Remove Bloatware and Ads on Redmi Note 8 - Redmi Note 8 Questions & Answers

I came from OnePlus 3 to Redmi Note 8(India) and see annoying little ads everywhere. While there are YouTube videos to guide me get rid of most of the ads, I still see some bothering me. I dont understand why I have to sit through ads on a device I fully paid for. I great deal of effort is required to go to each and every settings and disable ads. What are my other options?
1. Can I use adb to uninstall bloatware which are pushing ads?
2. I can also try to unlock bootloader, install another recovery and then a clean ad free ROM but I also have a few apps for two factor auth which must work on the new ROM. If it doesnt, I cannot login to my company resources. When I enabled debugging, this 2FA app stopped working.
3. Is there another version of MIUI without ads?

try changing your dns to adguard dns boss

reyolin said:
1. Can I use adb to uninstall bloatware which are pushing ads?
2. I can also try to unlock bootloader, install another recovery and then a clean ad free ROM but I also have a few apps for two factor auth which must work on the new ROM. If it doesnt, I cannot login to my company resources. When I enabled debugging, this 2FA app stopped working.
3. Is there another version of MIUI without ads?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Must do after buying any phone...Especially xiaomi phones..Debloat via adb..trust me you won't regret it..only issue will be you'll have to debloat everytime ou update your rom.
3. Yes try xiaomi.eu or miuimix or miroom ..Although I can't tell you for sure if your comapny apps will work or not you have to check for yourself. Also I recommend debloating them further but it's still better than stock.

the_weird_aquarian said:
1. Must do after buying any phone...Especially xiaomi phones..Debloat via adb..trust me you won't regret it..only issue will be you'll have to debloat everytime ou update your rom.
3. Yes try xiaomi.eu or miuimix or miroom ..Although I can't tell you for sure if your comapny apps will work or not you have to check for yourself. Also I recommend debloating them further but it's still better than stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mr the_weird_aquarian,
Can you take a look at https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82940579&postcount=882 ?

Related

Stock Lollipoop rooted with SuperSU - but it keeps resetting everything I do

see #5 for problem
Hi guys,
so after quite some time with custom Roms I decided to go stock again as somehow I don't need root at all. Well, that's not true. I miss AdAway.
As there is no possibility to root the stock rom, is there ANY AdBlocker that works on Lollipop? AdBlock Plus doesn't (yet).
Why did you say there is no possibility to root the stock rom ?
I'm running Stock ROM, rooted and AdAway running fine.
ckpv5 said:
Why did you say there is no possibility to root the stock rom ?
I'm running Stock ROM, rooted and AdAway running fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you root the stock rom? I couldn't find out how.
Can I root without losing my data?
fBx said:
How do you root the stock rom? I couldn't find out how.
Can I root without losing my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash twrp recovery and root through the recovery. It'll ask you when you reboot the system if you want to root it
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Huh. Didn't know it was THAT straightforward and I've been flashing my phones for years.
Well. I flashed TWRP and SuperSU 2.46, succeeded. But Adaway and Adfree don't work correctly. They block the ads but only until you reboot, then it's reverted, kinda like with a tethered jailbreak on iPhones.
What am I doing wrong here? Also the block is not like on KitKat - there it was really blocked, really removed, here only the images of the ads are removed but you still see the space they were supposed to be.
I also used a system app removal tool that also didn't work although it shows success. It just removes the installed data like updates.
When I delete apps manually via ES Explorer, they just reappear at the next reboot.
Root Checker says root is fine but it isn't supposed to behave like that and undo my changes.
What's wrong? Do I need another kernel maybe? As I said I went back to stock completely and updatet through to L.
I believe I got whats causing the issue.
After deleting a system app and rebooting, I got a message saying that the phone was restored from an "unnormal behaviour". Does Lollipop bring some kind of system restore point that just automatically restores itself when "weird" things like host file alteration happens? If yes, how do I get rid of that?
This phone has always had system files protected since KitKat. You need a kernel mod to delete system apps.
Don't know why the ad blockers aren't working. Adaway is working fine for me on stock US Dev Edition rooted. You said you are using Adaway and AdFree? Are you actually using both at the same time? maybe they are interfering with each other?
No I meant it happens with both. Only use adaway now. They work but after a reboot the adblock is gone and I need to apply it again. In fact, AdAway says it's deactivated and AdFree says it's already up to date but ads show anyway and I need to install the fix again to get rid of them.
Can you maybe point me to a kernel mod? Would want to get rid of some bloatware.
Maybe I should try installing xposed and see if it's gone after a reboot.
fBx said:
Can you maybe point me to a kernel mod? Would want to get rid of some bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701816
But unfortunately, flar2 hasn't had the time to update for LP. A user posted the kernel module in Post #210, but a subsequent user said it doesn't work. Custom ROMs have write protection disabled, as does Dev Edition stock ROM.
fBx said:
No I meant it happens with both. Only use adaway now. They work but after a reboot the adblock is gone and I need to apply it again. In fact, AdAway says it's deactivated and AdFree says it's already up to date but ads show anyway and I need to install the fix again to get rid of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, as mentioned, I've used AdAway for quite some time now, and don't have these issues.
Yes, very odd indeed. Well, if I don't get it sorted out somehow I might as well switch to Viper or some other close to stock custom Rom again, or make it Dev like you.
Things are getting worse, in 1 of 2 cases AdAway spits an error at me when trying to apply the fixes and the phone just reboots and undos everything. It's like some protection from rooting or changing anything although I am rooted. I don't understand it. I can't possibly be the only one having problems with root on Stock Lollipop
This is really annoying me. I think I'm better of just installing a custom rom and setting the phone up again, will cost me an hour but at least I'm done with the bugs.
Yup, decided to jump the gun, wipe and install ViperOne and now everything works as I wanted it to. AdAway stays active and working.
fBx said:
Yup, decided to jump the gun, wipe and install ViperOne and now everything works as I wanted it to. AdAway stays active and working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I wonder if Adaway is dependent on the system write protection being disabled. I wouldn't normally suspect that, and only thinking of it since you mentioned the system write protection issue as well.
On the other hand, its the only difference I can think of between my phone and yours that would matter. I am on stock rooted Dev Edition, which apparently does not have the system write protection enabled by default.
redpoint73 said:
Interesting. I wonder if Adaway is dependent on the system write protection being disabled. I wouldn't normally suspect that, and only thinking of it since you mentioned the system write protection issue as well.
On the other hand, its the only difference I can think of between my phone and yours that would matter. I am on stock rooted Dev Edition, which apparently does not have the system write protection enabled by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also assume that's the reason. I've never been on a stock rom since I don't know when, but figured that actually I only wanted AdAway which would normally not require a custom rom per se... but as it didn't really work in the end (and also other root-requiring stuff), I went back to custom again. Well, it's not that it's that difficult to wipe the phone occasionally and set up a clean custom rom to get it back to perfect performance. Gonna go with it.

K.I.S.S. Root and debloat vs PackageDisabler Pro (Nougat)

