Hi XDA people,
Just found this workaround for rooting latest 4.4.2 stock firmware without tripping Knox.
This method downgrades the firmware(System & Kernel) on your device to N7100XXUEMK4 except for the bootloader.
Dont even try to downgrade the bootloader as this isn't possible.
What you need:
1.Odin v3.09
2.Stock official N7100XXUFND3 firmware on your device.
3. A device with Knox Warranty Void: 0
Procedure:
1.Download N7100XXUEMK4 Stock Rom from HERE
2. Open the downloaded file.You will find 4 .tar.md5 files and an Odinv3.09 zip file inside.
3. Extract the Odin file and setup Odin on your PC.
4. Next extract the file named AP_N7100XXUEMK4_2099172_REV04_user_low_ship.tar.md5
5. Load this file into AP tab on Odin. Connect your phone in Odin mode and flash this file.
( Note : You have to flash only the AP file from Odin. Do not flash the other files namely CP, CSC, BL)
6. Now once the phone has rebooted go back to download mode and check if Knox has tripped or not.
7. Next use Saferoot from HERE to root your device.
(You would find the guide on how to root using saferoot easily over HERE
8. Now if saferoot was able to root your device then you must be rooted without tripping Knox. :good:
9. Now you can easily flash your official firmware through mobile odin. Select Everroot option on Mobile odin while flashing the new firmware. In this way you wont lose root access.
Known Issues:
If after rooting you want to flash custom recovery via mobile odin, or via DR.Ketan's utilities app please note that it will trip knox.
Knox remains cool until your recovery is stock. The moment a custom recovery is detected knox goes 1.
Credits:
@k1mu for saferoot
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