Related
Please feel free to move this in another section if a mod feels like it's out of place.
I'm new to Android, but not new to HTC devices. I used to have a WM6.1 (later 6.5) HTC Fuze/Touch Pro. Part of the reason I preferred an HTC phone over a Samsung or other manufacturer is the XDA community.
That being said, I understand that rooting seems to be the equivalent of doing the hard SPL on WM which enables you to flash a custom ROM.
I also understand there was an OTA patch on the launch day that addressed the microSD card issue and the root vulnerability.
So I guess this is really a two part question - the only thing I'm interested in rooting for is free tethering (I don't really care if it's over wi-fi or USB cable, either is fine but I suppose I'd prefer wi-fi). As far as programs and all that, I'm happy with everything that is already on the phone.
I've also read that cooked ROMs "degrade" over time - is this true? And is it true for stock ROMs as well?
1. Is there a root that gets by the latest OTA update?
2. Other than wi-fi tethering and some other apps, what advantages does rooting have? I'd rather not totally **** my phone up... but if it's just as easy if not easier to root than it is to do a hard SPL, then PLEASE let me know. I feel dumb reading some of these "easy guides" for rooting and they don't answer all of my questions. For example, if any of the root methods bypasses the most recent OTA.
Perhaps there are more answers in the comments, but I don't want read that much while I'm at work. Yes, call me lazy if you want.
Many, many thanks in advance, and if someone wanted to write a pre-school level rooting guide with pics, that would be AWESOME and I'd be eternally indebted to you... that is if rooting gives me more hookups then just wi-fi tethering.
pekosROB said:
I've also read that cooked ROMs "degrade" over time - is this true? And is it true for stock ROMs as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what you mean by the "degrade"... but if you're talking about ROM's not being maintained for their entire life cycle, that happens rarely here. Alll the Dev's here seem to maintain there ROM's very well, users send feedback in a variety of ways so that the ROM's are always up to date and customized with each new version. Stock ROM's are just that, stock. They don't usually get much customization and aren't maintained, because of the newer more customized ROM's that are put out by the Dev's.
pekosROB said:
1. Is there a root that gets by the latest OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
pekosROB said:
2. Other than wi-fi tethering and some other apps, what advantages does rooting have? I'd rather not totally **** my phone up... but if it's just as easy if not easier to root than it is to do a hard SPL, then PLEASE let me know. I feel dumb reading some of these "easy guides" for rooting and they don't answer all of my questions. For example, if any of the root methods bypasses the most recent OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're someone that likes to overclock your phone, you now have that ability; on top of the other things you mentioned (tethering, customizable ROM's, etc). Also, rooting isn't very hard at all, just follow the directions as stated and you'll be good to go. If you really want a seamlessly (but limited) root hack -- you can use the UnRevoked method, which is a simple application that basically toggles root access for you on your phone. Toast's method is a bit more in depth, but if you have experience with hacking your phone, you'll be fine.
And yes, these root methods BYPASS! the most recent OTA.
pekosROB said:
Perhaps there are more answers in the comments, but I don't want read that much while I'm at work. Yes, call me lazy if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed you are.
pekosROB said:
Many, many thanks in advance, and if someone wanted to write a pre-school level rooting guide with pics, that would be AWESOME and I'd be eternally indebted to you... that is if rooting gives me more hookups then just wi-fi tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a couple of threads already featuring "How-To" root with pictures. Please look in the Android Development thread.
I did a root. The only real positive thing is the free wifi tethering. But you can do that w/ the unrevoked root which is mind numbingly easy.
The different ROMs aren't dramatically shocking exactly. When 2.2 is final and error free I will flash to that. Otherwise my phone works just fine.
pseudoremora said:
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
rutter9 said:
I did a root. The only real positive thing is the free wifi tethering. But you can do that w/ the unrevoked root which is mind numbingly easy.
The different ROMs aren't dramatically shocking exactly. When 2.2 is final and error free I will flash to that. Otherwise my phone works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like I just need to look for the UnRevoked method since all I really care about is wifi tethering.
Has this been working with full 4G access as well? Not that it matters right now since I'm not in a 4G market, but soon hope to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pseudoremora said:
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
Oh yeah, and anything that backs up all the apps and settings and **** on my phone? Otherwise I'd have to write it all down the old fashion way... that's the main reason I don't wanna fully root, because I'm lazy and I doubt I'll use all the benefits... but then again... if i Could find something that backed everything up and my info, I'd be in heaven.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pekosROB said:
Oh yeah, and anything that backs up all the apps and settings and **** on my phone? Otherwise I'd have to write it all down the old fashion way... that's the main reason I don't wanna fully root, because I'm lazy and I doubt I'll use all the benefits... but then again... if i Could find something that backed everything up and my info, I'd be in heaven.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to have the ability to backup everything on your phone, you can use Titanium Backup (it's in the Market; and you mighr need root -- use UnRevoked) or use Toast's method and be able to do Nandroid back ups, which would image your phone and save it, so you can restore it at a later date.
pseudoremora said:
In order to have the ability to backup everything on your phone, you can use Titanium Backup (it's in the Market; and you mighr need root -- use UnRevoked) or use Toast's method and be able to do Nandroid back ups, which would image your phone and save it, so you can restore it at a later date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.
pekosROB said:
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skip this ^ part, it's redundant with the next part.
use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: nevermind, forgot you wanted to back it all up prior to full root.
pekosROB said:
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No No No.
You don't even have to worry about backing up your phone before rooting; there is a stock RUU image that will allow you to bring your phone back to factory default settings if you happen to screw up anything during rooting your phone or if you just want to go back to Stock period.
I would just root your phone using Toast's method, its really not that hard. If you want to tether and be able to backup your phone; having a full root access hack is preferred, plus then you have the ability to customize your phone with new themes, kernels, etc... and you may say you don't want to do that; but believe me you will.
Also, in regards to "recalling info" -- what do you mean? Since you're new to Android, i'll tell you that Google manages all your information for you. Your contacts, you Email, your apps, etc. If you move to another phone, your contacts and your Email will come with you. When you first get your phone, you have to sign in with a Gmail account, that account houses all your information for the phone and as such also keeps tracks of all your contacts and what not. Titanium Backup isn't really needed, if you're worried about losing information or whatever initially before rooting, then sure -- use it. Otherwise, if you already have all your information associated with your Gmail account that's being used by the phone, then I'd just root and after you've rooted, then do a Nandroid backup.
Jye75 said:
Skip this ^ part, it's redundant with the next part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I thought doing a full root wipes your device clean? I'm trying to back it up before doing Toast's root in order to not have to configure everything again (Besides phone settings).
pekosROB said:
But I thought doing a full root wipes your device clean? I'm trying to back it up before doing Toast's root in order to not have to configure everything again (Besides phone settings).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my post... forgot about that.
pseudoremora said:
Also, in regards to "recalling info" -- what do you mean? Since you're new to Android, i'll tell you that Google manages all your information for you. Your contacts, you Email, your apps, etc. If you move to another phone, your contacts and your Email will come with you. When you first get your phone, you have to sign in with a Gmail account, that account houses all your information for the phone and as such also keeps tracks of all your contacts and what not. Titanium Backup isn't really needed, if you're worried about losing information or whatever initially before rooting, then sure -- use it. Otherwise, if you already have all your information associated with your Gmail account that's being used by the phone, then I'd just root and after you've rooted, then do a Nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Recalling info" means website logins, eBuddy accounts, settings for particular programs, my checkbook program with all the info in it.
I understand a lot of programs put **** on the SDcard, but will the actual programs that I've downloaded to the phone still be there? Rooting doesn't require a hard reset unless you mess up the process?
I understand the contacts and email - I'm not worried about that. Since I'm such a dedicated Gmail user I wanted to get into Android.
pekosROB said:
"Recalling info" means website logins, eBuddy accounts, settings for particular programs, my checkbook program with all the info in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't do any of that, I wipe my cache and history, just because. But I would presume Titanium backup would take care of this, I've never needed to use Titanium, so I don't know.
pekosROB said:
I understand a lot of programs put **** on the SDcard, but will the actual programs that I've downloaded to the phone still be there? Rooting doesn't require a hard reset unless you mess up the process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the programs will not be there. Froyo 2.2 should allow for this to happen though. Our phones are currently running Android 2.1 and Toast's method will wipe everything on the phone when you begin the rooting process (so yes, its a "hard reset").
Here is an awesome question and answer blog to root or not to root. Good read for the noobs!
http://www.androidcentral.com/rooting-it-me-some-qa
I come from a similar background as you, WinMo to Android. I will say the current options after rooting are limited. I went ahead and did it, and honestly the only thing I feel happened was I spent hours reconfiguring my home screens and settings/apps. The phone doesn't feel any faster and it doesn't have any new capabilities.
I appreciate the time the people put into ROMs and rooting and I know its hard work, its just too early to get a lot of tangible benefits.
If I could I would go back, I would just use UnrEVOked (I did for a few days). It's your stock ROM with the ability to tether. That's all most people would really want right now anyways.
Breakthecycle2 said:
Here is an awesome question and answer blog to root or not to root. Good read for the noobs!
http://www.androidcentral.com/rooting-it-me-some-qa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks!
Pops_G said:
I come from a similar background as you, WinMo to Android. I will say the current options after rooting are limited. I went ahead and did it, and honestly the only thing I feel happened was I spent hours reconfiguring my home screens and settings/apps. The phone doesn't feel any faster and it doesn't have any new capabilities.
I appreciate the time the people put into ROMs and rooting and I know its hard work, its just too early to get a lot of tangible benefits.
If I could I would go back, I would just use UnrEVOked (I did for a few days). It's your stock ROM with the ability to tether. That's all most people would really want right now anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I might just stick with UnrEVOked then. Do I just search for a tether app on the marketplace that says "root required"?
pseudoremora said:
I don't do any of that, I wipe my cache and history, just because. But I would presume Titanium backup would take care of this, I've never needed to use Titanium, so I don't know.
Currently the programs will not be there. Froyo 2.2 should allow for this to happen though. Our phones are currently running Android 2.1 and Toast's method will wipe everything on the phone when you begin the rooting process (so yes, its a "hard reset").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so will the Sprint TV program and that kinda stuff be back? Because it sounds like it'll wipe it back to factory settings, allow for root access, but it'll still have the default programs when I'm done rooting that came with the phone out of the box?
Sorry, I am a total noob at Android Rooting. But I can hard SPL and flash cooked ROMs on WM all day long... haha pathetic.
XDA members ARE THE ****! :-D
pekosROB said:
OK, so will the Sprint TV program and that kinda stuff be back? Because it sounds like it'll wipe it back to factory settings, allow for root access, but it'll still have the default programs when I'm done rooting that came with the phone out of the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That's exactly what will happen. You'll have a stock, rooted phone, which you can now install a custom recovery image onto (The recovery image is how you would make backups of your phone, install custom themes, ROM's, wipe your phone, etc).
pekosROB said:
Sorry, I am a total noob at Android Rooting. But I can hard SPL and flash cooked ROMs on WM all day long... haha pathetic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's understandable, everyone here at some point or another was a "noob", but that changes quickly!
pseudoremora said:
Yes. That's exactly what will happen. You'll have a stock, rooted phone, which you can now install a custom recovery image onto (The recovery image is how you would make backups of your phone, install custom themes, ROM's, wipe your phone, etc).
It's understandable, everyone here at some point or another was a "noob", but that changes quickly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing this at work and want to make it as stress free as possible...
I'm looking at the Rooting instructions by Toast, and I've noticed it says to not accept any OTAs once you root. So is there a chance my microSD card will not work? Or has this issue been resolved/updated?
Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690762
or this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=685835
Once I root with the PC36IMG, do I then immediately have to install a ROM like this to get it back to stock?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=693980
But only after doing the Recovery? I think I got this figured out about 75%... heh
pekosROB said:
I'm doing this at work and want to make it as stress free as possible...
I'm looking at the Rooting instructions by Toast, and I've noticed it says to not accept any OTAs once you root. So is there a chance my microSD card will not work? Or has this issue been resolved/updated?
Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690762
or this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=685835
Once I root with the PC36IMG, do I then immediately have to install a ROM like this to get it back to stock?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=693980
But only after doing the Recovery? I think I got this figured out about 75%... heh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright,
You need to follow the steps in THIS thread first. This is the first part of rooting your Evo using Toast's method. The first part will allow you to gain only about 50% root access and you'll also be able to use Amon_RA's recovery to make a Nandroid backup and flash a custom ROM; but hold off on that until you've completed the next step, continue reading...
Then you need to follow Toast's SECOND part of the rooting process, this process will complete the root hack altogether. This second part will give you full root access on every partition on the phone (which was missing in part 1). After you complete this second part, you can NOW install a custom ROM, recovery, etc.
So, basically, do the first part -- after you've completed it, do the second part... the second part will look similar to the first, but download all the new files and follow the directions as written! You'll see that the last step in the second part will instruct you to install Amon_RA's recovery image, do that. After that's done, you now have:
1. Full root access
2. A Custom recovery image (Amon_RA's)
3. You can make a Nandroid back up
4. Can install/flash custom ROM's
5. Tether
6. Etc.
To boot into recovery mode, do as follows:
1. Turn of your phone -- hold the power button, choose power off.
2. Press Volume Down + Power, until you see a white bootloading screen, using your Volume rocker keys (up and down), choose recovery.. then to select "recovery", click the Power button. Your phone will reboot, and go into recovery. This is where you can make a Nandroid backup and flash custom ROM's. Follow the instructions in recovery to navigate around it.
Also, as far as flashing custom ROM's goes, please look at this link
This is the Wiki page for all the current ROM's that have been made for the Evo.
If you get stuck or need anymore help -- continue asking questions; but please also look at this before doing so.
pseudoremora said:
Alright,
You need to follow the steps in THIS thread first. This is the first part of rooting your Evo using Toast's method. The first part will allow you to gain only about 50% root access and you'll also be able to use Amon_RA's recovery to make a Nandroid backup and flash a custom ROM; but hold off on that until you've completed the next step, continue reading...
Then you need to follow Toast's SECOND part of the rooting process, this process will complete the root hack altogether. This second part will give you full root access on every partition on the phone (which was missing in part 1). After you complete this second part, you can NOW install a custom ROM, recovery, etc.
So, basically, do the first part -- after you've completed it, do the second part... the second part will look similar to the first, but download all the new files and follow the directions as written! You'll see that the last step in the second part will instruct you to install Amon_RA's recovery image, do that. After that's done, you now have:
1. Full root access
2. A Custom recovery image (Amon_RA's)
3. You can make a Nandroid back up
4. Can install/flash custom ROM's
5. Tether
6. Etc.
To boot into recovery mode, do as follows:
1. Turn of your phone -- hold the power button, choose power off.
2. Press Volume Down + Power, until you see a white bootloading screen, using your Volume rocker keys (up and down), choose recovery.. then to select "recovery", click the Power button. Your phone will reboot, and go into recovery. This is where you can make a Nandroid backup and flash custom ROM's. Follow the instructions in recovery to navigate around it.
Also, as far as flashing custom ROM's goes, please look at this link
This is the Wiki page for all the current ROM's that have been made for the Evo.
If you get stuck or need anymore help -- continue asking questions; but please also look at this before doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet, thanks. I've already gotten the first part of the root access done, I'm just on that part where I have rename the file on the card.
So i have an HTC Evo with the latest OTA update 3.70.651.1. Completely stock, non rooted. I know very little about both rooting and roms other then what i quickly went over in a few Q&A's here.
Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom? if so what does this accomplish?
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Thanks
Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to root to do this.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. Thats what I do. The only reason I rooted was for wireless tether, and titanium backup. Other than that, I didnt want another rom, I love the stock one.
if so what does this accomplish?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what you just asked for in the previous paragraph.
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. There is ALWAYS a risk when doing anything in life, and rooting your phone in no different. However, it is actually quite difficult to completely brick your phone. Most of the time, if you follow the directions, you will be fine. But if you do screw up, you can usually just flash a stock ruu and redo it.
Thanks for the information. Is there anything the free version of titanium backup doesnt backup? What does a nandroid backup save?
Also will rooting alone allow me to delete any app on the phone?
Lastly what would be the recommended way for someone new like me to root my phone (or resources i can use to pick a method)? Is there a way to restore my phone back to stock if i need to?
Thanks again. As i ask these questions im also digging into the forums looking for specific answers
Hey welcome to XDA.
I don't know when you received your phone, but it seems very brand new to me, I would say your best luck is to try to look for the details of your main specs in your phone, when you start to root your phone, you look for instructions here to setup properly on How to do the root process with the same exact phone detail specs of it.
I was rooted with an older OTA at first, but I see these new OTAs are up on new EVOs but It's kinda fishy to think of how to root it with the latest OTA on the old leet legit methods that toastcfh had...you know...The Manual Professional way, without the risk of bricking your phone completely, if you had the chance to root successfully with idiot proof instructions, I say that was quite a day for me then.
Actually ive had my Evo since release, ive just been too scared to risk bricking it til now lol.
i currently have:
hboot 2.10
software 3.70.651.1
hardware 0002
i took down some other info but idk if it matters for rooting directions.
So far from my searches it appears the only option for hboot 2.10 + 3.70.651.1 is a pretty lengthy/difficult for beginners method. Is that accurate?
Also my primary concern is deleting bloatware/included apps, does rooting alone allow me to delete these?
Also none of the guides ive seen detail how to backup your phone before the root, is there an easy way to make like a backup image of the stock stuff + data,sms,phone log, etc?
Thanks again everyone, still digging but your help will make it go much more smoothly
So ive pretty much discovered that my 2 options are do it the "hard" way or wait for unrevoked to update their stuff for the newest evo software/hboot. Im probably going to wait.
