Here is my step-by-step guide to converting your Stock Samsung Galaxy S4 Active i537 into a Rooted, Google Edition 4.2.2 SGS4 Active. After reading a lot of posts and receiving some questions directly, I feel this information is available, but must be dug up from posts within long threads, see the following two post references below:
Instructions from @TreyLWalker:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45739405&postcount=53
I'm a new user who can't post in development yet, but I wanted to let everyone know this procedure worked for loading a custom ROM (NOT flashing / bootloader crask) and all hardware working AFAIK) for my S4 Active i537 with the MF3 Kernel using Safestrap:
Procedure for my Samsung S4 Active i537 MF3 - I537UCUAMF3 - US, AT&T:
Installed Safestrap Recovery v3.5x - Safestrap-JFLTEATT-ACTIVE-3.5x-B08.apk
Installed Recovery, Rebooted into Recovery, Pressed Settings Key on Splash Screen Load
Created ROM Slot-1, Set it to active, Installed with the following:
AOSP Port GT-I9295 - Official 4.2.2 - I9295-PORT-GoogleEdition-V1.zip (worked for i537 despite saying otherwise, I still wouldn't flash stock ROM....)
MF3 Kernal Modules - jflteatt-active-MF3-modules.zip - MF1 Modules found in the same thread if you need them.
LeJay's S4 Active Camera Patch - SGS4A_CamPatch.zip
Reboot System, pressed continue at Flash.
Everything appears to work "OOTB": Phone, Bluetooth, Wifi, Stock Camera App /w Flash (video-recording preview is low-res, but records normal) and SuperSu Root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As well as Instructions from @Hashcode:
Posted specific instructions by @TreyLWalker for flashing Safestrap + Google Play Edition ROM and the camera patch in #3 post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45694084&postcount=3
Procedure for my Samsung S4 Active i537 MF3 - I537UCUAMF3 - US, AT&T:
Installed Safestrap Recovery v3.5x Safestrap-JFLTEATT-ACTIVE-3.5x-B08.apk
Installed Recovery, Rebooted into Recovery, Pressed Settings Key on Splash Screen Load
Created ROM Slot-1, Set it to active, Installed with the following:
AOSP Port GT-I9295 - Official 4.2.2 - I9295-PORT-GoogleEdition-V1.zip (worked for i537 despite saying otherwise, I still wouldn't flash stock ROM....)
MF3/MF1 Kernal Modules - jflteatt-active-MF3-modules.zip / jflteatt-active-MF1-modules.zip (in same downloads area)
LeJay's S4 Active Camera Patch - SGS4A_CamPatch.zip
Working Phone, Bluetooth, Wifi, Stock Camera App /w Flash (video-recording preview is low-res, but records normal)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I felt that these posts are great tutorials, thank you guys for the information and links! However, I just felt some details needed to be written for the unexperienced Android users out there, who are either just switching over from iPhone's or this is their first time getting into rooting and ROM'ing and are looking for an exact step-by-step guide, without leaving any holes for questions. Basically a n00b guide , I mean that in the nicest way possible.
So here's my rendition of what was written above by both TreyLWalker and Hashcode, but a little more n00b friendly. P.S. Thanks again guys for the above guides, I used those as base for mine, as well as thank you for all the work you've put into the Galaxy S4 Active (this goes for all the other members out there who've helped with dev on this device, like @br0adband, @Devo7v, @LeJay, @my-blue-snog-box, @Darkman and anyone else I forgot). Hope you enjoy!
================================Below this line is my step-by-step guide================================
The following instructions are a step-by-step guide to getting your Galaxy S4 Active (i537) from stock to rooted and running GoogleEdition AOSP 4.2.2.
First, determine if your device stock is running MF1, MF2 or MF3. To do this tap the Menu button -> Settings -> About Phone and look at your Baseband Version, it will end in either MF1, MF2 or MF3. Write down which one you have for later reference.
Next, make sure you have the following settings set on your device, go to Settings -> Security and make sure "Unknown sources" in CHECKED, and "Verify Apps" is UNCHECKED.
Next you will need to Root your phone, this is a very simple process outlined in this video. But if for any reason you are unable to watch the video, all you need to do is load this website on your phone's web browser, then download the Activeroot APK file, install it and open it. Once this is ran, your phone is now rooted, now you need to open the Google Play Store and download SuperSU, this allows you to approve apps to access root.
Next, we want to install SafeStrap, which allows us to install a second custom ROM, alongside our stock one. To install SafeStrap follow these instructions:
Download the newest version of Safestrap APK from here
Find the APK using a Filemanager tool and open it on your device, then click "Install".
Once installed, open up the Safestrap application as you would any other app.
Then use the "Install Recovery" button. You should see the current version down in the lower left corner of the window. And the "Status:" should say "Installed" when you're done.
From there you can reboot and you *should* see a new splash screen during the boot up. While this is showing you can enter Safestrap Recovery using the [ menu ] button.
Now, download the ROM from here. Save this .zip file to your phone's internal storage or MicroSD card, you can install from either one within SafeStrap.
Also, download the MasterPatch from here and copy this file to your internal storage or MicroSD card as well, again this file can be on either one, just remember where you put it. You can copy these files over through USB or via a file share service such as Google Drive.
Now, reboot into recovery, this can be done by rebooting your phone, when it reboots you will see the SafeStrap boot screen, press the option for recovery (touch your screen on the button or just below the button, you will feel a vibration when it is chosen).
Once in SafeStrap Create ROM-Slot 1, DO NOT delete, wipe or Install over the Original ROM Slot, as that is your stock ROM that you will need to keep. Be sure to create a new ROM Slot then activate the new ROM Slot with the Activate button. When creating the new ROM slot, I chose to give it 2GB of data storage, this ended up being a little lower than I needed, but it helps me remove apps that I don't use, as I will run out of space. I have about 75 apps installed (not counting the Google apps).
Now that you have created a ROM Slot and set it to Active, you can now install the Google Edition AOSP ROM (.zip file) we downloaded earlier. Please install this file, followed by installing the MasterPatch next, during the MasterPatch install you will be prompted with a few questions. Please be sure to install the following options;
Camera Fix
Speaker-Phone Fix
Edited "gps.conf"
I537 build.prop
apns-conf.xml file (install this option if you will be using your phone on AT&T in the United States)
Then lastly, choose the proper MF1, MF2 or MF3 Kernel Modules based on which MF version you wrote down earlier. (see Step 1 if you've forgotten which version)
If you have any questions as to how to use SafeStrap, refer to this post, which outlines each option within SafeStrap.
Once you have installed the ROM and MasterPatch you should be all ready to boot up into your new Google Edition AOSP ROM. Go ahead and choose the reboot system option within SafeStrap and let your phone boot. This process may take a few moments as it's the first time you're booting up the new ROM. Once booted up you can set up your Google Account and start downloading/configuring your apps. Also, be sure to check out the settings menu as there are a lot of cool new options you can use compared to the stock ROM you were on before.
Here's the cliff notes, or the TL;DR version:
Root your phone with Geohot Active Root
Install SafeStrap
Download your ROM and MasterPatch
Create a ROM Slot, install ROM and MasterPatch with your Kernel Modules
Boot into the new ROM and enjoy!
And as always, don't forget to make a backup of your running and configured ROM when all done, this can be done in SafeStrap or with apps like OBackup.
I use jb+ camera and you get HQ video preview. Also I had bad luck with master patch on mf1 random reboots... Not hard to flash 4 files
Sent from my GT-I9295 using Tapatalk
Globel said:
I use jb+ camera and you get HQ video preview. Also I had bad luck with master patch on mf1 random reboots... Not hard to flash 4 files
Sent from my GT-I9295 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a link to that camera app? Maybe it could be compiled to see what is making it work properly and then include those files in the MasterPatch.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moblynx.camerajbplus
Its a paid app but there is a free one out there too. I orginaly bought it for a phone on 4.4 and the SD card storage options .. Bonus high deff video on aosp
Sent from my GT-I9295 using Tapatalk
i537 screen flashes the reboots to android recovery
Diablo2424 said:
Here is my step-by-step guide to converting your Stock Samsung Galaxy S4 Active i537 into a Rooted, Google Edition 4.2.2 SGS4 Active. After reading a lot of posts and receiving some questions directly, I feel this information is available, but must be dug up from posts within long threads, see the following two post references below:
Instructions from @TreyLWalker:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45739405&postcount=53
As well as Instructions from @Hashcode:
I felt that these posts are great tutorials, thank you guys for the information and links! However, I just felt some details needed to be written for the unexperienced Android users out there, who are either just switching over from iPhone's or this is their first time getting into rooting and ROM'ing and are looking for an exact step-by-step guide, without leaving any holes for questions. Basically a n00b guide , I mean that in the nicest way possible.
