Root Rooting of samsung SGH 1337 using ODIN fails repeatedly

[Ramesh J]

I tried to root my android device SGH 1337 (US version) using ODIN and ROM versions CF-Auto-Root-jfltecan-jfltevl-sghi337m.zip (i tried CF-Auto-Root-jfltecan-jflteub-sghi337m.zip also) . It goes well upto recovery.img and runs partly thru NAND Write start. In next step it fails with message "FAIL(Auth)". I understand it is authorization but I not sure what write access authorisation. The phone is in connected in "Download" mode. ODIN was run as Administrator.

 

[Jfalls63]

SGH-i337, Galaxy S4, AT&T, what Android version are you on?
AT&T locks the bootloader on most all its devices now .

http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814

Scroll down to the notes section and look at note 4.

 

[Ramesh J]

SGH-i337, Galaxy S4, AT&T, what Android version are you on?
AT&T locks the bootloader on most all its devices now .

http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814

Scroll down to the notes section and look at note 4.

Thanks. I am currently on android 4.4.2 and after rooting using towelroot and Odin. Since I am a non expert user can u please let me the specific steps to go to 5.0 lollipop version with rooted functionality.
Baseband version 1337ucufnb1
I have removed all non required apps using bloatfree app but the recovery still shows android recovery console and trying manually installing cwm recovery thru ROM manager is not ok

 

[Jfalls63]

If you already have root, follow the guide in the XDA link. Since the bootloader is locked on the i337, FlashFire can flash the rooted update to 5.0
The steps are easy to follow and if you have any questions, ask and I'll do my best to help.

 

[Jfalls63]

First thing you would need to do is to update from 4.2 to 4.4.2 NB1.
To do this, download the NB1 tar file in note 4 and flash with Odin.
To root 4.4.2, download Towel Root apk, install it on your phone and run it (make it rain). Then download SuperSU from Play Store and let it update its binary.

 

[Ramesh J]

First thing you would need to do is to update from 4.2 to 4.4.2 NB1.
To do this, download the NB1 tar file in note 4 and flash with Odin.
To root 4.4.2, download Towel Root apk, install it on your phone and run it (make it rain). Then download SuperSU from Play Store and let it update its binary.

thanks..just to summarize I am giving yr instructions and my compliance/clarifications before I proceed. Please let me know if anything is missing
_-------------------------

You can begin the following process from any 4.4.x Build/ROM or higher but you must already have Root Access*--- yes I have 4.4. . (not 4.2 as I wrongly mentioned)

. If you are not already rooted (or to unbrick) you must first flash the I337UCUFNB1_Rootable_Full_Odin.tar (use Odin's PDA slot (AP in Odin v3.09+), root with Towelroot, then proceed with the above process. -done

**Required** FlashFire - Play BETA - PREVIEW.----done

**Caution!** The following process is only for the AT&T I337 S4 Variant. Use on any other device may result in a hardbrick!
-yes mine is s1337 att version purchased in Us but being used in india.


Downloads:
- I337_OK2_Stock_Rooted_ROM.zip- done
- I337_OK2_Stock_Rooted_Deodexed_ROM.zip- done

Attention! Set your screen timeout to 10mins before beginning! -done


1. Place the ROM onto your device (use either internal or ext-sdcard). TO DO
2. Open the FlashFire app and "Agree" to the Terms and Conditions. TO DO
3. Press "(+)" twice to bring up the "Actions" menu. TO DO
4. Select "Flash Zip or OTA" and locate and select the ROM. Leave "Auto-mount" unchecked under the "Options" menu and press the checkmark to continue. TO DO
5. From the main menu Uncheck all options under "EverRoot" and set Reboot setting to "Download." TO DO
6. Press the lightning bolt then "Ok" to begin the flash. TO DO
7. Once the flash is complete and the device reboots into "Download" mode, flash theI337_OK2_Bootloader.tar.md5 using Odin's PDA/AP slot. TO DO. DOES IT CHANGE MY EXISTING BOOTLOADER N VERSION

The screen will turn black then display the contents of your system before beginning the flash. FlashFire will pause for about 1 minute while flashing the "system" partition. Once complete your device will reboot and pause on the AT&T splash screen for about 1 - 2 minutes (15 - 20 mins for DeOdexed version) before completely rebooting. Done! YET TO EXPERIENC


Optional:
- I337_OK2_TetherAddOn.zip- what is this procedure and what functionality does it give
- I337_OC3_Batch_Debloater (Customizable)- please explain this file fn

ANY EXPLANATION ON FOLLG NOTES WILL HELP
1. The above process will not affect your Knox Warranty Flag.- when I used SU it said that KNOX is removed .
2. The process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, and Stock Recovery.
3. No need to wipe prior to flashing! The ROM will automatically perform a factory data reset

 

[Jfalls63]

Will work on any i337 regardless of where it is being used.
Step 7 flashes a earlier version of the bootloader to allow downgrading back to a earlier version (4.4.2) if you don't like 5.0
Does not affect phone operation or performance.

AT&T locks down the ability to use your device as a WiFi Hotspot. Flashing the Tethering Add On Zip unlocks it and allows native ( without a third party app) tethering. Worth doing if you have other WiFi devices like a tablet and want other options to connect them to the web.

The batch debloater will remove most of the pre installed apps from AT&T that most people do not use. I did not use this. I have a paid app called Package Disabler pro that I used.

Will not trip Knox Warranty Flag. Samsung uses Knox to detect if the phone has been modified for warranty purposes. SuperSU disables dome Knox functions but not all.

2- Just means you get all the latest upgrades to 5.0 but the bootloader for downgrading.

3- If you were using a custom recovery to flash/ install the updated ROM,you would have to preform wipes of certain partitions to do a clean install. FlashFire does this automatically

 

[Jfalls63]

FlashFire has the ability to flash more than one zip file at a time. If you decide to flash the tethering add on zip, do it last and by its self. If you try to flash both Zips, the ROM and the tethering add on together, it will put you in a bootloop and you will have to start over by using Odin to flash back to stock and root again.

 

[Ramesh J]

FlashFire has the ability to flash more than one zip file at a time. If you decide to flash the tethering add on zip, do it last and by its self. If you try to flash both Zips, the ROM and the tethering add on together, it will put you in a bootloop and you will have to start over by using Odin to flash back to stock and root again.

Thanks for your all help in clarifying. Will try out and let u know.

 

[Ramesh J]

Thanks for your all help in clarifying. Will try out and let u know.

Dear Jfalls63,
Thanks for your help and expertise. Using ODIN and Flashfire combination I have successfully flashed my phone to 5.0.1 (Lollipop) with added the custom bootloader file you referenced (as mentioned by you this will enable me to go back to 4.4.x if there any problems) and using "NOBLOAT FREE" I have removed many of the apps not relevant/useful. (I didnot use debloater file)
A few Questions remain though...
1) even though i used ROM manager to add CWM recovery (it shows CWM as current Recovery module) the recovery still shows standard Android recovery. (when accessed thru ROM manager)
2) pressing Power +Volume+home button on my phone after POWER OFF does not take it into recovery mode. rather it always goes to Download mode option. Why is that.

 

[Jfalls63]

The bootloader is locked on the i337 and most all AT&T devices. You cannot install a normal custom recovery. That is why FlashFire is used. It is designed to allow flashing on a locked bootloader.
You are lucky it didn't soft brick. If you can't enter the stock recovery with the button combo, I would flash back to stock and start over.
Sorry if I didn't explain better in previous posts when trying to explain how FlashFire preforms all the necessary wipes. There is a method to install a custom recovery by using SafeStrap.
I'll try and post a link later today.

 

[Jfalls63]

You may be able to get by just beginning at the step where you use FlashFire to flash the ROM without returning to stock. If it fixes your recovery, you are good to go. If not then Odin back to stock and start over.
This is the link for SafeStrap. I tried it before and since I was staying modified stock, i did not see a lot of benefits from it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925

 

[Ramesh J]

You may be able to get by just beginning at the step where you use FlashFire to flash the ROM without returning to stock. If it fixes your recovery, you are good to go. If not then Odin back to stock and start over.
This is the link for SafeStrap. I tried it before and since I was staying modified stock, i did not see a lot of benefits from it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925

Hi Jfalls63
I am confused with Stock and non stock part. So to avoid mistakes please guide on specific steps.
I am giving what I did as a summary.

1. I started with I337UCUFNB1_Rootable_Full_Odin.tar and uploaded using ODIN.
2. I rooted using Towelroot
3. Then I flashed I337_OK2_Stock_Rooted_ROM.zip I using Flash fire
4. Next I flashed I337_OK2_Stock_Rooted_Deodexed_ROM.zip using Flash fire (this step is not really a must as I understand)
5. Then with phone in “Download" mode, I flashed I337_OK2_Bootloader.tar.md5 using Odin's PDA/AP slot.
6. I installed SU and upgdated binaries.
7. I used Rom Manager to load recovery and it goes into recovery thru ROM Manager but shows only Android recovery and not CWM recovery which is says is available as the current recovery.
8. Also Power+home+Volume Low does not takje me to recovery.

