Develop Bugs

[Q] Towelroot - Should I use it on Nexus 7 (2013)?

I've heard that using towelroot will root your phone but not unlock your bootloader. What does this entail? Can I still use Xposed Installer/ other root apps? Can I recieve OTA updates? Can I unroot again? Are there any downsides?
Looking forward to hearing about any experiences with this app.

Fakusnamus said:
I've heard that using towelroot will root your phone but not unlock your bootloader. What does this entail? Can I still use Xposed Installer/ other root apps? Can I recieve OTA updates? Can I unroot again? Are there any downsides?
Looking forward to hearing about any experiences with this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my N7 and I unlocked the bootloader. I then used towelroot to root it and it worked fine. I have not flashed a custom recovery so I don't think OTA should be an issue.

But...
utsmaster18 said:
I just got my N7 and I unlocked the bootloader. I then used towelroot to root it and it worked fine. I have not flashed a custom recovery so I don't think OTA should be an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just that some of my other devices (samsung ones, admittedly) don't get OTA updates since I've rooted them, even though they're available. I've also heard that rooting most devices sort of cuts off the updates, and that towelroot prevents that by leaving the bootloader alone.

Fakusnamus said:
It's just that some of my other devices (samsung ones, admittedly) don't get OTA updates since I've rooted them, even though they're available. I've also heard that rooting most devices sort of cuts off the updates, and that towelroot prevents that by leaving the bootloader alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After rooting you don't need to worry about updates with a nexus device (or any other really). As you'll notice in the N7 Android Development section, there are a TON of lollipop builds and it hasn't been officially released yet. In other words, all updates will be baked into custom ROM's so there's no need to worry about official updates. And to root a nexus, simply unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery like TWRP, there's no need for tools

DroidIt! said:
After rooting you don't need to worry about updates with a nexus device (or any other really). As you'll notice in the N7 Android Development section, there are a TON of lollipop builds and it hasn't been officially released yet. In other words, all updates will be baked into custom ROM's so there's no need to worry about official updates. And to root a nexus, simply unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery like TWRP, there's no need for tools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh...Yeah I was aware of that. If you read my question again, that was not what I was asking for. My queries were about the towelroot application in particular and if I could recieve OTA updates if I left the bootloader alone. I did not ask for alternatives.

I don't understand why you would rely on an app for root with a locked bootloader on a Nexus device. It's so simple to unlock the bootloader and root. There's only, at a minimum, thousands of guides on how to do it. If you're worried about updates, unlock the bootloader.

nhizzat said:
I don't understand why you would rely on an app for root with a locked bootloader on a Nexus device. It's so simple to unlock the bootloader and root. There's only, at a minimum, thousands of guides on how to do it. If you're worried about updates, unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I've heard unlocking the bootloader stops OTA updates. I don't want to have to download roms as my download speed is abysmal. Google services have (on average) 8 times the normal download speed at my place (no idea why), so I'd much rather recieve OTA updates from Google than download a rom.

Just another thought and I get your question, but if you did unlock the boot loader and then just downloaded the factory image from here https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images you WOULD be downloading it from Google so you should get the same speeds. Now I know you asked about towelroot and I've not used it, but if you're worried about download speeds the images in that link are directly from Google. I know what you mean though, I have very good download speeds and no matter what I download it does seem like the one's direct from Google are about 25% faster. They've got good networking that's for sure.

Fakusnamus said:
Because I've heard unlocking the bootloader stops OTA updates. I don't want to have to download roms as my download speed is abysmal. Google services have (on average) 8 times the normal download speed at my place (no idea why), so I'd much rather recieve OTA updates from Google than download a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heard that an unlocked bootloader prevents OTAs? I don't know where you heard that, but that's completely wrong. Bootloader state has absolutely no affect on OTAs. What an unlocked bootloader does is give you the ability to have complete control over your device. Flash any rom, flash any recovery, and never have to worry about losing root.
Take some time to read and learn before you start tinkering.

nhizzat said:
Heard that an unlocked bootloader prevents OTAs? I don't know where you heard that, but that's completely wrong. Bootloader state has absolutely no affect on OTAs. What an unlocked bootloader does is give you the ability to have complete control over your device. Flash any rom, flash any recovery, and never have to worry about losing root.
Take some time to read and learn before you start tinkering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I've rooted my phones in the past, I've stopped recieving OTA updates, even though they put out new ones. My friend who unlocked the bootloader on (and rooted) his nexus 7 also stopped recieving OTA updates. Are you saying that I can unlock bootloader and root my nexus 7 and I'll still receive OTA updates and/or can update to Lollipop when they release it a few weeks later for the device?

Fakusnamus said:
When I've rooted my phones in the past, I've stopped recieving OTA updates, even though they put out new ones. My friend who unlocked the bootloader on (and rooted) his nexus 7 also stopped recieving OTA updates. Are you saying that I can unlock bootloader and root my nexus 7 and I'll still receive OTA updates and/or can update to Lollipop when they release it a few weeks later for the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USUALLY it's a custom recovery that prevents OTAs not an unlocked bootloader or rooted device.
For example, I have a nVidia Shield which I prefer to get the OTAs for as the stock OS is perfect for my needs. Whenever an OTA is available, I have to reflash the stock recovery, apply the OTA and then I can flash a custom recovery again. I could have chosen to not use a custom recovery but I prefer to - so I just flash the stock one (1.0-3.0Mb size maybe?) and then back to custom after the OTA. takes 2min extra work before and after the OTA.

esmith13 said:
USUALLY it's a custom recovery that prevents OTAs not an unlocked bootloader or rooted device.
For example, I have a nVidia Shield which I prefer to get the OTAs for as the stock OS is perfect for my needs. Whenever an OTA is available, I have to reflash the stock recovery, apply the OTA and then I can flash a custom recovery again. I could have chosen to not use a custom recovery but I prefer to - so I just flash the stock one (1.0-3.0Mb size maybe?) abd then back to custom after the OTA. takes 2min extra work before and after OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you for sure that neither me, nor my friend have flashed custom recovery. Still no updates.

Fakusnamus said:
I can tell you for sure that neither me, nor my friend have flashed custom recovery. Still no updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What android version and kernel date do you currently show in "About Tablet" at the bottom of the settings screen?

The best way is to use towelroot now, and backup your data with titanium backup, then you can unlock your bootloader if you want for lollipop.

esmith13 said:
What android version and kernel date do you currently show in "About Tablet" at the bottom of the settings screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done anything to the tablet yet, it's still brand new. That was my friend with the updateless tablet.

Fakusnamus said:
I haven't done anything to the tablet yet, it's still brand new. That was my friend with the updateless tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question still stands... What Android version and what Kernel date?

Okay...
Okay, this is going on a massive tangent. My question was : If I root the nexus 7 with towelroot, can I still update to lollipop when the update rolls out? What can or can't I do with towelroot? (except not flash custom recovery or roms)

Fakusnamus said:
I haven't done anything to the tablet yet, it's still brand new. That was my friend with the updateless tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have it on me right now, but its a brand new one, and I've done nothing to it, so whatever kernel that is. I'm guessing the android version is 4.3 .

esmith13 said:
Question still stands... What Android version and what Kernel date?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have it on me right now, but its a brand new one, and I've done nothing to it, so whatever kernel that is. I'm guessing the android version is 4.3 .

Just unlock the bootloader now. It'll save you so much time and headache in the future.

Rooting & Rom'ing

Okay, I think I know the answer to this question, so forgive me. Just want to be sure before I go blow $500.
For the Nexus devices, regardless of the carrier, we'll be able to root them and ROM them as well as install new Kernel's because the bootloaders will be unlocked?
If that's correct please say so. If it's only partially correct, please explain it all to me.
Disgruntled Verizon User with a S6 Edge
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

Yes, its easy as pie.

nexuses are always devs favorites...

@mrbigdrawsz As a fellow Verizon user, I know exactly were your coming from. And yes since this is a nexus device coming directly from Google and not being sold or touched by Verizon, it will be good to go for all your rooting, ROM'ing, Bootloader unlocking, and custom kernel needs.

Yes! Though I am not sure about the Pixel C. I am wondering if Google giving products the Pixel name means they lock them down? Sorry, little off topic.

I'm only curious how/if Google has the fingerprint security locked down when it comes to root

shimp208 said:
@mrbigdrawsz As a fellow Verizon user, I know exactly were your coming from. And yes since this is a nexus device coming directly from Google and not being sold or touched by Verizon, it will be good to go for all your rooting, ROM'ing, Bootloader unlocking, and custom kernel needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank the sweet, tiny, infant squishy baby Jesus! I have yet to own a nexus phone (fed up with my GS5) and am about to pre order the 5X. I miss getting to try out different roms and such, so i'm really pumped about the 5X. the 6P is just too big of a phone for me i think.
Forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere, is there any word on xposed for android M?

owenrg said:
Forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere, is there any word on xposed for android M?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are still working out the bugs on getting it to run on 5.x completely as they want and those devs on the Xposed team do a phenomenal job. Support for 6.0 marshmallow will eventually come but it will be a little bit yet.

If I unlock bootload, will I have problem with OTA?

shimp208 said:
They are still working out the bugs on getting it to run on 5.x completely as they want and those devs on the Xposed team do a phenomenal job. Support for 6.0 marshmallow will eventually come but it will be a little bit yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

menaceinc said:
If I unlock bootload, will I have problem with OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.

Thanks, I will just do that, unlocking bootloader. I really missed OTA as my current N5 is rooted.
shimp208 said:
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

shimp208 said:
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?

Tank87 said:
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, installing an OTA over a rooted phone would just kill root and you'd have to root it again, however, installing a custom ROM, the developer usually kills OTA so that all the custom stuff doesn't get jacked up.

Tank87 said:
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will effect the built in method of OTA updates. This is not a problem though. 99% of the time you will have access to the updated via the nexus factory image site before you receive notification of an OTA update on your device. Download the update and extract the boot, bootloader, radio, and system images. Flash via fastboot in bootloader mode and you will update your device without losing data/settings. I believe that you can flash img files with recent TWRP builds also.
To root after update just reboot to TWRP recovery and reboot. You will be prompted to install root before system reboots.
May seem a little overwhelming if its your first nexus device but a lot easier than updating a non nexus rooted Android device.
For more info check out any one of the recent nexus routing guides sticky threads

I know many people rooted etc their Nexus 5s using the Wugfresh Nexus Root ToolKit. Undoubtably a version will be introduced for the 5X,
If you root your device then flash a custom rom, you will be notified of the update via OTA or otherwise (eg Pushbullet) for that specific rom that you have flashed.

SlyUK said:
I know many people rooted etc their Nexus 5s using the Wugfresh Nexus Root ToolKit. Undoubtably a version will be introduced for the 5X,
If you root your device then flash a custom rom, you will be notified of the update via OTA or otherwise (eg Pushbullet) for that specific rom that you have flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why use a Toolkit to root? Just using ADB and Fastboot is better/easier since you can actually see what is happening during the process. Using a toolkit removes that element and if it hangs you don't where in the process it failed on.

metpage said:
Why use a Toolkit to root? Just using ADB and Fastboot is better/easier since you can actually see what is happening during the process. Using a toolkit removes that element and if it hangs you don't where in the process it failed on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes thats true, but I haven't heard of many people who have had problems with Wugfresh and it is a popular method. Everyone is different

I always rooted my Nexus (N4, N5 & N7), but I am not going to root my new upcoming Nexus 5X. Why? It just too much to flash/root since Google will release monthly security updates. Yes, I did use "fastboot flash xxx xxx.img" method. However, I will unlock the bootloader in case I change my mind in the future. With unlocked bootloader, I can always fix phone via flash factory images.

Safe To Upgrade VZW Pixel XL To 7.1.1?

I've unlocked my bootloader but I am stock with no root. I haven't done anything yet because I'm waiting for twrp and Roms to mature a bit before I dive right in. Does anybody know if it's safe to update and keep the unlocked bootloader?

I know it should be safe to do the full image flash from a computer using fastboot. I am specifically talking about the ota

lars1110 said:
I know it should be safe to do the full image flash from a computer using fastboot. I am specifically talking about the ota
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's safe to take the OTA as long as your bootloader is already unlocked.

Yes, I installed it with no problem. Boot loader is still unlocked, and the new move gestures are mostly OK.

I lost the ability to use the native Hotspot with my unlimited data plan on Verizon. It appears the update closed the workaround where you could use network refresher and bypass the provisioning check.