Ok the title says it best.
I would like some opinions about which route you took and why.
I personally have rooted and then noticed lag every time.
After debloating it got a little better and almost near stock speed.
Following debloat I started having issues with ghost apps and apps really disappearing and not working.
I've also tried rooting, debloat, and then unrooting.
results were not much better.
Finally I'm going to try just debloating with package disabler pro and Beast mode (disabling animations etc) - No ROOT
I'll post my results but let me add I've never used a device that was not rooted so this is a nerve racking decision.
Not much activity going on with this model. Wish I would have bought something more popular. Lol.
Active magisk? + Bootloader
jjta said:
Ok the title says it best.
I would like some opinions about which route you took and why.
I personally have rooted and then noticed lag every time.
After debloating it got a little better and almost near stock speed.
Following debloat I started having issues with ghost apps and apps really disappearing and not working.
I've also tried rooting, debloat, and then unrooting.
results were not much better.
Finally I'm going to try just debloating with package disabler pro and Beast mode (disabling animations etc) - No ROOT
I'll post my results but let me add I've never used a device that was not rooted so this is a nerve racking decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, im new to the forum, have an s7 active but i cant seem to unlock the bootloader, or find a way to install magisk mgr so i can hide my root and still play pokemon go ... please help
king2289 said:
Hi, im new to the forum, have an s7 active but i cant seem to unlock the bootloader, or find a way to install magisk mgr so i can hide my root and still play pokemon go ... please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad to say it one of those AT&T things where they lock them and its almost impossible to unlock. Don't think its been done for this phone yet! Try to see if theirs a way to install magisk mgr using flashfire otherwise no root or no pokemon!
thanks
jjta said:
Sad to say it one of those AT&T things where they lock them and its almost impossible to unlock. Don't think its been done for this phone yet! Try to see if theirs a way to install magisk mgr using flashfire otherwise no root or no pokemon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you
jjta said:
Sad to say it one of those AT&T things where they lock them and its almost impossible to unlock. Don't think its been done for this phone yet! Try to see if theirs a way to install magisk mgr using flashfire otherwise no root or no pokemon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant install flashfire lol im not rooted (cries)
jjta said:
Ok the title says it best.
I would like some opinions about which route you took and why.
I personally have rooted and then noticed lag every time.
After debloating it got a little better and almost near stock speed.
Following debloat I started having issues with ghost apps and apps really disappearing and not working.
I've also tried rooting, debloat, and then unrooting.
results were not much better.
Finally I'm going to try just debloating with package disabler pro and Beast mode (disabling animations etc) - No ROOT
I'll post my results but let me add I've never used a device that was not rooted so this is a nerve racking decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this old post:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74551312&postcount=815
I'm wondering if its the newest update thats causing the battery to act like trash...

Tabs S changes.

