Develop Bugs

[Q] Root Time!

Well my G2 is still very fast but now I think its time for it to follow my G1s "root"s. I am going to root this phone after I find out whether or not if:
My G2's current apps and info will still be on my phone after I root?
What app is a good enough to back up my phone completely?
What information will I lose if I do root?
Seems a little bit different rooting than the G1, I see many parts where some may get confused...

Blackman778g said:
Well my G2 is still very fast but now I think its time for it to follow my G1s "root"s. I am going to root this phone after I find out whether or not if:
My G2's current apps and info will still be on my phone after I root?
What app is a good enough to back up my phone completely?
What information will I lose if I do root?
Seems a little bit different rooting than the G1, I see many parts where some may get confused...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to simply root, all you're doing is adding the Superuser Whitelist and modifying the /system folder a bit. No wipe required unless you flash a custom ROM, in which case you can use Titanium Backup.

blackknightavalon said:
If you're going to simply root, all you're doing is adding the Superuser Whitelist and modifying the /system folder a bit. No wipe required unless you flash a custom ROM, in which case you can use Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright now it sounds clear to me, thanks for the help.

[Q] Unroot EVO and still keep a custom rom?

Is this possible? I know most unroot the phone to take it in for service/exchange etc but my situation is different. I have to use Good for Enterprise to access my company's email and as you may know, Good does not allow rooted phones. So, I have no choice but to unroot my Evo.
The image that is used in unrooting is a stock ROM. What I want to do is setup my phone - the way I want it with Mikfroyo - with all the tweaks etc and then "just do the unrooting part". If that makes any sense - I don't need any superuser permissions etc.
Long story short - can a phone be unrooted with a custom ROM instead of a stock ROM?

im pretty sure this is impossible dude, sorry, just leave it all rooted, whats the problem

I know you can't unroot and keep a custom ROM but I wonder if there is a way to hide the fact that you're rooted from the app. What kind of message pops up when you install it?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

It just says that Good cannot run on a rooted phone and just locks the app - I have to call IT to get an unlock code using the device ID that is displayed in Good's pop-up message.

It has to be checking for something specific and I bet there is a way to fudge it but unfortunately that's outside my realm of understanding. I would ask one of the devs here about it.

What permissions does the App request when you install? It could just check for SuperUser

SSjon said:
What permissions does the App request when you install? If could just check for SuperUser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I which case you could either delete superuser or use it to block the app... perhaps?

I am sure its more complicated than that - if they are touting themselves as a replacement for blackberry security for iPhones and Android - I seriously doubt a simple fudging of the superuser permissions will deceive it. Also, I'd like to comply with my company's requirements for using an Android phone so I don't get into trouble.
So from what I understand - you cannot have a custom ROM on an unrooted phone. Thanks so much guys - I'll just have to learn to live with the bloated stockware and manual restores arghh......

It's not possible.... to unroot, you'd have to RUU, which returns the phone back to stock. And then, you'd have no way of flashing a custom rom unless you rooted again

ok this is one thing that I am starting to not understand here...
so many people when they answer - say "yes" it can be done or "no" it can not be done...
...ummm where is the why? It would be very informative to know such things or if someone has even tried said thing before.
like why can't you just run a ROM or other flash file from renaming the file and letting the stock loader do the flashing? ......answer: because the stock loader does a file signature check - see? that makes sense and answers the why. it also helps users to retain the information as well as understand it.
I would love to know why the OP can't just run the unrevoked s-on tool from here http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/forever#custom_splash (in the FAQ section) without removing his custom ROM and just make sure he doesn't use any apps that need the su access. sounds like it should work? has someone done this and found that it does not work? flashing back to s-on should just prevent flashing to any other ROM's I would think from everything I have read in this forum.
or once s-on is back does it also check the current ROM on the phone and would cause some issues? would be great information to know. because if the security only checks file signatures of flies to be flashed and not the current ROM it seems like the OP could do what he is wanting to.
well, just thought I would ask to see if I could gain some more understanding as to the mechanics of everything

It would be good to know if this works with Good for Enterprise. I am stuck on an SGS 2.1 with Telstra and want a non stock ROM but really need to use Good.

