[How-To] Update to N900V_NK1 - 4.4.4 and Keep Root

muniz_ri

Senior Member
Jun 27, 2012
3,257
4,980
113
I have noticed that many have been willing to take the NK1 4.4.4 update and give up root access. Therefore I am putting this out there for those that have not done so but are considering doing so if they are able to keep root.

The following process will allow you to update to NK1 4.4.4 and keep root. However once updated to NK1 you will not be able to downgrade back to 4.4.2. If you screw something up after updating, e.g. while performing a mod, and have to flash back to stock you will permanently lose root access (unless an exploit is found in the future)! With that said I believe all of you are capable of making your own decision as to whether or not to proceed at your own risk!

**You can begin the following process from any Build/ROM but you must already have Root Access**

**Required** FlashFire - Play BETA - PREVIEW
1. Join the G+ community using the same Google account as you're using for Play on your phone/tablet Here.
2. Sign up to receive the BETA versions from Play Here.
- Use the link provided after sign-up to download the app.

Instructions:
1. Extract the N900V_NK1_Stock_Rooted_Firmware from the .rar and place it and the N900V_NK1_Stock_Partitions onto your device (use either internal or ext-sdcard).
2. Open the FlashFire app and "Agree" to the Terms and Conditions.
3. Press "(+)" twice to bring up the "Actions" menu.
4. Press "Flash firmware package" then locate and select the N900V_NK1_Stock_Rooted_Firmware. FlashFire will scan the firmware which may take several minutes to complete. Press "ok" once the md5 is confirmed then make certain that both "Boot" and "System" are selected. Press the checkmark to continue.
5. Press "(+)" again then press "Flash Zip or OTA" and locate and select the N900V_NK1_Stock_Partitions. Leave "Auto-mount" unchecked under the "Options" menu and press the checkmark to continue.
6. Press “(+)” once again to bring up “Actions” and select “Wipe.”
7. Under the “Options” menu select all partitions except “Internal storage” then press the checkmark to continue.
8. From the main menu Tap-hold-drag your "Actions" and place them in the following order:
- "Wipe"
- "Flash firmware package"
- "Flash ZIP or OTA"
(leave default settings under "EverRoot" and "Reboot" options)
9. Last, press the lightning bolt then "Ok" to begin the flash .

The screen will turn black then display the contents of your system before beginning the flashes. Once complete your device will reboot and pause on the Verizon splash screen for two to three minutes before completely rebooting. Done!

Tip: for blazing fast speed turn off animations from Developer Options and reboot!

Changelog: http://www.verizonwireless.com/dam/support/pdf/system_update/benefits-galaxy-note-3-1-7-15.pdf

Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your User Data or Knox Warranty Flag.
2. The process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, Stock Recovery, and Bootloader to NK1.
3. To update to factory stock(unrooted) NK1 flash the N900VVRUDNK1_N900VVZWDNK1_N900VVRUDNK1_HOME.tar using Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).
4. To learn more about FlashFire's capabilities on locked bootloader devices see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60070810&postcount=2
 
Last edited:

muniz_ri

Senior Member
Jun 27, 2012
3,257
4,980
113
Everyone is too scared to try haha! I am sorry, but I will not do anything to my device unless there is an exploit found. Verizon and Samsung, just go away...
There is no need to apologize, everyone should make their own decisions based on their own criteria. But this is an option for those that choose to take it.
 
Last edited:

muniz_ri

Senior Member
Jun 27, 2012
3,257
4,980
113
is not work my friend , am going try with NC4 , Kernel Unified_KK_Firmware
If you are talking about downgrading you are right and someone else already confirmed that you cannot downgrade the kernel to NC4 after updating to 4.4.4. This thread is for those that have not yet updated to 4.4.4.
 
Last edited:

muniz_ri

Senior Member
Jun 27, 2012
3,257
4,980
113
The VPN data disconnects would be enough to throw $20 to make sure this works. Can tell you how annoying that is when working from my phone.
Putting a stock ROM together is rather straightforward so I'm pretty certain it works. And it's been downloaded 65 times so I suspect people are using it but for some reason choose to remain anonymous which is fine. But it would be nice to hear from someone that has tried it. Also, no donations are required but thank you nonetheless.
 

twistedpos

New member
Jan 20, 2013
4
3
0
My safestrap (Safestrap-HLTEVZW-NC2-3.75-B04.apk) does not permit me to backup or restore anything. Can I perform the upgrade with wiping my user data? :confused:
 

muniz_ri

Senior Member
Jun 27, 2012
3,257
4,980
113
My safestrap (Safestrap-HLTEVZW-NC2-3.75-B04.apk) does not permit me to backup or restore anything. Can I perform the upgrade with wiping my user data? :confused:
Sounds like there is a problem with your current installation of safestrap. Since safestrap is critical to this process I recommend that you reinstall safestrap or even consider reflashing NC4 and safestrap before proceeding.
 

alt230

Senior Member
Feb 10, 2013
105
5
0
Why does the download from US mirrors take 6 hours? I have a relatively fast PC and quite fast video card. Thanks!!!
 
Last edited:

neosporinme

New member
Jun 30, 2010
2
2
0
Works!

1. Did a full backup in Safestrap
2. Erased everything
3. Flashed N900V_NK1_100% rom
4. Restored just the /Data from backup
5. ODIN rebooted into download mode, ap > N900V_NK1_Stock_Kernel
5. Took 5 mins to come up, upgraded apps, had to close the setup wizard
6. System > 4.4.4 and Root status is still working!


Thanks much for this!
 

muniz_ri

Senior Member
Jun 27, 2012
3,257
4,980
113
would you rather have a stock rooted 4.4.4 rom and delete bloatware and do tweaks on your own or stick it out with 4.4.2 and run a custom rom by a developer?
Be careful deleting apps which may cause stability issues due to dependencies. I recommend freezing apps instead.
 
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