Can I go back? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S6

I am interested in rooting my Samsung S6. I have been curious about the process on Android phones for a while. I am currently experimenting with Android development and would like to learn as much about the concepts as possible. My questions are; if you root a device as mine can you later go back to their (AT&T, Samsung) factory setup? I mean like what the phone came new from AT&T? Is there a way to back this state up so I can return to it? Any suggestions or information is cool. Thanks

pctechtv said:
I am interested in rooting my Samsung S6. I have been curious about the process on Android phones for a while. I am currently experimenting with Android development and would like to learn as much about the concepts as possible. My questions are; if you root a device as mine can you later go back to their (AT&T, Samsung) factory setup? I mean like what the phone came new from AT&T? Is there a way to back this state up so I can return to it? Any suggestions or information is cool. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ODIN back to Stock is how you get back to original.
Now the bad news. The ATT S6 cannot be rooted unless it has very old firmware on it. I think it was back in the 5.0.x days.
I never rooted it so I cannot remember for sure.

RoryB said:
Now the bad news.
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Click to collapse
That's cool; it is good to know this stuff before trying to do what is impossible. I have an S5 I could try, or I will just acquire a model that is good for rooting. I am interested in the concepts here, not so much fixing anything with my device (although that would be cool also). Could you recommend one? Why when using a program that backs up the Android (BackupTrans WhatsApp Backup) did I get a message that says "You need to root this phone"? Then it gave me steps showing how to do it. Are they just not aware of the limitations of this model (S6 AT&T)? Thanks

pctechtv said:
That's cool; it is good to know this stuff before trying to do what is impossible. I have an S5 I could try, or I will just acquire a model that is good for rooting. I am interested in the concepts here, not so much fixing anything with my device (although that would be cool also). Could you recommend one? Why when using a program that backs up the Android (BackupTrans WhatsApp Backup) did I get a message that says "You need to root this phone"? Then it gave me steps showing how to do it. Are they just not aware of the limitations of this model (S6 AT&T)? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know about the S5. The ATT S3 is still getting updates and is rootable. They have Nougat firmware they are developing.
Most likely the software did not have something right. There are several versions of the S6, but the ATT version has a locked bootloader now.

RoryB said:
There are several versions of the S6
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Click to collapse
I am imagining that there must be a way (website or something) to plug in some numbers from the back of it, to figure out what version you have? I mean something that lets you know what's possible? Thanks

pctechtv said:
I am imagining that there must be a way (website or something) to plug in some numbers from the back of it, to figure out what version you have? I mean something that lets you know what's possible? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First simple check is in Settings-About Device
If it states Model Number is SAMSUNG-SM-G920A it is the ATT version.
Also, on the back of mine there is a label near the bottom. It is hard to read (faint), but it also states SM-G920A
Check those first.

Related

New to rooting

I am new to rooting and have been wanting to root my ATT N900A but I honestly have no idea where to start or where to learn the basics. I have read a lot of the forums to try and learn most of it on my own but the lingo has been quite the challenge, some users say things I've never heard of and kind of already advanced more than what I have actually learned. Is there someone who can help me out with my rooting and learning about it all? Please and thank you
Floridaa said:
I am new to rooting and have been wanting to root my ATT N900A but I honestly have no idea where to start or where to learn the basics. I have read a lot of the forums to try and learn most of it on my own but the lingo has been quite the challenge, some users say things I've never heard of and kind of already advanced more than what I have actually learned. Is there someone who can help me out with my rooting and learning about it all? Please and thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you honestly try a search here? I mean just looking down the list of threads I can count 5+ related to your question with answers. But let me humor you here. What version is your baseband? The last three letters. If they are MJ5 then Google Kingo Root and use it. If they are anything else then you will need to look for the Da la verga method.
To find your baseband go to settings, general, about device.
what is your purpose for rooting. I'm afraid you'll just brick your phone..
billaboy25 said:
what is your purpose for rooting. I'm afraid you'll just brick your phone..
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Click to collapse
Exactly. Rooting for no purpose other than to be rooted (which won't do anything for you if that's the only reason you're doing it) is throwing your warranty away for no reason, even if you don't damage the phone.
Solarenemy68 said:
