How I installed CyanogenMod 13 on Galaxy S5 to get Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow

CyanogenMod 13 Android 6 Marshmallow CM 12.1 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Galaxy S5 S4

I post this mostly for my personal reference online so,
Warning: Due to its content, the following should not be tried by anyone.

* * * * * * * * *

EDIT: I have decided to go back to Galaxy S4 and Android 5 Lollipop after I become disillusioned with inconveniences on progressive versions of Google Android and inconveniences of new technology found in latest smart phones. They limit our options to modify our phones as we would like to choose to use them.

Both new hardware and software come with extreme new limitations.
It is time to consider the fact that older hardware and software are good enough, and that new technology does not offset the new restrictions of not being able to:

• have a removable battery so you can be at 100% in three seconds with a spare battery
• have a removable micro SD card so you can have limitless external storage for apps and programs
• have USB Mass Storage Mode, allowing old devices on old Google OS to sync a thousand (!) times faster than new ones which have no USB Mass Storage mode

• be able to use external storage for apps and programs without crippling restrictions, as an option
• be able to use custom apps like alarm clocks which we are used to and like, which no longer work because they cannot wake new devices out of their super doze mode to sound the alarms any more
• legally root/unlock devices we overpaid for, so that we can use them where and how we choose

I notice no difference using Galaxy S4 for basic tasks, except for all the Google restrictions being gone.
Life is better without new restricted devices because the frustration factor is gone.
The president of the United States uses a Galaxy 4 (with extra layers of security, but a GS4 nevertheless), so technologically speaking - it still good enough...


Why should we use the latest software, the latest smart phones? To get that extra 10% in return for complete loss of ability to have a frustration free experience?

Whoever complains about new hardware/software should be reminded that older hardware is right there as an option, with fewer restrictions.



* * * * * * * * *


Below are two sets of instructions.
One is for the latest
• CyanogenMod 13 - Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (API level 23) for Galaxy S5 [not recommended]
and the other for
• CyanogenMod 12.1 - Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (API level 22) for Galaxy S4 [recommended]


This is if for T-Mobile ONLY. Other carriers have different files/methods.


= = = = = = = = = =


• CyanogenMod 13 - Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (API level 23) for Galaxy S5 [not recommended]



ROOT THE PHONE.


Samsung Galaxy S5 builds prior to June 2014 may be rooted without tripping KNOX using https://towelroot.com/ tr.apk installation file (the link is in the lambda symbol).

Before installing the .apk file, go to Settings > [under SYSTEM] Security > CHECK: Unknown sources > OK > UNCHECK: Verify apps

Start the app > make it ra1n


Samsung Knox provides security features that enable business and personal content to coexist on the same handset. The user presses an icon that switches from Personal to Work use with no delay or reboot wait time.

Turn phone off, then
Hold Volume Down, HOME and POWER Button > Volume UP

If KNOX is in tact, you will see KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0x0
IF KNOX has been tripped, you will see 0x1 instead.


If the KNOX warranty void line says 0x1 then you cannot use KNOX software.
You are still able to use all other features and install future Samsung firmware releases with the KNOX flag set 0x1.


* * * * *


Otherwise, go to
https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/

...and make sure that you select the download for the correct make, model, Build ID and Android version currently on your phone.
[Settings > About phone > Baseband version which is the Build ID.]

Then first follow instructions on how to install TWRP:


1. Download twrp-3.0.0-0-klte-klte.img.tar from
https://twrp.me/Devices/

2. Download and unpack Odin_3.10.0.rar
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3191994&d=1425379173

3. Download and install Samsung Driver, scroll down to USB (Driver):
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SM-G900TZWATMB



01. Disconnect Phone from Computer.
02. Install Phone drivers on the computer.
03. Double click on Odin3 v3.10.0.exe

04. AP > Browse to twrp-3.0.0-0-klte-klte.img.tar > Open

05. Simultaneously hold volume down and Power Button until you see the Yellow Triangle screen > Volume Up.

06. Connect Phone to computer USING ORIGINAL WHITE SAMSUNG USB TO MICRO USB CABLE (try different USB port if there are problems) > Wait for phone to be recognized > Start

07. Disconnect from computer. Pull battery out when finished. Then reinsert and hold Volume up and Power button simultaneously.

