Quick question - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Is it possible to unlock the bootloader/root the GN on the stock rom, I know this can be done, however, will it cause any problems without a custom rom?

Yes it is possible. No it will not cause problems.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

It will wipe your phone.
Sdcard partition too.

It'll wipe your phone, and if you change anything more than just rooting, you can't automatically update with an OTA.

nodstuff said:
It will wipe your phone.
Sdcard partition too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'll need to reflash the stock rom? From my understanding only user data gets deleted.

biscuitownz said:
So I'll need to reflash the stock rom? From my understanding only user data gets deleted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No your rom will be fine and yes its just user data, ALL user data.
Photos music etc!
But ya the rom will be fine!!

Since there's no 'SDCard' on the GNex, all your user data + pics + files + anything non-ROM will be wiped. What you will get after bootloader unlock will be the same as when you first turned your phone on.
Of course, this is IF you didn't buy your phone off Google Play. There are rumors that Google Play phones don't delete user data when bootloader unlocked.
Either way, here are the steps:
(1) use an exploit to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader
(2) use backup tools to save your apps + data + user data off the phone
(3) unlock the bootloader
(4) root the phone (again, with the same exploit in step 1)
(5) restore your phone from the backups you made in step 2
*NOTE* - you will still get OTA updates even after you've done the above steps, but you will probably lose root after each OTA update and will have to wait for a new exploit, if any, before you can root again.
biscuitownz said:
So I'll need to reflash the stock rom? From my understanding only user data gets deleted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

martonikaj said:
It'll wipe your phone, and if you change anything more than just rooting, you can't automatically update with an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh..I see.
So once I'm rooted and do the OTA updates....does the root stay? Or I have to re-root it?

biscuitownz said:
Ahh..I see.
So once I'm rooted and do the OTA updates....does the root stay? Or I have to re-root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to re-root or use OTA root keeper from the play store.

nodstuff said:
You have to re-root or use OTA root keeper from the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oo ic. Thanks!

Related

[Q] Is it possible to root without losing all my data?

I've read much about rooting, but it always seems to come in conjuncture with going into recovery mode and invoking factory settings..
Is there a way that I could just get root access without losing all of my data?
Thanks!
[GSM Galaxy Nexus, Android 4.0.2]
aaagever said:
I've read much about rooting, but it always seems to come in conjuncture with going into recovery mode and invoking factory settings..
Is there a way that I could just get root access without losing all of my data?
Thanks!
[GSM Galaxy Nexus, Android 4.0.2]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Akaik the answer is no. Once you unlock the bootloader the device gets wiped.
Looks like CF-Root might be able to do the job..
aaagever said:
I've read much about rooting, but it always seems to come in conjuncture with going into recovery mode and invoking factory settings..
Is there a way that I could just get root access without losing all of my data?
Thanks!
[GSM Galaxy Nexus, Android 4.0.2]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright! I love answering myself!
I just found out the CF-Root doesn't wipe the phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1396952
Because: "THIS IS NOT A ROM - it is only a modified kernel. You need to have the relevant firmware already on your device. You do NOT need to wipe anything for this patch."
I'll try it an let you all know
aaagever said:
Alright! I love answering myself!
I just found out the CF-Root doesn't wipe the phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1396952
Because: "THIS IS NOT A ROM - it is only a modified kernel. You need to have the relevant firmware already on your device. You do NOT need to wipe anything for this patch."
I'll try it an let you all know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice work.
aaagever said:
Alright! I love answering myself!
I just found out the CF-Root doesn't wipe the phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1396952
Because: "THIS IS NOT A ROM - it is only a modified kernel. You need to have the relevant firmware already on your device. You do NOT need to wipe anything for this patch."
I'll try it an let you all know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting doesn't wipe your phone, unlocking your bootloader does.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
joshnichols189 said:
Rooting doesn't wipe your phone, unlocking your bootloader does.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought.
joshnichols189 said:
Rooting doesn't wipe your phone, unlocking your bootloader does.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I root without unlocking the bootloader?
aaagever said:
So can I root without unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so. MAybe Josh knows????
aaagever said:
So can I root without unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it: it's set up to do that because anyone can unlock it from fastboot and get full access to the phone, it's an attempt to prevent peeps getting access to the data on a stolen phone.

any way to install JB 4.1 without wiping?

