Can I downgrade from 4.3 to 4.2.2? - Galaxy S 4 Active Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys. I recently got an S4 active off of craigslist, but it has 4.3 so I can't root and unlock it! Is it possible to downgrade back to 4.2.2? If so, could someone point me to a guide? I'm really worried about accidentally bricking this or something, since there doesn't seem to be much online about the S4 Active. Thanks guys.

thejellydude said:
Hi guys. I recently got an S4 active off of craigslist, but it has 4.3 so I can't root and unlock it! Is it possible to downgrade back to 4.2.2? If so, could someone point me to a guide? I'm really worried about accidentally bricking this or something, since there doesn't seem to be much online about the S4 Active. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't try it. Pretty much, since you're already on 4.3, you're pretty much stuck there.

thelegendary4801 said:
I wouldn't try it. Pretty much, since you're already on 4.3, you're pretty much stuck there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I guess I should just wait around, and hope that a new root/unlock comes out? I've used Odin to downgrade my S3, but I don't know if it's as safe on an S4 Active.

thejellydude said:
So I guess I should just wait around, and hope that a new root/unlock comes out? I've used Odin to downgrade my S3, but I don't know if it's as safe on an S4 Active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If 4.3 upgrade is anything like the previous upgrade experience I had - they locked the phone to the 4.3 version

thejellydude said:
So I guess I should just wait around, and hope that a new root/unlock comes out? I've used Odin to downgrade my S3, but I don't know if it's as safe on an S4 Active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
popfan said:
If 4.3 upgrade is anything like the previous upgrade experience I had - they locked the phone to the 4.3 version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yepp, I would just wait, although it's not guaranteed. This phone is so heavily locked down it's ridiculous.

That's a huge disappointment. I even had the guy I bought it from try and get an unlock code, but AT&T won't give one to him. Hopefully something works out.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but what would be the harm in trying to flash the MF1 pre-release? From everything I read if it's not going to work then the installer will just fail to install anything and shouldn't brick your device. If something does go wrong and it messes up your device, we now have the Odin package to get back to ML2. As a last resort you could always go to Best Buy and try to get them to reflash the device to MF3.
I know that people were able to flash between MI2 (4.3) and MF1 (4.2.2) no problem, they were even able to obtain root on MI2 so maybe there's a way to downgrade from ML2 to MI2 to MF1. I have no idea if it would work, and odds are it won't but it seems like it's worth a try.

Devo7v said:
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but what would be the harm in trying to flash the MF1 pre-release? From everything I read if it's not going to work then the installer will just fail to install anything and shouldn't brick your device. If something does go wrong and it messes up your device, we now have the Odin package to get back to ML2. As a last resort you could always go to Best Buy and try to get them to reflash the device to MF3.
I know that people were able to flash between MI2 (4.3) and MF1 (4.2.2) no problem, they were even able to obtain root on MI2 so maybe there's a way to downgrade from ML2 to MI2 to MF1. I have no idea if it would work, and odds are it won't but it seems like it's worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all has to do with the bootloader. I've bricked my note 2 trying to downgrade. Sometimes it would fail, others it would proceed with the flash and fail afterwards. The phone wouldn't boot up, I've tried many things to get it back working with no success. So I then got this phone and I'm not even going to attempt to downgrade. Up to you, though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Related

[Q] Is it possible to update if you flashed a different stock rom?

Hi!
Is it possible? I just bought a white Note Open Line but didn't noticed that it was released from India, My Blue one came from Singapore and already getting official update while the white one did not. Now my question is If I flash a stock ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424997&page=3, would I be able to get an official update OTA? I wanna change the firmware the same as the blue one.
Many Thanks!
If you flash new firmware like LA4 you can't update using Kies .
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
ranjan.alva said:
If you flash new firmware like LA4 you can't update using Kies .
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying! I update mine over the air. Currently I'm on KL2, if I change the white note with KL2 same as mine will I be able to download updates over the air if there is new update? Or if I flash any of the stock rom even if there's an update I won't be able download official update over the air?
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
bratboo said:
Thanks for replying! I update mine over the air. Currently I'm on KL2, if I change the white note with KL2 same as mine will I be able to download updates over the air if there is new update? Or if I flash any of the stock rom even if there's an update I won't be able download official update over the air?
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will get updates. find the latest update available for your region then flash it.
What if your phone is rooted?
I would like to know if OTA updates are possible if you have rooted it. I gather from my experience in the past that you cannot. My phone now fails to connect to the server.
TBH, it is not a drama form me, I have no lag, and the phone seems to work brilliantly, apart from battery life. I had to root in order to get even reasonable battery life, as the bloatware was killing it.
The other issue is, as far as I can tell, we cannot get root access for stock LA4 OTA updates. Is this true, and can anyone say why? Of course, I may have that completely wrong.
Generally, after my attempt at using the Note without root for a month, I prefer root to a new ROM, at least until ICS. Even then, I think I'll wait until the bugs are ironed out, and then get an update that is rootable.
---------- Post added at 09:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 AM ----------
OK, I have just read another of dr.ketan's most excellent and informative posts, and I think I can see the answer.
Real soon now, I'll have enough information and courage (and enough time) to start flashing custom roms at will!
After rooting phone you wont get OTA updates. and no warranty.
ranjan.alva said:
After rooting phone you wont get OTA updates. and no warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know many people in this forum who continue to have updates OTA with rooted phones.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
You may get OTA after root,Only if you have selected right ROM for your region.
But remember if you update with OTA, you will lose Root. And now a days newer update is non rootable. so you cant root it again after update.
dr.ketan said:
You may get OTA after root,Only if you have selected right ROM for your region.
But remember if you update with OTA, you will lose Root. And now a days newer update is non rootable. so you cant root it again after update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this info! I just found out that my white note came from Samsung India and from what I heard they update pretty long. I won't mind if I will lose the root after as long as I got the white one the same firmware with my blue one so they will update at the same time. Thanks again!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
What is the overall strategy for someone like me who is not intending (yet) to flash
dr.ketan said:
You may get OTA after root,Only if you have selected right ROM for your region.
But remember if you update with OTA, you will lose Root. And now a days newer update is non rootable. so you cant root it again after update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for that, but what is the overall strategy for someone like me who is not intending (yet) to flash ROMs? Should I wait until an OTA ROM is rootable, then unroot, get an OTA update, and the root again? Or should I go the whole hog and start flashing stock ROMs instead.
I am not (yet) talking about flashing custom ROMs. All I want is root access and the stock ROM.
BTW, I sincerely appreciate the time you personally have spent helping all of us with an enormous range of issues on this and related matters. I run my own support forums for a particular software product (which I was involved with writing) and I understand very well how much time and effort is involved with keeping up this level of support.
One thing i like to say what is wrong to update it manually rather then OTA?
OTA is the choice, who dont care Root. If you like to Root your device, just forget OTA, there is no guarranty wat thing when gets available, just try to use your device in best way with watever available right Now.
I dont see near future someone find out a method to root latest Or each n every ROM. this is hide n seek game, if someone find it, samsung will patch that thing in next update. so it become non usable.
What i believe is get Root n CWM/Mobile Odin Pro. Install any ROM, you like to try with Rooting function active. If you dont like just change it. Itz just simple.
Root also get you facility to keep Backup of your data n all.
dr.ketan said:
One thing i like to say what is wrong to update it manually rather then OTA?
OTA is the choice, who dont care Root. If you like to Root your device, just forget OTA, there is no guarranty wat thing when gets available, just try to use your device in best way with watever available right Now.
I dont see near future someone find out a method to root latest Or each n every ROM. this is hide n seek game, if someone find it, samsung will patch that thing in next update. so it become non usable.
What i believe is get Root n CWM/Mobile Odin Pro. Install any ROM, you like to try with Rooting function active. If you dont like just change it. Itz just simple.
Root also get you facility to keep Backup of your data n all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 .. Totally agreed..
jeromepearce said:
Should I wait until an OTA ROM is rootable, then unroot, get an OTA update, and the root again? Or should I go the whole hog and start flashing stock ROMs instead.
I am not (yet) talking about flashing custom ROMs. All I want is root access and the stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C'mon, mate, you're an Aussie: since when do the Aussies let others decide what they should or shouldn't do? You're going to wait for Samsung to let you have what you need when they see fit? Or are you going to take it yourself when and how you want?
Rooting is the way to go for the most people around here. That way you:
1. get the newest updates only a couple of days after they are released (good people in Dev section need just a day or two to let you download new stock Roms, already rooted)
2. get to play with lots of custom Roms out there - it's such fun, you wouldn't believe
3. get to backup your phone - system and data both - so you are safe to play on without fear that something bad is going to happen: you always have your backups to fall back on if it does
4. get to test various kernels, themes, rooted apps and whatnot to your heart's content
5. get enormous fun doing all of the above
Just follow the first link in DrKetan's signiture, read carefully, follow the instructions to the letter, and you'll never look back.
OK, I am getting the message
chasmodo said:
C'mon, mate, you're an Aussie: since when do the Aussies let others decide what they should or shouldn't do? You're going to wait for Samsung to let you have what you need when they see fit? Or are you going to take it yourself when and how you want?
Rooting is the way to go for the most people around here.
...
Just follow the first link in DrKetan's signiture, read carefully, follow the instructions to the letter, and you'll never look back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I am getting the message
BTW, I'm not just an Aussie, I'm an Aussie By Choice! Took me 10 years to get citizenship because my wife is disabled and they kept refusing us based on that (it went to the minister in the end). So, no, I definitely do not let others decide what I can and cannot do!
chasmodo said:
Just follow the first link in DrKetan's signiture, read carefully, follow the instructions to the letter, and you'll never look back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen - this is all you need to know. Don't worry about getting updates from Samsung... your in better hands here.

Upgrading to CM12.1

If I upgrade to CM12.1 and, for some reason, don't like it, can I revert back to 4.4.2, or will I need to revert back to 5.0?
Thanks!
slicetwo said:
If I upgrade to CM12.1 and, for some reason, don't like it, can I revert back to 4.4.2, or will I need to revert back to 5.0?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With locked bootloader u not going be able to put cm on your phone. But if u do get cm loaded let us all know. Cause that mean we have custom recovery.
XRange said:
With locked bootloader u not going be able to put cm on your phone. But if u do get cm loaded let us all know. Cause that mean we have custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. After a bit more research, I saw that on some other posts and then forgot I had posted this question. I was originally under the impression that we could flash CM12 and other ROMs via Flashfire or SafeStrap. I just got the GS5 today (haven't even seen it yet, it's in my mailbox at home right now), so I'm trying to get up to speed on it all as I'm coming from a GS3.
But does this mean that we can't install ANY custom ROMs on the device at this point? Cause now I'm confused by the other ROMs I see posted about in the development forum.
You can as long as they are based on touchwiz. Since you say its new you are most likely stuck though as it will come with lollipop so you cant downgrade which means no root.
Sent from my twi5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk
The one I got today has 4.4.2 on it, but the phone itself was kind of physically jacked up so I need to replace it. Hopefully my replacement will be on 4.4.2.

Is there currently any way to root the Sprint G4 ZV9?

I just bought a G4 yesterday, so I'm still learning all about what is possible with it. It has the latest stock firmware, ZV9 / Marshmallow, installed.
I'm wondering if it's rootable, and if so if somebody can point me in the right direction.
I've seen people mention that the bootloader is still locked, and honestly I'm not real sure what that means.
So is there any way to root the Sprint G4? Possibly if I downgrade to an earlier firmware?
Thank you!
You can downgrade and root that way, and then just flash a marshmallow rom. So far it seems there won't be a root option for MM on this phone.
Sent from my LGLS991 using XDA Free mobile app
Dustin7892 said:
You can downgrade and root that way, and then just flash a marshmallow rom. So far it seems there won't be a root option for MM on this phone.
Sent from my LGLS991 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would work if we had a marshmallow rom lol...was trying to get the 2 devs that's done roms for sprint to help port some over but nothing
Yeah it feels like even though this phone is pretty new... Dev for this phone is pretty much dead... Kind of sucks. Root is so useful...
Is there a safe way to downgrade to ZV6 and then root that? Can I just follow this guide? http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/orig-development/root-tmo-vzw-intl-variants-soon-root-lg-t3164765
imekul said:
Is there a safe way to downgrade to ZV6 and then root that? Can I just follow this guide? http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/orig-development/root-tmo-vzw-intl-variants-soon-root-lg-t3164765
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, after downgrading you can follow that guide and use the ZV6 root. You will probably have to factory reset after downgrading as it probably won't boot initially.
Okay, thank you! So I guess right now it's pretty much a choice of rooted Lollipop (and Lollipop ROMs) or unrooted Marshmallow?
imekul said:
Okay, thank you! So I guess right now it's pretty much a choice of rooted Lollipop (and Lollipop ROMs) or unrooted Marshmallow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Thanks!
Just wanted to ask real quick, the guide (link above) includes the downgrade?
I've been looking around and waiting, but unfortunately I don't think I can wait for the 6.0 root, and I'm even more disappointed I can't help in any way possible due do lack of experience, but back to topic; could you link the downgrade tutorial?
Also, since you've been on zv9, when you go back to zv6 can you reply back with how the battery life handles?
So far I've been getting poor times and I've heard that the battery should preform somewhere for 6+ even on heavy usage.
xCasper said:
Just wanted to ask real quick, the guide (link above) includes the downgrade?
I've been looking around and waiting, but unfortunately I don't think I can wait for the 6.0 root, and I'm even more disappointed I can't help in any way possible due do lack of experience, but back to topic; could you link the downgrade tutorial?
Also, since you've been on zv9, when you go back to zv6 can you reply back with how the battery life handles?
So far I've been getting poor times and I've heard that the battery should preform somewhere for 6+ even on heavy usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what I found on the downgrade.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-g4/development/howto-downgrade-to-zv6-upgrade-to-t3265976
I'm assuming if a root method is found for the other US carriers, Sprint variants would follow suit very shortly after?
misteroh said:
I'm assuming if a root method is found for the other US carriers, Sprint variants would follow suit very shortly after?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, they already had root methods.
Sprints issue was the fact their bootloader wasn't unlocked and seemingly didn't have plans to be.
-=This is in no way intended to be a root method I am suggesting.=-
So, before I was tuning into this thread, I had found this (screenshots) in the playstore, now I haven't tested it and don't plan to, but it did catch my interest.
I just wanted to know if anyone has heard / tried this, and if so, how did it go?
Again, I can't stress enough that this is not me answering the question of "Is MM rootable on Sprint LG G4. " I do not know what will happen to your device if you do try it.
Also, even though it lists a method, you can see the Sprint variation of this phone is not in the device list.

Help me bring my SM-G870A back to life.

So I don't keep up with android news, and I Upgraded OTA to what I believe was 5.1.1 on my S5 Active. Then a few weeks later I accidentally deleted some pictures and saw the best way to recover them was to root the phone. So I thought no biggie I'm sure it's much easier nowadays to root and followed this guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s5/general/g900and3tong3keeprootota-zip-t2862299
Odin gave me a pass result I was like cool that was easy, but when the phone rebooted it just got stuck at the Samsung Android screen.
I have probably searched every single forum on the internet with every possible keyword to fix my problem, and I just can't find a solution so I hope you guys can help.
The phone goes into download mode and recovery mode and my computer recognizes it., so that gives me a little bit of hope.
My brother has an S5 active as well if this would be of any help. I can't find the 5.1.1 G870A FW on sammobile so is there a way to extract that from another S5 Active on 5.1.1?
I hope someone can help, I did learn the lesson though never buy a phone with a locked bootloader since I'm prone to stupid mistakes like this.
Cheers
Do you know exactly what 5.1.1 version you were on? or what date you received the OTA? I can point you in the right direction for the OTA but I don't know if that will help. I have never repaired a soft brick but if I had the OTA I would load it to my SD card and try to load it in recovery mode. Maybe someone reading this can jump in and tell us if this would work.
Odin Back to s5 Active Stock. NE4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799754
Sgt.CM said:
Do you know exactly what 5.1.1 version you were on? or what date you received the OTA? I can point you in the right direction for the OTA but I don't know if that will help. I have never repaired a soft brick but if I had the OTA I would load it to my SD card and try to load it in recovery mode. Maybe someone reading this can jump in and tell us if this would work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shows this update in the android recovery menu, not sure if that was my current version at the time i bricked my phone
LRX21T.G870AUCU1BOC5
This is apparently 5.0 but I'm sure I got an update from att in april or may.
more info
thanhvien89 said:
Odin Back to s5 Active Stock. NE4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799754
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried that already but i'll try it again
EDIT: just tried it getting [aboot] Fused 2 > Binary 1
thanhvien89 said:
Odin Back to s5 Active Stock. NE4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799754
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This only works if you are already rooted. Can't go back if you are 5.0 or above.

[Question] S6 Flat SM-G920T 6.0.1 Rooting

Hello Everyone!
Quick (stupid) question. How would one root the Samsung Galaxy S6 (Flat, T-Mobile Variant) running Android 6.0.1 (Stock)? Last night (As of this post) I've tried installing TWRP but ended in a bootloop at the Samsung logo, and (Thankfully) Smart Switch saved my ass. At this point, tripping KNOX isn't of my concern, as my phone's warranty has expired. Attached is my phone's Model, Build, etc.
Any help is appreciated.
-Matt
Use CF-Auto-Root.
EncryptedCurse said:
Use CF-Auto-Root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking through all the builds, I don't see my build number. The closest one to mine (which is MMB29K.G920TUVU4EPF1), is MMB29K.G920TUVU3EPD1. Now, I would use this, but I don't want a 600$ brick, so unless it's compatible with my build, I'm gonna have to wait.
msoza1 said:
Looking through all the builds, I don't see my build number. The closest one to mine (which is MMB29K.G920TUVU4EPF1), is MMB29K.G920TUVU3EPD1. Now, I would use this, but I don't want a 600$ brick, so unless it's compatible with my build, I'm gonna have to wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, yeah, looks like you're running the latest update and it seems to early to tell if CF-Auto-Root will even work on it (I don't think anyone has tried yet).
Anyways, here's all the information you'll need: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67623487&postcount=7
Rest assured that you can't brick anything as long as you have access to download mode to reflash stock firmware.
EncryptedCurse said:
Ah, yeah, looks like you're running the latest update and it seems to early to tell if CF-Auto-Root will even work on it (I don't think anyone has tried yet).
Anyways, here's all the information you'll need: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67623487&postcount=7
Rest assured that you can't brick anything as long as you have access to download mode to reflash stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Hmm...last time I flashed TWRP on my phone, It got stuck on the "Samsung Galaxy" logo, stayed there no matter what, thankfully I was able to use "Emergency Firmware Reset." I've been snooping around forms, and some people state to, "UNCHECK AUTO REBOOT, when finished installing, reboot manually." Of course, I'm hesitant to try that, after all Smart Switch only backs up photos, videos, apps, etc, but not the actual Android operating system.
I'm gonna do a back up of what I can and try EncryptedCurse's suggestion. Wish me luck!
EncryptedCurse said:
Ah, yeah, looks like you're running the latest update and it seems to early to tell if CF-Auto-Root will even work on it (I don't think anyone has tried yet).
Anyways, here's all the information you'll need: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67623487&postcount=7
Rest assured that you can't brick anything as long as you have access to download mode to reflash stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did as instructed, still didn't work, freezes and shuts down at the Samsung Logo. Doing a Emergency Device Initialization now, and then restoring my stuff. Thanks anyway, I knew I shouldn't have updated to 6.0... :sigh:
So im guessing theres no way to root it yet huh?
faratl said:
So im guessing theres no way to root it yet huh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've tried, no. I had a feeling this would happen as soon as I upgraded.
On a side note, is anyone developing a kernel for build MMB29K.G920TUVU4EPF1? Twisted Six's kernel only goes up to EPD1...
What if you just downgrade back to lolipop ??
faratl said:
What if you just downgrade back to lolipop ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The latest update expressly prevents downgrading.

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