Database Develop

[Q] Galaxy S4 Active - downgrade?

This is my first Android phone i have owned for a few years now and i made the mistake of doing the OTA update to 4.3. I would love to root this phone because that was a big reason why i got it. I hated waiting for a jailbreak for my iPhone and i want a phone that i have control over. is it possible to "downgrade" from the OTA update to the leaked update? or even downgrade back to 4.2.2? I have looked around but cant find anything to helpful for the galaxy s4 active. also reading around multiple people say they end up having issues after downgrading or the KNOX counter going from 0x0 to 0x1, therefore voiding warranty.

RobbieHag said:
This is my first Android phone i have owned for a few years now and i made the mistake of doing the OTA update to 4.3. I would love to root this phone because that was a big reason why i got it. I hated waiting for a jailbreak for my iPhone and i want a phone that i have control over. is it possible to "downgrade" from the OTA update to the leaked update? or even downgrade back to 4.2.2? I have looked around but cant find anything to helpful for the galaxy s4 active. also reading around multiple people say they end up having issues after downgrading or the KNOX counter going from 0x0 to 0x1, therefore voiding warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the OTA upgraded Android to 4.3 it also included a new bootloader. The new bootloader prohibits "downgrading" to a firmware version below ML2. Currently there is no way to downgrade with the locked bootloader. However there is a new thread just started by @TransformixS4 that is looking at injecting root into the ML2 Odin files, so it may be possible in the future to root ML2. There are a couple threads in the regular S4 forums exploring ways to exploit the bootloader and flash custom kernels.
Back to your situation: you're completely stuck. Next time you see there is an update or OTA check XDA before you install it. There are a couple threads that explain the pros and cons of any updates. There is also a thread summarizing all the AT&T i537 firmwares which will be updated in the future and you may find useful.

Devo7v said:
While the OTA upgraded Android to 4.3 it also included a new bootloader. The new bootloader prohibits "downgrading" to a firmware version below ML2. Currently there is no way to downgrade with the locked bootloader. However there is a new thread just started by @TransformixS4 that is looking at injecting root into the ML2 Odin files, so it may be possible in the future to root ML2. There are a couple threads in the regular S4 forums exploring ways to exploit the bootloader and flash custom kernels.
Back to your situation: you're completely stuck. Next time you see there is an update or OTA check XDA before you install it. There are a couple threads that explain the pros and cons of any updates. There is also a thread summarizing all the AT&T i537 firmwares which will be updated in the future and you may find useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My issue was I kept telling it not to upgrade, and then it went ahead and did it anyway! On 4G, not wifi even. I was so mad when I got home and started reading that all the stuff I downloaded to root it *that day* would no longer work.

Caboose27 said:
My issue was I kept telling it not to upgrade, and then it went ahead and did it anyway! On 4G, not wifi even. I was so mad when I got home and started reading that all the stuff I downloaded to root it *that day* would no longer work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're only allowed to delay the update 4 or 5 times before it installed automatically. You can prevent it from upgrading in the future by freezing some system apps with Titanium Backup. I don't remember which ones right now, but if you search it's pretty easy to find.

Caboose27 said:
My issue was I kept telling it not to upgrade, and then it went ahead and did it anyway! On 4G, not wifi even. I was so mad when I got home and started reading that all the stuff I downloaded to root it *that day* would no longer work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just checking, you do have the i537 not i9295, right?

[Q] towelrooted gs5 question, samsung security updates, and att ota

There are a few questions here about my gs5 and note8.0, sorry for the long post, I rarely post but need a little guidance. Sorry if this post isnt exactly up to the standards of the rules, I also tried the search feature but didnt have any luck. I have spent countless hours reading threads. Ihave successfully rooted every, all 10, of the android devices I have owned which includes two tablets. SO TO ALL WHO POST INSTRUCTIONS HERE, THANK YOU.
I rooted my gs5 with towelroot pretty much immediately when it was released. I havent had any real issues, other than the phone freezing on rare occasion, and web pages get stuck loading about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way finished, when this happens I usually toggle the apn on and off and then the page will load. This happens kind of often, I attribute it to some bug in the stock TW rom. Of course im still hoping for a way to unlock the bootloader.
I get a notified of samsung security updates here and there, I have never updated that since I rooted, I assume that updating samsung security would most likely take away my root access.
I have a note 8.0 wifi tablet also and it is rooted, I had to root with odin on the tab, towelroot didnt work. I also get secuirty update notifications on my note 8 which I also ignore.
Will samsung security updates block root>
Will the new ATT gs5 update that was released this week block towelroot? I can easily unroot and update ota then try to re root with towelroot apk, I am worried that towelroot will not work anymore if I do that.
Anyone know if the att update blocks root, and is it even worth worrying about trying to download?
My note 8 is rooted via odin, but it still has stock recovery, how do I get twrp or clockworkmod? I am pretty sure there is not a locked bootloader on this wifi tab, but I do want custom recovery.
So any help with installing clockworkmod recovery on the note 8, I know the CWM app allows you to install cwm recovery but I have only done it once and forgot to check to see if the BL was locked, well it was and It was a pain to unbrick that device.

lollipop root on G900A discussion

On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.

wmunn said:
On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you update to lollipop then your ability to have a rooted phone will be lost. The bootloader hasnt changed since the phone was released which is the reason we have been able to rollback the rom. This was a loophole in the original firmware of the s5. When lollipop comes out then it will be a completely different bootloader and will be locked and you will not be able to roll back to kk bootloader. The loophole for this has been patched and there probably wont be another way to root the phone after lollipop considering the guy that found the loophole is now working for googles security team. Bottom line is if you want root then you cant have lollipop.
Sent from my SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

miller1821 said:
No, if you update to lollipop then your ability to have a rooted phone will be lost. The bootloader hasnt changed since the phone was released which is the reason we have been able to rollback the rom. This was a loophole in the original firmware of the s5. When lollipop comes out then it will be a completely different bootloader and will be locked and you will not be able to roll back to kk bootloader. The loophole for this has been patched and there probably wont be another way to root the phone after lollipop considering the guy that found the loophole is now working for googles security team. Bottom line is if you want root then you cant have lollipop.
Sent from my SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does this affect our device when it gets the lollipop update?
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/supersu-beta-lollipop-root-stock-kernel/

wmunn said:
On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to chainfire the chances of updating to 5.0 while keeping root seems more doable at this point.
However, based on recent samsung updates for other devices, safestrap may stop functioning after the update as it continues its slow death.
Once again, if having root access is important to you, do no not take the 5.0 update when released until some of us have a chance to evaluate it.

Since I am running dynamic Kat on stock slot right now, I should be safe from updates for now right?
Waiting to see what happens with all this. I did back up my stock rom to an SD card, so I can restore and unroot etc... to get an update if I choose to later.

muniz_ri said:
Thanks to chainfire the chances of updating to 5.0 while keeping root seems more doable at this point.
However, based on recent samsung updates for other devices, safestrap may stop functioning after the update as it continues its slow death.
Once again, if having root access is important to you, do no not take the 5.0 update when released until some of us have a chance to evaluate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was looking for a post like this. well maybe we might get 5.1 in the next few weeks or sooner so i am sure you will give it a try and a good look and hopefully you will have success in attaining root and a good SS. seems like u da man for this...:good::good:
as for 5.1 or a custom rom...well whose to say what that will bring...
will be waiting to see what happens. will check back here when it comes out. i watch for it everyday and as usual, thank you for all your great work!

miller1821 said:
No, if you update to lollipop then your ability to have a rooted phone will be lost. The bootloader hasnt changed since the phone was released which is the reason we have been able to rollback the rom. This was a loophole in the original firmware of the s5. When lollipop comes out then it will be a completely different bootloader and will be locked and you will not be able to roll back to kk bootloader. The loophole for this has been patched and there probably wont be another way to root the phone after lollipop considering the guy that found the loophole is now working for googles security team. Bottom line is if you want root then you cant have lollipop.
Sent from my SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily, just because (if) the S5 gets 5.0 does not mean the ability to root will be lost just go check out the Verizon S5 forums you'll see they have a method for rooting with 5.0 that in theory should work for us as well. again it is recomended to remain on a 4.4.x rom until this has been fully evaluated.
wmunn said:
On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion would be not to take any updates until the root capabilities have been evaluated.
As always, research goes a long way towards alleviating fears and stopping panic attacks before they happen. be patient there are great devs here give them time to work

Well, I stopped using the S5 and switched to a oneplus one, happily running CM12 nightlies now

the att gs5 doesn't seem like it's getting any updates..

wmunn said:
Well, I stopped using the S5 and switched to a oneplus one, happily running CM12 nightlies now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you liking it? I'm seriously thinking about doing the same thing.

