Database Users

[Q] Can someone please explain the rooting on this phone to me?

I apologize if there is already a thread like this, but the search wasnt working.. I know what i can do with my phone once it is rooted, I am just interested in what happens tot he actual phone. I could be wrong, but once i root it isnt it always possible to tell that i rooted it even if i unroot it so therefor all warantees are voided? sorry if im being unclear, i cant think of another way to explain it haha.

The K-Zoo Kid said:
I apologize if there is already a thread like this, but the search wasnt working.. I know what i can do with my phone once it is rooted, I am just interested in what happens tot he actual phone. I could be wrong, but once i root it isnt it always possible to tell that i rooted it even if i unroot it so therefor all warantees are voided? sorry if im being unclear, i cant think of another way to explain it haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The language on the "warranty void" screen says that unlocking the bootloader "may" void your warranty. On the Nexus One, HTC usually honored the warranty if the issue was with anything hardware related and could not have been the result of software tampering. Granted, that's them and this is Samsung.
Further, unless there is something hidden in the system files that counts the number of times you unlock the bootloader, you can always relock it prior to sending it in for repair with fastboot oem lock.

unremarked said:
The language on the "warranty void" screen says that unlocking the bootloader "may" void your warranty. On the Nexus One, HTC usually honored the warranty if the issue was with anything hardware related and could not have been the result of software tampering. Granted, that's them and this is Samsung.
Further, unless there is something hidden in the system files that counts the number of times you unlock the bootloader, you can always relock it prior to sending it in for repair with fastboot oem lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is a way to kind of undo the root without them knowing? THanks a lot btw. I figured it was something like this.

The K-Zoo Kid said:
So there is a way to kind of undo the root without them knowing? THanks a lot btw. I figured it was something like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocking the bootloader and rooting are two different things

jblade1000 said:
unlocking the bootloader and rooting are two different things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh i have no idea what unlocking the bootloader does then.

The K-Zoo Kid said:
Ahh i have no idea what unlocking the bootloader does then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a nutshell, unlocking the bootloader means you will be allowed to flash non-Google/custom files to the system partition and more or less enables superuser access(aka root). Once thats done, then you "root" the device, push the Superuser.apk which will enable the rooted apps. Please check out the rooted section of my stickied FAQ for more detail on how to do this if you decide to. There are two great threads I link to.
Once you lock the bootloader, you lose access to the system partition and superuser I believe which effectively unroots it.

unremarked said:
In a nutshell, unlocking the bootloader means you will be allowed to flash non-Google/custom files to the system partition and more or less enables superuser access(aka root). Once thats done, then you "root" the device, push the Superuser.apk which will enable the rooted apps. Please check out the rooted section of my stickied FAQ for more detail on how to do this if you decide to. There are two great threads I link to.
Once you lock the bootloader, you lose access to the system partition and superuser I believe which effectively unroots it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically if you want to do any sort of mods, flash roms, etc. you need to unlock the bootload and root. Thanks a lot for explaining that. I think i understand it now, but just to clarify, if i unlock the bootloader and root will i be able to get the phone back to stock without samsung knowing that i rooted/unlock the bootloader?

The K-Zoo Kid said:
So basically if you want to do any sort of mods, flash roms, etc. you need to unlock the bootload and root. Thanks a lot for explaining that. I think i understand it now, but just to clarify, if i unlock the bootloader and root will i be able to get the phone back to stock without samsung knowing that i rooted/unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, to mod/flash roms you need to unlock the bootloader. It's possible that sometime down the road someone may develop a method of gaining root access on the phone without touching it, but it's unlikely given the fact that we can both unlock and lock the bootloader very easily.
Right now, the answer is... more or less. If you make a NAND backup in Clockwork Recovery/Rom manager of your stock ROM, you can restore back to that, fastboot flash the closest thing we have currently to the stock recovery(check development section for this), then relock the bootloader. This will give the phone all appearances of being stock. Unless Samsung has something deep in the system files tracking the number of times you've unlocked/locked(which I doubt, since I'm sure such a system would have been found by now), you should be good to go.
Most people who have returned the phone to Best Buy have noted that they don't even power on the device or check to see if the bootloader is unlocked or if there's a custom recovery on there. But your mileage may vary.

Interesting stuff. I was under the impression that once clockworkmod is flashed there is no way to remove it at this time.
Reading this thread I'm guessing and hoping this is not the case?