Did you honestly try a search here? I mean just looking down the list of threads I can count 5+ related to your question with answers. But let me humor you here. What version is your baseband? The last three letters. If they are ML5 then Google Kingo Root and use it. If they are anything else then you will need to look for the Da la verga method.
To find your baseband go to settings, general, about device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my MJ5 Baseband with Kingo Root.
---------- Post added at 11:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:30 PM ----------
Rukbat said:
Exactly. Rooting for no purpose other than to be rooted (which won't do anything for you if that's the only reason you're doing it) is throwing your warranty away for no reason, even if you don't damage the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always reset the phone back to original factory settings (if you don't trip Knox Counter) and they will never know you rooted.
StormChaser83 said:
You can always reset the phone back to original factory settings (if you don't trip Knox Counter) and they will never know you rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you root your phone for no reason other than to be able to say "I rooted my phone", then you unroot it.
Net result? Five minutes of your life that you'll never get back.
Maybe I'm missing something here, but why would anyone want to waste effort doing something that makes absolutely no difference once it's done? Is there some kind of thrill in having a rooted phone that I missed?
I also used Kingo. it was a no brainer...
Rukbat said:
So you root your phone for no reason other than to be able to say "I rooted my phone", then you unroot it.
Net result? Five minutes of your life that you'll never get back.
Maybe I'm missing something here, but why would anyone want to waste effort doing something that makes absolutely no difference once it's done? Is there some kind of thrill in having a rooted phone that I missed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes like 5 minutes. You press the Root button then go do something for 5 minutes. No time wasted. . You do 2 things at once. . LOL
I guess I still don't get it. Press the button, the phone is rooted. You never install rooted apps so ... what's the point? Ir is that the point, that there is no point?
Rukbat said:
I guess I still don't get it. Press the button, the phone is rooted. You never install rooted apps so ... what's the point? Ir is that the point, that there is no point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not rooted now. Honestly, i do see your point. . I'm sure people root just to say they are rooted. lol. . . When i got my Galaxy S3 last february I rooted. I didn't know what to do with it. . . (I have a Galaxy Note 3 now). I rooted my GN3 a while back just to uninstall the bloatware, but then my phone started screwing up, so i had to reset it. So now most of those bloatware apps are just disabled.
Floridaa said:
I am new to rooting and have been wanting to root my ATT N900A but I honestly have no idea where to start or where to learn the basics. I have read a lot of the forums to try and learn most of it on my own but the lingo has been quite the challenge, some users say things I've never heard of and kind of already advanced more than what I have actually learned. Is there someone who can help me out with my rooting and learning about it all? Please and thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly you are looking for someone to do it for you, no effort on your part.
Look what happens when I copy paste your question into xda search
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sitesearch.php?q=root my ATT N900A
StormChaser83 said:
I'm not rooted now. Honestly, i do see your point. . I'm sure people root just to say they are rooted. lol. . . When i got my Galaxy S3 last february I rooted. I didn't know what to do with it. . . (I have a Galaxy Note 3 now). I rooted my GN3 a while back just to uninstall the bloatware, but then my phone started screwing up, so i had to reset it. So now most of those bloatware apps are just disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my Galaxy Precedent (the hard way, with adb), just to be able to feel as if I was in a Linux environment, not having everything fenced off from me. I must have also put about a dozen different ROMs on that thing. Tried lots of iffy apps too. But for $40? Not much of a loss if I could never get it working again. (It still works, I just don't use Sprint any more. And for what a used Precedent is worth, I'd rather keep it.)
My N3? Tried Kingo, just to see if it worked. Undid it a few minutes later. I can't think of anything I need root for. Not even TiB. I have all my apps backed up, and my data isn't anything like "deathless prose", so if I lose track of my Solitaire game, I won't lose any sleep. Documents, scans, pictures - all backed up off the phone.
My only "deviation from the norm" is that this phone WILL NOT get updated to 4.4x until the OTA's been out for a few months, and no one screams that it ate their phone. I don't want to be like the people with S3s who jumped on 4.3, only to have expensive mp3 players. And if KitKat turns out to be as thrilling </sarcasm> as I've heard, I won't even bother then. About the only thing I can't do with the N3 is watch live TV, and that's my current cab;e company's fault - I could before I moved and had to change companies.
But root? Not until something comes along that I really need, and that needs root. (There's even a non-root replacement for wireshark.)

