Root [T-Mobile] Android 4.3 Root, Bootloader, Knox, Downgrade discussion Samsung Galaxy S4 T-Mobile

[Mark112887]

First off I'd like to start out by saying that I realize there is probably a really good chance then I am restating some of the information that many people may already know, but being as I did not see any thread with this specific title I decided to go ahead and start a thread where we can contain all the talk about rooting 4.3 and discussing the new security.

I upgraded my phone last night and even though I was rooted at the time the update still went through no problem, of course I lost root in the process but everything worked fine. Now, I had made the mistake of not doing my research prior to downloading the update and I had no idea that they updated the boot loader or rather the security or whatever you want to call it

I was quite disappointed to find out that I have lost my ability to go back to 4.2.2 at least for now but I consider myself extremely lucky that chainfires auto root still worked. Yes I understand that it tripped the security counter but luckily knock on wood I haven't broken any of the android phones I have owned so far.


So just to let everyone know if you have upgraded to 4.3 the chain fire auto root method still works however it will trip your counter and render your warrantee void at least for now

For anyone that may be interested I was able to save the tar.md5 file directly from kies so perhaps it may be possible for someone who is running a Linux box to remove the update to the boot loader and allow the people that have not already upgraded to upgrade while maintaining their current boot loader, is thus preserving the ability to downgrade

 

[alextop30]

I am expecting things like that to come about to tell you the truth. The fact that they are updating the bootloader is stupid - maybe that is why it took longer than an year to update to 4.3 - not a major update at all.

In any case I usually wait quite a bit before jumping the train on the new update and in addition I do it by way of custom rom because I do not like having to go back and remove the bloat and recustomize my phone.

 

[mike28]

I feel the same way at least we can still root of course keeping in mind that the warranty is voided can't really blame Samsung imagine how many have brink phones and reflash counter, anyway I'm sure someone will find a way to bypass knox, or at least I hope If not then it's either root and lose warranty or no rooting at all I been comfortable with stock 4.3 complaint 4.3 even though it's not a huge update it feels better less lag on touchwiz too

 

[alextop30]

I am pretty sure one of the awesome developers will find a way to reset the flash counter so you guys get your warranty back.

Recently I read that motorolla is dialing down the root / bootloader warranty gimmicks and actually restoring warranty to people with developer phones that have unlocked the bootloader and set the counter off. Samsung seems to be moving in the opposite direction which is simply not bueno in my book.

 

[Rooqy]

Hey guys, ran into this I was wondering if you guys seen this and what you guys think.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2546024

 

[xXchrizhurtyXx]

Hey guys, ran into this I was wondering if you guys seen this and what you guys think.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2546024

I used that guide and have been running 4.3 for a few days. But i used mobile Odin to flash the modems because regular Odin wasn't working.

 

[11jjonn]

I used that guide and have been running 4.3 for a few days. But i used mobile Odin to flash the modems because regular Odin wasn't working.

Having searched pages of threads, I'm still somewhat confused!!

I recently acquired a "gently used" M919, then rooted it with cf auto-root.

Have 4.2.2 (MDL stock, which is fine with me) -- but, OTA constantly attempts to "bless" me with 4.3 --- which I understand is not desirable (what with knox and locked bootloader). Warranty doesn't apply, but I would like to flash whatever I choose.

My questions:
If I flash a rom, such as darthstalker or follow: [GUIDE] 100% KNOX Free 4.3, NO data drops AND call audio! here's how! [Noob friendly] - xda-developers, will that insure the OTA stops hounding me ???

If so, I find the darthstalker directions easier to follow (I think).

Or... should I do this first (if at all)? [ONLY FOR MDL BOOTLOADER] How to use 4.3 MK2 Modem and Retain Sound - xda-developers

It seems there are just "too many moving parts" for me to comprehend.


Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[xXchrizhurtyXx]

Having searched pages of threads, I'm still somewhat confused!!

I recently acquired a "gently used" M919, then rooted it with cf auto-root.

Have 4.2.2 (MDL stock, which is fine with me) -- but, OTA constantly attempts to "bless" me with 4.3 --- which I understand is not desirable (what with knox and locked bootloader). Warranty doesn't apply, but I would like to flash whatever I choose.

My questions:
If I flash a rom, such as darthstalker or follow: [GUIDE] 100% KNOX Free 4.3, NO data drops AND call audio! here's how! [Noob friendly] - xda-developers, will that insure the OTA stops hounding me ???

If so, I find the darthstalker directions easier to follow (I think).

Or... should I do this first (if at all)? [ONLY FOR MDL BOOTLOADER] How to use 4.3 MK2 Modem and Retain Sound - xda-developers

It seems there are just "too many moving parts" for me to comprehend.


Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Yes I'd follow those threads. That's what i did. But if your rooted and you want to stay on 4.2.2 then you can use titanium backup and delete the system software update app

 

[11jjonn]

OK, installed Titanium Backup (free). Don't see "system software update" app.
Details please.

 

[xXchrizhurtyXx]

OK, installed Titanium Backup (free). Don't see "system software update" app.
Details please.

Sorry i believe its called FWupgrade.

 

[11jjonn]

What if I Freeze it with rom toolbox app manager?

Just tried and rebooted - Software update still present ---BAH

 

[xXchrizhurtyXx]

What if I Freeze it with rom toolbox app manager?

Just tried and rebooted - Software update still present ---BAH

Damn idk lol.
umm i would help but my phone is broken,
you can try deleting the update.zip from the cache

 

[11jjonn]

I decided to flash Darthstalker.
Complex, customized procedure - rom works well & resolves my issues of OTA to 4.3

 

[xXchrizhurtyXx]

I decided to flash Darthstalker.
Complex, customized procedure - rom works well & resolves my issues of OTA to 4.3

Glad to hear that!

 

[Digital Controller]

Just make sure if you guys use the Kingo method that you understand the consequences of it.

PSA: Kingo Root and Vroot Malicious

 

[cocokasper]

I decided to flash Darthstalker.
Complex, customized procedure - rom works well & resolves my issues of OTA to 4.3

install the Xposed framwork and "wanam xposed" and the moduals. some awesome tweaks. and Darthstalker is an amazing rom. stable & everything works with everything you want, and nothing you don't (like carrier IQ logging)