Develop Bugs

[Q] root without adb

is it possible to root this phone without using adb?

nighthawk626 said:
is it possible to root this phone without using adb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=805010
You can try this, I personally did it with adb so I honestly have no idea how well it works. Hell I'm I can't even say it works for sure.
Well good luck

xaodxkevin said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=805010
You can try this, I personally did it with adb so I honestly have no idea how well it works. Hell I'm I can't even say it works for sure.
Well good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously did not read through that thread, it was shown to not work. That root method doesn't involve the flashing of the engineering bootloader, which is required to be able to flash self signed update packages in recovery, such as clockwork recovery. People ran into errors because they couldn't flash clockwork. They also couldn't flash the engineering build because they were not rooted.
So, in short, to the OP, no, you cannot root without ADB. You CAN download an app that will give you temporary root, but that will only allow you to use applications that require root, it won't allow you to actually flash a custom ROM. For that you need to follow nbetcher's root method, which is in the android dev section, it's a fairly obvious thread in capital letters near the top

[Q] Will Galaxy Nexus rooting wipe my phone's data?

1. Will Galaxy Nexus rooting wipe my phone's data?
2. Which method is recommended? I've found Toolkit 5.7, and that one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1454314
Maybe they all do exactly the same?

Unlocking wipes phone, rooting comes after..Copy anything from sd card you want to save to pc. Use mskip's toolkit and read all instructions and you will be fine. Google saves all your apps in market and contacts will sync when you sign into google.
Hope this helps.

Use my guide.
Stickied above...and linked in my sig.
But yes, it will wipe your data.
You could, however, use the backup method detailed in my guide.
DON'T use these damn toolkits...
If you someday soft brick your phone (and if you tinker...you will, I promise) you're going to want to know how to utilize the resources you needed to root it manually...and if you used a toolkit, you'll be far worse off as you won't even know if adb/fastboot are set up properly...and will cause a huge barrier of troubleshooting your problems.
I personally promise...
Do it the manual way...and you'll end up with a rooted phone in an hour.
It's not hard.

I also root my nexus without using those tool kits (seems don't have any when I got my nexus)
you may follow Jubakuba's guide, it's safe and not that hard, I root my nexus within 30mins (not following Jubakuba's guide, but almost the same)

Jubakuba said:
DON'T use these damn toolkits...
If you someday soft brick your phone (and if you tinker...you will, I promise) you're going to want to know how to utilize the resources you needed to root it manually...and if you used a toolkit, you'll be far worse off as you won't even know if adb/fastboot are set up properly...and will cause a huge barrier of troubleshooting your problems.
I personally promise...
Do it the manual way...and you'll end up with a rooted phone in an hour.
It's not hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
X3. I used the toolkit for the drivers when I couldn't get mine properly installed. Otherwise, everything else was done in the command prompt with ADB and Fastboot. Very simple and you'll learn what these toolkits are doing behind the scenes so you can better troubleshoot later.

I also rooted my Nexus one without tool kits, it's very easy!

bullka said:
1. Will Galaxy Nexus rooting wipe my phone's data?
2. Which method is recommended? I've found Toolkit 5.7, and that one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1454314
Maybe they all do exactly the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is locked, and you are running 4.0.1 or 4.0.2, you can root using this method.
If you want, you can then install ROM Manager from the market and do a backup. Then copy that backup off your device, and proceed to unlock your bootloader (which will wipe) if you want, but then you can restore your backup, and you will have all your data and an unlocked bootloader.

Hi,
I have my bootloader unlocked at the moment after the upgrade to 4.0.4 using this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1391881
So I understand that rooting won't erase my phone. Right?
To root I need (I'm skipping blablabla and leaving just the important):
1) fastboot reboot-bootloader
2) fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-5.5.0.4-toro.img
3) select the "Recovery Mode" option again on your phone.
You should get a new recovery menu here. Select "install zip from sd card" and "choose zip from sd card."
Find the Superuser-3.0.7-efghi-signed.zip
4) find "Rom Manager" from the market. (The free version is fine.) Use the "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" option
I'm rooted permanently without loosing my data (as I already have bootloader unlocked), right?

bullka said:
Hi,
I have my bootloader unlocked at the moment after the upgrade to 4.0.4 using this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1391881
So I understand that rooting won't erase my phone. Right?
To root I need (I'm skipping blablabla and leaving just the important):
1) fastboot reboot-bootloader
2) fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-5.5.0.4-toro.img
3) select the "Recovery Mode" option again on your phone.
You should get a new recovery menu here. Select "install zip from sd card" and "choose zip from sd card."
Find the Superuser-3.0.7-efghi-signed.zip
4) find "Rom Manager" from the market. (The free version is fine.) Use the "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" option
I'm rooted permanently without loosing my data (as I already have bootloader unlocked), right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
Just remember that un-locking/locking DOES reset your SD.
But as you said, you're already unlocked. So you're good!
Edit:
PLEASE let me know if that superuser.zip works for you, btw.
I had to update the OP recently to fix 4.0.4 users not being able to root...but wanted the same file to also root us CDMA users and GSM users who aren't on 4.0.4.
If that zip doesn't work...you simply won't have root access. Nothing bad will happen.
Let me know if that happens though (I can't test a 4.0.4 gsm phone, obviously) and I'll get you a .zip that I KNOW works for 4.0.4 users.

Quick question: does the SuperUser app developer has his homepage? Who's the author of that?
Now I understand that there're tons of superuser.apk modifications in the internet. Right?

bullka said:
Quick question: does the SuperUser app developer has his homepage? Who's the author of that?
Now I understand that there're tons of superuser.apk modifications in the internet. Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://androidsu.com/superuser/
There are binaries required in 4.0.4 that aren't officially updated, it seems.
Hence my new .zip that is compiled from official SU, but with new binaries.

Jubakuba said:
Correct.
Just remember that un-locking/locking DOES reset your SD.
But as you said, you're already unlocked. So you're good!
Edit:
PLEASE let me know if that superuser.zip works for you, btw.
I had to update the OP recently to fix 4.0.4 users not being able to root...but wanted the same file to also root us CDMA users and GSM users who aren't on 4.0.4.
If that zip doesn't work...you simply won't have root access. Nothing bad will happen.
Let me know if that happens though (I can't test a 4.0.4 gsm phone, obviously) and I'll get you a .zip that I KNOW works for 4.0.4 users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks.
Just followed you guide and I have now superuser installed and working. Thanks.
Your guide has some errors. Link is to Maguro and your guide says to flash Toro. Fix the links.
When I flashed Clockwork Recovery with ROM Manager, superuser app asked to confirm the SU request by ROM Manager.
So I assume rooting works well.

bullka said:
Hi,
Thanks.
Just followed you guide and I have now superuser installed and working. Thanks.
Your guide has some errors. Link is to Maguro and your guide says to flash Toro. Fix the links.
When I flashed Clockwork Recovery with ROM Manager, superuser app asked to confirm the SU request by ROM Manager.
So I assume rooting works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should probably implement that better.
Guide originally came from a CDMA only forum.
And a GSM only forum.
Merged the posts here...
But it does mention changing the code.
I'll fix it up so it's more obvious now.
And yes, if it asked for SU...
It's fine.
Great news. I hadn't had anyone test yet.
Thanks for being a guinea pig .

[Q] Nexus Factory image, can I flash it like a ROM?

So the Verizon 4.0.4 Factory Image was just published by Google, so I downloaded it to my phone for safe keeping. I'm just curious, if I install a custom ROM and I want to go back to stock ICS can I just flash this file like a ROM? Also will I loose root if I do that?
This is what I'm talking about.

Yes you loose root and custom recovery.
CM9 kang powered by TRINITY

actually, no... you have to flash it using fastboot commands, flashing image by image:
fastboot flash bootloader bootloaderxxxxx.img
fastboot flash system systemxxxx.img
fastboot flash recovery recoveryxxx.img
etc, etc, etc...
your phone will be exactly like never touched, that means of course, stock with no root or custom recovery.

barbac666 said:
Yes you loose root and custom recovery.
CM9 kang powered by TRINITY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thiagodark said:
actually, no... you have to flash it using fastboot commands, flashing image by image:
fastboot flash bootloader bootloaderxxxxx.img
fastboot flash system systemxxxx.img
fastboot flash recovery recoveryxxx.img
etc, etc, etc...
your phone will be exactly like never touched, that means of course, stock with no root or custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, so when I rooted my phone it created a recovery image, and that's what I would want to use to go back to "stock + keeping root"
Right?

Yes make a nandroid backup in CWM , and if you want to go back restore this.
In CWM go to backup and restore.
CM9 kang powered by TRINITY

Big Cam said:
Thank you, so when I rooted my phone it created a recovery image, and that's what I would want to use to go back to "stock + keeping root"
Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't understand exactly what you mean... the thing is:
"root" means that you have access to root files/partitions, that is it, but the usual way to get root is: unlock bootloader, flash custom recovery using fastboot, flash root file.
now you have a "stock" phone with root access and custom recovery (usually custom recovery is replaced by stock one in the first reboot) and you end with a stock phone + root! that is exactly what you want!
as barbac666 said, you should make a nandroid backup as soon as you flash your custom recovery, even before root it!
why don't you use the tool kit available in dev section?

It's alot easier if you use the Nexus tool kit v7, It makes it alot easier by placing the image file in the specific folder and just tapping a key. Then again it's best to keep a placed copy elsewhere as the image tends to get wiped/deleted after flashing (to avoid conflict with other image files).

thiagodark said:
don't understand exactly what you mean... the thing is:
"root" means that you have access to root files/partitions, that is it, but the usual way to get root is: unlock bootloader, flash custom recovery using fastboot, flash root file.
now you have a "stock" phone with root access and custom recovery (usually custom recovery is replaced by stock one in the first reboot) and you end with a stock phone + root! that is exactly what you want!
as barbac666 said, you should make a nandroid backup as soon as you flash your custom recovery, even before root it!
why don't you use the tool kit available in dev section?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I got it. I think I slightly misunderstood the true meaning of root.
All I've done so far is unlock the bootloader and flashed the recovery that was instructed in this thread. So the recovery image I flashed there, replaced my "stock" one, but after doing a reboot, the stock recovery replaced my custom one? So I'm now stock with an unlocked bootloader and root?
As for the toolkit, I'm going to look into it, I was just looking to root, and followed the guide I found.

thiagodark said:
don't understand exactly what you mean... the thing is:
"root" means that you have access to root files/partitions, that is it, but the usual way to get root is: unlock bootloader, flash custom recovery using fastboot, flash root file.
now you have a "stock" phone with root access and custom recovery (usually custom recovery is replaced by stock one in the first reboot) and you end with a stock phone + root! that is exactly what you want!
as barbac666 said, you should make a nandroid backup as soon as you flash your custom recovery, even before root it!
why don't you use the tool kit available in dev section?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need to flash cwm to get it running. If its only needed to flash su/superuser.apk, you may 'fastboot boot cwm.img', it will take you to cwm.
Misledz said:
It's alot easier if you use the Nexus tool kit v7, It makes it alot easier by placing the image file in the specific folder and just tapping a key. Then again it's best to keep a placed copy elsewhere as the image tends to get wiped/deleted after flashing (to avoid conflict with other image files).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why doesnt he use the toolkit? Because it's better for them if people learn how to do this manually. Scripts are helpful, but dont teach you anything.
Sent from my i9250

bk201doesntexist said:
Why doesnt he use the toolkit? Because it's better for them if people learn how to do this manually. Scripts are helpful, but dont teach you anything.
Sent from my i9250
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly why I wanted to do it like that.
On my LG Revolution there was pretty much only one root method and it was a one click, so I've never rooted manually. I'm happy I did.
I have Rom ToolBox Pro that I bought when I had my Revolution so I have access to boot to recovery and manage ROM's. I was just curious about the Google image file.
So at this point, is there really a reason for the Toolbox? Since I'm rooted already, I can do backups from CWM Recovery as well as flashing ROM's and Kernals. I've only ever done this from CWM on the phone so I'm used to doing it on the phone. I read most of the thread and it seams most helpful in the rooting/unlocking process.

[Q] Doubts in rooting

So far I've had only Samsung phones, which were rooted by flashing a zip file through the built-in recovery (containing signed SuperSU).
Now I have a 2013 Nexus 7 and I'm looking at the rooting guides and I see bootloader unlocking, flashing custom recoveries and a lot of other things which personally confuse the hell out of me as to why are they needed.
So I wanted to ask if there is a way to just flash a zip file with the SuperSU (and buzybox) app like how it's done on the Samsung phones? Or if there is a method that doesn't require replacing the stock recovery / flashing ROM components?

If anything its easier than any Samsung device but the thing is don't Root if it confuses you at least until you understand how to do it there is tons of guides online

spinninbsod said:
If anything its easier than any Samsung device but the thing is don't Root if it confuses you at least until you understand how to do it there is tons of guides online
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind'a my question, it's not that I don't know how, I just don't get if all the side-stuff in 90% of the guides is actually needed, so I asked if there is a way to just get SuperSU working without any custom-recoveries or other side-things.

To my knowledge, you need to have a custom recovery to root it. Unlocking the bootloader helps with this, as it ensures recovery and root sticks.

Or, just use the Wugfresh Nexus Root Toolkit to unlock and root.

CrisR82 said:
That's kind'a my question, it's not that I don't know how, I just don't get if all the side-stuff in 90% of the guides is actually needed, so I asked if there is a way to just get SuperSU working without any custom-recoveries or other side-things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the exact same position as you four days ago, up until then the only android devices I had owned were the Samsung Galaxy S2 and S4. It is quite different to the rooting process on the samsung devices but just as you did with the Samsung devices you will learn as you go along. My bootloader is unlocked, rooted with a custom rom and it was pretty easy to do

CrisR82 said:
That's kind'a my question, it's not that I don't know how, I just don't get if all the side-stuff in 90% of the guides is actually needed, so I asked if there is a way to just get SuperSU working without any custom-recoveries or other side-things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A sideload would only be needed if you didn't dump SuperSU on the phone first.
Unlock bootloader
Flash TWRP
Flash SuperSU
Done

Get wugfresh's nexus root toolkit. It's made for the novice in all of us.... Works great, self updates, awesome help section.. Look into it.. It's made specifically for the nexus line of products

Thanks for the replies guys, but noone seems to say what is the minimum that neds to be done for rooting.
I'll re-ask my question in a different way:
When rooting, does the bootloader always have to be unlocked and a custom recovery always needed to be installed?

CrisR82 said:
Thanks for the replies guys, but noone seems to say what is the minimum that neds to be done for rooting.
I'll re-ask my question in a different way:
When rooting, does the bootloader always have to be unlocked and a custom recovery always needed to be installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader needs to be be unlocked, but can be relocked after rooting
AFAIK, you can use stock recovery, but custom offers better options/control over the situation. Most roms/kernels are flashed via twrp or cwm..... You can flash through rom toolbox if you choose to stay stock recovery

You can use Towel root to root your tablet in about 30 seconds. It'll also unlock your bootloader for you.
Cousin recovery is only needed of you intend to flash kernels and Roms and the like. If, like me, you only want root for installing things like xposed then you don't need to bother with one.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

CrisR82 said:
Thanks for the replies guys, but noone seems to say what is the minimum that neds to be done for rooting.
I'll re-ask my question in a different way:
When rooting, does the bootloader always have to be unlocked and a custom recovery always needed to be installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, all the steps that are listed are required for rooting your Nexus. I understand what you are asking and I was also hesitant at first, but it was super easy to root and I didnt use the WugFresh took kit I manually rooted mine, following Zedomaxs Video tutorial, that way I could stop and Pause it at every step to make sure things were happening as they should here is the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1cD-JXRGX8

I confirm towelroot works on the 2013 nexus 7. After rooting unlock bootloader with app from google play. This method does not wipe user data or need a computer at all. And if root is lost and the towelroot exploit is patched with the next os update you can reroot the old way.
Sent from my Le Pan TC1020 using Tapatalk

[HELP!] Systemless Rooting on 6.0.1 Build MMB29P

Hi! So I'm looking to root my Nexus 5x following this guide. However, I can't find the modified boot.img for my build MMB29P. I have a brand new phone out of the box (my mic stopped working so this is a replacement) so I'd like to get this done in the next little while the phone has no data and I can wipe anything I need to without worry and use the restore afterwards. I also heard something about SuperSU being able to use stock boot.img or something of that nature, could someone clue me in? Thanks!

[GUIDE] Unlock/Root/Flash for Nexus 5X - Heisenberg's How-To Guide For Beginners
take a look at section 6
as an alternative there are some toolkits that may be more convenient to you (on-screen instructions and detailed faq/guides)

The latest version of SuperSU (v. 2.66 I believe) is automated for systems root. I actually used the SuperSU beta v. 2.62 to root. I just unlocked bootloader, flashed TWRP, and then flashed that version of SuperSU.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Sweet! Officially, unlocked, TWRP'd, rooted, and supersu'd So as far as upgrading? I grab the file from google officially and flash it via TWRP?

jkingaround said:
Sweet! Officially, unlocked, TWRP'd, rooted, and supersu'd So as far as upgrading? I grab the file from google officially and flash it via TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, an official image cannot be flashed like that. If you fastboot flash an image you will lose recovery and root. Update officially with a factory image and root afterwards or flash a custom rom plus vendor.img.

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=43558

k.s.deviate said:
No, an official image cannot be flashed like that. If you fastboot flash an image you will lose recovery and root. Update officially with a factory image and root afterwards or flash a custom rom plus vendor.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even with systemless root?

When it comes to upgrading, there are a couple of routes you can take. Both involve downloading the official factory image ZIP first. Extract the contents, reboot into bootloader, and then you have option:
1. Edit the flash-all script (.bat for windows and .sh for Linux/Mac) by removing the -w option. Removing this option will prevent the upgrade from wiping user data. Once the option is removed, simply run the script to upgrade.
2. Flash the images individually. Sometimes certain things don't change like bootloader.img or radio.img. You should always flash boot.img, system.img, and vendor.img when updating. This is the route I take.
After flashing the images, you will need to reboot into Recovery mode and flash SuperSU. Then wipe cache and dalvik and reboot into system. If you use a custom kernel, you will need to reflash that as well after updating.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Ah makes sense. So I just need to reroot. Where do you get the "official" factory image? Have a link handy so I can bookmark it? Thanks!
Also anyway to remove the "warning" about unlocked bootloader that comes up on boot? I heard you need a custom kernel but I don't know the point of installing what (aka the benefits). Sorry for noob questions, but all the info is so scattered and hard to figure out.

jkingaround said:
Ah makes sense. So I just need to reroot. Where do you get the "official" factory image? Have a link handy so I can bookmark it? Thanks!
Also anyway to remove the "warning" about unlocked bootloader that comes up on boot? I heard you need a custom kernel but I don't know the point of installing what (aka the benefits). Sorry for noob questions, but all the info is so scattered and hard to figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google posts the official factory images on the developer site. Here is the link: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
AFAIK the boot warning can't be removed, but I may be wrong. It's nothing to worry about though.
Having a custom kernel is not necessary, but there are benefits to using one. Custom kernels typically provide better battery life with same or improved performance. They can also make your device run cooler and use less memory. Custom kernels also allow for various tweaks such as change vibration intensty, screen DPI, headphone/speaker gain, etc. I personally use ElementalX with the Interactive Governor tweaks from the thread in the general forum, but I've read that Franco Kernel is very good as well and will probably try that out in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

jkingaround said:
Sweet! Officially, unlocked, TWRP'd, rooted, and supersu'd So as far as upgrading? I grab the file from google officially and flash it via TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just pick a custom rom to try and follow OP instructions. Cataclysm seems to be a hit...