New android user: Halp !! !!

[6mackenzie4]

Hi I got an S4 passed onto moi.
Is there a way I can safely restore it to factory settings (just as officially from Samsung)?
I ask this because when I try to update software, this error shows "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available".
I tried to find a quick fix, but very confused.
I read some stuff on here like Odin, Kies etc; and 'rooting'(is that the Android version of jailbreaking?)
I have no SD card mounted and my Device Status says Custom.
I already did Factory data reset via Settings

I would like a condensed version of steps on how I can restore my S4 to mint condition safely.
I don't know which other info you folks might need so...Please assist!

NEWBEY ANDROID USER

 

[Golfdriver97]

The custom part is probably the fact that is has been rooted. You can undo the root by flashing a stock ROM with Odin.

I do have a couple counter questions for you:
1. Do you know/trust the person who gave you the phone?
2. Is there a specific reason you need to get rid of the custom status?

 

[6mackenzie4]

He is my uncle.
The reason is for me to be able to use the Software Update function

 

[Golfdriver97]

Can you show a picture of the screen in Settings>About device?

 

[Bosbouer]

Perhaps your uncle has already updated the s4 to the latest version of kitkat. That should be 4.4.2. Or do you have a custom rom on it? Then you will have to flash the original latest rom via odin. It would still likely be showing "custom"

 

[Golfdriver97]

Possible. The OP has a couple options, though. Flashing a stock ROM with Odin is one. But if it is rooted with a custom recovery, they can flash a custom ROM as well.

 

[6mackenzie4]

Soz about the slow rep, I was searching how to take a screenshot with S4

 

[Golfdriver97]

OK. So, like I said in my above post, which would you like to do?

From an AOSP M8

 

[6mackenzie4]

I have absolutely no idea :-[ Which do you recommend? to achieve my main objective safely
Which is to have it factory new or something

 

[Bosbouer]

You have 4.2.2 installed, so it should be able to reset the knox counter/custom with trangle away app the paid version. That should theoretically allow you to receive updates if any are forthcoming. But as golfdriver asks, what do want to do?

 

[Golfdriver97]

You can flash stock ROMs with a PC program called Odin. You can get files from either sammobile or Samsung updates .com. Odin can be found by a general Google search. Here is more info on Odin. http://forums.androidcentral.com/am...ide-samsung-how-flash-stock-rom-via-odin.html

Make sure you download by your exact model number.

Sent from my Nexus 5

 

[6mackenzie4]

There is so much jargon I do not understand :'( I think that's the main issue in this conversation here
When I try to update software through Settings 'Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available' pops up!

 

[Golfdriver97]

There is so much jargon I do not understand :'( I think that's the main issue in this conversation here
When I try to update software through Settings 'Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available' pops up!

The last part is because it has been rooted. The device can see the root files that are added and stop the OTA update.

Sent from my Nexus 5

 

[Golfdriver97]

OK, let's clear some jargon:
Root is the most privileged level Gor your phone.
Flashing ROMs is like writing a different OS to your phone.
Recovery is a different partition that you can boot into to do some special and basic tasks that you can't do normally.

If I missed any, let us know.

Sent from my Nexus 5

 

[6mackenzie4]

I guess I'll do that odiN thing first. Thanks for the responses, guysO!
Will definitely let you know, if I have further concerns

 

[6mackenzie4]

OK I visited samsung-Updates and entered my Device: Galaxy S 4 (Snapdragon) GT-9505.
There are so many... which is the right one must I download?
I can't find i9505XXUAME2

 

[Bosbouer]

OK I visited samsung-Updates and entered my Device: Galaxy S 4 (Snapdragon) GT-9505.
There are so many... which is the right one must I download?
I can't find i9505XXUAME2

In SamMobile also enter your country that will give you the correct (latest) for your region. You will have to create an SamMobile account before you can download.
Be advised that if you see 4.4.x available fix the triangle away first. After 4.4.x it can no longer be applied.

 

[6mackenzie4]

In SamMobile also enter your country that will give you the correct (latest) for your region. You will have to create an SamMobile account before you can download.
Be advised that if you see 4.4.x available fix the triangle away first. After 4.4.x it can no longer be applied.

Ok, now I am on sammobile and made account like you said. Just to make sure, am I searching 'Check your firmware' or Firmware database? && What 4.4.x Triangles? I do not see ...

 

[Bosbouer]

It is in "check your firmware"

The 4.4.x refers to the os build number. You currently on 4.2.2 from your Screenshot.

The custom waring can be removed using an app called" triangle away' which will not work if you upgrade to 4.4.? and then try to remove "custom"

 

[6mackenzie4]

I have no idea on Earth what is going on...
T_____T I feel like crying! !