I have an unlocked AT&T branded Galaxy S4 Active, bought new on Ebay that I'm using on Metro-PCS and it's beginning to feel dated. I understand the risk of bricking your device, but could flashing potentially lock it? I've been reading the firmware thread how to thread and I'm preparing to incrementally flash my device following the posted guide.
Thanks
th3_d4rk_kn1ght said:
I have an unlocked AT&T branded Galaxy S4 Active, bought new on Ebay that I'm using on Metro-PCS and it's beginning to feel dated. I understand the risk of bricking your device, but could flashing potentially lock it? I've been reading the firmware thread how to thread and I'm preparing to incrementally flash my device following the posted guide.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand once a device is unlocked, it is always unlocked. But I would get confirmation on that before you do anything.
Related
I've read a ton of posts on this topic and I understand the general consensus is that the bootloader is locked, but has any developer confirmed this? I asked Chainfire about a cf auto-root and he just assumed the bootloader was locked. People assumed this about the tmobile variant as well and apparently tmobile didn't lock the bootloader as people are rooting as we speak. I just wondered if it was even possible to check without the firmware being released.
johnnyutah22 said:
I've read a ton of posts on this topic and I understand the general consensus is that the bootloader is locked, but has any developer confirmed this? I asked Chainfire about a cf auto-root and he just assumed the bootloader was locked. People assumed this about the tmobile variant as well and apparently tmobile didn't lock the bootloader as people are rooting as we speak. I just wondered if it was even possible to check without the firmware being released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would but I don't know how. I tried to Google it but didn't come up with a whole lot of info.
johnnyutah22 said:
I've read a ton of posts on this topic and I understand the general consensus is that the bootloader is locked, but has any developer confirmed this? I asked Chainfire about a cf auto-root and he just assumed the bootloader was locked. People assumed this about the tmobile variant as well and apparently tmobile didn't lock the bootloader as people are rooting as we speak. I just wondered if it was even possible to check without the firmware being released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Need to try and flash something, but theres nothing out to flash lol.... Also ATT 99.9 percent of the time like Verizon locks their BLs, there were reports that TMO was locking it's as well but it seems the initial batch is unlocked, could change but I would count on the ATT variant being unlocked.
Guys, it's LOCKED. No, I can't confirm it, but why would AT&T say they don't support unlocked bootloaders and then ship the S5 with an unlocked bootloader? I think not.
MattMJB0188 said:
Guys, it's LOCKED. No, I can't confirm it, but why would AT&T say they don't support unlocked bootloaders and then ship the S5 with an unlocked bootloader? I think not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much this, which means no root, till a new exploit is found...but how many actual ATT devs are there that planned on getting the S5
djkinetic said:
Pretty much this, which means no root, till a new exploit is found...but how many actual ATT devs are there that planned on getting the S5
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Click to collapse
Probably not a lot. When the S4 had its bootloader patched last year development went down the drain, and fast. Everyone kept saying that the developers will unlock it, and they NEVER DID.
I am not trying to dis-respect any developers on here, but I do not like safestrap. Its no where as good as CWM-Recovery. I also loved flashing AOSP roms.
MattMJB0188 said:
Guys, it's LOCKED. No, I can't confirm it, but why would AT&T say they don't support unlocked bootloaders and then ship the S5 with an unlocked bootloader? I think not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you say makes perfect sense, I'm just saying that it would be nice to have it confirmed. With all of the back and forth between tmobile and their "Uncarrier" promotions and att's counter marketing, maybe att changed their minds to help their image, who knows, it's just a wishful dream I guess. Hopefully when sammobile makes the firmware available, someone can get Chainfire the recovery partition and he will create a cf auto-root for us to try.
johnnyutah22 said:
What you say makes perfect sense, I'm just saying that it would be nice to have it confirmed. With all of the back and forth between tmobile and their "Uncarrier" promotions and att's counter marketing, maybe att changed their minds to help their image, who knows, it's just a wishful dream I guess. Hopefully when sammobile makes the firmware available, someone can get Chainfire the recovery partition and he will create a cf auto-root for us to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the problem though, if the BL is locked, cf root will most likely either not flash or not boot according to Chainfire, and if either of these happens not only are u without root, but also the knox warranty flag is tripped and your warranty is voided...unfortunately someone has to be willing to take one for the community to confirm all this.
djkinetic said:
Here's the problem though, if the BL is locked, cf root will most likely either not flash or not boot according to Chainfire, and if either of these happens not only are u without root, but also the knox warranty flag is tripped and your warranty is voided...unfortunately someone has to be willing to take one for the community to confirm all this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that always the case with an unknown new device? I don't think xda would exist if people weren't willing to take some risks.
