I've been using my samsung GN for a month now and loving it. This is my first transition into the Android platform so please excuse my ignorance if my questions seem trivial.
I haven't unlocked or rooted my phone yet, but I'm itching to do so. I just had a few questions before I try it.
1. Unlocking the bootloader will wipe out my entire phone. I'm assuming this means it will similar to opening up a new phone. Since I've used this phone for a month now, I've put all my phone contacts in, including getting all the profile photos for my friends and contacts. Since I started a GMail account, can all this be recovered once gmail syncs back to the phone. I'm assuming this is for the calendar as well. Also is there a way to backup and restore anything else... ie txt messages, apps, settings, etc. I read somewhere something about titanium backup (can this be done the first time I unlock the bootloader?)
2. One of the main reasons why I want to unlock/root is to be able to put in some custom themes and icons. Am I correct to say this is only possible after I root the phone? Or can this be done on the stock unlocked form?
3. The other reason I want to do this is to see if there are any custom roms or kernels that can help with the UI interface to make it a bit more smooth and not as stuttery. (I know this is a debated discussion), however I came from the iphone and it is noticable and irritating to me (YMMV) Does anyone know of a custom kernel or ROM that will be able to improve on this?
Thank you for your help... I'm still somewhat hesitant to do the process. I'd just like to find out as much as I can before I try it.
You can change icons and launcher themes by using a custom launcher such as ADW or Go Launcher (the two with the most themes) but this will only change the icons of your apps. If you want to get into custom colors and buttons and such, you will need to root.
Gmail will sync all of your contacts back, but the pictures will be low resolution (unless they are your friends on G+) to fix this, you can redo the pictures by hand or download an app called Haxsync for facebook sync which I've found works fairly well.
You can download "SMS backup and restore" to back up and restore your texts.
Market will have your paid apps saved, but write a list of your free apps as market will not save those.
Also your settings such as wifi networks will be remembered.
And yes, custom kernels and roms will help with smoothness, promise
Josh, thanks a lot for the advice, I'll look into the apps before I start to unlock this puppy!!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Anytime feel free to PM me if you need any help!
Related
Not sure if anyone can help here, but its worth a shot.
I recently took the plunge and flashed my phone and installed CM7.1 RC1.5 and its all working fine at the moment.
I have always used GoLauncher since about the 2nd day of owning my defy and think its a very good launcher so want to stick with it, I also like all the accompanying GoApp and widgets.
Now under 2.2.2. when I used the GoContacts widget and selected a contact a pop up bar appeared to give several options - Phone - Contact info - Message - email etc and when selecting phone for example it would initially give me a choice of either stock dialer app or GoDialer. I would pick GoDialer and set as default choice.
Now under CM7.1 RC1.5 I have been able to allocate GoSMS for the messaging part but I cannot get the Phone or Contacts to allocate to the GoDialler/GoContacts apps.
I have tried uninstalling the Go apps and reinstalling but I never get given a choice to choose from, it just automatically goes into the stock CM7.1 dialer or contact app. I have also cleared the data and defaults from the relevant Go apps and the CM7.1 dialer and contacts apps but this has not helped.
Does anyone know if I need to do anything to allow me to choose the Go apps?
I know its not a major thing but I just would rather tie everything together and to be honest I prefer the look of the Go apps
thanks for any help
First, quick intro - finally making the move to android from iOS after years of procrastinating. My galaxy note 2 arrives Wednesday eve and I couldnt be more excited. I purchased the n7100, unlocked international version.
(1) To update to 4.1.2 when it arrives - is this automatic or is there something I need to do to get it right away?
(2) I saw two ways to make any app multi-window functional. The first is by modifying it in windows, the second is through an app on the phone itself. It is my understanding that for the latter, i need to be rooted. Is that the case for the windows application too?
(3) I dont want to install a custom rom just yet because i want to tinker with s-note and the s-pen apps. However, regarding rooting - is there any reason not to root?
Thanks
emanuelme said:
First, quick intro - finally making the move to android from iOS after years of procrastinating. My galaxy note 2 arrives Wednesday eve and I couldnt be more excited. I purchased the n7100, unlocked international version.
(1) To update to 4.1.2 when it arrives - is this automatic or is there something I need to do to get it right away?
(2) I saw two ways to make any app multi-window functional. The first is by modifying it in windows, the second is through an app on the phone itself. It is my understanding that for the latter, i need to be rooted. Is that the case for the windows application too?
(3) I dont want to install a custom rom just yet because i want to tinker with s-note and the s-pen apps. However, regarding rooting - is there any reason not to root?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Let's see if I can help:
It's automatic. Your phone should check for updates automatically every few days or week or something like that. If you plug it into your computer and open KIES it'll check for the update right away every time you plug it in. If not, and you want the OTA update, you can go to the settings and about your phone and then updates and you can check manually, but that's if you want to check manually! Otherwise, you'll get a notification eventually
To do that, you're going to need to root your device either way. Both methods require root from what I understood. You're changing a core apk in your phone.
Rooting is up to you. A lot of people root, and a lot of others don't. I believe MOST people ORIGINALLY Rooted to get more control and better functionality over their device. I'm not sure this is the case with the Note 2. A lot of people say that the Stock ROM is fantastic and you don't get a lot more by changing roms, but as for rooting you get more access over apps. I came from iOS years ago (from the iPhone 4) and I have rooted only once, because I think Samsung and Android gives you MILES more opportunities over iOS. For me, Android is "prerooted" in nature in comparison to iOS. I'd say, FIRST check out the device and see if you can do everything you want without rooting. I do everything I want without being rooted. I'm also not the epitome of a typical Android user. I have Folder Sync to sync all my folders across Dropbox and SugarSync. I have apps running in the background, and I edit pictures like a pro! I multi-task a million times better than iOS!!!! So it really depends on you. Try out Android, maybe without rooting it's enough! Maybe it isn't Then you root
Hope I've helped!
zkyevolved said:
Hi! Let's see if I can help:
It's automatic. Your phone should check for updates automatically every few days or week or something like that. If you plug it into your computer and open KIES it'll check for the update right away every time you plug it in. If not, and you want the OTA update, you can go to the settings and about your phone and then updates and you can check manually, but that's if you want to check manually! Otherwise, you'll get a notification eventually
To do that, you're going to need to root your device either way. Both methods require root from what I understood. You're changing a core apk in your phone.
Rooting is up to you. A lot of people root, and a lot of others don't. I believe MOST people ORIGINALLY Rooted to get more control and better functionality over their device. I'm not sure this is the case with the Note 2. A lot of people say that the Stock ROM is fantastic and you don't get a lot more by changing roms, but as for rooting you get more access over apps. I came from iOS years ago (from the iPhone 4) and I have rooted only once, because I think Samsung and Android gives you MILES more opportunities over iOS. For me, Android is "prerooted" in nature in comparison to iOS. I'd say, FIRST check out the device and see if you can do everything you want without rooting. I do everything I want without being rooted. I'm also not the epitome of a typical Android user. I have Folder Sync to sync all my folders across Dropbox and SugarSync. I have apps running in the background, and I edit pictures like a pro! I multi-task a million times better than iOS!!!! So it really depends on you. Try out Android, maybe without rooting it's enough! Maybe it isn't Then you root
Hope I've helped!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks and you certainly did help... There is one app in particular and im not sure it supports multiwindow (withings baby monitor) - I will know in a few days. If it doesnt, it would be great to have this app with multi-window support and I would root in order to do this... I guess we can wait and see... Thanks for your response.
emanuelme said:
Thanks and you certainly did help... There is one app in particular and im not sure it supports multiwindow (withings baby monitor) - I will know in a few days. If it doesnt, it would be great to have this app with multi-window support and I would root in order to do this... I guess we can wait and see... Thanks for your response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. As from seeing the apps I have installed almost no apps support the multi window feature that aren't huge. Facebook twitter chrome plus a lot of the Samsung apps like gallery and video, messaging and snote Google Talk and youtube as well. For more apps: hack!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
zkyevolved said:
No problem. As from seeing the apps I have installed almost no apps support the multi window feature that aren't huge. Facebook twitter chrome plus a lot of the Samsung apps like gallery and video, messaging and snote Google Talk and youtube as well. For more apps: hack!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I need to hack or theroetically, if someone modified the app for me, could i then put it on the sd card and install it or would i need to be rooted first?
Great answer zkyevolved!
Other apps that work uith multi-window are popping up every week. Greader Pro now works as does lecturenotes and solid explorer.
Emanuelme. If you want the most fluid multi-tasking experience download SwipePad with the (paid) "recent apps add-on. It will blow you away and make your old iphone friends very jealous
emanuelme said:
First, quick intro - finally making the move to android from iOS after years of procrastinating. My galaxy note 2 arrives Wednesday eve and I couldnt be more excited. I purchased the n7100, unlocked international version.
(1) To update to 4.1.2 when it arrives - is this automatic or is there something I need to do to get it right away?
(2) I saw two ways to make any app multi-window functional. The first is by modifying it in windows, the second is through an app on the phone itself. It is my understanding that for the latter, i need to be rooted. Is that the case for the windows application too?
(3) I dont want to install a custom rom just yet because i want to tinker with s-note and the s-pen apps. However, regarding rooting - is there any reason not to root?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I don't know if the 4.1.2 update is being rolled out yet, but if it isn't, u can just flash it from odin, no root is required, and u can still keep your warranty.
As for the multi Window, you will need to be rooted, and preferably on a deodexed rom.
If u look in the dev section, u will see a multi Window zip file u can flash, that will give the any app multi Window.
The only reason not to root would be:
The readers hub, and the learners hub, don't work if you are rooted.
Your a noob
Rooting won't void your warranty, as u can just flash a stock rom and u will be unrooted.
I am currently working on a dual boot kernel for the note 2, so then u can have the stock rom, and a second rom, installed at the same time, and choose which to boot in to when u start the rom, but i am still finishing it ect at the moment.
Cheers
Corey
Sent from my GT-N7100
I've got a used Verizon Nexus, which I am using on Page Plus, after running through a lengthy process to program it to work with Page Plus. I didn't really understand everything I was doing, but I was able to follow the instructions, and it worked great. But it's incredibly slow.
It's running 4.2.2 and Paranoid Android 3.6. I've heard that 4.3 seems to eliminate a lot of the incredible slowness I'm experiencing, and I'd like to upgrade it. But I also spent about a week tweaking and configuring this exactly the way I want, with my launcher and screens and hubs, etc. I don't want to have to do all that again.
Anyone know what my options are? Is it possible to upgrade it to 4.3 without losing all of that? Please write in laymen's terms. I can follow complex instructions, but I don't always know what the terminology means.
Thanks in advance.
In my personal experience, and I have tried many ROMS, the ones with PIE, themes, halo, and other tweaks only make the phone slow. In the end I just went with rooted stock and haven't missed the old.
As per your issue, yes you can do it but it may lead to some issues.
The way you want to do it is through Titanium Backup. Selectively backup entire apps or just app data, which for the launcher itself would contain the arrangement of screens and settings. If you have Nova or Apex, you can export settings to your "sdcard". A bunch of system settings and sync with Google, you may already know this so you don't have to backup those. Once you flash a 4.3 ROM, you will want to re-install Titanium Backup and restore your apps or app data. The drawback to this, hence why I don't typically recommend this, is that you may get some sporadic app force closes. Ideally you'd want to install clean apps from the Play Store.
You don't always experience issues with TB, but just keep in mind the possibility is there.
Best of luck.
iLeopard said:
In my personal experience, and I have tried many ROMS, the ones with PIE, themes, halo, and other tweaks only make the phone slow. In the end I just went with rooted stock and haven't missed the old.
As per your issue, yes you can do it but it may lead to some issues.
The way you want to do it is through Titanium Backup. Selectively backup entire apps or just app data, which for the launcher itself would contain the arrangement of screens and settings. If you have Nova or Apex, you can export settings to your "sdcard". A bunch of system settings and sync with Google, you may already know this so you don't have to backup those. Once you flash a 4.3 ROM, you will want to re-install Titanium Backup and restore your apps or app data. The drawback to this, hence why I don't typically recommend this, is that you may get some sporadic app force closes. Ideally you'd want to install clean apps from the Play Store.
You don't always experience issues with TB, but just keep in mind the possibility is there.
Best of luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. I don't like pie, halo, or themes at all. I prefer to set up my own methods of navigating around my phone. (I put shortcuts on my dock that go to the different screens in my launcher (each devoted to a different category of apps), and then include shortcuts on those screens that go to the apps appropriate to that screen's app category, if that makes any sense. It seems, to me, a very efficient way of finding everything I need very quickly). I am using PA 3.6, because it's what was provided with the process I followed, to get this to work on Page Plus.
Do you know if upgrading to 4.3 with a different ROM will affect the use of my phone on Page Plus? And if not, any suggestions on a good one that includes the most features? I would imagine rooted stock would be fine with me also, but again, I'd like to avoid re-configuring everything. Of course, I will if I have to, to eliminate the lag and get the best performance.
loribuono said:
Thanks for your reply. I don't like pie, halo, or themes at all. I prefer to set up my own methods of navigating around my phone. (I put shortcuts on my dock that go to the different screens in my launcher (each devoted to a different category of apps), and then include shortcuts on those screens that go to the apps appropriate to that screen's app category, if that makes any sense. It seems, to me, a very efficient way of finding everything I need very quickly). I am using PA 3.6, because it's what was provided with the process I followed, to get this to work on Page Plus.
Do you know if upgrading to 4.3 with a different ROM will affect the use of my phone on Page Plus? And if not, any suggestions on a good one that includes the most features? I would imagine rooted stock would be fine with me also, but again, I'd like to avoid re-configuring everything. Of course, I will if I have to, to eliminate the lag and get the best performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what you did to make it work for Page Plus and I cannot offer any advice on that note I'm sorry. I've never owned a CDMA device. With GSM, you stick in a new SIM and its ready to go. As far as ROM's go, again I'm afraid I'm the wrong guy. Maybe you can apply some of the same steps to making it work with a 4.3 ROM? The underlying OS is the exact same.
I am new to this forum, actually its the only forum I was ever on. I have been trying to research my issue for over an hour now and I need an answer that is put into the simplest terms. A lot of the questions and answers are to techy for me to understand, I am also coming from having an iphone for the 6 years to having a Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
If someone could answer my question and dumb it down for me I would really appreciate it.
I downloaded Touchwiz (I was just trying to download a new calendar) and my whole phone changed. I spent the weekend adding widgets to the different pages and putting my apps into specific folders, but once I downloaded Touchwiz everything disappeared. I want to get my phone back to the way it was when I first purchased it. I have had this phone for a few months so I don't want to do anything that would delete all of my pictures, videos or apps.
All I want is to get rid of this touchwiz and get the stock setting or whatever the original setup was called back the way I had it set up before I lost it.
I know some people are going to think I am stupid, and yes I will agree with them. I am very stupid when it comes to Android devices. If someone is feeling nice enough to explain this to me in the simplest terms (like you are talking to a 2nd grader) I would really appreciate it.
Thank you!!
From where did you download touchwiz? The Samsung official touchwiz isn't just something you download and intall. Do you mean you installed a launcher from the play store?
I can help you get back to original setup, but you have to explain exactly what you installed and how.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
In settings under applications you can clear defaults, hit default applications then hit home and select the touchwiz launcher. push your home button and you should be set.
I just got this phone today (I live in Thailand if that matters). I have the 64GB version. I have had Sony, Samsung, Motorola phones in the past and that is what I am used to. So first thing:
How do I change the home launcher? I don't see any setting for it in the settings menu. I can open up Themer (which I downloaded) and it will open up but as soon as I go to any other app, it will go back to the original homescreen.
Why is there no app drawer?
Why is the phone asking me to accept terms (which says **** like honor the Chinese constitution) and connect to the internet just to view photos in my album? I can't think of any reason that a photo album would need to connect to the internet unless it's going to upload my photos somewhere which I obviously don't want. So I seemingly cannot even view photos on this phone unless I can download something else to take care of it.
I looked at the rooting section for this phone and it seems that all of them currently have issues. Is there no way to just get plain ole vanilla android on this phone? I have never rooted a phone before and the thought is a bit scary to me because it seems like most of the instructions are written for people who already know how to do that type of thing. I went to the Cyanogenmod website and they didn't have one for this phone. Are there no alternatives? I will gladly pay for something like this. I don't want all this Mi stuff on my phone.
Sorry if I sound... whatever, I am just a bit flustered with all of this. The hardware seems nice but the software is utter ****. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
theusedversion said:
I just got this phone today (I live in Thailand if that matters). I have the 64GB version. I have had Sony, Samsung, Motorola phones in the past and that is what I am used to. So first thing:
How do I change the home launcher? I don't see any setting for it in the settings menu. I can open up Themer (which I downloaded) and it will open up but as soon as I go to any other app, it will go back to the original homescreen.
Why is there no app drawer?
Why is the phone asking me to accept terms (which says **** like honor the Chinese constitution) and connect to the internet just to view photos in my album? I can't think of any reason that a photo album would need to connect to the internet unless it's going to upload my photos somewhere which I obviously don't want. So I seemingly cannot even view photos on this phone unless I can download something else to take care of it.
I looked at the rooting section for this phone and it seems that all of them currently have issues. Is there no way to just get plain ole vanilla android on this phone? I have never rooted a phone before and the thought is a bit scary to me because it seems like most of the instructions are written for people who already know how to do that type of thing. I went to the Cyanogenmod website and they didn't have one for this phone. Are there no alternatives? I will gladly pay for something like this. I don't want all this Mi stuff on my phone.
Sorry if I sound... whatever, I am just a bit flustered with all of this. The hardware seems nice but the software is utter ****. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you purchase this Phone? From Chinese website? Does it have Google Playstore? If yes then
1) If you just want to change the Home Launcher then install your desired Launcher from Playstore and goto settings-> Installed Apps-> Defaults and set the Downloaded Launcher from there.
2) The Default Launcher on the phone is MIUI Launcher which doesn't have app drawer like iPhone and some other chinese UI.
3) There is unofficial CyanogenMod and some other custom ROMs but there are some problems with each of them like Video recording not working, if working then Audio not being recorded in them. 3G network issues and so on. The process of flashing a custom rom or rooting is little bit tedious and I'd not suggest you in this stage.
Better is to download a desired launcher from Playstore (if you have it) else sideloading and hiding the apps which you don't want to see.
Also note on official Miui ROM you're able to uninstall a bunch of stock apps too.
I'd recommend read up to unlock boot loader. It's a minor project getting this device where you want it, but the awesome battery life and screen size makes your effort worth the time.
Pls also visit official Miui forums there's a wealth of info there. ? ?
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
paarkhi said:
Where did you purchase this Phone? From Chinese website? Does it have Google Playstore? If yes then
1) If you just want to change the Home Launcher then install your desired Launcher from Playstore and goto settings-> Installed Apps-> Defaults and set the Downloaded Launcher from there.
2) The Default Launcher on the phone is MIUI Launcher which doesn't have app drawer like iPhone and some other chinese UI.
3) There is unofficial CyanogenMod and some other custom ROMs but there are some problems with each of them like Video recording not working, if working then Audio not being recorded in them. 3G network issues and so on. The process of flashing a custom rom or rooting is little bit tedious and I'd not suggest you in this stage.
Better is to download a desired launcher from Playstore (if you have it) else sideloading and hiding the apps which you don't want to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG, thank you so much for the home launcher tip. That solved the biggest issue I had. My Xperia Z2 had a home launcher setting in the main settings menu. I never would have guessed to look there. Thank you so much. I switched all the default apps to what I wanted and this is already a million times better. And yes, I bought it from a reputable retailer here in Bangkok so I think it's legit. Had Play store on it and everything.
badrsj said:
Also note on official Miui ROM you're able to uninstall a bunch of stock apps too.
I'd recommend read up to unlock boot loader. It's a minor project getting this device where you want it, but the awesome battery life and screen size makes your effort worth the time.
Pls also visit official Miui forums there's a wealth of info there.
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will look into it. Cheers.
I've had the same feeling since my first Mi phone, the Redmi Note 3G. They make some really great & quality hardware capable of very good performances & end up great value for money if you know your way around. But like you felt MIUI is complete horse arse' output these days. It used to be great around version 4 or even upto 5 but then its been downhill since. My suggestion is unlock, install twrp, then you have 2 options
If you
1. want VoLTE then install sMIUI 8.0.1.0 from xiaomi.eu
2. can get by without VoLTE(either not using it at all or by using it through a MiFi modem which some carriers provide in many places/countries now) then install RR5.7.3(thanks to people like @ajsmsg78) which I found to be the most stable with the least issues so far for everyday use. Please thank the devs.
Not that the other like CM13, Mokee, etc are bad but there are issues here & there which prevent me from using it as a daily driver. I'd suggest you take a nandroid backup of all these when you try them each.
If you need more help, drop me a PM. I can help anytime with an hours notice AFAIK.
CAUTION: Read the unlocking & custom ROM/recovery guides 10-20 times so that you've almost memorised every detail if you are a newbie otherwise, especially for phones which have a non-removable battery, you'll end up regretting something later & end up kicking yourself. DO NOT SKIMP ON READING IT AGAIN & AGAIN OR SKIP STEPS else YOU"LL PAY FOR IT LATER.
To unlock the bootloader, you must ask permission from xiaomi. This takes a few days to process. You can read how to do this on en.miui.com forum. Once you have unlocked the bootloader, things will be much easier.
If the "reputable" dealer in Bangkok is Lazada, then you have probably got a patched ROM from China. You can check this by version number.
Parmo100 said:
To unlock the bootloader, you must ask permission from xiaomi. This takes a few days to process. You can read how to do this on en.miui.com forum..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've spent 6 hours searching that f***ng forum and I can't find a thing about unlock the Mi Max. Maybe I'm an idiot or maybe you're a genius, who knows.
Taxidermista said:
I've spent 6 hours searching that f***ng forum and I can't find a thing about unlock the Mi Max. Maybe I'm an idiot or maybe you're a genius, who knows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chill bro here is the link : en(dot)miui.com/thread-327459-1-(dot)html
replace (dot) with the symbol(.)
a word of advice stemming frm my experience,when u enter the phone number in application be sure to enter the same number which ur going to use in the device,and even after recieving the approval sms u might have to give it a few tries before it actually unlocks,(i had to wait 3 days for the approval sms,after recieving the sms tried for 3 days until it actually unlocked, ur mileage may vary)all the best,hope u get unlocked soon
I Googled "xiaomi mi max Unlock bootloader" and got this within 10 seconds :-
http://en.miui.com/thread-202290-1-1.html
Take care that you are logged into xiaomi account and the phone number as mentioned above, if you use phone number as your user name.
That's the only possible error. My permission from xiaomi took only 4 days. Once you unlock the bootloader, things are very easy. Remember to unpack all the zip files!
It took me 2 weeks to get an unlock code the Redmi Note 3 which uses similar internals to the Mi Max. Once I got unlock permission, I had no problems unlocking the phone using the MiFlash Unlock program in Windows. I've unlocked it a few times when I was switching back and forth between MIUI and CM.
And you're right, MIUI is a donkey's behind when it comes to slowing the phone down and doing weird things in the background. I'd recommend rooting the phone, running OS Monitor to check outbound traffic and installing Afwall to stop MIUI from phoning home. I replaced most of the stock system apps with open source equivalents and I allowed Internet access for only a few apps. Bad enough that Google slurps your data, it's even worse to have eyes in China tracking your every online move too.