How To Install AOSP S4 Google Edition ROM Using SafeStrap on Verizon NC5 i545

[ppat324wi]

so I need to ODIN back to stock NC5 and go from there? I think it was on Eclipse GE before

Yes, that would be your safest bet. Although, I did come directly from Eclipse GE as well and had no problems whatsoever.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

 

[javajoe1981]

Yes, that would be your safest bet. Although, I did come directly from Eclipse GE as well and had no problems whatsoever.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I'll give that a shot and see what happens. thanks for the help

 

[marbertshere]

so I need to ODIN back to stock NC5 and go from there? I think it was on Eclipse GE before

That could've been the problem. You're supposed to come from stock. I keep a stock nandroid but if you don't have one then I guess you gotta Odin back

 

[skeezer308]

That could've been the problem. You're supposed to come from stock. I keep a stock nandroid but if you don't have one then I guess you gotta Odin back

I've come from stock Eclipse and Hyperdrive, and never had any problems like that. I've never had my data drop when I'm in a call, but if I screw with any network settings my coverage drops and I have to type *#*#4636#*#* in the dialer and choose CDMA/ LTE through that menu

 

[dm1105]

I originally had problems installing the 4.4.4 update as well. I'm not sure why, but when I edited the 4.4.4 update zip beyond the APN.comf.xml file it would not flash. It ended up working when I flashed them back to back with ONLY the apn file changed in BOTH zips. I just replaced the build.prop file in Root Browser after I flashed 4.4.4. Changed the original build.prop to build.prop.bak and then copied the alternative Verizon build.prop to the same directory, and then changed the permissions.

EDIT: It also may help to download them from the computer. I just had better luck that way, but your results may vary.

GOT IT RESLOVED!
I decided to start from scratch. This time I ONLY replaced the apns-conf.xml file in system/etc from the apns-build_4.4.3.zip. I then re-installed the newly modified gpe_443_safestrap.zip over again (along with the NC5 modules & SuperSU zip for good measure). As you stated, I ONLY changed the apn-conf.xml file and left the build.prop alone. She booted up nicely like before.

After I set up the 4.4.3 ROM, I proceeded to the next step: Update to 4.4.4.

What I did was to unzip the gpe_444_update.zip and I replaced ONLY the apn-conf.xml in system/etc that I got from the apns-build_4.4.4.zip. I re-zipped the hell out of that bad boy, rebooted into SafeStrap, and installed the newly modified gpe_444_update.zip (along with the NC5 modules and SuperSU zip). She purrrrred like a baby kitten. She flashed right up, just like the doctor ordered. After the dust settled, I decided to replace the build.prop in /system that came from the apns-build_4.4.4.zip using Root Explorer, changed permissions to 0644, and rebooted the phone for the changes to take into effect.

I'm surprised how well this ROM performs. It's responsive as hell and makes you quickly realize that THIS was the ROM that should've been shipped with the ALL the GS4 phones. It's certainly better than any TouchWiz ROM out there.

(By the way, I used my PC to do all the downloading, unzipping, and rezipping)

 

[sinner822]

GOT IT RESLOVED!
I decided to start from scratch. This time I ONLY replaced the apns-conf.xml file in system/etc from the apns-build_4.4.3.zip. I then re-installed the newly modified gpe_443_safestrap.zip over again (along with the NC5 modules & SuperSU zip for good measure). As you stated, I ONLY changed the apn-conf.xml file and left the build.prop alone. She booted up nicely like before.

After I set up the 4.4.3 ROM, I proceeded to the next step: Update to 4.4.4.

What I did was to unzip the gpe_444_update.zip and I replaced ONLY the apn-conf.xml in system/etc that I got from the apns-build_4.4.4.zip. I re-zipped the hell out of that bad boy, rebooted into SafeStrap, and installed the newly modified gpe_444_update.zip (along with the NC5 modules and SuperSU zip). She purrrrred like a baby kitten. She flashed right up, just like the doctor ordered. After the dust settled, I decided to replace the build.prop in /system that came from the apns-build_4.4.4.zip using Root Explorer, changed permissions to 0644, and rebooted the phone for the changes to take into effect.

I'm surprised how well this ROM performs. It's responsive as hell and makes you quickly realize that THIS was the ROM that should've been shipped with the ALL the GS4 phones. It's certainly better than any TouchWiz ROM out there.

(By the way, I used my PC to do all the downloading, unzipping, and rezipping)

Not sure why ya'all are having so many issues with my files. But you finally got it running. A few more steps than needed but running none the less.
Make sure it reads as SCH- I545 in about phone. I have never tested a build.prop install settings after the fact so you may not be 100%

 

[skeezer308]

Not sure why ya'all are having so many issues with my files. But you finally got it running. A few more steps than needed but running none the less.
Make sure it reads as SCH- I545 in about phone. I have never tested a build.prop install settings after the fact so you may not be 100%

That's the method that I used, and in about phone it reads that the Model is SCH-I545 Android version is 4.4.4, and of course baseband NC5. I've been running this ROM for a month or two, and it's very steady with solid battery and great performance

 

[dm1105]

Not sure why ya'all are having so many issues with my files. But you finally got it running. A few more steps than needed but running none the less.
Make sure it reads as SCH- I545 in about phone. I have never tested a build.prop install settings after the fact so you may not be 100%

I checked. It reads SCH-1545. Don't feel frustrated bro. Your files are fine, but we're still all flying in the dark here, unless we're looking over your shoulder. You know, a video of the installation process would make this thread so much better than what it already is. It would answer lots of questions.

 

[sinner822]

Try these flashable zips.. Apns-conf.xml, build.prop and NC5 modules all in one. For 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 Verizon I545
Flash when installing ROM.
Permissions are set so will work after ROM is installed also.

 

[Viclo]

I checked. It reads SCH-1545. Don't feel frustrated bro. Your files are fine, but we're still all flying in the dark here, unless we're looking over your shoulder. You know, a video of the installation process would make this thread so much better than what it already is. It would answer lots of questions.

I've been following this thread for quite a while now to see what kind of problems are emerging but still don't have the guts to try it out. If anyone can post a video of the exact steps, I'm sure many people would greatly appreciated it and have more confidence to give this a shot.

 

[skeezer308]

I've been following this thread for quite a while now to see what kind of problems are emerging but still don't have the guts to try it out. If anyone can post a video of the exact steps, I'm sure many people would greatly appreciated it and have more confidence to give this a shot.

I don't personally have the equipment to make a video myself, but it's a really easy process. A lot easier than it sounds when you read the steps, but there are some steps that aren't necessary.

All you need to do is take the apn.comf.xml from your current Verizon ROM, and then replace the apn.comf.xml that comes in the ROM.
After that you can flash the ROM the you put you apn file in and it should connect to data when you start it up. Of course you need to flash the modules for WiFi to work also.

 

[marbertshere]

I flashed this ROM a while ago without any issues. Under about phone it reads as sch-i505. I haven't had any real problems. Does it even matter?

 

[untruestory]

I don't personally have the equipment to make a video myself, but it's a really easy process. A lot easier than it sounds when you read the steps, but there are some steps that aren't necessary.

All you need to do is take the apn.comf.xml from your current Verizon ROM, and then replace the apn.comf.xml that comes in the ROM.
After that you can flash the ROM the you put you apn file in and it should connect to data when you start it up. Of course you need to flash the modules for WiFi to work also.

Thank you for summarizing the steps. Reading through the thread it seems like there are more than a few variances on how people are doing it. Is it necessary to install 4.43 before installing 4.44?

EDIT: Sorry I just looked at the original rom thread and saw it's an update not a complete rom.

 

[skepticmisfit]

I flashed this ROM a while ago without any issues. Under about phone it reads as sch-i505. I haven't had any real problems. Does it even matter?

No. All the build.prop does is identify your phone in both the about phone menu and to other apps. It has no effect on connectivity or anything like that

 

[mad4some]

First, thank you @RickGrimes411 for a great write up!! and thanks @sinner822 for the "all in one step" zips!! My experience as follows: was on Eclipse 4.0.2/NC5/Safestrap 3.72, did full wipe (factory reset), flashed GPE 4.4.3 ROM, then flashed sinner822's 4.4.3 all in one zip, then flashed SuperSU 2.0.1 zip, then reboot system. Success!! everything worked right at start up, LTE, WiFi, MMS, all good. Then........I went back to recovery and flashed GPE 4.4.4 Update zip (no wipe), then flashed sinner822's 4.4.4 all in one zip, then SuperSU again, then........almost success.......WiFi was broke, as in toggle greyed out and not available. First, tried NC5 modules zip, no go. Then tried gigilies NC5 wifi fix zip, no go. Then flashed the GPE 4.4.4 zip again, no go. Then, flashed sinner822's 4.4.3 all in one again on top of 4.4.4 and success!! WiFi is back!
Don't know what might be wrong w/ the 4.4.4 all in one zip but I'm all set up running Xposed and Gravitybox, no problem. Rom version says 4.4.3 in "about phone" but I know it's actually 4.4.4 (will look in build.prop and probably just change it there). Nice being back to Nexus feel on the GS4, phone is smooth and seems fast and stable!! Cheers!

 

[sinner822]

First, thank you @RickGrimes411 for a great write up!! and thanks @sinner822 for the "all in one step" zips!! My experience as follows: was on Eclipse 4.0.2/NC5/Safestrap 3.72, did full wipe (factory reset), flashed GPE 4.4.3 ROM, then flashed sinner822's 4.4.3 all in one zip, then flashed SuperSU 2.0.1 zip, then reboot system. Success!! everything worked right at start up, LTE, WiFi, MMS, all good. Then........I went back to recovery and flashed GPE 4.4.4 Update zip (no wipe), then flashed sinner822's 4.4.4 all in one zip, then SuperSU again, then........almost success.......WiFi was broke, as in toggle greyed out and not available. First, tried NC5 modules zip, no go. Then tried gigilies NC5 wifi fix zip, no go. Then flashed the GPE 4.4.4 zip again, no go. Then, flashed sinner822's 4.4.3 all in one again on top of 4.4.4 and success!! WiFi is back!
Don't know what might be wrong w/ the 4.4.4 all in one zip but I'm all set up running Xposed and Gravitybox, no problem. Rom version says 4.4.3 in "about phone" but I know it's actually 4.4.4 (will look in build.prop and probably just change it there). Nice being back to Nexus feel on the GS4, phone is smooth and seems fast and stable!! Cheers!

Softboot shoud fix 444

 

[untruestory]

I followed the instructions and everything works great. No GPS or data issues at all. Somebody said the camera is laggy. It seems up to speed to me. Pictures are a little grainy and it doesn't have all the cool features the stock camera has so if anyone has any recommendations I'd appreciate it. Still a huge improvement. Thank you for sharing!

 

[danveB]

guys, do u have any screenshots to share please? Thank you

 

[F1a5hP01ntX]

Dubbsy's GPE 4.2.2 rom has a mostly working touchwiz camera as an option in aroma... The filters don't work, but everything else seems to. I haven't updated yet, but it has to be doable

 

[skeezer308]

Dubbsy's GPE 4.2.2 rom has a mostly working touchwiz camera as an option in aroma... The filters don't work, but everything else seems to. I haven't updated yet, but it has to be doable

I was looking for a way to install the Touchwiz camera on GPE. I think it's tied into the framework, and is integrated into Touchwiz. So, that makes it difficult to have a Touchwiz feature on AOSP. I had found a flashable zip that was supposed to work on GPE, but it broke the ROM and soft bricked my phone when I flashed it