Looks like Chainfire is in irc looking for some att testers for auto-root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2696537&page=23
Hey there,
Im interested in doing my first root but im terrified of bricking my phone.
I've come across the method using odin and the auto root file from
autoroot.chainfire.eu
However, I still have a couple of questions I have not found an answer to due to there being a lack of tutorials featuring my phone model.
My first question is does my model have a locked boot loader? Which is going to cause my phone to become bricked if I dont somehow disable it? Much like the Verizon(?) Models.
If so how do I disabled it for my device?
Also when it comes to the autoroot file, do I need to look for anything other then model number? (Galaxy S3 I-9305T) S/N, chipset, etc.
I wish towelroot worked for my phone, sigh
Device details:
Galaxy S3 I-9305T
Android 4.3
Australia
Carrier is Telstra
Thank you in advance
darthkoax said:
Hey there,
Im interested in doing my first root but im terrified of bricking my phone.
I've come across the method using odin and the auto root file from
autoroot.chainfire.eu
However, I still have a couple of questions I have not found an answer to due to there being a lack of tutorials featuring my phone model.
My first question is does my model have a locked boot loader? Which is going to cause my phone to become bricked if I dont somehow disable it? Much like the Verizon(?) Models.
If so how do I disabled it for my device?
Also when it comes to the autoroot file, do I need to look for anything other then model number? (Galaxy S3 I-9305T) S/N, chipset, etc.
I wish towelroot worked for my phone, sigh
Device details:
Galaxy S3 I-9305T
Android 4.3
Australia
Carrier is Telstra
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easiest way is to use chainfire autoroot with odin on your pc make sure you follow the instructions to the letter also i9305t is compatible with i9305 software as they are the same phone good luck : )
Tmzdroid said:
The easiest way is to use chainfire autoroot with odin on your pc make sure you follow the instructions to the letter also i9305t is compatible with i9305 software as they are the same phone good luck : )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"If you have locked bootloaders, flashing one of these will probably brick your device "
So there is no locked boot loader to the best of your knowledge?
Also, thank you
darthkoax said:
"If you have locked bootloaders, flashing one of these will probably brick your device "
So there is no locked boot loader to the best of your knowledge?
Also, thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on Android 4.3 then you will have the "new" knox bootloader. Read up about it.... I deliberately stayed on 4.1 on two separate i9305s so as not to enounter Knox issue so I can't help you. Google is your friend, e.g. search: xda root i9305 knox
darthkoax said:
Hey there,
Im interested in doing my first root but im terrified of bricking my phone.
I've come across the method using odin and the auto root file from
autoroot.chainfire.eu
However, I still have a couple of questions I have not found an answer to due to there being a lack of tutorials featuring my phone model.
My first question is does my model have a locked boot loader? Which is going to cause my phone to become bricked if I dont somehow disable it? Much like the Verizon(?) Models.
If so how do I disabled it for my device?
Also when it comes to the autoroot file, do I need to look for anything other then model number? (Galaxy S3 I-9305T) S/N, chipset, etc.
I wish towelroot worked for my phone, sigh
Device details:
Galaxy S3 I-9305T
Android 4.3
Australia
Carrier is Telstra
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the s3, but most phones come with locked bootloaders, so you'll probably need to unlock it.
Also, I doubt you need to look at s/n or chipset, I didn't need to for my HTC or Motorola phone.
Not quite relevant, but Telstra is a rip off (unless you need amazing coverage ).
Hi,darthkoax,
Rooting Android phone involves installing a code inside your device so you can access the system with all permissions.The procedure Rooting Android does not change the version of your operating or delete data or applications system is a safe procedure and can be reversed easily.Another thing is the bootloader, issue that currently do not have to worry, but you have to know that depending on the way of rooting your phone can change the status of Knox counter.In other words: the counter Knox change the status of your warranty and depending on the country where you live can lose the guarantee.To reset the counter Knox is necessary to unlock the Knox bootloader/vers.4.3;4.4.4/-something that so far the developers have not gotten to our terminal.
