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Root [Verizon] [Guide] Step-by-Step Rooting & Flashing

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Rolo42

Android Enthusiast
Mar 23, 2012
712
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Greensboro, NC
Mod edit:

Note: this guide is for rooting Android 4.0.x ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) version of Android for the VZW SGS3.

Please see this post if you are looking for information on how to root an Android 4.1.x JellyBean device:


Cheers and thanks to Rolo42 for making this original guide for everyone!

-SA


This guide contains soup-to-nuts step-by-step procedures for rooting and/or flashing your Verizon Samsung Galaxy SIII (SCH-I535). If you follow these instructions precisely, everything should work fine. If it doesn't, report precisely what you did and precisely what the outcome was as well as any other relevant information--help us help you.

The usual disclaimer: You are responsible for your actions and the consequences.

First and foremost, to get your phone to talk to your PC, you will need the Samsung drivers for Windows:

1. Download: Link
2. Install
3. Reboot
4. Plug your phone into your PC, let it find/configure drivers
5. Test: open Windows Explorer, click on "Computer" to see if your phone is listed as a device; browse it

Rooting


There are two methods to root your phone. The first method involves no flashing and uses Android Debugging Bridge (ADB) to root and install the requisite superuser app. This method does not require clearing caches or resetting and it leaves everything intact.

Method 1
(no flash)

1. Ensure aforementioned Samsung USB drivers are working properly
2. Download Noxious Ninja's DebugFS root tool from here: Link
3a. If you do not have ADB installed (from Android or mini SDK--if you don't know what this is, you haven't installed it; cf. http://androidforums.com/faqs/443072-adb-guide-updated-12-05-2011-a.html), extract DebugFS root tool into its own folder (i.e. "C:\root"); I like 7-zip archive program
3b. If you have already installed ADB or the Android SDK, extract DebugFS root tool into your ADB folder but do not replace any files!
4. Open Windows Explorer, browse to your newly extracted DebugFS folder (i.e. "C:\root")
5. Double-click on "RootDebugfs.bat" and follow the directions
6. After the batch file completes, open the Superuser app; set your options per your preference. You now have root access.


The second method is flashing an already-rooted stock ROM. This method is useful when wiping your phone (to install a new custom ROM perhaps) and for updating your firmware to VRALG1**. Additionally, this method eliminates the "Custom" unlocked lock icon boot screen ("tripwire").
**Update: VRALG7 is current version via OTA; rooted ROM download and procedures are here: Download Verizon Galaxy S3 VRALG7 OTA Update, already rooted and deodexed!

Method 2 (flash)

1. Ensure aforementioned Samsung USB drivers are working properly
2. If you do not have a torrent client installed, download/install one now; I like Tixati
3. Download VRALG1 full firmware from this post: Link
4. Double-click the .torrent file you downloaded in step 3; your torrent client should search/download the ROM (.tar.md5 file)
5. Unplug the phone from the PC and power it off
6. Download, install and run Odin: Link
7. Put the phone in download mode: press and hold volume down, home, and power buttons until the screen displays a prompt
8. Press volume up to continue
9. In Odin, verify the "ID:COM" section shows a COM port (the first rectangle)
10. It doesn't because I forgot to tell you to plug in the phone
11. Plug the phone into the PC
12. Now verify the "ID:COM" section shows a COM port connected
13. Click "PDA" and select the VRALG1 firmware (.tar.md5 file)
14. After Odin verifies MD5 hash, press Start button; if MD5 check failed, delete the file, re-download it and try again. You are now rooted.
15. Optional: Install EZ Recovery from the play store. Flash a custom recovery of your choice (I like TWRP2.2)
16. Reboot into recovery (if you didn't install EZ recovery or don't have an app to reboot into recovery, power off; then hold volume up, home, and power keys to boot into recovery)
17. Clear cache and Dalvik cache.
18. Reboot & enjoy! NOTE: The first boot after any wipe takes a long time; be patient.