So here's my rendition of what was written above by both TreyLWalker and Hashcode, but a little more n00b friendly. P.S. Thanks again guys for the above guides, I used those as base for mine, as well as thank you for all the work you've put into the Galaxy S4 Active (this goes for all the other members out there who've helped with dev on this device, like @br0adband, @Devo7v, @LeJay, @my-blue-snog-box, @Darkman and anyone else I forgot). Hope you enjoy!
======================================Below this line is my step-by-step guide======================================
The following instructions are a step-by-step guide to getting your Galaxy S4 Active (i537) from stock to rooted and running GoogleEdition AOSP 4.2.2.
First, determine if your device stock is running MF1, MF2 or MF3. To do this tap the Menu button -> Settings -> About Phone and look at your Baseband Version, it will end in either MF1, MF2 or MF3. Write down which one you have for later reference.
Next, make sure you have the following settings set on your device, go to Settings -> Security and make sure "Unknown sources" in CHECKED, and "Verify Apps" is UNCHECKED.
Next you will need to Root your phone, this is a very simple process outlined in this video. But if for any reason you are unable to watch the video, all you need to do is load this website on your phone's web browser, then download the Activeroot APK file, install it and open it. Once this is ran, your phone is now rooted, now you need to open the Google Play Store and download SuperSU, this allows you to approve apps to access root.
Next, we want to install SafeStrap, which allows us to install a second custom ROM, alongside our stock one. To install SafeStrap follow these instructions:
Download the newest version of Safestrap APK from here
Find the APK using a Filemanager tool and open it on your device, then click "Install".
Once installed, open up the Safestrap application as you would any other app.
Then use the "Install Recovery" button. You should see the current version down in the lower left corner of the window. And the "Status:" should say "Installed" when you're done.
From there you can reboot and you *should* see a new splash screen during the boot up. While this is showing you can enter Safestrap Recovery using the [ menu ] button.
Now, download the ROM from here. Save this .zip file to your phone's internal storage or MicroSD card, you can install from either one within SafeStrap.
Also, download the MasterPatch from here and copy this file to your internal storage or MicroSD card as well, again this file can be on either one, just remember where you put it. You can copy these files over through USB or via a file share service such as Google Drive.
Now, reboot into recovery, this can be done by rebooting your phone, when it reboots you will see the SafeStrap boot screen, press the option for recovery (touch your screen on the button or just below the button, you will feel a vibration when it is chosen).
Once in SafeStrap Create ROM-Slot 1, DO NOT delete, wipe or Install over the Original ROM Slot, as that is your stock ROM that you will need to keep. Be sure to create a new ROM Slot then activate the new ROM Slot with the Activate button. When creating the new ROM slot, I chose to give it 2GB of data storage, this ended up being a little lower than I needed, but it helps me remove apps that I don't use, as I will run out of space. I have about 75 apps installed (not counting the Google apps).
Now that you have created a ROM Slot and set it to Active, you can now install the Google Edition AOSP ROM (.zip file) we downloaded earlier. Please install this file, followed by installing the MasterPatch next, during the MasterPatch install you will be prompted with a few questions. Please be sure to install the following options;
Camera Fix
Speaker-Phone Fix
Edited "gps.conf"
I537 build.prop
apns-conf.xml file (install this option if you will be using your phone on AT&T in the United States)
Then lastly, choose the proper MF1, MF2 or MF3 Kernel Modules based on which MF version you wrote down earlier. (see Step 1 if you've forgotten which version)
If you have any questions as to how to use SafeStrap, refer to this post, which outlines each option within SafeStrap.
Once you have installed the ROM and MasterPatch you should be all ready to boot up into your new Google Edition AOSP ROM. Go ahead and choose the reboot system option within SafeStrap and let your phone boot. This process may take a few moments as it's the first time you're booting up the new ROM. Once booted up you can set up your Google Account and start downloading/configuring your apps. Also, be sure to check out the settings menu as there are a lot of cool new options you can use compared to the stock ROM you were on before.
Here's the cliff notes, or the TL;DR version:
Root your phone with Geohot Active Root
Install SafeStrap
Download your ROM and MasterPatch
Create a ROM Slot, install ROM and MasterPatch with your Kernel Modules
Boot into the new ROM and enjoy!
And as always, don't forget to make a backup of your running and configured ROM when all done, this can be done in SafeStrap or with apps like OBackup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done all described steps and after flashing roms and masterpatch phone flashes screen 3 times then reboots in android recovery. Plesse help. Thank you
I537-rooted-safestap installed
i537 user said:
I have done all described steps and after flashing roms and masterpatch phone flashes screen 3 times then reboots in android recovery. Plesse help. Thank you
I537-rooted-safestap installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it rebooting to stock recovery or SafeStrap recovery?
I did the exact guide as said I appreciate the guide.
But my wifi does not work...what should I do?
JaY iZz BaKk said:
I did the exact guide as said I appreciate the guide.
But my wifi does not work...what should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start by trying to flash the modules.
Hey thanks for the advice I got the wifi working on a i9505 rom. My only issue now is the camera, I flashed the camerafix but still no go. Does anyone have the stock s4 active apk with aqua mode flashable or installable? Thanks
Diablo2424 said:
Here is my step-by-step guide to converting your Stock Samsung Galaxy S4 Active i537 into a Rooted, Google Edition 4.2.2 SGS4 Active. After reading a lot of posts and receiving some questions directly, I feel this information is available, but must be dug up from posts within long threads, see the following two post references below:
Instructions from @TreyLWalker:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45739405&postcount=53
As well as Instructions from @Hashcode:
I felt that these posts are great tutorials, thank you guys for the information and links! However, I just felt some details needed to be written for the unexperienced Android users out there, who are either just switching over from iPhone's or this is their first time getting into rooting and ROM'ing and are looking for an exact step-by-step guide, without leaving any holes for questions. Basically a n00b guide , I mean that in the nicest way possible.
So here's my rendition of what was written above by both TreyLWalker and Hashcode, but a little more n00b friendly. P.S. Thanks again guys for the above guides, I used those as base for mine, as well as thank you for all the work you've put into the Galaxy S4 Active (this goes for all the other members out there who've helped with dev on this device, like @br0adband, @Devo7v, @LeJay, @my-blue-snog-box, @Darkman and anyone else I forgot). Hope you enjoy!
================================Below this line is my step-by-step guide================================
The following instructions are a step-by-step guide to getting your Galaxy S4 Active (i537) from stock to rooted and running GoogleEdition AOSP 4.2.2.
First, determine if your device stock is running MF1, MF2 or MF3. To do this tap the Menu button -> Settings -> About Phone and look at your Baseband Version, it will end in either MF1, MF2 or MF3. Write down which one you have for later reference.
Next, make sure you have the following settings set on your device, go to Settings -> Security and make sure "Unknown sources" in CHECKED, and "Verify Apps" is UNCHECKED.
Next you will need to Root your phone, this is a very simple process outlined in this video. But if for any reason you are unable to watch the video, all you need to do is load this website on your phone's web browser, then download the Activeroot APK file, install it and open it. Once this is ran, your phone is now rooted, now you need to open the Google Play Store and download SuperSU, this allows you to approve apps to access root.
Next, we want to install SafeStrap, which allows us to install a second custom ROM, alongside our stock one. To install SafeStrap follow these instructions:
Download the newest version of Safestrap APK from here
Find the APK using a Filemanager tool and open it on your device, then click "Install".
Once installed, open up the Safestrap application as you would any other app.
Then use the "Install Recovery" button. You should see the current version down in the lower left corner of the window. And the "Status:" should say "Installed" when you're done.
From there you can reboot and you *should* see a new splash screen during the boot up. While this is showing you can enter Safestrap Recovery using the [ menu ] button.
Now, download the ROM from here. Save this .zip file to your phone's internal storage or MicroSD card, you can install from either one within SafeStrap.
Also, download the MasterPatch from here and copy this file to your internal storage or MicroSD card as well, again this file can be on either one, just remember where you put it. You can copy these files over through USB or via a file share service such as Google Drive.
Now, reboot into recovery, this can be done by rebooting your phone, when it reboots you will see the SafeStrap boot screen, press the option for recovery (touch your screen on the button or just below the button, you will feel a vibration when it is chosen).
Once in SafeStrap Create ROM-Slot 1, DO NOT delete, wipe or Install over the Original ROM Slot, as that is your stock ROM that you will need to keep. Be sure to create a new ROM Slot then activate the new ROM Slot with the Activate button. When creating the new ROM slot, I chose to give it 2GB of data storage, this ended up being a little lower than I needed, but it helps me remove apps that I don't use, as I will run out of space. I have about 75 apps installed (not counting the Google apps).
Now that you have created a ROM Slot and set it to Active, you can now install the Google Edition AOSP ROM (.zip file) we downloaded earlier. Please install this file, followed by installing the MasterPatch next, during the MasterPatch install you will be prompted with a few questions. Please be sure to install the following options;
Camera Fix
Speaker-Phone Fix
Edited "gps.conf"
I537 build.prop
apns-conf.xml file (install this option if you will be using your phone on AT&T in the United States)
Then lastly, choose the proper MF1, MF2 or MF3 Kernel Modules based on which MF version you wrote down earlier. (see Step 1 if you've forgotten which version)
If you have any questions as to how to use SafeStrap, refer to this post, which outlines each option within SafeStrap.
Once you have installed the ROM and MasterPatch you should be all ready to boot up into your new Google Edition AOSP ROM. Go ahead and choose the reboot system option within SafeStrap and let your phone boot. This process may take a few moments as it's the first time you're booting up the new ROM. Once booted up you can set up your Google Account and start downloading/configuring your apps. Also, be sure to check out the settings menu as there are a lot of cool new options you can use compared to the stock ROM you were on before.
Here's the cliff notes, or the TL;DR version:
Root your phone with Geohot Active Root
Install SafeStrap
Download your ROM and MasterPatch
Create a ROM Slot, install ROM and MasterPatch with your Kernel Modules
Boot into the new ROM and enjoy!
And as always, don't forget to make a backup of your running and configured ROM when all done, this can be done in SafeStrap or with apps like OBackup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to say great job, I'm sure this will help many folks out there. Also, for anyone having camera, button or wifi issues, I am far from a pro, but I have installed several ROM's and I have had a couple times where when I finished, I had issues with those options and re-flashing the masterpatch always fixed the issue for me.
Devo7v said:
Is it rebooting to stock recovery or SafeStrap recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It reboots to stock recovery. Has this happened to anyone else. Am I missing something. Im new to flashing roms and android os all together but can follow instructions. Been jb-ing apple products for years and am open to any inout or help. I bought this gs4 and was bummed to find out the bootloader was locked. Hope renewed with this safestrap method but is still giving me issues.
i537 user said:
It reboots to stock recovery. Has this happened to anyone else. Am I missing something. Im new to flashing roms and android os all together but can follow instructions. Been jb-ing apple products for years and am open to any inout or help. I bought this gs4 and was bummed to find out the bootloader was locked. Hope renewed with this safestrap method but is still giving me issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the same happened to me, i tries flashing the recommended rom and cm and both times it turns on, gets to the part where the screen says samsung galaxy s4 active and reboots into stock recovery (stock recovery deletes the safestrap rom slots that i made but doesn't remove safestrap)
I just rooted with ML2. Several people in the ML2 root thread have said they got safestrap working. However no matter which version of safestrap I use I do not get a different splash screen nor do I get safestrap recovery. What do I do? Did I do something wrong?
sobertillnoon said:
I just rooted with ML2. Several people in the ML2 root thread have said they got safestrap working. However no matter which version of safestrap I use I do not get a different splash screen nor do I get safestrap recovery. What do I do? Did I do something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After installing safestrap you have to manually open the app and install recovery
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using xda app-developers app
I followed your instructions last night and the install went perfect. Thanks for putting this together. I only have two issues, the first is the camera doesn't work but I'm going to try flashing the masterpatch again and see if that fixes it. The second issue is that it will randomly give me the google splash screen that you see when you turn on the phone, it doesn't seem to actually re-boot the phone just interrupts whatever you are doing. Any ideas on why that is, should I perform a dirty flash maybe?
Hi, I have an AT&T SGH-i537 rooted upon ML2 and wondered what are the more popular ROMs that are worth looking at and which aren't, which work the best etc. new to ROMs here and have Safestrap up and running to try a few, thanks.
I was pretty heavy into using Safestrap last year when I had my first Active and iirc you have to use a ROM that features a 4.3 stock kernel - pretty sure about that but it's been awhile and things may have changed in my "absence" I suppose.
Was just wondering the same thing earlier as I've got my second Active now, with 4.3 rooted and running great but I'm always interested in seeing how something else might work just the same.
Wouldn't mind doing some testing with a custom 4.4.2 ROM but I don't think it's possible at this time - wish Samsung and AT&T would get off their damned keisters and put out the update for the Active and be done with it.
Of course an unlocked bootloader would be pretty awesome too but, oh well...
br0adband said:
I was pretty heavy into using Safestrap last year when I had my first Active and iirc you have to use a ROM that features a 4.3 stock kernel - pretty sure about that but it's been awhile and things may have changed in my "absence" I suppose.