08. Let go as soon as you see Recovery Booting blue message displayed in upper left corner.

09. Press the Volume Down button to highlight [backup and restore] > Press the Power button to select highlighted item.


Reboot then use the same method to root the phone by browsing to the downloaded tar.md5 file from https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/

* * * * * * * * *

CyanogenMod 13 Changelog:
http://www.cmxlog.com/13/klte/

CyanogenMod 13 Galaxy S5 T-Mobile USA download:
http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=klte&type=nightly


* * * * * * * * *

• When RESTORING an image, if you get this message:
"Cannot Restore System -- Mounted Read Only."
Go to Mount > UNCHECK: Mount system partition read-only

• If ever updating from a previous build, remember to wipe Dalvik Cache first, wait for the phone to fully boot in, then reboot at least twice. Check if the device is rooted, if not, reinstall UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
[if you previously had SuperSU installed, which is not really necessary since Cyanogenmod handles what SuperSU does natively.]

[BE SURE TO TAKE OUT THE BATTERY BEFORE FLASHING TO MAKE SURE PHONE IS OFF AND NOTHING IS STILL MOUNTED (DO NOT REBOOT THEN FLASH (TURN OFF FIRST)]

CyanogenMod 13 for T-Mobile Galaxy S5 SM-G900T [Galaxy S5 Samsung - klte]

[Android 6.0.1]


=====

• CyanogenMod can only be installed on Rooted phones. [See included instructions on how to Root the phone.]

=====

Immediately make a back up of the EFS folder from your phone. In the event any of the files in that folder get corrupted there is NO fix unless you have a backup. Use TWRP Recovery: BACKUP > Select Partitions to Backup: EFS > [Select Storage] > Name: enter name then tap check mark > Swipe to Backup

=====

• In case of error "Could not find 'META-INF/com/google/android/update-binary' in the zip file:
Try installing the latest STABLE version instead of the latest nightly version.
You can then try installing the latest nightly on top of the latest stable version of CyanogenMod.

• If ever updating from a previous build, remember to wipe Dalvik Cache first, wait for the phone to fully boot in, then reboot at least twice. Check if the device is rooted, if not, reinstall UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
[if you previously had SuperSU installed, which is not really necessary since Cyanogenmod handles what SuperSU does natively.]

=====

• CyanogenMod 13


1. Take out EXTERNAL SD Card (unless you want it formatted) and copy the following files to INTERNAL SD Card:

CyanogenMod 13 installation file like cm-13.0-20160319-NIGHTLY-klte.zip
from
http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=klte&type=nightly

MICRO MODULAR PACKAGE installation file like open_gapps-arm-6.0-micro-20160320.zip
from
http://opengapps.org/?api=6.0&variant=micro

...which installs Google Play Store from which all other apps can be installed under CyanogenMod.
Micro package is the minimum recommended package, which allows for manual installation of individual programs from larger packages.
It installs Google Search
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
which allows voice typing.

*** DO NOT INSTALL SUPER/STOCK VERSIONS OF GAPPS BECAUSE THEY REPLACE CM13 CAMERA ***
You can install any additional camera app later separately from gapps.


2. CyanogenMod 13 [Android 6.0.1] requires either
Team Win Recovery Project 2.8.6.0. or later.
...or ClockworkMod version released in mid 2015 or later.
!CHECK TO MAKE SURE WHAT THE ClockworkMod or TWRP VERSION IS!
You may softbrick (disable) your phone if earlier versions are used to try to install CyanogenMod 13.

TWRP versions 2.8.4 or higher can directly update TWRP .img files downloaded from
https://twrp.me/Devices/


Another way to update TWRP or ClockworkMod may be by using the Flashify app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cgollner.flashify

Flash Recovery image > Download TWRP or CWM Touch > Flash recovery? > Yup! > Reboot Now

[If Clockwork has a problem installing Google Apps - use TWRP.]