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Does the stock rom support netfilter?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Thanks again
ctbenk said:
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To delete apps, you will want to use Titanium Backup. After removing stock apps, some of them still stay indexed, so you will need to boot to recovery and wipe your cache and dalvik to clear them from the apps list.
You won't be able to use the built-in wireless tether to tether unless you flash a new rom that unlocked that feature. Once rooted, there is a an app on the market called Wireless Tether for Root Users that will accomplish what you are looking for.
Titanium Backup will also allow you to backup your apps and data so that in the event you do flash a new rom, you can restore them without losing anything.
Titanium Backup is designed to backup your apps and data, Nandroid(recovery) will backup your entire ROM, so if you do flash a new rom, you can always revert back to your stock setup exactly how you left it.
OTA updates will always break your root, but at the same time don't offer much in the terms of upgrading. Plus 90% of the time the dev's here release a rooted version of the OTA update very shortly after it goes live.
Hi all, I'm new to this phone, and new to Android in general. I've read up on rooting, but I'm still not clear on a couple of things:
1) Does flashing a new kernel like zedomax get rid of all the apps that are on there just to get root? I like quite a few of the apps that came from Sprint/Samsung, like Vlingo and all of the google apps, so I don't want to lose them.
2) In the CWM thread, it mentions that after loading CWM you can get root by loading a file linked in that thread. Does this mean that the phone is essentially the stock phone, with the exception of root and CWM as the recovery program? Is the stock ROM still on there until I choose to install other ROMs?
The only thing I'm really interested in for getting root is to run the Cisco VPN client from the app store. I don't mind tinkering around with new ROMs, but I don't want to lose any functionality or have a flakey phone where sometimes the radios don't work properly.
Thanks for the help.
shaklee3 said:
Hi all, I'm new to this phone, and new to Android in general. I've read up on rooting, but I'm still not clear on a couple of things:
1) Does flashing a new kernel like zedomax get rid of all the apps that are on there just to get root? I like quite a few of the apps that came from Sprint/Samsung, like Vlingo and all of the google apps, so I don't want to lose them.
2) In the CWM thread, it mentions that after loading CWM you can get root by loading a file linked in that thread. Does this mean that the phone is essentially the stock phone, with the exception of root and CWM as the recovery program? Is the stock ROM still on there until I choose to install other ROMs?
The only thing I'm really interested in for getting root is to run the Cisco VPN client from the app store. I don't mind tinkering around with new ROMs, but I don't want to lose any functionality or have a flakey phone where sometimes the radios don't work properly.
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a new kernel to get root access won't delete any data. About the only visible change is you will have an app called superuser. All data will remain unchanged. The best way to get root access is through ODIN, there are many tutorials on how to do this if you are unsure.
For your second question, unless you install a new rom, you will be left with the stock rom after gaining root access. You will also have cwm for recovery and superuser to give certain apps root access. Hope this helps, let me know.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll give it a try tonight and let you know how it goes.
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll give it a try tonight and let you know how it goes.
Just so I'm clear, getting root access through ODIN, you're referring to downloading one of the zedomax kernels from part 4 here that roots the phone?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17617227&postcount=1
The stock kernel listed there doesn't look like it has root.
shaklee3 said:
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll give it a try tonight and let you know how it goes.
Just so I'm clear, getting root access through ODIN, you're referring to downloading one of the zedomax kernels from part 4 here that roots the phone?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17617227&postcount=1
The stock kernel listed there doesn't look like it has root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would follow the steps listed here :
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-sprint-epic-4g-touch-video-guide/
I did it this way, and it takes less than 10 min. Was running stock rom with no issues for a week but have now since flashed some custom ROMs. Let me know how it works out.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Hello, this is the first time posting on this forum and relatively new on the android platform after jumping ship from blackberry. So, i have afew questions i hope you guys can help me with.
1. I heard/read alot regarding rooting to bring out the full potential of an android(s4) phone. What is the full advantage of rooting my phone? How does granting administrative access affect my phone performance?
2. I often see the jargon of bloatware on this forum, what does it exactly mean?
3. What is the function of ROM?
Sorry if these qns are repeated, please direct me to the answer if it is already present in the forum. thanks
1. Ans
2. Ans
3. Ans
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Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London
Rooting your phone gives you access to do anything you want ie (Apps 2 sd) that the phone dosent permit you to do.
A ROM is just a different feel, and its a faster alternative in upgrading your android ios. (S4 has touchwiz, can change it to Htc Sense)
Bloatware is a bunch of unnecessary apps that Carriers know youll never use but have it just cause. Its annoying and it takes up space. Rooting allows you to delete these apps, cause if its not you wont be able to remove it.
I hope this helped, ask again if you have any more questions.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it. When I look at some of the threads on rooting it just seems like a foreign language to me!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
mahgnillig said:
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
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Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
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Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London
nikufellow said:
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I looked at that and it seems straightforward, but I'm concerned about what to do after the actual root. Things like how to back the phone up in case I mess it up, how to delete things, how to add things. Also I find a lot of the terminology confusing... not quite sure what all the acronyms stand for either, like ODIN or CWM, or what each thing does exactly. This is the kind of thread which would be totally useful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028 (this one is for the Vibrant though, so I think a lot of it would be different on a different device?)
As far as the kernel... as far as I know nothing has been updated. I got the phone on the first day it came out so I'm assuming it doesn't have the latest kernel. How would you find out? Not even sure what the kernel is or what it does :\ I would like to find out though!
^^^then you might be on an earlier kernel version anyway trying to root by motochopper method won't brick your device even if it doesn't go successful so no worries.
ODIN is the same software that service centres use to revive your bricked device - as a matter of fact with Samsung drivers, a usb cable and stock rom downloaded from online sources like sammobile, you can revert almost any instances of soft brick. Simply saying ODIN will flash back factory/stock rom anfd make your device as it was when you bought it. And yeah flashing via ODIN and all are more or less same procedure for all Samsung devices
Cwm is a custom recovery. If you don't know what recovery means it might be worth googling for better understanding the concept as even my knowledge is limited and my explanations might fall short of your expectations
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" Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor"
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Mami-dalous said:
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steps
#1. Locate GS4 box, place phone inside box.
#2. Return to store and get iPhone.
Serious tho. Best thing you can do is READ. SEARCH and READ. SEARCH and READ.
If you are unsure about something, READ again. Most questions have already been asked and answered.
If you find yourself lost......SEARCH and READ. Believe me this is this most useful advice you will ever get here.
Stuff is so easy now compared to when android 1st started. I remember rooting my G1 on a terminal prompt and installing recovery with wicked long commands. Now everything is automated and the hardest (NOT) part is reading the step by step instructions provided on almost every mod and tweak.
Welcome and goodluck !
I followed instructions to root it and its rooted, but have never been able to get Cyanogenmod to Install (I always get the same error everyone else does), and when I try to check out different ROMS, no one even posts many pics to show what the difference will be to use that ROM.
My phone looks the same as before and I'm just using ADW launcher to set it up the way I want it to look.
So how can I tell exactly what point of rooting my phone has reached? Do I actually have a different ROM, etc? I don't know much about this stuff and I'm not bricking my phone messing around with it until I know exactly where to start.
What custom recovery and bootloader are currently loaded on the phone?
kmodek said:
So how can I tell exactly what point of rooting my phone has reached? Do I actually have a different ROM, etc?
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Hi!
Go to your phone's System Settings --> About phone.
In there, you should be able to figure out which Android version is currently installed on your phone; if you have a custom ROM, most of the time ROMs developers will also add an additional line somewhere on that screen to tell exactly what revision of their ROM is installed. If not, you may be able to grab some more information by checking your build number or your kernel revision.
If you tap a few times on where it says Android Version, under Settings>More>About Device , it usually does a little animation of the rom version. Im trying to decide on a rom so mine is kit kat 4.2.2 at the moment and dislpays an Android logo in the Kit Kat logo style.
Since the bootloader version is not displayed on the About Phone page, you will need to determine that with another method. A simple way would be with the Samsung Info app from the PlayStore, the one posted by vndnguyen.
I personally use Terminal Emulator commands to determine phone info.
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
getprop | grep version.baseband
I got the app from the Play store and it shows I'm on 4.4.2, but that the Knox has been tripped (I know it's rooted because I have an app that verifies root), but other than that, I can't tell any difference from how it was originally.
Guess I just thought rooting it would make it look a lot different and after reading through all of the forums, there seems to be 100 steps just to try out one new ROM and I don't even know what you do if you get it and decide you don't even like it. I just don't want to brick my phone.
kmodek said:
Guess I just thought rooting it would make it look a lot different and after reading through all of the forums, there seems to be 100 steps just to try out one new ROM and I don't even know what you do if you get it and decide you don't even like it. I just don't want to brick my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was watching youtube videos of reviews of the different custom ROMs gave a good idea on the features and layout of each rom. I as well am having difficulty deciding on a ROM to flash as this is my first smart phone and am new to it. ive been reading and watching a bunch of tutorials but finding information on whats currently stable for our particular phone can be somewhat dated. i know moderators want to avoid a "best roms" thread but for those of us just starting out with a rooted phone it sure would be handy to have opinions on what ppl use for the SGH-I747 and why, so its easier to decide on one.
