Hey guys,
I just currently purchased a Nexus 4 android phone. The thing is that i've had an iphone for a very long time, the current one im using is iphone 4S which im going to get rid of for when this nexus 4. i never used an android before so if you guys can help me with the tips tricks or guides on how to use it.
I know on ios there is jailbreak and there is cydia and installous. Is it similar to android? do they have those things too? If so can someone instruct me on how to perform these tasks?
Thanks so much!
Unlock your boatloader and then root it. It'll give you more freedom and some great apps that require to have "root"
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
You can root an android device which is much like a jailbreak for an iOS device. However, most of the things you need a jailbreak for on iOS, can be done without rooting.
If you would like to know how to root your phone, take a look at the original development section, there are many guides and tutorials for this sort of thing
Take a look at this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34769183
It contains pretty much everything you need to know in order to root (essentially the same as jailbreak) your device.
OP, welcome to Android!
Understand that any transition will be difficult. There are things that iOS can do, or do better than, Android. The reverse is also true. Be prepared for change and you'll be OK.
joshtrader said:
Hey guys,
I just currently purchased a Nexus 4 android phone. The thing is that i've had an iphone for a very long time, the current one im using is iphone 4S which im going to get rid of for when this nexus 4. i never used an android before so if you guys can help me with the tips tricks or guides on how to use it.
I know on ios there is jailbreak and there is cydia and installous. Is it similar to android? do they have those things too? If so can someone instruct me on how to perform these tasks?
Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey IMHO, there is no need to "jailbreak" on android, as its not locked down like iphones. Especially the nexus 4. I would suggest you skip rooting and unlocking your bootloader* for now.
Since its your first android device, enjoy and learn it as is.
*thing about unlocking your bootloader, it resets your phone and you lose all your data, and customizations, so its something to consider doing at the onset. Not a big deal, your contacts and apps can be easily restored/ reinstalled.
Root is just giving yourself administrative permissions/ access to your own phone /os. Once you learn using your phone you can decide if there are any features you need access to that require root. But if you do this at the start and fiddle with your phone you will not know if its the phone acting up or something you caused.. You can accidently delete, move or change something that can potentially render your phone useless and unbootable. Also malicious apps would have access to do the same ( there arent many though, youll most likely kill it by your own hehe).
joshtrader said:
Hey guys,
I just currently purchased a Nexus 4 android phone. The thing is that i've had an iphone for a very long time, the current one im using is iphone 4S which im going to get rid of for when this nexus 4. i never used an android before so if you guys can help me with the tips tricks or guides on how to use it.
I know on ios there is jailbreak and there is cydia and installous. Is it similar to android? do they have those things too? If so can someone instruct me on how to perform these tasks?
Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to android buddy!
As a mulit-platform kinda guy, it is simply great to have both OSs.
1. No, android doesn't not have anything like cydia or installous. (Btw, installous is gone. Hackulous abandoned the project)
2. On android the equivalent to jailbreak is call root, rooting and rooted.
3. How do you obtain root access? Head over to the correct android development thread and find "how to root xx device"
Follow the guide below on how to use the toolkit to root. (This toolkit is the same for the nexus 4. Don't worry about it even though its in the nexus 7 forum)
The toolkit is an easy way to gain root access similar to redsn0w or any popular jailbreak tether or untethered method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
thanks guys, but i have a question, does rooting and unlocking bootloader open the phone up to any insecurity or possible virus hacks? since i heard android phones have a lot of viruses and exploits so i wanted to make sure before i proceed.
so in terms, rooting means gaining full administration and what does bootloader do?
joshtrader said:
thanks guys, but i have a question, does rooting and unlocking bootloader open the phone up to any insecurity or possible virus hacks? since i heard android phones have a lot of viruses and exploits so i wanted to make sure before i proceed.
so in terms, rooting means gaining full administration and what does bootloader do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. only viruses you'd get are if you sideload APKs from third-party websites/app markets, so don't sideload apks from random websites.
rooting: allows you to do changes outside of /sdcard/
bootloader: allows you to change recovery/bootloader/radio via fastboot mode.
recovery mode allows you to flash stuff to your phone (to obtain root, flash custom rom, flash custom kernel, flash custom recovery, flash radio, etc)
press thanks button to those who helped you
joshtrader said:
thanks guys, but i have a question, does rooting and unlocking bootloader open the phone up to any insecurity or possible virus hacks? since i heard android phones have a lot of viruses and exploits so i wanted to make sure before i proceed.
so in terms, rooting means gaining full administration and what does bootloader do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only people who get viruses are stupid people who try to pirate apps or install apps from sources other than the official play store. Stick with Google Play and don't pirate crap and you have nothing to worry about
Also, pretty much everything that you needed to jailbreak an iphone to do, can be done on bone stock android without needing to root or unlock the bootloader.
