Samsung Vibrant Rooting Questions - Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking

i'm new to the whole rooting thing, but i want to do it. i have a SGH-T959 Vibrant and i downloaded the one touch method. Thats not the real question i have, i'm rooting so i can overclock my cpu and do the lag fix. I've read that i have to install a new kernel or something to be able to do these. Does anybody know what i have to do to do both of these?
My main concern is if it well make my phone interface look different or act different, because i like that stuff about the phone, it just needs to go faster.
And does anyone know about maybe being able to use some of your internal or external sd cars memory as RAM, like a computer?
Any help would be great, Thank You.

Also if i root my phone and everything will i still be able to do the 2.2 update when it comes out?

Bump
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

try posting in the vibrant section bud.

Related

[Q]Why "root" your phone ?

Hi, everyone.
I am fairly new on the forum. I keep reading about "rooting" your phone. I have a Samsung Galaxy SII T989 and my questions are:
1. What is "phone rooting" ?
2. What are the advantages of having your phone "rooted" ?
Thank you.
I'm *hoping* this is a joke, but if it isn't, here's a good place to start:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=why+root+your+phone
unclespoon said:
I'm *hoping* this is a job, but if it isn't, here's a good place to start:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that's pretty awesome, would have never thought about that ha ha ha
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Yes... It is a job to think: Why would you risk to unstable your phone by "root" it?
I see that:
- people are removing the wrong apps that negatively affect their phones (e.q. a ccounts and sync).
- people's phone are missing other thinks they used to like (bars, the small flashing blue light when you scroll to the top and to the bottom of the screen).
- the pletoria of apps for rooted phone are not that great...
- the advantage you get is that you only free up some internal space?
I have no issues with my phone rooted. I am on a stock T-Mobile ROM and froze all the bloatware. You can get rids of ads in apps when rooted which is pretty damn convenient for me. Do research on what is safe to freeze and you wont have any problems. Freezing is more safe than uninstalling...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
The reason is you then have 100% control over your system. If you know what you're doing, having root can be a very powerful tool. You can greatly speed up the phone, free up ram, theme things, it gives you total control.
Now this is a double edged sword too. All the horror stories you're hearing about root are by people who don't have the faintest idea what they're doing and are breaking things.
Think of it in terms of computers. On linux, having root is, well, having root. You have full access to the system. On windows, (vista and above mainly) it's like having an administrator account with UAC turned off. In the right hands, this is very very nice. In the wrong hands, it can cause problems.
If you don't see the benefit of rooting, then I'd highly suggest you do not do so. These devices are not windows boxes where you screw up and "oh well, guess it's time to bust out the windows cd and do a re-install. I'd also suggest perhaps looking through the market at things that require root, and the benefits they give you. (Titanium backup, for instance. Or tethering when your provider doesn't want you to.)
Sui Generis said:
Yes... It is a job to think: Why would you risk to unstable your phone by "root" it?
I see that:
- people are removing the wrong apps that negatively affect their phones (e.q. a ccounts and sync).
- people's phone are missing other thinks they used to like (bars, the small flashing blue light when you scroll to the top and to the bottom of the screen).
- the pletoria of apps for rooted phone are not that great...
- the advantage you get is that you only free up some internal space?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly if you don't want to root your phone do not root it. A lot of the problems you mention stem from people attempting to root and don't know what they are really doing. I am one of those people who are strictly against one click root methods. Because you literally don't need to read anything to understand what exactly are you doing.
If you know what you can do with a rooted phone things like
-Better battery life by manipulating the cpu cycles and governors.
-Change the entire look of the phone to look as if it a totally different os.
-Better performance overall of your phone
-Overall better experience than what the carrier give you.
I could name endless things about why rooting is better than what the stock gives you.
A lot of people I hear just say go to xda and root your phone. Which is very ignorant. Not everyone should root. If your phone is doing what it needs to do then leave it alone. My friends who have android phones ask me to root for them i tell them no root it themselves. With one click methods people make an xda account and blame the developer saying their rom sucks and is bad battery life where as the problems stem most of the time the user side.
I agree. I haven't rooted my SGS2 yet because the stock ROM, for me, seems to be serving its purpose very well. All my benchmark scores are within standard deviation of the OC kernels and now we've got wifi calling. I use ADW for a new UI and that suits me just fine. Yes, ICS will come from CM long before it does from the carriers, but I'm ok with that - even though I'll probably end up rooting and installing ICS once it's stable. My previous Android phones were rooted within days of purchase, and yes I would like to remove bloat, but with all the internal storage and my 32gb sd card I think I'll be a happy camper. It would be nice to know carrier IQ was gone, though...
rooting = control
no root = no control over settings
they don't let you root by default to prevent noobs from damaging their phone by changing some settings they should have not touched
