Related
So I've come to notice that I can't even change a widget background to transparent without rooting (right?) so I want to root my phone. I reflashed my GN to have yakju which wiped all the data and it was a pain to get everything back as it was before. Was able to save my messages, which I'm very thankful for as it took ages to get them out of my old Nokia (series 40) to my GN. Since I've downloaded apps from "third party providers" that usually cost money but were on a special sale (GetJar) and I'd also lose these apps.
It seems that there are a lot of ways to backup data if you have root access, but if you don't your out of luck. Shame on me for not rooting the minute I got the phone, but I believed when people told me that Android was open (BAZINGA). So before I lose ~20 bucks worth of apps I want to be sure there really is no way for me to save them somewhere somehow.
Could someone also point me to a topic of sorts where there are some facts listed about rooting? I know it's somewhere here, but I haven't found it (to be frank this question is probably also in here somewhere, but couldn't find it either). I guess I can't have a rooted phone with the default ROM? Right? So if I root I won't get updates from Google?
As you can see I'm an Android/XDA nooblet.
For data back up after rooting Titanium Backup is a must have. I bought the pro version.
From my understanding you will still get OTA updates from Google if the finger print = google/yakju/maguro:4.0.2/ICL53.... for example.
If the fingerpring contains samsung anywhere in there then your upade will come from sammy not google
I have TB installed, but as said I'm not rooted yet so it's useless. My device is currently marked as Google. So what I have to do is just choose a ROM that has that fingerprint? Okay.
start here mate http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310
Rooting will NOT wipe your data or apps. However, if you re-locked your bootloader, then you are out of luck, as unlocking the bootloader causes a full wipe. You should always leave your bootloader unlocked -- it saves a lot of hassle... like what you are now experiencing.
There is no good way to backup without root.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
efrant said:
Rooting will NOT wipe your data or apps. However, if you re-locked your bootloader, then you are out of luck, as unlocking the bootloader causes a full wipe. You should always leave your bootloader unlocked -- it saves a lot of hassle... like what you are now experiencing.
There is no good way to backup without root.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you positive? That would be awesome!
Another noob question, what's the difference between rooting and unlocking the bootloader? Is the latter for installing things like ClockWorkMod Recovery?
Neo3D said:
Are you positive? That would be awesome!
Another noob question, what's the difference between rooting and unlocking the bootloader? Is the latter for installing things like ClockWorkMod Recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting simply gives you 'root' access, which is the Linux equivalent of administrator on Windows. Unlocking the bootloader lets you flash packages signed by sources other than official, or unsigned as well.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Neo3D said:
Are you positive? That would be awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about rooting not wiping your phone, then yes. However, unlocking will wipe your phone, thus the recommendation to do it before you've d/led or configured anything. I unlocked right after I did the initial out-of-box setup, had to go through again after the unlock wiped the phone, and then rooted it yesterday. I used this method to root (there's a similar rundown in the GN LTE forum) and none of my apps or tweaks had been removed or changed. But you should always make backups just in case, which the first link helps you with.
Yeah. So the answer is there is no way to save your your data. Luckily a lot of the stuff is synced with Google. Your messages you can save with SMS backup. I unlocked, rooted and went ahead and flashed a new ROM (hopefully that is the right terminology: you flash ROMs, right?). In between the new ROM and rooting I backed up with Titanium Backup.
This one let's you sync with Facebook which is awesome. Now if only FB would be added as an IM service as well. It's probably the only instant messaging service in use around here; kind of a bummer it isn't included. Does anyone know if someone is intending to add this functionality in a custom ROM etc? (sorry, just feels wrong to strat a new topic for this question.)
I have my music widget now with a transparent background.
You won't lose the paid apps even if you wipe/unistall them. They will appear as purchased for you in the android market always. You just need to reinstall them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
My backup pro
App manager on es file explorer makes back ups of .apk files, pretty sure you don't need root, but I could be mistaken, its a free app so its not like you have anything to lose. If it does work, after backing up your apps you can then move the files to your pc with a usb cable, or transfer the files to a cloud storage like dropbox for extra security.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
Jaytex24 said:
App manager on es file explorer makes back ups of .apk files, pretty sure you don't need root, but I could be mistaken, its a free app so its not like you have anything to lose. If it does work, after backing up your apps you can then move the files to your pc with a usb cable, or transfer the files to a cloud storage like dropbox for extra security.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Needs root
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
AdrianE46 said:
You won't lose the paid apps even if you wipe/unistall them. They will appear as purchased for you in the android market always. You just need to reinstall them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that only applies to apps purchased/downloaded through Android market.
I can't remember but i read that with ics, using adb without unlocking or rooting you can back up your data. I will try and find the link, try the dev forum.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
hubono said:
I can't remember but i read that with ics, using adb without unlocking or rooting you can back up your data. I will try and find the link, try the dev forum.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, not without root.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
JX3 said:
Yeah. So the answer is there is no way to save your your data. Luckily a lot of the stuff is synced with Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, that isn't entirely true. You can still back-up what you can see on the Nexus when you connect it to your computer.
mfdemicco said:
Actually, that isn't entirely true. You can still back-up what you can see on the Nexus when you connect it to your computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true, I was going to say to always backup your "sd card" by copying it over to your computer when locking/unlocking as it will be wiped for whatever reason.
efrant said:
Nope, not without root.
are you sure, i haven't started fooling around with mine yet, decided to stay stock for a while but here it says otherwise
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1402347
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No windows platform support thou
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
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.
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.
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
Understanding the Rooting Process
Hi,
I have never rooted a phone before, so I am a bit curious before I get into it. I have a Galaxy Nexus – brought directly from Google without going through any carrier. I have Android 4.2.1 on it, and it has never been rooted.
I want to root the phone in order to copy data on and off a USB Stick using Chainfire’s Stickmount App (among other things.) This means I am not interested in any custom ROM. The stock works OK for me.
I am using the following tutorial: How to Root Galaxy Nexus! [Universal Guide][GSM/Verizon/Sprint][Windows/Linux/Mac][GB/ICS/Jelly Bean] which has the following steps to root:
1. Unlock the Bootloader
2. Install ClockworkMod Recovery
3. Install the SuperUser binaries using Recovery to get Root
In this regard I have a few questions that I am not getting easy answers using Google. (All I get is tutorials with steps – no logic.)
1. The first step is “Unlocking the Bootloader”. The following link says that unlocking the Bootloader is to install custom ROMs What does it mean to unlock the boot loader?
As mentioned above, I am not interested in putting custom ROMs on to the device. I am satisfied with the stock. Do I need to do this step?
2. “Unlocking the Bootloader” seems to delete all data on the phone. Is this true? Why does it do this.
3. Is it possible to backup the current ROM before I root? That way I can always restore it in case of any problems. I do not have much data/apps on the phone, so backing up that is not an issue.
Thank you all for your help.
O. O.
o.o. said:
1. The first step is “Unlocking the Bootloader”. The following link says that unlocking the Bootloader is to install custom ROMs What does it mean to unlock the boot loader?
As mentioned above, I am not interested in putting custom ROMs on to the device. I am satisfied with the stock. Do I need to do this step?
2. “Unlocking the Bootloader” seems to delete all data on the phone. Is this true? Why does it do this.
3. Is it possible to backup the current ROM before I root? That way I can always restore it in case of any problems. I do not have much data/apps on the phone, so backing up that is not an issue.
Thank you all for your help.
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes. Unlocking the bootloader is not the same as installing a different ROM, you will still be on stock after unlocking. Unlocking will ALLOW you to flash different firmware/mods/etc, but you dont have to flash anything you dont want to.
2. Yes, it will wipe your phone clean. Every time you do it. No getting around this.
3. Not to my knowledge. I would recommend doing the back up first thing after unlocking bootloader and installing recovery.
WiredPirate said:
1. Yes. Unlocking the bootloader is not the same as installing a different ROM, you will still be on stock after unlocking. Unlocking will ALLOW you to flash different firmware/mods/etc, but you dont have to flash anything you dont want to.
