[GUIDE] [Updated] Safely Upgrade and Root (NI2) + VoLTE

[AZK520]

Update: People seem to be getting confused. You take the latest ota after step 2 then continue. When you are done there should be no OTA as you are on the latest firmware

Before I start this is how I rooted MY phone and a few friends as we all wanted to test out Verizon's new VoLTE only on Android 4.4.4. I Just fallowed other guides (Links below) To get this to root my phone and did not do any of this without XDA help.

If you wish to use VoLTE fallow the link here:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/advanced-calling.html

DO NOT DO OTA! To NHA IF ROOTES OR EVER ROOTED

The ota update should fail, if it does not you might get stuck on a bootloop and need to reset your phone. this happened to me and someone else I was helping.

Files To Download:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712472866 (Unzip NI2_stock_kernel.tar.md5)
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567722142 (G900V_NCG_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5)
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712472389 (G900VVRU1ANHA_G900VVZW1ANHA_VZW.zip)
www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358547889 (Odin)

Steps.
Pre: Install Towel Root prior https://towelroot.com/ if you have not already.

(Step 1 is Only If your not already on NHA or made changes beyond rooting to your device)
1. Update To 4.4.4 using G900VVRU1ANHA_G900VVZW1ANHA_VZW.zip, Extract the files and select it in AP under Odin. Turn off your device and hold DOWN VOLUME + HOME + POWER to get into Download Mode, you phone should show up in Odin if it does not, then manually download the drivers from Here


2. Once your phone shows up on Odin press "Start" and wait a few minutes.

2.5 NEW STEP: Take OTA to NI2.

3. Once your phones starts put it back into download mode, and select G900V_NCG_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 under PA and Click start and wait a few minutes.

4. Once your phone restarts you may notice some apps will start to fail and force close, this is why I had you install Towel Root prior so we can get in and get out, Press Ok or Force Close continuously if necessary until you get Towel Root open and "Make it rain". Then turn off the phone and go back into Download Mode.

5. Now flash NI2_stock_kernel.tar.md5 and let the phone restart

6. Everything should be good! Enjoy and message for help.


I am not responsible for what happens!! Well unless you get it working 100% and are happy. But There is a risk

Credits:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53447942&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55344776&postcount=9

 

[joshua.justice]

Anyone try this yet?

 

[boothroyd917]

Does this include the little incremental update that came out yesterday? I followed the steps outlined here http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/vzw-ota-4-4-4-pushed-t2872220/post55347753 and am now rooted on 4.4.4 (NHA). What about yesterday's update (NI2)?

 

[AZK520]

Does this include the little incremental update that came out yesterday? I followed the steps outlined here http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/vzw-ota-4-4-4-pushed-t2872220/post55347753 and am now rooted on 4.4.4 (NHA). What about yesterday's update (NI2)?

Yes I just updated the files, Enjoy

 

[whtciv2k]

Before I start this is how I rooted MY phone and a few friends as we all wanted to test out Verizon's new VoLTE only on Android 4.4.4. I Just fallowed other guides (Links below) To get this to root my phone and did not do any of this without XDA help.

If you wish to use VoLTE fallow the link here:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/advanced-calling.html

DO NOT DO OTA! To NHA

If it does not fail you will be might get suck on a bootloop and need to reset your phone this happened to me and someone else I was helping.

Files To Download:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712472866 (Unzip NI2_stock_kernel.tar.md5)
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567722142 (G900V_NCG_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5)
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712472389 (G900VVRU1ANHA_G900VVZW1ANHA_VZW.zip)
www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358547889 (Odin)

Steps.
Pre: Install Towel Root prior https://towelroot.com/ if you have not already.

(Step 1 Only If not already on NHA or made changes beyond rooting)
1. Update To 4.4.4 using G900VVRU1ANHA_G900VVZW1ANHA_VZW.zip, Extract the files and select it in AP under Odin. Turn off your device and hold DOWN VOLUME + HOME + POWER to get into Download Mode, you phone should show up in Odin if it does not, then manually download the drivers from Here


2. Once your phone shows up on Odin press "Start" and wait a few minutes.

NEW STEP: Take OTA to NI2.

3. Once your phones starts put it back into download mode, and select G900V_NCG_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 under PA and Click start and wait a few minutes.

4. Once your phone restarts you may notice some apps will start to fail and force close, this is why I had you install Towel Root prior so we can get in and get out, Press Ok or Force Close continuously if necessary until you get Towel Root open and "Make it rain". Then turn off the phone and go back into Download Mode.

5. Now flash NI2_stock_kernel.tar.md5 and let the phone restart

6. Everything should be good! Enjoy and message for help.


I am not responsible for what happens!! There is a risk.

Credits:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53447942&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55344776&postcount=9

does using ODIN to load the new updates just break root or does it wipe the phone as well?

 

[AZK520]

does using ODIN to load the new updates just break root or does it wipe the phone as well?

Just breaks root. Although always make backups just in case something goes wrong.

 

[whtciv2k]

it's hanging at the VZ logo when booting after trying odin to NHA. I guess I'll just odin back to stock and start the process

 

[scadilla]

Are these instructions good for people on Safestrap and people who are just on rooted stock (no safestrap)?

 

[AZK520]

it's hanging at the VZ logo when booting after trying odin to NHA. I guess I'll just odin back to stock and start the process

This happened to me. I did a reset from volm up and power it fixed it without actually wiping my phone.Try flashing the older kernel and update me

 

[AZK520]

Are these instructions good for people on Safestrap and people who are just on rooted stock (no safestrap)?

I was using safe strap but I had to Uninstall it after the update then reinstall.

 

[whtciv2k]

This happened to me. I did a reset from volm up and power it fixed it without actually wiping my phone.

I ODIN'd back and fourth a few times and it finally booted to NHA. I'm taking the NI2 update now. w00t!

 

[AZK520]

I ODIN'd back and fourth a few times and it finally booted to NHA. I'm taking the NI2 update now. w00t!

Awesome NHA has alot of problems for me. SDcard update failing etc

 

[GoldenArcher96]

I used Towelroot to root my GS5 back in April. I haven't done any updates (as far as I can remember), still running 4.4.2 with firmware NCG. I've also installed several Xposed mods.

Would this method still work for me to upgrade to the newest OTA and keep root, without wiping my data?

 

[slvrbul]

I had no problems, I used Odin to flash NHA, then took update, Odin to NCG Kernel Root Superuser, back to NI2 Kernel and was all fine !!!

Chief !!!

 

[AZK520]

I used Towelroot to root my GS5 back in April. I haven't done any updates (as far as I can remember), still running 4.4.2 with firmware NCG. I've also installed several Xposed mods.

Would this method still work for me to upgrade to the newest OTA and keep root, without wiping my data?

I just bought my s5 from s4, came with NCG I keep it that way for a week (rooted) before upgrading, I upgraded because I wanted VoLTE so yes

 

[skullvet]

Worked great. Have root on NI2 and didn't have to wipe phone. Thanks!

 

[descriminator]

Phone got wiped first time i entered download mode. strange.

Either case, did the steps, looked good, then OTA notifier came in about NI2, took that and now no root Shouldn't have?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[AZK520]

Phone got wiped first time i entered download mode. strange.

Either case, did the steps, looked good, then OTA notifier came in about NI2, took that and now no root Shouldn't have?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Did you use the download I provided? We're you already on 4.4.4 maybe.

Also now do steps after 2 again and let me know the outcome make sure to redownlaod files (the kernels) in order to make sure nothing broke

 

[descriminator]

Did you use the download I provided? We're you already on 4.4.4 maybe.

Also now do steps after 2 again and let me know the outcome make sure to redownlaod files (the kernels) in order to make sure nothing broke

gonna try to downgrade,re-root, upgrade again then. Will post results.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[whtciv2k]

gonna try to downgrade,re-root, upgrade again then. Will post results.

Thanks!!!!!

I just kept trying and got it. I think the hotspot patch is no good. has anyone had any success? I get stuck at the red VZ logo on boot after I installed that.