yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] flyera343:
Maybe try TWRP recovery. Then you can flash a nandroid back up. There are lots posted here.. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2701376
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Chesney420:
Thanks I'll try that now. Fingers crossed!

Nope, didn't work :(
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Chesney420:
The error I'm getting is -

E: Mount : Unable to find partition for path (Rom name)

Updating partition details....
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TikiThePug:
You can try one of two things:

1. Download a ROM zip file, and install it through recovery using "adb sideload <zip file name>".

2. Download a ROM zip file, place it on your SD card, and install from the SD card in recovery.
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Chesney420:
Thanks. Sideload failed also. I've tried adb pushing files onto my SD but it still fails when I try to install them.
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TikiThePug:
That usually means that your ADB drivers have not been set up properly. This might help you: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2588979.
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Chesney420:
You Sir are an absolute hero! Thank you so much! :good:
[One (M8) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TikiThePug:
Anytime :good:
[Droid Ultra Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Surmoka:
Hi,

I've spent the last couple of hours reading through all the info in this forum but it's so confusing and imprecise I'm still completely clueless.

Could please some do-gooder soul here fill the gap and summarize the specific concepts in one place? Such as:

* What exactly is enabled by unlocking the bootloader and what are the device differences (e.g. many ppl. talk about dev editions in general but that only exists of the Maxx)

* Is there a method already to unlock the bootloader for a Droid Ultra, or is it in the works

* Is unlocking the bootloader related to rooting the phone, or are they completely independent of each other

* What kind of "write protection" is there on these phones and how is it related to being rooted or not (e.g. is a root not enough to write the system partition?)

* What of the above is required to be able to flash a new ROM

* What of the above is required to be able to install a customized theme

* Some quick info on different software accessories (safestrap, rsdlite etc.)

I'm by no means a newbie to phones or computers, I'm a developer myself (not on Android tho) with 20+ years of experience. So I'm not after a "phones for dummies" guide, I'd just like to understand exactly what's going on before touching my not-so-cheap phone.

Thanks a lot in advance for taking the patience.
[Droid Ultra Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] aviwdoowks:
1) What exactly is enabled by unlocking the bootloader and what are the device differences (e.g. many ppl. talk about dev editions in general but that only exists of the Maxx)?

2) Is there a method already to unlock the bootloader for a Droid Ultra, or is it in the works?

Locked is the consumer ed. Recovery & boot (kernel) are not modified w/o a Moto signed update.

SS recovery allows flashing of custom system partitions as well as backing up your system & data.

Unlocked is a Dev ed. or an unauthorized unlock (China MM or Sunshine-Devs-coming soon )

Once you are unlocked the method does not matter except as to warranty.

3) Is unlocking the bootloader related to rooting the phone, or are they completely independent of each other?

Unlocked is always able to flash root SU from custom recovery.

Locked BLs need root exploits for 4.4 & below.

see Droid orig Dev section. There is no root exploit for 444.

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=54358692&postcount=1

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=49260947&postcount=1

4) What kind of "write protection" is there on these phones and how is it related to being rooted or not (e.g. is a root not enough to write the system partition?)?

Unlocked BLs have no WP by default, no action needed, once rooted.

Locked BLs need to turn WP off. See the Dev section.

5) What of the above is required to be able to flash a new ROM?

On the Droid line there are not any custom roms that have the touchless & active dsp.

Unlocked BLs are the only ones that run a true custom rom/kernel.

Edit: on the first & 2nd generation 8960s custom ROMs have always had issues. Rooted stock is best- ad blocking, Xposed & some apps that need root is all you need. Custom may be faster but never better.

6) What of the above is required to be able to install a customized theme

I do not Theme!

7) Some quick info on different software accessories (safestrap, rsdlite etc.)

Rsd http://xdaforums.com/moto-x/general/guide-moto-x-return-to-100-stock-using-t2446515

Xposed Framework http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1574401

Hashcode on SafeStrap :http://blog.hash-of-codes.com/how-to-safestrap/

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55452213&postcount=4

My page of links http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=51600873&postcount=2

Xt907 links http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=45548210#post45548210

A guide of mine for SS on a Razr M, not much has changed for the Ultra. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=45541404#post45541404

Never downgrade your firmware! http://xdaforums.com/moto-x/general/how-to-resurrecting-bricked-moto-x-t2629057

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55491148&postcount=10

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55504019&postcount=12

Useful

http://waynekent.com/page6.html

http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX.htm

If it works on the X it should work on the Ultra. There are some exceptions, Roms mostly & any UI framework-system mods, Always backup first.

I am locked & unrooted on a Maxx now. I had an X Dev Ed- http://xdaforums.com/moto-x/general/fyi-dim-screen-moto-white-glove-t2753559
[Droid Ultra Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Surmoka:
Thanks, this is a really good collection of info to get started.

Maybe this could be made into a sticky post as an introductionary guide.
[Droid Ultra Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] asuhoops8628:
I can help you out with #6 regarding Themimg

With the release of xposed framework, and modules for that framework like Gravity Box. Theming as it is usually thought of has been more of a thing of the past. Gravity box and xposed allow you to accomplish many of the traditional theming items that either required a custom rom or manually editing APKs in one simple GUI. Gravity Box and Xposed Framework both require Root in order to function.
[Droid Ultra Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Surmoka:
Thanks for the advices, +1 satisfied Ultra owner here, with unlocked bootloader and rooted phone. (Bloatware removed in approx. 2 minutes.)
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] ronaldheld:
Since no one has started one I thought I might do so. Place all of your comments and concerns here.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Rippley05:
My concern is..it'll be later than the other carriers since it hasn't even passed through the fcc yet. This entire launch is becoming as bad as the g3 launch
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] shawnten:
It's past through fcc I saw it earlier today
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Rippley05:
You have a link? I have seen Sprint and either Tmobile or at&t but not Verizon

*edit* never mind, I see it has passed through. Hopefully this means Verizon won't repeat what it did with the Note 3 and be the last to release it.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] shawnten:
One of my pulse news channels named all 4 US major carriers don't have a link for proof but I also have nothing to gain by lying about it
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] scooterd:
I believe the Verizon version passed through the FCC on September 12th as SM-N910V
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] LakerFam0824:
My concern is we will be stuck with a locked boatloader forever and not be able to flash custom ROMS!
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] leyvatron:
Yup, locked boot loader forever. Safstrap maybe.

Let's hope root can be accomplished fast.

Phones need to be announced near release dates. I hate having to wait 3,4,5 months for a phone.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Rippley05:
Agree. What worries me is the lawsuit from (nvidia?) and the fact that it may need to be classified as a medical device slowing things down even more. Hopefully not, but we'll see.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] oneandroidnut:
What worries me is that samsung wont offer a note 4 developer edition
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] ronaldheld:
That could be a problem.

Another benefit of Verizon being last is that the rooting method should exist by then.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] oneandroidnut:
that could be it though. take my g3 for example. they said bootloader should become unlockable. well here we are months later and only root yay :( i really need developer edition note 4 to have everything available at my fingertips
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] bucsfann20:
After the G3, I don't think I'm ever buying another phone with a locked bootloader. Just waiting on Samsung to announce a developer edition. That would be the best situation.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] leyvatron:
Don't worry, Verizon developer edition is a waste of money. Not worth it and will not get much development.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] oneandroidnut:
That is your opinion. I still have unlimited so I have to buy off contract anyways so no difference in money. And even if Verizon doesn't have much development I can run tmobile stuff and be fine. That's why the developer phones sell out though cause they aren't worth it lol
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] leyvatron:
I have unlimited also. A lot of difference in price. Locked boot loader will drop in price or will be sold for less than what Verizon is asking for. Unlocked will be sold by Samsung for $800 dollars or more and will sell out because they have little stock not because its a hot item for Verizon.

I have Verizon, why would I buy a Verizon phone to use with T-Mobile? Why not buy a T-Mobile Note? T-Mobile always gets unlocked and you save money.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] oneandroidnut:
Price was $699 for developer edition last year. $750 to my door. And they choose to make only a few it's a simple software unlock just the general public doesn't have access to it.

And I have Verizon too but a Verizon developer edition is basically a tmobile device with Verizon radios. You can run tmobile recovery/roms/kernels etc
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] leyvatron:
$750 is a lot of money for an unlocked boot loader to get one or two ROMs that are full of bugs. Also, You lose s-pen features (i dont really use the spen on my note 3) and other tw features like fingerprint, heartbeat monitor, and other stuff that is never ported correctly.

Verizon boot loader locked device can also be used with T-Mobile. Pop in your Sim and you are ready to go.

So what ROM are you running on your note 3 now?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] oneandroidnut:
$750 is a lot of money but I'm going to spend that anyways on my device for next 8+ months. Not going to buy used not my cup of tea for that expensive of a phone. Who said you lose those features? You can keep the spen etc they are enhanced not lost.

And I sold my note 3 awhile back to save some money for note 4

But when I did I usually ran hyper with imos kernel. But I also liked to experiment with pacman and other aosp builds
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] leyvatron:
The spen worked with aosp? I didn't know that. That's good news. Used is my cup of tea just not beat up.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] ronaldheld:
Install the browser from the Note 3 to get back that functionality?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] BizzLeonDaCouch:
I highly doubt they will "strip" the browser from the phone, most likely just add chrome - Even if they strip it, there will be a system dump with system apps sooner rather than later, that we can just install the stock apps ourselves.

---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------

that and there's always the Samsung App store
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Rippley05:
They will strip it. They done exactly that on the G3, HTC M8, S5 and maybe more. They stripped them clean out and it is not as easy as just installing the stock browser...people have been trying to get the G3 stock browser to work with no luck. The g3 stock browser has some features that I'd like, but can't use because it's gone. This highlight feature on the N4 may work with chrome, but if it doesn't, it may just be the last straw for Big Red and their dictatorship.

*edit* I know they were trying to get the stock browser back on the S5 as well when I had mine, with no luck. It *may* have been achieved by now, I haven't kept up with it. It isn't as simple as a download and install though.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Gareee:
There has already been a system dump, about a week ago. I don't know if they've pulled out apps yet though.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] tfarol:
Thats awesome.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] tomgillotti:
Anyone tried the Best Buy Upgrade workaround lately? Did it work for you? Will it work with a pre-order?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Gareee:
What best buy upgrade workaround?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] tomgillotti:
Basically, you order a new phone from bestbuy.com, select "keep exisiting plan", and then when you get the new phone you don't turn it on until you swap the sim card from your phone with unlimited data into the new device. See attached link...

http://androidforums.com/verizon/844803-upgrade-your-device-maintain-udp-using-best-buy-2.html

---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 PM ----------

Just saw this for all those asking about root...

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/cf-auto-root-gains-note-4-and-s5-prime-support/
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] ronaldheld:
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/cf-auto-root-gains-note-4-and-s5-prime-support/

Perhaps that will mean a relatively quick rooting for our phone?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] delcopa:
It never seems to take too long. Been with android from the beginning and while I'm so used to root I don't even remember what I use it for until I'm stock lol. Granted they added a lot of things I used to root for, but still like my titanium backups which you need root to install plus a few other things :)
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] _ranch:
The SIM number has no affect on unlimited data. Having a new SIM put on your account is seen nothing more than maintenance. The Verizon system has to allow for this since not all phones use the same sized SIM and occasionally those SIM cards can go bad. There is no real trick involved with this other then selecting "keep current plan". I would actually suggest using the new SIM that comes with the phone. In some cases, using an older SIM in a new phone will cause a warning about the SIM being incompatible (meaning it lacks a secure element).
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] tomgillotti:
I think it's more of a first time power up thing. Apparently the new SIM card is programmed to revert your plan back to a tiered plan... I wouldn't take any chances with this voodoo trick if I were trying it out... I'd dance in the rain and shout songs if it meant keeping that unlimited data ;)
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] _ranch:
SIM cards to not contain plan programing themselves; they aren't that smart. What could happen is during the checkout process, some other option is checked which queues a plan change in the Verizon billing system that remains pending until the Verizon networks sees the new SIM activated. If there is a pending plan change and you elect to continue to use your existing SIM, there is an eventuality where once your billing cycle ends the change can become effective irrespective of the SIM. In that model, the SIM is simply an event trigger but not the sole event trigger. Really, the best thing to do is look at the paperwork that is included with the phone. If anything looks funny about it, call first.

Best Buy's activation software is a GUI that uses API's into Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc's activation systems. It isn't capable of doing any more than what those other systems will let it do.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] efotonik:
I've read the thread and I'm struggling a bit on the best course of action.

My contract is up at the tail end of November 14.

I just chatted with VZW customer service and they verified that if my contract is paid off (remaining ETF) the line does not have to close, I'm simply buying out the contract, which then allows me to upgrade to a new device at the new contract pricing.

So, if I pay the ETF of $130.00 and then pre-order a Note 4 at the new contract price of $299.00 from BB, receive the $200.00 credit, it seems like I'm getting the device for $229.00+tax, and I get it end-October instead of end-November.

I have a couple of old devices I could trade into BB to get their credit - I'm not saving as much as others have stated but it's still cheaper than waiting for another month and paying $299 - am I missing something or do I have this right?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] jcissell:
My upgrade was November 7 and about 3 weeks ago they let me do an early upgrade so I pre-ordered the note 4 without buying it my contract. Are they not still running the same promotion?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] tomgillotti:
I just know a bunch of people have tried it and it has worked... also some who it has not worked for. I don't think I'm personally going to risk it. [In response to Best Buy workaround]
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] efotonik:
Who was the "they" in "they let me"?

Was that a promotion through VZW or BB?

The only "early upgrade" I'm aware of is through VZW Edge program and I'd rather not have my phone on a monthly payment structure like that, I'd prefer to purchase the device.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] fgvb:
Will the Jaycemiskel method work with the $200 BB promo? I have an upgrade available on my dumb phone but want to switch the note 4 to my unlimited line without getting a data plan stuck on my dumb phone line. Any ideas?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] jcissell:
Verizon let me upgrade early. I got an email around the day the iPhone 6 came out saying I could upgrade early. I had just been in the Verizon store a week earlier and they said no. I'm assuming they did some short term promotion allowing people who are close you upgrade. My upgrade date was November 7. And no I didn't opt in to the edge program. I signed a 2 year contract. If your going to do the edge program you might as well buy the phone our right.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Gareee:
Verizon allows you to upgrade your phone and renew your contract 2 months in advance now. You should be good.

Your cost should be:

$50 preorder gift cert

$299 note 4 with 2 yr contract

$200 rebate from your tradein

Your cash outlay is $350, but you'll have $250 in gift certificates, which you can immediately apply to your BB credit card if you have one.

PLUS you'll be earning reward zone credits for the $350 you are spending, which is about $25 or so, so your actual cash loss is $75 + tax +$30 Verizon "we are going to charge you $30 to renew your contract because we can" fee.

---------- Post added at 06:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:37 PM ----------

Ah.. our Verizon stores here forced everyone with smartphones into limit plans over 2 years ago.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] efotonik:
Is the 2-month upgrade listed on their site somewhere that I can reference?

The only articles I can find state "customers who would be upgrade eligible on or before Nov 15, 2014, are now eligible to upgrade early" and given that mine is 11/29 it seems I'm SOL.

I was on chat with VZW yesterday and the only options they offered were "pay ETF to upgrade" or "wait"...not the most helpful bunch.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Gareee:
Just check online on their website.. it will tell you either you are eligible for an upgrade, or it will giver you your eligibility date.

Here's a link with the policy changes:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=verizon+changes+upgrade+date+two+months
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] liquidraven:
Can we pre order the edge yet?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] ronaldheld:
Not that I know of. Maybe in certain regions?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] efotonik:
While I'm entertained by the LMGTFY usage the results from your search give known information - on or before Nov. 15 in correspondence with the new iphone release.

VZW policy has not changed or updated terms to allow a 2-month early update (or if you still believe it has, please provide source) - they've given a select user-base the option for 2-month early upgrades. Those of us with a contract term ending outside the range of Sept 15 - Nov 15 are still held to our original 2-year contracts.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] fillyo:
Those lucky T-mobile bastards are getting theirs starting today, patience...... patience..... :(
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Rippley05:
I know. If Tmobile had better than 2g in my area, I'd switch. Been on Verizon less than a year, hate it and hate the company. Coverage is their only good point
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] JasonJoel:
Well, although I wish Verizon was more developer friendly I LOVE their coverage. I'm willing to pay a few dollars more a month to have coverage that really works in the 15 cities I travel to for work.

I tried both sprint and T-Mobile to save a few bucks and both of them had crap for coverage 50% of the places I went. So for me that wasn't worth saving a few dollars.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Rippley05:
In Roanoke VA. Sprint has decent coverage, but no 4g. The towers aren't even theirs. Tmobile has 2g. At&t is so wish washy with LTE in some areas, no coverage in others.

Verizon has the best coverage, but not only do you pay for it, they also strip things from your phone. Every android oem browser is now stripped and were forced to use chrome. They took the task/Note app from the g3, as well as native call blocking, download booster (s5), etc etc. Not to mention they are by far the worst with updates and locking phones down. The company sucks. The coverage is the Only thing that's good about them, unfortunately.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] guthrien:
This x1000. I want to get psyched up to get the phone, but after how locked down and boring dev wise the 3 was compared to the 2, I feel like maybe I should leave Verizon to consider it. Doesn't help that this loaner G3 I'm using got unlocked a day ago (I'm liking it better than my Note 3). There's just no reason to be optimistic if you have ambitions beyond modified stock.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] tsk138:
I'm switching to Edge with this phone and have 2 on pre-order.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Chuckleb0ne:
NVR mind
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] Gareee:
I checked, and our contract was up on Nov 17th and our renewal date was available sept 15th. That seems to conflict with your reply.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] windstrings:
Not a perfect option but you could go to the cheaper edge plan and buy an unlocked phone?
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] windstrings:
So you guys think it's best to buy a phone from Verizon "$700.00" or from Samsung?

I'm unclear as to limitations and benefits.

I just want to be able to root easily.. Not concerned with custom ROMs etc.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] buhohitr:
Should be exactly the same. No different.
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] windstrings:
Seems w/vrzn putting it on 20 MO payments price is same minus 15/mo X 20 discount = 400.00 total price
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] rushless:
Verizon is handy, since better in person support instead of Samsung calls and mail. Anything besides personal service would be, "AbbeyNormal" :) ;)
[Verizon Galaxy Note 4 General] jake21:
I thought verizon provided support for all verizon branded phones regardless of where they are purchased (samsung, bb, amazon, verizon, ...) ?

Kind of wish you could buy a verizon (network) phone from someone other than verizon and NOT get the locally (verizon) modified crap to the user experience. Mind you I don't mind the stale apps that you can disable or ignore but I hate it when they disable or break features like they did on the note 2.