ushkand said:
Is this possible? I know most unroot the phone to take it in for service/exchange etc but my situation is different. I have to use Good for Enterprise to access my company's email and as you may know, Good does not allow rooted phones. So, I have no choice but to unroot my Evo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know that, and that SUCKS. My company's piloting Good now, and I was really looking forward to it. This just infuriates me. Mobile device makers are getting away with things that desktop/laptop makers never dreamed of trying. We shouldn't even NEED to "root" a phone. Imagine if you needed to hack your Windows machine in order to get the admin password and be able to install whatever you want. Now yes, I get that companies often do add those restrictions on their devices, and that they need to protect their data. Allowing access to company data on a personal device might make it a little more of a gray area, but it still blows. Good should be able to develop a system that can be secure, even if you have root access.
Here's a thread I just found. It sounds like you can just delete su and the superuser.apk. I think you can keep the custom rom, but you probably wouldn't be able to run anything that needs root, like Wireless Tether, Titanium Backup, or whatever. But you could probably have a flashable zip to re-add them when you need them. Or maybe one of the temp root methods would work. But it makes me furious that this is needed.
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/207397-good-enterprise.html

bkrodgers said:
I did not know that, and that SUCKS. My company's piloting Good now, and I was really looking forward to it. This just infuriates me. Mobile device makers are getting away with things that desktop/laptop makers never dreamed of trying. We shouldn't even NEED to "root" a phone. Imagine if you needed to hack your Windows machine in order to get the admin password and be able to install whatever you want. Now yes, I get that companies often do add those restrictions on their devices, and that they need to protect their data. Allowing access to company data on a personal device might make it a little more of a gray area, but it still blows. Good should be able to develop a system that can be secure, even if you have root access.
Here's a thread I just found. It sounds like you can just delete su and the superuser.apk. I think you can keep the custom rom, but you probably wouldn't be able to run anything that needs root, like Wireless Tether, Titanium Backup, or whatever. But you could probably have a flashable zip to re-add them when you need them. Or maybe one of the temp root methods would work. But it makes me furious that this is needed.
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/207397-good-enterprise.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly

Update- I was able to get Good running finally on a custom rom - However, I had to forgo my superuser capabilities. I just renamed both the Su and Superuser.apk and then was able to run Good without any issues. I can easily restore Superuser access by adb when I need to. The good thing is that with the recovery being there, I can still flash updates without needing superuser access.
Thank you all for your help.

ushkand said:
Update- I was able to get Good running finally on a custom rom - However, I had to forgo my superuser capabilities. I just renamed both the Su and Superuser.apk and then was able to run Good without any issues. I can easily restore Superuser access by adb when I need to. The good thing is that with the recovery being there, I can still flash updates without needing superuser access.
Thank you all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information. What is the ROM that you are using?

bkrodgers said:
Or maybe one of the temp root methods would work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are there still temp root methods that work on the EVO?

I am using Mikfroyo 4.5.

Just came across this thread and was seeing if your GFE was still working? I have a DX and put a custom ROM and could not get it to work. I'm waiting for my new PIN and have removed SU to see if it works.

ushkand said:
Update- I was able to get Good running finally on a custom rom - However, I had to forgo my superuser capabilities. I just renamed both the Su and Superuser.apk and then was able to run Good without any issues. I can easily restore Superuser access by adb when I need to. The good thing is that with the recovery being there, I can still flash updates without needing superuser access.
Thank you all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my HTC Salsa to install apps2sd which is great, but what commands do i have to run and where to be able to rename su.apk ?
Thanks,
Mike

[Q] Wildfire Temp Root

Hi,
I have a stock Wildfire which I'm perfectly happy with. However, over time I purchased a few apps from the market and would like to take a backup.
What can I do? My ideal would be a simple application with which to switch on/off root permissions before starting the backup process - read-only access to the system and data partition would be perfectly sufficient.
Is this possible? I read about Temp Root in the forums, but couldn't find a clear statement which way (if any) would work on the Wildfire. Also, is read-only root with access to all partitions even possible without flashing or do I need a custom ROM for this?
As I understand, another way would be to flash a new recovery image and use Nandroid backup. However, I'd rather avoid flashing anything.
I'd be glad if someone could give me a few pointers.

Get Visionary+. This app can do a temp root easily.
It's meant for Desire Z, but it still works. If you want permroot then use AlphaRevX instead, the method this app uses does not apply to Wildfire.
For backing up I would recommend Titanium Backup.
Why would you want to temproot anyway? You can use AlphaRevX to get S-OFF and flash custom ROMs.
If you want to do warranty return, just use a RUU tool. It clears everything back to factory state.

