• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

DroidViews

  • Apps
  • Downloads
    • Android Apps
    • Themes
  • Guides
    • Root
  • ROMs
  • Reviews
  • Wallpapers
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Root Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 on NG6 and NK1 Firmware

Naveen Robsworth | 22 Oct 2014 | Guides/ Root/ Samsung

The Verizon subscribers of the Samsung Galaxy S4 are getting the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update in the form ofย I545VRUFNG6 firmware. The update is aired in the US and it can be downloaded via the OTA update module in the S4 devices. So if you’re a Verizon S4 user, turn on your WiFi and download the latest firmware update on your device. By updating to an official firmware, you willย lose all the root permissions and the custom mods which you may have installed in the older build. So you’ve to start from scratch again to get all the favorite things on your device without any restrictions.

Google had recently moved to the candy world from the Chocolate lake and the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 are the first devices to taste the sweetest Lollipop candy. Samsung had not made any official announcement regarding the availability of the Android 5.0 on their devices, but it usually takes 2-3 months for the updates to reach for the flagship devices. Since Galaxy S4 is a little old, the Android 5.0 update might take a tad longer. So until then, you’re stuck with the chocolate build, but you get all the latest features on your device if you’re rooted and installed some mods.

In this guide, we will show you how to root your Galaxy S4 onย I545VRUFNG6 and I545VRUFNK1ย firmware. Follow the guide carefully as this involves a bit of flashing and using root tools, so chin up and head on to the step-by-step guide below.

WARNING

This guide is intended only for the Verizonย Galaxy S4ย SCH-I545, not for any other device of Samsung. Be extra cautious when you choose the rootย firmwaresย as flashing wrong firmwaresย might result in a bricked device.

Rooting and flashing firmwaresย will void your device warranty either temporarily or permanently. You alone are responsible for any consequences that might occur during the process. DroidViews or any of its community members shall not be held responsible for any damage to your device.

Preparations

  • Charge your Galaxy S4ย above 60% battery level to avoid shutdowns during the process.
  • Enable USB Debugging: Link
  • Install Required USB Drivers: Link
  • Backup your device storage, Contacts, SMS etc. using Google Sync service or any third-party app.
  • Go to Settings> About and check the build version of your phone’s firmware before proceeding.

Downloads

Files for I545VRUFNG6 Firmware:

  • I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
  • I545_NG6_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
  • Towelroot-v3.apk

Files for I545VRUFNK1 Firmware:

  • I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
  • I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
  • Towelroot-v3.apk

Root Verizon Galaxy S4 on NG6 and NK1 Firmware

  1. Download and install the Towelroot app on your device.
  2. Download the NC5 stock kernelย I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5, and flash it using Odin v3.09. For the detailed guide, โ†’ Click Here
  3. Now copy the Towelroot APK to your phone and install it. Then open the app and root your Galaxy S4 by tapping the Make it Ra1nย button.
  4. Once the device is rooted, install I545_NG6_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5ย (if your S4 is running NG6 firmware) orย I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 (ย if your firmware build number ends with NK1) using Odin (the same way you flashed the NC5 kernel).
  5. Reboot the device and install Chainfire’s SuperSU app from the market. You can now enjoy root privilege on your Verizon Galaxy S4.

That’s it. Your Verizon Galaxy S4ย is successfully rooted and you’re ready to useย beautiful apps and mods on your device that will bring the Android 5.0 feel on your Galaxy S4.

Leave your feedback in the comments section below.

Source

Tags: Root Samsung Galaxy S4 Root Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH I545 Rooting Guides Samsung Galaxy S4 Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH-I545

Related Posts

perform factory reset on samsung

How to Perform Factory Reset and Wipe Cache on Samsung Devices

Update Verizon Galaxy S4 to Lollipop (OF1) and Keep Root

Root Galaxy S4 SGH-I337M on Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

Reader Interactions

Discussion

  1. Jul 10, 2015 at 5:42 AM
    Anisha Kaul says:
    Reply

    Hi,

    I need to root the device with the following specifics below:

    Samsung Galaxy S4

    Model number: SCH-I545

    Android Version: 5.0.1

    Baseband Version: I545VRUGOC1

    Build number: LRX22C.I545VRUGOC1

    Secure Boot Status: Type: Samsung

    Hardware version: I545.06

    My research shows me that my phone cannot be rooted because verizon has locked the bootloader in the most recent update. Apparently it can also not be downgraded (with Odin or something). Are there any specific instructions on how to root VRUGOC1๏ปฟ latest update?