No cydia since you can sideload apps.
I've seen a few apps like installous but none that I've stuck with.
Root is useful since it allows you to use apps like titanium backup, tasker and adaway.
The N4 should be an easy transition from 4S, it's certainly the first android phone I've used in 3yrs that I feel compares to its equivalent ios counterpart.
thanks all
also i was wondering is there any kind of program or official program for nexus 4 like itunes?
for my iphone, i just plug it in and hit sync and it does evrything for me like backing up and syncing music and apps
joshtrader said:
thanks all
also i was wondering is there any kind of program or official program for nexus 4 like itunes?
for my iphone, i just plug it in and hit sync and it does evrything for me like backing up and syncing music and apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Google Music on your computer and sync music to your nexus 4. But you really don't need a media manager like iTunes to sync media to your device. Just load them up on the device and play!
scream4cheese said:
You can use Google Music on your computer and sync music to your nexus 4. But you really don't need a media manager like iTunes to sync media to your device. Just load them up on the device and play!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and how about backup? how can i backup everything on the phone?
joshtrader said:
and how about backup? how can i backup everything on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where rooting comes to play. Titanium backup is the best but requires root.
And nand backup will backup the phone as is but you have to root it. Nand is in recover mode after you root.
joshtrader said:
thanks all
also i was wondering is there any kind of program or official program for nexus 4 like itunes?
for my iphone, i just plug it in and hit sync and it does evrything for me like backing up and syncing music and apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Music on Android sucks. I can't wait until Microsoft finishes the Xbox Music software for Android and iOS in another couple of months. You can get close to the same functionality, with a crap music player, using Play Music.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Blakmagic said:
That's where rooting comes to play. Titanium backup is the best but requires root.
And nand backup will backup the phone as is but you have to root it. Nand is in recover mode after you root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can backup in stock recovery without root but I'm not 100% sure. For app backups, you can use carbon. No root required, but you'll have to download an accompanying app on your computer. You can do it all on device with root however.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Related
I used to have a Vibrant, and had rooted it and running the various excellent Team Whiskey ROMs. I paid for the full version of Titanium Backup, and it was a great tool.
But I don't want to root my Nexus S.
Call me silly, call me paranoid, I dunno. I just don't feel the need to root it. I'm very happy with it stock.
But I'd still like to back up my phone, in case of catastrophic failure. I'd also like to do the same for my wife's phone, in case she drops this one down the toilet accidentally like she did her iPhone....
So, is there any decent backup tool out there for those of us who DON'T want to root our phones?
My backup pro
IDtheTarget said:
I used to have a Vibrant, and had rooted it and running the various excellent Team Whiskey ROMs. I paid for the full version of Titanium Backup, and it was a great tool.
But I don't want to root my Nexus S.
Call me silly, call me paranoid, I dunno. I just don't feel the need to root it. I'm very happy with it stock.
But I'd still like to back up my phone, in case of catastrophic failure. I'd also like to do the same for my wife's phone, in case she drops this one down the toilet accidentally like she did her iPhone....
So, is there any decent backup tool out there for those of us who DON'T want to root our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
I understand not wanting to root the N1 but the NS bootloader re-lock is as trivial as the bootloader unlock and if you know what rooting is then you probably already have adb installed. I don't see why you wouldn't. There are not cons at all...
MyBackup Pro, pay for it, you can back up phone settings, calendar, contacts, sms, mms, etc..etc. both to the internal storage OR auto upload to free cloud storage!
anstosa said:
I understand not wanting to root the N1 but the NS bootloader re-lock is as trivial as the bootloader unlock and if you know what rooting is then you probably already have adb installed. I don't see why you wouldn't. There are not cons at all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I have ADB already installed, because I want to write software for the phone.
That being said, there are a few downsides that I can see:
1) Rooting the phone leaves it open to malware attack. Yes, I know that SuperUser requests access from the user prior to granting elevated privileges, but the possibility remains. One reason I like Ubuntu: sudo.
2) I'm leaving the country for a year, and need to support my wife and her Nexus S via email during that time. I want to keep my environment essentially the same as hers. I could root both of our phones, but she's not a geek like I am, and is much more likely to download a program that would take advantage of root.
3) From what little I've read, unlocking the bootloader erases everything. Not a huge deal, but a nuisance I'd like to avoid.
So I'd like to get a backup program that my wife and I could both use, that doesn't require root (to protect her), and I have absolutely no problem paying for it.
Thanks!
nxt said:
MyBackup Pro, pay for it, you can back up phone settings, calendar, contacts, sms, mms, etc..etc. both to the internal storage OR auto upload to free cloud storage!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know that I trust the "free cloud storage". Is there a way to backup to my personal server? I'm running Ubuntu with sftp...
Has anyone tried super one click or z4root yet?
I use z4root on my Kyocera zio m6000 2.2 and it works perfect. Allows unroot and temp root. I recommend permanent root. Just unroot if needed.
Sent from my Zio using XDA Premium App
I dont tried.
Downloading z4root and testing...
Dont find usb debugging on Gingerbread.
Think we can´t root for now...
friscoltu959 said:
Dont find usb debugging on Gingerbread.
Think we can´t root for now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
settings>application>development>usb debugging
I find debuggin mode. Turned on, but nothin happened with z4root...
I had no success with both z4root and superoneclick (both exploits). My guess is that the exploits are fixed in this version of Android.
Gingerbread can be the problem with this apps.
We have to wait a little bit more.
Where are all the developers? I mean sony even said it will unlock the bootloader shouldn't we be seeing more development action. Didn't geohot say he was going to be the first to root the play?
this phone is only available in selected markets at the moment, namely europe and asia, once everyone can get it, development should pick up
silvacrest said:
this phone is only available in selected markets at the moment, namely europe and asia, once everyone can get it, development should pick up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really really hope so. This device will be 'made or broken' by the community
whats the whole point of rooting as it is aside from stopping some of the pre-installed stuff?
At the moment, that's pretty much the whole point - just to kick some of the pre-installed junk off the device. Altho in time, it could also lead to some other things, like extended menus, options, themes and the like.
However, these things might or might not require an unlocked bootloader to function as well.
With the boot loader unlocked however, you can basically replace the whole System. Even going so far as to install a completely new System like Cyanogenmod, Meego, MIUI and so on.
i guess getting rid of timescape would be useful. any news on the NA version being stock android?
"Timescape" in this case is pretty much only the launcher. Everything else is very much stock. So I don't think we really need to get rid of it. I'd just like to kick some stuff from the internal memory to make space for other things. I for example don't need Fifa or Sims. I never play those games.
I would love to be able to stop all random **** from connecting to the internet. Also timescape and things like mediaserver and postcard i would like to get rid off. Clean install.
AriStar said:
whats the whole point of rooting as it is aside from stopping some of the pre-installed stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get more control over your device, gain acces to hidden files, change boot anim etc (don't know the file structere of xperia play). Get adfree working so you'll get rid of the advertizing in apps and browser, screenshot apps etc. Push apk's to /system/apps with adb shell (some won't install with the native manager, but will this way (modded apk's)). Overclock without flashing (did this to begin with on my DHD before i got the bootloader unlucked and installed a recovery, so i could flash a new kernel with oc options).
Lots of reasons mate
Regards Dousan...
Question : creating Custom Rom should be customize to SE Play snice the Gamepad and games??
Super one click doesn't work on gingerbread.
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
RacecarBMW said:
Where are all the developers? I mean sony even said it will unlock the bootloader shouldn't we be seeing more development action. Didn't geohot say he was going to be the first to root the play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has been banned from doing anything with any sony devices or helping in any developement of anything due to the court case over the ps3
The Nexus 4 is my first Nexus device, and people are saying to root and unlock bootloaders and all that.
Why should you root a nexus device? I'm not planning on putting any custom Roms because the stock ROM already pleases me enough.
If you rooted your device, why did you do it? I don't know if I should take the plunge, because I'm perfectly happy ATM with it not rooted.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
If you're happy without root and you don't know what root does, then don't root. It's for people wanting more out of their phone than is possible with stock
jacklebott said:
If you're happy without root and you don't know what root does, then don't root. It's for people wanting more out of their phone than is possible with stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is I know what root is and does, but does it make sense with a pure Google nexus phone? I just need the pros. Don't get me wrong, I want to make the jump but idk why I should
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I would do it to be able to use the programs that require super user. Titanium Backup for example, if I want to restore my games.
Don't do if you are not sure what are you going to do with that.
