Develop Bugs

[Q] Unlocking Bootloader and Rooting

Hey guys, sorry if this has already been answered somewhere else but I couldn't find it anywhere.
I bought a Galaxy Nexus a couple weeks ago and am loving it (except for battery life) and am interested in rooting it. But I have a few questions first:
1. What is the difference between unlocking the bootloader and rooting a phone. I know what unlocking a bootloader is, but I don't know much about rooting.
2. If I unlock and root, will I still be able to get updates from Google directly wihtout issues? Like, will I get the 4.0.3 update whenever it comes out even if I'm rooted?
3. Will my warranty be voided if I unlock the bootloader?
4. And if I do root it, what ROMs do you guys suggest I use? Which ones are the smoothest in performance and give the best battery life and customizations etc?
5. There is a new unlock/root tool made for the SGN, shown here: droid-life.com /2012/01/04/simple-galaxy-nexus-lte-rootunlock-and-unrootre-lock-tool-released/
Is it as effective as unlocking and rooting manually or does it have some drawbacks since it does everything for you automatically? BTW, thanks to whoever made that tool.
I know these are dumb questions but I'm new at this, so please bear with me. Thanks for any help in advance!

Peesashiz said:
Hey guys, sorry if this has already been answered somewhere else but I couldn't find it anywhere.
I bought a Galaxy Nexus a couple weeks ago and am loving it (except for battery life) and am interested in rooting it. But I have a few questions first:
1. What is the difference between unlocking the bootloader and rooting a phone. I know what unlocking a bootloader is, but I don't know much about rooting.
2. If I unlock and root, will I still be able to get updates from Google directly wihtout issues? Like, will I get the 4.0.3 update whenever it comes out even if I'm rooted?
3. Will my warranty be voided if I unlock the bootloader?
4. And if I do root it, what ROMs do you guys suggest I use? Which ones are the smoothest in performance and give the best battery life and customizations etc?
5. There is a new unlock/root tool made for the SGN, shown here: droid-life.com /2012/01/04/simple-galaxy-nexus-lte-rootunlock-and-unrootre-lock-tool-released/
Is it as effective as unlocking and rooting manually or does it have some drawbacks since it does everything for you automatically? BTW, thanks to whoever made that tool.
I know these are dumb questions but I'm new at this, so please bear with me. Thanks for any help in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I have an app called All About Root which should answer the majority of all basic questions and even some advanced technical ones regarding root.
2) Yes, if you're still on stock and dont change/modify any of the stock apk/framework files. Once the OTA update finishes, root access will be removed and a stock recovery will be reloaded. Will have to fastboot flash the custom recovery back and set the permissions back on root (permissions are a topic in All About Root)
3) Depends on who is covering the warranty or another way to put it, who/where/how device was purchased.
5) I would always recommend learning the manual method. Once you load the android-sdk, which is needed for many customizations, the unlock is a simple command and learning adb/fastboot will be very useful in the future for most operations.
Hope that helps! I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions and experiences to cover any gaps I might have missed. Good luck!

1) Unlocking allows you to modify the kernel and flash custom roms. Rooting allows you root access to the OS. Root is the equivalent of an admin in windows, but in the context of android it gives you write access to the full device. Basically it allows you to access lower level system functions (ie droidwall is a gui for iptables which is a firewall).
2)My understanding is that if you unlock and root, you'll be running a custom recovery (clockwork). I'm not sure if that means you won't see the OTA or if it'll just revert to stock or it may not work at all. Perhaps someone else can explain, but frankly when you get to #4 I don't see any reason why OTA updates are relevant.
3) I think the bootload can be relocked so even if it does void the warranty it can be reversed. Whether or not they can tell that it has been unlocked I don't know, and if they wanted to find a reason to deny a warranty I'm sure they could find one whether or not it's unlocked. I'd be surprised if they denied it though since the nexus devices are important because they can be unlocked.
4) I've used Axiom pretty much since the day after I got my phone. Most of them are all the same 4.0.3 core just various modifications to 'improve' the experience. The one other rom I'd look at is kang's because it's based on CM9. Kernels are another issue from there - I've liked both leankernel and franco's. Note that you should check out the forums over at rootzwiki as their dev area seems more active than around here. The kernel is the main source of battery and performance boosts.
5) I would recommend attempting it manually. The most difficult part imo is getting the drivers installed and the device recognized by adb. From there it's just executing a single line to unlocked. Unlocking will wipe your data. I'll say it again...unlocking will wipe your data. I used superboot myself, but if you're going to a custom rom then getting root access is really only needed temporarily to get clockwork installed - any custom rom has root access already. Here's a link to superboot. I *think* you just execute it from your computer (its a batch file) and it will root the device for you. I'm not sure if it installs clockworkmod so the first thing you should do after booting is download rom manager and reflash recovery to be sure. Then you can use clockworkmod to move to a rom.
Happy flashing.

