[HOW TO] [GUIDE] [Q&A] - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 ROOT & Then Some

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 Root & Then Some Thread

The Goal of this thread is to get you rooted and provide you with up to date information all in one place.
The OP will be updated as much as I possibly can with the latest information so please try and refer to it or just search the thread

Questions Answered (Updated 8/8/14):
Can I Root my Verizon S5?
- Yes (see OP here or below details)
Can I Root the NE9 Update?
- Yes, See the Guide post HERE
Can I unlock my bootloader and install CWM/TWRP
- NO, NO and NO. Right now we only have root. Root will not allow you to install custom recovery
Can I atleast install Safestrap Recovery?
- As of now (6/25/14) we have Safestrap thanks to Hashcode.
Will this trip Samsung KNOX and what do I do with it
No, root will not trip your KNOX counter. SuperSU will disable KNOX.
Where do I install SuperSu (superuser app)
6/16 - Right now please use the updated SuperSU app posted to @Chainfire website until it is updated to the play store. The play store version will work, you just will not be able to update binaires. Go here http://download.chainfire.eu/447/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.99r4.zip and extrack the .APK and sideload it.
What apps are safe to debloat and how do I remove them?
List will be below. For best removal try titanium backup pro or root explorer. If you haven't bought them by now I suggest you do.
Can I Install Xposed Framework and make it work
Glad you asked, the answer is Yes. See below for further info
Can I get rid of the SD Card R/W restrictions
Yes - Details Below
How do i get rid of that security update notification?
See below
How do I disable OTA updates?
See below

I will keep this OP updated with valued questions from the community. Please refer to OP

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

Instructions for Rooting.

First and foremost....A HUGE thanks to @geohot for our current root method. If you have not done so, please donate to him. Also this will only work on the NCG build. You must start form here then you can update to newer builds. Check the forums

- See here for his OP
- Once you have completed the instructions and used Towelroot. Let's get us some SuperSu on it!!
~~6/16/14~~ ~~For now please download the following zip located HERE and extract the SuperSU.apk from the "Common" Folder in the ZIP and sideload the app.~~ 6/18/14 Play Store version of SuperSU has bene updated and will update the binariy. Download SuperSU from playstore HERECredit to @Chainfire for SuperSU
- Enable USB Debugging if you have not done so Already in Developer Options. I've heard this helps when installing the binary To enable Developer Options go into Settings > About phone and tap on your build number 7 times.
- Once SuperSU is installed Open it.
- It will state that Samsung KNOX is detected and ask to disable it. The choice is yours, but I let it disable.
- Next you will need to update your binary. The choice are "Normal" or "TWRP/CWM". You MUST choose "Normal" as TWRP and CWM require unlocked bootloaders which we do not have as of now.
- Download Root Checker form the Play Store HERE
- Once you have verified you have root CONGRATS!!

Please keep in mind this only works for Devices with a Kernel Build Date older then 06/03/2014.

UPDATE 8/8/14 - Rooting the NE9 Update
- a step by step Guide for rooting NE9 is available thanks to member @muniz_ri along with other members. I personally have not used it yet but many have. See his OP and thread located HERE

UPDATE 12/9/14 - Rooting the NI2 Update
- Basically it is the same as rooting the NE9 build. For a detailed guide please see this link HERE. Credits to @JTidler for the post.

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

Instructions for Installing Safestrap Recovery

Until everything is 100% I will just post the link to hashcode's thread for the S5. Please keep in mind that this is ONLY FOR THE VERIZON S5. ATT users, DO NOT, i repeat, DO NOT flash Safestrap. Hashcode illicitly says not to in his thread. If you want up to date info on ATT Safestrap I suggest following Hashcode on twitter.

First and foremost you need to know what exactly safestrap is before proceeding.

Credit to Hashcode
"WHAT IS SAFESTRAP?

Safestrap is a Bootstrap / Recovery for locked bootloader phones. The goal is to avoid touching your primary system (I'll call this "stock" system) and only flash or make large changes to another place on your phone that Safestrap treats as a "2nd system" (in this case, it's a series of virtual ROM slots located on the internal emmc area: "/sdcard"). Once installed, you will see a "Splashscreen" giving you the option to hit "menu" to enter recovery. The recovery portion of Safestrap is now based on TWRP 2.7.1.x (a touch based recovery) and you can perform .zip installs, backups and restores here. The additional features I've added to TWRP are mostly located under the "Boot Options" menu:
Here you can create virtual ROM-slots (probably only 1 on the S5 due to partition size and internal space) for flashing ROMs. These ROM-slots allow for different sizes of /system, /data and /cache partitions. The defaults *SHOULD* be good enough for flashing the stock-based ROMs.

NOTE: The bigger you make these partition the less room you will have to make other ROM-slots.
You can activate a new ROM-slot by choosing the slot you wish to make active and then selecting the "Activate" button. Once active, you will see the "rom-slot#" up in the top of the screen shown in green. If you make the "stock" ROM active, then you can see it in the top shown in red.
Once a ROM-slot is active, all actions you would normally perform using TWRP are directed to that ROM-slot. For example, "Install" to flash a .zip, backup and restore."

Hashcode's Verizon S5 Safestrap Thread can be found HERE

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

Saftestrap Compatible ROMS!!!!

Last Updated 12/9/14
Know of a ROM you want listed? PM me

ROMS are starting to show up slowly and surely Check over in the Verizon Galaxy S5 Android Development Section HERE
I will be featuring a few in this post once I have had a chance to flash them and play with them or have enough info to feature them

Alliance ROM by @BeansTown106 is the most customizable ROM to date and can be found HERE
UPDATE 12/9/2014 - OP Beanstown106 has ended his support for the ROM, its last build was on NI2. Not to say someoen will not pick it up, but just a note. Stay Tuned

OptimalROM ROM by @BigBot96 offers a nice smooth optimized stock experience and can be found HERE

Eclipse S5 TW by @nitroglycerine33 is a TW based ROM that offers AOSP Stylign with a pure Google Experience. It can eb found HERE.

Symbiote Syndicate by @elliwigy is by far the smallest packaged ROM removing as much bloatware as possible and it can be found HERE

Rick's ROM by @Misterxtc is a simple Deodexed Debloated and Tweaked ROM based on @BeansTown106's base. It can be found HERE

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

Basic Tools & Fixes

ODIN Back to Stock
To view detailed instrcutions on how to ODIN back to Stock for VZW S5 see this post HERE

How to disable the annoying Security Update Notification
Using Titanium Backup look for the app "Security policy updates SPD_v2_1402_4_1" and freeze it

How to disable verizon OTA
Using Titanium Backup look for "SDM 1.0" and freeze it

Fix S-Health FC when using Xposed
See this link for step by step I recommend trying to back up Xposed settings as it requires you to uninstall it.
You also need to Wipe the data of the "Health Service" under "All" Apps for it to work. - CONFIRMED
6/18/14 - Spoke with Wanam Developer, doesnt seem to be an issue within Wanam, more then likely it is Xposed.

Allow Apps to write to extSD (Root Explorer or build.prop editor needed)
See explanation and thread HERE

Running List and How-To For Debloating Apps

I personally recommend 2 Apps to remove bloat. I will list instruction for Titanium Backup (TiBu)
1) Titanium Backup I use this 99% of the time. Please buy the PRO version and support great developers.
2) Root Explorer

To uninstall bloat. Open TiBu and select the middle option for "Backup/Restore"
Select the app you wish to remove
Select Un-install!
Poof!! no more bloat app.

Here is a list of apps safe to remove that will not cause you to have to have issues. This is how they appear in TiBu

This list will grow with time. Remember remove them at your own risk
Accessories
Amazon
Amzon app suite
Amazon Kindle
Amazon MP3
Appstore release
Audible
Caller Name ID
Cloud
HP Print Service Plugin
Message+
My Verizon Mobile
NFL Mobile
POLARIS Office 5
Slacker
Verizon Tones
Verizon Support & Protection
Voicemail
VZ Navigator

Fellow XDA memeber @xboxexpert has created a batch file method of removing bloat. See His thread HERE

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

Instructions for getting Xposed Module installed
Please keep in mind this is to be used at your own risk.

Visit the Xposed XDA thread HERE for all you need about installing Xposed Framework.

To install:
Download the latest Xposed APK
Select Framework
Hit Install/Update
Reboot Phone

Once installed I recommend the following Downloads form within Xposed
Wanam (Specific for Touchwiz modifications) Get it through Xposed or Get it HERE. You will get most of the nice UI tweeks you like form your favorite custom roms (Circle Battery, Center Clock, Etc etc)

Enable The downloaded Module:
From the Xposed main page select Modules and check off the one you want to use. (in this case and example i'll use Wanam)
Reboot phone

Open Wanam app make changes through app and reboot for them to take effect.

elliwigy · Jun 16, 2014

isnt there already threads for this? also, i think you can b more clear on a few things.. for example when you extract supersu the apk is in the "Common" folder.. i think ppl would get confused by saying "sideload" lol believe it or not ppl will think its sokethin else when really it means install it haha.. other than that nice seein someone post instructions to hopefully not clutter other threads with non sense.

