Help!!! I have read too much!! S5 root and rom issues!

[Mrephunk]

Hello all! I am newly signed up but i have been lurking in here for quite a while now. I am like that I usually try not to post and just figure out what I need to do by research and trial and error! But lately I think i may have too much research. I have spent the last week looking up and trying to figure out what I need to do to get what I want lol.

I have a Verizon SM-G900V which has been rooted with towel root, using the flash back to NCG method. I have installed SuperSU, Flashfire, and, BusyBox.

I want to upgrade my OS to the newest version,(5.1 Lollipop I believe?) while retaining root and allowing me to wi-fi tether. What I am not sure about is how to go about this properly. I was about to install Safestrap but I am not sure it is compatible with my build which somehow magically changed to NE when I looked at my About Phone in Settings. I am actually not even sure I need Safestrap either because I have read many conflicting tutorials and info in the past week of research. I am totally new to Safestrap and have never used a custom rom before. I have however rooted my S5 and gotten it to tether fine but then I made sure never to OTA update. Recently was forced to factory restore because if what I assume where Touchwiz problems(The problems have been gone since I reset) and now I would like to see if I can upgrade my OS .

Any help would be awesome and some points in the right direction much appreciated.

 

[painiac]

SafeStrap is a little inconvenient to use in Lollipop, but it's a great safety net to keep in place. It allows you to take a snapshot of your system and restore it later. If you lack this safety net and something goes wrong with your OS, you have no choice but to start from scratch.

All you have to do to use SafeStrap with Lollipop: flash a KitKat kernel (you can do this with the NL1 flasher app) from the phone while it's running Lollipop, reboot into SafeStrap, and do what you have to do. You then must re-flash a "safestrap-flashable" Lollipop kernel from within SafeStrap before you leave it, or your operating system won't be able to boot.

As for upgrading, see this thread and links within it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/help/help-upgrading-rooted-nk7-verizon-s5-t3302438
Your firmware version is different but it's still KitKat, so all of the same advice applies.

 

[Mrephunk]

So I would definitely have to flash back to NCG in order to install safestrap right? because I am NE right now

 

[buhohitr]

So I would definitely have to flash back to NCG in order to install safestrap right? because I am NE right now

Have you try this? you will have root on the latest factory firmware and able to install Safestrap.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370

 

[Mrephunk]

Have you try this? you will have root on the latest factory firmware and able to install Safestrap.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370

I just want to be clear. I should go through all the steps listed in that thread to achieve what I want? Even tho I am on a 4.4.2 build and not a 5.0?

 

[painiac]

I just want to be clear. I should go through all the steps listed in that thread to achieve what I want? Even tho I am on a 4.4.2 build and not a 5.0?

That would work, as it involves flashing a BOK3 factory image and then rooting it.

You could do that, or you could just do the "keep root" method, which I had linked to in the thread I sent you to for explanation. http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900voe1-5-0-keeproot-t3149784

 

[Mrephunk]

That would work, as it involves flashing a BOK3 factory image and then rooting it.

You could do that, or you could just do the "keep root" method, which I had linked to in the thread I sent you to for explanation. http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900voe1-5-0-keeproot-t3149784

So the method you are linking above would be the better route to go, correct? Because the other method would update my bootloader to BOK3 which wont let me downgrade to NCG if I want to easy root again, right?

Sorry for all the questions here I just wanna make sure I get it right.

 

[painiac]

So the method you are linking above would be the better route to go, correct? Because the other method would update my bootloader to BOK3 which wont let me downgrade to NCG if I want to easy root again, right?

Sorry for all the questions here I just wanna make sure I get it right.

Both root methods will work for you. The advantage of the "Keep Root" method I linked to is that you would still be able to downgrade later. As long as you don't flash anything with a BOE or newer bootloader, you can downgrade. So BOD is safe, BOE1, BOG5, and BOK3 can not be downgraded.

 

[Mrephunk]

Both root methods will work for you. The advantage of the "Keep Root" method I linked to is that you would still be able to downgrade later. As long as you don't flash anything with a BOE or newer bootloader, you can downgrade. So BOD is safe, BOE1, BOG5, and BOK3 can not be downgraded.

OK so I am gonna go with your linked method. I dont wanna get stuck with one of those bootloaders. I should still be able to use safestrap with your method right? And tho I have never done it before I was entertaining the idea of flashing a custom ROM. That should still be possible with your method, correct?

 

[painiac]

OK so I am gonna go with your linked method. I dont wanna get stuck with one of those bootloaders. I should still be able to use safestrap with your method right? And tho I have never done it before I was entertaining the idea of flashing a custom ROM. That should still be possible with your method, correct?

You can use SafeStrap with either method. But when you're on Lollipop, you must flash a kitkat kernel to boot into safestrap, then you must re-flash your lollipop kernel BEFORE leaving SafeStrap or you won't be able to boot into Lollipop. It's not as complicated as it sounds.

 

[Mrephunk]

You can use SafeStrap with either method. But when you're on Lollipop, you must flash a kitkat kernel to boot into safestrap, then you must re-flash your lollipop kernel BEFORE leaving SafeStrap or you won't be able to boot into Lollipop. It's not as complicated as it sounds.

Yea I know, all of this sounds complicated but I understand it lol. But would I still be able to use a custom ROM using your method, I dont see why I couldnt, I just want to make sure I am ok?

 

[painiac]

Yea I know, all of this sounds complicated but I understand it lol. But would I still be able to use a custom ROM using your method, I dont see why I couldnt, I just want to make sure I am ok?

Yes. You can use any TouchWiz-based ROM, all of which can be found in the "Verizon Galaxy S 5 Android Development" section of the forum, and no other section.
ROMs can be flashed using SafeStrap or with Flashfire.

 

[Mrephunk]

Yes. You can use any TouchWiz-based ROM, all of which can be found in the "Verizon Galaxy S 5 Android Development" section of the forum, and no other section.
ROMs can be flashed using SafeStrap or with Flashfire.

Im just barely familiar with SafeStrap, and have never ever used FlashFire. Which of the 2 would you say is better to use?

 

[Mrephunk]

I also wanted to thank you for all this help and answering my constant questions. Thank you very much!

 

[painiac]

Im just barely familiar with SafeStrap, and have never ever used FlashFire. Which of the 2 would you say is better to use?

I have a slight preference for SafeStrap because I am accustomed to using custom recovery environments on previous phones (ClockworkMod Recovery, and later TWRP). SafeStrap is a modified TWRP environment, customized to work within the limitations imposed by the Verizon S5's locked bootloader.

FlashFire can do nearly everything that SafeStrap can do, the difference being is that it functions like an app. It's also more convenient to flash zips if you're on lollipop, because you don't have to **** around with flashing different kernels to boot into it, you just open the app, select the zip, and flash it. The downside to this is that if your OS is completely screwed up and won't boot, you can't access FlashFire.

But if that happens and you have SafeStrap recovery environment installed, you can flash a kitkat kernel with Odin and boot into SafeStrap to restore your nandroid backup, then flash a lollipop kernel and boot into your now-working phone.

For those reasons, I find it advantageous to use both.

---------- Post added at 08:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 AM ----------

I also wanted to thank you for all this help and answering my constant questions. Thank you very much!

You're quite welcome

 

[Mrephunk]

I have a slight preference for SafeStrap because I am accustomed to using custom recovery environments on previous phones (ClockworkMod Recovery, and later TWRP). SafeStrap is a modified TWRP environment, customized to work within the limitations imposed by the Verizon S5's locked bootloader.

FlashFire can do nearly everything that SafeStrap can do, the difference being is that it functions like an app. It's also more convenient to flash zips if you're on lollipop, because you don't have to **** around with flashing different kernels to boot into it, you just open the app, select the zip, and flash it. The downside to this is that if your OS is completely screwed up and won't boot, you can't access FlashFire.

But if that happens and you have SafeStrap recovery environment installed, you can flash a kitkat kernel with Odin and boot into SafeStrap to restore your nandroid backup, then flash a lollipop kernel and boot into your now-working phone.

