If you own the Verizon variant of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 - and have been ruing the fact that it has a non-unlockable bootloader - you're in for some good news. Thanks to a modification, the Samsung phablet's bootloader can finally be unlocked!
That's correct. Modder Beaups has found a way wherein by using a few ADB commands, one is able to unlock the Verizon variant of the Galaxy Note 4's bootloader.
The exploit essentially alters the CID of the retail variant of the Galaxy Note 4 and converts it to Samsung developer CID. With an unlocked bootloader, one can flash anything onto the Galaxy Note 4. However, those who are not careful may end up bricking the handset.
Here's how to unlock the bootloader of the Galaxy Note 4, which will convert the retail edition to the Developer Edition. The process is the one shared by Beaups on XDA developers forum.
What You Need:
Retail model of the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Access to a Computer (Windows or Linux)
A USB Cable
If you are using Windows, then ensure you have Samsung USB Drivers
A working ADB
A microSD card (this will be formatted in the process)
Root (Temporary or Permanent)
Over 50 percent battery charge on the handset
Step-By-Step Guide To Unlocking The Bootloader
Step 1: Confirm that you have the ADB connection to the handset as well as root. To do this, connect the Galaxy Note 4 and launch ADB in terminal or command prompt (based on the OS).
Next, type the command given below to see which devices are currently connected.
Code:
adb devices
You will espy a devices list. In the event you do not see this list, check if the USB Debug Mode is enabled on the Galaxy Note 4.
Step 2: Download the unlock file (link given above in requirement list) from ryanbg's XDA forum thread. Ensure that the current directory is the one where you downloaded the file.
Step 3: Copy the unlock file to your Galaxy Note 4 handset.
Step 4: Push the unlock file to your smartphone. To do this run the following command:
Code:
adb push samsung_unlock_n4-2 /data/local/tmp/
Step 5: To connect to your Galaxy Note, type this command:
Code:
adb shell
Step 6: You will now be in a shell via ADB on your Samsung Galaxy Note 4 handset.
Elevate the authorizations. To do this, enter the code below:
Code:
su
Note: You could be asked for a confirmation request on your handset for root access. Ensure you give the ADB permit.
Step 7: To change the directory, navigate to the directory where the files were copied.
Code:
cd /data/local/tmp/
Step 8: CHMOD and CHOWN command the unlock file. Doing this enables one to execute the file. To execute, follow the commands:
Code:
chmod 777 samsung_unlock_n4-2
Code:
chown root.root samsung_unlock_n4-2
Step 9: Run the command given below. Doing so will issue a warning as well as a requirement where you will enter No or Yes. Make sure you read the warning prior to continuing.
Code:
./samsung_unlock_n4-2
You might see something like the screenshot below at this juncture.
The binary asserts that the Galaxy Note 4's CID is altering and will reboot.
Step 10: Before you switch on your Galaxy Note 4, ensure that the microSD card you will use for formatting is inserted in the handset.
Step 11: Once the handset has booted, launch the terminal and ADB shell, get root access, and alter the directories. Relaunch the binary once more. Follow the below code:
Code:
./samsung_unlock_n4-2
The same warning as Step 9 will appear and you will need to select Yes or No. Entering Yes will show something like the screenshot below.
Step 12: Keep the microSD card you used for formatting safely. This may come in handy if your Galaxy Note 4 gets bricked.
Power the Galaxy Note 4 in the download mode (VOL-DOWN + HOME + POWER). The handset will show the Developer mode.
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr
