Database Users

[Q] Which rooting method?

I see a couple of different tools here to unlock and root my Nexus 7. What are the differences between them?
I do not want to flash ROMs; just unlock, root and install cwm recovery.

Nate2 said:
I see a couple of different tools here to unlock and root my Nexus 7. What are the differences between them?
I do not want to flash ROMs; just unlock, root and install cwm recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash cmm recovery, flash the su binaries, reboot and profit.

Search for wugfresh nexus root toolkit. Very simple to use.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

frozenspark said:
Search for wugfresh nexus root toolkit. Very simple to use.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use tools for rooting with the Nexus devices, it's useless in my opinion. Try to understand the basics behind rooting, recovery and fastboot, do it manually and you will be able to help yourself even if something is not working as expected.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
This is the best tool for Nexus 7.

AndDiSa said:
Don't use tools for rooting with the Nexus devices, it's useless in my opinion. Try to understand the basics behind rooting, recovery and fastboot, do it manually and you will be able to help yourself even if something is not working as expected.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though I know how fastboot, recovery and rooting works, I still use this tool without any of those commands. And it serve the purpose for me quickly. Of course using such tools will not stop you from learning more afterwards.
I wouldn't say its useless.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

frozenspark said:
Even though I know how fastboot, recovery and rooting works, I still use this tool without any of those commands. And it serve the purpose for me quickly. Of course using such tools will not stop you from learning more afterwards.
I wouldn't say its useless.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then you should br helping out all the people that mess up their devices afyer using toolkits and dont know how to fix it. i havent seen you help out, yet you are still recommending toolkits. why is that?

I used the steps outlined at http://rootzwiki.com/topic/28544-guide-nexus-7-bootloadersrecoveriesrootback-to-stock/ to guide me.
I must say it might not be trivial for the non-software-developer types.
I was a Java developer for many years, so I didn't have much problems setting up Java,
Android-sdk, etc.
My N7 was recognized by adb when booted normally, but after I flashed cwm, I could not do 'adb shell' to mount the /system partition and rename the recovery-from-boot.p file to prevent the recovery from getting reset to stock each time.
I ended up installing the ROM Manager app to enable me to boot into cwm recovery.
I have done the obligatory cwm backup. I believe this is the nandroid backup?
Edit:
I used my Linux box to re-flash the bootloader and cwm recovery images to the Nexus 7, and I could 'adb shell' and rename the recovery-from-boot.p file. So I'm all set now.
I just needed to run 'adb start-server' and 'fastboot' using sudo, so it might have been a permissions issue on my Windows box.
Sent from my unrooted DroidX using Tapatalk

I used Wug's Root Toolkit. Both of the toolkits seem good, but that was just the first one I saw. The Wug's Toolkit is an application and the other one is in a CMD.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Linexus said:
Use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
This is the best tool for Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Absolutely brilliant ToolKit, very simple, fast and works like a charm.
I rooted my N7 with this, and had no issues to date.
Only took a couple of minutes.
BRILLIANT!

Looks like I'm not all set, after all Today, right before I plan to take the JB 4.1.2 OTA update, I notice my tablet won't boot into CWM, like it did a couple of days ago. I did rename the one file and things looked normal. What could have happened to my CWM?
Edit:
So there are 2 files that need to be renamed, not 1?
/system/recovery-from-boot.p
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh
And there was a bug in JB 4.1.1 that prevented booting into cwm recovery unless the device was plugged into USB??
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I re-flashed the same cwm recovery img, reinstalled the same su zip, and I'm back to normal
Gotta watch out for those OTA updates, I tell ya.

Use the fastboot commands
Good to see you alright!

This is like asking "Should I get an automatic or manual car?"

veeman said:
This is like asking "Should I get an automatic or manual car?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the early days, automatic transmissions were more problematic and much more expensive. Today they are pretty efficient, even though a manual transmission gives you better control over the car, which most people don't really need for everyday driving.
If you frequently get stuck in stop-and-go traffic, you'll wish you had an automatic transmission.