    • Aug 19, 2015 at 3:57 PM
      Saravanamani says:
      Reply

      Hi, I too face the same issue. Did you get any way to unlock the bootloader?

  2. Jul 7, 2015 at 3:27 AM
    Styrac Isepic says:
    Reply

    I have an S4 with SCH-1545 and its build number is 1545VRUGOC1. I would like to root this without going back to lollipop, but I have tried every method I can think of to no avail. I thought this would help, but I cannot find the proper kernel for my device. Can I get some help?

  3. Jun 27, 2015 at 4:02 PM
    imrankhanrao says:
    Reply

    Hi,

    I flashed the I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 but on restart it’s only show Galaxy S4 logo for few second and then turns off. It keep doing and do not load. I even unable to login to Download mode. Please suggest what should i do?

  4. May 13, 2015 at 12:10 AM
    Tony says:
    Reply

    please help/

    • May 13, 2015 at 3:31 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Download this firmware: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407590042

      Boot into Download mode and install the firmware. It’s a multi-file firmware so you need to select corresponding files to Odin slots. You’ll then be able to root the phone with Towelroot.

      In case you want Lollipop+root, use the FireFlash method from here: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/

      • May 31, 2015 at 8:53 PM
        Tony says:
        Reply

        After flash it and then?

        • May 31, 2015 at 9:37 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          How do you update to Lollipop?

  5. May 13, 2015 at 10:30 PM
    Tony says:
    Reply

    Now I can’t even start my phone every time it stop at verizon and restart…….

  6. May 13, 2015 at 10:02 PM
    Tony says:
    Reply

    help!!!! I found I lost my root.( I was successful 3 days ago but didn’t install NG6 met some wifi problem as you said)
    And I did the everything same again, but when I tried to flash I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
    It is not working !!! Just like restart. (Do I have to wipe the phone?)
    And I can’t root with Towelroot now thought it is said it has been rooted. no reboot needed….

    Now I have reset my phone 3 times and tried 3 times with odin all passed!!!!
    but still not working…
    Please help me with that!! Thank you.

  7. May 13, 2015 at 7:43 PM
    Tony says:
    Reply

    Another qusetion what if I reset my phone? The root will be lost?

    • May 13, 2015 at 7:45 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      No.

  8. May 13, 2015 at 7:28 PM
    Tony says:
    Reply

    I don’t understand the forth step: how and why should we install I545_NG6_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 or I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
    still use the odin?

    • May 13, 2015 at 7:45 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      How: https://www.droidviews.com/install-stock-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-devices-using-odin/

      Why: because having flashed the NC5 kernel, you might have issues like WiFi connectivity, etc. Since your phone is on NG6/NK1 firmware, it’s good to keep the matching Kernel.

    • May 17, 2015 at 5:59 AM
      James L says:
      Reply

      Email me James, rootandroideasy@gmail.com I can help you out.

  9. May 12, 2015 at 1:33 AM
    Billy says:
    Reply

    Would this still work after the 5.0.1 update for verizon?

    i have a SCH-1545

    version 5.0.1

    1545VRUGOC1

  10. May 9, 2015 at 4:52 AM
    Legna Inelsihg says:
    Reply

    I have an android samsung galaxy s4 I545VERUGCOC1 and I am having a horrible time rooting it, any ideas on how to get it done (Have poor cellphone hardware skills, but quick learner and awesome binary language speaker!

    • May 9, 2015 at 5:21 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Hi Legna, since you have already taken the OC1 update that has an non-downgradable bootloader, you can neither root your phone on Lollipop directly, nor go back to a previous version of firmware and gain root.

      All you can do now is to wait until some workaround pops up.

      • May 10, 2015 at 2:21 AM
        Legna Inelsihg says:
        Reply

        and this is the moment i regret 100% upgrading to the OC1 :'( time to hate myself until root is available for that.

      • May 11, 2015 at 3:24 AM
        David says:
        Reply

        wait so if i updated my phone to like 5 days ago to be ready for lollipop by accident i can’t root it no more? Remember i msg you about it i haven’t had time to do it and i was going to do it right now. my phone says 4.4.2 ..kernel version 3.4.0

        • May 11, 2015 at 3:46 AM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          The case is a bit different for you. Since you only took the first OTA that is NK4 (KK), you can downgrade.