Awesome thanks everybody about to do the OTA now

Mike01680 said:
I lost the ability to use the native Hotspot with my unlimited data plan on Verizon. It appears the update closed the workaround where you could use network refresher and bypass the provisioning check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn that sucks. I'll be avoiding it for now then. Really don't want to root. I like android pay. But I need tethering

You can update... The OTA didn't work on my phone so I had to sideload it through ADB, still unlocked and worked like a charm

wrong thread

I thought the Verizon pixel couldn't unlock the bootloader. Is that true?
Sent from my Pixel XL

Krunk83 said:
I thought the Verizon pixel couldn't unlock the bootloader. Is that true?
Sent from my Pixel XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can before this update that was just released. You have to unlock before taking update or you won't be able to unlock. Once you unlock you can still update with no problem
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

Krunk83 said:
I thought the Verizon pixel couldn't unlock the bootloader. Is that true?
Sent from my Pixel XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a tool that can force unlock the bootloader (depixel8?), but the exploit that it uses has been closed with this update.

Krunk83 said:
I thought the Verizon pixel couldn't unlock the bootloader. Is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can if your on 7.1 but not if your on 7.1.1

EDIT: I misread the posting. It is locked in 7.1.1.

Scott said:
This is not correct. @jcase stated he updated the tool to work with 7.1.1...
I'll see if I can find that post again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?? The news has been all over that the 7.1.1 update patched dePixel8. He even posted on his website about it and said to not ask for further support. I assumed he didn't have a pixel so wasn't going to spend any more time on it. From my understanding the first method was very simple for them to figure out.
Please reply if you can find the post this will be big for everyone!

Krunk83 said:
I thought the Verizon pixel couldn't unlock the bootloader. Is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock the bootloader with the dePixel8 method

Ad nauseum to the can you unlock or not. The latest update from Verizon makes the Verizon model locked. Period. If you haven't unlocked already, don't update to 7.1.1. If you plan to unlock. Depixel8 DOES NOT work for verizon pixel once the 7.1.1 update has been applied. If you unlock.... Don't relock. End of story. Stop with the round and round.

318sugarhill said:
Damn that sucks. I'll be avoiding it for now then. Really don't want to root. I like android pay. But I need tethering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure you can root, change the build.prop to allow tethering, unroot, then install a custom kernel with the safetynet bypass feature and still use android pay.

So taking the OTA and flashing boot to root after will work if I'm understanding everything I've read this far? Also I have been unable to find the build specific for 7.1.1 for Verizon to download.

cntryby429 said:
I'm pretty sure you can root, change the build.prop to allow tethering, unroot, then install a custom kernel with the safetynet bypass feature and still use android pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true? If so where is the post to someone doing this exact thing?

Unroot HTC 10 to Get Oreo

Hi,
My HTC 10 is rooted, S-On, SU, boot loader unlocked, and running stock Nougat 7.0. As such, it doesn't get onlver the air {OTA}. I want OREO, and I understand that requires me to unroot. How do I unroot?
I hope to do an OTA and then reroot. If I really don't have to unroot, tell me please what to do to get OREO. My main attraction to rooting is to install AdAway.
Thanks,
Ndmand

These are what I did;
1. restore my stock rom via TWRP (which I backed-up long time ago)
2. flash back stock recovery (which I found form XDA). It will replace TWRP
3. OEM relocked
By then, I could get couple OTAs until I reach to Oreo.
After that, I went all the ways again => unlock bootloader (HtcDev) => flash latest TWRP => and so on.

Ndmand said:
Hi,
My HTC 10 is rooted, S-On, SU, boot loader unlocked, and running stock Nougat 7.0. As such, it doesn't get onlver the air {OTA}. I want OREO, and I understand that requires me to unroot. How do I unroot?
I hope to do an OTA and then reroot. If I really don't have to unroot, tell me please what to do to get OREO. My main attraction to rooting is to install AdAway.
Thanks,
Ndmand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really only need steps 1 and 2 from bita's post. If you don't have a stock system backup you can probably find one in the Backups thread.
Else, you can flash an ruu which will take you back fully stock but will also wipe your phone in the process.

bita said:
These are what I did;
1. restore my stock rom via TWRP (which I backed-up long time ago)
2. flash back stock recovery (which I found form XDA). It will replace TWRP
3. OEM relocked
By then, I could get couple OTAs until I reach to Oreo.
After that, I went all the ways again => unlock bootloader (HtcDev) => flash latest TWRP => and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You,
This is exactly what I need. I interpret "OEM relocked" to mean that after flashing, you system was relocked, and you didn't have to separately relock your bootloader. I appreciate your help.
Ndmand

