[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] decaturbob:
To all:

This thread will become a sticky with links to other informative threads concerning verizon S4 and what you need to understand in modifying the S4. Please do not post questions in this thread as this is a WIP. Please do not post comments in this thread. If you want to make a thread contribution, post links to information or an informative post please do.

Clearly the S4 is one the most popular and effective phones available today. Many S4 owners wish to modify their phone with custom kernels and custom Roms. There are limitations on what you can and can't do with the S4 based on the firmware release of the phone. Modifying the phone involves risk which can end up costing the owner time and money to correct. The more people understand when it comes to the firmware limitations, ADB, Odin process the better prepared they are to minimize risk and the repetition of mistakes.

>>>>Can KitKat NC5 be rooted?? A NEW native method of rooting NC5 if you took the OTA update is NOW AVAILABLE<<<<<

>>>>[HOW TO] [ROOT] [APK] Root for NC5 OTA (All Kitkat devices) without PC!!!<<<<<

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2784138

NC5 native root method (tower root) video by tomsgt/rootjunky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3JOeQSvxD4

>>>>Please note that the processes involving upgrading/downgrading must be followed as written. Also be sure to scan those threads for any additional information. I strongly urge to set up a check list. If you miss a step, you will have to start all over, you may soft brick your phone, you may turn your phone into a paperweight <<<<<

[HOW-TO]Upgrade to 4.4.2 VRUFNC5 and keep root (for NC2 and MK2 devices) [05/13/2014]

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2726868 by surge1223

4.x to 4.4.2 SAFE Up & Downgrade w Root n SafeStrap feat. 1File/Flash&Done!MK2-NC2/NC5

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2720163 by gigilie

How I downgraded from NC5 OTA to MK2 and back to Rooted NC5!!! Complete Step-By-Step

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2763834 by techguy2002

Helpful videos

Verizon Galaxy S4**KitKat (NC5) Upgrade**With Root&Tethering

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIRoQKTLeJQ by Bobby Onesios

Verizon Galaxy S4 KitKat**DOWNGRADE**to Jellybean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZweIJrompdk&index=1&list=FLxv0tpwsgGZLKkTDHG1sC8A by Bobby Onesios

Verizon Galaxy S4 Odin Restore and Unbrick

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL8XwuRYoWU&feature=youtu.be by tomsgt (rootjunky)

Verizon Galaxy S4 Odin Restore and Unbrick

All revisions of the I545 after MDK (ME7, MI1, MJ7, MK2) can NOT have a custom recovery, only Safestrap can be used.

To locate your firmware version (build number) use Settings/More/About phone. Read the "Build number". The last 3 characters are how we describe what version your phone is using and why we always ask what build or base you have. Do not confuse this with the radio baseband.

You can not flash to previous firmware releases.

USB communication with S4 can be touchy, I recommend only using the samsung USB cable that was provided with the phone.

All files downloaded need to be verified to their checksum MD5. There are free md5 checkers for windows. I strongly urge to download to PC and copy to extsd card.

I do not have experience with MDK firmware based phones and the loki process for installing custom recoveries. I am sure we have plenty of people who do that can contribute to this sticky.

Can someone explain to me what makes a rom safestrap compatible? What can I do to a rom to make it boot with safe strap?

The ROM needs to be built to use the stock TouchWiz kernel that's on the phone, as Safestrap can't replace the kernel. (Flashing a non-Samsung kernel will set the "Knox Warranty Void" flag.) per k1mu

"The number one reason people brick their Verizon Galaxy S4 phones is due to attempts to flash recovery using Goo Manager, dd, and other tools without understanding when those will or won't work. The Verizon S4 is very locked down, and will reject such attempts in most cases."

k1mu

Important to read this link first

Customizing your Verizon Galaxy S4 - what's possible and what's not by k1mu

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=48683964

Custom Recovery for Verizon S4: Only MDK baseband!!!!! by k1mu

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2578569

How to update from ME7 to MJ7, root, install safetrap and HD11 guide by decaturbob

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2579278

[guide]how to use adb,ddms and take a logcat by Mr.Gentleman

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2304122

[GUIDE] How to Enter ODIN and Recovery Modes on Verizon Galaxy S4 by open1your1eyes0;

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2290771

[ROOT] Saferoot: Root for VRUEMJ7, MK2, and Android 4.3 by k1mu

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2565758

[RECOVERY LOCKED] Safestrap Recovery v3.71 [2013-12-27 EXFAT Fix by hashcode

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2441441

Safestrap 3.71 compatible 4.2/4.3 ROMS (work in progress)

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2630040

Safestrap 3.72 compatible kitkat 4.4 ROMS (work in progress)

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2769389

Informative thread by tomsgt with videos concerning rooting, loki, etc

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2337590

Again, please do not post questions in this thread as this is a WIP. Please do not post comments in this thread. If you want to make a thread contribution for links to information or an informative post please do.