          You can downgrade back to NC5: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407590051

          And then root your phone on KK using the instruction from above or on Lollipop using the following guide:

          https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/#comment-2017632948

          • May 11, 2015 at 3:48 AM
            David says:

            Awesome. The file is over 1 gb right.. I am downloading it right now

          • May 11, 2015 at 5:21 AM
            David says:

            I downgrade using odin right?

          • May 11, 2015 at 5:41 AM
            David says:

            I think i downgraded with no issues but i am getting a pop up message ” unfortunately the process android.process.acore has stopped. then on the back of that one it says the same for amazon music has stopped working n it won’t let me do anything i can’t even push on the towel root app to do it

          • May 11, 2015 at 5:53 AM
            Rakesh says:

            Do this :
            https://www.droidviews.com/how-to-perform-data-factory-reset-and-wipe-cache-on-samsung-galaxy-devices/

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:05 AM
            David says:

            So i will lose everything huh?

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:07 AM
            Rakesh says:

            Yes.

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:16 AM
            David says:

            Ok i am doing it now. After is done can i install the root with towel root or do i have to do the same with odin?

          • May 11, 2015 at 7:45 AM
            Rakesh says:

            Yes, you can use Towelroot after performing the wipe.

          • May 11, 2015 at 7:47 AM
            David says:

            I am stuck in trying to get the app after joining the community on google plus. I added it i even became a tester but the link doesn’t work for me it says item not found on google store

          • May 11, 2015 at 7:55 AM
            Rakesh says:

            I can see that app page. It is working. Make sure you are signed with the same Gmail at G+ and Play store.

          • May 11, 2015 at 5:19 PM
            David says:

            I did it thanks a lot. I just can’t do the “enable wifi tethering” because the link is not working….it says “youโ€™ll be able to enjoy free WiFi hotspot on your Verizon Galaxy S4 running the new OC1 Lollipop firmware.” how does it work? do i really have free wifi without me using my data?

          • May 11, 2015 at 5:28 PM
            Rakesh says:

            Here’s the link: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952601552

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:08 PM
            David says:

            Ok so is free wifi without using my data?

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:10 PM
            Rakesh says:

            What do you mean?

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:15 PM
            David says:

            Lol i am just confused on what it allows me to do

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:18 PM
            Rakesh says:

            Well, it will let you share your phone’s data connection using mobile hotspot with your other devices like phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, etc. without paying extra money to Verizon to enable the feature.

          • May 12, 2015 at 6:44 PM
            David says:

            Oh okay well i got it anyway. Thanks. Do you know if verizon has “Wifi Calling” like T-mobile and sprint? It would be cool because sometimes I get no service at work

          • May 11, 2015 at 6:06 AM
            David says:

            what if i tried to go back to stock i545 stock kernel??

          • May 12, 2015 at 6:48 PM
            Rakesh says:

            It’s already all stock.

  11. May 8, 2015 at 12:05 PM
    Mike Walker says:
    Reply

    I took the first of the 2 OTA updates because I wasn’t able to find this page sooner and I was never able to find how to root VRUFNK1. The first of the 2 OTA updates changes the version to VRUFNK4 which is still android 4.4.2. Anyone know if this method will still work for me?

    • May 8, 2015 at 2:31 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      You can still go back to the NC4 firmware and rot your device with Towelroot V3: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952596145

      Flash the above firmware using Odin.

      If you want root on Lollipop, use the FireFlash method from here: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/

      • May 9, 2015 at 6:54 PM
        Mike Walker says:
        Reply

        I see that I didn’t mention my phone is a Verizon SCH-I545 (I probably didn’t mention that because this page was written for the Verizon SCH-I545). does the information you provided still apply?

        • May 9, 2015 at 7:28 PM
          Mike Walker says:
          Reply

          I went ahead and did this anyways, I know, not smart to take action without confirmation. after Odin flashed and the phone reset, it was stuck on the Verizon splash screen forever. I thought I bricked my phone. then, THANKFULLY, it went to optimizing apps ๐Ÿ™‚

      • May 9, 2015 at 7:42 PM
        Mike Walker says:
        Reply

        I thought the first link was supposed to return my phone to NC4 but it updated my phone to i545VRUGOC1… did I misunderstand your message?

        • May 9, 2015 at 7:48 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Don’t worry, you can downgrade from the OC1 firmware you installed as it has downgradable bootloader. You can now downgrade to NC4 (KitKat: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407590051

          And then root your phone with Towelroot.

