Help Verizon downgrade to KitKat - Dummies Guide

[AZgl1500]

It would appear from this and other forums, that more and more Verizon customers are fed up with waiting for Verizon to sort out their firmware, having waited 6 weeks, and are opting to go back to the old Verizon KitKat, Android 4.4.4, firmware in post #1.

As stated in two other posts, VZW has decided to over-ride all of my Firewalls to stop the update to LolliFlopVZW way... a call to CS resulted in a TEXT message to me from VZW to root my device.

I'm on 4.4.4 and IIRC, it has to go back to 4.4.2 ??

What if I just do a FBR right now before 5.0 is fully loaded up and can't run yet?
Shouldn't that just put me back to 4.4.4 in native mode? And will it remove the downloaded 5.0 file?

I have everything backed up.... Screens, Contacts, Messages, Apps, etc...

.
____________________________________
2 ea. Verizon Galaxy S5, 4.4.4 forever!, ART

 

[al50pony]

No problems with Knox when using a stock Verizon firmware. See, #1.2. Besides, there is a new Lollipop, "bugfix", update out, OC4, from Verizon.

Can i use the same steps to get KK if i'm on the latest OTA OC4 update? I've been reading where people have downgraded their Lollipop to KK but they didn't say which Lollipop version they were actually on when they did. I would like to downgrade if at all possible and then possibly root nut want to be sure that i'm able to do so on this version(OC4). Thank you in advance.

 

[ironass]

Can i use the same steps to get KK if i'm on the latest OTA OC4 update? I've been reading where people have downgraded their Lollipop to KK but they didn't say which Lollipop version they were actually on when they did. I would like to downgrade if at all possible and then possibly root nut want to be sure that i'm able to do so on this version(OC4). Thank you in advance.

Hello and welcome to Android Forums al50pony

Verizon users on other forums have successfully downgraded from Verizon's OC4 release of Lollipop. However, because of Verizon's draconian locked bootloader policy, you will need to use an even older firmware version if you want to root your phone, I believe...

Model SM-G900V
Model name GALAXY S5
Country USA (Verizon)
Version Android 4.4.2
Changelist 964333
Build date Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:28:02 +0000
Product code VZW
PDA G900VVRU1ANCG
CSC G900VVZW1ANCG

For more information and help with rooting your Verizon phone, see the Root - Samsung Galaxy S5 section of the forum

 

[al50pony]

Hello and welcome to Android Forums al50pony

Verizon users on other forums have successfully downgraded from Verizon's OC4 release of Lollipop. However, because of Verizon's draconian locked bootloader policy, you will need to use an even older firmware version if you want to root your phone, I believe...

Model SM-G900V
Model name GALAXY S5
Country USA (Verizon)
Version Android 4.4.2
Changelist 964333
Build date Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:28:02 +0000
Product code VZW
PDA G900VVRU1ANCG
CSC G900VVZW1ANCG

For more information and help with rooting your Verizon phone, see the Root - Samsung Galaxy S5 section of the forum

Thank you so much for your reply! I've been seeing posts of using the NCG version but I didn't know exactly what version they were on. Again, thank you

 

[al50pony]

Thank you so much for your reply! I've been seeing posts of using the NCG version but I didn't know exactly what version they were on. Again, thank you

Question, do I useALL_VZW_G900VVRU1ANCG_G900VVZW1ANCG_964333_REV00_u ser_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar or G900VVRU1ANCG_Full_Odin.tar? Just want to be sure that I load the correct file. Again, thank you

 

[ironass]

Question, do I useALL_VZW_G900VVRU1ANCG_G900VVZW1ANCG_964333_REV00_u ser_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar or G900VVRU1ANCG_Full_Odin.tar? Just want to be sure that I load the correct file. Again, thank you

Use the link I posted above. However, those 2 are both are identical and in .zip format and will need to be extracted to .tar file for flashing with Odin.

 

[al50pony]

Use the link I posted above. However, those 2 are both are identical and in .zip format and will need to be extracted to .tar file for flashing with Odin.

Thank you. I thought i read somewhere that you're not to extract the zip files and that to load it into ODIN as is? Just asking before I mess up something. I will look into the links you sent me and let you know how everything goes. Much appreciated!!!

 

[ironass]

Thank you. I thought i read somewhere that you're not to extract the zip files and that to load it into ODIN as is? Just asking before I mess up something. I will look into the links you sent me and let you know how everything goes. Much appreciated!!!

Odin will NOT recognise .zip files, only .tar. See #1.8.

 

[al50pony]

Hello and welcome to Android Forums al50pony

Verizon users on other forums have successfully downgraded from Verizon's OC4 release of Lollipop. However, because of Verizon's draconian locked bootloader policy, you will need to use an even older firmware version if you want to root your phone, I believe...