2. Yes, it will wipe your phone clean. Every time you do it. No getting around this.
3. Not to my knowledge. I would recommend doing the back up first thing after unlocking bootloader and installing recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
addition to point 3)
its really irrelevant to backup the rom if you're staying stock since you can just download the images freely from google and use fastboot to flash them all and you'll be running a clean stock rom since you just unlocked the bootloader.
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Zepius said:
addition to point 3)
its really irrelevant to backup the rom if you're staying stock since you can just download the images freely from google and use fastboot to flash them all and you'll be running a clean stock rom since you just unlocked the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. The exception might be if you don't have access to a comp at the time your phone needs to go back. But downloading and flashing images like you said is probably a cleaner/ better way of getting back to stock.:good:
o.o. said:
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I was more help with the "Why?". I just kind of go with it lol. I mean I have ideas as to why, but I'm not a dev and/or familiar with code, I'm just a user so I don't wanna say something and it be wrong.
o.o. said:
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash unsigned images. This allows you to flash a custom recovery, which is required for root access. basically, if you want root, you have to unlock the bootloader the first time with the command "fastboot oem unlock"
2) thats the way its designed. there are ways around it, but you have to have root to unlock the bootloader without wiping your data.
Zepius said:
1) an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash unsigned images. This allows you to flash a custom recovery, which is required for root access. basically, if you want root, you have to unlock the bootloader the first time with the command "fastboot oem unlock"
2) thats the way its designed. there are ways around it, but you have to have root to unlock the bootloader without wiping your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Zepius. I am hoping that someone can provide some better understanding of this issue. I know that there is a design, which is obviously illogical. Nowhere have I found an explanation for this illogicality – hence my question.
O. O.
o.o. said:
Thank you Zepius. I am hoping that someone can provide some better understanding of this issue. I know that there is a design, which is obviously illogical. Nowhere have I found an explanation for this illogicality – hence my question.
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is it is to keep your data mostly secure by wiping it out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
go here. if it helped, thank efrant.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31751966
sent by an android
The other option if you want to root without losing your data is to use a computer with the adb tool to make a backup and then restore that backup after you've rooted your phone. A guide on how to do this can be found here: http://www.thesuperusersguide.com/adb-backup--restore.html
Zepius said:
My guess is it is to keep your data mostly secure by wiping it out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Zep. This is more like what I was looking for i.e. this sounds reasonable. Anyway I guess this is not the best place to ask such questions i.e. everyone seems to know what to do, but are clueless about the logic.
O. O.
o.o. said:
Understanding the Rooting Process
I want to root the phone in order to copy data on and off a USB Stick using Chainfire’s Stickmount App (among other things.) This means I am not interested in any custom ROM. The stock works OK for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another option for USB OTG is an app called Nexus Media Importer it almost does what stickmount does and does not require root.
You can read data, but you cannot write to the attached device (USB flash drive etc.), only copy to the Android device.
Hope this helps a little in case you are uncomfortable rooting.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer
As has been mentioned, unlocking the bootloader is necessary to allow flashing images. AFAIK, the data wipe (factory reset and memory card wipe) is to protect your data, contacts, etc., in case your phone is lost or stolen and somebody tried to restore your phone to stock so they can use it or sell it. That's assuming you have a security screen that can't be bypassed so that the criminal can't just hit "factory reset" and delete your memory contents.
The bootloader unlock is necessary to root because you are flashing the custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) and root (Superuser or SuperSU) binaries, or flashing an "image" if that helps. This is the same process as flashing a ROM, so the bootloader needs to be unlocked to allow this. The data wipe is there to "protect" you.
Once rooted, you can lock and unlock the bootloader at will with the "Bootunlocker" app by Segv, though if you ever loose root via OTA update, you have to unlock the bootloader via fastboot again, which causes you to loose your data. I learned this the hard way so trust me, just leave the bootloader unlocked. Even if a criminal tries to flash a new ROM or factory image, they have to completely erase everything to get around your security screen.
If you have data that want to save, use the Android MTP to move you memory contents to your computer. This is mostly for music, pictures, documents, and downloads. To do a full backup (apps, settings, data) there is a guide in the stickies I believe that explains how to do a full backup to your computer without root.
That is my attempt at the logic, hope that helps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium