Samsung note 3 rooting & rom flashing basics

[jimzweb1]

JUST THOUGHT I WOULD TOSS THIS UP IF ANYONE NEEDS IT, THERE IS A COPY IN BLOATWARE LISTS !!!​

First what version of KIKAT are you on ? If you are on 4.4.4 NH7 or NK4 the latest upgrade then you can root with Chainfires CF-autoroot or his SuperSu v 1.94, v2.02 or 2.40 this will trip KNOX warranty. Towel Root will not work yet for NH7 or NK4. If you are still on 4.4.2 NC5 then you can use Towel Root to root your device, this will NOT trip KNOX warranty. If you root with Chainfires CF-autoroot or his SuperSu v 1.94 or v2.40 this will trip KNOX warranty on NC5. If you want odin flash a fresh copy of 4.3 NAB, 4.4.2 NC5, or 4.4.4 NH7 here is micmars link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2712205 or rpenrod23 [ odin ] (mirrors )http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2522638 for NK4 and OC5 you will need to go here http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/ . Make sure you have USB drivers installed on your PC here is the link http://www.mediafire.com/download/ti6xeoh2lx79zis/Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0.exe

How to flash a fresh copy of a stock OS
1. download the version of KitKat you want to the desktop of your PC.
2. extract zip file to the desktop of your PC it will turn it into a .tar file
3. you need to install Samsung drivers on your PC you can get them from here http://www.mediafire.com/download/ti6xeoh2lx79zis/Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0.exe
4. download odin to your desktop here is the link ( version 1.85 ) https://mega.co.nz/#!oA5xzTAL!LXoVWBVDWN_7SULGPIv6nWx1gCI3ZZlOMSWdRGVX6Uo ( version 3.07 ) http://www.mediafire.com/download/2uxt5u83qxhz6xr/Odin_v307.zip
5. completely power down device, reboot into download mode (hold power button, home button, and volume down button at the same time, then push the volume up button)
6. open odin on desktop, connect device to PC via USB cable COM: will light up in upper left corner of odin doesn't matter what color it is just shows a connection.
7. click the PDA button a box will open click on desktop then on KitKat file to open
8. now don't touch anything else and click start
9. it will take several minutes, then say pass, and automatically reboot device with new OS/ROM ( this will take 3 to 4 min. after you see Samsung logo )
10. Important !!! If the device was rooted or you are trying to downgrade from NH7 or NK4 back to NC5 the device may bootloop on the startup. ( you will know this when the Samsung logo is still on the screen after 6 to 7 min. )
11. to fix bootloop pull battery then reinstall, boot into download mode and use odin to flash the OS/ROM again it will take the second time and boot up.

Let's root the phone, there is a couple of ways. First if you are running NC5 4.4.2 you can download Towel Root directly to the device here is the link http://towelroot.org/ The second way if you are running any version of KitKKat is to use odin to flash the cf-autoroot .tar, just download cf-autoroot here is the link http://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ to your PC desktop and follow the same instructions listed above just use the root file in place of the rom .tar file. Remember to choose the right root file for the version of KitKat you running so you don't trip KNOX !!!

Recoveries, the two popular ones are TWRP and Philz CWM. INSTALLING A RECOVERY WILL TRIP KNOX WARRANTY!!! You need a recovery to flash roms so you need to make choice at this point ? Here is the link to Philz CWM latest version 6.48.4.tar http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2201860 and TWRP here http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/201 download to desktop or downloads.

I run a stock rooted 4.4.2 NC5 with Philz custom recovery version 6.12.9 hltespr https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/hltespr/ . The device was rooted and warranty tripped the second day I owned it. I was in a Sprint corporate Store a couple of wks ago. Showed the tech my rooted note 3. He said I can't touch that, I said what if I unrooted the phone. He said no problem, now I can warranty the phone. He didn't care that the KNOX flag was tripped at all 0x1. Just can't be rooted when you bring it in for service. Sprint doesn't care about KNOX only Samsung cares about KNOX. What is KNOX, KNOX is a program that creates secure encrypted containerization of DATA so it can be sent to another location. So, when Samsung paid millions to the NSA to design the KNOX security containerization system, which apparently they won't warranty will work after the device is rooted, than maybe they care. Can you say track and spy on me !!!

Ok lets install a recovery !!!
1. you need Odin on the desktop of your PC here is the link ( version 1.85 ) https://mega.co.nz/#!oA5xzTAL!LXoVWBVDWN_7SULGPIv6nWx1gCI3ZZlOMSWdRGVX6Uo ( version 3.07 ) http://www.mediafire.com/download/2uxt5u83qxhz6xr/Odin_v307.zip
2. you need to install Samsung drivers on your PC you can get them from here http://www.mediafire.com/download/ti6xeoh2lx79zis/Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0.exe
3. completely power down your device, and boot into download mode (press and hold the power button, volume down button, and the home button at the same time) a new screen will popup then push the volume up button to get into download mode.
4. click on the Odin zip file and extract to desktop, right click and run as administrator
5. with your device in download mode connect it to your pc via usb cable, COM: will light up in the upper left hand corner of Odin doesn't matter what color or number just shows a connection has been made.
6. click PDA box in odin, a box will popup click where ever you have recovery file downloaded, once open it will show up in box next to PDA
7. click start wait till you see pass and success , then your custom recovery is installed.

After the recovery is installed, download a copy of SuperSu to your desktop here is the link http://download.chainfire.eu/641/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.40.zip to version v2.40 and for SuperSU 2.46 go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 . Then copy and paste to sd card via USB cable. Now the next thing you are going to do is completely power down the device and boot into recovery. (press and hold the power button, volume up button, and home button at he same time) a menu will come up, click on Install Zip, then sd card to install zip and root device. Boot device and verify it is rooted, then power down, and boot into recovery. Click on backup, MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR ROOTED ROM !!! Then make a backup of EFS file by its self it will show up in your backup file on the sd card or ext sd card depending on where you choose to put it. Copy and paste the efs file someplace safe.

With the Google Play Store download some type of root file manager like ES File Manager or Root Explorer (what I use). Then you can remove/freeze/delete some of the bloatware on your stock rooted rom. Check out this thread on Bloatware removal http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2770729

OK lets flash a rom !!!
First, you CANNOT flash a rom that is based on an older version of rom you are currently running. EX: If you are on KK 4.4.2 NC5 you can flash a rom based on NAB or NC5 but you CANNOT use a rom based on mj4 or older read the OP thread carefully . You can run AOSP roms as long as they are based on 4.4+. If you are running a KK 4.4.4 based rom, you will need to odin flash a stock lollipop 5.1.1 OS. Then root the lollipop 5.1.1 OS, install a lollipop compatible recovery. Now you can flash a lollipop based rom.

1. install the new rom zip you want to flash on your sd card via usb cable from PC or download directly to device
2. power down phone completely and boot into recovery
3. from the menu find and wipe cache, delvik cache, and wipe system to install new rom, NOT FACTORY RESET !!!
4. go back to menu and click on install zip then click on where you have the zip ( i.e. sd card ) and install this will take a minute or two
5. back to main menu and reboot device this will take several minutes on the first boot of a new rom
6. enjoy your new rom !!!

Lets do a restore from a backup recovery file !!!
1. completely power down device and boot into recovery
2. go to main menu and click on wipe system to install new rom ( no need to mess with the caches on a restore )
3. back to the menu click on back up and restore, then click on the backup file location ( i.e. sd card )
4. now click on restore
5. when its completed reboot device this will install your original rooted stock rom you made a backup for

Eventually you will figure out that you can make several backups and they have really weird numbered time stamps to identify them.

If my instructions are hard to follow you can find root and recovery installation videos here http://galaxynote3root.com/ or http://qbking77.com/ both are excellent sites !!!

 

[juts]

Malware in linked odin site

That odin site is complete malware. Its not where you should get odin.

 

[jimzweb1]

That odin site is complete malware. Its not where you should get odin.

Thanks, that just happened. Looks like the site has been hacked !!!

 

[3597dxta]

Thanks, that just happened. Looks like the site has been hacked !!!

I have a Note 3 locked to Sprint which announce "Invalid SIM card" everytime I get the sim in and of course it doesn't have network. So I have a question 4u that after flashing this ROM am I possible to use the SIM (I'm from VN) ?

 

[jimzweb1]

I have a Note 3 locked to Sprint which announce "Invalid SIM card" everytime I get the sim in and of course it doesn't have network. So I have a question 4u that after flashing this ROM am I possible to use the SIM (I'm from VN) ?

No, it's my understanding the device has to be unlocked by sprint. There is an access code to do that, I have seen it just can't remember where. I will do a little searching.

 

[asim.sidz]

Should make a noob tutorial since people are still confused.

 

[weavr]

Should make a noob tutorial since people are still confused.

I guess if people are still confused, there are a lot of youtube videos that have walk-throughs as to how to root, install recovery, and flash a ROM. Maybe some people might be visual learners?

 

[jimzweb1]

Should make a noob tutorial since people are still confused.