For those reasons, I find it advantageous to use both.

---------- Post added at 08:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 AM ----------



You're quite welcome

OK so both it is lol. I see in the link to the thread which has the keep root tutorial it has 2 extra files a tether file and a batch de-bloater. I understand what the tether is but what exactly is the de-bloater? Also how do I install them, cause I definitely want the tether? Also, I noticed that my phone has some gone to a NE9 kitkat build, I would have to reflash to NCG, reroot and then install safestrap correct?

 

[painiac]

OK so both it is lol. I see in the link to the thread which has the keep root tutorial it has 2 extra files a tether file and a batch de-bloater. I understand what the tether is but what exactly is the de-bloater? Also how do I install them, cause I definitely want the tether? Also, I noticed that my phone has some gone to a NE9 kitkat build, I would have to reflash to NCG, reroot and then install safestrap correct?

The de-bloater is just a script that deletes unnecessary apps that came pre-installed on the phone. You use it by flashing the debloater zip in either SafeStrap or FlashFire. Personally, I prefer to use Titanium Backup to "freeze" the unwanted apps, because they can be easily reactivated if necessary. Once those apps are deleted by the debloater, you can't retrieve them. Probably everything in the script needs to die anyway, but if you actually like any of the extra stuff that came on your phone you'll want to avoid using that method.

The tether patch is installed the same way, by flashing it, but you only need it if you're staying with the stock OS. If you're installing a custom ROM, don't bother because they will have already implemented it.

If your phone says NE9 but it is rooted, don't worry about it. You'd only need to flash the NCG kernel if you have to use towelroot to regain root access. So just install SafeStrap and/or FlashFire.
Then do a nandroid backup in SafeStrap of your current setup. That way, if something goes catastrophically wrong with your Lollipop upgrade adventure you can, with a little work, get back to where you are now with all of your apps and settings intact.
Then flash the rooted Lollipop image in the "Keep Root" method thread.

 

[Mrephunk]

The de-bloater is just a script that deletes unnecessary apps that came pre-installed on the phone. You use it by flashing the debloater zip in either SafeStrap or FlashFire. Personally, I prefer to use Titanium Backup to "freeze" the unwanted apps, because they can be easily reactivated if necessary. Once those apps are deleted by the debloater, you can't retrieve them. Probably everything in the script needs to die anyway, but if you actually like any of the extra stuff that came on your phone you'll want to avoid using that method.

The tether patch is installed the same way, by flashing it, but you only need it if you're staying with the stock OS. If you're installing a custom ROM, don't bother because they will have already implemented it.

If your phone says NE9 but it is rooted, don't worry about it. You'd only need to flash the NCG kernel if you have to use towelroot to regain root access. So just install SafeStrap and/or FlashFire.
Then do a nandroid backup in SafeStrap of your current setup. That way, if something goes catastrophically wrong with your Lollipop upgrade adventure you can, with a little work, get back to where you are now with all of your apps and settings intact.
Then flash the rooted Lollipop image in the "Keep Root" method thread.

Cool, awesome thank you. So if I am running lollipop, I would have to use Odin to flash a kitkat kernel if I wanted to access to safestrap, right? It would need to be a rooted kernel too, right? Also was wondering if you could point me in the direction of the proper kernels I need. I have seen so many different NCG and other build kernels I am not sure which I should DL.

 

[painiac]

Cool, awesome thank you. So if I am running lollipop, I would have to use Odin to flash a kitkat kernel if I wanted to access to safestrap, right? It would need to be a rooted kernel too, right? Also was wondering if you could point me in the direction of the proper kernels I need. I have seen so many different NCG and other build kernels I am not sure which I should DL.

Yes, flash a KitKat kernel to get into SafeStrap from Lollipop. I don't think it matters which version.
NCG, NE9, NHA, NI2, and NK2 are all KitKat.
OA8, OC4, OD5, OE1, OG5, and OK3 are all Lollipop.
You can use the NI2flasher.apk (but I've seen reports that it doesn't always work), or you can flash it with Odin (which is a little less convenient, but does work well). You should keep an NCG kernel around for re-rooting in case you have to start over, and that one should work for booting into SafeStrap.

