Database Users

Retaining my apps when running custom roms

A few months ago, whenever I would run a custom rom I could go to the "my apps" menu in the market and I could do a mass redownload of all my apps. Now, anytime I flash a new rom and go to the market...the only things showing up in the "my apps" menu are apps I've bought...not the free ones I've downloaded. This means I have to go through the hassel of searching and finding ALL of them again which I would rather not do. Do you guys have any suggestions on how to remedy this?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Best option is to get titanium backup... there is a free version, but the paid version is well worth the money if you do a lot of flashing
Sent from my SGT running CM7

Well I've had Titanium Backup since day 1 of rooting my phone. However, I've never HAD to use it to restore my apps after installing a rom. The fact that my apps aren't showing up in the "my apps" menu in the market is my biggest concern. I would like to remedy that if I could. Any idea why my market has been doing that recently? Also, what is the benefit of the paid version of Titanium Backup vs the free version anyway?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

mj23kb08 said:
Also, what is the benefit of the paid version of Titanium Backup vs the free version anyway?
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The benefits are that you can schedule backups (I have mine backup every night at 4am) with paid version you don't have to turn USB debugging or unknown sources on after every flash, not sure if its in the free version but i have my dropbox linked to it as well so I have a secondary source for all my apps in case my sdcard goes bad... I love how I can restore the data to each app as well, works good so I don't lose any saved data for games that don't store it elsewhere, like asphalt 6... not to mention its awesome to support the developer of such an awesome app
sent from my CM7 powered Droid X

hootowlserenade said:
The benefits are that you can schedule backups (I have mine backup every night at 4am) with paid version you don't have to turn USB debugging or unknown sources on after every flash, not sure if its in the free version but i have my dropbox linked to it as well so I have a secondary source for all my apps in case my sdcard goes bad... I love how I can restore the data to each app as well, works good so I don't lose any saved data for games that don't store it elsewhere, like asphalt 6... not to mention its awesome to support the developer of such an awesome app
sent from my CM7 powered Droid X
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Also, with the paid version you don't have to click "install" on EVERY SINGLE APP when you batch install all of your apps back.
It does it automatically.
And as far as your market issues are concerned...
Use Titanium Backup, as suggested.
It'll backup market data as well...and thus when you restore the applications the market will show them in your "My Apps" list.

a theory I would like some experts to chime in on

I have a theory that Ti Backup or any backing up of apps to save re-installing time when changing to a new ROM is a bad plan. I know you can do it no problem, and that it is a great time saver, but I have a strong feeling that this ultimately results in an unstable phone with mysterious force closes etc.
Even though it's a real pain, I think you are always better off reinstalling your apps from scratch after changing to a new ROM and wiping caches.
what say you?

WTF? said:
I have a theory that Ti Backup or any backing up of apps to save re-installing time when changing to a new ROM is a bad plan. I know you can do it no problem, and that it is a great time saver, but I have a strong feeling that this ultimately results in an unstable phone with mysterious force closes etc.
Even though it's a real pain, I think you are always better off reinstalling your apps from scratch after changing to a new ROM and wiping caches.
what say you?
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I'm no expert, but I agree with you. I have love TiBa, but I haven't ever batch restored all my apps/data at once. I've used it very selectively and never had a problem. I also use it for some of the other options it has... like detaching apps from "my apps" in the Market, for instance. But overall, yes, I think you're right, and it seems like common sense. For me, the point of using TiBa to create complete backups is simply to know that I have them, just in case... this is just my experience, of course...

I use my backup root... Works quite well, but i do not restore any apps which need superuser or something like that. You can handle the force close by fixing permission after restoring apps... But yeah a fresh install seems to be better
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

I make backups of apps with Ti but only use it reinstall selected app data if necessary.
Made the noob mistake of restoring system data once but live and learn.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Reinstalling your apps + data is not the problem. it's reinstalling system data that is the culprit. part of going into a new rom is that the system is set up differently. It is fine if you just restore the apps if they're all functioning normally.
You actually can also filter your batch operations so that you can install specific files and also have it back those files up on a schedule (daily/weekly/monthly/cyclic/etc).
TLDR: reinstalling apps + data is not bad. Reinstalling system data is bad.

