? I'm not sure how that works/what the difference is between flashing/rooting or how they are connected.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance if you take the time to answer me.
- Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B) Every SGH-T989 ROM is compatible with our phones. They are the exact same hardware wise. Just be careful you don't flash any other type of GALAXY S II ROM they will brick you.
C) to root, all you need to do is flash the custom recovery in Odin and flash superuser or a custom ROM. Look in development there is a sticky for it.
Hope this helps!
Sent from my SGH-T989D using xda premium

help a newbie with a new phone

hi guys i just got my frist android phone since leaving apple and i was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction for a How to guide/things to do/not to do/roms ect ect
it seems from what i've read soft bricking the phone can be as easy as the wrong rom and i can't seem to find the rom i need for the phone.
is it the build number i have to worry about or the baseband number i have to keep an eye on. so much more confusing than JB an iphone i must say.
RemiX

remix754 said:
hi guys i just got my frist android phone since leaving apple and i was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction for a How to guide/things to do/not to do/roms ect ect
it seems from what i've read soft bricking the phone can be as easy as the wrong rom and i can't seem to find the rom i need for the phone.
is it the build number i have to worry about or the baseband number i have to keep an eye on. so much more confusing than JB an iphone i must say.
RemiX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note 2 is my third android but the first i've rooted. The note 2 toolkit (available on here somewhere) made the rooting process very straightforward. Plenty of instructions around for flashing a new rom & backing up beforehand to make recovery simple etc.

Go to original android section and search for chainfire's auto root. It's best for beginners and takes 30 seconds to do.

thanks for the reply guys. will have to try this chainfire root and try to learn more about this

[Q] Unlocking my SGH-T999 with Jellybean 4.1 Update

Hey all,
I have NEVER tried to unlock or root a phone before, but I have the desire to try it now.
I have the T-mobile SGH-T999 with the new Android Jellybean 4.1.1 (Build Number JRO0L.T999UVDLJA)
I want to try to root my phone, but I would like to keep as much of the the new update (Jellybean) as possible instead of reverting to ICS. What I'm wondering is, what should I do to root the phone, and what programs are preffered, etc. Also, I was wondering how to back up my current build in case I want to set it back to default in case of warranty issues that I had to return it.
I am sure others have asked... maybe this would be a good sticky, I don't know... but I am hoping someone will take the time to point me in the right direction.
I need to know
a.) What I need to backup pre-root
b.) What software is best to root
c.) Any special instructions for rooting that may be specific for this build or this phone
d.) How to un-root in case I need to return the phone.
Any help would be appreciated, and apologies in advance if this is a repeated question. I just figured I'd ask because of the new update.
Thanks!
Skot in Seattle

sekellas said:
Hey all,
I have NEVER tried to unlock or root a phone before, but I have the desire to try it now.
I have the T-mobile SGH-T999 with the new Android Jellybean 4.1.1 (Build Number JRO0L.T999UVDLJA)
I want to try to root my phone, but I would like to keep as much of the the new update (Jellybean) as possible instead of reverting to ICS. What I'm wondering is, what should I do to root the phone, and what programs are preffered, etc. Also, I was wondering how to back up my current build in case I want to set it back to default in case of warranty issues that I had to return it.
I am sure others have asked... maybe this would be a good sticky, I don't know... but I am hoping someone will take the time to point me in the right direction.
I need to know
a.) What I need to backup pre-root
b.) What software is best to root
c.) Any special instructions for rooting that may be specific for this build or this phone
d.) How to un-root in case I need to return the phone.
Any help would be appreciated, and apologies in advance if this is a repeated question. I just figured I'd ask because of the new update.
Thanks!
Skot in Seattle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think the easiest is to use the root injected rom from this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1771687
It is what I did and I have full root access and stock rom with no counter tripped. Backup preroot will be difficult but as long as everything is set up with google, you should be able to get all of your contacts back but not settings. Once rooted, you can use titanium backup. Great program. If you want to unroot you can use the same method you used to root but you can just odin back to the original rom again. If you like my response please click on Thanks.

Thanks!
I took a look at the thread you sent me, and have contacted the original member to get step by steps, just to make sure I dont screw it up.
Hopefully it will work as desired.
Thanks for your help and response!

sekellas said:
I took a look at the thread you sent me, and have contacted the original member to get step by steps, just to make sure I dont screw it up.
Hopefully it will work as desired.
Thanks for your help and response!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The person who wrote the thread may or may not have time to give a more detailed run-through.
I used that thread to root my phone - honestly, all the instructions have already been given in it. I have never done anything like this and I just followed the instructions as given - the process is covered completely. I'm not sure what more they could tell you.
Not trying to be rude. Just understand that they have already provided a full guide and it might be more considerate to ask questions to the open forum about any step that is troubling you - that way anyone who has free time can answer.

Ok
Pennycake said:
The person who wrote the thread may or may not have time to give a more detailed run-through.
I used that thread to root my phone - honestly, all the instructions have already been given in it. I have never done anything like this and I just followed the instructions as given - the process is covered completely. I'm not sure what more they could tell you.
Not trying to be rude. Just understand that they have already provided a full guide and it might be more considerate to ask questions to the open forum about any step that is troubling you - that way anyone who has free time can answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, I guess I just wanted to make sure I wasn't leaving anything to chance. Since the phone is a pretty penny, I didn't want to be screwed if I tried to root and somehow screwed up the phone.
I'll see if he responds in the next few days, if not, I'll give it a go.
thanks again!

sekellas said:
Thanks for that, I guess I just wanted to make sure I wasn't leaving anything to chance. Since the phone is a pretty penny, I didn't want to be screwed if I tried to root and somehow screwed up the phone.
I'll see if he responds in the next few days, if not, I'll give it a go.
thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's so easy, you'd be hard pressed to screw it up.
Step 1): Download the Samsung USB Drivers from their site
Step 2): Download the pre-rooted stock firmware from the previously listed link here at xda(make sure you get the 4.1 with root)
Step 3): Download ODIN
Step 4): Plug phone into PC and launch ODIN
Step 5): Click "PDA" and then browse to the firmware you downloaded
Step 6): Hit Flash.
Step 7): Wait, wait some more. Wait more.
Step 8): Watch phone reboot and sweat manically as its your first time and you think you've bricked your phone.
Step 9): Tinker like a madman when your phone comes back and you see its rooted.
Step 10 through ifiniti): Continue to tinker, eventually find rom manager and aftermarket roms. some good, some bad.
PM me if you want and I can walk you through it via IM or something. I can even throw you my rom, which is essentially stock with all the tmobile BS removed.

Awesome (Easy) walkthrough
osbosb said:
It's so easy, you'd be hard pressed to screw it up.
Step 1): Download the Samsung USB Drivers from their site
Step 2): Download the pre-rooted stock firmware from the previously listed link here at xda(make sure you get the 4.1 with root)
Step 3): Download ODIN
Step 4): Plug phone into PC and launch ODIN
Step 5): Click "PDA" and then browse to the firmware you downloaded
Step 6): Hit Flash.
Step 7): Wait, wait some more. Wait more.
Step 8): Watch phone reboot and sweat manically as its your first time and you think you've bricked your phone.
Step 9): Tinker like a madman when your phone comes back and you see its rooted.
Step 10 through ifiniti): Continue to tinker, eventually find rom manager and aftermarket roms. some good, some bad.
PM me if you want and I can walk you through it via IM or something. I can even throw you my rom, which is essentially stock with all the tmobile BS removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey osbob, thanks for that walkthrough... I wanted to make sure I was using the right pre-rooted stock firmware... would it be the
New! - October 2012 - 4.1.1 JellyBean
Note: This is based off of the stock image TMO T999UVDLJA
Perm Mirror: Download - root66_TMO_T999UVDLJA.7z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?
And then, if I need to send it back, I'd have to unroot the phone too, so I wanted to make sure I saved whatever I needed to. As for using yoru version without the bloatware, the bloatware doesn't bother me, since I use the Visual Voicemail, and the My Account features to manage the account for my wife and I. I just want to make sure I'm injecting the right stuff.
Thanks a lot for your help and the walkthrough above
Skot

sekellas said:
Hey osbob, thanks for that walkthrough... I wanted to make sure I was using the right pre-rooted stock firmware... would it be the ?
And then, if I need to send it back, I'd have to unroot the phone too, so I wanted to make sure I saved whatever I needed to. As for using yoru version without the bloatware, the bloatware doesn't bother me, since I use the Visual Voicemail, and the My Account features to manage the account for my wife and I. I just want to make sure I'm injecting the right stuff.
Thanks a lot for your help and the walkthrough above
Skot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Odin to return it to stock.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