3. Power OFF the phone and make sure it is disconnected from your computer.


4. Hold down the Volume UP and Home buttons simultaneously.
5. Without releasing the two other buttons press and hold the power button as well...

UNTIL YOU SEE THE SAMSUNG LOGO AND A TINY BLUE RECOVERY BOOTING... MESSAGE IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER

6. Now release all three buttons.

7. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to make a selection.


8. Wipe > Advanced Wipe > SELECT: Dalvik Cache, System, Data, Cache
You don't have to select Internal Storage/Micro SD card but if you do, they will be formatted.
"Internal Storage means" internal Micro SD Card and "Micro SD card" refers to the external Micro SD card, you may want to take out your external SD Card, to protect it from accidental formatting.

> Swipe to Wipe > * wait for Wipe Complete message * > Back


9. Home icon [lower left] > Install > Browse to CyanogenMod file like cm-13.0-20160319-NIGHTLY-klte.zip > * wait for Complete message * > Back

10. Wipe > Advanced Wipe > SELECT: Data > Swipe to Wipe > * wait for Wipe Complete message * > Back

11. Install other zips like latest version of Google Apps file like open_gapps-arm-6.0-micro-20160320.zip > Swipe to Confirm Flash.

12. When you Reboot the System, wait for the boot to complete then power off.

13. Now use the same method to install UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053

14. Reboot.

IMMEDIATELY CHECK IF THE PHONE IS ROOTED AND IF NOT, ROOT IT AGAIN then REINSTALL TWRP.


Google Search should already have been installed
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

• SETTINGS > [under System] > Language and input >
Google voice typing > SELECT: OFF for Block offensive words > and ON for Bluetooth headset


• UPPER RIGHT EDGE PULS DOWN QUICK PULLDOWN MENU.

• If ever updating from a previous build, remember to wipe Dalvik Cache first, wait for the phone to fully boot in, then reboot at least twice. Check if the device is rooted, if not, reinstall UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
[if you previously had SuperSU installed, which is not really necessary since Cyanogenmod handles what SuperSU does natively.]

• When RESTORING an image, if you get this message:
"Cannot Restore System -- Mounted Read Only."
Go to Mount > UNCHECK: Mount system partition read-only




= = = = = = = = = =






...and now the real deal:

• CyanogenMod 12.1 - Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (API level 22) for Galaxy S4 [recommended]


ROOT THE PHONE.


Samsung Galaxy S4


THE FOLLOWING ALSO WORKS UNDER CYANOGENMOD. Tested under CM 12.1

• To root the phone, the following instructions are for Galaxy S4 Build number that ends with M919UVUFNH7 or M919UVUFNK2. To check your Build Number: Settings > More > About device > Scroll down to see Build number: (for example) KTU84P.M919UVUFNH7

Go to
https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/

...and make sure that you select the download for the correct make, model, Build ID and Android version currently on your phone.
[Settings > About phone > Baseband version which is the Build ID.]

Then first follow instructions on how to install TWRP:

1. Download twrp-3.0.2-0-jfltetmo.img.tar from
https://twrp.me/Devices/

2. Download and unpack Odin_3.10.0.rar
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3191994&d=1425379173

3. Download and install Samsung Driver, scroll down to USB (Driver):
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SM-G900TZWATMB
Even though it's for Galaxy S5, the same driver will work for Galaxy S4.


On the phone, TAP button in the left corner below SAMSUNG label > Settings > More > scroll down to About device > TAP on build number 5X (five times) until you see the following message displayed: Developer mode has been enabled.

TAP to back out (lower right corner button) > Developer options > CHECK: USB Debugging or Android debugging


01. Disconnect Phone from Computer.
02. Install Phone drivers on the computer.
03. Double click on Odin3 v3.10.0.exe

04. AP > Browse to twrp-3.0.2-0-jfltetmo.img.tar > Open

05. Simultaneously hold volume down and Power Button until you see the Yellow Triangle screen > Volume Up.

06. Connect Phone to computer USING ORIGINAL WHITE SAMSUNG USB TO MICRO USB CABLE (try different USB port if there are problems) > Wait for phone to be recognized > Start

07. Disconnect from computer. Pull battery out when finished. Then reinsert and hold Volume up and Power button simultaneously.

