yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] GuestK00350:
How do I block Verizon OTAs from pushing through? Thanks!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Redflea:
You guys have root.

You don't have custom recovery yet, but folks are working on it.

To stop OTA updates, rename or freeze (using Titanium Backup) SDM.apk in System/App.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] BraddahBoi808:
Deleted. Found the answer
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] trueagle:
I got rid of it with triangle away in play store
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pschatz12:
Can you download and extract and move from the phone without connecting it to the computer?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] zodder:
Can't wait to try this! Thanks for all your hard work!

---------- Post added at 08:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:34 AM ----------

I freaking love you guys. Works perfectly! :D
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thedeveloper1:
Is there a root method available for non microSD users?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] garrettsessions:
Freeze the sdm.apk with titanium or rename it using root explorer
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thornev:
It isn't so much what's best for your phone. It's more what's best for your apps. I forget which ones, but some apps didn't like exFat on my SD card.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] gleggie:
The Root method for ME7 looks really easy. Do you think its woth it to try using ME7 method on my MDK? Is it dangerous (brick?)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] HowardZ:
First of all, I am no expert.

I personally believe the ME7 rooting method should work on MDK.

The first command is the exploit which gets temporary root access

The second command runs a shell script file to copy superuser and busybox files into the system folders.

I think it will either work, or won't work.

I don't see any danger in trying it.

If it works, then you don't need to learn how to use Odin.

But, I'm not an expert.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] bpmamom:
This worked beautifully. Thank you. :)

Am I correct in assuming that I can uninstall Terminal Emulator now that I've finished and verified the root?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] donshaffer:
This may be a dumb question, but is BusyBox a necessary app for the moment?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] elliwigy:
id use the one for your build.. its also easy if you follow the steps.. took me no more than 5 mins and i was rooted with custome recovery and downloading a rom
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] maxe30is:
found info
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] gleggie:
Yea i was having problems with my computer not recognizing/activating usb debugging, but a factory reset fixed it
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] MR H3LLMAN:
So here's a question for everyone, solely because I can't find a definite answer. If I put my phone back to stock via Odin can I then just stay on not ME7 and re-root/recovery? Or will it not restore the old bootloader? I quite miss AOSP right now...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] iwearthebelt:
If you took the Verizon update to me7, you're stuck. You can't Odin back to stock (mdk). Right now the bootloader is still locked down and there is no workaround. There is a root method available, but no recovery.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jb347:
Accidentally installed the OTA when I meant to hit the back button. #%#@$#
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] A-Shin:
Could you odin back to an older kernel like the md2_423399_kernel.tar.md5 that was used before me7 was introuduced? or would that not change the baseband?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] iwearthebelt:
Can't Odin back to the old kernel either. Verizon blocked it all. Your only option at this point is to follow the new root method for me7 so at least you'll have root and hope somebody figures out how to get recovery working or the boot loader unlocked.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] justreboot:
Thanks- yes, I hit the button too:) This worked perfectly via SD method. Just wondering (it's for the wife's phone, mine has the older firmware). Is this temp root, or perm. Meaning if she reboots, will she lose root? No biggie, just wondering...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] fordmanck:
Permanent, just dont update if one comes out.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] justreboot:
hopefully recovery will be working by then :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] n4ogl:
Maybe a Noob Question, Maybe Not

I understand that this exploit will permanently root ME7. And I understand that any follow-on to ME7 will undo the root. I remember a discussion about Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper when I had my Droid Razr that was supposed to preserve root through upgrades to later versions.

I labeled this as a 'maybe noob question' because I don't understand what OTA Rootkeeper does, but can that be used here to preserve root in the event of a later software update?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] UK_Wildcats_Fans:
Format to exFAT via Settings

I have read several several posts that state you can format a 64Gb SDXC via the phone. When I try this option, it does not give me a choice on the file system (i.e.FAT32 or exFAT). Through testing, it is automatically defaulting to FAT32.

I am formating this through SETTINGS - MORE - STORAGE - FORMAT SD CARD.

Am I missing something?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] donshaffer:
Does anyone know how you get "WiFi", "WiFi Hotspot" and "Brightness" toggles on notification panel?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] UK_Wildcats_Fans:
I was going to root just for these. There are lots of websites that describe how to do it. Just google them

i.e. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2302366
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] donshaffer:
Thanks
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] biznazz:
thanks

i just wanted to say thank you to everyone that put there time into this. i just got the phone a couple days ago and i am stoked that you guys got it rooted. now i just cant wait for the unlocked bootloader
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] scsnospam:
I have ths question too. I have a 16GB card which I would like to format at exFat in the S4. is this possible? if so, how?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thornev:
Windows 7...absolutely possible. You have to format the card in your PC. Ensure the card is recognized by your PC and then use Explorer to list it. Right-click it and select Format. Choose ExFat for the File System.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Bait-Fish:
I think the addresses are different on MDK. I also tried your tool, HowardZ, and it failed the same way the technique in the OP does. I have a Developer Edition GS4.

ME7 root on MDK Dev Edition log:

u0_a198@android:/ $ cd /mnt/extSdCard

u0_a198@android:/mnt/extSdCard $ ls

Android

LOST.DIR

README.txt

gs4ex

pwn

script.sh

u0_a198@android:/mnt/extSdCard $ ./pwn

Device detected: SCH-I545 (JDQ39.I545OYUAMDK)

Try to find address in memory...

Attempt fb_mem exploit...

Failed to open /dev/graphics/fb0 due to Permission denied

You need to manage to get remap_pfn_range addresses.

Failed to get prepare_kernel_cred addresses.

Failed to get commit_creds addresses.

Failed to get ptmx_fops addresses.

SCH-I545 (JDQ39.I545OYUAMDK) is not supported.

Failed to setup variables.

1|u0_a198@android:/mnt/extSdCard $ ./script.sh

mount: Operation not permitted

cp: /system/xbin/busybox: Read-only file system

./script.sh[4]: /system/xbin/busybox: not found

cp: /system/app/Superuser.apk: Read-only file system

Unable to chmod /system/app/Superuser.apk: No such file or directory

cp: /system/bin/.ext: Read-only file system

Unable to chmod /system/bin/.ext/.su: No such file or directory

cp: /system/xbin/su: Read-only file system

cp: /system/xbin/daemonsu: Read-only file system

Unable to chmod /system/xbin/su: No such file or directory

Unable to chmod /system/xbin/daemonsu: No such file or directory

mount: Operation not permitted

255|u0_a198@android:/mnt/extSdCard $

DooMLoRD's simpler script for getting the addresses is still over my head. I am certain that doesn't go into a Windows batch file but am unsure how to use it and what to do with the results. Would anyone else have insight to get this working for MDK?

I know it's a limited audience now, but I want to get root on this Dev Edition so I can copy out the boot.img and recovery.img before proceding. Root is trivial as I can ODIN a recovery to it but I wanted to backup the recovery first. Quandry...

Edit: And the reason I don't want to do the old MDK>MD2>MDK kernel swapping is there is a difference between the retail GS4 and Developer Edition. I want backups for peace of mind if I ever to run into trouble.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] UK_Wildcats_Fans:
I have read that it is better to use a different program to format the SD cards. See the link below.

https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hallstevenson:
It can't be repeated often enough : If you're rooted, do not ever, ever, ever, ever take a carrier supplied s/w update. Never do it. Will some app keep root? You can try and maybe it will. If it doesn't though, you're up sh*t creek w/o a paddle... :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] wilswko:
is there a way to unroot if you need to send back phone and:fingers-crossed: also thanks for all the work
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Kchitown1977:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2301259

Try this worked for me

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] joderme:
I'm guessing this shows a custom boot screen everytime after rooting?

Has anyone tried the ODIN for ME7 to restore (without root) and can confirm that everything is set back to factory defaults (including counters)?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] eklipz3:
if you have a card reader then insert it in your computer and format should give you the option for exfat, it does for W8. take sd out of phone insert in reader and insert reader in computer and format away.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thepolishguy:
I keep hearing everyone talk about the "custom boot screen". I do not doubt that it exists - but I am rooted on ME7 and have never seen it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] scsnospam:
Thanks. I was at work and didnt have access to a card reader. Got home, and it was quick. Rooted!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] HowardZ:
OH YOU HAVE A DEVELOPER EDITION PHONE!!!!

From what I have read, all you need to do is flash a custom recovery via ODIN.

First, you download the .IMG file of the recovery you want to use, for example TWRP or CWM.

Then you convert the IMG file into a file ODIN can flash - using Caboomi's Recovery img 2 tar odin maker.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2281287

After you have installed a custom recovery, then you simply download the latest SU zip file - a zip file made to be installed by a custom recovery.

Superuser - http://androidsu.com/superuser/

or

SuperSU - http://download.chainfire.eu/345/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.51.zip

So, you flash the zip file in the custom recovery - and you have ROOT.

NOTE: I do not own the developer edition. This is just what I have read.

Good Luck,

Howard
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] madAdam6LOVE:
Also here:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=44353826&postcount=1
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Bait-Fish:
HowardZ, thanks for the reply. Yes, I am aware of that method and ease. We don't have a stock image of the Dev Edition to fall back on, especially back to totally stock. That's why I don't want to touch the recovery yet. With just root, I can use shell commands to copy out the stock recovery.img. Hopefully from there we can get our Stock image together. I'm trying to hold off using my factory fresh device to help get this done.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] zeiss74:
i want to root, so i've been deferring the OTA until the situation stabilized. is it safe to say that there is no advantage to taking the OTA and then using this root method (ME7), compared to rooting without the OTA (MDK), and there may be disadvantages (locked bootloader)?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Bait-Fish:
Root your MDK and you can ODIN a recovery on. Then you can flash ROMs to your heart's delight. Recovery and ROMs are not possible on ME7.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jcool13:
Very weird issue. I downloaded Xposed framework and a few mods that are working fine. If/when I reboot my phone, I loose root. Never happened before I ran Xposed and mods. No question I am following the exact process to root ME7 (new S4 that updated before I knew about the locks issue). I haven't removed the Xposed stuff yet because I really like the mods, but I can't figure what else would cause me to loose root on reboot. Any thoughts?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] edpete97:
If I'm not all that concerned with roms, I can just accept the ME7 ota and use this method to root. Then I can just TiBu to freeze a few things and flash a few mods? I rooted MDK and every rom gave me an issue or stability issue of some sort. Soft bricked last night and odined back to stock. I need stability so I want to confirm my process to root ME7. Thanks.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] riker147:
Can you "flash a few mods" without recovery?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] edpete97:
Yeah. Not through recovery. Just meant dropping apk's in System/App with root manager.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dixonraj:
Remove Root on Verizon Galaxy S4 VRUAME7?

I have done some searching but have not found the answer. Can someone tell me if I can remove root from Verizon Galaxy S4 with VRUAME7? Thanks!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jcool13:
OK, did a complete reset and wipe to factory settings. Rooted the phone before I did anything else, rebooted and root held. Installed Xposed Installer, updated and rebooted, lost root. Don't know why, but at least I know what is causing root not to hold. Sucks because I need root to freeze all the bloat with Titanium, but really like the mods using Xposed. Anyone else have this issue or any suggestions to fix? Again, Verizon S4 ME7 firmware. No Xposed mods installed, and nothing else installed or updated from Play Store. Thanks for any help!!!!!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jaekim708:
Hey all,

I'm trying to root my S4, but I only have a 2GB SD card. I don't have a SD Card reader, so I used my old phone (HTC Incredible), hooked it up to the computer, then had Win 7 format the card to exfat. I apparently can't use S4+computer or just S4 to format because it defaults to FAT32.

So I formatted the card to exfat, Win7 says it's exfat, it's all good. I put the files into the SD card and put it into the S4, but the S4 says that the card is damaged. The S4 won't mount the card, I can't access the card via terminal (permission denied). The S4 offers the option to reformat via phone, but of course that just sends it back to FAT32.

What do I do?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Bait-Fish:
Maybe use a utility to format the card on the PC.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jaekim708:
That program doesn't seem to let you choose the type of format of the SD Card. If I run it, it only turns the SD Card into FAT32.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Bait-Fish:
Try EaseUS Partition Master in this post. I'm kind of taking shots in the dark, hoping one of these can get you going. Have you checked it for errors while plugged into a PC?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] axtn95:
For everybody's sake,

all of you freeze SDM 1.0.apk from titanium (or backup&uninstall) to stop updates!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jaekim708:
Unfortunately that program doesn't have exfat, only ext2 and ext3. It looks fine on the PC, scanned it for hardware errors and nothing came up.

Don't suppose you (or anyone else) have any ideas?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ElementalWindX:
I'm also getting segmentation fault when I go to run ./pwn :( Please help..

*edit* IDK why, but downloading that zip and sending it to my phone via ftp server into my internal sd card then transferring these files from my internal sdcard to the external sdcard corrupts them. I cannot connect my phone to my work computers for some unknown reason, but I can connect it to my home computer, so when I got home, I did EXACTLY as the video shows and it works. *sigh*

Now if only I could start loading roms. It's sad that I just now finally start to desire a rom after being one of the first owners in my area with this phone, and I cannot do it :(
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rtc1036:
I had the same mistake and it turned out to be the difference between formatting in exFAT and FAT32. FAT32 caused the ./pwn error for me. Formatted in exFAT and it worked like a charm. Thanks!!!!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] stvn2569:
Quick question, I have a 64gb sd card and I understand that I just go into storage and format it to exfat. No for my question can I download the files from the OP using my phone and then put them on the external 64gb sd card open terminal emulator and run the command or do I really need to use a computer to transfer the files to my sd card? I'm asking because if I need a computer I'll have to wait until I go to work tonight compared to if I can do it with my s4 I can do it now. I also want to thank the Deve's for the work you do for noob's like me because there is no friggen was on God's green Earth that I would even be able to do what you guys are capable off doing and what you have done to get us to the point that were at now, thanks.

Sic Vis Pacem Para Bellum
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rvice:
What about getting updates for those without VRUAME7

For those of us (lucky ones?) that have *not* updated to VRUAME7, is there a scrubbed version available of VRUAME7 that will not flush the bootloader exploit from the previous?

I am looking to update the radios/main image. It would be useful to put a link to the post (if it is available) in the main slot of this article for those of us who are lucky enough to have the old exploit still intact.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] suptt14:
You have to put your micro SD card in your computer directly. It can't be while plugged into your phone. Then when you go to format you can choose exfat
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ashamsu:
Dear Member...

Thank You........
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] surfsup1955:
thanky

worked great... quite painless too (I might add)... big thanks to the OP and various folks involved who made this happen!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] surfsup1955:
TiBu different

is it because of the locked bootloader that TiBu will NOT allow application moves from phone to SD?

in fact, per the batch operations screen, TiBu fails to even display the "move" function with the ME7 root.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] daveseris:
Just got S4. Already had ME7. Yeah! Was trying to like TW .... then discovered there was at least this island in the sea for root. Thank you!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] HipHopIsLyfe37:
If I'm understanding all of this correctly, I can root my S4 but still cannot install a custom recovery such as CWM or TWRP? Therefore, not allowing me to flash any ROMs...? I just want to make sure because if I can't flash any ROMs then I, personally, don't have any use for rooting.

Thanks in advance!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] surfsup1955:
you're correct.

the only advantage I've seen is to freeze a handful of bloat apps that I couldn't disable with ME7.

GS4 transmitting via Tapatalk...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tapiocadestroyer:
Yes only root no recovery yet. The only reason I rooted was to use titanium backup to get rid of some bloatware

sent from my galaxy s4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] :
You can root and have a custom recovery if you're on MDK. If you are on ME7, you just get root. Stay on MDK.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mochamoo:
Being able to run adaway is also a big plus.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tapiocadestroyer:
I couldn't find it anywhere. Do you have a link?

sent from my galaxy s4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thestinkinggenius:
Go here:

http://sufficientlysecure.org/index.php/adaway/
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] huedawg:
Just to add to this , if anyone is getting those pesky "permission denied errors" because of your sd card being Fat32 or whatever , and those they do not have a card reader , simply stop by Office Maxx and pick up a removable card reader ( 50 in one reader ) for like $12 . Take it home , plug it into a usb port . It will install the drivers needed . Once that's done , insert your micro sd card into the reader and it will pop up . Then right click on it , choose format then exFat . Bam , your done . Of course , move the exploit into your root of sd card .
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] brandonhatty:
Ok just got the S4 yesterday. Came from S3. Does anybody know if I can odin flash MDK stock and then root and unlock. My phone came out of the box with ME7 which I understand nobody has been able to unlock bootloader as of yet. I need to get my flash on:)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] UK_Wildcats_Fans:
Geohot S4 Active Root

Geohot developed a root method for the ATT S4 Active. Does anyone know the details of the exact root method? Was it derived from Verizon S4 Method? Could it help with unlocking the bootloader?

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2343366
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] surfsup1955:
I asked the same and was told 'nope'. Once ME7, you cannot flash back.

GS4 transmitting via Tapatalk...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sulla65:
No ME7 OTA changed the bootloader, its not possible to flash via Odin back to any other previous builds.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RaptorMD:
Sadly the answer is no. We are waiting for some talented folks to find a way past this bootloader crap.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] brandonhatty:
C'mon smart people:) I love this phone and I can't wait to flash something!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] aceboogie62:
Confirmation w/mac

I CAN CONFIRM THIS METHOD DEFINITELY WORKS ON A MACBOOK PRO. BASICALLY USING THE DISK UTILITY TO FORMAT THE SD CARD TO EXFAT AND JUST USING THE ANDROID TERMINAL EMULATOR APP THIS DEFINITELY WORKS. THANKS YOU GUYS CAN'T WAIT FOR THE BOOTLOADER TO BE UNLOCKED:good:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rahb0sse:
Worked flawlessly once I was able to format my card to exFAT.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] autorail1:
Custom Recovery

Its been awhile. What custom recovery can I use to flash another rom?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] brandonhatty:
Is there a way to format sd without card reader. Using usb cable it doesn't give me the option to pick format. Tried using disk manager and it won't even recognize it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RaptorMD:
I have used both TWRP and CWR Touch and personally use TWRP as my custom recovery app. Unfortunately until the ME7 image is able to accept a custom recovery I am just rooted.

---------- Post added at 01:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:24 PM ----------

I take it you don't have a 64GB microSD which can be formatted on the phone and get exFAT. If you have 32GB or less you would need a card reader to format it on your computer.

---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:25 PM ----------
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] autorail1:
That makes since. I was trying TWRP, but I am on the ME7. I will just have to wait.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] engagewithrage:
Rooted, woot woot
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] NilsP:
Just wanted to start my venture into this forum with a thanks for this thread since it is the first step I took.

Picked up the S4 (My Rezound had a fatal day) yesterday and am now rooted, host blocked, and unlocked Exchange, and a bunch of stuff frozen with Titanium.

Looking forward to unlocked bootloader so I can do the real stuff

SIDE NOTE: Before I could stop him the VZW tech took the OTA plus he tried to sell me everything in the building

Thanks
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RaptorMD:
Yup, it sucks and I am optimistic given the bounty amount but just not sure who is working on it and if the verizon/att bootloaders are the same if so that would drive the dev work more.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] xVallex:
Had the same problem. Just got my S4 and before I could say anything Verizon sales person took the update and installed it....... Damn her!

At least I got it rooted...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] :
Loved your roms on the rezound, glad to see you here!