Hello I'm relatively new to Android had the note 3 since it came out and had a few roms flashed, I have a signal problem since my first rom flashed and can never get strong lte. I'm in Toronto so I know we have good signal so I am trying different options. Currently running Will03 Slimkat when I enter the Modem CP (in step 1) into odin it doesn't stick and just causes reboots afterwards do I have to do a clean install of step 1 in op and then load the rom for NB7 to stick? Currently have MJ4. Also would this make my lte signal stronger?
Hello I'm relatively new to Android had the note 3 since it came out and had a few roms flashed, I have a signal problem since my first rom flashed and can never get strong lte. I'm in Toronto so I know we have good signal so I am trying different options. Currently running Will03 Slimkat when I enter the Modem CP (in step 1) into odin it doesn't stick and just causes reboots afterwards do I have to do a clean install of step 1 in op and then load the rom for NB7 to stick? Currently have MJ4. Also would this make my lte signal stronger?
Hello I'm relatively new to Android had the note 3 since it came out and had a few roms flashed, I have a signal problem since my first rom flashed and can never get strong lte. I'm in Toronto so I know we have good signal so I am trying different options. Currently running Will03 Slimkat when I enter the Modem CP (in step 1) into odin it doesn't stick and just causes reboots afterwards do I have to do a clean install of step 1 in op and then load the rom for NB7 to stick? Currently have MJ4. Also would this make my lte signal stronger?
hey guys! I've been getting a lot of pm's and noticing a lot of people who don't know when their canadian n900w8's knox would trip, or whether it will trip, which firmwares are trippable, and whatnot. I will clear all those questions away in this one thread. I will be updating the op post often to reflect the status of the latest canadian firmwares for knox trips.
current firmware: n900w8vlucnb7 status:semi-invulnerable latest recommended modem:n900w8vlucnb7
if you have an invulnerable bootloader, you can flash any of the latest modems through odin no problem, download and flash under cp.
if the modem does not stick after flashing:
flash it without auto-reboot ticked.
Manually turn off your phone, then immediately go back into download mode.
Flash it again, then manually reboot the phone after done.
vulnerable: trippable invulnerable: untrippable under any circumstances while running the bootloader loaded phone. Odin flashing friendly. semi-invulnerable: trippable under one condition (can be ignored if you don't plan to downgrade). Otherwise they are all untrippable.
currently known n900w8 4.3 vulnerable bootloaders: mi5, mj1, mj4 currently known n900w8 4.4.2 invulnerable bootloaders: mexican na2 currently known n900w8 4.4.2 semi-invulnerable bootloaders: nb7
for the people running mi5, mj1 vulnerable bootloaders (excluding mj4) and not willing to upgrade to 4.4.2 -> i suggest using urdlv to root without tripping knox: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=46818375 for the people running mj4 vulnerable bootloader and not willing to upgrade to 4.4.2 -> you can use kingo root to root, however as this is a fondly avoided app, as the first version sent your imei to a server in china. Hesitant to upgrade to 4.4.2? You're done. for the people running mj4 vulnerable bootloader -> i suggest following this guide to get your phone to 4.4.2, so you get the mexican bootloader to be free of all knox and it's dread. (highly recommended) for the people running nb7 semi-invulnerable bootloader -> you are free to root, custom rom flash, replace your kernel, modem updating through odin, etc. Just do not attempt to downgrade if you want to preserve knox.
q: But but but, what if i.....
a: Na2 bootloader? Nothing you do can touch your bootloader unless you intentionally upgrade your phone through kies or odin. These are the only two tools that is able to touch your bootloader. Everything you do will preserve knox. The hierarchy of your phone stands so that the bootloader is on top of the recovery partition, and everything else is under recovery. Recovery is unable to touch the bootloader (like how a normal office worker can't fire their boss).
q: How about.....
a: Na2 bootloader? You are safe. Stop worrying about sh*t.
q: How does this work?
a: The mexican na2 was a leaked firmware for the n900w8 intended for development devices, it was never released in the "na#"'s officially for the n900w8 models. (need confirmation if tripped knox on the mexican version of n900w8) this could mean they turned off the functionality of the security breach on these devices while trying to distinguish the two different n900w8's modems so they don't trip everyone's knox when the ota is released. In layman's terms, the mexican firmware was the base for the canadian version, but when applying different patches to distinguish the two regions, they needed a development version that doesn't trip knox. The latest nb7 was not patched most probably due to either not noticing this flaw or slow updates as usual (very, very slow).
q: How do i check my bootloader version?
a: Using @vndnguyen's app on the play store, located here. Look under firmware info (in green), and then under bootloader version. Take the last three characters for the actual bootloader version.
my guide to get any canadian note 3 on 4.3 to 4.4.2 safely without tripping knox
credits will also go to @oogar and @polish_pat for the tutorials and their original files!
This is my version of @oogar's and @polish_pat's guides, and i will keep them up to date. What's the difference? Well i will keep the links as fresh as possible and mirroring them as i see fit.
I will also provide pictures so that you will be assured you are doing the correct thing.
step 0: Verify your bootloader version
if your bootloader is of version mi5, mj1 or mj4, move onto the next step. Click the button below for a brief instruction how to check.
If your bootloader is of version na2 (somehow) or nb7, skip to the contents of step 4, however you won't be on a "happy" (invulnerable) bootloader if you are on nb7.
using @vndnguyen's app on the play store, located here. Look under firmware info (in green), and then under bootloader version. Take the last three characters for the actual bootloader version.
note: this will erase all your data from your phone as you will be flashing a leaked firmware. Official roms do not wipe your data. Make sure you make a backup.
install kies, then reboot your computer. (do not open kies, it will affect odin!)
extract odin3 on your desktop using winrar or 7zip.
open up "odin3 v3.09.exe"
turn off your phone and hold the home button + volume down + power button until you see a warning -> press down to continue.
plug in your phone using the original usb 3.0 cable (highly recommended)
step 2 complete! Move onto the next step if you succeeded. If not, try restarting your computer.
step 3: Odin's opened, device detected!
make sure your odin looks exactly like this (as shown in the photo below) with all the defaulted values. Do not tick anything unnecessary that is not mentioned in the photo. If your odin looks exactly like the photo i showed, move onto the next step (excluding id:com values).
now add in the files you downloaded above according to their bracket names. make sure that you uncheck re-partition once all the files are set.
click start and wait for the process to finish!
note: If you can't boot up normally, retry the process above but check re-partition in odin instead.
step 4: You are now on the famous n900w8 "happy" (invulnerable) bootloader!
if you just want to obtain root and custom recovery, move on to step 5 and finish there.
if you want to flash roms, move on to step 6. (note: Yes you can follow step 6 after step 5, but if you plan to flash roms at the start, you don't have to root your current rom.)
step 5: I'm not going to flash roms, i just need root and custom recovery....
step 6: I will flash a custom rom after this.... note: you will need an external sd card for this as most roms wipe your internal, meaning you lose your installer package while the aroma installer autowipes, and the install will corrupt.
turn off your phone and hold the home button + volume down + power button until you see a warning -> press down to continue.
in odin, press reset, then in odin's ap area, select "openrecovery-twrp-2.7.1.0-hltecan-4.4.img.tar"
click start
once it is complete, take a nandroid backup of your current rom.
boot into your current rom and take the nandroid backup out of your phone's internal storage, and move it into your external sd. [urgent]
put your custom rom you desire into your external sd, in this guide i will be guiding for an n9005 rom.
put your custom kernel you desire into your external sd, you will need an n900t kernel [important, any stock kernel will break wifi/nfc functionality](if aosp rom, skip this step)
Seems I had to elaborate a bit further. As when I said you had to take a nandroid backup, you had to boot into recovery and depending on your recovery, you will take the nandroid backup there, TWRP or CWM.
If you need the instructions just reply to me, no need to quote the main OP
Seems I had to elaborate a bit further. As when I said you had to take a nandroid backup, you had to boot into recovery and depending on your recovery, you will take the nandroid backup there, TWRP or CWM.
If you need the instructions just reply to me, no need to quote the main OP
Did the root and Knox is still 0x0. Just not sure what ROM to put on it now. The only thing I want fixed is the GPS does not lock. Anyone have a recommendation?
Did the root and Knox is still 0x0. Just not sure what ROM to put on it now. The only thing I want fixed is the GPS does not lock. Anyone have a recommendation?
When I was on 4.3 GPS lock was fine, when i moved up to 4.4.2 it seemed to have killed it. I noticed that if I turn LTE off then it will lock a lot quicker but its a nuisance to turn it on and off all the time. . I tried to d/l C-Rom and AOKP but thinking I should go back to TW, I will try X-Note and see how it goes. Is there a newer modem file that works better? I'm on NB7
When I was on 4.3 GPS lock was fine, when i moved up to 4.4.2 it seemed to have killed it. I noticed that if I turn LTE off then it will lock a lot quicker but its a nuisance to turn it on and off all the time. . I tried to d/l C-Rom and AOKP but thinking I should go back to TW, I will try X-Note and see how it goes. Is there a newer modem file that works better? I'm on NB7
Hello, thank you for the amazing guide in the OP, I havent been following the scene too closely lately so Im wondering, whats the best ROM for the Canadian Note 3 at this point?
Im having massive issues with Battery Drain and slow device since upgrading to Kitkat, is there something I can do about that by just rooting the phone and doing something? or is there a ROM thats recommended for this?
Hello, thank you for the amazing guide in the OP, I havent been following the scene too closely lately so Im wondering, whats the best ROM for the Canadian Note 3 at this point?
Im having massive issues with Battery Drain and slow device since upgrading to Kitkat, is there something I can do about that by just rooting the phone and doing something? or is there a ROM thats recommended for this?
There is no best rom, it depends on what you're looking for. Temasek's unofficial CM11 is very popular though, as well as his kernel + official CM11, but I'd recommend the unofficial.
Click thanks if I helped you
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
In my case, no. I haven't bumped into the infamous GPS problem yet, all I know is that the compass doesn't align properly all the time.
The modem sends and receives signals, either using Google's 'enhanced' feature that locks on to your GPS signal using data signals and wifi to sniff out other device's locations. If the modem is outdated or buggy, it may not only just give you bad signal to call and text, but also gives you longer load times and battery drainage.
However, GPS is not modem-dependant. As the device itself has it's own AGPS chip integrated into the device, the most common problems are just the system's gps.conf file configured to not search/something to do with GPS profiling.
So yes, improper data transmission through the outdated modem (MJ4 (4.3) modem on an NB7 ROM) can cause disruption in the GPS.
There is no best rom, it depends on what you're looking for. Temasek's unofficial CM11 is very popular though, as well as his kernel + official CM11, but I'd recommend the unofficial.
Click thanks if I helped you
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
If it is a Touchwiz based rom then no you do not. If it is an AOSP based rom then yes you do. Your stylus will still work you just won't be able to use the button on the side or any of the fancy apps that are made for the stylus.
Mexican N900W8 already on CNC1, can I downgrade the bootloader?
hi all,
Can I downgrade my Mexican N900W8 bootloader from CNC1 to the NA2 bootloader? If so, do I still need to repartition the device, or can I just flash the bootloader and be OK? How about using Odin Mobile?
Can I downgrade my Mexican N900W8 bootloader from CNC1 to the NA2 bootloader? If so, do I still need to repartition the device, or can I just flash the bootloader and be OK? How about using Odin Mobile?
Flashing a Modem:
If you have an invulnerable bootloader, you can flash any of the latest modems through Odin no problem, download and flash under CP.
If the modem does not stick after flashing:
Flash it without Auto-reboot ticked.
Manually turn off your phone (battery pull required), then immediately go back into Download Mode.
Flash it again, then manually reboot the phone (battery pull again) after done.
GPS Problems Fix (Not Locking):Here by @crom1.
Thanks @Calen77 for the find!
Vulnerable: Trippable Invulnerable: Untrippable under any circumstances while running the bootloader loaded phone. Odin flashing friendly. Semi-invulnerable: Trippable under one condition (can be ignored if you don't plan to downgrade). Otherwise they are all untrippable.
All 4.3 N900W8 bootloaders are normal bootloaders and will trip when it detects any modification.
All 4.4.2 N900W8 bootloaders are unable to be trippedwhen doing just rooting and installing custom recovery.
-> The leaked Mexican bootloader allows you to avoid tripping the bootloader even through a downgrade of 4.4.2 to 4.3.
-> Canadian 4.4.2 bootloaders will trip if you attempt any downgrade to 4.3. This is the only issue.
-> You can flash a different modem, a different ROM base (AOSP or TW), CSC, Kernel, Recovery and NOT trip KNOX on any devices.
Currently known N900W8 4.3 vulnerable bootloaders: MI5, MJ1, MJ4 Currently known N900W8 4.4.2 invulnerable bootloaders: MEXICAN NA2 Currently known N900W8 4.4.2 semi-invulnerable bootloaders: NB7 Currently known N900W8 5.0 vulnerable bootloaders: DOC4
For the people running MI5, MJ1 vulnerable bootloaders (excluding MJ4) and not willing to upgrade to 4.4.2 -> I suggest using URDLV to root without tripping KNOX: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=46818375 For the people running MJ4 vulnerable bootloader and not willing to upgrade to 4.4.2 -> You can use Kingo root to root, however this is a fondly avoided app, as the first version sent your IMEI to a server in China. Hesitant to upgrade to 4.4.2? You're done. For the people running MJ4 vulnerable bootloader -> I suggest following the guide below this Q&A to get your phone to 4.4.2, so you get the Mexican bootloader to be free of all KNOX and it's dread. (Highly recommended) For the people running NB7 semi-invulnerable bootloader -> You are free to root, custom ROM flash, replace your kernel, modem updating through Odin, etc. Just do not attempt to downgrade if you want to preserve KNOX.
Q: But but but, what if I.....
A: NA2 bootloader? Nothing you do can touch your bootloader UNLESS you intentionally upgrade your phone through KIES or Odin. These are the only two tools that is able to touch your bootloader. Everything you do will preserve KNOX. The hierarchy of your phone stands so that the bootloader is on top of the recovery partition, and everything else is under recovery. Recovery is unable to touch the Bootloader (like how a normal office worker can't fire their boss).
Q: How about.....
A: NA2 bootloader? You are safe. Stop worrying about sh*t.
Q: How does this work?
A: The Mexican NA2 was a leaked firmware for the N900W8 intended for development devices, it was never released in the "NA#"'s officially for the N900W8 models. (Need confirmation if tripped KNOX on the Mexican version of N900W8) This could mean they turned off the functionality of the security breach on these devices while trying to distinguish the two different N900W8's modems so they don't trip everyone's KNOX when the OTA is released. In layman's terms, the Mexican firmware was the base for the Canadian version, but when applying different patches to distinguish the two regions, they needed a development version that doesn't trip KNOX. The latest NB7 was not patched most probably due to either not noticing this flaw or slow updates as usual (very, very slow).
Q: How do I check my bootloader version?
A: Using @vndnguyen's app on the play store, located here. Look under Firmware Info (in green), and then under Bootloader version. Take the last three characters for the actual bootloader version.
Q: I'm on DOC4, can I follow the guide after this?
A: No.
My guide to get any Canadian Note 3 on 4.3 to 4.4.2 safely without tripping KNOX
Credits will also go to @Oogar and @polish_pat for the tutorials and their original files!
This is my version of @Oogar's and @polish_pat's guides, and I will keep them up to date. What's the difference? Well I will keep the links as fresh as possible and mirroring them as I see fit.
I will also provide pictures so that you will be assured you are doing the correct thing.
Step 0: Verify your BOOTLOADER version
If your bootloader is of version MI5, MJ1 or MJ4, move onto the next step. Click the button below for a brief instruction how to check.
If your bootloader is of version NA2 (somehow) or NB7, skip to the contents of Step 4, however you won't be on a "happy" (invulnerable) bootloader if you are on NB7.
Using @vndnguyen's app on the play store, located here. Look under Firmware Info (in green), and then under Bootloader version. Take the last three characters for the actual bootloader version.
NOTE: This will erase all your data from your phone as you will be flashing a LEAKED firmware. Official ROMs do not wipe your data. Make sure you make a backup.
Install Kies, then reboot your computer. (Do not open Kies, it will affect Odin!)
Extract Odin3 on your desktop using WinRAR or 7zip.
Open up "Odin3 v3.09.exe"
Turn off your phone and hold the HOME BUTTON + VOLUME DOWN + POWER BUTTON until you see a warning -> Press Down to Continue.
Plug in your phone using the original USB 3.0 cable (highly recommended)
Step 2 complete! Move onto the next step if you succeeded. If not, try restarting your computer.
Step 3: Odin's opened, device detected!
Make sure your Odin looks exactly like this (as shown in the photo below) with all the defaulted values. Do not tick anything unnecessary that is not mentioned in the photo. If your Odin looks EXACTLY like the photo I showed, move onto the next step (excluding ID:COM values).