08. Let go as soon as you see Recovery Booting blue message displayed in upper left corner.

09. Press the Volume Down button to highlight [backup and restore] > Press the Power button to select highlighted item.


Reboot then use the same method to root the phone by browsing to the downloaded tar.md5 file from https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/

* * * * * * * * *

CyanogenMod 12.1 Changelog only exists for other variants of Galaxy S4, not for regular Galaxy S4 T-Mobile:

CyanogenMod 12.1 Galaxy S4 T-Mobile USA download:
http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=jfltetmo

A later build may still be available here:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24521665358596112



* * * * * * * * *

• When RESTORING an image, if you get this message:
"Cannot Restore System -- Mounted Read Only."
Go to Mount > UNCHECK: Mount system partition read-only

• If ever updating from a previous build, remember to wipe Dalvik Cache first, wait for the phone to fully boot in, then reboot at least twice. Check if the device is rooted, if not, reinstall UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
[if you previously had SuperSU installed, which is not really necessary since Cyanogenmod handles what SuperSU does natively.]

[BE SURE TO TAKE OUT THE BATTERY BEFORE FLASHING TO MAKE SURE PHONE IS OFF AND NOTHING IS STILL MOUNTED (DO NOT REBOOT THEN FLASH (TURN OFF FIRST)]

CyanogenMod 12.1 for T-Mobile Galaxy S4 SGH-M919 [Galaxy S4 Samsung - jflte]

[Android 5.1.1]


=====

• CyanogenMod can only be installed on Rooted phones. [See included instructions on how to Root the phone.]

=====

Immediately make a back up of the EFS folder from your phone. In the event any of the files in that folder get corrupted there is NO fix unless you have a backup. Use TWRP Recovery: BACKUP > Select Partitions to Backup: EFS > [Select Storage] > Name: enter name then tap check mark > Swipe to Backup

=====

• In case of error "Could not find 'META-INF/com/google/android/update-binary' in the zip file:
Try installing the latest STABLE version instead of the latest nightly version.
You can then try installing the latest nightly on top of the latest stable version of CyanogenMod.

• If ever updating from a previous build, remember to wipe Dalvik Cache first, wait for the phone to fully boot in, then reboot at least twice. Check if the device is rooted, if not, reinstall UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
[if you previously had SuperSU installed, which is not really necessary since Cyanogenmod handles what SuperSU does natively.]

• When RESTORING an image, if you get this message:
"Cannot Restore System -- Mounted Read Only."
Go to Mount > UNCHECK: Mount system partition read-only

=====

• CyanogenMod 12.1 [Android 5.1.1 Lollipop]

This is the last version that allows USB Mass Storage Mode for external microSD cards, which allows them to show up as actual drive letters on PC when the phone is cable connected, thereby allowing synchronization to be as much a thousand times faster than over Wi-Fi. The last phone where this is possible is Galaxy S4. It is not possible on Galaxy S5 or later and it is not possible on any phone under CyanogenMod 13 [Android 6 Marshmallow] as of late 2016.

Settings > [under System] Storage > Three dots on the upper right corner > USB computer connection > Mass storage (UMS)


1. Take out EXTERNAL SD Card (unless you want it formatted) and copy the following files to INTERNAL SD Card:

Official-CM-12.1-20160329-jfltegsm.zip
from
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24521665358596112

MICRO MODULAR PACKAGE installation file like open_gapps-arm-5.1-micro-20160905.zip
from
http://opengapps.org/?api=5.1&variant=micro

...which installs Google Play Store from which all other apps can be installed under CyanogenMod.
Micro package is the minimum recommended package, which allows for manual installation of individual programs from larger packages.
It installs Google Search
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
which allows voice typing.

*** DO NOT INSTALL SUPER/STOCK VERSIONS OF GAPPS BECAUSE THEY REPLACE CyanogenMod CAMERA ***
You can install any additional camera app later separately from gapps.


2. Even though we are installing CM 12.1, this info is still useful:
CyanogenMod 13 [Android 6.0.1] requires either
Team Win Recovery Project 2.8.6.0. or later.
...or ClockworkMod version released in mid 2015 or later.
!CHECK TO MAKE SURE WHAT THE ClockworkMod or TWRP VERSION IS!
You may softbrick (disable) your phone if earlier versions are used to try to install CyanogenMod 13.

TWRP versions 2.8.4 or higher can directly update TWRP .img files downloaded from
https://twrp.me/Devices/


Another way to update TWRP or ClockworkMod may be by using the Flashify app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cgollner.flashify

Flash Recovery image > Download TWRP or CWM Touch > Flash recovery? > Yup! > Reboot Now

[If Clockwork has a problem installing Google Apps - use TWRP.]


3. Power OFF the phone and make sure it is disconnected from your computer.


4. Hold the Volume UP and Home buttons simultaneously.
5. Without releasing the two other buttons press and hold the power button as well...

UNTIL YOU SEE THE SAMSUNG LOGO AND A TINY BLUE RECOVERY BOOTING... MESSAGE IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER

6. Now release all three buttons.

7. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to make a selection.


8. Wipe > Advanced Wipe > SELECT: Dalvik Cache, System, Data, Cache
You don't have to select Internal Storage/Micro SD card but if you do, they will be formatted.
"Internal Storage means" internal Micro SD Card and "Micro SD card" refers to the external Micro SD card, you may want to take out your external SD Card, to protect it from accidental formatting.

> Swipe to Wipe > * wait for Successful message * > Back


9. Home icon [lower center] > Install > Browse to CyanogenMod .zip file > Swipe to confirm Flash > * wait for Successful message * > Back to Home.

10. Wipe > Advanced Wipe > SELECT: Data > Swipe to Wipe > * wait for Successful message * > Back to Home

11. Install other zips like latest version of Google Apps .zip file > Swipe to Confirm Flash.

12. Home > Reboot > System > When you Reboot the System, wait for the boot to complete then power off.

13. You can install SuperSU (but it is not necessary, since CM handles root apps internally). Use the same method to install UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053

14. Reboot.

IMMEDIATELY CHECK IF THE PHONE IS ROOTED AND IF NOT, ROOT IT AGAIN then REINSTALL TWRP.


Google Search should already have been installed
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

• SETTINGS > [under System] > Language and input >
Google voice typing > SELECT: OFF for Block offensive words > and ON for Bluetooth headset


• UPPER EDGE PULLS DOWN QUICK A PULLDOWN MENU.

• If ever updating from a previous build, remember to wipe Dalvik Cache first, wait for the phone to fully boot in, then reboot at least twice. Check if the device is rooted, if not, reinstall UPDATE-SuperSU.zip from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
[if you previously had SuperSU installed, which is not really necessary since Cyanogenmod handles what SuperSU does natively.]

Thanks.

CyanogenMod 13 - Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (API level 23) [not recommended]
and
CyanogenMod 12.1 - Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (API level 22) [recommended]



• UPPER EDGE PULLS DOWN A QUICK PULLDOWN MENU.

'Let apps better determine your location...' (Must be checked for GPS directions to work)

Settings > [under PERSONAL] > Accounts > Settings > See Auto-sync data
TAP on Google to see your account and UNCHECK anything you don't need.

Google > Settings > App suggestions > OFF


Settings > [under DEVICE] > Security > ON: Unknown sources


First, install ES File Explorer_3.2.5.5 [do not update this version] and do creation of new folders/files using it, to avoid permission problems, although this is more important for CM 13 [Android 6].

ES File Explorer works with Stuntzurl allowing you to launch Windows web shortcut files. Other Explorers do not.
Later version of ES File Explorer are bloated.

• To get rid of File Explorer middle of screen DOT, go to ES File Explorer Settings [upper left corner icon] > [under Tools] > [scroll down] Gesture > OFF


Directory settings > Set to external SD card.
See Search engine setting
[under Tools Settings] See App >
[under Tools Settings] See Download Manager >
Update settings > UNCHECK: Auto check
[lower right] View > Medium List

On later versions:
[upper right] Three vertical dots > View > Medium List
[lower right corner] Settings > Display Settings > UNCHECK: Enable Floating Button > CHECK: Disable news card.


Settings > Sounds >

Ringtones (store custom ringtones inside ringtones folder on SD Card)
Notifications (store custom notifications inside notifications folder on SD Card)
Assign ringtones/icons from internal storage

Other sounds [TAP to get in]: all OFF > [Back]

ON: Also vibrate for calls
OFF: Vibrate on touch


> Display & lights >
ON: Ambient display - to see a pulsating light if you miss a call/message. Default colors are:
BLUE (missed text) ; CLEAR (missed call/voicemail)
Sleep > 2 minutes >
[under LIGHTS] Set Battery lights > but turn OFF: Pulse if battery low
[under LIGHTS] ON: Notification Light > ON: Choose colors automatically > ON: Use custom values >
Missed call & Voicemail > color ff0000 [top or bottom right side of the color spectrum]

> Lock screen > NONE

> Buttons >
Power menu > UNCHECK: Airplane mode >
Home button Long press action > Open/close menu >
Home button Double tap action > Turn screen off >

Menu/Recents button Short press action > Open/close menu >
Menu/Recents button Long press action > Recent apps switcher >

Keyboard cursor control > Volume up/down moves cursor right/left


Settings > [under PERSONAL]
> Status Bar >
Clock Style > Center >
Battery > Text

Settings > [under SYSTEM]
> Date and time > ON: Use 24-hour format


Install Google Keyboard app or better yet NextApp Keyboard because native keyboard does not have auto-correct options.

Settings > [under SYSTEM] Language and input > click on wheel to the right of Google voice typing > UNCHECK: Block offensive words >

for Google Keyboard:
click on wheel to the right of Google Keyboard > Preferences > UNCHECK: Vibrate on keypress and Sound on keypress > [go back] > Gesture Typing > UNCHECK: Enable gesture typing > [go back] > Text correction > UNCHECK: Block offensive words > Auto-correction > Aggressive > [go back] > Advanced > UNCHECK everything.

or for NextApp Keyboard:
Settings > [under System] Language and input > click on wheel to the right of NextApp Keyboard > UNCHECK: Vibrate on keypress > show number row on main keyboard > Always > UNCHECK: Block offensive words > Auto-correction > Aggressive > Show correction suggestions > Always

See Google voice typing options.


Settings > About phone > press on Build Number a total of 7 times to turn on Developer options
Developer options > [under Drawing] Transition animation scale > 1.0x is default.
0.0x for a quicker feel (or simply 0.5x to speed things up a little bit.)

Developer Options has an option to turn on Multi-window mode [under Drawing.]
Use Parallel Space app to be able to open two instances of the same apps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.parallel.intl

• Settings > About phone > CyanogenMod updates > Check for updates > Manual

• If you have a boot animation .apk file, install it then go to
Settings > [under DEVICE] > Themes > Settings > Boot animations > Select animation > CHECK: Boot animations > Apply > UPDATE


• Install your Apps.
(Install Apex launcher last.)


• Screenshot Ultimate > Triggers > CHECK: Enable notification icon click trigger > Settings > After Screenshot: Nothing > CHECK: Vibrate and UNCHECK: Sound and Toast > Timeout 1 second (not 0) > UNCHECK: Show countdown

> Go back to General > Settings > set Save location and Hide notification icon during screenshot + see Other.

Take one screen shot.

• Overclockers > Options > Notifications > Settings > Notifications: OFF

• Firefox settings:
[Syncing can only be done if you enable Android Settings > Accounts > Settings > CHECK: Auto-sync data > OK]
Firefox sync master machine *cannot* be set, your main computer will be continuously overwritten with data from your mobile devices as Firefox sync functions as two-way only.
SOLUTION: On your main computer, Firefox > Tools > Options > Sync > Manage Account > Delete account
Sign up for a new account immediately (you can use the same exact email and password)
Setup what gets synced: Firefox > Tools > Options > Sync >
Tools > Sync Now

Now log in with the same info in your mobile device and sync it.
After syncing completes, immediately Disconnect your mobile device [scroll down under where syncing settings are].

