yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
1. Take the NK1 OTA update.

2. Download and install Towelroot-v3.apk(this version does not require internet access).

3. Place your phone into "Download Mode" (press and hold the Home, Volume Down, and Power keys until the phone powers on and displays warning screen, then press Volume Up key) and Flash the I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel using Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).

4. Open Towelroot from your app drawer and press "Make it Rain" to root your device.

5. Power off then boot into "Download Mode" again and flash the I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel also using Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).

6. Download SuperSU to manage root access. Done!

Troubleshooting:

1. Should the NK1 ota update fail consider updating to NK1 by flashing the I545VRUFNK1_I545VZWFNK1_I545VRUFNK1_HOME.tar then continuing from Step 2 above (flash using Odin's PDA slot (AP in Odin v.3.09+)).

2. When flashing the kernels the most common cause of an Odin flash failure is a bad usb port or cable. Please check before reporting an issue!

3. Should your device bootloop after downgrading the kernel to NC5 wipe cache/dalvik from stock recovery before continuing the process.

Changelog:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/dam/support/pdf/system_update/benefits-galaxys4-12-1-14.pdf

Notes:

1. Following the above process will not affect User Data or your Knox Warranty Flag.

2. After flashing the NC5 kernel your phone may run a little wonky, e.g. the home screen may flash on and off and towelroot may not root on the first try. Attempt to proceed through these issues if possible. Once rooted and after flashing the NK1 kernel your phone will once again run like a champ!

3. You are able to Odin downgrade back to either NC5 or NG6 at anytime.

Alternative Safestrap Method:

1. Place the I545VRUFNK1_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM onto your ext-sdcard.

2. From Safestrap recovery press "Backup" and backup your User Data.

3. Once complete, from the main menu press "Wipe" then "Advanced Wipe" and wipe everything but your ext-sdcard.

4. From the main menu press "Install," then select and install the I545VRUFNK1_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM.

5. Once complete, press "Restore" and restore your User Data.

6. From the main menu press "Reboot," then "System." Done!

Notes:

1. The above process will not affect your User Data or knox warranty flag.

2. This process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, Stock Recovery, and Bootloader to NJ4 (BusyBox is also pre-installed).

3. The User Data "Backup" and "Restore" steps in the above instructions are not mandatory but will greatly reduce your device's set-up time. All currently installed non-system apps and settings will be automatically restored.

4. To avoid wifi issues when flashing any other Custom ROM after following the above process you must flash the I545_NK1_Modules.zip.

Credits:

[MENTION=4402483]benwaffle[/MENTION] for his flashboot script(built into the ROM) allowing the flashing of kernels via Safestrap.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dgutierrez04:
Hey muniz_ri i did thr uodate on my phone the NK1 all i have to say everything works safestap continued to work for me. Didn't had no hiccups if u follow step by step. But i can confirm safestrap still works. Was able to recover my backup data. Thank u for all the hard work. Happy galaxy s4 user here :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] gm2500main:
Safestrap Unable to Mount /system to perform proper backup

Unable to mount system....backup fails and already tried fix permissions with both rom manager and safestrap with no avail...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Glad to hear it . Thanks for confirming.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
So far I see the ROM downloaded 14 times but the kernel only 9 times. If you don't flash the kernel as per the instructions you should expect issues with your device.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] stuartv:
What are the assumptions for these instructions?

Assuming the phone is already rooted, running SS, and already has stock NK1 installed? Or what?

And, this is the only thread I can find that mentions NK1. Is NK1 the OTA that just came out this week?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dgutierrez04:
Make sure u have busybox installed in order for safestrap to work properly

---------- Post added at 07:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 AM ----------

NK1 came out yesterday it just started rolling out to the samsung s4

---------- Post added at 07:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:27 AM ----------

Try to uninstall safstrap and install it again. Make sure busybox is also installed for safestrap to work properly.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] stuartv:
Thanks, dgutierrez.

I'm still not clear on what I need to do to install this. Right now, I am on NC5 and not running SS.

Is it:

- Root NC5 (with TowelRoot - I've actually done this before. I can't remember right now if I'm still rooted or not)

- install SS (done this before, too, but back when it only supported slot 0 - my phone was unstable, so I went back to totally stock)

- follow the instructions muniz_ri posted?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dgutierrez04:
Yes u r going in the right direction. Also sent u a private message wit more instructions. Im trying not to clutter the thread.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sinner822:
Running MK2 BL slot1 stripped all but hlos, modem, recovery. Removed all bloat and unnecessary programs to me. Down to 876mb! Created NK1 modules and all is working.

Well almost, reboot hangs and wifi is slow to kick in. Same as NG6.

Edit: Fixed. My goof on nk1 and ng6. Lib issue. Running 100% 0 bugs.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Zelmo88:
Worked perfectly! Now running NK1 rooted with all data restored, coming from NC5 rooted. Confirm Safestrap works with NK1. Hopefully, NK1 runs better than NG6!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Albie_Stark:
It's really necesary to update the bootloader,Wish the update zip was like your post about root NG6... I love stay on NC5 bootloader just in case
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Some functions, e.g. security settings. lockscreen, may be dependent on the updated bootloader. I don't know if that is the case with NK1 but I included he BL just in case. And since the NK1 bootloader is downgradable back to NC5 or NG6, there should be no concerns with updating the BL.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Albie_Stark:
Knowing that is downgradable :D I'm taking the update right now :fingers-crossed:

I'll keep posting if anything goes fine or wrong
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Thanks, but no need to cross fingers. There is no magic here, just follow the instructions and you will get the desired results each and every time.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] xtacybyme:
i apologize for my ignorance.

i downloaded safestrap/installed/opened it, and everything is greyed out, (state: not rooted, install recovery/uninstall recovery - greyed out) safe system: not active, (Reboot to recovery greyed out).

im not seeing an option for backup (really dont care to backup anyway... have had so many problems since the 4.4.2 update (post 2... http://xdaforums.com/galaxy-s4-veri...545vrufnk1-t2960467/post57213442#post57213442 )

how does one get into "safestrap"recovery please? so i can give this a go.

If this works, i'd be more then happy to donate... im so sick of these updates, and verizon samsung games.. i just want a set it and forget it phone. been using droid for years, i have my 80-90 apps i use, i had every app settings set, my themes are all picked. ...I'm sick of these corporate companies making more work for us...Done ranting

any help would be appreciated.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
I am assuming that you are rooted but still getting the "unrooted" message in the safestrap app?

If so, follow the Safestrap link in Step 2 of the OP, then follow all of the safestrap installation steps in that post.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] EdrickMG:
Any method with NG6 without Safestrap

Is there any way to perform update to NK1 without Safestrap, I´m currently on NG6 so i dont have Safestrap but im rooted, i would like to update to NK1 without loose root.

Any advice?:confused: thanks a bunch!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dgutierrez04:
Well the only method right now is safestrap. U can always restore ur user data. And once ur on NK1 rooted u can unintall safestrap. But for now thats the only method. If u dont want to do it. Just keep on waiting until they find another root method for NK1.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] xtacybyme:
i was rooted yesterday, then i went to bestbuy store, they used smart to "reflash" they called it the new update sent from verizon, and after the samsung rep gave me my phone back, all my issues i had prior were fixed, however the root that i had prior ( i had used towelroot) was gone, then i came to xda, and posted here - (post 2... http://xdaforums.com/gala...2#post57213442) they had advised me to come here, and the title here stated

[How-To] Root I545VRUFNK1 4.4.2 (12-1-2014) so i read instructions in first post, and step two mentioned backup to safestrap, i installed it and made sure busybox was installed, and both apps claim i do not have root. Am i in the wrong place to reroot verizon galaxy s4 with todays newest update...I545VRUFNK1?

Thanks for your time, clarification, and help.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sem1mat1c316:
I cant boot into recovery. When try to launch safestrap it displays the Samsung logo with a unlocked lock then says safestrap disabled. It gives you the option to launch recovery or continue. If I hit recovery it becomes unresponsive. All I can do is push the power button and it then displays a unlocked lock with twrp inside of it...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pstgh:
It will say disabled because the default is slot 0, which is fine. Not a problem- but you should hit the "recovery" button and wait a bit and then see a bunch of buttons (rectangular) across the entire screen- different options, with "Install" being the top right button.

Check youtube.com and search for safestrap - that should give you a better feel for its look and how it acts.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sem1mat1c316:
I have tried hitting the recovery button and it becomes unresponsive. It boots into safestrap and I can see all of the buttons, install etc. but when I push on them nothing happens its like its locked up I have to pull the battery to get the phone to turn off.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pstgh:
Which version of Safestrap did you install?

Once you installed it, did you go into it when your phone was running normally and click install from within the app?

Sounds like it is either the wrong version or you haven't installed it completely?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dlconnelly88:
Root Checker

I'm not a complete Noob, but still learning...

I followed all of the steps and nothing failed but when I use root checker, it says device is NOT rooted, but SuperSU is working? Am I rooted? :confused:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sem1mat1c316:
I installed the 3.75 just like you said. Yes after I had it rooted and back on nk1 I then installed busy box and then safestrap. It says installed when I open up the safestrap app and it is installed I can access it like I said it just becomes unresponsive and I cant use it. I have to pull the battery out of the phone to get it to turn off.

---------- Post added at 01:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------

If root checker says your not rooted then your not rooted. I would wipe everything and start from the beginning again making sure you have the newest version of odin and re follow the tutorial making sure you follow everything step by step. It took me a couple times to gain root access.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Shortyred:
My phone still says i'm on build I545VRUFNG6, but when i check for updates it says it's up to date!? Anyone know why?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] icemanfrieze:
I read op that the nk1.home.tar wont effect user data, is the tar the no wipe or will ir wipe my data off my phone and if it will is there a no wipe tar of nk1 or will I have to install ss and back up data then restore after flashing nk1 and root again
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] crystalpc:
I didn't take the chance that the process would be successful the first time. I used SS for the data backup and restore, it work flawlessly.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] icemanfrieze:
I'll do that then inless I find a no wipe tar file to flash in odin
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] reliant_turbo:
Feedback: I tried the Alternative Custom ROM method the other day in the OP to update to NK1 and after the steps, flashed Empty VZW Galaxy 3.92. It worked mint. SS 3.75.

I wasnt sure on if i should try to let the phone boot after flashing in Odin, the NK1 kernel. I let it boot up and it was acting all wonky with some backup assistant force closes (from my data maybe?) so i removed the battery, booted back into SS and flashed Empty Galaxy and It worked fine after that.

Thanks for the Tutorial.

Brian
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] zomsoc:
Forgive my ignorance.. having downloaded everything from the links in this tut.. I've flashed the NC5 kernel to the phone and Odin indicates it was successful. However when the phone restarts it still indicates the version is NK1 and when I use 'make it rain' on towelroot the phone reboots and enters a boot loop.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] yellowcooln:
THIS WORKS I DID IT!!! This worked and If you need any screen shots of proof I will take them.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] reliant_turbo:
if the modules/modem are still NK1 (you only flashed the kernel to NC5) it will still show NK1 as the baseband.... when i was on NC5 Eclipse Rom, I flashed the Modem to NG6 to try to get the text messaging to stop failing and it showed my baseband to be NG6 even though everything else was still NC5.

reboot into safestrap and wipe cache/dalvik and then boot back up and try towel root again while still on NC5.

then try to get to download mode via safestrap and flash the NK1 kernel with odin and then go back into safestrap and wipe cache/dalvik (just in case) and let the phone boot.

Brian
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] texz71:
Everything seems to be working good upgrading from MK2 to NK1. Just can't seem to get Safestrap 3.75 Recovery to install. Rooted fine, All KNOX items are frozen, SU installed fine...etc. SS Recovery seems to install when you tell it, but when it says installation complete the SS status still says it is not installed.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dlconnelly88:
Thanks, after rebooting a couple times, it recognized root.

---------- Post added at 09:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 PM ----------

Anyone having a screen rotation problem after rooting?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] texz71:
Ok.. So after upgrade to NK1, rooted (yes Check root says it's rooted), SU Install, all KNOX frozen, Xposed Installer/Wanam all installed. But, I still cannot install BusyBox. Comes up saying Unable to verify whether or not certain utilities needed for this application to run are present. I have go into SU and forgot and re-granted and still does not work. I assume this is why I also am not able to install Safestrap and that does not install either. Suggestions?

UPDATE: Had to just uninstall SU and re-install. Something just wasn't right with the install.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] zero75:
Have you let busybox run its smart install first? I had one BB fail from just hitting the install button without waiting.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] reliant_turbo:
it seems that selinux changer no longer works in NK1 yet my paid apps work (issue with other roms ive seen) and i have busybox and safestrap installed just fine. it always says enforcing.

is there a new possible way to get SElinux permissive on NK1?

Brian
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
I couldn't myself so i Odin back to nc5.

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] reliant_turbo:
the reason i wanted to get to NK1 was to get rid of the text message send fail that i had constantly with NC5 and skip the BS that came with NG6.... and the NK1 based rom im on (Empty VZW Galaxy) sends texts like a champ.

safestrap is working and busybox is too even with SElinux enforcing and all my other apps and mods are working afaik.

are there some common ones now that arent working with SELinux enforcing in NK1?

thanks

Brian
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
Biggest problem I had was sdcard issues

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] reliant_turbo:
how so, not being able to access or write?

Brian
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
Certain apps couldn't access files on extsdcard. I use Google drive to open PDF and it wouldn't open pdf's on extsdcard but would if they were on internal sdcard. Tried the sdfix with no luck. Went back to nc5 and works fine now.

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] reliant_turbo:
Do you have the text fail issues I have on nc5?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ubigred:
I'm on NK1 now, can I just flash NC5 through Odin and root with Towelroot?

Sent from my SM-N910P
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
Every now and then even when I was on nk1. Don't think it's nc5 thing. Usually reboot fixes it.

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date

---------- Post added at 04:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:43 AM ----------

Yes

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ubigred:
NC5 stock tar correct?

Sent from my SM-N910P
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2735172

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] reliant_turbo:
When on nc5 I'd have it happen often, especially with WiFi enabled. Id toggle air plane mode on and off and hit send again. Drove me crazy.

Haven't had nk1 to fail to send a text yet.

Now if it starts that crap, I'll probably go right back to nc5.

Brian
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
I have unlimited so hardly use Wi-Fi so maybe that's why it doesn't happen much to me.

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
I am having a little trouble here.

I rooted, had everything flashed and all good (rooted because my SD card was wonky, thanks to the 4.4.2 update), but then for whatever reason stuff started freaking out. My SD card would change files to random weird formats when I plugged it into my phone. And, worst off, i couldn't view any files on my phone, through the phones file manager or windows. There was just nothing. Anyway, flashed back to NC5, which helped a bit and let me see all the files on my phone, and did a factory reset (figured it was for the best, start new). Now I can put music on my SD card again, so I am going to dumb it all on and re root.

However, I want a custom ROM- I have read that Cyanogen does not work on verizon phones, is this correct? Touch Wiz is horrid, but I can live with it if my SD card works and I can get rid of the bloatware. But I would much prefer Cyanogen.

Thanks for any replies :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skepticmisfit:
CM does work on Verizon phones (well i had a gs1 before this so.. take that with a grain of salt lol)

but with this phone, if your bootloader isn't the MDK bootloader, you can not in any way use CyanogenMod, or the recoveries that flash ROMs based off of it (read: CWM, TWRP)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
I have the VRUFNK1...I thought that was newer than the MDK, meaning it wouldn't work?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] crystalpc:
Correct...if you have NK1, you would have to use Safestrap 3.75 to load a SS compatible ROM. Cyanogen only works if you have MDK, which was one of the first bootloaders for the S4 and have never taken an update.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
Shoot...well as long as I can get music to play off this darned SD card I will be happy. Touch wiz is horrid but I can live with it.

---------- Post added at 03:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 AM ----------

OK well my SD card still does not work, despite trying the so called "fixes." Can anyone point me to a solution?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
Odin to nc5 is what I did. Used surges sdfix and formatted card in phone haven't had problems in ages.

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
Aye that's what I have done. but I copy my ~20gb of music to my SD card, nothing plays (skips around, hiccups, says file isnt supported) and when I restart my phone all the files are turned into weird folders with random names.

edit: also, on NC5, my phone freezes and reboots every few minutes.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] tshelby73:
Maybe you're sdcard I'd starting to fail. Did you do a full wipe. Did you restore apps with data.

Sent from S4 using the worst jacked up version of Tapatalk to date
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] crystalpc:
Have you tried reformatting your card with your pc using the exfat format? I've had to do that a few times when my card gets corrupted.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
I will try that when my SD card to USB adapter gets here (the one I have broke). Such a stupid thing for google to implement... Honestly they should refund me the money I spent on my SD card.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] fma0204:
successfully rooted my S4 NK1 phone...now what?

So I successfully rooted my S4 NK1 phone and now I want to flash some custom roms. Which Roms are compatible with a rooted S4 NK1?

From my research, seems most custom roms can be flashed onto NC5 S4 devices...guess NK1 users have to wait till compatible versions come out?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ManseEverard:
Can i get some of those extra instructions as well or can they be added to the original post.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
Yea you have to wait, can't unlock the bootloader yet. Where did you see NC5 can be flashed with custom ROM's? Because if so, you could just flash NC5 after NK1 (or just stay on it after rooting) and then flash a custom ROM. Again, I am not sure custom ROM's will work on NC5, but don't quote me on it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ATGkompressor:
Profit! Another successful root at the expense of Verizon, Samsung and "Fort Knox"...lol. Now it's time to strap up and hyperdrive!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] crystalpc:
You can use custom roms on NK1, because of the locked bootloader issue, you have to use Safestrap 3.75 to bypass the bootloader and install recovery. I would start my research looking at how to install Safestrap and then look for SS compatible roms, there are a few good ones out there.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
Cheers! Though cyanogen still says it can't be used on verizon 4.4 S4's...Really just wish these SD card fixes actually worked.

edit: can anyone point me to some help threads for my SD card problem? I can no longer play music off it. I can put a bunch of music onto it, but the music player says "unsupported format" and quickly turns all the music in oddly named subfolders.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Michaelmansour1997:
Battery

On this rom im having serious battery issues, stock with root and no mods my max battery stats are with android system and android OS...does anyone know how to fix this?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LB1125:
edit: nvm. Got it fixed.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ymDroid:
This...Can you use the card on your PC? Can you format it? Can you add files to it or delete files from your PC? If you're having issues with it on your PC, the SDcard is bad.

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:29 PM ----------

Go on SanDisk's site. most of their cards have a 2- 10 year warranty if they become dead.

Just submit ofr an RMA, they'll call you to verify, and send you a pre-paid label. The return you a new one.

Pretty easy.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] finkleheimer:
Worked for me!

Thank you
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jessec59:
problem with root

Have sch-1545 nk1 update towelroot v3 said device. Not supported s u said Binaries not updated tried updating binaries didn't work what can I do