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Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
kershner25 said:
Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
congratz im waiting for mine is the mail right now lol
rooting allows you to have full access to the file system sorta like a administrator
on a windows machine since out the box you cant edit files or remove bloatware without root you cant install certain programs from the market without root
also having root and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
yes i highly recommend but if you ever plan on returning the phone to verzion for example you will have to revert it back to stock
and for the program psxperia you need to install the latest version of java from java.com
and if your on a windows machine you double click the psxperiatool.JAR file
and it should run not sure on OSX
in the end you made a good choice on choosing android as mainstream as it became its still a powerful system way better IMO than ios or even webos
since android has so many developers theres gonna be an endless amount of programs
will post new finds myself etc
edokassiah said:
and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
kershner25 said:
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you havent unlocked your bootloader yourself it is locked there are many risks and advantages to unlocking your bootloader, but if you dont intend to flash custom roms there really is no need, just like with root, if you dont know what it is, you probably wont need it
transfering .apk's from your pc is easy, just copy the .apk to your sd card, then use a file manager to find the .apk, tap on it and the installer will pop up , you need to tick unknown sources in settings though
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
AndroHero said:
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes asking about android in general not aiming specifically at the xperia play
If I root my phone, do I have to switch everything back in order to get updates? All I really want to root my phone for would be to remove bloatware/speed it up a bit, is there a better way than rooting?
There is plenty of tutorials here, I suggest that you read, read, and then......read some more
_terror_ said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Just to share my own experiences since I'm new to the Xperia Play (previously had an Acer Liquid.. crappy hardware but great community of devs.. anyways..)
I'd recommend rooting your phone off the bat - the simple reason is rooting will involve wiping your phone's data, so if you already have a few months of use that means having to restore everything which is tiresome. First thing when my phone arrived was follow the rooting guide here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
After that however I wouldn't recommend messing around TOO much with custom firmwares and such etc.. get used to the phone as it is and figure out what you like, don't like. if your like me within a few weeks or months you'll want something new - this is when you might want to start looking at messing around with the phone - new home launchers or even a new ROM (if your phone can have it's boot loader unlocked, from what I understand mine can't). The games and Emulators should keep you busy as is
The only customizing I've done to my phone is rooting it with Gingerbreak and using the leaked Sony Launcher.
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
kershner25 said:
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That method will not work on the r800x (verizon xplay) to root yours you will need to see [How-to] R800x Root
Dont worry about annoying people lol . Who cares what others think? Everyone has to start somewhere.
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
So now, instead of the 3 step process linked previously in this thread, I have to unlock the bootloader and do a whole bunch of other stuff? This method is like 100x more complicated. Is there no other way? I don't intend to install any custom roms, I strictly want to root solely for freezing bloatware.
No i dont think so. You would be better asking for help from other r800x owners in that thread.
The exploit gingerbreak uses on 2.3.2 was patched in 2.3.3 (worldwide) and was also patched by verizon before they released the handset on 2.3.2. Up untill the bootloader was unlocked on the r800x rooting was not possible.
Ask in that thread and you should recieve the help/info you are after.
hiya mate right ive rooted and put on custom recovery but now its screwed up my cam , wifi , and the market so be warned im trying to fix this problem as we speak
---------- Post added at 10:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------
im new to this to really but having a play with no cam and no wifi and no market. the market is there but cant dwnload nothing is taking the piss can anyone help me please
Mozza2k11 said:
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one already stickied in the Q&A section.That it has gone practically unnoticed counters this statement.
kershner25 said:
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their is not such thing as a bricked phone
always is a way to fix it and usually its as simple as flashing a FTF
or whatever stock rom your device uses takes like 5 minutes tops lol
and logsemans guides will tell you anything you need to know
just use them for refrence
Xperia Play Super Compilation (Q&A Sticky)
and if you head down the path of rooting and stuff
messing with files
you wont be able to get ota updates lol.
it will "brick you"
I recentally made a quick video with tips for android users/beginners if you want to watch it. Thought it would help people. http://youtu.be/Pd5DerUoEcY
If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
As you said yourself.. You have an unlocked bootloader.. so you don't have to more like you cannot use the FOTA technique cos OTA update bricks the phone..
Simply flash one of the prerooted kernel like DoomLord Kernel.. Should do it .. Or if you want the stock kernel then Serach the forums for something like "Root 4.0.A.2.368" They will usually specifically say that you need unlocked bootloader..
