Hey, I know it's a noob question, especially to ask on XDA but so let's make this more of a personal thing... What were the reasons you chose to root for?
(I'm trying to decide whether or not I should do it so hearing other people's reasons can be interesting)
Thanks
I installed pie because I already unlocked boot loader and downgrade was possible. I like pie though.
I root for titanium backup.
Magisk/Xposed also, though I could live without them.
Viper4Android... Almost impossible to live without it
On Pie, there's basically no reason for me to root, because Pie itself isn't stable enough. On Oreo I change my font, use LKT module to increase battery life and performance at the same time, youtube vanced is a must (you can have it without root too), also for enabling Cam2API to utilize Gcams available on the internet.
I rooted so i could get pixel rounded UI, google connectivity service, ambient display always on option with live wallpaper animation, call screening,wifi calling, pixel launcher, and google intelligence with the blue flashing overlay on search and execute( at least, i think it wasnt there before i installed intelligence). Oh,,,and camera. Also...fstrim
Related
I'm interested but don't know anything. What are the benefits? Like why should I root and why I shouldn't. My Pixel has been nothing but reliable and just want to know if i'm getting the full potential or if i'm missing out on something. Someone shine some light
im12whatisthis said:
I'm interested but don't know anything. What are the benefits? Like why should I root and why I shouldn't. My Pixel has been nothing but reliable and just want to know if i'm getting the full potential or if i'm missing out on something. Someone shine some light
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just google it and you will find the answer it's very simple.
Rooting in my opinion is only worth it if you want to tinker around with the Android OS. Having root provides the user with much more control over their device. Everything from theming (substratum theme engine which requires root) to flashing custom roms (which typically have cool mods cooked right into the firmware).
Root also provides the user to use custom kernels which allows the user to tweak all sorts of the phones "under the hood performance" like CPU voltages or the screen's color saturation and hue.
In my opinion the most popular adblocker, AdAway, requires root access. Titanium backup, the only app I use to backup my data also requires root.
Before you decide to hook your phone up to your pc and begin the journey into rooting and flashing I highly suggest you read many of the guides in the guide section of this forum. XDA is an amazing resource for people like yourself. Read, read and read some more.
I can't live without root. But it's kinda for tech junkies. I use root for setting up custom gestures with gmd gestures. Allows me to add multifinger gestures like 3 finger swipe down to go home, 3 finger swipe up for recent apps, and 3 finger swipe left and right for next app/previous app. Also allows my launcher (Nova launcher) to do a special screen lock that's root only. Some people use it for back up and restoring apps with titanium backup. Someone above mentioned allowing tweaking if under the hood options with a custom kernel like modifying voltage the cpu draws but my stock kernel settings work fine out the box. I think the last thing I use it for us to limit the number of recent apps with the app recently
I use to root all my device, but lately I feel like there is less and less that I am getting out of root. I don't think Xposed worked in 7 and pretty sure it's not out for 8 yet. In fact the only reason I have root right now is I got switched from my 6p to the XL and the dual speaker root mod took sound(audio and notifications) from below average to average, at least for my ears.
I used to root every device before i had a pixel xl, now i don't feel the need to root. I do miss adaway to block ads, but thats about it. Its all about preference i think. Root and try it out, if you like it, keep it, and if you don't, you can always go back. Make sure you read the guides to root a pixel xl though. Dont want to end with a bricked device.
You should only root it if you have an idea on what you hope to accomplish with it, so the best thing to do is research root for your device. Back in the day I rooted my phones religiously, my S3, S5, Note 4 were all rooted almost instantly. With my OG Pixel XL there were a lot fewer reasons to root as a lot of the reasons to root have been natively built into the OS over time.
I rooted my Pixel XL for adblocking, and lucky patcher. Of course there are many more reasons to do so if they fit what you want to do.
+1 for GMD Gesture Control, I can't live without it. The power of it is not with the default gestures that come with it but the ability to create your own that can start from any zone or edge of the screen. I've got around 50 gestures set up (a bunch of which launch from the edge and are mirrored for either edge so I can use the phone one handed with either left or right hand).
Viper4Android's my other must have app, as is Titanium Backup.
AdAway, TB, and Root Explorer are my primary reasons for root. I have a few other root aps that are more of a habit now than a need for me after years of rooting everything I have ever owned. If there were an equally effective non-root alternative to AdAway and I had to buy a device that couldn't be rooted, I might have to deal with it for the right price vs. performance vs. convenience of not keeping up with what is becoming a constant struggle with the Pixel. My son is due for a new tablet (for his birthday next month) and I haven't even looked into the root options yet of the couple of devices I am considering. That would have been step number one until last fall when I got the PIxel and Pixel XL.
So after extensive research and and ahhing I've finally committed and purchased an A2 Lite.
the ummming and ahhing now is if I should root or not?
I've rooted my phones since my first HTC Desire (the original one) so that I've got the "raw" Android experience with none of the horrible skins or bloatware.
Given the A2 Lite is Android One is it worth rooting? I don't add any really fancy add ons like exposed and I think the main thing I'll miss is using adaway to remove all those horrible advertisements.
Is it worth just unlocking the bootloader (this should still "bypass" most non-rooted checking apps shouldn't it?) when I first get it so that if I do decide to root later I don't lose everything ?
I assume there's been other people in the same situation.
Ideas, thoughts, comments collective gurus?
unlocking the bootloader wipes all data
so for me
its better to unlock the bootloader first because i love having the option to root etc. without losing my data
if i want to sell it or have it repaired just re-lock the bootloader by flashing the stock rom.
its all comes down to your personal preference
im waiting for good custom ROM before i root the phone. until then i can recommend blokada addblocker. no root needed and very effective.
limbot said:
So after extensive research and and ahhing I've finally committed and purchased an A2 Lite.
the ummming and ahhing now is if I should root or not?
I've rooted my phones since my first HTC Desire (the original one) so that I've got the "raw" Android experience with none of the horrible skins or bloatware.
Given the A2 Lite is Android One is it worth rooting? I don't add any really fancy add ons like exposed and I think the main thing I'll miss is using adaway to remove all those horrible advertisements.
Is it worth just unlocking the bootloader (this should still "bypass" most non-rooted checking apps shouldn't it?) when I first get it so that if I do decide to root later I don't lose everything ?
I assume there's been other people in the same situation.
Ideas, thoughts, comments collective gurus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been there like two weeks ago I decided on rooting to install gcam,greenify and YouTube vanced.
You can also install energized adblock.(it's the best)
Why not root I don't really care about updating I want stable performance....
Viper4Android is enough reason to root the phone. I couldn't live without the superb sound enhancement of it.
thorin0815 said:
Viper4Android is enough reason to root the phone. I couldn't live without the superb sound enhancement of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here bro.
V4A + kernel config.
Is it possible to brick A2 Lite while rooting/installing custom rom whatever and not recover from it?
My last 2 phones were Nexus, so basically they were 100% safe. If by some kind of software mistake you bricked them, you could always clean flash factory image and that's it, no way you could render it unusable.
I don't have experience with rooting/custom roms/kernels/recovery outside Nexus phones, so my question is: can you ruin A2 Lite by bricking it and not being able to recover?
And also, is official factory image for A2 Lite (Android One version) available somewhere online (official site, like we have for nexus/pixel phones)?
Thanks for replies folks.
After reading through all the posts in this forum and the "issues" with OTA's etc, I've decided to leave this as a virgin device when I receive it, ( out for delivery with courier...waiting...waiting..), not even going to unlock the bootloader.
I've removed adaway and loaded blockada on my current Find 7a and it's working a treat. Root reason number 1 - tick.
The other root app I remembered I use is LMT (small hands), and Simple Pie is doing the job really well. Root reason number 2 - tick
App backup from Titanium to Mybackup - Root reason number 3 - tick
Will wait and see how the AOSP development goes and if I find anything I really need root for and cross that bridge when I get to it.
Onwards and upwards. Will officially be a member of the A2 Lite crew soon...... (looking out the window every few minutes )
Hey there
My girlfriend bought a Mi a2 Lite today and before setting it up, I would like to work out a few things:
- I want her to have a working gcam on it, because I read that the low-light performance of the stock cam was really bad.
--> Apart from that I don't see any reason to root the phone. So: Is there a stable non-root-version of gcam? or would you still advice me to root?
Thanks for your replys
G
georgs_town said:
Hey there
My girlfriend bought a Mi a2 Lite today and before setting it up, I would like to work out a few things:
- I want her to have a working gcam on it, because I read that the low-light performance of the stock cam was really bad.
--> Apart from that I don't see any reason to root the phone. So: Is there a stable non-root-version of gcam? or would you still advice me to root?
Thanks for your replys
G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the end a pig with lipstick stays a pig. IMO enabling GCAM isn't worth the hassle, especially not if you go with stock rom due to focus problems with Android Pie. GCAM might be a tiny little bit better compared to the stock camera app, but its main advantages only shine if you use different tweaked settings for all your different needs. There is no install,forget and have superb pictures GCAM version!
You can temporary root the phone to enable the needed camera API for GCAM. GCAM itself doesn't need root at all. Just check the guides section!
Edit: You might try Open Camera from the Play Store, it has lots of options even without Camera2 API.
Hi there, thanks for your advice! After posting here I quickly read into how to root. It turned out to be really easy, so I just went ahead (mainly for youtube vanced and adaway). Then I did this cam2api thing and tried out a few Gcams. You're right, stuff doesn't work: the interface and all worked fine, but the photos wouldn't be saved to the phone... I know that the image quality wouldn't drastically improve, but I guess night sight (terribly pictures with the stock cam in low light...) and motion photos are very cool features. But it seems that there are no really working versions available for pie...
georgs_town said:
Hi there, thanks for your advice! After posting here I quickly read into how to root. It turned out to be really easy, so I just went ahead (mainly for youtube vanced and adaway).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're still rooted, you should check out Viper4Android (Magisk module) for great sound improvements.
Beware of taking OTA updates while rooted (or for example adaway without systemless hosts). Your system partitions need to be untouched, else your update fails or your device might become even soft bricked.
thorin0815 said:
If you're still rooted, you should check out Viper4Android (Magisk module) for great sound improvements.
Beware of taking OTA updates while rooted (or for example adaway without systemless hosts). Your system partitions need to be untouched, else your update fails or your device might become even soft bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I switched off automatic updates. As for Viper4Android, I've tried that on my Pixel 3, didn't really impress me. However, the sound on the Pixel 3 is already great. If you have specific settings/profiles for Mi a2, that would be very nice
cheers
I'm using the following headphone (ear-buds) settings, they sound pretty good with Rock/Metal stuff.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/themes/headphone-viper4android-headphones-t3582217
I root my phone is for Greenify, Battery Charge Limit App.
If you want to root, take note that time and effort is required to install OTA update.
Sometime I think the time and effort spent is not worth the benefit.
And you might not able to use some banking app or ewallet even with Magisk Hide.
I'm really quite disappointed with the gcam ports. I've tested the most famous ones and they are all very unreliable and the features I was looking for don't work (motion photos, hdr, selfie-cam).
Are they more stable on android 8? --> is there hope for a stable and reliable version?
georgs_town said:
I'm really quite disappointed with the gcam ports. I've tested the most famous ones and they are all very unreliable and the features I was looking for don't work (motion photos, hdr, selfie-cam).
Are they more stable on android 8? --> is there hope for a stable and reliable version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO the camera sensors of our phone are just crap, even 3 years older budget phones like the Moto G4 do far better pictures.
This guide was designed for S10 series, but the majority of the Guide of course is applicable to all android Pie devices as if based on apks and adb debugging, you shall test at your own desire. For adb debugging to be enabled, go to: About Phone > built number > tap until you unlock "developers option" go back and and inside "developers options" enable "adb debugging" from there.
First and foremost, I would like to express how I am amazed with the level of customization you can do without root on a Samsung nowadays, as I've been an android/samsung user for quite some time its really something to consider.
Okay, now lets cut the chase. What I really did is to put together different applications, tips and miscellaneous information together in order to achieve what I felt the most customized Device possible without root and that I think lots of users could still absorve all or at least part of this guide in their own devices.
1) First, what I did what to go through the Battery Optimisation Guide by @Corv0, which honestly speaking led me to an average of 9-10 SoT.
1.1 Even though people talk alot how they liked OneUI I cant change from Nova Launcher, its simply the ultimate Launcher experience. I recommend getting the prime version, totally worth it and you get it for life.
1.2. If you are used to Adway, you know we can't live anymore without it, but in times without root, Blokada is for me the best alternative. I also found it better and more stable than Adhell and does not need key update every now and then, thats lame!
2)If you like music and once used Ressurection Remix roms, you must have fallen in love with Pulse music bar. It simply reinvigorates the navigation bar. As an alternative I must suggest the well known Navbar app. For me its a must to change navigation bar color and enable their music visualizer.
3) If you once used xposed in a samsung, you might remember the Samtweak, and now you can have it in Pie without the need of root with great function like 180 degrees reverse (which I find very useful when using headphone jack so it does not bother you against the chest for instance), volume warning, navigation and status bar hide, etc
4) Another must in S10 plus is to use Button Mapper. Some may talk about Bixby Action app, but Button mapper is the ultimate deal with many more options, check video link.
5) Okay this is more of a personal preference, which is my case I can say: sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't. If you didn't like/ didn't get used to the front camera cutout I strongly suggest to use Status Bar and change status background color to black. I find it do the job of hiding the front camera pretty decent and improved a lot indoor and low light experience as you cant see the cutout almost never.
6) Last (so far) but not least important, if of course the installation and usage of Nice Lock (for the ones without access to Good Lock). I think we may can it as an official customization app for samsung devices. It almost made me remember Rice tweaks app. I personally like to use 7.1) Task Changer mod to change recent apps back to vertical. 7.2) Navistar to fully customize the navigation bar with different icons and 2 more buttons. The rest I didn't really use it but I suggest you install them all and see what's useful to you.
I will record a video and post it here (probably tomorrow) to show all these changes and tweaks I did and how they actually appear on my device.
------- v2 (April 26th):
Actually these are "tweaks" I had already done before v1 but simply forgot to mention on the original post however to keep things in order I will continue the numbering:
7) Bloatware removal, this is another must you have to do, specially when talking about samsung, with is known for the amount of apps its included from stock. And within this link you can easily do it through adb shell. Big thanks to @Neo3D for this amazing guide.
7.1) Once you "debloat" your device, make sure you deinstall/deactivate youtube standard version as well, and install the well known and amazing Youtube Vanced (Non Root version of course). In addition, set it as standard so it will be fully integrated to the links.
Well those are my suggestions for the customization of s10 without root (so far). If you have more tips please comment down below.
Video is up, check comment for exact cue by "tweak": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_giH6O6-Pdo
Great guide for the S10 XDA gang! Kudos
Nice guide.
Thanks
Sent from my SM-G9750 using Tapatalk
Doesn't bloat removal cause more battery drain? I mean when the phone tries to find a certain package and cannot it is starting to heat up and etc
I started out early in the process and I was able to get Adhell running .... Seems like maybe my battery was worse after Adhell. Wondering if you guys thought, based on this guide, I should get rid of Adhell and go more this direction (for ad blocking and app/bloatware freezing) ?
FlatOutRU said:
Doesn't bloat removal cause more battery drain? I mean when the phone tries to find a certain package and cannot it is starting to heat up and etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be the other way around bro...
jcrompton said:
I started out early in the process and I was able to get Adhell running .... Seems like maybe my battery was worse after Adhell. Wondering if you guys thought, based on this guide, I should get rid of Adhell and go more this direction (for ad blocking and app/bloatware freezing) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried both and found blokada much more stable. You can try and compare yourself, its way easier to install and get it running as well.
Also, using Blokada and it works well...
Knox bloatware removal
if the s10+ com.samsung.android.knox.containercore isn't installed at 0 then how can I remove the number one bloatware I so desired to remove?
BossEgan said:
if the s10+ com.samsung.android.knox.containercore isn't installed at 0 then how can I remove the number one bloatware I so desired to remove?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search Cswm app manager (for Samsung) on play store
Good!!
I have an old mediatek based redme note4, so very much due an upgrade. The cameras on this look pretty decent and good enough for my youtube vid work...
But I have one issue i want to address...
On my old Note4 using MiUi ive noticed that A LOT of system programs dial home to aliexpress servers... I assume to Xiaomi controlled servers... Ive noticed this quite regularly when doing certain tasks like using Chrome or email, or installing apps...
Now I want to get this phone, I kinda need to know that there will be some roms going around that will strip all this crap out. Annoyingly though I like MiUI as an interface. I just dont like this phone dialing home as much as it is.
So got the few questions.
As its snapdragon, i realise in all likely hood there will be custom roms. What will my likely options be? Lineage? Will there likely be a MiUi with the nastiness stripped?
And I also, when I root the phone to do all this is there anyway to mask the root? I use banking apps that wont run if the phones been rooted...
Anyway I realise its early day. Just thought I should ask. I might be getting the phone around december or january...
We can expect that there would be xiaomi eu rom support which is debloated miui with additional languages. (Also with their shi**y roboto font)
Custom roms may not be your favor cuz they usually give you same boring aosp experience whatever you install.
Magisk has a "hide" feature that allows to have root and still use Bank apps.
e.miron said:
Magisk has a "hide" feature that allows to have root and still use Bank apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This typically doesn't work anymore, or it works with very high efforts for a short period.
Mine is arriving today and I will be unlocking the bootloader ASAP.
Xiaomi usually let you unlock the bootloader although you have to wait and the custom ROM scene for past Xiaomi devices has been good (I've had both a Mi 5 and Mi 9 and can testify to this).
So long as someone builds for this device, you'll probably end up with a fair selection of ROMs to choose from including customised / debloated versions of MIUI which aren't too bad either
First Google phone (Pixel 6 Pro) in years! Anyways want to slim down and get rid of Google services on a phone. I am thinking of switching to Graphene OS but also want a ROM that fixes a lot of the bugs this phone has. Better screen color and brightness control and better battery. But would like to use the stock camera if possible. Rather not have to use magisk if it's avoidable.
Would a different ROM make more sense or are there other things Graphene can do that improves on Google's buggy and strangely limited version of Android on the Pixel.
Btw downgraded from a S22 Ultra for the purpose of giving Google's snooping eyes the boot but got use to the saturated colors on Samsung phones!. I am fine with the browser versions of YouTube, YT Music and Gmail.
Any and all suggestions and comments welcome.
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
96carboard said:
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i know some 'the bugs this phone has"
google phone navigation bar is terrible, sometimes it will lag and i will have to swipe a few times if i want it to work properly,Even on 4 xl and 6 pro
96carboard said:
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe bugs was to strong. More like behaviors like the auto brightness being way to dim despite constant adjustment to train it. It has been using Samsung devices for a while now. Android has been getting so good I stopped rooting and installing roms. However Samsung has gotten very irritating and bloated again.
Thanks for the help and suggestions. There where some root apps that allowed you to adjust the displays saturation and contrast. Is there anything like that for the Pixel 6 Plus. Samsung broke my eye with the saturated colors. Lol.
Also is possible to use an Android wear watch without Android wear or will I have to change to a Tizen (Samsung) or maybe a Honor Magic watch. Taking suggestions.
Also is rooting for Magisk necessary as I would like to keep things more secure.
96carboard said:
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an update. Graphenos install was super simple. Using Newpipe but looking for a YouTube Music streaming app since I listen to a lot of kpop which is hard to find elsewhere. Any ideas? Also using Open Camera for more control.
Grapheneos has a Saturated color profile so that fixed my color saturation issue!
Refusing to install even a sandboxes version of GPS.
johnciaccio said:
Just an update. Graphenos install was super simple. Using Newpipe but looking for a YouTube Music streaming app since I listen to a lot of kpop which is hard to find elsewhere. Any ideas? Also using Open Camera for more control.
Grapheneos has a Saturated color profile so that fixed my color saturation issue!
Refusing to install even a sandboxes version of GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if it gives you exactly what you're looking for, but newpipe seems to have had some music-specific features since 2020; https://newpipe.net/blog/release/pinned/newpipe-0.19.3-release/
When you hit the search button (magnifying glass, upper-right corner), you then hit the MENU button (3 vertical dots button, upper-right corner) and can pick one of the 4 youtube music filters.
The saturated colors option is part of AOSP and is included in factory images as well. They started adding that in one of the updates for Pixel 2, which is where they started pushing *natural* colors. Some people didn't like natural colors after getting used to cartoon-level saturation and wanted some extra. I keep mine on Natural and have subsequently adjusted to it. It was probably easier for me to adjust to on account of having had no choice initially.