Hello guys!
Just bought my N7, really nice device, and I want to unlock the bootloader.
I looked around for a bit, and saw Wugfresh's toolkit will be the best way to unlock&root. So here's my question:
If I backup my N7 then unlock and after that restore my backup, is the bootloader still unlocked?
I'm searching for a way to unlock my device without having to wipe data. Do you've got any suggestions?
If there's no way, that's no problem for me, but I forgot to unlock when I started using my N7.
Thanks in advance,
Jasper
SGWUser said:
Hello guys!
Just bought my N7, really nice device, and I want to unlock the bootloader.
I looked around for a bit, and saw Wugfresh's toolkit will be the best way to unlock&root. So here's my question:
If I backup my N7 then unlock and after that restore my backup, is the bootloader still unlocked?
I'm searching for a way to unlock my device without having to wipe data. Do you've got any suggestions?
If there's no way, that's no problem for me, but I forgot to unlock when I started using my N7.
Thanks in advance,
Jasper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking your bootloader wipes all data, in that you are right. I lost all my progress in GTA vice city! ... But I am not sure you can backup all your data pre-unlock and restore it completely after. Maybe you can try TB. Save the backup on your PC, and restore the filles after rooting. That method at least won't do anything to your bootloader. I am not sure if you were thinking of any other way to backup. I *think* Wugfresh's backup method was to make a Nandroid (so, after unlocking and rooting). I didn't try it though. It's a great toolkit, nonetheless. Worked without any hitches for me. It's laid out in a detailed manner - with screenshots of exactly what you'll see in your screen (so no need to freak out at weird messages!)
I was too eager to root, so I just went for it! Needless to say, it was totally worth it!
Hope that helps. Cheers.
Neo3369 said:
Unlocking your bootloader wipes all data, in that you are right. I lost all my progress in GTA vice city! ... But I am not sure you can backup all your data pre-unlock and restore it completely after. Maybe you can try TB. Save the backup on your PC, and restore the filles after rooting. That method at least won't do anything to your bootloader. I am not sure if you were thinking of any other way to backup. I *think* Wugfresh's backup method was to make a Nandroid (so, after unlocking and rooting). I didn't try it though. It's a great toolkit, nonetheless. Worked without any hitches for me. It's laid out in a detailed manner - with screenshots of exactly what you'll see in your screen (so no need to freak out at weird messages!)
I was too eager to root, so I just went for it! Needless to say, it was totally worth it!
Hope that helps. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just going for it, all the important things I did on my N7 were synced with my Google account. Thanks!
Related
Hi everyone, not long ago I rooted my N7, all was well untill the 4.1.2 update came along. I updated my N7 and low and behold I've lost root.
I want to root again, but I don't want to loose all my apps etc AGAIN!
What is the best way to FULLY backup my N7 so that when I root again, I can restore it to its former glory?
Shall I use the in-built Backup function?
Copy and paste everything to laptop?
Any apps that make a FULL backup?
THANKS !
Im just using Mike's toolkit to backup, hope this is a good method
a bit off-topic.. rooting wont make u lose ur apps, if properly done of course..
only unlocking the bootloader factory resets the device.. since u have rooted before, ur bootloader should be unlocked already..
iamelton said:
a bit off-topic.. rooting wont make u lose ur apps, if properly done of course..
only unlocking the bootloader factory resets the device.. since u have rooted before, ur bootloader should be unlocked already..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were right mate, haha thanks !
I went through all the backing up etc, rooted it and lost nothing, silly me !
Has anyone figured out a way to unlock this device without having it do a factory reset?
What's the reason for the wipe anyways? I don't understand why this has to happen.
I guess it's impossible, but you can try Carbon Backup to backup your apps+data, it works without root
Sent from my Nexus 7 running Android 4.2.2
I actually have root and titanium backup but it's a pain to backup and restore. Would be nice if the device simply didn't rest itself when unlocked.
Maybe one day the app "Boot Unlocker for Nexus Devices" will support the Nexus 7
Sent from my SK17i running Android 4.1.2
Yeah, something like that is what I'm looking for.