sekellas said:
Hey osbob, thanks for that walkthrough... I wanted to make sure I was using the right pre-rooted stock firmware... would it be the ?
And then, if I need to send it back, I'd have to unroot the phone too, so I wanted to make sure I saved whatever I needed to. As for using yoru version without the bloatware, the bloatware doesn't bother me, since I use the Visual Voicemail, and the My Account features to manage the account for my wife and I. I just want to make sure I'm injecting the right stuff.
Thanks a lot for your help and the walkthrough above
Skot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perm Mirror: Download - root66_TMO_T999UVDLJA.7z <-- that's correct.
You can always run a debloated rom and then reinstall the tmobile specific stuff.

[Q] Rooting and ROM

Hello, this is the first time posting on this forum and relatively new on the android platform after jumping ship from blackberry. So, i have afew questions i hope you guys can help me with.
1. I heard/read alot regarding rooting to bring out the full potential of an android(s4) phone. What is the full advantage of rooting my phone? How does granting administrative access affect my phone performance?
2. I often see the jargon of bloatware on this forum, what does it exactly mean?
3. What is the function of ROM?
Sorry if these qns are repeated, please direct me to the answer if it is already present in the forum. thanks

1. Ans
2. Ans
3. Ans
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London

Rooting your phone gives you access to do anything you want ie (Apps 2 sd) that the phone dosent permit you to do.
A ROM is just a different feel, and its a faster alternative in upgrading your android ios. (S4 has touchwiz, can change it to Htc Sense)
Bloatware is a bunch of unnecessary apps that Carriers know youll never use but have it just cause. Its annoying and it takes up space. Rooting allows you to delete these apps, cause if its not you wont be able to remove it.
I hope this helped, ask again if you have any more questions.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it. When I look at some of the threads on rooting it just seems like a foreign language to me!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

mahgnillig said:
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London

nikufellow said:
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I looked at that and it seems straightforward, but I'm concerned about what to do after the actual root. Things like how to back the phone up in case I mess it up, how to delete things, how to add things. Also I find a lot of the terminology confusing... not quite sure what all the acronyms stand for either, like ODIN or CWM, or what each thing does exactly. This is the kind of thread which would be totally useful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028 (this one is for the Vibrant though, so I think a lot of it would be different on a different device?)
As far as the kernel... as far as I know nothing has been updated. I got the phone on the first day it came out so I'm assuming it doesn't have the latest kernel. How would you find out? Not even sure what the kernel is or what it does :\ I would like to find out though!

^^^then you might be on an earlier kernel version anyway trying to root by motochopper method won't brick your device even if it doesn't go successful so no worries.
ODIN is the same software that service centres use to revive your bricked device - as a matter of fact with Samsung drivers, a usb cable and stock rom downloaded from online sources like sammobile, you can revert almost any instances of soft brick. Simply saying ODIN will flash back factory/stock rom anfd make your device as it was when you bought it. And yeah flashing via ODIN and all are more or less same procedure for all Samsung devices
Cwm is a custom recovery. If you don't know what recovery means it might be worth googling for better understanding the concept as even my knowledge is limited and my explanations might fall short of your expectations
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" Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor"

with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?

Mami-dalous said:
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steps
#1. Locate GS4 box, place phone inside box.
#2. Return to store and get iPhone.
Serious tho. Best thing you can do is READ. SEARCH and READ. SEARCH and READ.
If you are unsure about something, READ again. Most questions have already been asked and answered.
If you find yourself lost......SEARCH and READ. Believe me this is this most useful advice you will ever get here.
Stuff is so easy now compared to when android 1st started. I remember rooting my G1 on a terminal prompt and installing recovery with wicked long commands. Now everything is automated and the hardest (NOT) part is reading the step by step instructions provided on almost every mod and tweak.
Welcome and goodluck !

[Q] SGH-1257M Rooting Questions

Hey there guys!
New to this site and the world of android modding and just bought myself a new S4 Mini from my cell carrier (FIDO). Im pretty tech savvy when it comes to computers and whatnot but i figured id do some research into it and found this site
Ive been reading on the forums and whatnot about rooting this phone but all i can seem to find are guides on the older GT-I9195 and 9190 moddels.
So i guess what my question is (and forgive me if its been asked a trillion times but im newb) is that is it possible to root this phone ,SGH-1257M, and still retain the same model number and all the features that comes with the phone ? and if so is there a CLEAR guide to doing so, i have cookies ;P (from what ive read it gets put as a GT-I9195 or 9190 and thats not what im looking for).
Im not worried about voiding my KNOX warranty as i have a plan with FIDO that offers replacement phones with no questions asked (water dmg etc) so if need be ill mess up the phone before i replace it.
Ive tried once using this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470173&page=7 from the guys suggestion at the bottom but once its done i keep getting TONS of KNOX notifications stating something is trying to access the system and its prevented it. Plus when i use root checker it says it has failed.
Im assuming this means try again but im just asking to be sure before i continue to flash my device lol. I have the stock rom for my device downloaded from Sammobile so if need be i can restore it to stock again (ive done that already once using odin) and start over.
Thanks in advance to anyone who helps a fellow modder out
Cheers!
ExiLe

Anyone!? I have the newest MK5 update btw. If i have to downgrade (if there is a possibility in doing so) i will do it. I really want to be able to get rid of all the bloatware and overclock etc. Thanks a ton!

ExiLeX420 said:
Anyone!? I have the newest MK5 update btw. If i have to downgrade (if there is a possibility in doing so) i will do it. I really want to be able to get rid of all the bloatware and overclock etc. Thanks a ton!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some info in this thread; see especially post #13 but read right to the end ...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2553463
I am complete noob on rooting, flashing, etc. I am hoping that someone will post instructions for SGH-I257M in detail, that a technically competent but noob to this process can follow. As it is now you have to go to a few different places, gather and analyze the procedures, understand as best you can, and take your chances.
If you do this please post your results, in detail.
The SGH-I257M is a Canadian model. I am in London ON. Are you nearby?

mdawdy said:
I am complete noob on rooting, flashing, etc. I am hoping that someone will post instructions for SGH-I257M in detail, that a technically competent but noob to this process can follow. As it is now you have to go to a few different places, gather and analyze the procedures, understand as best you can, and take your chances.
If you do this please post your results, in detail.
The SGH-I257M is a Canadian model. I am in London ON. Are you nearby?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man thanks for the reply. I have managed to root the phone successfully using the I9195 Method (For LTE) without flashing the kernel over (and therefore changing the phone model to I9195) and kept my sgh-i257m model number. Pretty sweet!
The only issue im having now is HORRIBLE battery drain occuring (I can literally watch it go down when im using the phone):victory:. I know flashing the I9195 kernel should in theory fix this but im afraid that if I do that ill never be able to get back to the sgh I257m model even if I have the stock rom (they are on sammobile).
If someone can confirm that I can indeed flash back to sgh model then ill gladly loose the features for better batter life! Otherwise I might just stick with an unrooted device for now and see if anything comes up soon

Possibly Figured It OUT!!!!
Ok so after a few days of playing around and reading a TON i think i have successfully figured out how to root the s4 mini SGH-i257m model and still retain that model number.
The steps are quite simple as you just follow the GT-i9195 rooting guide to the letter which can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2364980.
After rooting using this method you will indeed trip the KNOX flag so be sure to be aware of that BEFORE you continue.
Once I did that and checked with root checker app i was beyond excited. But pretty much right away I was plagued with battery drain issues from hell (i could watch it drain a % a minute at some points) but i was VERY wary about flashin the GT-i9195 kernel because i still wanted all the features my phone model added (i know im a stickler). But after only using my phone for 5 hrs total (most of it standby time in school) and having only 8 % left i could not deal
So i flashed the gt-i9195 kernel onto my phone, reboot and expected my phone to say gt-i9195 model but its still SGH-i257m!!!
So basically just follow the GT-i9195 root instructions and your good to go as far as i know. Even the battery issues seem to have disapeared
hope this helps out any other Canadian s4 Mini owners out there, as i know this was frustrating for me in the beginning.

If you were to install CyanogenMod 11's latest nightlies, you will still retain the model number thanks to arco68
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51398208

Whosat said:
If you were to install CyanogenMod 11's latest nightlies, you will still retain the model number thanks to arco68
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51398208
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah im now aware of that thanks to arco68 in another post actually , but thank you very much for linking it. Im going to install CM 11 now and hope i can solve all my current battery drain issues (they seem to have popped back up over night).
Thanks again for the reply