Here is a good tool for root your handset:http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...msung-galaxy-s3-unified-toolkit-v8-0-t1979290
Naturally you can use CF Autoroot,KingoROOT,and so on..you choose.
Always read several times before flashing!
Good luck
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2953149
Have a look there!
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda premium
Hello community, recently I did the procedure to get the lollipop version in my S4 active i537 keeping root, but after many searches I can't find how to upgrade to marshmallow or nougat version and I wondering why.
I think it have to be because at this moment doesn't exist any way to intall a custom recovery as TWRP or CWM, if this is true, why nobody found the way to unlock the bootloader yet? in order to manage the custom recovery.
And why is so difficult to unlock it?
Which are the differences between this s4 version with the others? And how can I help to unlock the bootloader, thanks in advance.
I'm going to try to answer your questions one at a time:
m44nu33l said:
Hello community, recently I did the procedure to get the lollipop version in my S4 active i537 keeping root, but after many searches I can't find how to upgrade to marshmallow or nougat version and I wondering why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not and never will be marshmallow or nougat for the i537. This is because it is outside the "2-year" update cycle of Samsung/AT&T. If you look at other phones from Samsung and AT&T, there are very rarely updates to phones 2 years after the initial release of the phone. There's not really a good reason for this other than Samsung and AT&T want you to buy a new phone to get the latest updates. In the past you would need to get a new phone in order to have new hardware that is able to run the latest version of Android. But we're now at a point that nearly any phone released in the last 2-3 years can run nougat with minor lag. Manufacturers and carriers are holding on to the 2-year upgrade cycle and forcing you to buy new phones in order to get updates.
m44nu33l said:
I think it have to be because at this moment doesn't exist any way to intall a custom recovery as TWRP or CWM, if this is true, why nobody found the way to unlock the bootloader yet? in order to manage the custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The i537 has a locked bootloader while the i9295 does not have a locked bootloader. Nobody has figured out how to unlock the bootloader on any variant of the S4.
m44nu33l said:
And why is so difficult to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very long read, but this thread explains exactly why it is so hard to unlock the bootloader. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2500826)
m44nu33l said:
Which are the differences between this s4 version with the others?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated above the only difference between the two versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (i537 vs i9295) is that the i537 has a locked bootloader and the i9295 does not. The i537 was sold exclusively through AT&T (US), Telcel (Mexico), and Claro (Uruguay), while the i9295 was sold internationally. Neither device will get official versions of marshmallow or nougat, but since the i9295 has an unlocked bootloader you can flash marshmallow and soon nougat custom ROMs. Other than the bootloader, the i537 and i9295 have identical hardware.
m44nu33l said:
And how can I help to unlock the bootloader, thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, unless you have a deep understanding of kernels, Linux, and cryptology, I'm not sure there's much help you can provide. The link I provided above explains all the effort that has been put into unlocking the bootloader. If you truly want to help I would read through that thread and see if there's anything meaningful you can provide.
Finally, if you don't ever want to have this problem again, always do your research and but a phone that has an unlockable bootloader. I purchased the i537 when it first came out only to find that the bootloader was locked and because of that I will never buy another phone with a locked bootloader again. Good luck.
Devo7v said:
I'm going to try to answer your questions one at a time:
There is not and never will be marshmallow or nougat for the i537. This is because it is outside the "2-year" update cycle of Samsung/AT&T. If you look at other phones from Samsung and AT&T, there are very rarely updates to phones 2 years after the initial release of the phone. There's not really a good reason for this other than Samsung and AT&T want you to buy a new phone to get the latest updates. In the past you would need to get a new phone in order to have new hardware that is able to run the latest version of Android. But we're now at a point that nearly any phone released in the last 2-3 years can run nougat with minor lag. Manufacturers and carriers are holding on to the 2-year upgrade cycle and forcing you to buy new phones in order to get updates.
The i537 has a locked bootloader while the i9295 does not have a locked bootloader. Nobody has figured out how to unlock the bootloader on any variant of the S4.
It's a very long read, but this thread explains exactly why it is so hard to unlock the bootloader. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2500826)
As I stated above the only difference between the two versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (i537 vs i9295) is that the i537 has a locked bootloader and the i9295 does not. The i537 was sold exclusively through AT&T (US), Telcel (Mexico), and Claro (Uruguay), while the i9295 was sold internationally. Neither device will get official versions of marshmallow or nougat, but since the i9295 has an unlocked bootloader you can flash marshmallow and soon nougat custom ROMs. Other than the bootloader, the i537 and i9295 have identical hardware.
Honestly, unless you have a deep understanding of kernels, Linux, and cryptology, I'm not sure there's much help you can provide. The link I provided above explains all the effort that has been put into unlocking the bootloader. If you truly want to help I would read through that thread and see if there's anything meaningful you can provide.
Finally, if you don't ever want to have this problem again, always do your research and but a phone that has an unlockable bootloader. I purchased the i537 when it first came out only to find that the bootloader was locked and because of that I will never buy another phone with a locked bootloader again. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation, what I will do is change my S4 for the international version in order to get the nougat custom rom.
m44nu33l said:
Thanks for the explanation, what I will do is change my S4 for the international version in order to get the nougat custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well my questions has really been answered , i guess we are never going to get an update , best option is to get a new phone
For anyone who might have bricked their device or just want to flash marshmallow on their s6 I have found the odin flashable file to do so. (Warning, make sure your bootloader is unlocked if you are upgrading or downgrading) I did a lot of research until I found this because I bricked my phone. Enjoy. http://www.theandroidsoul.com/download-galaxy-s6-stock-firmware/
chris62594 said:
For anyone who might have bricked their device or just want to flash marshmallow on their s6 I have found the odin flashable file to do so. (Warning, make sure your bootloader is unlocked if you are upgrading or downgrading) I did a lot of research until I found this because I bricked my phone. Enjoy. http://www.theandroidsoul.com/download-galaxy-s6-stock-firmware/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What process did you use to unlock your bootloader? I am under the impression no one has been able to do so on g920a.
dandrumheller said:
What process did you use to unlock your bootloader? I am under the impression no one has been able to do so on g920a.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not able to unlock my bootloader. But I do know other people who can unlock bootloaders from other cell phone companies who want to switch to att firmeware so I included that phrase. I bricked my phone trying to downgrade when the bootloader was locked and had to find the original marshmallow firmware so I could fix my phone. I do believe though that once you own your phone you should be able to take a phone to att and have them unlock the bootloader from my understanding. That is what you have to do anyways if you want to change service to straight talk or other carriers.
chris62594 said:
I was not able to unlock my bootloader. But I do know other people who can unlock bootloaders from other cell phone companies who want to switch to att firmeware so I included that phrase. I bricked my phone trying to downgrade when the bootloader was locked and had to find the original marshmallow firmware so I could fix my phone. I do believe though that once you own your phone you should be able to take a phone to att and have them unlock the bootloader from my understanding. That is what you have to do anyways if you want to change service to straight talk or other carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK they will NETWORK unlock, which is what you're referring to, not bootloader unlock.
Hey:
Trying to help a friend unlock the bootlaoder on his S5 g900a. Was reading a how-to thread on this site, but now, can't find it. I want everyone to understand something...this is an S5 g900a, meaning; sold by AT&T. This particular model is a different animal than other S5's. AT&T 'locked" (or had Samsung) the bootloader. You CANNOT root this phone!!! and, so far, cannot unlock the factory 'locked" bootloader. So, need to unlock this phones bootloader using D/l software and instructions. His phone is running Mm 6.0.1 w/ 8Gb SD card. Someone here know what I'm discussing and could help?
THANX:
RICK
There are multiple threads that answer this...the Bootloader can not be unlocked at this time.
johnkirchner said:
There are multiple threads that answer this...the Bootloader can not be unlocked at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Evening John:
Not meaning to contradict or argue, but could you explain how/why E-Bay sells that particular model (g900a--AT&T) 'unlocked"...which couldn't be accomplished without unlocking the bootloader?
Rick
It's probably SIM unlocked meaning you can use on any carrier that uses a SIM card. Trust me the bootloader is locked tighter than fort Knox. There are some working on trying to unlock it though.