[Guide] All in one 'Namaste guide' to Bootloader unlocking, Rooting, Flashing & more
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Emissia said:
If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with my Neo. I've tried flashing 2.2.2, then rooting with Flashtool (just click Xperia X10), but this doesn't work, and after relocking the bootloader and updating, the phone is bricked as well. Tried this like 5 times.
I think I'll just wait for 2.3.4 as my main reasons to root are making screenshots and removing bloatware. 2.3.4 adds screenshots, and currently, my ROM is not totally full.
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Emissia said:
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a prerooted image or relock the bootloader and use the more lengthy method.
Emissia said:
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. Only non stock kernels yet around are the DoomLord and CM (FreeXperia) kerenls.. Check the development forums for them..
The Stock aren't really "outdated".. These custom kerenels are based on the original stock code with a few features enabled.. So don't expect android 2.3.4 from them or anything..
As for rooting issues.. Follow the Namaste guide and a few posts in the development forum bout rooting arc properly and carefully.. Noting what is Locked and Unlocked and which method works where.. And it won't take more than 15 minutes to setup everything..
hi, I have been reading a lot about S-OFF how to, but I've read too much & I'm kinda confused right now, can someone help me through if I can get S-OFF, & post me link for the thread I have to read & do exactly.
is it even possible yet?
if not, then what all those threads are talking about?
& if it helps, this's the one X I have
x.xx.707.x - Asia WWE (World Wide English)
No there is still no way to get S-Off on the HOX. The only way to install a custom rom is via HTCdev but then you'll lose the warranty.
duk3r said:
No there is still no way to get S-Off on the HOX. The only way to install a custom rom is via HTCdev but then you'll lose the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
R U sure about HTCdev???? I'm not talking about bootloader off, I'm talking about S-OFF
mehras1991 said:
hi, I have been reading a lot about S-OFF how to, but I've read too much & I'm kinda confused right now, can someone help me through if I can get S-OFF, & post me link for the thread I have to read & do exactly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read about S-Off on the correct forums (i.e related to One X) then you would know that its not possible yet.
mehras1991 said:
is it even possible yet?
if not, then what all those threads are talking about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What threads ?? Read this and this to find out the current progress in obtaining S-OFF.
PhoenixFx said:
If you read about S-Off on the correct forums (i.e related to One X) then you would know that its not possible yet.
What threads ?? Read this and this to find out the current progress in obtaining S-OFF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks,
so what flashing files on this thread does?
sory if I'm asking basic questions, I moved from motorola & I didn't have such problem on their devices
mehras1991 said:
thanks,
so what flashing files on this thread does?
sory if I'm asking basic questions, I moved from motorola & I didn't have such problem on their devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore that thread, don't flash the files. It's for people who know what they're doing. Like it says, bricking is possible.
Sent from my Nexus One using xda app-developers app
Ok. I am a noob and a little confused.
So, if I root, I get access to entire operating system files. This enables me to make a full back-up of my phone. Am I right in assuming that I can root without unlocking the bootloader?
If I unlock the bootloader, I am able to load another version of android made by Cynagenmod and others. Can I unlock the bootloader without root or when I unlock it from HTC Dev, it roots my phone automatically? Also, if I do not load any other ROM, will I still be able to get HTC updates?
Where in all this is S-off? I understand that while unlocking the bootloader, HTC Dev still has some locked parts of the OS which is inaccessible due to S-on, but when we root the phone, doesn't it provide access to the locked partitions/files?
Apologies for the basic questions, would appreciate all help.
akhileshp said:
Ok. I am a noob and a little confused.
So, if I root, I get access to entire operating system files. This enables me to make a full back-up of my phone. Am I right in assuming that I can root without unlocking the bootloader?
If I unlock the bootloader, I am able to load another version of android made by Cynagenmod and others. Can I unlock the bootloader without root or when I unlock it from HTC Dev, it roots my phone automatically? Also, if I do not load any other ROM, will I still be able to get HTC updates?
Where in all this is S-off? I understand that while unlocking the bootloader, HTC Dev still has some locked parts of the OS which is inaccessible due to S-on, but when we root the phone, doesn't it provide access to the locked partitions/files?
Apologies for the basic questions, would appreciate all help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't root yet without unlocking bootloader. You can load other versions of Android (there is no official Cyanogenmod yet, but there are quite a few CM9 and AOKP builds in the dev sections). Unlocking via HTCdev does not auto-root. You can relock after unlocking to get official updates.
