So one of my friends who enlisted in the air force decided to give me his Mytouch 4g (he's leaving in like two weeks). So far, I love the phone, except that the os the phone is running now (the one t-mobile customized for themselves) is excruciatigly horrible.
I've flashed/hacked/customized two htc phones before hand (HTC Aria & HTC G1); both by going through the forums using search & just researching before hand in general. However with the mytouch g4...its seems a lot more complicated w/ a higher possibility of me bricking my phone.
I would greatly appreciate if someone could send me in the right direction; ie best & safest way to root & how to flash recovery...
I've browsed around the mytouch 4g andriod developer forums and seen all the different ways; but theres a couple words that I have no idea what they mean nor have I been able to find a definition for them..:\
s-off/on?
OTA update?
egineering boot?
Like I said, any help would be greatly appreciated...
stormtrooper238 said:
So one of my friends who enlisted in the air force decided to give me his Mytouch 4g (he's leaving in like two weeks). So far, I love the phone, except that the os the phone is running now (the one t-mobile customized for themselves) is excruciatigly horrible.
I've flashed/hacked/customized two htc phones before hand (HTC Aria & HTC G1); both by going through the forums using search & just researching before hand in general. However with the mytouch g4...its seems a lot more complicated w/ a higher possibility of me bricking my phone.
I would greatly appreciate if someone could send me in the right direction; ie best & safest way to root & how to flash recovery...
I've browsed around the mytouch 4g andriod developer forums and seen all the different ways; but theres a couple words that I have no idea what they mean nor have I been able to find a definition for them..:\
s-off/on?
OTA update?
egineering boot?
Like I said, any help would be greatly appreciated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well first of all, check what os version you have on your phone. if it's 2.3.4, then you have to downgrade to 2.2.1 to be able to root. guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1178912
the easiest and safest way to root the MT4G is using the root.sh method found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=858021
clockworkmod recovery is flashed through ROM manager, download app from market.
then comes the best part, FLASHING ROMS!!
all of the ROMS, mods, teaks, kernels, guides etc can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=866175
my favorite ROM is Virtuous Unity, which is a sense 3.0 port from the sensation.
Virtuous Unity can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1143177
happy flashing!
Look up mackster248;17921827 on youtube. His vids are quite helpful and kinda take away some of the scare factor since you see what's happening and he kinda does it along with you on the vid. Gl and happy rooting/flashing
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Wow! Thanks to the OP and those who responded. Same questions I was going to ask. I am extremely proficient with computers (A+, Network+, MCSA and MCSE), but a total noob when it comes to Android OS rooting/flashing roms. Thanks, and I'm glad to be a new member of such a helpful community
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
xRogerxC said:
Wow! Thanks to the OP and those who responded. Same questions I was going to ask. I am extremely proficient with computers (A+, Network+, MCSA and MCSE), but a total noob when it comes to Android OS rooting/flashing roms. Thanks, and I'm glad to be a new member of such a helpful community
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're very welcome. just remember to hit the thanks button if someone has helped you
Related
Hello everyone, I just recently got an HTC Aria and it is my first Android phone. A friend recommended I come here and see how I can make my Aria "better" so what do you guys recommend.
I've read a lot of the posts on here and it seems that I should root my phone, but as I stated previously I'm really new to all this so can you guys help me out and give me some tips.
Thanks!
vicmora5 said:
Hello everyone, I just recently got an HTC Aria and it is my first Android phone. A friend recommended I come here and see how I can make my Aria "better" so what do you guys recommend.
I've read a lot of the posts on here and it seems that I should root my phone, but as I stated previously I'm really new to all this so can you guys help me out and give me some tips.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tips:
1. Read, study and reread, especially the STICKY threads that usually contain Q&A information for new users.
2. Forum Search and Google will also be your friend.
3. If you do have questions, posting in this "General" section is the best place to start.
vicmora5 said:
Hello everyone, I just recently got an HTC Aria and it is my first Android phone. A friend recommended I come here and see how I can make my Aria "better" so what do you guys recommend.