when i rooted my phone and got beastmod 4.0 with flaux kernal my battery life increased like 50x than stock x.x
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
I personally don't think I'll be rooting (at least not while the phone's still new). I'm happy with the level of customization on the stock.
One question though. So basically, when rooted, you are "logged in" to your phone as root user? Are there any security risks with this?
Killbynature said:
Honestly if you don't want to root your phone do not root it. A lot of the problems you mention stem from people attempting to root and don't know what they are really doing. I am one of those people who are strictly against one click root methods. Because you literally don't need to read anything to understand what exactly are you doing.
If you know what you can do with a rooted phone things like
-Better battery life by manipulating the cpu cycles and governors.
-Change the entire look of the phone to look as if it a totally different os.
-Better performance overall of your phone
-Overall better experience than what the carrier give you.
I could name endless things about why rooting is better than what the stock gives you.
A lot of people I hear just say go to xda and root your phone. Which is very ignorant. Not everyone should root. If your phone is doing what it needs to do then leave it alone. My friends who have android phones ask me to root for them i tell them no root it themselves. With one click methods people make an xda account and blame the developer saying their rom sucks and is bad battery life where as the problems stem most of the time the user side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree entirely, back on the ns forums I was constantly advising people against one click.
Sent from my Hercules with xda Premium.
eMace said:
I personally don't think I'll be rooting (at least not while the phone's still new). I'm happy with the level of customization on the stock.
One question though. So basically, when rooted, you are "logged in" to your phone as root user? Are there any security risks with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you use bad apps. Its just like on any other os: if you're the administrator you have to be twice as careful wity what you install
Sent from my Hercules with xda Premium.
Rooting your phone is like getting under the hood of your car.
If you have never worked on a car, it would not be wise to just start pulling out plugs/wires, moving things around and installing enhancements as you would probably ruin your car and end up paying a mechanic to fix it.
However, if you take the time to read up on any changes before you make them, then you could end up with a turbo-boosted hot rod with a custom Chrome setup that not only looks better but performs like a champ.
www.youtube.com/themrroxtar noob tutorials and rom reviews. Check it out. Plus everyone can find how to win a free Hercules at the end of this month!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
for me, rooting is mainly removing bloatware.
just like when you buy a new laptop, they install a lot of crap and it slow your computer down.
rooting can remove bloatware and also give you more speed, but you might lose the upgrading from the OTA(official t mobile update) and need to check update in here.
but if you are ok with the performance that you can on your phone now, stay with it.
It's all about the flash (yeah, bahby!) The custom ROM's can't be flashed without root: Forget about deleting/freezing unwanted applications and find a developers ROM you like - experiment a bit and have some fun with the phone.
As well, applications that require root - quick boot and appinstaller, are a must for me, making root mandatory for my phoning pleasure.
I had an HD2 before, and while there's greater variety in the ROM's, set-up to root is a biach on the HTC devices, so we can thank our lucky stars Samsung makes this easier (prolly not on purpose, though )
TheMrRoxtar said:
www.youtube.com/themrroxtar noob tutorials and rom reviews. Check it out. Plus everyone can find how to win a free Hercules at the end of this month!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's up man...wheelerhomes from YouTube.
Enjoying my rooted sg2! Have to agree with some comments ...understand what you're doing or don't do it. I learned just enough to be dangerous! But am picking up more and more as I read. I do wish the tutorials went a little more into WHY you're doing this or that vs just saying do this. It confusing to grasp what rooting is but when start downloading Odin, loading superuser, clockwork mod recovery, titanium, etc its REALLY overwhelming not knowing what each step does.
I certainly did not need to root. But like all these phones, it started out nice and snappy and within a week it was glitching like my old vibrant ...all kinds of stupid crap running in the background. Rooting was stressful because I didn't know exactly why I was doing these different steps!! Once I did it I was stoked at how fast my phone was. Just flashed wifi stock rom today that whitehawkx put up and I'm already missing my Juggernaut! But wifi calling/texting is slick for my location!
OK,
- better battery life can serve me better...
- being able to install other apps (such call recorder) can also be beneficial...
The problem is that I come from the Windows side rather than the Linux or Apple so I do not excel into this so I am afraid not to brick the phone.
Having said that, it would be VERY, VERY, VERY nice of you (or everyone else with a very rooted stable phone) to post clear and "for dummies" instructions on how to:
1. root your phone
2. install customed rom (beastmod, juggernaut or odin, etc - upon your recommendation).
Many thanks in advance !
eMace said:
I personally don't think I'll be rooting (at least not while the phone's still new).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installed clockwork mod recovery on the first boot while the phone was still in the plastic wrap. Rooted via superoneclick on the 2nd boot ONLY because you have to reboot after flashing clockwork mod.
The process is easy if you read the instructions.
Sent from my Hercules using XDA App

