Related
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?
How do i root froyo 2.2 cause i am at stock everything I need to know how to flash a recovery, how to flash radios, how to flash wimax???
Please tell me this is for lulz......since you've been a member since Jan.
I'm assuming you mean "Root" your phone so that you will be able to flash and load the various things you mentioned, in which case you will just have to wait patiently until the developers figure out how to root the phone.
2.2 has been rooted (not sure if using the correct term here) so that it can be loaded on a phone that was previously rooted on 2.1. If you applied the OTA updates from Sprint to get 2.2, then waiting is in order.
If you have stock 2.2 from the OTA Sprint updates, then you already have the latest Radio and Wimax...
-kp
kperry1911 said:
I'm assuming you mean "Root" your phone so that you will be able to flash and load the various things you mentioned, in which case you will just have to wait patiently until the developers figure out how to root the phone.
2.2 has been rooted (not sure if using the correct term here) so that it can be loaded on a phone that was previously rooted on 2.1. If you applied the OTA updates from Sprint to get 2.2, then waiting is in order.
If you have stock 2.2 from the OTA Sprint updates, then you already have the latest Radio and Wimax...
-kp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to make it clearer, 2.2 has not been rooted on the EVO yet.. There are rooted 2.2 custom roms available, but they require you to already be rooted or you will have to root your 2.1, before flashing..
Neewwbb
Yea sorry im new to this site.. anyone have a ETA on the 2.2 root? this su*ks shouldnt have updated.. another thing what does "ROOT" access do really?
Root access basically just gives you administrator access to all parts of the phone. It's not like Jalibraking an iPhone, because the truth is Google doesn't really try to stop you from doing it at all.
You could root your phone just to give yourself the ability to do a backup, and keep everything stock. I was surprised when I bought my Evo, and saw that Google didn't have a way to do a full image backup. Root gives this to you.
You can also use root user access to replace ROM's, and use certain apps that only work with superuser access, or administrator access to put it another way. Examples would be wireless tether from theory of evolution, and titanium backup.
I use a root app called Rom Manager. It's a great way to try new Roms and flash back to stock if you don't like them. I know everyone warns about bricking your phone, and causing damage, but I wouldn't worry about it. You should be fine with anything you find in these forums, or from Rom Manager.
bradleyw801 said:
Root access basically just gives you administrator access to all parts of the phone. It's not like Jalibraking an iPhone, because the truth is Google doesn't really try to stop you from doing it at all.
You could root your phone just to give yourself the ability to do a backup, and keep everything stock. I was surprised when I bought my Evo, and saw that Google didn't have a way to do a full image backup. Root gives this to you.
You can also use root user access to replace ROM's, and use certain apps that only work with superuser access, or administrator access to put it another way. Examples would be wireless tether from theory of evolution, and titanium backup.
I use a root app called Rom Manager. It's a great way to try new Roms and flash back to stock if you don't like them. I know everyone warns about bricking your phone, and causing damage, but I wouldn't worry about it. You should be fine with anything you find in these forums, or from Rom Manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google doesn't try to stop you, but the manufacturer's do.
It's more like jailbreaking than you think. Both rely on exploits in the software to gain root access to the system. That's why when you do an OTA update, you lose root. Because that exploit is no longer taken advantage up. That's also why it takes so long for people to find a root to the OTA versions. They need to haxxor through all of the code to try to find an exploit.
Though I admit, unRevoked rooting method is far more closely aligned to jailbreaking than a good old fashioned nand unlock.
2.2 I hear is far more secure, so I have a feeling we'll be having a bit of a waiting game.
It's laughable that we have yet another thread discussing this, but while we're on the subject, my personal opinion is that developer efforts would be better devoted to polishing a full EVO-compatible AOSP ROM from the source code up. But then, how would we flash it . . . ?
Oh well, never mind.
My phone is fully rooted with 2.1. I rooted it using the simple/easy 1,2,3,4 process.
If I were to install the ROM Flipzmode provided [ROM] 8/3/10 | Fresh Evo 3.1.0.1 | FroYo | OFFICIAL 3.26.651.6 OTA + fresh goodies Would I still retain my root if I flashed the device?
I'm pretty n00b here too.
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
I'm new here too....I have a fully rooted Moment (that I learned how to root @ SDX) but I finally broke down and added an Evo to the stable because of the screen's vastness....I purposefully held off on doing the 2.2 OTA because I plan to root my EVO any day now from the things I've read here @ XDA. This site has a lot of great tips on how to root the Evo....but if you need any more just do a bing.com search on "how to root an EVO" and you'll get plenty more. I love my Moment because it's the first phone I learned to root but I like this EVO too!
Mitalis said:
My phone is fully rooted with 2.1. I rooted it using the simple/easy 1,2,3,4 process.
If I were to install the ROM Flipzmode provided [ROM] 8/3/10 | Fresh Evo 3.1.0.1 | FroYo | OFFICIAL 3.26.651.6 OTA + fresh goodies Would I still retain my root if I flashed the device?
I'm pretty n00b here too.
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will be fine. Make sure to wipe before flashing.
Mitalis said:
My phone is fully rooted with 2.1. I rooted it using the simple/easy 1,2,3,4 process.
If I were to install the ROM Flipzmode provided [ROM] 8/3/10 | Fresh Evo 3.1.0.1 | FroYo | OFFICIAL 3.26.651.6 OTA + fresh goodies Would I still retain my root if I flashed the device?
I'm pretty n00b here too.
Thanks in advance,
- Mitalis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you were rooted with 2.1 then yes you can flash the new fresh 3.1.0.1 and still have root.
Thank you guys for answering my questions.
