Disclaimer: Rooting your phone can be a risky procedure, and if you make a mistake and brick your phone: These forums, authors of this post, or other subsequent posts, nor any party, company, corporate entity, individual, or estate; living or dead, associated or otherwise connected with the above shall not be held liable for any damage you do to your device, others devices, your person, other people/living things, or property belonging to you any other entity in the known universe should you attempt to root your phone. You take full responsibility and liability for any action you choose to take to attempt to gain root access to your phone. Rooting will prevent your phone from receiving automatic updates. Do this at your own risk.
All of the information in this thread has been made possible by the skilled and talented individuals of XDA-Developers. Without their hard work and generosity, none of the below would be possible.
Disclaimer: Rooting your phone can be a risky procedure, and if you make a mistake and brick your phone: These forums, authors of this post, or other subsequent posts, nor any party, company, corporate entity, individual, or estate; living or dead, associated or otherwise connected with the above shall not be held liable for any damage you do to your device, others devices, your person, other people/living things, or property belonging to you any other entity in the known universe should you attempt to root your phone. You take full responsibility and liability for any action you choose to take to attempt to gain root access to your phone. Rooting will prevent your phone from receiving automatic updates. Do this at your own risk.
What is Rooting?
I'm going to steal a portion of the thread from the Evo Forum and modified slightly to fit the Epic Forum.
What is Rooting:
1) Rooting gives you superuser (admin) access to your phone. Think about your computer at work: the IT guys are in control of it and can limit your actions to what programs can be on it and what you can modify. They can do anything from disable copy/paste to censoring websites. Now, you are in control.
2) Rooting lets you 'flash' things to the phone. "Flashing" means either replacing or adding to the current operating system.
Benefits of rooting:
Free wireless tether, to avoid the $30 monthly fee.
Removing bloatware placed on the phone by Sprint (Peep, SprintZone, Sprint NASCAR, etc)
Overclocking: this will let you use your phone at faster than the default speeds
Underclocking: huge battery saver because it will throttle your phones processor down when its not in use
Loading custom bootscreens while the phone is powering up
Flash ROMs that will let you do a variety of different things. An example is the Cyanogen ROM will let you hook up a bluetooth mouse to your phone to interact with the phone that way.
Flash Kernels that will increase performance.
Use a variety of apps that require root to work. An example is 'ShootMe', which lets you take screenshots of your phones screen. Another is 'Titanium Backup', which can back up all your apps+data (even protected apps). Yet another is 'CacheMate', which will clear your phones cache to improve performance
Create full system image backups (nandroids)
A few common courtesies/norms exist for this. Rooting requires READING! READ READ READ up on everything you can get your hands on as much as you can! Read the 100 page threads, watch the videos, all of it! People here are more than willing to help but its tacky to ask a question thats already been asked on the first page of this forum! Use the search function, do your due diligence to find an answer, and if you turn up nothing on here or the Epic Development forum on XDA (where the people who make all this possible reside), only then ask. Hacking your phone is a grown-up task so act accordingly!
What this thread DOESN'T do is explain particular methods of rooting or flashing particular ROMs.
No matter what method you use, read through it fully till you know it by heart and follow the directions EXACTLY!
See THIS LINK for more root related terms! Feel free to ask any questions below!
Disclaimer: Rooting your phone can be a risky procedure, and if you make a mistake and brick your phone: These forums, authors of this post, or other subsequent posts, nor any party, company, corporate entity, individual, or estate; living or dead, associated or otherwise connected with the above shall not be held liable for any damage you do to your device, others devices, your person, other people/living things, or property belonging to you any other entity in the known universe should you attempt to root your phone. You take full responsibility and liability for any action you choose to take to attempt to gain root access to your phone. Rooting will prevent your phone from receiving automatic updates. Do this at your own risk.
How Do I Root My Epic?
ROOTING YOUR PHONE WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND COULD "BRICK" YOUR PHONE. Proceed with caution and at your own risk!!! If you are not comfortable with these risks, do not do this!
There are currently TWO main methods for rooting the Samsung Epic 4G. Only ONE method will be discussed here as the other may or may not be needed to flash ROMs.
This method will work for ANY of the current Epic software versions (currently EC05). To check which version you are on, click Menu/Settings/About Phone. Scroll down and read the last FOUR letters/numbers of the Baseband Version.
The first letter stands for the year that the build was created (D=2010, E=2011, F=2012, ...). The second letter stands for the month that the build was created (A=January, B=February, C= March, ...). The last two numbers stand for the date that the build was created. In the case of EB13, the build was created on February 13, 2011.
Note: If you scan this it will likely report that the file "ragethecage" is a trojan virus. Simple answer is that it is! This file is used to crack open the system files on your phone long enough to insert files that will allow you root access. Yes it's technically a virus, no it won't infect your computer. If you aren't comfortable with this, stop now!
1. You will also need to install the appropriate Samsung Galaxy S Drivers
Disclaimer: Rooting your phone can be a risky procedure, and if you make a mistake and brick your phone: These forums, authors of this post, or other subsequent posts, nor any party, company, corporate entity, individual, or estate; living or dead, associated or otherwise connected with the above shall not be held liable for any damage you do to your device, others devices, your person, other people/living things, or property belonging to you any other entity in the known universe should you attempt to root your phone. You take full responsibility and liability for any action you choose to take to attempt to gain root access to your phone. Rooting will prevent your phone from receiving automatic updates. Do this at your own risk.
Rooted... Now What!
Now that you are rooted there is a world of possibilities that are open to you. Keep in mind that with great options comes great responsibilities. ALWAYS make sure you read, read, read and ask questions before you do anything that you are unsure of. With root access you can easily brick your phone rendering it completely useless IF you do something you aren't supposed to. If you aren't sure... ASK!
ALWAYS Create a Nandroid Backup
Nandroid backup is, essentially, a way to make a photocopy of your current settings, boockmarks, contacts and apps so you can return to a working version of your phone quickly and easily. The BEST thing you can do is to make a backup prior to making changes to /system files.
Making a nandroid backup is incredibly easy to do!
Make sure your battery has a charge. Plugging it into the charger will not work while you do this!
Power off your phone completely.
Press and HOLD the bottom volume button, camera button and power button. When the screen hits a bunch of words you can let go of the buttons.
Note: This screen is called your Recovery Screen. At the very top it should say ClockworkMod Recovery v2.x.x.x. You can use the up/down/enter keys on the keyboard -OR- the volume keys to scroll up/down and the camera key to select an item.
Scroll down to Backup and Restore and select it.
Scroll down to Backup and select it.
The entire process will take a few minutes to complete. When it's completed, select Reboot System Now
Congrats you just made your first Nandroid Backup!
To restore it, follow the same steps and just select Restore instead of Backup
Removing Bloatware
One of the things that we all have probably hated about our phones is bloatware. Bloatware can be anything from Game Demos to a Nascar app to the Sprint Zone app to.... Wouldn't it be nice to be able to remove it! When you have root access you can!
It is recommended that PRIOR to deleting any apps that you use Titanium Backup to freeze apps to make sure that they aren't essential to processes that the phone needs AND make a Nandroid Backup as described above.
After making a Nandroid Backup, I find that the easiest way to remove bloatware is to use Root Explorer from the Android Market.
For more a more in depth look at what can be removed safely, please refer to THIS THREAD at XDA. All of these apps can be found in your /system/app folder. As is always the case, be sure to make a backup first!
Wifi Tether
Want to share your 3G/4G signal with another phone or with a computer? Use Wifi Tether to send your 3G signal out as a wifi hotspot!
Choosing a ROM (what is RFS vs EXT4)
What is a ROM? Oh the joys of picking a ROM! A ROM is a version of software that has been tweaked by developers. Some of the time it improves upon items that the Manufacture "missed" and other times it creates a new batch of problems. It's important to note that developers are not held to the same standard that Samsung is. That is, Samsung requires their software to go through testing to ensure that it's within their standards. A developer, if they wanted, could release software that steals your email address, password and photos. Will that happen, probably not... however it is a good reminder to use caution and read EVERYTHING you can find prior to proceeding.
The best advice I can give on this subject is to READ, read, read and read some more. When you see a ROM that you want to try, read EVERYTHING in the thread regardless of how many posts it is! But, before you pick a ROM you'll need to know a few things.
Do you want a ROM that uses TouchWiz?
Do you need everything to work (GPS, 4G, camera, SMS/MMS)?
Are you currently RFS or EXT4 based file system?
Do you want to theme and customize it yourself?
Are you looking for speed or stability, flashy or plain, ... or ...?
All of these items are important to know prior to looking for a ROM.
RFS vs EXT4
There are two different types of ROMs you can choose from. RFS based ROMs and EXT4 based ROMs. These are two different FILE SYSTEMS that can developers are using to create ROMs for the Epic. RFS is the file system that is used on a STOCK Epic. EXT4 is said to be faster and is the same file system that is used on the Nexus S. These two file systems are NOT compatible with one another!!!
Users of RFS based ROMs need to be rooted with Clockwork Mod 2.5.5 while those who want to use EXT4 based ROMs need to be rooted with Clockwork Mod 3.0.0.5/6.
At any point, you can use Odin to return to stock and to the RFS based file system.
If you want to convert to EXT4, use the one click and directions over on XDA. The direct link can be found Here!
Flashing a ROM
So you are ready to flash a ROM? Awesome! The majority of the ROMs available can be gotten from XDA Developers.