Now to the steps you have mentioned and my doubts
1) You said : I would flash back to stock and start over.
Does this imply step 3?

2) If I go with Safestrap recovery, there are three version of Safe strap. In the link you sent, Develeper Hashcode mentions that I use the version compatible to Touchwiz version. - NB1 or MK1 or MF1 . I am not able to identify the Touchwiz version or ROM version. On app manager it shows Touchwiz version as Touch wiz home 1 a.

Here is the Current” ABOUT Device” status after flashing with Flashfire (step 4 and then 5) earlier for yr ref

Android 5.0.1
Android Security patch level 2015-11=01
Baseband 1337ucugk2
KERNEL VERS 3.4.0-6185444
BULID NO LRX22C1337UCUGOK2
SE FOR ANDROID STATUS enforcing sepf_samsung-sgh-1337=5.0.1-1_0039 9not sure what it means)
It also shows a no of KNOX SW versions

 

[Jfalls63]

To remove Rom Manager and give you the ability to enter recovery from phone off using the button combination, you may need to flash back to stock and start over, step (1).

There are two versions of the 5.0 rom in the guide, stock rooted and stock rooted deodexed.
You only need to flash one of them. The deodexed version if you want to use other modifications like Exposed frame work and Mods. Most just flash the stock rooted so you can skip (4) above.
Do not use Rom Manager. You cannot install a normal Custom Recovery, only SafeStrap.
You do not need SafeStrap. People use SafeStrap recovery to be able to run custom Touchwiz based roms.
You may be able to start over at (3) above and get recovery working again. If not, you will need to start fresh from (1).

I will have to look at the SafeStrap link again.
I have tried using it on my S5 and it involved flashing a different kernel version every time you need to use it then flashing back to the original kernel. To me, it wasn't worth the hassle.

 

[Ramesh J]

To remove Rom Manager and give you the ability to enter recovery from phone off using the button combination, you may need to flash back to stock and start over, step (1).

There are two versions of the 5.0 rom in the guide, stock rooted and stock rooted deodexed.
You only need to flash one of them. The deodexed version if you want to use other modifications like Exposed frame work and Mods. Most just flash the stock rooted so you can skip (4) above.
Do not use Rom Manager. You cannot install a normal Custom Recovery, only SafeStrap.
You do not need SafeStrap. People use SafeStrap recovery to be able to run custom Touchwiz based roms.
You may be able to start over at (3) above and get recovery working again. If not, you will need to start fresh from (1).

I will have to look at the SafeStrap link again.
I have tried using it on my S5 and it involved flashing a different kernel version every time you need to use it then flashing back to the original kernel. To me, it wasn't worth the hassle.

Thanks. I started at step 4 and flashed deodexed version. I also uninstalled recovery and then ROM MANAGER and safestrap 3.71 which was showing disabled continuously after many tries ( I browsed thru forums n for MY build OK2, Safestrap is still work in progress-Given as TBD). Now I can go to recovery console by using power+home + volume up. The recovery shows android recovery with no advanced options n options to clear dalvik cache. How do install custom recovery now from this stage. Please guide me.

 

[Jfalls63]

Reading thru the thread at XDA, I don't think they have a working version of SafeStrap yet for 5.0 OK2. Looks like if you want to use SafeStrap you will have to downgrade to a earlier Android version.
Sorry, I should have read more before I said it would work on 5.0
I never tried to install it on my i337 since it was a pain to use on my g870a.

 

[Ramesh J]

Reading thru the thread at XDA, I don't think they have a working version of SafeStrap yet for 5.0 OK2. Looks like if you want to use SafeStrap you will have to downgrade to a earlier Android version.
Sorry, I should have read more before I said it would work on 5.0
I never tried to install it on my i337 since it was a pain to use on my g870a.

Can i just leave it as it is at 5.0 and Android recovery, Will it affect any phone functionality? Only problem I see is that I cannot move to custom ROMs which is OK by me for now.

 

[Jfalls63]

Yes, stock recovery is perfectly fine and all that is available now. I wanted to make sure you removed the ROM Manager and was able to access recovery from the phone off. That way you can still wipe the cache partition or factory reset if needed.

 

[Ramesh J]

Yes, stock recovery is perfectly fine and all that is available now. I wanted to make sure you removed the ROM Manager and was able to access recovery from the phone off. That way you can still wipe the cache partition or factory reset if needed.

Thanks. I have removed ROM manager ( I hope you are talking about the ROM Manager app from play store and not something else) . Stock recovery is fine with me for now. Thanks once again for all the help and prompt replies.