Hi all,
I hope this is the right to post.
I am at the point of throwing my SM-T800 in the bin. This Samsung bloatware is getting beyond a joke.
I have been toying with the idea of putting a custom ROM on it just so that I can get rid of all this Samsung crap.
Do I need to go that far or can I just put a rootkit on the tablet or maybe there is some other way to achieve my goal.
At the moment I’m just looking for ideas. Anything that could help would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Graeme.
I haven't had much of problem with this. One way to get rid of Samsung bloatware, is to go into settings > applications. Go through the list of every app. If you have no use for it, then delete it. If there is no delete option, like with flipboard or "internet", then disable it. This will stop all of its apps services and also will uninstall all of this apps' updates from the storage. Of course, the tablet will not become exactly "fast" after this because Exynos 5 Octa 5420 was a modest SoC, specially when coupled with the QHD screen. However, freeing up some space will be appreciated on the 16GB storage models.
PS: if there is no delete or disable option, click on the storage and at least delete cache and data. At least this will free some storage.
Akopps said:
I haven't had much of problem with this. One way to get rid of Samsung bloatware, is to go into settings > applications. Go through the list of every app. If you have no use for it, then delete it. If there is no delete option, like with flipboard or "internet", then disable it. This will stop all of its apps services and also will uninstall all of this apps' updates from the storage. Of course, the tablet will not become exactly "fast" after this because Exynos 5 Octa 5420 was a modest SoC, specially when coupled with the QHD screen. However, freeing up some space will be appreciated on the 16GB storage models.
PS: if there is no delete or disable option, click on the storage and at least delete cache and data. At least this will free some storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Akopps
I think I may have not made my goal clear.
My aim is to get rid of any unnecessary Samsung software for no other reason than not having them tell me what I can and cannot do with my device. I have owned it for more than 3 years now and it is well out of warranty. I am happy with the performance. It meet my needs. Disabling their software and removing latest updates just seems a bit futile. Samsungs' "Kids Mode" app just updates itself and then wants to take control of what you see. I'm in my early sixties, no young children or grandchildren and with no need for "Nanny" Samsung to tell me what to do.
I just want to get rid of there "preloaded" software. After all, I own the device, why shouldn't I be able to remove the software?
Cheers,
Graeme
I have tried the same but was unable to use any of the how to.
See here https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/help-to-flash-sm-t800-chagallwifi-mm-6-t3727755
1: gain root
2: download Titanium Backup
3: Remove any bloatware you want with Titanium Backup
No custom room necessary.
noxarcana said:
1: gain root
2: download Titanium Backup
3: Remove any bloatware you want with Titanium Backup
No custom room necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd prefer something like system app remover or BK package disabler in case something is inadvertently removed that causes an issue. It can easily be restored.
Hi guys,
do you have a personal safe-to-remove apps list?
I've tryed following the ones already discussed in this forum section aswell as others but I've encountered some freezes/reboots. (For example by removing BBCAgent , BeaconManager and Context Service).
Thanks for your time and happy new year! (tab s still going strong after 3.5 years yay)
noxarcana said:
1: gain root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how do you gain root on the Samsung MM Rom?
Viper780 said:
And how do you gain root on the Samsung MM Rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to flash superSU with twrp or odin I guess.
Give this thread a read.
ashyx said:
I'd prefer something like system app remover or BK package disabler in case something is inadvertently removed that causes an issue. It can easily be restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. That would definitely be the safest bet. I've made a few stumbles before uninstalling something by mistake.
Viper780 said:
And how do you gain root on the Samsung MM Rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tonyspo is mostly correct. Flash TWRP using odin, boot into TWRP, flash superSU. However, if you're only goal is to remove preloaded apps, I'd suggest taking ashyx's advice and just install BL package disabler from the app store. I use that on my Galaxy S7 and it works great.
I've tried odin, but in download Mode all of my PC's won't recognize the tablet. When booted everything is fine (but than I can't flash)
I've read its because Samsung removed the Option in the Rom to get root rights.
I've also tried Heimdall and I only get error msgs.
Viper780 said:
I've tried odin, but in download Mode all of my PC's won't recognize the tablet. When booted everything is fine (but than I can't flash)
I've read its because Samsung removed the Option in the Rom to get root rights.
I've also tried Heimdall and I only get error msgs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guessing you're actually in recovery mode not download mode if the tablet is recognised when booted to the os.
It says it is the Download Mode
pretty sure it is the correct one
Viper780 said:
It says it is the Download Mode
pretty sure it is the correct one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case what makes you think your device isn't detected in download mode?
Screen shots would help.

[Debloat ]What are the Safe Apps/Packages to Remove?

Based on the title itself, what are the list of apps/packages that you guys removed (or can be removed) to debloat Mi A2 Lite?
Theres not that much bloatware in the device. And I think removing a system app will break OTA updates.
Uuuhhh. Welcome to my world. I don't like being tracked all the time by the countless sensors a modern smartphone has. Privacy is utterly important for me (and should be for everyone, but I'm not here to discuss this haha). Also, I hate making it easy to the multimillionaire companies profiting from selling and playing with your privacy. That's why I can't wait for the custom ROMs to start showing.
So, for now I disabled ALL google and all xiaomi apps. All of them except the "phone", "clock" and "carrier services" apps (the first 2 are too delicate for me and I didn't find a trustworthy alternative and I have no idea what the 3rd does, but seems important haha). Everything else, gone. Even "feedback", "PAI" and "Spock". And, of course, I don't have a google account linked to the device.
On the first boot, the phone connects to the internet and downloads a few other Google and Xiaomi apps. I prevented it to do so, so I wouldn't have to disable too many apps. I disabled google play services, play store and device setup (among the other ones) before connecting to internet.
Everything works fine in my phone (only one issue. Some apps rely on google services to show the map image. The image doesn't work while google services are disabled. But you can always enable it if you wanna use it).
Let me know if you have any question of any app/service/whatever you want to disable. I can share the alternative apps I use for the disable Google ones. I must say that most of them work even better.
adriakus said:
Uuuhhh. Welcome to my world. I don't like being tracked all the time by the countless sensors a modern smartphone has. Privacy is utterly important for me (and should be for everyone, but I'm not here to discuss this haha). Also, I hate making it easy to the multimillionaire companies profiting from selling and playing with your privacy. That's why I can't wait for the custom ROMs to start showing.
So, for now I disabled ALL google and all xiaomi apps. All of them except the "phone", "clock" and "carrier services" apps (the first 2 are too delicate for me and I didn't find a trustworthy alternative and I have no idea what the 3rd does, but seems important haha). Everything else, gone. Even "feedback", "PAI" and "Spock". And, of course, I don't have a google account linked to the device.
On the first boot, the phone connects to the internet and downloads a few other Google and Xiaomi apps. I prevented it to do so, so I wouldn't have to disable too many apps. I disabled google play services, play store and device setup (among the other ones) before connecting to internet.
Everything works fine in my phone (only one issue. Some apps rely on google services to show the map image. The image doesn't work while google services are disabled. But you can always enable it if you wanna use it).
Let me know if you have any question of any app/service/whatever you want to disable. I can share the alternative apps I use for the disable Google ones. I must say that most of them work even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome. I wanted to know your alternatives to some of the system apps. I wanted to uninstall the default file manager of oreo but I can't find the package name from "debloater" magisk module. Also, what are the packages/apps that you uninstalled? Do you mind listing it here?
fake__knv said:
And I think removing a system app will break OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is it true?
can anyone check it?
maybe magisk is not causing problems with OTA updates?
fake__knv said:
Theres not that much bloatware in the device. And I think removing a system app will break OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can uninstall non wanted stuff with the help of ADB without the need of rooting your phone. It doesn't get uninstalled for real, but hidden for the main user profile. Those apps can't run but OTA isn't a problem.
Check it out:
https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
Edit:
@adriakus
You can remove carrier services if you removed Google Messages aswell.
"In a nutshell, the Carrier Services app is intended to allow your smart phone to take full advantage of a technology called Rich Communications Services, or RCS.
RCS allows for extra features in the Android Messaging app. The thing is most carriers have their own methods of supporting RCS in place so Google’s app is often redundant."
elvinguitar said:
That's awesome. I wanted to know your alternatives to some of the system apps. I wanted to uninstall the default file manager of oreo but I can't find the package name from "debloater" magisk module. Also, what are the packages/apps that you uninstalled? Do you mind listing it here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just created this post. I hope you find it useful
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2-lite/how-to/guide-apps-services-safe-to-disable-t3849263
I'm still working on it. Check in tomorrow and it'll be finished.
adriakus said:
I've just created this post. I hope you find it useful
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2-lite/how-to/guide-apps-services-safe-to-disable-t3849263
I'm still working on it. Check in tomorrow and it'll be finished.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thanks for creating this thread. I'll definitely check it out.
krzygaj said:
is it true?
can anyone check it?
maybe magisk is not causing problems with OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm, touching ANYTHING on system partition (eg. hosts file) will cause OTA issues. Everything should be done systemlessly.
Majaque said:
I can confirm, touching ANYTHING on system partition (eg. hosts file) will cause OTA issues. Everything should be done systemlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can Adaway cause problems with OTA updates?
krzygaj said:
Can Adaway cause problems with OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, to prevent it you should turn on "Systemless host" option in Magisk Manager.
Majaque said:
I can confirm, touching ANYTHING on system partition (eg. hosts file) will cause OTA issues. Everything should be done systemlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Force-disabling a system app affects the system partition? Or it would only affect it if it's unisntalled?
adriakus said:
Force-disabling a system app affects the system partition? Or it would only affect it if it's unisntalled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't be a problem. If you disable/freeze a system app with for example Titanium Backup and you restore the stock system partition via fastboot afterwards, the disabled app is still disabled. So the conclusion should be that those changes to the app aren't touching the system partition at all and are stored to the data partition instead.
Don't hit me if this isn't the case.
Hi everyone ,Before realize debloat system app like Google maps , youtube, etc will be a problem to apply new OTA , i uninstall some ones with "3C toolbox" making backup before , after that i restore the backups.
The question is , i am ok for apply future OTAs?.
Thanks.
Txatxiquesi said:
Hi everyone ,Before realize debloat system app like Google maps , youtube, etc will be a problem to apply new OTA , i uninstall some ones with "3C toolbox" making backup before , after that i restore the backups.
The question is , i am ok for apply future OTAs?.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably restoring backups of uninstalled apps isn't enough to be OTA ready, better just disable/freeze system stuff. You won't get free space fo to use after uninstalling anyways.
thorin0815 said:
Probably restoring backups of uninstalled apps isn't enough to be OTA ready, better just disable/freeze system stuff. You won't get free space fo to use after uninstalling anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks , and now what i should do to be OTA ready?.
Txatxiquesi said:
Ok, thanks , and now what i should do to be OTA ready?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflash system_a and system_b partitions via fastboot.
thorin0815 said:
You can uninstall non wanted stuff with the help of ADB without the need of rooting your phone. It doesn't get uninstalled for real, but hidden for the main user profile. Those apps can't run but OTA isn't a problem.
Check it out:
https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
Edit:
@adriakus
You can remove carrier services if you removed Google Messages aswell.
"In a nutshell, the Carrier Services app is intended to allow your smart phone to take full advantage of a technology called Rich Communications Services, or RCS.
RCS allows for extra features in the Android Messaging app. The thing is most carriers have their own methods of supporting RCS in place so Google’s app is often redundant."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you try to safely uninstall Feedback app? Really don't need it and i'd like to uninstall it without ota's issues
I've uninstalled the Feedback app and received the july's OTA without issues.
I've used this app: https://github.com/Saki-EU/XiaomiADBFastbootTools
Akbhar said:
I've uninstalled the Feedback app and received the july's OTA without issues.
I've used this app: https://github.com/Saki-EU/XiaomiADBFastbootTools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ty so much,i've had a quick look and it seems promising.Not so happy about Java,it's needed,but if you promise me you didn't have OTA issues i'll surely use it for my purposes.

