Database Develop

"LOOK" Here First {List} Roms/Kernels/Mods/Themes/FAQ'S *Update 27/09/11*

This thread is here to make the lives of every one just that much easier. Will try to keep the first and reserved posts as up to date as humanly possible.
Please ask all questions in relation to issues you are having following the FAQ instructions to make it easier to answer your questions and easier for us to track the solutions that way the FAQ post is as up to date and accurate as possible.
As the GT10.1 landscape changes this thread will get updated. I will try and keep everything as simple and to the point as possible. Contributors will be much appreciated.
THE BASICS
BOOTLOADER MODE
Turn device off. Then hold down power + volume down button (the button closer to power button) until you see two icons appear then let go. Left icon (box) is recovery and right icon (Android robot) is Download. Use Vol. down to navigate then vol. up to select.
DOWNLOADING MODE
Just tap volume up when you have highlighted the android robot icon. You should see downloading appear under the icon.
RECOVERY MODE
Vol. up/down to navigate up or down and power button to select.
This is what you use to install ROMs/KERNELs and even themes for your specific roms when they become available. Just highlight the box icon and hit Vol. up. What we are doing now is replacing the stock recovery on your device with Clockwork Mod Recovery which allows you install unsigned ROMs/Kernels/Updates. When in recovery mode you can also back up whatever current ROM you have on your device so if you install a new ROM and something goes wrong you could always use recovery to restore. Whenever you install a new ROM it's advised to always wipe the device using cwmR to ensure a more stable install. Install new ROMS will also mean you will be losing all the apps on your device. It will look like you have a brand new device after the install unless its an update.zip for whatever rom you are currently on and the developer of that rom supports it.
Don't worry about losing your apps as you can always re-download them once you sync your device with your google account. However, the state of those apps and your settings will be lost, so I strongly suggest that you use an app like titanium back up and always make a back up of your apps before flashing any new ROMs. Check in the Recommended Apps section for a direct link to Titanium backup.
Here is the clockwork mod menu
- Reboot system now (self explanatory )
- Apply update from SDcard. (when you connect your device to your computer it will show up as tablet. The SDcard that cwm refers to is simply your device storage. Always make sure to copy install.zips to the root directory of your tablet storage.) You use this when applying an update for a specific ROM if that is what the ROM developer says.
- Wipe Data/ Factory Reset You should always do this before you install a new ROM or if you are having minor issues with your device.
- Wipe cache partition Think of this as the lite version of whats above . If you do above though it doesn't hurt to do this too.
- Install zip from SDcard Use this to install new ROMs.
- Back up and Restore
- Mounts and Storage use this to connect your device to your computer when in recovery mode. It is also possible to transfer files to your device while in this mode.
- Advanced What you are interested in here is something called dalvik cache, you want to wipe this too before installing any new ROM
- Power off
CLICK ME FOR ALL TERMINOLOGY DEFINITIONS
NVFLASH
Nvflash is a low level formatting and imaging tool. If you don't have a working recovery, or have broken the actual boot-loader on your tablet, this is the tool you will need to turn to. For those with unlocked bootloaders (and no fastboot capability), its the best way to root your device. Nvflash is pretty much NVida's version of say an ODIN program but done through cmd prompt. It can save a tablet if one is soft/semi-bricked or maybe full-bricked. To use nvFlash you must first put your tablet in APX mode (think of it as a way to allow you use commands on your computer to control your tablet).
Refer to this thread for downloads and instructions.
So off we go.
ROOTING YOUR TAB
GO TO SamsunFirmware.com AND DOWNLOAD A STOCK FIRMWARE FOR YOUR TAB VERSION> KEEP IN SAFE PLACE!!!!!!! You are already on the right page just scroll down.
Courtesy of RoboBear
GOOGLE I/O & RETAIL WIFI VERSION
[GTP7510]
DOWNLOADS compiled and hosted by tphillips
Content - GT-p7510_USB_Driver | hc-3.1_ota-full_sam_tab_10.1.zip(StockROM) | Odin3_v1.85 | recovery-cwm_4.0.0.4-sam-tab-10.1.tar.md5 | stockretail.tar.md5(recovery) | Samsung_Galaxy_Tab_10.1_root
Download FilesForDummies.zip here
Mirror 1
Mirror 2
DONT WIPE during any part of this process. Make sure to put the stock rom from the download package on your device/use CWM and do a backup of your rom before you start anything in case something goes wrong. You have been warned!!!!!
1. Install samsung USB driver or download samsung Kies and install on your computer which will in turn install the drivers for you.
2. Run Odin.exe, choose PDA and point it to recovery.md5 file.
3. Connect tab via usb to your computer while in downloading mode then hit start in Odin on computer after connection has been established. Run, wait then reboot.
4. Connect tab to computer in usb storage mode (make sure usb debugging is off in tab settings) copy root exploit (Samsung_Galaxy_Tab_10.1_root.zip) to you tablet and take note of where it is. You can skip this part i fyou downloaded this file with your tablet.. Turn off tab. Reboot into bootloader again but this time go to recovery. Select to install zip from SDcard. navigate to where the root.zip is. Install the root.zip. Reboot into android. Your tablet is rooted.
5. Done.
You can also refer to this well made Video showing the whole procedure or this other awesome video by Dansan682.
RETAIL 3G
[GTP7500]
1. Download this Root.zip file to your tablet and move it to root directory of tablet storage. (you can also download on comp. then transfer to tablet)
2. Reboot tab and go into recovery mode and apply the root.zip you just downloaded.
3. Then reboot
rooted already
For CWM
1. After rooting download and install Rom Manager from market.
2. open Rom Manager app and have it install clockwork Mod to your device, you should see your device listed within Rom manager.
3. Done.
Courtesy of Robobear
RETAIL 4G
[GTP7500] courtesy of poitee
Downloads
Kernel.zip
Recovery.zip
1. Copy Files to root of device storage.
2. Boot into Bootloader mode and navigate to and enter recovery mode.
3. Apply Kernel.zip then recovery.zip
4. reboot.....Done.
UNROOTING & RESTORING STOCK RECOVERY
1. Using CWM Flash the stock rom for your device. This unroots your device and basically makes it like a brand new tablet.
2. Use Odin to flash the stock recovery from the filesfordummies.zip.
3. Done, your device is exactly how it was when you picked it up.
FLASHING ROMS AND KERNELS
This is pretty easy as long as you have CWM on your device.
Simply boot CWM recovery, navigate to either update/instal zip from SDcard (pls adhere to ROM/kernel install instructions) and flash the .zip file of the ROM or kernel.
I will update this section with links to all the existing and stable ROMs and kernels as the become available. I will advice that you hold off on the kernels if you can as every stable kernel will eventually get cooked into a ROM unless of course you want to help test them or be on the bleeding edge .
AVAILABLE ROMS & KERNELS
LEGEND
★ - WIFI
★ - 4G
★ - 3G
★ - Custom ROM
★ - Kernel
If your Device is supported the stars will tell you all you need to know.
★[ROM]Stock US Retail WiFi in case something goes wrong
[Solution] HC 3.1 OTA Stock ODIN
★[ROM]Stock|EU|Wifi|Retail|Touchwiz
★ [ROM][STOCK][ARABIC][AUG'13]W/ Official TOUCHWIZ
★★ [ROM][CWM] 3.1|WiFi|Touchwiz UX|DEODEXED
★★ [ROM][CWM] 3.1|WiFi|Touchwiz UX [UPDATE: New WiFi Base Rom]
★★ [ROM][CWM]3.1|WiFi|Bonsai ROM|ToucWiz option|
★★ [ROM][CWM]3.1| Blazar TW Rom|OC 1.6GH Kernel|Prerooted| by Poitee
★★ [ROM] [CWM]3.1|StarBurst ROM| by PhantomHacker
★★ [ROM][CWM][EUR][3G] BroodComb G-P7500 XWKG9 [ALPHA]
★★ [ROM]Task650's KME ROM UEKME Touchwhiz
★★ [KERNEL] 3.1|WiFi|OC 1.4GHZ| by Pershoot
★★[ROM] LiquidSpeed>>> New!!!
★★[KERNEL] 3.1|WiFi|OC1.6GHZ|Voltage Control|Voodoo Sound|CIFS-NTFS| by Poitee
[TABUNTU] Galaxy Tab 10.1 NATIVE Ubuntu WIFI now with a video
IRC ONLINE CHAT
Drop in HERE if you need some Help . #gtab
ROM/KERNEL/THEMES/UPDATES BETA TESTING!!!!
Ever wanted to get whats coming before anyone else (never mind the small issue of being a guinea pig ) Well here is your chance. In this section I will put up the contact info of any dev currently looking for testers and for a limited duration, once the devs has all their testers his link will be closed. You can also think of this section as a great way to see what is coming and what stage of development its in. So stop just downloading stuff people, now you can actually really contribute to making what gets released the best it can be and as bug free as possible.
FAQ
Be sure to ask whatever questions you have in relation to anything and any problems you come across. But please start every question you have with either a
(Q) basically letting me know its a question or a
(P) letting me know its a problem
I will put up all your questions or problems on here so everyone can see them and the answers or fixes . this way people won't have to filter through tons of pages to get help.
(Q) Should I follow these instructions for an IO edition tab? Or should I just use the fastboot flash [cwm recover] and flash the zips through that?
(A) This method will work on the IO version.
(Q) kernel 2.6.36.4 is a NO-GO for the 3G version?
(A) Yes, it doesn't work on the 3G version yet.
(Q) If my tab ins locked does that mean i cant flash kernels on it?
(A) You can flash anything as long as you have a recovery that will support it. In our case CWM. Being locked and unlocked really only stops you from flashing stuff "easily" but since we can change the recovery, we can flash anything.
(Q) Does the Odin file wipe tab?
(A) No. All Odin is doing here is flashing a new recovery to your tab. Nothing more.
(P) Can't see tablet as USB storage device on Mac.
(A) Unfortunately Android and Macs don't play nice... you best bet is to use dropbox or a simple bluetooth transfer to transfer files from your mac to your tablet. Then on your Tab use a file manager app to move your files to where you want them to be. For now. Another option is to download everything that requires you using CWM with your tablet so its all already there. So in CWM all you have to do is navigate to your downloads folder. I just created a folder called mods and I have them all there.
(P) Stuck in BootLoop after Flashing ROM via Odin.
(A) You should use nvFlash to falsh CWM if you don't still have it then do a full wipe of your device including reformating all partions in mounts and storage except the boot partition then using Odin install a stock Rom on your device.
(P) I messed things up on my LTE tab and I now somehow dont have a recovery mode anymore!!!!!
(A) Go Here and scroll to post #4 and follow tijayz instructions.... make sure to thank him!!!
USER TIPS AND RECOMMENDED APPS
TIPS
1. Working Hulu
2. How to utilize the entire screen for setting widgets and icons without the 1inch gap on the sides? Use ADW launcher EX
3. Rotation Lag Fix
4. Look here for a Mod to permanently set your browser user agnet to desktop. No more mobile sites.
RECOMMENDED APPS!!!!!go on!!, find an awesome app and suggest it to be added to this list!!! Only android market or direct .apk links so isers can download and install straight from their devices
Titanium BackUp
Circle Launcher
ADW Launcher EX
Beautiful Widgets
CNN
Minimalistic Text
Thumb Keyboard
Tablet Keyboard
XBMC
PLEX
Playstation Emulator
SNES emulator
Multipicture Live wallpaper. Kiss weirdly cropped wallpapers goodbye
Wallpaper Slideshow
Dolphin Browser HD
Pulse news Reader
AutoDesk SketchBook Pro
Feedly
File Manager HD (honeycomb)
All credit goes to all the awesome devs and members of xda. I have done nothing but make this thread.

DEV CENTRE
This section will have a host of developer specific tools and even tutorials. XDA making it easier for XDA??????
Good Times....
To start things off
APK Manager: Honeycomb Edition by tphillips

Thanks so much. But the download link doesnt work. Would appreciate it if you could get it working! Looking forward to flashing roms!
EDIT:Nevermind-its working

rvrugg90 said:
Thanks so much. But the download link doesnt work. Would appreciate it if you could get it working! Looking forward to flashing roms!
EDIT:Nevermind-its working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, try again... its working on my end though.

Nice, should be stickied.

(Q) Should I follow these instructions for an IO edition tab? Or should I just use the fastboot flash [cwm recover] and flash the zips through that?

The so-called "Mount device as USB Mass storage" thread has nothing to do with mounting the device as Mass Storage. It only tells you how to mount as MTP, which can be done without any of the steps mentioned in the thread. Seriously, it doesn't belong on this list.
Also, you should include instructions for using nvflash to install a custom recovery. I found it much easier and safer to root through this method than through Odin.

[Q] kernel 2.6.36.4
Many thanks for preparing this post.
Just wanted to add a question here: can you confirm that kernel 2.6.36.4 is a NO-GO for the 3G version?
Or is it related with TW versus plain HC?
I'm running the stock TW rom on a rooted 3G tab. Tried to flash the above kernel with OC purposes, had to recover through a CWM backup.
Thanks for clarifying

ca110475 said:
Many thanks for preparing this post.
Just wanted to add a question here: can you confirm that kernel 2.6.36.4 is a NO-GO for the 3G version?
Or is it related with TW versus plain HC?
I'm running the stock TW rom on a rooted 3G tab. Tried to flash the above kernel with OC purposes, had to recover through a CWM backup.
Thanks for clarifying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the oc kernel is not supporting tw at this current time.

I'm just going to copy exactly waht I typed in the IRC -- I'm stuck without being able to reboot into recovery with an I/O tab. Also cannot get fastboot to work
- i got some help from here earlier but now i'm stuck again in rooting/flashing a custom rom on the IO edition
<slobdogg> i went through the ODIN process to revert to 3.0.1, then was able to adb reboot recovery and install the root file
<slobdogg> afterwards i installed clockwork mod using RM, and then did the update to a 3.1 OTA file on XDA
<slobdogg> now i'm supposed to reboot into recovery to reinstall root but i cannot
<slobdogg> even in ADB if i reboot recovery it just restarts the device...also, I cannot enter recovery through the Vol Down + Power method, just fastboot and odin
<slobdogg> so im right back where I was (3.1 with no root)

ralexand said:
I'm just going to copy exactly waht I typed in the IRC -- I'm stuck without being able to reboot into recovery with an I/O tab. Also cannot get fastboot to work
- i got some help from here earlier but now i'm stuck again in rooting/flashing a custom rom on the IO edition
<slobdogg> i went through the ODIN process to revert to 3.0.1, then was able to adb reboot recovery and install the root file
<slobdogg> afterwards i installed clockwork mod using RM, and then did the update to a 3.1 OTA file on XDA
<slobdogg> now i'm supposed to reboot into recovery to reinstall root but i cannot
<slobdogg> even in ADB if i reboot recovery it just restarts the device...also, I cannot enter recovery through the Vol Down + Power method, just fastboot and odin
<slobdogg> so im right back where I was (3.1 with no root)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in order to do adb reboot recovery you need a rooted boot.
flash the latest tools pack, and you will get root/adb root shell/busybox,dropbear,ssh,etc.,etc.
you need to get CWM or the stock IO recovery on the device, prior to being able to flash.

pershoot said:
in order to do adb reboot recovery you need a rooted boot.
flash the latest tools pack, and you will get root/adb root shell/busybox,dropbear,ssh,etc.,etc.
you need to get CWM or the stock IO recovery on the device, prior to being able to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What tools pack are you referring to? Can't seem to find something relating to that on the forum.
I feel like an idiot because it just seems like if i restart the process, I'll lose CWM again and be back where I am right now. If I could just get fastboot to work this whole thing would be a lot easier because I could just flash CWM without root.

ralexand said:
What tools pack are you referring to? Can't seem to find something relating to that on the forum.
I feel like an idiot because it just seems like if i restart the process, I'll lose CWM again and be back where I am right now. If I could just get fastboot to work this whole thing would be a lot easier because I could just flash CWM without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://droidbasement.com/db-blog
XDA:
[Tools] – SU/BusyBox/Misc – Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Update: 6/18/11)
this sends you to droidbasement.

pershoot said:
in order to do adb reboot recovery you need a rooted boot.
flash the latest tools pack, and you will get root/adb root shell/busybox,dropbear,ssh,etc.,etc.
you need to get CWM or the stock IO recovery on the device, prior to being able to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As with most issues, mine turned out to be user error. I forgot to re-flash the root.zip file after flashing the 3.1 update. That prevented me from being ablet o reboot into CWM.
Started from step 1, and flashed the root file after the 3.1 update and now i'm fine.
Thanks!

ralexand said:
(Q) Should I follow these instructions for an IO edition tab? Or should I just use the fastboot flash [cwm recover] and flash the zips through that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is only really known for certain to work on a retail locked or unlocked version. Not certain about the google i/o version but will ask around for you. But nothing here says that version is supported using this method.
However, i see no reason why it won't work though, assuming you only flash the root exploit.
For instructions specific to your model though, refer to this thread

Berner said:
The so-called "Mount device as USB Mass storage" thread has nothing to do with mounting the device as Mass Storage. It only tells you how to mount as MTP, which can be done without any of the steps mentioned in the thread. Seriously, it doesn't belong on this list.
Also, you should include instructions for using nvflash to install a custom recovery. I found it much easier and safer to root through this method than through Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, removed the usb thingy, however, it would be nice if you also contributed a link to the nvflash method so i could update the thread. its not my thread you know? it belongs to all of us. How good this thread ends up being all boils down to how helpful we all are.

ralexand said:
As with most issues, mine turned out to be user error. I forgot to re-flash the root.zip file after flashing the 3.1 update. That prevented me from being ablet o reboot into CWM.
Started from step 1, and flashed the root file after the 3.1 update and now i'm fine.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see you are sorted
Please everyone... carefully follow the instructions!!!
On another note, does this mean that this process works on a google i/o device already on android 3.1? Please let me know so i can update

however, it would be nice if you also contributed a link to the nvflash method so i could update the thread. its not my thread you know? it belongs to all of us. How good this thread ends up being all boils down to how helpful we all are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Posts 1 & 2 of them most viewed thread in this forum. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14866263&postcount=2

Berner said:
Posts 1 & 2 of them most viewed thread in this forum. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14866263&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i put it up and took it out again, there is currently a much, much, much easier and direct method to root the device. And one that I am sure you will agree is by far more straight forward.

Lorddeff07 said:
This is only really known for certain to work on a retail locked or unlocked version. Not certain about the google i/o version but will ask around for you. But nothing here says that version is supported using this method.
However, i see no reason why it won't work though, assuming you only flash the root exploit.
For instructions specific to your model though, refer to this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if it's just my version of the I/O Tab, or all I/O Tabs, but one key thing is that I could NOT boot into recovery on a non-rooted 3.1 Edition.
On 3.1, adb reboot recovery would simply reboot my device. I cannot use the POW + VOL DOWN button combination because I am presented with a USB icon on the left (which takes you to fastboot - which would not work for me), and the ODIN Download Icon on the right.
So, the only changes to the instructions with regards to an IO tab is to remove any reference to "POWER + VOL DOWN" as the method of getting into recovery. IT MUST be done via a command -- either adb reboot recovery or using Rom Manager to boot into CWM.
Exact steps for me (brief):
1. ODIN to revert to 3.0.1
2. reboot the device, turn on USB Debugging
3. connect to computer and use ADB to "adb reboot recovery" then install root zip file once you get into the stock recovery
4. Reboot - install Rom Manager and Clockwork Mod.
5. Reboot into CWM
6. Install the 3.1 Update AND [before rebooting] re-install the root zip file
7. Voila!
Only thing is -- now that I am on 3.1, the only way for me to get into recovery is via Rom Manager because the 'adb reboot recovery' function only reboots the devices, and the button combination trick still does not work.
EDIT: paragraph above is not entirely true -- i can open a terminal on my Tab and type 'reboot recovery' to get back into recovery. So, it's just adb & the button combination that does not work.
I still cannot figure out why I cannot get fastboot to work. My computer even seems to recognize that I have a fastboot device connected, but I cannot send any fastboot commands; even fastboot devices returns nothing.

[Q] Rooting a Stock ROM

Hi to all
I wish to root my Note (GT-N7000) and am trying to follow the method described in Dr Katan's post here.
Download the [CWM zip] and put in your Ext SDCARD ] And [ SUPERSU-Busybox-Installer.zip] to SD card (internal memory)
Reboot to recovery.
Choose apply update from external storage. (use vol up/down to select, power to enter)
Choose CWM.zip and wait until CWM recovery appear.
Choose install zip from sdcard (Now use touch function to select choice)
Choose and Install SUPERSU-Busybox-Installer.zip
Reboot
You are done and now your device is Rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running the following stock ROM:-
Android Version
4.0.3
Baseband Version
N70000XXLPT
Kernel Version
3.0.15-N7000XXLQ2-CL605927
[email protected] #3
Build Number
IML74K.XXLQ2
When I hold the power button, I don't see any 'Recovery' option (The only options are 'Silent mode', 'Data network mode', 'Flight mode', 'Power off' and 'Restart'). What am I missing/doing wrong..?
Many thanks to anyone who can help.
PS. Apologies for posting this in the Q&A section. I'm relatively new so can't yet make a post in the relevant development thread.

only custom ROM users get the APM (advanced power menu)
you will have to do it manually, Power off the phone and hold volume UP + Home + Power all at once
let go when you see the GT-N7000 screen

azzledazzle said:
only custom ROM users get the APM (advanced power menu)
you will have to do it manually, Power off the phone and hold volume UP + Home + Power all at once
let go when you see the GT-N7000 screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou VERY much. I did it, but haven't tried the rooting procedure yet. In the recovery menu, I saw a message about CSC being successfully applied. What does this mean...?

not sure what CSC stands for but it happens to us all, Dont worry about it, Its a good thing that it was applied successfully

Csc is country sales code. And yes as azzledazzle said, its normal to see that message.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

I have now run into a few problems and would be very glad for some advice.
I have tried to root following the instructions below in the OP.
Download the [CWM zip] and put in your Ext SDCARD ] And [ SUPERSU-Busybox-Installer.zip] to SD card (internal memory)
Reboot to recovery.
Choose apply update from external storage. (use vol up/down to select, power to enter)
Choose CWM.zip and wait until CWM recovery appear.
Choose install zip from sdcard (Now use touch function to select choice)
Choose and Install SUPERSU-Busybox-Installer.zip
Reboot
You are done and now your device is Rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All went well (or so I thought) but I have 2 problems:-
I don't think I'm properly or fully rooted. After following the above steps, I installed Mobile Odin Pro (v2.45) and attempted to flash CF-Root-SGN_XX_XEU_LQ2-v5.6-CWM5.zip. I extracted the tar file, placed it on the external SD card and ran it using Mobile Odin Pro. However, upon rebooting, I see that my baseband, kernel version, build no. etc. are still showing exactly the same info in the 'About phone' section under Settings, ie.
Android Version
4.0.3
Baseband Version
N70000XXLPT
Kernel Version
3.0.15-N7000XXLQ2-CL605927
[email protected] #3
Build Number
IML74K.XXLQ2
Is this normal or have I missed an important step? I saw on another thread that perhaps I should have extracted both the tar and zimage files from the CFRoot zip, and then flashed? If so, could someone kindly tell me exactly what to do. For info, SU seems to have installed ok and has granted the necessary permissions to CWM and Mobile Odin Pro as root apps but I can't get into or use either app. What am I missing or doing wrong?
After rebooting, I can no longer use Mobile Odin Pro so cannot attempt a proper flash of whatever kernel I should be using. I can mostly now not get past the 'Loading...Checking SuperUser support...' splash screen. During this period, I see a pop-up which confirms the app has been 'granted SuperUser permissions for an interactive shell'; this pop-up usually appears several times during this loading period. Very occassionally, it gets past the Loading screen but then stays for an equally lengthy time at the next 'Loading...Detecting device model...' screen. If it gets past that, it then fails to detect any device model so I cannot use the app. What am I doing wrong? I've tried rebooting several times - no joy. I've tried uninstalling and then reinstalling the app - again, no joy.
If anyone can help me out of my rooting misery, I'd be really grateful.
One more thing - I'm not completely clear how I revert to/reinstall a stock ICS ROM once I am properly rooted or from where the phone is now? Can someone please just clarify this for me.
Apologies for the long post - just wanted to give as much information as possible.
Many thanks to all who can help

im not so sure but when you installed cwm and buzybox you did so to flash a custom rom
if you flash a custom rom you will keep the phone root and so on (supersu ecc...)
else you loose partially the root and you need to reflash the apps you lost on rebbot
so choose good cutom ics and go for it
you might try cssie xlite....180 mega
or Rocket Rom 7 700 mg
both work well
p.s. never full wipe or factory reset on ics cfroot kernell....
just do t with abyss kernel 4.2 if you need it and read about eemmmc bug crack
p.s.2 look for drkeatan posts and chasmodo....they made good walkthrough pro

lorekarf said:
im not so sure but when you installed cwm and buzybox you did so to flash a custom rom
if you flash a custom rom you will keep the phone root and so on (supersu ecc...)
else you loose partially the root and you need to reflash the apps you lost on rebbot
so choose good cutom ics and go for it
you might try cssie xlite....180 mega
or Rocket Rom 7 700 mg
both work well
p.s. never full wipe or factory reset on ics cfroot kernell....
just do t with abyss kernel 4.2 if you need it and read about eemmmc bug crack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I only rooted in order to use certain root apps (Root Explorer, Titanium Backup etc) and was under the impression that the CF-Root-SGN_XX_XEU_LQ2-v5.6-CWM5.zip was basically a slightly modified stock ICS ROM with CWM included..?

largeruk said:
Thanks for the reply. I only rooted in order to use certain root apps (Root Explorer, Titanium Backup etc) and was under the impression that the CF-Root-SGN_XX_XEU_LQ2-v5.6-CWM5.zip was basically a slightly modified stock ICS ROM with CWM included..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I've always rooted is to run the adb script on a gb from, can be found in dr K's post. You need to be rooted before you can flash cwm kernel, 2 separate processes (although combined in some scripts.
There is also a thread somewhere with pre-rooted stock roms, so you could flash one of those as normal with PC Odin and then flash cwm kernel. Might be easier.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

s3 GT-I9305 ROOT???

I have Samsung Galaxy s3 LTE GT-I9305
Android version: 4.3
Baseband version: I9305XXUEMK1
I'm searching for root for quite a while now but I can't find it....so if anyone knows for s3 GT-I9305 root would be pleased
Cheers Guys!!!

Two days ago I rooted exactly the same phone model. Search for a guide with cf auto root. It goes about like this:
1. Download and install samsung usb drivers on pc
2. Download Chainfire package, check model i9305!!
3. Run odin from package and click pda and select file in package
4. Start phone by simultaneously pressing vol up (or was it down?), home and power. You should get into download mode
5. Connect phone with usb and press start
6. Reboot
Now what the guides do not generally tell is that KNOX will prevent supersu from running. To get around that:
7. Goto play store and update supersu
8. Disable knox when asked
You should be rooted.
9. Install busybox, i think its needed for many apps
You will not be able to do over the air updates, because status is modified. That is no big deal with root imho.
Enjoy

rom
mulperi said:
Two days ago I rooted exactly the same phone model. Search for a guide with cf auto root. It goes about like this:
1. Download and install samsung usb drivers on pc
2. Download Chainfire package, check model i9305!!
3. Run odin from package and click pda and select file in package
4. Start phone by simultaneously pressing vol up (or was it down?), home and power. You should get into download mode
5. Connect phone with usb and press start
6. Reboot
Now what the guides do not generally tell is that KNOX will prevent supersu from running. To get around that:
7. Goto play store and update supersu
8. Disable knox when asked
You should be rooted.
9. Install busybox, i think its needed for many apps
You will not be able to do over the air updates, because status is modified. That is no big deal with root imho.
Enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi..i did all the steps but im on 4.3 xxxuelm8 sgpore lafleur.. so this counted as my i9305 rooted rite?
so can i flash to roms like amcha? it will not couse trouble rite?

mulperi said:
Two days ago I rooted exactly the same phone model. Search for a guide with cf auto root. It goes about like this:
1. Download and install samsung usb drivers on pc
2. Download Chainfire package, check model i9305!!
3. Run odin from package and click pda and select file in package
4. Start phone by simultaneously pressing vol up (or was it down?), home and power. You should get into download mode
5. Connect phone with usb and press start
6. Reboot
Now what the guides do not generally tell is that KNOX will prevent supersu from running. To get around that:
7. Goto play store and update supersu
8. Disable knox when asked
You should be rooted.
9. Install busybox, i think its needed for many apps
You will not be able to do over the air updates, because status is modified. That is no big deal with root imho.
Enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did up to step 7. But after upgrading SuperSU, leaves open the apk in order to proceed to step 8. Gives the error: "There is no su binary installed and SuperSU can not perform the installation. This is a problem! If you recently upgraded to android 4.3 ... "

OMINIS said:
I did up to step 7. But after upgrading SuperSU, leaves open the apk in order to proceed to step 8. Gives the error: "There is no su binary installed and SuperSU can not perform the installation. This is a problem! If you recently upgraded to android 4.3 ... "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey i'm stuck at the same place... somehow SuperSU has lost its ability to remove knox? it seems like none of the programs which requires root gets thru knox... i've tried the first two methods listed here http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-safe-knox/366118-solution-how-permanently-remove-knox.html but still couldn't get to disable knox (can't grant superuser permissions to any program)...
or am i not rooted yet?

oh yay, i've managed to solve my problem with rooting my phone...
you need to download the KNOX REMOVAL SCRIPT V2.0 zip from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507931 into your SD card (or internal memory), then install it via CWM recovery or TWRP recovery (or other tools of your choice)
after that, you can install SuperSU via ADB (or any other methods, should work fine now)...

Broken volume flex

Hi everyone I have a big big problem. My volume buttons are broken, so I can'n navigate through CWM revovery. I have cm10.2 and I want to try the kiktkat ROMs. What should I do? I tried to use goo manager but after I press "flash roms" it reboots in recovery, where I can't do anything unless reboot now. Is there a way to install TWRP touch recovery? I think of installing stock jellybean with ODIN and use a custon kernel through DD command method, but I don't know how to root without using the recovery. Any other solutions? Is there a way to install TWRP directly on cyanogenmod 10.2? Why goo manager doesen't work? Rom manager do the same thing, instead of flashing my rom, it reboots in recovery. Please help me, i'm desperate. Basicaly I want to install ROMs or TWRP recovery WITHOUT USING THE VOLUME BUTTON.

cristinel13 said:
Hi everyone I have a big big problem. My volume buttons are broken, so I can'n navigate through CWM revovery. I have cm10.2 and I want to try the kiktkat ROMs. What should I do? I tried to use goo manager but after I press "flash roms" it reboots in recovery, where I can't do anything unless reboot now. Is there a way to install TWRP touch recovery? I think of installing stock jellybean with ODIN and use a custon kernel through DD command method, but I don't know how to root without using the recovery. Any other solutions? Is there a way to install TWRP directly on cyanogenmod 10.2? Why goo manager doesen't work? Rom manager do the same thing, instead of flashing my rom, it reboots in recovery. Please help me, i'm desperate. Basicaly I want to install ROMs or TWRP recovery WITHOUT USING THE VOLUME BUTTON.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that we do not have any CM kernel that has TWRP. And you can't install separately recovery from kernel. Maybe you can do this, install CM11 kernel - it has touch CWM. When you swipe up it goes up, when you swipe down... But you must be carefull, and to get 100% working CM11 zip in your recovery, to avoid getting a bootloop. Unpack it on PC and see if zip of it is not broken,
You can install CM11 kernel by getting it from CM11 zip, copy it to the phone and use Universal Kernel Flasher from Play store. After installing it I think that you can't go back to CM10.2 anymore, you will end up with a bootloop. So you must install CM11. And another thing, I am not sure if reboot recovery works well, you will end up with nothing if it does not. So do everything at your risk, do not blame me if you fail...
We do not have working ROM manager or similar thing.

shut_down said:
I think that we do not have any CM kernel that has TWRP. And you can't install separately recovery from kernel. Maybe you can do this, install CM11 kernel - it has touch CWM. When you swipe up it goes up, when you swipe down... But you must be carefull, and to get 100% working CM11 zip in your recovery, to avoid getting a bootloop. Unpack it on PC and see if zip of it is not broken,
You can install CM11 kernel by getting it from CM11 zip, copy it to the phone and use Universal Kernel Flasher from Play store. After installing it I think that you can't go back to CM10.2 anymore, you will end up with a bootloop. So you must install CM11. And another thing, I am not sure if reboot recovery works well, you will end up with nothing if it does not. So do everything at your risk, do not blame me if you fail...
We do not have working ROM manager or similar thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I should unpack the CM11 zip and flash the kernel in CM10.2 that I already have? If I will end up with bootloop how should I enter the recovery? The only way to do it is through reboot to recovery option in my rom, if I get stuck in the bootloop I will not be able to do anything. Can you explain one more time, step by step?

cristinel13 said:
So I should unpack the CM11 zip and flash the kernel in CM10.2 that I already have? If I will end up with bootloop how should I enter the recovery? The only way to do it is through reboot to recovery option in my rom, if I get stuck in the bootloop I will not be able to do anything. Can you explain one more time, step by step?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't guarantee that you can reboot to recovery, because sometimes it does not work. This process is risky... You can't go to download mode too after that.
1. Download CM11 zip, get boot.img from it
2. Install Universal Kernel Flasher and some root explorer
3. Install boot.img with Universal Kernel Flasher
4. Reboot recovery
5. Install CM11, do factory reset, wipe cache, dalvik cache...
I wouldn't try something like this with those risks, I will rather get my volume buttons fixed before trying this. I think chances to fail is greater then not to.

I understand now.. as you said is too risky. Can anyone help me with a method to get root on stock jellybean without using recovery or to use goo manager? I want so bad to try kitkat but I don't want to brick my phone in the process. Thank you Shutdown anyway for the help.

cristinel13 said:
I understand now.. as you said is too risky. Can anyone help me with a method to get root on stock jellybean without using recovery or to use goo manager? I want so bad to try kitkat but I don't want to brick my phone in the process. Thank you Shutdown anyway for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Goo manager is not working because it is not compatible with our device. Its developer needs to make it work with our phone. So I think there is no other method for rooting except the one we have, zip file and flashing it in recovery.

Why there isn't an odin flashable method for root as for gingerbread? I am sorry for bothering you, but you are of the most experienced dev/user of our device.. My volume flex can't be fixed unless I change the motherboard wich is far too expensive compared with the value of the phone. I also have a very unstable version of cm 10.2 (I installed it like 10 months ago) so my camera doesen't work in video and I have the in call volume bug. If I just could root stock jellybean with other method, I could use twrp and install any 4.4 ROM I want. It is frustrating because I am so close yet so far..

cristinel13 said:
Why there isn't an odin flashable method for root as for gingerbread? I am sorry for bothering you, but you are of the most experienced dev/user of our device.. My volume flex can't be fixed unless I change the motherboard wich is far too expensive compared with the value of the phone. I also have a very unstable version of cm 10.2 (I installed it like 10 months ago) so my camera doesen't work in video and I have the in call volume bug. If I just could root stock jellybean with other method, I could use twrp and install any 4.4 ROM I want. It is frustrating because I am so close yet so far..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not Odin flashable root method because we got that Recovery method that is easy and does not increase binary count, and devs did not make the one for Odin. Anyway you can't go to download mode too if Volume buttons is not working. You need to press volume up to proceed...

I built a long time ago a CM10.1 kernel with TWRP recovery... CM10.2 CWM is touch recovery.
@cristinel13 Method by shut_down is perfect, but if you aren't not sure to do it do this:
I built this file for you, download it but don't extract, leave as it is
Open Odin and put that file in "PDA"
Open Terminal Emulator on your device and write first su, confirm access then write reboot download
Now your device is in download mode without need to press vol+ to confirm
Press "Start" on Odin
Let the device starts, then open again Terminal Emulator, write again su then write reboot recovery to enter in recovery. Now flash any KitKat ROM that you want

A little help? I flashed it with odin and now my phone is bricked. It boot to the samsung galaxy s advance logo and then it stops. My PC reconise it and I can charge my phone, but I can't start it. How can I enter recovery/download without the buttons? I am pretty scared right now :-s

cristinel13 said:
A little help? I flashed it with odin and now my phone is bricked. It boot to the samsung galaxy s advance logo and then it stops. My PC reconise it and I can charge my phone, but I can't start it. How can I enter recovery/download without the buttons? I am pretty scared right now :-s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that you need to do factory reset... Can you use ADB? Try to delete data/data folder in root with ADB. You can use this if you need GUI: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2105707
You can try with delete of folder data/dalvik-cache.
P.S. I forgot that you flashed just kernel, try adb reboot recovery.

The kernel worked.. I mean the battery logo when I plug it in the PC is like on in kitkat. My phone works but it won't boot up. All I need to do is to enter recovery mode, but I can't without the volume button. Can I enter in recovery with ADB? I red that I can't use ADB with the phone turned off.

cristinel13 said:
The kernel worked.. I mean the battery logo when I plug it in the PC is like on in kitkat. My phone works but it won't boot up. All I need to do is to enter recovery mode, but I can't without the volume button. Can I enter in recovery with ADB? I red that I can't use ADB with the phone turned off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try. Leave it sometime on that bootloop, and if it is possible it will give you adb access. Use reboot recovery command, like you did for download mode.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk

cristinel13 said:
The kernel worked.. I mean the battery logo when I plug it in the PC is like on in kitkat. My phone works but it won't boot up. All I need to do is to enter recovery mode, but I can't without the volume button. Can I enter in recovery with ADB? I red that I can't use ADB with the phone turned off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh right, kernels compiled on 4.4 can't start on 4.2-4.3... Sorry, I forgot that, do you have at least a very little knowledge about hardware? If yes, we can use a "pro" method that will 101% work to enter in recovery
shut_down said:
Try. Leave it sometime on that bootloop, and if it is possible it will give you adb access. Use reboot recovery command, like you did for download mode.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately to have ADB on boot you need to modify default.prop inside boot.img's primary ramdisk, and he can't actually flash again...

You cand explain the method to enter in recovery, I will give it a shot.

cristinel13 said:
You cand explain the method to enter in recovery, I will give it a shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In terminal emulator get superuser request nd then type 'reboot recovery' then u r good to go...........

kamalnath93 said:
In terminal emulator get superuser request nd then type 'reboot recovery' then u r good to go...........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know why usually someone doesn't read previous messages in a thread. He can't actually boot his ROM, so no terminal emulator

[HOW TO][SM-G9008V] Gain ROOT and install GAPPS

I saw a lot of confusion about the China Mobile TD-LTE version of the S5 in the owner's thread, also the explained method uses files that are not easily available and that, in my opinion are not up to standards. In general the procedure to obtain ROOT access and install Google Apps is not different than for any other phone and you need to use standard well known resources.
I will assume you are on the latest firmware, not that it should make any difference, but I only tested that one. At the moment the latest available firmware for the SM-G9008V is CHM-G9008VZMU1ANH3.
RECOVERY
1. Install Samsung USB drivers on your PC
2. Download Odin 3.07 on your PC
3. Download an ODIN flashable recovery onto your PC g9008v-cmw-recovery-6.0.4.8-en(0420).tar.md5 - 12.33 MB
4. Open odin, click the PDA button, navigate to the recovery file (tar file) you just downloaded, MAKE SURE only F. Reset Time is selected, do not select Auto reboot, this is very important!
5. Boot into download mode (hold the menu button, power button, and volume down button all together simultaneously until the device reboots)
6. When you see that odin detects your device(a colored indicator will turn on) click start
7. When Odin is done, disconnect the USB cable and pull out the battery, then boot into Recovery (hold the menu button, power button, and volume up button all together simultaneously until the device reboots)
8. Once in CWM recovery select "reboot system now". CWM will eventually ask you if you want to disable recovery reflashing and you'll be good to go (it may not ask, but in that case you are good to go anyway). This happens only at the first boot after recovery flashing.
If you do not carefully follow steps 6-7-8, the stock ROM will reflash the stock recovery and you'll have to repeat the process.
ROOT
1. Download SuperSU flashable zip from Chainfire UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip - 2.5 MB
2. Copy UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip on your External SD Card
3. Boot the phone into recovery mode (shutdown the phone, then start it pressing Volume+/up, home button and power for several seconds)
4. Select "install zip" and then "choose zip from /storage/extSdCard", locate UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip on your phone and proceed with the installation.
5. Reboot the phone and look for SuperSU, open the app and it will alert you of the presence of KNOX and ask if you want to disable it, go for it, it may take some time.
GOOGLE APPS
1. Download the KitKat official signed package from Cyanogen gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip - 83.1 MB
2. Copy gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip on your External SD Card
3. Boot the phone into recovery mode (shutdown the phone, then start it pressing Volume+/up, home button and power for several seconds)
4. Select "install zip" and then "choose zip from /storage/extSdCard", locate gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip on your phone and proceed with the installation.
5. Reboot your phone and you're done.
To remove/hide bloatware I suggest to use Titanium Backup.
CHANGELOG
16/10/2014
- updated SuperSU to 2.14
- added additional steps to avoid automatic stock recovery reflash

I added some steps to avoid stock recovery reflash, forgot that very important step!

Hi bubbl3,
I was wondering if you have tried to install the gapps without a custom recovery.? The reason I am asking is that when I try to flash gapps with stock recovery I get an error message that says: signature verification failed. Tried with and without root.
I don't have exactly your phone but close, Sm-g9008w.
//Jaco

Jaco_dk said:
Hi bubbl3,
I was wondering if you have tried to install the gapps without a custom recovery.? The reason I am asking is that when I try to flash gapps with stock recovery I get an error message that says: signature verification failed. Tried with and without root.
I don't have exactly your phone but close, Sm-g9008w.
//Jaco
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gave up on trying on stock recovery and installed custom recovery, then everything went smoothly.
//Jaco

Jaco_dk said:
Gave up on trying on stock recovery and installed custom recovery, then everything went smoothly.
//Jaco
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sorry for the late reply, you cannot flash the gapps in stock recovery.
Which recovery did you flash on your G9008W, the one in this thread?

bubbl3 said:
Yes, sorry for the late reply, you cannot flash the gapps in stock recovery.
Which recovery did you flash on your G9008W, the one in this thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem at all, just meant I was forced to test a bit in the blind, as it really hard to find any information regarding the SM-G9008W.
Yeah, I used your recovery as your phone got almost the same firmware version(G9008WZMU1ANH3), so I expected that it would work and it worked like a charm.
How much bloatware did you remove with Titanium? I got a few things apps I am not sure if I can remove without any consequence.

Jaco_dk said:
No problem at all, just meant I was forced to test a bit in the blind, as it really hard to find any information regarding the SM-G9008W.
Yeah, I used your recovery as your phone got almost the same firmware version(G9008WZMU1ANH3), so I expected that it would work and it worked like a charm.
How much bloatware did you remove with Titanium? I got a few things apps I am not sure if I can remove without any consequence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation, there's some people that will appreciate as there is no official english recovery for the 9008W.
I basically removed all the chinese stuff and a couple of samsung apps.

bubbl3 said:
Thanks for the confirmation, there's some people that will appreciate as there is no official english recovery for the 9008W.
I basically removed all the chinese stuff and a couple of samsung apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Jaco_dk : there is a specific CWM for the SM-G9008W, you may want to flash this one to avoid any hidden incompatibilities: http://www.studenikin.ru/svarom/files/g9008w-cwm-recovery-6.0.5.0-en(0715).tar

bubbl3 said:
@Jaco_dk : there is a specific CWM for the SM-G9008W, you may want to flash this one to avoid any hidden incompatibilities: http://www.studenikin.ru/svarom/files/g9008w-cwm-recovery-6.0.5.0-en(0715).tar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. Even I have the Chinese version G9008W and was looking how to root it with English language.
The link you gave is of a Russian site. Is the recovery in English? Are the recoveries given in OP in English?
Thanks for your replies.

gverma1 said:
Hi. Even I have the Chinese version G9008W and was looking how to root it with English language.
The link you gave is of a Russian site. Is the recovery in English? Are the recoveries given in OP in English?
Thanks for your replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, both recoveries are in English.

bubbl3 said:
I saw a lot of confusion about the China Mobile TD-LTE version of the S5 in the owner's thread, also the explained method uses files that are not easily available and that, in my opinion are not up to standards. In general the procedure to obtain ROOT access and install Google Apps is not different than for any other phone and you need to use standard well known resources.
I will assume you are on the latest firmware, not that it should make any difference, but I only tested that one. At the moment the latest available firmware for the SM-G9008V is CHM-G9008VZMU1ANH3.
RECOVERY
1. Install Samsung USB drivers on your PC
2. Download Odin 3.07 on your PC
3. Download an ODIN flashable recovery onto your PC g9008v-cmw-recovery-6.0.4.8-en(0420).tar.md5 - 12.33 MB
4. Open odin, click the PDA button, navigate to the recovery file (tar file) you just downloaded, MAKE SURE only F. Reset Time is selected, do not select Auto reboot, this is very important!
5. Boot into download mode (hold the menu button, power button, and volume down button all together simultaneously until the device reboots)
6. When you see that odin detects your device(a colored indicator will turn on) click start
7. When Odin is done, disconnect the USB cable and pull out the battery, then boot into Recovery (hold the menu button, power button, and volume up button all together simultaneously until the device reboots)
8. Once in CWM recovery select "reboot system now". CWM will eventually ask you if you want to disable recovery reflashing and you'll be good to go (it may not ask, but in that case you are good to go anyway). This happens only at the first boot after recovery flashing.
If you do not carefully follow steps 6-7-8, the stock ROM will reflash the stock recovery and you'll have to repeat the process.
ROOT
1. Download SuperSU flashable zip from Chainfire UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip - 2.5 MB
2. Copy UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip on your External SD Card
3. Boot the phone into recovery mode (shutdown the phone, then start it pressing Volume+/up, home button and power for several seconds)
4. Select "install zip" and then "choose zip from /storage/extSdCard", locate UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip on your phone and proceed with the installation.
5. Reboot the phone and look for SuperSU, open the app and it will alert you of the presence of KNOX and ask if you want to disable it, go for it, it may take some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your detailed step-by-step instructions. Just wanted to reconfirm in Step 8 when it asks to disable recovery reflashing - do I have to say 'yes' (disable recovery reflashing) or 'no' (don't disable recovery reflashing).
Thanks

gverma1 said:
Thanks for your detailed step-by-step instructions. Just wanted to reconfirm in Step 8 when it asks to disable recovery reflashing - do I have to say 'yes' (disable recovery reflashing) or 'no' (don't disable recovery reflashing).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should answer 'yes' (disable recovery reflashing)

bubbl3 said:
Yes, both recoveries are in English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! I had got this phone pre-rooted by the vendor and he has messed up deleting apps and deleted important stuff like keyboard, etc. I will be flashing latest stock Samsung firmware from Sammobile.com and then try your method to root. Hope that goes through fine. Will I have to flash GAPPS as well?
Also, I hope I don't lose my dual SIM functionality by rooting the stock ROM. Will I?
Thanks

gverma1 said:
Great! I had got this phone pre-rooted by the vendor and he has messed up deleting apps and deleted important stuff like keyboard, etc. I will be flashing latest stock Samsung firmware from Sammobile.com and then try your method to root. Hope that goes through fine. Will I have to flash GAPPS as well?
Also, I hope I don't lose my dual SIM functionality by rooting the stock ROM. Will I?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to flash GAPPS as the original stock ROM doesn't include them, also I don't see how you can loose dual SIM functionality if you flash the stock ROM.

bubbl3 said:
Thanks for the confirmation, there's some people that will appreciate as there is no official english recovery for the 9008W.
I basically removed all the chinese stuff and a couple of samsung apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I had a lot of problems finding any informations about the G9008W, that's also why I decided to write in your thread, hoped others could find it useful.
Nice, I will try to remove as much as possible myself then.
bubbl3 said:
@Jaco_dk : there is a specific CWM for the SM-G9008W, you may want to flash this one to avoid any hidden incompatibilities: http://www.studenikin.ru/svarom/files/g9008w-cwm-recovery-6.0.5.0-en(0715).tar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help, however I don't have any problems what so ever, so I think I will keep using yours for now.

Does it work on SM-G9006W?
bubbl3 said:
I saw a lot of confusion about the China Mobile TD-LTE version of the S5 in the owner's thread, also the explained method uses files that are not easily available and that, in my opinion are not up to standards. In general the procedure to obtain ROOT access and install Google Apps is not different than for any other phone and you need to use standard well known resources.
I will assume you are on the latest firmware, not that it should make any difference, but I only tested that one. At the moment the latest available firmware for the SM-G9008V is CHM-G9008VZMU1ANH3.
RECOVERY
1. Install Samsung USB drivers on your PC
2. Download Odin 3.07 on your PC
3. Download an ODIN flashable recovery onto your PC g9008v-cmw-recovery-6.0.4.8-en(0420).tar.md5 - 12.33 MB
4. Open odin, click the PDA button, navigate to the recovery file (tar file) you just downloaded, MAKE SURE only F. Reset Time is selected, do not select Auto reboot, this is very important!
5. Boot into download mode (hold the menu button, power button, and volume down button all together simultaneously until the device reboots)
6. When you see that odin detects your device(a colored indicator will turn on) click start
7. When Odin is done, disconnect the USB cable and pull out the battery, then boot into Recovery (hold the menu button, power button, and volume up button all together simultaneously until the device reboots)
8. Once in CWM recovery select "reboot system now". CWM will eventually ask you if you want to disable recovery reflashing and you'll be good to go (it may not ask, but in that case you are good to go anyway). This happens only at the first boot after recovery flashing.
If you do not carefully follow steps 6-7-8, the stock ROM will reflash the stock recovery and you'll have to repeat the process.
ROOT
1. Download SuperSU flashable zip from Chainfire UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip - 2.5 MB
2. Copy UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip on your External SD Card
3. Boot the phone into recovery mode (shutdown the phone, then start it pressing Volume+/up, home button and power for several seconds)
4. Select "install zip" and then "choose zip from /storage/extSdCard", locate UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.14.zip on your phone and proceed with the installation.
5. Reboot the phone and look for SuperSU, open the app and it will alert you of the presence of KNOX and ask if you want to disable it, go for it, it may take some time.
GOOGLE APPS
1. Download the KitKat official signed package from Cyanogen gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip - 83.1 MB
2. Copy gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip on your External SD Card
3. Boot the phone into recovery mode (shutdown the phone, then start it pressing Volume+/up, home button and power for several seconds)
4. Select "install zip" and then "choose zip from /storage/extSdCard", locate gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip on your phone and proceed with the installation.
5. Reboot your phone and you're done.
To remove/hide bloatware I suggest to use Titanium Backup.
CHANGELOG
16/10/2014
- updated SuperSU to 2.14
- added additional steps to avoid automatic stock recovery reflash
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Click to collapse
I have seen these threads for a while and I couldn't find anything related to my SM-G9006W, even on other threads, I didn't see anything about SM-G9006W. I also recently updated it to Lollilop 5, not sure if that make more complicated to install GAPPS. If you know anything about how to root this phone and install GAPPS, please let me know, I would be really appreciated. Thank you

Hi. G9008W has got Lollipop update. I plan to flash it after downloading from sammobile site. Will this method be still valid to root the phone running Lollipop? Will this CWM work? Of course, I'll flash Lollipop CM gapps. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

gverma1 said:
Hi. G9008W has got Lollipop update. I plan to flash it after downloading from sammobile site. Will this method be still valid to root the phone running Lollipop? Will this CWM work? Of course, I'll flash Lollipop CM gapps. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Hi gverma1,
Have you tried it yet?
I am downloading the lolipop update right now, and I was wondering exactly the same if the CWM will work with Lolipop, as I need google play.
I will try and see if Chainfire is willing to make a new CFAuto root for Lolipop for SM-G9008W when I am done with downloading the firmware.
//Jaco

Downloading here myself. But on checking CWM versions for other phones including other S5 variants, the version required seems to be 6.0.4.8 whereas we have 6.0.5.0 here. So I don't think there would be any issues.

gverma1 said:
Downloading here myself. But on checking CWM versions for other phones including other S5 variants, the version required seems to be 6.0.4.8 whereas we have 6.0.5.0 here. So I don't think there would be any issues.
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Click to collapse
Hi gverma1,
I just finished updating to Lolipop, and I installed the 6.0.5.0 and it works just fine.
However it didn't like the PA Gapps Nano, got stuck att starting up apps. So I am going to test some different once now.
Update. The Gapps actually worked after a factory reset.
//Jaco.