Mobile Firefox > General > Home > Hide all Panels except for Bookmarks
Search > Remove all search engines except for Google and UNCHECK: Show site suggestions
Privacy > CHECK: Do not track
Data Choices > UNCHECK all

• Start navigation once

• Open Messaging (but do not enter any Message conversation) > Settings > Cell broadcasts > Settings >
UNCHECK: everything.


> Play Store > Settings [three dots in upper right corner] >
DO NOT Auto-update apps
UNCHECK: Add icon to Home screen
UNCHECK ALL Notifications and User controls


• Add an icon to a new screen to increase number of screens
Press down on Desktop and hold to get to three dots (Settings):
Home screen settings > OFF: Search bar
Press on Home icon on top to set Home Screen.
Press down on Desktop and hold to get to Widgets

• Set internet home page

• To place web links on home page, first create a Bookmark in Browser then tap and hold inside Bookmarks > Add shortcut to home

• To make a shortcut to a folder, use ES File Explorer > Press & hold folder > More > Add to desktop

• To make a shortcut to a microSD card, use ES File Explorer > Go to microSD card > tap to go one directory up, to storage >
Press & hold folder > More > Add to desktop


• Settings > [under DEVICE] > Notifications > When device is locked > Don't show notifications at all >
App notifications >
BLOCK ALL: Downloads, Google Play Store ; Firefox ; OfficeSuite ; SwiftKey Keyboard

• Lock Desktop


• Phone > Settings > Sounds and vibration > CHECK: Vibrate on call waiting > CHECK: Vibrate on hang up >

Quick responses > Instead of "Can't talk now. What's up?" type in:
I am on the other line, can I call you when I'm done?


• FX File Explorer > System (Root) [Regular File Explorer cannot be used for this] > Settings > Mount Read-Write > I understand the risk > OK >
or
ES File Explorer > Settings > Root Explorer: ON
/ device
system > media > audio > ui > TAP and hold on the following to be able to rename them:

camera_click.ogg > camera_click.ogg.disabled
camera_focus.ogg > camera_focus.ogg.disabled
VideoRecord.ogg > VideoRecord.ogg.disabled
[if it's there] VideoStop.ogg > VideoStop.ogg.disabled

To replace Android emoji blobs with Samsung/Apple/other emojis, go to
/ device
system > fonts > TAP and hold on NotoColorEmoji.ttf to be able to rename it to NotoColorEmoji.ttf.backup and then paste new emoji file NotoColorEmoji.ttf here >

FX Explorer > Mount Read-Only > Reboot
or
ES File Explorer Settings > Root Explorer: OFF > Reboot.


• Install Bluetooth devices


• [ONLY IF NECESSARY SET UP Access Point Names]
Settings > [under Wireless & networks] ... Cellular networks > Access Point Names >


• ES Task Manager > Disable certain apps from Startup.

• Set custom contact ringtones > Contact > Edit Contact > Settings > Set ringtone
• In CM 12.1, Groups can be assigned under one of the TABs in Contacts.

• Set custom contact message notification > Contact > START A MESSAGE > Settings > People & options > Sound > Set custom message notification sound. These custom notifications will disappear if all messages of the contact person are deleted, even if the contact person remains in the address book.


• Default apps for
Jota Editor for .txt
OfficeSuite default app for .wri .doc .docx .pdf .xls .xlsx
HTML Viewer default app for .htm .html
QuickPic default app for
z.bmp
z.gif
z.giff
z.jpe
z.jpeg
z.jpg
z.pbm
z.png
z.tif
z.tiff


• DOCK: Phone ; Contacts ; App Drawer ; Messages ; Camera

• Settings > Notification Drawer > Select and order tiles: Wi-Fi ; Location ; Bluetooth ; Data connection ; Airplane mode ; Rotation ; Flashlight ; Cast screen ; Color inversion ; LiveDisplay ; USB tethering ; Hotspot ; NFC

= = =

• Turn off Wi-Fi, turn off GPS before making a Recovery Image file of the phone.