I had clockworkmod installed but used rom manager to flash the 2.3.1 update and i've now got the stock bootloader back. I guess the ota update does the same? It would seem that getting back to stock is pretty easy.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

xspyda said:
Interesting stuff. I was under the impression that once clockworkmod is flashed there is no way to remove it at this time.
Reading this thread I'm guessing and hoping this is not the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My apologies, I posted that before I came to the same understanding regarding the stock recovery.
Like the poster above me mentioned there is a NAND backup of stock 2.3.1 you could restore to which has the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Thanks for the clarification. I'll do some more reading in the dev section

Thanks a lot, this really helped me out a lot. I will proceed to rooting

So, just want to make sure I have this straight... You unlock the bootloader, load custom recovery, SU, and now phone is rooted. If you lock the bootloader, you lose root?
For me, I'm not big on custom roms since I just don't have time to keep things up to date or participate in the bug process, but I do like to maintain backups with Titanium (my primary reason for rooting). So by locking the bootloader down I will not be able to use Titanium. Furthermore, unlocking the bootloader wipes the device. So is there a reason one would not want to keep the bootloader unlocked? Have I completely misunderstood the system?

[Q] Question about rooting

Hey everyone. I was wondering if you could root without unlocking the bootloader first. I know i wouldn't be able to flash roms and such, but I just want the Superuser app so I can use apps like Titanium backup and sixaxis controller. Thanks in advance!

timour79 said:
Hey everyone. I was wondering if you could root without unlocking the bootloader first. I know i wouldn't be able to flash roms and such, but I just want the Superuser app so I can use apps like Titanium backup and sixaxis controller. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry to tell you, but there is no way of rooting without unlocking the bootloader, since its secured and you won't be able to flash the necessary super user scripts. i could be wrong, but i think its necessary to unlock the bootloader.

Billchen0014 said:
sorry to tell you, but there is no way of rooting without unlocking the bootloader, since its secured and you won't be able to flash the necessary super user scripts. i could be wrong, but i think its necessary to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I unlock the bootloader, root, then relock the bootloader and keep the root?

timour79 said:
Can I unlock the bootloader, root, then relock the bootloader and keep the root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you choose the relock bootloader option in the toolbox, it removes superuser as well

Billchen0014 said:
if you choose the relock bootloader option in the toolbox, it removes superuser as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, thanks

Billchen0014 said:
if you choose the relock bootloader option in the toolbox, it removes superuser as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good example of where using a toolkit fails.
You can re-lock the bootloader without affecting root. Boot the phone in fastboot mode, connect to computer and run the following command:
Code:
> fastboot oem lock

timour79 said:
Can I unlock the bootloader, root, then relock the bootloader and keep the root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's your reason for wanting it relocked?
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app

noneabove said:
What's your reason for wanting it relocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not the OP, but I don't like the open padlock icon that shows that the device's bootloader is unlocked.
Any disadvantage to re-locking the bootloader?

Nate2 said:
I'm not the OP, but I don't like the open padlock icon that shows that the device's bootloader is unlocked.
Any disadvantage to re-locking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I dont want to completely void the warranty, unless rooting already does that. If it was mine then i would've unlocked and rooted. I'd probably already have a rom and kernel on it. But it's actually my dad's, and he said I can root it if I don't do anything too serious(like I said, I just want Superuser so I can use things like the sixaxis controller app.)

comminus said:
This is a good example of where using a toolkit fails.
You can re-lock the bootloader without affecting root. Boot the phone in fastboot mode, connect to computer and run the following command:
Code:
> fastboot oem lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that be manual rooting?

NRT questions
hey there
have some newb questions about rooting along the same lines of the OP. hope you can help me
1. what are the chances of bricking the nexus by rooting if all i am going to do is the same as the OP. use sixasis and the usb stick apps. has anyone completely bricked their device or is there always a way back. i have seen a lot of info and guides to suggest you can always get the factory image restored.
2. does the superuser app already need to be installed on the nexus or does the toolkit install it for me?
3. if i am only rooting for basic stuff like sixasis is there any point installing clockword mod?
4. i have downloaded the toolkit and tried the driver installation. my experience was different from the screenshots in the toolkit and guides i have seen but when i run the driver check/step 3 it comes back with success and i have managed to make a backup. so does this imply i can safely unlock and root.
5. if i have to get my device repaired and relock the device and un-root it will my warranty be ok or can google still detect rooting has been done?
sorry for the newb questions but there are so many different guides out there and some of them refer to older versions of the NRT so just want to clarify these points.