Was just wondering the same thing earlier as I've got my second Active now, with 4.3 rooted and running great but I'm always interested in seeing how something else might work just the same.
Wouldn't mind doing some testing with a custom 4.4.2 ROM but I don't think it's possible at this time - wish Samsung and AT&T would get off their damned keisters and put out the update for the Active and be done with it.
Of course an unlocked bootloader would be pretty awesome too but, oh well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi br0adband, I rooted mine with Sunderwear's method here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690133
So we still cannot as yet use custom ROMs? I was under the assumption we could since we flash back to the originalkernel with that method, can anyone elaborate on this?
jkeuclid said:
Hi br0adband, I rooted mine with Sunderwear's method here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690133
So we still cannot as yet use custom ROMs? I was under the assumption we could since we flash back to the originalkernel with that method, can anyone elaborate on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once Hashcode fixes SafeStrap you will be able to flash 4.3 TouchWiz-based ROMs. Unfortunately since we have a locked bootloader you cannot flash a different kernel so you can only use ROMs that are compatible with your stock kernel.
Devo7v said:
Once Hashcode fixes SafeStrap you will be able to flash 4.3 TouchWiz-based ROMs. Unfortunately since we have a locked bootloader you cannot flash a different kernel so you can only use ROMs that are compatible with your stock kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Devo, so nothing out there worth flashing until he fixes this?
Currently, heres my situation: Moto X, non DE, on VZW. Currently still on 4.4, although I just received the notification for 4.4.2 this afternoon.
I havent rooted yet, because mistakenly, I thought I was already on 4.4.2 since this phone is less than a week old. My mistake.
Id like to root in order to bypass the Exchange PIN requirement, as well as unbloat the phone. But, coming from an unlocked Galaxy Nexus on Verizon, I have to question if its really worth it since the bootloader is locked. i.e. can I stay up to date with AOSP based roms without an unlocked bootloader?
From my understanding, you (we... I'm in the same boat) can only flash stock based ROMs. Some, like Eclipse, are highly customized. I'm rooted and have Safestrap installed. Highly recommend you do the same.
Safestrap is an apk you install after rooting which installs a TWRP-based bootloader for Nandroid backup and flashing ROMs/files.
--Edit--
Here's some info I'd shared with another user:
Safestrap is an apk you install which loads a bootloader of sorts on your phone. When you boot up, you'd get an option to boot into a custom "recovery", even on locked phones. It's a modified version of TWRP. So, you install the app once rooted. I did it while on 4.2.2. Then you just need to find ROMs which devs have created specifically for Safestrap and flash that via recovery. Make sure to create a Nandroid backup (via recovery of course) before messing around with anything. There are two that I know of (both currently based on 4.4, but both devs plan to release 4.4.2 versions soon).
Stock ROM flashable via Safestrap here: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/108826-romsafestrapxt1060-stock-rooted-vzw-140455-kitkat/
Eclipse custom ROM here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/development/rom-eclipse-moto-x-blur-based-v2-2-t2521509
You can download the Safestrap 3.65 apk (which should work fine on rooted 4.4, but again.. I installed it while on 4.2.2) here: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/104161-recovery-locked-safestrap-recovery-v365-2013-11-13/
mercado79 said:
From my understanding, you (we... I'm in the same boat) can only flash stock based ROMs. Some, like Eclipse, are highly customized. I'm rooted and have Safestrap installed. Highly recommend you do the same.
Safestrap is an apk you install after rooting which installs a TWRP-based bootloader for Nandroid backup and flashing ROMs/files.
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which root method did you use?
SlapMyMoto, but you can easily downgrade to the camera update version of 4.2.2 (the Moto X Toolkit makes it ridiculously easy), root it, install Safestrap, and go from there.
Sent from my Moto X
"Unbloat" is bit of a misnomer here, I think. It comes with a few VZW apps which can be disabled. Deleting them will not speed up your phone more than disabling them will.
Also, if your sole reason to root is to disable the single security precaution that your company asks of you in order to protect their data and intellectual property, well, as an IT employee myself, I'd suggest against it. You might even open yourself up to legal action if their data or networks were compromised due to you bypassing their security protocols. If you can't deal with the PIN lock, I'd recommend just removing the exchange account entirely - use the web interface if it's available.
Just my $0.02. There are lots of great reasons to root your phone. Just not sure the two you listed are among them.