Unlocking the Bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader does three things:
- Enables you to flash custom kernels without kexec workarounds
- Clears the "Custom" unlocked padlock notification on boot
- Decreases boot time since it no longer performs security checks

NOTE: This is not required for either rooting or flashing a kexec kernel/ROM or the aforementioned VRALG1 ROM in Method 2.

1. If you do not have root access, root your phone per above procedure
2. Install EZ-Unlock app from the Playstore: Link
3. Run the app, press the Unlock button
4. Reboot to ensure all is well!
 
ROMs

TouchWiz-Based


Author(s): Beanstown106
Home Thread: [Rom] Bean's Custom Stock Rom Build 9 (50gb db, Themed,non kexec Kernel, JB Anims) - xda-developers
ROM Highlights:
*Based off of NoSympathy's Deodexed OTA VRALG1*
*Imoseyons 0.1 Lean Kernel*
*Overclockable to 1.9ghz*
*CM9 Style K-Exec*
*Re-Themed To be a little ICS/JB Aosp Looking*
*Took Out All Verizon WiFi notification and Popups*
*More Icons in Launcher*
*Wifi Tether & Mobile Hotspot Both work*
*True Init.D Support*
*Custom Boot Animation Support*
*Enabled Verizons Mobile Hotspot*
*Took out Fading/Increasing Ringtones*
*Removed Annoying Location Icon*
*Wifi Tether*
*Enabled All Rotations*
*CPU script*
*15 toggle mod*
*Themed Toggles and 1% Battery*
*Center Clock flashable mod*
*Jelly-Bean Animation's*
*Added Ringtones MIUI/CM*
*JB Keyboard*
*Build.prop Tweaks*
* 4-way Reboot Menu*
*Zipaligned*
*Bravia Engine*
*Alot of Apps Install to /data for Easy Removal*
**50Gb Free Dropbox**

Author(s): scroslor
Home Thread: [ROM][8/21] - CleanROM 2.0 -★| Treat Your Phone to the Very Best! | VRALG1 |★- - xda-developers
ROM Highlights:
  • Complete Aroma Installer! Build your own ROM the way YOU want it!
    • Choose Launchers: Stock Launcher, Apex Launcher, Nova Launcher
    • Choose File Managers: ES File Manager, Stock My Files, None
    • Choose Verizon Apps: My Verizon, Visual Voicemail, VZ Navigator, VT Tones, VZ Apps Installer
    • Choose Samsung Apps: All Share, Color, Kies, Media Hub, My Files, Mobile Print, S Memo, S Suggest, S Voice
    • Choose Misc Apps: Ad Blocking Host File, AccuWeather Widger, Polaris Office Viewer, Yahoo Widgets, VPN Client
  • Odexed with Performance and Battery Optimizations!
  • 15 Button Toggle and Unlocked Native Tether!
  • Extended Reboot Menu!
  • Full init.d support!
  • Zip Align on boot!
  • No boot sound!
  • Stock Samsung Boot Animation! No ugly VZW animation!
  • ES File Explorer!
  • No WiFi Pop Up Thanks to eschelon !

Author(s): zedomax
Home Thread: [ROM]HighOnAndroid ROM v.0.2! [Custom Bootanimation][Wifi Hack][JB Animations] - xda-developers
ROM Highlights:
- Built off Stock ROM (USB Kies and everything else works from stock)
- Jelly Bean Boot Animations
- Google Now
- Speed tweaks for WiFi
- Power saving features
- Graphic acceleration for your photos/videos
- Deodexed/Zipaligned
- SuperSU
- More coming soon! (Let me know what you really want!)
- I left all bloatware on for now (slowly removing one by one, please tell me which one you think absolutely isn’t needed)

Author(s): nosympathy
Home Thread: [Rom][7.26.2012][VRALF2/VRALG1]NoSympathy's Stock OTA 100% deodexed, zipaligned rom. - xda-developers
ROM Highlights:
*Based Off A System Dump Provided to me by invisiblek of the latest OTA
*100% Deodexed including SMS app and Visual Voicemail. Access you SMS app from the lockscreen again.
*Rooted with latest Superuser.apk and SU Binary. Also Latest busybox installed.
*100% Zipaligned
*Only thing removed is the guide videos as that saved 80MB and I doubt anybody even knows they exist.