Now add in the files you downloaded above according to their bracket names. Make sure that you UNCHECK Re-partition once all the files are set.
Click start and wait for the process to finish!
NOTE: If you can't boot up normally, retry the process above but check Re-Partition in Odin instead.
Step 4: You are now on the famous N900W8 "happy" (invulnerable) bootloader!
If you just want to obtain root and custom recovery, move on to Step 5 and finish there.
If you want to flash ROMs, move on to Step 6. (NOTE: Yes you can follow Step 6 after Step 5, but if you plan to flash ROMs at the start, you don't have to root your current ROM.)
Step 5: I'm not going to flash ROMs, I just need root and custom recovery....
Step 6: I will flash a custom ROM after this.... NOTE: YOU WILL NEED AN EXTERNAL SD CARD FOR THIS AS MOST ROMS WIPE YOUR INTERNAL, MEANING YOU LOSE YOUR INSTALLER PACKAGE WHILE THE AROMA INSTALLER AUTOWIPES, AND THE INSTALL WILL CORRUPT.
Turn off your phone and hold the HOME BUTTON + VOLUME DOWN + POWER BUTTON until you see a warning -> Press Up to Continue.
In Odin, press Reset, then In Odin's AP area, select "openrecovery-twrp-2.8.3.0-hltecan-4.4.img.tar"
Click Start
Once it is complete, take a Nandroid backup of your current ROM.
Boot into your current ROM and take the Nandroid backup out of your phone's internal storage, and move it into your external SD. [URGENT]
Put your custom ROM you desire into your external SD, in this guide I will be guiding for an N9005 ROM.
Put your custom Kernel you desire into your external SD, you will need an N900T kernel [IMPORTANT, ANY STOCK N9005 KERNEL WILL BREAK WIFI/NFC FUNCTIONALITY](If AOSP OR S5 ROM, skip this step)
Turn off your phone and hold the HOME BUTTON + VOLUME UP + POWER BUTTON until you see "RECOVERY BOOTING..."
Install the three files in this procedure: Wipe /system, wipe /data, wipe /cache, wipe /dalvik-cache, FLASH CUSTOM ROM → FLASH N900T KERNEL (SKIP IF AOSP OR S5) → FLASH NFC/WIFI/BT FIX (SKIP IF AOSP OR S5)
i did, but i am new, thats why i need to confirm i understand right or wrong. If you have time to say something like that, so you can answer me such as yes or no. Its very easy and simple, dont be rude like told me read the guide again and again.
I dont want to brick my note 3, thats why need experience people help me a little bit. If you dont want to, you dont need to reply, waste your time.
Thank you anyway.
I'm not rude. I'm the person who spent days writing this guide and extensively spent time making it noob-proof - as well as spending my time solving other people's problems on this thread. But when a person strolls into this thread asking the most basic things as if they didn't read the guide, won't it be wise to tell that guy to read the guide?
Honestly, the guide is written in step by step form, with every single step clearly written out. This guide is meant to be fail proof if you read. The fact that you complain while the thread here was made to be as user friendly, just boggles my mind.
If you needed help, I added a little cute G+ in my signature and you could ask me there, I'm a nice person that helps people step by step, and crack a few jokes here and there.
In my case, no. I haven't bumped into the infamous GPS problem yet, all I know is that the compass doesn't align properly all the time.
The modem sends and receives signals, either using Google's 'enhanced' feature that locks on to your GPS signal using data signals and wifi to sniff out other device's locations. If the modem is outdated or buggy, it may not only just give you bad signal to call and text, but also gives you longer load times and battery drainage.
However, GPS is not modem-dependant. As the device itself has it's own AGPS chip integrated into the device, the most common problems are just the system's gps.conf file configured to not search/something to do with GPS profiling.
So yes, improper data transmission through the outdated modem (MJ4 (4.3) modem on an NB7 ROM) can cause disruption in the GPS.
It should work. Try again. If it still doesn't work. Do a battery pull two times.
Flash with Auto Reboot unchecked -> manually power off -> yank battery before you see any Samsung logo -> put battery back in -> Hold the download mode combination (if you see Samsung logo you failed and will require a full restart) -> Flash with Auto Reboot unchecked -> manually power off -> yank battery before you see any Samsung logo -> put battery back in -> restart.
