Root [Verizon] I have root but no unlocked bootloader? S5 (Verizon)

[MusicAddict]

So I have root (via towelroot) working in the stock rom and Safestrap installed. BUT, it cannot wipe the /data partition so I can install a custom rom.

Im still running 4.4.2 (didnt take the update) and towelroot worked just fine. Boot screen does not show the little "unlock".

Is there a way I can use Odin to blank the system and install CM11?

Any other ideas are welcome. (i really hate stock)


EDIT: For anyone else that comes across this. Currently (December 1 2014) the S5 with Verizon is a PITA. CM11 just gives black screens. Also, SafeStrap does not work like TWRP. Watch a How-To video and save yourself some hassle. (i shoulda)

 

[ludeawakening]

So I have root (via towelroot) working in the stock rom and Safestrap installed. BUT, it cannot wipe the /data partition so I can install a custom rom.

Im still running 4.4.2 (didnt take the update) and towelroot worked just fine. Boot screen does not show the little "unlock".

Is there a way I can use Odin to blank the system and install CM11?

Any other ideas are welcome. (i really hate stock)


EDIT: For anyone else that comes across this. Currently (December 1 2014) the S5 with Verizon is a PITA. CM11 just gives black screens. Also, SafeStrap does not work like TWRP. Watch a How-To video and save yourself some hassle. (i shoulda)

You will not be able to run any type of ROM that isn't based on stock for the time being. Since there is no way to unlock the bootloader yet, there is no way to flash a kernel that is compatible with CM or any kind of AOSP/AOKP ROM's. Only ROM's that will work with the stock kernel are going to boot. On this particular device, Odin can only be used to flash the different stock firmwares like NCG, NE9, and NI2. Head over to XDA and check out Alliance Build 2 and OptimalROM. They are the best there is for the 900V S5 at the moment. And SafeStrap will let you wipe the data and cache partitions so you can flash these ROM's.

 

[MusicAddict]

Thanx sir. I did finally run across this info on my own. But only after I switched from Sprint to Verizon. Better coverage but locked down phone.

Hopefully someone comes across this before they make any decisions like I did.

As for Alliance Build 2 and OptimalROM, can I install them over stock Or do I have to use SafeStrap? Id rather have full use of my internal storage. Thanx for the info.

 

[ludeawakening]

Thanx sir. I did finally run across this info on my own. But only after I switched from Sprint to Verizon. Better coverage but locked down phone.

Hopefully someone comes across this before they make any decisions like I did.

As for Alliance Build 2 and OptimalROM, can I install them over stock Or do I have to use SafeStrap? Id rather have full use of my internal storage. Thanx for the info.

You will need to use SafeStrap. It works like any other recovery once you're booted to it. Just make a backup of your stock system and install the ROM of your choice on the Stock slot. If you use a created slot you'll have reboot issues.

 

[MusicAddict]

Good to know sir. Thanx. Hopefully some smart cookie will crack this nut and I (everyone) will get their choice of ROM.

 

[ludeawakening]

I hope they crack it. Unfortunately most of the really good Devs are stopping development for this device and moving to others. The best ROM IMO is Alliance, but the main dev Beans and many others left. The ROM definitely still offers the most custom options though. Now if you are one of the lucky few to have the Verizon ET-G900VMKA Dev Edition S5, you can run CyanogenMod or any ROM you want.
I myself have a Nexus 6 on the way from Google, but I'll still be floating around in the Verizon S5 section at XDA to help with issues, and I'm going to continue using Alliance on mine. If you want the best support for this phone, I recommend you stay in the Verizon S5 section at XDA. Androidforums is a great community, just not for this particular device. Until I stepped in to help some, you could almost hear the crickets Lol.
If you have any problems don't hesitate to PM me here or over at XDA. I'll help you as much as I can, or I will refer you to someone I trust. As always, happy flashing!

 

[MusicAddict]

Thanx man. I'm seriously considering returning the phone over this. (still within the return period) I LOVE the HW but really hate the ROM and bloat. (though ive removed most of it through root)

I should just go to a Nexus as well. For someone who is used to rooting/ROMing (i have a S3 w/CM11) would a Nexus 6 be your recommendation? On or Off contract?

 

[ludeawakening]

Yes I would recommend the N6 to anyone. And it's always best to get one off contract. I am getting mine directly from Google and it's factory unlocked. I have T-Mobile and I'm even using it with my Verizon S5.

 

[MusicAddict]

So in doing more research it looks like Verizon is one tough nut to crack. I might be stuck with them as I got a really good price on the service and their voice quality is alot better than Sprint. I was looking at a Note3. Looks like Im in that same boat with that as the S5. Though I can still gain root. Do you know any more there?

What would you recommend that I can fully unlock on Verizon? Thanx for your time.