Author(s): remf4i
Home Thread: ★rom★ REDEMPTION ROM 2.0 AROMA Installer ★8/17/12 - xda-developers
ROM Highlights:
Rooted
Deodexed
Bashed
Busybox
Zip aligned
Extended Reboot Menu
Disabled Scrolling Cache
Disabled Increasing Ringtone
Jelly Bean Animations
Google now
Init.d Support
Speed Tweaks
Ram Optimizations
Build.prop tweaks
Sony Bravia Engine
xLoud
Battery tweaks (Battery should be amazing !!!)
Sd card sped up
Memory optimized
Smooth scrolling tweaks
Touch responsiveness
Gps lock
Custom notification 15 toggles mod
Data speed tweak
White themed systemui ,framework.res
White themed phone and dialer
White themed contacts
White themed notifications and toggles
Fast Smooth Stable
Im sure Im missing some things

Author(s): Team Synergy (eshelon, TrevE, Ziggy471, Virus, Mr. X)
Home Thread: ☆ ★ | ROM | SynergyROM VZW S3 | ICS 4.0.4 | Fully Optimized | NIGHTLIES |★ ☆ - xda-developers
ROM Highlights:
-Ziggy / Mr.X kernel coming soon!!
-ICS 4.0.4 - Latest I535VRALG1 Base
-Fully Deodexed, Zipaligned, Busybox, Superuser
-Debloated
-Team Synergy's custom init.d scripts for insane performance
-Blocked Samsung’s "root checker" service (We killed it so well that Device Status shows "Not -available" rather than "Modified")
-EXT4 performance tweaks for moar speed
-Be gone ongoing WiFi connect notification. Nobody likes you. (Won't take effect until after first reboot)
-15 notifcation toggles
-4-in-1 reboot menu
-Jelly Bean Animations
-Fully working Google Now with Jelly Bean voice search and offline dictation
-4x5 Launcher with up to 9 homescreens
-Sony Bravia Engine
-Hold volume to skip tracks when screen is off
-WiFi Tether working right out of the box. Just tap and go. (Note: This refers to the app named -WiFi Tether, not Mobile Hotspot as the latter is a subscription VZW service)
-Customized mounting scripts (see Q&A)
-I9300 boot animations with disabled sound
-4G and WiFi speed tweaks
-Verizon OTAs blocked
-Synergized build.prop
-Unlocked settings for camera, browser, and Find my mobile
-Exchange policy disabled (your IT policy may prohibit this, if so flash this in recovery to get back to stock)
-Fully integrated search (The newer VZW GS3 base removes this thanks to yet another lawsuit from Apple, so we retained the old search)
-Ability to set WiFi transmit power (see Q&A)
-Tons more tweaks and enhancements


Android Open Source Project (AOSP)-Based

Author(s): CyanogenMod Team
Home Thread: [OFFICIAL]CM10 Official Nightlies for D2VZW GSIII - xda-developers
ROM Status: Nightly Builds
About: The official release of CM10 for the VZW Galaxy S3



Author(s): Team Kang
Home Thread: [UNOFFICIAL][ROM]AOKP-JB for the d2vzw 8-20-2012 - xda-developers
ROM Status: Nightly Builds
About: Has not yet received an official release from Team Kang



Author(s): Euroskank
Home Thread: [CM10][Jellybro] D2VZW Nightly Kangs - xda-developers
ROM Status: Nightly Builds
About: Based on CM10 but incorporates the latest fixes/mods/features/patches/etc that may not have been approved for release in the official CyanogenMod releases



Author(s): Invisiblek
Home Thread: [Rom][Unofficial] JellyBean (CM10) VZW (Updated Nightlies) - xda-developers
ROM Status: Semi Nightly Builds
About: Based on CM10 but incorporates the latest fixes/mods/features/patches/etc that may not have been approved for release in the official CyanogenMod releases
. Invisiblek has abandoned nightly builds since CM10 has gone official, but from time to time if a major improvement is made, but not yet approved for official release he will create a build


Kernels

The kernel is low-level software that controls the communication between the operating system and hardware; custom kernels can improve performance.


