Develop Bugs

[Q] Unlocking Bootloader and Rooting

Hey guys, sorry if this has already been answered somewhere else but I couldn't find it anywhere.
I bought a Galaxy Nexus a couple weeks ago and am loving it (except for battery life) and am interested in rooting it. But I have a few questions first:
1. What is the difference between unlocking the bootloader and rooting a phone. I know what unlocking a bootloader is, but I don't know much about rooting.
2. If I unlock and root, will I still be able to get updates from Google directly wihtout issues? Like, will I get the 4.0.3 update whenever it comes out even if I'm rooted?
3. Will my warranty be voided if I unlock the bootloader?
4. And if I do root it, what ROMs do you guys suggest I use? Which ones are the smoothest in performance and give the best battery life and customizations etc?
5. There is a new unlock/root tool made for the SGN, shown here: droid-life.com /2012/01/04/simple-galaxy-nexus-lte-rootunlock-and-unrootre-lock-tool-released/
Is it as effective as unlocking and rooting manually or does it have some drawbacks since it does everything for you automatically? BTW, thanks to whoever made that tool.
I know these are dumb questions but I'm new at this, so please bear with me. Thanks for any help in advance!

Peesashiz said:
Hey guys, sorry if this has already been answered somewhere else but I couldn't find it anywhere.
I bought a Galaxy Nexus a couple weeks ago and am loving it (except for battery life) and am interested in rooting it. But I have a few questions first:
1. What is the difference between unlocking the bootloader and rooting a phone. I know what unlocking a bootloader is, but I don't know much about rooting.
2. If I unlock and root, will I still be able to get updates from Google directly wihtout issues? Like, will I get the 4.0.3 update whenever it comes out even if I'm rooted?
3. Will my warranty be voided if I unlock the bootloader?
4. And if I do root it, what ROMs do you guys suggest I use? Which ones are the smoothest in performance and give the best battery life and customizations etc?
5. There is a new unlock/root tool made for the SGN, shown here: droid-life.com /2012/01/04/simple-galaxy-nexus-lte-rootunlock-and-unrootre-lock-tool-released/
Is it as effective as unlocking and rooting manually or does it have some drawbacks since it does everything for you automatically? BTW, thanks to whoever made that tool.
I know these are dumb questions but I'm new at this, so please bear with me. Thanks for any help in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I have an app called All About Root which should answer the majority of all basic questions and even some advanced technical ones regarding root.
2) Yes, if you're still on stock and dont change/modify any of the stock apk/framework files. Once the OTA update finishes, root access will be removed and a stock recovery will be reloaded. Will have to fastboot flash the custom recovery back and set the permissions back on root (permissions are a topic in All About Root)
3) Depends on who is covering the warranty or another way to put it, who/where/how device was purchased.
5) I would always recommend learning the manual method. Once you load the android-sdk, which is needed for many customizations, the unlock is a simple command and learning adb/fastboot will be very useful in the future for most operations.
Hope that helps! I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions and experiences to cover any gaps I might have missed. Good luck!

1) Unlocking allows you to modify the kernel and flash custom roms. Rooting allows you root access to the OS. Root is the equivalent of an admin in windows, but in the context of android it gives you write access to the full device. Basically it allows you to access lower level system functions (ie droidwall is a gui for iptables which is a firewall).
2)My understanding is that if you unlock and root, you'll be running a custom recovery (clockwork). I'm not sure if that means you won't see the OTA or if it'll just revert to stock or it may not work at all. Perhaps someone else can explain, but frankly when you get to #4 I don't see any reason why OTA updates are relevant.
3) I think the bootload can be relocked so even if it does void the warranty it can be reversed. Whether or not they can tell that it has been unlocked I don't know, and if they wanted to find a reason to deny a warranty I'm sure they could find one whether or not it's unlocked. I'd be surprised if they denied it though since the nexus devices are important because they can be unlocked.
4) I've used Axiom pretty much since the day after I got my phone. Most of them are all the same 4.0.3 core just various modifications to 'improve' the experience. The one other rom I'd look at is kang's because it's based on CM9. Kernels are another issue from there - I've liked both leankernel and franco's. Note that you should check out the forums over at rootzwiki as their dev area seems more active than around here. The kernel is the main source of battery and performance boosts.
5) I would recommend attempting it manually. The most difficult part imo is getting the drivers installed and the device recognized by adb. From there it's just executing a single line to unlocked. Unlocking will wipe your data. I'll say it again...unlocking will wipe your data. I used superboot myself, but if you're going to a custom rom then getting root access is really only needed temporarily to get clockwork installed - any custom rom has root access already. Here's a link to superboot. I *think* you just execute it from your computer (its a batch file) and it will root the device for you. I'm not sure if it installs clockworkmod so the first thing you should do after booting is download rom manager and reflash recovery to be sure. Then you can use clockworkmod to move to a rom.
Happy flashing.

