Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks
Icon000 said:
Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(
I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
matt99017d said:
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Icon000 said:
I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only rom out for SS that i am aware of is just a ported tmobile rom for vzw phones that has the update built in. Basically it is just the OTA stock rom running on SS. This is what I am using currently. Not sure if it flashable for ATT phones, but I'm sure there is some workaround there. Or maybe the OP on that thread can make a ATT one if you asked him. SS is stable as of now. Haven't had any new updates to it because no one is having any problems currently (at least with moto x devices).
For your question pertaining to options for taking the OTA. There are 4 methods now.
1. SS method described above
2. use the thread called something like "keep root through the OTA." It basically takes the ota without updating the BL so you can still downgrade to your stock original FW that you are on now. It's the same thing as the SS method because SS also does not udpate the BL, but you won't be using SS for this method obviously.
3. you can flash recovery.img (and system.img if you need to) or just RSD, then install pwnmymoto without running it, then take the ota and pwnmymoto will root the phone automatically after the ota is taken. you won't be able to downgrade your FW anymore with this method.
4. you can just take the ota (also must flash or use rsd to take it obviously) and then use jcase's rockmymoto root exploit. This uses adb commands and telnet stuff. Not too difficult but if you are unfamiliar with all of that then it will take at least some reading. There is also a thread out there for windows users that simplifies it pretty well.
For future Kit kat root. it is still up in the air what will happen with that. I chose to use SS because it was easy. quick. and allows me to make nandroids. I also like knowing that I can still flash to original stock FW in case that might be necessarry for getting root on kit kat. This seems less likely now that jcase created a root method for the OTA that is out, but I'm still just playing it safe personally, even if it might be pointless now.
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!
I recently upgraded my phone to an AT&T S5 (I decided I didn't like the S6 specs). Currently, the phone is 100% stock, unrooted. I know that previous Samsung phones had problems with OTA updates when they were rooted. Now, with the possibility that the Lollipop OTA is coming soon, I'm hesitant to root until the OTA comes out. Here are my questions:
1. Should I wait to root until after the OTA hits the streets, or is there a strategy to root and still safely apply the OTA?
2. I don't want to be one of the first to get the OTA since it may be buggy. Is there a way to delay the OTA if I'm not rooted?
So, nobody has any thoughts about this?
I can't tell you what you should do but I can tell you what I would do. I would root now, load Titanium backup, and wait for 5.0 to come out. With TBU I freeze the OTA so it's not pushed without my permission. Additionally TBU will backup everything going forward so I can easily move up and restore my apps.
I believe the current process to root will work so be patient.
woody1 said:
So, nobody has any thoughts about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't even take the OTA. Lots of issues with it. I am pretty sure LP will be the same.
I rooted mine, installed SafeStrap, and installed the XDK ROM, which eliminates all updates. My phone works great, does everything I want it to. Don't need problematic upgrades to downgrade my system.
cmerlyn said:
I wouldn't even take the OTA. Lots of issues with it. I am pretty sure LP will be the same.
I rooted mine, installed SafeStrap, and installed the XDK ROM, which eliminates all updates. My phone works great, does everything I want it to. Don't need problematic upgrades to downgrade my system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to both of you for your suggestions. I think I'm going to go ahead and root and stay on the stock rom for a while. If the OTA shows up soon and looks worthwhile, I'll give it a try. Otherwise, I'll install SafeStrap and try a custom ROM.
Sure. Here's an easy answer: if you search for S5 AT&T and lolipop, you'll find lots of things that will say that AT&T will be taking its SWEET time putting an ota upgrade for lolipop out.
It is available from Samsung thru Kies, and I think I am personally going to take a new rom, and try and upgrade and unlock this piece of junque (and I upgraded from a Galaxy SII! )
Sigh
OK, I've read so much that things are just getting jumbled in my brain now. There's so much information in these threads that I don't know where to start. The world of Android apparently moves too fast for me to keep up. I've got a Verizon LG G2 that is stuck on 4.4.2, software version 24A. Right after I took the OTA KK upgrade I rooted with IORoot25. I don't think I've done anything other than root, however I have somehow can create the mobile hot spot without permissions. Not sure if there was an .apk that was put on when I rooted or how I did it because it was over a year ago.
Ever since I rooted, my phone tries to push OTA updates but they are always unsuccessful. Every morning I have to hit "Install Later" becasue it tried over night and failed. Besides this being a bit annoying, I haven't been concerned becasue the only OTAs since I got 4.4.2 was supposedly some small patch that didn't really do much (from what I read). But, the other day it notified me that it wanted to push Lollipop and needless to say, I want it.
My problem: I don't know what the hell to do! Besides rooting, I'm pretty sure the only thing I've done is download Flashify and backup my stock recovery. Flashify doesn't show that I have a custom recovery, nor do I ever remember installing one. Just whatever came with the IORoot25. Oh, and it looks like I Quarantined LGSetupWizard using App Quarentine. Pretty sure that's it. So, where do I go from here?? I'm wanting to move to Lollipop, then possibly de-bloat it, and would like a custom recovery so that I can create nandroid backups and possibly start trying out other custom ROMs.
I had an OG Droid for years and would flash ROMs frequently until I upgraded to a RAZR MAXX. Once I got the MAXX, and now the LG, all I've really done is root and hack the wifi, so I'm REALLY out of the loop now! Everything seems so complicated becasue there's just too much info out there. Could somebody please guide me in the right direction to make this as smooth as possible??
Thanks for reading and helping a NooB out. Ugh...can't believe I have to start calling myself that again!!
You could 'freeze' the update so it doesn't pop up every morning. IF you want to update- you can unroot it and then take the update and re-root it and fix the hotspot thing. I'm in the same boat, I'm about to do the same myself.
caecusscius said:
You could 'freeze' the update so it doesn't pop up every morning. IF you want to update- you can unroot it and then take the update and re-root it and fix the hotspot thing. I'm in the same boat, I'm about to do the same myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Hoe do I "freeze" the update? If I do decide to take the update and re-root, and especially if I start loading custom ROMs, I know I'm going to want to do this in the future. I've been getting theses OTA update notifications everyday for months now!!
Also, what's the easiest way to unroot?
AS long as you are running stock I believe you can accept the OTA without unrooting: I haven't done it yet as I haven't had a few free hours, but I'm going to try it tonight.
there are plenty of apps that allow you to freeze apps- titanium Backup Pro is one that comes to mind.
I just bought this & it came with 4.4.2. Can I root this or put any roms on it? Maybe should I even update it?
I was always an iPhone guy, but I love the screen on this Samsung and I'm glad I made the switch.
I want to figure out what I should do before I update and risk never being able to put a rom on it, or if it's even possible to do so on AT&T.
Savens said:
I just bought this & it came with 4.4.2. Can I root this or put any roms on it? Maybe should I even update it?
I was always an iPhone guy, but I love the screen on this Samsung and I'm glad I made the switch.
I want to figure out what I should do before I update and risk never being able to put a rom on it, or if it's even possible to do so on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same boat as you as I bought my Note 3 used about a week ago. I have been rooting phones for quite some time and this (by far) was the most confusing and took more effort. There's several different S/W versions and it gets confusing. Also, the bootloader is locked so there ain't much you can do in respect to unlocked bootloaders. But there are some "work arounds".However, a few questions---
Are you on 4.4.2 NC2? If so you can "Towel root" is quite easily, install busy box and safe strap then do upgrades from there or you can stay on NC2. I made the mistake of bypassing and simply using ODIN to 4.4.4 NL1 then to NL2. I would have to revert back to NC2 and wipe everything to have root, so I've been staying put on NL2...which is smooth, LONG battery life and runs great. I'm toying with upgrading to OC1/OC2 but I'm [still] researching if it's better---Lollipop has been getting mixed reviews.
I really wish there was a threat showing each S/W version from the first to last with a brief description of each and which ones are up gradable via ATT OTA, which ones to root, comparing battery life and stability.
cherokee140 said:
I was in the same boat as you as I bought my Note 3 used about a week ago. I have been rooting phones for quite some time and this (by far) was the most confusing and took more effort. There's several different S/W versions and it gets confusing. Also, the bootloader is locked so there ain't much you can do in respect to unlocked bootloaders. But there are some "work arounds".However, a few questions---
Are you on 4.4.2 NC2? If so you can "Towel root" is quite easily, install busy box and safe strap then do upgrades from there or you can stay on NC2. I made the mistake of bypassing and simply using ODIN to 4.4.4 NL1 then to NL2. I would have to revert back to NC2 and wipe everything to have root, so I've been staying put on NL2...which is smooth, LONG battery life and runs great. I'm toying with upgrading to OC1/OC2 but I'm [still] researching if it's better---Lollipop has been getting mixed reviews.
I really wish there was a threat showing each S/W version from the first to last with a brief description of each and which ones are up gradable via ATT OTA, which ones to root, comparing battery life and stability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on 5.0 right now. D:
Alright I'm on N900AUCUCNC2 now, completely stock. Did Towel Root and I'm downloading Root Checker to see if I'm actually rooted.
From now, can I upgrade through AT&T in "about phone" to 5.0 Lollipop?