yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Cannon_Foddr:
[Q] What variant do I actually own ??

OK I'm not really a total newb, but I've been out of the picture for quite a while so consider me a real Newb (I've only had 2 Smartphones in ~8 years) & I apologize for long thread

- just want to make sure I include everything I can think of

Seeing on first post the different types (verizon / sprint / AT&T etc) I just want to be 100% what one I have

I'm pretty sure its a i9505 (not sure if its a LTE or not though).. just want to be

absolutely sure

as I know installing wrong roms etc can really screw things up

I am considering updating the firmware (which IIRC will wipe it all anyway) - maybe to a AOSP or this 'GOOGLE VARIANT' I've seen mentioned a few times (I think these are as close to a 'Pure' android as possible)

- just wanna do this to remove all the usual Samsung bloatware, which I currently have some 'frozen' using SDMaid app

History of Phone

I brought this new as a 'Sim-Free Galaxy s4' a while back (I live in UK if that helps)..

Within a couple of weeks I had 2 or 3 official Samsung firmware updates which I did BUT the last official one I used (I'm not sure what version it was) screwed the phone up & KNOX insisted I wasn't allowed to switch on my WiFi (so I assume it was the first firmware that included the KNOX stuff as default)

The (UN)helpful Samsung Email support just kept saying.. 'download this & that' to fix the problem.. but even though I kept telling them how can I if I can't get my b***** wifi on (I'm on PAYG which doesnt have free Data download plan) they just kept saying ''download'' - so I just gave up on them

Anyway, because of this I Rooted & downgraded the ROM - got from Sammobiles site IIRC

This in turn caused the Knox 0x1 flag to activate meaning I now cant get any more official updates & so stuck on the ROM/Firmware I used to downgrade.

Not sure of which guide I used, but it was one that didn't include a 'Custom recovery' but I have now managed to install [ClockworkMod 6.0.4.7] despite many apps I tried kept saying the ROM I had was 'unsupported'

Phone Details

Kies3 tell me its PDA:MK8 / Phone:MK8 / CSC:MK5 (BTU)

About Phone shows:

Model Number: GT-I9505

Android Version:4.3

Baseband version: I9505XXUEMK8

Kernel version: 3.4.0-2082040 / se.infra@R0302-11 #1 / Tue Nov 19 17:21:44 KST 2013

Build number: JSS15J.I9505XXUEMK8

SE For Android status: Enforcing SEPF_GT-I9505_4_3_0024

So I have a few questions:-

What variant of Galaxy S4 do I actually have ?

What the Latest Firmware I can install ? (I guess I have to download from SamMobiles unless its a Custom ROM)

Should I wait until Android 'L' is officially released ?

What's the difference between an 'AOSP' and the 'GOOGLE' roms ?

Can anyone suggest a 100% stable AOSP/GOOGLE rom ?

Many thanks for any help in advance
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Stefan0vic:
Will titanium backup suffice?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] DarkerTimes:
Yes

Send from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk

---------- Post added at 02:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:35 PM ----------

When your remove the accu cover, there is a small number on the right hand side of the speaker. In your case i9505 if you were right. In this case it ist LTE version.

With the information Kies gives you, you can check the latest version on sammobile.com

Send from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] elektriiqa:
A question about the Google Camera app. I downloaded the app on my S4 and since it doesn't use the stock gallery app, are the photos taken by the app automatically uploaded to Google+ as a sort of a backup?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Cannon_Foddr:
Thanks for the quick response.. I've just looked - & the number embedded in the plastic next to the speaker says

GI9505

>PC+ABS<#14-1

So I guess it IS a i9505 ..but is a 'i9505' the same as a 'i9505 LTE' ?? - I'm so confused
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] selrahc017:
Thanks, do you have any other tips in googy tweaks for much better battery life?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] DarkerTimes:
Yes it is LTE version. But in any case you can flash custom roms which are compatible to the i9505, whether there is mentioned LTE or not.

The only thing is, that you can't use LTE with some custom roms. You have to inform yourself in this case ;)

Send from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ElfronZ:
Lock/Unlock Sounds

Morning fellows

I'm looking for the lock/unlock sounds for sgs4..ogg/.mp3 doesnt really matter

They are similar to the ones in this YT video: /watch?v=BTif1ZtV_XM

Thanks in advance for any help.

ps. I know its a S3 in the video, but I have this sounds on my S4 and it was the only video I could find containing them on youtube.

pps. I am not trying to get views for that video or stuff like that :)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] XxLordxX:
Hi,

You can get a USB OTG cable and an USB mouse, when my Z1 screen shattered and touch stopped working I used it to backup my device ;). You can find the cable for 1 or 2$ on Amazon or eBay, and after it you can even use the cable to plug pendrives and external HDs, for example ;).

Hi,

Let's answer each of questions!

You have the GT-i9505 variant, also known as Qualcomm variant or LTE variant. Unbranded, that means, no T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, etc...

Stock it's the 4.4.2 ROM, while Custom ROM you can get 4.4.4. Stock means TouchWiz, and Touchwiz is still not updated to 4.4.4, not that 4.4.4 is a huge difference to 4.4.2 (actually I don't see any difference on my Nexus 10 running 4.4.2 or 4.4.4.)

You know what you're doing, there are plenty ROMs out there, you can use them until L is officially released and then you install L :highfive:.

AOSP is based on the stock android firmware, and Google is based on Google Edition Devices firmware. In the end, there's not a big difference between the two.

100% stable? It's up to you to find it ^^. There are some good ROMs out there, just don't flash nightlies, because they can be unstable, however, most ROMs offers a monthly or stable version that you may want to use ;). CyanogenMOD never disappointed me, and I'm currently using a ROM called OSE (based on ParanoidAndroid), but it's up to you to decide what you're going to use.

Hi,

Check it on settings! Go to accounts, Google, (your email). Inside you have some options, if you turn on Google Photos, Google+ Photos, Google+ Uploads and Google+ Auto Backup I guess you're fine ;).

Hi,

My friend had the same problem on his S3, just try another charger, in his case the problem was with the cable, he gor another USB problem and it was fixed, maybe you can be it too ^^. In the worst case it can be the AC plug.

~Lord
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Ritchiejoe:
Hey everyone,

At the moment I have Omega V36 and twrp installed on my phone. I have made a lot of changes to my phone and have the perfect "setup" for me. But I have just tried creating a backup using twrp and It failed twice. Is there an alternative way I could back my phone up so that 1) I still have my setup 2) I can flash it back to stock and re-install a custom recovery? :fingers-crossed:

Thanks In advance :cowboy:
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] elektriiqa:
Again another problem :P

This time concerning the notifications sounds on CM11. All my notifications sound the same. Even when I change the messaging notification from the standard app to something else other than default, the default notification plays. I can't find a way to make it different. What is the problem? Thanks :)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] XxLordxX:
Hi,

I recommend you trying Philz if TWRP isn't working for you. Just search for it and follow the instructions! It'll install just fine (system and recovery are on different partitions AFAIK, so won't mess with your setup) and you'll be able to backup it :).

~Lord

"Time is too short to cry, long enough to try." - March of Time (Helloween)

Sent from my KitKat Nexus 10
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Ritchiejoe:
Thanks, going to give it a try now will report back :)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ShoukaT1:
Is there a simple way of getting some samsung apps on an AOSP ROM?

I have just moved over an AOSP ROM and I feel there are some essential apps missing like the TouchWiz Taskmanager and some other apps.

It would be great if someone can point me in the right direction.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] XxLordxX:
Hi,

The only Samsung apps you can use are those on the Play Store. Other ones require Touchwiz to work, so won't work on AOSP.

~Lord

"Dream On! Dream Until Your Dreams Come True!" - Dream On (Aerosmith)

Sent from my GT-I9505
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ShoukaT1:
well that's a big disappointment,

any other task manager that is close to the touchwiz one?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mussels84:
Tough question, would love any advice people can offer.

S4, i9505. Network unlocked.

Australia only has three real phone companies with seperate towers - Telstra, Optus, Vodafone (in order of size/popularity)

Smaller ISP's exist but resell those companies networks.