[Q] The first thing to do with an Xplay?

Ok. I would be glad if someone could point me in the right direction here, and answer this question.
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on? What´s the best thing to do if I want to remove the bloatware. I might as well say that I´m pretty much a beginner when it comes to all the terms "rooting" and stuff. But I want to do it a safe way, without taking risks of breaking or bricking anything.
Thanks.

Some of the bloatware can be simply uninstalled, some cannot. For the latter you need to root your phone. I like to use SuperOneClick for rooting. Note that some firmwares (the ones whose version ends with .62 or greater) cannot be rooted, so I wouldn't update to them.
Once rooted, removing the bloatware is pretty simple. The most common way is to use Titanium Backup to uninstall it or you can even do it manually by deleting the relevant .apk files from /system/app.

Root your phone ,this is the first step that you must to do. After rooting ,you can remove bloatware from your phone and gain more free space on you internal memory.
I think that the best rooting way is the (zergRush Method):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859
After rooting ,download 'Root Explorer' ,go to system/app and remove all the things you don't need.

If you are getting an AT&T Xplay I would suggest installing the generic north American rom which is 2.3.4 and missing the AT&T bloat. I backed up the games from the stock rom first then installed the NA rom and reinstalled them.

First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.

EDIT: Don't do the below, just read you don't want risk!
1. Unlock the bootloader
2. Use flashtool to install a generic ROM .FTF file (.368 has CRT animation but is old, .42 is good, .62 is good)
3. Install a kernel (DooM's is great). This will allow you to overclock, and give automatic ROOT (no need to exploit or install anything else)
4. Buy/acquire an app called "Titanium Backup" (it needs ROOT to run), and check the guide in these forums for which apps are safe to remove

The first thing to do? Here's a list:
1. READ everything you can find related to your model version of the Play. There are different versions depending on where you are in the world and who your service provider is. If you have a GSM capable phone (Europe, Canada, ATT in US just to name a few), you will have a lot more modification options available. If you have a CDMA capable phone (Verizon), you have fewer choices but there are more coming almost every day.
2. READ again - you know you only understood maybe a 10th of what you just read!
3. POST specific questions AFTER you have searched the forums. Don't be afraid to try Google - that's what it's there for.
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
5. SLOW DOWN !!! - don't be in such a hurry to modify your phone that you leap before you look. Most bricked phones could be avoided in the first place by taking time to understand the steps involved before making changes.
6. DON'T PANIC !!! - There are very few things you can do to your phone that the experienced folks here on the forums can't help you resolved.
7. HAVE FUN !!!
---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 AM ----------
Potato13 said:
First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily. If you install some of the latest updates, you no longer can root. That's why some research needs to be done first.

Search google and read xda forums on a daily basis. That's the shortest route lol
1. Root using zergrush or use flashtool rooting feature
2. Unlock bootloader (this will void your warranty)
3. Install clockworkmod 5.0.2.7 for xperia phones (get it free on play store fka android market)
4. Install titanium backup and perform batch backup of your apps to your sd card
5. Get doomlord's kernel v11 (link is on my signature) and wifi modules
6. Reboot into recovery and hold down or tap volume down to enter CWM recovery
7. Flash the kernel, then reboot and flash the wifi module
8. Flash your custom rom
9. There your phone is bricked! Haha

netizenmt said:
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?

silmes said:
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't going to get into custom kernels and overclocking, then no, you can do what you want without unlocking the bootloader.
There are some links in General and here in Q & A that make suggestions of what can be removed safely.
If you only rooted and didn't remove anything, you could accept updates. If you remove bloatware, the update won't even install. That's why I suggest installing CWM (ClockWorkMod) Recovery and doing a Nandroid Backup after you root but before you debloat.
Here are some useful links for you:
Rooted (Locked Bootloader) Phone - App Removal (Safe List)
[GUIDE] R800x owners - You got Custom ROM questions? I've got Answers!
The second one there was one I posted up for R800x users with locked bootloaders. It was all the stuff I had to glean for myself when mine was locked.
Hope this helps.

Sigh...hope this isn't too late.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23845116#post23845116

First thing: Root right away with Flashtool (http://androxyde.github.com/) and don't listen to the others, the Flashtool nowdays contains the Exploit that you need and it works perfect to root on 2.3.4 (I did it myself when I root'd mine the first time).
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
I recommend the Titanium Backup as all the others, and you can use this list as help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699&highlight=remove+app+list
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.

Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?

silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update to the .62 firmware you can't root.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk

silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because it differs between models and some people aren't aware of that, while others like to be argumentative!
If you have a Verizon R800x Play, our firmware only goes up to Version 2.3.3 (3.0.1.E.0.88). If yours comes with 2.3.2, you're safe to update. You will be able to root with no problem.
If you have one of the other phones, you can apply updates below 4.0.2.A.0.62 and still root. .62 and higher, no root.
Check out this thread [HOW-TO] Root Phones w/ Android v2.2.x-2.3.x (zergRush Method) for additional information.

[Q] AT&T SCH-i467 to root or not to root

As the title states I have an AT&T Note 8.0 SGH-i467. I understand the concept of rooting but I am totally afraid to do it. From reading other posts, I am gonna go out on a limb and ask can my Note 8.0 can be rooted?? I understand the concept of having superuser access and being able to do all kinds of customizations but basically I just want to be able to use all of my apps in multiwindows. Then I found this thread on how to (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1985240) modify apps yourself but again, I am afraid to do that or I don't think I am that tech savvy to accomplish this. So my questions:
1) Do I want to root my tablet just to have all apps open in the multiwindow and take the chance??
2) Do I want to give it a try and just modify the apps I use most?? (Seems easier than rooting)
I love my Note 8.0. It is the best thing in my opinion. If I was able to use it as a phone like the 5100 I would not even be using my Note 2 phone.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Rich

hi
just install CWM recovery and backup your unrooted rom.
then root your rom or install new rom or anything you want.
if you don't like it jast restore your recovery.

Since SGH-I467 has a locked bootloader, rooting it is a challenge. Originally I was not going to do it knowing the difficulties, but when a file explorer complained it couldn't write to the external SD card without root, I know I must root it.
Please be aware SGH-I467M (note the ending M) is a different animal. The Canadian version's bootloader is UNLOCKED, and thus rooting it is a breeze!
With my SGH-I467 I tried many different methods. Finally I was able to root it using Kingo Root (not Kingroot). Kingo Root is actually a one click rooting method. Just proceed with the instruction by the program.

[Q] Newbie With Questions Rooting T-Mobile Samsung Note 3

Hello,
I'm new to this whole rooting thing (I need to root my device for a couple of apps from the Google Play store) and I've been reading all the forums and I'm scratching my head going over all the information and I want to make sure I get it right so I don't brick my phone. Here is my situation:
- I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900T) on T-Mobile USA which was purchased October 2013
- This phone is stock from T-Mobile and has never had any type of mods, etc done to it
- 2 days ago, I upgraded the software OTA to KitKat 4.4.2
- I do NOT have the 'multitouch' issue as described in some of the forums
All I want to do at the end of the day is root my phone, without damaging it - preferably without tripping KNOX either (if possible).
It is confusing to me which thread to follow. I see links / instructions for CF-Root, CF-Auto-Root, Root De La Vega, etc are from October 2013 (not sure if this latest OTA update changes the steps) and I don't know which one to use without damaging my phone. I have the AP, CP, CSC information if this helps. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Follow this exactly from step 4 (since you already have 4.4.2), and you will have no issues. All root methods as of now trip KNOX, so if you really don't want to do that, don't root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2672393
Enjoy!

bobbyphoenix said:
Follow this exactly from step 4 (since you already have 4.4.2), and you will have no issues. All root methods as of now trip KNOX, so if you really don't want to do that, don't root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2672393
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this! Will this erase my phone back to defaults? Do I need to backup my phone prior to rooting it?

Everything will stay as is. None of the steps does a factory reset. All that will happen is you gain root, and will be able to use the SD card like you did on 4.3. As far as a back up goes I don't think you can on stock. You need the custom recovery which this will give you. Then you can do that if you want.
Sent from a Galaxy Note 3 far, far away....

bobbyphoenix said:
Everything will stay as is. None of the steps does a factory reset. All that will happen is you gain root, and will be able to use the SD card like you did on 4.3. As far as a back up goes I don't think you can on stock. You need the custom recovery which this will give you. Then you can do that if you want.
Sent from a Galaxy Note 3 far, far away....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thanks again. I will try this tomorrow.