I wonder what method the app uses to unlock other devices.
xxbeanxx said:
I actually have root and titanium backup but it's a pain to backup and restore. Would be nice if the device simply didn't rest itself when unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird question how did you root without unlocking bootloader? and why do you need to unlock the bootloader, if you're already rooted?
clockcycle said:
Weird question how did you root without unlocking bootloader? and why do you need to unlock the bootloader, if you're already rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I relocked after flashing su (for security reasons). I don't have a need to unlock again right now but wanted to know if it was possible just in case I wanted to flash a zip in the future.
xxbeanxx said:
I relocked after flashing su (for security reasons). I don't have a need to unlock again right now but wanted to know if it was possible just in case I wanted to flash a zip in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, makes sense. I did the same thing and couldn't find a way either, and just went at it the same way as initially, wiping.
I've heard that the rationale for forcing a memory wipe when unlocking the bootloader was to protect your data in case your device fell into the wrong hands. If someone steals it and can't get past your lockscreen, they won't be able to get to your device's memory via usb. They can try unlocking the bootloader, but that will wipe the device's memory clean. The thief will be able to use your device but the data is safe. If the bootloader is unlocked, the thief can plug in the phone or tablet, go mucking around in your files, and steal your identity as well as your device.
This is why using a device with an unlocked bootloader is not as safe as using one that is locked. It is also why a new security feature was added to 4.2.2 and adb, although I haven't plugged in my Nexus 7 to find out how it works.
getoffmylawn said:
I've heard that the rationale for forcing a memory wipe when unlocking the bootloader was to protect your data in case your device fell into the wrong hands. If someone steals it and can't get past your lockscreen, they won't be able to get to your device's memory via usb. They can try unlocking the bootloader, but that will wipe the device's memory clean. The thief will be able to use your device but the data is safe. If the bootloader is unlocked, the thief can plug in the phone or tablet, go mucking around in your files, and steal your identity as well as your device.
This is why using a device with an unlocked bootloader is not as safe as using one that is locked. It is also why a new security feature was added to 4.2.2 and adb, although I haven't plugged in my Nexus 7 to find out how it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a good reason.
4.2.2 on my nexus 4, when I plugged it into the pc, a box poped up on the n4 asking perrmission showing the pc's key..
FWIW, I found this.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2068207
I know it was possible previously to root without unlocking the bootloader.
Is it still possible? something people are working on? or not possible and backup everything first.
Thanks in advance
Mark
mark1holland1 said:
I know it was possible previously to root without unlocking the bootloader.
Is it still possible? something people are working on? or not possible and backup everything first.
Thanks in advance
Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that was ever possible on the Nexus 7. I bought one of the first available, and from the moment I got it I had to unlock the BL to root. Thought it was always like that. Nothing's changed as far as I can tell. On other devices, sure you can root with a locked BL, but for the N7, you've always had to unlock first, and with it being so easy, I don't think anyone's motivated enough to cook up a workaround.
absinthesummer said:
I didn't know that was ever possible on the Nexus 7. I bought one of the first available, and from the moment I got it I had to unlock the BL to root. Thought it was always like that. Nothing's changed as far as I can tell. On other devices, sure you can root with a locked BL, but for the N7, you've always had to unlock first, and with it being so easy, I don't think anyone's motivated enough to cook up a workaround.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, absinthesummer...
Yes, there was (and still is, if you're still on JB 4.2.2) a method available of rooting without unlocking the bootloader. And it was ridiculously easy to do. Avoiding unlocking the bootloader also avoids the factory reset, and consequential wipe.
Sadly however, under Jellybean 4.3, this exploit no longer works, and it seems unlikely a similar root-without-unlocking-the-bootloader type exploit, will become available anytime soon. Which, from a security point of view, is actually (probably) a good thing.
mark1holland1 said:
I know it was possible previously to root without unlocking the bootloader.
Is it still possible? something people are working on? or not possible and backup everything first.
Thanks in advance
Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, mark1holland1...
As, I've mentioned, the old 'motochopper exploit' no longer works under JB4.3, so if you want root, you're going to have to do it the old fashioned way...
------------------------------------------
Backup the stuff on your Nexus 7...
Unlock the bootloader...
Fastboot flash a Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP)...
Using that Recovery, flash Chainfires SuperSU root updater zip...
Copy all your stuff back to the Nexus 7...
Not difficult to do... just tedious and time consuming.
------------------------------------------
...it's either the above, or wait around indefinitely for a genius developer to find another exploit, which, given the security enhancements of JB4.3 does seem hugely unlikely.
