Develop Bugs

[Q] Lollipop or KitKat with root/bootstrap

Lets just say we get root before L is released for the AT&T Note 4. What would you do? Hold off and hope for a bootstrap so you can put a custom variation of L or any other rom, or just bite the bullet and take the update knowing you may never have root again? I think this is a dilemma that a lot of us will be facing soon.
CAN A MODERATOR MOVE THIS TO GENERAL SECTION?

Root is more important. I'd rather have adblock and tibu than lollipop.

papashex said:
Root is more important. Id rather have adblock and tibu than lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I absolutely agree! Xposed, tibu, and Adaway!

With some user experience with a locked phone.
If you ever want to root never update officially as any chances of safely rooting becomes exponentially harder than before the update.
Stay away from those tempting lolipops when they arrive...

papashex said:
Root is more important. I'd rather have adblock and tibu than lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought until I actually searched.
Adblock plus is a non-root version that works just as well (you just have to set your wifi and APN to proxy localhost port 2020) and there are about a billion backup alternatives...
Honestly stock rom is so smooth I might just upgrade and forget about it, custom roms always need tweaking and have some little thing I can't get perfect that bugs me.

v3ngence said:
That's what I thought until I actually searched.
Adblock plus is a non-root version that works just as well (you just have to set your wifi and APN to localhost proxy port 2020) and there are about a billion backup alternatives...
Honestly stock rom is so smooth I might just upgrade and forget about it, custom roms always need tweaking and have some little thing I can't get perfect that bugs me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you. Without an unlocked bootloader, we would just get stock Touchwiz roms anyways.
I've had many rooted Samsung phones over the past few years so I know the song and dance. The only difference between stock and a custom rom is the custom rom will be debloated, possibly have baked in extra features (which are usually alternatively achieved with xposed modules) and possibly a theme.
Take those things away, and it performs no different than stock Touchwiz. Believe me, any perceived performance difference is pure placebo. I've done many of my own tests to confirm this.
But to sum up my rant, I'm completely happy with this phone without root. It's overrated to be honest.

What version of adblock doesn't require root? Can you put up a link?

Just want to get rid of the bloat they stuff down our throats. I hate it and that really irritating ATT logo. I doubt I'll miss Lollipop, just as I never missed any of the updates that came after I rooted my Note 2 on day one.

WizeGuyDezignz said:
I completely agree with you. Without an unlocked bootloader, we would just get stock Touchwiz roms anyways.
I've had many rooted Samsung phones over the past few years so I know the song and dance. The only difference between stock and a custom rom is the custom rom will be debloated, possibly have baked in extra features (which are usually alternatively achieved with xposed modules) and possibly a theme.
Take those things away, and it performs no different than stock Touchwiz. Believe me, any perceived performance difference is pure placebo. I've done many of my own tests to confirm this.
But to sum up my rant, I'm completely happy with this phone without root. It's overrated to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that a custom rom seems less and less needed. I've been OK with the stock rom so far but do wish we had a root for xposed and be able to write to microsd
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

The only big drawback for me and not having root is the SD card lockdown. I mean really, it is external storage and any app I chose should be allowed to wright to it when I request it.

adblock plus website...
adblock works without root by routing apps through it this does not require root.
If you have root it automatically changes the settings etc but if you don't it tells you what settings you have to manually input to get it to work just the same no root required but root preferred.

I'm in the middle... I've always rooted my phones... Just like the different customizations, but with this phone, I'm completely happy with it as is.. I just put different themes on it to spice up whatever I feel I want... But I'd at least like the option to root, if I wanted, but to answer the question, of L comes out before root is acquired, I'm definitely upgrading

Really rather have root but if it doesn't then I wouldn't mind. So far I'm really enjoying the note 4. I'm not even seeing TouchWiz stutters everything is smooth and even the stock keyboard which I usually change anyway I'm liking more and more.
But I do have to agree don't get me wrong the devs I respect for all their time and work, but I'm not into stock custom rom. It also feels nice to just use the phone for what it is. With me I was always tweaking and doing so much I never really fully enjoyed the phone.