Just wondering why you want to backup the paid apps? Can't you just reinstall them when needed as your license is on your Google account right?
Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk

YES, no need to backup the paid apps purchased from market.
Even after hard reset, if u use the same google market account to install those apps, ur licence should be back. Licence should be stored in your account AFAIK....

xc1024 said:
If you want to do warranty return, just use a RUU tool. It clears everything back to factory state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A ruu doesn't reset the s-off state! The only way you can flash a new hboot is when it has a version higher the the 6.x hboot that alpharevx puts on your phone. It just like htc's hboot: you cannot downgrade it.
If you want s-on again, you need a tool from AlphaRev that does it for you. But I don't know if that is released yet.

bharatgaddameedi said:
YES, no need to backup the paid apps purchased from market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is? Super, somehow it never occured to me that the purchase could be tied to the account instead of to the phone. Thanks for the hint!
That solves my immediate problem, I guess I can forgo a backup then.
What would happen if I entered the same googlemail-account into a new phone: Would the old one be deactivated then? One might want to use the same mail account on two or more phones. Would he then also get access to all of the applications on all phones, or would it simply not work at all?
Even after hard reset, if u use the same google market account to install those apps, ur licence should be back. Licence should be stored in your account AFAIK....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never entered a "google market account" ID, I guess my googlemail-account (which I created on setting up the phone for the first time) was used for that automatically. Or has such an account been automatically created for me without any further prompting?
Regards,
150d

xc1024 said:
Get Visionary+. This app can do a temp root easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll remember that.
Why would you want to temproot anyway? You can use AlphaRevX to get S-OFF and flash custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just it: the phone is working great, I'm really not missing anything. I wouldn't even know what to use root for. ;-)
On the other hand, I have a little experience with cooked ROMs from my previous phone, a WM-based Kaiser. Granted the two might not be directly comparable, but back then I had a lot of issues with stability, working-but-not-perfect bootloader, GPS sensitivity, radio ROMs...
I'd rather not take any chances now, at least not until I have a good reason to do so.
Regards,
150d

150d said:
On the other hand, I have a little experience with cooked ROMs from my previous phone, a WM-based Kaiser. Granted the two might not be directly comparable, but back then I had a lot of issues with stability, working-but-not-perfect bootloader, GPS sensitivity, radio ROMs...
I'd rather not take any chances now, at least not until I have a good reason to do so.
Regards,
150d
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it always should be this way this wilfire forum is getting stalked by people who want root and new ROMs, but i'll bet that most of them will be satisfied with the stock one.
The only reason why you should root is to install usefull apps that requier root (like titanium backup) and to install new ROMs. Those roms provide updates that htc disable for us: gingerbread should be more powerfull and JIT, something that can make your phone two to three times faster, is disabled because sense can't handle it. But you are right: custom roms will never be bugg free. But on the other hand, the stock rom isn't bugg free as well
Altough I'm on the stock rom ATM, I will change if I have the time. "Basic" things like gps and stuff will work on most roms (unless reported otherwise), so you do not have to be afraid of that. The most problematic things can always be solved, but most of the time it requiers a lot of time untill you have figured out what exactly you should do to solve your problem. So do not try to change rom if you do not have the time for it.
To finalize this off topic statement: it is usefull to gain root: you can do much more with it than just "flash roms". But it absorbs a lot of time, and you shouldn't start with it if you do not have any. But when you commit yourself to it, you will gain a lot.
Erwin

150d said:
What would happen if I entered the same googlemail-account into a new phone: Would the old one be deactivated then? One might want to use the same mail account on two or more phones. Would he then also get access to all of the applications on all phones, or would it simply not work at all?
I never entered a "google market account" ID, I guess my googlemail-account (which I created on setting up the phone for the first time) was used for that automatically. Or has such an account been automatically created for me without any further prompting?
Regards,
150d
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know about that thing. They shouldn't be discussed too anyway. But I strongly think that google knows the device identity of the market attached account.
Yes, google account / gmail account / maket account all are the same.
edit : And better not to speak about cooked roms untill u check them. There are many people pretty much satisfied with those.

ErwinP said:
And it always should be this way this wilfire forum is getting stalked by people who want root and new ROMs, but i'll bet that most of them will be satisfied with the stock one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw a TV spot when the first iPad was released. They interviewed a guy waiting in line in front of an Apple store for why he wanted an iPad. He said: "I don't even know what it is, but I'm sure I need it!"
One can only wish for customers like that!
Those roms provide updates that htc disable for us: gingerbread should be more powerfull and JIT, something that can make your phone two to three times faster, is disabled because sense can't handle it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that. Yes, sometimes I do wish it would be quicker to handle, I have a feeling that sometimes the CPU is maxed out so it can't handle the touch screen any more. But to me it's only a minor hassle.
To finalize this off topic statement: it is usefull to gain root: you can do much more with it than just "flash roms". But it absorbs a lot of time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it, both of it. I've owned the phone for about half a year now and I'm still adjusting to how much more it can do for me than my old phone could. It goes beyond just having an application to do some job - it all is much more "usable" than before. But I can really, really not imagine what else I would like to do with the phone. Maybe there is something that I can't even think of now, but so far... ;-)
Regards,
150d

Most secure ROM for Droid Incredible

I am looking for the most secure ROM for the Droid Incredible. Anyone have any ideas ? I hear the NSA and military have their own custom ROMS

Probably an ICS ROM which by default has data encryption. Not sure how well it's implemented yet since it's still a wip for the inc.
http://m.cnet.com/Article.rbml?nid=20124010&test=20124010&bid=12

CM9 (also ICS) will be up there in security as it has an option to disable root (in fact, root and adb shell are disabled by default for security). It's not official but someone's got a kang on the development pages.
It could be considered the most secure due to data encryption plus root being off by default which is a major security improvement.

tiny, I am clueless when it comes to rooted or not.
I am using a CM9 by drk with incredikernel2 by, you i think .
Am I rooted by default with this config? Until reading this post, I would have assumed so....
Also, does being rooted really increase greatly the risk of getting phone data hacked?

klaminero said:
tiny, I am clueless when it comes to rooted or not.
I am using a CM9 by drk with incredikernel2 by, you i think .
Am I rooted by default with this config? Until reading this post, I would have assumed so....
Also, does being rooted really increase greatly the risk of getting phone data hacked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By default, yes you're rooted. Being rooted increases your chance of being hacked if you hand out root access to every app that asks and don't look into it. If an app has root access, it has full access to your phone. Now if said app was malicious.... You just have to be smart about which apps get root or not.

PonsAsinorem said:
By default, yes you're rooted. Being rooted increases your chance of being hacked if you hand out root access to every app that asks and don't look into it. If an app has root access, it has full access to your phone. Now if said app was malicious.... You just have to be smart about which apps get root or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you easily, and is there any drawback to, remove rooting after flashing a new rom?
I usually dont give super user access to any app other than file explorers.... but if there is a way to be more careful by default, I might just take it.

klaminero said:
Can you easily, and is there any drawback to, remove rooting after flashing a new rom?
I usually dont give super user access to any app other than file explorers.... but if there is a way to be more careful by default, I might just take it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
at it's core "root" is just the presence of a executable file called "su" in the /system/xbin directory that has administrative permissions (i.e. those of the linux/unix "root" user) and can be used by non-system user apps to temporarily gain administrative rights. Remove that file and you remove root.
Personally I don't think it's worth worrying about though

klaminero said:
Can you easily, and is there any drawback to, remove rooting after flashing a new rom?
I usually dont give super user access to any app other than file explorers.... but if there is a way to be more careful by default, I might just take it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually in CM9 there is an option to disable root and adb (maybe adb root), under development->Root. There is disabled, apps, adb, apps+adb. Give that a try.
---------- Post added at 08:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
boomn said:
at it's core "root" is just the presence of a executable file called "su" in the /system/xbin directory that has administrative permissions (i.e. those of the linux/unix "root" user) and can be used by non-system user apps to temporarily gain administrative rights. Remove that file and you remove root.
Personally I don't think it's worth worrying about though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another way is to remove set UID and set GUID permissions from the su binary (executable). That's why I love android and linux, multiple ways to do the same thing.

tiny4579 said:
Actually in CM9 there is an option to disable root and adb (maybe adb root), under development->Root. There is disabled, apps, adb, apps+adb. Give that a try.
---------- Post added at 08:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
Another way is to remove set UID and set GUID permissions from the su binary (executable). That's why I love android and linux, multiple ways to do the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good point, I forgot about that cool new CM feature!