Just some tips if you haven't used ODIN before, or used custom recoveries. When it does its thing, and reboots, make sure ODIN says PASS before disconnecting or shutting off. It's not in the instructions since those doing this know this, but just giving a heads up. Also on the last step after flashing the SD card fix it says to back out until you see REBOOT. When you do that you have two options. You want to press the option 1. NO, and not 2. Reset/stop custom recovery. Again it's not in the post, but you want to keep the custom recovery active, so always select NO.
Sent from a Galaxy Note 3 far, far away....

Thanks so much BobbyPhoenix! Looks like everything is working and my phone is not bricked
Now that I have rooted my phone, I need to read up on what else I can do besides use apps from the Google Play that require root access, e.g. removing bloatware and using my phone as an Access Point.
Thanks again!

Good to hear. One of my first apps I install is AdAway. It's not in the Play Store because Google bans all ad-blockers. If you hate ads (like me) this is a must have. If you want to try it here is the link. After you install it, and open it for the first time to install the hosts, you may be prompted to do a symlink. This is normal. Just press yes. Enjoy your root!
You don't have to download the F-Droid app. Just look for "download apk" under the latest version which right now is 2.8.1.
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=adaway&fdid=org.adaway
changelog site
https://raw.github.com/dschuermann/ad-away/master/CHANGELOG

Good morning all, since my post above back in March, my rooted Note 3 has worked great. Today, when I connected my phone to Kies3, I see that there is an available firmware update from:
PDA:NB4 / PHONE:NB4 / CSC:NB4 (TMB)
to
PDA:NE6 / PHONE:NE6 / CSC:NE6 (TMB)
Are there any precautions I need to take if I want to upgrade to the latest firmware using Kies3 if my phone is rooted using the above procedure?
Thanks in advance!

Not sure if Kies will let you update firmware as you are rooted.
You can update to the NE6 Firmware by using Odin.
Find firmware either in this forum or elsewhere and flash away.
There was a good thread here on the Tmobile GN3 Forum with dl links, and steps.
Be well.

Thanks... I'll see what I can find.

gil_happy said:
Thanks... I'll see what I can find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is, when you Odin, make sure you are on stock kernel, and then before you go into Odin go ahead and run triangle away, then boot into download mode. Just seems some people have had issues getting modem to flash, and getting boot loader to flash. Other than that you will have no issues. Thanks man.

INFORMATION REGARDING ROOTING is/isn't necessary

Samsung Galaxy SIII SGH-I747M Build No. KOT49H.I747MVLUFOB3 Android Ver. 4.4.2 Kernel Ver. 3.4.0-1784548
Have backed up personal files but not system, yet.
Phone unlocked from Rogers (Canada) carrier and rooted using Kingo App.
Have installed Root checker, Rom Manager, Busy Box, Super Su and have downloaded the firmware[ I747MVLUFOB3_I747MOYAFOB3_RWC.zip. ] to have on hand.
I rooted the phone because everything I had read to date [which may not have been enough] told me rooting was necessary. Would like to install a more up to date android than 4.4.2, possibly 5.0 or 6.0. Also, to get rid of Apps I never use. Because I see so much in my reading about Cyanogenmod, I thought I would start with 12 and go from there.
Have been trying to follow steps at the link for https wiki cyanogenmod org/w/d2att_Info which I believe is the correct one for my model number, which has led me to the link at https wiki cyanogenmod org/w/Install_CM_for_d2lte where it tells me that:
Rooting the stock firmware is neither recommended nor necessary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, I am just wondering,
1a] since I still have the original firmware installed, could I just unroot with the same Kingo App I used to root the phone?
1b] Would/Can I still use Rom Manager to do my system backup?
Secondly, if it is not too technical an explanation, why is it that the Rogers(Canada) i747m does not need nor is it recommended to be rooted? It almost sounds as if it already is or maybe rogers firmware is weak and easily hacked?
Thirdly, just a comment on my part, as interesting and good as this whole process is, it seems that rooting and installing new firmware can be a bit of a Pandora's box and the people who are developing things to do so are very diligent and creative.
I am still determined to make this happen with my i747m and am thankful for people on this forum and others to advise me.

To install a custom rom, you need to install a custom recovery to install the custom rom.
Rooting gives you access to the rom system files, similar to gaining administrative privilege on a Windows or Mac machine.
Rooting is not required before installing a custom recovery or custom rom.
I have never heard that that the Rogers i747m should not be rooted. For security and stability purposes, rooting any phone is not recommended by many people.
I am not familiar with the program that was used to root the phone but each program usually has an option to unroot.
I am not 100% certain as I haven't used a rom manager in years but I don't think the option to create nandroid exists.