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

Rooted Users.. What have you gained?

I'm on the fence whether to root my device or not. The most alluring thing being the opportunity to get rid of Verizon's gimped note 7 software.
All those who have rooted... what have you specifically gained with your rooting? how is the sprint firmware?

Losing Samsung pay is a dealbreaker. I use it almost everyday
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

androidbuff123 said:
I'm on the fence whether to root my device or not. The most alluring thing being the opportunity to get rid of Verizon's gimped note 7 software.
All those who have rooted... what have you specifically gained with your rooting? how is the sprint firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's easy being able to use adblockers, greenify,and a system tuner is all reason for me to have root . Ov3rall you get a faster phone if you know what to do and better battery life as well.
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers mobile app

adaway...I hate ads in apps

adway alone is not a compelling reason for me. I use adguard which works fine (yes adway is free however).
Are there any specific gains on the firmware front?

Nothing beneficial. My battery is no better, I can't use Samsung pay, my gear app won't open so I can't use my promo watch.
I have no ads system wide though, but I was happier using Adguard for just chrome, package disabler to stop apps, and I was especially happier having everything everything work.

I just want the unlocked firmware so that I have samsung cloud the way samsung wanted it and not have to work around.

Still debating. Yes we get root but will be stuck with the ROM for a long time even after ota or any up to date updates. Is it worth to root now. Then unroot later? Or get used to not having root then be OK. Yes some ota might not be important but some might have issues fixed or new radio or what not but we can't move on or update the eng rom with all that. Unless I am completely wrong.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

cadcamaro said:
Nothing beneficial. My battery is no better, I can't use Samsung pay, my gear app won't open so I can't use my promo watch.
I have no ads system wide though, but I was happier using Adguard for just chrome, package disabler to stop apps, and I was especially happier having everything everything work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brentsalinas714 said:
Well that's easy being able to use adblockers, greenify,and a system tuner is all reason for me to have root . Ov3rall you get a faster phone if you know what to do and better battery life as well.
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can all be done without root as seen in the post I quoted above yours. The phone has greenify built in btw lol The only one single thing I can think of that I would truly miss without root is xposed. Is it worth losing 3 other big features though? Don't know yet.

seh6183 said:
Can all be done without root as seen in the post I quoted above yours. The phone has greenify built in btw lol The only one single thing I can think of that I would truly miss without root is xposed. Is it worth losing 3 other big features though? Don't know yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I can see, Xposed is installed through TWRP normally, but I haven't seen a way to install other than pushing through ADB.

cadcamaro said:
From what I can see, Xposed is installed through TWRP normally, but I haven't seen a way to install other than pushing through ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I haven't had a phone that was rooted but still bootloader locked for quite some time. They are something i associate with each other. Good catch. So for me, I essentially have no reason to root as of right now lol

For years I have rooted phones, and I have seen them get slower and slower.
I'm so happy to say that I see no real benefit to rooting anymore. Although AdGuard must be purchased, this app really eliminates the most compelling reason for me to root.
When I used Greenify and CPU Tuner on my older phones, I never saw any real benefit, and I think rooting may have done more harm than good. The only real benefit I would probably get by rooting is being able to fully remove the Verizon bloatware that I have already disabled.
Rooting is fun, it's more the pleasure of completing the process and the feel of living out of the manufacturer's boundaries. But, for once, I am happy to stay with the stock experience Samsung has cooked up.

People were saying Xposed and Viper were working which are huge. I went back because I want the old SNote functionality and this phone is so good I can live without it, but...
This just started. Every day these guys make a major improvement. A week from now we may have better than both worlds and be rooted, so withhold judgement, I would.

I've been rooting for years. It's a personal preference. I hate all the white on my phone. Using inverted apps, along with Custom Kernels really enhanced battery life for me. Of course adaway is awesome but there are alternatives. Inverted apps, Viper and status bar options are my rooting wants. Getting rid of the annoying volume warning, center my clock, ....... Damn there are a lot of reasons to root. Lol
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

seh6183 said:
Can all be done without root as seen in the post I quoted above yours. The phone has greenify built in btw lol The only one single thing I can think of that I would truly miss without root is xposed. Is it worth losing 3 other big features though? Don't know yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it does not have greenify built in. Having the system only putting apps to sleep in 3 days is not greenify. Greenify is an on the fly app sleeper as well you can also greenify system apps.
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:06 PM ----------
cadcamaro said:
Nothing beneficial. My battery is no better, I can't use Samsung pay, my gear app won't open so I can't use my promo watch.
I have no ads system wide though, but I was happier using Adguard for just chrome, package disabler to stop apps, and I was especially happier having everything everything work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using greenify app and a system tuner like 3c .
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 05:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:07 PM ----------
cadcamaro said:
From what I can see, Xposed is installed through TWRP normally, but I haven't seen a way to install other than pushing through ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash anything using flashfire.I have exposed installed using it .
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers mobile app

You can select or deselect apps to "optimize" at will if I'm not mistaken.

seh6183 said:
You can select or deselect apps to "optimize" at will if I'm not mistaken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only puts apps to sleep if not used for 3 days minimum .
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers mobile app

The main reason I always rooted my phones was to use titanium backup. Had it back up the phone to the SD card every night. Saved me a couple of times. But after 2 years on the note 4 without root, I've learned to live without it. And now that I've started using Samsung Pay, I doubt I'll bother.