EDIT: "idk why I should", maybe then it's not completely true "The thing is I know what root is and does". In my case I would first get very well informed (I don't want to break my phone), and then proceed. Just in case that someday I need an app with superuser permissions. And unlocking the bootloader first of all, I don't want to lose everything the day I decide to do it.
PD: I must wait 5 minutes, maybe my edit looks odd by then
I've always at minimum unlocked the bootloader, even if I don't plan on taking it much further. Reason being is the forced wipe when/if you do decide to later.
Phil
If I unlock and root it. Will it be easy to restore, so I have warranty and can send it back to Google?
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda premium
timvdlinde said:
If I unlock and root it. Will it be easy to restore, so I have warranty and can send it back to Google?
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just lock it the same way you unlocked it "fastboot oem lock" after flashing stock 4.2 from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#occam
Dude, no offense but how may threads are you gonna start basically asking the same question? Everything you're asking is in the stickies in each of these sections. Read the stickies first, completely.
Muffin approved this message.....
If we are talking just plain rooting... I mainly do that to install adfree android, as well as allowing tasker access to higher level settings, and allowing me to access protected files (I recently replaced my default browser with one that I made some modifications in the code). I also use of titanium backup, but lately I haven't had need for it.... but its nice to have
Pro:
AD BLOCK - This is the most important reason for me, and the reason I use to convince friends who just don't know computers stuff, let alone android.
Back Up - The ability to completely back up the phone is just golden. I think I don't have to explain why backing up is important, or why you might want to back up your contacts, text message, saved games, etc. all at the same time instead of doing each of them individually.
Yes, there is a cloud. But do you totally trust the sync service and cloud's server?
Cons:
Rooting voids warranties - But you can unroot and relock the bootloader later.
Not getting OTA - You can always sideload it. All it takes is a few command line on the computer and a few touch on your device.
Edit: I was wrong about the not getting OTA part. But, still, you can always sideload OTA if you can't get OTA.
Needless to say, I root every single of my Android phone a few hours after I get them.
KyraOfFire said:
Pro:
AD BLOCK - This is the most important reason for me, and the reason I use to convince friends who just don't know computers stuff, let alone android.
Back Up - The ability to completely back up the phone is just golden. I think I don't have to explain why backing up is important, or why you might want to back up your contacts, text message, saved games, etc. all at the same time instead of doing each of them individually.
Yes, there is a cloud. But do you totally trust the sync service and cloud's server?
Cons:
Rooting voids warranties - But you can unroot and relock the bootloader later.
Not getting OTA - You can always sideload it. All it takes is a few command line on the computer and a few touch on your device.
Needless to say, I root every single of my Android phone a few hours after I get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if i root i won't be able to get the ota update, wow thats pretty lame, I know there is an app to keep the root.
KyraOfFire said:
Cons:
Not getting OTA - You can always sideload it. All it takes is a few command line on the computer and a few touch on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. My phone is rooted ( running stock rom ) and I received OTA update.
You only don't get OTA with root if you modify/delete certain system files (such as apps)
Just rooted
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I know some people will wonder why I'm asking but this would be the first time I'm thinking of rooting and I wouldn't mind getting an idea of what it allows me to do with the phone. Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
This is the development thread ask it in q & a thread.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Pros:
"Free" Wifi Tethering (Allows you to use phone as a Hotspot for internet)
Delete Carrier Bloatware
Eliminate Banner Ads
Backup Everything on Your Phone
Make Your Phone Run Faster (By overclocking CPU etc)
Increase Your Battery Life (By installing custom and/or underclocking CPU)
Run Any App You Like
Move/Run Apps for SD-Card (with apps like Foldermount)
Cons:
Voids Your Warranty
Overclocking Can Cause Damage
Some apps wont work with root (EG: Banking apps, Sky Go etc)
Easy to Brick your Phone (If not done correctly)
Will Make Your Phone Less Stable (If not done correctly)
Rooting Could Become Illegal
May Prevent You from Getting Updates
There all loads more reason but these are the main ones.
Titanium Pro backup All the reason I need to root
crimptool said:
Titanium Pro backup All the reason I need to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Zultrax-UK said:
Pros:
"Free" Wifi Tethering (Allows you to use phone as a Hotspot for internet)
Delete Carrier Bloatware
Eliminate Banner Ads
Backup Everything on Your Phone
Make Your Phone Run Faster (By overclocking CPU etc)
Increase Your Battery Life (By installing custom and/or underclocking CPU)
Run Any App You Like
Move/Run Apps for SD-Card (with apps like Foldermount)
Cons:
Voids Your Warranty
Overclocking Can Cause Damage
Some apps wont work with root (EG: Banking apps, Sky Go etc)
Easy to Brick your Phone (If not done correctly)
Will Make Your Phone Less Stable (If not done correctly)
Rooting Could Become Illegal
May Prevent You from Getting Updates
There all loads more reason but these are the main ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a very good list. I would just add one more PRO: rooting lets you buy a new phone more often (because you brick your old ones more often)
Seriously, one of the main reasons to root for me personally is to get rid of the banner ads for phones I prepare for older people who are prone to clicking on the banners and installing spam as the result.