Tested with heaps of SIM cards - but some simply say "no sim" - cant adjust any APN or carrier settings in the phone as it says insert a SIM card.

1x Telechoice (mine, Telstra reseller) works just fine. owners partner with same company and a sim bought at the same time as mine, does not.

1x regular Telstra worked

3x optus worked (some resellers, some original)

1x vodafone didnt work (didnt have more than one to test)

all SIM cards work in every other device i have, only this one phone is being fussy... but the two that arent working belong to the owner of the phone and her partner XD

I've tried stock 4.3 (telstra branded), generic 4.4, and echoerom V27 with various modem files.

Cleared cache, full wiped in philz, etc.

So far i've ruled out the phone as the problem (some sims work) ruled out the sims being the problem (they work in other phones) ruled out the modem and firmware... what the hells left? suggestions are really welcome here, as i need to try SOMETHING.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tanvir108115:
Which one to buy SGS4 i9500 or i9505 or i9506?

I am going to buy galaxy s4 this week...but I am confused to buy which one...please help me buy telling which one would be better and for what reason
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Harsh Mehta:
I think that Nexus 5 is better than Galaxy S4. Nexus is Smooth and its CM Based Stock ROM is great... and its 8MP Rear Camera is same as the 13MP Cam of S4.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ShinySide:
There's no such thing as a "CM based stock rom" Nexus is pure AOSP. There's nothing cyanogenmod about it.

and Google/aosp camera couldn't touch TouchWiz's camera on its best day. And 8MP vs 13MP....its obvious who wins the size battle

If the carrier you want to use it on is cdma you're stuck buying their's. If it's gsm I'd go i9505. Its factory unlocked to use on any carrier you want.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] groovism:
Anyone using Ozcanrom? I use it and now I can't add widget in my lockscreen. I want to post in ozcan thread but my post still under 10 so I thought maybe someone can help me here.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Harsh Mehta:
I Use OzcanROM v4.1. Which version do u use ?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] groovism:
I use OzcanROM v4. Can you add widget in your lockscreen?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Harsh Mehta:
You mean shortcuts like this ?

Edit: Widgets cannot be added on the Left or Right side of Lock Screen. Only Shortcuts of Apps can be added.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] groovism:
What I want to do is change the default clock and weather using zooper widget on lock screen.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Harsh Mehta:
I think so you shoul download Holo Locker.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] fits79:
Does the towellroot make the knox count or not?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] DarkerTimes:
Know will stay 0x0 by using towelroot

Send from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] gafka:
Just applying battery profile will give you really good battery life, I swear :)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] groovism:
Thank you for your advice. I'm gonna try holo Locker.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] josemolecula:
Hallo I am trying to use Odin for installing KitKat 4.4.2 and I have a problem: when I open Odin, it finds the device, I can choos e de .tar file but when I press start, Odin suddenly close saying "OdingDownloader has closed,"

I tried with 3.04, 3.07, and 3.09

Anybody can help me?

PS I tried with a netbook too, but I cannot install the USB drivers and I cannot use Odin due the screen configuration
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] malybru:
HI,

Odin troubleshooting:

If Odin accidentally gives you "fail" try the following:

- Repeat procedure.

- Make sure that all actions of Kies are disabled from task manager.

- Change usb port.

- Try another usb cable (make sure it is the original).

- Try another Odin version.

- Uninstall and re-install driver.

- Try another computer. ​

:)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] josemolecula:
Thanks I am gonna try.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] XxLordxX:
Hi,

No. Towelroot roots the device without flashing anything. To trip Knox flag you need to flash a custom firmware, like recoveries (that is the most popular rooting method).

~Lord

"Dream On! Dream Until Your Dreams Come True!" - Dream On (Aerosmith)

Sent from my GT-I9505
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ammarsg:
hello every one ....can we replace package installer from custom rom to stock based rom or not ... if anyone know about dev of roms ....because in custom roms the backage installer show version info during installing of any apk and its good ...so anyone know please ... i dont want to try and get fcs and reflash roms again and etc
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] josemolecula:
Odin troubleshooting:

If Odin accidentally gives you "fail" try the following:

- Repeat procedure. DONE

- Make sure that all actions of Kies are disabled from task manager. DONE

- Change usb port. DONE IN ALL PORTS

- Try another usb cable (make sure it is the original). TRIED 2 DIFFRENT CABLES

- Try another Odin version. TRIED 3 DIFFERENT VERSIONS

- Uninstall and re-install driver. DONE

- Try another computer. I CANNOT TRY ANOTHER DUE THE OTHER IS A NETBOOK AND CANNOT INSTALL DRIVERS AND FIND A COMPATIBLE VERSION OF ODIN​

And now I can see this: <ID:0/006> Can't open the serial(COM) port.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] N|DAN:
modem question

Hi, this is my first flash, just flashed Phoenix_v9. I have read the entire installation instructions.

it states "If you don't have WiFi/3G/Signal Lost when screen is off, install the latest kitkat bootloader and modem." and i suffer from this problem.

I have been reading up on modems and im not sure which modem to install form the modem link http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2192025.

Do I just start flashing modems till I find one that works? Or is their a better way to figure out what modem to use.

Thanks,

N|DAN
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] christty31:
but it seems that on I9505XXUGNG8 with KNOX 2.0 is not possible to root....
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ShinySide:
I wonder if Jcase could get stump root to root it
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] marius.roibu:
S4 apps louncher hands

Hello all,

Last week I got a s4 i9505.

In the past I was always installing customROMs but because of KNOX I decided to just safe root and uninstall some bloatweare not to void warranty. (trigger knox e-fuse to 0x1)

After root, Super SU install with NoBloat i started removing some of the Samsung Crap.

All seems to work ok, but now if device is idle to lets say 10min when I unlock it (swipe) and I clicl the app button (lower right corner) nothing happens seems to be hanged. Long press the middle button -- go into app manager, and now the app button works.

Can anyone help in solving this -- it is annoying!
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] michaels4:
Last month I rooted my gt-19500 and I tried making the music player into a user app, and it got erased.

I really need it back without resseting my phone, its the best music player.

If someone could give me the apk and tell me how to install it.

I am on stock ROM&kernel

Any help appreciated
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] DarkerTimes:
Install your current firmware again as a one part one. This won't delete your data. But nevertheless I would make backups if something goes wrong

Send from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] malybru:
Hi,

It seems that you may have un-installed too much.

Try re-installing your current firmware.

Look HERE

Then , use THIS THREAD to uninstall stuff.

:)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Ritvars:
Why can't I call *#06*# to check my IMEI? I can check it in settings, but not when calling. It says "unable to process request". I can't even check how much money I have left on my SIM since USSD doesn't work appearantly (which is *245#). I don't like this situation. Anyone knows how to fix this USSD problem?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] DarkerTimes:
Do you have Internet connection?

Send from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Ritvars:
Yes, I have Wi-Fi at home.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Diestroz:
Internet problem

Hi everyone.

Im using S4 9500 OzcanRom 3.4.

When i buy my S4 first thing I did was flash. I dont use with the stock rom, the phone is used, i dont buy it new.

I play ingress a lot, 90% of my time with my phone i playing. Here come the trouble, i find my self constantly with internet troubles. I donwload "Internet speed meter" and i look every 5-10 minutes ( sometimes more or less) i dont lost connection for a seconds.

I really annoying i cant play anything :/

Is my phone or something more?

Thanks and sorry for my bad english.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] gafka:
Hi, you have to look for a correct modem for your zone, each modem's first three letters tells you where is that going to work.

You could also flash using odin the latest stock firmware without knox to update boot loader and modem. Good luck mate :)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] gafka:
I would recommend you to get the i9505 just because Snapdragon phones have better support. Also because Google and Samsung made a GE of this phone and you would be able to enjoy stable pure android experience, which for me means smoothness and battery life.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] XxLordxX:
Hi,

Sorry, but there's no easy way to find out your modem other than trying. You can always try the boot loader version (for example, NB8 boot loader, NB8 modem), however most of times you may face the problem of having a boot loader too old, so the modem won't work.

Then you have 2 options, first is trying each modem and keep downgrading (in case sound stops) or upgrading (in case WiFi/data stops). Or you can flash the latest stock firmware (which means Knox) and install the correspondent boot loader ;).