mputtr said:
Reinstalling your apps + data is not the problem. it's reinstalling system data that is the culprit. part of going into a new rom is that the system is set up differently. It is fine if you just restore the apps if they're all functioning normally.
You actually can also filter your batch operations so that you can install specific files and also have it back those files up on a schedule (daily/weekly/monthly/cyclic/etc).
TLDR: reinstalling apps + data is not bad. Reinstalling system data is bad.
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Click to collapse
Obviously, restoring system data across ROMs is just plain wrong, but even restoring user app/data can be problematic. Just recently I read a post from a user who was regularly restoring user apps/data after ROM updates... the person started experiencing minor glitches with their device, performed a factory reset, re flashed, reinstalled everything from scratch, and the issues resolved themselves... I can't count the times I've read posts like this. Of course, these same users got along just fine for a time before the problems developed, so I agree with you when you said restoring user apps/data is "not bad." But over time, it might not be good either.

WTF? said:
I have a theory that Ti Backup or any backing up of apps to save re-installing time when changing to a new ROM is a bad plan. I know you can do it no problem, and that it is a great time saver, but I have a strong feeling that this ultimately results in an unstable phone with mysterious force closes etc.
Even though it's a real pain, I think you are always better off reinstalling your apps from scratch after changing to a new ROM and wiping caches.
what say you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Calling it a theory would imply that you are going to present some evidence supporting it, which you have not. No evidence, its just a hypothesis.

Well obviously by copying data back and forth regularly you increase the potential for corruption etc to occur, whatever the cause. Is that not just a given? But unless you're doing it an unnecessary amount of times I shouldn't think you would run into noticeable trouble.

I always sucessfully batch restore my apps and app data (with Titanium Backup Pro) after a format of system and never have run into any issues.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

Ditamae said:
Obviously, restoring system data across ROMs is just plain wrong, but even restoring user app/data can be problematic. Just recently I read a post from a user who was regularly restoring user apps/data after ROM updates... the person started experiencing minor glitches with their device, performed a factory reset, re flashed, reinstalled everything from scratch, and the issues resolved themselves... I can't count the times I've read posts like this. Of course, these same users got along just fine for a time before the problems developed, so I agree with you when you said restoring user apps/data is "not bad." But over time, it might not be good either.
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I have been doing this since the old winmo days and have not had a single problem with it. There's a reason you do multiple copies which makes life a little easier.
I personally have not had any problems over the past 4 years of using titanium across winmo to android. So I disagree with the OP's theory. Backing up app/data wont make it go bad over time. It's not a consumable so it doesn't matter how many times you back it up or over how many years you do. if you keep your app updated and you back it up, it wont go bad over time.

G1ForFun said:
I always sucessfully batch restore my apps and app data (with Titanium Backup Pro) after a format of system and never have run into any issues.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
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Ditto for me, though these days I just upgrade the same ROM to new versions and only wipe the caches.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

mputtr said:
I have been doing this since the old winmo days and have not had a single problem with it. There's a reason you do multiple copies which makes life a little easier.
I personally have not had any problems over the past 4 years of using titanium across winmo to android. So I disagree with the OP's theory. Backing up app/data wont make it go bad over time. It's not a consumable so it doesn't matter how many times you back it up or over how many years you do. if you keep your app updated and you back it up, it wont go bad over time.
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As I said, I've never had an issue using it selectively, but I was hesitant to rely on it too heavily. I need to bear in mind that for every user who reports a problem, there are usually many more that get along just fine. Thanks for the input.

G1ForFun said:
I always sucessfully batch restore my apps and app data (with Titanium Backup Pro) after a format of system and never have run into any issues.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Zero problems here..in fact it has fixed problems for me in the past I love TB

the point is that backed up apps and data don't just go bad over time. There's a reason why you make multiple back ups.

At the end of the day, fresh > backup

Unless you have important or critical data, then backup>fresh. I have clients cry because they didn't have a backup at home or on their phone...just saying, grown men and women crying because they never thought about spending some cash for peace of mind. My backups on my phone and home network have come in handy multiple times! Backups to me are indispensible...