What's needed to work on the Bootloader

What are we needing in order to figure out how to unlock or bypass the AT&T Bootloader?
I downloaded the stock files and have the aboot.mbn and the sbl1/sdi.mdn files. I have never worked on bootloader files before, but have some experience modding kernel and ROM level code.
This may be ignorant on my part - but since we have the files, couldn't we open and manipulate the code that is currently restricting 3rd party recoveries, kernels and ROMS?
What is needed? And/or, could we not utilize the modified bootloaders from another device with similar architecture? Perhaps like the Note 3 or even the S4; not to mention the T-Mobile S5? Since the T-Mobile and AT&T versions of all Samsung phones are almost identical, I would assume that would be the easist route - at least to help determine the differences that are restricting our device.....
Let me know if anyone needs these files or has info on what to look for within them.... I'm happy to mod anything on my end.
Thanks !
Because it is locked we can't just flash over it with another one due to signatures and miss match.
Need to research into the os and associated code to find an exploit that can be used like safestrap.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
TheArtiszan said:
Because it is locked we can't just flash over it with another one due to signatures and miss match.
Need to research into the os and associated code to find an exploit that can be used like safestrap.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or if someone that works at AT&T or Samsung would be nice enough to leak a signing key or a signed unlocked bootloader.
Key from Tmobile S5
T-mobile S5 is rooted. Can we find the signing key used for Tmobile phones? Is there is a remote chance keys are same?
Will recoveries on Tmobile and ATT phone be same?
yoonus said:
T-mobile S5 is rooted. Can we find the signing key used for Tmobile phones? Is there is a remote chance keys are same?
Will recoveries on Tmobile and ATT phone be same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a good question. I wonder if we know how many keys the S5 will accept for signed updates? I.e. Is there a Samsung and a AT&T key for all S5's or is it per model or is it derived somehow from the IEMI.
Why would the developers even waste their time on the AT&T S5? They know the story behind it. Same ol' thing. I would rather have them actually develop roms on the T-Mobile S5, which we all can use btw, instead of wasting time on trying to unlock the bootloader. If it could be hacked, it would have, LONG AGO!
yoonus said:
T-mobile S5 is rooted. Can we find the signing key used for Tmobile phones? Is there is a remote chance keys are same?
Will recoveries on Tmobile and ATT phone be same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would the key used for the G900T be helpful? Its not like the key is on some partition somewhere
MattMJB0188 said:
Why would the developers even waste their time on the AT&T S5? They know the story behind it. Same ol' thing. I would rather have them actually develop roms on the T-Mobile S5, which we all can use btw, instead of wasting time on trying to unlock the bootloader. If it could be hacked, it would have, LONG AGO!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well to be fair, if you took the best developers and hardware/software hackers in the world and put them in a room with an amazing salary.. it would be hacked..
So lets not say that its impossible. It is just extremely difficult and beyond the scope of the few developers (if any) that are still around trying to crack into it. The problem is that there aren't that many people that just want to sit around trying to figure out a way to make it work, they would rather move to different phones and carriers instead, because its just overall easier.
MattMJB0188 said:
Why would the developers even waste their time on the AT&T S5? They know the story behind it. Same ol' thing. I would rather have them actually develop roms on the T-Mobile S5, which we all can use btw, instead of wasting time on trying to unlock the bootloader. If it could be hacked, it would have, LONG AGO!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, hate to burst anyone's bubble who has a G900A, but it's not going to happen... EVER. Options are to hold out for a developer edition phone from Samsung or get a T-mobile version... which is exactly the same thing minus the restrictions. Or if you are pissed at AT&T, just find another carrier. Maybe if there was enough churn from this, they would stop doing it.
enigma99a said:
Yep, hate to burst anyone's bubble who has a G900A, but it's not going to happen... EVER. Options are to hold out for a developer edition phone from Samsung or get a T-mobile version... which is exactly the same thing minus the restrictions. Or if you are pissed at AT&T, just find another carrier. Maybe if there was enough churn from this, they would stop doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The s5 will get root same as the s4 did. People just need to be patient. There is definitely a dev that is working to unlock this thing. Everyone said the same thing about the s4 and now look
enigma99a said:
Yep, hate to burst anyone's bubble who has a G900A, but it's not going to happen... EVER. Options are to hold out for a developer edition phone from Samsung or get a T-mobile version... which is exactly the same thing minus the restrictions. Or if you are pissed at AT&T, just find another carrier. Maybe if there was enough churn from this, they would stop doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People like you make me laugh. Not even 2 weeks after release and you're already declaring the device will NEVER get root. Lol.
karmuh said:
People like you make me laugh. Not even 2 weeks after release and you're already declaring the device will NEVER get root. Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I don't think its fair to say it "will never" or "cannot be" done.
PunchLick said:
Yea I don't think its fair to say it "will never" or "cannot be" done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. It can be done and it will be done. Anyone thinking otherwise is pretty naive. But then again, it's expected from those who don't even have the AT&T model, but continue to post in the AT&T section.
nbrent1007 said:
The s5 will get root same as the s4 did. People just need to be patient. There is definitely a dev that is working to unlock this thing. Everyone said the same thing about the s4 and now look
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is about the boot loader, not getting root.
---------- Post added at 09:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------
PunchLick said:
Yea I don't think its fair to say it "will never" or "cannot be" done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Again, there is a difference from root and unlocking the bootloader. I was referring to the bootloader as that's what this thread is discussing. I never said it was impossible, it is quite possible just takes a lot of hard work. My prediction is that it will never be fully unlocked.
enigma99a said:
This thread is about the boot loader, not getting root.
---------- Post added at 09:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------
No. Again, there is a difference from root and unlocking the bootloader. I was referring to the bootloader as that's what this thread is discussing. I never said it was impossible, it is quite possible just takes a lot of hard work. My prediction is that it will never be fully unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to even have to worry about if it will or not, because I don't know who or how many are working on an exploit..
That's why I am switching to the One M8, but either way if/when something does change I may switch back.. I just would rather have fun now!
PunchLick said:
I don't want to even have to worry about if it will or not, because I don't know who or how many are working on an exploit..
That's why I am switching to the One M8, but either way if/when something does change I may switch back.. I just would rather have fun now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always put in a bounty in the Verizon thread. So devs like myself who have experience cracking and exploiting might show some interest
enigma99a said:
You can always put in a bounty in the Verizon thread. So devs like myself who have experience cracking and exploiting might show some interest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id rather just not worry about it.
I do love Samsung, but HTC is the ethical choice.
Another one might be moving to TMO, but we shall seeee.......
PunchLick said:
Id rather just not worry about it.
I do love Samsung, but HTC is the ethical choice.
Another one might be moving to TMO, but we shall seeee.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Loved Sammy but went to M8.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda app-developers app
enigma99a said:
You can always put in a bounty in the Verizon thread. So devs like myself who have experience cracking and exploiting might show some interest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that bounty is up there pretty high already just sayin
cyberace1985 said:
that bounty is up there pretty high already just sayin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the problem is SELinux is an extremely tough nut to crack(and I'm guessing you could easily get a six figure payday for an unknown SELinux/PaX kernel exploit in the black market at this point). Pretty much every linux kernel vulnerability exploit code I've seen fails on all of my boxes with SELinux, PAX and hardened GCC(one of these protection mechanisms always ends up killing the exploit before it can deliver its payload). Do we know exactly what SELinux and PAX(if any) features were enabled in the .config that Samsung used to compile the kernel (and if a hardened toolchain was used for the userland)? At least from what I've seen a properly configured SELinux box with Pax and hardened GCC is one of the toughest boxes to crack. I guess what we can hope for is that someone at Samsung did something stupid otherwise its quite possible we could be waiting for awhile(unless a key or signed unlocked bootloader leaks).
(edit: This applies to getting root through a kernel exploit.(Although with SELinux that isn't enough you need to not only be UID0 root but you also have to switch the role to sysadm_r. The bootloader I'm not 100 percent sure on the secure boot process but my understanding from reading other dev's threads is that this will be even harder than getting a root escalation in the SELinux kernel). Although if we could crack the bl we could just inject root easily.

[Q] Bought a seemingly rooted phone on Swappa and I'm concerned...

