[Q] Q misc root questions need answers - Nexus 7 (2013) Q&A

I am a noob with android, I used to own an iphone, now I have a note 4 and nexus 7 2013, however the rooting process is confusing for me, a few questions
What is TWRP (and how do I put it on my tablet, App?)
difference between Kernel and ROM (and how to implement each)
chainfire doesn't have a nexus 7 2013 5.0.2 lollipop listed as compatible, is it rootable? (What tool to use?)
what should I stay away from when rooting so I don't brick my nexus 7

[email protected] said:
I am a noob with android, I used to own an iphone, now I have a note 4 and nexus 7 2013, however the rooting process is confusing for me, a few questions
What is TWRP (and how do I put it on my tablet, App?)
difference between Kernel and ROM (and how to implement each)
chainfire doesn't have a nexus 7 2013 5.0.2 lollipop listed as compatible, is it rootable? (What tool to use?)
what should I stay away from when rooting so I don't brick my nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried looking into some of this stuff yourself yet? These are very basic questions that can be answered by Googling, or by reading the sticky threads. I'll give you some quick answers but I highly suggest you try and learn as much as you can by yourself first, and then come back with more specific questions. Members of XDA are more inclined to help when we see that you've put in at least some effort to help yourself first. Anyway-
TWRP is a custom recovery and it is what allows you to flash custom ROMs, kernels and various other zips. It is also what you use to make nandroid backups, which is something you're going to want to do before you flash ANYTHING at all.
A kernel is the part of the OS that allows the software to communicate with the hardware. Custom kernels can increase performance, potentially get you better battery life, and also allow you to overclock, undervolt, etc...
A ROM is essentially the operating system of your tablet. There are a bunch of custom ROMs available and they all have their own set of features, themes, etc... Check out the development section and read some of the ROM threads and you can see what some of our wonderful developers have cooked up.
Don't use any tool to root your Nexus. In fact, don't use any tool for anything. If someone recommends to use a toolkit for something, don't. You're going to want to learn how to use fastboot. Read the stickied guides in general, they have all the info you need on rooting, you'll find it is actually quite simple.
Stay away from flashing anything that isn't specifically for your device, or that hasn't been tested on your device. Make regular nandroid backups. Nexus phones and tablets are incredibly easy to mod, and incredibly difficult to brick. If you use a little common sense when doing things, you'll be just fine.
Hope this helps.

Related

Sensless or Stock Android

Hey guys I have been doing quite a bit of searching through the forums and still have a couple questions about custom roms and rooting. Forgive the noobness but the droid incredible is my first android device and I only recently got it.
1. My first question is what is the simplest way (rom + root I assume) to get a stock version of android on my incredible? Also what rom would you recommend (I have seen a pretty big list but know nothing about them)?
2. What is the difference, if any, between a kernel and a rom? Ive seen both words used a lot and have seen kernels that are stock and roms that are as well. Which would I use between the two?
I know these questions may be dumb but I have been searching for a couple days and have gone through hundreds of threads trying to find the definitive answer (there were some benefits though, I use launcher pro and the droid x's keyboard now) any help would be appreciated.
1. You are right in assuming that the quickest (and only) way to get a stock version of Android on your phone is to root your phone and install a custom recovery that will allow you to flash a rom. It is not really possible for me to recommend a rom because rom's are all about personal preference and my preference may be different from yours. That being said, if you are interested in stock Android, check out Cyanogenmod. The biggest thing right now is that for the Incredible, Cyanogenmod is the only true stock Android that is compiled from AOSP (Android Open Source Project) however it is still in its early stages for our device, so it's still buggy. The other roms are modified versions of our stock sense rom, so some of the roms are modified to have the bulkier parts of of the Sense UI removed, but it is still a Sense rom.
2. I'm not going to profess to be extremely in the know about kernels, but a kernel is the go-between for the hardware and the os/applications. If you want to learn more about kernels, you can read the wikipedia page about kernels found here. Basically what you need to know is that the rom is the operating system, so if you wanted to change the OS such as from Sense to Vanilla Android, you would flash a rom. If you wanted to change the way the system runs, such as if you want your processor to be overclocked or undervolted, you would flash a kernel.
Hope this helps.
That answered everything! Thanks for the reply and I will keep checking the forums for stock roms that seem stable!

Which Root Method/ROM is right for me?