I'd rather have root. I was wondering if I'm going to keep the note or use my rooted and safestrapped s5. But something about the note makes it hard to put down.

AndroiderM said:
What version of adblock doesn't require root? Can you put up a link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like this one:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stulchik.adblock.reklama&hl=en
JudgeDredd67 said:
The only big drawback for me and not having root is the SD card lockdown. I mean really, it is external storage and any app I chose should be allowed to wright to it when I request it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a minor annoyance for me, the camera app defaulted to sd storage and I can save pics but not edit or delete, so I just changed default storage to phone.
Also it's nice to have a really clean, organized sd card IMO I didn't like all the app data folders...

v3ngence said:
I like this one:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stulchik.adblock.reklama&hl=en...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I get this when I click on it:
"This item isn't available in your country" (usa)
You wouldn't by chance have a link to an apk I could side load?
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

Dumbo53 said:
Unfortunately I get this when I click on it:
"This item isn't available in your country" (usa)
You wouldn't by chance have a link to an apk I could side load?
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually found out it was causing network lag, so I switched to the real ABP: https://adblockplus.org/en/android-install
But it works the same way, the app tells you how to set up your wifi proxy, but you can just add proxy "localhost" port 2020 to your apn and its works on 4g too!

ViperAudio would be nice

Latest update adds a new service that installs bloatware

A little bonus update For those Verizon Galaxy S7 users who are unaware http://www.smartphonesupdates.com/latest-verizon-update-galaxy-s7-galaxy-s7-edge/ not mentioned in the change log.
please share your thoughts about this service.

Ah, so that's what that is. DISABLED

Thanks for letting us know, I just checked and disabled it.

Something like this should be illegal. Disabled.
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

Thanks for this! I disabled it. I want my phone running as lean and mean as possible.

If you own the phone outright, paid in full, they should disclose what they are doing to it. I cleared and froze right after upgrading.

You all are welcome, i always try to share helpful info for my friends.

Thanks !
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

This was also present on S6 and forward. Not new, but this should never have been added in the first place. I don't want random games on my phone.

I tried to disable but asked "Would you like to replace app with factory version?" Is another app that does the same thing going to replace it? I can't disable DT ignite if I don't click yes

Woodruffsung said:
I tried to disable but asked "Would you like to replace app with factory version?" Is another app that does the same thing going to replace it? I can't disable DT ignite if I don't click yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its because DT ignite has updates installed. Click yes and it will put the "factory" non-updated version back on the phone. Then it will allow u to disable as normal.

Thanks so much for the find.
For those that may not have found it yet I have just started using Package Disabler Pro which let's you disable all of the verison and other bloatware without root...

zach.xtr said:
Thanks so much for the find.
For those that may not have found it yet I have just started using Package Disabler Pro which let's you disable all of the verison and other bloatware without root...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great app.
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

emmawilliam834 said:
A little bonus update For those Verizon Galaxy S7 users who are unaware http://www.smartphonesupdates.com/latest-verizon-update-galaxy-s7-galaxy-s7-edge/ not mentioned in the change log.
please share your thoughts about this service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DT ignite is a cancer waiting to spread. Forcing apps to install onto the device that has almost half its storage already taken by bloat. Haven't seen any apps besides the beam software install without my permission, had to install Nextradio manually ( which has annoying ads ). DT Ignite could one day install an app that can compromise your phones security due to programming flaws. All quickrooter exploits have been patched, however if it feels like a Trojan it is a Trojan

Just updated my VZ Galaxy S6 edge plus 64gb and this Cancerous AIDS is in that update as well. Before my eyes I had apps appearing like magic installing themselves one by one.
This is worse than most phones that have crap in their root preinstall folder that show up after every restart
Haven't had anything wacky installed, it's even installing an updated Instagram not from the Google play store

Moving from rooted phone to Note 7, best workarounds?

