Develop Bugs

[Q] Unlocking Bootloader and Rooting

Hey guys, sorry if this has already been answered somewhere else but I couldn't find it anywhere.
I bought a Galaxy Nexus a couple weeks ago and am loving it (except for battery life) and am interested in rooting it. But I have a few questions first:
1. What is the difference between unlocking the bootloader and rooting a phone. I know what unlocking a bootloader is, but I don't know much about rooting.
2. If I unlock and root, will I still be able to get updates from Google directly wihtout issues? Like, will I get the 4.0.3 update whenever it comes out even if I'm rooted?
3. Will my warranty be voided if I unlock the bootloader?
4. And if I do root it, what ROMs do you guys suggest I use? Which ones are the smoothest in performance and give the best battery life and customizations etc?
5. There is a new unlock/root tool made for the SGN, shown here: droid-life.com /2012/01/04/simple-galaxy-nexus-lte-rootunlock-and-unrootre-lock-tool-released/
Is it as effective as unlocking and rooting manually or does it have some drawbacks since it does everything for you automatically? BTW, thanks to whoever made that tool.
I know these are dumb questions but I'm new at this, so please bear with me. Thanks for any help in advance!

Peesashiz said:
Hey guys, sorry if this has already been answered somewhere else but I couldn't find it anywhere.
I bought a Galaxy Nexus a couple weeks ago and am loving it (except for battery life) and am interested in rooting it. But I have a few questions first:
1. What is the difference between unlocking the bootloader and rooting a phone. I know what unlocking a bootloader is, but I don't know much about rooting.
2. If I unlock and root, will I still be able to get updates from Google directly wihtout issues? Like, will I get the 4.0.3 update whenever it comes out even if I'm rooted?
3. Will my warranty be voided if I unlock the bootloader?
4. And if I do root it, what ROMs do you guys suggest I use? Which ones are the smoothest in performance and give the best battery life and customizations etc?
5. There is a new unlock/root tool made for the SGN, shown here: droid-life.com /2012/01/04/simple-galaxy-nexus-lte-rootunlock-and-unrootre-lock-tool-released/
Is it as effective as unlocking and rooting manually or does it have some drawbacks since it does everything for you automatically? BTW, thanks to whoever made that tool.
I know these are dumb questions but I'm new at this, so please bear with me. Thanks for any help in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I have an app called All About Root which should answer the majority of all basic questions and even some advanced technical ones regarding root.
2) Yes, if you're still on stock and dont change/modify any of the stock apk/framework files. Once the OTA update finishes, root access will be removed and a stock recovery will be reloaded. Will have to fastboot flash the custom recovery back and set the permissions back on root (permissions are a topic in All About Root)
3) Depends on who is covering the warranty or another way to put it, who/where/how device was purchased.
5) I would always recommend learning the manual method. Once you load the android-sdk, which is needed for many customizations, the unlock is a simple command and learning adb/fastboot will be very useful in the future for most operations.
Hope that helps! I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions and experiences to cover any gaps I might have missed. Good luck!

1) Unlocking allows you to modify the kernel and flash custom roms. Rooting allows you root access to the OS. Root is the equivalent of an admin in windows, but in the context of android it gives you write access to the full device. Basically it allows you to access lower level system functions (ie droidwall is a gui for iptables which is a firewall).
2)My understanding is that if you unlock and root, you'll be running a custom recovery (clockwork). I'm not sure if that means you won't see the OTA or if it'll just revert to stock or it may not work at all. Perhaps someone else can explain, but frankly when you get to #4 I don't see any reason why OTA updates are relevant.
3) I think the bootload can be relocked so even if it does void the warranty it can be reversed. Whether or not they can tell that it has been unlocked I don't know, and if they wanted to find a reason to deny a warranty I'm sure they could find one whether or not it's unlocked. I'd be surprised if they denied it though since the nexus devices are important because they can be unlocked.
4) I've used Axiom pretty much since the day after I got my phone. Most of them are all the same 4.0.3 core just various modifications to 'improve' the experience. The one other rom I'd look at is kang's because it's based on CM9. Kernels are another issue from there - I've liked both leankernel and franco's. Note that you should check out the forums over at rootzwiki as their dev area seems more active than around here. The kernel is the main source of battery and performance boosts.
5) I would recommend attempting it manually. The most difficult part imo is getting the drivers installed and the device recognized by adb. From there it's just executing a single line to unlocked. Unlocking will wipe your data. I'll say it again...unlocking will wipe your data. I used superboot myself, but if you're going to a custom rom then getting root access is really only needed temporarily to get clockwork installed - any custom rom has root access already. Here's a link to superboot. I *think* you just execute it from your computer (its a batch file) and it will root the device for you. I'm not sure if it installs clockworkmod so the first thing you should do after booting is download rom manager and reflash recovery to be sure. Then you can use clockworkmod to move to a rom.
Happy flashing.

[Q] Rooted Note 2 The Wrong Way ?

Hi Guys,
I am really new to the rooting customary process. Pardon me if there are information that I am not aware of. Okay, I always wanted to root to install apps that were restrictive to what I want and how to manage the phone properly. But I bought my Note 2 in Singapore, which is why I was hesitating as most of the guides were for AT&T and other American phone companies.
I was hesitating but a friend of me referred me to a very simple clip to root with using Odin
Needless to say, I rooted the phone and was able to install the couple of applications I wanted though there were a few I still couldn't find replacements for (Market Unlocker, AdAway).
However, I find myself not being to use ROM Manager to backup and change ROMS and being different with how normal people rooted. I think it has got to do with the how I had my phone rooted.
Please advice how I can place myself in what the general public is using as it would be easier for me to configure the phone if I were to try looking for assistance in the future.
Should I unroot and root using the XDA developer suggested way (I found the clip on YouTube but it wasn't for the firmware 4.1.2, thus I hesitated) ? After rooting my phone says its firmware is 4.1.1
Actually, if someone could also answer me whether
1) I can update my phone after rooting or do I need to unroot and update and root it again ?
2) Is the furthest update for Note 2 is 4.1.2 and in order to go for further updates I need to root ?
Again, pardon my knowledge on rooting. Thanks

McBrand said:
Hi Guys,
I am really new to the rooting customary process. Pardon me if there are information that I am not aware of. Okay, I always wanted to root to install apps that were restrictive to what I want and how to manage the phone properly. But I bought my Note 2 in Singapore, which is why I was hesitating as most of the guides were for AT&T and other American phone companies.
I was hesitating but a friend of me referred me to a very simple clip to root with using Odin
Needless to say, I rooted the phone and was able to install the couple of applications I wanted though there were a few I still couldn't find replacements for (Market Unlocker, AdAway).
However, I find myself not being to use ROM Manager to backup and change ROMS and being different with how normal people rooted. I think it has got to do with the how I had my phone rooted.
Please advice how I can place myself in what the general public is using as it would be easier for me to configure the phone if I were to try looking for assistance in the future.
Should I unroot and root using the XDA developer suggested way (I found the clip on YouTube but it wasn't for the firmware 4.1.2, thus I hesitated) ? After rooting my phone says its firmware is 4.1.1
Actually, if someone could also answer me whether
1) I can update my phone after rooting or do I need to unroot and update and root it again ?
2) Is the furthest update for Note 2 is 4.1.2 and in order to go for further updates I need to root ?
Again, pardon my knowledge on rooting. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do more research before doing anything but I would question if you have a custom recovery installed? You could use GooManager on the market to install a custom recovery (Open GooManager -> menu -> "Install OpenRecoveryScript") but check your phone model number first and make sure it matches the file you are about to flash. This would enable you to work with flashing and such. Also check your model number I believe the Verizon phones have locked bootloaders and don't know if your will or not (I believe this adds steps to flashing a custom recovery.) Wish I could be of more help.

[Q] Unlocking an AT&T SGS3 on 4.3 (Already rooted)

Hi!
I'm sorry if this has been asked before but I just can't find a definitive answer to this and I've been trying to search for an answer for nearly a week now.
My boss received a used Samsung Galaxy S3 from a friend of his in the states. It is a locked AT&T phone (SGH-I747) and it is on 4.3.
I managed to root the phone using CF-Auto-Root, which disabled Knox (whatever that is) and also installed CWM and was planning to flash 4.1.1 so I can unlock the phone using the *#NUM# method.
After reading a bit I've seen many people saying that you can't "downgrade" from 4.3 to anything else because it will brick your phone. Hence, I did not try and flash any other rom on the phone.
So I guess I'm just trying to get a definitive answer here because I can't find anything but rumors on this subject. I mean it's weird, I'd expect if you couldn't downgrade from 4.3 than it would be a bit more documented.
Has anybody tackled this problem with success?
Thank you

The normal method for the end user to conduct software updates and upgrades is via OTA or Kies. Using Kies or OTA doesn't require the end user to know about download mode, fastboot, or recovery mode. Samsung probably did not want non-technical users to brick their phones using download mode and Odin. It would be too easy for a non-techie to use the wrong firmware, tick the wrong options in Odin, etc.
I'm sure the fact that you cannot downgrade the bootloader has been well document by Samsung and its service centres. Based on the contents of my first paragraph, there would be no need for Samsung to advertise to the end user that the bootloader cannot be downgraded.

rikonor said:
Hi!
I'm sorry if this has been asked before but I just can't find a definitive answer to this and I've been trying to search for an answer for nearly a week now.
My boss received a used Samsung Galaxy S3 from a friend of his in the states. It is a locked AT&T phone (SGH-I747) and it is on 4.3.
I managed to root the phone using CF-Auto-Root, which disabled Knox (whatever that is) and also installed CWM and was planning to flash 4.1.1 so I can unlock the phone using the *#NUM# method.
After reading a bit I've seen many people saying that you can't "downgrade" from 4.3 to anything else because it will brick your phone. Hence, I did not try and flash any other rom on the phone.
So I guess I'm just trying to get a definitive answer here because I can't find anything but rumors on this subject. I mean it's weird, I'd expect if you couldn't downgrade from 4.3 than it would be a bit more documented.
Has anybody tackled this problem with success?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now there is no free way to unlock your phone if it's on 4.3.(you can downgrade to older stock android, but the 4.3 bootloader remains and messes up your phones IMEI until you go back to stock 4.3)
Anyhow, the reason you can't downgrade the bootloader is because there is no method discovered to do this yet. I ended up using gsmliberty to unlock, and they have a deal that you get a free unlock if you take a video when you unlock and upload it to vimeo/youtube using the format they request.
I did that and they re-funded me very quickly. So IMO this is the best "free" method until we can downgrade from 4.3 bootloader and do the 4.1.1 free unlock.
I was in the same situation, and I had to pay for an unlock code.
If you want to see me unlock it, here is the video: http://vimeo.com/96549806

rikonor said:
Hi!
I'm sorry if this has been asked before but I just can't find a definitive answer to this and I've been trying to search for an answer for nearly a week now.
My boss received a used Samsung Galaxy S3 from a friend of his in the states. It is a locked AT&T phone (SGH-I747) and it is on 4.3.
I managed to root the phone using CF-Auto-Root, which disabled Knox (whatever that is) and also installed CWM and was planning to flash 4.1.1 so I can unlock the phone using the *#NUM# method.
After reading a bit I've seen many people saying that you can't "downgrade" from 4.3 to anything else because it will brick your phone. Hence, I did not try and flash any other rom on the phone.
So I guess I'm just trying to get a definitive answer here because I can't find anything but rumors on this subject. I mean it's weird, I'd expect if you couldn't downgrade from 4.3 than it would be a bit more documented.
Has anybody tackled this problem with success?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What everyone else has said here is correct. You can't safely downgrade from 4.3 to free unlock - or free unlock by any other means for that matter once you are on 4.3. Your boss' friend would have unlocked prior to shipping the phone down but perhaps this was omitted. Your only options now would be to buy an unlock code online or perhaps the friend can contact AT&T to request the unlock code. If the device was off contract and is eligible for the unlock code, they would oblige the request. Otherwise, the code could cost between $18 - $30 online.

Thank you everybody.
I will use the service posted above.
I think it would be a good idea to make a sticky in this forum explaining that it is not possible at this point to downgrade from 4.3 (or is that just the boot loader).
Thanks again.

rikonor said:
Thank you everybody.
I will use the service posted above.
I think it would be a good idea to make a sticky in this forum explaining that it is not possible at this point to downgrade from 4.3 (or is that just the boot loader).
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is just the bootloader that cannot be downgraded, not the ROM.

INFORMATION REGARDING ROOTING is/isn't necessary

Samsung Galaxy SIII SGH-I747M Build No. KOT49H.I747MVLUFOB3 Android Ver. 4.4.2 Kernel Ver. 3.4.0-1784548
Have backed up personal files but not system, yet.
Phone unlocked from Rogers (Canada) carrier and rooted using Kingo App.
Have installed Root checker, Rom Manager, Busy Box, Super Su and have downloaded the firmware[ I747MVLUFOB3_I747MOYAFOB3_RWC.zip. ] to have on hand.
I rooted the phone because everything I had read to date [which may not have been enough] told me rooting was necessary. Would like to install a more up to date android than 4.4.2, possibly 5.0 or 6.0. Also, to get rid of Apps I never use. Because I see so much in my reading about Cyanogenmod, I thought I would start with 12 and go from there.
Have been trying to follow steps at the link for https wiki cyanogenmod org/w/d2att_Info which I believe is the correct one for my model number, which has led me to the link at https wiki cyanogenmod org/w/Install_CM_for_d2lte where it tells me that:
Rooting the stock firmware is neither recommended nor necessary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, I am just wondering,
1a] since I still have the original firmware installed, could I just unroot with the same Kingo App I used to root the phone?
1b] Would/Can I still use Rom Manager to do my system backup?
Secondly, if it is not too technical an explanation, why is it that the Rogers(Canada) i747m does not need nor is it recommended to be rooted? It almost sounds as if it already is or maybe rogers firmware is weak and easily hacked?
Thirdly, just a comment on my part, as interesting and good as this whole process is, it seems that rooting and installing new firmware can be a bit of a Pandora's box and the people who are developing things to do so are very diligent and creative.
I am still determined to make this happen with my i747m and am thankful for people on this forum and others to advise me.