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium HD app

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

elliwigy said:
isnt there already threads for this? also, i think you can b more clear on a few things.. for example when you extract supersu the apk is in the "Common" folder.. i think ppl would get confused by saying "sideload" lol believe it or not ppl will think its sokethin else when really it means install it haha.. other than that nice seein someone post instructions to hopefully not clutter other threads with non sense.

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium HD app

There are a bunch of threads and info in hundreds of pages. I'm trying to keep everything together in 1 place. I already spoke with a moderator about it. As for the SuperSU statement, yes I agree and forgot to mention that, it'll be noted. Thanks

mkitchin · Jun 16, 2014

elliwigy said:
isnt there already threads for this? also, i think you can b more clear on a few things.. for example when you extract supersu the apk is in the "Common" folder.. i think ppl would get confused by saying "sideload" lol believe it or not ppl will think its sokethin else when really it means install it haha.. other than that nice seein someone post instructions to hopefully not clutter other threads with non sense.

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium HD app

Yes. I started on for this purpose.
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2783800

elliwigy · Jun 16, 2014

mkitchin said:
Yes. I started on for this purpose.
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2783800

lol yea.. there was probably 3 or so before yours as well

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium HD app

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

mkitchin said:
Yes. I started on for this purpose.
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2783800

elliwigy said:
lol yea.. there was probably 3 or so before yours as well

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium HD app

Thats my point, there are a lot. Not trying to step on anyone but im justr trying to gather everything i find that is useful and put it into one thread that is kept up to date.

elgiraffe · Jun 16, 2014

Great thread. I'm glad to see it all in one place. All of this info was definitely in various posts and threads, but definitely not all in one. Thanks.

On the disabling of the security updates... I'm guessing I just freeze the "Security policy updates SPD_v2_1402_4_1".

Thanks again!!!

neversummer515 · Jun 16, 2014

Thanks for the info

So when loading/sideloading .apk's to the phone, I would do that through Odin, correct? I get used to being able to do everything through CWM, haven't used Odin since rooting my SIII. Thanks again for the this thread.

Franzie3 · Jun 16, 2014

elgiraffe said:
Great thread. I'm glad to see it all in one place. All of this info was definitely in various posts and threads, but definitely not all in one. Thanks.

On the disabling of the security updates... I'm guessing I just freeze the "Security policy updates SPD_v2_1402_4_1".

Thanks again!!!

no problem. this'd is a community so hopefully everyone helps out. I'll keep it up to date as best I can

neversummer515 said:
So when loading/sideloading .apk's to the phone, I would do that through Odin, correct? I get used to being able to do everything through CWM, haven't used Odin since rooting my SIII. Thanks again for the this thread.

no you just put the apk to sdcard in a download folder let's say. navigate to it through a file browser and install. just make sure you have unknown sources checked in your security settings

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

elliwigy · Jun 17, 2014

neversummer515 said:
So when loading/sideloading .apk's to the phone, I would do that through Odin, correct? I get used to being able to do everything through CWM, haven't used Odin since rooting my SIII. Thanks again for the this thread.

No.. lol sideloading means you download an apk and install it.. nothing special required.. thats y told op to b more clear on some of the verbiage since some ppl will get confused.. sideloading is downloading an apk and installing it.. not odin or cwm lmao

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium HD app

riotdog7 · Jun 17, 2014

Xposed Framework is causing major lag... Is there a fix for this?

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

Franzie3 · Jun 17, 2014

riotdog7 said:
Xposed Framework is causing major lag... Is there a fix for this?

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

the s-health fix mentioned in OP threads should help. since I've done it....no issues

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Romokos · Jun 17, 2014

I can't seem to find the "unlimited multi view" option in Wanam that the devs suggested to fix the s health issue. Any thoughts?

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

wwjoshdew · Jun 17, 2014

The SuperSU binary updated fine on my AT&T S5, and I showed how to do the process (outlined in post 2), in my video!

http://youtu.be/O00hn8Hfbow?t=3m50s

Franzie3 · Jun 17, 2014

Romokos said:
I can't seem to find the "unlimited multi view" option in Wanam that the devs suggested to fix the s health issue. Any thoughts?

Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Guy got back to me later on just didnt have a chance to update. Looks like that option fell out in their last update. Prior to us getting root. I suggest using the first post for fixing the lag. I worked for me

[HOW TO] [GUIDE] [Q&A] - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 ROOT & Then Some

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Retired Forum Moderator / Recognized Developer

Senior Member

Senior Member

Retired Forum Moderator / Recognized Developer

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Retired Forum Moderator / Recognized Developer

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Inactive Recognized Contributor

Senior Member

Similar threads

Top Liked Posts