Removing bloatware without rooting device?

First off let me apologize ahead of time if I'm repeating an existing post, I searched and couldn't find his precise question.
Is it possible to remove software that comes preinstalled and is ultimately useless such as Amazon MP3 (obtrussive crud of a app), Samsung Media Hub and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile (to name a very specific few). Obviously phones are different than computers but the first thing I do wen I get a new PC is to reinstall the OS which clears al the bloatware that computer manufacturers preinstalling but phones do not allow any chance of clearing said bloatware via this method or any other method that I've seen for that matter short of wiping the ROM. I know it's possible using root kits and new ROMs but I don't want to risk my phone or my warranty. I just want 5 or 6 pieces of software to be removed to clear precious memory. I'd accept being able to disable apps so they wuldn't auto run too if removing them is impossible.
Is there any way that any of you know? Please say yes...oh pretty please!
Sent from my Sprint Epic 4G using XDA App
With Gratitude
Jake
You will need root to do anything like that. Autostarts is a good app for stopping apps from running at boot but it needs root.
It may seem a bit intimidating at first but it really is not that big a deal. Root is not going to hurt anything and you will end up with a much better experience.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Root and then download a file managing app that will let you delete system apps. ES File Explorer is one of them.
Take less them 5 minutes. Heck you get into rooting and flashing different things you'll learn you can recover your phone phone back to a out of the box state in almost every situation.
Just make sure to read, read, read some more. And watch some of QBKing77 videos on youtube about the Epic 4G.
Sent from a CM9 powered Epic.
NewSensei said:
First off let me apologize ahead of time if I'm repeating an existing post, I searched and couldn't find his precise question.
Is it possible to remove software that comes preinstalled and is ultimately useless such as Amazon MP3 (obtrussive crud of a app), Samsung Media Hub and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile (to name a very specific few). Obviously phones are different than computers but the first thing I do wen I get a new PC is to reinstall the OS which clears al the bloatware that computer manufacturers preinstalling but phones do not allow any chance of clearing said bloatware via this method or any other method that I've seen for that matter short of wiping the ROM. I know it's possible using root kits and new ROMs but I don't want to risk my phone or my warranty. I just want 5 or 6 pieces of software to be removed to clear precious memory. I'd accept being able to disable apps so they wuldn't auto run too if removing them is impossible.
Is there any way that any of you know? Please say yes...oh pretty please!
Sent from my Sprint Epic 4G using XDA App
With Gratitude
Jake
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me... as long as you do research before hand and arent a complete moron, you will not brick your phone, its very hard to do. Also, your warranty will be fine as long as you dont overclock your CPU. Rooting your phone does not void your sprint warranty if i recall correctly....just make sure you odin back to a stock ROM before getting service. Make sure buy a different USB cable at the store before using ODIN, the stock cable that comes with your phone junk and will only cause you problems. Get a blackberry cable off ebay or newegg
Yeah and never pull the cable out in the middle of Odin. If it gets stuck pull the battery.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
NewSensei said:
First off let me apologize ahead of time if I'm repeating an existing post, I searched and couldn't find his precise question.
Is it possible to remove software that comes preinstalled and is ultimately useless such as Amazon MP3 (obtrussive crud of a app), Samsung Media Hub and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile (to name a very specific few). Obviously phones are different than computers but the first thing I do wen I get a new PC is to reinstall the OS which clears al the bloatware that computer manufacturers preinstalling but phones do not allow any chance of clearing said bloatware via this method or any other method that I've seen for that matter short of wiping the ROM. I know it's possible using root kits and new ROMs but I don't want to risk my phone or my warranty. I just want 5 or 6 pieces of software to be removed to clear precious memory. I'd accept being able to disable apps so they wuldn't auto run too if removing them is impossible.
Is there any way that any of you know? Please say yes...oh pretty please!
Sent from my Sprint Epic 4G using XDA App
With Gratitude
Jake
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here...i provided some links for you through my signature
I cannot see yer siggy. Prolly cause I'm using the app. I hardly touch my pc anymore.
I guess I "afeared" of bricing cause of all the horror stories I've heard about it. I love this phone but it gets old t have to go into running processes and apps and kill a bunch of crap before playing a game or something. I know I'd get more space to stretch if I went back to stock Os but I love the customization ability I get from go launcher ex, it's a system hog though...guess 'll start watchin vids on it, I work in IT so you'd figure I'd be comfy hacking away but for some reason doing anything to my phones has, and still is, a very hard thing too do.
Maybe it is like going in for surgery (which I've done too many times), I get all orked up ever time as if it'smy first time just to find out it no biggy. I really appreciate all the help ya'll are throwing my way. Truly I do, this is my first android os phone (used winmo for last 3 phones) so I'm still kinda noob at this
Sent from my Sprint Epic 4G using XDA App
With Gratitude
Jake
NewSensei said:
I cannot see yer siggy. Prolly cause I'm using the app. I hardly touch my pc anymore.
I guess I "afeared" of bricing cause of all the horror stories I've heard about it. I love this phone but it gets old t have to go into running processes and apps and kill a bunch of crap before playing a game or something. I know I'd get more space to stretch if I went back to stock Os but I love the customization ability I get from go launcher ex, it's a system hog though...guess 'll start watchin vids on it, I work in IT so you'd figure I'd be comfy hacking away but for some reason doing anything to my phones has, and still is, a very hard thing too do.
Maybe it is like going in for surgery (which I've done too many times), I get all orked up ever time as if it'smy first time just to find out it no biggy. I really appreciate all the help ya'll are throwing my way. Truly I do, this is my first android os phone (used winmo for last 3 phones) so I'm still kinda noob at this
Sent from my Sprint Epic 4G using XDA App
With Gratitude
Jake
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was the same way however long ago it was lol. I still only have a limit to what i feel comfy doing. Like editing build props i have no idea probably will learn one day though.
Sent from a CM9 powered Epic.
Just follow qbking77's videos on youtube and never remove the cable while Odining and you will be fine. Root and enjoy your "new" phone.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Not sure why people are so afraid to root... my god its the best thing you can do as a consumer... to rely on your service provider to tell you what you can and can not do with you device is ridiculous... even the feds think so that's why rooting and jailbreaking are 100% legal
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
What I find funny is you made it to this forum yet havnt rooted
I had rooted my phone and 5 other friends before I ever even knew about xda
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Technically can't you adb stock apps away without root. Not that it is any easier...but it is possible isn't it?
sent from a phone using an app
Djinn23 said:
Technically cand you adb stock apps away without root. Not that it is any easier...but it is possible isn't it?
sent from a phone using an app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Via temp root, which does exist. There should be guides online with the how to's and links to everything you need plus all the commands.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
kennyglass123 said:
Yeah and never pull the cable out in the middle of Odin. If it gets stuck pull the battery.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh I've pulled cable when odin was stuck. Still going lol
You could always root it, uninstall bloatware, and delete su? That way bloatware will be gone, and you won't be rooted.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
jbadboy2007 said:
Meh I've pulled cable when odin was stuck. Still going lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I have done it a dozen times too but that seems to be the common element to the few genuine bricks we see. Maybe it is just their phone that can't handle it. Or maybe it is pulling the cable when it is not stuck...dunno.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
as long as you follow the steps in the tutorials, even the ones from the videos that qbking77 provides, you should have absolutely no problem. study the steps a few times in the videos, just to get familiar with the methods, then apply the steps as you watch the specified video. as long as you take your time and do things slowly, you should be fine.
Videos?
The vids you speak of, are they step by step? What I mean is, does the video secifically deal with the epic 4g and does it show where to get the programs, save them and how to install? I'd prefer to have someone there to "hold my hand" while I root for the first time but barring that if the vids are near that I'll feel better about it. Also, I searched youtube and couldn't find vids for epic 4g for doing this from start to finish.
I did, however, find a plethora of vids about rooting that start from a point AFTER they put whatever files were neded on the phon and have already done something I don't really know how to describe.
The incredibly funny thing is that I work in IT and have for over 20 years yet rooting my phone seems so incredibly dauntng. Much more so than it probably should by what you guys have said. I'm sorry for being such anobbisquet and I truly appreciate everyones responses and help. I've never been flamed on XDA and that is so awesome. Nothing ever gets done when evryone just responds "you're a stoopid noob who can't read so I won't tell you how to wipe your but never mind your phone." Or something as less than helpful as that.
Anyhow, thanks ya'll. I mean it.
Sent from my Sprint Epic 4G using XDA App
With Gratitude
Jake
in order for you to remove any bloatware, you must be on a "deodexed rom", temporary root only lets you do somethings, but i believe you cannot do that.