Hi,

Then, the kernel bug was fixed and I think it won't be able to root anymore using towelroot. Sorry, but I don't know other method that will work without tripping Knox.

Hi,

This is a weird issue... Would you mind trying other launcher? NOVA is a great one for example, and it's faster than TW launcher.

Hi,

For best support is GT-i9505 unbranded. There are many ROMs, including official CM support. Snapdragon has been known for always having more ROMs than Exynos AFAIK. Also, Google Edition S4 is based on i9505, so you have almost official AOSP.

I don't know about performance-battery balance, mine has a fairly good battery life and I don't have any complaints about performance. Audio isn't the best I've used (Nexus 10 and Xperia Z1 audio chips are way better IMHO), but does a good work ;).

~Lord

"Dream On! Dream Until Your Dreams Come True!" - Dream On (Aerosmith)

Sent from my GT-I9505
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Drakorcarnis0:
I clean installed last CM11 snapshot (04/08) on m'y i9505 and I have not the option to install apps on my micro sd. With link2sd it doesn't work too and it says me that "link2sd isn't compatible with my device as the external storage is emukated etc..." (i dont remember the following as i just reinstalled cm11). However i have access to everything is on my sd card like videos and music. I tried reflashing and same problem. Any suggestion ? Sorry, really sorry for my bad english.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] sinndissension:
Is it possible to carrier unlock the S4 from AT&T, without an unlock code? Im trying to help a friend do this, but ive never been in this situation, since i have a nexus and it comes unlocked. I would think theres a way to carrier unlock the s4 without the code, but maybe im wrong. Any help?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] josemolecula:
where can I find the Samsung USB drivers without installing Kies?
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] malybru:
Hi,

Check this out in your dedicated forum:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2595457

:)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] josemolecula:
you are the boss!!!!

I am gona try to flash the mobile but Odin does not work (I do not know why)
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Stefan0vic:
Maybe a weird question.. But will s4 get official Android L? Couldnt find anything on Google on this
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Accraze:
Okay so , a couple of days ago, I had no service on my phone so i contacted the carrier company and said that it wasnt comming from them. I was running cyanogenmod 11 so i decided to reset it, after i did it, still no service so i decided to unbrick it and it went well, i hade service but my phone was laggy and i wasnt enable to connect in the wifi so after another reset, it was still the same so i decided to install cyanogenmod again, and i wasnt able to view videos on youtube, facebook and downloaded videos. So i reinstalled cyanogen over cyanogen so it ****ed up my phone and i was stuck on recovery so i pushed the last nightly and installed it. I hadnt the google apps so i unbricked it again and installed cyanogen again, now my problem is i cant see videos and hear them , even mp3. Thank you for listening , i hope u guys will help me because school is starting next week and i need my phone .
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] groovism:
Well cm 11 using android 4.4.x and since 4.4.x we can't install appss on our external sd card. To fix this issue check this thread

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=50512047
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] N|DAN:
Thanks Lord!

One more question. when I did a *#1234# the [AP:I9505XXUGNF1] looks to be the same # as the fifth modem down on this list

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=50965837&postcount=2627&nocache=1&z=5384212411213952

Would that be the modem and bootloader I currently have installed? Just looking for a reference point to flash back to if I need to! My modem may not work well but it does work :) Id like to get back there if I need. Hope it inst all just random madness and can be sorted threw some sort of logic rather than trial and error.

Thanks,

N|DAN
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] 012512:
Guys, how do I enable on screen keys on a TW rom? My menu key is already dead.
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] baraa674:
Hello

"I have a problem in i9500 which I installed when I want to stop the program when the Greek word "Initialzation..

I tried with more than one version in Odin and tried to Rom from one file and tried to Rom four files did not succeed, the process and the device does not enter to put Ricaffre Please help and thank you
[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] CarlM34:
Maybe THIS will help?

Or THIS ?

---------- Post added at 12:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 PM ----------

Hi there,

I am having trouble understanding what the issue is here. Would it be possible for you to try and explain it a little better?

;):angel: