It seems there is a lot of questions regarding the EVO, root and more--so in an effort to clean up redundancy, I'll make an attempt to answer many questions in this thread. I'll touch on a number of important points initially, then you can fire away with questions which I'll (do my best) to answer.
If you have a question, you should read this thread before asking, as it may very well be answered here. If you don't see it, ask away!
Is the EVO GSM-compatible? Can I use it with Verizon?
Short answer: No. The EVO is CDMA-only, and does not contain a SIM card slot. You can try to get Verizon to accept the EVO on their network, but doing so will require you to first convince a representative to do so, which has been virtually unheard of (Sprint and Verizon, despite using the same CDMA technology, maintain HEX ID white lists for phones, and if your phone doesn't match, they can't activate it in their system.)
If you're on Verizon, I'd advise you to consider the Incredible, or wait for the Shadow.
What is 'Root'?
Root access (in linux/unix terms) is the equivalent of being an Administrator in Windows. Without being 'Root', or 'Administrator', what you can and cannot do is severely hampered. You are essentially using a 'Guest' account, with 'Guest' priveledges. This means that whatever HTC/Sprint/Etc. has deemed appropriate for 'Guest' users is all you have access to.
So why do I (or we) want Root access?
Having Root access means we can do whatever we please to our phones. As I said above, this gives us Administrator rights to add, delete, or do as we please to our devices. Without Root, you are forced to do (and use) whatever software Sprint/HTC want you to use.
Can you give us some examples?
Yes. With Root, you can flash a build of Android that someone else has created and/or customized. You can update/reskin your device as you please, add or remove software at your liking, and tether free of Sprint's surcharge. Additionally, without Root, you'll have to wait for Sprint and HTC to release updates for the EVO (which could be months..) with Root, you can load a build as the developers produce it.
Froyo will most certainly arrive (in time), but what about Gingerbread (2.3)? Whatever comes after (2.4)? There is no guarantee that Sprint and HTC will support the EVO that far out. The developers who have this phone, however, most certainly will.
I'm going to have my EVO for at least two years, and I plan on migrating and updating my device to the latest version of Android regardless of what other customers/users who do not have Root access are able to do.
...But there's a risk in getting Root, right?
Yes, there's a risk of bricking your phone, and however minimal that risk is, it needs to be stated. Your best friend is knowledge, so read carefully, read again, and follow directions. You're already here on XDA, you'll be just fine.
I'm concerned that the developer's builds of Android Eclair 2.1 and/or Froyo aren't fully functional, or we won't have the same functionality after Rooting.
Patience. Functionality is dependent on having a Kernel that supports all the technology on the device; an OS to run with that Kernel that supports all of the technology on the device, and the device itself. We have the device and the Kernel, we're just waiting on an official AOSP Froyo release.
If that doesn't make sense, consider this: HTC heavily modified Eclair to support technology like tethering, 4G, front and rear cameras, HDMI, etc. They had to modify it manually because support for it wasn't available in Eclair, but it IS available in Froyo.
In time, everything on the EVO will be fully functional in Froyo.
Where's Froyo?
Google will make Froyo available on AOSP when prepared to do so. Until then, the latest release of Android is Eclair 2.1r1. Again, Eclair doesn't support everything the EVO has to offer, so until Froyo is available, some items may not come to fruition in the developer community (4G access, tethering, etc. as examples.)
Wait a minute, can't I run Froyo from an SDK build?
Yes, you can--but an SDK (Software Development Kit) build is essentially OS files torn from the emulator in the SDK. This may or may not contain all of Froyo's end-result code, and may not be completely indicative of what a final release of Froyo will be like. It IS very useful for testing and tinkering, and isn't necessarily even a bad build to use on a day-to-day basis, as long as you understand it's limitations. When you're reading threads about functionality for a Froyo SDK build for the EVO, now you'll hopefully have a better idea as to why that functionality is limited right now.
I hate Sense UI! What can I do? Can we remove it? Can we replace the modified applications?
You can disable Sense, but you can't remove it (unless you're Root and can replace the OS entirely, that is.) Sense is deeply integrated into the core of Android in the release HTC and Sprint provide, so much so that certain applications (People, Messages, Internet) cannot be "undone" short of (again) replacing the ROM. You can disable the widgets, and replace the launcher (ADW Launcher is a solid alternative), but at the end of the day, Sense is so tightly coupled with the EVO stock ROM that you can't completely remove/replace or restore the original Android system files.
This is another good argument for wanting Root access.
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Nice work.
is there a good tutorial somewhere on how to root in Ubuntu...this is my first droid phone, coming over from winMo
dahray02 said:
is there a good tutorial somewhere on how to root in Ubuntu...this is my first droid phone, coming over from winMo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do a search for adb ubuntu
the sdk for ubuntu is at google's android site.
First, thanks for taking the time to post a good compilation for some beginners like myself.
This is my first android phone, however I have been following the progression of the OS for some time.
As you stated above,
"With Root, you can flash a build of Android that someone else has created and/or customized."
I have seen on other forums, such as the hero forums, that there are several different choices for custom roms. I tried to see what the main "features" were but they seemed a little too technical for me at this point.
What are the main differences between different custom roms in terms of how they function or what they do differently, aside from OS versions?
Also, I do see that certain roms indicate they have the Sense UI turned off or tuned down. For someone who has only used stock roms which have sense already on, what does a reduced/disabled version of sense look like?
Thanks again!
I read that the Sprint OTA update that fixes the SD card issue breaks the first exploit for root, but that the Unrevoked exploit can still root even if the OTA exploit has been applied. Since I'm having SD card issues, I wanted to go ahead and accept the OTA update I initially declined. I tried the option to check for a firmware update, and it says there are none for me. I also tried the HTC software update, and it says I was already up to date. Does this mean the update got applied somehow already? Is there a way I can tell? Am I doing the wrong thing to try to force the update? My phone says "Firmware version 2.1-update1". But I'm still having SD card issues.
I'm also wondering if this thing can be unrooted, in case I need Sprint to handle it.
Thanks Shidell...much needed!!!
I am interested in a future update to froyo 2.2 w/ its new features, removing a few stock sprint apks and mainly, replacing the painful htc sense with AOSP. I much prefer the new AOSP launcher and 3d app drawer. UNTIL THEN, i would probably just like to remove some apks and add in some that may not be allowed from sprint (google nav? usb tether? etc) and maybe disable sense (like above).
What do you recommend? Toast Root, unrevoked sticky apk? Should i wait to root altogether?? Do i need to avoid future OTA's etc? or would rooting now be the way to go to protect future root options?? i just don't know what to do!
Thanks for your thread! Can't wait to utilize the evo in all its glory!! My vogue just couldn't cut it anymore.
Can we get this stickied? It's great info to refer to for all people (new or just new to android)
RN-Dude said:
I read that the Sprint OTA update that fixes the SD card issue breaks the first exploit for root, but that the Unrevoked exploit can still root even if the OTA exploit has been applied. Since I'm having SD card issues, I wanted to go ahead and accept the OTA update I initially declined. I tried the option to check for a firmware update, and it says there are none for me. I also tried the HTC software update, and it says I was already up to date. Does this mean the update got applied somehow already? Is there a way I can tell? Am I doing the wrong thing to try to force the update? My phone says "Firmware version 2.1-update1". But I'm still having SD card issues.
I'm also wondering if this thing can be unrooted, in case I need Sprint to handle it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to "unroot":
http://geekfor.me/evo/ruu/evo_ruu_1326511/
This is an exe that just flashes the phone back to the way it was when it was shipped (you'll lose all your data on the device, but your SD card should be untouched).
Also, to check for the update, you want to look under the Menu>Settings>About Phone>Software Info>Software Number
The OTA changed the last digit from a .1 to a .6.
Hope that helps!
sticky???
agreed, sticky please???? that would be great
MichaelWestin said:
First, thanks for taking the time to post a good compilation for some beginners like myself.
This is my first android phone, however I have been following the progression of the OS for some time.
As you stated above,
"With Root, you can flash a build of Android that someone else has created and/or customized."
I have seen on other forums, such as the hero forums, that there are several different choices for custom roms. I tried to see what the main "features" were but they seemed a little too technical for me at this point.
What are the main differences between different custom roms in terms of how they function or what they do differently, aside from OS versions?
Also, I do see that certain roms indicate they have the Sense UI turned off or tuned down. For someone who has only used stock roms which have sense already on, what does a reduced/disabled version of sense look like?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regard to rooting and ROM customization, one primary difference (always) is that you have root access, so that's something to keep in mind. From there, the differences usually include what version of Android you're using (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, etc.) and then what software packages are included.
"Sense UI", for example, is HTC's skin for the Android OS. "MotoBlur" is Motorola's skin, and Samsung has their own variant, as do others. This is a lot like customizing Windows; it'd be like changing the background, the system sounds, and the way Windows appear/look. Skinning is akin to theming. Attached is a picture example.
Note that different skins/themes sometimes include more than just visuals; Sense UI, for example, replaces the default MMS and Contacts applications with HTC's variants, as well as replacing the default system keyboard application. How much is customized is up to the manufacturer.
adeyo said:
I am interested in a future update to froyo 2.2 w/ its new features, removing a few stock sprint apks and mainly, replacing the painful htc sense with AOSP. I much prefer the new AOSP launcher and 3d app drawer. UNTIL THEN, i would probably just like to remove some apks and add in some that may not be allowed from sprint (google nav? usb tether? etc) and maybe disable sense (like above).
What do you recommend? Toast Root, unrevoked sticky apk? Should i wait to root altogether?? Do i need to avoid future OTA's etc? or would rooting now be the way to go to protect future root options?? i just don't know what to do!
Thanks for your thread! Can't wait to utilize the evo in all its glory!! My vogue just couldn't cut it anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd suggest using Toast's method. The process is straightforward, and will allow you to achieve root access. From there, you can flash the ROM of your choice--be it Toast's Fr0y0 build, or an alternative ROM from another member. Toast also links to a Stock-ROM that's been modified for root access. This will give you the same experience as your phone was default, but with root access. This also means that you can uninstall certain applications, like Sprint TV, should you desire to do so.
However, you'll still be stuck using other Sense UI applications, like contacts and MMS, which I don't really care for. It's just life right now.
Froyo should (hypothetically) be made available soon, and then everyone with any iota of knowledge is going to be working frantically to build a full, feature-complete ROM with everything working (and then some), including tethering, HDMI out, full GPS/Wifi/Bluetooth/4G support, etc.
My recommendation? Root now using Toast's method, be wary (and read about) any updates before you perform them, and experiment with a few ROMs before Froyo is made available. Prep yourself now for Froyo and it'll be smooth sailing once it's available.
Nice thread
-------------------------------------
Sent from EVO
flipzmode?
Shidell said:
Toast also links to a Stock-ROM that's been modified for root access. This will give you the same experience as your phone was default, but with root access. This also means that you can uninstall certain applications, like Sprint TV, should you desire to do so...
However, you'll still be stuck using other Sense UI applications, like contacts and MMS, which I don't really care for. It's just life right now...
My recommendation? Root now using Toast's method...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. So "toasts link stock rom", is that flipzmode's rom you are referring to? And that will give me the same exact experience as i have now, except for with root so if i want to modify SenseUI or some sprint apks i can? (i don't want anything to be removed or changed already, i just want to protect root for future when froyo comes out for our device with everything working).
2. and what does it mean when toast says: "you will need to wipe data and dalvic cache before flashing this." How do i do this?
Thanks!!
nand unlocking?
What is the significance of the nand unlocking? if we can already root, what extra does this allow us to do?
Ok, i had a G1 & i never rooted it, now i have the the Desire & havent bothered rooting it as i think Android seems to be cool from stock.
But theres a few apps i want to use that require root access to use, so my 3 questions are.
1, if i root my Desire do i have to install a different rom? As i like the way the stock Android runs
2, is there a sort of "1 click root" like the iphone jailbreak, as ive seen apps like "easy root" that claim it instantly roots your phone, bit then on here people talk about gold cards ect...
3, if i do root the Desire, will i still get the network pushed OTA updates? As im on vodafone & they havent pushed 2.2 out yet so i want to get it from them, also if i will get them, when i update will it un-root my phone like iphones updatespatch jailbreaks.
Thanks in advance for replys, as i said im not interested in usijg custom/different roms, i only want to use apps that require root access, like cache cleaners ect... but i still want the stock android + sence with my OTA updates.
Thanks
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
1. there are rooted version of the stock ROM available, check the Dev forum
2. Follow this - http://rootmydroid.co.uk/guides/desire/howto-root-your-htc-desire/
3. No you won't get it, and returning to stock should you want to will obviously remove root. It's best to get your stock Vodafone ROM to have for warranty reasons...
My Incredible is the first Droid phone (Previously iPhone) etc..
I am thinking about rooting the phone just for general cleanup of misc applications and maybe a few general teeks etc. I would like to ask a few questions that I cannot seem to find answers to.
1. can ver. 2.2 stock be rooted currently? I see that unrevoked has removed the current 1 click root
2. anyone able to delete large quantities of sms messages from hand-cent without the phone locking up? (well over 9k now)
3. anyone able to remove misc apps (cityid or Verizon) from stock 2.2 without rooting?
I am still looking around in here so I may end up finding my own answers, but if you would like to point me in a few good directions that would be great.
I'm a new droid user coming from an iphone and it's such a better platform it's mind boggling, especially if your technical.
I can't answer number two as I'm not a big texter. 2.2 can be rooted, if im not mistaken, a new version of unrevoked was released I think. You can alternatively flash an already rooted ROM based on the OTA if you prefer. As for removing Verizon's trash, I don't believe it's possible without rooting. I'm not sure what the reservations about rooting are as it doesn't really change anything noticable about the phone, but I would do it if for no other reason than to get ride of the crapware.
raginbullsht said:
My Incredible is the first Droid phone (Previously iPhone) etc..
I am thinking about rooting the phone just for general cleanup of misc applications and maybe a few general teeks etc. I would like to ask a few questions that I cannot seem to find answers to.
1. can ver. 2.2 stock be rooted currently? I see that unrevoked has removed the current 1 click root
2. anyone able to delete large quantities of sms messages from hand-cent without the phone locking up? (well over 9k now)
3. anyone able to remove misc apps (cityid or Verizon) from stock 2.2 without rooting?
I am still looking around in here so I may end up finding my own answers, but if you would like to point me in a few good directions that would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome
Yes wait for unrevoked. I was on 2.1 and was able to get S-OFF set first then I updated to 2.2 but with S-OFF I was able to put ClockworkMOD on my device to get 2.2 to root...so just wait...
1. Wait for unrevoked
2. Do not use the app
3. Removing app from 2.2
http://www.jonamerica.com/technology/remove-bloatware-from-htc-droid-incredible-2-2/
Hi!
I'm a norwegian girl that baught my first android phone a month ago. I loooove my Desire HD, but I hate alot of the crap that came with it. Stocks, amazon mp3, peep and so on. I don't like that they keep using my phone when I have no use for them what so ever.
I'm also a "design freak" and I'm currently working on making my own icons and backgrounds etc to use with laucherpro. I like sense, but I don't like having to deal with all the bloatware that I can't hide there. I don't like -hiding- it in launcherpro either, 'cause I know they are there - lurking in the background...
I'm not completely noob with technical stuff, but I have never rooted a phone before.
I have the 1.32 version of the system-thingy on my phone, (I read somwhere that makes it easier to root?)
Is it possible to root the phone, remove all bloatware I don't use, and have sense UI and everything as normal ? And is it hard to flash custom ROM's? I'm attracted by the thought of getting to customize my phone even more. I can sit for hours and hours, lol
Also, when the 2.3 update comes from HTC, is it a pain in the ass to get it working on my phone when it's rooted?
as you are on the 1.32 platform, you can very easily root the phone and do S-OFF and all that necessary rooting business, there are many tutorials in this developer section on how to do this. After you have root access (and a custom rom if you please) you can install a program called titanium backup, and force remove it from there, a tutorial is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829662&highlight=force+remove+titanium+backup
If you have root/a custom rom then the 2.3 update should be easy to do as you can flash an official RUU, which if a 2.3 update appears there will be plenty of tutorials for.