Reasons to root?

I have never rooted a phone before(well technically I rooted an HTC Inspire, which I was asked to do, but I did nothing on it involving the Root). What are some reasons I should root, and can anything go wrong during the root process? Just putting this out there, I will not be flashing any ROMs, as I know there is a chance that the device can be bricked While flashing if something goes wrong, and I do not have a spare phone to go back to if something does go wrong.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
If your not going to use customs ROMs having root access will allow you to delete any app you desire including all the preloaded sprint ones. You will also be able to download and use any apps that require root for enhanced functionality. Beyond that, there's not a whole lot of difference you'll see.
In the early days, people would do root only to adjust memory values on phones like the g1 and hero. There were a lot of settings you could tweak on a stock phone to make it better with the addition of root. Now with today's technology and phones like the E4GT, alot of those tweaks are unnecessary. The ones that are helpful are lower level and best done by a ROM dev or someone who knows what they are changing. Custom ROMs will have these included usually.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Removing bloatware that wastes ram and flash storage space, certain apps are smoother (tasker, some launchers, and custom lockscreens for example), ability to block ads, better backup capabilities, ability to underclock the cpu for those times you need to squeeze extra battery life out, and so on.
If none of this sounds important, then don't root. It can be a little bit of a puzzle getting back to stock sometimes, but it is extremely extremely hard to do something to your phone that is not reversible at this point. Note this statement is not true for all phones, especially newly released phones. But it is true for the epic touch.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah.. I second what the guy above said..lol.
Wasup King..
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
playya said:
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The truth can sometimes be cruel..lol. +1 to Playa..
The best thing about rooting for me is adblocking, I cant believe how many apps and things are bundled with intrusive ads.
Indrid Cole said:
The truth can sometimes be cruel..lol. +1 to Playa..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just trying to keep it real up in herrrrre! Ya Ya!
someguyatx said:
The best thing about rooting for me is adblocking, I cant believe how many apps and things are bundled with intrusive ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just another app that root brings to the table:
Roam control lets you force into roam when you are stuck with one bar on Sprint.
Godsend for me!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
playya said:
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
EggosEvo said:
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The brick usually come from flashing to gb from ics using ics repacked kernels. There is always some risk/chance of brick from a bad flash, but El26 with cwm is fairly safe and the last kernel to have offical cwm. That is the only kernel i will use to flash anythin. I flash new roms every week. I have flashed to and from ics with no issues.
Sent on HyDrA using Tapatalk 2
EggosEvo said:
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend you have been misinformed.... There is a risk in everything we do so like I said if worried don't do it. If you take some more time and read you will see that the tar files are pretty brick proof and problems have occurred when flashing roms on ICS and using an ICS recovery. Most developers have stopped using CWM in ICS roms.
Clearly you need to do a lil more reading if you want to root but like suggested just relax and wait for the OTA and you will be OK.... One more thing all instructions say to flashEL26 kernel which is GB to flash anything ICS..... so flashing ICS rom while on GB is wrong
EggosEvo said:
I have never rooted a phone before(well technically I rooted an HTC Inspire, which I was asked to do, but I did nothing on it involving the Root). What are some reasons I should root, and can anything go wrong during the root process? Just putting this out there, I will not be flashing any ROMs, as I know there is a chance that the device can be bricked While flashing if something goes wrong, and I do not have a spare phone to go back to if something does go wrong.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Titanium Backup: remove those pesky system apps that Sprint really thinks you need.
2. File explorers: Being able to modify system folders to change things like the boot animation, etc.
3. Ad blocking: The ability to block ads (moral issues notwithstanding... but some apps have no paid version to get rid of the ads.)
4. Once you've rooted, it's just the beginning. You may change your mind about flashing and rooting your phone is the first step in learning more about your phone and the AndroidOS in general.
I have not seem anyone mention that it's also about the about the damn principal of the matter... why shouldn't you have root access for a device you bought? Also if you ODIN back to EL26 to flash, carefully read all instructions posted with the rom, and wait a day or two after the release and check the comments to make sure there hasn't been some sort of inexplicable rash of bricks thanks to the rom you won't have any problems to speak of... other than not being able to fathom how much better something like AOKP is than stock touchwiz gingerbread
Thanks to everyone. I've decided that I will root when the official ICS launches for my phone.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Personally, I root to follow fledging developers open their ROMs. It is exhilarating to see the new stuff that people come up with and the creativity that ensues because of it.
Also enhancing my phone experience with free hotspot access and customization doesn't help. However if none of these interesting you I wouldn't recommend it.
Reason to root
I root because it can be done. It's that simple. To me, it feels like regardless of the magnitude of what you can or cannot do while rooted, or how easy or difficult it may be to root your phone, a skilled user should have access to everthing your phone is capable of.
Plus, I feel like I'm "sticking it to the man", which is an added bonus!
My main reason for rooting was to remove the bundled software that comes with the phone. But I love that fact that I don't have any ads either! If u decide to root, download AdFree from the market & u'll realize just how many "free" apps use adware

Should I Root?

I was just wondering if it should root my Epic 4G Touch. I have a few reasons for wanting to Root, namely, Free WiFi Tethering, and silencing the Camera. However, my concerns are voiding the warranty, and losing my data. In your opinion, is it worth it?
Also, if I unmount my Micro SD card before rooting, there's no chance of losing any data on it, correct?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
I say go for it and you got nothing to lose. I was also once contemplating to root
or not and im glad i did
Phones can also be unrooted and restored if something happens to go wrong.
You will have lots of benefits such as using custom roms,using root applications,
modding your entire phone to your liking etc etc...
Should I root?
Yes you should root for sure the android world is ever expanding and becoming easier and more complex Ive learned so much tinkering with my E4GT how to root use odin install roms over clock under clock change voltages memory tweeks Mali GPU tweeks. also it makes jail breaking and unlocking the iphone look like a sad little controlled by apple baby the android OS is wide open to any and all customization and you dont need google's permission to do it. so yes i would root any android phone its so much better than stock ROM and Kernels. Good luck please post any more questions if u have them ill help you out the best i can.
Rooting really unlocks the potential of your phone. I know most Sprint stores are probably different, but when I picked up my E4GT the guy at the counter had a custom rom on his phone. And told me not to worry about rooting/flashing as they can usually reset the phone (before ICS of course). And if they couldn't save it, then I would have to pay a 100 deductible. Not to shabby, and of course haven't hard bricked yet (knock on wood). Just make sure to read, read, read! And check out qbking 77 videos on youtube. That guy is a genius, and if you follow his steps to a T then you will be fine. Good luck!
+1 on the qbking77 videos he makes it easy to follow along. I rooted fiollowing his steps with no problem.my phone is faster has more abilities has better battery can tether backup make nandroids for safe keeping. Just as said above read and research before jumping. You won't be sorry you did.
Question do I have to unroot to update to ics when its finally released?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Ok first off the answer is no if you do it with sfhubs method and secondly before any of you guys start messing with your phones do some research. "Should I Root" has got to be one of the most repetitious threads in here. A little research of the thoughts of others asking the same question would be a great start to your Android adventure.
Honestly, this is a great place but it does take up some of your time and brain power. Asking others about what to do with your personal device is a lill off center to me but its ok as long as if you destroy your own personal device you dont go blaming others.
Like mentioned QBKing has plenty of videos and please Please please read the stickys in all sections. I may sound crazy but too me if you have to ask this question about rooting your not ready. Its not for the faint of heart...
Side note - If you learn anything in here is that the upgrade for ICS will be here long before or minutes after its official. Never understood why people unroot to get an update to root again... Is it just me? *scratches head*
playya said:
Side note - If you learn anything in here is that the upgrade for ICS will be here long before or minutes after its official. Never understood why people unroot to get an update to root again... Is it just me? *scratches head*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't care that you can't understand. I want the official release. I don't want to use roms that have minor issues or have none working features. Yet anyway. I'd rather be safe. Now as for my question. I did a search an I get conflicting results. One says updating ota with root doesn't matter. Second one is you can update with root but you wont be able to root after.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
If you have to ask, NO.
Haha that Sprint guy at the counter sounds like me, custom rom on my E4GT while showing customers my phone. I love it when some ask "wow did ice cream sandwich come out? Can I update to that??" By all means rooting and roming your phone is not for everyone, but I say go for it. Don't expect everything to work perfectly, you need to understand there will be bugs and glitches every now and then and that's why this is my hobby. Always something to do
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
proxy0 said:
I really don't care that you can't understand. I want the official release. I don't want to use roms that have minor issues or have none working features. Yet anyway. I'd rather be safe. Now as for my question. I did a search an I get conflicting results. One says updating ota with root doesn't matter. Second one is you can update with root but you wont be able to root after.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahahaha... ahhh you don't care hahahaha ok but buddy if you really did your research like you said you would know that.... Ya know what just go to sfhubs threads and do a little reading and you will find your answer which I answered already.
My bad this place is about helping others who need helps so here you go..You do know that sfhubs tars are rooted stock with NO I repeat NO changes... I have already answered that I believe but I guess you were stuck on something else I said.... Hahahahahaha
here it is below from sfhubs thread here
The ONLY change was the addition of ROOT to the ROM. NOTHING else was changed. If you made no other changes, you WOULD be able to install an OTA patch update (based off of EL29) on top of this w/o issues.
root, unroot to root again?
Playya Out!
it is definitely worth it, and if you plan not to root it, you should just give it to someone more deserving and get the iphone. i had the same question a few weeks ago and after much reading and a little bravery, ive grown to trust myself highly with some of these processes. really rooting isnt even what youre after for the good stuff, its just a prerequisite. i recommend reading a lot though. and like others said, qbking77 is your guiding angel lol