Leankernel: Minimalistic Kernel (TouchWiz)

Author(s): imoseyon
Home Thread: [kernel][touchwiz] Leankernel: Minimalistic Kernel (8/21 - v0.3) - Verizon Galaxy S III Development - RootzWiki
Highlights:
  • Unnecessary components removed for lean and fast kernel.
  • Compiled using latest Linaro compiler with additional optimizations.
  • Latest Linux updates applied (currently up to 3.0.41).
  • Ramdisk optimizations.
  • OC'ed to 1.9Ghz (limited to 1.51Ghz at boot, use an app to change max freq), and all frequencies undervolted
  • SIO I/O scheduler default
  • Fast Charge (toggle via the "ffc" script - open terminal, type ffc then enter, plug in phone via USB)
  • On-demand governor backported from Linux 3.5
  • InteractiveX V3 - optimized for S3, screen_off_maxfreq sysfs interface (default set to 810Mhz). (Note: I didn't change the name to interactivex in the kernel this time)
  • Auto-brightness tweak - slightly brighter than stock kernel in some instances where it gets too dark.
  • Fixed governor switching bug where switching from ondemand to another governor could keep cpu1 offline until you switch back.
Leankernel: Minimalistic Kernel (AOSP JellyBean)

Author(s): imoseyon
Home Thread: [Kernel] [Aosp] [JB] Leankernel: Minimalistic Kernel (V0.7 BETA, 8/20/12) - Verizon Galaxy S III Development - RootzWiki
Highlights:


  • Unnecessary components removed for lean and fast kernel.
  • Compiled using latest Linaro compiler with additional optimizations.
  • Latest Linux updates applied (currently up to 3.0.41).
  • Some commits from latest CM10 kernel cherry-picked and merged.
  • Ramdisk optimizations.
  • OC'ed to 1.9Ghz (limited to 1.51Ghz at boot, use an app to change max freq), and all frequencies undervolted
  • SIO I/O scheduler default
  • Fast Charge (toggle via the "ffc" script - open terminal, type ffc then enter, plug in phone via USB)
  • On-demand governor backported from Linux 3.5
  • InteractiveX V3 - optimized for S3, screen_off_maxfreq sysfs interface (default set to 810Mhz). (Note: I didn't change the name to interactivex in the kernel this time)
  • Auto-brightness tweak - slightly brighter than stock kernel in some instances where it gets too dark.
  • GPU OC'ed to 480Mhz (credit faux)
  • Fixed governor switching bug where switching from ondemand to another governor could keep cpu1 offline until you switch back.
CleanKERNEL (TouchWiz)

Author(s): scrosler
Home Thread: [Kernel][8/24] - CleanKERNEL 1.0 -★| CPU OC 1.89 | GPU OC 300/500 | UV | VRALG1 |★- - xda-developers
Highlights:


  • CPU Overclockable to 1.89 GHZ (vs 1.5GHZ stock).
  • CPU Underclockable to 192MHZ (vs 384MHZ stock).
  • The CPU comes clocked at normal Samsung specs of 384MHZ low and 1.5GHZ high. You will need an application like System Tuner or Set CPU to overlcock it. This can also be modified by advanced users in the init.rc but is not recommended or supported. See first two blocks of init.rc for details.
  • GPU Overclocked at 300/500 MHZ
  • Under-volted just a few milli-volts to help save battery.
  • There are no fancy governors or other such things. Its a modified stock kernel, plain and simple.
  • This kernel should be compatible with any VRAGL1 based ROM such as (of course) CleanROM and Nosympathy's stock rooted base. Good chance it will work well with Team Synergy's ROM too but I have not tested that ROM but its a VRALG1 Based ROM.
  • If your ROM has non Samsung Boot Animation you will more than likely loose it! This WILL be the case for Synergy ROM!
  • This kernel will NOT work with any AOSP, AOKP, CM9, CM10, etc based ROMS! If the ROM is not a based on official Verizon VRAGL1 ROM then dont flash this kernel!
ZiggyKernel (TouchWiz)
**Only Available as part of SynergyROM**

