I have a Galaxy Nexus (Verizon) that I recently unlocked the bootloader and upgraded to 4.0.4. I now want to root the phone to gain superuser access. If I do this, is it going to wipe my phone? If so, will I then need to re-run the 4.0.4 upgrade (when upgrading, I used the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit V5.4).
I had the exact same setup and just used the toolkit to add root for an app that needed it. No loss of data.
You should make a backup just in case, as you never know when or why you will need it.
I am pretty sure this has been asked/mentioned before, but to be honest, I really dont feel like looking through/over hundreds of posts and comments trying to get a true solid answer.
My question is, plain and simple. What is/are the major differences between rooting the Galaxy Nexus version 4.0.2 Android and unlocking the bootloader on it ?
I have been searching and so far it looks or sounds like you need to do one before the other, one of them is good for restoring files or something, etc. I have also read that if you are just trying to get the 4.0.4 Android update without having to wait on Verizon stupidity, I can unlock the bootloader, flash the update (or whatever its called) and it will be as if my GNex is rooted, but when I reboot it, it will be stock with all the new stuff that comes with the update, anybody know if this is true or not ?
Unlocking the bootloader just gives you access to the utilities like fastboot that let you root and ROM your device. It removes the "security" that gets in the way of hooking up the phone to a computer and having full control.
Rooting is the process of giving yourself "superuser" (think of it like Administrator) access on the device. Rooting itself doesn't do anything for you, its more about giving apps you install more control of the device.
If you unlock the bootloader to flash an update, you are not rooting your device. You're just flashing a file.
Rooting and unlocking are often confused because on many phones, they're both in the same process and you rarely do one without the other. Usually "rooting" is a catch-all word for modifying your device and changing the software.
Rooting allows you to customize your os. It gives you root access (ie access to everything). To root the nexus you must unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I was wondering the same thing, thanks for the answers.
bwcorvus said:
Rooting allows you to customize your os. It gives you root access (ie access to everything). To root the nexus you must unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my nexus without unlocking the boot loader. Via exploit
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
I'm receiving a new Galaxy Nexus in the mail today. I'm new to the Android world but this site has been extremely helpful in explaining the capabilitys of this OS. Since I've never used Android I don't completely understand the pros/cons to rooting my device. A lot of posts say "you have to do it to understand the benefits" or something of that nature. I understand that once you root you can change your ROM, kernel, navigate all file folders, use certain apps that require superuser access, etc. As of now, I'm not sure I'd want to do any of that. I may want to in the future when I see some limitations that could be bypassed by rooting, but for now I would like to keep the stock ROM, kernel, etc.
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct? So it would function the same as a stock device but would have the potential to be modified later. If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device? I'm just thinking that if I'd do it eventually, I might as well do it right now when there are no valuable files/apps/etc. that I'd have to worry about backing up.
People often root to flash aosp roms otherwise not available on htc or galaxy s phones
Aosp also in many cases gave better battery life than their skinned cousins
But on nexus phones and jelly bean I don't see much of one other than to experiment or to use addons like roms such as codename android and baked bean give
--------
Sent from my Jelly Bean powered Nexus Snarf 4G
The main reason I root is for Titanium Backup. That is probably the only way to migrate apps (with data) from one device to another.
Also nandroid (Clockworkmod Recovery) backup is useful if you want to experiment with different ROMs and can restore stock and apps easily.
On a side note: Don't like CWM 6 when backup creates a huge BLOB directory structure. Not convenient to backup your backup to PC.
Backups
Free Tethering
Block ads
etc
Tethering is enabled already. Ah u probably must be talking about the us version. I have the international one.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I root for Paranoid Android and Titanium Backup. Two things I can't be without once getting used to them.
But really. Installing Titanium Backup almost feels like a necessity on Any phone to freeze/backup apps detach them from market etc.
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can be stock & rooted. Root by itself will not affect an OTA. The only reason to root is if YOU gain something. If your phone dose everything you want without root then there is no reason to root.
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes u can stay stock and rooted.
If u root and take an update you will most likely loose root or you will have to unroot before u can take the update. One of the 2.
Biggest disadvantage is that it voids warranty. But no big deal if u no how to go back to stock.
People that don't root probably don't because they don't how, are scared to and/or they don't want to void that precious warranty.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
bchaney16 said:
I appreciate the responses but you guys aren't really answering my questions...
1. It's possible to keep everything stock when rooted, correct?
2. If an updated Android OS version is released, can I download and install it the same as anyone with an unrooted stock device?
3. Is there any disadvantage to rooting? Why would anyone NOT root their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes
2. Yes. Though root disappears if you update officially OTA. So then you need to re-root. If you would also unlock bootloader and install CWM you can not update OTA.
3. Umm. I guess some manufacturers claims that warranty is void when rooting. That's pretty much the only not-to reason I can think of. If rooted only and don't "use it" you won't even notice you're rooted.
bchaney16 said:
I'm just thinking that if I'd do it eventually, I might as well do it right now when there are no valuable files/apps/etc. that I'd have to worry about backing up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's unlocking the bootlaoder (fastbbot oem unlock) that will (not Play Store devices) wipe the device, not rooting (though the easiest way to root is to unlock the bootloader).
Ok I think its becoming more clear now.
I ordered mine unlocked from the Play Store. Does that mean the bootloader is already unlocked?