is it reccommended to upgrade or downgrade? in order to compare ROMs its watching a video for 15 min to see what features it had at the time the vid was made and reading the developer forums on each mod to see what bugs are present in the current release but its not all compiled anywhere. its that or randomly flash ROMs on there to test them out and risk making mistakes. its usually always better to have advice from those with expertise and perhaps avoid making commonly made mistakes. ive read a bunch of helpful and handy guides on here but doesnt seem any way to easily compare roms or get feedback on what users have decided on sticking with or anything additional specific to this phone that should be considered before flashing certain ROMs.
kmodek said:
I got the app from the Play store and it shows I'm on 4.4.2, but that the Knox has been tripped (I know it's rooted because I have an app that verifies root), but other than that, I can't tell any difference from how it was originally.
Guess I just thought rooting it would make it look a lot different and after reading through all of the forums, there seems to be 100 steps just to try out one new ROM and I don't even know what you do if you get it and decide you don't even like it. I just don't want to brick my phone.
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Click to collapse
this thread may help to explain some badic things.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2343223
my advice , for what its worth ...
1) READ READ READ
2) make a backup of your current setup so you have it to fall back on.
3) NEVER downgrade your bootloader , flash any ROM/kernel not meant for your device (sure way to brick it).
theres always risk when flashing anything , but the risks can be minimized by understanding what your doing , or rather the process.
as far as flashing roms , its pretty simple once you understand it (as with most things. lol). reading thru a ROMs thread will give a general idea of any features , issues that the users have. the OP , first post ; will tell you alot about the ROM/features.
good luck and happy flashing.!
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
kmodek said:
.... (I know it's rooted because I have an app that verifies root), but other than that, I can't tell any difference from how it was originally.
Guess I just thought rooting it would make it look a lot different and after reading through all of the forums, there seems to be 100 steps just to try out one new ROM and I don't even know what you do if you get it and decide you don't even like it. I just don't want to brick my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The act of rooting does not outwardly change the look and feel of a ROM in any way. It's what you do after rooting that makes the difference.
Some like the Stock Rom of a device and/or do not want to lose some of its unique features. These people will root but not flash a custom ROM.
I've had two android phones and one tablet. Initially I root a new device but leave it on the stock ROM. At that time I will use an app that requires root to freeze any of the pre-installed apps that I don't use (My definition of bloat.) I don't remove/delete them at the beginning. If freezing them breaks some other functionality I want that app still on the device so that I can unfreeze it and make everything work again. Both of my phones have been Samsungs, a SGS Captivate and a SGS3. After a while on rooted stock I have changed to custom ROMs on each. The Captivate went from stock to CyanogenMod to a CM derived ROM. The SGS3 went from stock to a re-themed, custom ROM based on stock but with much removed (carrier bloat) and some other functions added. I expect to soon change to a later version of the same ROM with even more removed. Others want to have a ROM with every bell and whistle possible to have present. It's all individual preference.
havok6669 said:
i was watching youtube videos of reviews of the different custom ROMs gave a good idea on the features and layout of each rom. I as well am having difficulty deciding on a ROM to flash as this is my first smart phone and am new to it. ive been reading and watching a bunch of tutorials but finding information on whats currently stable for our particular phone can be somewhat dated. i know moderators want to avoid a "best roms" thread but for those of us just starting out with a rooted phone it sure would be handy to have opinions on what ppl use for the SGH-I747 and why, so its easier to decide on one.
is it reccommended to upgrade or downgrade? in order to compare ROMs its watching a video for 15 min to see what features it had at the time the vid was made and reading the developer forums on each mod to see what bugs are present in the current release but its not all compiled anywhere. its that or randomly flash ROMs on there to test them out and risk making mistakes. its usually always better to have advice from those with expertise and perhaps avoid making commonly made mistakes. ive read a bunch of helpful and handy guides on here but doesnt seem any way to easily compare roms or get feedback on what users have decided on sticking with or anything additional specific to this phone that should be considered before flashing certain ROMs.
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Click to collapse
There are so many variations on what is possible that a compilation thread to cover all situations would seem as huge as wikipedia. Your approach, reviewing videos and checking rom OPs, has merit but it also has limitations. Unfortunately some of the devs give you almost no information about the features and customizations of their ROMs. Others will simply state that they have made a change or two to some base, expecting you to be familiar with the base. Which means a lot of more reading/reviewing for a person new to customizing their phone.
