Develop Bugs

Talk me into rooting.

I have a rooted s4 from Samsung. But I have a nagging feeling that rooting this with an update to Android L, I will miss something.

sycotik said:
I have a rooted s4 from Samsung. But I have a nagging feeling that rooting this with an update to Android L, I will miss something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no reason to root. Stay where you are and don't move.

sycotik said:
I have a rooted s4 from Samsung. But I have a nagging feeling that rooting this with an update to Android L, I will miss something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's my motivation?
Recovery, roms, kernels, Titanium Backup.
Sent from my SM-T700

1. Write to SD card fix
2. Debloat/freeze unnecessary apps (saves space, ram, and battery)
3. Xposed Framework
a. Boot Manager
b. Wanam Xposed (fairly decent customization)
c. Youtube ad-away
d. Pandora patcher (awesome features)
e. Minminlock
f. Greenify
4. Custom recovery (scheduled backups)
Android L might take a while until officially released for Touchwiz devices. If this devs keep doing the great job that they are doing, a custom rom running a variant of Android L might show up faster.
I was not inclined to root at first and void my warranty, but I love this tablet and these additional features are must haves for me. Do whatever is best for your needs in the device.

itsregie said:
1. Write to SD card fix
2. Debloat/freeze unnecessary apps (saves space, ram, and battery)
3. Xposed Framework
a. Boot Manager
b. Wanam Xposed (fairly decent customization)
c. Youtube ad-away
d. Pandora patcher (awesome features)
e. Minminlock
f. Greenify
4. Custom recovery (scheduled backups)
Android L might take a while until officially released for Touchwiz devices. If this devs keep doing the great job that they are doing, a custom rom running a variant of Android L might show up faster.
I was not inclined to root at first and void my warranty, but I love this tablet and these additional features are must haves for me. Do whatever is best for your needs in the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For all the newbs out there can you (explain in detail) the benefits of all those features, for newly rooted users. Thanks [emoji106]

Sure...
1. Write to SD card fix => I download a fair amount from torrent sites, I can now save files directly to SD card instead of taking another step to copy and move them over then delete them from internal storage. I believe as stock only certain apps can write to SD card, now any app can potentially do so. Like I prefer ES File Manager as my default file manager as opposed to the Samsung My Files app. It was crippled without this fix.
2. Debloat/freeze unnecessary apps (saves space, ram, and battery) => Delete bloatware apps that you don't use which you can't do without rooting. NYTimes/Papergarden/Milk...I don't use them, so don't take up space on my limited storage.
3. Xposed Framework
a. Boot Manager => Choose which files you want or don't want at start up to improve boot time.
b. Wanam Xposed (fairly decent customization) => From status bar tweaks (colors/icons/clock), 4 way reboot options, auto expand volume panel, these little tweaks here and there that you can't get from stock make using this tablet so much better.
c. Youtube ad-away => As a heavy youtube user....NO MORE ADS!
d. Pandora patcher (awesome features) => Unlimited skips and even downloading thumbed up songs!
e. Minminlock => Remove ads from certain apps.
f. Greenify => See which apps are eating your battery and freeze those apps.
4. Custom recovery (scheduled backups) => Up to date backups in case something goes wrong. I recently had some weird bug with the Play Store where I couldn't update any apps and there was no fix I could find online. Simple flash of latest backup got me running 100% with minimal effort.
These are just my personal uses for rooting my device. Everyone has their own preferences, let me know if this helps.

itsregie said:
Sure...
1. Write to SD card fix => I download a fair amount from torrent sites, I can now save files directly to SD card instead of taking another step to copy and move them over then delete them from internal storage. I believe as stock only certain apps can write to SD card, now any app can potentially do so. Like I prefer ES File Manager as my default file manager as opposed to the Samsung My Files app. It was crippled without this fix.
2. Debloat/freeze unnecessary apps (saves space, ram, and battery) => Delete bloatware apps that you don't use which you can't do without rooting. NYTimes/Papergarden/Milk...I don't use them, so don't take up space on my limited storage.
3. Xposed Framework
a. Boot Manager => Choose which files you want or don't want at start up to improve boot time.
b. Wanam Xposed (fairly decent customization) => From status bar tweaks (colors/icons/clock), 4 way reboot options, auto expand volume panel, these little tweaks here and there that you can't get from stock make using this tablet so much better.
c. Youtube ad-away => As a heavy youtube user....NO MORE ADS!
d. Pandora patcher (awesome features) => Unlimited skips and even downloading thumbed up songs!
e. Minminlock => Remove ads from certain apps.
f. Greenify => See which apps are eating your battery and freeze those apps.
4. Custom recovery (scheduled backups) => Up to date backups in case something goes wrong. I recently had some weird bug with the Play Store where I couldn't update any apps and there was no fix I could find online. Simple flash of latest backup got me running 100% with minimal effort.
These are just my personal uses for rooting my device. Everyone has their own preferences, let me know if this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect summary. Not much to add!

So what's the risk then?
I'm loving the Tab S, but not being able to use Xposed and TiBU is driving me mental.
Should I root it? So far as I understand, it'll trip Knox, which means that if my tab breaks in some way, it won't be covered by the warranty anymore - is this correct?
Should I do it anyway, or maybe wait a while longer to see if someone comes up with a way to root without tripping Knox, ot to undo the Know trip counter?

Update when rooted?
Hi guys/gals,
just got this tablet (t700). If I do root, will I be able to get the next update OTA or using kies? I can appreciate this might be a difficult question as the next update obviously hasn't come out.
Thanks in advance.

you can still get OTAs if you use triangle away...if it works on the Tab S that is.
I've had Android devices for years and I still don't understand why people still want to get OTAs while rooted, that same OTA will be out within a day or two on the forums, usually with knox removed and root injected. So it just makes it easier on you if you forget all about OTAs.

henrypootel said:
So what's the risk then?
I'm loving the Tab S, but not being able to use Xposed and TiBU is driving me mental.
Should I root it? So far as I understand, it'll trip Knox, which means that if my tab breaks in some way, it won't be covered by the warranty anymore - is this correct?
Should I do it anyway, or maybe wait a while longer to see if someone comes up with a way to root without tripping Knox, ot to undo the Know trip counter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loss of warranty of a $500 plus device is a good enough reason for me not to do it. Those few benefits do not outweigh the potential downside.

itsregie said:
1. Write to SD card fix
2. Debloat/freeze unnecessary apps (saves space, ram, and battery)
3. Xposed Framework
a. Boot Manager
b. Wanam Xposed (fairly decent customization)
c. Youtube ad-away
d. Pandora patcher (awesome features)
e. Minminlock
f. Greenify
4. Custom recovery (scheduled backups)
Android L might take a while until officially released for Touchwiz devices. If this devs keep doing the great job that they are doing, a custom rom running a variant of Android L might show up faster.
I was not inclined to root at first and void my warranty, but I love this tablet and these additional features are must haves for me. Do whatever is best for your needs in the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How were you able to get Pandora Patcher to run properly on the Tab S? I rooted my tablet for this and Titanium Backup. Pandora Patcher doesn't want to work on my tablet. I even updated to the latest PP (v3.5) and Pandora (v5.5) but it still doesn't work.

brando56894 said:
you can still get OTAs if you use triangle away...if it works on the Tab S that is.
I've had Android devices for years and I still don't understand why people still want to get OTAs while rooted, that same OTA will be out within a day or two on the forums, usually with knox removed and root injected. So it just makes it easier on you if you forget all about OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ this^ all day long.....except I don't think triangle away works for this tab. The statement about ota's is dead on though

brando56894 said:
I've had Android devices for years and I still don't understand why people still want to get OTAs while rooted, that same OTA will be out within a day or two on the forums, usually with knox removed and root injected. So it just makes it easier on you if you forget all about OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ this^ all day long

brando56894 said:
I've had Android devices for years and I still don't understand why people still want to get OTAs while rooted, that same OTA will be out within a day or two on the forums, usually with knox removed and root injected. So it just makes it easier on you if you forget all about OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^this^ all day long

brando56894 said:
I've had Android devices for years and I still don't understand why people still want to get OTAs while rooted, that same OTA will be out within a day or two on the forums, usually with knox removed and root injected. So it just makes it easier on you if you forget all about OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could not agree more

[Q] Sprint Note 2 rootted stock now an update nag

Device Info: Sprint Galaxy Note 2 Running rooted stock Android 4.4.2. (chainfire auto root using odin)
Wifi only unit. I have no sprint contract purchased it used (I'm new to customizing android- I have flashed an old palm pda, but only via guidance)
Situation: Rooted the unit and have customized it as mine
1. No custom backup and would like to do that
2. Do not like all the bloatware apps
3. Now a system update has been downloaded asking to install (I've not okayed it)
So please help me with each of these
1. Please point me in the direction of best way to take a backup of existing rom ( I do have philz downloaded, but I'm not sure about how to ?
2. Would that deal with the persistent update request? Would it be good to update?
3. and then the bloatware removal, should I use an app that removes system apps? ( I have titanium, but I'm not good at knowing which apps to touch and not to touch) Thanks in advance and no I'm not in a hurry as yet.

Hi,
I will have your thread moved to your device section so the experts who own your device can help you.
Good luck!

Point to links please
If someone doesn't want to tackle this whole question I'd just appreciate links on how to step by step. I'd appreciate any help at all, I'm just a bit fearful of bricking the device, but if the instructions are clear I can definitely do this.
The first is issue is backup that is my priority at the moment. The second is whether to install the update or not and how to get rid of the nag. thanks

Not sure about backing up the ROM itself... but what I do is just back up the apps with Titanium and then re-load the apps (or just data) when I have to re-install my ROM like I did a couple of weeks ago. Prior to the Note II, I had an HTC Hero (stop laughing) and would do nandroids for that device. Don't know that you need that for Samsung devices, but somebody may be better to explain than I am.
ETA: here's an article on creating a nandroid, FWIW
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-a-nandroid-backup-and-how-exactly-does-it-work/
If you are rooted, I don't know that the persistent update will actually apply/install. I'm on Classic Stock 4.4.2 and I also had the same nag. Here's a link on how to disable the update nag. This is what I did, as my phone would not apply the update so I just disabled the persistent reminder using the steps below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2442207
With respect to removing system apps, not sure I can offer much direction other than to suggest removing obvious apps (maybe like the Sprint Zone app) and then just doing a search on each app that looks like you can/want to delete or uninstall. Probably a bit time consuming, however, I am not aware of a "bloatware list" or anything which outlines safe-to-remove apps.

Much appreciated Lenny
When I did the root, I didn't really want a custom rom, just stock with root. Now that I've used titanium backup and have removed the install update nag- I'm set for a while!

lost in cyberspace said:
Much appreciated Lenny
When I did the root, I didn't really want a custom rom, just stock with root. Now that I've used titanium backup and have removed the install update nag- I'm set for a while!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might also look at adding a free version of BusyBox (I use stericson's, and jrummy also has one out there).
Also might want to look at an install of AdAway, which you'll need to install manually (not available from the Play Store). You don't have to install the whole F-Droid package, you can download only the AdAway apk if you want.
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway
One last piece of info, you may want to turn off automatic updating for apps, as the SuperSU app can have problems after an update and you might have to re-root your phone. Here's what I ran into.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58955076&postcount=10

lennykravitz2004 said:
You might also look at adding a free version of BusyBox (I use stericson's, and jrummy also has one out there).
Also might want to look at an install of AdAway, which you'll need to install manually (not available from the Play Store). You don't have to install the whole F-Droid package, you can download only the AdAway apk if you want.
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway
One last piece of info, you may want to turn off automatic updating for apps, as the SuperSU app can have problems after an update and you might have to re-root your phone. Here's what I ran into.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58955076&postcount=10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I've side loaded adb adblock is adaway better? I use App Ops to turn off specific things within each app such as location finding, I like MW apps manager to add more apps to the multiwindow feature., and I've turned off most apps auto update, but some apps I've left auto update. I've just turned off auto update on super user -- even though, I've not yet experienced any major issues as yet.

lost in cyberspace said:
Thank you! I've side loaded adb adblock is adaway better? I use App Ops to turn off specific things within each app such as location finding, I like MW apps manager to add more apps to the multiwindow feature., and I've turned off most apps auto update, but some apps I've left auto update. I've just turned off auto update on super user -- even though, I've not yet experienced any major issues as yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know if adb adblock is better - I've never used it. Didn't see you mention a couple of these things when you said you were "all set for awhile", so I was just trying to offer a few other things to consider and look into. Sounds like you're already on the ball though!
Personally, I'm happy with stock. Big reason for me to root was getting rid of ads. I've tried some of the other ROMs but I've always come back to the stock look and feel. I've had the device since about 1 week after it came out in Fall 2012. Of course, I am also on my third one since I totaled two other ones. I absolutely love it, and am in no hurry to upgrade (if possible). Hope you enjoy it as I have... lots of good stuff from devs here!

[Q] Few questions from a newbie!

Hello everybody!
It's my first time modding an Android device, so I decided to flash a Google Stock-like ROM on my LG G3 (D855). At first I rooted and installed TWRP using this useful tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/development/tools-srk-tool-1-0-1-useful-toos-lg-t3079682
Then I flashed CyanogenMod 12.1 Nightly (which seems to be the best and most supported ROM...) and GApps. Everything seems to work fine but I have a bunch of questions to better understand how to improve usability and performance.
1) What are exactly GApps, and why do I find one million versions of these? Is it a procedure to, eventually, re-install them without wiping everything?
2) After flashing I'm not able to use apps like QuickBoot to reboot in Recovery Mode "comfortably". When I tap that choice nothing really happens. Does anybody know why?!
3) I've installed Nova Launcher and combined it with CM Locker, because of the interesting possibility to auto-light on the display on notifies. Anyway, I'm no more able to double tap to sleep on my lockscreen, except if I double tap on the state-bar. Is there any solution to modify this behaviour?
4) What is Xposed? How is it related with ROM, CyanogenMod, LG G3?
5) I use bluetooth to connect to my Alpine stereo in my car. Since I installed CM12.1 I need to pair the devices EVERYTIME! Why they do not recognize forever just after the first pairing?
6) After installing CM 12.1 i noticed more battery leaking and device heating, so I supposed I could install a different kernel. Is this consideration right? I've installed 777 but don't know how to measure the improvements, could someone give me some metrics to have an idea?
7) what are the schedulers and how should i configure them??
Thanks in advance to everyone who'll answer to even one of my questions!

Hi
Welcome, i 'll answer as best I can.
1. Gapps are the Google apps I.e . Play Store, Google, Gmail etc. Although you can run CM without them but you would miss out on many options.
2. Go into settings and tap about and tap Build Number 7 times and you will get Developer options. In this you will find the option advanced boot and tapping this will allow you to select from a menu when you press the button to sw off the phone, which has recovery.
3&4 Cannot comment on Nova or Xposed as I don't use them.
5. Only use Bluetooth to cennwct to my LG G-pad 8.3 and my Sony Smartwatch 2 and it works fine with them.
Hope this is of some help.
Stransky
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

4. Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. That's great because it means that modules can work for different versions and even ROMs without any changes (as long as the original code was not changed too much). It's also easy to undo. As all changes are done in the memory, you just need to deactivate the module and reboot to get your original system back. There are many other advantages, but here is just one more: Multiple modules can do changes to the same part of the system or app. With modified APKs, you to decide for one. No way to combine them, unless the author builds multiple APKs with different combinations.
Note that this only works with root access on Android 4.0.3 or later.
Hope this would be helpful.

New HTC desire 816

So im new to all this. My last "smart" phone was pretty basic and couldnt do much. I went through the root process thinking I would like it, but so far it seems like I wasted my time. I thought I would be able to uninstall useless apps and install apps right to the SD card. So far neither have worked. I was wondering if anyone could help and explain in plain simple english what I may be doing wrong or is this phone basically useless to root and just have to live with it as is? I tried titanium backup - all that did was take up almost all my remaining phone space, change my keyboard and switch my wallpaper back to default. I tried System app remover to remove unwanted bloatware - no change. I tried ROM toolbox lite to install apps to SD, I checked that box in the app for it to do this- downloaded an app to see if it worked and nope. So any suggestions on anything useful root does for this phone? So far it seems like i wasted my time on this.

Andy1058 said:
So im new to all this. My last "smart" phone was pretty basic and couldnt do much. I went through the root process thinking I would like it, but so far it seems like I wasted my time. I thought I would be able to uninstall useless apps and install apps right to the SD card. So far neither have worked. I was wondering if anyone could help and explain in plain simple english what I may be doing wrong or is this phone basically useless to root and just have to live with it as is? I tried titanium backup - all that did was take up almost all my remaining phone space, change my keyboard and switch my wallpaper back to default. I tried System app remover to remove unwanted bloatware - no change. I tried ROM toolbox lite to install apps to SD, I checked that box in the app for it to do this- downloaded an app to see if it worked and nope. So any suggestions on anything useful root does for this phone? So far it seems like i wasted my time on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heya Andy, welcome. you have a great phone there, and It just needs a little patience.
-you can remove any unwanted system app using whatever Root Explorer/manager you Wish, including ES file explorer!
-you can install/move apps to SD. the best way to do that would be Link2SD. you'll need to look around and read to get acquainted with it, but it's a great little app and it will let you install hundreds of apps, all on SD.
-to make the best use of your Root, you should install this or something similar.
-One of the best things you can do with root, is to install Xposed framework and use modules to customize your phone. some of my favorites are: Sense6 Toolbox, App Ops, Network speed indicator, Xsense, Bootmanager,,,. they give you great control on many aspects of the phone and add some very useful functionality.

Themes / Apps / Mods Debloater

physwizz Debloater v2 Mediatek
With physwizz-2 app
OneUI 2.0 or 3.1
I'm using a very unusual method.
I replace the apps with a blank apk file.
Installation
Backup system
Install from TWRP
If you find you want to get one of the apps back just restore the system backup
Then use zarchiver to remove the apk from my Debloater.
Then reinstall it.
@physwizz

Magisk-module for debloating
physwizz debloat module v2
(Added a70 changes)
With physwizz-2 app
Magisk module to debloat any Samsung phone to remove all the apps that slow down the phone
To debloat:
Install the module from Magisk and reboot.
To rebloat:
delete the module in Magisk and reboot
@physwizz

You don't need even root to debloat. It can be done by running an elevated command and disabling the applications.

I've been using Package Disabler for years.
Very valuable for troubleshooting. It can also completely clear system app data that you can't normally completely delete in app settings.

jaskiratsingh said:
You don't need even root to debloat. It can be done by running an elevated command and disabling the applications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
This can be done quite easily but it can be a long and difficult process for less experienced users.
Firstly you need to make a list of which apps can be safely deleted (I found 72)
Then spend an hour or more deleting them manually.

physwizz said:
Yes.
This can be done quite easily but it can be a long and difficult process for less experienced users.
Firstly you need to make a list of which apps can be safely deleted (I found 72)
Then spend an hour or more deleting them manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with doing that is there are some apps you'll want to be able to toggle on/off easily on the fly.
Most don't even know exactly what all they're disabling... what could go wrong?

blackhawk said:
The problem with doing that is there are some apps you'll want to be able to toggle on/off easily on the fly.
Most don't even know exactly what all they're disabling... what could go wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.
Most of the apps I delete are hidden system apps that are not needed at all.
They're not in the apps drawer so I wouldn't be turning then on and off.

physwizz said:
Yeah.
Most of the apps I delete are hidden system apps that are not needed at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A sample of some of mine. Some are worthless, some just resting.
This app also allows direct internet searches for the app in question. I play around here when bored sometimes.
Disabled the wrong package and a boot loop could be the reward. There's a couple apps I never touch.
Lol, little Bixby is the first to go

blackhawk said:
A sample of some of mine. Some are worthless, some just resting.
This app also allows direct internet searches for the app in question. I play around here when bored sometimes.
Disabled the wrong package and a boot loop could be the reward. There's a couple apps I never touch.
Lol, little Bixby is the first to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My debloat list