Database Develop

[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.

New Galaxy 8.9 owner?

Hi everyone
I'm a proud owner of a Galaxy Tablet. Also I'm very new to forums and tablets for that matter. Recently I got a message in my settings that there is an update available. This is my first tablet so I'm not very expérienced. My tablet is rooted. It crashed a couple of times but all in all seems to be working. My question is if it's safe to update. I read in the forums about phones being bricked and other problems with updating rooted phones and tablets. Is there anything I should do before installing the update to make sure it works?
Any advice is appriciated. Cheers.

Just do the update. I'm not going to guarantee that you won't have problems but this upgrade comes via official channels. I have not had any problems in upgrades with my Galaxy S and S2.
Having said that:
Backup what you can.
Refresh or check the stickies on how to reflash if necessary. So download odin and stock roms just in case. Not necessary but may come in handy.
Otherwise just do it ;-)
P.s this is where I insert disclaimer of having no liability
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Just to make sure
Thank you very much indeed for your prompt reply. Dont get me wrong please but I'm so inexperienced that it makes me paranoid. So just to make sure that nothing goes wrong I'd like to verify that were talking about the same tablet. Samsung Galaxy P7310. IT'S ROOTED. (So I don't have to unroot it to update?)
I'll start reading into all this ODIN business since I've never done it. Probably shall have more questions then.
And if we are talking about the same update. Could you tell me your opinion on it please.

Stock ROM
And where could I get the stock ROM for my P7310 (XWKI2 if it's build specific ) please?
And I bought it through Amazon.fr if it's country specific. I already read too much stuff about tablets bought in Hong Kong.
Cheers.

I tried to search within xda forums using [stock][p7310] and there are some firmware models. You may want to try SAMMOBILE as well. As have not done, I cannot be any more specific.
Normally, you should be able to rely on the updates that get pushed through the system. I say 'normally' but you have rooted and 'may' cause some instability. I did notice in Kies that there is an emergency firmware recovery option which is also an option.
Chances are the update will only be 3.1 to 3.2 (am on 3.2 now and ICS may be around the corner). Also an update usually removes root.
Personally, I would not mess with root just yet if you are new. I only started messing around with root and roms on my Galaxy S as there were options to fix specific issues. It's a good learning curve but you spend a lot of time fiddling so make sure you backup.

Thank you very much indeed for your help. I shall be carefull with the root. Now the only programs that use it are Titanium Backup and Ad Hoc Enabler. And I never touch it by myself. Or at least not yet. Your clear answers calmed me down so as soon as I get a bit of time (All this backup/restore business sounds time consuming at least for the first time) I wll definitely update.

No problems. Main thing is to give the update time. Usually takes about 5-10 minutes or less but feels longer watching. I have soft bricked by being impatient during a flash and unplugged from Odin. Reflashing fixed. You shouldn't have these issues if normal update.
Sent from my GT-P7300 using xda premium

d.lavaman said:
Hi everyone
I'm a proud owner of a Galaxy Tablet. Also I'm very new to forums and tablets for that matter. Recently I got a message in my settings that there is an update available. This is my first tablet so I'm not very expérienced. My tablet is rooted. It crashed a couple of times but all in all seems to be working. My question is if it's safe to update. I read in the forums about phones being bricked and other problems with updating rooted phones and tablets. Is there anything I should do before installing the update to make sure it works?
Any advice is appriciated. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should update, i'll smoother,but for safety i think you should unroot, or you can use odin and flash rom manualy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1406137

quangtrungh said:
You should update, i'll smoother,but for safety i think you should unroot, or you can use odin and flash rom manualy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1406137
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. So how couod I unroot then please?

d.lavaman said:
Thanks. So how couod I unroot then please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in the link he just sent you...

the update
Hi everyone
Thanks for your support before.
It doesn't work though. I flashed CWM to create a back up. Did it. And then tried updating. It
downloads. Starts updating. Gets to 12% and then reboots with the message that the update failed
and I should try updating with Kies. Again I read some posts about bricking the tablet while updating with Kies. So I'm here looking for help. Could it be because of CWM. And if it is could I get rid of it just for the update and flash it back.
Cheers in advance.

update doesn't work
Hi everyone
Thanks for everyone's support before. It gave some confidance.
It doesn't work though. It's starts updating and then reboot with the message "Update failed, try using Kies, or go to Samsung service centre".
I removed root it didn't help. I got CWD flashed. Could that be a problem.
Could I get rid if it just to be able to uodate?
Need some help here. Kies seems dodgy judging by the posts.
Thanks in advance.

OTA ICS update

So out of sheer curiosity, I just got the text about the OTA update from ATT what happens if I did this. I currently have my phone rooted and ics that pirate dropped a while back.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium

You mess up your phone. Return to stock GB, it is in the dev. Section. You also will have to relock bootloader. I bet you know this already but just want to keep you from messing up your phone.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA

You'll need to relock your bootloader if you want to run the update.

Yeah, I got it too. Probably just the OFFICIAL ics roll out that made it our way.. I doubt there's much difference.. oh, and we'd lose our roots. I'm not going to update it.

Yeah I kind of already knew that was the case but wanted some other opinions... Any one use the RUU that ghost put out have any problems... Sometimes my audio gets buggy, like doesn't play sound then reset phone and all good... Doubt the two are connected but just curious
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium

I also just received the text from AT&T informing me of the important update.
My boot loader is re-locked, phone is un-rooted and I used the latest ICS RUU to update the phone.
My question is now or later (assuming I stay locked and on the current ROM) if I happen to select the check for updates option on the phone will I screw anything up?
Does this OTA method give you the option to save the downloaded file but not do the upgrade?

samsat said:
I laos just received the text from AT&T informing me of the important update.
My boot loader is re-locked, phone is un-rooted and I used the latest ICS RUU to update the phone.
My question is now or later (assuming I stay locked and on the current ROM) if I happen to select the check for updates option on the phone will I screw anything up?
Does this OTA method give you the option to save the downloaded file but not do the upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will download and let you save for later. You won't screw anything up. However, since you are already on the latest ics you don't need the update.

megatronisabeast said:
Yes, it will download and let you save for later. You won't screw anything up. However, since you are already on the latest ics you don't need the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I agree that I dont need it but AT&T will probably have my phone flagged as not having received the update. I wanted to make sure that say in 6 months time while playing with the phone I forget and try the update option that I dont screw anything up.
I imagine though that before then I will re-lock, root and download one of the custom ROM's in which case I need to make sure that I dont accidentally choose the OTA update!!

got it today too but i am using wildchilds rom went ahead and went to software update clicked check for update and it said software up to date

samsat said:
Thanks.
I agree that I dont need it but AT&T will probably have my phone flagged as not having received the update. I wanted to make sure that say in 6 months time while playing with the phone I forget and try the update option that I dont screw anything up.
I imagine though that before then I will re-lock, root and download one of the custom ROM's in which case I need to make sure that I dont accidentally choose the OTA update!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My favorite custom ROM is Wild Childs. If you don't know about it, let me know and I can tell you about it.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA

megatronisabeast said:
My favorite custom ROM is Wild Childs. If you don't know about it, let me know and I can tell you about it.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it exists but would be interested for you to tell me about it.

samsat said:
I know it exists but would be interested for you to tell me about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.wcxxperia-nce.com/index.php
Go to that website. To see the vivid forums you will have to register. After you register you will be able to see the different roms he has which includes generic, if you want to tether. I am on the att version, just like stock without the bloat. Also it comes with his wcx recovery. It is already rooted as well so no worries there. He also has videos that show every step in installing his recovery plus rom. It is also "over clocked" at 1.5 instead of the 1.2 the factory sends out.
Hope this helps out!

megatronisabeast said:
http://www.wcxxperia-nce.com/index.php
Go to that website. To see the vivid forums you will have to register. After you register you will be able to see the different roms he has which includes generic, if you want to tether. I am on the att version, just like stock without the bloat. Also it comes with his wcx recovery. It is already rooted as well so no worries there. He also has videos that show every step in installing his recovery plus rom. It is also "over clocked" at 1.5 instead of the 1.2 the factory sends out.
Hope this helps out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the battery life like with the overclocking?

samsat said:
What's the battery life like with the overclocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really not truly over clocked, it is the natural clocking for the phone. My battery life has improved by about an hour since I went to this rom. I was on stock ics before switching to this. I usually use it 12-14 hours a day with at least 30 left at the end of the day. I listen to an hour of pandora, spend at least a couple of hours on xda, usa today, and sync 3 emails accounts. The biggest battery waster for me and I would get a few more hours if not for it is the screen brightness. If I would turn off auto brightness and dim it, I would have a couple of days worth of battery life.

Sph-l720t update (there are dozens of us...dozens!)

While I realize it is relatively few to SPH-L720, I wanted to make a thread specific for the update ending with NAF for the triband variant,
the SPH-L720T.
While you may argue there is already a thread for the update, most of the userss are L720 not L720T, so the questions from L720T users keep getting drown out by others.
First order of business, though it has been asked but it has gotten no reply that I am aware of, has anyone gotten the OTA for the triband variant?
If so, can it be uploaded and distributed? It will be interesting to see if all the problems such as the sd card and rooting are the same.

I have the "T" model, and no OTA for me thus far.
I have rooted and installed some xPosed apps, but no custom recovery or rom. I'm hoping for 4.4.2 this week or so
Sent from my SPH-L720T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

rocmat1 said:
While I realize it is relatively few to SPH-L720, I wanted to make a thread specific for the update ending with NAF for the triband variant,
the SPH-L720T.
While you may argue there is already a thread for the update, most of the userss are L720 not L720T, so the questions from L720T users keep getting drown out by others.
First order of business, though it has been asked but it has gotten no reply that I am aware of, has anyone gotten the OTA for the triband variant?
If so, can it be uploaded and distributed? It will be interesting to see if all the problems such as the sd card and rooting are the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have a 720T and haven't received notification of the update. I actually kind of regret my purchase of the 720T. I waited about a month to buy the 720T instead of the 720 because I figured I might as well "future proof" my purchase, but it seems most of the 720 mods and such don't work on the 720T. And with the S5 coming out, I think we'll be left in the dust. (I hope I'm wrong. My last phone was the original Evo and I loved how many different mods/roms/etc that had.)
---------- Post added at 08:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 AM ----------
wlc108 said:
I also have a 720T and haven't received notification of the update. I actually kind of regret my purchase of the 720T. I waited about a month to buy the 720T instead of the 720 because I figured I might as well "future proof" my purchase, but it seems most of the 720 mods and such don't work on the 720T. And with the S5 coming out, I think we'll be left in the dust. (I hope I'm wrong. My last phone was the original Evo and I loved how many different mods/roms/etc that had.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(I left off my last paragraph, oops) I'm sure we'll have the same issues with SD Cards since it's part of the new Android standard (or, newly enforced, at least) and root exploits would normally be fixed independent of the radios.

It's crazy that I haven't heard a single person on the 720T getting the update yet... has anyone done the google services framework clearing thing yet? I know it jacks stuff up but I'm thinking of trying it soon.

i tried it. no luck.

GOOD NEWS!
Following the advice hhere: http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2013/01/how-to-get-your-ota-update-faster.html
I got the update after the 5th try. If someone will help me to know where to find it on my phone I will upload it. It's 401.2 MB.
Yay! My phone is rooted ... and I have a custom recovery .... so the update may not work....but here's hoping!
Bleck my phone is at 18% so I have to charge it to be able to even try.

Found the file will be uploading soon

how did you get the settings menu pop up from the dial pad? notyhing happened for me'

lawmangrant said:
how did you get the settings menu pop up from the dial pad? notyhing happened for me'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click menu / settings / apps
swipe over to the "All" category
scroll down for Google Services Framework and click it
click "clear cache" and "clear data"
hit home
go into your dialer
type in: *#*#2432546#*#*
wait for the notification "checkin succeeded"
Now go and try checking for your update.
Just go to the application manager, clear the data for the google services framework, go to dialer to type in *#*#2432546#*#*, check for update, repeat.... I've got the file about 50% uploaded

Got it to work, but the update errored out. I'm rooted with xPosed running. I guess I'm gonna try a restore tonight
Sent from my SPH-L720T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

http://speedy.sh/w3mSm/0de568e284ba...86de.USER-L720T-SPT-MK5-to-NAF-Update-FWD.zip
Also if someone could upload the original build.prop I would appreciate it
Yeah Im in the same situation. Got back the stock recovery but errored out, I was rooted as well, just unrooted seeing if that will work. Unfourtantely didnt backup before I was rooted

Why not ask and/or look here?

leaderbuilder said:
Why not ask and/or look here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I'm good now. Hey if anyone has problems installing it that rooted it and used the xposed app, you have to flash the xposed disabler in the root directory with a custom recovery, that fixed it for me. Finally, got my kitkat!
Crap, stuck at Sprint Spark Screen... getting Set Perm: Some changes failed
So I dont think its compelting so I'm getting stuck at the sprint spark screen
Well Im just going to go ahead and do a total factory reset and flash all stock firmware...I mean it sucks, but I've only had my phone for two weeks so not a ton of data I'm going to lose...

I uninstalled the Xposed framework from within Xposed, and it seemed to work. I just can not get the OTA to re-download now.
---------- Post added at 09:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------
rocmat1 said:
Thanks but I'm good now. Hey if anyone has problems installing it that rooted it and used the xposed app, you have to flash the xposed disabler in the root directory with a custom recovery, that fixed it for me. Finally, got my kitkat!
Crap, stuck at Sprint Spark Screen... getting Set Perm: Some changes failed
So I dont think its compelting so I'm getting stuck at the sprint spark screen
Well Im just going to go ahead and do a total factory reset and flash all stock firmware...I mean it sucks, but I've only had my phone for two weeks so not a ton of data I'm going to lose...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you flashing stock firmware? ODIN? Factory reset through phone?

lawmangrant said:
I uninstalled the Xposed framework from within Xposed, and it seemed to work. I just can not get the OTA to re-download now.
---------- Post added at 09:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------
How are you flashing stock firmware? ODIN? Factory reset through phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im about to do it through odin should be like a brand new phone at that point. I didn't have a ton of data, I backed it up, we'll see if it actually works though... lol all I want is to use tap and pay. Once I install it, Ill root it again and get where I can make a wifi hotspot for free and that's all I care about Just realized that download place sucks. Im uploading to dropbox right now
FINALLY! lol Got it working
I uploaded the update file, and it should be in your cache. Stock recovery can install from the sd card as well. So if you lost it for some reason I uploaded it a few posts above

rocmat1 said:
Im about to do it through odin should be like a brand new phone at that point. I didn't have a ton of data, I backed it up, we'll see if it actually works though... lol all I want is to use tap and pay. Once I install it, Ill root it again and get where I can make a wifi hotspot for free and that's all I care about Just realized that download place sucks. Im uploading to dropbox right now
FINALLY! lol Got it working
I uploaded the update file, and it should be in your cache. Stock recovery can install from the sd card as well. So if you lost it for some reason I uploaded it a few posts above
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm happy to report that I can still read the external sd card

what tar did you odin with?

lawmangrant said:
what tar did you odin with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.3 STOCK ROM
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407569938
SPH-L720T 4.4.2 OTA
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1zh46uku...86de.USER_L720T_SPT_MK5_to_NAF_Update_FWD.zip

rocmat1 said:
4.3 STOCK ROM
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407569938
SPH-L720T 4.4.2 OTA
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1zh46uku...86de.USER_L720T_SPT_MK5_to_NAF_Update_FWD.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK...I got the 4.4.2 file and working on the 4.3 stock.
For ODIN, do I just connect and select the PDA opton? That's what I am reading.

lawmangrant said:
OK...I got the 4.4.2 file and working on the 4.3 stock.
For ODIN, do I just connect and select the PDA opton? That's what I am reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. thats all you need to do, and then select your tar file

After being scared to do it, I flashed my Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active (I537) to KitKat

This is my first post and I'm going to try my best to not break a rule. If I do, I apologize in advance.
Thread thread is a sort of, "This is how I updated my phone from 4.2.2 to 4.4.2 and rooted it but your mileage may vary."
First, thanks goes to Sunderwear for his directions on how to push KitKat to the Samsung S4 Active as well as ROOT it. I rooted my 4.2.2 phone a few months ago and didn't realize doing so would prevent OTA updates. I went to the AT&T store to have them put 4.4.2 on the phone only to be told that the store didn't have the image (or whatever they said) and couldn't put it on my phone. Instead, they put 4.3, which turned out to be great because the directions pretty much have you going back to 4.3 in order to root.
BTW, if you are uninitiated, you may want to read this glossary page.
After having root in 4.2, I knew I wanted it in 4.4.2!
For the most part, I've been hesitant to flash the phone. I tried like hell to flash my first Android (Samsung S2 Skyrocket) only to brick it. (FWIW, if you can tell me how to fix it, I'd be gracious! It buzzes once and then twice and repeats.)
Anyway, I started in the thread above only to find that I now needed to download Odin. This, surprisingly, was difficult. I found this site (http://odindownload.com/) which I am convinced is some sort of hacked version of Odin because when I tried to install from there, my Symantic warned me. When I disabled it, the file tried to install a bunch of bloatware/spyware. It EVENTUALLY gave me Odin.
FYI, this thread was of no use. No download links.
Later on, after searching for something unrelated, I got to a "better" site. Unlike the link above, this site has a zip file compared to the bloat-ridden executable.
I learned that I had to use Odin 3.07 and NOT Odin 3.09. Odin 3.09 did not have the PDA button that would be central to me flashing the ROM to the phone.
I started my journey on the thread for the Stock AT&T Firmware Collection. I learned that the thread uses the last three characters of the build name to identify the build. For example, 4.3's build name is I537UCUBML2 but was referred to as "ML2". This was a bit confusing but I got the hang of it. I then went over to the 4.4.2 rooting thread. It was there that I read Sunderwear says that you need to downgrade to 4.3 to root 4.4. I was grateful that AT&T only updated me to 4.3!
Sunderwear's second post described how to root 4.4.2 if you had a rooted 4.3. Since I hadn't done that yet, I proceeded back to the firmware collection and found the thread to root my 4.3 phone.
I downloaded the files and loaded up the first file to flash. I made the mistake of keeping my phone plugged in while trying to put it in download mode. It was when I stumbled upon this page that gave me the clue that my phone had to be disconnected first before going into download mode.
Once done, I clicked Start and Odin flashed my phone! It took about 2-3 minutes.
The next step was to do saferoot. The thread didn't link it so here it is.
SafeRoot requires your phone to be in USB debugging mode. Directions were found by googling. You go to Settings, About Device, and click Build Number until you get a message saying you have enabled developer mode. Then go back out one screen and go into Debugging options and enable USB debugging.
One installed I rebooted the phone and everything worked...except for wifi and "some other stuff". The thread warned you about this so I didn't worry. I flashed the next file and rebooted. Updated SuperSU and everything worked!!
I verified that I had root by installing Root Checker.
All was great with 4.3! Now for what turned out to be the more agonizing part: Upgrading to 4.4.2.
Going back to the 4.4.2 rooting thread, I learned that all I needed to do was install SafeTrap to update to KitKat and then flash a couple more files. I downloaded pwnedkitkat.zip (link in the thread) and then installed SafeTrap. I presume that SafeTrap is some sort of bootstraping method of updating the firmware.
I copied the SafeTrap apk file, along with pwnedkitkat and the updated superSU zip files to my external SD card. Once everything was copied, I installed SafeTrap and then opened it. SafeTrap then offered me the option to install Recovery Mode. Once done, I restarted my phone.
I noticed a new splash screen after the Samsung splashscreen. I clicked the Menu button (left of home) to start the recovery process. I clicked "Install" and pointed it to the pwnedkitkat.zip file. This took the longest. Probably took 15 minutes but felt like an eternity. I wasn't sure if my phone bricked when the screen turned off! But upon turning it back on, it was still going.
The bar moved very slowly. But remained patient. After a long 15-20 minutes, it updated! SafeTrap gave me the option to reboot there but I followed the directions and installed SuperSU from the SD card. It was a quick install.
I restarted the phone! I was done!! Right?
My phone got stuck on the AT&T splash screen! I started to panic! What did I do wrong?!
I missed Sunderwear's step five:
5.Put your phone in download mode and flash the 4.4.2 stock boot.tar.md5 kernel and your phone will boot after a few minutes with root access enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Goes to show you to read everything. I missed it due to the line break. I downloaded the boot.tar.md5 file and put the phone back into download mode and push it via PDA in Odin (I presume PDA. It wasn't explicit.)
After a few hours of chewing my nails and wondering if I bricked it:
http://imgur.com/a/UFg6u#F5qFTdq
So thanks to everyone! Now if I could only unbrick my Skyrocket!

Outstanding instructions! Thank you for this. I wish all the instructions were as clear and detailed as this is.
:good:

I tried like hell to flash my first Android (Samsung S2 Skyrocket) only to brick it. (FWIW, if you can tell me how to fix it, I'd be gracious! It buzzes once and then twice and repeats.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you mean it vibrates every 2 seconds and doesn't turn on?

:good:

Great instructions and great story. Sounds like what most people like me go through every time we try to do something like this.

jimmietilt said:
do you mean it vibrates every 2 seconds and doesn't turn on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. The last time I looked into this was almost two years ago. It just sits in my drawer now.

dajabec said:
Great instructions and great story. Sounds like what most people like me go through every time we try to do something like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what got me was all the new terminology and unfamiliarity of flashing. Jailbreaking an iPhone (which I've done before I had an Android) is pretty simple. It's pretty much point and click. But ROMs, flashing...these all have definitions which can be a bit overwhelming, even to a technical person such as myself. I've compiled Linux kernels from scratch!
But there's something about making your phone unusable. Something that I cannot live without, especially as I'm searching for a job.
It's nerve-wracking and I especially got nervous when I was putting KitKat on since it took so long. But overall, I'm glad I did it.

Mike, I wish everyone's instructions were like yours. I am in a similar boat as you, currently on 4.2.2 rooted and unable to do an OTA. I am not really sure what to do as I do not want my phone to be wiped. Did you bring your phone to an ATT store or a Device Support Center? And when they flashed 4.3 did your phone lose anything?

Agent. said:
Mike, I wish everyone's instructions were like yours. I am in a similar boat as you, currently on 4.2.2 rooted and unable to do an OTA. I am not really sure what to do as I do not want my phone to be wiped. Did you bring your phone to an ATT store or a Device Support Center? And when they flashed 4.3 did your phone lose anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup using Samsung kies and go find the 4.3 Odin package. Hell I just use the Google backup feature which is good enough for me.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

rdh28 said:
Backup using Samsung kies and go find the 4.3 Odin package. Hell I just use the Google backup feature which is good enough for me.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to go through all of the trouble of reconfiguring all of my settings, restoring all of my app specific stuff, and just getting everything back the way I had it. Does Kies backup every little thing or just app data and contacts etc?

Agent. said:
I don't want to go through all of the trouble of reconfiguring all of my settings, restoring all of my app specific stuff, and just getting everything back the way I had it. Does Kies backup every little thing or just app data and contacts etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure but if you really want to upgrade it's worth the thirty minutes it takes to reconfigure
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Agent. said:
I don't want to go through all of the trouble of reconfiguring all of my settings, restoring all of my app specific stuff, and just getting everything back the way I had it. Does Kies backup every little thing or just app data and contacts etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Titanium Backup. Just make sure you don't restore system apps and you'll be fine.

rdh28 said:
Not sure but if you really want to upgrade it's worth the thirty minutes it takes to reconfigure
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I will probably do it this summer, I'm just really busy right now and can't afford to risk anything happen to my phone
Devo7v said:
Use Titanium Backup. Just make sure you don't restore system apps and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The system apps are one of the primary issues as that is what needs to be reconfigured, other apps can be backed up and restored easily.

Agent. said:
I am not really sure what to do as I do not want my phone to be wiped. Did you bring your phone to an ATT store or a Device Support Center? And when they flashed 4.3 did your phone lose anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took mine to the AT&T device support center. I called before going in and they pretty much told me it was going to be destructive. I had previously wiped my phone earlier that day in the hopes that it would receive the OTA update.
I'm not going to lie: it's nerve-wracking, but straight forward. I know sometimes it helps to have someone hold your hand while you do it. And for me, it was definitely in the camp of, "What am I going to do if my phone craps out on me?"
But like what someone else said: you can back up your settings within Keis. I didn't. I just did a wipe. I backed up my photos but that's about it. Everything else was in the cloud. The one thing I should have done was transfer my Authenticator keys to another device because I couldn't log into AWS (which does not give out backup codes like Google). I did end up switching to Authy (I can't link to it since I'm such a new user but you can find it in the Play Store) which allows you to have more than one device. It shares your secret key between devices so it's technically less secure. But I needed the flexibility in case my phone crapped out on me again.
Pro Tip: to install all your apps again, go to the Google play store on your device and click "My Apps". Long hold one of the apps and then select the check boxes of the apps you want to install.

And hey if you run into anything there's plenty of people who check this forum regularly. I've managed to root 4.2.2 , 4.3, and 4.4.2 while retaining full functionality, just from this forum...the information is out there good luck!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Agent. said:
I know, I will probably do it this summer, I'm just really busy right now and can't afford to risk anything happen to my phone
The system apps are one of the primary issues as that is what needs to be reconfigured, other apps can be backed up and restored easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What system apps need to be reconfigured? I can't really see that many that it would take you more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Thank you guys, I need to get my phone serviced anyway as there is a yellow dot in the top left of the screen that won't go away. So if AT&T sends me a new phone I can do all of the dirty work and then transfer everything side by side from the old device. If they won't for whatever reason I will do what you guys suggested. So just to be clear I should follow the instructions to Odin to 4.3, root, then follow the upgrade/root instructions to 4.4.2?

Agent. said:
So just to be clear I should follow the instructions to Odin to 4.3, root, then follow the upgrade/root instructions to 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally thing this is better since if you have 4.4.2 already, you have to downgrade to 4.3, root it and then put 4.4.2 on it.