Rgrds,
Ged.
GedBlake said:
Hi, absinthesummer...
Yes, there was (and still is, if you're still on JB 4.2.2) a method available of rooting without unlocking the bootloader. And it was ridiculously easy to do. Avoiding unlocking the bootloader also avoids the factory reset, and consequential wipe.
Sadly however, under Jellybean 4.3, this exploit no longer works, and it seems unlikely a similar root-without-unlocking-the-bootloader type exploit, will become available anytime soon. Which, from a security point of view, is actually (probably) a good thing.
Hi, mark1holland1...
As, I've mentioned, the old 'motochopper exploit' no longer works under JB4.3, so if you want root, you're going to have to do it the old fashioned way...
------------------------------------------
Backup the stuff on your Nexus 7...
Unlock the bootloader...
Fastboot flash a Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP)...
Using that Recovery, flash Chainfires SuperSU root updater zip...
Copy all your stuff back to the Nexus 7...
Not difficult to do... just tedious and time consuming.
------------------------------------------
...it's either the above, or wait around indefinitely for a genius developer to find another exploit, which, given the security enhancements of JB4.3 does seem hugely unlikely.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for a recent concise and informative post!
I was mainly being lazy with regards to not wanting to wipe everything and start again! I have helium installed to back everything up, guess Ill try to get a clear day to do it all........
GedBlake said:
Hi, absinthesummer...
Yes, there was (and still is, if you're still on JB 4.2.2) a method available of rooting without unlocking the bootloader. And it was ridiculously easy to do. Avoiding unlocking the bootloader also avoids the factory reset, and consequential wipe.
Sadly however, under Jellybean 4.3, this exploit no longer works, and it seems unlikely a similar root-without-unlocking-the-bootloader type exploit, will become available anytime soon. Which, from a security point of view, is actually (probably) a good thing.
Hi, mark1holland1...
As, I've mentioned, the old 'motochopper exploit' no longer works under JB4.3, so if you want root, you're going to have to do it the old fashioned way...
------------------------------------------
Backup the stuff on your Nexus 7...
Unlock the bootloader...
Fastboot flash a Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP)...
Using that Recovery, flash Chainfires SuperSU root updater zip...
Copy all your stuff back to the Nexus 7...
Not difficult to do... just tedious and time consuming.
------------------------------------------
...it's either the above, or wait around indefinitely for a genius developer to find another exploit, which, given the security enhancements of JB4.3 does seem hugely unlikely.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, wow thanks for the info. I never knew that! I just remember my first N7 every post said Step 1:Unlock your bootloader... lol had I known there was a way around it I might have tried it! But my first 16gb and my later 32gb were both unlocked and rooted within hours of buying them, so perhaps I just wasn't motivated enough to look for it.
I could see how or why that would be desirable though I guess... before I bought my S3, I had an LG L9 that the only way you could unlock the BL was to root then flash/update (LG Update tool hack) the firmware meant for the international version of the phone, which mirrored(!!!) the entire display both horizontally and vertically. Then fastboot the oem unlock and unlock the best way you could with that kind of touch screen lol, THEN re-flash standard rooted firmware for the US back over it... Seriously NOT worth it! Because even if the mirroring went away with the right firmware, the boot logo would still be mirrored and it was possible your screen would not return to normal. So forget about any warranty at that point. But, I gotta hand it to the devs on that device- now they were some motivated folks. They went to a lot of trouble to unlock that BL. You could root and install CWM without unlocking, but if you flashed CM and it was buggy or something, there was no turning back to stock. We were left with mods only unless we wanted to do alll that work.
That just reminds me how thankful I am for my S3 and N7s.
I'm about to take my baby steps and root my Nexus 4 for the first time. I've read the sticky's and have a good idea of what I'd be doing, but I don't see much in the way of backing things up before root and as I understand, rooting wipes your data. Can anyone help me on this or at least better understand what I should do?
I'm also having difficulty understanding the whole bootloader and custom recovery too but not too much trouble. I'd just like to know how to install a custom recovery and how much risk I'm at of messing up my bootloader.
PGvossman said:
I'm about to take my baby steps and root my Nexus 4 for the first time. I've read the sticky's and have a good idea of what I'd be doing, but I don't see much in the way of backing things up before root and as I understand, rooting wipes your data. Can anyone help me on this or at least better understand what I should do?
I'm also having difficulty understanding the whole bootloader and custom recovery too but not too much trouble. I'd just like to know how to install a custom recovery and how much risk I'm at of messing up my bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting does not wipe data, the unlocking process does. There is no really good way to backup everything prior to unlokcing, you could use My Backup but you should really use the Pro version which is $4.99 (Many people swear by it for unrooted phones, I have no real experience with it). Wugfresh's toolkit has a backup and restore when doing unlock, but honestly, it messed up my phone and I had to factory default anyways.
As long as you are syncing stuff to Google (contacts, pictures, videos, etc), have Android Backup& Restore enabled (handles apps and common system settings), SMS Backup & Restore (text and pix messages), and you pull of the other files you want, there is no real need to backup at all. I swap ROMs all the time, and this is all I do to go from one ROM to another.
As far as the actual rooting process, ie. flashing SuperSU, there is no need to backup prior to that... all that is going to do is add a few files in some system directories and that's it.
The greatest thing about a Nexus device is it's ability to be modified... and within normal means it is virtually unbrickable, so give it a shot, and if you screw it up ask for help, thousands of people here have done it and can help, and if you still can't figure out a problem just restore the Google system images and whoalla... your phone is back to out of box condition.
You are able to root and unlock without wiping any data. Just check out my guide (the link is in the stickies, too)
mihahn said:
You are able to root and unlock without wiping any data. Just check out my guide (the link is in the stickies, too)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened your links but they all seem to be about Xperia devices.
I don't quite understand. Isn't the unlocking process needed to root the phone, thereby loosing all the data?
easy
before rooting, you hav to unlock bootloader and it wipes your all pics videos etc so better backup in your pc and thn try root. foloow guide ,its easy, or search on youtube for videos...
parveen75 said:
before rooting, you hav to unlock bootloader and it wipes your all pics videos etc so better backup in your pc and thn try root. foloow guide ,its easy, or search on youtube for videos...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I guess that makes sense. Does that include phone contacts, SMS and passwords?
And I suppose my final question is the danger of the bootloader. Is it possible for a newbie like myself to ruin something accidentally?
PGvossman said:
I opened your links but they all seem to be about Xperia devices.
I don't quite understand. Isn't the unlocking process needed to root the phone, thereby loosing all the data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I meant the one in the stickies here, I'll add the guide to my signature later
But I meant this guide. It'll root before unlocking the bootloader and you are able to unlock without wiping then. Check it out
PGvossman said:
OK I guess that makes sense. Does that include phone contacts, SMS and passwords?
And I suppose my final question is the danger of the bootloader. Is it possible for a newbie like myself to ruin something accidentally?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m also a newbie earlier . lol.. Only follow guide corectly for rooting.. U wl b good to go
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mihahn said:
Yeah I meant the one in the stickies here, I'll add the guide to my signature later
But I meant this guide. It'll root before unlocking the bootloader and you are able to unlock without wiping then. Check it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Where does the whole custom recovery and such come into play on this though?
PGvossman said:
Thanks. Where does the whole custom recovery and such come into play on this though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not necessary to flash the recovery, but you may flash it if you want to and if you need it
Couple ways to do a backup without root.
Use adb,
eg. adb backup -all -apk -nosystem
Then pull files you want to backup
eg. adb pull /sdcard/
Or use helium app available from play store which is basically a gui for the adb backup command.
Thanks. I notice the -nosystem command, does that mean it won't back up system details?
I suppose my final question is Windows 8 support. I saw a thread a while back when you have to do something extra for the drivers and I can't seem to see it in the sticky threads.
Just trying to save some time If I unlock the bootloader and it gets wiped, but every nandroid guide seems to indicate root is a requirement. Is there anything that can be done via the stock recovery in terms of creating a backup of all my data or is copying what visible files there are over USB as good as it gets?
(Not sure it still works on the last versions of Android)
You can root without unlocking the bootloader (see here)
This way you can use any app to backup, copy the backup to the PC, and then proceed to unlock the bootloader. Note that while technically you could live without unlocking the bootloader, you should do it anyways, since it makes much easier to create whole-system-backups and to fix your phone in case something goes wrong.
You could use adb. This guide tells you how: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
theminikiller said:
You could use adb. This guide tells you how: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!