yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
I originally had problems installing the 4.4.4 update as well. I'm not sure why, but when I edited the 4.4.4 update zip beyond the APN.comf.xml file it would not flash. It ended up working when I flashed them back to back with ONLY the apn file changed in BOTH zips. I just replaced the build.prop file in Root Browser after I flashed 4.4.4. Changed the original build.prop to build.prop.bak and then copied the alternative Verizon build.prop to the same directory, and then changed the permissions.

EDIT: It also may help to download them from the computer. I just had better luck that way, but your results may vary.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sinner822:
M

444 is an update/patch. It will not flash back to back with 443. 443 has to be set up first and then flash 444. Wipe Dalvik and cache then 444.

An update will always fail flashing back to back. As it is not a full rom. Without the original rom setup the update has nothing to patch/update....

Don't install any apps after 443 just let it boot up. Reboot into recovery and update. Then install apps or sign in to play
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
Yeah that's what I meant. Gotta set it up, but don't let Google sync your apps or anything. For me personally, if the apps updated it would fail. The flash update seems to be pretty picky lol

Also, I don't know which build.prop you're using but I used the one from Danvdh' GPE ROM for MDK. All the GPE build.prop with Verizon SCH-I545 information under system settings.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2643031
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] javajoe1981:
Is everybody else having issues with being able to use data while on a phone call while you have LTE coverage??
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ppat324wi:
Nope, never heard of that problem before
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] javajoe1981:
I've tried toggling the data modes, but everytime I'm on a phone call the data drops completely, could this be a problem with the APNs?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ppat324wi:
If you are getting data service, then I don't think that this is an APN problem. Try reflashing 4.4.3 and make sure you are coming from a stock NC5.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] javajoe1981:
so I need to ODIN back to stock NC5 and go from there? I think it was on Eclipse GE before
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ppat324wi:
Yes, that would be your safest bet. Although, I did come directly from Eclipse GE as well and had no problems whatsoever.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] javajoe1981:
I'll give that a shot and see what happens. thanks for the help
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] marbertshere:
That could've been the problem. You're supposed to come from stock. I keep a stock nandroid but if you don't have one then I guess you gotta Odin back
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
I've come from stock Eclipse and Hyperdrive, and never had any problems like that. I've never had my data drop when I'm in a call, but if I screw with any network settings my coverage drops and I have to type *#*#4636#*#* in the dialer and choose CDMA/ LTE through that menu
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dm1105:
GOT IT RESLOVED!

I decided to start from scratch. This time I ONLY replaced the apns-conf.xml file in system/etc from the apns-build_4.4.3.zip. I then re-installed the newly modified gpe_443_safestrap.zip over again (along with the NC5 modules & SuperSU zip for good measure). As you stated, I ONLY changed the apn-conf.xml file and left the build.prop alone. She booted up nicely like before.

After I set up the 4.4.3 ROM, I proceeded to the next step: Update to 4.4.4.

What I did was to unzip the gpe_444_update.zip and I replaced ONLY the apn-conf.xml in system/etc that I got from the apns-build_4.4.4.zip. I re-zipped the hell out of that bad boy, rebooted into SafeStrap, and installed the newly modified gpe_444_update.zip (along with the NC5 modules and SuperSU zip). She purrrrred like a baby kitten. She flashed right up, just like the doctor ordered. After the dust settled, I decided to replace the build.prop in /system that came from the apns-build_4.4.4.zip using Root Explorer, changed permissions to 0644, and rebooted the phone for the changes to take into effect.

I'm surprised how well this ROM performs. It's responsive as hell and makes you quickly realize that THIS was the ROM that should've been shipped with the ALL the GS4 phones. It's certainly better than any TouchWiz ROM out there.

(By the way, I used my PC to do all the downloading, unzipping, and rezipping)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sinner822:
Not sure why ya'all are having so many issues with my files. But you finally got it running. A few more steps than needed but running none the less.

Make sure it reads as SCH- I545 in about phone. I have never tested a build.prop install settings after the fact so you may not be 100%
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
That's the method that I used, and in about phone it reads that the Model is SCH-I545 Android version is 4.4.4, and of course baseband NC5. I've been running this ROM for a month or two, and it's very steady with solid battery and great performance
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dm1105:
I checked. It reads SCH-1545. Don't feel frustrated bro. Your files are fine, but we're still all flying in the dark here, unless we're looking over your shoulder. You know, a video of the installation process would make this thread so much better than what it already is. It would answer lots of questions.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sinner822:
Try these flashable zips.. Apns-conf.xml, build.prop and NC5 modules all in one. For 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 Verizon I545

Flash when installing ROM.

Permissions are set so will work after ROM is installed also.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Viclo:
I've been following this thread for quite a while now to see what kind of problems are emerging but still don't have the guts to try it out. If anyone can post a video of the exact steps, I'm sure many people would greatly appreciated it and have more confidence to give this a shot.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
I don't personally have the equipment to make a video myself, but it's a really easy process. A lot easier than it sounds when you read the steps, but there are some steps that aren't necessary.

All you need to do is take the apn.comf.xml from your current Verizon ROM, and then replace the apn.comf.xml that comes in the ROM.

After that you can flash the ROM the you put you apn file in and it should connect to data when you start it up. Of course you need to flash the modules for WiFi to work also.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] marbertshere:
I flashed this ROM a while ago without any issues. Under about phone it reads as sch-i505. I haven't had any real problems. Does it even matter?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] untruestory:
Thank you for summarizing the steps. Reading through the thread it seems like there are more than a few variances on how people are doing it. Is it necessary to install 4.43 before installing 4.44?

EDIT: Sorry I just looked at the original rom thread and saw it's an update not a complete rom.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skepticmisfit:
No. All the build.prop does is identify your phone in both the about phone menu and to other apps. It has no effect on connectivity or anything like that
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mad4some:
First, thank you [MENTION=5942286]RickGrimes411[/MENTION] for a great write up!! and thanks [MENTION=2810645]sinner822[/MENTION] for the "all in one step" zips!! My experience as follows: was on Eclipse 4.0.2/NC5/Safestrap 3.72, did full wipe (factory reset), flashed GPE 4.4.3 ROM, then flashed sinner822's 4.4.3 all in one zip, then flashed SuperSU 2.0.1 zip, then reboot system. Success!! everything worked right at start up, LTE, WiFi, MMS, all good. Then........I went back to recovery and flashed GPE 4.4.4 Update zip (no wipe), then flashed sinner822's 4.4.4 all in one zip, then SuperSU again, then........almost success.......WiFi was broke, as in toggle greyed out and not available. First, tried NC5 modules zip, no go. Then tried gigilies NC5 wifi fix zip, no go. Then flashed the GPE 4.4.4 zip again, no go. Then, flashed sinner822's 4.4.3 all in one again on top of 4.4.4 and success!! WiFi is back!

Don't know what might be wrong w/ the 4.4.4 all in one zip but I'm all set up running Xposed and Gravitybox, no problem. Rom version says 4.4.3 in "about phone" but I know it's actually 4.4.4 (will look in build.prop and probably just change it there). Nice being back to Nexus feel on the GS4, phone is smooth and seems fast and stable!! Cheers! :cool:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sinner822:
Softboot shoud fix 444
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] untruestory:
I followed the instructions and everything works great. No GPS or data issues at all. Somebody said the camera is laggy. It seems up to speed to me. Pictures are a little grainy and it doesn't have all the cool features the stock camera has so if anyone has any recommendations I'd appreciate it. Still a huge improvement. Thank you for sharing!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] danveB:
guys, do u have any screenshots to share please? Thank you
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] F1a5hP01ntX:
Dubbsy's GPE 4.2.2 rom has a mostly working touchwiz camera as an option in aroma... The filters don't work, but everything else seems to. I haven't updated yet, but it has to be doable
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
I was looking for a way to install the Touchwiz camera on GPE. I think it's tied into the framework, and is integrated into Touchwiz. So, that makes it difficult to have a Touchwiz feature on AOSP. I had found a flashable zip that was supposed to work on GPE, but it broke the ROM and soft bricked my phone when I flashed it
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] F1a5hP01ntX:
It would be nice if the effects were module based like the new Google camera. I don't think they would be part of the kernel because the kernel is the same. We are only able to boot this because the GPE rom can use the stock Samsung kernel. We can't use or even flash the actual kernel for GPE as far as I'm aware. When I do update to NC5 before I flash GPE, I will look into it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] marbertshere:
I didn't think it was possible
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] javajoe1981:
Just wanted to post a follow up on my problem with data not working over phone calls.. I ODIN'd back to fresh stock NC5 and went through all the steps from there and now everything works like a dream. I love having this nexus feel on my S4, especially after disabling all off the capacitive buttons and home button and adding on screen buttons.. Truly amazing!!!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] untruestory:
Well the camera has been done on an older version here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2341770

as well as another samsung camera that runs on AOSP I found for another device. It's possible and should be easier on this ROM because of the kernel. This simple port could be a great starting point for some great projects. Maybe someone can get some dev's attention? :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
That's the one that I tried to use. I didn't pay attention to which version it was made for. The only problem that I really know of that keeps the Samsung camera from working on this ROM this the fact that the camera features are tied into the Touchwiz framework. I'm pretty sure Eclipse has the Samsung camera, but that's a Touchwiz ROM made to look like AOSP
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] F1a5hP01ntX:
Does the 4.4.4 GPE rom have /system/framework/ twframework-res.apk?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] untruestory:
Nope
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dm1105:
I know, right?:cool: This ROM is very snappy and so much better than any TW ROM I've installed in the past, even Eclipse. Compared to this ROM, Eclipse feels like a beta build, at best.

I've also noticed that my apps respond quicker and play nicer now. I haven't had a single force close or a random restart yet. I know that if my phone could talk it would be saying to this ROM, "Welcome home, baby."
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] msterwolf:
I know this is going to sound incredibly noobish but, can someone please explain to me how to do STEP 2 of the installation instructions? Thanks in advance.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
First, you need a file manage, like Root Browser.

When you open the file manager, you need to dig into system/etc folder

In there you will find a folder named "apn-conf.xml" no quotes.

Hold down to open a menu and hit "copy" .

Then go to your SD card. or another Directory where you'll be able to find it and hit paste.

You're done.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mad4some:
This is wonderful!! Just say "goodbye TW"!! One thing that has my OCD in an uproar though: My Network or Mobile Operator Name is "roaming indicator off". Also, I can no longer find APN under settings>wireless & networks>more>Mobile Networks. I figured I could change it there but can't find it!! Everywhere it used to say "Verizon" it says "roaming indicator off" Anybody know or have this problem?? Thanks.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skepticmisfit:
Did you follow the instructions and have you done the 4.4.4 upgrade?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
For awhile it used to be normal and then it started saying that and I can't figure out how to fix it

I think you have to enable Dev settings on order to mess with APNs, but every time I mess with APN settings it breaks the network.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mad4some:
Thanks for the response [MENTION=5364192]skepticmisfit[/MENTION] and [MENTION=5954442]skeezer308[/MENTION]. What's funny is, I set this up on my phone twice within a couple of days and did it just slightly different the second time and that's when I noticed the strange network name. I followed (and already knew) the wiping and flashing instructions but used the "all in one" zips provided by [MENTION=2810645]sinner822[/MENTION] a couple of pages ago. Which, by the way, work great!! Both times I did 4.4.3 first and then updated to 4.4.4. I think I will replicate my first go around and see if that brings back "Verizon"......I will report back. Cheers

EDIT Oh well, I tried a few different things and it still says "roaming indicator off" .....................If anybody has this problem and figures it out, please share!!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] untruestory:
Data Settings Warning

I know that there's a warning about messing with data settings corrupting the APN but that didn't scare me... It should have. I messed with network settings and this is what happened:

Lost the ability to call or text completely though I was still getting LTE data.

I tried restoring a nandroid of GE4.44 and that changed nothing.

I tried restoring stock and the device soft-bricked.

It would be good to add this to the OP to save others the trouble. I'm about to Odin back to stock as soon as my battery has a charge. One difference in my device is that I'm on Verizon prepaid.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
All you have to do is follow the steps on post 151 on page 16 and that will fix your problem. you don't have to ODIN back to stock
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] bamige1:
Awesome Saved for the weekend.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] nelsonator1982:
I'm on Verizon prepay too and it works fine for me......although installing exposed mad my incoming texts not work
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
[MENTION=5000703]mad4some[/MENTION] I just installed this other GPE ROM a few minutes ago that's also deodexed. It also shows Verizon instead of Roaming Indicator Off. You will also have to switch out the APNs with this ROM. I switched out the boot animation to the one that comes with this ROM as it's quite a bit smaller. I also deleted a handful of GAPPs that I don't use, and now it's much smaller than the one we're on now. With the same features and speed, if not quicker. Still on the testing phase.

click here

Also I don't know how to switch out the link text and instead of saying the whole link I make it say what I want it to, like, "here" or something. Would someone mind explaining how to do this? lol
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RickGrimes411:
If you're in a browser just type "here". Then highlight that text and click the hyperlink button above. Then paste the actual URL into the box that comes up. Never tested in the app. Might have to manually type the HTML code into there.

Also let us know how that ROM goes. If it's worth it I'll add some instructions for that one into the OP as well. Might as well have a couple options.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] JeeperDon:
For those wondering... The first steps say to use Surge's stock NC5, which also loads an NC5 bootloader (I checked with the PhoneInfo*Samsung* Play Store App). I towelrooted that and have been using it as my daily driver. Today I added the SS 3.75 and it installed fine and seems to go into and out of recovery as instructed.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RickGrimes411:
Ah yes. I see what you are saying now. I went back to stock to take the KitKat OTA. So I was on NC5 before towelroot came out. I then found that method and kind of kicked myself. Lucky towelroot saved the day. So I do not know if this will work or not for you. I would assume if other 4.4 Roms work this one will as well.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] aknotts415:
when you say surges stock do you mean his method to 4.4.2 or the odin.tar? because i used his method to 4.4.2 and i didnt flash a bootloader? maybe im misunderstanding something sorry if so lol :confused::silly:

---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:40 PM ----------

I hope so I LOVE me some AOSP! cant wait to see some other people try this!! :fingers-crossed::highfive:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Spike96:
Great write up and thanks for the instructions!

I love that we're finally making progress on AOSP safestrap!

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be flashing until the bugs get ironed out first.

Hopefully soon we'll get something that works flawlessly.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] aknotts415:
actually just had to odin back to 4.3 mk2 might just OTA to NC5 with towlroot so I can do this. lol GPE is all Ive ever wanted on my S4 lol GPE is aosp right?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pfizzle:
you dont need to odin, just check what i wrote a few posts back! if anything, try out my method and if it doesnt work..then odin, it'll save you time if it works
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] aknotts415:
Thanks but i did need to lol accidently after whiping for a new rom hit reboot and i whiped system, data, cache so no ss popped up lol sucks:silly:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] JeeperDon:
I meant the non root odin stock file surge has. It changes to the nc5 bootloader, gives a clean 4.4.2 Samsung+vzw (if you can call that clean). I have not done this procedure, but what I believe I have is what is the beginning the instructions for this procedure.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] aknotts415:
Oh okay gotcha lol yeah your right then
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pfizzle:
Does anyone know of a way to freeze and disable the software update OTA notification? I'm on the 4.4.4 rom and it's still here.. I can't seem to find it in titanium backup
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Blue:
I am currently running the latest HyperDrive and I am really thinking about trying this. Is it worth it or should I stay with HyperDrive?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pfizzle:
I've been on hyperdrive from rls 15 to 17.1 and it was good since I liked to customize the crap out of everything haha.

