Database Users

[Q] Would rooting/installing custom rom improve Nexus7?

I recently rooted and installed a custom rom on my phone and noticed huge improvements. Noticed my nexus was lagging on things that I would think shouldn't be that taxing on the device. Thought the OTA update to 4.2 would help but it didn't. Would rooting it get rid of that lag or is it just a nexus thing?

sourshin said:
I recently rooted and installed a custom rom on my phone and noticed huge improvements. Noticed my nexus was lagging on things that I would think shouldn't be that taxing on the device. Thought the OTA update to 4.2 would help but it didn't. Would rooting it get rid of that lag or is it just a nexus thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally because of the big change over from 4.1 to 4.2 i decided to go back to stock for awhile and wait for the bugs to be sorted.
Re-unlocked and rooted, flashed faux kernel and is the best experience i have had to date. Meaning the least lag. Stock and custom kernel. Just unlock - root and then flash kernel. :good:
Not a detailed description but if you need further advice just say so......Just means unlocking installing CWM and SU...Then flash kernel of choice. recommend faux..

I've tried out a rooted nexus 7 and to be honest didn't see a huge improvement so I've decided to wait until Key Lime Pie comes out and see if they sort out the bugs otherwise I will root.

Kind of discouraging

root doesnt automagically improve the devices performance, its what YOU do with root access. oh, and what lag? not the tiniest bit of lag on my device. custom rom/kernel, and some optimizations. couldnt be happier. btw, mostly whatl root does is let you use root apps. you dont need root to flash custom roms/kernels. but you do need an unlocked bootloader. with root, you can control that rom/kernel, get to the devices main file system, change whatever you want, and otherwise be in complete control of your device.

I get my nexus 7 today, after a hour I rooted it, just for ad block plus and the ability to customize the navbar. Love root.

Blixz said:
I've tried out a rooted nexus 7 and to be honest didn't see a huge improvement so I've decided to wait until Key Lime Pie comes out and see if they sort out the bugs otherwise I will root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There will most likely be more updates to 4.2 before Android 5.0 comes out.

I personally think it does make it better. It all really matters how you use your tablet and what you put in it like the Kernel you install. Roms it really doesn't matter really what you get but I have always been a big fan for CM since first getting the G1, nexus one, the HTC G2/Desire z and it has always been the fastest rom for me.
Sent on my rocken Nexus 7

simms22 said:
root doesnt automagically improve the devices performance, its what YOU do with root access. oh, and what lag? not the tiniest bit of lag on my device. custom rom/kernel, and some optimizations. couldnt be happier. btw, mostly whatl root does is let you use root apps. you dont need root to flash custom roms/kernels. but you do need an unlocked bootloader. with root, you can control that rom/kernel, get to the devices main file system, change whatever you want, and otherwise be in complete control of your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had thought you needed SU access in order to flash a custom rom. Or is that just to use CWM which needs SU? Anyways if you unlock you must as well root it.....yes....!

Yeah as a few people have already said root alone will do mouthing for performance faux kernel, as far as I'm concerned, is a great addition to this great tablet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I actually get a lot of performance lag. Might be from alot of email sync but still it shouldn't have a half second delay after lock screen and moving between screens etc.
And I thought I would need to root to get my bootloader unlocked? I'm sure it's easier for the nexus than my HTC One X. Which was kind of a pain.

Yes using different roms and or kernels will make a massive difference to performance and or battery life but thats determined by which kernels and roms you use some are built for speed others for battery. If you had searched the forum you would have found this :silly:

Root will break some apps.
Just wanted to mention that unlocking your bootloader and rooting will break a few apps for the Nexus 7. I was all gung-ho to root my Nexus the first week I had it. Then I discovered I could no longer stream cable tv to it with Time Warner Cables app. Google Wallet also wouldn't let me link any cards to it's app while rooted or with an unlocked bootloader. A quick skim of the forum shows that rooting breaks streaming functionality on other subscription video apps as well. Depending on how you use your tablet, this might not matter to you. I ended up going back to stock for now, just because I wanted to use these apps. There is probably workaround, but I just didn't want the extra work....around. I think the Nexus 7 ultimate toolkit might let you gain temp root, I don't remember for sure tho.

Rooting will not effect performance at all. Your just gaining access to the root directory. It's what you do after that effects performance. Also just rooting does not effect the wallet app at all, this is wrong information. Wallet does a root check for security purposes and will show "unsupported device" within the app after rooting. Ignore that, it is just a root notification. Cards add correctly and it functions correctly. I can't speak on the other apps mentioned, but ill take a stab in the dark and start at user error
Custom roms will definitely increase performance. Stock 4.2.1 is a bit laggy, I recommend flashing liquidsmooth and see the difference!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

I stream movies using Flixster with my rooted N7. It's simple if you are rooted with Supersu. I go to settings in the Supersu app and uncheck Enable Superuser. After I finish streaming, I go back and enable it again.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Debating on rooting my S4

Hi everyone! I just upgraded to the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Before I had the original Galaxy Note. I've rooted and loaded custom ROM's on all my previous Android devices (Captivate, Inspire 4G, Galaxy S II, and Galaxy Note), but I'm debating on rooting this device. It's running great on the stock ROM.
Has anyone else debated this? If so, did you go ahead and root and loaded a ROM then regret it or were you glad you did it?

You can run it absolutely stock and still be rooted. Rooting gives you the advantage of certain apps that require it, as I'm sure you know, such as Titanium Backup, Root explorer and others. Plus ability to get rid of AT&T apps you never do or never will use. fwiw

Root it! You want regret it. The possibilities are endless. And if you do prefer a stock like rom, well believe me there are GREAT custom stock like roms that these great devs have put together that run flawlessly with added benefits. Hope this helps. Happy Rooting
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.

lazard said:
even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on stock with root. I rooted it using Adam's casual only to have TiBu work. I froze all ATT bloats and some google and samsung apps. The stock is very fine for me.
Now I am debating to flash Paranoid rom to try their multiwindow and halo features...

Thanks for all the input everyone, I appreciate it. Knowing me I'll end up rooting it and loading a ROM since I can't leave stuff alone. HA!
Does anyone know if there's a ROM out there that someone has gotten Bluetooth Tethering to work? That's one thing I miss from ICS on my Galaxy Note.

Hey gk
In same boat, been flashing roms hundreds of times for over 3 years from early Nexus One days. Most of the reasons were to get newer OS's without waiting. However, one of the reasons I got the S4 was it already has the latest as in 4.2.2.
One thing I have learned as most of us have is there always seems to be something not 100% on each rom for some folks. Goes with the territory as we know. Although, I have been lucky in that area. Maybe due to lots of reading and proper pre-install wipes. Hats off to all the devs though for their long and tiresome hours giving us these great roms.
My concern, since this is early on with the S4 and no unlocked bootloader, are our chances higher to have issues.
My phone with all it's "gimmicks" is running fast and perfect--NO issues. I also would like TiBu and eventually a custom recovery for nandroids even if I don't flash a custom rom. Used both CWM and TWRP in the past. Also, Amon_Ra. All worked great for me.
But, like you and others will probably root and flash a custom recovery anyway.
Damn Samsung for making this so tough of a decision--

I was in same position lol I've been flashing andneven Ade a few Roms but ya know its cool and all but its a hassel sometimes enough for me to be stock! There's no reason IMO to flash anything this phone is packed to the gills with features already and its on a very new os so I feel like I wanna root and flash away but have found no reason to YET key word there and of course its purely my own standpoint
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Root it! You can get new features before they come to your carrier. ... I debated it and told myself I would stay rooted but run stock rom.... now they figured out ways to bypass the bootloader and flash roms and im back to crack flashing lol. ..

Yup. I thought I wouldn't root this thing. That lasted a week. Then I told myself it's fine the way it is, I don't need to flash a rom. That lasted 3 weeks. I'm not a flashaholic though. I usually pick one and stick with it for a while.
You think it runs fine until you've rommed it and added a kernel. Then you realize you had no idea how fine it could be.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

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I wouldn't ever even own a phone that I couldn't root. It just gives you freedom over your phone. Again you don't NEED to run a custom rom to be rooted, but check out some of the TW custom Tom's that just take the phone to another level but still being stock
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Custom toms are bad ass lol I had to say it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

The Mint Jelly Rom battery life is insane ..it's worth rooting for that alone. Definitely root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I'm more than likely going to root and load a ROM soon. I'm between two different ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2280556
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2305752
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I was a flashaholic on the captivate, and S II. I loved trying new ROMs like Miui and AOKP. But, since I got the Note II and now the S 4 I don't have that desire. My only reason for rooting usually was TiBu, and only from flashing so often. Without flashing a new ROM each week I had little need for restoring apps. After three weeks I finally rooted and started trying ROMs on this phone. It was about the same for my Note. I really like TouchWiz, and miss some of those features on AOSP based ROMs. I don't see the performance need for custom ROMs on either of these phones like I did on the older phones. I guess it just came out of boredom, in the end.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

Well, I finally gave in and rooted--knew I would
Used Adam's Casual--very easy--much more so than my HTC phones
TiBu and Nandriods already in use
Next step roms--

Still haven't rooted yet. I probably will over the weekend. Why can't I leave stuff alone? HA!

[Q] Should i Root?

I receive my Nexus 4 tomorrow, Im still debating whether i should root the phone or just keep it stock, any recommendations? Thank you

Depends if you want to enhance your user experience or be happy with how it is
I say root but use it a couple days and once you find that you're installing apps that require su permissions then root it.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

zeffy621 said:
I receive my Nexus 4 tomorrow, Im still debating whether i should root the phone or just keep it stock, any recommendations? Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ideally NO!
First use for a couple of days and check for any software or hardware related issues also check the battery backup with stock rom,kernel and then you are free to root.

Rohit02 said:
Ideally NO!
First use for a couple of days and check for any software or hardware related issues also check the battery backup with stock rom,kernel and then you are free to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what rom/kernal do you use?

zeffy621 said:
what rom/kernal do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
currently stock with franco kernel as rumors are out that 4.3 is goin to be released this week/month.

Rohit02 said:
currently stock with franco kernel as rumors are out that 4.3 is goin to be released this week/month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keeping the stock rom will not let you update to 4.3 if you have a custom recovery installed. //not true

I couldn't imagine using an unrooted phone, rooted mine within hours. But as suggested, you should check yours first for a couple of days for defects, then root.
Sent from my blazing fast Nexus 4

abaaaabbbb63 said:
Keeping the stock rom will not let you update to 4.3 if you have a custom recovery installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having a custom recovery will not prevent you from receiving or installing the ota update
From my BLACKED OUT N4

spaceman860 said:
Having a custom recovery will not prevent you from receiving or installing the ota update
From my BLACKED OUT N4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Well, one learns new things every day.

Idk why you would get a nexus and not root. They're made for that. Screen color calibration, pie for more screen space, smoothness and longer battery life, USB otg. The list goes on! I didn't even use mine stock for more than a couple of minutes
Sent from my Nexus 4

One word.....Greenify!!

938 tiatesd
zeffy621 said:
I receive my Nexus 4 tomorrow, Im still debating whether i should root the phone or just keep it stock, any recommendations? Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of the few Android devices that I own, stock systems have a few disadvantages to my taste:
1. BLOATWARE UP THE A$$
2. SO-SO OPERATING SPEED AND SOME LAG
3. DULL "EVERYBODY-HAS-IT" STOCK SYSTEM => BORING
Advantages of stock systems:
1. Somewhat more or most stable.
2. Much simpler to adjust settings without too many new technical terms or technicalities.
3. Warranty stays if you have it.
I'm still new and still play around with custom ROMs, as I am heavy on eliminating of proprietary software staying on my devices, both computers and smartphones. If it's there, it has to serve a purpose; otherwise, it MUST be gone, not just DISABLED.

I'd definitely root it! To get all the extra goodies which stock doesn't have (like Pie, hide navbar, themes, tweaks, undervolting, underclocking, adblock etc). But try out stock vanilla android and see it root is actually needed for you.

[Q] What will happen if I update to 4.4 while still rooted?

I am currently on system version 9.30.1 and I am rooted. My boot loader isn't unlocked and I don't have a custom recovery installed. I am wondering if being rooted will cause issues once the 4.4 update is released. And if so how do I remove root?
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Well, since you are rooted, chances are you have probably removed some of the bloat that was installed on your phone by your provider. If this is so, you won't even be able to update to 4.4 unless you first return your phone completely to stock, ie add all the bloat back in. If your phone is not stock, you can remove updater.apk and you won't even be prompted for the update.
If you are completely stock and rooted, when you accept the update to 4.4, once the upgrade completes, you simply will not be rooted anymore. This is true whether you have a locked or an unlocked bootloader. With the unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery, it may be possible to have root if the one in the recovery works with 4.4 Otherwise, we will all have to wait until if/when root becomes available for Android 4.4 and our phone. This is why it is often recommended that you wait to update until the devs have a chance to tear the update apart and look for usable exploits.

Some what on the same topic... I made a back up after unlocking before doing anything... Could I restore said back up flash stock recovery voodoo my root and ota... Or would I still have to rsd then ota?
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

ezknives said:
Some what on the same topic... I made a back up after unlocking before doing anything... Could I restore said back up flash stock recovery voodoo my root and ota... Or would I still have to rsd then ota?
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can flash your backup and then take the OTA, but you don't need voodoo if you're unlocked. Re-flash recovery and then flash root.

netizenmt said:
Well, since you are rooted, chances are you have probably removed some of the bloat that was installed on your phone by your provider. If this is so, you won't even be able to update to 4.4 unless you first return your phone completely to stock, ie add all the bloat back in. If your phone is not stock, you can remove updater.apk and you won't even be prompted for the update.
If you are completely stock and rooted, when you accept the update to 4.4, once the upgrade completes, you simply will not be rooted anymore. This is true whether you have a locked or an unlocked bootloader. With the unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery, it may be possible to have root if the one in the recovery works with 4.4 Otherwise, we will all have to wait until if/when root becomes available for Android 4.4 and our phone. This is why it is often recommended that you wait to update until the devs have a chance to tear the update apart and look for usable exploits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I am rooted and didnt touch any of the bloatware. I bought the phone in an non-unlockable state, 9.30.1, so I just want some form of kit-kat on this. In an un-xda like fashion im probably going to just take the update ASAP.

AKShotgun said:
Thanks, I am rooted and didnt touch any of the bloatware. I bought the phone in an non-unlockable state, 9.30.1, so I just want some form of kit-kat on this. In an un-xda like fashion im probably going to just take the update ASAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being locked & rooted you will lose root perhaps forever.

aviwdoowks said:
Being locked & rooted you will lose root perhaps forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of guess work.. considering first off that 4.4 hasn't been provided. If it was provided will you be the first to jump?

theemaster said:
A lot of guess work.. considering first off that 4.4 hasn't been provided. If it was provided will you be the first to jump?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 442 already and boy is it fast!
---------- Post added at 03:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:42 PM ----------
But I cannot root on the X that is.

aviwdoowks said:
I have 442 already and boy is it fast!
---------- Post added at 03:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:42 PM ----------
But I cannot root on the X that is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't say....

theemaster said:
A lot of guess work.. considering first off that 4.4 hasn't been provided. If it was provided will you be the first to jump?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look in the S5 and X forums to get the proof you need about KK being hard to root.
AK, I would seriously wait until the devs get hold of the update. Let the devs take the OTA and pull it apart so they can start providing ROMs for SafeStrap. Then, update to KK via SS.

My plan is to go all stock and accept the update IF it ever actually gets released. As my bootloader is unlocked, I always have the option of reflashing recovery on it, make a backup of 4.4, and then run it or some other rom backup as I choose. Also, I'm curious to know, if there is supposed to be superuser built into TWRP, will that allow 4.4 to be rooted anyway, or not?
As you can see, I know just enough to be dangerous, lol, but as long as I can make calls, it's all good.

netizenmt said:
My plan is to go all stock and accept the update IF it ever actually gets released. As my bootloader is unlocked, I always have the option of reflashing recovery on it, make a backup of 4.4, and then run it or some other rom backup as I choose. Also, I'm curious to know, if there is supposed to be superuser built into TWRP, will that allow 4.4 to be rooted anyway, or not?
As you can see, I know just enough to be dangerous, lol, but as long as I can make calls, it's all good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as your bootloader is unlocked, all you need to do after you update to the OTA is re-flash recovery and then superuser to regain root.

netizenmt said:
My plan is to go all stock and accept the update IF it ever actually gets released. As my bootloader is unlocked, I always have the option of reflashing recovery on it, make a backup of 4.4, and then run it or some other rom backup as I choose. Also, I'm curious to know, if there is supposed to be superuser built into TWRP, will that allow 4.4 to be rooted anyway, or not?
As you can see, I know just enough to be dangerous, lol, but as long as I can make calls, it's all good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is an "if" in it. The executive posted on google+ about receiving the update in the next couple weeks.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

AKShotgun said:
I don't think there is an "if" in it. The executive posted on google+ about receiving the update in the next couple weeks.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well its been a few weeks since he said that. Having had a similar situation with Sony and the Xperia Play and ICS, I can tell you the average executive's word isn't worth spit. And then there's the whole Verizon involvement which always adds another level of delay. I'm hoping I'm wrong, but I would be surprised if we get KK in a few Months, never mind weeks.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using Tapatalk

netizenmt said:
Well its been a few weeks since he said that. Having had a similar situation with Sony and the Xperia Play and ICS, I can tell you the average executive's word isn't worth spit. And then there's the whole Verizon involvement which always adds another level of delay. I'm hoping I'm wrong, but I would be surprised if we get KK in a few Months, never mind weeks.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if it seems like it im not trying to fight you here but he commented on his google+ post saying Razr M and HD KitKat is already at Verizon labs. So im guessing about a month.

I look forward to being wrong. I really hope we get it in the next few months. I've noticed that each revision of Android has made the need to develop custom ROMs less necessary for many phones. Of course that won't lessen our desire or enthusiasm to push the envelope. But when I think how far we have come from my first Android, the LG Ally and Eclair... There was a phone that was crap stock, but once unlocked and customized, it was a very decent phone for its time and price point. Today, its harder to see the need or difference between stock and custom ROMs, other than removal of bloat and occasionally some new bell or whistle. Still, I can't seem to resist their siren's call any more than the rest of you. Which is why I'm running CM11. Lol!
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using Tapatalk

Stock or root

My X compact is on its way!
Do you guys recommend rooting or keeping stock?
Important to me would be smooth performance, battery and camera.
Thank you
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

I recommend rooting the stock!
there is not actually many custom roms for this phone, and stock rom is really good if you just root it

Kianush said:
I recommend rooting the stock!
there is not actually many custom roms for this phone, and stock rom is really good if you just root it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Once rooted on stock, what changes you recommend?
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

Kianush said:
I recommend rooting the stock!
there is not actually many custom roms for this phone, and stock rom is really good if you just root it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paranoid Android team recently added official support for x compact, but I don't know if they have a stable version yet.

You can't get better than rooted stock, custom ROMS always seem to have issues that prevent them from being a full daily driver.

XperienceD said:
You can't get better than rooted stock, custom ROMS always seem to have issues that prevent them from being a full daily driver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any recommendations for changes to make on stock one rooted? Thanks
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

mario24601 said:
Any recommendations for changes to make on stock one rooted? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The usual, debloat, new fonts, theme the system, couple of build.prop edits and that's about it for me.

My 2 cent.
Stock ROM is very good. You *could* root to debloat, but I have preferred to just deactivate the useless app (which are on the /system partition, so that you won't get a real advantage in removing them).
At the moment I don't see a big thing in rooting the device. On the other side, you could loose some interesting feature (e.g., vodafone wallet, or some home banking functions)..
Enjoy your Xc!

mario24601 said:
Thanks. Once rooted on stock, what changes you recommend?
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually did not change anything except for some build.prop changes
Stock rom is very good as is, I just recommended root so you can use some apps like greenify :good::good:

A very good thing about Xperia devices is the camera, and with a custom rom the camera app is always lacking (unless they can use/steal the stock camera app?)
Otherwise, I don't care about any other Sony apps.
Rooted stock is very good though I'm happy.
If PA has good camera and I can pass safety net, I might switch one day.

Thanks all! I'll look into build prop, to be honest not sure what this does
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

I'm in the same boat. Went from a rooted Z1 Compact to the X compact. It seems so tedious to root the X Compact so I haven't done it yet. However I can say I am missing having root, missing Titanium backup etc. We'll see how we go. Hoping for someone to release a guide to root nougat without having to go back to MM.

Mine came with N loaded. It is international version.
I've yet to try it out extensively.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

mario24601 said:
Thanks all! I'll look into build prop, to be honest not sure what this does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get too hung up on build.prop mods as a lot of them don't work anymore if they even did in the first place. The only two entries I have in mine are...
Code:
persist.adb.notify=0
fw.show_multiuserui=0