          If you want root on Lollipop, use the FireFlash method from here: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/

          • May 9, 2015 at 7:53 PM
            Mike Walker says:

            Awesome, I’ll give that a try, Thank you Rakesh ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. May 6, 2015 at 7:01 PM
    peakcelln says:
    Reply

    I don’t know if this is a software problem, but this is the 3rd time I see this in as many weeks.

    I am an Old School Cell phone repair shop in business over 20 years and really specialize in the hardware side. I just had my 3rd i545 user come in and say their S4 just stopped working. Upon opening their phone there is no liquid damage, no chips or resistors with burn marks, and everything else on the S4 checks out. To assure this, I take the no power MoBo out and put it in a known working assembly, still no power. As a control, I take a known working MoBo and put it into the no power assembly and everything works, battery and all.

    Like I said, its definitely the mobo and was wondering if it could possibly be some kind of software problem through VZW. 3 times in 3weeks in my small shop is alot. Usually when this used to happen, it was Battery, Charge port flex, or LCD assembly; not this time, this is something different. Any ideas?

    • May 6, 2015 at 7:36 PM
      Matevz says:
      Reply

      If you say that it’s the MoBo, then it must be some manufacturing problem right? You think software is responsible for breakdown?
      Going to recovery helps? does the phone vibrate at least?
      Maybe it’s a known factory error… Sry, can’t help you with that one. I have zero knowledge about electromechanics

  13. Apr 30, 2015 at 3:31 PM
    Alf De Lili says:
    Reply

    man another question how an i install custom recovery is ut possible i tried a few months ago when i rooted my phone the first time and i almost bricked it

    • Apr 30, 2015 at 4:05 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      You can’t install CWM or TWRP recovery because of the locked bootloader but you can install Safestrap recovery instead.

      • Apr 30, 2015 at 4:58 PM
        Alf De Lili says:
        Reply

        ok but how can i install it? iยดve found no info about this

        • Apr 30, 2015 at 6:24 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          I just found it but looks like SS does not work on the S4 running KK and Lollipop.

          • Apr 30, 2015 at 6:25 PM
            Alf De Lili says:

            what a shame…

          • Apr 30, 2015 at 6:26 PM
            Rakesh says:

            Never get a phone from VZW or AT&T.

  14. Apr 28, 2015 at 4:00 PM
    Alf De Lili says:
    Reply

    hi here im sorry to bother but ive got an s4 with firmware 4.4.2 the version is chs-i545 i545vrufnk would it work i dont want to brick my phone

    • Apr 28, 2015 at 5:52 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Hi, I think your firmware version is i545vrufnk1instead. Please check again.

      Download the following files and follow the guide:

      I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5

      I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5

      • Apr 30, 2015 at 8:36 PM
        Alf De Lili says:
        Reply

        yeah that was, besides i did it already and it worked!!! thanks man!!

  15. Apr 18, 2015 at 5:11 PM
    David says:
    Reply

    I need help. I did all the steps. I installed the ng5 then i made it rain with the app and it said that my phone was rooted and no reboot required however it started restaring itself and it wouldnt stay on. I disconnected the battery put it on download mode and installed ng6 it was failing but after unplugging the cable and pugging it again it worked. I dont know if is rooted tho. I think we were supposed to get an extra app besides towel root right??

    • Apr 18, 2015 at 5:45 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      What do you mean by “get an extra app besides towel root”? I don’t think you require to do anything else other than what is described above.

      • Apr 18, 2015 at 5:57 PM
        David says:
        Reply

        I get this security notice every 10 mins after i remove it it says ” security notice unauthorized actions have been detected” …I think i am rooted. I download the app to check and it said I am. I thought we get an app where we can download apps that are only for rooted phones. Where can i download apps like that? ohh i just checked is called supersu and i can get it in the regular app store right?

        • Apr 18, 2015 at 5:58 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Yes ,you can.

          • Apr 18, 2015 at 5:59 PM
            David says:

            Thanks it also disable something and it got the notification off so i think it fix it. Thank you so much

          • Apr 18, 2015 at 6:05 PM
            Rakesh says:

            Great! The SuperSU is an app for managing root access.

          • Apr 19, 2015 at 6:38 PM
            David says:

            I downloaded game killer but it says root privilege required i attached a pic

          • Apr 19, 2015 at 4:38 AM
            Rakesh says:

            The the solutions given here: https://www.droidviews.com/how-to-fix-missing-or-lost-root-access-issue-on-android/

          • May 5, 2015 at 6:50 AM
            David says:

            Hey I am getting a software update notification it says “the first 2 software updates for your s4 prepares your device for the next update which is android 5.0 (lollipop)…if i install it will it take away my root?