I use mybackup pro.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

On the other hand its fun just to back up the apks of stuff you like on your cpu, so you can make a new phone experience when you make a big change--say by using a dif combo of apps/themes.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

G1ForFun said:
I always sucessfully batch restore my apps and app data (with Titanium Backup Pro) after a format of system and never have run into any issues.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
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+1
Sent from my SilverBullet 'HTCDesireZ running CM7'

Yeah i think so too. Because ti backup sometimes restores apps but the apps FCs :/ i dont like ti backup...
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA App

Stay Stock? Gotta Root?

Not an N7 owner yet - it's on my xMas list. Santa's gotta come through for me.
As a GNex owner, rooting my phone was a no-brainer. I got sick of VZW's bloatware and VZW is miserably slow on pushing out updates. I am not a crack-flasher - I am happy to stay with a specific ROM/kernel that works.
I was wondering if most N7 owners had the same sentiment as most of us GNex'ers - stock is just not acceptable - gotta root.
Or, is stock somehow more acceptable on the N7?

The Stock Rom on the N7 is good but I rooted mine because i use some apps that need root and i use a custom kernel. I think it's not necessary but if you don't use Google+ Currents and so on, you can save some space by deleting them with root. But why don't you wait for yours and see if you like it or not ? Rooting is very easy so there should be no problem in doing it

Root, allows you to use OTG to store huge apps on Flash drive instead of eating so pace and backup with titanium backup!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I stayed stock. It's perfect for my use, and it replaces my laptop, so: no data loss allowed, no sod's, and no screwed flashing which requires a full wipe... I don't want to do the same as on my gnex ^^ at least one device that runs normal ^^
Like I said, stock is very nice, even though 4.2 made it a bit different. ( others report, got mine for a few days)
Battery life is nice, performance is awesome (sometimes I just open and close the drawer, open apps and close them, just to see how beautiful the transitions are ) and I have nothing to nag on... I recommend you to try stock for a few days and decide yourself if you need root, or a custom kernel etc. ^^
And if you say you want to root for like 50%, then I would unlock the bootloader before setting everything up
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I've rooted every single Android phone that I've owned. With that said, I have felt no need to root my Nexus7 and I've had it since July. OTG can be used as read-only with an app, no root required.

I'm running the stock android but it's rooted of course. The stock android nets me around 14-20 hours on a full charge. That using chrome to search the net and playing YouTube videos.
Plan on staying with the stock android with root access.
Sent from my Nexus 7

schism70 said:
I've rooted every single Android phone that I've owned. With that said, I have felt no need to root my Nexus7 and I've had it since July. OTG can be used as read-only with an app, no root required.
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Click to collapse
Requires root to use bind directory to play games straight from flash drives.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for the feedback so far. I figured that the stock/root decision is a personal one that a person makes after they try out the N7, but still it's interesting to see what decisions you folks make, and why.

I'm in a similar situation as I'll be getting mine in a few days.
All I plan on doing is rooting right away, just so I can get rid of some of the bloatware, and then I've always got the option to chuck on a custom ROM/kernel if I don't like the stock feeling of it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Thanks again for the input!

I've rooted but am otherwise on stock. I had game progress and stiff that I wanted to port over. I don't plan on flashing a custom ROM. I really like the stock JB, so for now I'm perfectly happy running rooted stock.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

schism70 said:
I've rooted every single Android phone that I've owned. With that said, I have felt no need to root my Nexus7 and I've had it since July. OTG can be used as read-only with an app, no root required.
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Click to collapse
Same here. I don't see the point.

[Q] worth rooting?

what can I get if i root it? and also will I still be able to get official 4.4 update from google?
all I really want is to extract my paid apps from my phone

Tanveer bro, just wait for upcoming 4.4 official kitkat. I am also using cyanogenmod 10.2 and facing camera problem.

Rooting your phone offers several benefits and risks although most risks can be avoided if your careful and just read everything twice (measure twice cut once). I'm rooted to use apps like Greenify, Adaway, Six Axis controller app. And you can use more advanced root features of apps like Lite flow, ES Explorer, Dumpster, etc. Also it allows you to remove system apps you may not want, install custom kernels etc. If your just wanting to extract an app apk there is an app called "apk exctactor" in the Play Store but you may not be able to extract and use all paid apps. I use it for my son's Nabi Jr and for some apps it works well. Good Luck!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Rooting is certainly worth it if you enjoy getting the most out of your phone. It gives you so many more options to play around and explore with but if you are not comfortable with being able to carefully follow directions and don't plan on actually using the benefits then you may not want to.