Greetings everyone, I'm looking for some advice. For the past 6 years I've had only daily driver phones that were rooted and boot unlocked. On Friday that'll change when my Note 7 arrives, it was simply too compelling a phone to pass up. BUT, the two things I'm sure I'll miss are 1) full device (and individual app) backup using TWRP + Titanium Backup, and, 2) whole device ad blocking using AdAway. Are there any truly useful apps/solutions/workarounds to accomplish those things on a stock Samsung phone?

Same here, coming from sony(2011), nexus and htc, rooting and bl unlocking has been my first interactions with my phone. But like you I won't be doing that for samsung pay.
1. Titanium backup (or similar) might have some limited functionality. I'm yet to see if I'd have any luck with adb and a computer backup.
2. So far I found Adguard to provide the closest service. But then again, it wont be the same as adaway.

I've already stopped rooting my phone for over 5 years already
I, for one, have not missed root much primarily since I've seen a friend fall victim to a malicious app that was granted root access. Truthfully, its quite terrifying about all the things a root app has access to.
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1. This one, try Helium by ClockworkMod. I trust you've recognized the Developer name
Helium is touted as a non-root app that will backup apps along with their app data.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup
2. For non-root system-wide ad blocking, I believe the only method right now is to use an app like AdClear or AdGuard.
Both of these services creates a local VPN on your device to detect and filter any ad traffic.
I have yet to try AdGuard because I've had very good results with AdClear.
Both of these can be found on XDA.
Both of these aren't exactly the same as what you're used to, but then again, you wanted workarounds.
I've made a quick search and Helium appears to work great with the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, which should mean the probability of it working well for Note7 is also high.
If you have a spare non-root phone, feel free to give these both a try and see if they're satisfactory alternatives for your needs.

Samsung browser supports adblocking https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.crystalapp.crystal maybe there is some other apps to for just browser? If u want apps to block ads you will need a better app like AdClear that is free or even get the AdGuard pay for cheap:
AdGuard works without root on both WiFi and mobile data. It's not free but if you choose to pay in Russian rubles a lifetime license costs around 4$. Works like a charm and gets regularly updates. It blocks ad's everywhere and not just in the browser. Only ad's in the YouTube app are currently not blocked but they are working on a workaround. https://m.adguard.com/en/purchase.html?currencyId=1#1/36500/MOBILE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Zolares said:
I've already stopped rooting my phone for over 5 years already
I, for one, have not missed root much primarily since I've seen a friend fall victim to a malicious app that was granted root access. Truthfully, its quite terrifying about all the things a root app has access to.
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1. This one, try Helium by ClockworkMod. I trust you've recognized the Developer name
Helium is touted as a non-root app that will backup apps along with their app data.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup
2. For non-root system-wide ad blocking, I believe the only method right now is to use an app like AdClear or AdGuard.
Both of these services creates a local VPN on your device to detect and filter any ad traffic.
I have yet to try AdGuard because I've had very good results with AdClear.
Both of these can be found on XDA.
Both of these aren't exactly the same as what you're used to, but then again, you wanted workarounds.
I've made a quick search and Helium appears to work great with the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, which should mean the probability of it working well for Note7 is also high.
If you have a spare non-root phone, feel free to give these both a try and see if they're satisfactory alternatives for your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was about to recommend adguard but I've never heard of adClear. It's actually much better. As for helium, I think it's pretty neat except it doesn't backup system app info.

best advice for really disabling apps (better than the disable option in settings) is package disabler pro.
Works only on samsung phones but works wonders.

Samzebian said:
best advice for really disabling apps (better than the disable option in settings) is package disabler pro.
Works only on samsung phones but works wonders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I'll try it. I was gonna ask about package disabler.

