yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] brian0wens:
A few questions about rooting

Sorry if this is posted to the wrong thread. I've spent all morning reading the thread histories and still cannot find direct answers to some specific questions I have about rooting my Sprint Galaxy S4. I just got it recently and have not done anything to it, plain stock right now. It is on MF9 which it came with (Kernel date of June 25). I avoided the 4.3 OTA update due to issues others have had with WIFI.

These are my 3 main questions:

1) I'm only interested in getting root access, no custom ROMs, etc. I want to stay close to stock. Is the CF Auto Root the best way to accomplish this?

2) I see there is a flash counter with some debate on another thread about whether it can be reset. Looks like it can be reset so that the triangle doesn't appear but that there is still an internal indicator/fuse voiding the warranty that cannot be reset. I would like to get root AND maintain my warranty. Is this unrealistic or is there a way?

3) When I want to upgrade to the newest version of Android (currently on 4.2.2) will I have to unroot to get the update? What should I expect WRT updating Android versions after rooting?

I had the Epic 4G for a while and I rooted the heck out of that and tried numerous different ROMs with it, but that was back before the "Knox counter" days when that kind of stuff could be done without any risk of voiding the warranty. It's been a while since I've rooted and I've really tried to stay with stock with my new Galaxy S4 but I really really miss having root. I'm just trying to get an idea of what to expect after I've rooted. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

---UPDATE---

OK, I spent a lot of time reading and am feeling sorry for those who upgraded past MF9. Looks like this Knox thing is a real pain @$$.

So I'm pretty sure I'm not interested in ever upgrading from MF9. Forget the questions above and instead can anybody tell me what to expect rooting version MF9? Is it possible to unroot it and what about the flash counter? Will Triangle Away cover all my tracks if I decide to unroot? What differences should I expect coming from an Epic 4G where none of this crap was a concern.

Again, thanks.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] dbenney:
this does work for the s4 with the mk2 build correct? it seems a few people hav had luck with it but a google search yields very poor results. I jsut got my s4 a couple days ago and it already had MK2 installed. I dont really care about the knox flash counter or a warranty.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] mikewhit001:
Stuck on yellow Sprint screen

I rooted, installed TWRP, and installed the hotspot mod. My phone worked fine. I disabled a few apps and couldn't get back to my home screen. I tried to reboot and couldn't get past the yellow sprint screen. I flashed the stock rom and everything was back to normal. I tried to restore from a backup I created and now I am stuck at the sprint screen again.

Is there any way to get that backup working?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] dlongnasty:
i tried and it said it worked but when you open su it says no binary and su cant install it. dont know what to do and im on the new update. can someone please help cause i believe i triped the counter so might as well go all the way now
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] dbenney:
just so anyone else interested wants to know, this method DOES work with MK2 build. upon running supersu it said binaries needed to be updated. I selected to update normally and all went well. Then it said that KNOX was detected and asked if I wanted to disable KNOX. I said yes and it said KNOX was disabled. I then used rootchecker and it stated "congratulations you device has root access". Thanks a ton TO qBkING
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] dlongnasty:
How did you update the binary cause su just says there not and it cant do it and closes please help.it says if I updated to 4.3 check fourms.this is for the 4.3 android update right?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] JakeSully69:
Yeah, the only reply I ever got was "you're rude for questioning the mods" from some socal jerk. But try waiting a couple of months for a freaking update from someone! Come on, not even a tiny "we realize there's a problem & we're working on it". I'm seriously about finished with XDA. The mods have gone crazy & apparently it's much easier for developers to use their own sites instead of this POS.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] G_for_Gators:
got it
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] jcm707:
hello ok so my phone is rooted from the previous owner and im not sure whats on my phone but basically all my internal sd was full with files he put on. I want to somehow do a full restore and unroot but i did the international and domestic unlock method yesterday. is there a way for me to full restore and not lose the international and domestic unlock then root it myself? thanks guys
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] MikesDroid:
Instructions in OP worked perfectly on my stock MK2 S4. Thanks for the info.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] cadj:
Samsung Galaxy S4

Android 4.3

I dont now if is sprint or not :(

But odin stop in :

Depuration USB is ON

<ID:0/003> Added!!

