***How To ROOT 4.3 & NC4 OTA, Install Recovery & Roms - Verizon RETAIL Note 3***

nickhex89

Senior Member
Jul 25, 2013
230
78
0
* * * What you do with your device is completely your choice and solely your responsibility! - If You READ These Instructions FIRST, THEN Follow Them, You Will Be Up And Running In No Time * * *

EVERYTHING You Need To Root, Install SafeStrap, Update SuperSU, Flash Custom 4.3 Roms, Flash In ODIN On 4.3 Jelly Bean RETAIL NOTE 3 ! ! !

To UPDATE from 4.3 JB to 4.4.2 KK (NC2 Leak) go to
How To Update From JB 4.3 To KK 4.4.2 On Verizon RETAIL NOTE


To Root, Install Safestrap, Flash Cust Rom AFTER taking Official NC4 OTA: Go To Bottom Of OP

This is a compilation of instructions that I used on my SM-N900V Verizon Note 3... This process was BY FAR the EASIEST I've ever used!
* * *Verified Knox 0x0* * * <-- Even After Flashing Custom Roms HUNDREDS of Times!

***credit to DutchDogg54, and "hctimin" for their contributions with these instructions***

Please click THANKS and RATE this thread if it was helpful! PLEASE Report ANY Broken/Outdated Links

Verify USB DEBUGGING is CHECKED in system settings>developer option (click 'BASE Version' in 'About Phone' 7 times to UNHIDE Developer Option) also verify UNKNOWN SOURCES is CHECKED & Verify Apps is Unchecked in system settings>security.

On PC, go to CONTROL PANEL > Install/Uninstall Programs > uninstall ALL Samsung drivers

Download & Install Samsung Drivers To Your PC

Samsung USB drivers (click “see all downloads”)


* * * ATTN: PRIOR to flashing a Rom built on MJE update, you should be running MJE (take OTA update or install MJE tar via Odin) then reroot via Kingo/Vroot, install Safestrap * * *

EASY Steps To Update To MJE: (Factory Stock)
- Download MJE tar file from Beanstown106's Firmware Collection Thread
- Flash MJE tar in Odin (for added safety, REMOVE sdcard) For DETAILED Odin instructions click HERE
- Reboot
- Go To Install Kingo (Google Kingo root 1.1.5 or 1.1.6 download) or Vroot (Google Vroot)

FOR ROOT PRIVILEGES- Install KINGO/Vroot
***Kingo 1.2 is having issues Rooting MJE Firmware, Google Kingo 1.1.5 or .6 OR see here, OR use Vroot***
I used the Kingo root app - links to Kingo are not currently allowed on XDA but it's very easy to search and find. It's just like a "one click" toolkit - meaning it's a no-brain operation. Download the app and follow the instructions. Currently Kingo & Vroot are the only known methods to root the MJ7/MJE builds for the Verizon Note 3 so it's one of these or no root for you. IF ROOT FAILS, KEEP TRYING (it took me 3 attempts)
TIP- make sure display timeout is set for 10 minutes & temporarily disable PC anti-virus (thanks RypeDub for the catch)
***If Kingo fails to root your device after several attempts: Try Vroot (some users reported success with Vroot after Kingo failed ROOT)

INSTALL SAFESTRAP RECOVERY
Once you're ROOTED head over here: [RECOVERY LOCKED] Safestrap Recovery & download the latest version of the APK. Open the Safestrap app in your app drawer and install the app, then open Safestrap and click "install recovery" in the app (The following directions are from Safestrap OP).

Safestrap 3.65 is last STABLE Version...Safestrap 3.71 is Beta Version (some issues have occurred) and primarily for users with 64GB SdCards... 3.72 is for KK ONLY

HOW TO UPGRADE SAFESTRAP
*To REVERT from newer version to older version, follow same steps swapping old file for new file*

-Push the APK to your sdcard (get latest SS.apk HERE)-THX Hashcode!
-Boot back into the "stock" rom-slot.
-OPEN your old Safestrap app and hit the "Uninstall Recovery" button
-THEN, open a "file explorer" (even TW "My Files" will work)
-Browse to where you pushed the New / old APK
-Click on it and install like a normal app (if install not successful, UNINSTALL old Safestrap app like any other app, THEN install new SS.apk)
-Once installed, open the SS APK
-Grant SU access
-THEN hit "Install Recovery" button
All set, now you can reboot and re-activate whatever rom-slot you were using


INSTALLING CHAINFIRE'S SUPERSU OVER KINGO SUPERSU
Next install a trusted, open source SuperSU app on your device since the Kingo root method is closed source (optional, but highly recommended). Download the latest SuperSU zip - instructions in Chainfire's XDA Thread (download to sd card or from PLAY).

Reboot your device (DO NOT REBOOT INTO RECOVERY), at the Safestrap splash screen - choose "Recovery"... Once in Safestrap, go to your stock rom slot by clicking "Boot Options" and ensuring it says "stock slot" in RED at the top of the screen. If it says anything other than stock, tap the stock slot button and click "activate" on the following page. Hit back to return to the Recovery main menu. Once confirmed you're on your stock slot, tap install and flash the new SuperSU zip (no wipes necessary). Once that's done, tap reboot system.

ROOT Privileges ONLY
If you ONLY want root privileges and NOT the recovery or the ability to flash ROMS, you can UNINSTALL Safestrap after flashing SuperSU, you will ONLY have root privileges: ***NO recovery and NO ability to flash ROMS*** After flashing SuperSU, reboot, choose "Continue" at splash screen, find Safestrap app in App Drawer and uninstall like any other app.

You're now completely done updating to MJE, Rooting your device, adding a stable Recovery & installing a trusted SuperSU application. Now, enjoy installing ROMs using Safestrap [SS]

***NOTE: When rebooting your device, you have to option to CONTINUE to your current ROM, or enter RECOVERY (Safestrap) after several seconds CONTINUE is the default action. If you are booting to your STOCK Slot you will see SAFESTRAP DISABLED this is NORMAL. When booting to slots 1-4 you will see SAFESTRAP ENABLED this is also NORMAL***

CREATING VIRTUAL ROMS SLOTS *NOT SUPPORTED IN SS 3.72 YET*
1. Reboot Device
2. Select Recovery at SS splash screen
3. Select Boot Options
4. Select one of the rom slots [1-4]
5. Adjust partition sizes if necessary [The average user can leave the partitions as is, if you are an app intensive user, increase DATA partition up to 4 gb MAX]
*NOTE: the larger you make the partitions of a Rom Slot, the less room you will have for remaining slots)
6. Select the Create ROM button (takes a minute)
7. Once the ROM slot has been created, browse back to BOOT OPTIONS.
8. Ensure the Rom Slot you want to flash is highlighted in GREEN at top of screen
9. Select Install
10. Browse to the ROM .zip you downloaded
11. Reboot

SWITCHING BETWEEN ROM SLOTS
1. Reboot Device
2. Select Recovery at SS splash screen
3. Select Boot Options
4. Select the Rom Slot you want to activate
5. Select Activate
6. Confirm the Rom Slot you just Activated shows at top of screen (GREEN for slots 1-4, RED for Stock Slot)
7. Browse back to Menu
8. Select Reboot

How To Flash Daily Driver Into Stock Rom Slot
1. Back up Stock Rom in Stock Slot to sdcard (optional)
2. Restore back up Stock Rom to open ROM slot 1-4 (optional)
3. Boot from restored slot to ensure functionality (optional)
4. Factory Reset for a clean install OR if upgrading same Rom you can DIRTY FLASH by clicking ADVANCED WIPE: check dalvik, cache, system (remember no dev support for "dirty flash")
5. Flash/Restore Daily Driver Rom to Stock Slot (Read the warning about flashing onto Stock Rom Slot, then forget about it :)

To Have Access To ALL Your Device Storage (FREE UP STORAGE) Go To Step 6

6. Delete un-used ROM slots 1-4 (you can only delete a ROM from the activated slot, the empty, unactivated slot remains)
7. Boot into Rom on Stock slot
8. Enjoy.This will give you access to ALL of your device's storage capacity (remember when booting into stock slot, Safestrap will say DISABLED, this is normal)

A Few Things To Consider When Using Multiple Rom Slots:
You can flash roms in slots 1-4 and stock slot. Activate whichever slot you'd like to boot to the next time, and your specific rom to upgrade, test, whatever comes up at boot. Ready to switch back to another rom, activate THAT rom slot, reboot to your next rom...This is the TRUE MAGIC of Safestrap; Daily driver in stock slot, test Rom in slot 1, Stock Rom in slot 2, boot into ANY rom simply by activating THAT rom slot!

Realize each rom slot has a max limit for data partition and system partition. If you are an app intensive user or like seeing an accurate reading of your internal and ext storage, I'd reco putting your daily driver on the stock slot (backup stock rom, keep on sdcard, flash daily driver in stock slot)...

If you like running multiple roms (skip step 5 above), when you activate a rom on slots 1-4, your int and ext memory will NOT read accurately, and you will be limited on how much storage you have on each slot. Use File Manager (ES File Explorer) if you want/need an accurate reading of remaining storage

Flashing your DD on the stock slot gives you access to ALL the int and ext memory, and ALL memory is properly reported.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

IF YOU ARE ON NC4 (Official VZW OTA) Follow The Below Instructions
(courtesy of barrackobama)
WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR DEVICE IS COMPLETELY YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

Step- 1 - Root Device with TowelRoot courtesy of geohot

Step- 2 - Install Busybox from play store and install busybox itself

Step- 3 - Install Safestrap 3.72 courtesy of Hashcode

Step- 4 - Boot into Safestrap, Select Stock Slot

Step- 5 - Wipe Data, Use Factory Reset Slider

Step- 6 - Install BajaROM 15
courtesy of Bajasur

Step- 7 - Reboot into Download mode From Safestrap

Step- 8 - Unzip & Install In ODIN This NC2 Kernel .tar
courtesy of Beanstown106

XDA user barrackOBAMA confirmed these instructions work!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *




Remember to SUPPORT THE DEVS who allow you to enjoy your ROOTED, Custom N3!

Please click THANKS and RATE this thread if it was helpful! Thanks!
I cannot find the proper nc2 kernel tar please help
The one I downloaded had no file in the compressed folder
 
Last edited:

Nidisa

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2009
89
9
0
Cannot boot into recovery

Hi, I have followed all the step in the OP coming from unrooted KitKat NC4 Verizon note 3.

I used towel root, installed busy box, installed Safestrap 3.72. I used root checker to verify that I have root. I downloaded Titanium backup and it works. I have SU installed.
When I try to boot into recovery from Safestrap, I boot back into regular phone. When I use the power button to reboot, I get no option to boot into recovery.



Step- 1 - Root Device with TowelRoot courtesy of geohot

Step- 2 - Install Busybox from play store and install busybox itself

Step- 3 - Install Safestrap 3.72 courtesy of Hashcode *****I am STUCK HERE

Step- 4 - Boot into Safestrap, Select Stock Slot

Step- 5 - Wipe Data, Use Factory Reset Slider

Step- 6 - Install BajaROM 15 courtesy of Bajasur

Step- 7 - Reboot into Download mode From Safestrap

Step- 8 - Unzip & Install In ODIN This NC2 Kernel .tar courtesy of Beanstown106




Help please??!!!!!


Thank you in advance. :D
 

Az Biker

Senior Moderator / Semper Salty
Staff member
Hi, I have followed all the step in the OP coming from unrooted KitKat NC4 Verizon note 3.

I used towel root, installed busy box, installed Safestrap 3.72. I used root checker to verify that I have root. I downloaded Titanium backup and it works. I have SU installed.
When I try to boot into recovery from Safestrap, I boot back into regular phone. When I use the power button to reboot, I get no option to boot into recovery.