Author(s): Ziggy
Home Thread: ☆ ★ | ROM | SynergyROM VZW S3 | ICS 4.0.4 | Fully Optimized | NIGHTLIES |★ ☆ - xda-developers
Highlights:
lagfree governor
OC up to 1.9
undervolted
ck1 patchset
ntfs
kernel debug off
other config tweaks
compiler optimizations


Lists created by Metfanant
 
Upvote 0
I like it for completely wiping (I mean the Sodom and Gomorrah wipe: formatting everything) and then flashing w/Odin.

I'm glad someone posted it because I didn't have a stock G1 ROM (I don't count NoSympathy's since it triggers the "Custom" boot screen...odd that). I don't know if its hosted anywhere other than torrent (I'll keep seeding it until it is).
 
Upvote 0
I like it for completely wiping (I mean the Sodom and Gomorrah wipe: formatting everything) and then flashing w/Odin.

I'm glad someone posted it because I didn't have a stock G1 ROM (I don't count NoSympathy's since it triggers the "Custom" boot screen...odd that). I don't know if its hosted anywhere other than torrent (I'll keep seeding it until it is).

i think the Custom boot screen is kinda wonky in and of itself...root66 never tripped it for me...except for once i rebooted the phone for something or another and it tripped it...

i didn't know that NoSymp's tripped it as well...ive been running Synergy for a little over a day now and that trips it (as expected)

also...as i suggestion...i would also include CWM in your guide...since it really goes hand in hand with root...personally i suggest for EVERYONE i speak to to use EZ Recovery and always flash CWM 6.0.1.0...

i know there are other options out there (esp Team Win) but i think with Kexec looking more and more like its going to be THE way to seriously mod our phones i personally feel there should be a consensus on the advice being given out...and CWM 6.0.1.0 is the kexec/kernel/auto-flash friendly option
 
Upvote 0
I will expand the guide but I wanted to keep it basic and complete so anyone--especially those who've never done this before--can just follow it and be rooted. (and to cut down on the recurring common questions)

I did notice that the "Custom" screen does not trigger on the next boot but on the second subsequent boot, implying that the trigger occurs sometime after loading and not during bootstrap.

Synergy never triggered "Custom" for me but NoSympathy's did (but Synergy is based off of it!)

Installing the "blueui" using metamorph app (it changes the stock notification toggles to ICS blue) did trigger it on the stock rooted ROM. AFAIK, it just modifies System.apk--but Synergy has an entirely different set of notification toggles (and I assume System.apk).

It makes me wonder if something is indeed broken or not following syntax properly which triggers "Custom".
 
Upvote 0
1.How can I tell if I have ADB or not?
If you've ever installed it or the Android SDK.

2. What is the real difference between method 1 and 2? (As I am not looking to replace the default ROM that came with the phone)
Nothing other than what I've explained in each method's description.
 
Upvote 0
I am almost done with the questions. I finished steps 1-12 (Method 2), but here is where I still need some help. (SEE RED)

13. Optional: Install EZ Recovery from the play store. Flash a custom recovery of your choice (I like TWRP2.2)
(Where do I find TWRP2.2?)
(What is a recovery?)

14. Reboot into recovery (if you didn't install EZ recovery or don't have an app to reboot into recovery, power off; then hold volume up, home, and power keys to boot into recovery)
15. Clear cache and Dalvik cache. Enjoy! (the options I have are: Wipe date/factory reset or "wipe cache partition"

I also installed CWM as suggested by Metfanant…what next?