Look at these lazy people..
Beamed from my Grouper.

Nate2 said:
Looks like I'm not all set, after all Today, right before I plan to take the JB 4.1.2 OTA update, I notice my tablet won't boot into CWM, like it did a couple of days ago. I did rename the one file and things looked normal. What could have happened to my CWM?
Edit:
So there are 2 files that need to be renamed, not 1?
/system/recovery-from-boot.p
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh
And there was a bug in JB 4.1.1 that prevented booting into cwm recovery unless the device was plugged into USB??
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there was a bootloader bug on the nexus 7 and most people could not boot into CWM recovery without plugging it into their computer.
I however used TWRP back then [have since switched back to CWM touch, now that the bug is fixed] and had no issues. Now I have no issues with CWM touch, I can boot it directly from fastboot menu, or "reboot -> recovery" when booted.
Nate2 said:
I re-flashed the same cwm recovery img, reinstalled the same su zip, and I'm back to normal
Gotta watch out for those OTA updates, I tell ya.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly what I would have done! sounds like you're getting the hang of it. and yes, I definitely recommend manual rooting/fastbooting to a toolkit.

Wilks3y said:
+1
Absolutely brilliant ToolKit, very simple, fast and works like a charm.
I rooted my N7 with this, and had no issues to date.
Only took a couple of minutes.
BRILLIANT!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's my favorite too. It does it all and more. It slices, it dices, it'll even cut a can!

Nate2 said:
In the early days, automatic transmissions were more problematic and much more expensive. Today they are pretty efficient, even though a manual transmission gives you better control over the car, which most people don't really need for everyday driving.
If you frequently get stuck in stop-and-go traffic, you'll wish you had an automatic transmission.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I'm saying. They both have their ups and downs. If you're willing to learn a little about how Android works and learn some adb and fast boot commands then you should definitely do it manually.
If you just want to be a "1337 Haxorz" and aren't willing to learn then just use a toolkit.

OK, just one sub-question on rooting. I see no real reason to root except maybe to get more tablet interface than nexus has. Kinda like when the wifi indicator is at the bottom, since there are those !$#$$ back/home buttons already and a lot of wasted space Anyways, the question.
I bougth N7 16Gb and upgraded via forced OTA to 4.1.2. Do all these root methods work with 4.1.2?
Thanx,
D.

[Q] bought n7 with custom rom want to update to 4.2...can i?

Hello!
First post here and let me start off by saying i have no experience what so ever with rooting or custom roms . Purchased a N7 today that the seller said is running a custom rom. The wallpaper says clean rom so maybe that means something. It is running 4.1.2 and is prompting me to update....i assume to 4.2. My question is can i update? If so where does that put me? Will the update put me back to stock or is the device still rooted or running a custom rom?
Hey...i warned you...i know nothing about this but this appears to be the place to figure it out.
I have been reading for quite some time and could not find a clear answer.
Thanks in advance!!

You probably wont be able to update, you would have to flash back to stock 4.1.2. first .It does a check of certain stock files and system apk's before it will update,you would be better off going to https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images and getting the full stock 4.2 and doing a flash using wugs,there are alot of tutorials on here for directions.

Flashing the stock image over the device is fairly simple. I'm not adv savvy at all, but the wugs toolkit works SO LONG AS YOU GET YOUR DRIVERS SET UP RIGHT. Wigs also requires you to be running Windows. But wugs toolkit will allow you to flash the factory OK mage and then root it so you can use stickmount and ad away and such.-Ara
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

AraDreamer said:
Flashing the stock image over the device is fairly simple. I'm not adv savvy at all, but the wugs toolkit works SO LONG AS YOU GET YOUR DRIVERS SET UP RIGHT. Wigs also requires you to be running Windows. But wugs toolkit will allow you to flash the factory OK mage and then root it so you can use stickmount and ad away and such.-Ara
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both....I will continue reading and see if I get enough confidence to mess with it.

[Q] Rooting Nexus 7

Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.

The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
2) Inorder to flash a kernel you need to root first.
3) You could use a toolkit to unlock and root( either nexus 7 toolkit or wugs') or if you want to unlock and root manually you can use adb, which is just a few commands for a nexus. Both are easy, the only hard part is making sure you have the correct drivers.
Hope i helped and good luck!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, that really sucks. What all can i save? App permissions, any of that?
I was just looking around and noticed there are some Apps that save data/info, the ones i saw were Carbon and TWRP. Would i be able to save my app stuff that way?

TWRP is a custom recovery which you can use AFTER unlock and root and i have never used carbon so i wouldnt know.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

I don't own a tablet, but I am a beta tester for a few projects here, I have to wipe all data, but the cool thing is after the first initial wipe, you never have to worry about that again.
A backup of your non-rooted device, I would say do your best with titanium backup, need an easier program? Try go backup pro or Clickfree backup.
Then try to restore. If it fails, retry.. I got that a lot, most game data saved is usually stored in /mnt/sdcard/Android/data or /mnt/sdcard/Android/obb
You can store that info on an external SD, using directory bind, you can find it on here, very good app if your phone/tablet sucks because its internal storage is 3.75gb. my dual partitioned and mounted 64gb sdcard works wonderfully, my games get 16gb to themselves.
Anyway to stay on topic, I want this, but also looking at an Asus, and a Samsung galaxy tab 2
:-MiniHazard-: sgh-i927 glide
CWM 6.0.1.2
CM 10.1 JB - thanks thegreatergood
LiteKernel-jb-20130121 - just until bugfix

First of all, TWRP can only be used after unlocking boot loader and unlocking wipes all data
I also unlocked boot loader after 2 months when I have many apps, so it is simple you copy all the data to your PC and you can do a backup of your apk's by sending them to a Bluetooth device by the help of a app ( Bluetooth file transfer) , you unlock the boot loader and send all apks back either by Bluetooth or by using stick mount when you are rooted , and restore all data,
Flashing a kernel requires to root first
You can either root by using root toolkit or by using adb fastboot method manually
Here is the link to a post of mine for rooting nexus 7 by adb fast boot method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Good luck,if you are unable to root or having any problem,reply and I will look into it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

flash kernel and root are two different things.
after unlocking the boot loader, you can flash anything you want, including an already rooted system image.

The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read the FAQs which concern your N7 grouper, if not I invite you to go to read this FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - ASUS GOOGLE NEXUS 7 – GROUPER & TILAPIA (WiFi & 3G)

What is the best (easy) way to root on Android 4.2.2?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

^^chaos67731
Here is the link to my post for rooting nexus 7 4.2.2 or any other nexus device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Root but stock

I've always rooted and flashed roms on my phones. Everything from the sweaty palmed s-offing of my Desire to the simple fastboot commands on my Galaxy Nexus. I've then always gone on to flash roms at least weekly.
I'm about to buy a Nexus 10 and feel like leaving it stock but rooting it to be able to use stuff like Ti backup etc. Is this as straightforward as the GNex - fastboot unlock and fastboot flash su.zip?
I want to still have OTA updates though, does this mean I need to keep the stock recovery and is there a 'root keeper' app?
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex

GrenW said:
I've always rooted and flashed roms on my phones. Everything from the sweaty palmed s-offing of my Desire to the simple fastboot commands on my Galaxy Nexus. I've then always gone on to flash roms at least weekly.
I'm about to buy a Nexus 10 and feel like leaving it stock but rooting it to be able to use stuff like Ti backup etc. Is this as straightforward as the GNex - fastboot unlock and fastboot flash su.zip?
I want to still have OTA updates though, does this mean I need to keep the stock recovery and is there a 'root keeper' app?
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are different methods, but if you want to stay on stock, use superboot method. You just need to install a drivers on your pc, and double click a file. You don't need to be unlocked or anything. Search for Nexus 10 superboot on the search button.
Btw I recommend you, if you still don't have the nexus 10 and plan to flash roms, you should use wugs toolkit. Root, unlock, install twrp (custom touch recovery) and in case any day you want to flash a rom, you won't need to unlock and lose your data. Just make a backup and you're ready to go.
Superboot: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003938
Wug Toolkit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2015467
If you want to still have otas, then just use superboot, you don't need to keep the stock recovery but to avoid problems keep it. Just make sure before use ota, you haven't changed any file in the folder /system. For example if you place the aosp browser in /system/apps, put the original files on there, flash the ota, and then put the aosp browser files again. And yes, on the google play there's root keeper and it can be used on nexus 10.

Thanks. I should have the drivers set up on my pc unless I need Nexus 10 specific ones. This was the biggest pita lat time.
Doesn't installing a custom recovery stop OTAs working?
Things is, you're right. I know I'll probably end up flashing a custom rom in the end.
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex

GrenW said:
Thanks. I should have the drivers set up on my pc unless I need Nexus 10 specific ones. This was the biggest pita lat time.
Doesn't installing a custom recovery stop OTAs working?
Things is, you're right. I know I'll probably end up flashing a custom rom in the end.
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it doesn't. Once the ota shows up, and reboots to recovery, if you have a custom one, it asks if you wanna keep it.

Thanks. All I know is on the Galaxy Nexus the OTA can fail if it detects a non-standard recovery.
Maybe its a CWM thing?

[Q] Problems on the Nexus 4 Root

Recently, I try to root my nexus 4.
I follow different methods of root nexus 4 in the internet.
Problems occurs when I come to the step of backup my N4's data.
It said that My computer is 'unable to connect to my Nexus 4' so it cannot help me to backup.
I have install the ADB driver into the computer and I have tried to reboot my phone and computer for several times.
However, it is still fail.
What should I do?:crying:
I really hope that I can root my Nexus 4 to enjoy those amazing function.
Please, every great and intelligent memeber, help me if you can.

Richard Lucifer said:
Recently, I try to root my nexus 4.
I follow different methods of root nexus 4 in the internet.
Problems occurs when I come to the step of backup my N4's data.
It said that My computer is 'unable to connect to my Nexus 4' so it cannot help me to backup.
I have install the ADB driver into the computer and I have tried to reboot my phone and computer for several times.
However, it is still fail.
What should I do?:crying:
I really hope that I can root my Nexus 4 to enjoy those amazing function.
Please, every great and intelligent memeber, help me if you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might help.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using Tapatalk

I never bothered attempting to back up apps and data from a non-rooted device but I'm sure there are ways
Contacts - gmail
Calendar - gmail
Photos/music/anything on SD - just transfer to pc
Call log and SMS - SMS backup +
Once rooted titanium backup will do all
To root, easy
fastboot oem unlock
Now either flash a custom recovery or boot one, for this phone I would use the latest twrp
fastboot flash recovery nameofrecovery.img
Or
fastboot boot nameofrecovery.img
I suggest to just flash it though for ease
Now flash either custom rooted ROM + gapps and anything needed
Or flash stock ROM and add superuser or supersu and busybox (easily flashable)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Wugs toolkit. Get you taken care of in about 10 minutes.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

That is ok now
Richard Lucifer said:
Recently, I try to root my nexus 4.
I follow different methods of root nexus 4 in the internet.
Problems occurs when I come to the step of backup my N4's data.
It said that My computer is 'unable to connect to my Nexus 4' so it cannot help me to backup.
I have install the ADB driver into the computer and I have tried to reboot my phone and computer for several times.
However, it is still fail.
What should I do?:crying:
I really hope that I can root my Nexus 4 to enjoy those amazing function.
Please, every great and intelligent memeber, help me if you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is ok now, I solve the problems
Thank you for the reply!:fingers-crossed: