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Root [Virgin Mobile] [GUIDE][MK5][WIP]Rooting MK5 4.3 for Newbies!

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Bearing in mind that forums all over the internet are stuffed with complaints about the new update, and the fact that rooting the phone voids the warranty, even if the problem is the update, not rooting, I wouldn't root ANY Samsung phone until they get this stuff straightened out. (I own two of them, and data and wifi are off unless needed - I don't even want the "updates" until they figure out what they're doing.)
 
dennytechno said:
I rooted!!! :)... what roms can run and would they still be in the xda forum for spring galaxy s3
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Post #3 of my thread for modifying and customizing has a list of ROM's that I have personally tried successfully.
http://androidforums.com/virgin-mobile-galaxy-s3-all-things-root/791952-all-in-one-guide-modifying-custom-sprint-roms-virgin-mobile-use.html
Will be updated soon to reflect 4.4 builds. Also recommend jdsingle76's stock rooted if you want the 4.3 stock experience without the Knox garbage.
[ROM][MK5][STOCK][ODEXED/DEODEXED]- Virgin Mobile/Boost Mobile - xda-developers
 
shamdamdoobily said:
I got this awesome phone 3 days ago and well satisfied so far but i want to root wich doesnt seem that hard and well i havent really been on this galaxy s3 all thing root forum and well they made have asked this question before but today i decided to root it ,postive to do it but i wake up an android update to 4.3 and well i did it but my question is this root method posted in this forum safe with this version of android ? Also i pretty much want a stock rom so any problems with the 3g 4g or wifi or messaging or any precautions i should take in mind before i root if possible ?
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I moved your post to a thread that is currently discussing the rooting options and methods of the 4.3 update :D Hope this helps

As Rukbat mentioned, rooting does void you warranty but rooting any device in general typically voids your warranty. Rooting the 4.3 update can be done fairly easily following the rooting guide by Austrie here in the forums but with a few minor changes.

I would recommend Philz recovery instead of the CWM recovery mentioned in the guide: [d2spr][CWM ADV.] OFFICIAL PhilZ-Touch Recovery 6.0 [11.24.13] - xda-developers

After installing that recovery (by flashing through Odin as covered in the root guide) instead of proceeding to only flash SuperSU as the guide suggests, I would also install the pre-rooted stock rom before flashing SuperSU which is found here:

http://androidforums.com/virgin-mob...k-rom-mk5-stock-stock-4-3-mk5-rom-rooted.html

..which is EXACTLY like the 4.3 update you just installed except it does not have Knox security which can make rooting a pain the neck. Again, this does void your warranty. You will want to install this zip by booting into the Philz recovery (holding power up and home while powering up) and then selecting the zip from your sd card and clicking install. I suggest performing a factory reset, and formatting "system" in the recovery menu before installing the rom.

EDIT: UPDATE - edited the OP of this thread to serve as a rooting guide for those on MK5
 
Thread updated to serve as a rooting guide for those with MK5, particularly newcomers with brand new devices shipped with MK5 who are interested in rooting this device. The standard stickied root guide does not yet cover the new MK5 at this time so I believe this thread will pick up that slack ;)
 
TheBritton said:
I suppose that an alternative to flashing the knox free stock Rom and SuperSU would be to simply flash SuperSU and the Knox remover zip: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23212708291681409

I'll update the OP tomorrow with that alternative method.
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This is true, however, as you have pointed out, nothing removes the Knox boot loader once it's there, and unlike updating using a Knox free build(like mine), anything you do custom will void the warranty beyond repair. The reason is, I can always run triangle away, flash a stock unrooted tar back to 4.1.2, and I'm back to how it was shipped. Attempting to flash a tar with a different bootloader if you have the Knox bootloader(like 4.1.2) will cause instant brick.
 
jdsingle76 said:
This is true, however, as you have pointed out, nothing removes the Knox boot loader once it's there, and unlike updating using a Knox free build(like mine), anything you do custom will void the warranty beyond repair. The reason is, I can always run triangle away, flash a stock unrooted tar back to 4.1.2, and I'm back to how it was shipped. Attempting to flash a tar with a different bootloader if you have the Knox bootloader(like 4.1.2) will cause instant brick.
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I agree. I was thinking this could be an easy method for those who have already taken the OTA with the knox bootloader.
 
ajnycguy said:
Thanks!

I posted about the Data Toggle in 4.3 to see if we can figure out a way to try and get it back or to use a 3rd party app. If you guys could check it out that would be great.

Data on MK5 Update? - Android Forums
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I posted the link you need in that thread. JD's ROM also has a thread on XDA, good one to pay attention to as the fix for the data toggle is linked in that thread as well.
 
TheBritton said:
Thread updated to serve as a rooting guide for those with MK5, particularly newcomers with brand new devices shipped with MK5 who are interested in rooting this device. The standard stickied root guide does not yet cover the new MK5 at this time so I believe this thread will pick up that slack ;)
Click to expand...

