Why not to Root? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've just had notification that my Nexus is on its way and am really interested in rooting it when it arrives and there are plenty of reason for doing not least for expanding storage.
I'm very new to the Android market and never done anything like this before and want to cover all my bases.
But my question is, is there any reason for not doing it?
Do OTA updates still work with a rooted device?
Does it invalidate your Google warranty, would it invalidate an extended warranty from a 3rd party?
Any other reasons not to root?
Thanks
Jon

Security is one concern. To give an example, Blizzard Entertainment offers an Android app for their Authenticator security. It randomly generates a number for a seconday password, and the app itself has a serial attached to it. With rooted android apps, they can gain access to the serial attached to the authenticator, spoof your authenticator, and possibly gain access to your account.

jonchill said:
I've just had notification that my Nexus is on its way and am really interested in rooting it when it arrives and there are plenty of reason for doing not least for expanding storage.
I'm very new to the Android market and never done anything like this before and want to cover all my bases.
But my question is, is there any reason for not doing it?
Do OTA updates still work with a rooted device?
Does it invalidate your Google warranty, would it invalidate an extended warranty from a 3rd party?
Any other reasons not to root?
Thanks
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consensus seems to be OTAs won't work, but you can easily get the updates through these forums. Also wallet stops functioning if you root.
As for warranty the popular approach there is you can unroot at any time thus 'eliminating the evidence' . Haven't done it personally tho
Sent from my Nexus 7

Related

Can't decide if I should root my atrix or not

Hi there,
I am debating if I should root my Atrix or not. I checked out few posts and they seem a bit complecated. Also, I found this article saying carriers will track down rooted devices and restricted services.
By the way, can I still install some of Motorola o/s for dock stations? I have a multimedia and a car dock.
http://www.mydroidworld.com/forums/...rooting-manufacturers-carriers.html#post65013
Any thoughts?
No one will track you down and restrict you. And it's very safe to root.
Just for apps like Adfree which kills advertisements, this is reason enough for me to root! Not to mention super helpful things like customer recovery to back things up, the ability to sideload (install non-market apps if you're on AT&T), etc.
Android is quite open source but rooting opens up another amazing realm of extremely essential apps.
bongd said:
No one will track you down and restrict you. And it's very safe to root.
Just for apps like Adfree which kills advertisements, this is reason enough for me to root! Not to mention super helpful things like customer recovery to back things up, the ability to sideload (install non-market apps if you're on AT&T), etc.
Android is quite open source but rooting opens up another amazing realm of extremely essential apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will take your word for it then! Just kidding. Would you be able recommend any good root techniques on the forum? I think there are few methods and am not sure which one is the best.
Thank you!
I say root it. I rooted mine and i love it this way. I had mine for only two days before I rooted it. I was a little nervous at first and felt that i really didnt want to do it, but the benefits were too great with a rooted phone than without a rooted phone. I am on the AT&T network and i hate it when someone tries to tell me what I can't do with something I purchased. Trust me when i say that you are going to want software that is not in the market as well.
And... I really, really love the fact that I don't need to be docked to use my WebTop.
Again... i say root it.
janggu said:
I will take your word for it then! Just kidding. Would you be able recommend any good root techniques on the forum? I think there are few methods and am not sure which one is the best.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gladroot. It's the easiest and can enable tethering and sideloading as well.
You must be on 1.2.6 to root. You can run their first script which will root it. You can then do AT&T's download and run their second script which will root that too. BOOM!
It shouldn't take any longer than 10 minutes.
Well... there was that one thing where AT&T is supposedly locking out, or might be locking out phones that have been determined to be rooted. But the fact of the matter is, if they do that with absolutely no reason other than the phone being rooted, i'm sure you'll see a class action lawsuit about it since rooting/jailbreaking a cell phone is legal now according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The only reason i can see them disabling service is if you root it, and use one of the alternate methods of tethering, and wind up using a TON of bandwidth.... well over what anyone would even remotely do on just the phone if they didn't have any tethering package or way to tether. Then you'd basically be using their networks in a way that could be deemed illegal. But there's no issue with just rooting it to use applications not approved by the carrier or phone manufacturer.
Would you want to be admin on your own computer?
I think rooting is a must. The use of sideloading alone is worth it. I would hate to not be able to use the Amazon Appstore, Ive really come to like it.
One thing to mention though. The Blockbuster app detects root and wont allow content to be purchased because of DRM concerns. I dont know if this will be a problem with future apps.
Yeah, I did!
I rooted my Atrix with "gladroot" last night. Can't wait to customize it now.
Thank you very much for your valid inputs everyone!!!
Where are these non market apps that everyone speaks of
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
JohnnyDanger said:
One thing to mention though. The Blockbuster app detects root....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's Blockbuster? ;-)
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I know right. I was just using that as an example. Never know what might be blocked next.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App

[Q] (Q) Root why not to?

I know that root your S5 will trip knox.
I know that some have been saying that, if you root, that you can cant get connection to the update sever.
But what other issuse is there.
Sorry for the spelling, but im dyslexic.
Paland49 said:
I know that root your S5 will trip knox.
I know that some have been saying that, if you root, that you can cant get connection to the update sever.
But what other issuse is there.
Sorry for the spelling, but im dyslexic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding KNOX there is a massive grey area around it, will Samsung carry out warranty work if it's tripped. Some report yes, some report no, some just don't know but guess.
It's all down to you really, if you feel rooting is a benefit to you then it might be worth losing OTA/Knox(warranty) etc. I rooted my Note 3 and tripped KNOX the day I got it, and tbh I never had issues.
radicalisto said:
Regarding KNOX there is a massive grey area around it, will Samsung carry out warranty work if it's tripped. Some report yes, some report no, some just don't know but guess.
It's all down to you really, if you feel rooting is a benefit to you then it might be worth losing OTA/Knox(warranty) etc. I rooted my Note 3 and tripped KNOX the day I got it, and tbh I never had issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a Note 10.1 2014 and I have root it. i really like to options root gives me, like frezzing app's i dont need or use and ADAway. But im not sure to root my S5 or not to.
Ask yourself if you really need root right now, if not then don't risk it, if you do then go ahead and do what you need etc.
hmm, I think the real question is about the risk versus benefits...
Thing is I refuse to share my device with my compagny, if I own the hardware then all software limits are unacceptable.period.
Now, getting root is not for all and every user, so unless you know what you do then don't go for it...
I think that since most of our digital life happen on mobile device nowadays, empowerment is mandatory.
We can't let big company decide for us, too much is at stake.
For example, I use Xposed module with Xprivacy in order to have control over what data of mine are shared with internet.
Root only brings you control, not only choices, and that's what matter!
vorta251 said:
hmm, I think the real question is about the risk versus benefits...
Thing is I refuse to share my device with my compagny, if I own the hardware then all software limits are unacceptable.period.
Now, getting root is not for all and every user, so unless you know what you do then don't go for it...
I think that since most of our digital life happen on mobile device nowadays, empowerment is mandatory.
We can't let big company decide for us, too much is at stake.
For example, I use Xposed module with Xprivacy in order to have control over what data of mine are shared with internet.
Root only brings you control, not only choices, and that's what matter!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am very interested in the privacy point you make was just wondering if you could expand on what Xposed module and xprivacy do. Sorry fairly new to rooting and mods. I have a stock Telus s5 900w8 thanks in advance
Ffinger said:
I am very interested in the privacy point you make was just wondering if you could expand on what Xposed module and xprivacy do. Sorry fairly new to rooting and mods. I have a stock Telus s5 900w8 thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xposed is a framework that allow module to run at a system level WITHOUT to have to modify your rom (it's very much alike to what winterboard is to jailbreaked Iphone).
Modules are very different from added functionality to cosmetic changes.
Xprivacy is not blocking any permissions for the apps, instead you can generate random informations and choose to give it to the apps.
The apps never crash because of Xprivacy, for example, Facebook thing I live in finland (i'm located in Asia)
So you can decide app by app what you allow and what you don't.
You'll find plenty of info about these topics here on xda!

Waiting instead of updating?!

I'm a little confused as to why so many people are waiting instead of updating to the available 4.4.2. People been clamoring for the update and it's finally available and everyone is asking if they should update or shouldn't?
The Knox issue I can understand, but I've rooted all my devices the day I get them from the HTC nexus one days. I didnt even boot into my Note 10.1 2014 stock, out the box I installed twrp and rooted. The benefits of root far outweigh potential issues and the guides are fool proof. Re warranty, I've seen no reports of Samsung turning anyone back because of Knox. Case in point so many of the refurbished ones sold recently were received with Knox tripped, it's not that big a deal, besides, especially for those in America, most stores offer 30 day returns no questions asked so it's neither here nor there.
The fact is, the update is available now, it makes the tablet so much more of a joy to use and has so many improvements that I just don't get this whole "should I wait? When will the OTA come to my country" thing. Anyhow, I guess to each his own, but the reality is some of you waiting potentially may not even live long enough for the update you're waiting on lol. Live in the now guys!
Also, so many are complaining about the exclusion of Magazine UX, though almost everyone on here says the first thing they do is install Nova or some other launcher, so why is it an issue for them? It's just odd...
Anyhow, rant done.
Lol.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
I'd love to update, but I've kept it stock since launch. I have many notes for school on papyrus that I would like to keep, but I understand that data wipe is recommended. Any way around this?
Id love to root and use a few xposed mods to make it more like the pro series.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
thachosenone said:
I'd love to update, but I've kept it stock since launch. I have many notes for school on papyrus that I would like to keep, but I understand that data wipe is recommended. Any way around this?
Id love to root and use a few xposed mods to make it more like the pro series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want Papyrus notes backup, it looks like their cloud services premium feature will do it if you don't mind the $3 in app purchase. If you are looking for a more comprehensive option, there are several ways to backup your data. Through a little Googling, I found this guide to backing up using adb without root. Or you can go ahead and root before updating, and then use something like Titanium Backup to back up your data and then restore. This is just from a cursory look for options, look around, read into different things and see which approach fits your needs.
KNOX doesn't bother me as regards losing warranty. It has stopped me from rooting for the first time ever for fear of resale consequences. I just know that if I sell it on eBay with knox tripped and I do disclose it in my description people will be asking for a lower price whereas if I don't mention it the buyer will be contacting me a week later moaning that I didn't tell him I'd tripped knox. A real potential headache that I can't be bothered with so samsung have finally succeeded in stopping me rooting my device one way or another.
Sent from my alphanumeric pager
thachosenone said:
I'd love to update, but I've kept it stock since launch. I have many notes for school on papyrus that I would like to keep, but I understand that data wipe is recommended. Any way around this?
Id love to root and use a few xposed mods to make it more like the pro series.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you pay for papyrus you can backup to Dropbox. Also, updating with Odin you won't lose any information. I didn't wipe before updating and I have no issues whatsoever.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
A couple of reasons...
The N10.1-14 is a productivity/creation device; at least Samsung's marketing that way. Some people do actually connect to secure networks and more and more are reading the KNOX chip for authentication. I personally use KNOX and three of the five secure networks I connect to are KNOX enabled.
The question of warranty support on devices with tripped KNOX flags is kind of grey. Not everyone wants to personally test Samsung's warranty policies.
Rooted devices can't use AllShare Cast, have DRM issues with certain apps, can't play DRM content acquired from Samsung Hub, and can't receive OTA updates. Xposed can overcome some of that but not everyone wants a "Franken-phone."
Regional ROMs have very different feature sets. A personal example. Someone here was raving about the performance improvements of the new P601 ROM for Guatemala so I tried it. They failed to mention it was a carrier ROM (Claro), all the stock app icons were replaced with crappy looking "Claro" interpretations, 500MB of non-removable demo games were installed, and Samsung Hub no longer supported anything but books. When I flashed back to the Trinidad ROM the Guatemala ROM either overlaid or removed a file causing an indexing FC loop. I had to completely wipe and rebuild my tablet to get back to where I started in the first place. My tablets are typically from Trinidad which serves the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America and have most of the North American features enabled. I never use Asian ROMs, Eastern European ROMs, Latin American ROMs (other than Brazil) or any carrier ROM from anywhere. Both because of what's missing and what's needlessly included.
None of this matters to people who bought their N10.1-14 as a piece of h/w but does to those of us that use and value its features. Probably 1/3 here actually appreciate the stock features, 1/3 hate TW and Samsung's proprietary apps, and the other 1/3 are somewhere in between. To each their own.
As an add on, there is no risk in trying the update. There is no Knox trip and once our Ota arrives just use Odin to flash that on top. Either way you don't risk anything and you get to enjoy kitkat. Seriously there is no reason anyone on this forum should not be trying this amazing update.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
SM P601
I use the wifi+3g version of the note 10.1(2014). I am not going to risk updating until someone else does it and shows me screenshots of the update not ****ing up their device in anyway. Till then,fingers are tightly crossed!
dustfinger314 said:
If you just want Papyrus notes backup, it looks like their cloud services premium feature will do it if you don't mind the $3 in app purchase. If you are looking for a more comprehensive option, there are several ways to backup your data. Through a little Googling, I found this guide to backing up using adb without root. Or you can go ahead and root before updating, and then use something like Titanium Backup to back up your data and then restore. This is just from a cursory look for options, look around, read into different things and see which approach fits your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get an error trying to purchase the in app backup option. I'm in the usa
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
pierrekid said:
As an add on, there is no risk in trying the update. There is no Knox trip and once our Ota arrives just use Odin to flash that on top. Either way you don't risk anything and you get to enjoy kitkat. Seriously there is no reason anyone on this forum should not be trying this amazing update.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't there a risk I may have to do a factory reset if I'm having issues after the flash? I really couldn't be bothered setting everything up and getting all the data I have back on it.
Sent from my alphanumeric pager
poplectic said:
Isn't there a risk I may have to do a factory reset if I'm having issues after the flash? I really couldn't be bothered setting everything up and getting all the data I have back on it.
Sent from my alphanumeric pager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the same risk you take updating to any new software. It's the same recommendation whether it be an official update or a custom ROM. So no there is no elevated risk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk
pierrekid said:
That's the same risk you take updating to any new software. It's the same recommendation whether it be an official update or a custom ROM. So no there is no elevated risk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is one of the positives of root...a nandroid backup! Before any update I do a nandroid backup in twrp so should anything go wrong, I just restore and it comes back exactly as it was when baked up.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Exactly. With an official update you don't even have that option
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
pierrekid said:
That's the same risk you take updating to any new software. It's the same recommendation whether it be an official update or a custom ROM. So no there is no elevated risk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop it! You've almost got me convinced!
Sent from my alphanumeric pager
pierrekid said:
Exactly. With an official update you don't even have that option
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there is risk in bricking my tablet from an official firmware, will it still void my warranty by updating?
Is there a root method yet? I would like to use xposed mods to make this a pro line tablet.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
thachosenone said:
Is there a root method yet? I would like to use xposed mods to make this a pro line tablet.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root has been available since October.
Just want to clarify. You guys are talking about the KK update on P600 right?
poplectic said:
Stop it! You've almost got me convinced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it sucks :/ I've always rooted and ran custom roms on my devices going back to my S1 and HTC desire. I don't fear the potential warranty issues myself, its just the resale of it is going to be 10x more difficult FYI I've never held on to a device for more than 2 years.
toyanucci said:
I'm a little confused as to why so many people are waiting instead of updating to the available 4.4.2. People been clamoring for the update and it's finally available and everyone is asking if they should update or shouldn't?
The Knox issue I can understand, but I've rooted all my devices the day I get them from the HTC nexus one days. I didnt even boot into my Note 10.1 2014 stock, out the box I installed twrp and rooted. The benefits of root far outweigh potential issues and the guides are fool proof. Re warranty, I've seen no reports of Samsung turning anyone back because of Knox. Case in point so many of the refurbished ones sold recently were received with Knox tripped, it's not that big a deal, besides, especially for those in America, most stores offer 30 day returns no questions asked so it's neither here nor there.
The fact is, the update is available now, it makes the tablet so much more of a joy to use and has so many improvements that I just don't get this whole "should I wait? When will the OTA come to my country" thing. Anyhow, I guess to each his own, but the reality is some of you waiting potentially may not even live long enough for the update you're waiting on lol. Live in the now guys!
Also, so many are complaining about the exclusion of Magazine UX, though almost everyone on here says the first thing they do is install Nova or some other launcher, so why is it an issue for them? It's just odd...
Anyhow, rant done.
Lol.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am waiting. Reports are that game emulators are slower for some reason with Kitkat and that besides video is a key reason I have this device. Can not be bothered to go through the root process either.
Not seeing the value add verses the risk with a $550 device.

Confirmed: Rooting & tripping Knox will disable Samsung Pay

However, we advise you to refrain from rooting your device, as it will disable Samsung Pay, just like KNOX. When you root your device, the integrity gets breached, which is necessary for important and sensitive features like mobile payments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source: sammoble.com
I don't like to pay Samsung so just ROOT!!
Alfa Kenny One said:
I don't like to pay Samsung so just ROOT!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but Samsung pay is a really important feature as it is compatible with all debit and credit card machines
ngupta93 said:
but Samsung pay is a really important feature as it is compatible with all debit and credit card machines
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... if it works in your country
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hawke84 said:
... if it works in your country
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't know exactly whether it would work in my country or not, but according to Samsung it is compatible with all the machines out there is it true
It is just a matter of time and we'll find some workaround...Root for life
One thing to note for US users is that in October of this year, people will be switching to pin cards with chips like we use here in the UK. I'm not sure what will happen to the card readers that accept swipe cards, but it seems like they are being phased out. THOUGH, once businesses get new card readers, they will most likely be getting models that will accept NFC payments.
I tried the freedom apk app since I rooted my us cellular smg920r4 on the t mobile cfroot and it won't let me make free purchases anymore since I tripped the Google pay. Oh well
Well a user and I on reddit were rooted and he stated that he couldn't use the Samsung Wallet app because he was rooted. I tried it and got a message saying I was rooted and the app closed. I unrooted and boom the app worked, tripped Knox and all. Not saying it will be the same for Samsung Pay, but there's a glimmer of hope. Also in Smart Manager even with a tripped Knox the Device Security says "Secure" with "No unauthorized system changes detected". So we'll have to just wait and see when it is actually released.
If all else fails and it needs an un-tripped Knox I'll just claim my LED flash always on issue others have been having and get a fresh phone from TMO.
so unroot it even with knox trip will make samsung wallet works rite ?
fair enough
What's unclear is if unrooting with Knox tripped will restore Samsung Pay functionality.
Its ok I dont need it
PunishedSnake said:
Its ok I dont need it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
/end
Google wallet works fine when you are rooted (or at least used to the last time i bothered to root my device)
What benefit would there be over google wallet with samsung pay?
Samsung Pay is kind of unusable here in the Netherlands. The magnetic stripe was phased out in 2011. Every newly ordered bank card has NFC but not many stores have NFC yet.
So root away.
I know there were a few apps that I had back in the day, that would make an app not see root, even if your phone was rooted, for example, Google pay had a problem for a bit, and after that app, I know it was fixed. I am sure someone will find a work around, they always do!
I am waiting a bit longer for TowelRoot of some kind. all I want is root, not much else. Though it would be nice to get some Lollipop features that Samsung yanks out .
eatonjb said:
I know there were a few apps that I had back in the day, that would make an app not see root, even if your phone was rooted, for example, Google pay had a problem for a bit, and after that app, I know it was fixed. I am sure someone will find a work around, they always do!
I am waiting a bit longer for TowelRoot of some kind. all I want is root, not much else. Though it would be nice to get some Lollipop features that Samsung yanks out .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All hopes on towelroot now....
I'm failing to see how this is confirmation (Maybe I've misread it which is possible ), It seems to me that this is no more than a post on a site with no proof, source etc. maybe this guy knows a guy who knows a guy who works at Samsung in some capacity, I'll wait until it's stated by Samsung that rooting will remove the devices capacity to use the service regardless of unrooting afterwards.
If this does turn out to be true i.e. if Samsung does clearly state that the service is unusable after rooting (and still unusable even after unrooting) then this would be imo kind of funny because a jailbroken iPhone can use Apple pay but a rooted (which is far more the norm on android vs jailbroken on iOS) Galaxy S6 can't.
razor 116 said:
I'm failing to see how this is confirmation (Maybe I've misread it which is possible ), It seems to me that this is no more than a post on a site with no proof, source etc. maybe this guy knows a guy who knows a guy who works at Samsung in some capacity, I'll wait until it's stated by Samsung that rooting will remove the devices capacity to use the service regardless of unrooting afterwards.
If this does turn out to be true i.e. if Samsung does clearly state that the service is unusable after rooting (and still unusable even after unrooting) then this would be imo kind of funny because a jailbroken iPhone can use Apple pay but a rooted (which is far more the norm on android vs jailbroken on iOS) Galaxy S6 can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sammobile has inside sources at Samsung and rarely gets this stuff wrong. Other Android websites are treating this as news and not rumor for that reason. If they are saying that root breaks Samsung Pay, then you can be 99% sure it does.

Blocking Ads Without Root? Will ZTE Ever Step Up?

Long story short I haven't unlocked my bootloader to root my phone yet, since ZTE are offering virtually zero support and haven't even supplied a factory image (WTF!), so I don't have a properly working method to block ads.
This makes YouTube absolutely worthless to me, I'm not going to watch a 30 second ad about something I probably hate with a fiery passion in order to watch a 2 minute video. Just simply browsing the web has become painful and indescribably annoying.
So is there any (actually effective) method out there which I can use to block the cancer of the internet known as advertisements without having root? Will ZTE ever do what every other company does and offer some bare minimum support for the community? If I knew ZTE were going to be this horrible about support I wouldn't have even bought the phone to begin with.
Cyrus D. said:
Long story short I haven't unlocked my bootloader to root my phone yet, since ZTE are offering virtually zero support and haven't even supplied a factory image (WTF!), so I don't have a properly working method to block ads.
This makes YouTube absolutely worthless to me, I'm not going to watch a 30 second ad about something I probably hate with a fiery passion in order to watch a 2 minute video. Just simply browsing the web has become painful and indescribably annoying.
So is there any (actually effective) method out there which I can use to block the cancer of the internet known as advertisements without having root? Will ZTE ever do what every other company does and offer some bare minimum support for the community? If I knew ZTE were going to be this horrible about support I wouldn't have even bought the phone to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Adguard, works like a charm
Gachmuret said:
Try Adguard, works like a charm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it won't steal my info????
Cyrus D. said:
Long story short I haven't unlocked my bootloader to root my phone yet, since ZTE are offering virtually zero support and haven't even supplied a factory image (WTF!), so I don't have a properly working method to block ads.
This makes YouTube absolutely worthless to me, I'm not going to watch a 30 second ad about something I probably hate with a fiery passion in order to watch a 2 minute video. Just simply browsing the web has become painful and indescribably annoying.
So is there any (actually effective) method out there which I can use to block the cancer of the internet known as advertisements without having root? Will ZTE ever do what every other company does and offer some bare minimum support for the community? If I knew ZTE were going to be this horrible about support I wouldn't have even bought the phone to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had my Axon 7 rooted and xposed working perfectly WAYYYYYYY before I unlocked it. And I am willing to bet that if you look in the rest of this wonderful XDA section you will find a posting or two about root without bootloader unlock, and the first step is making a backup so if something does go wrong you can use your backup!
Gachmuret said:
Try Adguard, works like a charm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's paid only in order to block ads in apps and it's not even a one time purchase, it's an annual license. I won't purchase licenses which expire for Android apps. For now I have the free version installed, but the fact that it gives a warning stating that it's reported battery or data usage will be false (other application's stats will supposedly be recorded as AdGuard's) makes it suspicious to even begin with.
tabletalker7 said:
I had my Axon 7 rooted and xposed working perfectly WAYYYYYYY before I unlocked it. And I am willing to bet that if you look in the rest of this wonderful XDA section you will find a posting or two about root without bootloader unlock, and the first step is making a backup so if something does go wrong you can use your backup!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last time I checked on rooting without unlocking it was super convoluted and there were reports of people left and right bricking things.
- What do I even backup with and can it even be done fully without having root in the first place?
- Can it use ZTE's OTA updates without bricking if that's done?
- Is it actually a full proper root?
Cyrus D. said:
It's paid only in order to block ads in apps and it's not even a one time purchase, it's an annual license. I won't purchase licenses which expire for Android apps. For now I have the free version installed, but the fact that it gives a warning stating that it's reported battery or data usage will be false (other application's stats will supposedly be recorded as AdGuard's) makes it suspicious to even begin with.
The last time I checked on rooting without unlocking it was super convoluted and there were reports of people left and right bricking things.
- What do I even backup with and can it even be done fully without having root in the first place?
- Can it use ZTE's OTA updates without bricking if that's done?
- Is it actually a full proper root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked for me. On the forum for Axon 7 root without unlock the first thing you do is make a backup of the boot and recovery. You can flash those with the same program used to root it and install TWRP. After that we also have a forum here with full stock roms that you can flash with TWRP just to unbrick and they work.
I live in Spain, have a Play Music subscription (YouTube RED isn't available here... *sigh*) and have installed AdGuard two days ago to get rid of those stupid, stupid commercials, but it seriously messed up my battery info.
I would reach around 20% battery and the phone would just turn off. Completely drained. Kaput. Happened twice with full charge with original charger and cable (I thought my Moto X's QC2 had broken something, but it's the app after all).
I have it set up on manual mode now, so that I can activate it outside home and avoid YouTube's commercials and consequent date plan limit (even if I'm a paying customer! Dang it Google!!!).
The non-Play Store versions of Lightning Browser (free) have built-in adblock. You can get it from the developer's github or from F-Droid. It also has a dark theme that's perfect for AMOLED screens like the Axon 7's.
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Cyrus D. said:
Long story short I haven't unlocked my bootloader to root my phone yet, since ZTE are offering virtually zero support and haven't even supplied a factory image (WTF!), so I don't have a properly working method to block ads.
This makes YouTube absolutely worthless to me, I'm not going to watch a 30 second ad about something I probably hate with a fiery passion in order to watch a 2 minute video. Just simply browsing the web has become painful and indescribably annoying.
So is there any (actually effective) method out there which I can use to block the cancer of the internet known as advertisements without having root? Will ZTE ever do what every other company does and offer some bare minimum support for the community? If I knew ZTE were going to be this horrible about support I wouldn't have even bought the phone to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really cannot fathom why you're equating "ZTE stepping up" with "root". Because AFAIK, no OEM actively supports rooting their phones.
So what it comes down to is your unwillingness to root your phone using the proven method available here on XDA. It sounds like you're afraid for some reason, which I don't understand because it's virtually impossible to hard brick your phone at this point, assuming you can follow simple instructions.
AdAway works just fine on my A2017U running B27 and was the single biggest reason I rooted my phone in the first place. My bootloader is still locked, as well.
rczrider said:
I really cannot fathom why you're equating "ZTE stepping up" with "root". Because AFAIK, no OEM actively supports rooting their phones.
So what it comes down to is your unwillingness to root your phone using the proven method available here on XDA. It sounds like you're afraid for some reason, which I don't understand because it's virtually impossible to hard brick your phone at this point, assuming you can follow simple instructions.
AdAway works just fine on my A2017U running B27 and was the single biggest reason I rooted my phone in the first place. My bootloader is still locked, as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta ask, adaway fails with my axon, I figured it was since we have the systemless root, how did you get it to work?
It's not ZTE's job to block ads for you. Most vendor-specific flavors of android don't offer built-in ad blocking. If you want to complain to anyone, complain to Google for not allowing extensions in Chrome. They're lagging behind IOS there.
Use adguard like others have suggested, or root your phone if you want deeper ad blocking.
Ruttix said:
Gotta ask, adaway fails with my axon, I figured it was since we have the systemless root, how did you get it to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adaway works with systemless root.
If you turn off /system write protection, you can use adaway fine, but it modifies /system.
If you want to do it without modifying system, you'll probably need to use magisk.
I don't know how it's mistaken for anything else but I guess I have to clarify. By ZTE steping up, I didn't mean that they should provide us with direct root or adblock or anything like that. I meant they should have offered the basics everyone does, like a freakin' factory image and clear info so those who brick their phones can figure out how to fix it without praying someone on some forums can save them.
As for no company supporting root, even if they don't directly state it, that's pretty much OnePlus's thing, the direct competitor to ZTE right now.
Ruttix said:
Gotta ask, adaway fails with my axon, I figured it was since we have the systemless root, how did you get it to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Type this in terminal:
Code:
reboot disemmcwp
AdGuard lifetime license is cheap. Especially because you can switch currencies when you add it to your cart, and then switch it back to your currency when you enter your credit card. I got 3 lifetime licenses for like 8 bucks apiece just last week.
I got a refund, though, because I had too many questions that it didn't answer. I think it's a legit product but I've gotten used to NetGuard's logging functions whereas AdGuard is kinda "set it and forget it" but their advanced functions feel clunky.
Cyrus D. said:
It's paid only in order to block ads in apps and it's not even a one time purchase, it's an annual license. I won't purchase licenses which expire for Android apps. For now I have the free version installed, but the fact that it gives a warning stating that it's reported battery or data usage will be false (other application's stats will supposedly be recorded as AdGuard's) makes it suspicious to even begin with.
root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are wrong,
There's life time subscription.
I've bought 4 licenses for using it at 2 Windows and 2 android device.
No impact on battery life over 6 months I'm using on 2 smartphone and 2 windows(surface pro 4 and thinkpad 8)
I'm also using at my iPad as free safari extension and battery life is once again rock solid.
And is doing very very good job indeed blocking not only ads but other on line threads too.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
paatha13 said:
You are wrong,
There's life time subscription.
I've bought 4 licenses for using it at 2 Windows and 2 android device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was only one purchase link, and it took me to a page which was offering annual licenses. That's it.
I don't understand why this thread is still going strong.
It's virtually impossible to brick your phone (the U variant, anyway) just by rooting.
AdGuard sucks, rooting is easy, and AdAway is free.
rczrider said:
I don't understand why this thread is still going strong.
It's virtually impossible to brick your phone (the U variant, anyway) just by rooting.
AdGuard sucks, rooting is easy, and AdAway is free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@rczrider: I want to do what you have described, i.e. root to get AdAway installed. I understand about rooting, but what OTAs from ZTA? Do they still work without problem or does one have to unroot (and perhaps even undo AdAway) first?
I know that that info exists somewhere in the the thread about rooting, but that is now very long and that info is not easy to find.
Thanks

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