Unroot effects. Root -> remove bloatware -> Unroot. Do the apps come back? - Nexus 5X Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi everyone. First time posting, so bear with me. Curious as the the effects of unrooting my Nexus 5x. If I root the device to remove bloatware and then undo it, do the apps I uninstalled come back?
To be clear, I have neither rooted nor unrooted my phone and am looking for a way to remove some pre-installed apps.
Thanks!

What bloatware are you talking about on the Nexus 5X?
Do bear in mind that removing anything from the system partition will prevent you from receiving any future OTAs, and you'll need to repeat the procedures each time you manually upgrade your system.

nowster said:
What bloatware are you talking about on the Nexus 5X?
Do bear in mind that removing anything from the system partition will prevent you from receiving any future OTAs, and you'll need to repeat the procedures each time you manually upgrade your system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, very helpful. I just figured that was the easiest way to describe pre-installed apps. Not really bad, just stock apps for which I have preferred replacements (like chrome and youtube) So, you're saying that removing those does me no good if I intend to unroot. Thanks!

Related

Question about Rooting and OTA (N7105)

I just got myself a Note 2, but I have this question that I want to clarify about rooting. I've read about rooting the N7105 in the thread and I'm not looking at swapping custom roms or changing kernels of any sort. I just simply want root access to use Titanium, Cerberus and other root apps. However I'm also concerned about OTA. I want to receive these OTA updates.
The key question I want to know is, will rooting break OTA? This is asked in reference to using apps such as Titanium Backup, Adfree Android, Cerberus, Six Axis and other root apps. I'm not looking at changing any other system files. Can I simply unroot and will be allowed can OTA even though I have other root apps installed? Also how much do I need to be concerned with regarding the flash counter? Does triangle away work even with the updates? I definitely want to keep my flash counter down so that I can unroot and send my device back for servicing in the case of any hardware problems.
Its pretty obvious that OTA will break root although it doesn't seem too hard to root the device again after OTA.
TL;DR Summary of qns:
1) Does OTA break root?
2) If yes, can I unroot (while keeping root apps) and OTA?
3) If no, what extent can I go before I can't OTA? (e.g. are there root apps that modify the system files and prevent OTA?)
4) Does triangle away work with the new updates to reset the flash counter?
Thanks in advance, am hoping to clear up all my doubts before rooting my device.
EDIT: For background's sake, I have some basic experience with rooting my previous phone (HTC Desire HD) but wasn't concerned about OTA because it went EOL at Gingerbread.
Bump!

Can I root Note 8 (N5110) and still get stock updates?

I want to know if I will forever lose the ability to install stock updates once I root my device. Can I "unroot" it in the future to seamlessly install stock updates? I don't want to mess with this too much as I want to rely on it for notes.
Yes. Use OTA rootkeeper to backup your root, then just temp unroot, install update, and restore root. Catch is, if you make any system changes that you can only make with root permissions, you'll likely not be able to get OTA updates. So just keep your system stock.
sputnik767 said:
Yes. Use OTA rootkeeper to backup your root, then just temp unroot, install update, and restore root. Catch is, if you make any system changes that you can only make with root permissions, you'll likely not be able to get OTA updates. So just keep your system stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to modify the Snote app, I guess that may mess with the OTA update right? What if I backup the unmodified app and then replace the modified one with the unmodified one when I want to do an OTA update, I guess that should be fine?
litetaker said:
If I were to modify the Snote app, I guess that may mess with the OTA update right? What if I backup the unmodified app and then replace the modified one with the unmodified one when I want to do an OTA update, I guess that should be fine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on what you mean by modify. If you remove built in apks, yes, it'll keep you from getting OTA updates. If your modification requires root permissions, you run the chance of not getting OTA updates. Otherwise, you shouldn't have issues. In any case, restoring the stock app should allow you to get updates assuming nothing else is changed.
sputnik767 said:
Depends on what you mean by modify. If you remove built in apks, yes, it'll keep you from getting OTA updates. If your modification requires root permissions, you run the chance of not getting OTA updates. Otherwise, you shouldn't have issues. In any case, restoring the stock app should allow you to get updates assuming nothing else is changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any "non-root" mods for the S-note? Or perhaps can I install another version of s-note as a "non-system" app? I want to keep rooting as the last resort. Specifically, I am looking into modifying the background of a template.
I know I can manually choose a different background for the note, but I noticed that the option to insert a voice memo and the button to insert any object vanish after I change the background. See attached pictures. Is there a fix for this?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b9krlhjzy1mmjsp/2013-10-10 16.50.50.png
https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsor30fl74077p/2013-10-10 16.49.19.png
litetaker said:
Are there any "non-root" mods for the S-note? Or perhaps can I install another version of s-note as a "non-system" app? I want to keep rooting as the last resort. Specifically, I am looking into modifying the background of a template.
I know I can manually choose a different background for the note, but I noticed that the option to insert a voice memo and the button to insert any object vanish after I change the background. See attached pictures. Is there a fix for this?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b9krlhjzy1mmjsp/2013-10-10 16.50.50.png
https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsor30fl74077p/2013-10-10 16.49.19.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have an answer for you unfortunately as my use of s note is very basic. I hope someone else can answer your questions.
If you root at all you lose OTA even if you do nothing and unroot. (I just went through this) Have you looked at any other apps that offer similar functionality to SNote or are you looking for multivendor? I know I we tried Papyrus and SPen voice but they were overkill for my needs.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk 4
CASz said:
If you root at all you lose OTA even if you do nothing and unroot. (I just went through this) Have you looked at any other apps that offer similar functionality to SNote or are you looking for multivendor? I know I we tried Papyrus and SPen voice but they were overkill for my needs.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just figured out how to fix my problems with SNote. So I can stick with stock still.
CASz said:
If you root at all you lose OTA even if you do nothing and unroot. (I just went through this) Have you looked at any other apps that offer similar functionality to SNote or are you looking for multivendor? I know I we tried Papyrus and SPen voice but they were overkill for my needs.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely false. I have been through probably 5 different OTA updates on my stock, rooted Note 8, and restored root with OTA rootkeeper every time. You're doing something wrong. I have never flashed anything to the device, and once you start messing with recoveries, etc, you are no longer stock and will not get OTA updates.
sputnik767 said:
Absolutely false. I have been through probably 5 different OTA updates on my stock, rooted Note 8, and restored root with OTA rootkeeper every time. You're doing something wrong. I have never flashed anything to the device, and once you start messing with recoveries, etc, you are no longer stock and will not get OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once I used the ToolKit to root, without a custom recovery, any attempt to update showed as altered and unavailable for updates even though I didn't flash anything. Whatever ToolKit did, triggered the need for triangle away on my Note 8. Moot point now as I have no plans to root again but if I do, I will look into OTA rootkeeper.
---------- Post added at 01:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:51 AM ----------
litetaker said:
I just figured out how to fix my problems with SNote. So I can stick with stock still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do?
CASz said:
Once I used the ToolKit to root, without a custom recovery, any attempt to update showed as altered and unavailable for updates even though I didn't flash anything. Whatever ToolKit did, triggered the need for triangle away on my Note 8. Moot point now as I have no plans to root again but if I do, I will look into OTA rootkeeper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what the ToolKit does or what else you used it to do or what else you did with the system after rooting, but just plain root does not alter the system. Even apps like Adfree that modify the hosts file don't cause the system to be altered. If you remove system APKs though, that will do it. Like I said, I am still rooted despite all of the updates that I received. And I do not temp unroot prior to searching for updates, I temp unroot once the update is already downloaded.
CASz said:
What did you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My concern was how to obtain a custom background for the notes in S-note. I did it using the "change background" feature but I did so with the "memo" template. And the memo template doesn't have certain features like inserting images, audio memo etc. Given that I am new to Samsung and touchwiz I was unaware about this. I fixed this "problem" by putting my custom background on one of the other templates...
The only other thing I need root for is for removing Ads. BUT, thankfully there is the "Adblockplus" android app on their website that allows me to do this WITHOUT root! :highfive: On Android, nothing is impossible!
Unroot
I have rooted my device as well. What i want to ask is, is there a way to completely unroot and have the device check whether there are any updates?
I did use the unroot function but when I checked for any updates, it told me that the device had been modified..
thx
athosk said:
I have rooted my device as well. What i want to ask is, is there a way to completely unroot and have the device check whether there are any updates?
I did use the unroot function but when I checked for any updates, it told me that the device had been modified..
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you modified the system in some way. Only way out is to unmodify it ie: ODIN or use kies to go back to stock. Might as well just use kies to install the latest update.
sputnik767 said:
Sounds like you modified the system in some way. Only way out is to unmodify it ie: ODIN or use kies to go back to stock. Might as well just use kies to install the latest update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When that happened to me, I couldn't even use Kies to recover so I used the ToolKit and triangle away to get a stock ROM on it.
I have the same problem. As far as I know I've only done a standard root, but OTA says the device has been modified and Kies says my firmware version doesn't support upgrading. Obviously something has modified something
As I'm in Australia we probably won't get a 4.2.2 upgrade anyway so at the moment I wouldn't have anything to upgrade to even if I could...
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using Tapatalk
You Can Do It
CASz said:
If you root at all you lose OTA even if you do nothing and unroot. (I just went through this) Have you looked at any other apps that offer similar functionality to SNote or are you looking for multivendor? I know I we tried Papyrus and SPen voice but they were overkill for my needs.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you first use supersu option to unroot you can can get ota. Been there done that.
There is a post on this forum somewhere. Can't remember where, but it can be done if you follow the instruction in the post.
Do a search of the forums to find it. It's there!