So, just to be sure; if I've already taken the OTA to 4.3, you're saying it is safe to flash the "un-knoxed" stock zip with SuperSU through Philz recovery?

I was under the impression that, if one were to flash a ROM with a non-Knox bootloader, that that would render a bricked device.

Please, clarify this for me. I apologize for any redundancy.
 
Higgs_Boson said:
So, just to be sure; if I've already taken the OTA to 4.3, you're saying it is safe to flash the "un-knoxed" stock zip with SuperSU through Philz recovery?

I was under the impression that, if one were to flash a ROM with a non-Knox bootloader, that that would render a bricked device.

Please, clarify this for me. I apologize for any redundancy.
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ROM .zip files don't contain bootloaders generally, bootloaders will only be found in .tar files that are pushed via Odin. Note the difference-flash through recovery (.zip files) or push via Odin (.tar files). Therefore, flash any ROM you want but DO NOT, repeat DO NOT push any .tar file designed to restore a specific version of stock (MG2 or MD7). Please let me know if this clears things up for you!

I believe the exception to the rule about .zip files and bootloaders is the Midnight ROM posted elsewhere in this forum, but not 100% positive.
 
Updated OP with links to MK5 modem and WiFi fix to correct any issues. Please try these fixes before reporting issues about WiFi, 3G, 4G not working in the forums :)
 
Thank you for this guide! Fortunately almost everything works. Unfortunately, 4G doesn't work and I tried the fixes posted. I downloaded the non Knox ROM, so I will try to downgrade.
 
kellysa111 said:
Thank you for this guide! Fortunately almost everything works. Unfortunately, 4G doesn't work and I tried the fixes posted. I downloaded the non Knox ROM, so I will try to downgrade.
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http://androidforums.com/virgin-mob...k-stock-4-3-mk5-rom-rooted-4.html#post6318985

kellysa111 said:
Did a dirty install and my 4G wasn't working even with the wifi/mk5 fixes. Had to do a clean install for it to work.
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I gather by this post your 4G issue is corrected? :)

Again, a reminder to all.. CLEAN INSTALLS.. if you have issues wipe everything before reinstalling and see if issues persist. Wipe data, system, cache, and dalvik cache
 
will this wipe out apps & setting? I'm on 4.3 I thought I was rooted, Super User installed, but no root access assuming because of the knox boot loader . So I'm hoping flashing this will fix everything?
 
Yep, I bought this, but says my phone doesn't have root, even though Superuser installed, I don't have root access. So my next plan of attack is to flash MK5 Stock rooted (without the Knox boot loader) which I assume is blocking my root access. Damn, this phone was supposed to be easy to root compared to my EVO 4G.
 
photostar808 said:
will this wipe out apps & setting? I'm on 4.3 I thought I was rooted, Super User installed, but no root access assuming because of the knox boot loader . So I'm hoping flashing this will fix everything?
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I think you're posting in the wrong thread by accident. This thread is for the MD7, MG2. I'll move these posts to the MK5 thread..
 
Still having issues, seems I'm root with no root permissions. Super User just crashes when I try to open it. One Ap shows me I'm rooted , but can't open "rooted" apps. I'm assuming this is because I rooted when I had the "knox" boot loader. Not sure what do now. Any ideas?
 
photostar808 said:
Still having issues, seems I'm root with no root permissions. Super User just crashes when I try to open it. One Ap shows me I'm rooted , but can't open "rooted" apps. I'm assuming this is because I rooted when I had the "knox" boot loader. Not sure what do now. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

I am noticing you have posted several time about Rooting MK5 in this thread: http://androidforums.com/virgin-mob...ting-recovery-galaxy-s3-vm-6.html#post6319439

Just letting you know that you are posting in the wrong thread. The current discussion on MK5 and anything root related belongs here: http://androidforums.com/virgin-mob...ting-recovery-galaxy-s3-vm-6.html#post6319439

Just letting you know (and others) know so you will be able to get better help. Thanks! I have went ahead and moved your post to the correct thread as I have the others.
 
To answer your questions, photostar808 you will need to follow the Guide on Rooting MK5. I can help you along the way.

I understand you just received the phone and it is running Android 4.3?

If you have managed to already get the custom recovery going and have flashed SuperSU, then you might also flash the Knox Remover zip found here: Knox_APP_remover.zip | by CNexus for Generic Device

See if that will allow SuperSU to function correctly. If it doesn't, then you need to follow the instructions in this Guide by performing a clean install of jdsingle's MK5 rom, flashing SuperSU, and you should be rooted.

Again, please do not post in the Rooting Guide for MD7/MG2 build about MK5 and definitely do not follow that Root Guide or you will end up with a hard brick! :D
 
thanks, i'm downloading that now, knox app remover did nothing for me as it does not remove the boot loader which I think is the root of the problem..no pun intended..
 
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