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Pretty new to Android phones. Just got my evo 4g last week and I've been having a lot of fun with it. I went on vacation this week and I wanted to have the wireless tether working so I used unrevoked3 to root it for the use of the tethering app. Now that I'm back however, I want to do more with the phone.
But now that I'm reading around I'm wondering if I should just yet.... I guess the official froyo update is coming on Tuesday (Aug 3rd) and I would certainly like to use it (or a rooted froyo rom).
My first question is, is it necessary for me to factory reset the phone (since I used unrevoked3) to install the official OTA when it becomes available? My second question would be... should I? I see many custom ROMs for 2.2 already out there... I've been looking at CyanogenMod6 specifically and I'm sure that now that I have more time to find the solutions to the problems I was having with SimpleRoot I could get that installed in no time.
My next question is, should I factory reset the phone before I run SimpleRoot or will it not conflict with what unrevoked3 has already done?
And lastly... if I have to factory reset, what kind of setup is required to get the phone back on the sprint network (if any)? Will I have to redo the initial setup call I made to sprint or will that information still be saved on the phone?
To sum up my questions...
1. If I were to want the official 2.2 Froyo update, would a factory reset be necessary since I rooted the phone with unrevoked3?
2. Should I wait for the official 2.2 update? (I've basically already convinced myself not to wait just by writing this post... I've already got the itch to experiment)
3. Should I factory reset the phone before I attempt to SimpleRoot? (Seeing as how I already used unrevoked3 method)
4. If I do factory reset... what kind of setup is required to get my cell back to its ability to receive calls? (if any)
I would do a reset and use simple root to get fully unlocked. Then flash a rooted Froyo rom like Ava's Froyo. All you'll have to do is login to your Google account and redownload your apps. No additional setup is needed to make calls, texts, etc. Before you reset, try out titanium or my backup. I'm not sure if they require full root or not but if they dont, you can backup all the apps you currently have installed and restore them to the new Rom. Hope this helps.
Sent from my EVO using xda App
It helps very much, thank you for your fast reply =D I tried out titanium backup but it requires busybox which is telling me it requires nand unlocked... I'm not to worried about it. Like you said I have all my contacts saved via google and the apps can all be re-installed once I have a custom rom I'm comfortable with.
Thanks again =D
try my backup pro it works well for me and it worked for me before being rooted and once rooted it will gain more features.
I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
bunktacular said:
I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Nope at all, if you have unlocked bootloader and flash prerooted kernel correlate to your firmware
2. Nope, the phone still remains intact after rooting, just add superuser to your phone
3. Just need your phone rooted and do exactly as the thread owner said, ur gonna be fine.
4. Yes, all you need is flash back to your stock rom
5. Yes, absolutely possible
6. Yes again, once you have root permission (superuser), you can delete those craps and use Swype.
*just a side note,
you can root your phone without unlocking your bootloader but yeah, that would mean loosing your data completely
@Babygau
Alright, thank you very much.
On a follow up then, can you point me towards the best method of rooting an arc, bearing in mind that Rogers has disabled Sony's bootloader?
And also where I would be able to get Swype? Swype's site is pointless and google just brought up people talking about using it, not how to get it.
@cryogenix
Yeah, thats what I was afraid of :/
Rogers disabled the arcs bootloader, I'm trying to figure out what I can do and hopefully not erase my data.
So long as I can achieve the 2 objectives at the top, I'd be happy though.
You'll lose the ability for ota updates when you delete system files. That's the only bad thing at your plan.
Rooting alone won't remove any abilitys.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
xtacy! said:
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the other easier way is go to this website: http://www.wotanserver.com
create a free account, download their client software, and they will do the rest for you
droidlessons.com/what-is-rooting-on-android-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
Rooting v2.3.2, posted May 15th, 2011:
Updating over-the-air to v2.3.3 and keeping root, posted June 22nd, 2011:
Swype doesn't require root. It's just a regular application install.
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
What's the best method for me to do this?
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
bunktacular said:
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt Gingerbreak will patch 2.3.3.