To install a custom rom, you need to install a custom recovery to install the custom rom.
Rooting gives you access to the rom system files, similar to gaining administrative privilege on a Windows or Mac machine.
Rooting is not required before installing a custom recovery or custom rom.
I have never heard that that the Rogers i747m should not be rooted. For security and stability purposes, rooting any phone is not recommended by many people.
I am not familiar with the program that was used to root the phone but each program usually has an option to unroot.
I am not 100% certain as I haven't used a rom manager in years but I don't think the option to create nandroid exists.

Looking for an actual root-method for amami 5.1.1 Lollipop

Hey guys!
First I have to explain that I'm German and englisch is not my native language.
Second thing is, I'm a complete newbie to the whole smartphone/android stuff.
My Z1c was almost unused since I bought it. I'll need it for now and want to root it and have an actual, stable and secure system/ROM on it. Therefore I'm looking for an "easy" method to root and unlock the bootloader. (I never rooted a phone so far)
Tried KingoRoot and Towelroot but doesn't worked. Google only showed "old" methods, so I rather ask here before bricking.
If it's possible I would prefer an other method for unlocking the bootloader than the official/ legit via Sony HP...
Have a way more questions after rooting and unlocking. Be warned! :laugh:
Edit: Is this (search4rootsdotcom) trustworthy?

3dg4r Fr13ndly said:
Hey guys!
First I have to explain that I'm German and englisch is not my native language.
Second thing is, I'm a complete newbie to the whole smartphone/android stuff.
My Z1c was almost unused since I bought it. I'll need it for now and want to root it and have an actual, stable and secure system/ROM on it. Therefore I'm looking for an "easy" method to root and unlock the bootloader. (I never rooted a phone so far)
Tried KingoRoot and Towelroot but doesn't worked. Google only showed "old" methods, so I rather ask here before bricking.
If it's possible I would prefer an other method for unlocking the bootloader than the official/ legit via Sony HP...
Have a way more questions after rooting and unlocking. Be warned! :laugh:
Edit: Is this (search4rootsdotcom) trustworthy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you don't want to use Sony unlocking method, and also can't imagine who besides Sony would have the unlock code. Once you have the code, you could use Flashtool to unlock, but you have to go through Sony to get the code.
If you do unlock bl, rooting is easy, via fastboot/adb. If bl is locked, Kingroot works, (not sure which version you tried, but latest version is proven to work - I've done it myself at least 3 times). Most people prefer not to use Kingroot as a permanent root manager, but once you're rooted, it's easy to switch to whatever you want.
Many stable and very good rooms to choose from.

Once you got yourself TWRP 3 running you have a lot of options to choose from.
I've been modding my Z1C for two years now and i'm positive that for normal usage AOSP roms don't make the cut, there have been multiple occasions with AOSP / CM roms where i had bugs with latest YouTube app versions, random shutdowns and over-average battery consumption in idle despite kernel tweaking which are all not present in stock-based roms. I was using a slightly modded 14.6.A.236 for most of 2015 until now which worked fine but i cluttered the phone too much so it became super slow and almost unusable. I've very recently backed up everything and clean-flashed DStrikerZ1 rom because it's the most-followed rom for the Z1C and i have to say i'm positively surprised by it's UX performance and overall style. Once i know how to fix my mobile network* i'll probably recommend it but until then you might just wanna flash stock .236, root and then de-bloat using TitaniumBackup (or whatever you prefer) which i know will definitely be bullet-proof.
By the way i'm also from Germany so feel free to hit me up for questions, i'll help where i can.
*Edit: Mobile network working, just had to mess with the internet service provider settings a bit. That makes DStrikerZ the best rom i've used so far on this phone.

Much appreciate guys!
I've got the unlock code and will do it tomorrow.
Read all over about absolutely making an TA-Backup BEFORE unlocking the bootloader cuz of loosing the Bravia Engine, DRM-Keys and Track-ID so I was uncertain....