I bought the Note Edge a couple years back when the Note 4 came out.. coming from a T-Mobile rooted Note 3 it was rough because I bought a T-Mobile version and the guy sent me an AT&T unlocked off Ebay... so though it was on lock the TMobile the bootloader was locked and I could not root. I hated every minute with that phone so I only had it for 3 weeks. I ended up selling it taking $100 loss to read by an authentic T-Mobile version. Not until then was I happy. I just read that the LG G5 at T-Mobile is now locking their bootloaders! I wish Samsung would put some development time in and make an unlocker for those of us that want it if not I'm just going to return my phone take the $50 loss that comes with it for the restocking fee. Then by an international version which I've already seen can obtain root.
Sent from my SM-T713 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 PM ----------
This is really breaking my heart due to the fact that I was in an accident a few years back that left me almost paralyzed though I walk now I can barely walk no I work I can barely work I'm on full disability so to take away my one hop which is routing and playing with custom roms really really bums me out... especially since I've had every Samsung Galaxy Note ever made...plus the Tab S and Tab S2...
Sent from my SM-T713 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 PM ----------
We should ALL keep petitioning for TMOBILE to continue to help with an unlocking tool!
Sent from my SM-T713 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Yeah I need an alternative to viper4android. I don't think I can go without root and will be getting the international version.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Corbitt74 said:
Cool, I'll try it. I was gonna ask about package disabler.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try it too, thanks!

Zolares said:
I've already stopped rooting my phone for over 5 years already
I, for one, have not missed root much primarily since I've seen a friend fall victim to a malicious app that was granted root access. Truthfully, its quite terrifying about all the things a root app has access to.
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1. This one, try Helium by ClockworkMod. I trust you've recognized the Developer name
Helium is touted as a non-root app that will backup apps along with their app data.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup
2. For non-root system-wide ad blocking, I believe the only method right now is to use an app like AdClear or AdGuard.
Both of these services creates a local VPN on your device to detect and filter any ad traffic.
I have yet to try AdGuard because I've had very good results with AdClear.
Both of these can be found on XDA.
Both of these aren't exactly the same as what you're used to, but then again, you wanted workarounds.
I've made a quick search and Helium appears to work great with the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, which should mean the probability of it working well for Note7 is also high.
If you have a spare non-root phone, feel free to give these both a try and see if they're satisfactory alternatives for your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great recommendations, thank you! I recall having tried Helium on my HTC One M8 a couple of years ago before I'd rooted it. It didn't work too well for me back then, but perhaps It's gotten better, so I'll give it another look.

ARNOB said:
Same here, coming from sony(2011), nexus and htc, rooting and bl unlocking has been my first interactions with my phone. But like you I won't be doing that for samsung pay.
1. Titanium backup (or similar) might have some limited functionality. I'm yet to see if I'd have any luck with adb and a computer backup.
2. So far I found Adguard to provide the closest service. But then again, it wont be the same as adaway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I hadn't considered ADB to computer backup. Wonder if that'll actually work.

I was in another room about locked Bootloaders on this phone... technically no it has a real answer but there's a bunch of little babies and their whining about how it's like get over it move on get over it blah blah blah. But the real fact is they don't have the phone they don't have the money for the phone they don't have the intelligence to root the phone
Sent from my SM-N920T using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
I'm just going to wait for ups and move on get to work ...Xda is turning into YouTube with trollers
Sent from my SM-N920T using XDA-Developers mobile app

My main apps without root.
1. Adguard (I've found it to be the best over the other VPN Ad Blockers) Block's everything.
2. Package Disabler Pro (blocks all bloatware apps from running)
3 For backups there are few that all do the same thing like many poster have said.

sorry if i am already a little late to the party but what can't you/shouldn't you root a note 7?? i wasn't aware of that. what does it do to the phone if you do root it. i have seen a few posts of people rooting them. sorry if this has been discussed before.

probablecauzdnb said:
sorry if i am already a little late to the party but what can't you/shouldn't you root a note 7?? i wasn't aware of that. what does it do to the phone if you do root it. i have seen a few posts of people rooting them. sorry if this has been discussed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me the reason is it trips knox for which you will lose samsung pay forever.

I have to admit, I'm genuinely curious as to why you think Samsung Pay is a killer feature. If you don't mind my asking, what country are you in, and why don't cards work for you?

It would also get rid of the Secure Folder feature since that is Knox dependent too.
Although I've only gotten the Note7 for a day, that Secure Folder has already become indispensable.
Even if I haven't stopped rooting for years, I believe I would still sacrifice root any day to keep that Secure Folder feature.
Not sure if there's a root alternative to the Secure Folder's features or if it'll one day be possible, but rooting exposes too much security risks anyway. If I was rooted, I wouldn't trust the Secure Folder as much as I would have while unrooted.

Secure Folder is a bit more understandable, though I have exactly the opposite reaction to you -- I consider an unrooted phone an incredible security risk, as I have absolutely no control over its internals, and I don't trust the Secure Folder because it appears to be insecure by design (allows biometric unlock). Losing the ability to restore older versions of apps, freeze preinstalled apps, modify the hosts file (for domain blocking), or run a firewall that can't be bypassed is kind of a dealbreaker to me.
I can at least understand people who feel otherwise, though. The Samsung Pay bit was what made me stop and ask, because it's the first time I've ever seen someone who actually thought it was valuable, and I was really curious about why.

Hey!
I've been using my note 3 since it's official release and i'm wondering if you guys have a workaround of Youtube Adaway for non rooted devices !

planning on rooting?

Just curious, how many of you with unlocked phones are planning on rooting? Personally I think I'm going to run stock Android although I will root the phone so that I can get titanium, and arise Sound Mod

Yes. Root mostly for hosts based ad blocking. Hopefully Pure Nexus and ElementalX will show up as well.

It's an XDA addiction for me! Cheers

Salval said:
Yes. Root mostly for hosts based ad blocking. Hopefully Pure Nexus and ElementalX will show up as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be rooting myself as well. I'm only quoting this post because I have the same exact reasons and wants for my Pixel 2 XL also.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Salval said:
Yes. Root mostly for hosts based ad blocking. Hopefully Pure Nexus and ElementalX will show up as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me too
the only reason i root now days
is for adaway
most the futures that we did root for in the past
became available in stock android

Cowbell_Guy said:
Just curious, how many of you with unlocked phones are planning on rooting? Personally I think I'm going to run stock Android although I will root the phone so that I can get titanium, and arise Sound Mod
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really... your asking on XDA forums lol. I'm pretty sure most people here will be rooting.
Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

Salval said:
Yes. Root mostly for hosts based ad blocking. Hopefully Pure Nexus and ElementalX will show up as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep asking myself....seems to be a PITA sometimes with little gain. Finally got Magisk fixed on XL after fiddling with flash-all and slots and boot loops. Should have a mechanism here to actually take OTA like normal people!
My reasons for root:
1. Adblock. I lost it for a week and it drive me crazy!!! Must have. BUT what about rootless options out there. I haven't tried any. How do they compare?
2. Custom ROM. Stock is fine these days. Sure a few tweaks here and there would be nice, but not worth the effort.
3. Custom kernel. Same as above. Getting 6.5 hrs SOT on XL. What is there to gain?
4. Titanium BU. Works great for years. But stock system is getting pretty good now...it actually remembers login credentials for apps! Pretty awesome. Just tweak a few settings and good to go.
5. Squeeze. Had a brief stint with U11. Loved it. The devs had apps and a kernel to use it for tons of cool stuff. Long squeeze for flashlight? Double squeeze? Lots of options there.
I probably shouldn't root...waste lots of time. But I will?. Probably...
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs

akenis said:
I keep asking myself....seems to be a PITA sometimes with little gain. Finally got Magisk fixed on XL after fiddling with flash-all and slots and boot loops. Should have a mechanism here to actually take OTA like normal people!
My reasons for root:
1. Adblock. I lost it for a week and it drive me crazy!!! Must have. BUT what about rootless options out there. I haven't tried any. How do they compare?
2. Custom ROM. Stock is fine these days. Sure a few tweaks here and there would be nice, but not worth the effort.
3. Custom kernel. Same as above. Getting 6.5 hrs SOT on XL. What is there to gain?
4. Titanium BU. Works great for years. But stock system is getting pretty good now...it actually remembers login credentials for apps! Pretty awesome. Just tweak a few settings and good to go.
5. Squeeze. Had a brief stint with U11. Loved it. The devs had apps and a kernel to use it for tons of cool stuff. Long squeeze for flashlight? Double squeeze? Lots of options there.
I probably shouldn't root...waste lots of time. But I will. Probably...
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also best call recording options.