[Q] Rooting, warranty, internal memory, and other basic stuff

Hi,
I just upgraded from HTC Explorer (legacy device) to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus 2 days ago. I had some issues with the phone and HTC, and I'd like to know how it goes with the Nexus and Samsung.
When you root your phone, does anything happen to your warranty?
When you unroot your phone, can Samsung still see that you have rooted it before? Does something still happen to your warranty?
If the second question is a yes, can you unroot the Nexus as to not show signs of rooting?
The Nexus has 16GB internal memory, and no external memory correct? It seems that about 4GB goes to the system by default. Where does that go exactly?
I know you can store media on the remaining 12GB, but if you wanted to, could you also stuff 12GB of apps into the phone, or is app storage limited?
Is 12GB enough storage? (provided you don't keep loads of movies on your phone)
I tried to play 2 different 720p videos with MX Player app. One lagged, the other didn't. Which 720p can Nexus play, and which not?
Is it just me or does the Nexus not have a FM radio?
Anything else I should know?
Djalaal said:
Hi,
I just upgraded from HTC Explorer (legacy device) to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus 2 days ago. I had some issues with the phone and HTC, and I'd like to know how it goes with the Nexus and Samsung.
When you root your phone, does anything happen to your warranty?
When you unroot your phone, can Samsung still see that you have rooted it before? Does something still happen to your warranty?
If the second question is a yes, can you unroot the Nexus as to not show signs of rooting?
The Nexus has 16GB internal memory, and no external memory correct? It seems that about 4GB goes to the system by default. Where does that go exactly?
I know you can store media on the remaining 12GB, but if you wanted to, could you also stuff 12GB of apps into the phone, or is app storage limited?
Is 12GB enough storage? (provided you don't keep loads of movies on your phone)
I tried to play 2 different 720p videos with MX Player app. One lagged, the other didn't. Which 720p can Nexus play, and which not?
Is it just me or does the Nexus not have a FM radio?
Anything else I should know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesnt have a radio tuner and yeah mate there are tools you can use that will root and unroot your nexus to stock and im pretty certain your warranty repair guys wont notice a thing . With the system taking up 4gb im not certain about. Of course the more apps / music / games / data you have on your phone it may cause lag. Its best just to keep it to a minimum for a fast zippy phone, but each to there own. I believe you still shouldnt have issues with close to full memory. Install a custom rom like rasbeanjelly and francos kernel and u should be loving your new nexus. Goodluck mate and welcome to the nexus family
I see. So what tool can I use to root my phone, so that I can unroot it without a trace afterwards?
And what happens if the Samsung guys can see the phone was rooted. Will the warranty be void?
And can anyone else tell me where the 4gb of internal memory the system uses goes to?
Another thing, those 3 buttons that are always at the bottom of the screen, I'd there a way to change what that does?
Djalaal said:
I see. So what tool can I use to root my phone, so that I can unroot it without a trace afterwards?
And what happens if the Samsung guys can see the phone was rooted. Will the warranty be void?
And can anyone else tell me where the 4gb of internal memory the system uses goes to?
Another thing, those 3 buttons that are always at the bottom of the screen, I'd there a way to change what that does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1626895
there's a part about rooting.
probably not, just relock bl
use a custom launcher to assign actions to nav bar buttons without flashing a custom rom.
Thanks for the link. It's very useful information on how to root the nexus. However, it does not say much regarding warranty and rooting.
Can anyone tell me with certainty whether it is possible to unroot the nexus in a way that the samsung warranty guys can't tell the phone has been rooted?
Djalaal said:
Thanks for the link. It's very useful information on how to root the nexus. However, it does not say much regarding warranty and rooting.
Can anyone tell me with certainty whether it is possible to unroot the nexus in a way that the samsung warranty guys can't tell the phone has been rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. its called factory images and relocking the bootloader.
Hey guys I can root my phone no problem my only concern is that i can't access it as a USB device any help on how I can do that?? want to transfer some games and movies to internal memory really bad... all I get when I connect it to windowsXP is if I want to open with Windows media player.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
So when you relock the bootloader, it will say "locked" and not "relocked"? That was the case with my previous phone you see. If it says "relocked", it's obvious that it was unlocked before, and warranty would still be void.
And some random thought I had. Is it possible to replace the battery of the nexus with a more powerful one? Like put a note's battery inside a nexus. Or are all batteries of different sizes or sth to prevent this?
Djalaal said:
So when you relock the bootloader, it will say "locked" and not "relocked"? That was the case with my previous phone you see. If it says "relocked", it's obvious that it was unlocked before, and warranty would still be void.
And some random thought I had. Is it possible to replace the battery of the nexus with a more powerful one? Like put a note's battery inside a nexus. Or are all batteries of different sizes or sth to prevent this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says locked or unlocked. Nothing else
And you can buy larger capacity batteries but it has to be for the galaxy Nexus specifically
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I see. That is a major improvement from my old phone... So if you don't need to worry about the warranty when rooting your nexus, is there anything else stopping people?
There is a risk of bricking your phone right? But I suppose it's only when you don't fully know what your doing.
And I read something about security issues when bootloader is unlocked? I don't really understand that one.
How real are these issues? Cause the way I see it, the benefits of rooting seem much greater than the cons. Am I right?
The nexus is unbreakable, unless you don't know jack****.
Beamed from my Grouper.
No offense, but it sounds like you don't need to be messing with this kind of stuff quite yet. Keep reading up on stuff man. We all start somewhere.
Ah, don't worry kwkslver. I'm only asking these things about warranty to decide whether to root the phone at new year, or to wait until the warranty expired.
I'll read plenty about it before I actually root it. I didn't come across as a careful guy to you??
However, if I follow the guide to root the nexus to the letter, a guide which worked for so many, I should be alright even if I don't have much background knowledge. Having said that, you know a good place to read up about how android works?
Say, my Nexus is becoming slow. Hanging a lot. Any way of knowing why this is, what app does this? And how to solve it?
Djalaal said:
Say, my Nexus is becoming slow. Hanging a lot. Any way of knowing why this is, what app does this? And how to solve it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at running apps in system/apps. Same as using task manager on a pc.
063_XOBX said:
Look at running apps in system/apps. Same as using task manager on a pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that much, but even when it only runs d basic apps it runs with startup it hangs wen I open, let's say, Watsapp or chrome.
So does dat mean d problem lies with one of those startup running apps? Or can hanging also hav other causes? Like temp data junk or sth. Altho it doesn't help wen I restart d phone.
For a while now I've suspected widgetzoid app of making my phone slow. Anyone knows anything about this?
All I know is if you're rooted you wouldn't need it.
063_XOBX said:
All I know is if you're rooted you wouldn't need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to elaborate? What won't you need if you root, and why?
Oh, by the way, I found out what made my phone so slow and hang a lot... Please spread the word, never make widgetzoid application an administrator. The difference after I turned that off is huge. Maybe I'll delete the whole app. It's a shame though... Such a useful apps.
One question hasn't been answered yet... Some 720p videos lag, some don't. Even if both are hardware supported. I use MX Player. Any idea why it would lagg. Has anyone played around a bit to see what video it can smoothly play, and which not?
Another thing. Is it normal for the Nexus to get quite hot during heavy use?
And sometimes the phone hangs for quite a while, and it goes back to the four coloured 'X' you see when you boot the phone, shutting everything down. What's up with that?

Categories

Resources