Rooting doesn't give us access to being able to write to these partitions. That's what we want from S-OFF.
ZrC said:
You can't root yet without unlocking bootloader. You can load other versions of Android (there is no official Cyanogenmod yet, but there are quite a few CM9 and AOKP builds in the dev sections). Unlocking via HTCdev does not auto-root. You can relock after unlocking to get official updates.
Rooting doesn't give us access to being able to write to these partitions. That's what we want from S-OFF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. Much appreciated.
So to confirm, I have to unlock the bootloader from HTC Dev first, then try the method at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1644167 to root. I may not want to load the other custom builds right now, I'm still waiting for the Jb/4.0.4 update and also my warranty to run out. In the meantime, figuring out what is what and how it works, although I doubt I will be able to wait out another 9 months.
akhileshp said:
Thank you so much. Much appreciated.
So to confirm, I have to unlock the bootloader from HTC Dev first, then try the method at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1644167 to root. I may not want to load the other custom builds right now, I'm still waiting for the Jb/4.0.4 update and also my warranty to run out. In the meantime, figuring out what is what and how it works, although I doubt I will be able to wait out another 9 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, HTCdev unlock will void the warranty, you can search other threads for this. Secondly, that thread is for the HTC One XL (Qualcomm Snapdragon LTE), which is a completely different model to the international HOX (Tegra 3), so you don't want to use that. Here's the correct thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1577671
HTCdev unlock also wipes your phone, so you might as well load up a new rom which is already rooted.
Also, if you do decide to HTCdev unlock, make sure you load a new recovery up.I recommend CWM recovery, here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1594819
Immediately after you do that, take a backup from CWM recovery.
ZrC said:
Firstly, HTCdev unlock will void the warranty, you can search other threads for this. Secondly, that thread is for the HTC One XL (Qualcomm Snapdragon LTE), which is a completely different model to the international HOX (Tegra 3), so you don't want to use that.
HTCdev unlock also wipes your phone, so you might as well load up a new rom which is already rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, read about the void warranty bit. And I also noticed that the thread is headed for the One XL, however, it still does show up in the home page of the International One X.
And I get the point about the new ROM. Given I have no hw problems with my phone and i've had it since early april, i reckon I might unlock it this wknd and load up another rom. Thanks again.
akhileshp said:
Yup, read about the void warranty bit. And I also noticed that the thread is headed for the One XL, however, it still does show up in the home page of the International One X.
And I get the point about the new ROM. Given I have no hw problems with my phone and i've had it since early april, i reckon I might unlock it this wknd and load up another rom. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my last post with some more helpful info.
Hello everyone!
I just don't get it. Can anyone explain to me what's the difference between flashing a bumped rom and flashing the same rom un-bumped? I just don't get the whole point of it! Sorry, but coming from a Nexus device (why have I ever changed!!!) I'm new to these things.
So, other questions would be: what's the point of bumping? What if I don't do it and just go about the usual way: Unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a custom recovery and then proceed to flash the appropriate and preferred rom, kernel, etc?
Hope somebody will bear with me and try to explain these things to a newcomer
Thanks
astrovale said:
Hello everyone!
I just don't get it. Can anyone explain to me what's the difference between flashing a bumped rom and flashing the same rom un-bumped? I just don't get the whole point of it! Sorry, but coming from a Nexus device (why have I ever changed!!!) I'm new to these things.
So, other questions would be: what's the point of bumping? What if I don't do it and just go about the usual way: Unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a custom recovery and then proceed to flash the appropriate and preferred rom, kernel, etc?
Hope somebody will bear with me and try to explain these things to a newcomer
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because
1) Bumping is used to trick the bootloader into thinking that the boot.img is authentic and from Official LG Sources
2) Without bumping you could have to constantly run fastboot boot boot.img (an example of this was CM11 when it first started development)
3) Bootloader cant be unlocked at this time so we rely on a bootloader exploit in order to run custom recovery
4) Its all about the authenticity. If the LG bootloader does its security checks and anything fails then the system doesnt boot
Thanks for the very easy tuo understand explanation. I should have thought that the problem was unlocking the bootloader! Guess I'll have to with the Flow and bump my new phone. I wish I asked my Carrier for an HTC M8
Sent from my Xperia Tablet Z LTE using XDA Free mobile app
simple answer: bump is the only way to unlock g3 bootloader.
all roms are bumped whether displaying [BUMPED] or not.
rhystagram said:
simple answer: bump is the only way to unlock g3 bootloader.
all roms are bumped whether displaying [BUMPED] or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so by simple logic, once I have installed, either via bump, flashify or ADB a recovery, I can pretty much flash any rom that is appropriate for my model no, isn't it?
So there is one more question I have: what is the purpose of unlocking the bootloader and then what could be the problems if I don't? If everything I flash for this device (TWRP, roms, kernels, etc) is, by default, bumped, what's the purpose of installing bump at all?
astrovale said:
Ok, so by simple logic, once I have installed, either via bump, flashify or ADB a recovery, I can pretty much flash any rom that is appropriate for my model no, isn't it?
So there is one more question I have: what is the purpose of unlocking the bootloader and then what could be the problems if I don't? If everything I flash for this device (TWRP, roms, kernels, etc) is, by default, bumped, what's the purpose of installing bump at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're making it so much harder for yourself dude.. There really is only one way to install custom ROMs and that is by Bumping your phone. That's it.
You go here and read the entire topic. Don't miss a single thing.
Then go here and flash the zip for the latest TWRP.
After that you can install any ROM in the OG and Android Development section.
That's all there is to it. You can read in those topics for more information about what they do.
if you dont bump, then you wont have twrp lol.
you cant flash any roms anyway, you'll potentially brick/soft brick your phone.
roms etc are bumped because they have a patch script implanted to run on the phones correctly.
rhystagram said:
if you dont bump, then you wont have twrp lol.
you cant flash any roms anyway, you'll potentially brick/soft brick your phone.
roms etc are bumped because they have a patch script implanted to run on the phones correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. Got it! It took a while, but I give up!
Thanks for the help. Coming from the most easy to play with phones (only Nexus so far, but I hate the N6), it isn't easy to have to deal with more stuff than usually needed and hence more complications than usually had.
I thought that, after rooting I could flash TWRP via flashify or rom toolbox and then I would have TWRP without BUMP, but it must be that I'm missing something, if you say I MUST bump my phone to install TWRP.
Thanks and see you around
How to bump lg g3
DevilFan14 said:
How to bump lg g3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly do you mean "How to bump"??? Bump and loki are bootloader exploits that allowed us to boot TWRP and all the benefits TWRP offers... On the user side of things you don't "Bump" anything- the Roms, Kernels, and recoveries are "pre-bumped" by the developers and 99.9% of the time they will say whether or not it is "bumped" or "lokied" although loki is really outdated and I doubt you'll encounter it. So in a nutshell we(the user) doesn't "Bump" anything and just make sure to really read before flashing
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using XDA Labs
Hi all,
I have a zenfone 2 that I have just rooted....so now what?
Basically I wanted to optimise my phone so I am able to disable annoying notifications which are greyed out (although since rooting and checking this it still greyed out) I want to remove bloatware and I would actually like to customise my own android system, starting from a 'vanilla' base where I can build it up myself.
I have also read that I need to install a android recovery programme on asap after rooting.
So sorry about this but I really do need 'stupid' instructions as using hi tech words will just baffle me. lol
I have played around with computers in the past and learned about them so this is the phone stage now!
Thanks in advance and for your patience with this newbie!
Kerry
Yankeegal said:
Hi all,
I have a zenfone 2 that I have just rooted....so now what?
Basically I wanted to optimise my phone so I am able to disable annoying notifications which are greyed out (although since rooting and checking this it still greyed out) I want to remove bloatware and I would actually like to customise my own android system, starting from a 'vanilla' base where I can build it up myself.
I have also read that I need to install a android recovery programme on asap after rooting.
So sorry about this but I really do need 'stupid' instructions as using hi tech words will just baffle me. lol
I have played around with computers in the past and learned about them so this is the phone stage now!
Thanks in advance and for your patience with this newbie!
Kerry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Kerry,
First thing you should now do after rooting your device would be flashing a custom recovery that is specific to your device (make sure your devices boot loader is unlocked first). This will allow you to make a backup of everything just in case anything were to go wrong, flash custom ROMs and useful zips. You can pick your favorite custom recovery such as Team Win Recovery Projects custom recovery (TWRP), Clock Work Mods custom recovery (CWM) or Philz Touch recovery based off of CWM although personally I would recommended twrp.