How often does an OTA come out anyway?
bchaney16 said:
Ok I think its becoming more clear now.
I ordered mine unlocked from the Play Store. Does that mean the bootloader is already unlocked?
How often does an OTA come out anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that refers to SIM unlocked, not tied to a specific carrier.
[REF] efrant's "Android for Galaxy Nexus" 101 & FAQs
If your new to Android this is a good place to start getting acquainted with the terminoligy & procedures
Right, I know it is carrier unlocked. So a Play Store GNEX still has a locked bootloader but unlocking it does not erase your files...
If that's the case I guess there's no downside to waiting until I see a good reason to unlock and root. I was thinking that I should do this on my brand new phone so that it wouldn't have any files on it that I'd need to backup. It sounds like I wouldn't have to worry about backing up regardless.
The only reason I can think of to unlock the bootloader straight away (& it's arguably a good one) ...
If for some reason your phone won't boot into android you could fastboot boot a custom recovery & have adb access to pull files from the virtual sdcard.
Rooting is the best thing to happen to Android phones. Do it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
bchaney16 said:
Right, I know it is carrier unlocked. So a Play Store GNEX still has a locked bootloader but unlocking it does not erase your files...
If that's the case I guess there's no downside to waiting until I see a good reason to unlock and root. I was thinking that I should do this on my brand new phone so that it wouldn't have any files on it that I'd need to backup. It sounds like I wouldn't have to worry about backing up regardless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will. Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will erase /sdcard. Does not matter if you get if from the play store or not. But like you said, if the device is brand new it doesn't matter anyway.
Side note: recently an exploit is discovered that allows to gain root without unlocking the bootloader. And if you have root, you can unlock/lock the bootloader at will without losing data. Follow the link in my signature for more info.
Petrovski80 said:
Yes it will. Unlocking the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock will erase /sdcard. Does not matter if you get if from the play store or not. But like you said, if the device is brand new it doesn't matter anyway.
Side note: recently an exploit is discovered that allows to gain root without unlocking the bootloader. And if you have root, you can unlock/lock the bootloader at will without losing data. Follow the link in my signature for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were numerous reports that Play Store phones did NOT wipe all data when the bootloader was unlocked, I know mine didn't
3rdstring said:
There were numerous reports that Play Store phones did NOT wipe all data when the bootloader was unlocked, I know mine didn't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was your /sdcard partition untouched after oem unlock?
Petrovski80 said:
Was your /sdcard partition untouched after oem unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the data partition was untouched. All my apps & sdcard data was still there.
[DISCUSSION] Google Play Nexus not wiping after Bootloader Unlock
Hello,
I know this question had probably already asked, but I currently not found an answer in my case.
I've a Samsung Gallaxy Nexus with the JOP40D.I9250XWMA2 build (Android 4.2.1).
This is the OTA ROM and my phone is locked.
I search an issue to root my phone without unlocking the bootloader because I need
to backup the SMS database and contact database.
Root access seems to be required to access to /data/data/ with all databases,
but I didn't find an issue to root my phone without unlocking the bootloader.
This is a problem because if I want to unlock, my phone will be wiped and
I will loose all my datas !
I tried to install "Bootunlocker" application, an application to unlock Gallaxy Nexus
without wipe, but this application need a rooted phone, so I cannot use it.
- I also tried framaroot, but without success on my phone.
- I also tried towelroot, but my phone is not supported.
It seem a lot of vulnerabilities used to have root access cannot be exploited on
my phone.
Is somebody have a good issue to root a Gallaxy Nexus without wipe datas and loose
all datas ?
Thank you for your help.
[Q] Can I update my rooted, unlocked bootlocker Nexus > 4.4.4 to 5.0.2 without a PC?
and without losing data?
First of all, apologies in advance if this has been discussed/answered before, I searched the Nexus 7 2013 threads but my understanding of how Android works is so limited I decided to ask my question directly in hopes that someone will be kind enough to dumb things down for me.
I rooted my Nexus 7 a few months ago because I lost about 10,000 music presets for the music creation app I use and ,while it was a long shot, I was desperate enough to see if I could somehow recover the files. I did by some miracle locate the dumped files but everyone of them had a new numerical name and I would have had to have renamed them all by hand; which I did not do. Ha!
Recently, I got the over air update for 5.0 but because I was rooted and I know next to nothing, I was unable to update.
This week, I've recieved the over air update for 5.0.2 and I'm holding on to it in hopes that I can get it up and running.
So the questions I have are:
1) can I get the update in the current state my tablet is in without using a PC and without losing data?
I don't have a problem backing everything up if there's a chance it will get lost but I have a lot of music stuff on my tablet and it will take a long time to cloud it.
I do have a hand me down Mac book pro and I have seen that there may be a way to use a Mac with an Android for this but it sounds like a huge headache; if not, I'd be all for it.
2) If it's not gonna happen in the above manner, I have no problem unrooting (and unbootlockering ? if needed?) my device in order to update. If that the way to go, can I do that without a PC and without losing data? Am I being a super pain?
3) How do I do either?
I am new to Android, and a ludite in general, so if anyone has the saintly patience to walk me thru it like you would your grandma, I would be grateful.
I used Towelroot to root. I unlocked the Bootlocker without knowing why I would want to because I'm a compulsive idoit.