OK, I'm going to start by saying I know pretty much nothing about rooting and I may come across as a paranoid conspiracy nut, but here goes.
I recently bought a Note 3 on Swappa. In the description, the seller said that he had removed all of the AT&T Bloatware, but the phone was not rooted. He also stated that a system reset would restore the AT&T apps. Well, the first thing I did was a system restore, but the AT&T apps were still gone. Not that I care about the apps really, but it seemed weird.
Today, I downloaded the "Root Checker" app on the Play Store and it told me that my phone was, in fact, rooted. I also downloaded SuperU and it verified that as well. I've also gotten Titanium Backup (Root) and it shows I'm rooted.
I posted a message on my sale page at Swappa mentioning this, but the seller is adamantly denying that the phone is rooted. He says they use their "own process" to remove the bloatware.
My question in all of this is is this: Is this something I should be concerned about? The seller seems less than honest about the phone being rooted. He is a "trusted seller" which is one reason I bought from him, but I'm super paranoid that there might be something on my phone that I'm unaware of. (a keylogging app, etc...) Is there any way to tell this? How do I go about truly returning my phone back to its original state? I system reset didn't unroot it.
Any advice from people out there much more knowledgeable than me about this?
EDIT: well, I took andygev35's advice and restored back to factory. However, I enjoyed playing around with the things that being rooted allowed, so I re-did it. A huge waste of time? Maybe, but at least I have some peace of mind over the whole thing now. Thanks to everyone!
If you're worried about anything unsavory that may be hidden on your phone, you could always restore back to factory condition using the guide and files in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2838117
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
andygev35 said:
If you're worried about anything unsavory that may be hidden on your phone, you could always restore back to factory condition using the guide and files in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2838117
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, and holy crap - just glancing at that it looks like a total pain in the ass. This is why I never bothered to root in the first place. Do you think I'm being too paranoid? Or is is worth doing all this?
It's actually quite simple. I know it may look overwhelming at first glance, but there's really nothing to it. Basically the easiest method is to use the all-in-one file. Just download that, put your phone in download mode, plug it into your computer, run the Odin program, place the all-in-one file in the AP slot in Odin and click start.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
andygev35 said:
It's actually quite simple. I know it may look overwhelming at first glance, but there's really nothing to it. Basically the easiest method is to use the all-in-one file. Just download that, put your phone in download mode, plug it into your computer, run the Odin program, place the all-in-one file in the AP slot in Odin and click start.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I may do this when I get home. Thanks.
Honestly though I do feel you're probably worrying over nothing.. But I'd go back to stock so you can obtain updates if you desire
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
mrkhigh said:
Honestly though I do feel you're probably worrying over nothing.. But I'd go back to stock so you can obtain updates if you desire
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it's probably nothing to worry about, but if he's anything like me, any doubt I have will always be there somewhere in the back of my mind nagging at me [emoji15]. Restoring wipes out any of that doubt.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Why wouldn't anyone want access to the root files in THEIR phone ???
You have root access to your PC or Mac, why would anyone want a provider to lock down their phone making things inaccessible.
You're not renting the phone, it's Yours (always try and have root access if possible).
google up moborobo and download it, its free and gives u full access to your phone, please download it and check it out -
You will love all the stuff you can do with a rooted N3 -
andygev35 said:
I agree it's probably nothing to worry about, but if he's anything like me, any doubt I have will always be there somewhere in the back of my mind nagging at me [emoji15]. Restoring wipes out any of that doubt.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess what bugs me the most is that the seller INSISTS that it wasn't rooted, when it clearly is. Its a "methinks he doth protest too much" situation. If he just owned up to it, I'd be less paranoid. If he can't be honest about the obvious, it makes me worry about the less obvious.
I've learned a little, and I'm kind of digging some of the options available now that I know its rooted. Considering spending this Saturday to restoring it back to "normal" and then maybe re-rooting it to have some of the things that I now realize I kind of want. I'm kind of worried I'm going to funk it up though... Jailbreaking seemed to be a much easier process, and harder to screw up.
Since we now have nc2 Odin files you are relatively safe in doing a restore.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
ThePorter said:
I guess what bugs me the most is that the seller INSISTS that it wasn't rooted, when it clearly is. Its a "methinks he doth protest too much" situation. If he just owned up to it, I'd be less paranoid. If he can't be honest about the obvious, it makes me worry about the less obvious.
I've learned a little, and I'm kind of digging some of the options available now that I know its rooted. Considering spending this Saturday to restoring it back to "normal" and then maybe re-rooting it to have some of the things that I now realize I kind of want. I'm kind of worried I'm going to funk it up though... Jailbreaking seemed to be a much easier process, and harder to screw up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too am a former Jailbreaker and am so glad I jumped the fence out of Apple's walled garden. I do have to say, at least Apple readily provides the latest firmware for their devices. I can't understand why AT&T won't let Sammy publish our Odin files. As @mrkhigh stated, we DO now have the Odin files (probably gained in some nefarious manner by a sympathizing Best Buy employee), so now you can safely let the experimenting begin without worry.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
I'm curious to find out if it is actually a clone... The HDC Galaxy Note 3 is a damn good clone of the real thing and it ships rooted. They are pretty cheap and can fool almost anyone... If it is a clone, he might have been selling it to make more than he spent and didn't know it's rooted.
If it's not, it is possible that he either bought it from someone else and didn't know that it is rooted, or it is a stolen device.
I would call AT&T and give them the IMEI number to check that. Do not mention root or anything like that, just ask them to check it to see if it's flagged.
graydiggy said:
I'm curious to find out if it is actually a clone... The HDC Galaxy Note 3 is a damn good clone of the real thing and it ships rooted. They are pretty cheap and can fool almost anyone... If it is a clone, he might have been selling it to make more than he spent and didn't know it's rooted.
If it's not, it is possible that he either bought it from someone else and didn't know that it is rooted, or it is a stolen device.
I would call AT&T and give them the IMEI number to check that. Do not mention root or anything like that, just ask them to check it to see if it's flagged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure it's a real AT&T - I took it to the store and had them check the IMHO when I had it activated. I finally just uprooted and flashed the 4.4.2 stock on it (I'm learning the terminology here so hope that's right) from the first post.
The guy is a trusted seller and has sold tons of phones in Swappa. He advertises on all the Samsung at&t phones that he removes the bloatware but does NOT root the phone. But, it was.
In the end, I'm happy with the phone. Seller was less than honest about his process and hopefully he didn't steal all my bank info, haha, but the phone works great.
You have to root to remove all bloatware...
---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 AM ----------
Good to know though. *cheers*
Yeah, I asked him about that and he said they "have their own process to remove bloatware" that does not require root".
Like I said, he was a little squirrely about it.
ThePorter said:
Yeah, I asked him about that and he said they "have their own process to remove bloatware" that does not require root".
Like I said, he was a little squirrely about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure its probably because he sells a lot of devices and didn't realize the one he sold had root.
Then when he talked to u he realized that u r uneducated about the subject so he thought he would bs u.
Of course one would have to have root access to remove root files.
I still don't understand why ur making such a big fuss?
If u don't feel like u lucked out, (like the rest of us do) just send the flipping thing back!
Did you download free moborobo?
Before he downloads that app... Excuse me... Complete PC suite.
Why do you think he needs it? I haven't seen anything on XDA about it, other than from you. And most everything I find on google/YouTube is Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
It seems you are trying to advert it to new users that are unknowing and willing to take advice from most anyone.
I can give 2 things right now that are the same thing and one of them does not require a full PC suite.
Oh... And they are well known on XDA to be safe to use.
graydiggy said:
Before he downloads that app... Excuse me... Complete PC suite.
Why do you think he needs it? I haven't seen anything on XDA about it, other than from you. And most everything I find on google/YouTube is Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
It seems you are trying to advert it to new users that are unknowing and willing to take advice from most anyone.
I can give 2 things right now that are the same thing and one of them does not require a full PC suite.
Oh... And they are well known on XDA to be safe to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right. I looked at it but it seems to be completely unnecessary.
Just a general reminder, use of unknown applications can be dangerous. Please use caution in downloading, using or recommending anything you don't know to be safe.
Stryke_the_Orc said:
Just a general reminder, use of unknown applications can be dangerous. Please use caution in downloading, using or recommending anything you don't know to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me but this is not an unknown app, it has been around for years and works wonderfully !!!
I have been using it since I got my N3 at thanksgiving and it works great, installs downloaded apk files in a snap, allows you easy navigation to your entire phone.Doesn't spam you. It just works great. I'm only recommending it because I have USED it for 9 months, (and you guys can't even google it?)
Since when do mods and forum gurus recommend staying away from something they have never used it, or even spent 10 secs researching ????
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=moborobo+review
I was only trying to help OP out. it is a great and FREE app for rooted devices, sorry for wasting ur time OP -
(ps - I found the software while trying to transfer my contacts and sms messages from my 4s to N3, which worked perfectly and easily, (after trying other stuff). It was after that I discovered how nice it manages everything)

