Why root the Nexus 4 - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I have my Nexus 4 I love it and everything is running well but I miss some of the advantages of having root. What are the biggest advantages of rooting the Nexus 4 what are the disadvantages? Can I gain root without unlocking the bootloader? I rooted only the Optimus V from virgin mobile is it all basically the same? Is there any known way to root without using a computer? Thanks for any input or suggestions you may have. it is really appreciated.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

nixie2121 said:
So I have my Nexus 4 I love it and everything is running well but I miss some of the advantages of having root. What are the biggest advantages of rooting the Nexus 4 what are the disadvantages? Can I gain root without unlocking the bootloader? I rooted only the Optimus V from virgin mobile is it all basically the same? Is there any known way to root without using a computer? Thanks for any input or suggestions you may have. it is really appreciated.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can:
1. Install custom kernels and custom roms. (So you're telling me you only rooted the Optimus V and never installed kernels and roms?)
2. It's a different root method than the Optimus V.
3. You MUST unlock the bootloader to gain root access. Might as well unlock it. You won't needing it much unless you brick it somehow.
4. You need to root using a computer. It's not like the Optimus V, there is no special application to use to gain root.
5. The only disadvantage is you not taking advantage of it.
Here are two useful toolkits you can use to root the N4. It's very easy but if you know how to use fastboot then go right ahead.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475

one very big advantage of rooting is being able to install Adaway. Adaway is an app that removes ads from any other app and browser i think? that you download. If you play games like words with friends, adaway removes the ads and makes it more enjoyable to play.

The deal breaker for me is titanium backup. I used it to migrate /restore my data from my old phone. Now I know there are other apps that can do it without rooting but titanium backup is a one stop centre.
Sent from Nexus 4

what about getting android updates?
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nixie2121 said:
what about getting android updates?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to revert back to stock to receive them. Or you can wait till a deodexed/odexed stock rom comes out.

For me rooting it is the only way to go. I wouldn't own a server without root and I see android in the same way.
Titanium Backup
Overclock and undervolt with a good kernel like Franco to save battery
AdAway

I would have to recommend going beyond just root and installing a custom ROM.
Being able to have 5 buttons instead of 3 is pretty nice. Xylon G+
Calibrating the screen requires root. Nexus 4 Display Control
I double tap my screen to turn it on. Touch Control
You can adjust the DPI essentially turning up the resolution.
I can't really see any reason not to root / ROM other than fear, as if you go with stable reliable ROMs, you're not gonna break anything, just don't run Antutu, I hear it red light bricks the N4.

One word
PIE
(assuming you'd flash a rom after rooting)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ok.. think I want to do it... just worries me as no rom i used on the Optimus V worked 100 percent
will read about rooting more.
so i can get root then backup apps then do the bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

nixie2121 said:
ok.. think I want to do it... just worries me as no rom i used on the Optimus V worked 100 percent
will read about rooting more.
so i can get root then backup apps then do the bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You need to unlock bootloader then root. That's the order to root the device. Unlocking the bootloader will erase everything on your phone.

This is a nexus device, most roms work very well and are on par if not better than stock.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I have a apk that is not in play store anymore. how can i back this up before starting the process?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

neer2005 said:
This is a nexus device, most roms work very well and are on par if not better than stock.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.
I had the Optimus V like two years ago. I really liked that phone because it had awesome battery life. But the development was total crap. There was either little or no work done on it. The software was just mediocre.
The roms and kernels in this forum are quite mature and perfect for daily use.
---------- Post added at 11:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 PM ----------
nixie2121 said:
I have a apk that is not in play store anymore. how can i back this up before starting the process?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...DMsImNvbS5yZXJ3YXJlLmFuZHJvaWQuTXlCYWNrdXAiXQ..
A second method;
http://lifehacker.com/5976036/simpl...droid-phone-from-the-desktop-no-root-required
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36499906

Or titanium backup
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

neer2005 said:
Or titanium backup
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't have root access yet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

well I am going to do this in a few hours... wish me luck... i never flashed a kernel before.. which do you all use and what rom do you all use?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

nixie2121 said:
well I am going to do this in a few hours... wish me luck... i never flashed a kernel before.. which do you all use and what rom do you all use?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I am about to do the following from here: http://www.wugfresh.com/nrt/
Then I guess I need to flash a recovery, and then a rom...I will read to make sure but thought I would ask in advance.
very paranoid!!!
thanks again all.

nixie2121 said:
So I am about to do the following from here: http://www.wugfresh.com/nrt/
Then I guess I need to flash a recovery, and then a rom...I will read to make sure but thought I would ask in advance.
very paranoid!!!
thanks again all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the program now and do the following.
Here's a video tutorial.
Please watch it first and get a feel of it first!
If you follow the tutorial, you should be fine. Do not miss a step. Most folks miss a step and they panic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg_QU9w5xCU
I know it's a Nexus 7 video but it's essentially the same for the N4.
And this is the Nexus 4 tutorial if you don't want to use the one above.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_aM_MQbPrI
Again, please watch the videos first.

scream4cheese said:
Download the program now and do the following.
Here's a video tutorial.
Please watch it first and get a feel of it first!
If you follow the tutorial, you should be fine. Do not miss a step. Most folks miss a step and they panic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg_QU9w5xCU
I know it's a Nexus 7 video but it's essentially the same for the N4.
And this is the Nexus 4 tutorial if you don't want to use the one above.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_aM_MQbPrI
Again, please watch the videos first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS - all rooted.....now what kernel and rom!!!!

Related

New to Nexus 7 and ?'s

So I've had my N7 for 30 minutes. So could someone please direct me to a rooting procedure and suggest a ROM.
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k5mitch said:
So I've had my N7 for 30 minutes. So could someone please direct me to a rooting procedure and suggest a ROM.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good, I would recommend keep diving through post for your better knowledge and understanding. Happy learning
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
There isn't too much out for 4.2 but 4.1.2 has plenty of options. The easiest way to root would be a toolkit. You don't learn much but if you don't care that's fine. Otherwise keep reading.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Warrior1975 said:
There isn't too much out for 4.2 but 4.1.2 has plenty of options. The easiest way to root would be a toolkit. You don't learn much but if you don't care that's fine. Otherwise keep reading.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty savoy rooting and installing ROMs on my Samsung skyrocket S2. So I didn't know if there's a better way w/N7. It has already updated to 4.2.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
There aren't many ROMs supporting 4.2. I think there is one that is stock deodexed. 4.1.2 has plenty of options. You may like 4.2 though so try it for a bit. Wug has a good toolkit. One click rooting. Easy
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Hello,
You should try the 4.2 roms in the development area. There are stock ones with root enabled by default. I'm using scrosler's one for 3 days now and it's working ok. Better than the OTA anyway.
You do need to flash clockworkmod first to be able to flash roms.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the suggestions.

[Q] Rooting and Installing CM10 On Nexus 7 version 4.2.1

I'm a noob, I'm not good with tech. And I am willing to guess come christmas time when kids unwrap their presents they will need an answer to the exact question "Rooting and Installing CM10 On Nexus 7 version 4.2.1".
I have a 16GB Nexus 7 wifi model. Please tell me as simple as you can for me and others on this site how to proceed in a safe and stable manner.
Don't root the nexus. It Is already amazing
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idevice12345 said:
Don't root the nexus. It Is already amazing
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to use the PS3 controller and rooted apps.
How ?
And also CM10
Nexus root tool kit
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Do it manually. It's extremely easy.
http://www.androidcentral.com/how-unlock-bootloader-and-root-your-nexus-7
It's pretty much the same as every other Nexus device and doing it this way teaches you how to use fast boot and adb commands which is very useful in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 7
idevice12345 said:
Nexus root tool kit
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a root tool kit is the most dangerous way to do it, for someone that is inexperienced especially.
read up on it, there is a lot of information here how to root your device properly. a root toolkit would do it, but you wont learn anything. and when itll come to needing to fix something, you wont know how, even though it might be a simple fix. at that point you might make it worse for yourself. do yourself a favor, educate yourself first, then root your device the way youre supposed to root any nexus. the right procedure is simple.. fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries or a custom rom in your recovery, reboot. thats it.

Question

Hey guys i have a brand new nexus 7 in my hand right now, I'm enjoying it I was planning on keeping the ROM stock but flashing a kernel capable of overclocking. What would you guys recommend as the most effective rooting method here? And the best kernel for oc'ing?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Jaydizzle414 said:
Hey guys i have a brand new nexus 7 in my hand right now, I'm enjoying it I was planning on keeping the ROM stock but flashing a kernel capable of overclocking. What would you guys recommend as the most effective rooting method here? And the best kernel for oc'ing?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a simple root method try the nexus 7 root toolkit. For the kernel I recommend M-Kernel, because you can oc it up to 1.9 GHz.
Jaydizzle414 said:
Hey guys i have a brand new nexus 7 in my hand right now, I'm enjoying it I was planning on keeping the ROM stock but flashing a kernel capable of overclocking. What would you guys recommend as the most effective rooting method here? And the best kernel for oc'ing?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus Root Toolkit is simple to use and guides you (very well) through everything including drivers, etc.
http://www.wugfresh.com/
durajim said:
Nexus Root Toolkit is simple to use and guides you (very well) through everything including drivers, etc.
http://www.wugfresh.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, use wug's root toolkit, just follow instruction carefully.
Fastboot, period. Learning the simple commands of fastboot can save huge amounts of trouble later. It is actually simpler and more effective than any rootkit.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Please use a more descriptive title in the future. This one sucks and will not be found for someone unlike you who actually searches before posting to the forum.
Thread closed for two reasons. Firstly we don't allow 'what's the best' threads. Try them and see. Second be clear in your title

How to root Nexus 7 easy?

Hi, is there a fast way to root the nexus 7 without wiping data?
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razzack3000 said:
Hi, is there a fast way to root the nexus 7 without wiping data?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know it is not rooting that wipes it. It's unlocking the boot loader. So, yes. You can have root permissions but not be able to flash anything.
Oh... So if i wanna root and flash another rom I will have to wipe? And if so what is the easiest way? Link?
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In order to root you will have to unlock the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader wipes the Nexus7
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Use wugs kit. It includes an adb backup so you won't lose app data
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
borrowedchief said:
Use wugs kit. It includes an adb backup so you won't lose app data
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I actually did that..... In beginning I had driver problems but after that man I gotta say wugs toolkit is awesome... Except for the fact that backup takes a hell of a time compared Any other backup. But yah thanks anyways
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borrowedchief said:
Use wugs kit. It includes an adb backup so you won't lose app data
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you serious? So when I root with that kit and adbbackup with that kit and restore I wil not lose all my gaming progress? I only want toroot if that is posible.
Send from my Nexus 7 using XDA Developers premium app in Dutchy style
Well just to make sure, I would get my backup from the play store, backup ur apps and then do the backup from the tool kit so that the toolkit backup backs up the my backup app... After u do that, restore with the toolkit and then restore with the app...
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razzack3000 said:
Well just to make sure, I would get my backup from the play store, backup ur apps and then do the backup from the tool kit so that the toolkit backup backs up the my backup app... After u do that, restore with the toolkit and then restore with the app...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wich app should I use? Most of the backup apps are root required :what:
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AngryGamer025 said:
Wich app should I use? Most of the backup apps are root required :what:
Send from my Nexus 7 using XDA Developers premium app in Dutchy style
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use: mybackup this app doesn't require root and is good. So use this and then use the tool kit as well to backup....
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
What about pre-installed apps?
I've been searching for an answer to a similar question. I want to unlock/root my Nexus 7 straight out of the box (it's getting delivered Monday) so I don't have to worry about losing everything down the road when I start doing stuff that requires root access. What I want to know is this: If the very first thing I do with the Nexus 7 is root it, will it essentially be the same as if I hadn't rooted it? In other words, would all of the pre-installed stuff still be there (ie. maps, gmail, etc)? Is there anything on the device before rooting that would be gone after rooting, and if something is gone, is it just a matter of re-installing it from the Play store?
This is a terrible noob question, but I want my first experience with my Nexus 7 to be just as it would have been if I *hadn't* rooted it for a while, but avoid the headache of having to wipe everything once I eventually decide to start messing around with it. Any and all info is appreciated!
Dude don't worry, when you get it, just root it like how the other guy showed in this forum. Don't install anything but root it and then do all your stuff. Rooting doesn't do anything or doesn't change the interface. After you root everything should be the same.. Maybe you will loose some Google apps but you can easily download those from the app store again. What will change depends on you. When you root it, you can install custom roms... That is what changes your interface and stuff. But that's your choice.
Use the toolkit.... You must first install the drivers for your nexus... The tool kit Wi have an option. Then click the unlock and then click rooy
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Cool, yeah. I just wasn't sure if when it wiped during the unlock if anything that would be annoying to get back would be lost. I don't mind reinstalling stock apps as long as they're easy to get, but if there had been anything special that gets wiped out then I'd be hesitant to actually do it. Knowing myself, I know that at some point I'm going to want to start messing around with different ROMs and stuff, so like I said I'd rather just root it from day 1 even if I don't plan to do anything right away so I don't have to deal with wiping it a month down the road .
razzack3000 said:
Dude don't worry, when you get it, just root it like how the other guy showed in this forum. Don't install anything but root it and then do all your stuff. Rooting doesn't do anything or doesn't change the interface. After you root everything should be the same.. Maybe you will loose some Google apps but you can easily download those from the app store again. What will change depends on you. When you root it, you can install custom roms... That is what changes your interface and stuff. But that's your choice.
Use the toolkit.... You must first install the drivers for your nexus... The tool kit Wi have an option. Then click the unlock and then click rooy
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 7 2012 won't unlock with Wug Toolkit
borrowedchief said:
Use wugs kit. It includes an adb backup so you won't lose app data
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried using version 1.8 of Wugs Toolkit for my Nexus 7 2012. My tablet has been very unstable. It's on 4.4.2 and never been rooted. I can't uninstall apps without crashing and if I can they are there when I reboot it.
With the Toolkit I can't get it to unlock my device. I get developer access and click the unlock button but it will not unlock it. I don't care if I lose everything on the tablet I just want a stable tablet back again.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I should add that I do get the screen that says proceeding will void warranty. Choose Yes to continue. I choose Yes and my tablet just boots up and is still locked. The version of Android is KOT49H is currently on my tablet. It's WiFi 2012 edition.
I have also tried to do a Factory Reset and it goes to the bootloader screen and says it's wiping cache then device but my tablet reboots and nothing has changed.
The last thing I should add is that my tablet does recognize my ADB device and passed the toolkit configuration with success. The tootlkit can see my tablet it just won't complete the unlock.

Backup apps before rooting?

Hey, so I dislike how the Nexus 7 started to lag after the update and plan to go root with custom ROM and get some of that root goodness. On my phone I would use titanium backup, but my tablet isn't rooted yet so that's a no go.
I just want to keep my apps and the data before jumping in. I don't want to start over in world of goo!
Thanks in advanced.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
You can root your stock rom before flashing a new one, in fact, it's a prerequisite. After rooting, backup using titanium backup
Sent from my GT-I9100
If I helped you, please hit the thanks button!
Use Carbon. It's made by the same guy as CWM and doesn't require root. Be sure to move the backups to your computer though because rooting will require you to unlock the boot loader which will wipe the device clean.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
jnewman1991 said:
Use Carbon. It's made by the same guy as CWM and doesn't require root. Be sure to move the backups to your computer though because rooting will require you to unlock the boot loader which will wipe the device clean.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow, I wasn't aware of Carbon. That's awesome.
By the way, what ROMs do you recommend as being the most stable and overall best in your opinion?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I've used CyanogenMod, AOKP, and Paranoid Android. Right now I'm using CM because I feel it is much closer to stock with a few tweaks and I have gotten a little better battery life out of it. I also use Matr1x kernel. I recommend trying different ROMs and kernels out and see which combination gives you what you're looking for.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

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