Im not rooted or unlocked, just stock from the play store. I was curious if there was a way to update before getting the OTA in a week or so? Also i want to do it without wiping my data
newtonfb said:
Im not rooted or unlocked, just stock from the play store. I was curious if there was a way to update before getting the OTA in a week or so? Also i want to do it without wiping my data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use search, this has been awnsered many times before in this forum
Sent from my i9250
You have to unlock your bootloader to flash Jelly Bean if you do not have Takju IMM30D, Takju IMM30D should get automatically the OTA update to JB.
If you're locked, you have to unlock (which wipes) to flash the JB image.
Just wait for the OTA.
Problem with "search for the answer" replies...
"search is temporarily disabled at this time"
I have been getting that message a lot lately... and it lasts for hours sometimes.
But the answer as others have said is... no, you must unlock and wipe.
Use a tool like Titanium backup, it makes wipes less of a pain. Do not backup system apps unless you are flashing a ROM that is similar, like updates to the ROM you are using, or one that has only minimal differences. For switching to JB... just back up user apps.
Marine6680 said:
Use a tool like Titanium backup, it makes wipes less of a pain. Do not backup system apps unless you are flashing a ROM that is similar, like updates to the ROM you are using, or one that has only minimal differences. For switching to JB... just back up user apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem being he must have root to use TiBu, which requires he unlocks the bootloader .
to root without unlocking bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1531865
I tested it once and it worked...
But he said its from the play store... meaning takju... from what I read the takju can unlock the bootloader and it will not wipe lucky
-Google
manumanfred said:
to root without unlocking bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1531865
I tested it once and it worked...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only works on 4.0.2. No exploit for 4.0.4.
iGoogleNexus said:
But he said its from the play store... meaning takju... from what I read the takju can u lock the bootloader and it will not wipe lucky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only some are reporting this. Not everyone has this "bug".
martonikaj said:
Only works on 4.0.2. No exploit for 4.0.4.
Only some are reporting this. Not everyone has this "bug".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
D8< YOLO
-Google
Marine6680 said:
Problem with "search for the answer" replies...
"search is temporarily disabled at this time"
I have been getting that message a lot lately... and it lasts for hours sometimes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search function doesn't normally fail. It can search xda too.
Sent from my i9250
martonikaj said:
Problem being he must have root to use TiBu, which requires he unlocks the bootloader .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advice for afterwards LOL
bk201doesntexist said:
Google search function doesn't normally fail. It can search xda too.
Sent from my i9250
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but many just attempt XDA internal search.
martonikaj said:
Only some are reporting this. Not everyone has this "bug".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? I thought all play store devices did not wipe on unlock.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
martonikaj said:
Only some are reporting this. Not everyone has this "bug".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of everyone who has posted about their play store gn wiping after unlock, it was just 1 user: DOHctor
the "some" in your statement would be better as "most" or even "almost all"
efrant said:
Are you sure? I thought all play store devices did not wipe on unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seemed to me in those threads that there were still people getting wipes when unlocking. Hasn't really been brought up recently though. And we still don't really know why it doesn't wipe.
>=[ so I was right??
-Google
newtonfb said:
Im not rooted or unlocked, just stock from the play store. I was curious if there was a way to update before getting the OTA in a week or so? Also i want to do it without wiping my data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate how u ppl ask these questions when it's pretty obvious this can't be don't without even being unlocked. Just get the Wug's toolkit and unlock and root. Done and forever free from the cage.

Ta backup

My last post may have been a little long winded, so I'll keep this one short. Has anyone here successfully used the ta backup and restore function in flashtool? And is it similar to a nandroid? I've searched everywhere for info on this, but it's a fairly new feature.
Thanks
What about an adB restore. Does that work like a nandroid?
split2th said:
What about an adB restore. Does that work like a nandroid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any specific reason, you don't want to use the Backup & Restore feature of CWM Recovery?
ganeshbiyer said:
Any specific reason, you don't want to use the Backup & Restore feature of CWM Recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bootloader is not unlockable. Hopefully it will be soon.
Edit: Reading the cwm thread, doesn't say anything about needing an unlocked bootloader. However there are a ton of people saying it is not very stable. In the mean time I'd like to modify the remove bloatware script on here in case i need to restore from ftf.
split2th said:
My bootloader is not unlockable. Hopefully it will be soon.
Edit: Reading the cwm thread, doesn't say anything about needing an unlocked bootloader. However there are a ton of people saying it is not very stable. In the mean time I'd like to modify the remove bloatware script on here in case i need to restore from ftf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right ... rooting and flashing cwm does not require unlocked boot loader.
split2th said:
My bootloader is not unlockable. Hopefully it will be soon.
Edit: Reading the cwm thread, doesn't say anything about needing an unlocked bootloader. However there are a ton of people saying it is not very stable. In the mean time I'd like to modify the remove bloatware script on here in case i need to restore from ftf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM v4 is stable. I use it often with no problems.
jeriku said:
CWM v4 is stable. I use it often with no problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will a pc companion or flash tool ftf remove it? Cause then I have no reason not to test it.
Flashing stock ftf does I'm sure repair in companion will
Sent from my LT28at using xda premium
split2th said:
Will a pc companion or flash tool ftf remove it? Cause then I have no reason not to test it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flashing with a full wipe will return it to factory, CWM, initd and root will be gone.
jeriku said:
Yes, flashing with a full wipe will return it to factory, CWM, initd and root will be gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Does it matter what rooting method I used?
split2th said:
Cool. Does it matter what rooting method I used?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You'll just have to start from scratch if you end up doing that.
jeriku said:
No. You'll just have to start from scratch if you end up doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Will give it a go.
CWM flashed. No issues. Clear cache, dalvik, fix permisions, did nandroid. All seem to work.
Thanks again.
split2th said:
CWM flashed. No issues. Clear cache, dalvik, fix permisions, did nandroid. All seem to work.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent.

Will I be able to apply/receive software updates when root enabled?

Will I be able to apply/receive software updates when root enabled? I am worried that I won't be able to apply google updates once root enable, is this an issue? Is there a workaround?
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
geocine said:
Will I be able to apply/receive software updates when root enabled? I am worried that I won't be able to apply google updates once root enable, is this an issue? Is there a workaround?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install the simple fix here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44597339#post44597339
You can install future OTAs successfully and keep root.
geocine said:
Will I be able to apply/receive software updates when root enabled? I am worried that I won't be able to apply google updates once root enable, is this an issue? Is there a workaround?
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just rooting doesn't prevent updates. You just lose root and have to reapply after update.
Custom recovery means you probably need to download the update file and apply it via the recovery instead of the automatic updater.
Changing or removing system files will almost definitely prevent updates being applied.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
gbroon said:
Just rooting doesn't prevent updates. You just lose root and have to reapply after update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I was surprised also, but SuperSU does prevent the OTA from completing successfully.
Read the referenced link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44597339#post44597339
I JUST did this. I had TWRP and rooted. I has 15J. Booted my nandroid. Downloaded the 15Q update, restarted to install. TWRP caught the stock image and flashed it.
Then I booted into 15Q. I lost root and TWRP. Flashed over TWRP through fastboot and rooted.
No issues.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
player911 said:
I JUST did this. I had TWRP and rooted. I has 15J. Booted my nandroid. Downloaded the 15Q update, restarted to install. TWRP caught the stock image and flashed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you rooted using SuperSU, what version, and can I examine the zip file.
Thanks guys, actually I haven't rooted this device yet. Because I am still reading on stuff here on xda how to do it the right way and the links you posted
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
sfhub said:
If you install the simple fix here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44597339#post44597339
You can install future OTAs successfully and keep root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi sfhub, do I need to do
fastboot oem unlock
before doing
fastboot boot twrp.img ?
I've been rooted since day one and gotten ota updates fine.
I use twrp and just make sure to flash supersu each time and call it good. Not a single problem on my end.
Even still if you bork it just flash factory image. It's pretty simple to get out of a pinch. But rooting and ota should work fine as long as you keep stock image. Just reflash supersu each time and you're good to go.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
geocine said:
hi sfhub, do I need to do
fastboot oem unlock
before doing
fastboot boot twrp.img ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't already unlocked then, yes.
Most people will already be unlocked though if they are rooted.
fastboot oem unlock process will force a factory reset for security purposes so backup anything important.
sfhub said:
If you aren't already unlocked then, yes.
Most people will already be unlocked though if they are rooted.
fastboot oem unlock process will force a factory reset for security purposes so backup anything important.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted my device yet , I am on all stock. Does 'fastboot boot' just loads the twrp image and not flash it?
How will I be able to backup stuff, are there any other options aside from titanium backup that requires root .
sent from flo
geocine said:
I haven't rooted my device yet , I am on all stock. Does 'fastboot boot' just loads the twrp image and not flash it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
geocine said:
How will I be able to backup stuff, are there any other options aside from titanium backup that requires root .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some backup apps that don't need root, but probably need to restore.
You can also try adb backup, but it may not backup 100% of your stuff.
I'm not the best person to ask on the backup as I always unlock before I do most of the software installs just so I can avoid losing customizations later on.
sfhub said:
Yes.
There are some backup apps that don't need root, but probably need to restore.
You can also try adb backup, but it may not backup 100% of your stuff.
I'm not the best person to ask on the backup as I always unlock before I do most of the software installs just so I can avoid losing customizations later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I am currently backing up using adb., a non 100% backup is better than no backup at all. I hate redoing things.
sfhub said:
Yes.
There are some backup apps that don't need root, but probably need to restore.
You can also try adb backup, but it may not backup 100% of your stuff.
I'm not the best person to ask on the backup as I always unlock before I do most of the software installs just so I can avoid losing customizations later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While we are it, I just want to ask if it is also possible to bring back the bootloader to a locked state. thanks.
geocine said:
While we are it, I just want to ask if it is also possible to bring back the bootloader to a locked state. thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, very simple, just type
fastboot oem lock
I would advise against doing so unless you plan to return the unit though, as if you ever need to do stuff to your system (even factory restore) then you'd need to unlock again, which would factory reset again.
sfhub said:
If you install the simple fix here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44597339#post44597339
You can install future OTAs successfully and keep root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a post from sfhub
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
geocine said:
Here is a post from sfhub
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW the author of SuperSU recently implemented the change I made so starting in v1.55 the separate fix is no longer necessary.
sfhub said:
BTW the author of SuperSU recently implemented the change I made so starting in v1.55 the separate fix is no longer necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 1.55 update doesn't appear to want to install properly for me from Google Play. Is this an issue of having the OTA fix installed?
Nevermind...i guess i needed to reboot...but, this does beg the question, is there anything related to the OTA fix that needs to be "uninstalled" in general?
The Holocron said:
Nevermind...i guess i needed to reboot...but, this does beg the question, is there anything related to the OTA fix that needs to be "uninstalled" in general?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is nothing to uninstall. It is very clean.
sfhub said:
BTW the author of SuperSU recently implemented the change I made so starting in v1.55 the separate fix is no longer necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anything I should do if I already have your fix installed?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Root without unlocking/wipe?

Is there some way to get root without unlocking the bootloader/wiping?
AFAIK root requires a custom recovery, to flash a custom recovery requires unlocked bootloader, so simple answer is no.
ghostofcain said:
AFAIK root requires a custom recovery, to flash a custom recovery requires unlocked bootloader, so simple answer is no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What functionality do I loose with unlocking? Wiping data of course, but otherwise?
kokesh said:
What functionality do I loose with unlocking? Wiping data of course, but otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing, the only downside is the need to wipe data.
ghostofcain said:
Nothing, the only downside is the need to wipe data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want sure about the fingerprint, etc. Thanks!
Damn, read a bit about what a bootloader is, its role is described in its name. Those fears are pointless.
Striatum_bdr said:
Damn, read a bit about what a bootloader is, its role is described in its name. Those fears are pointless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessary, coming from other devices. I am no noob, I know what BL is, but some manufacturers tie certain features to locked BL. Sony for example cripples camera when you unlock.
kokesh said:
Not necessary, coming from other devices. I am no noob, I know what BL is, but some manufacturers tie certain features to locked BL. Sony for example cripples camera when you unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oneplus works same whether the bootlader is locked or unlocked. the only downside is as soon as you lock or unlock your bootloader your phone is wiped completely.
bonham1988 said:
oneplus works same whether the bootlader is locked or unlocked. the only downside is as soon as you lock or unlock your bootloader your phone is wiped completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does it work with OTA updates? Do those work with TWRP?
kokesh said:
How does it work with OTA updates? Do those work with TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Otas dont work with twrp, oneplus releases a singed ota update on their forums usually within a week or two after the official ota. These singned updates can be flashed via twrp.
Sent from my OnePlus3 using XDA Labs
The only downside to unlocking the BL on the OP3 is that you get a warning message (http://i.imgur.com/88NcI2K.jpg) when booting the phone. Lots of people hate it, i like it personally. It makes pressing button combos to get into fastboot/recovery obsolete.
bonham1988 said:
Otas dont work with twrp, oneplus releases a singed ota update on their forums usually within a week or two after the official ota. These singned updates can be flashed via twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And xda often have a TWRP flash able update before the OTA has reached everyone.
ghostofcain said:
AFAIK root requires a custom recovery ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If flashing is the only way to root the device, then yes.
And unfortunately flashing seems to be the only way.
kokesh said:
What functionality do I loose with unlocking? Wiping data of course, but otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Security. Your data are no more safe if your phone get stolen.
kokesh said:
What functionality do I loose with unlocking? Wiping data of course, but otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All SafetyNet apps stop working (Android Pay, PokeGO etc.)
kokesh said:
What functionality do I loose with unlocking? Wiping data of course, but otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loose Android Pay. That's what i miss
Sent from my OnePlus 3 using XDA Labs
fp1707 said:
I loose Android Pay. That's what i miss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Magisk and its all fine.
Puddi_Puddin said:
Use Magisk and its all fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried setting that up but i keep failing. Not sure what i'm doing wrong
NVM i see what i got wrong, now it works just fine
bonham1988 said:
oneplus works same whether the bootlader is locked or unlocked. the only downside is as soon as you lock or unlock your bootloader your phone is wiped completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not correct on OxygenOS 4.0.2, it's possible to root without wipe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDRPWvYJYfU

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