[Q]Regarding rooting - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hey guys, I recently got my Gnex(internation version from expansys) last week, but I'm a little bit on the fence when it comes to rooting as this is my first Android device. What are the benefits? I mean, I know that you guys get a ton of options with the variety of roms available to download/install, but I'm liking the stock ics that came with the device. If somebody cold convince on on doing it, then I'd be grateful. My baseband is XXLA2, is that the recommended one if I'm living in the US?

The ability to control your phone like you should. However being a really new person to android I wouldn't recommend you do it right away. Maybe browse the forum and learn somethings. Knowledge is power.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus

Root gives you admin access to your phone. Definitely you should root, even if you want to stay on stock factory rom.

RogerPodacter said:
Root gives you admin access to your phone. Definitely you should root, even if you want to stay on stock factory rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if he sees the benefits for himself. There's absolutely no reason for him to root if he doesn't understand what it does or how it will help/hurt him.

As mentioned previously, root access is admin access to the phone. Some benefits of it include being able to use the Adfree app to block advertisements in apps or Titanium Backup to backup apps the data associated with them. I'd take the time to get to know the phone and operating system first and then decide if you have a need for apps that require root access.

Off the top of my head:
-Fastest updates
-Ad removal
-Firewall
-True call blocking
-Lightflow
-Theming
-Backups (titanium, nandroid)
-Custom ROMs and all the millions of features they have (you could write pages and pages about this alone)
-Custom kernels (better battery+performance, touch wake, etc)
Since you have the Galaxy Nexus(a dev phone) as opposed to another locked-down phone, rooting is very, very easy. Unless you do something totally retarded you'll be safe. Just don't use toolkits -- do it manually.

fredryk said:
-Fastest updates
-Lightflow
-Backups (titanium, nandroid)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-You don't need to root to get fast updates. You can flash update files the day they come out via fastboot w/ an unlocked bootloader.
-Lightflow also works w/o root.
-You can do backups with ADB also.

martonikaj said:
-You don't need to root to get fast updates. You can flash update files the day they come out via fastboot w/ an unlocked bootloader.
-Lightflow also works w/o root.
-You can do backups with ADB also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I was thinking of "root" being synonymous with unlocked bootloader. My old phone required root...still need root for TB.

fredryk said:
I guess I was thinking of "root" being synonymous with unlocked bootloader. My old phone required root...still need root for TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is usually the case with other phones. With the Nexus, its extremely easy to unlock the bootloader and not root. I'd recommend unlocking the bootloader on this phone, but I'm not so quick to recommend rooting. People on XDA or too quick to recommend rooting to people who have absolutely no idea what it is and end up bricking their device.

martonikaj said:
Yes this is usually the case with other phones. With the Nexus, its extremely easy to unlock the bootloader and not root. I'd recommend unlocking the bootloader on this phone, but I'm not so quick to recommend rooting. People on XDA or too quick to recommend rooting to people who have absolutely no idea what it is and end up bricking their device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Exactly.
You do not need root to flash custom ROMs, get updates, etc. if you have an unlocked bootloader. I totally agree with martonikaj: you SHOULD unlock your bootloader, but you shouldn't mess around with root until you know what root is and need it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I would unlock the bootloader immediately if you think you'll ever want to root the phone. Reason why is that you can unlock the bootloader easily with a single command, but it will wipe your phone, and there's no good way to do a real backup without rooting it. Better to do it now, before you have everything set up the way you want it and all of your apps installed.
For rooting, I agree that you shouldn't do it until you have a better idea what it is and why you want to do it.

I've been back and forth between root and non-root (always unlocked bootloader) and other than a few things already mentioned (Ad-free, Titanium Backup) I'm the type that can live with Stock ICS. I do flash custom ROM's once in a while to see if I enjoy them but I've always come back to Stock (for now) because of random reboot issues.

I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

kennwoodkenn said:
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From someone who knows just enough to get by....
Unlocking your bootloader allows you to flash custom recovery/ROM/Stock version/etc. You don't need root for this.
Root allows you full access to the phone with superuser permissions and install some apps that require full access to system files.

kennwoodkenn said:
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You couldn't have been doing a lot of good reading if you've been reading for a year and don't know the difference. But don't feel bad -- there are lots of senior members that use the terms interchangeably which is completely and utterly wrong.
Root means having root user access to the file system. Kinda like being the administrator user on Windows machines. You can access all the files and modify and delete anything. The process consists of placing two files on the /system partition of your device. The problems with this process, is finding a way to make /system write-able to place those two files there (as it is read-only by default when you are booted in Android). Chicken or the egg -- You need root to get root.
Think of the bootloader as the BIOS of a computer. It loads up before the operating system, and allows you to perform certain basic tasks. In our case, the bootloader allows you to flash images to your device, and to boot images on your devices (without actually writing them to the NAND). Unlocking the bootloader removes the security on the bootloader, which means that the bootloader no longer verifies the signature of images you are trying to flash or boot and, thus, allows you to flash or boot non-Google signed images.
Now, are rooting and unlocking your bootloader related? Well, to a certain extent yes. If you unlock your bootloader, you can easily obtain root access. This is true because you can flash or boot a custom recovery, which will allow you to write files to /system without being booted into Android. So, with an unlocked bootloader, "rooting" becomes trivial. However, there are other ways to root -- by using exploits. GNex Android builds up to ICL53F can be rooted by mempodroid (see link 4 in my signature), but to-date, an exploit has not been found for IMM76D and higher.

For the epic touch it looks pretty easy to root in Odin mode it seems to be a way to go I know I want root for all the reasons above
My process
Root with ODIN
Install CWM
And like what I see in the AOKP ROM
I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN TO BACKUP
Am I on the right track
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

kennwoodkenn said:
For the epic touch it looks pretty easy to root in Odin mode it seems to be a way to go I know I want root for all the reasons above
My process
Root with ODIN
Install CWM
And like what I see in the AOKP ROM
I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN TO BACKUP
Am I on the right track
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you ask in the Epic Touch forum??

Rooting your gnex doesn't need to be seen as taking a dive off a cliff while blindfolded. This is a myth perpetuated by people who have either never rooted their devices or did something retarded and bricked it. It's easy, painless, and uncomplicated if you follow the instructions. If you can take advantage of the ad removal, backups, call blocking, etc with ease....why not do it?
Use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058

Thanks for all your help!
I'll proceed to unlock the bootloader, but will remain on stock for a while until I get the hang of it and want to expand my options.

Related

[Q] Does this method of rooting work with the nexus galaxy?

http://www.unlockroot.com/index.htm
It mentions galaxy nexus. I didn't unlock my phone right away and now I regret it. I don't want to lose my app data and since I don't have root I can't use TB to back up my apps.
So will this be a good alternative, or should I avoid it?
Is there a down side to using this method instead of doing it the old fashioned way?
if this is useless, any recommendations on how I can safely back up my app data before unlocking the bootloader?
Thank you for the help.
never seen or used this. you can, but i prefer doing it manually. not really that hard.,
and theres a thread somewhere in general that tells you how to back up your stuff without root or unlocked bootloader.
something involving ADB commands. might be just better off starting again from fresh
zephiK said:
never seen or used this. you can, but i prefer doing it manually. not really that hard.,
and theres a thread somewhere in general that tells you how to back up your stuff without root or unlocked bootloader.
something involving ADB commands. might be just better off starting again from fresh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked / rooted mine right after I got it. Wipes it (the unlocking part), but it was easy, but I'm pretty good with adb and fastboot. Give it a try, there seems to be a bunch of one click tools out now.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
this method seems to implement security vulnerability in android to escalate user privileges and install super user.
So this method is not an automatic version of the regular (boot unlock using fastboot), meaning it skips the whole wipe after unlock requirement.
anyway, I am gonna try it when I get home and report results.

Difference between rooting and unlocking bootloader

I just want to know the difference
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
SanderTheNinja said:
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
with an unlocked bootloader, then you are able to root your phone and install custom roms and overclock and root stuff.
an unlocked bootloader is something you must do before having full access to your phone
scott_doyland said:
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, you can only get root if you unlock your bootloader.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Root
Rooting a device is a method to gain full access to the operating system. With root you can do all the administrative stuff, write to locations normally restricted to the system and customize your device deeper.
Root enhances your privileges and you are able to change almost anything inside of your rom.
The rooting, however, affects ONLY your operating system (Android)
Unlocked Bootloader
In most devices, the Bootloader is the instance that calls the operating system (Android) and manages direct access to the device's partitions. Having an unlocked bootloader enables you to flash custom roms, custom kernels, recoveries and so on.
Bootloader and Rooting Teamplay
Often it is the case, and so, too in our devices, that a locked bootloader also locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader. Rooting needs write access to the system partition (for storing the superuser binary and the superuser app)
Without unlocked bootloader, only a temporary half-root can be achieved.
Thanks alot guys
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
prdonja said:
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do some research. There are hundreds of posts on this topic.
scott_doyland said:
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
19 months after the question was asked, i just happened to be wanting to answer the same question for myself, so I searched and found this thread...
I am happy he asked the question, as it was the first answer I saw in google search... so maybe he could also have done a search 19 months ago, but his question was useful to me, and your response seemed rude and unnecessary. You never know who may benefit from a little generosity.
Mark.
scott_doyland said:
Do some research. There are hundreds of posts on this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that you're not rude (even though you sounded so). You replied what was correct and appropriate.
But my research for the question in question (pun unintended) on google pointed me straight to this very thread.
So, it would be greater if someone had posted some more good links besides their rude looking remark (again, not rude, but just looking so).
theq86 said:
Root
Rooting a device is a method to gain full access to the operating system. With root you can do all the administrative stuff, write to locations normally restricted to the system and customize your device deeper.
Root enhances your privileges and you are able to change almost anything inside of your rom.
The rooting, however, affects ONLY your operating system (Android)
Unlocked Bootloader
In most devices, the Bootloader is the instance that calls the operating system (Android) and manages direct access to the device's partitions. Having an unlocked bootloader enables you to flash custom roms, custom kernels, recoveries and so on.
Bootloader and Rooting Teamplay
Often it is the case, and so, too in our devices, that a locked bootloader also locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader. Rooting needs write access to the system partition (for storing the superuser binary and the superuser app)
Without unlocked bootloader, only a temporary half-root can be achieved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this useful info
I agree. It is the autumn of 2014, and I've been reading webpages until my eyes are bleary. This is the 1st thread that actually explains how the two concepts relate rather than descending into buttonology. I think the OP's question hits the nail on the head (well, one of them at least) and he doesn't need to be treated in a demeaning manner.
Wow, 1 year after last post, I thanked he asked this question! Was thinking as same as u, loll
fredphoesh said:
19 months after the question was asked, i just happened to be wanting to answer the same question for myself, so I searched and found this thread...
I am happy he asked the question, as it was the first answer I saw in google search... so maybe he could also have done a search 19 months ago, but his question was useful to me, and your response seemed rude and unnecessary. You never know who may benefit from a little generosity.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root vs bootloader
If i have an unlocked bootloader can i install apps that require root. Will they still work even though im not rooted?
Deogracias said:
If i have an unlocked bootloader can i install apps that require root. Will they still work even though im not rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert, but here's my understanding from months of reading up on this: Unlocking the bootloader lets you install a program known as Recovery, which is another program that lets you install operating systems, e.g., stock Android, CyanogenMod. Whether you have root or not is determined by settings made after the operating system is installed. So unlocking a bootloader is different from root. You can have either one without the other. However, I am also left with the impression that software that helps you unlock the bootloader also give you root (and perhaps vice-versa). This dual functionality is designed into the software, but they are separate things which don't have to both happen.
I just reviewed my answer and realized that it doesn't really address the quoted question very directly. Unfortunately, there is no "delete" function. So hopefully, it helps a bit. As further info, I unlocked bootloader, changed the Recovery, and replaced the native Android OS from Koodo with CyanogenMode. However, I did not root. Hopefully, someone else can chime in with further experience.
I've been wondering about this for years, as well. I don't feel confident doing things to my phone that I don't understand. I'm sure I'll never have a thorough understanding, as I'm not a programmer, but even a rough one would suffice. This is the same reason why I will only attempt certain operations on my car -- if I muck it up, I'm boned.
I rooted my phone (or maybe unlocked the bootloader?) a couple years ago, and never got around to doing anything else with it, because I couldn't figure out how to "do a recovery" (still don't know what that means, exactly). Or maybe I unlocked the bootloader, and never rooted it? I'm still confused. I see LOADS of folks who throw the terms around, whom I suspect, actually have no clue. I have a Verizon S4 MDK 4.2.2, and I just now finished the process -_- Better late than never? Now, I'm trying to decide if it's worth the headache, and possible risk, of installing custom ROMs, etc. Also, I know my phone is "SO old!!' and blah-blah-blah. At least if I screw things up now, I can get a new phone with a new contract, etc.
I really wish Verizon weren't such dirtbags about the locked bootloader thing.
No
SanderTheNinja said:
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heee is full difference between rooting and unlocking bootloader
Rooting - Administrative access to the entire file system including the ability to change system files such as installing system-wide ad-blocker by modifying the host file on your device, or uninstalling system apps, such as bloatware that comes pre-installed on your device. Without root, one can only see files in root directory instead of editing them. Some alps and mods only work with root.
Unlocking bootloader- To understand this term, one need to know the meaning of bootloader first. In simple terms, bootloader is like a person which checks many functions at the time of boot. It's on of the most important part and boots the first. Unlocking bootloader means asking that person to give us rights to do some modifications in our device like flashing custom recovery, rom etc.
prdonja said:
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB

If i root what would i lose

hey guys i have a few doubts
1. if i root would i be able to get my paid apps again on a custom rom ? or do i have to buy again ?
2. any way to backup games progress ?
rrohanjs said:
hey guys i have a few doubts
1. if i root would i be able to get my paid apps again on a custom rom ? or do i have to buy again ?
2. any way to backup games progress ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, all the purchased apps will by synced with your account, so after root, just easily reconnect with your account and you'll be good to go.
2. There is one way of doing this, but it is very unstable and people had many complains about it. If you still want it... here
There's a great guide by efrant in the stickies section that will give you a step-by-step layout of the process. There is a method for rooting without unlocking your bootloader. If I understand correctly, you don't lose your user data doing it that way. If you go into the Play Store, click on the menu and select My Apps, it will show you a list of everything installed on your device. The page to the right is everything that has been downloaded using your Google account, both free and purchased apps. It's not the most efficient way, but it does at least keep your app list up to date and somewhere you can always get to it. I guess you would only need it if you want to have your bootloader unlocked, which is what wipes the device during the root process. Like I said, efrant and Jubakuba both have a good guide in the stickies. Read through them a couple times before you dive in. Happy rooting!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Pierceye is correct. You can root without unlocking your bootloader (which won't wipe anything), and then, once you have root, you can use segv11's BootUnlocker app and it will unlock your bootloader without wiping either. All links in my signature.
Efrants guide is well written and easy to follow. I've never used a adb or the terminal before, plus I was on a Mac. Guide worked NP.
Just know that once you are rooted, any modification of system files, including system apks, will nerf your ability to get otas. However, returning to stock is also very simple.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

[Q] How to root my Galaxy Nexus but still get OTA updates from Google?

Excuse my complete noobishness, but can someone help me root my Galaxy Nexus but still get OTA updates from Google? I found multiple sources from here and a video from QBKing77 but nothing answer my question completely. I would be really grateful if someone with experience could help me by give me step by step instructions.
Thank you.
Rooting your phone does not disable OTA updates.
Why would you want ota if you rooted? Just flash a rooted version of the updated rom when it's released.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
eqjunkie829 said:
Why would you want ota if you rooted? Just flash a rooted version of the updated rom when it's released.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to root just for two or three apps that require root access and still get updates from Google. I want the process: root -> get OTA update -> root again etc...
ZlateWay said:
I want to root just for two or three apps that require root access and still get updates from Google. I want the process: root -> get OTA update -> root again etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I do. I don't flash ROMS, just use a few apps that require root. Install OTA Root Keeper from the play store to retain root. Run the app before installing any updates to preserve root. Then when you receive an OTA, install the update then run OTA Root keeper again to get your root back. Worked for me on Verizon Galaxy Nexus coming from 4.0.4 to 4.1.1.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
The_other_ray said:
That's what I do. I don't flash ROMS, just use a few apps that require root. Install OTA Root Keeper from the play store to retain root. Run the app before installing any updates to preserve root. Then when you receive an OTA, install the update then run OTA Root keeper again to get your root back. Worked for me on Verizon Galaxy Nexus coming from 4.0.4 to 4.1.1.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what I'm looking for! Can you explain to me step by step how did you did that? It would be great if you help me.
Use the guide in my sig or stickied at the top of this forum.
Only change would be fastboot boot recovery cwm.img rather than flash.
Just root the phone, and don't flash any custom recovery, then download supercurio's OTA root keeper app from the playstore, to backup your root then enable root with the same app after you receive OTA
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
suprakarma said:
Just root the phone, and don't flash any custom recovery, then download supercurio's OTA root keeper app from the playstore, to backup your root then enable root with the same app after you receive OTA
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for replying this late, thanks for the advice, but can you explain to me the steps that I need to use with the GNexus toolkit to root like you did? Thanks
ZlateWay said:
Sorry for replying this late, thanks for the advice, but can you explain to me the steps that I need to use with the GNexus toolkit to root like you did? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use the toolkit?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Why not?
The toolkit is SUPER easy.
Open the tool kit and the DOS window guides you through what to do, by typing numbers or letters to get the desired option. I can post the guide on when to boot in recovery mode and what the phone will do but as for the Toolkit, it's self helping. Just install it, run it and follow the on-screen instructions.
I do exactly the same as what you want successfully; I have a completely stock Nexus, but it's rooted for the use of some apps. The OTA update tells me when there is an update, I install then simply root again. I'd rather not have an app to keep root as that will be yet another app to clog up my phone's app drawer.
A lot of the custom roms aren't to my taste so I am happy to keep the stock experience
Will post again the steps when I am on my home PC.
anotherxdauser said:
Why not?
The toolkit is SUPER easy.
Open the tool kit and the DOS window guides you through what to do, by typing numbers or letters to get the desired option. I can post the guide on when to boot in recovery mode and what the phone will do but as for the Toolkit, it's self helping. Just install it, run it and follow the on-screen instructions.
I do exactly the same as what you want successfully; I have a completely stock Nexus, but it's rooted for the use of some apps. The OTA update tells me when there is an update, I install then simply root again. I'd rather not have an app to keep root as that will be yet another app to clog up my phone's app drawer.
A lot of the custom roms aren't to my taste so I am happy to keep the stock experience
Will post again the steps when I am on my home PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
simply because the toolkit is an excuse not to learn the FUNDAMENTALS of owning a nexus device.
what happens when something goes wrong? do you know what the toolkit is doing behind the scenes? most of the toolkit users DONT. there are more than enough 'HALP!1!1 I BriKt mah PhoneZ!1!!oneone' to prove this is the case....
if you understand what its actually doing, you understand how useless it truly is...
Well, for starters the "fundamentals of owning a nexus device" don't include rooting at all. I know many people who use Nexus devices un-rooted and are fine.
Plus, I'm more than happy not learning too much about it as I'd rather spend my time eating cake.
Remember, not everyone here is in to tweaking settings, trying different radios, resetting their phone every 5 mins to test yet another ROM.
Some people are more than happy with the stock experience but just want root. The toolkit makes that simple.
Secondly, if the toolkit was doing things behind the scenes, I'm sure someone would have found that out and reported by now.
Thirdly, how do you know custom ROMs aren't doing the same thing? They are far more likely to be able to phone home without the owner knowing.
Fourthly, I personally tried rooting the manual way but the one line help of "just type this" I got never really worked with my phone.
Fifth, I've used the toolkit on my own phone and my partners many times, I've seen nothing bad, no bricking.
Don't see why you're so against something which makes life a lot easier for people who aren't too sure how to root the manual way?
anotherxdauser said:
Well, for starters the "fundamentals of owning a nexus device" don't include rooting at all. I know many people who use Nexus devices un-rooted and are fine.
Plus, I'm more than happy not learning too much about it as I'd rather spend my time eating cake.
Remember, not everyone here is in to tweaking settings, trying different radios, resetting their phone every 5 mins to test yet another ROM.
Some people are more than happy with the stock experience but just want root. The toolkit makes that simple.
Secondly, if the toolkit was doing things behind the scenes, I'm sure someone would have found that out and reported by now.
Thirdly, how do you know custom ROMs aren't doing the same thing? They are far more likely to be able to phone home without the owner knowing.
Fourthly, I personally tried rooting the manual way but the one line help of "just type this" I got never really worked with my phone.
Fifth, I've used the toolkit on my own phone and my partners many times, I've seen nothing bad, no bricking.
Don't see why you're so against something which makes life a lot easier for people who aren't too sure how to root the manual way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yet another person who fails at grasping why XDA exists....
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Actually, I do. I understand why XDA exists but I also understand the multi-uses it really has.
Not everyone who comes here has a desire to mess with their phones all the time...
If you're not a fan of the toolkit, why not flame the developer?
Here's a short guide on what the OP wanted to do.
1) Make sure phone is up to date. Make a note of your software version - probably 4.1.2 or 4.2 and build number (mine is JZO54K)
2) Turn on USB Debugging (Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging)
3) Shut down the phone
4) Start in Bootloader (power button + vol up + vol down)
5) Run the Galaxy Nexus toolkit
This is where we use the toolkit. Read the info and select your build number. The windows will guide you through what options you have. If you want to root only, choose that option. Go through the menus and type YES to begin.
6) Phone will restart
7) After ~160 seconds, ToolKit will restart to Bootloader
8) Phone will restart
9) Toolkit will finish rooting by pushing the files to the phone.
10) Phone will restart back to Bootloader
11) Finish - Confirm in ToolKit
See pictures for further info.
Pirateghost said:
And yet another person who fails at grasping why XDA exists....
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the toolkit also exists on xda..
k786 said:
the toolkit also exists on xda..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does the person that thought I was saying the toolkit did something malicious... I never said any such thing.
Toolkits are pointless. It takes longer to learn the toolkit than it does the three commands needed to unlock and root a nexus. That's my ****ing point, yet this guy is going on about how easy the toolkit is to use. If it's so ****ing easy, why did you have to provide screenshots and instructions?
XDA-spoonfeeders.com
I miss XDA
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
**edit**
i cannot believe that someone would actually think its NOT beneficial to understand the process, and rely solely on a toolkit...its amazing to think that there are people so wrapped up in their own little minds, that they refuse to take the time to learn to do things the right way and understand what they are doing to their device.
what happens when joe user, who only knows the toolkit, flashes a mod on his phone that was NOT intended for his phone/build/rom version, and he bootloops? he jumps on xda and posts a thread. HALP I JACKED MAH PHONE!!! how do i fix it with the toolkit?
please, for the love of tech, LEARN what it is you are doing. do us all a favor and help spread the KNOWLEDGE and stop with the damn toolkit. this website is designed for you to learn, not follow a damn prompt/menu to get instant gratification.
ZlateWay said:
Sorry for replying this late, thanks for the advice, but can you explain to me the steps that I need to use with the GNexus toolkit to root like you did? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use a toolkit. Learn commands yourself and you won't have to worry about what a toolkit is or isn't installing.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
root toolkits are fine, if you already know what you are doing. the problem with root toolkits arises when a person that has no idea what they are doing uses them and messes something up, which happens often, just read all the threads that users start asking for help, that include the words "i used a root toolkit". you dont see any these thread with the words i used fastboot or adb. usually what happens is something simple gets messed up, then the situation becomes worse because the user didnt know/learn the basics, and messed something up after. this is the problem with root toolkits, they go around you having to learn the basics. then we get all these threads about "help, i bricked my device". just taking the little time needed to learn the basics prevent this from happening.
this is a nexus device, its meant to be able to root the device easily. this is the basic procedure.. fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries or custom rom in your custom recovery, reboot. that is it. it takes me 3 minutes to do this. add on a little reading beforehand, and maybe itll take you 30 minutes. much better than getting lost after using the root toolkit, or even messing up your device messing with stuff that you shouldnt. and, occasionally, the root toolkit itself can mess things up.
btw, op, you can always install an official "ota" manually, without receiving it ota, and without having root too. also, if you flash a rooted stock rom(unmodified, only root), youll still receive otas
You can unlock and root without install a custom recovery. IF you don't install any custom recovery and leave the stock one you'll continue to receive the ota updates.
Bye
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Question on root and unlock bootloader

I am new to the nexus 7.
Can I root without unlocking the broader?
What is the side effect of unlocking the boot loader?
Is there existing method to root without installing customer recovery?
Thanks
macaumen said:
I am new to the nexus 7.
Can I root without unlocking the broader?
What is the side effect of unlocking the boot loader?
Is there existing method to root without installing customer recovery?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is currently no known way to root without unlocking the bootloader and using a custom recovery.
Unlocking the bootloader allows you more control over the tablet. Specifically to install custom recovery, ROMs, etc. Most of the benefits from an unlocked bootloader are things you do from a custom recovery, not through the bootloader itself. The only real negative 'side effects' are that you lose some of the safety benefits, since you can do dangerous things if you don't know what you are doing, and that it may void your warranty.
So, if want to root, I must unlock bootloader?
Well I still get ota with bootloader unlocked?
macaumen said:
So, if want to root, I must unlock bootloader?
Well I still get ota with bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes
2. Technically you can, but not recommend; just wait for the rooted stock and flash that.
teh roxxorz said:
1. Yes
2. Technically you can, but not recommend; just wait for the rooted stock and flash that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding your #2, there is no reason not to unlock the bootloader to get OTA updates. The only thing that breaks OTA is custom recovery.
phonic said:
Regarding your #2, there is no reason not to unlock the bootloader to get OTA updates. The only thing that breaks OTA is custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely correct. I just said not to do it, cause he seems less experienced, and from my experience, they get freaked out afterwards trying to put it back on. So trying to save him a headache, lol.
I recommend staying stock unless you absolutely need a specific root required app.
Right now there isn't a reason for root access except titanium backup.
I do recommend, however, to go ahead and unlock. It will wipe your device including personal data, so might as well get that out of the way now before you risk losing something important.
You can easily flash a custom recovery and root anytime after that, but I would wait until knowledgeable devs figure out the device a little more first.
Sent from Nexus 7 FHD from XDA Premium HD
player911 said:
I recommend staying stock unless you absolutely need a specific root required app.
Right now there isn't a reason for root access except titanium backup.
I do recommend, however, to go ahead and unlock. It will wipe your device including personal data, so might as well get that out of the way now before you risk losing something important.
You can easily flash a custom recovery and root anytime after that, but I would wait until knowledgeable devs figure out the device a little more first.
Sent from Nexus 7 FHD from XDA Premium HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure why you would suggest people not to root now. You mentioned a very good reason to do so - Titanium Backup. Not only is it useful for backups in general, but it's also a lifesaver for copying apps and their data from one device, like someone's old N7, to their new N7.
While I would certainly agree that people should wait before flashing custom ROMs, kernels, hacks, etc., nothing is going to change with rooting your N7 today versus a week or month from now. All the pros and cons will still be the same.
phonic said:
I'm not sure why you would suggest people not to root now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They guy doesn't need root. He also doesn't understand root. So his chances of softbricking are good, and then, instead of us trying to talk him out of rooting, we now have to talk him through how to fix it.... .. Can we count on you to provide this support since your are so OK with him rooting now?
tweaked said:
They guy doesn't need root. He also doesn't understand root. So his chances of softbricking are good, and then, instead of us trying to talk him out of rooting, we now have to talk him through how to fix it.... .. Can we count on your to provide this support since your are so OK with him rooting now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither you nor I have any idea what he needs or doesn't. He hasn't said anything other than asking some basic questions about the process. There are numerous guides on here that walk people through rooting step by step. There are also a handful of people who have soft bricked their device and asked for and received help. And yes, I have assisted people with similar issues in the past. Everyone on this board has at one point in their lives screwed something up - that's how we learn.
In any case, my point was that there is no clear reason for him not to do it if he wants to. The device is pretty forgiving unless he kills the bootloader.

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