Hello all!
My name is Bruce, and I’m a new android user. Although I bought my Sprint Samsung Epic 4g Touch (E4GT) back in October, I still call myself a n00b because I joined the army being a switcher from Apple. The reason I left iOS is because I felt the OS got stagnant, and wanted to try something new. I also hated having to wait for jailbreaking tools from the dev teams and so forth, to make my iOS device worthwhile.
So here I am, I have my E4GT and I want ICS. I’ve been reading countless sites trying to figure out how to get it. But I’m scared of hard bricking my phone in the process. First, lemme give you my phone details.
I have a stock Sprint E4GT Model # SPH-D710. Running Android Version 2.3.6 on Baseband S710.10. S.EL29. It also uses Hardware version D710.10. It’s never been rooted or modded in any form or fashion. Totally stock besides the updates sprint pushes out.
I am a Mac user running a Macbook Pro (Mid 2010) on OSX 10.7.4; though I have access to a PC running Windows Vista if needed.
When it comes to android definitions such as ‘root’, ‘flash’, etc. I’m still somewhat n00b. I have a somewhat average understanding of what each one does, but I’m still mediocre at best on the definitions. As a matter of fact, I just learned yesterday what Kies is, with my cousin upgrading his t-mobile galaxy s2. I discovered it’s like a version of iTunes (correct me if I’m wrong) but for the E4GT or Samsung devices?
So why am I here? Well to be honest… I want ICS like everyone else on here does (and which most of you probably already have). But I’m still a n00b to android and don’t want to hardbrick my device. I know the chances are low if I can follow instructions well, but here’s my problem. I’ve read so many different forums and threads, and watched tons of youtube videos on how to root, and flash roms, etc. I don’t know where to begin. It’s all a big jumble in my head. :-(
So here’s what I’m asking. I’m asking my fellow android users for some guidance. I want an awesome ICS rom that is stable enough and won’t brick my phone. I also want one that is closer to the real android ICS, and that junk Samsung puts out that is more gingerbread than ICS based.
I was hoping someone can lay out a short answer to guides that can help me root, and install a custom rom stripped of all the Samsung bloatware. Also, if you can point me to a guide with links to the files that I need, and most of all… in which order I should do it in. E.g. root first or flash rom, or something else?
Lastly, and I feel this is important. Like I stated, I don’t have access to a windows computer, and that’s fine, I can use my family’s PC like I stated earlier, but the one thing I think you should be aware of is the brick bug and chipset.
I ran the gotbrickbug-v1.1apk on this thread which starts here
http://www.droiddog.com/android-blo...ynos-family-of-phones-sii-and-note-brick-bug/
and directs to the apk on this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1693704
And I’m sad to say that it indicated that the verdict for mine was “DANGER! This eMMC chip is *KNOWN* to have the brick bug !
In closing, should I be thinking of flashing a rom with the above known brickbug issue? Or should I wait?
I know this is REALLY long, but I just wanted to be thorough when seeking the help of the community. If anyone has any ideas on how to safely upgrade my phone even with the above brickbug effecting my phone, or if I should wait, or what course of action I should take… please let me know.
I appreciate everyone who might have read this, and hope to become an active member of this community.
Thank you again.
- Bruce
P.S. I read the E4GT wiki at the top of thread, and it did have answers. But I was hoping someone could offer a more specific answer to my questions. Particularly the brick bug. Thank you all again!
Easy answer, only flash roms and stuff from EL29 rom with EL26 kernel. Yes, it means it's harder to preserve data, but you will preserve your phone. Read the directions slowly. Not being condescending, but even I will miss a step rushing through at times. Use Qbking77's videos. He takes the time to make them so you don't have to have issues. Feel free to join our forum where he and any of us can help in an environment where you don't have to worry about getting flamed or ridiculed if XDA requires a thicker skin than you're used to. Otherwise, feel free to ask questions. It took me 8 months to first root and rom my Old Epic.
Hey Bruce I think we all got the Danger message. Just be smart and if a developer has directions then follow them. I've probably flashed this phone a hundred times in 5 months and many others have flashed a lot more. If there is a doubt then don't flash, read, watch, ask first. Here is some required reading http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525495
Basically the easiest safest place to start with an ICS rom would be with one of sfhubs one clicks. Here is the most recent http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1705730
Next when you are ready to update your kernel use this (Option D for ICS kernels) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1342728
After you play with the stock ICS for a bit then start poking around the various roms. There are lots of options. Based on recent comments I would stay away from AOKP and CM9 as a noob.
My order of event
1. Nandroid current setup
2. One click to EL29 rooted
3. Use sftools to push EL26 cwm by Chrisg41
4. Flash new modem
5. Reboot
6. Wipe using Calk full wipe
7. Flash desired ROM
8. Odin agat recovery (touchwiz roms only)
9. Flash inverted apps
10. Rebuild and debloat as desired
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
I know it has already been mentioned, but qbking77 has the best videos for a noob. Going to ICS is usually safe. Going back to gingerbread or switching between ICS roms is where you can easily get into trouble. Go to qbkings YouTube page and watch the videos.
Then watch them again.
Then watch them AGAIN.
specifically the ones about using mobile Odin. Personally I recommend rujelus22's blu kuban . Watch the install video and follow step by step and you will be fine. Just be patient and you will learn a lot by doing. If you are unsure,ask before doing something. This is a great community and everyone is very willing to help. Just ask.
Sent from my ridiculously long named phone while firing up a Blu Kuban ---
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch
It took me over 5 months to root and flash my E4GT when I got it. I agree with these 2 guys that you should watch QBKing77's videos. He is very helpful with his reviews as well as install instructions. Not sure which Rom to flash ? Watch his reviews and see which one appeals to you most. Once you find your desired rom he will give you step by step instructions on how to do so. Also, mobile odin, I dont use mobile Odin ... there is just something about it that does not sit well with me ... I always use a normal Odin3 v1.85 .. I am running the AOKP rom and I absolutely love it. I would like you to be aware that almost all ICS roms are still buggy and you may need some work arounds i.e. MMS, Video recorder, Voicemail etc. but if you follow the threads the questions are always asked and solutions are always posted. I flashed AOKP build 39 last night and the MMS was not functional. By this afternoon, there was a work around posted and MMS is fully functional. What I have noticed is that in most roms your video recorder will not record in HD. But 480p SD will work just fine.
You should not be scared, but be careful. Always read and follow instructions EXACTLY and do not deviate. I would also suggest that you do not preserve your data as a fresh clean install always works best. Best of luck.
Use sfhub's autoroot packages to root (root just means giving yourself elevated permission levels that are usually blocked by the phone company) your phone. then use his other package that automatically installs CWM to your phone. Use this stock CWM5 (for EL26 or EL29) to flash an ICS ROM. Make sure it is stock... so the hat and the cog or whatever are both there as the logo. Don't use Rogue Recovery or anything custom to flash.
Bruce, I'm gonna take the time to write out as much as possibly can to help you, through a private message when I get the chance to do so on a computer. It may be a day or 2 before I can because I've got a pretty busy schedule the next couple days, but I assure you, by the end of our conversation, you will have as much of an understanding of all the lingo and knowledge as I do. The best advice to give to you, or anybody, is to be VERY PATIENT with everything that you do. As far as the gotbrickbug app, yes, all of us have it. Just don't be hasty with anything, and don't be afraid to ask when you are unsure of anything no matter how "n00b" are or aren't.
You'll be hearing from me soon.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
We were all noobs once. Post your questions, because I guarantee there is someone else looking for the sane answer who is to scared to ask. And don't worry if its been asked before. People get too damn touchy about the search feature.
Sent from my ridiculously long named phone while firing up a Blu Kuban ---
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch
First off, I would like to thank ALL of you for the amazing, helpful info that you provided me. I am very grateful to all of you for taking the time to read my post and provide excellent feedback.
In regards to the brick bug, I'm now feel reassured in moving forward with upgrading my phone, and putting the worry of the brick bug behind me. I will still follow through with everyones advice in reading the directions carefully and re-reading them, and re-re-reading the posts and instructions to avoid hard bricking my E4GT.
A special thank you is in order to peanut1596; for when you take the time to write me a private message to assist me in the best method of upgrading my phone to ICS. Your effort and time will not go overlooked.
From here on out, I'm going to take everyones advice, and look into the you tube vids that you have suggested, and watch them multiple times before proceeding.
Thank you all for also making me aware of the possible problems I might experience, such as problems with MMS, video recording in more than 420p, etc.
Again, many thanks to everyone on here for all their feedback. I can't say it enough, you all have my sincere gratitude in making me feel welcome to this community, and I hope that in the future... I will be able to pay it forward to someone else in need.
If anyone has any more advice, I sincerely look forward to reading it. I appreciate all help and will keep everyone posted on any roadblocks I run into. Before I update my phone, I will post a new thread on what my plan of action is, and hope I can get the final "go" on if my plan is prudent from the community.
Thank you all again, I sincerely appreciate it.
Check your PMs
Okay first of all hi this is my first time here so I apologize if this has already been posted (most likely has..).
I'm not a very patient person when It comes through reading forum threads hours after I've woken up.
Anyways~ on to my question.
I am looking into purchasing my very first Android (yay!) so of course I've done very extensive (sorta) research on the different OS versions and phones. I've come to decide that I am mostly interested in the new-ish ICS version of Android OS, however I am on a very tight budget for phone buying (I'm talkin' non-smartphone prices here...). I have decided to go the roundabout way and get an older (cheaper) phone off of ebay and root it to get the OS I want.
Now here's where I need some help, I am mostly interested in the Huawei U8652 (aka at&t's Fusion) and HTC Mytouch 4G Slide (PB65100). I would like the ICS ROM for either (preferably both :good and the Stock file in case I mess this all up.
Any pointers, links, and/or guides would be of great help! :laugh: and I will definitely credit you if it works without a hitch :good:
Please note that I will not even attempt anything until I have located the stock files so I dont end up with a dead phone.
Thank you so much for reading, and in advance for your help. :victory:
Side note: I am also open to advice on better phones that are not as new that would be better than the two I am looking at. My basic needs in a phone are a good camera, decent speed concerning apps, and wifi (of course). I am not a very patient person so laggy/glitchy/buggy phones are not welcome, thanks! :good:
me too..same question
I am currently using the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and I love the phone. I also for a time now have been learning a lot about what can be done with cell phones from XDA for a time. I have to say that I find the information you all post to be invaluable in terms of troubleshooting problems with cell phones and presenting solid arguments when dealing with AT&T. So believe me when I say that I find what all of you do here to be special and helpful. Anyway, I weigh the pros and cons of rooting a device all of the time. From to time, someone presents a solution which does not require rooting and so I hold off, so as not to cancel my warranty with AT&T because of rooting. That being said, there have been multiple methods presented on XDA as to how to get the Sense Live Wallpaper but for many of these options rooting was necessary and multiple suggestions for launchers were given to utilize the wallpaper. I have been waiting for a long while for someone to post a "No Root" version and figured someone within XDA would be the ones to do it. Have you all posted a no root signed version of this APK for usage on any android device? I would be very grateful to be pointed in the right direction to obtaining a copy of it. I have seen the "Sensus" version in the Market but this clearly is not the same. Rooting the device does not always make the ported for root versions work, so I would be very interested in any help you all can provide. Thank you.
veritasuser said:
I am currently using the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and I love the phone. I also for a time now have been learning a lot about what can be done with cell phones from XDA for a time. I have to say that I find the information you all post to be invaluable in terms of troubleshooting problems with cell phones and presenting solid arguments when dealing with AT&T. So believe me when I say that I find what all of you do here to be special and helpful. Anyway, I weigh the pros and cons of rooting a device all of the time. From to time, someone presents a solution which does not require rooting and so I hold off, so as not to cancel my warranty with AT&T because of rooting. That being said, there have been multiple methods presented on XDA as to how to get the Sense Live Wallpaper but for many of these options rooting was necessary and multiple suggestions for launchers were given to utilize the wallpaper. I have been waiting for a long while for someone to post a "No Root" version and figured someone within XDA would be the ones to do it. Have you all posted a no root signed version of this APK for usage on any android device? I would be very grateful to be pointed in the right direction to obtaining a copy of it. I have seen the "Sensus" version in the Market but this clearly is not the same. Rooting the device does not always make the ported for root versions work, so I would be very interested in any help you all can provide. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search for Skyweather in playstore,you will find it(with a moon icon in night sky)
Not sure if this is allowed or if any knowledgeable dev would be willing! I would gladly trade my old HTC EVO 3D and a HTC HD2 (with Android) for personal help rooting and putting the best custom ROM on my T-mobile Galaxy S4 m919. I have only ever rooted a device once and I do not feel comfortable rooting this device. Understand that I will do the work, I just need step by step for dummies. And maybe fb chat or sms support. And possibly a link to the files. I've read several posts and they tend to get quite a bit confusing.
I would like the most recent ROM with microSD read/write capabilities and everything else working as it should. Although I have rooted a device before (successfully), I don't feel comfortable doing it by myself again. Since T-mobile ruined my GS4 with KitKat 4.4.4 and the 5.0 they plan to release doesn't seem to fix the sd issue, I figured root was the only way to go.
On my word, I will mail these phones out upon successful root and custom ROM! If your interested, please email me at [email protected].
NO BRICKING PLEASE! But Givin the experience of most devs and chefs, I'm not too worried there. I figure I'm the only one who would cause that. (I'm good at following instructions to a tee).
If this us not allowed, I'm sorry, feel free to delete.
Thank you,
Don
doncota said:
Not sure if this is allowed or if any knowledgeable dev would be willing! I would gladly trade my old HTC EVO 3D and a HTC HD2 (with Android) for personal help rooting and putting the best custom ROM on my T-mobile Galaxy S4 m919. I have only ever rooted a device once and I do not feel comfortable rooting this device. Understand that I will do the work, I just need step by step for dummies. And maybe fb chat or sms support. And possibly a link to the files. I've read several posts and they tend to get quite a bit confusing.
I would like the most recent ROM with microSD read/write capabilities and everything else working as it should. Although I have rooted a device before (successfully), I don't feel comfortable doing it by myself again. Since T-mobile ruined my GS4 with KitKat 4.4.4 and the 5.0 they plan to release doesn't seem to fix the sd issue, I figured root was the only way to go.
On my word, I will mail these phones out upon successful root and custom ROM! If your interested, please email me at [email protected].
NO BRICKING PLEASE! But Givin the experience of most devs and chefs, I'm not too worried there. I figure I'm the only one who would cause that. (I'm good at following instructions to a tee).
If this us not allowed, I'm sorry, feel free to delete.
Thank you,
Don
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See ROLL-UP STICKY THREAD for GUIDEs, INFO, Indexes by KennyG123
[FAQ] [REF] [GUIDE] Welcome to your device, T-Mobile Galaxy S4 (SGH-M919)
This thread will be moved to T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting
Just sent you an email.
Sent u a couple back. Thanks!
Pleasantly surprised
I didn't think I was going to get the assistance I was looking for. But one Senior Member stepped up immediately and went above and beyond my expectations! I knew there was a reason I joined xda-developers.com so long ago! It's refreshing to know that this website is full of members that are willing to step up and help out us, technologically challenged, and don't keep their knowledge to themselves. Thanks brian117. look forward to when I can return the favor for some other NooB!
Guys, Most of my questions are getting ignored. I am hoping it's because no one has an answer and not just because those that have answers choose to not answer my question for whatever reason. Although a couple questions should be easy answers for people. Just not easy for me. LOL
In any event, I want to Develop for the Galaxy S6 EDGE. I am wondering how I set up an EDGE emulator in Android Studio.
If I can't, is there a better Program to develop with that does have an S6 EDGE emulator?
Once I get that question answered, I would like to know if I can make a copy of my stock ROM, and port it in to whatever tool I will be using to develop with.
Answers to these questions (Even if it's a Google Link and you telling me to go here and read, so long as the page I land on does indeed answer the questions) would be GREATLY appreciated. More appreciated than just people who come in, Look, and then go out.
Thanks All!!
Judging from your post count I can see that your just getting started here, now if you take time to read all the threads concerning the S6 & S6EDGE you can see that the development here is at a snails pace.
The main reason is that this phone is a whole different creature as compared to all other android phones before it, and anything that worked before doesn't work the same way now when it comes to developing on this platform ( 64 bit as compared to 32 bit operating systems ) as it did in the past.
The programs you refer to may not even be updated as of yet to work with the new operating system let alone the Samsung security that's been implemented on the S6e that can brick your phone with FRP turning your phone into an expensive paperweight.
This android is a whole new recipe with a lack of ingredients that devs are having trouble finding.
Don't think your been ignored, it's just that not to much is going on here and it may be a while before new technology comes along that can make development what it used to be.
Read more.
Pp.
Thanks for the response Pancho, I realize this is a whole different beast to work with. I was posting my questions because I do see some development going on so I was hoping the Devs responsible for what has been done, would step up and answer my questions.
That being said tho, 1 question does remain that should be answerable (and that I've asked but was never responded to), can A Rom posted here, be downloaded to a computer and then imported into Android Studio (Or another Android Dev Program). If it's able to be imported into Android Studio, I should then be able to fire up an emulator with that rom loaded and work on it.
Make no mistake tho, I do NOT plan on KANGING anything. I have 2 reasons for why I want to know this information.
1. Because I'd like to see what a rom looks like in action before I put it on my phone (I don't like flashing and reflashing and reflashing ect...)
2. I can see how another developer did what did and as such learn from it. I learn by deconstructing so to speak.
I would research Android Studio and find there forum or website and go from there, I never heard of it and don't know if the "one" developer here even uses it, but the only input your going to get is from someone who uses the program.
Try YouTube, maybe someone's posted a video or tutorial on how to use this or similar programs.
Also if you go to the "Android Development & Hacking" section in the main forum you may find what your looking for.
Google is your friend. :sly:
Pp.