Tarima said:
You really only need steps 1 and 2 from bita's post. If you don't have a stock system backup you can probably find one in the Backups thread.
Else, you can flash an ruu which will take you back fully stock but will also wipe your phone in the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, Thank You, Tarima,
Oddly, I was hoping you'd see my post because if the great help you have given to others. I deleted my stock backup by mistake last year.
My TWRP and Titanium backups are on an SD card, so I will remove the card to protect them during the process in case things go crazy.
I noticed that SU has an unroot button, but I guess that only covers part of the process.
Thank You,
Ndmand

Ndmand said:
Great, Thank You, Tarima,
Oddly, I was hoping you'd see my post because if the great help you have given to others. I deleted my stock backup by mistake last year.
My TWRP and Titanium backups are on an SD card, so I will remove the card to protect them during the process in case things go crazy.
I noticed that SU has an unroot button, but I guess that only covers part of the process.
Thank You,
Ndmand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Yes, once you root with superSU, your system partition will be flagged permanently as modified even if you unroot. That's why you need to flash a virgin system backup image. This is also why I root with Magisk, as it makes taking OTA much easier. You may want to consider that as well when you root again.

I don't quite understand Magisk yet, but I will look into it. Thanks for making this doable and understandable.
Ndmand

Do a RUU and update ota , no need to relock bootloader, you will lose data if you do RUU

Which RUU is the right for the Oreo OTA?
I have installed the developer version, but I haven't received it. Also I knew that HTC had removed the OTA
Enviado desde mi HTC 10 mediante Tapatalk

oxineitor said:
Which RUU is the right for the Oreo OTA?
I have installed the developer version, but I haven't received it. Also I knew that HTC had removed the OTA
Enviado desde mi HTC 10 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U.S Unlocked has not yet received OTA. To go to Oreo you'll have to run the RUU.
Take the RUU posted by santod on this page:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ht...-collection-recovery-ruu-ota-t3359297/page254

Newbie Here
Hi guys,
For several years now I've been getting help from you people and for that I am very appreciative. This is my first, of what I hope are many more posts.
I recently purchased a Sprint HTC 10 phone here in the Dominican Republic. It was factory unlocked already. It came with stock Oreo software. Yesterday I received an Oreo update, and this immediately locked my phone sim. I couldn't use it. Now thanks to you guys, I slept like at 1 am, but finally managed to get the phone unlocked thanks to this thread.
Now I have a problem. I'm not that of a techie guy to leave the phone rooted. Is it wise to unrooted back again? My main concern is, if I unroot the phone it will revert to having the sim lock, and that's a no go. So my question is: Do I unrooted? Can I, without damaging the phone? And if the answer is no, how do I proceed with my rooted phone to get the best out of it? I saw this video on youtube, it seems nice, but it is from 2015. Do I follow those steps or do something else to take advantage of my rooted device.
I would really appreciate your help.

Yank1llaz said:
Hi guys,
For several years now I've been getting help from you people and for that I am very appreciative. This is my first, of what I hope are many more posts.
I recently purchased a Sprint HTC 10 phone here in the Dominican Republic. It was factory unlocked already. It came with stock Oreo software. Yesterday I received an Oreo update, and this immediately locked my phone sim. I couldn't use it. Now thanks to you guys, I slept like at 1 am, but finally managed to get the phone unlocked thanks to this thread.
Now I have a problem. I'm not that of a techie guy to leave the phone rooted. Is it wise to unrooted back again? My main concern is, if I unroot the phone it will revert to having the sim lock, and that's a no go. So my question is: Do I unrooted? Can I, without damaging the phone? And if the answer is no, how do I proceed with my rooted phone to get the best out of it? I saw this video on youtube, it seems nice, but it is from 2015. Do I follow those steps or do something else to take advantage of my rooted device.
I would really appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only downside to being rooted is that you won't be able to take OTA updates any longer, or use certain apps that don't work with rooted devices (mostly banking apps). I'm almost 100% sure we won't get any more OTA updates for this phone, so unless you really need to use banking apps, I would leave the device rooted. Plus there are some nice things you can do while being rooted.
If you're rooted with Magisk you can still do all of the above.

Tarima said:
The only downside to being rooted is that you won't be able to take OTA updates any longer, or use certain apps that don't work with rooted devices (mostly banking apps). I'm almost 100% sure we won't get any more OTA updates for this phone, so unless you really need to use banking apps, I would leave the device rooted. Plus there are some nice things you can do while being rooted.
If you're rooted with Magisk you can still do all of the above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx Tarima. If so, what can I do with a rooted device? What are my inmediate options to upgrade the phone. Any ideas?

I thought you could take OTA?
I am WAY out of the info as I don't take them, but I'll search a little an come back with any findings.

andybones said:
I thought you could take OTA?
I am WAY out of the info as I don't take them, but I'll search a little an come back with any findings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you're rooted with Magisk systemless root, you can't take OTA from a rooted state until you restore a stock system image, which I'm thinking might undo the SIM unlock procedure the OP had to do on his Sprint device.
---------- Post added at 02:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:35 AM ----------
Yank1llaz said:
Thx Tarima. If so, what can I do with a rooted device? What are my inmediate options to upgrade the phone. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was saying, there will 99% for sure be no other updates for this phone, so that's a non-issue. And if there is, you can run an RUU, return to stock, take the update, then do the sim unlock procedure again.
I do with root:
- Use Titanium Backup (great app backup app)
- Use F.lux app for blue light reduction
- Use Adaway ad blocker

Tarima said:
I do with root:
- Use Titanium Backup (great app backup app)
- Use F.lux app for blue light reduction
- Use Adaway ad blocker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Process for those. Sorry for being such a pain in the behind.

Yank1llaz said:
Process for those. Sorry for being such a pain in the behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "process for those"? They're apps, you just install them from the play store
Actually I think Adaway needs to be downloaded from their own site

Tarima said:
What do you mean by "process for those"? They're apps, you just install them from the play store
Actually I think Adaway needs to be downloaded from their own site
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded the one for blue light. How about the adaway one? When dowloading the files within the app, it does not allow me and reads:
"copying of host file failed"

Yank1llaz said:
Downloaded the one for blue light. How about the adaway one? When dowloading the files within the app, it does not allow me and reads:
"copying of host file failed"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry not sure about that, you'll have to ask in the appropriate forum.

OTA with unlocked bootloader?

I'm having a hard time finding an answer to this. I am going to unlock my bootloader but wait until the beta is over to root. Can I still get OTA updates with an unlocked bootloader and no root? I've rooted all my Android devices in the past and some of them could receive updates when unlocked and some couldn't. This is my first Pixel.

sparkeymat said:
I'm having a hard time finding an answer to this. I am going to unlock my bootloader but wait until the beta is over to root. Can I still get OTA updates with an unlocked bootloader and no root? I've rooted all my Android devices in the past and some of them could receive updates when unlocked and some couldn't. This is my first Pixel.
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What's the point of unlocking if you're not going to root or install a custom rom?
Why not go ahead and root? This guide is all you need:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/how-to/guide-pixel-3-xl-android-10-0-q-t3964117

jsbeagle said:
What's the point of unlocking if you're not going to root or install a custom rom?
Why not go ahead and root? This guide is all you need:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/how-to/guide-pixel-3-xl-android-10-0-q-t3964117
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Click to collapse
It turns out I was one of the lucky ones that got OEM unlock on a locked device with the beta. So, I was going to unlock invade the next update locked it back and just run out the beta. When it was over I was going to root. But I may as well do it now.

OTA is tricky with root but I have pulled it off the last few months. The key is to pull the update before it does so automatically. Google now checks for root on download and stops if you are rooted. It only does it once, if it finds root it won't check again until next month.
So the process is like this.
First Monday of the month in the morning hit Magisk Manager and unroot....restore images.
Do NOT reboot. You will remain rooted until you reboot and this is important.
Spam the check update button. Mid afternoon you will get the uodate. Let it install. But do NOT reboot.
After the update hit Magisk Manager again and install root....but select the option to install to the other slot. The update installed there...you want to root that slot.
Now you can reboot.
If you are not rooted, just unlocked it will update just like normal.

sparkeymat said:
Can I still get OTA updates with an unlocked bootloader and no roo?
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Yes without root you can definitely get OTA updates with an unlocked bootloader.