Develop Bugs

Rooting? useful? possible to unroot?

-I'm totally new to this. I have this handset i want to root after reading all the advantages (custom roms, updates, overclocking). Is there an official guide here on xda to root? some info would be real helpful !
-Has anyone rooted their defy and enjoying it?
-also i want to know how i can fully restore my phone back if something happens with my phone to make it unrooted?
thx

Definitely possible; I used Z4Root. (The older version I used didn't have an Unroot option, but version 1.3 apparently does.) Just install the app, run it, tap Root, and it's done in seconds. It's nice not having Telenav and all those music downloading apps cluttering up the app drawer--for me, anyway, since I don't use them.

z4root is definitely the way to go if you're new, but there are guides on doing this manually.
To fully restore the phone you will need to install the custom recovery before making changes (other than root), booting with recovery and performing a nand backup. Just select the backup/restore option.
Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk

[Q] The first thing to do with an Xplay?

Ok. I would be glad if someone could point me in the right direction here, and answer this question.
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on? What´s the best thing to do if I want to remove the bloatware. I might as well say that I´m pretty much a beginner when it comes to all the terms "rooting" and stuff. But I want to do it a safe way, without taking risks of breaking or bricking anything.
Thanks.

Some of the bloatware can be simply uninstalled, some cannot. For the latter you need to root your phone. I like to use SuperOneClick for rooting. Note that some firmwares (the ones whose version ends with .62 or greater) cannot be rooted, so I wouldn't update to them.
Once rooted, removing the bloatware is pretty simple. The most common way is to use Titanium Backup to uninstall it or you can even do it manually by deleting the relevant .apk files from /system/app.

Root your phone ,this is the first step that you must to do. After rooting ,you can remove bloatware from your phone and gain more free space on you internal memory.
I think that the best rooting way is the (zergRush Method):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859
After rooting ,download 'Root Explorer' ,go to system/app and remove all the things you don't need.

If you are getting an AT&T Xplay I would suggest installing the generic north American rom which is 2.3.4 and missing the AT&T bloat. I backed up the games from the stock rom first then installed the NA rom and reinstalled them.

First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.

EDIT: Don't do the below, just read you don't want risk!
1. Unlock the bootloader
2. Use flashtool to install a generic ROM .FTF file (.368 has CRT animation but is old, .42 is good, .62 is good)
3. Install a kernel (DooM's is great). This will allow you to overclock, and give automatic ROOT (no need to exploit or install anything else)
4. Buy/acquire an app called "Titanium Backup" (it needs ROOT to run), and check the guide in these forums for which apps are safe to remove

The first thing to do? Here's a list:
1. READ everything you can find related to your model version of the Play. There are different versions depending on where you are in the world and who your service provider is. If you have a GSM capable phone (Europe, Canada, ATT in US just to name a few), you will have a lot more modification options available. If you have a CDMA capable phone (Verizon), you have fewer choices but there are more coming almost every day.
2. READ again - you know you only understood maybe a 10th of what you just read!
3. POST specific questions AFTER you have searched the forums. Don't be afraid to try Google - that's what it's there for.
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
5. SLOW DOWN !!! - don't be in such a hurry to modify your phone that you leap before you look. Most bricked phones could be avoided in the first place by taking time to understand the steps involved before making changes.
6. DON'T PANIC !!! - There are very few things you can do to your phone that the experienced folks here on the forums can't help you resolved.
7. HAVE FUN !!!
---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 AM ----------
Potato13 said:
First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily. If you install some of the latest updates, you no longer can root. That's why some research needs to be done first.

Search google and read xda forums on a daily basis. That's the shortest route lol
1. Root using zergrush or use flashtool rooting feature
2. Unlock bootloader (this will void your warranty)
3. Install clockworkmod 5.0.2.7 for xperia phones (get it free on play store fka android market)
4. Install titanium backup and perform batch backup of your apps to your sd card
5. Get doomlord's kernel v11 (link is on my signature) and wifi modules
6. Reboot into recovery and hold down or tap volume down to enter CWM recovery
7. Flash the kernel, then reboot and flash the wifi module
8. Flash your custom rom
9. There your phone is bricked! Haha

netizenmt said:
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?

silmes said:
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't going to get into custom kernels and overclocking, then no, you can do what you want without unlocking the bootloader.
There are some links in General and here in Q & A that make suggestions of what can be removed safely.
If you only rooted and didn't remove anything, you could accept updates. If you remove bloatware, the update won't even install. That's why I suggest installing CWM (ClockWorkMod) Recovery and doing a Nandroid Backup after you root but before you debloat.
Here are some useful links for you:
Rooted (Locked Bootloader) Phone - App Removal (Safe List)
[GUIDE] R800x owners - You got Custom ROM questions? I've got Answers!
The second one there was one I posted up for R800x users with locked bootloaders. It was all the stuff I had to glean for myself when mine was locked.
Hope this helps.

Sigh...hope this isn't too late.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23845116#post23845116

First thing: Root right away with Flashtool (http://androxyde.github.com/) and don't listen to the others, the Flashtool nowdays contains the Exploit that you need and it works perfect to root on 2.3.4 (I did it myself when I root'd mine the first time).
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
I recommend the Titanium Backup as all the others, and you can use this list as help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699&highlight=remove+app+list
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.

Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?

silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update to the .62 firmware you can't root.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk

silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because it differs between models and some people aren't aware of that, while others like to be argumentative!
If you have a Verizon R800x Play, our firmware only goes up to Version 2.3.3 (3.0.1.E.0.88). If yours comes with 2.3.2, you're safe to update. You will be able to root with no problem.
If you have one of the other phones, you can apply updates below 4.0.2.A.0.62 and still root. .62 and higher, no root.
Check out this thread [HOW-TO] Root Phones w/ Android v2.2.x-2.3.x (zergRush Method) for additional information.

Root without Bootloader Unlock/Clear all data

So, I have been searching a bit on how to root the Nexus 7 2013. The process I have found seems pretty simple, even for me, as someone who never worked with a Nexus device before.
Unlock bootloader, flash recovery and flash the root.
But the first step, unlock bootloader, has a problem: it wipes all the user data (including SD Card data!!). As the tablet isn't mine (but I was asked to root it), I can't simply just clear all of its data and do the whole process. Thinking of that, I googled a bit on how to root without unlocking bootloader, but I have found nothing (all recent Sony phones, with a few tricks and the right tool, can do that) regarding the 2013 model.
I'm not sure if there is actually no way to do that or my search skills suddenly got horribe... So, the thing is: Is there a way to do that? Root without having to unlock bootloader (and, thus, wiping all data)? Or I have to unlock it?
EDIT: I found this Toolkit, but did a search and nothing regarding that in the 22 pages of the thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2389107
Another few questions that I'm lost: I still haven't quite understood why I have to flash the stock ROM back after I do the whole process... So, why?
And, also, what do I lose unlocking bootloader? I mean, the tablet isn't mine (it's from my younger brother), so the easiest, the best, so keeping OTA updates for example are essential. Do I lose it? What else?
It sounds, for me, some silly questions, but I'm still confused... Seems like doing that kind of stuff is easier with my Sony phone. I don't know if it is due me being used to it, but Nexus is sounding to be WAY more hard than everyone keeps saying it is...
Thanks in advance...

Tell them what is going to happen if they want root. Backup as much of their data as you can, then unlock it. You should be able to get most data backed up one way or another.
At the moment you cannot unlock without wiping because the bootloader enforces that. There might be a way to get around that in the future, but not right now.
When you root, use SuperSU v1.55
http://download.chainfire.eu/346/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.55.zip
Versions prior to that had an issue with preventing OTAs from completing.
1.60 may have some other issues with changes to OTA survival mode.
Not sure where you read you had to flash the stock rom, but it isn't necessary.
You don't really "lose" anything by unlocking it. Someone might bypass your lockscreen to get at your data, but there is a big inconvenience factor leaving it locked (because eventually you'll want it unlocked, at which point it become more painful to backup/restore your data), so you'll have to decide if it is worth the tradeoff.
The issues with stuff not working after unlocking don't have to do with the unlock itself. They have to do with folks rooting and then using their root power to install changes, which then start breaking things.
If you just install SuperSU 1.55 and don't install themes, APM mods, etc. etc. then everything should still work (except apps which specifically won't work, for security reasons, if they detect root)

@sfhub
Thanks for the answers. As I said, I have some Android knowledge, but still got confused with a new "kind" of device. Once again, thanks

[Q] First time root, what now?

I rooted for the first time and it is good to go. When googling, I just find articles of "must-have" apps for rooted phones.
My question is, though, what apps do I need.
I see TWRP and Xfusion (or something like that) a lot. I also seen about some app that saves root when upgrading to 12B (I had to downgrade from 12B -> 10B).
So, are there any apps that are neccessary that aid in saving root, managing root access, etc. that is recommended?

Flash TWRP and then flash some custom ROM if you want.

d1zzylol said:
I rooted for the first time and it is good to go. When googling, I just find articles of "must-have" apps for rooted phones.
My question is, though, what apps do I need.
I see TWRP and Xfusion (or something like that) a lot. I also seen about some app that saves root when upgrading to 12B (I had to downgrade from 12B -> 10B).
So, are there any apps that are neccessary that aid in saving root, managing root access, etc. that is recommended?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting just depends on what you want to do. Rooting allows you to:
Flash TWRP, as stated above, to flash custom ROMs.
Install apps that require root. Just depends on what you want to do. TiBu allows you to backup and restore your apps and their data which you cannot do without root.
Between rooting and TWRP, you can flash custom kernels which allow overclocking and other enhancements.
Root allows you to re-enable writing to the external SD card which was limited under Kit Kat.
Again, we can't really tell you "must-have" apps. It all depends on the user. You'll just have to research around and look. Not trying to be mean about it, it's just that it's such an open-ended question and it varies from user to user and what their wants and needs are.

New Sprint Galaxy S6 with stock 5.1.1 - upg to MM if I want to root?

Hi all
I've successfully rooted my last 3 phones, so I'm not a total noob, but I'm hardly a technophile.
I really, really don't want to trip KNOX and void my warranty. With that in mind:
My Sprint phone currently has software v. G920PVPU3BOL1. Sprint is nagging me to upgrade to Marshmallow "G920PVPS3CPD2/G920PSPT3CPD2/G920PVPS3CPD2" (yes, the first # is the same as the third)
Of those existing threads which advise downloading ODIN to root Marshmallow, I did not see mention of whether KNOX would be tripped.
So, with this all in mind, what is the safest way to root/unlock bootloader/install custom rom without tripping KNOX? Is the rooting process the only part that has the potential to trip the KNOX security?
Really just want to clean out the bloatware and activate a hotspot with a nice shiny, lean custom rom. (I'm up for suggestions here as well).
Thanks!

schleima said:
Hi all
I've successfully rooted my last 3 phones, so I'm not a total noob, but I'm hardly a technophile.
I really, really don't want to trip KNOX and void my warranty. With that in mind:
My Sprint phone currently has software v. G920PVPU3BOL1. Sprint is nagging me to upgrade to Marshmallow "G920PVPS3CPD2/G920PSPT3CPD2/G920PVPS3CPD2" (yes, the first # is the same as the third)
Of those existing threads which advise downloading ODIN to root Marshmallow, I did not see mention of whether KNOX would be tripped.
So, with this all in mind, what is the safest way to root/unlock bootloader/install custom rom without tripping KNOX? Is the rooting process the only part that has the potential to trip the KNOX security?
Really just want to clean out the bloatware and activate a hotspot with a nice shiny, lean custom rom. (I'm up for suggestions here as well).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, upgrading to MM is the smartest thing you can do as ROMs, and kernels will be released for that firmware. Flashing anything non-samsung will trip knox no questions asked as that's just how samsung's software is written. If you wish to root, check my THREAD ON ROOTING. I've personally done two warranty claims my device (via Sprint) with no issues of voided warranty due to knox tripping.

X2 on knox tripped and still went to sprint and got a replacement no questions asked i reset it to stock before going in to sprint.

1619415 said:
Well, upgrading to MM is the smartest thing you can do as ROMs, and kernels will be released for that firmware. Flashing anything non-samsung will trip knox no questions asked as that's just how samsung's software is written. If you wish to root, check my THREAD ON ROOTING. I've personally done two warranty claims my device (via Sprint) with no issues of voided warranty due to knox tripping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this. I downloaded the OTA marshmallow update and followed your root instructions. I'm now rooted successfully (Knox was tripped, but I'm realizing that was unavoidable except for the Ping Pong root pre-5.1.1 update)
OK, so now I'm rooted with Marshmallow and the custom TWRP recovery, and am looking around for a custom rom to give me accesas to my hotspot. I've done quite a lot of searching, and I'm not finding any.
I was about to flash Tyrannus Rom, until I realized it was for 920F. (I'm unsure if flashing that will brick me- though I did do a full nandroid backup, of course). I'm not finding any custom roms that claim to be compatible with 920P (Sprint). I'd be most grateful for any suggestions. I just want a lean, debloated rom- ideally with ad blocker and hotspot. I got spoiled with Dirty Unicorns on the Nexus 5... would love something comparable, but there doesn't seem to be much to pick from.
Thanks!
EDIT: Just saw your reference for another poster to check out this thread about enabling hotspot on rooted phones. Just did it, and it works great.
(Still would love any recommendations for a nice de-bloated, ad blocking custom rom.)

schleima said:
(Still would love any recommendations for a nice de-bloated, ad blocking custom rom.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-galaxy-s6/development/rom-t3356220
The "LDB" version is "Lightly De-Bloated." If you are like me, there are things that you will still want to remove; use Titanium Back Up for that.
I always install AdAway myself; can't recall if that is built in or not.
Enjoy and thank the devs.

koop1955 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-galaxy-s6/development/rom-t3356220
The "LDB" version is "Lightly De-Bloated." If you are like me, there are things that you will still want to remove; use Titanium Back Up for that.
I always install AdAway myself; can't recall if that is built in or not.
Enjoy and thank the devs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this. Checking it out right now.
Here's a dumb question. I bought Titanium Backup Pro a couple of years ago and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why it was preferable to a TWRP recovery backup. I see you mention its ability to remove embedded bloatware, and that's certainly useful. But in terms of the backup, does it do things a nandroid/recovery backup cannot? Why use Titanium when TWRP is so easy with a one swipe operation?

schleima said:
Why use Titanium when TWRP is so easy with a one swipe operation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so I have all my apps installed. But a new version of the phone's OS comes out. Either an OTA that I need to install via ODIN or even a new ROM if I just want to be sure. Before install, I go into TiBU and run a batch operation to back up all user apps and data. Then I update my OS, re-load TiBU and have it restore all the apps. But keep the new OS. If I used a TWRP backup, it would take me back to the old OS.
Unlike TWRP, which backs up both apps and OS as a single file, TiBU is just restoring the apps.

koop1955 said:
Okay, so I have all my apps installed. But a new version of the phone's OS comes out. Either an OTA that I need to install via ODIN or even a new ROM if I just want to be sure. Before install, I go into TiBU and run a batch operation to back up all user apps and data. Then I update my OS, re-load TiBU and have it restore all the apps. But keep the new OS. If I used a TWRP backup, it would take me back to the old OS.
Unlike TWRP, which backs up both apps and OS as a single file, TiBU is just restoring the apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see how that would be useful if we're talking about downloaded play store apps/games/etc.
But, it seems like TiBU lists (in the backup/restore tab) loads of cryptic system files like "HwModuleTest 6.0.1" and "FIDO UAF Client 15.0.77". How do I know which to select for backup and which ones not to? Or do you just select everything and go nuts?
Or by "batch operation", are you saying you simply use the "schedule" tab to back everything up every time? I take it the way to do this would be to do a one-time "backup new user+system apps & newer versions" and then do a regular scheduled backup for "redo backups for modified data"? I take it these backup files will overwrite themselves so we're not filling our precious 32gb of space with multiple copies of the same files?
Also, how do you know which bloatware you can uninstall without crashing the OS?
Thanks again! I've been wondering these questions for years. Glad I'm finally asking them!
EDIT: Google answers all.
http://trendblog.net/make-backups-android-apps-titanium-backup/

1) Don't delete too much. TiBU also offers the option to freeze, not uninstall, which is a nice safety measure.
2) I go to Menu -> Batch actions -> Backup all user apps. I set my my maximum number of backups to 1 and let it back up periodically.
For Recovery there is also an option to create an Update.zip file (that you can flash in TWRP) with user apps and data.
Can I suggest that you start with this: http://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-use-titanium-backup-286338/
I am big on the whole "Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime" philosophy.

schleima said:
I can see how that would be useful if we're talking about downloaded play store apps/games/etc.
But, it seems like TiBU lists (in the backup/restore tab) loads of cryptic system files like "HwModuleTest 6.0.1" and "FIDO UAF Client 15.0.77". How do I know which to select for backup and which ones not to? Or do you just select everything and go nuts?
Or by "batch operation", are you saying you simply use the "schedule" tab to back everything up every time? I take it the way to do this would be to do a one-time "backup new user+system apps & newer versions" and then do a regular scheduled backup for "redo backups for modified data"? I take it these backup files will overwrite themselves so we're not filling our precious 32gb of space with multiple copies of the same files?
Also, how do you know which bloatware you can uninstall without crashing the OS?
Thanks again! I've been wondering these questions for years. Glad I'm finally asking them!
EDIT: Google answers all.
http://trendblog.net/make-backups-android-apps-titanium-backup/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use Tibu I also do this its not that complicated actually select apps and backup or restore hit then check mark to run. If u create the update.zip it just installes the app not data(unless im missing something) ive used Tibu for years #1 app bloatware melter.