I am screwing around with my VS985 G3 but I have random / phantom screen touches and the top 20% of the screen doesn't register touches properly anymore. I just tried doing a factory reset thinking it might be software problem but it still seems to have the same issues (23C) when hard reset. Soooo, I am considering moving up to the G4, but the main thing I don't want to lose is the unlimited hotspot data since I still have the old unlimited plan and use it frequently as a hotspot for devices in the house. So I needed root to install the hotspot mod and want to make sure I can root any G4 I wind up purchasing.
What are the requirements for a rootable G4? Are there firmware versions that are not downgradable via kdz/tot method? Should I ask before purchase for a device that is on firmware XX or lower to ensure downgrade capability?
From what I understand the G4 is the end of the line for unlocked bootloader devices, correct? I don't have any other internet options at my location so the unlimited data through VZW is critical to me at this point thus I can't live w/out the root access on my device.
Any recommendations or help is appreciated!
Cheers,
-Scott
I was hoping someone could just advise about firmware level that allows downgrade? I am reading up on the G4 but not sure yet what version of firmware or > prevents downgrades. My preference would be to buy a phone I can downgrade to 13B and run a custom ROM. Now looking more closely at the "android development" forum for G4 I see there really aren't any custom ROMS for G4. Is this because G4 is a locked bootloader?
In the meantime I determined my G3 screen really does have a problem so ordered a replacement, so I'll try that since I was able to downgrade that to 10B and so should be able to keep that running with custom ROM's until I decide what I want to do to upgrade. I do see that hotspot mod is actually available on G4 with 13B root. I'm just concerned about buying a G4 which won't allow downgrade so hoping to get an answer about that.
The verizon G4 has a locked bootloader so no custom ROMs here, but you can certainly root. I just recently downgraded from the latest firmware to 13b rooted and as far as I know there is no firmware version that blocks downgrading via LGUP. However, If hardware problems is what your trying to avoid than stay far far away from the G4. It has a long history of hardware faults and I personally have lost 2 G4s due to hardware failure.
Thanks Justa. So it looks like I'm just better off sticking with the G3. So far the hardware has been fine, just hoping replacing the screen does the trick.
So I guess everything after the G3 has a locked boot loader?
Related
I've had a phone upgrade available to me for a while now and have had a very positive experience with the G3. I want to get a G4, but I'm not getting the impression that the VS986 has been all that easy to get things unlocked on. Before I throw down money on it, I'd like to get some more information about the status of some things that I haven't found a lot of clear information on in this forum:
1) Is their a way to root the most current OTA for it (i.e. the version of Android that would be on it if I walked into a Verizon store right now and bought one)?
2) If rooting is a thing, has anyone got Xposed working on it? With that, are there any must have modules for the G4 (similar to G3 TweaksBox)?
3) This one looks the least promising based on what I've seen here but is probably the most important: has anyone got custom recovery (preferably TWRP) working on the VS986? Don't want to mess around with it too much without having backups.
4) Are there any good ROMs for it? I've just been using a debloated version of the G3's stock ROM for quite a while now and wouldn't mind using something similar (although stepping out and trying an AOSP ROM would be cool, too)
Thanks in advanced.
1) + 2) is a yes (root is available, and xposed via flashfire)
3) + 4) a no go right now (at least for the Verizon version)
Ya, verizon bootloader has stayed locked. But if you keep an image on your internal drive, you should be ok to reflash. We are also waiting on a 13B KDZ incase things get bad and you don't have a good image on phone, but hopefully it won't be too much longer.
Edit: I really love the G4, especially after the 13B update. Fixed my touchscreen issues and feels snappier with a few other improvements. The one one one thing I wish it had was a fingerprint scanner. WTB V10's fingerprint scanner...
WrittenImprov said:
I've had a phone upgrade available to me for a while now and have had a very positive experience with the G3. I want to get a G4, but I'm not getting the impression that the VS986 has been all that easy to get things unlocked on. Before I throw down money on it, I'd like to get some more information about the status of some things that I haven't found a lot of clear information on in this forum:
1) Is their a way to root the most current OTA for it (i.e. the version of Android that would be on it if I walked into a Verizon store right now and bought one)?
2) If rooting is a thing, has anyone got Xposed working on it? With that, are there any must have modules for the G4 (similar to G3 TweaksBox)?
3) This one looks the least promising based on what I've seen here but is probably the most important: has anyone got custom recovery (preferably TWRP) working on the VS986? Don't want to mess around with it too much without having backups.
4) Are there any good ROMs for it? I've just been using a debloated version of the G3's stock ROM for quite a while now and wouldn't mind using something similar (although stepping out and trying an AOSP ROM would be cool, too)
Thanks in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader is still locked.
Just got the phone a few hours ago and want to root it and install Xposed. But I'm not sure what's the best path.
So far it seems like VS98610B is an old version nobody is using and that if I root it, I won't be able to upgrade in the future without breaking the phone, is that correct?
If I go to "Check for new system update" it asks if I want to update to 11A. From what I understand from this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64116024&postcount=362 is that I want to take the update, then after it installs that update, it should ask to update again to 13B? And that it is this 13B version that I root?
Am I able to unlock the bootloader on any of these versions? Why does it ask me to go to 11A instead of straight to 13B?
All I can say is that you are damn lucky and DO NOT update or flash a non 10B image of you have any desire to unlock the bootloader and use custom ROMs and such
DerekZ10 said:
Just got the phone a few hours ago and want to root it and install Xposed. But I'm not sure what's the best path.
So far it seems like VS98610B is an old version nobody is using and that if I root it, I won't be able to upgrade in the future without breaking the phone, is that correct?
If I got to "Check for new system update" it asks if I want to update to 11A. From what I understand from this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64116024&postcount=362 is that I want to take the update, then after it installs that update, it should ask to update again to 13B? And that it is this 13B version that I root?
Am I able to unlock the bootloader on any of these versions? Why does it ask me to go to 11A instead of straight to 13B?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just my opinion but holding for a bootloader unlock is pointless and no you can't unlock it on any version. I waited for a year for the note 4 to get root or unlocked and never did. As days pass it's less likely we will ever see it unlocked on the g4.
To root take the OTA and get to 13b then follow the root guide in the forums....with root, xposed, and a little debloat this phone is awesome!
Awesome.that's what I was looking for. If it's already been since june and nobody has cracked it, that's not looking too good. My only worry now is why it's not taking me straight to 13b? It will take me to 13b after 11a right?
Also where is a good up-to-date root thread? There's nothing stickied.
If someone is on the verge of cracking the bootloader, how do I root this version so I can holdout, without killing my ability to upgrade in the future?
I'm also really interested in getting the fm radio working.that was one of the deciding factors when getting the phone. I did not know that Verizon crippled it.
EDIT: Also what's the benefit to upgrading? 10B is already android 5.1 so what is gained?
DerekZ10 said:
I'm also really interested in getting the fm radio working.that was one of the deciding factors when getting the phone. I did not know that Verizon crippled it.
EDIT: Also what's the benefit to upgrading? 10B is already android 5.1 so what is gained?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never ran on 10B, so I don't know what benefits there were going to 11, however, 11 to 13b saw major improvements to touch responsiveness for most people (I never had touch issues on my phone, so I don't know on that count, but maybe I just never noticed); I also found that the phone performs a lot better and the battery lasts a bit more.
ericralph said:
All I can say is that you are damn lucky and DO NOT update or flash a non 10B image of you have any desire to unlock the bootloader and use custom ROMs and such
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rumored unlocked bootloader is vaporware. There has been no update on the status of it, especially for the Verizon variant. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/general/unlock-unofficial-bootloader-unlock-t3222737
I've already considered of foregoing the mythical v0 unlock bootloader (VS98610B firmware, aka 10B) and move up to VS98613B rooted to enjoy all the fixes to the phone. No point of waiting any longer without any updates.
I know the Verizon variant of the G2 was different from the others, and from what I've read about this G4 and the Verizon Variant; it has its similar but differences to the others as well? I posted a screen shot of how i received my new phone right off the bat.
Root: I saw the only? root method was a .kdz flash of the 11A? Is this the ONLY way? Because my phone arrived on the 26A which i see most of you talking about just recently getting this update?
Boot loader: Its LOCKED up tight?? So their is no Custom Recovery such as TWRP correct??
Xposed: Xposed can be installed; IF you have obtained root.....
Is this info correct? Only one root method for VS986? and the etc above??
Is their any other important MUST KNOW info on this G4 in general and the VS986 specifically??
Thank you guys.. Hope to CATCH up and master this like the G2..
**PS** I will contribute to the Bootloader Bounty, Ill head over to that thread when i get home tonight....
So yeah the Verizon version of the phone is different compared to the International version. Our bootloader is locked and will likely remain so. This means that if you're running Android 6.0 (and you are with 26A) that means you cannot root the phone nor can you use a custom recovery. This phone is getting a bit old so I wouldn't count on ever seeing the bootloader unlocked.
I had rooted the device last year using the only root method that has been available so far. Root "injection" is what they called it, I believe. Once rooted there is a way to get Xposed framework on there too. From what I've read here on the forums there is a way to downgrade your phone to the older version in order to use the root injection technique. For me it wasn't really worth it though because I felt the upgrade to Android 6 was worth giving up root for.
The phone is pretty much dead. I know Verizon stopped selling it, supposedly due to issues, and I believe AT&T did as well.
You can downgrade to 13B using LGUP.
You can use Debloater on 26A to freeze all the Verizon nonsense.
On last thing. The bootloops is real.
fr4nk1yn said:
The phone is pretty much dead. I know Verizon stopped selling it, supposedly due to issues, and I believe AT&T did as well.
You can downgrade to 13B using LGUP.
You can use Debloater on 26A to freeze all the Verizon nonsense.
On last thing. The bootloops is real.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine just boot looped yesterday too, unbelievable. I am pretty sure this is why Verizon stopped selling the phone, failure rate was just too high. Looks like most of the early model G4s will fail due to this.
Yeah. Get rid of this phone. Can't do anything with it. I ditched it after a month.
robles4242 said:
I know the Verizon variant of the G2 was different from the others, and from what I've read about this G4 and the Verizon Variant; it has its similar but differences to the others as well? I posted a screen shot of how i received my new phone right off the bat.
Root: I saw the only? root method was a .kdz flash of the 11A? Is this the ONLY way? Because my phone arrived on the 26A which i see most of you talking about just recently getting this update?
Boot loader: Its LOCKED up tight?? So their is no Custom Recovery such as TWRP correct??
Xposed: Xposed can be installed; IF you have obtained root.....
Is this info correct? Only one root method for VS986? and the etc above??
Is their any other important MUST KNOW info on this G4 in general and the VS986 specifically??
Thank you guys.. Hope to CATCH up and master this like the G2..
**PS** I will contribute to the Bootloader Bounty, Ill head over to that thread when i get home tonight....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
www.youtube.com/lasertechcomputers
i have a playlist of the LGG4 if you wanna root or want to know somthing i have it there
G4 is like a desert!
fr4nk1yn said:
The phone is pretty much dead. I know Verizon stopped selling it, supposedly due to issues, and I believe AT&T did as well.
You can downgrade to 13B using LGUP.
You can use Debloater on 26A to freeze all the Verizon nonsense.
On last thing. The bootloops is real.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. So there's basically no Roms for this phone because the bootloader can't be unlocked in order to install them? And that's why there are only a couple of threads in the Verizon G4 development forum?
I love both of my $1 G4 phones from BestBuy. Yes I have had the boot loop problem but Best Buy handled it nicely. I believe the bootloader being locked does not stop custom ROMs as the boot loader was locked on the G2 and G3 as well wasn't it? As for customizing the G4 I have mine running beautifully. Debloated and modded with Xposed. I do agree that it is sketchy working without a real recovery and backup being a moment away at all times. For me, I'm going to use my Verizon G4 until it lets me down, but for now I love it.
Bill720 said:
Wow. So there's basically no Roms for this phone because the bootloader can't be unlocked in order to install them? And that's why there are only a couple of threads in the Verizon G4 development forum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no time for shenanigans
trxrider31 said:
I love both of my $1 G4 phones from BestBuy. Yes I have had the boot loop problem but Best Buy handled it nicely. I believe the bootloader being locked does not stop custom ROMs as the boot loader was locked on the G2 and G3 as well wasn't it? As for customizing the G4 I have mine running beautifully. Debloated and modded with Xposed. I do agree that it is sketchy working without a real recovery and backup being a moment away at all times. For me, I'm going to use my Verizon G4 until it lets me down, but for now I love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm probably going to just either jump back to a compatible G3 or ahead to a Moto X Pure Edition when it comes time to upgrade next spring. I don't have time for these Verizon shenanigans anymore.
If I buy this phone, and plan to root it, can I root it reliably. I have only rooted a device with the Android Debug Bridge. Are all of the root methods reliable, and will they work 100% after a few attempts. And can I restore it to older versions in order to root at any point in time? So, to sum it up, will the root always work? And will is their a chance of a unrootable device?
Depends of which model number your g3 is. I am pretty new to rooting but i didn't have any trouble rooting my g3. D855 is my g3
Go for the D855 Model.
Great ROM support,easy rooting,great performance for now.
While in recent days rooting might add a few extra steps, you should be fine, especially with the D855 variant.
Some root methods don't work now, there are other new ones. You can upgrade and downgrade, but there are some minor limitations as I can remember.
Should be good with a D855 really.
I'm planning to buy a used G3 for my parents.
I plan to root and install custom recoveries and roms for them but I read of some people having their phone locked by the kill switch after downgrading from stock LP to KK.
I currently own a G3 but I never had any issues with kill switch when I flashed. Did I just get lucky, or am I missing something about the kill switch needing to be activated beforehand (on stock) to cause issues later down the line during the downgrading process?
What do I have to watch for when buying a used phone?
Also is there a particular version the phone should be on, or can all versions of stock (LP, MM etc) can be downgraded?