We will assume that you have read all the previous directions and have picked the appropriate RFS/EXT4 based ROM for your the FILE SYSTEM that YOUR phone is using!
Flashing a ROM will require you to wipe your phone. Make sure all contacts, apps, etc are backed up PRIOR to beginning! You have been reminded.
Second, download the ROM of your choice and place the ZIPPED file on your SD card. Location doesn't matter but it's a bit easier if you put it on the root of your SD card (i.e. not inside any folders). Also, make sure it's named something that you'll remember!
Make sure you are on the right file system (RFS vs EXT4) and that the ROM you picked is the same file system.
Make sure you have a full battery prior to beginning
If you choose to you an app such as Titanium Backup or a similar app, use it now.
Power off your phone.
Press and HOLD the Volume Down key, the camera button and the power button. Hold them until the phone boots into the "recovery screen."
At the top of the screen it should say "ClockworkMod Recovery v2.x.x.x -OR- v3.x.x.x
The volume keys scroll up and down and the camera key is your enter key.
Scroll down and select Backup and Restore
Select Backup
This process will take a few minutes. Don't panic.
When this finishes, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset
Repeat this an additional two times
Select Wipe Cache Partition
Repeat this an additional two times
Select Advanced
Select Wipe Dalvik Cache
Repeat this an additional two times
Select +++++Go Back+++++
Select Install Zip From SDcard
Select Choose Zip From SDcard
Select the ZIP file that you put on your SD card earlier!
Disclaimer: Rooting your phone can be a risky procedure, and if you make a mistake and brick your phone: These forums, authors of this post, or other subsequent posts, nor any party, company, corporate entity, individual, or estate; living or dead, associated or otherwise connected with the above shall not be held liable for any damage you do to your device, others devices, your person, other people/living things, or property belonging to you any other entity in the known universe should you attempt to root your phone. You take full responsibility and liability for any action you choose to take to attempt to gain root access to your phone. Rooting will prevent your phone from receiving automatic updates. Do this at your own risk.
Using Odin to Return to Stock
What is ODIN?
ODIN appears to be a Samsung factory piece of software that is designed to flash multiple phones at one time. Works very well and is easy to use.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have installed the drivers before starting. Also, remove the SD card from the phone (this may not be necessary, but having the SD card installed has caused Odin to fail for a number of people, so might as well just do it).
Open ODIN on your PC (desktops are preferred over laptops and use a USB port that is directly soldered into the motherboard).
Put your phone in download mode (Shut it off, wait for lights to all go out, then hold 1 on the keyboard while powering up). Please note that if your phone doesn't go into download mode it is in all probability that you were pushing down on more than the single number 1 key. The download mode shows an Android using a tool to dig through a pile of rubble (no kidding).
Connect phone (you should see odin put a Com4 or something like that in the first box. The actual number is NOT important what is important is something popped up there when you connected your device, meaning ODIN can see it)
Select the victory_8G_100528.pit on the right in the pit section
Hit start. It will do its thing. Doesn't take long you can see the progress bar. If it sits on File Analysis for longer than 30 seconds its not going to happen. See the troubleshoot section below.
Device should reboot and should be done. You will have to root / install ClockworkMod.
Troubleshooting - Part 1
OK so you did this and it didn't work or you are stuck at "File Analysis" or you got a Failed error
Check and make sure you do NOT have any other boxes on the left checked besides Auto Reboot & F. Reset Time
Make sure you have the .pit file in the pit section and the .tar in the PDA section.
If you are stuck at File Analysis and you made sure that # 1 and # 2 were done or if you got an error then:
Reboot your PC and pull the battery on your phone
Wait for PC to reboot
Open Odin
Put battery back in phone, boot to download mode
Once in download mode connect via USB to the PC
Run it again
Troubleshooting - Part 2
If you get a FAILED error after it writes "param.lfs", try this method:
Reboot the phone and reset Odin
Load the pit file and place the tar in the Phone section
Start the recovery
The process will hang while writing "factoryfs.rfs"
Reboot the phone and reset Odin
Load the pit file, place the tar in the PDA section, and start the recovery again
It should now complete in about 3 mins.
Congratulations!
If that doesn't work, take out the battery and reboot into download mode with only the usb cord plugged in.
Let's admit it, some of us are visual learners. Fortunately, our very own Tschofield7 has created a few helpful How-To videos to help show how different root activities are completed.
One question though: Is the new cord a must-have? I'm ready try this now but I only have the stock cord. If, for some reason, I error, can I undo and use my phone or pretty much stuck until I get a new cord?
One question though: Is the new cord a must-have? I'm ready try this now but I only have the stock cord. If, for some reason, I error, can I undo and use my phone or pretty much stuck until I get a new cord?
Some people have no problem with the stock cord. Some can't get it to work to save their life. It's honestly hit and miss. You could always try it and just get a new cord if you run into problems.