At what point should all apps/pictures/everything be backed up and how?
 
Upvote 0
ROLO,

I have never had any issue on the sprint cariabt loading Tar files into ODIN. Is there soemthing different with this Torrent thing? I am stuck here

2. Download VRALG1 full firmware from this post: Link (you will need a torrent client; I like Tixati)


When I pull up ODIN and click on PDA and search for the TAR file on my desktop ODIN will not see it. It is there I can go out and see the TAR file on the desktop. I have tried putting it in other locations and still nothing. The Tar file I have was directly from here: xda-developers - View Single Post - [Official] Latest STOCK ROMS for VERIZON SGS3 (SCH-I535) - [06/07/2012 - I535VRALF2]

It says it is 15.5 KB on my destop it shows this file name: VRALG1-Full.tar.md5.torrent I tried using that Tixati, but Im lost with it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Upvote 0

(Where do I find TWRP2.2?)
The EZ Recovery app lets you flash recovery ROMs: TWRP or CWM


(What is a recovery?)
That is a part of the ROM you can boot into to perform low-level functions such as clear cache, format, factory reset, create/restore NANDroid backups. Think of it like booting into Windows Recovery Disc.


(the options I have are: Wipe date/factory reset or "wipe cache partition"
I'm pretty sure (but haven't confirmed yet) that the Dalvik cache is on the /cache partition, so clearing/formatting /cache will also wipe Dalvik



I also installed CWM as suggested by Metfanant
 
Upvote 0
It says it is 15.5 KB on my destop it shows this file name: VRALG1-Full.tar.md5.torrent I tried using that Tixati, but Im lost with it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Ah! I see. The .torrent file is a torrent file, used by torrent clients to download. Blame Lars Ulrich for making it complicated. ;)

1. Install Tixati (or whichever torrent client you like, Vuze, uTorrent, etc.).
2. Double-click VRALG1-Full.tar.md5.torrent file; your torrent client should begin searching/downloading the ROM.

I'll update the procedure to be more clear/complete.
 
Upvote 0

(Where do I find TWRP2.2?)

i prefer CWM 6.0.1.0 because it has built in kexec/auto flash support so you are set to go with custom kernels

(What is a recovery?)

without getting too much into it, its the mode on your phone that allows you to flash mods and custom ROMs...

(the options I have are: Wipe date/factory reset or "wipe cache partition"
to wipe the Dalvik you go to advanced>>wipe dalvik cache

I also installed CWM as suggested by Metfanant
 
Upvote 0
before you "wipe data"

Thanks...Do I use something like Titanium backup with an SD card?
Once I wipe the data, then I use Titanium to reinstall everything?
i backup everything to my PC to be honest...then once i come back from the wipe i arrange everything the way i like it...

On a side note....are you still running SynergyROM 1.6 ROM?
actually im on 1.7 now
 
Upvote 0
You have helped a ton....Now I need to get an external SD card.

thats what we are here for...there is a lot of stuff that i don't know...and these are not always the most TECHNICAL forums...so i go to xda or rootzwiki for some of that...

but the reason i still use these forums is they are def the most noob friendly forums there are...i started here and feel that i can help a lot of people like i was helped
 
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Upvote 0
Upvote 0
Ok I am in the process of rooting as we speak with this tar file: xda-developers - View Single Post - [Official] Latest STOCK ROMS for VERIZON SGS3 (SCH-I535) - [06/07/2012 - I535VRALF2]

Now I am looking to add a custom ROM like this: ☆ ★ | ROM | SynergyROM VZW S3 | ICS 4.0.4 | FULLY OPTIMIZED | 8/12 v1.7 |★ ☆ - xda-developers

I just want to see what the preferred recovery is for loading this one?

IMO the preferred recovery for our phones is CWM 6.0.1.0 because it supports everything you can possibly want to do with our phones including Kexec Kernels...so IMO using anything else just adds one more potential step to the process if you eventually want to start messing with Kexec...
 
Upvote 0
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