To advise any one questioner on what can be installed on their phone a responder must first know what bootloader and modem is on the device, are you already rooted, do you have a custom recovery installed yet, are you willing to risk breaking your warranty; the list goes on. Then the hard part comes - they have to recommend something that is in the realm of what you are expecting, even if you do not know what you are expecting.
dawgdoc said:
To advise any one questioner on what can be installed on their phone a responder must first know what bootloader and modem is on the device, are you already rooted, do you have a custom recovery installed yet, are you willing to risk breaking your warranty; the list goes on. Then the hard part comes - they have to recommend something that is in the realm of what you are expecting, even if you do not know what you are expecting.
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well i made sure i learned a bunch before even attempting to ask a question so i got as much as possible prepared i'll try to provide the best information i can. my phone is rooted with superuser su2.0 i have cwm 6.0.1.2 installed, ive done a cwm nandroid backup which i copied to my pc as well as a backup of my efs folder and done a titanium backup as well. i have odin 3.07 on my pc and am currently running kitkat 4.4.2 on my sgh-i747m (sasktel version) currently trying to figure out how to determine the modem and bootloader versions . i followed the galaxys3root.com guide galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-root/how-to-root-galaxy-s3-on-android-4-34-4-2-new and the highonandroid youtube vid in order to root my phone and made sure i read re read and was very cautious to follow instructions to the letter also read some worst case scenario information first like how to cause a phone to become bricked and how to fix it should it happen etc so before ive done anything else ive made sure to back everything up and ask a few more questions befor ei take the final plunge :] as for what ROM would tickle my tailfeathers was liking how carbon looked but it seems it hasnt been maintained :[ something good on battery life that runs fast n stable and is has a bunch of customization features is what i was hoping for. the main reason i decided to root my phone was to learn more about it and customize my os away from the stock look and feel and unlock some of the potential it has that a stock rom would otherwise neglect. the more i learn the sooner i can help by giving back to the community :]
havok6669 said:
....
my phone is rooted with superuser su2.0 i have cwm 6.0.1.2 installed, ive done a cwm nandroid backup which i copied to my pc as well as a backup of my efs folder
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Click to collapse
CWM 6.0.1.2 is a bit dated, their latest version is 6.0.4.7 and even it is a bit dated. You may find that to flash a current ROM you will need to update CWM. For some of the newer ROMs even 6.0.4.7 is not current enough. You will need to change to Philz Recovery, based on CWM, or TWRP. Bear in mind that if you change to TWRP you will not be able to use your CWM nandroid. I don't know if the same applies to Philz Recovery.
https://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/d2lte/ (page is down at the moment)
http://teamw.in/devices/samsunggalaxys3canada.html (d2can TWRP, though I think you can use d2att, check before using d2att)
There is definitely a newer version of SuperSu (by Chainfire) available. It went through a lot of development to handle issues related to Knox that came out with Touchwiz 4.3. SuperSu is now up to 2.49 and I would recommend upgrading it no matter what ROM you should end up choosing. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 There is a zip you can flash from you current CWM there.
It's not a bad idea to have several fallbacks for imei/nvdata. Give this tread a look: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255&highlight=synergy+nvbackup I used the reboot nvbackup from there and EFS Backup developed by wanam
... am currently running kitkat 4.4.2 on my sgh-i747m (sasktel version) currently trying to figure out how to determine the modem and bootloader versions .
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Click to collapse
Sasktel has released 4 versions of Android 4.4.2, each with a different bootloader and modem. Any should be fine no matter what ROM you choose, even a Lollipop based ROM. But to check you can get Phone Info - Samsung by vndnguyen from the Playstore. Or you could use a pair of commands in Terminal Emulator
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
getprop | grep version.baseband
... as for what ROM would tickle my tailfeathers was liking how carbon looked but it seems it hasnt been maintained :[ something good on battery life that runs fast n stable and is has a bunch of customization features is what i was hoping for. the main reason i decided to root my phone was to learn more about it and customize my os away from the stock look and feel and unlock some of the potential it has that a stock rom would otherwise neglect. the more i learn the sooner i can help by giving back to the community :]
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You could either go straight a Lollipop based ROM or start with a KitKat ROM. The KK ROM would probably be a bit more stable, although some of the nightly 5.1.1 LP ROMs are looking good according to many of the people installing the nightly versions. If you want something already customized with options for your choosing look to CM and its derivatives or one of the AOSP roms that are already tricked out. The other direction would be to install the most barebones AOSP ROM you could find and use XPosed with the GravityBox or Wanam module to tweak just about everything, but not both at the same time.
wow thanks that all helps a ton ill work on locating and updating all of that :]