The issue is that the exploits in 2.3.2, 2.3.3 were patched in 2.3.4 by Google and because Sony's version of 2.3.3 was released after 2.3.4 was released, those security fixes from 2.3.4 were backported into Sony's version of 2.3.3.
bunktacular said:
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup & Restore from v2.1 is compatible with v2.3.x.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1196908
babygau said:
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's got a Rogers branded arc branded arc. Therefore, he can't unlock the bootloader (yet).
First of all i'm sorry to post more questions about rooting but it seems like no one cares about some problems... i searched so many times on xda and even google advanced search
I have the r800 xperia play...I've been using it for couple of months so i have a lot of apps n stuff. I am running the newest 4.0.A update and i love it but i read i cant flash to 2.3.2,root it with gingerbread then update to 4.0.A cuz its not OTA
so i thought i could do it the unlocking bootloader way but i have a lot of questions so lets start...
-Is there a way to be rooted in 4.0.A,and if there is...do i need a rom or what?
-If I root my phone will i loose all my app data(this is the most important part,i dont want to loose all my perfect games in cut the rope and games like modern combat which have incredibly hard levels)
-When my phone is rooted...will i be able to update it to 2.3.4 and the Ice Cream Sandwich next year,or i would have to load custom roms
-I also noticed that when i uninstall a free app from my phone it disappears from the My Apps tab in The Market so what am i supposed to do if the root wipes all my apps? Write all 60+ of them on a peace of paper?
Contacts and stuff dont worry me
First off i dont have an unlocked bootloader but i will answer what i can.
1. Someone with an unlocked bootloader will have answer this one but im sure you can.
2. If you unlock your bootloader your phone will be wiped. The only way you would have kept root and all your apps is if your are on 2.3.3 (with a locked bootloader) and are waiting for the xloud update over ota (like i am) But since you have already updated to 4.0.A if you reflashed to 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 (and wait like me) you will still loose all your apps (since you had to reflash). Best you can hope for is backing up your apps data with titanium backup pro or my backup pro. Then once you are rooted on an unlocked bootloader (or if you have reflashed 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 with root) you can reinstall the app data.
3. If you unlock the bootloader you can still get updates but you cannot get them from OTA, PC Companion or SEUS (it will brick your phone) you will have to go the development section and a user who has got 2.3.4 (when its out) will post an update package you can use.
4. I have used App List Backup from the market. It saves all your market apps in a list so you can just redownload them and you still get updates e.t.c. Only works with market apps no 3rd party ones. Or even MyAppsList just to create a txt of app names.
Mozza2k11 said:
First off i dont have an unlocked bootloader but i will answer what i can.
1. Someone with an unlocked bootloader will have answer this one but im sure you can.
2. If you unlock your bootloader your phone will be wiped. The only way you would have kept root and all your apps is if your are on 2.3.3 (with a locked bootloader) and are waiting for the xloud update over ota (like i am) But since you have already updated to 4.0.A if you reflashed to 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 (and wait like me) you will still loose all your apps (since you had to reflash). Best you can hope for is backing up your apps data with titanium backup pro or my backup pro. Then once you are rooted on an unlocked bootloader (or if you have reflashed 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 with root) you can reinstall the app data.
3. If you unlock the bootloader you can still get updates but you cannot get them from OTA, PC Companion or SEUS (it will brick your phone) you will have to go the development section and a user who has got 2.3.4 (when its out) will post an update package you can use.
4. I have used App List Backup from the market. It saves all your market apps in a list so you can just redownload them and you still get updates e.t.c. Only works with market apps no 3rd party ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I feared...but doesnt titanium backup require root? Maybe i misread it somewhere and its stuck in my head
LOL yeah sorry my bad. Indeed it does. I think mybackup pro works without root but im not sure if it is 100% reliable. Either way you are gonna have to either loose all your data or gamble saving your app data with my backup pro since rooting on anything after 2.3.2 (with a locked bootloader) does not work.
MyBackup requires root to backup app data I mean hasn't anyone figured out how to save their data...seems to me nobody cares about it
Anyways,provided that somehow i magically manage to save it i would still have to wait for OTA. Any ideas where i can check daily when the update will be available?
lol sigh... something is wrong with me today. I stoped reading as soon i a saw
MyBackup and MyBackup Pro will work on all Android mobile devices, regardless if they have root access or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt get to the bottom
NOTE: Backup of Data/setting of applications can only be supported if you have a rooted phone, or if the application integrates with us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry bout that bud. Probably got your hopes up for nothing I think the arc got their ota update a few weeks after it appeared on SEUS/Pc Companion but who knows its totally up to SE. I dont even think all the countries have got the ota yet for the arc.
You can root without unlocking the bootloader as far as I remember. I believe I used SuperOneClick for it.
What is this guy at post #7 talking about? http://forums.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/63387-backup-application-data.html
Nope
zerojay said:
You can root without unlocking the bootloader as far as I remember. I believe I used SuperOneClick for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was patched up in 2.3.2 so it doesnt work
Fokezy said:
What is this guy at post #7 talking about? http://forums.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/63387-backup-application-data.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that basic Android - unthemed, untouched - does regular backups to Google. Basically, it will backup your app data and your list of apps. When you wipe a phone and log back in, it'll restore the apps and data automatically.
I noticed this myself when I was on my Samsung Galaxy S Captivate. The first time I installed Cyanogenmod 7 on it, it restored a ton of apps on my phone. The touchwiz framework for the Captivate doesn't allow it by default, I believe.
I have not seen this work on the Xperia Play.
Well...if it works on other phones it can work on any other phone running it...right?
I guess someone would have to extract the feature and somehow make an apk
I don't think it's quite that simple. It's most likely completely removed from the framework, so there's no readding an APK.
More info: http://code.google.com/android/backup/index.html
zerojay said:
I don't think it's quite that simple. It's most likely completely removed from the framework, so there's no readding an APK.
More info: http://code.google.com/android/backup/index.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont really know...but why would SE do that...i mean its just extra work limiting something?
Fokezy said:
I dont really know...but why would SE do that...i mean its just extra work limiting something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What your talking about was a feature of froyo, google removed it with gingerbread.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
My hopes are being buried deeper and deeper... Ok how about this,that data must exist somewhere on the phones memory right? So if the apps themselves can access and change it,why can't another app or say a computer? Tell me why that won't work...
Fokezy said:
My hopes are being buried deeper and deeper... Ok how about this,that data must exist somewhere on the phones memory right? So if the apps themselves can access and change it,why can't another app or say a computer? Tell me why that won't work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because the app has the permission to do it, an unrooted user, does not have access to /data/data
Ok this is the last thing i had in mind...SE had some sort of backup app for the arc and it was ported to other xperia phones but whenever i would try to download it from their official page it would show me random html all over the page and now i lost the link..
But when i think about it... SE couldn't do it without root so...it probably just saves something else. Anyway can i root it with unlocked bootloader without loosing data?
Fokezy said:
Ok this is the last thing i had in mind...SE had some sort of backup app for the arc and it was ported to other xperia phones but whenever i would try to download it from their official page it would show me random html all over the page and now i lost the link..
But when i think about it... SE couldn't do it without root so...it probably just saves something else. Anyway can i root it with unlocked bootloader without loosing data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone gets wiped when you unlock your bootloader but you can downgrade to a rootable version of android using flashtool without loosing data you can then make a backup, unlock bootloader, flash latest firmware, restore backup
Oh yea...That recovery thing?
AndroHero said:
Your phone gets wiped when you unlock your bootloader but you can downgrade to a rootable version of android using flashtool without loosing data you can then make a backup, unlock bootloader, flash latest firmware, restore backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my original plan was to downgrade do 2.3.2,Gingerbreak and wait for 4.0.A to hit OTA but Mozza2k11 said it would wipe my data
I'm receiving a new Galaxy Nexus in the mail today. I'm new to the Android world but this site has been extremely helpful in explaining the capabilitys of this OS. Since I've never used Android I don't completely understand the pros/cons to rooting my device. A lot of posts say "you have to do it to understand the benefits" or something of that nature. I understand that once you root you can change your ROM, kernel, navigate all file folders, use certain apps that require superuser access, etc. As of now, I'm not sure I'd want to do any of that. I may want to in the future when I see some limitations that could be bypassed by rooting, but for now I would like to keep the stock ROM, kernel, etc.
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct? So it would function the same as a stock device but would have the potential to be modified later. If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device? I'm just thinking that if I'd do it eventually, I might as well do it right now when there are no valuable files/apps/etc. that I'd have to worry about backing up.
