Database Develop

[GUIDE] How to install CWM Recovery and Root for Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (i9295)

At the end of a long search, i find this informations. This study isn't my so, i find from a solid source. The methods involved in flashing custom roms and rooting your phone is highly custom and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturer that is Samsung in our case. Also rooting your device will void its warranty and you will be no longer eligible for any kind of free device services by the manufacturers/warranty providers. In case of any mishap we may not be held responsible. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid any mishap or bricking. Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.
Before we go ahead, here are some pre-requisites that you need to follow:
Make sure that your phone’s battery is charged over at least 60%. This is highly recommended in order to prevent any power issues on the device during the flashing process.
Make sure that you have backed up all your important Contacts, Call Logs & Messages. It is highly recommended in case of any mishap or data loss to backup all your important data.
Make sure that you use the original data cable to connect your device to your PC.
Make sure that your device is Galaxy S4 Active that is GT-I9295, check the model under Settings>General>About Device>Model.
In case of USB connection problems, enable USB debugging mode on your device. To do so, open Settings>General>Developer Options. If you can’t find the developer options, simply open About device and tap “Build Number” for 7 times and you should have the developer options enabled under the ”General Tab”.
Install the listed files carefully, follow this guide to letter in order to prevent any mishap.
Files you need to download:
Download and extract Odin PC - Get it here
Download and Samsung USB Drivers – Get here
Download the CWM-Recovery-gt-i9295_v1-2.tar.md5 - Get here.
Download the SuperSu.zip file – Get here.
How to Install CWM Recovery on Galaxy S4 Active:
Put your GS4 GT-I9295 in download mode. To do so, reboot your device while holding the Volume Down key, you should get a screen showing a warning and asking to continue, press Volume Up to continue.
Now your phone should be in downloading mode. Connect your phone to your PC.
As soon as Odin detects your phone the ID:COM box will turn light blue.
Click on the PDA tab and select the CWM-Recovery-gt-i9295_v1-2.tar.md5 file that you downloaded above.
Your Odin screen should look like exactly as shown below.
Click Start and the root process should start showing you a process bar in the first box above ID:COM.
The process is quite fast and will finish in a few seconds, as soon as it ends your device will get rebooted now, unplug it from the computer.
Congratulations you have your installed CWM recovery on your device now. To boot into CWM recovery, restart your phone while holding the Volume Up key, you should now see the CWM recovery.
How to Root your Galaxy S4 Active:
Place the SuperSu.zip file on your phone’s sd card.
Boot into the CWM Recovery.
In CWM recovery select “Install Zip > Choose Zip from Sd Card” and select the SuperSu zip file and in the next step select “yes”.
It will take a while to flash SuperSu and you’ve rooted your device now.
Reboot and find the SuperSu installed in app drawer.
Congrats You’ve rooted your phone successfully.

thanks bro this should help those who needs it!

Does this work for ota 4.3 ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

bigfdaddy2 said:
Does this work for ota 4.3 ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to read the OP again, this method is for the i9295, not the i537 that you have. The method he posted only works for phones with unlocked bootloaders and unfortunately you have a phone with a locked bootloader. There is no custom recovery until an exploit is found.

Devo7v said:
You need to read the OP again, this method is for the i9295, not the i537 that you have. The method he posted only works for phones with unlocked bootloaders and unfortunately you have a phone with a locked bootloader. There is no custom recovery until an exploit is found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U correct my bad I seen the model number but didn't click in my head to actually go check my bad and sorry for the dumb question lol ...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

I believe @LeJay already posted a thread on this a looooong time ago.
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387980

Root didnt work
Hi,
I have the international version and I tried the above method. It did not work for me. I did everything step by step as mentioned. I get a notification: The superuser binary(su) must be updated. Please choose an installation method....but when I install i get an error message: There was an error installing Superuser. Please send a log of the error to the developer.
Do you have any suggestions? I have baseband version i9295vjubmk4...dont know if that might be the issue...
Help?

This process worked for my S4A
Thanks. Just what I was looking for.
Samsung S4 Active GT i9295
Build: _ _ _ _ _ BMK3
Android: 4.2.2
Cheers.
:good:

When I try to flash the CWM recovery it says in the box above the status bar "RESET".
And after the reboot, the recovery doesn't open, instead the Phone switches on itself.
Any help?

worked like a charm! Thanks!

Thanks, this worked on ML2 as well..

JASONRR said:
Thanks, this worked on ML2 as well..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? Can you post a screenshot of your About Phone screen?

Devo7v said:
Seriously? Can you post a screenshot of your About Phone screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry its ML3 and attached is the screenshot currently I am on another ROM. I can restore backup of ML3 and send if u want

JASONRR said:
Sorry its ML3 and attached is the screenshot currently I am on another ROM. I can restore backup of ML3 and send if u want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I'm good, I thought you were on the i537 with ML2 and somehow figured out how to install a custom recovery. You were going to be my hero, but instead I'll just cry myself to sleep.

Devo7v said:
No I'm good, I thought you were on the i537 with ML2 and somehow figured out how to install a custom recovery. You were going to be my hero, but instead I'll just cry myself to sleep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the topic this thread is for i9295
for i537 you could try the below link to root your phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690133

JASONRR said:
Read the topic this thread is for i9295
for i537 you could try the below link to root your phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690133
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it was an i9295 thread, but I saw you had ML2 and thought you just posted in the wrong thread since there is no ML2 for the i9295. It's was just a misunderstanding.

Devo7v said:
I know it was an i9295 thread, but I saw you had ML2 and thought you just posted in the wrong thread since there is no ML2 for the i9295. It's was just a misunderstanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues... just for the records i9295 also has ML2 but it is 4.2.2
Did you try the link for i537 - ML2

I think he was hoping that you unlocked the boot loader for our i537.....I know that's what I was looking for lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

JASONRR said:
No issues... just for the records i9295 also has ML2 but it is 4.2.2
Did you try the link for i537 - ML2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've been around these forums for awhile. I'm currently on MF3 (4.2.2) as I see no benefit to upgrading to ML2. I thought, somehow you had miraculously unlocked the bootloader. If that were the case I would have immediately updated to ML2.
TL;DR I have everything I need, we just had a miscommunication and I thought you were able to install custom recovery on the i537 ML2.

G'day All,
As far as I can see there is two working rooting methods that I can find for SGS4A GT-I9295 on XDA.
One is the CF-ROOT. http://androidxda.com/root-samsung-g...ctive-gt-i9295
The other is CWM Recovery and Root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2649691
I would like to know Do they both work and witch one is better? Is there any other rooting methods for my GT-I9295. Also I'm from Australia, will they work on any firmware??
Thanks in advance

[Q] Stuck On Test Firmware?

After a botched OTA update to Kitkat upon its release there was an error in the middle of the update which screwed the phone up drastically, so I found the "test version" of KitKat (N900AUCUCMLG)? and cant get to the official version N900AUCUCNC2.. I tried the update by downloading the zip and installing through safe mode but I get some kind of errors which ends up in the phone doing a clean install of the MLG firmware. any thoughts??

same here, but...
I can root and clean out the bloat ware, just can't install custom roms or make a nandroid back up, but really nuking the bloatware is a blessing in itself.

do this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559715 then this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701062 to get stock nc2

jerrycoffman45 said:
do this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559715 then this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701062 to get stock nc2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you I wish I could but never get the install to go all the way, get 99% and then states cannot update the software, need NC2 install like the test install now to correct the problem.

vanemburghj said:
Thank you I wish I could but never get the install to go all the way, get 99% and then states cannot update the software, need NC2 install like the test install now to correct the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what stops at 99% the mj5 restore if that is it you are good to go it is suposed to do that you then reboot to recovery and flash the two files in recovery then move on to the second link

jerrycoffman45 said:
what stops at 99% the mj5 restore if that is it you are good to go it is suposed to do that you then reboot to recovery and flash the two files in recovery then move on to the second link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh no way, you mean I was there and stopped? man do I feel like a fool.

vanemburghj said:
oh no way, you mean I was there and stopped? man do I feel like a fool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats why you always read the op or first post more than one time says that it will stop at 99% in the op
---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 PM ----------
but if you already have root just install busybox then safestrap then you can backup and flash kk roms

jerrycoffman45 said:
thats why you always read the op or first post more than one time says that it will stop at 99% in the op
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where I get stuck is at step 4 it reads like ODIN should complete the install but never does, did not pay attention to the 95% because I never got to the Heimdal step.
Step 4:
4) Now is the time to use Heimdall.
Reboot into Download Mode once Odin finishes. (ODIN never finishes for me, it always fails at the ODIN install)
Install the vcredist packages downloaded from step 1.
unzip the heimdall .zip file to c:/
go to c:/Heimdall Suite/Drivers and click on zadig.exe
click the middle menu button to select "Show All Devices"

vanemburghj said:
where I get stuck is at step 4 it reads like ODIN should complete the install but never does, did not pay attention to the 95% because I never got to the Heimdal step.
Step 4:
4) Now is the time to use Heimdall.
Reboot into Download Mode once Odin finishes. (ODIN never finishes for me, it always fails at the ODIN install)
Install the vcredist packages downloaded from step 1.
unzip the heimdall .zip file to c:/
go to c:/Heimdall Suite/Drivers and click on zadig.exe
click the middle menu button to select "Show All Devices"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i added to my post above you dont need to do all this if you have root you can flash roms

jerrycoffman45 said:
i added to my post above you dont need to do all this if you have root you can flash roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jerry I wish I could, however this stock software is just not quite right, good enough to root, but not much else. Trust me, I am a happy camper to get rid of the bloat, but at the same time would like to test drive these custom roms. Going to give the MJ5 fix one more try and maybe the 3rd time is the charm.
Thanks again, would have probably blushed over Heimdall 95% comment if successful the first time.......so now ready for it.

vanemburghj said:
Jerry I wish I could, however this stock software is just not quite right, good enough to root, but not much else. Trust me, I am a happy camper to get rid of the bloat, but at the same time would like to test drive these custom roms. Going to give the MJ5 fix one more try and maybe the 3rd time is the charm.
Thanks again, would have probably blushed over Heimdall 95% comment if successful the first time.......so now ready for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sent you a pm

[ROM][TAR] Stock NG2 Odin flashable

You will get the KNOX bootloader if you flash this.
YOU CANNOT UNDO THIS, ITS PERMANENT. FLASHING ANYTHING UNOFFICIAL AFTER FLASHING THIS TAR WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY​
Just the NG2 FULL stock tar.
Do NOT rename the tar file. Even though it may be convenient to do so, Odin may fail the md5 check for no reason.
(L720VPUFNG2_L720SPTFNG2_L720VPUFNG2_HOME.tar.md5)
This is NOT ROOTED. Its the original TAR file for people who need an Emergency Recovery for their phones, and dont want to wait hours for it to download from slow file hosts.
Mediafire
Instructions:
1. Download and Extract tar above and download Odin
2. Put phone into download mode (power off, then power button + Volume Down, then volume up when prompted)
3. Open Odin (right click > open as administrator)
4. Load stock tar into the PDA slot
5. Start flashing
6. Grab some popcorn because it will take a while
7. Profit

Is this going to update bootloader into NG2?
Is NG2 bootloader unlocked?
Thank you so much,

will this work on rooted phone?
im looking to put my phone back to unrooted stock. will this flash right on a rooted phone? im guessing it will but just want to make sure.

jam97 said:
Is this going to update bootloader into NG2?
Is NG2 bootloader unlocked?
Thank you so much,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this will update you to the new update NG2 and no the bootloader is still locked.
chriseboy said:
im looking to put my phone back to unrooted stock. will this flash right on a rooted phone? im guessing it will but just want to make sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this will flash right on a rooted phone. The purpose of this is to go back to stock from either rooted or custom rom.
Sent from my SPH-L720

ROMANTiC KiD said:
Yes this will update you to the new update NG2 and no the bootloader is still locked.
Yes this will flash right on a rooted phone. The purpose of this is to go back to stock from either rooted or custom rom.
Sent from my SPH-L720
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for this stupid question , but will I be able to flash a custom recovery after flashing this image?
Thank you,
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app

jam97 said:
sorry for this stupid quastion , but will I be able to flash a custom recovery after flashing this image?
Thank you,
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to re-root the phone after installing this file! Then you will be able to install a custom recovery..

Thanks for putting this on a speedy host. I just downloaded it tonight in under half an hour at my daughter's house, and she doesn't have a particularly fast internet connection.
A quick question - does this file leave your programs intact? Sometimes I like a total wipe (except for my SD card), and start fresh.
Thanks again

my wifi is broken after flashing. won't turn on

rtwrobert10 said:
my wifi is broken after flashing. won't turn on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same problem let me know if you find how to fix it

rtwrobert10 said:
my wifi is broken after flashing. won't turn on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
biscojams said:
same problem let me know if you find how to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflash it again
Sent from my SPH-L720

rtwrobert10 said:
my wifi is broken after flashing. won't turn on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
biscojams said:
same problem let me know if you find how to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROMANTiC KiD said:
Reflash it again
Sent from my SPH-L720
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I wiped then installed twice, no wifi. I'll try one more time,

DAFTEK said:
Same here, I wiped then installed twice, no wifi. I'll try one more time,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try flashing the ng2 kernel after the install. Thru custom recovery.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712458388
Thanks to @ g_ding84

DAFTEK said:
Same here, I wiped then installed twice, no wifi. I'll try one more time,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd.
I have installed this NG2 tar file with Odin on 2 different phones and WiFi works perfect on both..

2WhiteWolves said:
Try flashing the ng2 kernel after the install. Thru custom recovery.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712458388
Thanks to @ g_ding84
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I did try one more time and this time I went back in recovery and did the two wipes, went back in to download, opened odin3 3.09 via administrator and removed the auto reboot check. after it finished i manually rebooted and wifi worked.
---------- Post added at 10:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 PM ----------
Now I have another problem. I am no longer with sprint and my phone is unlocked from sprint. I have been using the GOLDENEYE rom on Walmart Family Mobile and all was warning well except for sometimes not connecting calls so I thought i go back to stock with this rom. Problem now is I can make calls with the Walmart sim card, put in the APN settings but i am unable to remove the Hands Free Activation nagging.. Is there anyway to make it go away?

DAFTEK said:
[/COLOR]Now I have another problem. I am no longer with sprint and my phone is unlocked from sprint. I have been using the GOLDENEYE rom on Walmart Family Mobile and all was warning well except for sometimes not connecting calls so I thought i go back to stock with this rom. Problem now is I can make calls with the Walmart sim card, put in the APN settings but i am unable to remove the Hands Free Activation nagging.. Is there anyway to make it go away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to pull down the notification bar with two fingers > long press on Hands Free icon to see if something is turned on to make it show up on notification bar? If turned on, shut it off. Hopefully it is that simple. If not that simple, I have no clue how to make it stop. Maybe someone else does.
I haven't heard of anyone having that problem.

Yeah, I tried everything, it's part of the rom I think, nothing worked to make it go away..
I just went back to goldeneye rom, all working perfect again. Thanks.

I just flashed this rom through odin and it didn't wipe any of my programs, isn't is supposed to?

RTbar said:
I just flashed this rom through odin and it didn't wipe any of my programs, isn't is supposed to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
also I confirm that everything is working great.

RTbar said:
I just flashed this rom through odin and it didn't wipe any of my programs, isn't is supposed to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. it doesn't wipe data unless stated by the OP that it does. It only restores any apps deleted, or reverses any mods made. Example if you are running Aosp and Odin back to stock. You will get bootloop. After Odin always go to stock recovery and do a factory reset to have a clean install.
Sent from my SPH-L720

Wifi didn't work for me on this rom, coming from a custom mf9 rom. So I odin mf9 bootloader package, and then flashed stock mf9 odexed rooted rom, then odin the mf9 kernel. And did NG2 upgrade through Kies. Now Wi-Fi finally works for me but it's impossible to root. But at least now I got everything working, when I get off of work I can flash the OP version of NG2 cuz at least I could root that 1.

G930T_PG1_Stock_DeOdexed_Debloated_ROM (7/10/2016)

**You can begin the following process from any Build but you must already have Root Access**
**Required** [root] FlashFire
Download:
- G930T_PG1_Stock_DeOdexed_Debloated_ROM.zip
1. Place the ROM onto your device (use either internal or ext-sdcard).
2. Open the FlashFire app, grant root access, and "Agree" to the Terms and Conditions.
3. Press "(+)" twice to bring up the "Actions" menu.
4. Press "Flash Zip or OTA" and locate and select the ROM. Use the default settings under the "Options" menu and press the checkmark to continue.
5. From the main menu Uncheck all options under "EverRoot" and set "Reboot" to "Download."
6. Press the lightning bolt then "Ok" to begin the flash . The screen will turn black then display the contents of your system before beginning the flash. FlashFire will pause for about 1 minute while flashing the "system" partition.
7. Once the flash is complete and the device reboots into "Download" mode, flash the G930T_PG1_Stock_Modem_Recovery_Bootloader.tar.md5 using Odin's AP slot. The device will take 10 - 15 mins for the first boot!
8. To regain root access, re-run "root.bat" once the device has fully rebooted. Make certain usb debugging is enabled. Enjoy!
Tip: for blazing fast speed turn off animations from Developer Options and reboot!
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your Knox Warranty Flag.
2. The above process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Bootloader, and Stock Recovery.
3. The ROM will automatically wipe all User Data!
4. Follow this guide if you do not already have root access: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s7/how-to/root-s7-att-g930a-g935a-t3410538

Congrats on the first G920T ROM! Any way to do this withOUT wiping user data?

seanvree said:
Congrats on the first G920T ROM! Any way to do this withOUT wiping user data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx. Use FlashFire's backup function to backup your data then restore after updating.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app

Nice! Thanks!

First off thanks for posting the first rom in this section. I just wanted to ask if this runs at the speed of the stock s7 or does it lag and delay like mine is now after rooting and applying the fixes?

veritasaequita said:
First off thanks for posting the first rom in this section. I just wanted to ask if this runs at the speed of the stock s7 or does it lag and delay like mine is now after rooting and applying the fixes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Others will have to share their thoughts on that. I am running pure stock w/out root. But debloated, deodexed ROM'S usually run a little faster than pure stock.

muniz_ri said:
Thx. Use FlashFire's backup function to backup your data then restore after updating.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I use flash fire. What are all the items o want to back up for user data only ? I want to make sure I don't restore anything that will mess with this ROM. Thanks!
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA Free mobile app

THANK YOU, will try as soon as I charge my phone and I will post updates.

Running amazing, definitely faster then stick rooted, only issue I'm having is when trying to make a call it takes a few seconds to connect :/ tried disabling Volte didn't make a difference

This rom is a phenomenal start. It is atleast as fast as stock s7 and runs circles around a fresh rooted one. As stated above the only thing I did notice was some weird calling issue but what cleared that up for me was dialer/settings/ turn off volte and also turn off wifi calling. The wifi calling had to be tricked into turning off as the regular wifi calling in settings was grayed out but I was able to get it in the dialer section. Thanks for a great start!

Will this unlock bootloader ?

Demonith said:
Will this unlock bootloader ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think so

Demonith said:
Will this unlock bootloader ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Still not possible with us variants. And prob never will.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------
Great job on this ROM! Have everything set up and it's blazing fast. Pop your PayPal buddy. I'd like to buy you a beer.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA Free mobile app

Hey, I also found this weird problem, may NOT be with this ROM, but I've never seen it before. Whenever I try to change the permissions of any app, I get this error. SO, I have to go thru and disable every app before I can change ANY app's permissions. VERY annoying. Anyone have a workaround?

seanvree said:
Hey, I also found this weird problem, may NOT be with this ROM, but I've never seen it before. Whenever I try to change the permissions of any app, I get this error. SO, I have to go thru and disable every app before I can change ANY app's permissions. VERY annoying. Anyone have a workaround?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong but im pretty sure that the supersu chainfire released today should fix that for you.
https://download.chainfire.eu/970/SuperSU/SuperSU-v2.76-S7QC.zip

veritasaequita said:
I could be wrong but im pretty sure that the supersu chainfire released today should fix that for you.
https://download.chainfire.eu/970/SuperSU/SuperSU-v2.76-S7QC.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one doesn't' work, Make sure to get the latest from here:
https://download.chainfire.eu/969/SuperSU/
F*CK! Don't do this! I just bricked my phone!!!
I used the new UPDATE and flashed via flashfire, it rebooted, now I get the error: "Security error: This phone has been flashed with unauthorized software & is locked"
Anyone know what to do?

seanvree said:
How do we flash this? I put the .zip on my SD card and tried Flashfire but it doesn't see the zip....Weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I extracted a APK file out of there and just installed it normally. Hope that helps

Just odin flash the stock PG1 .tar files.
You may also want to remove that link to the regular SuperSU.zip. People should only use the special SuperSU version made for use with adb.

veritasaequita said:
I could be wrong but im pretty sure that the supersu chainfire released today should fix that for you.
https://download.chainfire.eu/970/SuperSU/SuperSU-v2.76-S7QC.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz_ri said:
Just odin flash the stock PG1 .tar files.
You may also want to remove that link to the regular SuperSU.zip. People should only use the special SuperSU version made for use with adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I've never done this before. what slot am I using in Odin? where do I get the PG1.Tar files?

seanvree said:
Okay, I've never done this before. what slot am I using in Odin? where do I get the PG1.Tar files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G930T/
The zip will have all the tar files,, and it will be obvious where they go when unzipped.

Downgrade to 4.4.2 factory test firmware for SM-S903VL

I found that you can use kingroot to root the factory test firmware for the SM-S903VL
This is the only root method I know and I belive it is the first for the SM-S903VL
The factory firmware has drawbacks, no text calling or downloads or play store.
If anyone can find a way to make this better and actually be able to use the play store phone and texting let us know.
MAKE SURE YOU BACK UP EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU DO THIS
Downgrade and root files found on my drive...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4954IfsDiYKendnaWN1cGZ2Snc
Use odin to flash and Kingroot to root, may take a few tries.
If you are done and need to flash back to stock firmware flash these files with odin...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4954IfsDiYKUmkyZkNIMVhrOUk

Downloading files. Will confirm asap. Thanks!

Definitely works. Root verified. I'm going to stay here and mess around for awhile and see what I can get away with. I'm far from any kind of expert but this seems like a good sign.

omgitsMATT said:
Definitely works. Root verified. I'm going to stay here and mess around for awhile and see what I can get away with. I'm far from any kind of expert but this seems like a good sign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played with it for awhile, seems the bootloader is locked so that explains not being able to flash a custom recovery. I can't wait till development takes off.

mortj19 said:
I played with it for awhile, seems the bootloader is locked so that explains not being able to flash a custom recovery. I can't wait till development takes off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed a custom recovery used from one of the other S5 phones but it kept booting into a page that said take it to a Verizon employee. I assume that's because of the bootloader being locked. I installed Flashify with an apk and used that to flash.

omgitsMATT said:
I flashed a custom recovery used from one of the other S5 phones but it kept booting into a page that said take it to a Verizon employee. I assume that's because of the bootloader being locked. I installed Flashify with an apk and used that to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flashify to flash what? sorry lol i got excited please tell me you found how to flash something that works

mortj19 said:
flashify to flash what? sorry lol i got excited please tell me you found how to flash something that works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Flashify to flash a custom recovery image, TWRP. It worked but the device wouldn't boot into the recovery image or even back into the operating system anymore. It went straight to a page telling me to take my phone to Verizon store so Verizon could fix my phone. I tripped something.
I just opened Odin and reflashed 4.4.2 and kept messing around, that fixed my phone.
Sorry, didn't mean to get your hopes up.

omgitsMATT said:
I used Flashify to flash a custom recovery image, TWRP. It worked but the device wouldn't boot into the recovery image or even back into the operating system anymore. It went straight to a page telling me to take my phone to Verizon store so Verizon could fix my phone. I tripped something.
I just opened Odin and reflashed 4.4.2 and kept messing around, that fixed my phone.
Sorry, didn't mean to get your hopes up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aw poop, seems we need someone to make a safestrap or bootloader unlock method.. I wish we didn't have to fight to get root and recovery control...

mortj19 said:
aw poop, seems we need someone to make a safestrap or bootloader unlock method.. I wish we didn't have to fight to get root and recovery control...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you finding this method mentioned in this thread on the original post is a real winner. I think it might be the answer for someone to come in and start developing. *fingers crossed*

omgitsMATT said:
I think you finding this method mentioned in this thread on the original post is a real winner. I think it might be the answer for someone to come in and start developing. *fingers crossed*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully... It took forever to find the firmware files and I only just happened to investigate the factory test files and noticed it was 4.4.2 and decided to try out different one click roots for the heck of it...

mortj19 said:
I found that you can use kingroot to root the factory test firmware for the SM-S903VL
This is the only root method I know and I belive it is the first for the SM-S903VL
The factory firmware has drawbacks, no text calling or downloads or play store.
If anyone can find a way to make this better and actually be able to use the play store phone and texting let us know.
MAKE SURE YOU BACK UP EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU DO THIS
Downgrade and root files found on my drive...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4954IfsDiYKendnaWN1cGZ2Snc
Use odin to flash and Kingroot to root, may take a few tries.
If you are done and need to flash back to stock firmware flash these files with odin...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4954IfsDiYKUmkyZkNIMVhrOUk
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Click to collapse
Where the hell did you find the stock 6.0.1 firmware?! Please tell me because I want to see if it has other "weird" Samsung firmware like s975L

parrotgeek1 said:
Where the hell did you find the stock 6.0.1 firmware?! Please tell me because I want to see if it has other "weird" Samsung firmware like s975L
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy-firmware

mortj19 said:
Easy-firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I don't have this phone, but can you send me some screenshots of what apps are installed, and a screenshot of About phone menu, so that I can try to help with play store and phone/text?

edit: never mind

parrotgeek1 said:
edit: never mind
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You edited to quick, lol.
I'm looking up the stuff you asked now. Will have to reflash everything, bbiab

Im having difficulties waiting patiently for development. .....
Off topic: I was a burrito once

parrotgeek1 said:
Thanks!
I don't have this phone, but can you send me some screenshots of what apps are installed, and a screenshot of About phone menu, so that I can try to help with play store and phone/text?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't entirely sure what you wanted when it concerned Apps so I just went to settings and took screenshots of everything under Settings > Device > Apps

Let me know if that's everything you need so I can put 6.0.1 back on before I head to work so I have a stable phone.

omgitsMATT said:
I wasn't entirely sure what you wanted when it concerned Apps so I just went to settings and took screenshots of everything under Settings > Device > Apps
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Click to collapse
thanks, also need lock screen, home screen, notifications
I want to see if the aosp apks could work
and thats it
---------- Post added at 04:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:16 PM ----------
mortj19 said:
Im having difficulties waiting patiently for development. .....
Off topic: I was a burrito once
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what

parrotgeek1 said:
thanks, also need lock screen, home screen, notifications
I want to see if the aosp apks could work
and thats it
---------- Post added at 04:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:16 PM ----------
what
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to get the home screen and notifications but there is this black transparent thing with yellow text that is getting in the way of everything, you can see it in the screenshots. Also because this is Factory Mode apparently there is no lock screen? I've rooted again and am trying to see if I can turn it off for you but here is what I got so far