If my instructions are hard to follow you can watch these videos http://galaxynote3root.com/ or http://qbking77.com/ both are excellent sites !!!

 

[lord dredd]

Great work Jimmy
Pretty lucid , these tutorials are
great stuff !!!

 

[asim.sidz]

Cool!

If my instructions are hard to follow you can watch these videos http://galaxynote3root.com/ or http://qbking77.com/ both are excellent sites !!!

Thank you very much! I cannot imagine the process to get any easier than the way demonstrated in the ways that you directed me. Really appreciate it! Thanks again! Keep up the good work and support! :highfive:

 

[swapyworld]

I am on 4.4.4 NH7, how can i downgrade to 4.4.2 NC5?
i am facing gps fix issues...so wanted to give it a try. any ideas?

 

[lord dredd]

I am on 4.4.4 NH7, how can i downgrade to 4.4.2 NC5?
i am facing gps fix issues...so wanted to give it a try. any ideas?

You can't and you shouldn't . Flashing nc5 might brick your phone that's why we all believe one should always wait for a few weeks before jumping on a new ota as downgrade is not possible

Sent from my NOTE 3 .. size does matter .......

 

[swapyworld]

You can't and you shouldn't . Flashing nc5 might brick your phone that's why we all believe one should always wait for a few weeks before jumping on a new ota as downgrade is not possible

Sent from my NOTE 3 .. size does matter .......

My phone came with 4.4.4, that's the problem.. I was told it is possible by odin one click method by r wilco?

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

 

[jimzweb1]

My phone came with 4.4.4, that's the problem.. I was told it is possible by odin one click method by r wilco?

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

First, if your device came with 4.4.4 NH7 it should be possible to down grade to 4.4.2 NC5. However, is the phone new and under warranty ? If so odin flashing back to NC5 won't trip the knox e-fuse, that happens when you install a custom recovery. Here we go, first BACK UP ALL YOUR DATA TO AN EXT SD CARD OR PC !!! ( i.e. pics, music, videos etc.) From my post here is the link for odin https://mega.co.nz/#!oA5xzTAL!LXoVWBVDWN_7SULGPIv6nWx1gCI3ZZlOMSWdRGVX6Uo download to PC desktop. Then go to micmars and download a copy of NC5 here is the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2712205. It is a zip file so just right click and extract it to your desktop, that will change to a .tar file in a folder. Next extract the odin zip to your PC desktop, and open the odin file as administrator. Now connect your device to your PC via a USB cable. A box will light up in the upper left hand corner COM: doesn't matter what color it is just shows a connection. Now click on the PDA box a new window will open up click on desktop then click on the NC5.tar file to open. Then the file show up next to the PDA box don't touch anything else just click start. Sit back go get a coffee it is going to take few minutes.

Now here is the fun part, if your phone boots up GREAT !!! If it doesn't, and bootloops no problem this common when going back to NC5 it happened to me. Just pull the battery, then reinsert battery, and boot into your stock recovery ( hold the power button, volume up button, and menu button at he same time) once there navigate to factory reset with the volume button and click on factory reset with power button. Finally the phone should boot into NC5, now go to settings/general/about phone and see what version you have.

If you are still on NH7 no problem, it didn't stick go through the process again. Others have had the same thing happen to them, and it took the second time, in the end it's worth it.

I had all kinds of problems on NH7 and so have many others, I went back to NC5 and have had no problems, I'm going to stay here and wait till android 5.0 (lollipop) comes out. Enjoy !!!

 

[btb601]

Jimzweb1
You sent me here for the thread "How to root Galaxy Note 3".
Thing is, I know how to use CF Auto Root, but I'm pretty green even at that. Maybe a total of 10 phones for my family.

I took root off a Note 3 (sm-n900p) by upgrading to the new firmware (NK4). It was having issues and he wanted to go back to a stock. Now he needs root again and chainfire doesn't list a file for the NK4.
Chainfire says he needs a image file from the update to add to his list, but I do not have it. He also states that in most cases, root will work on the new firmware. But if does not, that's where things go black, what to expect and how to recover?
And from what I read, I can't go back to an early firmware?
Your help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[jimzweb1]

Jimzweb1
You sent me here for the thread "How to root Galaxy Note 3".
Thing is, I know how to use CF Auto Root, but I'm pretty green even at that. Maybe a total of 10 phones for my family.