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5 is valid.

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<ID:0/003> Odin v.3 engine (ID:3)..

<ID:0/003> File analysis..

<ID:0/003> SetupConnection..

Any help ?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] dmt010:
Thanks for helping me build confidence in this method. It worked fine for me as well .

Here is my build prior to rooting.

-Latest and Greatest Software Version: L720VPUEMK2

-Phone: SPH-L720

Requirements:

If you haven't owned a S4 before (I have 2 S4's (now 2 rooted woohoo) and 1 S3 ), you WILL need the official samsung drivers in order for the device to be recognized with odin. It can be downloaded from the following url

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/c...ng_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0.exe

Also if you're latest and greatest go here

http://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ and get the latest and greatest CF-Auto-Root.. I downloaded the jfltespr version which is 19817526 bytes.

Here's the link for the download.

http://download.chainfire.eu/325/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-jfltespr-jfltespr-sphl720.zip (You may want to check the date of this post that I'm making to ensure you're getting the latest and greatest if you're downloading via this link)

Due to the fiasco's with Verizon's model, etc... Rest assured this method works with the sprint model... well it just worked for me..

Installed the latest clock work mod touch recovery using "Rom Installer" by Jrummy Apps and was able to backup my rom.

+1 @ Brian0wenz
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] loader2142:
nice

watched and learned nice vid
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] geist_100:
thank you
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] negativzeroe:
Hi nice vids, I already watched them, but do these still work for the Spark phones?

Also, this unroot I'm sure makes it to where if I bring it back to Sprint, they can't ever tell it was rooted (like HTC devices and **LOCKED** S-ON)?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] icuc:
Thanks for the videos.. Awesome
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] doby-nut:
+1 thanks for building confidence also, flawless procedure with excellent videos and descript follow ups by fellow members Rockin rooted
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] cruise350:
No, when you root your phone with CF-Autoroot, the knox warranty flag will be tripped and show 0x1. There is no way to reset this at present. The flag is tripped when a custom recovery is installed and CF-Autoroot momentarily installs a custom recovery to accomplish root. The Safe Root program works for 4.3 based phones and does not trip the knox warranty flag. Safe Root works for the 720T.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] negativzeroe:
Did that already but I wanna start flashing lol
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] mathusalen:
thanks
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] bc_1:
Write Protection Enabled

It worked fine but in Download mode , i see a message in top left saying Write Protection: Enabled ? Any idea how to disable this write protection
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] cruise350:
There is no need or purpose to disabling this. Just enjoy your phone, it has no effect on what you do with your phone.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] JerryGNYC:
So, just to make sure... for those of us with the 720T/MK5 - can we safely install TWRP via GooManager?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] evofreak80:
OK guys so I'm a dumbass lol I wasn't paying attention this morning and went to cancel the OTA nae update but hit reboot and install instead...lol the question I have is? Is the rooting process the same as the one for the mk2. and yes I'm still factory stock never rooted yet
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] cruise350:
Yes, just make sure you download the newest version of cf autoroot from his website.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] rastapapa:
Does this work for Kit Kat 4.4?

Just checking... I got the kit kat OTA update and now Im thinking of rooting. Does this root method still work? How about the free native hotspot? Thanks
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] JerryGNYC:
Bump...
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] z50king:
Odin3 has Force Reset Time checked by default and I cannot uncheck it. Is that ok for this process or rooting?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] zEternalVirus:
useful thanks
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] z50king:
I have been hearing that it doesn't work or it frootloops
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] JerryGNYC:
Thanks much, I'm allergic to frootloops! :D
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] ibcenu:
Read the post right before yours. Yes root works..not sure on hot spot
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] sandman515:
I just picked up the Sprint S4 and it is the 720T. I already attempted a method that tripped the flag. There was no warning regarding the 720 vs. 720T. I haven't had any rooting problems with previous devices so my fault for not checking out all of the details. When I go into download mode I see KNOX Warranty Void: 0x1. So that ship has sailed for me..hopefully at some point there will be a way to flip that back.

As my device sits now, I'm wondering if Safe Root will still work? The only thing I'm trying to do right now is get it rooted so I can use it as a hotspot. I previously used WiFi Tether for Root users on my S2 and S3, but I haven't found anything concrete on root Wifi apps for the S4. Any help from anyone on both fronts would be appreciated. I have a post in another forum and haven't gotten much yet.

Here are all of my device details in case any of it is helpful:

About Device:

SW and Baseband version read the same: L720TVPUAMK5

Hardware version: L720T.03

Model Number: SPH-L720T

Android Version: 4.3

Kernel Version:

3.4.0-2099174

se.infra@R0210-09 #1

Build Number: JSS15J.L720TVPUAMK5

SELinux status:

Enforcing

SEPF_SPH-L720T_4.3_0012

Secure boot status: Type: Samsung

When I go into download mode it reads the following at the top left:

Product Name: SPH-L720T

Current Binary: Custom

System Status: Custom

KNOX Kernel Lock: 0x0

KNOX Warranty Void: 0x1

CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30

Write Protection: Enable

eMMC Burst Mode enabled

When I go into Recovery mode I get the picture of the android guy laying on his back with the red triangle above the chest. The yellow text reads:

# Manual Mode #

-- Appling Multi-CSC...

Applied the CSC-code : SPR

Successfully applied multi-CSC.

The standard Android system recovery options are at the top in blue.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] z50king:
Always should check the phone name and what the root method is for. I always ask if there is something that doesn't match.

If you are on sprint, they won't care about your Knox flag. They have worked on many of my rooted, flashed, etc devices and they don't care. All they will do is flash it all back to current stock if they REALLY need to. Just don't break anything in firmware that you can't fix
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] JerryGNYC:
[MENTION=5752323]sandman515[/MENTION] - I have a 720T/MK5 and Saferoot worked fine on it. Don't know if anything you've done would matter though, as I've recently migrated from HTC-land and am still a Sam-Noob... :eek:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] sandman515:
I was able to get it rooted with Saferoot. Unfortunately the main thing I'm looking for from root is the hotspot functionality and it doesn't look like there is anything out there yet for this device. Does anyone know of a solution yet for the 720T?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] ibcenu:
I do not know if it works on your model?? I've got the regular 720, used safe root then downloaded goo manager from the play store. Goo manager let me install a recovery that let's the mods begin
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] z50king:
I booted from recovery just now and got an Android is Updating screen. It 'optimized' all ~170 apps and then 'finished booting'.

What does that mean? I was pissed and thought it was updating system and boot. I checked and still have mk2 and 4.3. Root checker still says I have root access.

I was scared. What was that? Is it because I wiped the dalvik cache?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] JerryGNYC:
Yes, you saw that because Android rebuilt the Dalvik cache files for your apps at boot time. Here, the term is "upgrading" is something of a misnomer, and I've always been puzzled as to why (someone at) Google decided to use that term.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] z50king:
I have never had a dalvik rebuild display like that before. All my old HTC phones would just show the boot animation whole rebuilding the dalvik cache
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] JerryGNYC:
I'd always get that on either my OG Evo or the eLTEvo, with any ROM. Very odd, but then again, that's HTC!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] josh420669:
nice
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] stihlcut:
stuck on reboot

I am new here, so I got the nerve up to root mk2 with this method and all was good until reboot, now it is hung on the yellow sprint and thats it just bootloops..now what.pc does not recognize its connected... I hope its not dead
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] jfenton57:
Need To Unroot

Anyone Know where I can get the TAR file for ODIN?

I am still on stock recovery
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] ibcenu:
Check out this thread

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=42044738

If your looking for totally stock kitkat...search a thread by random
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] yugi1234456:
Odin's trials

I have a sprint s4, unrooted atm. My current issue regards the color of the status bar is not yellow but blue. I have downloaded the driver and made sure it was the most current version, and I have my phone is currently running on 4.2.2. I am not entirely sure what I am to do, i followed the video from the beginning of the forum and this is my only issue so far.

The file I'm using for the PDA has the file name: CF-Auto-Root-jfltespr-jfltespr-sphl720.tar.md5
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] wtorres586:
Noob needs help?

followed your video to the T and its not granting me super US access, please help! Sprint GalaxyS4 SPH-L720
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] wiLey2000:
Go to play store and update super su and then open it and when asked about Knox disable it. You should be good. Oh I would reboot if it were me.

WiLey2000
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] wtorres586:
So i did what you said and rebooted, and opened Super SU but no notification to disable Knox, then I check with Root check Basic and it verified that im rooted but when tried to use Root Tool box lite it sayd that im not? Just want to try to upload the file for activating the hotspot, going to try wish me luck, thanks!

:laugh:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] ralph734c:
I'm having the same problem

Does anyone have any input on this? I'm having the same issue.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] juanfhinojosa:
does this work on 4.4.2?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] razcat64:
I followed everything step by step and it worked for me I'm on 4.4.2 as well. The only thing I haven't tried is WiFi tethering
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] crossen0:
Can a custom recovery and ROM be installed upon being rooted on 4.4.2?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] galaxys3man30:
Yes sir it can after you can install a custom recovery n then install a rom of your choice
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] PhotoMaster:
On my Sprint S4 (SPH-L720) and I've recently started having what I am thinking are memory issues. I can't install/update apps. When I do they may run the first time (at install) but not afterward. Pictures/videos saved would appear at first and then just be gone. I was thinking of wiping the phone, but figure I would lose root and re-rooting would trip the Knox flag. Any suggestions??
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] mr.toyou:
Thanks great video
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] cyrusalmighty:
I tried rooting a NAF 4.4 sprint G S4 with cf auto root. It looked like it worked and supersu was in the apps after but if I open supersu it says the binaries are not there.

Also I was able to flash twrp 2.7.0.1 and do a backup. I tried to flash NAE modem only with ODIN but it failed in every version of ODIN I tried (1.85 3.07 & 3.09). I then flashed Sacs cutom v3 4.4(NAE).

It booted fine but wifi and wifi hotspot wouldnt work of course since the modem was still on NAF. What binaries do I need to complete the root process? And has anyone tried the NAE hotspot mod on the NAF firmware?

Edit+ I tried to update supersu and download busybox to add binaries. Busybox also says theres an error as if its not rooted. I will try to flash UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.93.zip to see if that fixes when I have the phone with me later. Any help would be appreciated.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] cyrusalmighty:
Are you sure you dont have the "Allow initial installations only" box checked under security> Unknown sources? Some stock roms have that option. Just a thought.

Also you have to reroot if you factory reset but I dont think you dont lose your internal storage so you can easily reroot if you rooted before.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] getnrdone:
Sweet thanks

Great info, thanks!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] Robisgnarly:
will this work on mdf? or build NAE, sorry not sure which one to tell you just looking for a root method for a friend
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] Weston87:
I just upgraded to the Sprint Galaxy S4 a few days ago. They upgraded it to KitKat in the store. I want to root it but a while back I read something and I can't find it about how the KitKat software makes it a little hard to root your phone is that true and how do I go about rooting it if it is? Or is just the same as rooting any other phone? I can't remember where I heard it from. Thanks
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] tempests:
search for and download CF-Auto Root. It will root your stock phone using Odin which should come with the zip file. If Super Su is not included, get it from the play store, install it and run it.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] Weston87:
Does Knox make it harder to root my S4? Is there a way to delete it?

Sent from my Galaxy S4!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] Frezi Evan:
Great posting about rooting of How to.. Thanks:good:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] MyzDevyneOne:
Clarifying I won't brick my phone

So, I see that the Sprint SPH-L720T can be rooted--the last post that said that was in April.

I jst got my phone today, and they upgraded the Android to 4.4.2. I'm not seeing the Baseband version or build number in any of the past posts to verify that this method works to root on my phone.

My phone info is below. I just want to know (1) can I root without any Knox foolishment, and (2) can I DL Philz or TWRP with no problems?

Model Number

SPH-L720T

Android version

4.4.2

Baseband version

L720TVPUBNC6

Kernel version

3.4.0--492378

dpi@SWDD5921 #1

Build number

KOT49H.L720TVPUBNC6

SE for Android status

Enforcing

SEPF_SPH-L720T_4.4.2_0005

Secure boot status

Type: Samsung

Security software version

MDF v1.0 Release 2
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] Kevin cracolici:
I got my s4 just yesterday, it came with 4.3, I updated to 4.4.2 and then used this method to root and it worked beautifully, but I didn't install twrp, I used cwm, Knox will take care of itself when you log into super user for the first time. It asks you if you want to disabled it. Very smooth and easy
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] emeralds5668:
Hi I am a noob and I am wanting to root my S4. I just bought it used so I am not sure if its the latest update or not.

Baseband Version

L720VPUFNAE

Kernel version

3.4.0-481102

dpi@SWDD5908 #1

Build number

KOT4H.L720VPUFNAE

SE for Android status

Enforcing

SEPF_SPH-L720_4.4.2_0010

Secure boot status

Type: Samsung

Security Software version

MDF v1.0 Release 2

Is it safe to do the root that is on this video? If I brick my phone I will be screwed. I appreciate any help that I can get. I know you are all super busy. I am just scared to brick it because I doubt I could fix it.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] wolfen1086:
Thanks Tim, Your videos on rooting are the best on the internet
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] BosnianKingdom:
I did a factory reset thinking it would unroot my phone. Then I found the hard way that I erased everything for no reason :(

I'm running android version 4.2.2 and my goal is to get the latest stock version on there. Before I completely mess up my phone, can somebody tell me what the easiest way is to accomplish that?

Thanks

PS. sorry if I posted in the wrong thread
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] te45a:
Google qbking77 YouTube for getting S4 back to stock, basically download stock image and flash it using Odin, used this on mine with no issues.

P.S. odakle si?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] mjs2011:
When you say you "just got it" are you referring to the OTA?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] BroadcastJunkie:
No, sorry. Should have stated it. I just got the phone and stopped at the house to root it before going back to work.

I haven't seen the update yet. Even on the floor model in the store. I tried to force it, but didn't see it. Wanted to see what changes took place myself. But haven't seen it on my end
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] mjs2011:
Ah, ok. Enjoy the phone. :)
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] BroadcastJunkie:
Will do, want to get other roms on it already. Didn't really want to deactivate my s3. But my sister is in need of a phone bad. Her notification bar doesn't slide down... don't know how she has been using her phone. lol
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] daniel4653:
Great video once again QBKing!

hope to use this in a month when i get my GS4 :)
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] LouRock:
Thanks man, very helpful video.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] Hssarth:
Picked up my S4 today. Unfortunately, they made sure the phone had the latest OTA before they would hand it over. At the moment, I don't get the prompt for the RSA key.

Also, before this gets asked... Yes, it's in dev mode; Yes, USB debugging is enabled; Yes, the drivers were downloaded and installed; Yes, I ran as an admin.

Edit: I had to switch the USB mode from MTP to PTP. Seems to work now.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] masterosok:
Would removing supersuser and installing supersu cause any issues?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] fiddy619:
easy peasy!!! rooted just fine, not sure if i got the latest ota, but it did say there was no ota available.

BTW, this is my son's phone, i'm still rockin the LGOG!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] sn0w77:
Just rooted my S4 successfully, had the same exact build number as he did in the video.

Thanks! :good:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] crucian4:
thanks qb. unfortunately i could not download the files because the site is currently displaying an internal server error.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 General] Franklees:
Need mirrors

The host website id down, can anyone post up the dl files? thank you (.Y.)