MSHampton said:
The main reason I always rooted my phones was to use titanium backup. Had it back up the phone to the SD card every night. Saved me a couple of times. But after 2 years on the note 4 without root, I've learned to live without it. And now that I've started using Samsung Pay, I doubt I'll bother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung cloud backup does exactly what titanium does now. They are systematically removing all of our desires to root one by one. It's fine with me really. I just want to be able to install kernels. Then again those are getting so good it's not really a huge deal anymore.

It's a shame we lose so much with root, too much for it to be worth it IMO. Samsung/Android pay, VoLte, wifi calling, etc. The only thing I miss about root is xposed and a few of the modules, otherwise you can do most of that stuff on an unrooted phone.

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...)

and To do root to a pixel is worth it??

and To do root to a pixel is worth it??

oraned said:
and To do root to a pixel is worth it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends if you think it is. For me, definitely yes! I like AdAway, TiBu, sound mods, and the ability to flash kernels and roms, or whatever may come down the pike. It's your call though

I've had over a dozen Android phones and all were rooted, usually within the first week because they were all missing something that I considered essential. When I got my P2XL, I kept it stock for a month because it was that good. This is the first Android phone that I could probably live with entirely stock. All of the others needed some sort of tweaking, but I can honestly say the P2XL is a fantastic device right out of the box. Android has come a long way, and most of the things that I changed with root have been incorporated into the OS.
If you rely on AdAway or Viper4Android, then you still need root for those. I had V4A on all of my previous phones, but I don't currently have it on my P2XL because the audio output is good enough for me (I had V4A a few weeks ago, but I wiped & flashed my phone and never reinstalled it). I have used AdAway in the past and it works great, but it sometimes blocks useful links and I am too lazy to revert to default hosts and reboot. I use Brave browser + AdGuard to kill ads, and they serve my needs very well (AdGuard uses a VPN that can be easily toggled when you want to login to bank/credit card account, etc).
I suggest using the Pixel 2 stock for a while, and see if you still need root. Rooting takes less than 5 minutes to do, but if you don't need it, then no need to mess with it.

I also choose to root for all the reasons mentioned. On the other hand, since the introduction of Android, this is the first device I could actually use without any mods and be satisfied. In fact, I'm currently using stock. The ability to choose is most important but it's definitely not necessary

@oraned: That depends. I assume you know what root is, but why do you need to root? If you can't answer that question, don't root.

I Root because of all of the above, and that's why I've been with XDA!

This is the first phone I have had no need to root. Very happy.

sublimaze said:
I've had over a dozen Android phones and all were rooted, usually within the first week because they were all missing something that I considered essential. When I got my P2XL, I kept it stock for a month because it was that good. This is the first Android phone that I could probably live with entirely stock. All of the others needed some sort of tweaking, but I can honestly say the P2XL is a fantastic device right out of the box. Android has come a long way, and most of the things that I changed with root have been incorporated into the OS.
If you rely on AdAway or Viper4Android, then you still need root for those. I had V4A on all of my previous phones, but I don't currently have it on my P2XL because the audio output is good enough for me (I had V4A a few weeks ago, but I wiped & flashed my phone and never reinstalled it). I have used AdAway in the past and it works great, but it sometimes blocks useful links and I am too lazy to revert to default hosts and reboot. I use Brave browser + AdGuard to kill ads, and they serve my needs very well (AdGuard uses a VPN that can be easily toggled when you want to login to bank/credit card account, etc).
I suggest using the Pixel 2 stock for a while, and see if you still need root. Rooting takes less than 5 minutes to do, but if you don't need it, then no need to mess with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and if i want to Hide Navigation i need root?

Like everyone else, I root because AdAway, Titanium Backup, Youtube black themed etc. I have tried devices without root and it never lasts long for me.. I always get the itch. Oh and there's wonderful kernels like ElementalX, Flash etc, which btw I am now using Flash kernel for the first time and it's been great.

This app is a real good reason to root.
I was planning on leaving my P2XL unrooted, but when this app was made available I changed my mind.

oraned said:
and if i want to Hide Navigation i need root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hide navigation? I am not sure what you mean.

I find pixel 2 xl to be a pain to root and update...
I root it, install custom firmware, and after every update, I had to flash vendor ,twrp and sometime magisk again, that alone is annoying enough.
I left it stock and unroot now, don't want to deal with the hassle anymore....
---------- Post added at 06:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:45 PM ----------
oraned said:
and if i want to Hide Navigation i need root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't. just activate global immersive mode using adb shell. (Search on xda)
After that I also install pie control.

Should I root?

HI All,
So I've have my 7T for about a month now and are very happy coming from a P 2xl.
Now I'm thinking should I or should I not root. When I had my Note 4 I rooted all the time but now that I think of it, even though it was kind of fun, I don't miss the bugs. On the positive side , due to so much bloat from Samsung, I liked the ability to delete and clean out the phone. Moving on the P 2 XL I didn't root because it was so clean and Google lets you delete practically everything you don't want. Now I'm with the 7T which seems to be another "clean" phone.
At this point , I'm looking for suggestions:
What are the pros and cons?
Happy Holidays
Rich

It's more like what you want to achieve with root.
It's a bit more complicated since there is no TWRP. And it case something goes wrong, it might be a bit tricky to get restore everything, but you should be fine since there's are plenty of instructions.
I've heard some banking apps does not work, but haven't experienced that.
Unlocking the bootloader makes the widevine Level L3, so you are limited to 720p Netflix.
Sent from my OnePlus7TPro using XDA Labs

I don't think it is necessary to root because you can debloat with adb commands. If you root the banking apps won't work for example and because of rooting you expose yourself to a security risk

I tried it, didn't end up working well, had to use the OnePlus recovery tool
Also as for banking apps stopping working, use magisk hide, may also work on Netflix but not sure

I'm usually a big fan of rooting, but have been using my 7t for a week without it and don't miss it. Brave browser and adb debloat has accomplished most of what I need root for.

In my case answer was simple. Titaniumbackup requires root. Not all apps have import/export settings or do so completely. Adaway, Vpn hotspot (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=be.mygod.vpnhotspot&hl=en_US), and some other apps I use also require root. Hell, I could of gotten a samdung product (on promotion) for a few bucks more. Root or bust !!!

Reasons to root:
Adaway
Reasons not to:

I rooted the phone a month or so back to use a custom kernel, install AdAway and even tried out OmniROM which was quite buggy and essentially a step down from OxygenOS. More importantly, it wasn't worth it because of losing Widevine L1 which is needed in my case for Netflix and Prime Video, as I occasionally connect it to other display devices over Type-C. Banking apps mostly worked with Magisk Hide but then some of them were a bit glitchy.
Moreover, it was a bit of a pain to restore OxygenOS as the fastboot roms fail the integrity check and the only option is to do a factory flash. I eventually settled on debloating through adb and using Blokada for adblocking which more or less serves its purpose.

I root on the first day. Mainly for adaway , viper4android and theming. Its just way easier to achieve these with root .

pbman1953 said:
HI All,
So I've have my 7T for about a month now and are very happy coming from a P 2xl.
Now I'm thinking should I or should I not root. When I had my Note 4 I rooted all the time but now that I think of it, even though it was kind of fun, I don't miss the bugs. On the positive side , due to so much bloat from Samsung, I liked the ability to delete and clean out the phone. Moving on the P 2 XL I didn't root because it was so clean and Google lets you delete practically everything you don't want. Now I'm with the 7T which seems to be another "clean" phone.
At this point , I'm looking for suggestions:
What are the pros and cons?
Happy Holidays
Rich
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adaway is essential.
Root provides you with control.
YouTube without ads.
TB
Full tasker control.
Nobrainer.

Kirahvi said:
Reasons to root:
Adaway
Reasons not to:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just coming on to post exactly the same point. I rooted no issues and my banking apps work if I use Magisk Hide so its all good

Hi!
Wich one is the best guide to unlock bootloader and root Without any problem?
Thanks!

paulo_snower said:
Hi!
Wich one is the best guide to unlock bootloader and root Without any problem?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the guides section
Sent from my OnePlus7TPro using XDA Labs

surdustef said:
I don't think it is necessary to root because you can debloat with adb commands. If you root the banking apps won't work for example and because of rooting you expose yourself to a security risk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to agree with you. Please explain " adb commands". I've heard of them but have no idea how to use them. Plus what is the bloat in this phone? What items should be gone?
Thanks

mikefnz said:
Adaway is essential.
Root provides you with control.
YouTube without ads.
TB
Full tasker control.
Nobrainer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually possible to install Vanced YouTube apk without rooting

pbman1953 said:
I tend to agree with you. Please explain " adb commands". I've heard of them but have no idea how to use them. Plus what is the bloat in this phone? What items should be gone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can check my post https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7t/how-to/debloat-via-adb-root-t4018801 about debloat apps