People often root to flash aosp roms otherwise not available on htc or galaxy s phones
Aosp also in many cases gave better battery life than their skinned cousins
But on nexus phones and jelly bean I don't see much of one other than to experiment or to use addons like roms such as codename android and baked bean give
--------
Sent from my Jelly Bean powered Nexus Snarf 4G
The main reason I root is for Titanium Backup. That is probably the only way to migrate apps (with data) from one device to another.
Also nandroid (Clockworkmod Recovery) backup is useful if you want to experiment with different ROMs and can restore stock and apps easily.
On a side note: Don't like CWM 6 when backup creates a huge BLOB directory structure. Not convenient to backup your backup to PC.
Backups
Free Tethering
Block ads
etc
Tethering is enabled already. Ah u probably must be talking about the us version. I have the international one.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I root for Paranoid Android and Titanium Backup. Two things I can't be without once getting used to them.
But really. Installing Titanium Backup almost feels like a necessity on Any phone to freeze/backup apps detach them from market etc.
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can be stock & rooted. Root by itself will not affect an OTA. The only reason to root is if YOU gain something. If your phone dose everything you want without root then there is no reason to root.
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes u can stay stock and rooted.
If u root and take an update you will most likely loose root or you will have to unroot before u can take the update. One of the 2.
Biggest disadvantage is that it voids warranty. But no big deal if u no how to go back to stock.
People that don't root probably don't because they don't how, are scared to and/or they don't want to void that precious warranty.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
1. It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
2. If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
3. Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes
2. Yes. Though root disappears if you update officially OTA. So then you need to re-root. If you would also unlock bootloader and install CWM you can not update OTA.
3. Umm. I guess some manufacturers claims that warranty is void when rooting. That's pretty much the only not-to reason I can think of. If rooted only and don't "use it" you won't even notice you're rooted.
bchaney16 said:
I'm just thinking that if I'd do it eventually, I might as well do it right now when there are no valuable files/apps/etc. that I'd have to worry about backing up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's unlocking the bootlaoder (fastbbot oem unlock) that will (not Play Store devices) wipe the device, not rooting (though the easiest way to root is to unlock the bootloader).
Ok I think its becoming more clear now.
I ordered mine unlocked from the Play Store. Does that mean the bootloader is already unlocked?
How often does an OTA come out anyway?
bchaney16 said:
Ok I think its becoming more clear now.
I ordered mine unlocked from the Play Store. Does that mean the bootloader is already unlocked?
How often does an OTA come out anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that refers to SIM unlocked, not tied to a specific carrier.
[REF] efrant's "Android for Galaxy Nexus" 101 & FAQs
If your new to Android this is a good place to start getting acquainted with the terminoligy & procedures
Right, I know it is carrier unlocked. So a Play Store GNEX still has a locked bootloader but unlocking it does not erase your files...
If that's the case I guess there's no downside to waiting until I see a good reason to unlock and root. I was thinking that I should do this on my brand new phone so that it wouldn't have any files on it that I'd need to backup. It sounds like I wouldn't have to worry about backing up regardless.
The only reason I can think of to unlock the bootloader straight away (& it's arguably a good one) ...
If for some reason your phone won't boot into android you could fastboot boot a custom recovery & have adb access to pull files from the virtual sdcard.
Rooting is the best thing to happen to Android phones. Do it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
bchaney16 said:
Right, I know it is carrier unlocked. So a Play Store GNEX still has a locked bootloader but unlocking it does not erase your files...
If that's the case I guess there's no downside to waiting until I see a good reason to unlock and root. I was thinking that I should do this on my brand new phone so that it wouldn't have any files on it that I'd need to backup. It sounds like I wouldn't have to worry about backing up regardless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will. Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will erase /sdcard. Does not matter if you get if from the play store or not. But like you said, if the device is brand new it doesn't matter anyway.
Side note: recently an exploit is discovered that allows to gain root without unlocking the bootloader. And if you have root, you can unlock/lock the bootloader at will without losing data. Follow the link in my signature for more info.
Petrovski80 said:
Yes it will. Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will erase /sdcard. Does not matter if you get if from the play store or not. But like you said, if the device is brand new it doesn't matter anyway.
Side note: recently an exploit is discovered that allows to gain root without unlocking the bootloader. And if you have root, you can unlock/lock the bootloader at will without losing data. Follow the link in my signature for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were numerous reports that Play Store phones did NOT wipe all data when the bootloader was unlocked, I know mine didn't
3rdstring said:
There were numerous reports that Play Store phones did NOT wipe all data when the bootloader was unlocked, I know mine didn't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was your /sdcard partition untouched after oem unlock?
Petrovski80 said:
Was your /sdcard partition untouched after oem unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the data partition was untouched. All my apps & sdcard data was still there.
[DISCUSSION] Google Play Nexus not wiping after Bootloader Unlock
I have a brand-new LG Optimus G Pro [E980] phone. When I purchased one from ATT, I had gotten a great deal on the other one and decided to keep it in-case anything ever happened to my other one. Well, I ended up giving it to my sister.
I decided to get on someone else's T-Mobile plan, for the cheaper payments. So, as of now, I have a cheap piece-of-**** T-Mobile phone that works horribly and is cracked beyond belief in which I use to text and/or call. Except, I want to use my LG E980.
I tried contacting ATT and getting the unlock code, as well as going into the store and trying to retrieve it. They said it must be done online. When I tried entering in all my information, it says IMEI is not recognized. Which is complete bull****. I even tried the IMEI of the other LG E980 I had given to my sister.
So, with all of that said, I would still like to use my T-Mobile sims card with this phone. I looked at my phones software information, which has never been updated or ANYTHING - because it has never had an ATT sims card inside it to connect to any servers.
I am currently running:
Model number: LG-E980
Android version: 4.1.2
Kernal version: 3.4.0
Software version: E98010k
I had a few questions, and would be ecstatic to hear all of your answers!
1) What is rooting, and what does it do?
2) Why would I want to root my phone?
3) Would it be safer and easier just to purchase a ~$5 unlock code from some website? If so, which one is best and cheapest?
4) How do I "backup" my phone? Like does it save all my apps, pages, settings, everything - like a restore on a computer?
5) If I did decide to root, is there a tutorial for beginners?
6) Which root would be the best recommended one?
7) Will I still be able to use all the features and functions if I root it and/or unlock it with an unlock code? [Internet, texting, SD card, etc.]
8) If I unlock is with an unlock code, will it reset the phone? (like a factory reset)
9) If I root it, will it reset the phone as well? (like a factory reset)
Thank you for all of your help!
hillmankt said:
I have a brand-new LG Optimus G Pro [E980] phone. When I purchased one from ATT, I had gotten a great deal on the other one and decided to keep it in-case anything ever happened to my other one. Well, I ended up giving it to my sister.
I decided to get on someone else's T-Mobile plan, for the cheaper payments. So, as of now, I have a cheap piece-of-**** T-Mobile phone that works horribly and is cracked beyond belief in which I use to text and/or call. Except, I want to use my LG E980.
I tried contacting ATT and getting the unlock code, as well as going into the store and trying to retrieve it. They said it must be done online. When I tried entering in all my information, it says IMEI is not recognized. Which is complete bull****. I even tried the IMEI of the other LG E980 I had given to my sister.
So, with all of that said, I would still like to use my T-Mobile sims card with this phone. I looked at my phones software information, which has never been updated or ANYTHING - because it has never had an ATT sims card inside it to connect to any servers.
I am currently running:
Model number: LG-E980
Android version: 4.1.2
Kernal version: 3.4.0
Software version: E98010k
I had a few questions, and would be ecstatic to hear all of your answers!
1) What is rooting, and what does it do?
2) Why would I want to root my phone?
3) Would it be safer and easier just to purchase a ~$5 unlock code from some website? If so, which one is best and cheapest?
4) How do I "backup" my phone? Like does it save all my apps, pages, settings, everything - like a restore on a computer?
5) If I did decide to root, is there a tutorial for beginners?
6) Which root would be the best recommended one?
7) Will I still be able to use all the features and functions if I root it and/or unlock it with an unlock code? [Internet, texting, SD card, etc.]
8) If I unlock is with an unlock code, will it reset the phone? (like a factory reset)
9) If I root it, will it reset the phone as well? (like a factory reset)
Thank you for all of your help!
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1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_%28Android_OS%29
2. just read that wiki link and you know the answer
3. didn't know cause i'm buying unlocked phone and not living in US
4. instal twrp or cwm and choose backup
5 and 6. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2460859 depend on OS
7. yes
8. same answer like number 3
9. nope
10. good luck
I have seen posts saying others have not been able to use their SD cards?
Also, I can not back up my phone UNLESS it is rooted - so that does me no good?
Next, what root would you all suggest?
Will this allow me to use my T-Mobile sims card in my ATT phone?
hillmankt said:
I have seen posts saying others have not been able to use their SD cards?
Also, I can not back up my phone UNLESS it is rooted - so that does me no good?
Next, what root would you all suggest?
Will this allow me to use my T-Mobile sims card in my ATT phone?
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Rooting will not unlock your phone for use with T-Mobile. The main reasons for rooting are to enable install of a custom recovery for backup and install of custom roms plus certain specialized apps require root.
My best most straightforward advice. Unlock your phone first. I have no experience with unlock services but I'm sure there is feedback on them online via Google.
For the time being stay with the version of Jelly Bean stock that came with the phone. Updating to AT&T's stock Kit Kat brings some complications you don't want to deal with as a novice. Stock Jelly Bean works fine. I have tried several custom ROMs with this phone and all of them have had problems with voice and internet. YMMV.
After you have unlocked the phone download TowelRoot (Google it) and install it like a regular app (you must enable "unknown sources" in the security settings). Simplest way to root.
Download Freegee from Play Store and install TWRP recovery (you must still be on JB for this to work). If you are still on Jelly Bean you should have a choice as to whether or not to back up to an external card. If you have updated to Kit Kat you probably won't be able to use a custom recovery to back up to an external card. The advantage of a "nandroid" backup like the one made with TWRP is that it restores *everything* with one click: the system and all apps with their data. The disadvantage is that generally a nandroid restore is all or nothing and it takes time. To restore apps and data selectively use Titanium Backup (see below).
Now if you are really paranoid about back ups, relax. When you first sign on to your Google account check the option to back up and restore your data. If you didn't do it when you first signed in go into accounts and sync settings and check data. Google does a good job of backing up and restoring all the apps you downloaded from the Play Store but it does not restore settings the way a TWRP backup would.
Eventually you will probably want to buy Titanium Backup Pro if you are concerned about back ups. It does a very good job of backing up apps and data but it does not restore the system. You need root for TB.
All this said, if you really don't want to use AT&T your first priority should be unlocking the phone.
Go to freemyblackberry.com and select other models. LG codes are $2 Canadian. I used them for my wife's GPro. Worked great, quick service.
Just remeber, be sure to write down your unlocking code because each time you do a rom update or factory reset you loose your unlocking number. Many people get phone unlocking and the root mix up. Phone unlock, or the jail break, is to make your phone from accepting only one mobile provider's signal, to be able to pickup signal from any providers that support your phone. Root is basically giving you the super user privilege. Think of it like learning to ride a bicycle. When you first get your phone is like riding with the training wheels on, you're riding the bike, can't go fast but it's safer. Once you root the phone, now is like taking the training wheels off, you can go faster and do much more, but also expose you to much more danger. That's basicly what the root is, you're able to do much more to your phone but with many dangerous consequences, such as 'brick the phone'. If you never heard of that term use before, once you root, you probably will (or hope you never will). But root also allows you to remove all the apps that are just taking up space and slowing down your phone. I've being rooting my Android device since 2011, and rooting had gotten much easier. Now you don't even need to get into the bootloader (another one of those term you'll learn) to root. Like somebody already suggest, get an app call 'towelroot', install and run it, and you probably will get the root access on your phone. Once you get the root, the next thing is to get the recovery, so get an app call 'freegee'. Run it and you will get either cwm or twrp recovery, it doesn't really matter which, flip a coin if you can't decide. Now if you make it this far, you can start to think about what you want to do to your phone, get the custom rom? New themes? Possibilities are endless once your phone is rooted.
marvin02 said:
Go to freemyblackberry.com and select other models. LG codes are $2 Canadian. I used them for my wife's GPro. Worked great, quick service.
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+1 for this site, it is super fast and I've unlocked 8-9 G2's, E980's and E970's from here.