Hello Guys,
I wanted to take a moment of your times to ask a very simple question. I have done a lot of reading here, but there is just simply too much information here to be 100% certain about things. So, I wanted to avail your expert knowledge to find out the best Root Method and best ROM for my needs. I will list them below, so that you guys may make some advice to me:
Root Requirements:
I am looking for a full Root (NAND included) on Android 2.2, along with Recovery to flash custom ROMs. I will be interested in backing up as well, more specifically NAND backup, however, I do not know much about its full use or how to do it and what it restores and etc.
Information (what I am on right now):
Firmware version: 2.1
Build number: 1.47.651.1 CL195459 release-keys
Software number: 1.47.651.1
ROM Requirements:
I am basically looking for the LATEST, MOST STABLE, OFFICIAL ROM for Froyo with the latest HTC Updates, along with Sense. All that of course, with full-root, if possible. So the closest thing to the official update from HTC with full root access basically and minimal modifications.
Additionally desired:
Being able to delete or uninstall the apps that I don't want, and the Camera updates to beat the 30 fps limitation.
Sorry for sounding too demanding guys, but I am merely requesting for your guidance to point me in the right direction/confirm some of the things that I have read. Please treat me as an extreme Noob as well.
I thank you for all your patience and look forward to your responses. Thank you and have a nice day.
This is the wrong forum. Questions belong in the Q&A Forum.
Unknownforce said:
This is the wrong forum. Questions belong in the Q&A Forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry Sir. Mods, can you move this thread please? Thank you... sorry guys!
Not trying to flame or anything but search and you shall find, im pretty sure the root method you should use has root ota 1.47 in the name. Also roms are personal preferences. Once you get rooted try them all and see what you like best that's part of the fun. Good luck
Use Simpleroot
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=720565
ProFragger said:
ROM Requirements:
I am basically looking for the LATEST, MOST STABLE, OFFICIAL ROM for Froyo with the latest HTC Updates, along with Sense. All that of course, with full-root, if possible. So the closest thing to the official update from HTC with full root access basically and minimal modifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash SteelH's rooted stock Froyo rom with Netarchy latest kernel.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=743781
Also wrong section, post in QA next time
As every one else suggests, simple root ota edition & amon ra's recovery, which is an option in simple root is a good start, as far as roms you really need to just flash a few for yourself to see which flavor you prefer, go get you something like myback up pro or titanium once your rooted, if your concerned about your apps/setup. There are several good stock roms out there to try...myself, I love me some evio, but it's all a matter of personal preference, trial & error, you gotta try out a few to see what really works for ya...
Sent from my phone.
When deciding what ROM, you can look at my sig for comparison charts of what features each ROM has. To get fps unlock you need to have a custom kernel, some ROMs have it included while others give download links to kernels that work for their ROM. Check out the chart and if you have any questions just post on my thread(also linked in my sig).

Currently Best Recovery?

So, Ive been around the S3 forums for awhile, but not so much the root side. Im wondering which is the best all around recovery? Back on the evo, clockwork recovery was HORRIBLE and flashed all ROMs bad and always messed them up but AmonRa did everything flawlessly.
Is there any S3 recovery's that are messed up and flash roms incorrectly? or does everyone just seem to use a main one? If so, which.
Also another question. Do developers on the s3 actually update OP with bugs people find? On the original evo, it was horrible because there would be so many bugs on some roms and OPs where only updated with change log and not known bugs.
Also, can someone tell me the most used ROMs on the s3? nightlies i tend to avoid because they lack to much details and im practically blindly flashing those.
Any 4.2 stock or 4.1 stock or anything? Any kernel suggestions, anything i should be warned about?
Thanks in advance.
Also, sorry for being a forum pest =p
All of these are subjective questions...try out both CWM and TWRP, find which you like better and look into the Development section to see what roms are available, the only way to know for sure whether a rom would be good for you and whether you like it is to flash for yourself rather than taking peoples words for it
Also, theres been at least 5 other threads like this where people have asked "what rom/kernel?", I would suggest looking for those and reading.
CNexus said:
All of these are subjective questions...try out both CWM and TWRP, find which you like better and look into the Development section to see what roms are available, the only way to know for sure whether a rom would be good for you and whether you like it is to flash for yourself rather than taking peoples words for it
Also, theres been at least 5 other threads like this where people have asked "what rom/kernel?", I would suggest looking for those and reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could do that or just use TWRP .
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
I came to the GS3 from a long history as an Evo owner. While i was on HTC hardware I loved TWRP as it was always the most stable and best supported. On my GS3 though i find that there is better support for the CWM recovery. It seems to work better in my opinion. I have tried both but keep using CWM. I am a CM10.1 user as well and I think that it likes CWM better than TWRP.

nexus roms question

i was looking for a new rom and i know a lot of people ask about the best rom for our nexus, but i'd like to know if there is some rom optimized just for the galaxy nexus......i mean that i know that cm and aokp are very good roms, but they are not specific for the nexus. I'd like to get a rom with all those features, but optimized for nexus hardware
optimized for galaxy nexus?
stock rom and kernel of course..
btw u post this on the wrong section..
As you post the question wrong here, you can browser here lots of roms are for Galaxy Nexus here now!!!!
Want to know the taste of these rom? Browser here, take a look of some users comments and Choose ONE to TRY!!!
Mine is Xylon! Enjoy~
Thread moved to q&a
It's not a taste matter. I would know if there is a rom tailored for Nexus
cimdrap said:
It's not a taste matter. I would know if there is a rom tailored for Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every ROM in the Dev section is built for Nexus. WTF are you talking about?
Pirateghost said:
Every ROM in the Dev section is built for Nexus. WTF are you talking about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are looking for a rom that is soley build for the nexus and no other devices, i guess try to find the lesser well known ones. i dunno though i never run those ones. jbsourcery, aokp, cm10, etc i BELIEVE are all built for the galaxy nexus as well as some other devices. this has nothing to with how it will run on our phones. what matters is how good the developer is, and how effective you are at flashing new roms. dont dirty flash. wipe it like you wipe your ass and returning to stock via adb between flashes or every few flashes will help keep perfomance up. flashing to stock via adb isnt like flashing another rom, it will format and repartition your device. there is a difference between formatting and erasing.
any rom you will find for our phone is optimized for this phone, it has device specific drivers included, and is tweak and optimized to the devices specs.
What do you mean by optimized for Nexus hardware? CM and AOKP ROMs for each phone uses the unique drivers and stuff of each individual phone; otherwise the ROMs wouldn't work.
Optimized for Nexus hardware is pretty much just AOSP.
ok thank you for the replies.
For whom didn't understand my question, i meant that roms like cm are builded for different devices and the devs are not concentrated just for our nexus. In fact less known roms got more optimizations for our hardware. Maybe i'm wrong....this is the reason i asked here
cimdrap said:
ok thank you for the replies.
For whom didn't understand my question, i meant that roms like cm are builded for different devices and the devs are not concentrated just for our nexus. In fact less known roms got more optimizations for our hardware. Maybe i'm wrong....this is the reason i asked here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps you need to do a little more reading as to what a nexus device actually is....
if you see a rom in our dev section, it was built for our phone...its that simple. The best optimizations will come from the kernel of your choice, not the rom.
username8611 said:
if you are looking for a rom that is soley build for the nexus and no other devices, i guess try to find the lesser well known ones. i dunno though i never run those ones. jbsourcery, aokp, cm10, etc i BELIEVE are all built for the galaxy nexus as well as some other devices. this has nothing to with how it will run on our phones. what matters is how good the developer is, and how effective you are at flashing new roms. dont dirty flash. wipe it like you wipe your ass and returning to stock via adb between flashes or every few flashes will help keep perfomance up. flashing to stock via adb isnt like flashing another rom, it will format and repartition your device. there is a difference between formatting and erasing.
any rom you will find for our phone is optimized for this phone, it has device specific drivers included, and is tweak and optimized to the devices specs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am fairly new at rooting, flashing etc. This is the first time I've heard it's a good idea to flash back to stock every once in awhile. When you say flash back to stock, should a person be unrooting and locking the bootlader as well? Or just flash the stock rom and carry one?

[Q] Just want a stable phone, thats all...

Hi guys, I am a BASIC android user with BASIC phone needs. Unfortunately I own a HTC Desire Z with Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) and the very crapy HTC Sense 2.1 thats keeps on slowing down the phone and mostly rendering it beyond the point of regular usage.
I want the cleanest possible, fully functioning Android version available, like on Nexus phones. Just a plain, simple, clean and basic Android version. No need for overclocking, Sense crap, MIUI interfaces or other spectaculair may-work-may-not-work-brick-my-phone stuff, just a simple working smartphone, you can call with, send text messages with, Viber, Skype or Whatsapp with. You know, kinda like old people do with the phone
So 2 questions:
1. Which version would you guys recommend as being the cleanest one available on the forum?
2. How on earth do I get there? I have basic/bit advanced knowledge about rooting phones, Kernels, radio versions, etc, but this HTC phone is beyond me. Should I first root it, then CID Unlock/ s-Off it, do I first have to downgrade it to Froyo, etc etc etc. I know the easiest answer is RTFM, or use the search function on this forum first, but with my basic knowledge I cant seem to figure it out with the tons and tons of information thats out there on the forum.
So please, a few pointers, short first-this-then-that guidelines, and I'm sure I will get there.
Have a great weekend, DaMO
First of all, you're in the wrong section.
Second : The best rom without any trouble is this one : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242480
If you want more feature : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1714187
Both are very stable. Very fast. No problem at all.
But I have to say, these time, most of recent roms are pretty reliable.
Many thanks, overdose. As you are a mod, just move it to the right section.
And like I said, kind of a noob. So the post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242480 is kind of a question mark for me. As far as I understand, this release is based on a CM7 Rom, with added features? And do I only need the ILWT CM7 Kernel, or also the ILWT Deamon? What is a Deamon???!?? and why would I need it? Found a downgrade/upgrade guide from Strawmetal, hopefully it won't brick my phone and I will be able to upgrade to a normal workeable ROM.
Again, many many thanks, and tonight I will either have a useless paper weight, or a normally functioning phone
DM
damo666 said:
Many thanks, overdose. As you are a mod, just move it to the right section.
And like I said, kind of a noob. So the post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242480 is kind of a question mark for me. As far as I understand, this release is based on a CM7 Rom, with added features? And do I only need the ILWT CM7 Kernel, or also the ILWT Deamon? What is a Deamon???!?? and why would I need it? Found a downgrade/upgrade guide from Strawmetal, hopefully it won't brick my phone and I will be able to upgrade to a normal workeable ROM.
Again, many many thanks, and tonight I will either have a useless paper weight, or a normally functioning phone
DM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The deamon allow you to control overclocking, voltage, I/O, governors.
Witch you dont need, if you dont want to play with it.
i.e mimicry's already set to 1000 mhz cpu. You dont need to touch anything if you're satisfied with this cpu speed.
It's hard to find a complete guide for newbes. Back in years, I remember that I had to look at multiple thread to be sure how to root/backup/flash and make sure not to brick.
The major difference between the two (I was using Mimicry myself for the longest time, but I'm currently testing the Flinny Jellybean build) is one is Gingerbread (CM7) and the other is Ice cream sandwich. So if you're find with android OS 2.3, you will for the most part have the most compatibility with the phone's hardware (since all the drivers are avail), and will run better on the phone. But Mimicry will give you the features of ICS (4.0.x), but may lack in some areas like camera capabilities with 3rd party apps such as instagram (which is fixed in the jellybean rom I'm currently using).
But as a "basic" user, I think sticking with gingerbread will do you just fine.
I personally found this guide most useful and very easy to follow. The only problem might be that it needs adb and the respective drivers, but installing it should not be too difficult.
My favourite ROM, when it comes to speed and stability, is the "cm-7.2.0-vision.zip" found here. It might have some extras, but compared to everything else I tried (and I tried a lot), it worked like a charm.
Hello guys, many many thanks for all your advice. After about a day of work, I have a fully functioning Desire Z, with cyanogen 7.2.0 release. I had some difficulties getting there ( a faulty PC10IMG file, a bootloop after finally flasing the CM zip that seemed endless, a bootloader that gave up on me, etc), but learned a lot along the way. My conclusion: as enthusiastic and capable all the people at XDA are, nothing beats the official manufacterers release of the software. Sure, here and there also original roms have glitches and FC's, but basically everything works the way it should work, all the drivers are present and mostly updated. So my motto is: if it aint broken, dont mess with it
damo666 said:
Hello guys, many many thanks for all your advice. After about a day of work, I have a fully functioning Desire Z, with cyanogen 7.2.0 release. I had some difficulties getting there ( a faulty PC10IMG file, a bootloop after finally flasing the CM zip that seemed endless, a bootloader that gave up on me, etc), but learned a lot along the way. My conclusion: as enthusiastic and capable all the people at XDA are, nothing beats the official manufacterers release of the software. Sure, here and there also original roms have glitches and FC's, but basically everything works the way it should work, all the drivers are present and mostly updated. So my motto is: if it aint broken, dont mess with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya!
Which guild did you end up using? I found the one here too convoluted to take a chance on bricking my phone. Like it says to download ClockworkMod Recovery 5.0 and 5.8...well which is it? The cyanogenmod wiki instructions are easier to follow but it looks like they stopped developing at gingerbread which I already have. What I did was get the unlock code from HTC and then used busybox to install su for root access.
If CyanogenMod ever comes out with a more current version, I may give it a try but I am guessing they are only going to develop for the latest phones.
fletchb said:
I hear ya!
Which guild did you end up using? I found the one here too convoluted to take a chance on bricking my phone. Like it says to download ClockworkMod Recovery 5.0 and 5.8...well which is it? The cyanogenmod wiki instructions are easier to follow but it looks like they stopped developing at gingerbread which I already have. What I did was get the unlock code from HTC and then used busybox to install su for root access.
If CyanogenMod ever comes out with a more current version, I may give it a try but I am guessing they are only going to develop for the latest phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used a mix of guides, basically the procedure was: downgrade to Froyo, unlocked and temporarly rooted (S-Off), got it permanent rooted, and then installed CM 7.2.0
Thats all

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