Some people have no problem with the stock cord. Some can't get it to work to save their life. It's honestly hit and miss. You could always try it and just get a new cord if you run into problems.
Users of RFS based ROMs need to be rooted with Clockwork Mod 2.5.5 while those who want to use EXT4 based ROMs need to be rooted with Clockwork Mod 3.0.0.5/6.
At any point, you can use Odin to return to stock and to the RFS based file system.
If you want to convert to EXT4, use the one click and directions over on XDA. The direct link can be found Here!
I used the one-click root to install Clockwork mod to my Epic, and in the recovery it says it's ClockworkMod Recoverey v2.5.1.0. Do I need to update the CMD to 2.5.5 to run RFS ROMs? Or can I flash RFS ROMS with the 2.5.1 CMD?
Are there easy instructions on how to upgrade the version to 2.5.5 if I need to do so?
I used the one-click root to install Clockwork mod to my Epic, and in the recovery it says it's ClockworkMod Recoverey v2.5.1.0. Do I need to update the CMD to 2.5.5 to run RFS ROMs? Or can I flash RFS ROMS with the 2.5.1 CMD?
Are there easy instructions on how to upgrade the version to 2.5.5 if I need to do so?
so im pretty sure everyone on here who reads this is going to think im a complete idiot when they read my question and im ok with that as long as someone explains it to me
what does "Extract the file that you downloaded from above and run run.bat" mean?
when i downloaded the files it wont let me extract them using 7zip and they look unzipped so im pretty sure thats not what it means
and please explain the run run.bat
well i already asked one dumb so i dont think another one is going to hurt to much
"Extract the file that you downloaded from above and run run.bat"
I finally got them to unzip but now i dont really understand what to do with the files.. im i putting them on my phone, im i doing something with them on my computer..etc?.. and i cant find the run.bat
oh and one more thing when i do figure this out and put this stuff on my phone do i lose it all or do I keep it till i start rooting stuff... sorry if that makes no sense haha
May be an elementary question, but I assumed you run the run.bat file on the phone, NOT the pc. However, a dot bat file does not seem to be runnable on my phone. What gives?
Disclaimer: Rooting your phone can be a risky procedure, and if you make a mistake and brick your phone: These forums, authors of this post, or other subsequent posts, nor any party, company, corporate entity, individual, or estate; living or dead, associated or otherwise connected with the above shall not be held liable for any damage you do to your device, others devices, your person, other people/living things, or property belonging to you any other entity in the known universe should you attempt to root your phone. You take full responsibility and liability for any action you choose to take to attempt to gain root access to your phone. Rooting will prevent your phone from receiving automatic updates. Do this at your own risk.
How Do I Root My Epic?
ROOTING YOUR PHONE WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND COULD "BRICK" YOUR PHONE. Proceed with caution and at your own risk!!! If you are not comfortable with these risks, do not do this!
There are currently TWO main methods for rooting the Samsung Epic 4G. Only ONE method will be discussed here as the other may or may not be needed to flash ROMs.
This method will work for ANY of the current Epic software versions (currently EC05). To check which version you are on, click Menu/Settings/About Phone. Scroll down and read the last FOUR letters/numbers of the Baseband Version.
The first letter stands for the year that the build was created (D=2010, E=2011, F=2012, ...). The second letter stands for the month that the build was created (A=January, B=February, C= March, ...). The last two numbers stand for the date that the build was created. In the case of EB13, the build was created on February 13, 2011.
Note: If you scan this it will likely report that the file "ragethecage" is a trojan virus. Simple answer is that it is! This file is used to crack open the system files on your phone long enough to insert files that will allow you root access. Yes it's technically a virus, no it won't infect your computer. If you aren't comfortable with this, stop now!
1. You will also need to install the appropriate Samsung Galaxy S Drivers
well i already asked one dumb so i dont think another one is going to hurt to much
"Extract the file that you downloaded from above and run run.bat"
I finally got them to unzip but now i dont really understand what to do with the files.. im i putting them on my phone, im i doing something with them on my computer..etc?.. and i cant find the run.bat
oh and one more thing when i do figure this out and put this stuff on my phone do i lose it all or do I keep it till i start rooting stuff... sorry if that makes no sense haha
Once you unzip the folder open it up, there is a bunch of stuff in there, you only need to worry about the file that says "run.bat" if you don't have your pc setup to display file extensions it will only say "run". After you enable USB debugging on your phone and get all the drivers installed on your pc then plug your phone in and double click the "run" file. after that follow the on screen instructions in the dos window that opens up and should only be a few minutes and you'll be rooted. You don't put any of the files onto your phone. The program will put what is needed on there for you.
Edit: Check the how to videos by Tschofield7 he has one on there that will get you rooted no problem. They are great and easy to follow. If you cant find the link in the OP at the top they are also in my Signature.
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