[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] malybru:
[SIZE=+3]Frequently Asked Questions[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]Galaxy S4 i9505, i9500,I9506-E330s ,and i9505G[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=+1]This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please only post in this thread with feedback on how to improve this document. Do not post "Thank you" type responses. If you have additional questions or require more help, try to find an existing thread or create your own. Do not use this as a general help thread.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Q1: What is Odin & where can I find it?[/SIZE]

Odin was software that was first leaked back a couple years ago from Samsung. Samsung uses or used it to "flash" or "install" firmware/os/kernels/radio's onto the devices. . If used improperly it can brick a device since it has the ability to flash very vulnerable sections of your device. Here is a link for Odin: Odin_v3.10_v3.09_v3.07_v3.06_v3.04_v1.85_v1.83​

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.

- Use pit file.

- Try another computer.​

[SIZE=+1]Q2: What is ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and what is it for?[/SIZE]

There is much to learn, please view everything in the threads OP, here is a very good guide [GUIDE] ADB Workshop and Guide for everyone
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[SIZE=+1]Q3: What are download mode and recovery and how can I enter them?[/SIZE]

Make sure your phone is unplugged and powered off.

Download Mode: Hold Volume down, home, and power until you see the green dude.

Recovery: Hold Volume up, home, and power for about 5 seconds then release all buttons. This might take a couple of tries.
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[SIZE=+1]Q4: How do I root my device? (These will trip the knox flag 0x0 >>> 0x1 ) [/SIZE]

i9505 Users:

Chainfire Auto-Root​

i9500 Users:

Chainfire Auto-Root​

i9505G Users:

Root Stock i9505G 4.3 (Google edition)​

For i9505G Users also:

[HOWTO] dump your rom

[HOWTO] Unlocking i9505G bootloader​

For I9506-E330s Users :

ROOTGUIDE SGS4 [I9506-E330s]​

I9505: MH6, MH8, MJ5, MKE, MKF

I9500: MJ8, MK1 (This will NOT trip the knox flag 0x0 ) SAFEROOT

[ROOT][I9505][Knox 0x0] How to obtain root permissions on GNG8 or higher firmwares (Towelroot)

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[SIZE=+1]Q5: What are my choices on a custom recovery? (These will trip the knox flag 0x0 >>> 0x1 ) [/SIZE]

i9505 Users:

PhilZ

CWM

TWRP

i9500 Users:

PhilZ

TWRP

CWM

i9505G Users:

TWRP

TWRP via ODIN

CWM(beta)

i9506 & E330S Users:

CWM & PhilZ​

[SIZE=+1]Q6: How do I unroot & return my device to stock?[/SIZE]

i9505 and i9500 Users: Here is a link for unrooting and returning your S4 to stock

As with any procedure please read the instructions several times before attempting.

i9505G Users: look HERE or HERE​

[SIZE=+1]Q7: How to get a logcat if I'm asked for it?[/SIZE]

Here is a link for learning how to make a Logcat	[UNIVERSAL][LOGCAT]How to get & read a logcat/ Troubleshoot your own issues!
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[SIZE=+1]Q8: What is the best rom for my phone?[/SIZE]

While you can ask this as many times as you wish, the only answer is: the one that works best for you! A rule of thumb is to visit a several rom thread's and view what is happening within these rom's. Eventually viewing a few roms will cause the urge to try one that looks good to you.​

[SIZE=+1]Q9: How can I remove the bloatware from my ROM ?[/SIZE]

Check out ROM CLEANER​

[SIZE=+1]Q10: How can I Sim-Unlock my phone ?[/SIZE]

A guide to unlocking the sim card on your phone( i9505 only )​

[SIZE=+1]Q11: How can I move apps

and

data to my sd card ?[/SIZE]

At the moment this can only be done if you are rooted and use FOLDERMOUNT​

[SIZE=+1]Q12: I still have some questions.Where can I post them ?[/SIZE]

Questions can still be posted in the S4 Help Thread​

[SIZE=+1]Q13: What does MD5 checksum mean? [/SIZE]

MD5 digests have been widely used in the software world to provide some assurance that a transferred file has arrived intact. For example, file servers often provide a pre-computed MD5 (known as Md5sum) checksum for the files, so that a user can compare the checksum of the downloaded file to it. A simple HOW TO is located HERE.​

[SIZE=+1]Q14: How can I change the modem on my phone ?[/SIZE]

You can find a list of modems ,and installation instructions for the i9505 and i9500 , HERE or HERE ​

[SIZE=+1]Q15: What is a Nandroid Backup,and how do I make one?[/SIZE]

In order to make a Nandroid backup, you need to install a Custom Recovery.

From your phone, enter recovery mode and look for the ‘backup and restore’ click on backup and wait a few minutes until the process is done. It is best to save your Nandroid backups on the external SD card or on the PC to avoid erasing it by mistake. Performing a back up will NOT back up your external sd card and unless you choose to format your external sd card , this will remain a safe place for this back up.

Also , Check this thread: [GUIDE] [NOOB FRIENDLY] How to backup your phone.​

[SIZE=+1]Q16: How do I restore a Nandroid Backup?[/SIZE]

Enter recovery mode again and look for the ‘backup and restore’. Select restore and everything should go back to normal in a few minutes.

If you choose the ‘Advanced Restore’ option, you can select which component of the backup to restore – like the boot, system, data or cache.

Reboot system. Your system is now restored and is exactly same as the time when the backup was made.​

[SIZE=+1]Q17: What is this 'Flash Counter' everybody is talking about?[/SIZE]

Your phone's flash counter is triggered when it detects custom firmwares. This is Samsung's way of knowing that you have modded your device. But thanks to the awesome people at XDA, there are ways around this. Refer to THIS THREAD​

[SIZE=+1]Q18: What is this 'Knox Counter' that everybody is talking about?[/SIZE]

Check out this Knox Q&A thread HERE

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This FAQ is part of a Recognized Contributor Group Initiative. Please look for a similar FAQ thread when visiting another device forum.​

A special thanks to everyone who contributed to the production of this FAQ

Thanks D™​