What do you miss most about having root?

Hello all,
My Lg G4 experienced a dreaded boot loop because of overheating and Sprint decided it was best to give me the Lg G5 instead. The "upgrade" bothers me because there is no root yet for this phone, making it the first time I'll be without root access.
Root is indispensable namely for full, proper backups (Titanium Backup) and WiFi hotspot/tethering. I do not use the latter every day but it is indispensable for me.
Other aspects include Xposed (some tweaks are impossible even with separate apps), moving photos and videos to SD card, and some programs such as SoundAbout.
Formerly rooted users - how has life been for you without root? What apps do you miss, and how did you get around them?

I don't even know where to start. I've been using Android since the HTC Evo, and pretty much had a new Android phone every year...ALL rooted.
I basically, mostly miss all the things you mentioned though, such as titanium backup, and wifi tethering. Also used rom toolbox and other apps to make small tweeks as far as performance upgrades and visual preferences.
But the thing i might possibly miss the most, is the ability to BLOCK ADS!! Omg i didn't realize how much i despised seeing ads in my apps until i couldn't use root. I love this phone itself, but without root, Im pretty sure I'm going to be getting the Google Pixel soon. Nexus phones are usually rooted fairly easily and the phone itself is great also.
Sent from my LGLS992 using XDA-Developers mobile app

mistermidas said:
But the thing i might possibly miss the most, is the ability to BLOCK ADS!! Omg i didn't realize how much i despised seeing ads in my apps until i couldn't use root. I love this phone itself, but without root, Im pretty sure I'm going to be getting the Google Pixel soon. Nexus phones are usually rooted fairly easily and the phone itself is great also.
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Click to collapse
You can do that without root. Check out Adgaurd and or Adclear.
I use Adgaurd paid myself.

geeksmurf said:
You can do that without root. Check out Adgaurd and or Adclear.
I use Adgaurd paid myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've used adguard but it messes up my connection. It will stop my downloads and in general makes everything slow as hell. With root I can just put a hosts file in my etc folder and actually seems to speed up my connection.
Sent from my LGLS992 using XDA-Developers mobile app

i miss putting on a half baked CM rom that degrades photo quality, breaks core features of the phone and generally sucks just so i can say i rooted my phone.
/s
only thing I really miss is hot spot usage.
oh and the ability to fix this f*cking wakelock that won't go away and I can't trace without root.

This thread makes me sad inside because my buddy on T-Mobile just flashed cm and is making me jealous and angry that I bought this phone without doing research first. Lol.
I miss all the root and fun of trying new roms

Hotspot, hands down. Ad blocking (including YouTube ads) is 2nd.

AdBlock, unbloating, and the greatest thing I miss, viper4android.

How on Earth do I get rid of Sprint's visual voicemail? Before I just got rid of the program in Titanium Backup, either by uninstalling it or freezing it. Same with a bunch of other programs I can't get rid of
Even something as simple as getting rid of some notifications in the menu area - impossible without root.

I miss orbot,as for adblockers I use adguard,its the best I've used,paid or free. The thing I miss most is AOSP Roms

I would have to say it would be being able to delete unwanted apps, change my battery icon, take out ads on you tube and apps, being able to do full backups of my phone, and tethering my phone with wifi.

Everything... I hate this phone. I had all my tasker tasks, and all my games backed up on titanium backup. I want vanilla Android back. I want my foxfi back. I just want to be able to use my phone without stipulations. I will never buy another LG again. I'm going back to HTC.
Sent from my LGLS992 using XDA-Developers mobile app

You can remove ads in youtube using no root data firewall and using an adblock dns for that firewall so it uses that dns. Dont know why android blocks ability to set dns on mobile argh
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jianjia.firewall&hl=en
https://alternate-dns.com/ 198.101.242.72 and 23.253.163.53 as your DNS server
WHAT I MISS MOST:
Stop these stupid programs from having ability to autorun in background. With root on my amazon tablet, I can remove those handlers. I wonder if this can be done through adb?