Worth Rooting?

Hi all,
Joining Team Pixel tomorrow after my debacle with the Huawei Mate 20 Pro and the green screen fiasco.
Just wondering if its still worth rooting the Pixel? If i do it i wanna do it straight away to save wiping my data again when unlocking the BL. My main reasons would be for Adaway, Removing the Nav Bar, Swift theme installer and Viper.
Most of these can be done via ADB now so is it still worth rooting?
Rooting this phone is pretty easy and it doesn't impact the updating process much if you know what you're doing, so I vote that it is definitely worth rooting.
I don't use a lot of root apps, but the two main ones are worth it to me. I use AdAway for ads (VPN ad blockers are slower and have several cons) and an app called Sa2ration to compensate for the screen's weak color.
I have everything working the way I want without any compromises. Very happy with my setup.
It's soooo easy to root, I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't. My main reason is viper 4 android, but adaway, pixel launcher mods (changes icons and has a system UI tuner), and sd maid pro having deeper access for cleanup as well.
I've always had an Android phone that has been able to be rooted. Adaway, V4A, Substratum, Sa2ration, Titanium Backup and removing the stock navigation buttons are the biggest things for me currently with the Pixel 3 XL.
I always recommend unlocking the bootloader right out of the box, even if you never plan to root. The sole reason for this is if at any point something goes awry and you end up in a bootloop or somehow end up soft bricked, with an unlocked bootloader you can be back up and running like new with a very quick flash-all script from the latest factory image on Google's support site. However, with a locked bootloader, if you find yourself in one of those bad situations, you're at the mercy of Google support to either get you a new device or go days without a phone while they try and fix it.
So, in my opinion, unlocking the bootloader is a no brainer on these phones, right from the get-go.
With that said, rooting is much more user preference. I found no reason to root my OnePlus 6. However, with the 3 XL my sole reason for rooting is to edit the build.prop to properly hide the nav bar at the system level, allowing me to use gesture controls without issue. You can use ADB commands to achieve this as well. But my experience in trying to hide the nav bar with ADB commands on this phone has caused some wonky things to happen, such as status bar notifications not going away and volume controls getting cut off when watching something in landscape mode. Rooting the phone and editing the build.prop was the only solution that worked for me to hide the nav bar without running into unforeseen issues.
If you are one to do other things like use Magisk modules and such, then rooting will be a no brainer for you. Also, as someone else mentioned, rooting this phone is the most straight forward/simple experience I've had rooting a phone in years.
Thanks guys thats it decided then. Is it best to OTA to november then root via twrp after ul bootloader.
Yeah nav bar is a pet hate of mine, I used to love LMT launcher, might try the OP gestures though on this one
Guitarfreak26 said:
Thanks guys thats it decided then. Is it best to OTA to november then root via twrp after ul bootloader.
Yeah nav bar is a pet hate of mine, I used to love LMT launcher, might try the OP gestures though on this one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this: [Guide] Pixel 3 XL Android 9.0 (Pie) Unlock/Root/Install Images/Kernels/Recovery + by Homeboy76 do #4 then #8 if you want root. Also, Prerequisites has a link to download SDK Platform tools r28.0.1, if it needs updating.
gettinwicked said:
It's soooo easy to root, I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't. My main reason is viper 4 android, but adaway, pixel launcher mods (changes icons and has a system UI tuner), and sd maid pro having deeper access for cleanup as well.
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Click to collapse
I'm perfectly happy with the stock experience on this phone. I have no need for anything that requires root. I've rooted a lot of phones in the past, but there's something about this one that I just feel no need to do so. To me that says a lot for how far Google has come.
I'm getting my pixel 3 xl in a few hours today and I've been up all night watching pixel 3 xl videos. I was just about to post a question like this, but thanks to you I don't have to! The wonders of searching.
Anyways, I agree for adway and maybe even mods.
What bothers me is if I decide to use Google pay, Pokemon go or using my bank app, because I was told rooting can stop them from allowing me to use them.
I also want to do it out the box.
Also don't know about the new gesture stuff, so if I don't like it, I'd probably want to mod it.
Guitarfreak26 said:
Thanks guys thats it decided then. Is it best to OTA to november then root via twrp after ul bootloader.
Yeah nav bar is a pet hate of mine, I used to love LMT launcher, might try the OP gestures though on this one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I did with both a Pixel 3 and a Pixel 3 XL. Just don't do a permanent install of TWRP on the XL unless you want to lose your touch screen in TWRP with no way out of TWRP when it boots back in there. I ended up having to hold the power button down until I forced the device off. Booted back into bootloader and ran the temp TWRP (which strangely works fine for touch) and then ran Magisk again to get back to the OS. Strange, the regukar Pixel 3 took permanent TWRP after Magisk, rebooted to TWRP was still able to use touch commands and ran Magisk again to get back to the proper boot image. I can even go to TWRP normally, and touch is functioning normally. I'll have to write the stock boot image when I get home today so I can get back to stock recovery until TWRP for XL is fixed.