timour79 said:
Would that be manual rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. All you are doing there is unlocking the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader is the equivalent of pre-heating your oven. You haven't messed with any ingredients or cooked anything yet.
---------- Post added at 01:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 PM ----------
Lemegeton300 said:
1. what are the chances of bricking the nexus by rooting if all i am going to do is the same as the OP. use sixasis and the usb stick apps. has anyone completely bricked their device or is there always a way back. i have seen a lot of info and guides to suggest you can always get the factory image restored.
2. does the superuser app already need to be installed on the nexus or does the toolkit install it for me?
3. if i am only rooting for basic stuff like sixasis is there any point installing clockword mod?
4. i have downloaded the toolkit and tried the driver installation. my experience was different from the screenshots in the toolkit and guides i have seen but when i run the driver check/step 3 it comes back with success and i have managed to make a backup. so does this imply i can safely unlock and root.
5. if i have to get my device repaired and relock the device and un-root it will my warranty be ok or can google still detect rooting has been done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The chances are pretty slim for permanently bricking. That is the beauty of Nexus devices - the entire factory image is available to be flashed back on if you screw things up. That is the equivalent of reformatting your harddrive & reinstalling your OS on your desktop.
2. mkskip's toolkit will install it for you. I am sure wug's will too.
3. You don't have to install CWM, especially if you are thinking that you will pretty much always stay stock. But, the bug might hit you in a month or two to start playing around, and then CWM or TWRP is your friend. I installed CWM & made a backup pretty quickly in case I do something I shouldn't, such as accidentally deleting a vital system app. That way you do not have to do the factory reinstall route. Every few weeks you can make yourself a fresh backup just for fun.
4. You should be fine - the drivers must be working if the toolkit is doing backups for you. I am assuming you are using mkskips toolkit based on this question - his instructions say that sometimes in 1 step it says drivers didn't install correctly when they actually do - Windows is...Windows. If you want to be sure, ask away on mkskip's thread. He is quite helpful.
5. If you reflash the factory image & the bootloader is relocked, there is nothing for them to see...not that they'd really care since the point of a Nexus is to develop on it. You would only be returning it for a hardware issue, and the software unlocking has no impact on the hardware problem, since your hardware issue would've happened no matter what software you had on it. The only way a software thing could cause a hardware issue would be if you over-overclocked it & cooked some parts. You'd really have to work at doing that since these things usually shut down when the temperature gets too high.
In short: root it & enjoy it!

Thanks for the info. Its wugs tool I am using so not sure what happened with drivers but like you said its good to go. So will the clockwork mod essentially create a restore point for me ?
Going to go ahead and root the device now. Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Lemegeton300 said:
Thanks for the info. Its wugs tool I am using so not sure what happened with drivers but like you said its good to go. So will the clockwork mod essentially create a restore point for me ?
Going to go ahead and root the device now. Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. When you restore a backup it will be just as it was when you made it. Have fun!

[Q] Asus Google Nexus 7 Toolkit v4.0.0 - I just want to root and nothing else

Hi all,
After deeply snorkeling in the whole forum I ended up realizing that (perhaps) there's no answer for my question. So, I think now I'm able to post it here (since I'm so new in this forum that I'm not able to post in Development thread).
Ok, here is my issue:
I recently got my brand new N716G (JB 4.2.1), so far so good it has everything I need, except by game playing experience in some games: using a touch screen for playing some games is really anoying... The good news is that my gamming experience could be improved a little bit if I use my PS3 joystick, but again I got frustrated by the (again) anoying USB cable... I didn't give up and continued my journey to joy, by doing some extra research. I ended up finding a really nice tool on google play: "sixaxis controller" but it is required to root my device in order to run this software in my N7.
Since I just want to root my N7 in order to allow "sixaxis controller" to work, I need something really simple.
I've found that "Asus google Nexus 7 Toolkit" from mskip could help me on this but I've to be honest: I've never rooted an android device before.
Of course, I read almost the whole thread (link) in order to learn what I'm going to do and now I'm pretty sure that I really need to root my tablet but I'm not interested (at least now) on putting a custom ROM nor tweak any configuration. Also, I want to keep my tablet stil able to keep updating by itself whenever a new android version is coming (OTA) after rooting it (I know I'd need to re root after OTA but I might avoid that by installing another tool from google play that avoids that).
So, by using that tool I guess I would need to perform the following steps:
a) 1. Install Google Nexus drivers on your PC
b) 2. Back up your device
c) 3. Unlock your loader
d) 4. Root your device
e) 4.2. Root device + Install busybox
f) 2. Restore backup
Steps a) and b) are done. I didn't continue because I don't know if there's something else I've to do... Do I really need to flash a recovery? How should I continue? In my specific case, what sequence should I have to follow in order to succeed? Just a,b,c,d,e,f and that's all?
I know there's a "1-click for all" option but I don't know if that will fit my needs...
By the way, thanks for reading up to here and many thanks in advance... For sure, any help or tip will be highly appreciated.
Nico.