Easiest way to temp remove root? There is a relatively new su management app (Superuser replacement) called SuperSU by Chainfire. His app has a temp disable (and re enable) root option which works. Some people have bugs (as every device/app has bugs with some people), but it works flawlessly for me so far.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053

tiny4579 said:
Actually in CM9 there is an option to disable root and adb (maybe adb root), under development->Root. There is disabled, apps, adb, apps+adb. Give that a try.
Thanks Tiny!! Perfect. I tried disabled. I ll see if anybody complains....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Try MIUI ICS, their Permission Manager is detailed on the permissions apps use.
Droid Incredible *Rooted* - TouchWiz 5.1 - 4.0.4
Droid 2 - *No Root* - Stock 4.5.621 - 2.3.4

Aren't they just using LBE?
The android market had msecure on sale yesterday for $.99, might be worth checking out.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5tc2V2ZW4ubXNlY3VyZSJd

That is true. Then use that with an ics rom. I cannot remember which user but ics does have the root access setting, add LBE for standard app permissions and you'll be set.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA

[Q] Newbie with security concerns

Hi,
I just bought the lg g3 d852 in Canada. It's my first smart phone and I'm concerned with apps requiring so many permissions. I know appops is no longer open on 4.4.2. Have to root to control apps but voids warranty.
Is there an easy way to remove root if I need warranty work?
Does installing appops after root work well enough to control permssions on apps?
What other security measures can I use? I downloaded Eset trial for android. But is there anything else?
Is there a way to provide proper security in general and also from the apps wanting permission without rooting?
Thank you!

Mechif said:
Hi,
I just bought the lg g3 d852 in Canada. It's my first smart phone and I'm concerned with apps requiring so many permissions. I know appops is no longer open on 4.4.2. Have to root to control apps but voids warranty.
Is there an easy way to remove root if I need warranty work?
Does installing appops after root work well enough to control permssions on apps?
What other security measures can I use? I downloaded Eset trial for android. But is there anything else?
Is there a way to provide proper security in general and also from the apps wanting permission without rooting?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i cant understand why you worry so much about the permissions. If you re so afraid you can login with fake accounts and just dont put any personal information.
To unroot you have to flash back to stock. Autoprime who has developed purple drake root has posted here hot to restore back to stock http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54254062&postcount=2

Mechif said:
Hi,
I just bought the lg g3 d852 in Canada. It's my first smart phone and I'm concerned with apps requiring so many permissions. I know appops is no longer open on 4.4.2. Have to root to control apps but voids warranty.
Is there an easy way to remove root if I need warranty work?
Does installing appops after root work well enough to control permssions on apps?
What other security measures can I use? I downloaded Eset trial for android. But is there anything else?
Is there a way to provide proper security in general and also from the apps wanting permission without rooting?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you worry about your personal information being out there in 2014 there is one way you can't stop that. DON'T USE A PHONE or any device that connects to the Internet ?

katsika said:
i cant understand why you worry so much about the permissions. If you re so afraid you can login with fake accounts and just dont put any personal information.
To unroot you have to flash back to stock. Autoprime who has developed purple drake root has posted here hot to restore back to stock http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54254062&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm new at this. I don't understand what to log into and make a fake account? It's a concern of personal data accessible by apps that ask for too many permissions.
Can this be lessened somehow without rooting? What apps are good for security?

katsika said:
i cant understand why you worry so much about the permissions. If you re so afraid you can login with fake accounts and just dont put any personal information.
To unroot you have to flash back to stock. Autoprime who has developed purple drake root has posted here hot to restore back to stock http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54254062&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still_living714 said:
If you worry about your personal information being out there in 2014 there is one way you can't stop that. DON'T USE A PHONE or any device that connects to the Internet ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm not looking for a nuclear solution of don't use the Internet then you dont have to worry about security. I'm aware that we are all at risk. I'm just looking for some solutions that work well to minimize the inherent risks on the LG G3.

Mechif said:
Thanks. I'm not looking for a nuclear solution of don't use the Internet then you dont have to worry about security. I'm aware that we are all at risk. I'm just looking for some solutions that work well to minimize the inherent risks on the LG G3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not really a risk. almost every app asks for some shady permissions. the only way to protect yourself is to not download them. other than that you cant do much

If you're willing to root, and are seriously concerned about this, install Xposed and XPrivacy. It can take some time to set up, but it's far more powerful than AppOps.

meyerweb said:
If you're willing to root, and are seriously concerned about this, install Xposed and XPrivacy. It can take some time to set up, but it's far more powerful than AppOps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That's what I'm thinking of doing. I don't mind the way LG set up the launcher and software. If I root, does this change that? The only thing I don't like is I can't view the home screen and apps in landscape mode. I know there are launchers for that but I haven't found one I like...
Comments?