Why no root? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S6

My M7 was rooted and unlocked before I even put the sim card in. What's the problem with rooting the S6 for AT&T, especially when other carriers are already rooted?
I expected to click the forum and already see custom roms, at least de-odexed ones. Then I find out that the Note 4 STILL isn't rooted after months. There's even a change.org petition to at&t begging for an unlock.
I've 14 days to return the phone, and I think I will if I'm not able to root it by then. No point in having a great phone if it's crippled by bloatware and poorly designed software. What are the odds of seeing a rooted/unlocked S6 running custom roms anytime soon?

robenwzrdhat said:
My M7 was rooted and unlocked before I even put the sim card in. What's the problem with rooting the S6 for AT&T, especially when other carriers are already rooted?
I expected to click the forum and already see custom roms, at least de-odexed ones. Then I find out that the Note 4 STILL isn't rooted after months. There's even a change.org petition to at&t begging for an unlock.
I've 14 days to return the phone, and I think I will if I'm not able to root it by then. No point in having a great phone if it's crippled by bloatware and poorly designed software. What are the odds of seeing a rooted/unlocked S6 running custom roms anytime soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt there will ever be root or a custom recovery on the AT&T version. Note 4 only got root and that's if you didn't do the latest update. Search around and you will see what I mean. This is the reason I buy T-Mobile and carrier unlock it for AT&T so I can have root and custom recovery. AT&T = Goodbye to Root & Recovery.

chrispyutec said:
I doubt there will ever be root or a custom recovery on the AT&T version. Note 4 only got root and that's if you didn't do the latest update. Search around and you will see what I mean. This is the reason I buy T-Mobile and carrier unlock it for AT&T so I can have root and custom recovery. AT&T = Goodbye to Root & Recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you got it? Was the unlock/activation process fairly painless?

Doubt anyone is going to try rooting att variant
Sent from my XT1095 using XDA Free mobile app

Related

Using T-Mobile or Other Firmware on AT&T Note 3?

Is it possible? Thinking about Getting a Note 3, But I don`t like the changes AT&T makes. For an example The data icons AT&T puts in there and all the AT&T to go junk. Anyone Flash T-Mobile or other firmwares on there AT&T Note 3? Back when I had my AT&T Note 1 I flashed the N7005 International Rom on it, same went with my Note 2.
hyelton said:
Is it possible? Thinking about Getting a Note 3, But I don`t like the changes AT&T makes. For an example The data icons AT&T puts in there and all the AT&T to go junk. Anyone Flash T-Mobile or other firmwares on there AT&T Note 3? Back when I had my AT&T Note 1 I flashed the N7005 International Rom on it, same went with my Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SM-N900A or at&t note 3 has a locked bootloader. This prevents us from installing a custom recovery and flashing other firmware. So unfortunately at this time you won't be able to flash anything. If you were to obtain one anyway and it came preloaded with Kit Kat, you won't even be able to obtain root access. If you are lucky enough to obtain one with android 4.3 you can obtain root. There's even a work around for 4.3 called safestrap. Safestrap allows us to install tweeked roms. But there's not that many of them compared to the previous note versions you use to have.
Many at&t note 3 owners have sold or traded for the T-Mobile variant. The T-Mobile note 3 bootloader is unlocked.
I hope that gives you some insight.
440bro said:
The SM-N900A or at&t note 3 has a locked bootloader. This prevents us from installing a custom recovery and flashing other firmware. So unfortunately at this time you won't be able to flash anything. If you were to obtain one anyway and it came preloaded with Kit Kat, you won't even be able to obtain root access. If you are lucky enough to obtain one with android 4.3 you can obtain root. There's even a work around for 4.3 called safestrap. Safestrap allows us to install tweeked roms. But there's not that many of them compared to the previous note versions you use to have.
Many at&t note 3 owners have sold or traded for the T-Mobile variant. The T-Mobile note 3 bootloader is unlocked.
I hope that gives you some insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Must be the reason why the T-Mobile one will cost me about $35 more used. If I got the T-Mobile Version I might not even root. I just hate what AT&T Does with the Software.
Is there even root on theAT&T Note 3? on 4.4.2? I dont care about tripping Knox as long as it doesnt harm anything
hyelton said:
Is there even root on theAT&T Note 3? on 4.4.2? I dont care about tripping Knox as long as it doesnt harm anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. There is no root for 4.4.2 as of yet. Avoid the ATT version if at all possible.
BTW thanks for hosting those LG firmwares. It has been very helpful in returning my phones to oem state.
whatsitsnamenow said:
No. There is no root for 4.4.2 as of yet. Avoid the ATT version if at all possible.
BTW thanks for hosting those LG firmwares. It has been very helpful in returning my phones to oem state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres a local Note 3 well somewhat local Note 3 but its AT&T
Been looking at a T-mobile Note 3 for a few days on Swappa for $435
What's the price difference between the 2? I would try the Att if you can get it for under 370. If over that I would do the T-Mobile version. The unlock bootloader is worth it. Just make sure it is paid off (T-Mobile version) before you buy it.

Unlocked bootloader?

I have owned about 5 android phones all have been rooted and rommed. I have been trying to look to see if the phone is already unlocked from t mobile and if theres a recovery ready to be flashed. I was looking at the CFauto root guide and somewhere in the post it says custom recovery is ready but i don't see a download for the recovery. Is it included in the ODIN file?
nazzo123 said:
I have owned about 5 android phones all have been rooted and rommed. I have been trying to look to see if the phone is already unlocked from t mobile and if theres a recovery ready to be flashed. I was looking at the CFauto root guide and somewhere in the post it says custom recovery is ready but i don't see a download for the recovery. Is it included in the ODIN file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile Note 4 is bootloader unlocked from the manufacturer. The SIM is locked, but now easily unlockable through online unlocking services.
Root available through CF.
Still waiting on custom recovery.
done12many2 said:
The T-Mobile Note 4 is bootloader unlocked from the manufacturer. The SIM is locked, but now easily unlockable through online unlocking services.
Root available through CF.
Still waiting on custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just have to "unlock" the phone to be able to use on other carriers?
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Yes. Unlock for use on any GSM network. Verizon and Sprint are CDMA networks so it will not work on them.
ohhh ok cool because i was with verizon for a long time and every phone was locked down
Wait wait wait...sorry about my confusion here, but I've been with Verizon for a couple years. Are you saying T-Mobile phones come with the bootloader unlocked? Is AT&T like this too? I'm already prepared to jump ship, but if this is true, I'm definitely gonna say goodbye to big red.
T-Mobile only.
Cicatrize said:
Wait wait wait...sorry about my confusion here, but I've been with Verizon for a couple years. Are you saying T-Mobile phones come with the bootloader unlocked? Is AT&T like this too? I'm already prepared to jump ship, but if this is true, I'm definitely gonna say goodbye to big red.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the bootloader is unlocked on the T-Mobile. I'm using one now on the AT&T network. Feels good to be rocking and rooted, unlocked bootloader and carrier unlocked N4. Happy flashing to all!!!

[Q] If you can unlock the AT&T S6 then will you be able to root

After reading all the threads about rooting the new S6 (technically the inability to root) and all the talk about unlocking, I am not quite clear on if there is a round-about way to get root. Can I: unlock my phone, put in another carriers SIM (like T-Mobile) and with that SIM in root the phone? Is it possible to roll back the operating system back to one that does have a vulnerability to allow root.
What makes AT&T version unable to root when it runs the same operating system as T-Mobile (I am assuming they run the same operating system). Why is it so definitive that there won't be a root for this phone?
I am have read articles, but I want to hear a dumbed-down, to the point explanation from people who understand how this works.
Thanks!
On the att model the bootloader is locked down tight whereas on tmo it can be unlocked. That is the issue. The things you mentioned won't work unfortunately.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A
fitzumwell said:
After reading all the threads about rooting the new S6 (technically the inability to root) and all the talk about unlocking, I am not quite clear on if there is a round-about way to get root. Can I: unlock my phone, put in another carriers SIM (like T-Mobile) and with that SIM in root the phone? Is it possible to roll back the operating system back to one that does have a vulnerability to allow root.
What makes AT&T version unable to root when it runs the same operating system as T-Mobile (I am assuming they run the same operating system). Why is it so definitive that there won't be a root for this phone?
I am have read articles, but I want to hear a dumbed-down, to the point explanation from people who understand how this works.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're asking a few different questions so i will try to answer them as best I can.
1st things 1st. All versions of the GS6 can be rooted. However, the AT&T and Verizon versions have locked bootloaders which mean that as of right now, there is no way to flash a custom recovery making it impossible flash roms. Having a rooted phone with a locked bootloader is fine as you can still install apps that require root it really just means no custom recovery and no custom roms.
The other thing about using a different sim card is called SIM UNLOCKING or carrier unlocking. This is something that the original carrier should do for you for free once you've paid the device off and do not owe anything on it. Also, most carriers like T-Mobile will not unlock it for you until you've used the phone on their network for at least 40 days (dont quote me on that, its 40 give or take 5 days)
So, to be clear its not rooting that allows you to use a foreign sim its SIM unlocking and this can be done for free by the carrier once you pay the phone off.
All versions of the GS6 can be rooted its just some even after you root will not be able install custom roms.
Hope this helps.
Also, if you are on at&t but dont wanna be stuck with a locked bootloader you may wanna consider buying a factory unlocked phone. They cost a little bit more but they are already unlocked so using T-Mobile or AT&T on most unlocked models is easy as changing the sim card. AND since they have unlocked bootloaders all you have to do is root it and you are free to install whatever custom rom you want.
Good luck!
jimmiekain said:
You're asking a few different questions so i will try to answer them as best I can.
1st things 1st. All versions of the GS6 can be rooted. However, the AT&T and Verizon versions have locked bootloaders which mean that as of right now, there is no way to flash a custom recovery making it impossible flash roms. Having a rooted phone with a locked bootloader is fine as you can still install apps that require root it really just means no custom recovery and no custom roms.
The other thing about using a different sim card is called SIM UNLOCKING or carrier unlocking. This is something that the original carrier should do for you for free once you've paid the device off and do not owe anything on it. Also, most carriers like T-Mobile will not unlock it for you until you've used the phone on their network for at least 40 days (dont quote me on that, its 40 give or take 5 days)
So, to be clear its not rooting that allows you to use a foreign sim its SIM unlocking and this can be done for free by the carrier once you pay the phone off.
All versions of the GS6 can be rooted its just some even after you root will not be able install custom roms.
Hope this helps.
Also, if you are on at&t but dont wanna be stuck with a locked bootloader you may wanna consider buying a factory unlocked phone. They cost a little bit more but they are already unlocked so using T-Mobile or AT&T on most unlocked models is easy as changing the sim card. AND since they have unlocked bootloaders all you have to do is root it and you are free to install whatever custom rom you want.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for clarifying that for me but that leaves me with more questions. So you are saying I can still root my ATT phone? I need root access for giving root privileges to other apps and not to flash custom roms. I want to be able to remove bloatware and tweak the performance of the phone. Is that a different kind of root? I rooted my GS4 with an app I put on the phone and not with Odin. Is that what I need to do again if I am not planning on modding my rom?
fitzumwell said:
Thank you so much for clarifying that for me but that leaves me with more questions. So you are saying I can still root my ATT phone? I need root access for giving root privileges to other apps and not to flash custom roms. I want to be able to remove bloatware and tweak the performance of the phone. Is that a different kind of root? I rooted my GS4 with an app I put on the phone and not with Odin. Is that what I need to do again if I am not planning on modding my rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are saying I can still root my ATT phone? YES BUT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL A CUSTOM RECOVERY BECAUSE THE BOOTLOADER IS LOCKED. WITHOUT A CUSTOM RECOVERY, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL ROMS.
I need root access for giving root privileges to other apps and not to flash custom roms. YES AND NO, YOU NEED ROOT TO GIVE ROOT PRIVS TO OTHER APPS BUT ITS NOT ROOT THAT ALLOWS YOU TO INSTALL CUSTOM ROMS, ITS BOTH ROOT AND A CUSTOM BOOTLOADER.
I want to be able to remove bloatware and tweak the performance of the phone. YOU CAN DO THAT WITH ROOT. NO CUSTOM ROM REQUIRED.
Is that a different kind of root? THERE IS ONLY ONE KIND OF ROOT, THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO ROOT BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE KIND. EITHER YOU ARE ROOTED OR YOU ARE NOT.
I rooted my GS4 with an app I put on the phone and not with Odin. Is that what I need to do again if I am not planning on modding my rom? YOU CAN USE ODIN, YOU MAY ALSO BE ABLE TO DO IT USING THE APP METHOD BUT I DONT KNOW FOR SURE.
SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO RESPOND, I'VE BEEN SHOPPING AROUND FOR AN UNLOCKED GS6 MYSELF.
Hope this helps.
Can you link me to a root method that doesn't trip Knox? I have the att S6
xXQuintonXx said:
Can you link me to a root method that doesn't trip Knox? I have the att S6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't have one yet.
SilkyJohnson said:
We don't have one yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to remove Knox so we can root?
Your a Big Help
jimmiekain said:
So you are saying I can still root my ATT phone? YES BUT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL A CUSTOM RECOVERY BECAUSE THE BOOTLOADER IS LOCKED. WITHOUT A CUSTOM RECOVERY, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL ROMS.
I need root access for giving root privileges to other apps and not to flash custom roms. YES AND NO, YOU NEED ROOT TO GIVE ROOT PRIVS TO OTHER APPS BUT ITS NOT ROOT THAT ALLOWS YOU TO INSTALL CUSTOM ROMS, ITS BOTH ROOT AND A CUSTOM BOOTLOADER.
I want to be able to remove bloatware and tweak the performance of the phone. YOU CAN DO THAT WITH ROOT. NO CUSTOM ROM REQUIRED.
Is that a different kind of root? THERE IS ONLY ONE KIND OF ROOT, THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO ROOT BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE KIND. EITHER YOU ARE ROOTED OR YOU ARE NOT.
I rooted my GS4 with an app I put on the phone and not with Odin. Is that what I need to do again if I am not planning on modding my rom? YOU CAN USE ODIN, YOU MAY ALSO BE ABLE TO DO IT USING THE APP METHOD BUT I DONT KNOW FOR SURE.
SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO RESPOND, I'VE BEEN SHOPPING AROUND FOR AN UNLOCKED GS6 MYSELF.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for explaining all that for me. I guess there aren't many people out there that want root without the expectation to flash their ROM. I will keep researching till I find a way to get root where I don't need to flash the ROM with it.
fitzumwell said:
Thank you so much for explaining all that for me. I guess there aren't many people out there that want root without the expectation to flash their ROM. I will keep researching till I find a way to get root where I don't need to flash the ROM with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root without flashing a rom.
jimmiekain said:
You can root without flashing a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can that be done? Everyone says there is no point so noone is coding it? Am I missing something?
Now that you AT&T & Verizon users have root (Ping-pong Root)
You can't flash other custom recovery/Kernels/Roms becauce the bootloder are still locked, right?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/general/root-pingpongroot-s6-root-tool-t3103016
What about what happend in S5 lile safestrap?
Can anyone do it in S6/S6E?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2794087

[Q] Why doesn't exist any upgrade to android 6 or 7 for s4 active i537?

Hello community, recently I did the procedure to get the lollipop version in my S4 active i537 keeping root, but after many searches I can't find how to upgrade to marshmallow or nougat version and I wondering why.
I think it have to be because at this moment doesn't exist any way to intall a custom recovery as TWRP or CWM, if this is true, why nobody found the way to unlock the bootloader yet? in order to manage the custom recovery.
And why is so difficult to unlock it?
Which are the differences between this s4 version with the others? And how can I help to unlock the bootloader, thanks in advance.
I'm going to try to answer your questions one at a time:
m44nu33l said:
Hello community, recently I did the procedure to get the lollipop version in my S4 active i537 keeping root, but after many searches I can't find how to upgrade to marshmallow or nougat version and I wondering why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not and never will be marshmallow or nougat for the i537. This is because it is outside the "2-year" update cycle of Samsung/AT&T. If you look at other phones from Samsung and AT&T, there are very rarely updates to phones 2 years after the initial release of the phone. There's not really a good reason for this other than Samsung and AT&T want you to buy a new phone to get the latest updates. In the past you would need to get a new phone in order to have new hardware that is able to run the latest version of Android. But we're now at a point that nearly any phone released in the last 2-3 years can run nougat with minor lag. Manufacturers and carriers are holding on to the 2-year upgrade cycle and forcing you to buy new phones in order to get updates.
m44nu33l said:
I think it have to be because at this moment doesn't exist any way to intall a custom recovery as TWRP or CWM, if this is true, why nobody found the way to unlock the bootloader yet? in order to manage the custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The i537 has a locked bootloader while the i9295 does not have a locked bootloader. Nobody has figured out how to unlock the bootloader on any variant of the S4.
m44nu33l said:
And why is so difficult to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very long read, but this thread explains exactly why it is so hard to unlock the bootloader. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2500826)
m44nu33l said:
Which are the differences between this s4 version with the others?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated above the only difference between the two versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (i537 vs i9295) is that the i537 has a locked bootloader and the i9295 does not. The i537 was sold exclusively through AT&T (US), Telcel (Mexico), and Claro (Uruguay), while the i9295 was sold internationally. Neither device will get official versions of marshmallow or nougat, but since the i9295 has an unlocked bootloader you can flash marshmallow and soon nougat custom ROMs. Other than the bootloader, the i537 and i9295 have identical hardware.
m44nu33l said:
And how can I help to unlock the bootloader, thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, unless you have a deep understanding of kernels, Linux, and cryptology, I'm not sure there's much help you can provide. The link I provided above explains all the effort that has been put into unlocking the bootloader. If you truly want to help I would read through that thread and see if there's anything meaningful you can provide.
Finally, if you don't ever want to have this problem again, always do your research and but a phone that has an unlockable bootloader. I purchased the i537 when it first came out only to find that the bootloader was locked and because of that I will never buy another phone with a locked bootloader again. Good luck.
Devo7v said:
I'm going to try to answer your questions one at a time:
There is not and never will be marshmallow or nougat for the i537. This is because it is outside the "2-year" update cycle of Samsung/AT&T. If you look at other phones from Samsung and AT&T, there are very rarely updates to phones 2 years after the initial release of the phone. There's not really a good reason for this other than Samsung and AT&T want you to buy a new phone to get the latest updates. In the past you would need to get a new phone in order to have new hardware that is able to run the latest version of Android. But we're now at a point that nearly any phone released in the last 2-3 years can run nougat with minor lag. Manufacturers and carriers are holding on to the 2-year upgrade cycle and forcing you to buy new phones in order to get updates.
The i537 has a locked bootloader while the i9295 does not have a locked bootloader. Nobody has figured out how to unlock the bootloader on any variant of the S4.
It's a very long read, but this thread explains exactly why it is so hard to unlock the bootloader. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2500826)
As I stated above the only difference between the two versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (i537 vs i9295) is that the i537 has a locked bootloader and the i9295 does not. The i537 was sold exclusively through AT&T (US), Telcel (Mexico), and Claro (Uruguay), while the i9295 was sold internationally. Neither device will get official versions of marshmallow or nougat, but since the i9295 has an unlocked bootloader you can flash marshmallow and soon nougat custom ROMs. Other than the bootloader, the i537 and i9295 have identical hardware.
Honestly, unless you have a deep understanding of kernels, Linux, and cryptology, I'm not sure there's much help you can provide. The link I provided above explains all the effort that has been put into unlocking the bootloader. If you truly want to help I would read through that thread and see if there's anything meaningful you can provide.
Finally, if you don't ever want to have this problem again, always do your research and but a phone that has an unlockable bootloader. I purchased the i537 when it first came out only to find that the bootloader was locked and because of that I will never buy another phone with a locked bootloader again. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation, what I will do is change my S4 for the international version in order to get the nougat custom rom.
m44nu33l said:
Thanks for the explanation, what I will do is change my S4 for the international version in order to get the nougat custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well my questions has really been answered , i guess we are never going to get an update , best option is to get a new phone

At&t Locked Note 8, Can I flash to Verizon?

I picked up a Note 8 thats still locked on At&t and Im planing to flash it over to Verizon for use on their network. The guy that sold it to me said he was working on getting it unlocked and im prayinh he comes through. If I understand what Ive read so far I should be able to flash it over to Verizon while its locked, just that it will still be locked afterwards which is fine. Is that true? Will I encounter any issues or would I be better off waiting until its unlocked first?
And if anyone knows an easy way to unlock it im all ears. Thanks a bunch.
sattech200 said:
I picked up a Note 8 thats still locked on At&t and Im planing to flash it over to Verizon for use on their network. The guy that sold it to me said he was working on getting it unlocked and im prayinh he comes through. If I understand what Ive read so far I should be able to flash it over to Verizon while its locked, just that it will still be locked afterwards which is fine. Is that true? Will I encounter any issues or would I be better off waiting until its unlocked first?
And if anyone knows an easy way to unlock it im all ears. Thanks a bunch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it's carrier locked to AT&T there's nothing you can do.
While you can flash the VZW ROM, your device will still be locked to AT&T. Have to wait for them to unlock it.
cam30era said:
As long as it's carrier locked to AT&T there's nothing you can do.
While you can flash the VZW ROM, your device will still be locked to AT&T. Have to wait for them to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that, but I was wanting to play and get a jump on the game, if I flash it to VZW will I have any issues unlocking it with ATT after the fact? I'm just wanting to get the VZW firmware loaded and the phone setup so once it's carrier unlocked I'll be ready to go with Verizon.
sattech200 said:
I understand that, but I was wanting to play and get a jump on the game, if I flash it to VZW will I have any issues unlocking it with ATT after the fact? I'm just wanting to get the VZW firmware loaded and the phone setup so once it's carrier unlocked I'll be ready to go with Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. While it isn't applicable to our device, I do know that if one is running a custom ROM, often the SIM unlock code won't work.
Just in case anyone else has the same question, sense I'm sitting on a samsung locked Note Edge that was legitimently mine I decided to play it safe and wait it out. Original owner got it unlocked for me today so now it's time I can play.

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