[Q] Root - Unroot best practice - G3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys.
Thank you for all your great posts that have helped me a lot understand the android world as I am coming from 7 years iphone usage.
I'm trying hard to decide what is the best practice for rooting and if needed unrooting my G3. I have read a lot in this forum, but I can't say I feel ready. So I thought I might ask in the forum.
So, first thing to do is root. As I understand this is fairly simple, I just have to follow one of the posted methods.
Now, say I'm rooted. I do all the tweaks I want and then I need to backup everything. So, I suppose I will make a backup with Titanium pro.
Then a new firmware version is released. Now the questions start
1. Should I try to upgrade with lg suite without unrooting? What are the possible outcomes? Keep root? Loose Root? In this case can I just root again?
2. Go back to stock (with lg flash tool), then upgrade and then root again? In this case can I just load titanium backup and therefore recover all my data?
3. Just unroot without loosing data (e.g. With lg suite) then upgrade and reroot?
4. Is the backup I have made with Titanium useless if I flash my phone to stock and then remain unrooted?
Am I too confused? Lol
Can you guys give me an idea of how you proceed when a new firmware is out? How long does it take to follow your plan of unrooting-upgrading-rerooting? Is it a matter of minutes, hours?
Thank in advance.

Related

[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.

Before Rooting Question

I just got this phone. Android 4.2.2. I was wondering if rooting is still possible. I know that there are issues with unlocking the bootloader like, we can't. So can I still root and have the rooting goodies? If so, can you direct me to the correct method of rooting? All the methods I can find include unlocking the bootloader first and I don't know if I can just skip that step or not.
Thank you for your time.
Time To Shine said:
I just got this phone. Android 4.2.2. I was wondering if rooting is still possible. I know that there are issues with unlocking the bootloader like, we can't. So can I still root and have the rooting goodies? If so, can you direct me to the correct method of rooting? All the methods I can find include unlocking the bootloader first and I don't know if I can just skip that step or not.
Thank you for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your question you need to unlock/s-off your phone to root it, I would recommend running the rumrunner tool, installing a customer recovery and then install a custom rom. The reason I say install a custom rom even if you want to remain stock is because you can get a stock rom without any bloat. Most of the bloat apps on the HTC One and pretty much any phone, run in the background as soon as your phone starts, this eats battery life and performance. For a stock rom check out Santod040, he has a good stock rom released, personally I like NuSense and ViperOne they are both very solid roms.
Read this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2473644 it is the Rumrunner tool. I believe as long as you DO NOT UPGRADE to 4.3 you can still root/unlock/s-off, after you unlock/s-off you can install whichever rom you like without worrying about losing the ability to have root access.
You will want to get into the bootloader to check which OS version you have and then download the corresponding version of Rumrunner.
Edit:
Be sure to backup your whole phone as soon as you install a customer recovery. After the backup is complete, save a copy on your computer. There will be times when you are tinkering with your phone that you will need to get your phone back to a factory state, you can use a RUU but in my opinion that is more complicated process and you have a higher risk of something going wrong compared to simply restoring a backup.
Okay. Thank you. I will look into this.

how do i root my LG G3 d855 - without changing timers etc ( safest way)

Hi all
I recently purchased an LG G3 mobile and it is running lollipop 5.0 on o2 and I would like to change a few things 1. change the colour of that orange top in the messaging app - people have told me I need root for this so my question is:
What is the best and safest root process for me to use as I have never rooted before and havnt got a clue, I just do not want to break the mobile as its brand new. I don't want it to change any counters, timers, warrantys or do anything else and especially I do NOT want it to stop me getting OTA android updates
thank you hope somebody can help me cheers
[Guide]LG One Click Root - root LG firmwares (KitKat / Lollipop)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/general/guide-root-lg-firmwares-kitkat-lollipop-t3056951
arnie2012 said:
Hi all
I recently purchased an LG G3 mobile and it is running lollipop 5.0 on o2 and I would like to change a few things 1. change the colour of that orange top in the messaging app - people have told me I need root for this so my question is:
What is the best and safest root process for me to use as I have never rooted before and havnt got a clue, I just do not want to break the mobile as its brand new. I don't want it to change any counters, timers, warrantys or do anything else and especially I do NOT want it to stop me getting OTA android updates
thank you hope somebody can help me cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there.
As soon as you root any phone you immediately lose your warranty. However if you ever need to send it for repair, you can easily revert the process these days.
LG, unlike Samsung, has not what you call "timers" meaning a record if you have rooted and how many times you have flashed your phone so you are pretty safe on that aspect as LG cannot tell. Even on Samsung these days there are ways to revert the so called "timers" to null.
Once you root your phone you will also lose the capability of OTA's but as I said this can be easily undone...you unroot, update the OTA and root again. (if a root method is available for that specific version of OTA which usually is and if not it comes out usually in a few days/weeks)
Hope this clarifies your doubts.
***One word of advice: read, read and read. Rooting and flashing custom ROMS is fun and custom ROMS are way better than stock. Just take your time to learn and don't be in a hurry. This way nothing will happen to your phone.
Hope this helps you and if I did please press the thanks button.
droidbits said:
Hi there.
As soon as you root any phone you immediately lose your warranty. However if you ever need to send it for repair, you can easily revert the process these days.
LG, unlike Samsung, has not what you call "timers" meaning a record if you have rooted and how many times you have flashed your phone so you are pretty safe on that aspect as LG cannot tell. Even on Samsung these days there are ways to revert the so called "timers" to null.
Once you root your phone you will also lose the capability of OTA's but as I said this can be easily undone...you unroot, update the OTA and root again. (if a root method is available for that specific version of OTA which usually is and if not it comes out usually in a few days/weeks)
Hope this clarifies your doubts.
***One word of advice: read, read and read. Rooting and flashing custom ROMS is fun and custom ROMS are way better than stock. Just take your time to learn and don't be in a hurry. This way nothing will happen to your phone.
Hope this helps you and if I did please press the thanks button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much for your info, so I shall just use the link posted about and root that way. Although I DO NOT intend to use a custom rom. one of the reasons I want to root is to get rid of the stupid Mcafee app that comes on the LG G3
arnie2012 said:
thank you very much for your info, so I shall just use the link posted about and root that way. Although I DO NOT intend to use a custom rom. one of the reasons I want to root is to get rid of the stupid Mcafee app that comes on the LG G3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes mate just follow that tutorial and you will be alright. Don't forget to read well first so that you will know what you are doing and nothing wrong will happen.
You don't have to install custom ROMS though. There are an immense amount of things you will be able to do to your phone once rooted.
Enjoy!

How did I root an S4 Mini in 2014? How do I unroot it?

I know the title sounds weird, but here's my story:
I rooted an S4 Mini between the end of 2013 and summer of 2014, using whatever method was available, working and simplest at the time. I'd say I didn't install a custom recovery unless it was absolutely required by such method and I certainly never installed a custom ROM. Now I need to update the stock ROM to KitKat for app compatibility reasons and I need to unroot the phone. I would go for the good old trial and error method, but I don't have the phone in my hands: I need to guide a person who's smart but not tech-savvy enough to do this on her own.
My question then is: given all the information above, what's the best/simplest/only way to unroot the phone? Does it depend on how it was rooted? To be clear, I have found a procedure which involves flashing the stock ROM via Kies, but what I am ideally aiming for is an unroot that leaves the phone in its current state, without flashing/resetting anything. If it's possible, of course.
Thanks in advance for any help!
You can try unroot function in SuperSU. But i'm not sure that it is completely remove root from your phone. Anyway the best way to flash stock with full wipe. (sorry for bad english)
Thanks, that would be my first option, I just wanted some input/tips/warning from others. Your English is perfectly understandable, by the way.

Nandroid backup without root.

Hello. I just got my new phone (Lenovo A1000) and ofc first things first i gotta root it. However because i have bad experience with Lenovo rooting and then upgrading i decided to upgrade it first. However i am concerned about the ability of kingroot to root it after the upgrades. What should i do? Is there a way to create a nandroid backup without root so i can reverse an upgrade? What i have in mind is creating images of my phone's partitions that i can flash afterwards with SP flash tools but i would be happy with anything that can do the same job.

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