I really like this AOSP rom tho, its very smooth. I haven't had any problems, I really like it. Only thing I would want is if there's any way to install the regular TouchWiz s4 gallery and camera apps because I loved those

Make a backup of your hyperdrive setup thru your recovery, and flash this ROM with my instructions from before and try it out for a day! If you don't like it just wile and restore your hyperdrive backup and you'll be back to normal

Just make sure you install gravity box on this ROM and go through all the options in that, there's a lot of a good stuff
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RickGrimes411:
Press and hold on the notification. Open app properties and uncheck notifications. This will stop it until your next reboot. Rinse and repeat.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pfizzle:
Thanks that what I ended up doing haha I just wasn't sure since that app giving me the notification was Google play services
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RickGrimes411:
Nice. I'll update the steps and mention that it should work if you used surges method to update to 4.4. So it seems that if you can load other 4.4 ROM's you can load this one.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] JeeperDon:
I am only at the 4.4.3 part and still get stuck at 'turning WiFi on' early in the Setup Wizard, wouldn't go past that point. I used the Retail NC5 modem, since I have the NC5 bootloader. I alos tried with the Developer NC5 modem and that was worse, WiFi wouldn't turn on. ???
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RickGrimes411:
I would re-download the retail NC5 modem and verify the MD5 checksum to ensure you have a good download first. Then try again.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] JeeperDon:
I verified the MD5 is correct, on the exact file on the SD card that I SS installed. The only two files I SS Installed are the 4.4.3 file modified with the XML file, and the modem file, two things. You use the term 'get the 'Modules' from surge here", plural, which I read as the one file as Modem there. ????

[EDIT: I'm restoring the NC5 I had before I tried this. I'd like to help debug, but I don't have the skills or intuition on what to try. Also Rick, read your instruction 13. It says, "Go to the play store and get the thing that makes play store work."]
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RickGrimes411:
The play store works but there are issues downloading paid apps. SElinux mode changer is free so you can download it to fix the issue with the paid apps. They talk about this in the actual ROM thread I linked. Sorry it didn't work for you. I didn't make the ROM so it is somewhat difficult to help troubleshoot. If you ever want to try again I would be willing to help if I can. Or post something in the ROM thread. Somebody there may be able to help too.

I did edit my instructions to say modem instead of modules and clarify the play store issues. Thanks for the feedback.

Sent from S4 i545 NC5 GPE 4.4.4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] RickGrimes411:
:D

I did the same thing after I updated to 4.4.4. I was messing with some apn settings and the phone SMS and data stopped connecting. Figured I'd try to restore my backup. So naturally I wiped everything including system and just skipped the part where I restore and hit reboot. You know the rest of the story. That doesn't work very well. Odin saved me yet again.

Sent from S4 i545 NC5 GPE 4.4.4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
I like it so far. It's pretty much the same few small things plus being deodexed is nice. Except that particular ROM the guy added the full Gapps so it's a bit heavier, plus it has a pretty weighty boot animation which I switched out with the one from OP. After that and getting rid of some Google stuff I don't use its down to about 400MB. Also it's pre-updated to 4.4.4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] untruestory:
Thanks for the info but if you read my entire post you'll see that trying to restore from nandroid resulted in a soft brick so I had to Odin.

Unfortunately, even after a full wipe and factory restore in Odin I still have no talk or text. What in the world happened? Like before I still have 4G...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skeezer308:
Yeah I forgot about that part.

The problem though is that your phone is trying to connect to GSM/LTE. That's why you still have LTE but can't do anything else.

The post I was referring to will fix that for you.

Just go into the dialer and type. *#*#4636#*#* which will open up a hidden menu.

select Phone information scroll down and you should see a thing that says LTE/GSM (auto prl) or something along those lines

Change it to LTE/CDMA and you'll be good
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] untruestory:
No bueno. I get a "MMI Error" msg. Hidden menu app can't launch it either. My phone info says my number is 000-000-0000.

Also tried inserting a new sim and it says no signal when trying to activate despite saying I have 4G.