There are multiple ways to do this: Using the TWRP/CWM recovery installer from the play store or the more complicated way of flashing it from your computer. If you were to choose to install TWRP from their app on the play store (grant it root permission) you can select your device from the supported device section within the app, pick the latest recovery, hit the install button and let the app work its magic. If all works correctly you can now reboot to recovery and you will see TWRP is installed. Now you should create a backup to be on the safe side and you're good to go!
To best optimize your device I would recommend installing a custom ROM (look up custom ROMs for the Zenfone 2) and install the zip through recovery. (make sure to pick the right ROM for your device and version otherwise you may soft brick your smartphone) Now with a custom ROM you can better optimize your device and fully customize it to your liking. Make sure to look up custom ROM installation instructions for your device for better detail.
As far as removing system apps/bloatware you can use a "root app delete" tool from the play store but be careful what you remove as some applications are required!
Make sure to take your time and be careful when attempting any of these things and be careful what you modify! Just remember that no question is a stupid question as we all have to start somewhere!
Hope I was able to help you even if it was just a little, good look and have fun!
Rooted Droid Thanks you so much!!! First of all thanks for being so patient with me and secondly thanks for the useful (and easy to read) information.
I will go and install a back up on my phone from the ones you have suggested.
Hopefully you will be around over the next few days if I have more questions. Not planning on doing this all at once but rather taking the time and doing it right.
Thanks so much again!! :good::good::good:
Ooops sorry....how do I do this please?? ---> (make sure your devices boot loader is unlocked first)
Yankeegal said:
Rooted Droid Thanks you so much!!! First of all thanks for being so patient with me and secondly thanks for the useful (and easy to read) information.
I will go and install a back up on my phone from the ones you have suggested.
Hopefully you will be around over the next few days if I have more questions. Not planning on doing this all at once but rather taking the time and doing it right.
Thanks so much again!! :good::good::good:
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Click to collapse
Not a problem! I'm always happy to spread some knowledge and appreciate when people do the same to me! I also went ahead and checked the TWRP app and the Zenfone 2 is supported so it looks like your good to go. And yes absolutely, there's no rush so take all the time you may need and everything will go smoothly! I'm always around and will try my best to answer questions.
---------- Post added at 08:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:41 AM ----------
Yankeegal said:
Ooops sorry....how do I do this please?? ---> (make sure your devices boot loader is unlocked first)
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Click to collapse
Check this site out:
http://myzen.asus.com/2015/10/13/official-bootloader-unlock-for-zenfone-2-is-now-available/
All devices have a different method for unlocking bootloader (some don't even have locked bootloaders) but this is an official bootloader unlocking method for the Zenfone 2 from Asus itself. I suggest following its directions and you should be able to unlock it this way.
Ok I followed the link but now I am confused. I have version ww_2.20.40.63_201......
Apparently I need a later version. What started off with just adding an APP means me doing other things before I even get to that point (hence the confusion! lol)
I never updated the phone via OTA as I was told it would invalidate my warranty and also I have killed a phone before using that so can you walk me through please...if you have the time....or could I just check if I have it unlocked already??
I haven't even gotten to the part where I create a backup...tee hee
Yankeegal said:
Ok I followed the link but now I am confused. I have version ww_2.20.40.63_201......
Apparently I need a later version. What started off with just adding an APP means me doing other things before I even get to that point (hence the confusion! lol)
I never updated the phone via OTA as I was told it would invalidate my warranty and also I have killed a phone before using that so can you walk me through please...if you have the time....or could I just check if I have it unlocked already??
I haven't even gotten to the part where I create a backup...tee hee
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Click to collapse
Hi sorry for the late reply, I'm in Canada so it was 2am when I was last talking to you so I went to bed haha. Anyway as far as unlocking the Zenfone 2's bootloader I wouldn't have experience unfortunately as I'm using a Nexus 5. The easiest way to go about this now would be to go to your device specific forum and find a way to unlock it there.
The following way to unlock the bootloader requires you have ADB installed on your PC. This is a guide for installation on Windows :
http://www.android.gs/install-android-sdk-adb-windows/
And here is a thread specific to unlocking the Zenfone 2 using adb:
http://www.xda-developers.com/asus-zenfone-2-bootloader-unlocked-without-asus/
BTW as you mentioned "updating may invalidate your warranty" things like rooting, installing a custom OS, unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and other things like that all (in most cases) void your warranty.
Sorry I can't personally help with the bootloader as I've not personally unlocked it on a Zenfone. Still feel free to ask any questions if you need to. Good luck!