GunToYoMouth123 said:
What bothers me is if I decide to use Google pay, Pokemon go or using my bank app, because I was told rooting can stop them from allowing me to use them.
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Click to collapse
Magisk has a hide feature built-in that has been working for me. I have several apps that normally detect root and Magisk blocks their detection 100%. My banking app works (normally detects root) and Google Pay is working just fine with Magisk hide.
I've been learning to live with stock ROMS, BUT, I still need my root. Adaway, TiBu, Substratum, LMT Launcher. I can't give 'em up.
Sevael said:
Magisk has a hide feature built-in that has been working for me. I have several apps that normally detect root and Magisk blocks their detection 100%. My banking app works (normally detects root) and Google Pay is working just fine with Magisk hide.
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Click to collapse
Ohh okay, thanks for that input !
My pixel 3 XL just got here !
Going to see what's up !
Sevael said:
Magisk has a hide feature built-in that has been working for me. I have several apps that normally detect root and Magisk blocks their detection 100%. My banking app works (normally detects root) and Google Pay is working just fine with Magisk hide.
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Click to collapse
My banking apps work fine but i can't get google pay to work. Even with magisk hide still not work. "This account already exists on your device" wheni try to sign in
J32A said:
My banking apps work fine but i can't get google pay to work. Even with magisk hide still not work. "This account already exists on your device" wheni try to sign in
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Click to collapse
Not sure, I haven't encountered this.
I find that when an app has detected root, sometimes they retain this information even through reboots. In those situations, clearing all data from the app often fixes it.
Something else to be aware of is that if you have a widget for an app that detects root, it's not uncommon for the widget to load before Magisk finishes loading and hiding after a reboot. On my Pixel 2 I had one app where after each reboot it would load first (due to a widget being present) and would detect root and block itself. I had to remove the widget and just just use a normal shortcut to the app instead, as I would never manually open it before Magisk finished loading up fully.
I just got pixel 2 xl this thing is a beast came with 5g and unlimted data when I got tablets for kids literally no download it's all instant. every phone I have had b4 is rooted most still work. My question will I improve anything by rooting with this speed? I don't think a VPN blckr would slow it down. How hard is it to reverse root if I need warranty? Is this speed the 5g or just Google built a great product?
sn0warmy said:
I always recommend unlocking the bootloader right out of the box, even if you never plan to root. The sole reason for this is if at any point something goes awry and you end up in a bootloop or somehow end up soft bricked, with an unlocked bootloader you can be back up and running like new with a very quick flash-all script from the latest factory image on Google's support site. However, with a locked bootloader, if you find yourself in one of those bad situations, you're at the mercy of Google support to either get you a new device or go days without a phone while they try and fix it.
<snip>
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Click to collapse
Unlocking the bl is problematic in some instances. Detection for apps and things like that. Why would you just not check off the "allow the bootloader to be unlocked" option in OEM unlocking? Then you get to fastboot and can unlock if needed without actually being unlocked and compromised.
bobby janow said:
Unlocking the bl is problematic in some instances. Detection for apps and things like that. Why would you just not check off the "allow the bootloader to be unlocked" option in OEM unlocking? Then you get to fastboot and can unlock if needed without actually being unlocked and compromised.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, that apps recognize root but not bootloader locked status. As long as you don't root, you should be fine with all apps.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Eudeferrer said:
It is my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, that apps recognize root but not bootloader locked status. As long as you don't root, you should be fine with all apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I don't think so. If you bl unlock it will be detected. There are kernels that will fix that but stock unlocked is a trigger.
Eudeferrer said:
It is my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, that apps recognize root but not bootloader locked status. As long as you don't root, you should be fine with all apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. As @bobby janow said, some apps treat bootloader unlock as having root. DirecTV Now is a prime example. Also, Netflix won't even appear in the app store and would have to be sideloaded. Although, all of those can be worked around it is sometimes a pain.

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