Possible to root Jelly Bean GNex without unlocking? - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Pretty much says it right there. I'm looking for a way that I can root and unroot the device multiple times in order to test the device in both configurations preferably without unlocking (to keep it as close to stock as possible). I'm running the build of JB from Google IO OTA.

The Galaxy Nexus Toolkit, I believe, has been updated with a root/unroot function for 4.1.1 . It should be especially useful if you're doing it over and over again. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310

grevedan said:
Pretty much says it right there. I'm looking for a way that I can root and unroot the device multiple times in order to test the device in both configurations preferably without unlocking (to keep it as close to stock as possible). I'm running the build of JB from Google IO OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you must unlock to root. It won't at all effect anything to do with the way the device runs once you've unlocked. Unlock it once, and you can root, flash, wipe, restore, root and flash again all you want.
brandonfish said:
The Galaxy Nexus Toolkit, I believe, has been updated with a root/unroot function for 4.1.1 . It should be especially useful if you're doing it over and over again. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The toolkit will unlock and wipe the device.

Related

Galaxy Nexus Rooting questions

Hi,
I have a couple of questions regarding rooting my verizon galaxy nexus. I'm now on 4.0.4. Judging from what I read on the forums, it used to be possible to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader in 4.0.2. Now this exploit has been patched?
In addition, suppose we were able to root 4.0.4 without unlock, is it possible to run new roms/kernels? The reason I am hesitant to unlock is that I've been stock for a long time, and don't really want to lose all the data on the phone right now.
I heard Wugfresh's toolkit is able to fully backup the phone, but does this preserve everything as it is now, without root, so that after unlock, I could get all this data back?
Thanks
rajsris said:
In addition, suppose we were able to root 4.0.4 without unlock, is it possible to run new roms/kernels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New custom roms/kernels, no.
sent from my tf201
rajsris said:
I have a couple of questions regarding rooting my verizon galaxy nexus. I'm now on 4.0.4. Judging from what I read on the forums, it used to be possible to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader in 4.0.2. Now this exploit has been patched?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you need to unlock.
In addition, suppose we were able to root 4.0.4 without unlock, is it possible to run new roms/kernels? The reason I am hesitant to unlock is that I've been stock for a long time, and don't really want to lose all the data on the phone right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
I heard Wugfresh's toolkit is able to fully backup the phone, but does this preserve everything as it is now, without root, so that after unlock, I could get all this data back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do an ADB backup and restore. Requires the full SDK and it takes a while but it works with relatively high success.

Can I Unroot my UK GNex Without Loosing Data, Apps or Adding Back Stock Apps etc????

Hi, thread title pretty much explains my question. I am a new GNex user having change from an S2 running a Nexus ROM.
The GNex is stock ROM, SIM free, unlocked bootloader and rooted using the Nexus Toolkit and running JB 4.1.1
Now I have my phone just how I want it with apps and settings etc, some stock apps removed like google+ etc. I would like to be able to UNROOT the device so I can run software that does not run on rooted devices like Barclays PingIT.
So is there a reasonably simple way to at least make the device appear unrooted and to not lose any off my apps, settings and to not have anything added back (so flashing factory ROM is not an option)????
Thanks
sferg.410 said:
Hi, thread title pretty much explains my question. I am a new GNex user having change from an S2 running a Nexus ROM.
The GNex is stock ROM, unlocked and rooted using the Nexus Toolkit and running JB 4.1.1
Now I have my phone just how I want it with apps and settings etc, some stock apps removed like google+ etc. I would like to be able to relock and UNROOT the device so I can run software that does not run on rooted devices like Barclays PingIT.
So is there a reasonably simple way to at least make the device appear unrooted and to not lose any off my apps, settings and to not have anything added back (so flashing factory ROM is not an option)????
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27878074
Unlock/Lock without wipe...if you have SU access.
I've never heard of an app that requires your bootloader to be locked.
But open Superuser (currently running a backup or I'd test) and it should have a temp un-root option.
Jubakuba said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27878074
Unlock/Lock without wipe...if you have SU access.
I've never heard of an app that requires your bootloader to be locked.
But open Superuser (currently running a backup or I'd test) and it should have a temp un-root option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok maybe i didnt write my thread correctly...
the lock/unlock is not really an issue as that can be done with nexus toolbox anyway.
the point of the thread is 'can i UNROOT the phone' without loosing settings and apps etc or changing it in anyway. lock/unlock is not really an issue.
i want to be able to use Barclays PingIT for example but it is able to detect if a device is rooted and then stops working.
so unrooting is the issue, not locking the bootloader
thanks
Unlocking the bootloader with that toolkit WILL wipe your data...fyi.
And I just told you.
Open super user.
Swipe the pane all the way to the left.
"Temp Unroot"
Jubakuba said:
Unlocking the bootloader with that toolkit WILL wipe your data...fyi.
And I just told you.
Open super user.
Swipe the pane all the way to the left.
"Temp Unroot"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i am very aware that it wipes my data, bit of a pain but that is learning, i shouldn't have relocked it should i... had it all nice and now i have to do it all again. I did have an app backup though so wont need to download everything. just redo all the settings.
As for SU temp unroot - that does not work, it makes no difference to an app like Barclays PingIT, it still detects the device as rooted.

Any reason NOT to root brand new GNEX?

I'm receiving a new Galaxy Nexus in the mail today. I'm new to the Android world but this site has been extremely helpful in explaining the capabilitys of this OS. Since I've never used Android I don't completely understand the pros/cons to rooting my device. A lot of posts say "you have to do it to understand the benefits" or something of that nature. I understand that once you root you can change your ROM, kernel, navigate all file folders, use certain apps that require superuser access, etc. As of now, I'm not sure I'd want to do any of that. I may want to in the future when I see some limitations that could be bypassed by rooting, but for now I would like to keep the stock ROM, kernel, etc.
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct? So it would function the same as a stock device but would have the potential to be modified later. If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device? I'm just thinking that if I'd do it eventually, I might as well do it right now when there are no valuable files/apps/etc. that I'd have to worry about backing up.
People often root to flash aosp roms otherwise not available on htc or galaxy s phones
Aosp also in many cases gave better battery life than their skinned cousins
But on nexus phones and jelly bean I don't see much of one other than to experiment or to use addons like roms such as codename android and baked bean give
--------
Sent from my Jelly Bean powered Nexus Snarf 4G
The main reason I root is for Titanium Backup. That is probably the only way to migrate apps (with data) from one device to another.
Also nandroid (Clockworkmod Recovery) backup is useful if you want to experiment with different ROMs and can restore stock and apps easily.
On a side note: Don't like CWM 6 when backup creates a huge BLOB directory structure. Not convenient to backup your backup to PC.
Backups
Free Tethering
Block ads
etc
Tethering is enabled already. Ah u probably must be talking about the us version. I have the international one.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I root for Paranoid Android and Titanium Backup. Two things I can't be without once getting used to them.
But really. Installing Titanium Backup almost feels like a necessity on Any phone to freeze/backup apps detach them from market etc.
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can be stock & rooted. Root by itself will not affect an OTA. The only reason to root is if YOU gain something. If your phone dose everything you want without root then there is no reason to root.
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes u can stay stock and rooted.
If u root and take an update you will most likely loose root or you will have to unroot before u can take the update. One of the 2.
Biggest disadvantage is that it voids warranty. But no big deal if u no how to go back to stock.
People that don't root probably don't because they don't how, are scared to and/or they don't want to void that precious warranty.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
1. It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
2. If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
3. Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes
2. Yes. Though root disappears if you update officially OTA. So then you need to re-root. If you would also unlock bootloader and install CWM you can not update OTA.
3. Umm. I guess some manufacturers claims that warranty is void when rooting. That's pretty much the only not-to reason I can think of. If rooted only and don't "use it" you won't even notice you're rooted.
bchaney16 said:
I'm just thinking that if I'd do it eventually, I might as well do it right now when there are no valuable files/apps/etc. that I'd have to worry about backing up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's unlocking the bootlaoder (fastbbot oem unlock) that will (not Play Store devices) wipe the device, not rooting (though the easiest way to root is to unlock the bootloader).
Ok I think its becoming more clear now.
I ordered mine unlocked from the Play Store. Does that mean the bootloader is already unlocked?
How often does an OTA come out anyway?
bchaney16 said:
Ok I think its becoming more clear now.
I ordered mine unlocked from the Play Store. Does that mean the bootloader is already unlocked?
How often does an OTA come out anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that refers to SIM unlocked, not tied to a specific carrier.
[REF] efrant's "Android for Galaxy Nexus" 101 & FAQs
If your new to Android this is a good place to start getting acquainted with the terminoligy & procedures
Right, I know it is carrier unlocked. So a Play Store GNEX still has a locked bootloader but unlocking it does not erase your files...
If that's the case I guess there's no downside to waiting until I see a good reason to unlock and root. I was thinking that I should do this on my brand new phone so that it wouldn't have any files on it that I'd need to backup. It sounds like I wouldn't have to worry about backing up regardless.
The only reason I can think of to unlock the bootloader straight away (& it's arguably a good one) ...
If for some reason your phone won't boot into android you could fastboot boot a custom recovery & have adb access to pull files from the virtual sdcard.
Rooting is the best thing to happen to Android phones. Do it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
bchaney16 said:
Right, I know it is carrier unlocked. So a Play Store GNEX still has a locked bootloader but unlocking it does not erase your files...
If that's the case I guess there's no downside to waiting until I see a good reason to unlock and root. I was thinking that I should do this on my brand new phone so that it wouldn't have any files on it that I'd need to backup. It sounds like I wouldn't have to worry about backing up regardless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will. Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will erase /sdcard. Does not matter if you get if from the play store or not. But like you said, if the device is brand new it doesn't matter anyway.
Side note: recently an exploit is discovered that allows to gain root without unlocking the bootloader. And if you have root, you can unlock/lock the bootloader at will without losing data. Follow the link in my signature for more info.
Petrovski80 said:
Yes it will. Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will erase /sdcard. Does not matter if you get if from the play store or not. But like you said, if the device is brand new it doesn't matter anyway.
Side note: recently an exploit is discovered that allows to gain root without unlocking the bootloader. And if you have root, you can unlock/lock the bootloader at will without losing data. Follow the link in my signature for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were numerous reports that Play Store phones did NOT wipe all data when the bootloader was unlocked, I know mine didn't
3rdstring said:
There were numerous reports that Play Store phones did NOT wipe all data when the bootloader was unlocked, I know mine didn't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was your /sdcard partition untouched after oem unlock?
Petrovski80 said:
Was your /sdcard partition untouched after oem unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the data partition was untouched. All my apps & sdcard data was still there.
[DISCUSSION] Google Play Nexus not wiping after Bootloader Unlock

[Q] Rooting GN

Greetings XDA,
Ive recently got me a GN (yakju) (couldn't wait for N4) and wait to get updated to 4.2. Now i run 4.2 and i want to unlock its boot loader & root it.
Not yet interested of having new roms on it, im cool with its stock android BUT i need to get full control of my device and not being restricted on apps that don't need root.
In case you want to ask me WHY i just didn't follow any of the guides for rooting nexuses in the forum, the answer is because im not sure which is the best/easiest/newest/safest
Im not very familiar with such staff i want to make is as simple as it gets and avoid breaking my phone (if thats even possible).
So please can you assist me to take this first android steps ?
Thanks in advance
safest and easiest.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
Hi, welcome to the GNex and the possibilities with it. I have had my GNex since Jan 2012 and it was rooted 2 weeks later. I'm sure if you search in XDA you find lots of help on rooting. However I started out with the www.galaxynexusforum.com forum and followed the unlocking and rooting by Wug.
Assuming you have a verizon GNex here is what you should follow
Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit v1.6.0 [Updated 11/26/12]
It is a nice tool installed on a windows pc or laptop and I have used it to do my GNex and also another one from a friend about 6 month after mine.
Works great and i think if you follow these thread you are rooted in no time.
Good luck
I have the GSM nexus.
Ok its unlocked now, preparing to root.
I just got 1 more final question, considering i will not flash any other rom or such, with my device ONLY unlocked & rooted, will i be able to get OTA updates from now on or i will have to flash myself ? (also do i need Custom Recovery ? what does it do ? )
equilibriumgr said:
Ok its unlocked now, preparing to root.
I just got 1 more final question, considering i will not flash any other rom or such, with my device ONLY unlocked & rooted, will i be able to get OTA updates from now on or i will have to flash myself ? (also do i need Custom Recovery ? what does it do ? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need a tool to unlock...you just need adb and fastboot.
Ensure ADB Debugging is enabled.
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
At this point you can push a custom recovery to your phone - I think there are recoveries now that support 4.2.
After flashing the custom recovery, boot into it and flash your superuser.zip
Lol...thats it.
I think you can still get OTA's but you will lose root. I suppose if the OTA was that important, you can relock the device (you will lose data) and then OTA up to the newest version and unlock again.
If you have a GSM device you are lucky, because the factory images are pretty plentiful. On Verizon CDMA we only have 4.1.1 (and because of this I only use 4.1.1 stock).
I had to relock and unroot on Tuesday because of a SIM card issue - didnt want Verizon knowing it was rooted. Came home and unlocked and rerooted all over again. Took about 10 minutes total.
After OTA 4.2.1 root is lost. Do i need to repeat the process to re-root ?
equilibriumgr said:
After OTA 4.2.1 root is lost. Do i need to repeat the process to re-root ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting a nexus will always be the same steps.

Rooting & Rom'ing

Okay, I think I know the answer to this question, so forgive me. Just want to be sure before I go blow $500.
For the Nexus devices, regardless of the carrier, we'll be able to root them and ROM them as well as install new Kernel's because the bootloaders will be unlocked?
If that's correct please say so. If it's only partially correct, please explain it all to me.
Disgruntled Verizon User with a S6 Edge
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!
Yes, its easy as pie.
nexuses are always devs favorites...
@mrbigdrawsz As a fellow Verizon user, I know exactly were your coming from. And yes since this is a nexus device coming directly from Google and not being sold or touched by Verizon, it will be good to go for all your rooting, ROM'ing, Bootloader unlocking, and custom kernel needs.
Yes! Though I am not sure about the Pixel C. I am wondering if Google giving products the Pixel name means they lock them down? Sorry, little off topic.
I'm only curious how/if Google has the fingerprint security locked down when it comes to root
shimp208 said:
@mrbigdrawsz As a fellow Verizon user, I know exactly were your coming from. And yes since this is a nexus device coming directly from Google and not being sold or touched by Verizon, it will be good to go for all your rooting, ROM'ing, Bootloader unlocking, and custom kernel needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank the sweet, tiny, infant squishy baby Jesus! I have yet to own a nexus phone (fed up with my GS5) and am about to pre order the 5X. I miss getting to try out different roms and such, so i'm really pumped about the 5X. the 6P is just too big of a phone for me i think.
Forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere, is there any word on xposed for android M?
owenrg said:
Forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere, is there any word on xposed for android M?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are still working out the bugs on getting it to run on 5.x completely as they want and those devs on the Xposed team do a phenomenal job. Support for 6.0 marshmallow will eventually come but it will be a little bit yet.
If I unlock bootload, will I have problem with OTA?
shimp208 said:
They are still working out the bugs on getting it to run on 5.x completely as they want and those devs on the Xposed team do a phenomenal job. Support for 6.0 marshmallow will eventually come but it will be a little bit yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
menaceinc said:
If I unlock bootload, will I have problem with OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.
Thanks, I will just do that, unlocking bootloader. I really missed OTA as my current N5 is rooted.
shimp208 said:
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shimp208 said:
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?
Tank87 said:
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, installing an OTA over a rooted phone would just kill root and you'd have to root it again, however, installing a custom ROM, the developer usually kills OTA so that all the custom stuff doesn't get jacked up.
Tank87 said:
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will effect the built in method of OTA updates. This is not a problem though. 99% of the time you will have access to the updated via the nexus factory image site before you receive notification of an OTA update on your device. Download the update and extract the boot, bootloader, radio, and system images. Flash via fastboot in bootloader mode and you will update your device without losing data/settings. I believe that you can flash img files with recent TWRP builds also.
To root after update just reboot to TWRP recovery and reboot. You will be prompted to install root before system reboots.
May seem a little overwhelming if its your first nexus device but a lot easier than updating a non nexus rooted Android device.
For more info check out any one of the recent nexus routing guides sticky threads
I know many people rooted etc their Nexus 5s using the Wugfresh Nexus Root ToolKit. Undoubtably a version will be introduced for the 5X,
If you root your device then flash a custom rom, you will be notified of the update via OTA or otherwise (eg Pushbullet) for that specific rom that you have flashed.
SlyUK said:
I know many people rooted etc their Nexus 5s using the Wugfresh Nexus Root ToolKit. Undoubtably a version will be introduced for the 5X,
If you root your device then flash a custom rom, you will be notified of the update via OTA or otherwise (eg Pushbullet) for that specific rom that you have flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why use a Toolkit to root? Just using ADB and Fastboot is better/easier since you can actually see what is happening during the process. Using a toolkit removes that element and if it hangs you don't where in the process it failed on.
metpage said:
Why use a Toolkit to root? Just using ADB and Fastboot is better/easier since you can actually see what is happening during the process. Using a toolkit removes that element and if it hangs you don't where in the process it failed on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes thats true, but I haven't heard of many people who have had problems with Wugfresh and it is a popular method. Everyone is different
I always rooted my Nexus (N4, N5 & N7), but I am not going to root my new upcoming Nexus 5X. Why? It just too much to flash/root since Google will release monthly security updates. Yes, I did use "fastboot flash xxx xxx.img" method. However, I will unlock the bootloader in case I change my mind in the future. With unlocked bootloader, I can always fix phone via flash factory images.

Categories

Resources