• To reset a default app:
Settings > [under PERSONAL] Apps > TAP on any app to change its Open by default settings

(You can also TAP on the gear icon here to see Default Apps for Browser/Phone/SMS).


• Tethering, using your cell phone to get internet connection to laptop:
* * * MAKE SURE TO SET THE 'USE FOR USB' AS FILE TRANSFERS AND NOT AS CHARGING * * *

Connect the cell phone with a USB cable to the laptop.
CyanogenMod > Settings > ... More > Tethering & portable hotspot > ON: USB tethering
[There is no need to turn on Portable Wi-Fi hotspot]


= = =


• FX File Explorer + Root Add-on
[Not recommended since this program does not work with Stuntzurl, so you cannot launch Windows web shortcut files]
FX File Explorer > Settings:
Appearance / Theme > Selection Options > Show Cut, Copy and Delete options in top menu
Home Screen > Customize Home Screen > UNCHECK: Recently Updated, Cleaning Tools, Add-Ons, Help > OK
Help > UNCHECK: Tips
File Management >
UNCHECK: Text Files
CHECK: Text Editor
UNCHECK: Image, Video, Audio, Confirm Deletes,
Media Management > UNCHECK everything

You can create a shortcut from within any folder you want using the bookmark icon in the 3-dot menu in the upper right corner. Select Launcher Shortcut for a desktop shortcut.

Go to External SD Card > Settings > Enable Write Access > Next > SELECT External SD Card > Select > OK

ATT screwed me and I got the G900A. Junk

I have a g900T. the kernal version on that website for my phone is all correct except the last 2 numbers.

the website has: LMY47X.G900TUVS1FOJ4
but my phone is: LMY47X.G900TUVS1FOL1

can i still use that to root my phone? i was looking into this before and found that, the j4 vs L1 and i just didnt mess with it because i didn't know if it would brick my phone.

NeonCancerCandy said:

I have a g900T. the kernal version on that website for my phone is all correct except the last 2 numbers.

the website has: LMY47X.G900TUVS1FOJ4
but my phone is: LMY47X.G900TUVS1FOL1

can i still use that to root my phone? i was looking into this before and found that, the j4 vs L1 and i just didnt mess with it because i didn't know if it would brick my phone.

Click to expand...

Could be as simple as a different revision that is compatible with your device, or it could be for a different carrier. FWIW as long as you have a backup you should be able to flash it. if it doesnt work the revert to your backup from recovery (kind of like how your BIOS doesnt care what version of Windows you are running ). As always though, flash at your own risk, because if it does get broken I dont know how to fix it

I edited post#1 to include instructions for CyanogenMod 12.1 - Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (API level 22) for Galaxy S4 [recommended]


I have decided to go back to Galaxy S4 and Android 5 Lollipop after I become disillusioned with inconveniences on progressive versions of Google Android and inconveniences of new technology found in latest smart phones. They limit our options to modify our phones as we would like to choose to use them.

Both new hardware and software come with extreme new limitations.
It is time to consider the fact that older hardware and software are good enough, and that new technology does not offset the new restrictions of not being able to:

• have a removable battery so you can be at 100% in three seconds with a spare battery
• have a removable micro SD card so you can have limitless external storage for apps and programs
• have USB Mass Storage Mode, allowing old devices on old Google OS to sync a thousand (!) times faster than new ones which have no USB Mass Storage mode

• be able to use external storage for apps and programs without crippling restrictions, as an option
• be able to use custom apps like alarm clocks which we are used to and like, which no longer work because they cannot wake new devices out of their super doze mode to sound the alarms any more
• legally root/unlock devices we overpaid for, so that we can use them where and how we choose

I notice no difference using Galaxy S4 for basic tasks, except for all the Google restrictions being gone.
Life is better without new restricted devices because the frustration factor is gone.
The president of the United States uses a Galaxy 4 (with extra layers of security, but a GS4 nevertheless), so technologically speaking - it still good enough...


Why should we use the latest software, the latest smart phones? To get that extra 10% in return for complete loss of ability to have a frustration free experience?

Whoever complains about new hardware/software should be reminded that older hardware is right there as an option, with fewer restrictions.