Related
I have been finding myself only using Magisk for EmojiOne, but noticing I don't use Emoji like I used to anymore and am thinking since I only use Substratum with a Center Clock mod and have stopped using it for Dark theming, maybe going back to a stock based setup would be fine. I can use the Andromeda thing with Substratum which is an extra step but can do my center clock and possibly emoji one via substratum... not sure what else I would want root for... Updating is a touch of a pain for me. What do yo guys think, and have any of you gone back to stock?
I went back to stock just because I didn't want to have the uncertainty of being rooted.
Nothing wrong with rooting but I love this phone the way it is.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
For myself Rooting was a necessity. The devices sold in the past had so much Crapware.
It was nice to get the latest and greatest ROM and tweak the device to run faster because at that time they were just plain old slow.
Today, depending on where you bought a device devices are very fast. It seems to me that every ROM has an issue that influences the character of the device.
If your device comes from a carrier such as Verizon you should Root it to get rid of their crapware.
It seems their attitude is you only have the right to buy their device not the ability to control, I mean really you think you own it or something? ( yes I'm a VZW hater)
What was the question?
kdkinc said:
For myself Rooting was a necessity. The devices sold in the past had so much Crapware.
It was nice to get the latest and greatest ROM and tweak the device to run faster because at that time they were just plain old slow.
Today, depending on where you bought a device devices are very fast. It seems to me that every ROM has an issue that influences the character of the device.
If your device comes from a carrier such as Verizon you should Root it to get rid of their crapware.
It seems their attitude is you only have the right to buy their device not the ability to control, I mean really you think you own it or something? ( yes I'm a VZW hater)
What was the question?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I agree 100%. I can simply disable gMail and Calculator, the only 2 APPs pre-installed on my Pixel 2 XL that I don't need. I use Inbox by Google for eMails and a Calculator Widget for that. Aside from the EmojiOne and CenterClock, I don't even dark-theme anymore, especially not on this device with the "black crush" all the OLEDs have an issue with. I was rooted fro KCal, but am finding the Boosted setting works just fine and oddly my Blue Tint has weakened since my first few days where it was really bad. Almost like the display is wearing in and getting better? It's still there, but just not as much as that first fresh opening, so warming up the display isn't needed much for me now either.
I like to see where people's heads are at with each device, and this is one the extra input is nice to read.
I'm actually on the fence about rooting. Just received my phone this weekend and I can't decide. Going to unlock bootloader before fully setting up, but I have been playing with it a little. I've always rooted and ran custom ROMs as well as adaway. With PureNexus on my N6 I stopped flashing for over a year except the occasional ROM update. I simply like Android in it's simplest form.
I will always root, no matter what. The only downside is like you said, having to mess with getting OTAs in an unnatural way. However, seeing as how I flash all factory images, I get them sooner than those waiting on an OTA to hit their phone. Plus once you have all the tools ready to go, it literally only takes a few minutes to flash an update.
I always root because I usually run stock. And while stock on a Pixel 2 XL is damn near close to perfection, it will never be what "I" consider perfect. Which means I have to mess with the /system files to get things "perfect." I've modded the stock launcher, which I couldn't do if I was rooted. I've switched out fonts. I've changed the navbar, status bar, and quick settings. And of course, there's always AdAway which requires root. Granted some of those things can be achieved with third party apps, but I'd rather get it done "internally" whenever possible.
I used to have it for years, then more and more companies (Google and banks) made their apps check for root, and I tired of the cat and mouse game with SuperSU and Magisk. So I unrooted over a year ago. Didn't miss it at all until yesterday, when I wanted to do something with Tasker that requires root. But what I wanted to do falls into the category of "it would be nice" as opposed to "I have/need to do this", so I remain unrooted. I haven't really missed it much.
I am stuck without root since I have the Verizon model which was given to me free from work so I cannot complain too much. I have always rooted and messed with ROMs. The only thing I would need root for with the 2 XL is ad blocking with Chrome. I am trying the Samsung browser and ABP which work pretty well together.
If I didn't have the noise cancellation mic issue on my 6P I think I would have given up root a long time ago...
I rotate between stock and rooted daily lol
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
I am sort of glad I found this thread. I'm not a XDA regular but I've been following root guides from here since my Razr Mazz HD. I chose the Pixel in part for the ease of getting root and for Project Fi. Now that I have the phone, I'm not sure I want to root. I've never had a phone with quick updates before. I LOVE AdAway, but is it really worth the tradeoff? AdGuard is just as good if you don't use your VPN slot but if you DO use a VPN and need it.... not rooting forces me to choose between PIA and AdGuard. But do I even need a VPN anymore with Project Fi? Probably... Firefox with uBlock works pretty well too but doesn't work on apps. Oh the decisions.
Ruraltech said:
I am sort of glad I found this thread. I'm not a XDA regular but I've been following root guides from here since my Razr Mazz HD. I chose the Pixel in part for the ease of getting root and for Project Fi. Now that I have the phone, I'm not sure I want to root. I've never had a phone with quick updates before. I LOVE AdAway, but is it really worth the tradeoff? AdGuard is just as good if you don't use your VPN slot but if you DO use a VPN and need it.... not rooting forces me to choose between PIA and AdGuard. But do I even need a VPN anymore with Project Fi? Probably... Firefox with uBlock works pretty well too but doesn't work on apps. Oh the decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like it the way it is, then I'd just leave it. It's a great device on stock. However, having root, AdAway, TiBu, kernels, and mods, is a lot of fun as well. As long as you know adb and fastboot fairly well, rooting and flashing monthly updates is pretty easy :good:
I was rooted from the get go!!
I'm going to try to live without root for a bit but already hating not having AdAway. I just know I won't keep up with updates if I have to do them. I sure wish AdAway didn't need root
Ruraltech said:
I am sort of glad I found this thread. I'm not a XDA regular but I've been following root guides from here since my Razr Mazz HD. I chose the Pixel in part for the ease of getting root and for Project Fi. Now that I have the phone, I'm not sure I want to root. I've never had a phone with quick updates before. I LOVE AdAway, but is it really worth the tradeoff? AdGuard is just as good if you don't use your VPN slot but if you DO use a VPN and need it.... not rooting forces me to choose between PIA and AdGuard. But do I even need a VPN anymore with Project Fi? Probably... Firefox with uBlock works pretty well too but doesn't work on apps. Oh the decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not regretting going back to stock from rooted as the only things I no longer have is center clock and emojione, which I 'could' get using Andromeda / Substratum but heard you have to reconnect to the computer anytime you reboot the phone and decided that's just not worth it for me. I am interested in ad blocking if possible without Root for Chrome. Only Ads that get in my way are via "News" and articles I touch from the Google Feed. Sadly many lately are blatant click-bait, page-hopping crap and slideshows that I refuse to go past the first page on.
Edit: Well, just ran across something known as DNS66 and have that up and running without Root and sure enough, it's blocking Ads on everything, even in Chrome without issue.
sharkie405 said:
I will always root, no matter what. The only downside is like you said, having to mess with getting OTAs in an unnatural way. However, seeing as how I flash all factory images, I get them sooner than those waiting on an OTA to hit their phone. Plus once you have all the tools ready to go, it literally only takes a few minutes to flash an update.
I always root because I usually run stock. And while stock on a Pixel 2 XL is damn near close to perfection, it will never be what "I" consider perfect. Which means I have to mess with the /system files to get things "perfect." I've modded the stock launcher, which I couldn't do if I was rooted. I've switched out fonts. I've changed the navbar, status bar, and quick settings. And of course, there's always AdAway which requires root. Granted some of those things can be achieved with third party apps, but I'd rather get it done "internally" whenever possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats your few minute process? Do you only have a few apps to restore with data?
plisskenn said:
Whats your few minute process? Do you only have a few apps to restore with data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash without wiping data.
plisskenn said:
Whats your few minute process? Do you only have a few apps to restore with data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See below. ?
jrbxx7 said:
Flash without wiping data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
First thing I did with my unlocked XL 2 was to unlock the bootloader. I then rooted once Magisk was available. I root so I can do pain-free full TiBu of my apps and for AdAway. Even though I have corporate email on my phone, the Magisk Hide bypasses their restrictions in the email app.
I'm actually kind of shocked we don't have more ROMs for this phone, though I'm not a Dev and don't know how complex it may be. If more Devs release custom ROMs, I'll be trying some out for sure.
I never buy android phone unless it's bootloader-unlockable and root-able
Too many handicap applied without root.
I hate dns/vpn based adblock, it cluttering my status bar and notification. So, yes, i need root for adaway,
Google limit Tethering frequency option for my country (No 5Ghz) so, yes, i need root to enable it,
I like the ability to background play youtube, and see youtube without ads, so yes, i root my phone for that. Sure, no root option is available, but lot of problem with google account cant sign in, and this and that.
I like the ability to use Brevent, Edge Sense Plus, Greenify etc without the need of plugging my phone to PC and do adb command. So, yes, i rooted my phone for that.
The phone will never be 100% yours, unless you have total control over anything inside it
So,
There's no way am back to stock. Especially with xposed working so well right now.
otonieru said:
I like the ability to background play youtube, and see youtube without ads, so yes, i root my phone for that. Sure, no root option is available, but lot of problem with google account cant sign in, and this and that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you are using Magisk, how did you get YouTube Red without subscribing? (You can PM me if you don't want to hijack this thread...)
Hey all. So as the title says, I'm new to Android, I've had an iPhone for like 10 years now and fancied a change. Bought the Razer on Monday and was wondering whats the benefits of Rooting the phone? As someone who used to Jailbreak the iPhone for tweaks etc, why should I root my phone? And is there any advice/help for making my phone better out of the box?
My main reason is to block ads, web and YouTube.
Oh by the way welcome to the dark side. Lol
If ads don't bother you i personally wouldn't bother with all the trouble
I root mainly because of xposed/gravity box and ads blocker
waiflih said:
I root mainly because of xposed/gravity box and ads blocker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's that?
Root is not that hard. Go to this post scroll down to "Prebuilt boot image:" download the IMG and flash it.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76062554&postcount=1
I use root for several different things.
1) Get rid of Ads
2) Grant extra rights to an app called MacroDroid (This app allows you to fully automate your phone through macros, like setting up a rule that says when the phone connects to my work wi-fi then it automatically will switch to vibrate only. This particular rule does not require root but there are extra functions granted by root that allow you to pretty much create whatever kind of rule you want to suit your life. It's a very powerful app and useful app.)
3) Get access to the true file structure (or root) of the phone allowing you to change undercover things if you know what you are doing.
4) I have another app called Social Contact Photo sync that needs root to match up my phone contacts with their Facebook photos.
5) I have an app called Tiles that allows you to change out and add a few extra buttons to the quick menu in the pulldown tray.
6) This is probably the most important one though, Titanium Backup. This should be the first app you install after getting root. Not only does it back up the apps and things on your phone but it also saves the data within those apps. So any custom settings and whatnot you have made in the apps will be saved. It also has many many more features, such as cloud saves to Dropbox or Google Drive.
Ultimately though the real point of Rooting is to grant you admin access to do whatever you want with it, just the way a PC is. You own it, so make it yours.
lostnsound said:
I use root for several different things.
1) Get rid of Ads
2) Grant extra rights to an app called MacroDroid (This app allows you to fully automate your phone through macros, like setting up a rule that says when the phone connects to my work wi-fi then it automatically will switch to vibrate only. This particular rule does not require root but there are extra functions granted by root that allow you to pretty much create whatever kind of rule you want to suit your life. It's a very powerful app and useful app.)
3) Get access to the true file structure (or root) of the phone allowing you to change undercover things if you know what you are doing.
4) I have another app called Social Contact Photo sync that needs root to match up my phone contacts with their Facebook photos.
5) I have an app called Tiles that allows you to change out and add a few extra buttons to the quick menu in the pulldown tray.
6) This is probably the most important one though, Titanium Backup. This should be the first app you install after getting root. Not only does it back up the apps and things on your phone but it also saves the data within those apps. So any custom settings and whatnot you have made in the apps will be saved. It also has many many more features, such as cloud saves to Dropbox or Google Drive.
Ultimately though the real point of Rooting is to grant you admin access to do whatever you want with it, just the way a PC is. You own it, so make it yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. That's very helpful and sounds like I'll be doing that then! One note, should I force the Oreo update first or leave it?
askylitangel said:
Awesome. That's very helpful and sounds like I'll be doing that then! One note, should I force the Oreo update first or leave it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wanna try rooting i recommend you to back up your ohone ir sync it with google, then download the factory images of razer,
From here you can flash the factory images of oreo and have your phone factory reset, then from there set up your phone.
Oh to use the factiry images, you need to unlock your bootloader.
IM in the same boat, ive only ever owned iPhones going back to the 3GS the RazerPhone is my 1st Android phone too slowely getting use to it however the only problems i have is with lack of secuirty and OS updates that we are use to on Apple devices
iliais347 said:
If you wanna try rooting i recommend you to back up your ohone ir sync it with google, then download the factory images of razer,
From here you can flash the factory images of oreo and have your phone factory reset, then from there set up your phone.
Oh to use the factiry images, you need to unlock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how do I go about doing that?
There's always a guide
https://forum.xda-developers.com/razer-phone/how-to/guide-to-unlocking-bootloader-t3706462
Please be aware that unlocking your phone will delete all data so backup pictures etc
SeriousFlash said:
There's always a guide
https://forum.xda-developers.com/razer-phone/how-to/guide-to-unlocking-bootloader-t3706462
Please be aware that unlocking your phone will delete all data so backup pictures etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is it worth waiting on 3 to push the Oreo update? (I'm from UK) or should I unlock the bootloader and force the update?
If you want to root your phone just go for the unlocking and debranding your phone to get Oreo and the easy root.
If you don't want to root then wait for three I would say since Oreo doesn't bring too much new stuff besides autofill in apps and better Dolby Atmos
The guides are all pretty straight forward and if something goes wrong you can always flash the recovery images
SeriousFlash said:
If you want to root your phone just go for the unlocking and debranding your phone to get Oreo and the easy root.
If you don't want to root then wait for three I would say since Oreo doesn't bring too much new stuff besides autofill in apps and better Dolby Atmos
The guides are all pretty straight forward and if something goes wrong you can always flash the recovery images
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Thank you so much! If I get lost you're the first person I'll ask for help aha
I should probs ask. But once it's rooted what do I do next? Like to block ads etc
Block Ads without a constantly running process by modifying the HOSTS file, OS Tweaks (L Speed, HEBF Optimizer, ect.), Better Customization (Substratum), more features you can use, Hack games with Game Gaurdian (Useful in games like City Racing 3D where you can hack the IAPs to get them free, because $100 for one car is too expensive), Bypass regional or device restrictions on the Play Store by spoofing a different devices specs.... and for my favorite root ability, ViPER Audio (Nothing sounds as near as good, not even Dolby Atmos)!
The list goes on and on... I love root. Most devices I use I root. However rooting voids your warranty. Also some devices have better development and are more stable, the Razer Phone is still new so it may be a while longer before we have more ROM options with root.
There are two types of root. System and Systemless (Recommended, especially for new users since a factory reset will often undo changes you made that may of bricked your phone when something went wrong)
FanboyStudios said:
Block Ads without a constantly running process by modifying the HOSTS file, OS Tweaks (L Speed, HEBF Optimizer, ect.), Better Customization (Substratum), more features you can use, Hack games with Game Gaurdian (Useful in games like City Racing 3D where you can hack the IAPs to get them free, because $100 for one car is too expensive), Bypass regional or device restrictions on the Play Store by spoofing a different devices specs.... and for my favorite root ability, ViPER Audio (Nothing sounds as near as good, not even Dolby Atmos)!
The list goes on and on... I love root. Most devices I use I root. However rooting voids your warranty. Also some devices have better development and are more stable, the Razer Phone is still new so it may be a while longer before we have more ROM options with root.
There are two types of root. System and Systemless (Recommended, especially for new users since a factory reset will often undo changes you made that may of bricked your phone when something went wrong)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds amazing tbh. Is there a tutorial for the systemless? And how would one go about installing the "add-ons" so to speak?
askylitangel said:
That sounds amazing tbh. Is there a tutorial for the systemless? And how would one go about installing the "add-ons" so to speak?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I would wait until there's more development and things are more stable... but if you so ask...
First you should get TWRP. https://forum.xda-developers.com/razer-phone/development/twrp-razer-phone-t3727333 After installing, back everything up to your microSD card. Then you need to install Magisk (This is the systemless root, I usually myself don't use systemless root and I prefer system root as I'm more careful and I want some of my changes to stay even after a factory reset). After that, you may get Magisk modules which add functionality and use some root apps.
Just a quick note, it does seem like there are some minor bugs with the Oreo update on the Razer.
Me and my gf have matching razers and both our phones have stopped syncing voicemails to our dialer and our dialers keep crashing.
We have also had a problem with the phone becoming entirely unresponsive even to force power off and after about 5 minutes the OS would crash and reboot then it would be fine.
This all seems to be a bug within Oreo, the only other phone to ahve the update seems to be the Pixel phones and they seem to be reporting similar issues.
I never had these issues prior to the update and we have both had these phones since day one (very awesome phone by the way regardless of the issues).
HI All,
So I've have my 7T for about a month now and are very happy coming from a P 2xl.
Now I'm thinking should I or should I not root. When I had my Note 4 I rooted all the time but now that I think of it, even though it was kind of fun, I don't miss the bugs. On the positive side , due to so much bloat from Samsung, I liked the ability to delete and clean out the phone. Moving on the P 2 XL I didn't root because it was so clean and Google lets you delete practically everything you don't want. Now I'm with the 7T which seems to be another "clean" phone.
At this point , I'm looking for suggestions:
What are the pros and cons?
Happy Holidays
Rich
It's more like what you want to achieve with root.
It's a bit more complicated since there is no TWRP. And it case something goes wrong, it might be a bit tricky to get restore everything, but you should be fine since there's are plenty of instructions.
I've heard some banking apps does not work, but haven't experienced that.
Unlocking the bootloader makes the widevine Level L3, so you are limited to 720p Netflix.
Sent from my OnePlus7TPro using XDA Labs
I don't think it is necessary to root because you can debloat with adb commands. If you root the banking apps won't work for example and because of rooting you expose yourself to a security risk
I tried it, didn't end up working well, had to use the OnePlus recovery tool
Also as for banking apps stopping working, use magisk hide, may also work on Netflix but not sure
I'm usually a big fan of rooting, but have been using my 7t for a week without it and don't miss it. Brave browser and adb debloat has accomplished most of what I need root for.
In my case answer was simple. Titaniumbackup requires root. Not all apps have import/export settings or do so completely. Adaway, Vpn hotspot (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=be.mygod.vpnhotspot&hl=en_US), and some other apps I use also require root. Hell, I could of gotten a samdung product (on promotion) for a few bucks more. Root or bust !!!
Reasons to root:
Adaway
Reasons not to:
I rooted the phone a month or so back to use a custom kernel, install AdAway and even tried out OmniROM which was quite buggy and essentially a step down from OxygenOS. More importantly, it wasn't worth it because of losing Widevine L1 which is needed in my case for Netflix and Prime Video, as I occasionally connect it to other display devices over Type-C. Banking apps mostly worked with Magisk Hide but then some of them were a bit glitchy.
Moreover, it was a bit of a pain to restore OxygenOS as the fastboot roms fail the integrity check and the only option is to do a factory flash. I eventually settled on debloating through adb and using Blokada for adblocking which more or less serves its purpose.
I root on the first day. Mainly for adaway , viper4android and theming. Its just way easier to achieve these with root .
pbman1953 said:
HI All,
So I've have my 7T for about a month now and are very happy coming from a P 2xl.
Now I'm thinking should I or should I not root. When I had my Note 4 I rooted all the time but now that I think of it, even though it was kind of fun, I don't miss the bugs. On the positive side , due to so much bloat from Samsung, I liked the ability to delete and clean out the phone. Moving on the P 2 XL I didn't root because it was so clean and Google lets you delete practically everything you don't want. Now I'm with the 7T which seems to be another "clean" phone.
At this point , I'm looking for suggestions:
What are the pros and cons?
Happy Holidays
Rich
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adaway is essential.
Root provides you with control.
YouTube without ads.
TB
Full tasker control.
Nobrainer.
Kirahvi said:
Reasons to root:
Adaway
Reasons not to:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just coming on to post exactly the same point. I rooted no issues and my banking apps work if I use Magisk Hide so its all good
Hi!
Wich one is the best guide to unlock bootloader and root Without any problem?
Thanks!
paulo_snower said:
Hi!
Wich one is the best guide to unlock bootloader and root Without any problem?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the guides section
Sent from my OnePlus7TPro using XDA Labs
surdustef said:
I don't think it is necessary to root because you can debloat with adb commands. If you root the banking apps won't work for example and because of rooting you expose yourself to a security risk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to agree with you. Please explain " adb commands". I've heard of them but have no idea how to use them. Plus what is the bloat in this phone? What items should be gone?
Thanks
mikefnz said:
Adaway is essential.
Root provides you with control.
YouTube without ads.
TB
Full tasker control.
Nobrainer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually possible to install Vanced YouTube apk without rooting
pbman1953 said:
I tend to agree with you. Please explain " adb commands". I've heard of them but have no idea how to use them. Plus what is the bloat in this phone? What items should be gone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can check my post https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7t/how-to/debloat-via-adb-root-t4018801 about debloat apps
Hello everyone,
So is rooting Worth it or should i wait for a while?
Not nearly as important today as years ago when OEM firmware was buggy, laggy and without many features. Nowadays, most of the features we used to root our roms for are built in to stock roms and with as much ram as we have in phones, lagginess no longer seems to be much of an issue.
I was going to wait to root, but getting ads on my phone was a deal breaker. I need a good root-level ad-blocker.
Berner said:
I was going to wait to root, but getting ads on my phone was a deal breaker. I need a good root-level ad-blocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't get ads if you opt out of them during setup.
dns.adguard.com
put this as dns in wireless setting.
Currently I have two reasons to flash
To access auxiliary cameras in gcam we need root
And also to use substratum themes we need root.
But since there is no straight way of rooting as in no official twrp support for now ..I will do it later . I can probably do without the above two things
Berner said:
I was going to wait to root, but getting ads on my phone was a deal breaker. I need a good root-level ad-blocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adgaurd is doing good for me so far
Here I briefly provided the device with root, this to restore my apps via swift backup. Then flashed full OTA and back on original boot.img.
I have had root for a while but have not used it a lot, if you want to remove system / apps or something it will not work, thank you Google for this. As long as it is not possible to mount, root is useless for me.
Really it depends on what you want to do /achieve.
Sent from my OnePlus7TPro using XDA Labs
Personally I don't feel it's worth it, given the potential of creating other problems, having to fix boot loops, and generally falling into a rabbit hole vortex which has nothing to do with the everyday life in front of me ?
In short, yes, mainly because you can get back some of the Google apps. The OnePlus phone dialer app is terrible. If you're rude, you can get the Google one. Also you have easier access to Google feed
Lossyx said:
Really it depends on what you want to do /achieve.
Sent from my OnePlus7TPro using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is absolutely true, but virtually most of the things one can gain nowadays are rather minimal gains. Nowadays, with phones having 6,8 and even 12 GBs of ram and better optimized stock roms, they generally run smoother than third party roms. Ten years ago, that wasn't the case. Stock roms didn't have many of the features I wanted and the only way to get them was in adding them to third party roms, like AOSP. Now, many of those features are already baked into Android and overall development is down.
---------- Post added at 04:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:01 AM ----------
Cowbell_Guy said:
In short, yes, mainly because you can get back some of the Google apps. The OnePlus phone dialer app is terrible. If you're rude, you can get the Google one. Also you have easier access to Google feed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't have to be rooted to get Google feed. Many launchers have it, such as pixel launcher, nova, cpl, lawnchair and others. Also the google phone dialer can be added via apk. No root needed.
jim262 said:
That is absolutely true, but virtually most of the things one can gain nowadays are rather minimal gains. Nowadays, with phones having 6,8 and even 12 GBs of ram and better optimized stock roms, they generally run smoother than third party roms. Ten years ago, that wasn't the case. Stock roms didn't have many of the features I wanted and the only way to get them was in adding them to third party roms, like AOSP. Now, many of those features are already baked into Android and overall development is down.
---------- Post added at 04:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:01 AM ----------
Don't have to be rooted to get Google feed. Many launchers have it, such as pixel launcher, nova, cpl, lawnchair and others. Also the google phone dialer can be added via apk. No root needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with everything you said. But it's mostly not about making tweaks to get better performance nowadays.
For me, the biggest reason I root is because of Viper4android.
Sent from my OnePlus7TPro using XDA Labs
Upside:
As of now:
Adblocking, Freezing apps, accessing system files, proper backups and restore, easier/more Tasker capabilities, proper substratum, "better" YouTube vanced, working gcam aux, custom kernels and kernel tweaks such as minimum brightness, oh, and did I say adblocking?
In the future:
Twrp, custom ROMs, probably a fix/mod for the goddamn ****ty default camera, you name it...
Downside:
Some reading about how to root
Actually rooting (unlocking bootloader needing a data wipe)
Remembering not to reboot before applying root again after ota system updates (and having to download full size every time)
Some extra settings/work needed to hide root from bank apps
Worth the extra hassle? absolutely freaking yea.
My device, my control?
Eddiemc said:
Upside:
As of now:
Adblocking, Freezing apps, accessing system files, proper backups and restore, easier/more Tasker capabilities, proper substratum, "better" YouTube vanced, working gcam aux, custom kernels and kernel tweaks such as minimum brightness, oh, and did I say adblocking?
In the future:
Twrp, custom ROMs, probably a fix/mod for the goddamn ****ty default camera, you name it...
Downside:
Some reading about how to root
Actually rooting (unlocking bootloader needing a data wipe)
Remembering not to reboot before applying root again after ota system updates (and having to download full size every time)
Some extra settings/work needed to hide root from bank apps
Worth the extra hassle? absolutely freaking yea.
My device, my control
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything you say is true, but you can achieve virtually all those things without root nowadays. Most major OEMs offer proper backup and restore software, no need for substratum as themeing (dark mode) is already built in to 10, all apps can be disabled with adb commands and many stock OS's also offer a ability to disable and uninstall many of them. Ad blocking can also be done to varying degrees with out root and most ROMs today are actually smoother and faster because of better optimization nowadays and lots more RAM and storage. These things were extremely important in the day when most phones operated with 2 GB ram and 16 GB storage, but things are way different now, so it is not as critical anymore.
jim262 said:
Everything you say is true, but you can achieve virtually all those things without root nowadays. Most major OEMs offer proper backup and restore software, no need for substratum as themeing (dark mode) is already built in to 10, all apps can be disabled with adb commands and many stock OS's also offer a ability to disable and uninstall many of them. Ad blocking can also be done to varying degrees with out root and most ROMs today are actually smoother and faster because of better optimization nowadays and lots more RAM and storage. These things were extremely important in the day when most phones operated with 2 GB ram and 16 GB storage, but things are way different now, so it is not as critical anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question is "is rootiong worth it" not "should you do it" or "what was it like in the past." Please try to stay on topic.
"Most major OEMs offer proper backup and restore software." Not all do and most of the apps are abysmally lacking in features.
"no need for substratum as themeing (dark mode) is already built in to 10." Yeah not even close buddy.
"all apps can be disabled with adb commands and many stock OS's also offer a ability to disable and uninstall many of them." Having to connect my phone to a computer with adb installed and learn complicated commands or downloading an app and clicking uninstall/disable...
"Ad blocking can also be done to varying degrees with out root" You get much better adblocking with root and much more controll over your hosts file among other features.
Discussing is root worth it here on XDA is really ironic and shows what this site has become.
^^ How do I back up application ________'s data? I don't update apps daily/weekly, usually quarterly or less. Will take a backup (titaniumbackup) first before doing updating so I can revert back if there issues.
Google backup still is not 100% reliable. How else can the above be done on an unrooted device?
Kirahvi said:
The question is "is rootiong worth it" not "should you do it" or "what was it like in the past." Please try to stay on topic.
"Most major OEMs offer proper backup and restore software." Not all do and most of the apps are abysmally lacking in features.
"no need for substratum as themeing (dark mode) is already built in to 10." Yeah not even close buddy.
"all apps can be disabled with adb commands and many stock OS's also offer a ability to disable and uninstall many of them." Having to connect my phone to a computer with adb installed and learn complicated commands or downloading an app and clicking uninstall/disable...
"Ad blocking can also be done to varying degrees with out root" You get much better adblocking with root and much more controll over your hosts file among other features.
Discussing is root worth it here on XDA is really ironic and shows what this site has become.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"all apps can be disabled with adb commands and many stock OS's also offer a ability to disable and uninstall many of them." Having to connect my phone to a computer with adb installed and learn complicated commands or downloading an app and clicking uninstall/disable... Is that any harder than having to root your phone by connecting your phone to a computer also and use adb commands? As far as themeing goes, I can fully theme my phone on my Vivo Nex, Google Pixel, Samsung S10 and Note10, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Redmi and Huawei phones. Not sure which phones your using, you can theme all these phones. Dark mode can easily be enabled in Android 10 and OnePlus has offered a system wide Dark Mode UI for years and with Google now embracing it, virtually all Google apps can turn dark as well. Gmail, Play Store, You Tube, Photos, etc ... all dark.
jim262 said:
"all apps can be disabled with adb commands and many stock OS's also offer a ability to disable and uninstall many of them." Having to connect my phone to a computer with adb installed and learn complicated commands or downloading an app and clicking uninstall/disable... Is that any harder than having to root your phone by connecting your phone to a computer also and use adb commands? As far as themeing goes, I can fully theme my phone on my Vivo Nex, Google Pixel, Samsung S10 and Note10, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Redmi and Huawei phones. Not sure which phones your using, you can theme all these phones. Dark mode can easily be enabled in Android 10 and OnePlus has offered a system wide Dark Mode UI for years and with Google now embracing it, virtually all Google apps can turn dark as well. Gmail, Play Store, You Tube, Photos, etc ... all dark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dark theme you are talking about man doesnt compare to what swift installer or substratum can achieve at the moment. There is a reason why we are still using these apps even when windows 10 has a dark mode. You might be comfortable with it but some of us are not. I like my phone fully black with a proper adblock , viper4arise to make my earphones sound even better, now i have instagram mod called instaperfs can download pics from the gram. The amount of stuff i can achieve with root a lot. So yeah rooting is still way worth it. Banking apps just need to be hidden in magisk and you are good to go
Adaway is a long time fav
I would have expected more activity here......
seems like people are happy with their devices out of the box... so there isn't much need for mods, custom ROMs and stuff like this?!
I think the modding scene died as stock Android progressively chipped away at the best major features of custom ROMs. Better privacy controls, power savings, night & dark modes, quick tiles. Those were pretty much the biggest selling points for me. The only other custom ROM features people liked were PIE controls and and silly animations.
And with the Pixel you'd lose so many of the Pixel extras if you flash a custom ROM. (recognizing music, probably live transcribe, the nifty Live Wallpapers, etc.
I've been occasionaly racking my brain to figure out if there are any value-added features left to pursue. Say, for LineageOS- they could replace all of the stock audio files with some high quality and very unique sounds, get some interesting wallpapers (a fresh coat of paint.), improve the stock launcher, bundle F-Droid, and offer Google Cloud Messaging and location svcs alternatives. They did/are add(ing) an online backup solution called SeedVault.
It's a difficult thing to think of any original ideas. I also have this per-app fuzzy location idea I submitted to Google issue tracker (which iPhone also came up with recently. I think they call it Approximate Location.)
It used to be more exciting to be a flashaholic but every time I look at the custom ROMs these days they don't "do anything" for me. More minuses than pluses.
jawz101 said:
And with the Pixel you'd lose so many of the Pixel extras if you flash a custom ROM. (recognizing music, probably live transcribe, the nifty Live Wallpapers, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all these working on derpfest but I generally agree with your point. Im mostly modded for some personal QoL changes that might not be worth having SafetyNet broken, im weighing it atm
I rooted for about 2 weeks until a security update happened. It's such a pain to update without TWRP, I went back to stock. Only thing I miss with root is backing up data with Swift BU. There are a few other things that are nice with root, but not necessary (mainly custom accent colors, and fonts). I know I'd love to be back on Derpfest, but until a stable TWRP is available, sticking with stock.
Just got mine. Love it. Going to enjoy the stock pixel before playing around with root and roms.
Bought the Pixel 4a precisely to avoid all this root and modding stress. And I was not disappointed, everything runs perfectly.
My last 2 phones ran stock with root. This phone is no exception. I'd be on a custom ROM if the stock wasn't AOSP (eg. Samsung, MIUI, etc). Magisk fixes up any annoyances.
tcat007 said:
I rooted for about 2 weeks until a security update happened. It's such a pain to update without TWRP, I went back to stock. Only thing I miss with root is backing up data with Swift BU. There are a few other things that are nice with root, but not necessary (mainly custom accent colors, and fonts). I know I'd love to be back on Derpfest, but until a stable TWRP is available, sticking with stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I just bought a Pixel 4a, downgraded it to A10 and install Magisk and TWRP.
It seems to be running fine so far (1 week).
But I am concerned with your comment above about a security update breaking your root.
Is this right?
If so, then is there a way to stop auto-security updates?
JohnC said:
Hi,
I just bought a Pixel 4a, downgraded it to A10 and install Magisk and TWRP.
It seems to be running fine so far (1 week).
But I am concerned with your comment above about a security update breaking your root.
Is this right?
If so, then is there a way to stop auto-security updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is recommended to turn off auto updates. Go to developers settings > turn off automatic system updates
Royalfox said:
Yes it is recommended to turn off auto updates. Go to developers settings > turn off automatic system updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. Thank you.
a1291762 said:
Magisk fixes up any annoyances.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Magisk modules would you recommend?
I am coming from a Samsung S4 and I liked that the built-in Samsung apps each had a different material color header (Phone - green, Email - blue, SMS - Yellow), but the phone app and message app are just mainly all-white screen apps. But this gripe is theme related.
What other non-theme issues have you used magisk to fix?
I would still root for privacy and security reasons, but I can see why the regular schmegular joe wouldnt need to care. Pixel4a is a great phone stock or modded.
JohnC said:
I am coming from a Samsung S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you and I have different ideas about what needs to be fixed. Adding busybox, updated tz files, removing system from apps so they can be suspended in the background. That's the kind of stuff I have.
a1291762 said:
I think you and I have different ideas about what needs to be fixed. Adding busybox, updated tz files, removing system from apps so they can be suspended in the background. That's the kind of stuff I have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant like what modules/apps do you find indispensable?
I am using XprivacyLUA, +AFwall Titanium Backup, Autostarts and Gravitybox to keep privacy up and to keep running apps to a minimum.
I'm pretty happy that I was able to find a phone that I could install the apps needed to get the control over it as I wanted.
a1291762 said:
removing system from apps so they can be suspended in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know how to freeze apps using TB, which totally disables them. But it sounds like you are just removing their background running permission, but still let them run when you want.
How do you do that?
JohnC said:
I know how to freeze apps using TB, which totally disables them. But it sounds like you are just removing their background running permission, but still let them run when you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android has the ability to block any app from running in the background. It's a battery saving feature. But you can't do it to system apps. The primary system app I've seen abusing this inability to block it is Google maps. It works just fine as a user-installed app. Magisk debloat apps (I used terminal debloater) remove system apps (without actually having to modify /system) allowing you to install them as user apps.
Another easy way is to grab the system app apk from /system/app or priv-app and copy it somewhere, delete original folder, reinstall the apk, this time it will be a user app with the original your phone used rather than an online dl
JohnC said:
I know how to freeze apps using TB, which totally disables them. But it sounds like you are just removing their background running permission, but still let them run when you want.
How do you do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jawz101 said:
I think the modding scene died as stock Android progressively chipped away at the best major features of custom ROMs. Better privacy controls, power savings, night & dark modes, quick tiles. Those were pretty much the biggest selling points for me. The only other custom ROM features people liked were PIE controls and and silly animations.
And with the Pixel you'd lose so many of the Pixel extras if you flash a custom ROM. (recognizing music, probably live transcribe, the nifty Live Wallpapers, etc.
I've been occasionaly racking my brain to figure out if there are any value-added features left to pursue. Say, for LineageOS- they could replace all of the stock audio files with some high quality and very unique sounds, get some interesting wallpapers (a fresh coat of paint.), improve the stock launcher, bundle F-Droid, and offer Google Cloud Messaging and location svcs alternatives. They did/are add(ing) an online backup solution called SeedVault.
It's a difficult thing to think of any original ideas. I also have this per-app fuzzy location idea I submitted to Google issue tracker (which iPhone also came up with recently. I think they call it Approximate Location.)
It used to be more exciting to be a flashaholic but every time I look at the custom ROMs these days they don't "do anything" for me. More minuses than pluses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great post,cause i was thinking the same
I just picked up Pixel 4a this month and I am really wondering if I wanna be rooting or not. I previously have always rooted my devices (had Essential Phone as my last one). Root gets me AdAway (adblock), Swift Theme Installer and YouTube Vanced working but thats all really. Trying to weigh up if its really worth it with the Pixel 4a... original plan was to run it stock with root but now not so sure.