I have a coworker that just got the Lollipop update for his Note 3 so that means it will be coming to the S5 very soon!

There is a pre-rooted lollipop update on droid views "http://www.droidviews.com/install-rooted-lollipop-on-att-galaxy-s5-sm-g900a/" . I have updated already and it runs smoothly. The only thing is after you run the update it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to reboot so just hang tight.

silentscreamz said:
There is a pre-rooted lollipop update on droid views "http://www.droidviews.com/install-rooted-lollipop-on-att-galaxy-s5-sm-g900a/" . I have updated already and it runs smoothly. The only thing is after you run the update it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to reboot so just hang tight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that method as well. Sure, it worked for me, but I came from Dynamic Kat, a well debloated stock rom. Due to this, after installing the update using this method, the built-in apps restore function could not complete due to having all of the useless bloatware back, taking up the extra space I was free to use in Dynamic Kat. Even removing the apps that are safe to remove via Titanium Backup doesn't help because the space is reserved for them. I've also already moved every app that it will allow to move to SD card. I've removed unneeded apps. I've gone through my internal storage to remove any unneeded files.
I've removed most of the apps listed here
This doesn't give me the Bluetooth tether that I used to us for my Gear 1(Running Null Rom). I'd look for an app to cover this but... I can't install anything because I've got no space to do so... I hope a good debloat method comes along soon. I still have root, so I'm hopeful.

Yea, bloatware is ridiculous for this phone. Have you tried the Alliance rom, that is what I run and it's not to bad for bloatware but I have only managed to get 5.6 running. Going to try version 8 today sometime. If you like to customize that is an awesome rom.

Hi folks, new to the S5 forums on here as I just upgraded from my trusty S3 on AT&T. I'm still on the stock 4.4.2 firmware, NG3 build, and I'm wondering if I should just root from here using TowelRoot method or take the 4.4.4 OTA and root from there.

Root your 4.4.2, then use the update while saving root to lollipop and skip 4.4.4 all together.

SoCalHTCFuze said:
Root your 4.4.2, then use the update while saving root to lollipop and skip 4.4.4 all together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to root using TowelRoot but it said device not supported. I'll do some research though. Havent even had the phone 5 hours yet.

MetalHead66 said:
I tried to root using TowelRoot but it said device not supported. I'll do some research though. Havent even had the phone 5 hours yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You gotta downgrade theres a post on here just type it in the search bar. Pretty easy process

Yes. Follow the 4.4.2 how to root thread, it says that bit still works.

OK thanks a bunch. Getting ready to do that now.
---------- Post added at 03:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 AM ----------
Well that was quite easy and I'm a happy camper now! Just had to flash nd3 kernel with odin in order for TR to work then flash my ng3 kernel. So nice to be able to use TiBu. Helium wouldnt install all my apps. Now I can start freezing and uninstalling all the bloatware!

sm-G900A towelroot help

looking around i can not find anywhere that exactly states what versions of android and on what devices towelroot supports. My question specifically being for the S5 SM-G900A att phone. I am right now on lollipop and i realise i have to downgrade, but I only want to downgrade as little as possible to get towelroot to work. (the end goal being root access of course)
On another note I have two other questions i will ask here so as to not clutter the forum.
1. is there anyway to downgrade my android version without wiping all my data?
if not, any advice on backing up all my data before it gets wiped? mainly my photos, apps, and appdata.
2. I see the only custom recovery i can use is safestrap, i have read is some places that it can not backup your user data (videos, photos, etc.) and nowhere mention it does. question being if this is true and if so how can i back up all my data? i really like the idea of just doing weekly rom backups and being able to restore all my apps and all my data with very little lost (less then a week is good enough for me).

brazblue said:
looking around i can not find anywhere that exactly states what versions of android and on what devices towelroot supports. My question specifically being for the S5 SM-G900A att phone. I am right now on lollipop and i realise i have to downgrade, but I only want to downgrade as little as possible to get towelroot to work. (the end goal being root access of course)
On another note I have two other questions i will ask here so as to not clutter the forum.
1. is there anyway to downgrade my android version without wiping all my data?
if not, any advice on backing up all my data before it gets wiped? mainly my photos, apps, and appdata.
2. I see the only custom recovery i can use is safestrap, i have read is some places that it can not backup your user data (videos, photos, etc.) and nowhere mention it does. question being if this is true and if so how can i back up all my data? i really like the idea of just doing weekly rom backups and being able to restore all my apps and all my data with very little lost (less then a week is good enough for me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you took the OTA update to 5.0 their is currently no way to safely downgrade and root.
Towel root only worked on 4.4.2 kernel.
Safestrap no longer works in 5.0 either.
Just have to hang tight till someone figures out root for stock 5.0.

Thank you for the help, i did not realize it was for 4.4.2 only. (why no list of working versions) as well you say no safe way to downgrade.....are there options or is it impossible? I just got the phone recently and I wasn't the one to update it, I got it second hand and well i can't control what has happened to it before me. sadly it was updated to 5.0
I may attempt a unsafe downgrade if possible, it really depends on what risk levels and if it's risk of doing something wrong and bricking or if there is a risk out of your hands and it may or may not work. else i will just wait and not update my phone in the time being.
nutt_case said:
If you took the OTA update to 5.0 their is currently no way to safely downgrade and root.
Towel root only worked on 4.4.2 kernel.
Safestrap no longer works in 5.0 either.
Just have to hang tight till someone figures out root for stock 5.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

brazblue said:
Thank you for the help, i did not realize it was for 4.4.2 only. (why no list of working versions) as well you say no safe way to downgrade.....are there options or is it impossible? I just got the phone recently and I wasn't the one to update it, I got it second hand and well i can't control what has happened to it before me. sadly it was updated to 5.0
I may attempt a unsafe downgrade if possible, it really depends on what risk levels and if it's risk of doing something wrong and bricking or if there is a risk out of your hands and it may or may not work. else i will just wait and not update my phone in the time being.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3077652
The above post is the unbrick/downgrade thread for the g900a.
You'll notice it says not to attempt if you've taken the OC4 ota...I'd read through their first. At this point it looks pretty risky.
Good luck either way you go!

rooting at&t galaxy s4 active oc7

hey guys i was wondering how to root the samsung galaxy s4 active (I537) 5.0.1 lolipop
baseband oc7
sorry if this was already brought up.. i didn't have much time so i did some brief searching and didn't really find too much... some posts looked like you would have to wipe your phone just to root it and i was hoping that ain't the case...
help is appreciated!!! thanks !!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3089355 for oc6 and oc7
The only way for now
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537

Austin68 said:
some posts looked like you would have to wipe your phone just to root it and i was hoping that ain't the case...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry this is absolutely the case, what firestorm942 didn't explicitly mention is that in order to be rooted at all on lollipop, you have to start from rooted KitKat. To see the full process see my post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63639949&postcount=2
Yes the process wipes your phone at one point and yes this the only way to be rooted on lollipop

I rooted my Galaxy S4 Active AT&T 5.0.1 oct7 With this tool KingRoot

GorranKurd said:
I rooted my Galaxy S4 Active AT&T 5.0.1 oct7 With this tool KingRoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is kingroot copies all your personal data (including your IMEI) and sends it to a server in China. I recommend against it since I don't trust that for a second. Supersu is known to be safe, stable, and effective

thisisapoorusernamechoice said:
The problem is kingroot copies all your personal data (including your IMEI) and sends it to a server in China. I recommend against it since I don't trust that for a second. Supersu is known to be safe, stable, and effective
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so if this do that but there is no way for now to Root our f**king at&t galaxy s4 [emoji25]
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

GorranKurd said:
I don't think so if this do that but there is no way for now to Root our f**king at&t galaxy s4 [emoji25]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, yes there is
You can accomplish it even if you've already updated to lollipop
Sometimes the correct way of doing things takes a little more effort than the easy way out, but why do something if you don't want to do it right?

thisisapoorusernamechoice said:
Actually, yes there is
You can accomplish it even if you've already updated to lollipop
Sometimes the correct way of doing things takes a little more effort than the easy way out, but why do something if you don't want to do it right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you bro i updated to Lollipop and Keep root but now i have another problem with the Mobile Data I can't create the APN to use mobile data when i don't have wifi i didn't got this problem when I on KitKat 4.4.2 but when i upgraded to 5.0.1 Lollipop it say ( ( Unable to view access point settings, Assess is restricted for the current user profile. )!?
Here is the screenshot:
How to Solve this problem ?

no root access
the post says in the start that you should already have root access but i dont have root access what should i do?

syedharisiftikhar said:
the post says in the start that you should already have root access but i dont have root access what should i do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on KitKat, root with towelroot. If you're on lollipop use Odin to go back to KitKat then root with towel root, and then you can use the keep root method to update to rooted lollipop
See here for more details: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63639949&postcount=2