Database Users

Noob Rooting Clarification

So if (when) I root my Nexus S, if I don't do anything except root it (no custom roms etc) will I receive all updates just like normal from Google no strings attached? In essence, it'll be the exact same process just superuser status, correct?

annndrewww said:
So if (when) I root my Nexus S, if I don't do anything except root it (no custom roms etc) will I receive all updates just like normal from Google no strings attached? In essence, it'll be the exact same process just superuser status, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In essence you are only adding two files, the .apk and the su file. I would think that you would still get updates, but just an educated guess.

The only way you'll lose updates is by flashing a custom ROM AFAIK. An update might break your root (not sure), but you should still get it.

Nah ... then if we flash our GNS with custom rom we can't update firmware directly from google ? It is reversable reversible ... it is ?

Kalimdor said:
Nah ... then if we flash our GNS with custom rom we can't update firmware directly from google ? It is reversable reversible ... it is ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't get OTA updates with a custom ROM, but you will if you flash back to a stock one.

I am not sure you can install ota updates with custom recovery either right?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

brian6685 said:
I am not sure you can install ota updates with custom recovery either right?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you have a stock ROM, I think you can.

MaybachMan said:
As long as you have a stock ROM, I think you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't the ota updates install through the phones recovery? If it's not the stock recovery, how would it work? Maybe I am wrong though
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

brian6685 said:
Don't the ota updates install through the phones recovery? If it's not the stock recovery, how would it work? Maybe I am wrong though
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just did a Google and apparently you can download the OTA update but not install without a stock recovery. I assume you can then install it "manually" with your custom recovery.

MaybachMan said:
Just did a Google and apparently you can download the OTA update but not install without a stock recovery. I assume you can then install it "manually" with your custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can only install the ota from stock recovery also because of the way it is signed. Although I am sure someone will come up with a flashable zip as soon as, if not before, there is an update. So I would not worry
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

[Q] Need some clarification on OTA update.

Ok I am full rooted thanks to un-revoked.
I have downloaded the new update on my phone but havent installed yet, Battery was to low so gave me a notification in status bar to update later.
I understand i have to flash to the Amon ra recovery.
all i want is the stock rom, with the ability to use wireless tether and adfree, so obviously i need superuser permission.
Will i have to flash to a stock rooted rom?? or will i just be able to install these and be good to go?? is there even a stock rooted rom out yet??
Thanks for any and help. love the site dont post much cause normally i can figure things out, but wanna double check on this one.

Here you go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1038701
Make back up and perform full wipes.
You must install the rooted Rom for precautionary reasons.

so should i even update my phone then?? or should i just flash right to one of these?? seems like it would be easier just flashing right too those since i currently have clockwork installed.

drew454u said:
so should i even update my phone then?? or should i just flash right to one of these?? seems like it would be easier just flashing right too those since i currently have clockwork installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the odexed or deodexed versions and enjoy.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

drew454u said:
so should i even update my phone then?? or should i just flash right to one of these?? seems like it would be easier just flashing right too those since i currently have clockwork installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple answer is NO YOU SHOULD NOT DO THE OTA... The rom is out there already (rooted versions)

novanosis85 said:
Flash the odexed or deodexed versions and enjoy.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats the difference in them?? and do i have to flash a kernel also?? not gonna lie i have never flashed a different rom before. never had a need too really.

drew454u said:
Whats the difference in them?? and do i have to flash a kernel also?? not gonna lie i have never flashed a different rom before. never had a need too really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No difference really. Just flash the odexed version and that is all. No kernel needed.
I'm not familiar with cwmod so I can't guide you through the flash but also you need to have an updated version.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

novanosis85 said:
No difference really. Just flash the odexed version and that is all. No kernel needed.
I'm not familiar with cwmod so I can't guide you through the flash but also you need to have an updated version.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thank you sir, much appreciated.

drew454u said:
ok thank you sir, much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash Amon on your phone download odex version and flash thru recovery
Sent from my EVO rocking Evervolv Gingerbread

All I did was wiped everything and flashed the rooted update Rom using amon recovery. Now I a running the same thing as th ota and I'm still rooted. That's the easiest and safest option u have.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Can I OTA update?

Hey I'm new to the forums but been reading them for a while and I just have a question with OTA updates. I have a nexus 4 that's been rooted and have clockwork mod. I have also flashed the .33 baseband on 4.2.2. I have stock rom but Franco kernel however I backed up the stock kernel with his updater app.
I know I can't OTA with the kernel but flashing the stock one is no big deal. Can I OTA with the rest being on there?
Also if I do the lte wifi hotspot fix will that stop the OTA update as well?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

As long you have clockwork mod on the rom you can not OTA...its always going to be manual way of flashing the OTA and that process will remove clockwork mod but using apps like voodoo keeps you rooted so you can easily install clockwork mod again after the update.
No Recovery+Stock ROM+Stock Kernel+Stock Latest Radio= auto OTA update.
I hope that made sense..but i could be wrong but that's what works for me.
Sent From My Beasty Nexus 4 with Awesome Beats.
ROM: Mysterious AOKP 4.2.2
Kernel: Faux 123 latest tbm.
Recovery: TWRP

Helderg1984 said:
Hey I'm new to the forums but been reading them for a while and I just have a question with OTA updates. I have a nexus 4 that's been rooted and have clockwork mod. I have also flashed the .33 baseband on 4.2.2. I have stock rom but Franco kernel however I backed up the stock kernel with his updater app.
I know I can't OTA with the kernel but flashing the stock one is no big deal. Can I OTA with the rest being on there?
Also if I do the lte wifi hotspot fix will that stop the OTA update as well?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You CAN ota if you have a custom recovery.
However, the WiFi hotspot fix will kill it.
I made a guide with all the info you need. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2145848
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

So if anything is modded at all except for basic root I won't be able to apply the update that arrives to my phone directly right? I will have to flash it in cwm? I assume I will have to wipe cache and such before I apply the zip right?
Do I have to revert anything back stock or can I just flash the zip directly over what I have now and just re apply the kernel and baseband?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Sorry one more thing with the latest SU I will stay rooted I think but I will lose cwm and have to re obtain it or will I keep it if survival mode is checked?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Helderg1984 said:
Sorry one more thing with the latest SU I will stay rooted I think but I will lose cwm and have to re obtain it or will I keep it if survival mode is checked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash it from CWM then you will keep CWM and also keep root (if you say yes when it asks you).
Sent from my Nexus 4

Sorry I am a bit confused still, when I get the update.zip and flash it in CWM do I have to wipe or no? and if I don't will everything stay the same? or will I lose my 0.33 baseband and kernel? I'm also wanting to do the lte hotspot fix so would I lose that too?
steviewevie said:
If you flash it from CWM then you will keep CWM and also keep root (if you say yes when it asks you).
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Helderg1984 said:
Sorry I am a bit confused still, when I get the update.zip and flash it in CWM do I have to wipe or no? and if I don't will everything stay the same? or will I lose my 0.33 baseband and kernel? I'm also wanting to do the lte hotspot fix so would I lose that too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to wipe.It does not matter if you wipe or not, you will still lose your base band, you'll just have to flash the old baseband again. As for the kernel if the ota comes with a new kernel your old stock kernel will be replaced with the new one in the ota.

You actually can accept a ota update with a custom recovery but you have to be stock everything else, no other mods or anything. The ota will install fine and youll see that it goes through your custom recovery when updating. After the update you will lose root and your custom recovery however unless you recovery someone holds onto it.

As I know, we need to modify something after installing custom recovery. Else, stock recovery will be installed upon reboot. So even after modifying, OTA still works ?
Rizy7 said:
You actually can accept a ota update with a custom recovery but you have to be stock everything else, no other mods or anything. The ota will install fine and youll see that it goes through your custom recovery when updating. After the update you will lose root and your custom recovery however unless you recovery someone holds onto it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from Mako

So bascially no matter what i have on the phone update.zip will go through fine and put on the phone what it contains and it's up to me to put everything back? Also I've heard mixed opinions if I will lose root and CWM, mostly people say it will give me an option to keep it after applyng the update.
heat361 said:
You don't have to wipe.It does not matter if you wipe or not, you will still lose your base band, you'll just have to flash the old baseband again. As for the kernel if the ota comes with a new kernel your old stock kernel will be replaced with the new one in the ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

heat361 said:
You don't have to wipe.It does not matter if you wipe or not, you will still lose your base band, you'll just have to flash the old baseband again. As for the kernel if the ota comes with a new kernel your old stock kernel will be replaced with the new one in the ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything about this post is incorrect.
I don't mean to be a jerk but I've seen you post a lot of false info lately. I know you'd like to help, but it only confuses people when they see contradictory info.
Helderg1984 said:
So bascially no matter what i have on the phone update.zip will go through fine and put on the phone what it contains and it's up to me to put everything back? Also I've heard mixed opinions if I will lose root and CWM, mostly people say it will give me an option to keep it after applying the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just read the thread I linked earlier. It has answers to your questions.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

El Daddy said:
Everything about this post is incorrect.
I don't mean to be a jerk but I've seen you post a lot of false info lately. I know you'd like to help, but it only confuses people when they see contradictory info.
Just read the thread I l
Can you tell me what's wrong with what I said? I was assuming he was on stock rooted with a custom recovery. Is it not true that if you get an ota update and it contains a new baseband and new stock kernel it will overwrite the last last stock kernel and baseband.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

heat361 said:
El Daddy said:
Everything about this post is incorrect.
I don't mean to be a jerk but I've seen you post a lot of false info lately. I know you'd like to help, but it only confuses people when they see contradictory info.
Just read the thread I l
Can you tell me what's wrong with what I said? I was assuming he was on stock rooted with a custom recovery. Is it not true that if you get an ota update and it contains a new baseband and new stock kernel it will overwrite the last last stock kernel and baseband.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't overwrite anything. It just fails.
OTA's contain patches. Not complete files. If the original file isn't there it will abort.
I can see how this can be confusing because it is different from custom roms.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

But thats only if he has the lte fix right. So if he just flashes a stock kernel without that patch, the ota could work.
For example the stock boot.img

I'm rooted with cwm, custom kernel and old baseband, stock rom. I mean I can very easily revert my kernel back to stock and flash the newest baseband.
The only thing is there's a bunch of stuff I might want to do more but don't want to make it hard to update since it's important to me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

heat361 said:
But thats only if he has the lte fix right. So if he just flashes a stock kernel without that patch, the ota could work.
For example the stock boot.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. The phone needs to be 100% stock with the exception of the recovery to complete the OTA. If the files,kernel,radio, etc. are replaced to the original state you'd be good to go.
PS. Sorry if I came off as a jerk this morning. I had a case of the Mondays.
Helderg1984 said:
I'm rooted with cwm, custom kernel and old baseband, stock rom. I mean I can very easily revert my kernel back to stock and flash the newest baseband.
The only thing is there's a bunch of stuff I might want to do more but don't want to make it hard to update since it's important to me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as I wrote above, You can do as many modifications as you want, just make sure you bring the phone back to stock before you flash the OTA.zip, otherwise it will fail.
When the new OTA comes out I will update my OTA Help-Desk thread with all the new requirements.

Helderg1984 said:
So bascially no matter what i have on the phone update.zip will go through fine and put on the phone what it contains and it's up to me to put everything back? Also I've heard mixed opinions if I will lose root and CWM, mostly people say it will give me an option to keep it after applyng the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just watch this its eazy as 1 2 3!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky5miA8ilr0

Safe to update to 4.4 w/stock OTA rooted?

I'm running rooted w/stock OTA 4.3. Are there any special upgrade procedures to update to 4.4 when rooted via Koush superuser and using the stock OTA?
Was able to update to 4.3 OTA w/o incident (see thread below)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45183403#post45183403

Bump...any info on whether or not its possible would be appreciated.

It should work as long as everything is stock (including recovery and kernel). You will however lose root, but that can easily be reobtained by flashing it after updating.

mrlad said:
I'm running rooted w/stock OTA 4.3. Are there any special upgrade procedures to update to 4.4 when rooted via Koush superuser and using the stock OTA?
Was able to update to 4.3 OTA w/o incident (see thread below)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45183403#post45183403
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted why not just flash a rooted stock rom? Confused why you wait for answers from others... I am just curious since I see people do this and it confuses me... Just askin and sorry if you think I may be flamin'.
Do people think the OTA is different somehow or works better somehow

playya said:
If you are rooted why not just flash a rooted stock rom? Confused why you wait for answers from others... I am just curious since I see people do this and it confuses me... Just askin and sorry if you think I may be flamin'.
Do people think the OTA is different somehow or works better somehow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure that if I flash stock ROM I'm going to lose my settings. I've had VERY bad results backing up and restoring going from 4.2 to 4.3 and really don't want to go through that hassle unless absolutely required.
To answer your other question, I just prefer to be on the OTA.

mrlad said:
Pretty sure that if I flash stock ROM I'm going to lose my settings. I've had VERY bad results backing up and restoring going from 4.2 to 4.3 and really don't want to go through that hassle unless absolutely required.
To answer your other question, I just prefer to be on the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on a stock rom and flash the upgraded version you wont lose your settings. Flashing one rom over another can be done its just frowned up in some cases. Lets be honest though there are quite a few back up tools out there for you to achieve a duplicated look going from one rom to another within the hour.
I hear ya if you had issues but you sure its not in your procedure. Be glad to help you if you need it. Thanks for answering the question though but I believe your route is more cumbersome than just a simple flash but what ever makes you more comfortable is best I get that

mrlad said:
I'm running rooted w/stock OTA 4.3. Are there any special upgrade procedures to update to 4.4 when rooted via Koush superuser and using the stock OTA?
Was able to update to 4.3 OTA w/o incident (see thread below)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45183403#post45183403
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was same specs like yours (stock 4.3 - rooted by Koush superuser) and updated to 4.4 through OTA just fine :good:
Never had any problem with Koush superuser and OTAs on both Nexus 4 & Galaxy Nexus (can't say the same with supersu)

Tried to upgrade to 4.4. The upgrade failed and the phone reports no command when I reboot. Still on stock recovery.
Any suggestions on what I should try next to recover?
Note: I do have TWRP available while running fastboot.

I installed the factory stock image (and formatted the cache but didn't wipe out the userdata image). I know the first boot should take an extended amount of time, but its been showing the rotating circles for about 8 minutes now. What is a reasonable amount of time for the initial boot?

Wiping the cache and the Dalvik cache from TWRP solved it. I'm rooted again and things appear to be back to normal.

playya said:
If you are rooted why not just flash a rooted stock rom? Confused why you wait for answers from others...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well....I'm on the stock ROM now (Google forced my hand).

mrlad said:
Well....I'm on the stock ROM now (Google forced my hand).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what does that mean?

playya said:
what does that mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4.4 OTA upgrade failed and wouldn't boot. A poor attempt at humor I guess.

mrlad said:
The 4.4 OTA upgrade failed and wouldn't boot. A poor attempt at humor I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root it and flash anything you want my friend... take control of your phone back...

[Q] Root and OTA updates

HI All,
Sorry for this question, tried to serach for the asnwer, but I am still not clear.
mine Nexus 7 2012 WIFI, rooted, custom recovery and superuser installed currently runs on stock 4.4.2 KOT49H, will I get OTA updates for the latest 4.4.3 from googles? many thanks.

play541 said:
HI All,
Sorry for this question, tried to serach for the asnwer, but I am still not clear.
mine Nexus 7 2012 WIFI, rooted, custom recovery and superuser installed currently runs on stock 4.4.2 KOT49H, will I get OTA updates for the latest 4.4.3 from googles? many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, afraid if you've root on your device, more importantly, you have a custom recovery partition in your device, do not accept OTAs. This could permanently brick your Nexus 7. You may be able to temporarily "unroot" the device, removing the custom recovery and flashing back to full stock with stock recovery. Check your device's threads for any available guides.
Sent from my d801 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

tinydynamite00 said:
Hi, afraid if you've root on your device, more importantly, you have a custom recovery partition in your device, do not accept OTAs. This could permanently brick your Nexus 7. You may be able to temporarily "unroot" the device, removing the custom recovery and flashing back to full stock with stock recovery. Check your device's threads for any available guides.
Sent from my d801 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi tinydynamite00,
Much appreciated.
I might try the Nexus tool to get back to full stock.

play541 said:
Hi tinydynamite00,
Much appreciated.
I might try the Nexus tool to get back to full stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't really need to go back to stock. when the ota becomes available, either here on xda or when it's available on your tablet, download it then install it through the recovery on your tablet. you'll lose root but just flash a root package and you're all done. i've done this before and no problems what so ever.

mrbtree98 said:
you don't really need to go back to stock. when the ota becomes available, either here on xda or when it's available on your tablet, download it then install it through the recovery on your tablet. you'll lose root but just flash a root package and you're all done. i've done this before and no problems what so ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mrbtree98,
Thanks for your reply.
Does this one work for me?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2533035

play541 said:
Hi mrbtree98,
Thanks for your reply.
Does this one work for me?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2533035
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's a custom rom or a modified stock rom. no one has got an ota for the 2012 nexus 7 and were the only nexus still to get 4.4.3 through ota. i'm also waiting but it's weird for there to be a gap from the other nexus's

play541 said:
Hi mrbtree98,
Thanks for your reply.
Does this one work for me?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2533035
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mrbtree98 said:
that's a custom rom or a modified stock rom. no one has got an ota for the 2012 nexus 7 and were the only nexus still to get 4.4.3 through ota. i'm also waiting but it's weird for there to be a gap from the other nexus's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend that one, as its basically rooted stock which is what you're currently running anyway. You can just wipe cache and dalvik cache in recovery and flash it, no need to wipe data (so your apps/settings/files will all be untouched). If there are any questions in recovery to flash stock recovery or fix root just answer no to both, my root was kept intact without having to reflash superSU. It saves waiting for the OTA (which still isn't here for some reason) and the risk of it failing/losing root/custom recovery for whatever reason.
As always just in case, make a full nandroid backup in recovery, then flash the ROM. You shouldn't have any problems. :good:

mrbtree98 said:
that's a custom rom or a modified stock rom. no one has got an ota for the 2012 nexus 7 and were the only nexus still to get 4.4.3 through ota. i'm also waiting but it's weird for there to be a gap from the other nexus's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Sir!
Okay, correct me if I am wrong:
if OTA updates available, do not proceed to DL (over WIFI) and do not let tablet do the installation, as it might cause problem (brick?).
DL thru XDA install thru recovery instead. ( either in ZIP or .img? format).

play541 said:
Thank you Sir!
Okay, correct me if I am wrong:
if OTA updates available, do not proceed to DL (over WIFI) and do not let tablet do the installation, as it might cause problem (brick?).
DL thru XDA install thru recovery instead. ( either in ZIP or .img? format).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll probaby get a status 7 error and the update won't apply, I would recommend the rooted stock based ROM you linked to above, quick and easy to update rather than waiting for an OTA and trying to update that way.

gsmyth said:
You'll probaby get a status 7 error and the update won't apply, I would recommend the rooted stock based ROM you linked to above, quick and easy to update rather than waiting for an OTA and trying to update that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI gsmyth,
Thanks for your advices,
you guys are very helpfull, much appreciated.