Model SM-G900V
Model name GALAXY S5
Country USA (Verizon)
Version Android 4.4.2
Changelist 964333
Build date Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:28:02 +0000
Product code VZW
PDA G900VVRU1ANCG
CSC G900VVZW1ANCG

For more information and help with rooting your Verizon phone, see the Root - Samsung Galaxy S5 section of the forum

Hello and welcome to Android Forums al50pony

Verizon users on other forums have successfully downgraded from Verizon's OC4 release of Lollipop. However, because of Verizon's draconian locked bootloader policy, you will need to use an even older firmware version if you want to root your phone, I believe...

Model SM-G900V
Model name GALAXY S5
Country USA (Verizon)
Version Android 4.4.2
Changelist 964333
Build date Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:28:02 +0000
Product code VZW
PDA G900VVRU1ANCG
CSC G900VVZW1ANCG

For more information and help with rooting your Verizon phone, see the Root - Samsung Galaxy S5 section of the forum

Would it be possible for you to link me to the posts/forums that have the OC4 users successfully installing an older version without any problems? I believe you and appreciate the help you've been doing, it's just that this is my only phone and would like to be confident when I do proceed. Again, thank you. You've been very helpful with my questions

 

[ironass]

Would it be possible for you to link me to the posts/forums that have the OC4 users successfully installing an older version without any problems? I believe you and appreciate the help you've been doing, it's just that this is my only phone and would like to be confident when I do proceed. Again, thank you. You've been very helpful with my questions

Since I do not bookmark such individual sites and posts, I would have to Google them and search through each one.

Something that maybe you could do?

 

[al50pony]

Lol. Believe me,I'm about Googled out from searching....lol. I basically keep coming to the same 3 posts but the user(s) didn't post their lollipop version. I've posted questions in the posts and haven't gotten any replies back. You're the only person that has replied in my posts and I truly appreciate the help you've given. If I do find something that mentions about downgrading from OC4, I'll be sure to post it here.

 

[ironass]

Post #5...

So what's the verdict on OC4 [DISCUSS]

 

[AZgl1500]

You have to use the oldest version of KitKat to root the S5, and IIRC, that is 4.4.2 on VZW

I recall reading that is because the only guy who wrote Towel Root was hired by Google and he quit doing private developer work.

Here are my bookmarks, your job is to read them and see if they will help you.
EDIT; I decided to search all of my bookmarks and make a single post that contains all of the info I have stored...... In future, I am just going to reference back to this single post instead of listing them all as I have done here. It is just way too much work to do this repeatedly.

Ironass , your job is to Bookmark this post


* Root - Check Root - Android Apps on Google Play

* Root - Towelroot my S5 info

* Root for the Verizon S5

* Root Genius 1.8.7 for Android KitKat

* Root: GalaxyS5Root.com - AT&T Verizon Learn How to Root Galaxy S5 and Install Custom ROMs!

* S5 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update ANI2

Root - Easy How to: Verizon Galaxy S5 Android 4.4.4 root (NHA Update) | AndroMods

Root - New update (G900VVRU1ANI2) for Verizon Galaxy S5 - root is possible | AndroMods

Root - Update Verizon Galaxy S5 to Android 4.4.4 KitKat (NI2) and Root It

Root ▶ Verizon Galaxy S5 NI2 How To Root Latest 4.4.4 OTA Update - YouTube

Root How To Root Latest OTA 4.4.4 Verizon Galaxy S5 | Android Forums at DroidForums.net

Root SDFix: KitKat Writable MicroSD - Android Apps on Google Play

Root the Samsung Galaxy S5 - April 2014

Root Verizon Galaxy S5 How To on Android 4.4.4 Kit-Kat Official Firmware | Techbeasts

Root: There is no magic in root | Android Central

 

[EarlyMon]

Quite a list of bookmarks.

So, how did rooting work out for you @AZgl1500?

Post #5...

So what's the verdict on OC4 [DISCUSS]

Mother of Darkness, @ironass!

You posted to aceif, not XDA - that's a kang site that's scraped XDA content in hopes of getting people to log in and begin the process of credentials theft.

I've replaced your link.

 

[AZgl1500]

Quite a list of bookmarks.

So, how did rooting work out for you @AZgl1500?

I have not done it yet, as the 5.0 dnload was aborted at 50%....
I get a nag screen to fix that every few days, but I am ignoring it.
As long as my S5 continues to perform well with 4.4.4, it is just fine for me.
Before I try to root the S5, I will do a FDR first and stay with 4.4.4 as I prefer the deep color saturation and the menu setup that I am already accustomed to.
I see no reason to change operating systems just because someone besides me decides that is the thing to do. I will refuse to allow 5.0 on my phone as long as I can, hopefully never.

I do not wish to have to reconfigure my phone every other day, I want it set in stone and stay that way until I decide to replace it..... my Galazy 'S' worked for 3.5 years before the S5 convinced me I wanted something better. the 'S' phone is charged, ready to be put in service if need be.... setting on the shelf above my desk.

 

[EarlyMon]

I see.

