[Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jaydeeph:
Dear XDA Developer Community,

So before I get to the main problem I'd like to let you know that I've been reading a lot of Articles/Threads on Rooting, Flashing Custom Recovery and Custom ROM. Also this is my very first Android phone so please do excuse me, I'm a complete noob at Android, FOR NOW! ;)

My Android Phone Detail ( In case it helps anyone out)

:

Model Number

: SM-N9005 - International Qualcomm Version.

Android Version

: 4.4.2 - It originally came with 4.3 Jelly Bean, however I updated it and now regret this decision. However I'm well aware that a downgrade is not possible.

Kernel Version

: 3.4.0 - 636608. dpi@SWDD5614#1

AP

: N9005XXUENB7

CP

: N9005XXUENB1

CSC

: N90050XAENB1

Need Help With

:

Do I have to be rooted in order to flash custom recovery? I've tried to search for an answer but didn't find anything specific. I do know that I need root access in order to use TWRP Manager. However what about if I wanted to flash TWRP recovery via Odin?

So here's the trouble. I do not have root access nor custom ROM. I tried to flash TWRP using this tutorial, http://true-android.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/twrp-2700-touch-recovery-for-samsung_8952.html. Go down to the header that says "How To Install TWRP 2.7.0.2 Touch Recovery on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 Via Odin".

Using that method I tried to flash TRWP. I started Odin, added the img.tar to AP and started the flashing sequence. Everything went well and the box went green meaning it was applied. Getting excited I enter recovery mode only to be disappointed. The recovery was still an stock recovery (or whatever you call it). However it was the first time I went into recovery and was paranoid. When I select "reboot system now" it says "error". Does that mean I messed something up? The images below show what I mean.

I boot into recovery mode

:

However it says "No command" with exclamation mark! Is that a bad thing?

:

When I select "reboot system now" it shows me this, however it still reboots

:

So does this mean something is wrong with the recovery or is it fine? Because I'm completely scared right now and don't want to ruin my brand new Note 3.

Additional Q

:

Q1) I think my boot-loader is locked. Since I read Chainfire say that the KK version has locked boot-loaders now. Meaning I cannot flash anything. Is that why the TWRP flash failed? Not really sure. Also you guys know my phone details, could anyone lead my to a thread or anything so I could unlock the boot-loader. I've also read somewhere on XDA that the KitKat bootloader has "install-recovery". Is this true? And is there a way around this currently? Since I really wanted to install TWRP recovery badly.

Q2) Do I need to have ROOT access in order to flash custom recovery and custom ROM? Or could I do it without ROOT access since I've heard some custom ROM's come pre-rooted. I'm thinking to flash BobCat ROM.

Q3) If you look at my device details what method should I use to ROOT my device? "Root de la Vega" seems a bit complicated for me. Since I've only used CMD but don't know about Terminal (though I've heard of it many times). I could use "CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire", however is this safe to use? I do know if I use Chainfire's method my knox counter will trip.

Lastly thanks a lot for the help. I know I'm complete beginner at this and may annoy some users with my questions, so sorry about that. But I had to, because I'm very cautious. I don't go ahead with anything until I know the details and reading a lot on the topic.
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