easiest way to gain root, and without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock(unlocks the bootloader), fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries in that custom recovery, reboot.

simms22 said:
easiest way to gain root, and without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock(unlocks the bootloader), fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries in that custom recovery, reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi simms22,
thank you for your reply!
Sorry but I don't understand. Do you mean that I can root my N7 manually by fastboot it and then flash a custom recovery? How?
I'd rather let an application (or script) to perform such actions for me since I'm really new on this and I just want to avoid any brick
Thanks again!
Nico.

IlNiCoLiNo said:
Hi simms22,
thank you for your reply!
Sorry but I don't understand. Do you mean that I can root my N7 manually by fastboot it and then flash a custom recovery? How?
I'd rather let an application (or script) to perform such actions for me since I'm really new on this and I just want to avoid any brick
Thanks again!
Nico.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the problem, since youre new. by letting something else do it for you, you learn nothing. so when it comes time for simple maintenance, you get stuck, possibly ruining your device. rooting any nexus is easy, it was designed to be easily "rooted". all you need is to install fastboot onto your computer, and make sure the drivers are installed. there are a few threads here that explain how to do it. then, with one line(three words), you unlock the bootloader. with another four word line you flash the recovery. then all youndo is flash the su binaries zip imnthat custom recovery and reboot. anyways, it still comes down to it being your choice how you want to root your device

Agree with simms. I used a toolkit when I first got my Nexus because I thought there's no way I'll be able to figure it out and I'll probably brick the thing. Then when I had to figure out how to use adb for something else I had no idea and was starting from scratch.
Basically, go ahead, it's easy.

+1 for no toolkit. My first rooting experience was on my HTC IncS which involved downgrading HBOOT, doing everything manually, and the like. I'm glad that was the case as it certainly provided me a challenge at the time but it forced me to learn at least the basics of adb and fastboot. (although I certainly know more now) You should try to gain root manually as it is actually very easy on the Nexus 7 and the basic knowledge you will gain will stand you in good stead if you ever have any problems or want to delve into custom ROMs or kernels in the future.

simms22 said:
thats the problem, since youre new. by letting something else do it for you, you learn nothing. so when it comes time for simple maintenance, you get stuck, possibly ruining your device. rooting any nexus is easy, it was designed to be easily "rooted". all you need is to install fastboot onto your computer, and make sure the drivers are installed. there are a few threads here that explain how to do it. then, with one line(three words), you unlock the bootloader. with another four word line you flash the recovery. then all youndo is flash the su binaries zip imnthat custom recovery and reboot. anyways, it still comes down to it being your choice how you want to root your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I guess I'll give that tool a try and see what happens.
Thank you for your patience!
Nico

I'm going to throw one thing out there. If you install super user and busy box THEN restore a backup, all you have done is unlocked your boot loader and flashed custom recovery. Install super user/busy box after you restore your backup. Also, you posted in the right section. If you had posted this in development you would have been flamed. Big time.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I think there are some basics that I must learn before even rise an opinion here
Is there any tutorial or something you'd recommend to start with?
I don't know, may be "android rooting for noobs" or "teach yourself android basics in 21 days"
Thanks!
Nico.

As a fellow noob, I thought you'd appreciate a simpler answer. I'd like to learn more but it can be confusing having all these different methods to consider. I've just unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device using the toolkit. You can go ahead with steps c, d, e & f Nico. You don't need to install a custom recovery unless you plan on flashing a custom rom. I'm sticking with the official OTA updates for now so I've stuck with the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

For future reference read all these links
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2070419

Used wugfresh toolkit with not one single problem and its simple...in fact I even rooted my galaxy nexus with the same toolkit.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

FlexiPack said:
As a fellow noob, I thought you'd appreciate a simpler answer. I'd like to learn more but it can be confusing having all these different methods to consider. I've just unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device using the toolkit. You can go ahead with steps c, d, e & f Nico. You don't need to install a custom recovery unless you plan on flashing a custom rom. I'm sticking with the official OTA updates for now so I've stuck with the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, FlexiPack! You really made my day with your reply.
Regarding the back up, I was not able to back up the virtual SD from the back up menu (0 files were backed up) but I did a complete applications backup (including system files and SD card). I don't know what was the difference but at the end, the .bak file was noticeably bigger. Hence I assumed that in fact all SD contents were backed up.
How was your experience with the backup option and after restoring your data? Did you lost something?
Again, thank you!
Nico.

Hello there guys, I too am a utter android noob and this my my first android device. I'm basicly in the same boat as the poster, all I want to do is root. No custom ROM and flashing of any sort. All I want to accomplish is root to enable USB OTG.
I know there are apps that enable reading such as Nexus media importer but I want to be able to read and write data to external storage via USB (Flas drives, external hard drives and cameras and the sort)
What I've discovered the first big step (after installing drivers and the lot - which is all rather simple) is to unlock the bootloader if I'm correct? But in this process the device will format? I honestly dont want to format my device. I'm totally confused and put off by the whole process.
Another question, what is a good backup program to use - of course for unrooted devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

smartass145 said:
Hello there guys, I too am a utter android noob and this my my first android device. I'm basicly in the same boat as the poster, all I want to do is root. No custom ROM and flashing of any sort. All I want to accomplish is root to enable USB OTG.
I know there are apps that enable reading such as Nexus media importer but I want to be able to read and write data to external storage via USB (Flas drives, external hard drives and cameras and the sort)
What I've discovered the first big step (after installing drivers and the lot - which is all rather simple) is to unlock the bootloader if I'm correct? But in this process the device will format? I honestly dont want to format my device. I'm totally confused and put off by the whole process.
Another question, what is a good backup program to use - of course for unrooted devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toolkit you can backup the whole thing to your comp
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

VonEsch said:
Toolkit you can backup the whole thing to your comp
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, and formatting to unlock the bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

This is kind of a rant but applies here: Don't be afraid to unlock, install custom recoveries, and root.
I hear so many people say, "I just want to be stock... but I want all these features". I can't understand why people hold on to this "stock" state so dearly. It's like device virginity (and it is since you "can't" [mentally] really ever go back). There are so many features and updates that are worth enjoying today. At least, a custom recovery is critical for backups.
I understand this stuff isn't for everybody... but if you are reading this, you aren't grouped with everybody.

player911 said:
This is kind of a rant but applies here: Don't be afraid to unlock, install custom recoveries, and root.
I hear so many people say, "I just want to be stock... but I want all these features". I can't understand why people hold on to this "stock" state so dearly. It's like device virginity (and it is since you "can't" [mentally] really ever go back). There are so many features and updates that are worth enjoying today. At least, a custom recovery is critical for backups.
I understand this stuff isn't for everybody... but if you are reading this, you aren't grouped with everybody.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me vanilla android offers me everything I need at the moment. All I want more from it at the moment is USB OTG functionality - which it has its just been locked by Google for this device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

For all people who call themselves noobs, you really aren't cuz you now know certain things better than the average user.
Trust me, I saw a Customer buying Note 2 today, and when the sales guy told him that it's jelly bean, the retort was "what's that!!!"
And yes, all nexus devices are the easiest lot to root, unroot, unlock and then relock.
Trust me, Google and xda are your best friends.
Just remember one thing, backup before anything, you can always revert then!!!
You guys (noobs as you yourself call) have already jumped, now swim...
One most important thing, search, read, and take the plunge...
All forums have at the least one tutorial stickied!!!
As regards adb, fastboot, google, read, and trust me, you'll not be stuck for more than an hour!!!
Just my 2 cents, actually more!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

It really is like that. But once you start you can't stop. I started by rooting my original android phone ( there were no toolkits and no problems) and ended up with two nexus devices compiling unofficial nightlies for them. I didn't even boot stock on my 7 before I flashed twrp. There's a whole world of fun if you're willing to get your feet wet. If you can stop with just root you're a stronger person than I.

Root N4. (Little Scared)

Alright guys. I have been doing a lot of reading as of late about rooting my wonderful N4. Its prob the best phone I have ever had.
Reason I am scared is I am a little confused on the whole unlock bootloader and what not.
I had a S2 which was easy to root plug in Odin and away we went. I was hoping this would be much the same. I read the guide you have up and its very helpful. My problem is I am new to it really.
The reason I want to root is I want to try the custom ROM PIE as it looks sexy. So any good tips on the rooting process. How safe is rooting.
Sent From The Future.

Download the toolkit for the mako aka nexus 4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Watch the video first, install the drivers, and then follow the instructions in the video/thread. It can't get as easy as the dev who created the toolkit.
Don't a pansy about rooting, be confident; You're not going to break it. Soft-Brick maybe, but one can easily fix that.

ismethajametovic said:
Download the toolkit for the mako aka nexus 4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Watch the video first, install the drivers, and then follow the instructions in the video/thread. It can't get as easy as the dev who created the toolkit.
Don't a pansy about rooting, be confident; You're not going to break it. Soft-Brick maybe, but one can easily fix that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you dude. I'll look into it. I shall man up. Have you used pie custom ROM.
Sent From The Future.

Do. Not. Use. Toolkits.
Go through http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312. All of it. Learn something that you can always use.
(click on the thanks button instead of saying thanks. People luv that in here. You will too, eventually. )

What the difference between what you posted and tool kits.
Sent From The Future.

JknRich said:
What the difference between what you posted and tool kits.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Learn how to use fastboot. Learn how to practically "hack" your phone so you can go back and correct things when they go wrong.
Toolkits are fine until you get stuck. But then you have no clue why & more importantly how to fix it.
Trust me, follow efrant's guide. :thumbup:
(you have to experience the joy of "fastboot oem unlock". That's why you got a nexus device mate!! )

Vangelis13 said:
Learn how to use fastboot. Learn how to practically "hack" your phone so you can go back and correct things when they go wrong.
Toolkits are fine until you get stuck. But then you have no clue why & more importantly how to fix it.
Trust me, follow efrant's guide. :thumbup:
(you have to experience the joy of "fastboot oem unlock". That's why you got a nexus device mate!! )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is fastboot OEM unlock. Sounds like a STD Lol. I have to admit its the best android phone I have had.
So rooting is my next step. Feel like its a massive jump.
Sent From The Future.

JknRich said:
What the difference between what you posted and tool kits.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
difference is that you you dont learn anything from using a toolkit. so when it comes down to an easy fix for something, or some easy maintenance, you wont soft brick your device and wont start one of the "i bricked my device" threads. plus root toolkits can come with their own issues. it comes down to root toolkits are fine, if you already know what you are doing. but for someone new they should never be recommended. learning fastboot is easy, itll just take a little extra reading. in reality, using fastboot is faster then a root toolkit too, once you learn. this is all thats needed to do to unlock/root via fastboot.. type fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom in your new recovery, then reboot and profit.

lol I used toolkit and had no probs.
At least till I tried to reset it but then I learnt how to fastboot. So I'd recommend that you set up toolkit and fastboot. You might use the toolkit, but if you "break" something you can easily fix it with fastboot.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

simms22 said:
difference is that you you dont learn anything from using a toolkit. so when it comes down to an easy fix for something, or some easy maintenance, you wont soft brick your device and wont start one of the "i bricked my device" threads. plus root toolkits can come with their own issues. it comes down to root toolkits are fine, if you already know what you are doing. but for someone new they should never be recommended. learning fastboot is easy, itll just take a little extra reading. in reality, using fastboot is faster then a root toolkit too, once you learn. this is all thats needed to do to unlock/root via fastboot.. type fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom in your new recovery, then reboot and profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I best get reading.
I have always loved playing about with my phone so a bit more reading won't hurt.
Has rooting your device benefited you.
Sent From The Future.

JknRich said:
Ok I best get reading.
I have always loved playing about with my phone so a bit more reading won't hurt.
Has rooting your device benefited you.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it absolutely has, i have full control of my device.
the scariest things about rooting/modifying words used, the terminology. once you pass that stage, everything gets much easier.

I tried the fast boot way but could never get cmd to function. So I gave up because I couldn't find a solution anywhere. You guys just inspired me to try again. Gonna return my phone to stock and start over. Thank you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

simms22 said:
difference is that you you dont learn anything from using a toolkit. so when it comes down to an easy fix for something, or some easy maintenance, you wont soft brick your device and wont start one of the "i bricked my device" threads. plus root toolkits can come with their own issues. it comes down to root toolkits are fine, if you already know what you are doing. but for someone new they should never be recommended. learning fastboot is easy, itll just take a little extra reading. in reality, using fastboot is faster then a root toolkit too, once you learn. this is all thats needed to do to unlock/root via fastboot.. type fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom in your new recovery, then reboot and profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explained by a Meister.
---------- Post added at 12:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 AM ----------
Jammol said:
I tried the fast boot way but could never get cmd to function. So I gave up because I couldn't find a solution anywhere. You guys just inspired me to try again. Gonna return my phone to stock and start over. Thank you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you start in the same folder as your fastboot files. :thumbup:
Follow efrant's guide, it's gold.

i would avoid toolkits as you dont know what commands are being sent to your phone, im not saying they are not safe but you want to know what you are doing.i got stuck at selecting device version and build (step 1 lol) fast boot is easier.
i followed this link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1993331
just learn about fast boot and cmd commands if you need to.
you gotta root at xda, underclocking and changing the dpi to make full use of the resolution, battery life increased having it maxed at a lower clock, i wouldn't of brought the nexus to stay on stock
i cant wait to travel next month with my phone, i remember my S2 could only last 1 day but this nexus is 3 times more efficient

ismethajametovic said:
Download the toolkit for the mako aka nexus 4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Watch the video first, install the drivers, and then follow the instructions in the video/thread. It can't get as easy as the dev who created the toolkit.
Don't a pansy about rooting, be confident; You're not going to break it. Soft-Brick maybe, but one can easily fix that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is such bad advice. How should he expect to be confident when he doesn't know what the toolkit is even doing?
Read up on how to use fastboot and ADB and do it manually, because if you just use the toolkit and something happens, how do you expect to fix it?

JknRich said:
What is fastboot OEM unlock. Sounds like a STD Lol. I have to admit its the best android phone I have had.
So rooting is my next step. Feel like its a massive jump.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see!? You have a Nexus, marvel of technology, and you don't know the mother of all fastboot commands..!!
I hope you are reading that guide I linked you up with already..

joshnichols189 said:
This is such bad advice. How should he expect to be confident when he doesn't know what the toolkit is even doing?
Read up on how to use fastboot and ADB and do it manually, because if you just use the toolkit and something happens, how do you expect to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QFT

estallings15 said:
QFT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite Fckng True..?

"fastboot oem unlock" was a gift from google to the moding community. it gave us the choice of unlocking our bootloaders without any potentially dangerous hacking. its a simple three word line that you type into the command window(fastboot) which then prompts us on the device with a simple yes/no question.. do you want to unlock tge bootloader. it started on the nexus one and continues with every nexus that followed. this separates nexus devices from all others.

simms22 said:
"fastboot oem unlock" was a gift from google to the moding community. it gave us the choice of unlocking our bootloaders without any potentially dangerous hacking. its a simple three word line that you type into the command window(fastboot) which then prompts us on the device with a simple yes/no question.. do you want to unlock tge bootloader. it started on the nexus one and continues with every nexus that followed. this separates nexus devices from all others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're taking away the magic. He was meant to be awed when he came to that point in efrant's guide. Ts ts, Dr Dr.. :banghead:

Root without bootloader unlock?

Good Afternoon All,
Do you think it may be possible that we can get root access without unlocking the bootloader - I'm a little reluctant to unlock the bootloader because of the QFuse blowing.

The QFuse does not blow when you unlock or relock the bootloader. Many reviews and Android news sites spouted that nonsense without having tried it. There are many screenshots of Google CSRs saying that they don't know what the QFuse is for, but unlocking the bootloader/rooting/alterring software is fine as long as it's not so bricked you can't reflash stock images before sending it in to them.
Link to a thread discussing this issue.

Scyntherei said:
The QFuse does not blow when you unlock or relock the bootloader. Many reviews and Android news sites spouted that nonsense without having tried it. There are many screenshots of Google CSRs saying that they don't know what the QFuse is for, but unlocking the bootloader/rooting/alterring software is fine as long as it's not so bricked you can't reflash stock images before sending it in to them.
Link to a thread discussing this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 the QFuse status didn't change when unlocking the bootloader. The media exaggerated about the qfuse and nothing has happened. Everything about the phone still works properly.

Thanks very much, I wasn't aware of this, I should read more. Awesome news.

But to answer the first question.
Very few people put in effort to root a phone with an unlocked bootloader, not matter what fuses are blown.
A phone with an unlocked bootloader has root by default.

Swatto86 said:
Good Afternoon All,
Do you think it may be possible that we can get root access without unlocking the bootloader - I'm a little reluctant to unlock the bootloader because of the QFuse blowing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
last i read you have to flash a kernel in order to root the phone therefore you need to unlock the bootloader to do so, i would like to just root myself but i don't know if you can.

No answer?
I would like to get Root on my Nexus 6p but currently do not want to invest the time for full bootloader unlock/fresh install.
So... I will ask again, is it possible to get Root access on Nexus 6P with stock kernel and leaving bootloader in factory locked state? If yes... are there any guides to do this?

Why people are afraid to unlock the bootloader? Nexus devices don't lose the warranty when you unlock it, you can also lock it again.
Enviado desde mi Nexus 7 mediante Tapatalk

PetrichorXFi said:
No answer?
I would like to get Root on my Nexus 6p but currently do not want to invest the time for full bootloader unlock/fresh install.
So... I will ask again, is it possible to get Root access on Nexus 6P with stock kernel and leaving bootloader in factory locked state? If yes... are there any guides to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No

PetrichorXFi said:
No answer?
I would like to get Root on my Nexus 6p but currently do not want to invest the time for full bootloader unlock/fresh install.
So... I will ask again, is it possible to get Root access on Nexus 6P with stock kernel and leaving bootloader in factory locked state? If yes... are there any guides to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answer is no.
To do what you want, someone would need to develop and exploit.
There is no motivation to do that when all one has to do is unlock the bootloader.
On phones where a bootloader unlock exists, root methods require unlocking the bootloader.
This is to install a custom recovery so yiou can flash SU.
Unlocked bootloader = root, no matter what.
You will need to invest the time and backup your device.

@TS, did you read the unlock/root guide in general section? It clearly states you need an unlocked bootloader + custom recovery to root your device..
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers mobile app

I think this should be possible now with Quadrooter vulnerabilities?

sushah23 said:
I think this should be possible now with Quadrooter vulnerabilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DOA.
But nobody is going to put in time and effort.
What is the point? Unlock the bootloader and flash. It does not void the warranty.
There is even a defined method to get the monthly security update.
With the exploit, it will only work until the next OTA patches it.

I was hoping to root without unlocking the boot loader also. I am definitely not willing to do this since I believe that is what wrecked my previous 6P. It was fine until I used Nexus Root toolkit. I unlocked the boot loader, installed TWRP and rooted then minutes after this the phone locked up, rebooted and was stuck in a permanent boot loop. I couldn't get into recovery or even install any recovery. That phone is currently at the Huawei repair center in Texas and they are sending me a new device. They believe the internal ROM failed and I have suspicions of everything I did with the Toolkit did this. I am afraid to try it on my current 6P that I got from a friend. I have no root now and the phone is massively stable. 400+ hours uptime with no reboot and no slowdowns. But if I were able to root with no unlocking of the boot loader or installing any custom recovery I probably would do it. I hate that I am scared to do all that again with this other phone haha. Sorry for sounding paranoid but ****, see where am I coming from?

LiquidAlloy said:
I was hoping to root without unlocking the boot loader also. I am definitely not willing to do this since I believe that is what wrecked my previous 6P. It was fine until I used Nexus Root toolkit. I unlocked the boot loader, installed TWRP and rooted then minutes after this the phone locked up, rebooted and was stuck in a permanent boot loop. I couldn't get into recovery or even install any recovery. That phone is currently at the Huawei repair center in Texas and they are sending me a new device. They believe the internal ROM failed and I have suspicions of everything I did with the Toolkit did this. I am afraid to try it on my current 6P that I got from a friend. I have no root now and the phone is massively stable. 400+ hours uptime with no reboot and no slowdowns. But if I were able to root with no unlocking of the boot loader or installing any custom recovery I probably would do it. I hate that I am scared to do all that again with this other phone haha. Sorry for sounding paranoid but ****, see where am I coming from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As good as toolkits are, put in the extra time and avoid using them because you are never in full control of what is being done to your device. Take a little extra time and learn adb and fastboot. It's actually really simple and you can get so much done without the need for using a toolkit.

Jammol said:
As good as toolkits are, put in the extra time and avoid using them because you are never in full control of what is being done to your device. Take a little extra time and learn adb and fastboot. It's actually really simple and you can get so much done without the need for using a toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried that only a few times. I understand what you're saying. I guess convenience can be more destructive. :/

LiquidAlloy said:
I have tried that only a few times. I understand what you're saying. I guess convenience can be more destructive. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In all honesty it's not even more convenient. Once you've used the command line you'll never go back to a toolkit. It's actually easier, much faster and you have way more control over what you do.

PetrichorXFi said:
No answer?
I would like to get Root on my Nexus 6p but currently do not want to invest the time for full bootloader unlock/fresh install.
So... I will ask again, is it possible to get Root access on Nexus 6P with stock kernel and leaving bootloader in factory locked state? If yes... are there any guides to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Helium app for individual apps backup. Worked great to backup a few apps/data when I changed from one Nexus 6P to another. Might be a bit buggy to get working to get the backup, but after that everything is fine.

you can do it with KINGROOT