Basically rooting is for people who like tinkering with their hardware.
OP, since you asked the question, I assume you have not rooted before, you should read up more about this, and maybe wait a few more days, to make sure rooting methods are stable, and you are fully familiar with the procedure. Believe me you do not want your phone accidentally bricked.
If you want some of the benefits of rooting such as the blocking banner ads you can unroot after changing the hosts file.
ill hold on rooting for now due to the cons. I dont want to break my first Droid :silly:
agree, and right now there is no full rooting toolkit for the s4 so I'll probably wait as well
Zymesh said:
ill hold on rooting for now due to the cons. I dont want to break my first Droid :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i personally plan to wait 4-6 months before rooting... i can download stuff straight to my phone now cause of my huge sd card whereas before i would need to tether to my pc... also 9 gigs is enough for all the apps i run... i tend to be more minimalistic when it comes to downloading games etc...
so, for now i'll be fine without rooting just in case something goes wrong with it & i need to use the manufacturers warranty.
kreoXDA said:
This is a very good list. I would just add one more PRO: rooting lets you buy a new phone more often (because you brick your old ones more often)
Seriously, one of the main reasons to root for me personally is to get rid of the banner ads for phones I prepare for older people who are prone to clicking on the banners and installing spam as the result.
Basically rooting is for people who like tinkering with their hardware.
OP, since you asked the question, I assume you have not rooted before, you should read up more about this, and maybe wait a few more days, to make sure rooting methods are stable, and you are fully familiar with the procedure. Believe me you do not want your phone accidentally bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha...nice words.
AventEx said:
agree, and right now there is no full rooting toolkit for the s4 so I'll probably wait as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I an waiting for tool kit because I'm not confident enough to do it with the current methods
How long before we can expect tool kits?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 04:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:12 PM ----------
I feel as though unless your experienced the current root methods are not noob friendly at all
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
crimptool said:
Titanium Pro backup All the reason I need to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah me too. But as far as i can say, I have old Galaxy S rooted, my banking apps work fine. Dont know which banking app does that root check. Remind me not to open an account, apply for credit card, take loans from that bank! :silly:
Apps no longer able to enable/disable the cellular radio without root
Rooting S4 (and all others phones) with JB 4.2.x IMHO is absolutely necessary as Google has removed the possibility for profile-manager apps to control the ON/OFF state of the cellular radio.
Unfortunately many serious users relying on time or location based profile switch are now out of luck!
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=40497
It is not easy to brick your phone. You have to not pay attention, not follow directions, and use no common sense to get there. By that last I mean you should avoid unproven root methods unless you are willing to take the risks involved that such trail blazers face.
I'm not saying that rooting is right for anyone but those with a functional brain and the ability to read and follow simple directions should have a problem free experience. A couple basics, read the directions, all of them. Make absolutely sure that this procedure is the correct procedure for your specific handset. Do not be brave, it's no fun looking at a phone that won't boot when you lack the experience to deal with it so stick with what's proven. If you are not sure after reading up on the procedure, ask. No one wants to spoon feed the lazy but learning means asking questions sometimes so having read the material do not hesitate to ask if a part of the process is unclear.
i seen on google heaps about rooting a android mobile so i want to find out what you can do after you root your android mobile
Sammillerrr said:
i seen on google heaps about rooting a android mobile so i want to find out what you can do after you root your android mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you want to be able to do on root? You sound like you have apple?
Sammillerrr said:
i seen on google heaps about rooting a android mobile so i want to find out what you can do after you root your android mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google broken for you ?
I got a note 4 i hate apple
Rooting your phone gives you more control over it. Removal of unwanted apps, controlling ram, controlling battery, removing ads, better backups, root specific apps , and a lot of other uses. I've never had a need to root because I can do everything I need to without it but rooting definitely has its advantages. Using Greenify, to control what apps run and at what time automatically, would be useful in case you have many apps running unnecessarily. There's more but my knowledge is limited.
Qoozek thank you for the help