Root Galaxy Note 3 on Android 4.3 Without Tripping KNOX-Warranty Void Bit

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 users may be wary of tripping KNOX-Warranty void bit while trying to root their devices with third-party software.

However, it is now possible to root Galaxy Note 3 without actually tripping KNOX-warranty, but rather bypassing it with Root De La Vega (RDLV) rooting tool. The RDLV is a joint creation of popular XDA developers, Designgears and Chainfire.

NOTE: The KNOX-Warranty void bit actually keeps track of the changes made to stock firmware and sets a flag when any third-party software tries to manipulate the stock settings and override the system permissions. In such situations, the device's warranty status will become void, which will cease technical and hardware support from Samsung.

Device Compatibility

Here is some great news, as RDLV rooting tool is supported on every Samsung device with Knox security installed (excluding Exynos devices).

On the downside, those devices running PDA codes: MJ4, MJ7, MK1, MK2 or higher may trip KNOX, even after rooting is successful.

Tip: Check your device PDA by dialling *#1234#.

Note: This method works only on devices running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and those running Android 4.4 will lose warranty as it will trip KNOX-warranty void bit.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the root installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-Requisites and Downloads Required

Some basic Command Prompt (cmd) or terminal skills
Cygwin (terminal with some UNIX commands): Download here
Download Odin 3.09 and extract the zip file to obtain Odin 3.09.exe
Download and install the latest USB drivers for Galaxy Note 3 from here
Universal RDLV_0.5.7
RDLV SD card file
Download the phone's firmware from here

Note: Galaxy Note 3 devices running PDA versions: MJ4, MJ7, MK1 and MK2 will not work with RDLV method, as they are the updated software versions with patched Bootloader.

Steps to Root Galaxy Note 3 on Android 4.3 Without Tripping KNOX Warranty

1. Prepare your Phone

Go to Settings > General > About Phone and then tap on Build Number 7 times to unlock the developer settings. Now return to general settings and enable 'USB debugging' mode under Developer options.

2. Prepare your Computer

Download the required files from the links given above and then install Cygwin, Samsung KIES and Odin flash tool. Note: 32-bit version of Cygwin can be used on 64-bit OS if the 64-bit version is not working.
Go to SamMobile firmware page and download the correct version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware based on your device's model number. As the firmware file size is 2GB, it may take some time to download.
Once the zip file is downloaded, extract the contents to a newly created folder in C: or "C:/Note 3". Also, extract the Universal RDLV_0.5.7 file to the same folder.
Now, install Cygwin with default settings including all the packages (do not uncheck any package). This installation requires active internet connection, as the process will update all the packages automatically.
Once Cygwin is installed, find the folder and double-click on "Cygwin.bat", which should be located under "C:" if you did not change the path of installation. This should bring up the command prompt or cmd terminal.
Enter the following commands carefully as this is a critical step which is error prone:

Type: "cd /cygdrive/c/Note3/" (without quotes) and hit enter.
Type: "./URDLV.sh full /cygdrive/c/Note3/" (without quotes) and hit enter.
Type: "./URDLV.sh full /cygdrive/c/Note3/N9005XXUENB4_N9005DBTENB1_N9005XXUENB1_HOME.tar.md5″ (no quotes) and hit enter.

If you have entered the path and firmware file name correctly, you should see the following message:
The process of flashing the firmware could be a bit time-consuming especially on older computers. So, do not interrupt the process and leave the computer alone for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Once the Odin Flashable .tar image file is created, you should see the "C:/Note3/output" folder with a message on screen.
Ensure Odin v3.09 is installed along with Samsung KIES including USB drivers for the phone on computer.
Turn off the phone and launch Odin.exe on computer as administrator.
Now boot the phone into Download mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Power and Home buttons together.
When the phone enters Download mode, you will see a warning message with yellow triangle on screen. Now, hit Volume Up to continue to next screen.
Start Odin on computer, after connecting your phone via USB cable to computer. If USB drivers for the phone are installed correctly on computer, Odin should recognise your phone and a blue status bar should appear in the ID: COM box (top left corner of Odin).
In Odin, click AP button and navigate to the location of firmware file which was created earlier using Cygwin. The file should be accessible through "C:Note 3output" and the filename should read something like: "N9005XXUENB4_N9005DBTENB1_N9005XXUENB1_HOME_VEGA.tar.md5"
Note: The filename might change depending on the firmware build and Note 3 model number. However, the filename can be identified with the word "VEGA" at the end. As the firmware is already patched and includes the RDLV files in it, we can root the phone without actually tripping the KNOX security.
Ensure Auto-Reboot and F.Rest Time options are selected. But, the re-partition option must be unchecked. Leave all other options at their default values.
Now click Start in Odin and wait until the firmware installation completes. It should barely take a few minutes to complete installing the software.
Odin will automatically indicate "Reset" and your phone should reboot automatically. The phone may take longer than normal to complete first boot. Do not disconnect the USB cable yet.
Now, open the second RDLV.zip file and extract its contents to the root folder on your phone. You should now get two folders: "root_files" and "root_de_la_vega.sh".
Once the file extraction is complete, turn off your phone and Power it on again. You may setup language and Google accounts settings for first use and then delete the two folders ("root_files" and "root_de_la_vega.sh") you copied earlier to the root folder of the phone.
Reboot the phone for the final time and your device is now rooted. You can download the root checker app from Google Play Store to verify if the root installation is successful.
Boot the phone into Download mode once again to confirm if Knox warranty void and Knox Kernel lock are OxO and current binary reads: "Samsung Official". If this is true, then you have successfully rooted the device without tripping KNOX.