So having never rooted or having any intention of seeing what Lollipop could be like, you may be overlooking that rooting and customizing your phone is a lot like dating - reading about it is different from doing it.

When you do root and stay on KitKat, be sure to check out the various Xposed modules that may exist to help you with any security issues you may have. No telling what those may be in the future or if such modules will be available.

You'll also want to look out for WebView -
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jan/26/android-webview-exploits-google-patches-browsers

Of course, since that time, other WebView vulnerabilities have come to light, but thankfully, Lollipop users enjoy a more modular operating system and now get WebView security updates and performance patches from the Play Store, rather than having to rely on an entire Android release, or having to restrict your apps to a few browser choices.

Those are all things on the ledger against not rooting and staying on KitKat forever.

 

[ironass]

Quite a list of bookmarks.

So, how did rooting work out for you @AZgl1500?

Oh, do behave EarlyMon! AZgl1500 root! Now you'r just being silly.

Mother of Darkness, @ironass!

You posted to aceif, not XDA - that's a kang site that's scraped XDA content in hopes of getting people to log in and begin the process of credentials theft.

I've replaced your link.

Oh, God no! Did I? Bang goes my +1 to the Mods and Guides Christmas party.

In my defence... I was only on my first coffee and saw xda. Thanks for the correction old stick!

 

[EarlyMon]

Bang goes my +1 to the Mods and Guides Christmas party.

Sometimes you see a single sentence that can load the setup and deliver the punchline in one fell swoop.

Then you have statements that are the equivalent of a MIRV delivery of punchlines.

You sir, win.

 

[AZgl1500]

Oh, do behave EarlyMon! AZgl1500 root! Now you'r just being silly.

I enjoy waking up, eating my morning cereal and interfacing here with good friends

I would love to have a 2nd S5 to use as a guinea pig to experiment around with rooting it, I am watching the various resale venues, maybe I can pick up one that got overlooked by the crowd and take it home cheap

But in the meanwhile, I'm not taking any chances on bricking my S5 just because I misread a step in getting it rooted.

 

[EarlyMon]

So, without wifi or 4G, you've been talking to us through a cereal interface.

Good to know!

 

[AZgl1500]

hoo boy.... yup, you got it

I can get 4g here once in a while, if I get on my GL1800 and motor down the highway a couple of miles.... here at home, our 4g circle disappears about a mile from home.

I'm not suffering too bad actually, the daughter and I use about 1.8 to 2 gB of data/month.... I don't do social apps or games.

 

[AZgl1500]

hey, VZW pushed LolliFlop thru regardless of my efforts to prevent it form happening.

Now my S5 is sporting the new ugly pastel colors.... I'm going to live with it for a while and see if this ole reprobate can get along with it, or try to do the Root Thing....
rooting gives me a lot of pause, as there are a few who have made a miscue and ended up bricking their phone.

There is "one good thing" now though, I am not having to avoid using WiFi and now have MacroDroid (upgraded for LolliFlop by the way) turning both WiFi and DATA on at the same time when the phone is unlocked.

Figured out how to do the Color customization which sort of mollified my hatred of the pale Notification panel, it had no contrast and I could not read a damn thing there. Even with my microscopes on my nose... Pastel Color Blindness is NOT fun.

The phone seems to be doing "okay" as far as doing what it should. I have not tried any benchmarks and frankly "don't give a damn" about such. I see no difference in Battery Life, it was very good before 5.0 anyway at 2 or 3 days between charges.

I just want to be able to go find what I want, when I want it, and get on with life. Still no Social Apps and never will be. don't care for them at all. Guess the new hopeful woman president will just have to Twitter herself away and me miss all the good?? news about her.

EarlyMon, I appreciate the artwork on my Cereal Interface, I saved that to my PC for future use.... I am going to get some good mileage out of that one.

Life is moving on, my chair didn't fall thru the floor, just having to worry with the Flood Waters here as it is coming down off the hills above me and running thru both doors of my shop building.... put all of the pasteboard stuff up high off the floor.... we lost a Fire Fighter due to flood waters here locally, he is out of Claremore, OK.... that hit the national news also.

Hope all are doing well

 

[mattbirk]

Going to try this later tonight. Downgrading from unrooted 5.0, OC4 so I can root and put on a custom ROM. Quick question though: What are the differences between the following: G900VVRU1ANE9 and G900VVRU1ANCG ?

Thanks!

 

[ironass]

Going to try this later tonight. Downgrading from unrooted 5.0, OC4 so I can root and put on a custom ROM. Quick question though: What are the differences between the following: G900VVRU1ANE9 and G900VVRU1ANCG ?

Thanks!

It is my understanding that if you wish to root the Verizon firmware, you will need to flash G900VVRU1ANCG as this is the only rootable firmware/kernel released by them.

 

[mattbirk]

I used NCG and successfully rooted my phone. I did have to do a factory wipe since I did get stuck on the Verizon splash screen, but that was expected. Thanks for the thread!