Step- 1 - Root Device with TowelRoot courtesy of geohot

Step- 2 - Install Busybox from play store and install busybox itself

Step- 3 - Install Safestrap 3.72 courtesy of Hashcode *****I am STUCK HERE

Step- 4 - Boot into Safestrap, Select Stock Slot

Step- 5 - Wipe Data, Use Factory Reset Slider

Step- 6 - Install BajaROM 15 courtesy of Bajasur

Step- 7 - Reboot into Download mode From Safestrap

Step- 8 - Unzip & Install In ODIN This NC2 Kernel .tar courtesy of Beanstown106




Help please??!!!!!


Thank you in advance. :D
Activate xposed framework, modules, check wanam, reboot , go into wanam, system, enable 4 way menu
 

Nidisa

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2009
89
9
0
Activate xposed framework, modules, check wanam, reboot , go into wanam, system, enable 4 way menu
Nope, no 4 way menu upon installing Wanam :(


There was an update for Wanam that I took; it said it was going to boot into recovery.
I got to a screen where it tried to install a file, several lines of E: sgnature verification failed Could not verify signature

Fallen down Andy droid with red triangle and exclamation point on his belly.

Had to select reboot manually .


What do I do next??

---------- Post added at 09:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 AM ----------

Nope, no 4 way menu upon installing Wanam :(


There was an update for Wanam that I took; it said it was going to boot into recovery.
I got to a screen where it tried to install a file, several lines of E: sgnature verification failed Could not verify signature

Fallen down Andy droid with red triangle and exclamation point on his belly.

Had to select reboot manually .


What do I do next??
**********************************************************************************

I installed SS 3.75 and MAGIC! I'm in recovery :)
 
Last edited:

wilspeak

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2011
302
25
58
ga
When I brought the Note 3 it was on the NC4 verizon updated KK , so I tried to install the MJE tar file (ALL_N900VVRUBMJE_N900VVZWMJE_2106277_REV03_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.7z) for some unknown reason the device would NOT flash it and failed with a soft brick serveral times. So I tried some of the other files from this link >>>>(http://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=9322) and the only one that would work is the (N900VVRUCNC4_N900VVZWCNC4_N900VVRUCNC4_HOME.tar.md5.7z ) <<NC4 FILE , and it turns out SS versions 3.75 , 3.65 will NOT install nor does KINGO , Towelroot or Vroot root work. and I have tried the flashing and rooting this device serveral times with the same results, ZERO . What im I doing wrong or is it the device ? and what can I use from this website that would help >>>http://www.androidfilehost.com/?a=show&w=files&flid=8674 that will help me . And Thank You in advance for your advice.

---------- Post added at 06:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:19 PM ----------

Activate xposed framework, modules, check wanam, reboot , go into wanam, system, enable 4 way menu
az biker , When I brought the Note 3 it was on the NC4 verizon updated KK , so I tried to install the MJE tar file (ALL_N900VVRUBMJE_N900VVZWMJE_2106277_REV03_user_l ow_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.7z) for some unknown reason the device would NOT flash it and failed with a soft brick serveral times. So I tried some of the other files from this link >>>>(http://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=9322) and the only one that would work is the (N900VVRUCNC4_N900VVZWCNC4_N900VVRUCNC4_HOME.tar.m d5.7z ) <<NC4 FILE , and it turns out SS versions 3.75 , 3.65 will NOT install nor does KINGO , Towelroot or Vroot root work. and I have tried the flashing and rooting this device serveral times with the same results, ZERO . What im I doing wrong or is it the device ? and what can I use from this website that would help >>>http://www.androidfilehost.com/?a=sh...iles&flid=8674 that will help me . And Thank You in advance for your advice.
EACH 1 TEACH 1
 

Az Biker

Senior Moderator / Semper Salty
Staff member
When I brought the Note 3 it was on the NC4 verizon updated KK , so I tried to install the MJE tar file (ALL_N900VVRUBMJE_N900VVZWMJE_2106277_REV03_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.7z) for some unknown reason the device would NOT flash it and failed with a soft brick serveral times. So I tried some of the other files from this link >>>>(http://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=9322) and the only one that would work is the (N900VVRUCNC4_N900VVZWCNC4_N900VVRUCNC4_HOME.tar.md5.7z ) <<NC4 FILE , and it turns out SS versions 3.75 , 3.65 will NOT install nor does KINGO , Towelroot or Vroot root work. and I have tried the flashing and rooting this device serveral times with the same results, ZERO . What im I doing wrong or is it the device ? and what can I use from this website that would help >>>http://www.androidfilehost.com/?a=show&w=files&flid=8674 that will help me . And Thank You in advance for your advice.

---------- Post added at 06:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:19 PM ----------



az biker , When I brought the Note 3 it was on the NC4 verizon updated KK , so I tried to install the MJE tar file (ALL_N900VVRUBMJE_N900VVZWMJE_2106277_REV03_user_l ow_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.7z) for some unknown reason the device would NOT flash it and failed with a soft brick serveral times. So I tried some of the other files from this link >>>>(http://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=9322) and the only one that would work is the (N900VVRUCNC4_N900VVZWCNC4_N900VVRUCNC4_HOME.tar.m d5.7z ) <<NC4 FILE , and it turns out SS versions 3.75 , 3.65 will NOT install nor does KINGO , Towelroot or Vroot root work. and I have tried the flashing and rooting this device serveral times with the same results, ZERO . What im I doing wrong or is it the device ? and what can I use from this website that would help >>>http://www.androidfilehost.com/?a=sh...iles&flid=8674 that will help me . And Thank You in advance for your advice.
EACH 1 TEACH 1
Since I have not performed updating from NC4 OTA. I can not offer any other information than to follow the instructions at bottom of the OP. Several users have followed them without issue. Sorry I can not be of more help.
 

wilspeak

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2011
302
25
58
ga
Since I have not performed updating from NC4 OTA. I can not offer any other information than to follow the instructions at bottom of the OP. Several users have followed them without issue. Sorry I can not be of more help.
Thank You , I appreciate your time .
 
Jun 18, 2014
24
10
0
Lawrenceville, GA
When I brought the Note 3 it was on the NC4 verizon updated KK , so I tried to install the MJE tar file (ALL_N900VVRUBMJE_N900VVZWMJE_2106277_REV03_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.7z) for some unknown reason the device would NOT flash it and failed with a soft brick serveral times. So I tried some of the other files from this link >>>>(http://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=9322) and the only one that would work is the (N900VVRUCNC4_N900VVZWCNC4_N900VVRUCNC4_HOME.tar.md5.7z ) >http://www.androidfilehost.com/?a=show&w=files&flid=8674 that will help me . And Thank You in advance for your advice.


@wilspeak You can NOT flash MJE if your phone already has the NC4 KK update. You can only flash 4.4.2 ROMs on your device even if you ODIN the NC2 kernel. Seems like you're trying an awful ton of things on your device and you may end up with a bricked device.

You might want to follow the instructions on this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784009) to get you started.
 
Last edited:

wilspeak

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2011
302
25
58
ga
@wilspeak You can NOT flash MJE if your phone already has the NC4 KK update. You can only flash 4.4.2 ROMs on your device even if you ODIN the NC2 kernel. Seems like you're trying an awful ton of things on your device and you may end up with a bricked device.

You might want to follow the instructions on this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784009) to get you started.
@gr_exclamation, I flashed The JasmineRom , in settings the kernal version says>>( 3.4.0 [email protected]) , I followed the directions to install SS 3.75 so now I have SS 3.75 installed and the app says safe strap system : "not active " , so now I have to go into the app in order to boot into recovery, how do I activate SS ? so that I can go boot into recovery in the shut down menu ? Also I tried to flash a rom in rom slot 2 and the flash failed what did I do wrong ? Will I be able to flash android 4.4.3 & 4.4.4 Roms ? I thank you in advance for your help and advice. P.S thanks for the help I did soft brick the device a couple of times thankfully I got it back :*)
 

Az Biker

Senior Moderator / Semper Salty
Staff member
edit to remove incompetence.
You're going to need a little more than "halp" if you really want someone to help you :D

What's the problem
what firmware are you running
What Rom are you running
what is your current configuration
Where are you trying to get to
what have you tried so far

Answer these and the help will come :p
 

joey_p1979

Member
Aug 18, 2012
17
3
0
Sun City
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've be searching for instruction on how to run custom ROM with a locked bootloader. I knew about SS but it was so easy to root with this tool.
 

s0me guy

Senior Member
Jul 6, 2012
206
83
0
Cleveland
You're going to need a little more than "halp" if you really want someone to help you :D

What's the problem
what firmware are you running
What Rom are you running
what is your current configuration
Where are you trying to get to
what have you tried so far

Answer these and the help will come :p
Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question, but searching in a year old forum didn't help me much with my particular question.

I'm getting a Vzw Note3 in a few days and was wondering about if taking any OTA updates will ruin my chances of using current Root methods etc? and what Root method is suggested?

i'm not new to rooting etc but, new to the Note3. Thanks! :)
 

Az Biker

Senior Moderator / Semper Salty
Staff member
Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question, but searching in a year old forum didn't help me much with my particular question.

I'm getting a Vzw Note3 in a few days and was wondering about if taking any OTA updates will ruin my chances of using current Root methods etc? and what Root method is suggested?

i'm not new to rooting etc but, new to the Note3. Thanks! :)
If your device is MJE,

DO NOT TAKE KK OTA

if your device is already NC4, there are options.

Notorious 3
 
  • Like
Reactions: s0me guy

SscoootzZ

Member
Aug 11, 2011
30
6
0
Orlando
my-write.blogspot.com
Prepping to try this again

Hi all,

Fresh with some new understanding, some more help from @az_biker, and a delicious cup of press pot coffee...I'm getting ready to try these instructions again. I'll post up in a bit to let you know if I followed instructions correctly. Thanks again for everyone's insights and guidance.

Scott :fingers-crossed:
 

SscoootzZ

Member
Aug 11, 2011
30
6
0
Orlando
my-write.blogspot.com
w00t!!!!!!

Hi all,

I am writing this message as I watch the beautiful Baja boot animation. I am pleased to say that I followed the instructions posted at the bottom of the OP, (almost) exactly as written, for the NC4 OTA. The only variation I made was to sub Baja v16.1 July 4th ed, in place of Baja v15. I made this variation based on discussion with @az_biker, and he suggested that the v16.1 should also work. Well, it did!! :good::victory::good:

I must express my gratitude, as follows, to:
  • > @bajasur for his hard work in making this ROM available to (only slightly advanced) endusers like myself,
  • > @az_biker for his diligence in writing clear instructions and, personally, for taking the time to explain some concepts I wasn't quite grokking,
  • > @BeansTown106 for his endless and profound coding and baking, which keeps us in control of our devices; specific thanks for the PIT file which saved my bacon when I didn't follow instructions appropriately,
  • > @geohot for the lovely Towelroot,
  • > @Hashcode for all the lovely SafeStrap,
  • > to whomever coded the ever-so-helpful Odin packages (sorry I don't know the exact tag),
  • > @Stericson for his continued work with BusyBox packages,
  • > Jack Palevich for the eternally useful Android Terminal Emulator,
  • > Anyone else whom I've forgotten to add to this Roster Of Excellence, my humblest apologies.

Now, without further ado...I'm going to dive into Baja v16.1 with unbridled excitement and anticipation! Thanks again, and TTYS :victory:
 
Our Apps
Get our official app!
The best way to access XDA on your phone
Nav Gestures
Add swipe gestures to any Android
One Handed Mode
Eases uses one hand with your phone