Yes as always.

akenis said:
Adblock. I lost it for a week and it drive me crazy!!! Must have. BUT what about rootless options out there. I haven't tried any. How do they compare?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdGuard is fantastic. Quality's better, but at a slight hit to battery.

Always root, just because.

I normally keep stock for about a week or so when I get a new Pixel/Nexus device. On the OG pixel I only rooted for ad blocking and substratum thenes. The rest did what I wanted it to do. I'll likely keep stock and rooted unless I find a rom that catches my eye

MaliceOmega said:
I normally keep stock for about a week or so when I get a new Pixel/Nexus device. On the OG pixel I only rooted for ad blocking and substratum thenes. The rest did what I wanted it to do. I'll likely keep stock and rooted unless I find a rom that catches my eye
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can stock rooted still get OTAs, updates etc? While keeping root?

Cowbell_Guy said:
Can stock rooted still get OTAs, updates etc? While keeping root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search, read and learn.

Cowbell_Guy said:
Can stock rooted still get OTAs, updates etc? While keeping root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supposedly.....
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/docs/tips.md#ota-installation-tips
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs

Root? What's that?...Kidding, you know it.
TiB, ROM/Kernel, Substratum, Viper4Arise/MagnumOpus, AdAway, Greenify, Magisk. I can go for more but you get the idea.

The only thing I root for nowadays is AdAway but I literally cannot stand using a phone without ad blocking. It's awful.

As surely as the sun sets.

Cowbell_Guy said:
Can stock rooted still get OTAs, updates etc? While keeping root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still get OTAs but you'll have to reroot or flash a stock room with root already in the zip

FMXP said:
The only thing I root for nowadays is AdAway but I literally cannot stand using a phone without ad blocking. It's awful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about adclear?
using it now on Galaxy s8+...sold my pixel xl , waiting for pixel 2.
it's doing great, blocking almost any ad, no root needed

Anyone go back to stock from rooted?

I have been finding myself only using Magisk for EmojiOne, but noticing I don't use Emoji like I used to anymore and am thinking since I only use Substratum with a Center Clock mod and have stopped using it for Dark theming, maybe going back to a stock based setup would be fine. I can use the Andromeda thing with Substratum which is an extra step but can do my center clock and possibly emoji one via substratum... not sure what else I would want root for... Updating is a touch of a pain for me. What do yo guys think, and have any of you gone back to stock?

I went back to stock just because I didn't want to have the uncertainty of being rooted.
Nothing wrong with rooting but I love this phone the way it is.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

For myself Rooting was a necessity. The devices sold in the past had so much Crapware.
It was nice to get the latest and greatest ROM and tweak the device to run faster because at that time they were just plain old slow.
Today, depending on where you bought a device devices are very fast. It seems to me that every ROM has an issue that influences the character of the device.
If your device comes from a carrier such as Verizon you should Root it to get rid of their crapware.
It seems their attitude is you only have the right to buy their device not the ability to control, I mean really you think you own it or something? ( yes I'm a VZW hater)
What was the question?

kdkinc said:
For myself Rooting was a necessity. The devices sold in the past had so much Crapware.
It was nice to get the latest and greatest ROM and tweak the device to run faster because at that time they were just plain old slow.
Today, depending on where you bought a device devices are very fast. It seems to me that every ROM has an issue that influences the character of the device.
If your device comes from a carrier such as Verizon you should Root it to get rid of their crapware.
It seems their attitude is you only have the right to buy their device not the ability to control, I mean really you think you own it or something? ( yes I'm a VZW hater)
What was the question?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I agree 100%. I can simply disable gMail and Calculator, the only 2 APPs pre-installed on my Pixel 2 XL that I don't need. I use Inbox by Google for eMails and a Calculator Widget for that. Aside from the EmojiOne and CenterClock, I don't even dark-theme anymore, especially not on this device with the "black crush" all the OLEDs have an issue with. I was rooted fro KCal, but am finding the Boosted setting works just fine and oddly my Blue Tint has weakened since my first few days where it was really bad. Almost like the display is wearing in and getting better? It's still there, but just not as much as that first fresh opening, so warming up the display isn't needed much for me now either.
I like to see where people's heads are at with each device, and this is one the extra input is nice to read.

I'm actually on the fence about rooting. Just received my phone this weekend and I can't decide. Going to unlock bootloader before fully setting up, but I have been playing with it a little. I've always rooted and ran custom ROMs as well as adaway. With PureNexus on my N6 I stopped flashing for over a year except the occasional ROM update. I simply like Android in it's simplest form.

I will always root, no matter what. The only downside is like you said, having to mess with getting OTAs in an unnatural way. However, seeing as how I flash all factory images, I get them sooner than those waiting on an OTA to hit their phone. Plus once you have all the tools ready to go, it literally only takes a few minutes to flash an update.
I always root because I usually run stock. And while stock on a Pixel 2 XL is damn near close to perfection, it will never be what "I" consider perfect. Which means I have to mess with the /system files to get things "perfect." I've modded the stock launcher, which I couldn't do if I was rooted. I've switched out fonts. I've changed the navbar, status bar, and quick settings. And of course, there's always AdAway which requires root. Granted some of those things can be achieved with third party apps, but I'd rather get it done "internally" whenever possible.

I used to have it for years, then more and more companies (Google and banks) made their apps check for root, and I tired of the cat and mouse game with SuperSU and Magisk. So I unrooted over a year ago. Didn't miss it at all until yesterday, when I wanted to do something with Tasker that requires root. But what I wanted to do falls into the category of "it would be nice" as opposed to "I have/need to do this", so I remain unrooted. I haven't really missed it much.

I am stuck without root since I have the Verizon model which was given to me free from work so I cannot complain too much. I have always rooted and messed with ROMs. The only thing I would need root for with the 2 XL is ad blocking with Chrome. I am trying the Samsung browser and ABP which work pretty well together.
If I didn't have the noise cancellation mic issue on my 6P I think I would have given up root a long time ago...

I rotate between stock and rooted daily lol
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I am sort of glad I found this thread. I'm not a XDA regular but I've been following root guides from here since my Razr Mazz HD. I chose the Pixel in part for the ease of getting root and for Project Fi. Now that I have the phone, I'm not sure I want to root. I've never had a phone with quick updates before. I LOVE AdAway, but is it really worth the tradeoff? AdGuard is just as good if you don't use your VPN slot but if you DO use a VPN and need it.... not rooting forces me to choose between PIA and AdGuard. But do I even need a VPN anymore with Project Fi? Probably... Firefox with uBlock works pretty well too but doesn't work on apps. Oh the decisions.

Ruraltech said:
I am sort of glad I found this thread. I'm not a XDA regular but I've been following root guides from here since my Razr Mazz HD. I chose the Pixel in part for the ease of getting root and for Project Fi. Now that I have the phone, I'm not sure I want to root. I've never had a phone with quick updates before. I LOVE AdAway, but is it really worth the tradeoff? AdGuard is just as good if you don't use your VPN slot but if you DO use a VPN and need it.... not rooting forces me to choose between PIA and AdGuard. But do I even need a VPN anymore with Project Fi? Probably... Firefox with uBlock works pretty well too but doesn't work on apps. Oh the decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like it the way it is, then I'd just leave it. It's a great device on stock. However, having root, AdAway, TiBu, kernels, and mods, is a lot of fun as well. As long as you know adb and fastboot fairly well, rooting and flashing monthly updates is pretty easy :good:

I was rooted from the get go!!

I'm going to try to live without root for a bit but already hating not having AdAway. I just know I won't keep up with updates if I have to do them. I sure wish AdAway didn't need root

Ruraltech said:
I am sort of glad I found this thread. I'm not a XDA regular but I've been following root guides from here since my Razr Mazz HD. I chose the Pixel in part for the ease of getting root and for Project Fi. Now that I have the phone, I'm not sure I want to root. I've never had a phone with quick updates before. I LOVE AdAway, but is it really worth the tradeoff? AdGuard is just as good if you don't use your VPN slot but if you DO use a VPN and need it.... not rooting forces me to choose between PIA and AdGuard. But do I even need a VPN anymore with Project Fi? Probably... Firefox with uBlock works pretty well too but doesn't work on apps. Oh the decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not regretting going back to stock from rooted as the only things I no longer have is center clock and emojione, which I 'could' get using Andromeda / Substratum but heard you have to reconnect to the computer anytime you reboot the phone and decided that's just not worth it for me. I am interested in ad blocking if possible without Root for Chrome. Only Ads that get in my way are via "News" and articles I touch from the Google Feed. Sadly many lately are blatant click-bait, page-hopping crap and slideshows that I refuse to go past the first page on.
Edit: Well, just ran across something known as DNS66 and have that up and running without Root and sure enough, it's blocking Ads on everything, even in Chrome without issue.

sharkie405 said:
I will always root, no matter what. The only downside is like you said, having to mess with getting OTAs in an unnatural way. However, seeing as how I flash all factory images, I get them sooner than those waiting on an OTA to hit their phone. Plus once you have all the tools ready to go, it literally only takes a few minutes to flash an update.
I always root because I usually run stock. And while stock on a Pixel 2 XL is damn near close to perfection, it will never be what "I" consider perfect. Which means I have to mess with the /system files to get things "perfect." I've modded the stock launcher, which I couldn't do if I was rooted. I've switched out fonts. I've changed the navbar, status bar, and quick settings. And of course, there's always AdAway which requires root. Granted some of those things can be achieved with third party apps, but I'd rather get it done "internally" whenever possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats your few minute process? Do you only have a few apps to restore with data?

plisskenn said:
Whats your few minute process? Do you only have a few apps to restore with data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash without wiping data.

plisskenn said:
Whats your few minute process? Do you only have a few apps to restore with data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See below. ?
jrbxx7 said:
Flash without wiping data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs

First thing I did with my unlocked XL 2 was to unlock the bootloader. I then rooted once Magisk was available. I root so I can do pain-free full TiBu of my apps and for AdAway. Even though I have corporate email on my phone, the Magisk Hide bypasses their restrictions in the email app.
I'm actually kind of shocked we don't have more ROMs for this phone, though I'm not a Dev and don't know how complex it may be. If more Devs release custom ROMs, I'll be trying some out for sure.

I never buy android phone unless it's bootloader-unlockable and root-able
Too many handicap applied without root.
I hate dns/vpn based adblock, it cluttering my status bar and notification. So, yes, i need root for adaway,
Google limit Tethering frequency option for my country (No 5Ghz) so, yes, i need root to enable it,
I like the ability to background play youtube, and see youtube without ads, so yes, i root my phone for that. Sure, no root option is available, but lot of problem with google account cant sign in, and this and that.
I like the ability to use Brevent, Edge Sense Plus, Greenify etc without the need of plugging my phone to PC and do adb command. So, yes, i rooted my phone for that.
The phone will never be 100% yours, unless you have total control over anything inside it
So,
There's no way am back to stock. Especially with xposed working so well right now.

otonieru said:
I like the ability to background play youtube, and see youtube without ads, so yes, i root my phone for that. Sure, no root option is available, but lot of problem with google account cant sign in, and this and that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you are using Magisk, how did you get YouTube Red without subscribing? (You can PM me if you don't want to hijack this thread...)