          • May 5, 2015 at 7:17 AM
            Rakesh says:

            Yes, it’ll.

            Use this to keepmroot on Lollipop: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/

          • May 5, 2015 at 7:39 AM
            David says:

            I messed up. I click the install now after i put this and it just did it i had no control. Now i gotta do it all over

          • May 5, 2015 at 7:50 AM
            Rakesh says:

            Okay, don’t take the second OTA that’s the actual Lollipop or you won’t be able to root the device.

          • Apr 18, 2015 at 6:01 PM
            David says:

            What exactly is supersu for?

  16. Apr 13, 2015 at 9:08 PM
    seamus ireland wright says:
    Reply

    I just installed the nc5 on to my s4 but it cannot connect to wifi

    • Apr 13, 2015 at 9:11 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Install Towelroot v3. It does not require a data connection.

      • Apr 18, 2015 at 5:12 PM
        David says:
        Reply

        wait so if towelroot reboots my phone after i press make it rain it means it failed and that is why i didnt get the extra app? what should i do?

        • Apr 18, 2015 at 5:58 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Try some older version of Towelroot: https://www.droidviews.com/root-att-and-verizon-galaxy-s5-without-voiding-knox-warranty/

  17. Apr 1, 2015 at 7:39 PM
    Joseph Spears says:
    Reply

    Towelroot does not seem to work with my Galaxy S4 Verizon model running 4.4.2. What can i do?

    • Apr 1, 2015 at 7:43 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      What firmware version your phone has?

      • Apr 1, 2015 at 8:20 PM
        Joseph Spears says:
        Reply

        3.4.0 Kernel.

        • Apr 1, 2015 at 8:23 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Tell me the build number instead.

          • Apr 1, 2015 at 8:26 PM
            Joseph Spears says:

            KOT49H.I545VRUFNK1

          • Apr 1, 2015 at 8:30 PM
            Rakesh says:

            Okay. Downgrade to NG6 and then follow the tutorial.

          • Apr 1, 2015 at 8:44 PM
            Joseph Spears says:

            ok, will see how to downgrade

          • Apr 1, 2015 at 8:52 PM
            Rakesh says:

            Use this guide :https://www.droidviews.com/install-stock-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-devices-using-odin/

          • Apr 22, 2015 at 5:37 AM
            First Last says:

            How do I downgrade it?

          • Apr 23, 2015 at 4:34 AM
            Rakesh says:

            No need to downgrade. Do this instead to get root on NK1:

            1. Take the NK1 OTA update.
            2. Download and install Towelroot-v3.apk(this version does not require internet access).
            3. Place your phone into “Download Mode” (press and hold the Home, Volume Down, and Power keys until the phone powers on and displays warning screen, then press Volume Up key) and Flash theI545_NC5_Stock_Kernel using Odin’s PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).
            4. Open Towelroot from your app drawer and press “Make it Rain” to root your device.
            5. Power off then boot into “Download Mode” again and flash the I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel also using Odin’s PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).
            6. Download SuperSU to manage root access. Done!

            Links:

            https://www.droidviews.com/root-att-and-verizon-galaxy-s5-without-voiding-knox-warranty/

            https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95747613655046175

            https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95832962473396020

            https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu

  18. Feb 28, 2015 at 10:07 PM
    Carlos Clark says:
    Reply

    I was able to get this to work. However, when I first installed the NC5 kernel, my phone became stuck in a “boot up, stay on for about 60 seconds, shut down, then repeat” cycle. I could not do anything with my phone. I therefore booted into Odin mode (power button, down volume, and home button depressed together until Odin warning comes on, then press volume up button) and installed the NG6 kernel, and the phone worked fine. In order to then root it, I did the following:
    1: disabled my screen lock;
    2: installed Towelroot onto my phone and placed a shortcut for Towelroot on the home page;
    3: Flashed the NC5 kernel (with phone in Odin mode);
    4: When the phone then rebooted, quickly opened Towelroot and pressed the MakeItR1an button, which quickly rooted the phone.
    5: Powered the phone down before it could shut itself off.
    6: Flashed the NG6 kernel and rebooted the phone.
    the Result: Rooted phone which works great. Now I can get rid of all that bloatware (I like the stock ROM so I probably won’t flash a new ROM’s unless I get really board.
    Good Luck to all, and thank you Robsworth!!!!

