Develop Bugs

[Q] Root vs Bootloader Unlock

I am pretty sure this has been asked/mentioned before, but to be honest, I really dont feel like looking through/over hundreds of posts and comments trying to get a true solid answer.
My question is, plain and simple. What is/are the major differences between rooting the Galaxy Nexus version 4.0.2 Android and unlocking the bootloader on it ?
I have been searching and so far it looks or sounds like you need to do one before the other, one of them is good for restoring files or something, etc. I have also read that if you are just trying to get the 4.0.4 Android update without having to wait on Verizon stupidity, I can unlock the bootloader, flash the update (or whatever its called) and it will be as if my GNex is rooted, but when I reboot it, it will be stock with all the new stuff that comes with the update, anybody know if this is true or not ?

Unlocking the bootloader just gives you access to the utilities like fastboot that let you root and ROM your device. It removes the "security" that gets in the way of hooking up the phone to a computer and having full control.
Rooting is the process of giving yourself "superuser" (think of it like Administrator) access on the device. Rooting itself doesn't do anything for you, its more about giving apps you install more control of the device.
If you unlock the bootloader to flash an update, you are not rooting your device. You're just flashing a file.
Rooting and unlocking are often confused because on many phones, they're both in the same process and you rarely do one without the other. Usually "rooting" is a catch-all word for modifying your device and changing the software.

Rooting allows you to customize your os. It gives you root access (ie access to everything). To root the nexus you must unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

I was wondering the same thing, thanks for the answers.

bwcorvus said:
Rooting allows you to customize your os. It gives you root access (ie access to everything). To root the nexus you must unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my nexus without unlocking the boot loader. Via exploit
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

Possible to root Jelly Bean GNex without unlocking?

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.

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
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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

Thinking about rooting - need some advice

Hey all!
First Nexus device ever here, and I'm loving it! I've long been an amateur tinkerer with Android things (I've been through the Droid X, Bionic, Razr, Razr Maxx, and currently rocking the SGS3; Tablet wise I've had the OG Nook Color pimped out with Cyanogenmod, the HP Touchpad with Android, and more recently an Asus TF201 Transformer Prime).
Needless to say, I'm not completely useless with this type of stuff! I am, however, a little curious as to the rooting / unlocking process.
1) It looks like you need to unlock to root this device? Just double checking because that's new to me. (yes, I already know you lose your data if you do)
2) If I unlock / root but don't change the system files other than the custom recovery, can I still flash the OTAs when they come? I am not currently interested in a custom ROM, and I know I won't actually be PROMPTED for the OTAs if I have a custom recovery, but can I simply sideload the official update .zip and install via TWRP? Or is that impossible? I also understand Voodoo would be necessary (or re-rooting if Voodoo doesn't work on the update)
3) If 2 is impossible, what is the procedure to install official updates while rooted / unlocked?
Sorry for all the questions! Any help is appreciated

Yes. Unlock is needed. But it is sooo easy on Nexus: fastboot oem unlock
Now, with OTAs, I would stick with a stock deodex or odex ROM and just update when your dev updates. Trust me, saves a lot of headache.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

swagstr said:
Yes. Unlock is needed. But it is sooo easy on Nexus: fastboot oem unlock
Now, with OTAs, I would stick with a stock deodex or odex ROM and just update when your dev updates. Trust me, saves a lot of headache.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick response! See the thing was, I didn't want to have to have to flash a ROM because I like how quickly Nexus devices get updated and I'm worried it'll be delayed by that process.. I'm not even certain I need to root yet anyway haha..My phone is rooted (mostly for hotspot, wireless adb, etc.), but I've yet to come across a compelling reason to root the N7 in the first place. Can anyone offer some examples?

SJonesGSO said:
Thanks for the quick response! See the thing was, I didn't want to have to have to flash a ROM because I like how quickly Nexus devices get updated and I'm worried it'll be delayed by that process.. I'm not even certain I need to root yet anyway haha..My phone is rooted (mostly for hotspot, wireless adb, etc.), but I've yet to come across a compelling reason to root the N7 in the first place. Can anyone offer some examples?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium backup. Adblockers. Etc. If you don't got a reason to root. Don't

Here's my Nexus 7 rooting notes (I use fedora linux on my system and root from there):
http://home.comcast.net/~tomhorsley/hardware/nexus7/hacking.html

you are always safe with nexus
all nexus devices have stock images located on google's site and they are flashable in fastboot so you will never be outdated only these methods you will lose your data my suggestion is with whatever you do in your tinkering is back up everything just to be safe and make data recovery a breeze good luck

albundy2010 said:
Titanium backup. Adblockers. Etc. If you don't got a reason to root. Don't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use Titanium Backup, and I don't use adblockers on principal (I'm an app developer and make most of my revenue from ad clicks).
At this point, I'm thinking I'm just not going to go through the trouble if I can't think of a specific reason to. Thanks everyone.

There is plenty of ways to root and unlock with AIO's out there but there is no point of really doing it at this moment as there is not that much development for N7-2

I would suggest you do the unlock, even if you don't plan on using custom recovery or rooting at this time.
Otherwise if you find something where you need root or custom recovery for in the future, you'll end up wiping your data then, after everything is set up and you've installed your apps.
Unlocking won't affect your ability to receive OTAs and neither will installing root.
Custom recovery can affect your ability to receive OTAs, but you actually don't need to install custom recovery to root. You can just temporarily boot into twrp or cwm (ie don't write the custom recovery onto your phone) and run the update.zip for SuperSU. Use fastboot boot twrp.img to do a one-time boot into custom recovery.

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.