Much appreciated. =)
- James
Mitalis said:
Thank you guys for answering my questions.
Much appreciated. =)
- James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shut up, jerk.
Oh, wait . . . sorry, I'm just not used to politeness. You're welcome.
Im sure the DEVS will get us that 2.2 access here soon...
yes as long as u don't do an update to 2.2 ota.
u will be good...
juanrgon00 said:
anyone have a ETA on the 2.2 root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When the sun has begun to ride through the sign of the Crab, and the river increases until it passes into the Balance. And as the weight of the waters decreases, the plains that before were navigable for boats will then be suitable for riders on horseback. Then, and only then, will you have root.
or not. Just keep your eye on the stickied thread in Q&A - it will be updated as soon as root is found.
I have a stock Android 2.1 Evo rooted with Unrevoked3. I've been holding off upgrading to Froyo because I don't have a good handle on what my best upgrade option is. First of all, I really don't care about using custom ROMs or uninstalling the Sprint apps that come with the phone. All I really care about is that I want to be able to run Wifi tether and SetCPU.
Second, I want the rooting process to be as easy as possible. I probably wouldn't have bothered rooting my phone in my first place if it hadn't been for the initial unrevoked release making it so easy to do. Unrevoked3 was a bit more involved, but at least I didn't lose my existing apps or settings. So, all other things being equal, I'd really like to avoid having to backup and restore apps and application settings.
Third, I want the root to be reversible. Unless, of course, I've already irreversibly done something to my phone when I rooted it with Unrevoked3. (I haven't been able to find a clear answer anywhere that says whether or not you can "unroot" from Unrevoked3- just a lot of people asking about it and some people saying something worked for them and other people saying the same method didn't work for them). From what I understand, Unrevoked Forever willl irreversibly modify my phone, which makes me worried I won't be able to get my phone serviced under the warranty or TEP if I ever need it.
As far as I know, there isn't a way for me to upgrade to 2.2 without either 1) doing something irreversible (Unrevoked Forever), or 2) wiping my phone's apps and settings (flashing a rooted 2.2 ROM). Is that true? If I wanted, how would I flash a 2.2 ROM given my phone is already rooted with Unrevoked3?
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.
Hello,
I was having a lot of trouble getting s-off for my Incredible 2, I guess because of my Windows 7 64bit operating system. I eventually got it done on a desktop with vista. however, that computer had no internet access so it didnt automatically install CWM. I havent had access to that computer for a while, so iwasnt able to flash CWM on my phone.
Today I tried doing the old temp root method, and once that was done, I installed superuser and busybox from the android market. now, without a new rom, CWM, new kernel, etc, my phone seems to be maintaining root access even after reboots.
Is there anything wrong with this picture? lol... When I was researching, it seemed that most places said you can't have root without installing a rom that has it. But it seems to be sticking without installing a rom. Is there any downsides to doing it this way?
Thank you anyone for your help, and I apologize if this is in the forums somewhere, but I did do a legitimate search and came up blank.
What method did you use and did you have froyo or ginger at the time?
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App
Why posting in the wrong forum .
Thread moved.
i used the alpharev x method, starting with froyo, I've never had ginger on my phone.
sorry about that =/ i thought since it was root/rom related it might go in the other forum.
oh, and for the temp root portion after s-off, i used this method--
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1039015
I think there may b a problem, similar to people who used z4 root on other phones just to gain access to root apps without caring about custom roms and such. I'm afraid u will try to get pushed new ota updates, since ur still running completely stock, now I don't think that will take away your s off because of the high h boot version you now have, but it will take away your root, and I don't know how big of a deal that would b to you, but I would install clockwork recovery to prevent this. My brother had Droid x with z4 root, he left his phone alone for a while, and he came back to have gingerbread, it updated by itself cause he was completely stock with no recovery, just had Su permissions through z4, so now he's screwed and can't get root, or couldn't last time I checked. I have not even read how to install clockwork manually, I did it with the alpharevx tool, so I don't know of this would be a prob or not if u got updated to the ota gingerbread, hope this helps and makes sense, it does to me but that's a different story lol.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App
lol!! it makes sense to me too.
I didn't know that phones could auto update with OTA's without user consent, pressing an "okay" button type of thing. Dammit. is there any point to having S-OFF without rooting?
installing CWM manually isn't exactly a problem, I just gotta wait til i get access to a non windows 7 64 bit computer again. hopefully that opportunity comes before an OTA is pushed to my phone.
Thank you for your input!
jeremytn86 said:
I think there may b a problem, similar to people who used z4 root on other phones just to gain access to root apps without caring about custom roms and such. I'm afraid u will try to get pushed new ota updates, since ur still running completely stock, now I don't think that will take away your s off because of the high h boot version you now have, but it will take away your root, and I don't know how big of a deal that would b to you, but I would install clockwork recovery to prevent this. My brother had Droid x with z4 root, he left his phone alone for a while, and he came back to have gingerbread, it updated by itself cause he was completely stock with no recovery, just had Su permissions through z4, so now he's screwed and can't get root, or couldn't last time I checked. I have not even read how to install clockwork manually, I did it with the alpharevx tool, so I don't know of this would be a prob or not if u got updated to the ota gingerbread, hope this helps and makes sense, it does to me but that's a different story lol.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't see an advantage to just being s off, unless it allows u to use different sim cards, but I don't know, I'm no expert. The only thing I can think of is maybe it will leave the possibility of rooting open to u at a later time, but I don't know. I like my set up, its pretty much stock with some of the Verizon crap removed but I have root and can use rooted apps.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App
thanks again for the input. i'll probably end up with that debloated type of rom too.
It depends on what you want. I'd say no problem if all you want is the root access.