Is the S5 still a good phone to get in 2016?

About to get warranty replacement phone thru my carrier tomorrow.
Was offered S5 and an alternate to my G3 since they were out of stock.
If you were in my shoes, which phone would you get?!
Thanks in advance
S5
The S5 is still a very capable phone. The display is top notch. It would really depend on what carrier you are with though. I know the att variant cant be rooted or unlocked currently and verizon has theirs locked down too, but as long as it comes with lollipop (5.x.x) software the verizon variant can be unlocked all the way to the bootloader.
as far as i know they are the only two providers who secure the s5 like fort knox. I could be wrong though. I have a verizon variant (900V) and its fully unlocked and rooted. I dont think you'll find a better phone in the same price range.
S5 is still a great phone. Only issues ive had with it over the 28 mos that ive had it is the low light blurryness with the camera and the fact that you have to swipe your thump across the fingerprint scanner. Having to do that nowadays kinda makes it feel dated. Other than those 2 issues, its a great phone!!
I just got an S5 to replace my S4 and I love it. I'm on AT&T and got the Tmobile version for the unlocked bootloader. I would totally get this phone again.
Its a great phone!
Green Bastard said:
The S5 is still a very capable phone. I have a verizon variant (900V) and its fully unlocked and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a s5 900v like you (verizon) & got it 12 days ago. . When did you root yours? I *had* lollipop until last Thursday after accidentally pressing the screen through my pocket....which proceded to accept the update I was avoiding. Now I have marshmellow and I'm not happy ???*
Been fishing through XDA and haven't found anything about rooting s5 on mm. Anyone have something to share with me? Thanks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909
That's for bootloader unlocking, some Google searching should get you root too
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
youdoofus said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909
That's for bootloader unlocking, some Google searching should get you root too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the root method (link within the thread u posted) about a week ago & had problems. To make a long story short, check out my remarks on pages 1-2 in this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/help/to-root-t3330514/page2
I'm just looking to root my g900v s5. I don't want to mess around with the bootloader (not yet anyway). I just want root before Marshmellow or verizon release another update to patch the *open* vulnerability.
If the dumb MM update didn't happen I would've had time to find lollipop root. I never had a problem w/ my s4 where the screen would allow a touch through pants or shirt pocket. Thought these things were sensitive to the touch of skin not clothing?? Cause of my problem was losing my s4 over July 4th weekend that I rooted w/ towelroot in 05/2014 (that I just paid off in May over 24 months w/ verizon)
Right on. Well, if the bootloader unlock is there, root has to be possible too. I'll see what I can find later. We are busy as hell on Mondays at work
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
have you tried kingroot? not kingoroot
youdoofus said:
Right on. Well, if the bootloader unlock is there, root has to be possible too. I'll see what I can find later. We are busy as hell on Mondays at work
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
have you tried kingroot? not kingoroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root looked do-able by what @painiac put together, which is similar to @jkrause's is in the link you shared.
Kingroot: no go
OneClick: no go
Towelroot: no go
The root (sorry, couldn't resist) of my problem is that I can't get a PC to recognize my s5 as removable storage. Since they don't this has prevented me from going any further. Take your time and pass on whatever you can...whenever that time is.
---------- Post added at 06:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 PM ----------
youdoofus said:
Right on. Well, if the bootloader unlock is there, root has to be possible too. I'll see what I can find later. We are busy as hell on Mondays at work
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
have you tried kingroot? not kingoroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root looked do-able by what @painiac put together, which is similar to @jkrause's is in the link you shared.
Kingroot: no go
OneClick: no go
Towelroot: no go
The root (sorry, couldn't resist) of my problem is that I can't get a PC to recognize my s5 as removable storage. Since they don't this has prevented me from going any further. Take your time and pass on whatever you can...whenever that time is. Thanks
Lane W. said:
[/COLOR]
Root looked do-able by what @painiac put together, which is similar to @jkrause's is in the link you shared.
Kingroot: no go
OneClick: no go
Towelroot: no go
The root (sorry, couldn't resist) of my problem is that I can't get a PC to recognize my s5 as removable storage. Since they don't this has prevented me from going any further. Take your time and pass on whatever you can...whenever that time is. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CLEVER!!! LoL! No, that was actually pretty funny! But oneclick and towel doesnt surprise me, but kingroot has been the "if nothing else works" as of late. I have a root program on my computer that i cant recall the name of off hand, and it does look like a malware program, but its been the go-to when all else fails. Ill look at my desktop icons and remind myself what it is when i get home. Its some chinese .exe is that helps in the interim
found it, its called "v root"
it looks like its malware, but the one i got works fine
here is a bit of an older article that lists it first as a good program to root stuff
http://www.3ptechies.com/9-best-software-apps-to-root-android-devices.html
tiguy99 said:
About to get warranty replacement phone thru my carrier tomorrow.
Was offered S5 and an alternate to my G3 since they were out of stock.
If you were in my shoes, which phone would you get?!
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd stay clear of Samsung from my experiences:
- issues with warranty and knox
- not easy to customise / flash / fix OEM issues with bloatware, root, other ROM issues that require root
- many variants mean even after 8 years of flashing ROMs, I still can't find what I need in the SGS5 section. I don't know what ROMs can be flashed to my device, the information is sparse and not easy to follow or understand
I'm looking to go back to HTC - they don't mind you rooting / customising (unless this has changed in the last couple years).
dieselboy said:
I'd stay clear of Samsung from my experiences:
- issues with warranty and knox
- not easy to customise / flash / fix OEM issues with bloatware, root, other ROM issues that require root
- many variants mean even after 8 years of flashing ROMs, I still can't find what I need in the SGS5 section. I don't know what ROMs can be flashed to my device, the information is sparse and not easy to follow or understand
I'm looking to go back to HTC - they don't mind you rooting / customising (unless this has changed in the last couple years).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with this (respectfully). I've never had to return a Samsung because of warranty related issues or return one period, so warranty and Knox are all but irrelevant. Customization is a snap, flashing is a breeze, and bloatware (which is caused by the carrier most often) is easily solved with titanium backup. There are many variants, yes, but all the Roms are cross compatible as long as you flash the snapdragon based processor ones on a snapdragon powered device. The only sgs5s that were problematic were the at&t and (of course) vzw ones because of the carriers deciding to lock the @&$%/!? Bootloaders. Sprint and tmob sgs5s have always been an absolute cakewalk. Hell, I've bricked mine intentionally just to see if I could actually kill it. It's actually harder than one would think to seriously screw up a sgs5 esp a g900p
youdoofus said:
I disagree with this (respectfully). I've never had to return a Samsung because of warranty related issues or return one period, so warranty and Knox are all but irrelevant. Customization is a snap, flashing is a breeze, and bloatware (which is caused by the carrier most often) is easily solved with titanium backup. There are many variants, yes, but all the Roms are cross compatible as long as you flash the snapdragon based processor ones on a snapdragon powered device. The only sgs5s that were problematic were the at&t and (of course) vzw ones because of the carriers deciding to lock the @&$%/!? Bootloaders. Sprint and tmob sgs5s have always been an absolute cakewalk. Hell, I've bricked mine intentionally just to see if I could actually kill it. It's actually harder than one would think to seriously screw up a sgs5 esp a g900p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate, of course this is a difference of opinion and I'm not posting here to argue with you so much as to give reasons for my post above.
When I say warranty issues, I mean in a sense that if you flash anything to your samsung then you've voided your warranty. If you customise on day 1, knox efuse are blown and it's impossible to revert what you have done. In this case your warranty is voided and samsung can refuse to honour any warranty issues irrelevant to your flashing. Basically you make changes to software on your device and later there is a hardware issue such as microphone not working - samsung don't have to honour that claim.
Flashing is a complete pain in the bum, to be honest. What makes it harder is these forums don't contain all of the information you need in once place. Compared to my previous devices such as HTC, you simply do a wipe and install the new rom. With the samsung you need to do the same PLUS find and flash the correct bootloader and modem. And this isn't even taking into consideration the knox trip issue. The roms aren't cross-compatible unless I've missed that bit of information? You technically can flash a g900F ROM to a g900i but to get it to boot you need to do additional steps. NFC and call recording wont work, though. So, no you can't really flash that way. Samsung may have made it easier for you guys in the USA, not sure.
I disagree about the bloatware statement, samsung have their own rubbish in there as well and most of it is redundant and not necessary. There's a samsung app store and a samsung account thing that lets you find your phone - google has all of that.
Lastly, when you trip knox this actually physically prevents some functionality on your phone, but I've never tried using that functionality anyway (although I did want to try it out). From memory this is a secure parition on the phone that you set up for your work, which is completely separate from the personal things on your phone which can be seen to make it more secure.
All the best,
dieselboy said:
Hi mate, of course this is a difference of opinion and I'm not posting here to argue with you so much as to give reasons for my post above.
When I say warranty issues, I mean in a sense that if you flash anything to your samsung then you've voided your warranty. If you customise on day 1, knox efuse are blown and it's impossible to revert what you have done. In this case your warranty is voided and samsung can refuse to honour any warranty issues irrelevant to your flashing. Basically you make changes to software on your device and later there is a hardware issue such as microphone not working - samsung don't have to honour that claim.
Flashing is a complete pain in the bum, to be honest. What makes it harder is these forums don't contain all of the information you need in once place. Compared to my previous devices such as HTC, you simply do a wipe and install the new rom. With the samsung you need to do the same PLUS find and flash the correct bootloader and modem. And this isn't even taking into consideration the knox trip issue. The roms aren't cross-compatible unless I've missed that bit of information? You technically can flash a g900F ROM to a g900i but to get it to boot you need to do additional steps. NFC and call recording wont work, though. So, no you can't really flash that way. Samsung may have made it easier for you guys in the USA, not sure.
I disagree about the bloatware statement, samsung have their own rubbish in there as well and most of it is redundant and not necessary. There's a samsung app store and a samsung account thing that lets you find your phone - google has all of that.
Lastly, when you trip knox this actually physically prevents some functionality on your phone, but I've never tried using that functionality anyway (although I did want to try it out). From memory this is a secure parition on the phone that you set up for your work, which is completely separate from the personal things on your phone which can be seen to make it more secure.
All the best,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't trying to argue either. It's rather hard to express tone over text I've just never had any trouble with flashing stuff on a Samsung since the epic touch 4g. Htcs have that goofy bootloader unlock that has to be done via htcdev.com. The newest Samsung I'd be willing to use is the S5 anyways because of the removable battery, external storage and waterproofing. The s6 sucks and the s7 has that dumb encrypted storage that made root hard for a while. Samsung's are far from perfect, and I'd likely be looking at a OnePlus or a Huawei in the future if I was shopping for a phone, but for those looking at either the second hand market, refurbs or a new one available for stupid cheap, S5s are great phones still.
Again, 0 arguing from me, like you said, just a differing opinion. Cheers mate! Btw, judging my the terms you used, I take it that you're in the UK, and thank goodness Jeremy Clarkson and the boys are back!!
youdoofus said:
CLEVER!!! LoL! No, that was actually pretty funny!
found it, its called "v root". it looks like its malware, but the one i got works fine
here is a bit of an older article that lists it first as a good program to root stuff
http://www.3ptechies.com/9-best-software-apps-to-root-android-devices.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I use the links in this "older article" to possibly get to vroot? Or do you have something more current? Thanks
Lane W. said:
Should I use the links in this "older article" to possibly get to vroot? Or do you have something more current? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vroot has a site. Lemme look
http://vrootdownload.info/download/
youdoofus said:
Vroot has a site. Lemme look
http://vrootdownload.info/download/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic, thanks. Just to be sure, I want to use the one click root APK the part at the top under the first description, correct? The second section, as far as I can tell, is for iroot via a PC?
Is Titanium compatible with this method of root? What about recovery? Does Vroot have its own method or could I use TWRP or SafeStrap? Have you had any complications with the modem or WiFi using your device with Vroot?
Thank you!!
youdoofus said:
I wasn't trying to argue either. It's rather hard to express tone over text
...
Again, 0 arguing from me, like you said, just a differing opinion. Cheers mate! Btw, judging my the terms you used, I take it that you're in the UK, and thank goodness Jeremy Clarkson and the boys are back!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said that I wasn't arguing for that very reason - I didn't want my second post to come across in a negative way. I could see that your post had come across in a good light and wanted to keep it that way
I am from UK but living in Australia at the moment. I last heard that Chris Evans has gone from the new Top Gear - thank F... for that, he's the biggest pleb going and watching the first couple of episodes were extremely painful and cringy. A number of things Chris said in the first show were somewhat not completely correct and I eventually switched it off.
Really looking forward to watching Clarkson and the gang - they're entertaining. Their top gear was more like a sit-com, which is what it's grown into and it works pretty well. Anyone in the family can watch it even if they know nothing about cars - I'll have to google for it because I don't know any details about their new show.

Waiting for root?

Got my brand new S10+ yesterday, and found out that no one rooted it yet (am I right?).
Migrating from a previous phone to a new one usually takes me a couple of hours of setting up everything, and a couple more of fiddling around, and I'll hate to do it twice.
I'm guessing its going to take a similar amount of time for many of you guys that likes everything customized & tailored.
So... what do you say?
Migrate (and then when a safe rooting method is out there - repeat everything)?
Wait for root while your brand new & shiny phone smiles at you from your desk while collecting dust?
How long do you think we'll wait until someone comes up with a rooting solution?
I'm gonna set mine up and use it like normal, just no updating at all until a root methods is discovered, preferably one with an unlocked bootloader and that doesn't trip Knox. I haven't had a Galaxy device since the Note 4, Knox is still a thing, right?
Also, I assume you tried unlocked the bootloader in developer options and it didn't work?
Rooting has become a more difficult process in the last few recent years. I'm pretty sure the snapdragon variant is the one that likely won't get a root method or that it will be a long while until it comes around - I could be wrong and not trying to spread misinformation...
Truth be told, the Galaxy s8 was the first phone I felt I didn't need to have root with. The ability to remove apps out of the box, freezing unneeded apps, and substratum for theming really helped with that. I can't wait for my s10 to get here Friday. I don't expect root, but with the new UI, and hopefully, the ability to theme or have a dark mode once again will likely stem that feeling to need root.
While I can obviously live without root since I did pre-order this phone, i will still be a bit sad without Viper4Android
jitz said:
Got my brand new S10+ yesterday, and found out that no one rooted it yet (am I right?).
Migrating from a previous phone to a new one usually takes me a couple of hours of setting up everything, and a couple more of fiddling around, and I'll hate to do it twice.
I'm guessing its going to take a similar amount of time for many of you guys that likes everything customized & tailored.
So... what do you say?
Migrate (and then when a safe rooting method is out there - repeat everything)?
Wait for root while your brand new & shiny phone smiles at you from your desk while collecting dust?
How long do you think we'll wait until someone comes up with a rooting solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're going to have to post a model # or something US/International Snapdragon/Exynos before anyone can answer that question. Exynos=root, US Snapdragon=probably never.
If you have any Samsung Snapdragon phone and are waiting for someone to root it you'll see the sun burn out and die sooner.
lightmastertech said:
Also, I assume you tried unlocked the bootloader in developer options and it didn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did see that option under the dev menu, but I didnt try to use it, because AFAIK, bootloader unlocking is only the first step towards a properly rooted device....
Is there any advantage for unlocking the bootloader (before a rooting method is discovered) that I'm missing?
st0nez0r said:
Truth be told, the Galaxy s8 was the first phone I felt I didn't need to have root with. The ability to remove apps out of the box, freezing unneeded apps, and substratum for theming really helped with that. I can't wait for my s10 to get here Friday. I don't expect root, but with the new UI, and hopefully, the ability to theme or have a dark mode once again will likely stem that feeling to need root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are my main reasons:
1. Titanium backup - need I say more?
2. Get rid of bloatware
3. Properly block ads
You'll find plenty of other reasons here: https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/all-reasons-you-should-root-your-phone-0189131/
Tel864 said:
You're going to have to post a model # or something US/International Snaodragon/Exynos before anyone can answer that question. Exynos=root, US Snapdragon=probably never.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
roaduardo said:
If you have any Samsung Snapdragon phone and are waiting for someone to root it you'll see the sun burn out and die sooner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily, I'm with a SM-G975F (Exynos 9820)
What do you think are the odds for having the Exynos variants rooted?
Luckily, I'm with a SM-G975F (Exynos 9820)
What do you think are the odds for having the Exynos variants rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair
When you unlock the boot loader, it’ll factory reset your device, including wiping internal sd card. Best to go ahead and do that sooner than later imo
lightmastertech said:
When you unlock the boot loader, it’ll factory reset your device, including wiping internal sd card. Best to go ahead and do that sooner than later imo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware that rooting will wipe my device clean - thats the reason I brought the question up...
But - are there any other steps in the currently known Samsung rooting methods that will also wipe my phone?
In other words - if I'll unlock the bootloader now (and factory reset my phone) - will I be able to root & keep my data and setup in the future (once a rooting method is discovered)?
My main reason for wanting root is call recording and Swift installer support. But I think maybe Swift installer is now working on Pie? I haven't confirmed that yet. But call recording has been a valuable tool for me. I hope one day someone, an app or whatever, can get it working on Pie without root.
Titanium Backup (to delete some system apps) is also nice. I still have my rooted 6T but I doubt I'll be using it much after I get my S10(E) tomorrow.
roaduardo said:
My main reason for wanting root is call recording and Swift installer support. But I think maybe Swift installer is now working on Pie? I haven't confirmed that yet. But call recording has been a valuable tool for me. I hope one day someone, an app or whatever, can get it working on Pie without root.
Titanium Backup (to delete some system apps) is also nice. I still have my rooted 6T but I doubt I'll be using it much after I get my S10(E) tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh man don't even mention Titanium Backup. I had many rooted Moto phones from the original thru the G4 and even did some rom development with them. Titanium Backup was one of the first and best apps I ever paid for. The one good thing about Motos though , it was almost impossible to brick a Moto.
Guys, anyone having issues locating developer options after tapping the Build number 7 times??
First time with pie? Why are you trolling the forum reposting this question instead of spending a minute looking?
After you tap build number and it tells you that developer options have been enabled, go back to the top level menu and scroll all the way down. It's at the very bottom.
mrao said:
Guys, anyone having issues locating developer options after tapping the Build number 7 times??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't give people heart attacks like that, lol. Gotta have developed options at least to speed up the animations.
roaduardo said:
My main reason for wanting root is call recording and Swift installer support. But I think maybe Swift installer is now working on Pie? I haven't confirmed that yet. But call recording has been a valuable tool for me. I hope one day someone, an app or whatever, can get it working on Pie without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it used to be my top reason for rooting my previous devices, BUT:
to my surprise - Samsung included call recording on their OFFICIAL S10 rom (in my country), so I have this feature out of the box, integrated into the in-call screen.
mrao said:
Guys, anyone having issues locating developer options after tapping the Build number 7 times??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's under /Settings/System in Pie
jitz said:
Actually, it used to be my top reason for rooting my previous devices, BUT:
to my surprise - Samsung included call recording on their OFFICIAL S10 rom (in my country), so I have this feature out of the box, integrated into the in-call screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you from?
jitz said:
Actually, it used to be my top reason for rooting my previous devices, BUT:
to my surprise - Samsung included call recording on their OFFICIAL S10 rom (in my country), so I have this feature out of the box, integrated into the in-call screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LUCKY!
edopa said:
Where are you from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Israel,
It seems that all of the S10 variants sold here supports call recording out of the box.

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