Best rooting method for T-mobile SGS3 T999?

There seem to be a couple of different methods to get root over in the android dev sections for my T-mobile T999 ... Some trip the "counter" others do not.. some seem to flash an entire rom, while others seem to do it a different way? Not being a Android veteran - I'm just a little lost and wanted to ask for guidance to avoid a goof because I'm not certain of the terms and methods being used.
ANY HELP OR GUIDANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Simply stated: What is the best method for getting ROOT? I have a T-mobile T999 which is already sim unlocked.
I have not idea what the "counter" is, and why its important (if in fact, it is important?)
In a perfect world, I'd like to get root, cmw and superuser by using something like superoneclick which was the way I rooted my last device. Doesn't get much easier than hooking up the phone and clicking a button and waiting
WHY DO I WANT ROOT?
I want to be able to flash some of the cool themes I'm seeing, the snap picture with volume key mod, get rid of carrier iq, and uninstall (debloat) some of the useless factory apps installed on my stock rom, and I'm anxiously awaiting a working Jellybean rom which I have no doubt will be available sooner or later.
THANKS.

Araltd said:
There seem to be a couple of different methods to get root over in the android dev sections for my T-mobile T999 ... Some trip the "counter" others do not.. some seem to flash an entire rom, while others seem to do it a different way? Not being a Android veteran - I'm just a little lost and wanted to ask for guidance to avoid a goof because I'm not certain of the terms and methods being used.
ANY HELP OR GUIDANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Simply stated: What is the best method for getting ROOT? I have a T-mobile T999 which is already sim unlocked.
I have not idea what the "counter" is, and why its important (if in fact, it is important?)
In a perfect world, I'd like to get root, cmw and superuser by using something like superoneclick which was the way I rooted my last device. Doesn't get much easier than hooking up the phone and clicking a button and waiting
WHY DO I WANT ROOT?
I want to be able to flash some of the cool themes I'm seeing, the snap picture with volume key mod, get rid of carrier iq, and uninstall (debloat) some of the useless factory apps installed on my stock rom, and I'm anxiously awaiting a working Jellybean rom which I have no doubt will be available sooner or later.
THANKS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Counter is a method used by Samsung to see if your phone has been modified. For example, in case you need to exchange your phone with your carrier or Samsung then they would check the counter. Your warranty will automatically be voided. If this is important to you, then i suggest using the rooting method without ticking the counter number. all the rooting methods are easy as pie, its just up to you which to use. I used the one with ticking the counter because it was the very first method. There should bea counter reset work around soon so I'm not too worried
Sent from my SGH-T999

[Q] Flashing ROMs looks cool! But.. what about my carrier?

I'll get this out of the way first, I'm pretty new to rooting and flashing ROMs. The only thing I've ever rooted before was a free Kindle Fire I got from Amazon, and got some version of Android on it a looong time ago. Now I want to get LiquidSmooth on my Galaxy S3 i747. I'm completely willing to follow all noob guides by myself namely http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1802160]this one.
HOWEVER, since this is a phone from AT&T with a data plan, texting, and calling, and not some free Kindle with none of that, I'm extremely paranoid to do anything risking losing all these features. There's really no clear indication anywhere that this will or won't happen, since I assume this is either just extremely common knowledge, and most trouble shooting is about screwing up in general or bricking.

Rooting and flashing doesn't affect any if those things.
Think of it as a new operating system for your computer. New look, new feel same basic functions.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using XDA Free mobile app

EGSuda said:
I'll get this out of the way first, I'm pretty new to rooting and flashing ROMs. The only thing I've ever rooted before was a free Kindle Fire I got from Amazon, and got some version of Android on it a looong time ago. Now I want to get LiquidSmooth on my Galaxy S3 i747. I'm completely willing to follow all noob guides by myself namely http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1802160]this one.
HOWEVER, since this is a phone from AT&T with a data plan, texting, and calling, and not some free Kindle with none of that, I'm extremely paranoid to do anything risking losing all these features. There's really no clear indication anywhere that this will or won't happen, since I assume this is either just extremely common knowledge, and most trouble shooting is about screwing up in general or bricking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same phone and there are a few things that are good to know that will help you and possibly keep you from making a bad choice.
Have you accepted the 4.3 OTA update from AT&T on the unit or...? If you have, then you have upgraded to a specific bootloader/modem and can no longer downgrade those items without causing problems.
audit13 said:
If you took the 4.3 OTA AT&T ROM update, your phone has the 4.3 mjb bootloader.
To confirm which bootloader is on your phone, boot into download mode and let us know what it says on your screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you did not take the update then you dont have these new items and your options are more open i guess.
First, your going to need to root your phone, without tripping the flash counter. There are lots of guides on how to do this, and it's pretty simple.
Secondly you will need to install a custom recovery such as ClockWorkMod or TWRP. I used CWM on my i747 and installed it using "ROM Manager" from the Play Store. It was amazingly simple and did the entire process for me.
Third you will need to choose the ROM you would like to try. There are a few different kinds, so happy hunting. I chose S3Rx and I love it. It's packed full of goodies and it seems that the Dev seems pretty good at answering any posts on his thread in this forum about the ROM.
Before you do any of that, you should verify what version your are running right now so you know what bootloader/modem you have, then go from there.
I just got back into this stuff myself and I love this phone. Good luck.

38589556 507
Ed Murray said:
I have the same phone and there are a few things that are good to know that will help you and possibly keep you from making a bad choice.
Have you accepted the 4.3 OTA update from AT&T on the unit or...? If you have, then you have upgraded to a specific bootloader/modem and can no longer downgrade those items without causing problems.
If you did not take the update then you dont have these new items and your options are more open i guess.
First, your going to need to root your phone, without tripping the flash counter. There are lots of guides on how to do this, and it's pretty simple.
Secondly you will need to install a custom recovery such as ClockWorkMod or TWRP. I used CWM on my i747 and installed it using "ROM Manager" from the Play Store. It was amazingly simple and did the entire process for me.
Third you will need to choose the ROM you would like to try. There are a few different kinds, so happy hunting. I chose S3Rx and I love it. It's packed full of goodies and it seems that the Dev seems pretty good at answering any posts on his thread in this forum about the ROM.
Before you do any of that, you should verify what version your are running right now so you know what bootloader/modem you have, then go from there.
I just got back into this stuff myself and I love this phone. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had already flashed my phone after getting the verification from the last user. I was running 4.3, and am now running LiquidSmooth 3.0 Kitkat 4.4.2 now, with pretty much no problems at all. But thank you for your help.

Noob ROM user - help with 1st ROM install, please

Hope this the right place to post - please let me know if not.
I have the Sprint G3. I rooted (being a first time rooter at that time) within a few weeks of getting the phone. Frankly, I don't recall how I rooted it, but I think it was using Stump'd. In any case, root went fine, installed, SU, and been using some of the Framework apps like tweaksbox.
Okay, here's what I need some help with:
I think I need to unroot the phone, return it to factory stock, and then reroot before flashing a ROM to it. Is that correct?
I've seen a couple of threads here with instructions, but I don't follow/understand much of the terminology. Hence, is this page good to use to help me - http://lgg3root.com/lg-g3-root/how-t...nbrick-lg-g3/?
Secondly, once returned to factory srock ROM, will I have to OTA update to the most current version for Sprint before rerooting? I think I've read that the current stock ROM is not yet rootable?
Third, I really want to flash a ROM because I think it will result in a lighter weight ROM to conserve battery power and because I really want to theme the phone beyond what I can do now rotted with icon packs and tweaksbox. Is the CM ROM lighter weight and will I realize better battery performance?
Lastly, I'm hesitant to install a custom ROM because I'm afraid of losing phone, data, sms, gps services. I think this after reading the custome ROM threads and see complaints regarding users not having services available or connectivity issues. Is this a legit concern or am I overthinking this?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions, tips, and feedback.

JMak00 said:
Hope this the right place to post - please let me know if not.
I have the Sprint G3. I rooted (being a first time rooter at that time) within a few weeks of getting the phone. Frankly, I don't recall how I rooted it, but I think it was using Stump'd. In any case, root went fine, installed, SU, and been using some of the Framework apps like tweaksbox.
Okay, here's what I need some help with:
I think I need to unroot the phone, return it to factory stock, and then reroot before flashing a ROM to it. Is that correct?
I've seen a couple of threads here with instructions, but I don't follow/understand much of the terminology. Hence, is this page good to use to help me - http://lgg3root.com/lg-g3-root/how-t...nbrick-lg-g3/?
Secondly, once returned to factory srock ROM, will I have to OTA update to the most current version for Sprint before rerooting? I think I've read that the current stock ROM is not yet rootable?
Third, I really want to flash a ROM because I think it will result in a lighter weight ROM to conserve battery power and because I really want to theme the phone beyond what I can do now rotted with icon packs and tweaksbox. Is the CM ROM lighter weight and will I realize better battery performance?
Lastly, I'm hesitant to install a custom ROM because I'm afraid of losing phone, data, sms, gps services. I think this after reading the custome ROM threads and see complaints regarding users not having services available or connectivity issues. Is this a legit concern or am I overthinking this?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions, tips, and feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First lets start with returning to Stock ROM. No, no you definitely do not need to return to stock factory ROM to flash a new one. Since you already are rooted all you need is a TWRP recovery.
To flash TWRP recovery to your device (Sprint G3) use this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-lg-g3/orig-development/bump-unlock-lg-g3-twrp-sprint-t2900588
It's very easy for a begginer to achive this. If you don't want to use adb, fell free to download flashify and flash the downloaded TWRP image from thread above with it.
It's even easier with flashify.
Yes CM ROM is lighter, closer to stock android, not the LG one. If you really want better battery experience you should also look up different kernels, different governors, more adavanced stuff, nothing too much.
You don't need to be scared of flashing ROMs. It's a very basic task these days.
Losing data, calling ability or other thing is very unlikely. Of course mistakes happen so be careful. First thing to do before flashing anything on your device after instaling your TWRP recovery is to do a backup.
ALWAYS DO A BACKUP OF ALL IMPORTANT PARTITIONS ON YOUR DEVICE.
To get your custom ROMs, including CM look up these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-lg-g3/orig-development
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/development
Also be careful to flash things made only for your device (Sprint LG G3).

Very helpful and thanks.
To show off my noobness... Do custom ROMs have customer kernels or do I install a customer kernel as well as a custom ROM?

Yes, they do come with custom kernels.
But you could change kernel for some other one if you wish for.
I personally use Blisspop 3.7 on my LG G3 D855 with kernel that came with it 777 by 777jon.

Thanks, now to twrp, flash new rom and install cm 12 theme. Fingers crossed I dont go ham and brick the device.

Root the phone

I am really sick and tired of all of the bloatware that htc and t-mobile adds to the phone.
I want to remove this useless apps and i found out that i need root access for this, i googled and found a lot of information on how to root htc m8 however the information is old, and i want to know if this will work on the latest tmobile version of software (6.0 android).
If nothing changed and i need to use all in one tool, should i change the recovery or can i use the stock recovery.
Finally if i will use the custom recovery i might install a custom rom, most probably lineage os. Will the dual camera work on this rom, or i need to install a seance ui custom rom for the camera to work.
thank you

October 2016 I took the plunge and rooted my M8. I am using Insert Coin Enhanced ROM and it is great. Very snappy performance, battery life is way longer than before and WiFi calling works, too.
Now, I was nervous and waited a long time, reading as much as I could before doing it. Even found a legit YouTube video from a guy named sakitech that gave a step-by-step for Mac users (which is me).
Rooting has been good, ICE ROMs has updated several times since then, even for the M8.
Good luck!
Levan9 said:
I am really sick and tired of all of the bloatware that htc and t-mobile adds to the phone.
I want to remove this useless apps and i found out that i need root access for this, i googled and found a lot of information on how to root htc m8 however the information is old, and i want to know if this will work on the latest tmobile version of software (6.0 android).
If nothing changed and i need to use all in one tool, should i change the recovery or can i use the stock recovery.
Finally if i will use the custom recovery i might install a custom rom, most probably lineage os. Will the dual camera work on this rom, or i need to install a seance ui custom rom for the camera to work.
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thank you for the reply, few questions if you don't mind.
Did you enable s-off, how if yes ?
Or does insert coin rom works with s-on