Flashing any "kernel only" file won't change your root status. Basically, the kernel is the layer that allows the hardware and the operating system (firmware and such) to communicate with each other. Root access lies entirely within the configuration of the operating system: flashing a kernel will not affect it, but flashing a different firmware will overwrite it.

KERNELS themselves are always safe to flash, but if the operating system can't use it that kernel it will simply get stuck early in the boot sequence. This is always reversible by flashing the proper kernel.
However, be very cautious about FIRMWARE zips, unless they specifically say they're safe for newer bootloaders. Firmware files also contain bootloaders, and flashing the wrong newer (BOE and up) bootloader will burn your bridge back to BOD5 and below, and if you're already on BOE or newer then flashing an older bootloader over it will brick your phone. Stick with jrkruse's "firmware only no bootloaders" files. Currently, his "BOK3 firmware with BOD5 bootloader" is the latest safe version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/g900vvru2bog5-factoryodintarimage-t3179527. So, to be clear: Flashing an OE1 or newer bootloader trips a qfuse that makes it impossible to downgrade the bootloader.

For the KitKat kernels, the ones posted here work fine: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784880
For the Lollipop kernels, stick with jrkruse's updated ones that he has in the second post of this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370

I've found with previous phones that it is advantageous to download and keep such files as soon as I find them, because experience has taught me that they're typically only posted in one place and they tend to disappear as the posters later lose interest in that model.

 

[Mrephunk]

Yes, flash a KitKat kernel to get into SafeStrap from Lollipop. I don't think it matters which version.
NCG, NE9, NHA, NI2, and NK2 are all KitKat.
OA8, OC4, OD5, OE1, OG5, and OK3 are all Lollipop.
You can use the NI2flasher.apk (but I've seen reports that it doesn't always work), or you can flash it with Odin (which is a little less convenient, but does work well). You should keep an NCG kernel around for re-rooting in case you have to start over, and that one should work for booting into SafeStrap.

Flashing any "kernel only" file won't change your root status. Basically, the kernel is the layer that allows the hardware and the operating system (firmware and such) to communicate with each other. Root access lies entirely within the configuration of the operating system: flashing a kernel will not affect it, but flashing a different firmware will overwrite it.

KERNELS themselves are always safe to flash, but if the operating system can't use it that kernel it will simply get stuck early in the boot sequence. This is always reversible by flashing the proper kernel.
However, be very cautious about FIRMWARE zips, unless they specifically say they're safe for newer bootloaders. Firmware files also contain bootloaders, and flashing the wrong newer (BOE and up) bootloader will burn your bridge back to BOD5 and below, and if you're already on BOE or newer then flashing an older bootloader over it will brick your phone. Stick with jrkruse's "firmware only no bootloaders" files. Currently, his "BOK3 firmware with BOD5 bootloader" is the latest safe version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/g900vvru2bog5-factoryodintarimage-t3179527. So, to be clear: Flashing an OE1 or newer bootloader trips a qfuse that makes it impossible to downgrade the bootloader.

For the KitKat kernels, the ones posted here work fine: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784880
For the Lollipop kernels, stick with jrkruse's updated ones that he has in the second post of this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370

I've found with previous phones that it is advantageous to download and keep such files as soon as I find them, because experience has taught me that they're typically only posted in one place and they tend to disappear as the posters later lose interest in that model.

OK rooted phone all went well. Installed Tether patch and now when I connect to wifi it doesnt work. I get a DNS error message in my browser and play store wont work, basically nothing will work when I am connected to wifi. Any thoughts on what to do? Was thinking maybe of going to jkruse's custom rom but not sure if that will help. If I do go to that rom will I need to go back to Kitkat or can I just use a flashfire and flash as is?

Update: The DNS error I seem to have fixed, but my question still stands for the jkruse's ROM. Also is it better to use a custom ROM? I have never really used one, so I am curious.

Ohh and you have been so much help painiac I really appreciate you answering all my questions. I was really at a standstill for a while there. You are truly a helpful person and I thank you.