I took root off a Note 3 (sm-n900p) by upgrading to the new firmware (NK4). It was having issues and he wanted to go back to a stock. Now he needs root again and chainfire doesn't list a file for the NK4.
Chainfire says he needs a image file from the update to add to his list, but I do not have it. He also states that in most cases, root will work on the new firmware. But if does not, that's where things go black, what to expect and how to recover?
And from what I read, I can't go back to an early firmware?
Your help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

First you have a S5 not a note 3 but other than size they are basically the same. Read the post above yours, the same thing will probably happen to you don't panic !!! I have to go to work will be back tonite if you want to wait so I can help as you do it or you can try it yourself even you loop it (like what happened to me and most people ) don't panic just follow the instructions in post # 14. You need a clean copy of NE5 go here enter SM-G900P in search on right, you will have to register but its free , I don't see a XDA site for stock NE5 so here is the link http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/ enjoy !!!

 

[btb601]

First you have a S5 not a note 3 but other than size they are basically the same. Read the post above yours, the same thing will probably happen to you don't panic !!! I have to go to work will be back tonite if you want to wait so I can help as you do it or you can try it yourself even you loop it (like what happened to me and most people ) don't panic just follow the instructions in post # 14. You need a clean copy of NE5 go here enter SM-G900P in search on right, you will have to register but its free , I don't see a XDA site for stock NE5 so here is the link http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/ enjoy !!!

LOL, I know I'm getting old and senile. Been called all kind of mean names and all, but I do believe I know what phone I'm working on. And thanks for the help, maybe a rain check for now. It's not my phone and he's not here.
Have a happy new year, as for me, I'm old and tired and going to bed.

 

[jimzweb1]

LOL, I know I'm getting old and senile. Been called all kind of mean names and all, but I do believe I know what phone I'm working on. And thanks for the help, maybe a rain check for now. It's not my phone and he's not here.
Have a happy new year, as for me, I'm old and tired and going to bed.

Sorry about that, I'm no spring chicken either. I'm sure you know what phone you have, I only based my statement on the firmware name (NK4). If you want try in the future I would glad to try and help !!! You will find as I have that here on XDA there is always someone to lend a hand !!!

 

[btb601]

Sorry about that, I'm no spring chicken either. I'm sure you know what phone you have, I only based my statement on the firmware name (NK4). If you want try in the future I would glad to try and help !!! You will find as I have that here on XDA there is always someone to lend a hand !!!

Yeah, I kind of figured that, plus the the model number is one letter different too. I would only try it if you are sure I won't lock up his phone using CF Auto root. I've been at this since the 27th, even throw money at chainfire, although I doubted that would do anything. I needed to donate anyway to show some support for his work.

My other question, can I put it back to the firmware he was on? It's was 4.4.4 (NH7). Then I could root his phone if I can't do it as you said in post #14.

 

[jimzweb1]

Yeah, I kind of figured that, plus the the model number is one letter different too. I would only try it if you are sure I won't lock up his phone using CF Auto root. I've been at this since the 27th, even throw money at chainfire, although I doubted that would do anything. I needed to donate anyway to show some support for his work.

My other question, can I put it back to the firmware he was on? It's was 4.4.4 (NH7). Then I could root his phone if I can't do it as you said in post #14.

No guarantee it won't bootloop !!! I did on my note 3, you just have to take a step back and keep going. Let me give you an overview, but then you need to follow the individual steps in my first post for each part you need to do.
Ok, the first thing you are going to do is BACK UP ALL THE DATA ON THE DEVICE !!! I.E. music, pics, and videos. These are found on the internal sd card copy and paste them on the desktop of your PC.
Now download Odin to your desktop and extract it. (get the link in 1st post) Download a fresh copy of NH7 4.4.4 to your desktop (get the link in 1st post) and extract it. Now follow the instructions in the first post to flash a stock rom. Let it boot up, if it bootloops take off the back and pull the battery. Let it sit for two minutes, replace the battery and hold the power button, volume up button, and the menu button at the same time. It should boot into a stock recovery, if it DOES use the volume button to navigate to factory reset and push the power button. Let device reboot this will take a couple of minutes. Now go to settings/general/about device and see what version of KK you are running.
If it DOES NOT boot into a stock recovery, and goes back to your custom recovery or bootloops. No problem, pull the battery let it set for a couple of minutes reinstall battery then hold the power button, volume down button, and menu button at the same time and boot into download mode. Go to the first post and flash the rom again it will stick the second time.
Once you are back to bone stock 4.4.4 NH7 just follow the first post for rooting and recoveries. I know this is your friend's device and you don't want to mess it up. So before you try anything check here http://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ go to SM-G900P NK4 and try the CF-auto root for the s5. The s5 and note 3 are pretty much the same. You can try to flash the root through odin the worst that can happen is it will fail and not install. Then you are back to try and going back to 4.4.4 NH7.