    • Feb 28, 2015 at 5:02 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Thanks for the appreciation and sharing your experience!

  19. Feb 21, 2015 at 9:45 PM
    Charlie Don't Surf! says:
    Reply

    Are there any updates to this procedure since its publishing? Specifically, my S4 has the following:

    Android 4.4.2
    Baseband: I545VRUFNK1
    Kernel: 3.4.0
    Build Number: KOT49H.I545VRUFNK1
    Or would I assume backdating to NG6 in your procedure is the way to go, notwithstanding Verizon’s OTA update of 12/5/2014?

    One off-topic question: Does rooting help, hinder, or have no effect in improving the S4’s Wi-Fi connectivity with 802.11AC routers, such as my Nighthawk R7000? I currently connect using a “N” only option I’ve built into the router as a password protected “Guest” account. It works, but is inconsistent. I am using Netgear firmware and have not experimented with “Tomato” or other third party, open source firmware.

    Thanks for your help. Any additional links or guidance is appreciated.

    • Feb 23, 2015 at 10:01 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Hi Charlie, sorry for the late reply. Use the instruction given at this page and let me know: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57189674&postcount=1

  20. Feb 3, 2015 at 10:10 PM
    Adam Van says:
    Reply

    I followed the tut exactly as follows and I had no issues. GREAT TUT!

    • Feb 3, 2015 at 2:28 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Thanks for the appreciation!

  21. Jan 24, 2015 at 8:44 PM
    droid9000 says:
    Reply

    I done this before and my device kept reseating but it was on the nk6. I got a update still on 4.4.2 but my build says nk1 now instead of nk6

  22. Jan 24, 2015 at 6:35 PM
    droid9000 says:
    Reply

    Even though we are on the nk1. We are flashing the kernal to the nk6? Anything will happen even if we are originally on nk1 4.3 firmware?

    • Jan 24, 2015 at 8:00 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Sorry, I did not get you.

      • Jan 24, 2015 at 8:41 PM
        droid9000 says:
        Reply

        Sorry I’m on 4.4.2′ but you telling us to use Odin to flash the nk6 me and cave hermit have nk1 . So will we have to find the nk1 kernal and start with it then flash the nk5 root with towel root then flash back to nk1 or just use the nk6 even though our devices say nk1

  23. Jan 19, 2015 at 7:57 PM
    CaveHermit says:
    Reply

    Nice guide, one of the best simplest I’ve seen.. But before I attempt it on my phone Will this work on a I545VRUFNK1

    • Jan 19, 2015 at 8:35 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Yes, I remember a guy confirmed it. But again, do it at your own risk.

      • Jan 19, 2015 at 9:18 PM
        CaveHermit says:
        Reply

        Like everything that involves messing with stock.. Always at own risk.. Now just to figure out which Odin tool to use.

  24. Dec 23, 2014 at 4:43 AM
    Gerrardinho says:
    Reply

    When I go to NC5, I get the random reboots maybe every 30-60 seconds, not enough for wifi/data to boot up to install towelroot. I’ve a feeling it’s Knox, but I’ve no way to uninstall it without rooting it. Help, please.

    • Dec 23, 2014 at 9:50 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      In that case, you should downgrade to the NC5 firmware and root the device using TowelRoot.

      Or, you could just try flashing the NC5 kernel again.

  25. Dec 20, 2014 at 11:17 PM
    William Piper Osrrc says:
    Reply

    Worked like a charm. Thanks

  26. Dec 4, 2014 at 4:07 AM
    Chris Cannard says:
    Reply

    Following the instructions above you will ultimately get random reboots due to knox still running. You must download and install Xposed Installer http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.installer, which is an app that runs things. Next install Samsung Kitkat SystemServer Crash Fix.

    Once you have the xposed installer installed, you can use the app to download the Samsung Kitkat SystemServer Crash Fix. Simply enable the app and it will stop the crash everytime Knox tries to reboot.

    Finally this is a fix, but you will get a little notification it is working all day. I have installed TitaniumBackup and will uninstall knox next because thats me. Verizon and the other companies realize that with the hamstringing of writing to external sd cards, rooting is the only option for those of us unwilling to settle for substandard phone experiences.

    • Dec 8, 2014 at 5:17 AM
      Wayde Huddleston says:
      Reply

      YES!!! Thank you so much for this info! I have been looking everywhere for a fix and finally found it. Installed everything and works perfect. That first notification for a crash prevented was awesome lol. Thank you so much!!!

  27. Nov 27, 2014 at 7:23 PM
    Jake Leister says:
    Reply

    just did a factory reset, hopefully it works

  28. Nov 27, 2014 at 6:59 PM
    Jake Leister says:
    Reply

    how do i know if im on NG5 or NG6 ? I cleared the cache and it keeps rebooting. it didnt start rebooting until I clicked make in rain on towelroot app

    • Nov 27, 2014 at 4:06 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      You could find out from Settings> About if the phone could boot up properly. Can you tell me after which step the device got into bootloop?

      • Nov 27, 2014 at 4:44 PM
        Jake Leister says:
        Reply

        After I clicked make it rain it like froze. But I went through super su and disabled Knox and think I fixed it

        • Nov 27, 2014 at 5:31 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Okay.

          • Nov 27, 2014 at 5:49 PM
            Jake Leister says:

            Now Wifi won’t turn on, do you know how to fix that

          • Nov 27, 2014 at 5:56 PM
            Rakesh says:

            You should try a data factory reset from recovery and if that doesn’t help, a different modem file.

          • Nov 27, 2014 at 6:01 PM
            Jake Leister says:

            I’ve already reset my phone and really rooted it and it worked until I restarted my phone. What do you mean modem file, where can I find that at? And do you have any links on fully unrooting a s4? I tried that too but I kept Getting a message saying I had unaothorized stuff on my phone.

          • Nov 28, 2014 at 7:33 PM
            Rakesh says:

            I guess you are talking about the KNOX warning popup. See this: https://www.droidviews.com/disable-knox-security-service-on-samsung-galaxy-devices/

            It might help.

  29. Nov 27, 2014 at 6:45 PM
    Jake Leister says:
    Reply

    phone keeps rebooting.

  30. Nov 22, 2014 at 5:30 PM
    Taylor Z says:
    Reply

    My phone won’t stop rebooting ๐Ÿ™ guess ill factory reset…

    • Nov 23, 2014 at 5:24 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Yes, try a data factory reset from recovery.

  31. Nov 19, 2014 at 2:44 AM
    Wolvesmusic says:
    Reply

    Thank you so much. Had issue with phone restarting until I reflashed NG6 firmware. Thanks again!

    • Nov 19, 2014 at 6:17 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      You’re welcome!

  32. Nov 18, 2014 at 7:13 AM
    Stephen says:
    Reply

    Worked for me. It bugs out on NC5. You just have to wait for it to calm down to root the phone. Took about 20 restarts to do it but I got in in. Put it back to NG6 and it’s been great. Patience.

    • Nov 18, 2014 at 7:25 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Thanks for sharing your experience.

    • Nov 23, 2014 at 4:03 PM
      Patrick Rigney says:
      Reply

      Confirming this. Don’t mess with the phone, just let it do its thing. It may reboot several times, but eventually will stabilize. I also wiped cache partition, which may or may not have helped.

  33. Nov 5, 2014 at 3:45 PM
    Ron says:
    Reply

    stILL not able to teather.. sTILL tell me i don’t have hotspot subscription…

  34. Oct 28, 2014 at 4:07 PM
    aaviator says:
    Reply

    This worked great for me. Now what version of Safestrap recovery should I install in order to make ROM backups and flash new ROMS?

  35. Oct 28, 2014 at 12:36 AM
    Proto says:
    Reply

    tried it on NG6, when I flash NC5 then try to open up the towelroot app, the phone force restart. and I kept trying but somehow the phone restarts after about 1~2 minutes phone is turned back on everytime. it seems like the flashed nc5 kernel has some compatibility problem or some sort? yeah I tried flashing back NG6 then flash nc5 again but same thing.. as soon as nc5 is loaded phone keeps restarting after about 1 minute

    • Oct 28, 2014 at 3:30 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Sounds weird! The method works perfectly.

      • Oct 28, 2014 at 4:12 AM
        Proto says:
        Reply

        yeah I used odin 3.09. I looked all the forums in xda and found out that it’s kinda random. Some people just root it fine and some people encounter problem like this: phone rebooting constantly. but it seems if you keep trying you can eventually do it.

        • Oct 28, 2014 at 11:32 AM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Hmm, then give it a couple of more shots.

    • Oct 28, 2014 at 3:32 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      What version of Odin did you try? Was it Odin 3.09?

    • Nov 2, 2014 at 9:50 AM
      SNYPA007 says:
      Reply

      I had the same issue. All you have to do is a factory reset to get out of boot loop.