I've read a lot of the posts on here and it seems that I should root my phone, but as I stated previously I'm really new to all this so can you guys help me out and give me some tips.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What it says above is a great way to start. I just got an Aria too and for me the first thing I wanted to do was to get rid of the AT&T crapware off the phone. After rooting, which is super easy compared to how it was a few years back, then you can just search for what you want to do. I am new to Android but have been on this forum for years and it's the best place for anything you want to do to your phone to make it "better" Now I'm trying to add 3rd party apps that are not in the market, this gets a bit involved, but the info is here. I have installed different ROM's on other phones before, but don't really care to do that with the Aria yet, but it is definitely an easy way to get the Aria upgraded to Android 2.2 and get rid of the crapware and AT&T's limitations that they put on their phones at the same time.
Everyone here is super helpful as long as you read first and ask questions later. Cheers!
ckuke4 said:
What it says above is a great way to start. I just got an Aria too and for me the first thing I wanted to do was to get rid of the AT&T crapware off the phone. After rooting, which is super easy compared to how it was a few years back, then you can just search for what you want to do. I am new to Android but have been on this forum for years and it's the best place for anything you want to do to your phone to make it "better" Now I'm trying to add 3rd party apps that are not in the market, this gets a bit involved, but the info is here. I have installed different ROM's on other phones before, but don't really care to do that with the Aria yet, but it is definitely an easy way to get the Aria upgraded to Android 2.2 and get rid of the crapware and AT&T's limitations that they put on their phones at the same time.
Everyone here is super helpful as long as you read first and ask questions later. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm a total noob with everything though, I get really confused with this stuff. So far I think I've seen two different methods for rooting the Aria can you guys tell me which is the best one? So far all I've done with my Aria is get swype on it :3
Here's the two different ways I've seen,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710677&highlight=Root+htc+aria
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788737&highlight=Root+htc+aria
There may be more I'm not sure, but which one is the better guide? Or are both basically the same.
vicmora5 said:
Thanks! I'm a total noob with everything though, I get really confused with this stuff. So far I think I've seen two different methods for rooting the Aria can you guys tell me which is the best one? So far all I've done with my Aria is get swype on it :3
Here's the two different ways I've seen,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710677&highlight=Root+htc+aria
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788737&highlight=Root+htc+aria
There may be more I'm not sure, but which one is the better guide? Or are both basically the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO the second one has more concise instructions for noob. They both document using the Unrevoked 3.2 tool which makes rooting the Aria pretty painless.
tpbklake said:
IMO the second one has more concise instructions for noob. They both document using the Unrevoked 3.2 tool which makes rooting the Aria pretty painless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks, is there anything I should do before beginning the rooting process?
Also what comes after the root 3:
vicmora5 said:
Ok thanks, is there anything I should do before beginning the rooting process?
Also what comes after the root 3:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install HTC Sync so that the usb drivers get installed.
After you get rooted, I suggest you reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery mode and do a 'nandroid' backup. Do a search and you'll find more info about how to do that.
tpbklake said:
Install HTC Sync so that the usb drivers get installed.
After you get rooted, I suggest you reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery mode and do a 'nandroid' backup. Do a search and you'll find more info about how to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I did the nandroid backup, now what?
Just search for a ROM?
Which is the best one
vicmora5 said:
Ok I did the nandroid backup, now what?
Just search for a ROM?
Which is the best one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's purely opinion. The good news is we only have a few to choose from, but they are very good roms. If you like the stock look/feel if the aria then one of the two liberated roms would be a good choice. One is based on android 2.1 with sense ui (came stock on the aria) and the other is based on android 2.2 with sense ui. Then theres cm6.1, which is based on android 2.2 but without the sense ui. All are good choices and very well developed. Try em all and see what you like. Ask those roms receive very good user support.
I personally started on liberated (i was hesitant to give up sense), but I eventually tried cm6 and once I adjusted I've never looked back.
vicmora5 said:
Ok I did the nandroid backup, now what?
Just search for a ROM?
Which is the best one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too agree with the post before mine, that it's all a matter of opinion. If you want mine, since you call yourself such a noob, I'd try one of the liberated rom's that have sense ui which is what you're used to. Then try cm6.1 at a later time once you're comfortable with your skills, it's very customizable and as mentioned before, well developed, with a large helpful community. Good luck. Btw, rom's are in the Development section.
CallMeAria said:
That's purely opinion. The good news is we only have a few to choose from, but they are very good roms. If you like the stock look/feel if the aria then one of the two liberated roms would be a good choice. One is based on android 2.1 with sense ui (came stock on the aria) and the other is based on android 2.2 with sense ui. Then theres cm6.1, which is based on android 2.2 but without the sense ui. All are good choices and very well developed. Try em all and see what you like. Ask those roms receive very good user support.
I personally started on liberated (i was hesitant to give up sense), but I eventually tried cm6 and once I adjusted I've never looked back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having troubles with both of them, not installing or running them or anything like that , but problems with my network. The liberated constantly drops the signal and the cm6.1 doesnt allow me to send or receive picture messages, do you know if theres a way to get back to just the default rom the aria came with. Maybe I'll just root then and not install any other ROMS
vicmora5 said:
I'm having troubles with both of them, not installing or running them or anything like that , but problems with my network. The liberated constantly drops the signal and the cm6.1 doesnt allow me to send or receive picture messages, do you know if theres a way to get back to just the default rom the aria came with. Maybe I'll just root then and not install any other ROMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Htc website had the stock aria rom. As far as the picture messages go remember that you have to have your data turned on to send or receive pic messages. But you should definitely be able to do it I'm on cm6.1 and I'm able to send and receive.
CallMeAria said:
Htc website had the stock aria rom. As far as the picture messages go remember that you have to have your data turned on to send or receive pic messages. But you should definitely be able to do it I'm on cm6.1 and I'm able to send and receive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know but there is no indication of it being on there isn't that check mark thing, even though it says its on. Anyways I already went to stock thanks for the help, I'm going to root then just keep it that way.
So first off, I'm new to Android, the MT4G is the first I will Android phone I will have have ever owned. I have been on Unlocked/Jailbroken iPhones for 2 years and I did the unlocks/jailbreaks myself. Now I'm sick of slow incompatible bands, anyways, I just got my MT4G, I have lots of questions.
Lots of questions, some easy, some... not so easy?
1. What's the main difference between perm root vs visionary? It seems like perm root is relatively difficult still and I don't want to risk bricking my phone...
2. What rom/kernel/firmware should I use? I've never dealt with so many variables when I was on the iPhone.
3. So I got "panel = 1", looks like I will try to get it replaced... Can I still play with my phone for the next few days, then get it backed up and when the "good" phone comes in, I can restore that backup? Therefore allowing me to keep all the stuff I did in the downtime of the new phone coming in.
Thank you in advanced!
DisturbedAle said:
So first off, I'm new to Android, the MT4G is the first I will Android phone I will have have ever owned. I have been on Unlocked/Jailbroken iPhones for 2 years and I did the unlocks/jailbreaks myself. Now I'm sick of slow incompatible bands, anyways, I just got my MT4G, I have lots of questions.
Lots of questions, some easy, some... not so easy?
1. What's the main difference between perm root vs visionary? It seems like perm root is relatively difficult still and I don't want to risk bricking my phone...
Visionary is only the first step to permroot, bit it's not difficult and you won't brick if you read all directions and follow them all to the letter. I personally recommend grankins guide, not the ultimate one, as it was the easiest for me to do.
2. What rom/kernel/firmware should I use? I've never dealt with so many variables when I was on the iPhone.
That's the great thing about android: you get to pick all these roms are amazing, it just depends on what features you're looking for.
3. So I got "panel = 1", looks like I will try to get it replaced... Can I still play with my phone for the next few days, then get it backed up and when the "good" phone comes in, I can restore that backup? Therefore allowing me to keep all the stuff I did in the downtime of the new phone coming in.
Theoretically, yes. Just nandroid backup once rooted and clockwork recovery is installed, and you should be able to resoree from that on your new phone once you root it.
Thank you in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any other questions, feel free to pm me or hit me up on Google talk (same username). And don't for get to hit thanks if this helped
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Thanks! Going back to rom/kernel/firmware, is there a master list that allows me to compare them all?
DisturbedAle said:
Thanks! Going back to rom/kernel/firmware, is there a master list that allows me to compare them all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the resource Bible posted by tiger013 under the development section it should be up to date on all the latest roms , kernels and themes. It also contains the rooting guide I told you about, along with several others.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Just do a little research and learn what things are. (IE: What a kernel is vs a ROM)
Then it gets a little easier when you learn the android terminology. Learn the basics, and you should be fine as well. Like getting ADB to recognize your phone.
I am the current owner of a Fascinate, rooted/romed ect, and I'm planning on getting the girl a Droid X tomorrow. Been cruising this section for a few days now lurking, and I'm still utterly blown away by the seemingly endless Rom choices. We want to root her new phone and I'd love to try and keep it as stock as possible. Looking for wireless tethering and some sort of Pepto Pink theme. I read something about some sort of boot loader, no clue what that is, but seems like something I need to look into.
I'm very familiar with Rom Manager, and flashing custom roms on my Fascinate, but the lack of Dev. on the SGS makes for very clear easy choices on what roms/kernels to flash. I'm not asking for a spoon feeding, just possibly some basic information on what to research and maybe some links of information to read up on.
Thanks in advance!
Aside from rooting... you want to look into the app droid x bootstrapper by koush google it or download it from the market... after that then decide what rom you want to use... don't worry about kernels we can't flash custom kernels cuz of the locked bootloader (i think)....there are guides all over this forum...
Aside from your keeping it stock as possible.... there are roms that keep some blur aspects and others that are more aosp... i personally use apex...
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Read this GREAT guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=940986
kdkinc said:
Read this GREAT guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=940986
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to kdinc, thanks for the link! Will throw a thanks your way when I get back to my pc
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I recently purchased a brand new htc G2 and it is amazing. I can see why people develop for it; the potential coming from this thing is absolutely phenomenal.
I know what I want to do to this phone but I don't know where to go to and who and what to read up on. Cyanogen mod came up so much and I read up on a lot of his stuff but all seemed so complicated due to me just starting to figure out all this stuff.
I would love to know where to start out with this thing so that my g2 would be the best g2 for me. Any recommendations as to what to do to it, read up on or easiest way to understand rooting and how to do it?
Also I was thinking about what widgets and wallpapers u guys can suggest for convenience use. It would be much appreciated
Thank you
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
This was the easiest method, and the one I used to root my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928160
Welcome to the fold and prepare to be impressed with your new phone.
Read, read, and read.
And when you think you got it? Read again. Rooting is fantastic, but can get hairy. So make sure you are 100% comfortable. But have fun unlocking the full potential of your phone!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
I read before buying it. I still am reading.
From my permarooted overclocked HTC G2 with cyanogen 7 nightly via XDA app
I'm completely satisfied as it is, mostly cuz I've never held a genius fone before. I have been reading intently about rooting but have never been...with it, if u know what I mean. It is a hard concept but hopefully that link u sent me is good. Also. Can u guys recommend cool widgets and apps?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
the1and0abd said:
I'm completely satisfied as it is, mostly cuz I've never held a genius fone before. I have been reading intently about rooting but have never been...with it, if u know what I mean. It is a hard concept but hopefully that link u sent me is good. Also. Can u guys recommend cool widgets and apps?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Top free" and "top paid" sections in the market are good places to start
I rooted a few days ago and used the process at theunlockr.com it was pretty easy to follow the instructions cause there was also video to go along with them. Probably took about an hour to do and was well worth it. Check it out.
A Gingervillain-ized G2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928160
Pretty much use this and then download ROM manager, search Cyanagonmod 7, and you're good to go. You'll learn from there.
I've had the phone for 2 months now and I think it's an awesome phone. Couple of questions I have.
What is the difference between this and HTC Desire with Sense? What is sense? Does it suck that we don't have it?
I want to reset the phone to OEM factory state then OC this phone. Where do I begin? How do I do it?
What's all this talk about ROM's and all CW7 and stuff?
I don't wanna try anything that will potentially brick my phone but I do have experience with rooting phones and linux based commands. I had a Nokia N900 and did heaps of stuff with that phone so this shouldn't be that much of a problem.
Thanks for answering any questions of mine!
monkey hung said:
I've had the phone for 2 months now and I think it's an awesome phone. Couple of questions I have.
What is the difference between this and HTC Desire with Sense? What is sense? Does it suck that we don't have it?
I want to reset the phone to OEM factory state then OC this phone. Where do I begin? How do I do it?
What's all this talk about ROM's and all CW7 and stuff?
I don't wanna try anything that will potentially brick my phone but I do have experience with rooting phones and linux based commands. I had a Nokia N900 and did heaps of stuff with that phone so this shouldn't be that much of a problem.
Thanks for answering any questions of mine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sense is skin that HTC put over stock android. It gives you a lots of cool features and eyecandy. If you get your phone rooted you can flash the virtuous rom which is a custom sense rom.
CM7 is widely regarded as the as the best custom rom, it doesn't offer the eye candy or the features of sense. But is stock android with some awesome tweaks and is fast and smooth and has loads of customization options
Have a look here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916431 for walk throughs about how to root your phone, flash custom ROMs, OC you phone and loads of other cool stuff. If you have experience using linux based comands you will have no problems modifying your phone.
Bit of advice as your new to the forums, read then read again. And make sure general questions are posted in Q&A section. People get un happy when non development questions get posted in the dev section.
Welcome to the forums.
Sent from my awesome DZ
oh whoops! Sorry about posting it here. I didn't know! Thank you for all that information you have been very helpful
monkey hung said:
oh whoops! Sorry about posting it here. I didn't know! Thank you for all that information you have been very helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry wasn't clear. This question was fine posted here. I was just giving a warning about posting in the dev section
Sent from my awesome DZ
monkey hung said:
I've had the phone for 2 months now and I think it's an awesome phone. Couple of questions I have.
What is the difference between this and HTC Desire with Sense? What is sense? Does it suck that we don't have it?
I want to reset the phone to OEM factory state then OC this phone. Where do I begin? How do I do it?
What's all this talk about ROM's and all CW7 and stuff?
I don't wanna try anything that will potentially brick my phone but I do have experience with rooting phones and linux based commands. I had a Nokia N900 and did heaps of stuff with that phone so this shouldn't be that much of a problem.
Thanks for answering any questions of mine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting with gfree/rage is very easy and as long as you don't fubar the adb commands, you won't have trouble. I even screwed up the first time I did it (overlooked a typo) and ended up fine.
after you've rooted, you can certainly use the factory ROM and overclock, but be careful with which kernel you use.. they don't all work on the stock ROM. I would recommend baconbits as it's from the very trustworthy cyanogenmod team and has been used by many a DZ/G2 owner. I did stock rom/baconbits for a while before the gingerbread roms started rolling out... when an official gingerbread rom rolls out for our phones, that's what I'll be going back to (depending on how awesome Gingervillain 2.0 is )
sense is way overloaded, but that's just my opinion. check out some screenshots/videos of the different available roms to get a feeling for what they might be like before you install them on your phone.
Where can I find these screen shots and videos? Is there a certain list on this site? Or do I have to manually search it via Google and Youtube? I don't know the names of all the mods....haha
there is no better friend than google. Depending on what kind of person you are.. if you genuinely care about why stuff works.. how it works... then you must read the entire Vision Wiki from top to bottom...its got great stuff in it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision If you dont care about why or how things work just go for broke and root it and pop a rom on and play with it. Whatever floats your boat.
just look through the stickies empirical http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=801206
do not do anything to your phone without making sure you have fully read the wiki...just dont rush into anything, enjoy your time enjoy each detail because the joy is in learning why things are the way they are.
Sense and CM and Vanilla...... ford...chevy...dodge... pepsi or coke... macintosh or windows... pizza burgers or fluffernutters... whatever floats your boat. no ifs and or buts about it, land of the free and rooted
Wow, he's a virgin. Lol. Welcome to the club bro. Unlockr.com has many easy videos n directions too.
G2 with meXdroid GingerMex Habanero
I have a Desire Z, and therefore started with Sense and was on the stock ROM for about 2 months. Having switched to CM7, I have to say I don't miss much about Sense. Sense has some nice widgets, but nothing that can't be done with market apps, for the most part. The only thing I miss is the Sense camera. It has a really nice look and layout, and focuses on any point on the screen by touching it. Sense is a resource hog, and my phone seems faster and smoother without it.
ROMs are the operating system software for the phone. Custom ROMs are ones that are tweaked by users here, who are awesome enough to do all the hard work and share it with us. Custom ROMs add functionality, sometimes improve performance, and often strip out a lot of the "bloatware" that your carrier likes to put on the phone. CM7 is a custom ROM, and one of the more popular ones. Its based on stock Android (CM6 is Froyo and CM7 is Gingerbread) and packed with lots of extra features.
If you are comfortable with rooting, you are really most of the way to flashing a custom ROM. After you root, download ROM Manager from the Market. You can use ROM Manager to backup your current ROM, download many of the popular custom ROMs, and install them, just with a few clicks.
Why do you want to return to factory condition? You can OC without doing that. You just root and flash a new kernal, then install SetCPU or similar.
Somebody already posted the "Stickies" guides. Start reading, all you need to know is there.