PSA: Do NOT install update (VRUAME7) for Verizon GS4 if you want to root your device!

[paintdrinkingpete]

This is just a PSA announcement regarding the latest update for the Verizon Galaxy S4 that started to appear today (VRUAME7). If you install this update you will NOT be able to root your phone by any known methods at this time. If you are already rooted and install this update you will lose root and not be able to get it back.

Please see the warning here (from this thread), which was updated to reflect the warning concerning this update:
xda-developers - View Single Post - [GUIDE] Root for Verizon Galaxy S4 ***Updated 7/9***

From XDA user "open1your1eyes0": Well guys, I have very unfortunate news for those of you whom updated and wanted to get root again. It is no longer possible. The new locked bootloader prevents your from flashing the prerelease kernel and even prevents you from downgrading the bootloader itself or flashing back to VRUAMDK build so then you could flash the prerelease kernel. At this point anyone who updated is sort of "screwed" (as they say), including my own device. Unfortunatly until someone is able to find a new exploit we are seriously in trouble here as I don't have the knowledge to work on that level.

I have not attempted to install this update myself, nor do I plan to. I will most likely not be able to answer other questions about this update, as I am simply putting this information out there for those who may be concerned about installing it.

 

[gollum18]

This is just a PSA announcement regarding the latest update for the Verizon Galaxy S4 that started to appear today (VRUAME7). If you install this update you will NOT be able to root your phone by any known methods at this time. If you are already rooted and install this update you will lose root and not be able to get it back.

Please see the warning here (from this thread), which was updated to reflect the warning concerning this update:
xda-developers - View Single Post - [GUIDE] Root for Verizon Galaxy S4 ***Updated 7/9***


I have not attempted to install this update myself, nor do I plan to. I will most likely not be able to answer other questions about this update, as I am simply putting this information out there for those who may be concerned about installing it.

Hmm, hopefully someone like freeza can put together a stock modded rom from the update for you guys to use that will fix the issue. Until then I'm sure the new features will be ported down to the previous firmware version, in all the custom roms. It's horrible that Verizon want's to take this approach to the developer/rooting community. Considering it's probably where the carrier's and manufacturer's pull their ideas from for their own roms.

 

[paintdrinkingpete]

Hmm, hopefully someone like freeza can put together a stock modded rom from the update for you guys to use that will fix the issue. Until then I'm sure the new features will be ported down to the previous firmware version, in all the custom roms. It's horrible that Verizon want's to take this approach to the developer/rooting community. Considering it's probably where the carrier's and manufacturer's pull their ideas from for their own roms.

1. I'm pretty sure that a rooted version of this firmware will be available for flashing in recovery for those already rooted.

2. Apparently the Sprint version locks the bootloader as well, I'm not sure about other carriers. Some have speculated that the inclusion of Samsung Knox components are what forces the locked bootloader, though even if not we all know Verizon mandates locked bootloaders anyway. Though I obviously don't agree with or care for it, I do understand Verizon's position on this in a way...they are after all tasked with providing support for the devices they sell, and that task becomes exponentially harder if you start to allow folks to install their own ROM images on devices. Many users, such as myself, who choose to root their phones and install ROMs understand that by doing so we are waiving Verizon of any responsibility for support, but there are many, many more folks who probably don't seem understand this.

An exploit may be found to work around this bootloader, but until then rooting a device that has the update applied will not be possible.

 

[318sugarhill]

There are rooted versions being uploaded to XDA now. Less than 24 hours. However it is NOT possible to root if you have taken the update already. For those that root or ever plan too, it is always a rule, never take an update from the carrier until you read about it. The S4 has the latest version of android, so not like a rush to get the update. In ever understand the impatience of needing to take an update ASAP.

Edit.....never mind. Apparently the firmware causes wifi and the camera not to work. This is going to be a tough nut. If you even think you might want to root, then do not update. If you are buying....good luck. Most likely you will get one already updated.

 

[albertdc]

So will new phones a few weeks from now already be updated with this new version which cannot be rooted? !

If so, hopefully someone will figure out how to unlock it - I am due for an upgrade in a month and hope to root and install CleanRom as soon as I get it!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[bswangolf]

This is just a PSA announcement regarding the latest update for the Verizon Galaxy S4 that started to appear today (VRUAME7). If you install this update you will NOT be able to root your phone by any known methods at this time. If you are already rooted and install this update you will lose root and not be able to get it back.

Please see the warning here (from this thread), which was updated to reflect the warning concerning this update:
xda-developers - View Single Post - [GUIDE] Root for Verizon Galaxy S4 ***Updated 7/9***


I have not attempted to install this update myself, nor do I plan to. I will most likely not be able to answer other questions about this update, as I am simply putting this information out there for those who may be concerned about installing it.

Thank you for the advice. But I am one of the people that bought the gs4 for its camera & features. So not going to root unless CM decides to keep the stock phone camera

 

[paintdrinkingpete]

So will new phones a few weeks from now already be updated with this new version which cannot be rooted? !

If so, hopefully someone will figure out how to unlock it - I am due for an upgrade in a month and hope to root and install CleanRom as soon as I get it!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Unfortunately yes, that is the case.

 

[Sacha7905]

I will have an upgrade available tomorrow(13th) and was looking to order an S4 32gb. Hopefully it won't have this new update installed! Regardless, it will be a big step up from my current iphone 4 lol.

 

[kilofoxtrot]

Q: Will this update basically restore my GS4 to stock? I am selling my GS4 and it is rooted.

 

[sudbury78]

Q: Will this update basically restore my GS4 to stock? I am selling my GS4 and it is rooted.

Interested in trading for a N2?

 

[TylerLucas]

I will have an upgrade available tomorrow(13th) and was looking to order an S4 32gb. Hopefully it won't have this new update installed! Regardless, it will be a big step up from my current iphone 4 lol.

It won't, checked mine today, too bad I'm at work and won't be able to activate it till tonight.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using AC Forums mobile app

 

[matt daughtry]

Im new guys sorry.. I dont know anything about rooting.. I am interested in the update though im currently on 4.2.2 gs4 on verizon... if I follow these directions to force update app>all>google service framwork>clean clear force stop and go back to about check update.. will it work on verizon? Im afraid if I just try it... well I dont know what will happen??? Please help

 

[paintdrinkingpete]

Im new guys sorry.. I dont know anything about rooting.. I am interested in the update though im currently on 4.2.2 gs4 on verizon... if I follow these directions to force update app>all>google service framwork>clean clear force stop and go back to about check update.. will it work on verizon? Im afraid if I just try it... well I dont know what will happen??? Please help

There have been no updates for the Verizon GS4 since early July. Your device most likely already has the most recent update (which is 4.2.2).

You can verify this by going to Settings --> "More" tab --> About Phone
Your Baseband Version should end in "VRUAME7"

 

[MiDoJo]

Please note that rooting is possible on ME7 now http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2380325
That's what you get for resurrecting a 2 month old thread
I've not yet done it but seems fairly easy. Not many custom ROMS if that's what you are after though.

Edit: URL Added

 

[paintdrinkingpete]

Please note that rooting is possible on ME7 now [GUIDE] Root for Verizon Galaxy S4 ***VRUAME7 Build Only!*** - xda-developers
That's what you get for resurrecting a 2 month old thread
I've not yet done it but seems fairly easy. Not many custom ROMS if that's what you are after though.

Edit: URL Added

This is true, however I stand by my original warning if you actually have a device still on MDK and have a desire to install ROMS. What stinks is that a lot of the development for the GS3 seems to have ceased, because most of the phones out out there are running ME7.