yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] wanab3:
llama555,

The way I see it is you want to go after the "hand" instead of the "head."

Verizon does have the leverage absolutely as far as money goes. Ultimately it's Samsung who agrees and locks the phones down. Samsung could say no to Verizon/ATT, and sell direct to consumers. But Sam can sell more by selling locked phones through Verizon/ATT because V/A buy in bulk.

We should be mad at both of them. Samsung is the softer target that's why we should campaign against them first, for knox and locked bootloaders. It's a lot easier to boycott a single brand than the main cell providers in the US.

Or alternatively we fund a party to unlock the bootloader, because nothing is full-proof, and hell this is the most realistic solution. I'll throw a Benjamin into the pot for an unlocked bootlader for the masses.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] llama555:
Or, instead of trying to fund someone to unlock it which is unrealistic... You can go buy the dev edition or change carrier.

But I'm done talking about this. You go ahead and write Samsung letters and do your thing. But I'm pretty sure Samsung will not destroy their relationship with the biggest US provider in order to satisfy 1% of their Verizon sales.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] wanab3:
I'm glad you have the money or privilege to compromise and purchase a developer edition, which perhaps also allows a lack of desire to learn technical skills.

I think it's important ethically and politically to be able to do what one pleases with things they own, not just because they separately purchased that right piecemeal.

I'm not just in it for me.

- Respectfully
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] llama555:
I have not paid for the dev edition. And a lack of desire to learn technical skills? If you believe you have the time to learn how to unlock this phone, no one is stopping you. There are more important things in my life than an unlocked cell phone. Sure I would love it, but we all bought this phone knowing this was the situation.

Also, you haven't bought the phone outright. This is not your phone. You bought it subsidized. Therefore Verizon has complete control over your phone and service.

I agree with you that it sucks, but you are being impractical expecting whining to Samsung will solve issues. We are the 1%. No one cares about the 1%.

If you want to continue this conversion please PM me and I'll be happy to do that. But I would rather not clutter this thread anymore with this.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] mrgrantt:
uhm quick question?

I bought g900v but use for at&t (had to put in apn) but was unlocked enough before root, to be used.

If I asked Samsung directly would they have to treat phone as mine (not Verizon's)(since I have no ties to Verizon) and not be bound to keep bootloader locked for my device.

Am Noob (kinda) only 4 1/2 devices into rooting and it was a long road from web-os (I still cry at nights thinking about my pre plus - JK)

But seriously someone give me a number to call, I will ask them myself! (Or I will ask for a phone swapp)
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ryanbg:
Will not happen. Although I'd humor the swap idea and see what they say.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] kuronosan:
I bought this phone outright.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] elliwigy:
same here (after retail installments)

Fact of the matter is that Verizon locks the phones down and dont expect Samsung to lose out on millions to please the 1% of us whod like an unlocked bootloader.

It seems you are thinking on an ethical level vs. the business level. It is quite smart from a business perspective on Samsungs part who sell locked devices in bulk to Verizon and then sell Dev Editions to that 1%.

As far as this meaning that Verizon locks our devices due to their network is obviously bogus as well since if this was the case they wouldn't allow Dev Editions on their network.

Having a locked S5 or a Dev Edition means nothing when it comes to skills. You can develop ROMs just the same on either device. If anything having a locked device might even be more technical since devs would have to get more creative to create the ROM to their standards. We dont have a choice of custom recoveries like other devices but Hashcode had to develop a unique custom recovery for our device which takes a lot of "skills" for example.

Point is, Verizon does everything they can to lock their devices and if you dont like it than make sure your next device is unlocked or with another carrier or dont complain!

Trying to fight big red or Samsung has been proven to not go anywhere almost all the time as well as hasnt gotten us anywhere currently.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] DEVILANDERS5:
can you turn off reactivation lock even your in recovery mode? or download mode?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
I'm in the "just need root" camps (don't care to flash other roms, etc.)... so I'm just wondering if based on what's currently known whether it's reasonable to expect root will be attained on the standard Verizon S5... or if my only/best chance for root is to return this thing and get the developer edition.

I like to stay stock (and just freeze some apps, tether on unlimited verizon data, and get SDcard write back)... so I just expect to keep / re-root along the OTA paths.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] nathan951:
Man I need ROOT... Guess I was spoiled with my S3.

Sux not being able to:

Add non multi window apps (apps that didn't take the time to add Sammy code) to app list,

use titanium backup,

disable headphone warning ,

Make adjustment to notification tray and info......

and SO MUCH MORE.

Its so quite here that it has me a little spooked, like no one is working on it at all... :confused:
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] hibby50:
yea definetly scary

this thread his such a misleading title, is it confirmed not working on our vzw variant http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2699648&highlight=verizon

Ive been flashing custom booloaders on my phones for years and years (see my sig), and have seen this issue play out many times on many devices, but this is the first time ive had some serious doubt.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Franzie3:
I agree with this. Some many people giving up already. I'm curious why a security update was pushed to the phone. I didnt accept it because im hoping that without it that might be the key for root. I hate to say it but i really have seen dev for non nexus phones die out the last year. Its becoming harder and harder to unlock devices and with developer editions coming out that is the only way to do anything.

I'm still keeping mine and hoping. If i think about returning it, its not becasue of root, its because i wouldnt be overall happy with the device
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
Just asked again in that tread about verizon (two others also did, but no response yet)... I'm guessing it's a regurgitation of CF's root method and not a new exploit.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] hibby50:
That's what I assumed as well. Definitely needs a title change
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] chumboy:
Like you, I've been a crack-flasher for years and years. with each new phone, I only had to wait 3-4 weeks until root was achieved.

Like you, the silence and guesses from developers on root not being achieved really has me spooked. So spooked that I returned it this morning.

I'm praying for the best, but my gut tells me Sammy might have outfoxed us this time.

I can always go back and get the S5 if and when its rooted.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
So I've been talking to a few devs here and the situation on root is not looking very hopeful so far unless someone new shows up. Most of the guys say to get off Verizon and use unlocked devices (if only it were that easy right?). And many of the guys moved away from Samsung devices or Verizon entirely.

As I've spoken to all my current contacts, unfortunately I don't think I will be able to be of much help to you guys this generation as far as root is concerned. :(

But to give an idea of what is needed for root, someone basically has to find an exploit in the kernel or system in order to get this working (KitKat has really been locked down tight as far as exploits are concerned especially with Enforcing SEAndroid set so this is going to be the trickiest one yet).

FWIW, AT&T S5 is in the same exact situation so we're not alone in this fight. And seeing as how we're on the two biggest carriers in the US hopefully this will motivate someone to help us out. :)

(Granted at least AT&T users can just buy the unlocked model and use that on their network anyways...the curse of being on Verizon I guess)
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] chaplngrillsgt:
What was the root situation like with the S4? How long did it take to get root on VZW? Did the Dev Edition help?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
Paraphrasing my previous question to CF, but would having a Developer Edition (Verizon Gs5) allow for rooting via non-exploit method? I'm just thinking maybe I should return my current GS5 since I bought it outright and get the Dev Ed. instead... though who knows when it'll actually be released - it just shows "coming soon" (maybe somebody knows from experience about how long the delay between the GS4 and dev. ed. verizon GS4 took)
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
Unfortunately the Developer Edition devices are completely useless for helping anyway on locked devices. Dev devices can easily be turned into locked devices but never the other way around. Nothing from a dev device can be flashed onto a locked device (this is the nature of the locked devices in general). Exploits are our only hope.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
I'm a little confused here - what do you mean by "locked devices" - the whole notion of a dev edition i through twas the bootloader was unlocked. What would be the advantage of getting a dev. ed phone versus what we have? The GS4 would be a parallel for comparison - e.g. how root, flashing, etc. compared from stock retail to their dev ed device.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
My mistake, I mean to say that owning a dev device for the purpose of finding a way to root/unlock a regular S5 (locked device) is pointless. If you're referring about just rooting a developer edition that's easy. Just flash a Galaxy S5 compatible custom recovery and flash SuperSU zip inside of it and you're rooted (same as any unlocked/Nexus device). I'm sure Chainfire's method would work as well but have to double-check with him if the Verizon S5 Dev edition needs a different recovery from the one he's using.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Crooke356:
Root was ready for the S4 before it was launched. Samsung and the carriers took care of that pretty quick. Everyone knew the exploit existed but the dev wisely did not release it until the device was in consumer hands. Still didn't last long as many people went ahead and took the updates.. Lol, I don't understand that. Later updates blocked the original "Loki" exploit and new methods were worked out. I'm not familiar with time frames or the exploits found as I stayed on the original firmware. However, even though the VZW S4 was, at the time the best selling Android device (not necessarily the VZW variant) on the biggest US carrier, development was slow going. I believe the Loki method was originally developed for the AT&T variant but happened to work on VZW. Anyway, from what I've seen in the VZW forums, the only person that seems to be sharing any credible info on gaining root is openyoureyes.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
Maybe it's time to return my full retail purchased s5, bite the $35 restock fee, and get the Dev edition Verizon s5. Seems like root would never be a problem on that thing.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] chumboy:
Originally Posted by chumboy View Post

After researching this until 3am this morning, I've decided to take the S5 back and go back to my Note 2.

Main reasons:

1. Unlikely to ever get root/recovery/roms

2. SDcard 3rd party writing lockdown

I know that if the S5 gets root, the SDcard write lockdown will probably be bypassed.

I could live with either, but not with both. Meaning, if we don't get root, the SDcard problem will remain.

I could live without root, but I can't live with the SDcard problem.

Absolutely love the phone after playing with it, but these 2 problems are a deal breaker.

I'll still be lurking here....hehe.

good luck guys!
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Exleh:
Same as the others. For now I just need root. This version of Touchwiz is actually the most bearable one I have come across. I'd like to change some colors (I hate green) but I can live with it. I need root to use Titanium Backup to restore my apps. Also, I need this SD card bs sorted out. Annnd also I want to get rid of the little bloat that is present.

All the doom and gloom is coming about too early.. Don't be discouraged. This is a flagship phone. We have amazing devs on our side. Its just a matter of time. :)
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] kuronosan:
It'll happen.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] hibby50:
From what I've read the dev editions bootloaders are signed with they're own personal keys, making it impossible to install on other devices.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] fillyo:
Is anyone aware of any Devs that are working on a Verizon root method?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] jparasita:
If you paid full retail I highly revcomend returning it for the dev edition my educated guess is the locked down s5 is not worth any devs time
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] afidel:
My S5 is going back to Verizon, I'll wait for the developer edition to become available. I just can't live without root at this point. I was pissed enough about no Qi charging for 2-4 weeks anyways.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
Keep in mind everyone that if the developer edition of the S5 is going to be treated the same way the S4 version was then you will not be getting any software updates, the warranty is only 90 days and voids even earlier as soon as you flash a custom recovery on there.

The developer edition devices are really meant for one group of people and those are actual developers that don't plan to use this device as their daily driver. Basically if you get such a device, expect to stay on the same firmware for good or running a custom ROM.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] azyd:
unlocked bootloader?

My s5 just crashed on me and when it rebooted I had an I con of a lock in the unlocked position. I restarted the phone several times and the icon is still there..... will post pictures as soon as I get home.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] turbosrrgood:
You have 14 days, might as well use them. I am considering doing this as well, but I'm going to wait for as much information as possible before taking any action.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
Quoting below what one owner said about his Galaxy S4 dev device: http://www.droid-life.com/2014/04/11/samsung-galaxy-s5-developer-edition-coming-soon-to-verizon/
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Demiurge7:
No, not specifically. Only the opposite, really (Chainfire) so far.

Just a growing group of crossed fingers over here...

This isnt to say its not happening somewhere behind the scenes - nor does it rule out an exploit being stumbled-upon by a dev working for a different variant.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
Very useful info - I had no idea that Verizon + Samsung provide no OS update support. However, I'm curious if this is just for the OS build that starts out on the phone. Could one flash over through Kies the official OS image from a normal Verizon GS5 onto the Dev Edition... and get their traditional OTA OS update paths as normal (but still be unlocked, and be able to easily root with ChainFire's method)?... or would that somehow re-lock your device.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
From the one or two people I've heard trying that it either doesn't work or permanently relocks. Highly not recommended.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
Well then, I feel a bit better about getting the traditional GS5. I'm of the camp that a root method will be found out at some point (and then at least we'll have a choice on whether to take an update or wait until the next root method is released).

The HTC M8 had an exploit-based root method from the get-go (because it was previously available to the M7, and the same method worked on the M8 when it came out... including the Verizon version).

http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...2014-m8-and-s-off-last-years-verizon-htc-one/

... I'm wondering if there's anything innately more difficult about the GS5 aside from Knox; however, Knox has nothing to do with difficulty of rooting / exploiting... it just means you run the risk of voiding your warranty. Can somebody speak to the M8 root method and how that differs from what's needed here... is there something special about Samsung's software that makes this exercise more difficult?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
As far as I'm aware the kernel is the biggest break point for exploits. Samsung has patched a lot of known holes/exploits in theirs that HTC has not (yet gotten a chance to). If you are able to flash an older kernel on a device, you can get root via a previous exploit (this worked on the Verizon Galaxy S4 on one update).
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
Where does the GS5 kernel stand in comparison to the GS4, Note 3? I believe the SG4 and Note3 are still on 4.3 on verizon, so I suspect an older kernel... do those devices have a root exploit? (Almost all other GS4 / Note 3's aside from Verizon have been updated to 4.42, so I suspect everybody else once they get that update will be in the same boat on a similar kernel... and so the entire contingent of Verizon Samsung users will again need that root exploit).

My worry is what somebody else noted - that the dev community has lost interest in Verizon devices... too much work to find an exploit in the kernel, when other fun opportunities / time can be spent on open devices, rom creation, root apps, etc. I'm just hoping there's enough knowledgeable folks still out there with Samsung + Verizon who get a kick out of exploit hunting.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Elite49:
Well it was bound to happen sooner or later, but why? Root is great and so are unlocked bootloaders. If Samsung gets away with it, expect others to follow suit and these rootable phones will be very, very few.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] tlogank:
I assume you had enabled ART?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Crooke356:
Just FYI, the root exploit for the VZW M8 is new. It was only released after the launch of the M8 and ALSO worked on the new 4.4.2 update for the M7, which then allowed M7 users to use the previously released Firewater S-off method.

The problem with finding new exploits isn't just how locked down the devices are but it's economical as well. The software, devices and time all cost a lot of money. Not to mention other parties, not in the public sector, that will pay very good money for them. So they can release the exploits here, for free, or sell it to Samsung or Verizon (hypothetical, I've no idea if this has or ever will happen).

Jcase, who has released many exploits..M8, Moto X and others, had this to say in the M8 threads about what it takes to accomplish these exploits.. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2697240

[BOUNTY] S-Off Verizon HTC One M8 - Released - Please Pay Up

Now I know this is a hobby for many but at what point does it become more than just for fun. I'm not nay saying or being a Debbie downer. I just wanted to share what it takes for us, with locked down devices, to use titanium backup. We were lucky on the M8.. Hopefully some of that luck spills over to the S5. ;)
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] namroc1:
I do not mind donating to who ever can get this thing to root.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] jova33:
But, if the consumer S5 doesn't get any development on it, you won't even get a custom ROM on the dev edition.

I was hesitant about the S4. I needed a new phone, and waited until there was loki to purchase it. Even then it was a gamble because by the time I ordered my S4, loki was patched.

Sent from your mom's smartphone
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] ravenofdoom:
Me too. I think there's enough of us on here that can spare a pittance of what we pay to Verizon for our monthly bill to uncripple our phone (Sdcard, titanium, unlimited data tether fix) and contribute to a developer/exploit seeker.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Exleh:
Amen to that. The SD card issue is a big irritation to me.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Crooke356:
Again, not trying to be negative, just relaying my personal experience. "Those" types of threads get easily out of hand. When money is involved, people get very touchy. They have to be heavily maintained and very strict rules must be adhered to.. Often, even the mention of "that" word draws moderators. If you look at the M8 thread, once people pledged, they expected updates or even results.. They expected this even when there was no certainty that anyone was even working on an S-off method. That'll be the case here. If someone starts that type of thread, they'll have to do so understanding that there is a possibility that no one is even attempting to find a root exploit. Also, there will be plenty of people who see the thread, pledge and assume that a method is right around the corner. And they will get upset and voice their displeasure, despite all the warnings and info posted throughout the thread that make the situation clear.

And again, I am by no means saying don't do it, just a heads up. You'll have to contact a moderator to start such a thread.. I believe.

cRookeD Nexus 5
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] jova33:
The S4 bootloader unlock bounty thread got locked lol

Sent from your mom's smartphone
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] xgerryx:
Throwing my hat into the donation conversation. If ever an official thread exists I will pledge an amount. Pretty shocked this has been as slow as it's been the first week.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Franzie3:
Yea I kinda agree. But I really don't think as many devs jumped on this phone right away. Plus with a GPe device and Dev edition looming, some may have had more patients...I think I may cave if one of those editions comes out and get it and sell the off contract. Its roughly the same.
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Aerocaptain:
From what I understand, the Dev editions are worthless unless the main consumer device's bootloader gets unlocked via exploit. Most rom developers won't support only the Dev editions. So the VZW GS5 rom development as a whole is contingent on an exploit being found on the standard edition.

So, returning your GS5 and buying the Dev Edition may aid in getting root access eventually but may not give you access to roms (since development will be at or near nil) and will come with an inability to receive updates because it's a Dev device while costing a $35 restocking fee.

Gotta love Verizon :(

previous device: Galaxy Nexus
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] Guadalupeohara:
yeah.. I am also look it.. but Why it locked ? I think it was helpful for others..
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] azyd:
Yes I did. Does that matter?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] sogseal:
whats the deal with the SD card? if you dont mind...

P.S. ill donate as well to whoever makes root, i feel naked in winter w/o a root (and i dont like it 7:o)
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] RedBullet:
at the risk of preaching to the choir I really don't understand the policy of locking the device. Clearly if you tamper with it they don't have to honor the warranty, and I understand wanting to build something secure into the phone so it can be used in places where that matters.

But I don't understand not allowing the phone to be used as the customer wants.

I also don't get having a developer edition which is unsubsidized. It seems that if you use an unsubsidized phone you should be able to get a plan that doesn't subsidize for the phone!

Just annoying...
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 General] open1your1eyes0:
Looks like we may have our first contender! :)

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=51944477&postcount=79