Installing KitKat on non-GPE Galaxy S4

Jason Bourne4

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This may be a dumb question, and I apologize if it has been asked already, but is it possible to install the Samsung Galaxy S4 GPE version of KitKat onto a non-GPE S4? If not, anyone know why this is not possible?
 

benhmadison

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This may be a dumb question, and I apologize if it has been asked already, but is it possible to install the Samsung Galaxy S4 GPE version of KitKat onto a non-GPE S4? If not, anyone know why this is not possible?

In most cases it is possible. It depends on what version of the gs4 you have. If you have a Verizon or Att version you may not be able to root and flash custom recovery which would be required to flash the gs4 Google edition rom. Att and Verizon versions have an encrypted bootloader which blocks the ability have a custom recovery.

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UJ95x

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In most cases it is possible. It depends on what version of the gs4 you have. If you have a Verizon or Att version you may not be able to root and flash custom recovery which would be required to flash the gs4 Google edition rom. Att and Verizon versions have an encrypted bootloader which blocks the ability have a custom recovery.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using AC Forums mobile app

With the latest update to 4.3 Knox blocks all attempts to do so. Regardless of carriers

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UJ95x

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Really? Even on T-Mobile/Sprint? That's crazy!

Yeah. I'm on TMo but I was already rooted and ROMed (Thankfully)
Looks like nobody wants their subscribers to root and mod. I'm guessing there's been a lot of bricks lol

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benhmadison

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Yeah. I'm on TMo but I was already rooted and ROMed (Thankfully)
Looks like nobody wants their subscribers to root and mod. I'm guessing there's been a lot of bricks lol

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Can't believe that! I knew AT&T and Verizon had gone off the deep end as far a control of the bootloader but this sounds like it's more Samsung than it is T-Mobile.
 

UJ95x

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Can't believe that! I knew AT&T and Verizon had gone off the deep end as far a control of the bootloader but this sounds like it's more Samsung than it is T-Mobile.

TMo and Sprint had unlocked bootloaders before, maybe they changed their mind? :p
Either way, I can only imagine it's going to be increasingly difficult to mod phones with future updates and phones from Sammy.
I'm off their bandwagon as soon as the next Moto X comes out hehe

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