    • Nov 22, 2014 at 5:22 PM
      Taylor Z says:
      Reply

      I am having the same issue…

      Can’t even use my phone right now. How did you fix it?

      • Nov 23, 2014 at 4:09 PM
        Patrick Rigney says:
        Reply

        I was able to get it to stabilize. I had wiped the cache partition after installing NC5, not sure if that helped, but what I think did work was just being patient and let the phone boot/intiialize without screen input. It may still reboot several times; let it. Took mine about three minutes for everything to come up to stable. Wifi was inop, but mobile data was enough for Towelroot, which then ran fine. No trouble flashing NG6 after that.

  36. Oct 27, 2014 at 1:49 PM
    Bryan says:
    Reply

    Since the update on my S4, my phone is repeatedly crashing and turning off and rebooting. The OS runs slower and is using more ram. Clicking icons on the main screen has a delay before opening now. Battery is losing power much faster now. WTH is going on?!? This update is horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Oct 27, 2014 at 6:20 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Downgrade to NC5: http://samsung-updates.com/details/27386/Galaxy_S4_Verizon/SCH-I545/VZW/I545VRUFNC5.html

      You can also try a data factory reset.

    • Oct 28, 2014 at 6:46 PM
      Patrick Curran says:
      Reply

      I had same issue! My phone would restart while I was on it. I took my phone to the verizon store. They are sending me a new one overnight.

  37. Oct 27, 2014 at 12:26 AM
    ed jon says:
    Reply

    Followed this and now my phone is freaking out. It is the correct build and everything. =(

    • Oct 27, 2014 at 3:33 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      What happened and is you S4 on NG6?

  38. Oct 26, 2014 at 11:29 PM
    Jack Murphy says:
    Reply

    got an error no matter which tar.md5 I try – Complete (Write) operation failed

    • Oct 26, 2014 at 4:12 AM
      Michael Nardelli says:
      Reply

      Are you putting your phone in download mode before using Odin to flash?

      • Oct 26, 2014 at 4:41 AM
        Jack Murphy says:
        Reply

        ah, missed that step. Its at least working at it now, hopefully it will be successful

    • Oct 26, 2014 at 4:13 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      Also, what firmware version your phone has?

  39. Oct 25, 2014 at 10:00 PM
    Michael Nardelli says:
    Reply

    Mine will not take the update. Im on NC5 rooted with towel root with safe strap installed. Do I need to go back to unrooted in order to take the update? if so how do I do that?

    • Oct 25, 2014 at 4:44 AM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      If you are already rooted, why do you want to root the device again?

      If you want to update to NG6 and then root it, here’s the firmware: http://samsung-updates.com/details/35422/Galaxy_S4_Verizon/SCH-I545/VZW/I545VRUFNG6.html

      • Oct 25, 2014 at 12:33 PM
        Michael Nardelli says:
        Reply

        That was my post, not sure why it says guest, but yes I wanted the update. So I used Odin, went back to NC5 no root using no wipe tar. Worked, took OTA update to NG6, then followed your process. After flashing the NC5 kernal my phone constantly rebooted, I removed the battery and it slowed the time between reboots so I could get to towel root, Here’s the thing that took me a while to figure out, so I’ll share so maybe it’ll help someone else: I have the paid version of Super SU (it’s an add-on to the base free version) however the base version got deleted somehow using the no wipe NC5 so after using towel root, I still didn’t have root till I installed the base super SU again. Once I did I got root access, flashed the NG6 kernal and phone has root and has been stable since.

        • Oct 26, 2014 at 4:13 AM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Thanks for sharing your experience! ๐Ÿ™‚

  40. Oct 24, 2014 at 2:05 PM
    Andy says:
    Reply

    I assume this will wipe the phone and lose all data is that correct?

    • Oct 24, 2014 at 2:12 PM
      Rakesh says:
      Reply

      No, it will not but we still recommend backing up your data.

      • Oct 24, 2014 at 2:37 PM
        Andy says:
        Reply

        Awesome. I just did it. Took me no more than 15 minutes and looks like it’s working perfectly.

        • Oct 24, 2014 at 3:32 PM
          Rakesh says:
          Reply

          Thanks for confirming!

Join The Discussion: Cancel reply

We never share our visitor/user details. For more info, Please read our privacy policy before submitting your comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Footer

  • Apps
  • Downloads
    • Android Apps
    • Themes
  • Guides
    • Root
  • ROMs
  • Reviews
  • Wallpapers
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
© 2025 ยท DroidViews