[Q] root and OTA

So I'm planning on rooting my LG G3 soon, (using PurpleDrake I suppose because TowelRoot doesn't work), and I will be installing Xposed after that. I will be keeping my stock recovery as well.
I want to keep my ability to update OTA however, and I know that there are issues with updating while rooted.
As such, will I be able to a) uninstall Xposed and then b) use SuperUser to hide root / or unroot somehow, and then c) accept the OTA
To make sure that no system files are touched, I plan on freezing any unwanted apps through TB (and unfreezing them before the OTA)
Will this work? Is it possible to unroot without having to wipe data?
It should yes long as system apps isn't overly modded. I plan on doing same as well as backing up system apps i mod and placing them back for ota
I don't have a G3 yet to verify..but we use 'boot unlocker' app to toggle root and tamper flag on N5.
Thanks for the responses guys! I wish that there was at least a small OTA update so that the people that are already rooted could actually test this.

New Sprint Galaxy S6 with stock 5.1.1 - upg to MM if I want to root?

Hi all
I've successfully rooted my last 3 phones, so I'm not a total noob, but I'm hardly a technophile.
I really, really don't want to trip KNOX and void my warranty. With that in mind:
My Sprint phone currently has software v. G920PVPU3BOL1. Sprint is nagging me to upgrade to Marshmallow "G920PVPS3CPD2/G920PSPT3CPD2/G920PVPS3CPD2" (yes, the first # is the same as the third)
Of those existing threads which advise downloading ODIN to root Marshmallow, I did not see mention of whether KNOX would be tripped.
So, with this all in mind, what is the safest way to root/unlock bootloader/install custom rom without tripping KNOX? Is the rooting process the only part that has the potential to trip the KNOX security?
Really just want to clean out the bloatware and activate a hotspot with a nice shiny, lean custom rom. (I'm up for suggestions here as well).
Thanks!
schleima said:
Hi all
I've successfully rooted my last 3 phones, so I'm not a total noob, but I'm hardly a technophile.
I really, really don't want to trip KNOX and void my warranty. With that in mind:
My Sprint phone currently has software v. G920PVPU3BOL1. Sprint is nagging me to upgrade to Marshmallow "G920PVPS3CPD2/G920PSPT3CPD2/G920PVPS3CPD2" (yes, the first # is the same as the third)
Of those existing threads which advise downloading ODIN to root Marshmallow, I did not see mention of whether KNOX would be tripped.
So, with this all in mind, what is the safest way to root/unlock bootloader/install custom rom without tripping KNOX? Is the rooting process the only part that has the potential to trip the KNOX security?
Really just want to clean out the bloatware and activate a hotspot with a nice shiny, lean custom rom. (I'm up for suggestions here as well).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, upgrading to MM is the smartest thing you can do as ROMs, and kernels will be released for that firmware. Flashing anything non-samsung will trip knox no questions asked as that's just how samsung's software is written. If you wish to root, check my THREAD ON ROOTING. I've personally done two warranty claims my device (via Sprint) with no issues of voided warranty due to knox tripping.
X2 on knox tripped and still went to sprint and got a replacement no questions asked i reset it to stock before going in to sprint.
1619415 said:
Well, upgrading to MM is the smartest thing you can do as ROMs, and kernels will be released for that firmware. Flashing anything non-samsung will trip knox no questions asked as that's just how samsung's software is written. If you wish to root, check my THREAD ON ROOTING. I've personally done two warranty claims my device (via Sprint) with no issues of voided warranty due to knox tripping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this. I downloaded the OTA marshmallow update and followed your root instructions. I'm now rooted successfully (Knox was tripped, but I'm realizing that was unavoidable except for the Ping Pong root pre-5.1.1 update)
OK, so now I'm rooted with Marshmallow and the custom TWRP recovery, and am looking around for a custom rom to give me accesas to my hotspot. I've done quite a lot of searching, and I'm not finding any.
I was about to flash Tyrannus Rom, until I realized it was for 920F. (I'm unsure if flashing that will brick me- though I did do a full nandroid backup, of course). I'm not finding any custom roms that claim to be compatible with 920P (Sprint). I'd be most grateful for any suggestions. I just want a lean, debloated rom- ideally with ad blocker and hotspot. I got spoiled with Dirty Unicorns on the Nexus 5... would love something comparable, but there doesn't seem to be much to pick from.
Thanks!
EDIT: Just saw your reference for another poster to check out this thread about enabling hotspot on rooted phones. Just did it, and it works great.
(Still would love any recommendations for a nice de-bloated, ad blocking custom rom.)
schleima said:
(Still would love any recommendations for a nice de-bloated, ad blocking custom rom.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-galaxy-s6/development/rom-t3356220
The "LDB" version is "Lightly De-Bloated." If you are like me, there are things that you will still want to remove; use Titanium Back Up for that.
I always install AdAway myself; can't recall if that is built in or not.
Enjoy and thank the devs.
koop1955 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-galaxy-s6/development/rom-t3356220
The "LDB" version is "Lightly De-Bloated." If you are like me, there are things that you will still want to remove; use Titanium Back Up for that.
I always install AdAway myself; can't recall if that is built in or not.
Enjoy and thank the devs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this. Checking it out right now.
Here's a dumb question. I bought Titanium Backup Pro a couple of years ago and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why it was preferable to a TWRP recovery backup. I see you mention its ability to remove embedded bloatware, and that's certainly useful. But in terms of the backup, does it do things a nandroid/recovery backup cannot? Why use Titanium when TWRP is so easy with a one swipe operation?
schleima said:
Why use Titanium when TWRP is so easy with a one swipe operation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so I have all my apps installed. But a new version of the phone's OS comes out. Either an OTA that I need to install via ODIN or even a new ROM if I just want to be sure. Before install, I go into TiBU and run a batch operation to back up all user apps and data. Then I update my OS, re-load TiBU and have it restore all the apps. But keep the new OS. If I used a TWRP backup, it would take me back to the old OS.
Unlike TWRP, which backs up both apps and OS as a single file, TiBU is just restoring the apps.
koop1955 said:
Okay, so I have all my apps installed. But a new version of the phone's OS comes out. Either an OTA that I need to install via ODIN or even a new ROM if I just want to be sure. Before install, I go into TiBU and run a batch operation to back up all user apps and data. Then I update my OS, re-load TiBU and have it restore all the apps. But keep the new OS. If I used a TWRP backup, it would take me back to the old OS.
Unlike TWRP, which backs up both apps and OS as a single file, TiBU is just restoring the apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see how that would be useful if we're talking about downloaded play store apps/games/etc.
But, it seems like TiBU lists (in the backup/restore tab) loads of cryptic system files like "HwModuleTest 6.0.1" and "FIDO UAF Client 15.0.77". How do I know which to select for backup and which ones not to? Or do you just select everything and go nuts?
Or by "batch operation", are you saying you simply use the "schedule" tab to back everything up every time? I take it the way to do this would be to do a one-time "backup new user+system apps & newer versions" and then do a regular scheduled backup for "redo backups for modified data"? I take it these backup files will overwrite themselves so we're not filling our precious 32gb of space with multiple copies of the same files?
Also, how do you know which bloatware you can uninstall without crashing the OS?
Thanks again! I've been wondering these questions for years. Glad I'm finally asking them!
EDIT: Google answers all.
http://trendblog.net/make-backups-android-apps-titanium-backup/
1) Don't delete too much. TiBU also offers the option to freeze, not uninstall, which is a nice safety measure.
2) I go to Menu -> Batch actions -> Backup all user apps. I set my my maximum number of backups to 1 and let it back up periodically.
For Recovery there is also an option to create an Update.zip file (that you can flash in TWRP) with user apps and data.
Can I suggest that you start with this: http://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-use-titanium-backup-286338/
I am big on the whole "Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime" philosophy.
schleima said:
I can see how that would be useful if we're talking about downloaded play store apps/games/etc.
But, it seems like TiBU lists (in the backup/restore tab) loads of cryptic system files like "HwModuleTest 6.0.1" and "FIDO UAF Client 15.0.77". How do I know which to select for backup and which ones not to? Or do you just select everything and go nuts?
Or by "batch operation", are you saying you simply use the "schedule" tab to back everything up every time? I take it the way to do this would be to do a one-time "backup new user+system apps & newer versions" and then do a regular scheduled backup for "redo backups for modified data"? I take it these backup files will overwrite themselves so we're not filling our precious 32gb of space with multiple copies of the same files?
Also, how do you know which bloatware you can uninstall without crashing the OS?
Thanks again! I've been wondering these questions for years. Glad I'm finally asking them!
EDIT: Google answers all.
http://trendblog.net/make-backups-android-apps-titanium-backup/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use Tibu I also do this its not that complicated actually select apps and backup or restore hit then check mark to run. If u create the update.zip it just installes the app not data(unless im missing something) ive used Tibu for years #1 app bloatware melter.

OTA possible if bloat are removed?

Hello. I just purchased the US version of the Honor 7x, but really hate having apps like Instagram and Facebook on my phone. I don't use them. If I root my phone, is it possible to remove these apps and maybe a few unused Google apps and still receive any future OTA? Thanks in advance.
Good question phone hasn't arrived yet but definitely don't want crapbook and tweaker on it.
bloodbath said:
Hello. I just purchased the US version of the Honor 7x, but really hate having apps like Instagram and Facebook on my phone. I don't use them. If I root my phone, is it possible to remove these apps and maybe a few unused Google apps and still receive any future OTA? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, on the first OTA for Mate2, removing one of the Huawei-created bloatware caused the update to fail. Don't know what the policy is now. So I'd keep backups of removed bloatware. (I think that the OTA was trying to update one of the missing bloatware but there was no option to ignore the error and continue with simply the OS upgrade.)
bloodbath said:
Hello. I just purchased the US version of the Honor 7x, but really hate having apps like Instagram and Facebook on my phone. I don't use them. If I root my phone, is it possible to remove these apps and maybe a few unused Google apps and still receive any future OTA? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't apply OTA even if you unroot after root without even touching system apps. This is the case with 7X.
It's not the removing of bloat that causes problems with OTA's. It's what you have to do in order to remove bloat which is rooting the phone. Rooting modifies the system data which then fails the check performed when an OTA tries to install. Rooting modifies the system partition and adding twrp modifies the boot partition. So as of now doing anything other than unlocking the bootloader will give you problems whenever we get official OTA.
SVR said:
You can't apply OTA even if you unroot after root without even touching system apps. This is the case with 7X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
str8stryk3r said:
It's not the removing of bloat that causes problems with OTA's. It's what you have to do in order to remove bloat which is rooting the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate. It has been many years since the Mate2 but I don't recall it being as restrictive back then. If I recall correctly, I was able to leave the phone rooted as long I restored stock bootloader and stock recovery. But the OTA failed when it was trying to update one or more of the Huawei apps so I only had to restore the boatware from TB.
I guess I should keep backups of all stock images before rooting. Thanks for the info.
This is very disheartening to hear. With the new additions (e. g. Facial recognition) supposedly incorporated into the next update, I would like to keep OTA. The other items taking up space on my phone is very annoying though. Oh well, I guess the apps aren't a big issue for now. I just wish Huawei would have let us choose our own apps.
bloodbath said:
This is very disheartening to hear. With the new additions (e. g. Facial recognition) supposedly incorporated into the next update, I would like to keep OTA. The other items taking up space on my phone is very annoying though. Oh well, I guess the apps aren't a big issue for now. I just wish Huawei would have let us choose our own apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well eventually/hopefully, we'll get some devs to pick up development on the device where twrp, root, and custom roms will let us get our phones to the way we want them. I stayed away from twrp and rooting just for that reason. I just disabled all the crap they added that I don't use
str8stryk3r said:
Well eventually/hopefully, we'll get some devs to pick up development on the device where twrp, root, and custom roms will let us get our phones to the way we want them. I stayed away from twrp and rooting just for that reason. I just disabled all the crap they added that I don't use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seeing that the initial popularity and price point for the quality of phone have been positive so far, I do think that will happen. I too am staying away until it occurs. I have ignored the apps I don't like for now, but truly miss apps like Adaway and Titanium Backup, which require root. Oh well, soon hopefully.
I have been able to remove a few apps
I've been rooting phones since the original (G1), but I've now arrived at the point where rooting is no longer the irresistible desire it used to be. I know heavily skinned versions of Android like EMUI & MIUI are not for everyone, but I actually enjoy them. I'm patiently waiting for the OTA. Once Oreo arrives, I might consider rooting, but I'm in no rush.
There are some apps you can uninstall without root.
You can uninstall third party apps like Facebook, that was the first thing I did
I haven't rooted or installed twrp yet until the L24 releases the stock firmware but as another user stated you can remove some of the third party apps. The ones that Huawei made system apps that can't be removed without root are the ones that would give problems with the ota like the stock launcher and the Sim toolkits and other various crap. I wish they would hurry up with the stock firmware release because there are some things I'd like to do that require root
U can remove the blotware without rooting by using adb ..
Just follow the link
sivaukxc said:
U can remove the blotware without rooting by using adb ..
Just follow the link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But again, removing system apps could cause the ota to fail if one of those apps tries to get updated and it's not there

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