Database Users

root or not to root Nexus 7

I am very new to android as well as this forum...
Just bought Nexus 7 yesterday ( and yeah its my first android device).
Everyone geeks are telling me to root my device, some intelligent also says don't root it voids your warranty.
So i have few queries as novice user.
Should i root my device?
Is it safe? will my warranty void after root?
can i use add on device like pen drive, mouse via OTG without Rooting?
Can I unroot? if yes, then if I unroot, I get my warranty back?
What are other benifits of root?
Which is easiest meathod of root?

rooting sucks..don't try it

Use wugfreshs toolkit to root. Rooting is great. When you root your device you need to unlock the bootloader . When the boot loader is unlocked, the warranty is void. But its a nexus device so its easy to lock it back up so that your warranty is back so don't worry about that. Yes, you can unroot, its as easy as flashing a stock rom. There are many benefits of rooting, I for one love no ads in Any apps, including games. I use an app called wifikill which allows me to kick any WiFi device at my house offline so that I can use ,more bandwidth than my siblings also, rooting opens up Roms and kernels. I downloaded and flashed trinity kernel. I am getting crazy battery life. Up to 6-10 hrs of ONSCREEN time which is ridiculous . ROOT YOU DEVIIICE!!!!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Okaay said:
Use wugfreshs toolkit to root. Rooting is great. When you root your device you need to unlock the bootloader . When the boot loader is unlocked, the warranty is void. But its a nexus device so its easy to lock it back up so that your warranty is back so don't worry about that. Yes, you can unroot, its as easy as flashing a stock rom. There are many benefits of rooting, I for one love no ads in Any apps, including games. I use an app called wifikill which allows me to kick any WiFi device at my house offline so that I can use ,more bandwidth than my siblings also, rooting opens up Roms and kernels. I downloaded and flashed trinity kernel. I am getting crazy battery life. Up to 6-10 hrs of ONSCREEN time which is ridiculous . ROOT YOU DEVIIICE!!!!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more with what he said. Try wugfreshs toolkit, it's very simple and forward.
There's a good youtube tutorial of how to do it on youtube, just search up " How to Root the Google Nexus 7 qbking77"
Good luck !

Okaay said:
I am getting crazy battery life. Up to 6-10 hrs of ONSCREEN time which is ridiculous . ROOT YOU DEVIIICE!!!!
I'm getting that battery life without rooting or new kernel.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

as people said, don't fix it if it ain't broke. unless you need more storage via stickmount. My is not rooted yet, maybe later.

hirenvasani said:
So i have few queries as novice user.
Should i root my device?
Is it safe? will my warranty void after root?
can i use add on device like pen drive, mouse via OTG without Rooting?
Can I unroot? if yes, then if I unroot, I get my warranty back?
What are other benifits of root?
Which is easiest meathod of root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
The rooting process is 99.0% safe if you read
Yes
Yes,yes
Ad blocking, USB OTG, console controllers, make Jailbreakers jealous
WugFresh toolkit, adb is failsafe but not as easy. Get PDAnet drivers.
Fastboot OEM Unlock
Sent from a Nexus 7 using my fingers

One issue no one has brought up--some apps block rooted devices.
On the one hand, I've rooted/jailbroken all my previous devices, but I'm getting my N7 partly to watch video via Hulu+ and Time Warner. Neither of those work on my One X. Is that the case with this one? Has anyone found any workarounds? The threads for the signed versions of those two apps seem to have died.

iElvis said:
One issue no one has brought up--some apps block rooted devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some used to, but I don't know of any now. Which ones are left?

Thanks everyone for your valuable advice...
I have rooted my device. But my pendrive doesnt detect via OTG? Any Solution?

hirenvasani said:
I have rooted my device. But my pendrive doesnt detect via OTG? Any Solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not enough information. What did you try, with the cable, did you load stickmount. Did you try to use it to mount the drive. what type of "pendrive" etc..

hirenvasani said:
Thanks everyone for your valuable advice...
I have rooted my device. But my pendrive doesnt detect via OTG? Any Solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have the stickmount app installed? USB must be formatted as FAT32....as the easiest solution. I think linux filesystems also work like ext3 but then you can't use the usb on a Windows machine without additional software.
For a while my USB didn't work, then I plugged in a mouse and that worked. Plugged the usb in again and it somehow started working.....weird eh?

silly question, always root. even if you dont need root today, tomorrow you might. and by that time you might have useful data that might get wiped when you do decide to root. anyways, its nice to have complete control over your device, if not for the performance side, then for the maintenance and customization side.

Its MoserBear 16 GB, FAT 32 formatted Pendrive, was trying to connect it via Galaxy S2 OTG and I also installed stickmount, when i click on mount it show there is no active mounts....
Hop[e this much info is good....
Awaiting for any solution.

I rooted my phone and have decided it's not necessary on my N7 (yet). On my phone I just end up with a bunch more apps that get updated more frequently (like Titanium). The only issue I have with the N7 is real small text on some apps (like Amazon App store), will rooting fix this? With a 3rd party launcher you can make the N7 look and feel any way you want. I have 4gb left of 16, so I may root "someday" if I want to put more music on it.

iElvis said:
One issue no one has brought up--some apps block rooted devices.
<snip>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead, how many apps require rooted devices? How useful and relevant are those apps compared to the fabled apps that block root (I honestly have never seen any)?

palmboy5 said:
Instead, how many apps require rooted devices? How useful and relevant are those apps compared to the fabled apps that block root (I honestly have never seen any)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only one I can think of is Barclays Pingit - though not sure its compatible with N7 anyway.
Agree with previous comments - even if you dont need the benifits from rooting immediately its always best to root it at the start before you set it all up and have to wipe it all. I've learnt this the hard way before.
IMO the benefits of root overweight the downfalls, by far

Google Wallet Statement
On the Google Wallet FAQs it says that Google Wallet doesn't support rooted phones...can anyone confirm it does still work or..? Cause that's the main thing holding me back. Sorry if this has already been answered

Okaay said:
Use wugfreshs toolkit to root. Rooting is great. When you root your device you need to unlock the bootloader . When the boot loader is unlocked, the warranty is void. But its a nexus device so its easy to lock it back up so that your warranty is back so don't worry about that. Yes, you can unroot, its as easy as flashing a stock rom. There are many benefits of rooting, I for one love no ads in Any apps, including games. I use an app called wifikill which allows me to kick any WiFi device at my house offline so that I can use ,more bandwidth than my siblings also, rooting opens up Roms and kernels. I downloaded and flashed trinity kernel. I am getting crazy battery life. Up to 6-10 hrs of ONSCREEN time which is ridiculous . ROOT YOU DEVIIICE!!!!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can i get 'wifikill' It isn't on the play store (Silly of me to look really) Can you send me a link via a PM?
EDIT: found it on Slideme, from a XDA thread. should of searched it here before asking Never mind

BambiTyler said:
On the Google Wallet FAQs it says that Google Wallet doesn't support rooted phones...can anyone confirm it does still work or..? Cause that's the main thing holding me back. Sorry if this has already been answered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im rooted google wallet works fine for me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Would rooting/installing custom rom improve Nexus7?

I recently rooted and installed a custom rom on my phone and noticed huge improvements. Noticed my nexus was lagging on things that I would think shouldn't be that taxing on the device. Thought the OTA update to 4.2 would help but it didn't. Would rooting it get rid of that lag or is it just a nexus thing?

sourshin said:
I recently rooted and installed a custom rom on my phone and noticed huge improvements. Noticed my nexus was lagging on things that I would think shouldn't be that taxing on the device. Thought the OTA update to 4.2 would help but it didn't. Would rooting it get rid of that lag or is it just a nexus thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally because of the big change over from 4.1 to 4.2 i decided to go back to stock for awhile and wait for the bugs to be sorted.
Re-unlocked and rooted, flashed faux kernel and is the best experience i have had to date. Meaning the least lag. Stock and custom kernel. Just unlock - root and then flash kernel. :good:
Not a detailed description but if you need further advice just say so......Just means unlocking installing CWM and SU...Then flash kernel of choice. recommend faux..

I've tried out a rooted nexus 7 and to be honest didn't see a huge improvement so I've decided to wait until Key Lime Pie comes out and see if they sort out the bugs otherwise I will root.

Kind of discouraging

root doesnt automagically improve the devices performance, its what YOU do with root access. oh, and what lag? not the tiniest bit of lag on my device. custom rom/kernel, and some optimizations. couldnt be happier. btw, mostly whatl root does is let you use root apps. you dont need root to flash custom roms/kernels. but you do need an unlocked bootloader. with root, you can control that rom/kernel, get to the devices main file system, change whatever you want, and otherwise be in complete control of your device.

I get my nexus 7 today, after a hour I rooted it, just for ad block plus and the ability to customize the navbar. Love root.

Blixz said:
I've tried out a rooted nexus 7 and to be honest didn't see a huge improvement so I've decided to wait until Key Lime Pie comes out and see if they sort out the bugs otherwise I will root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There will most likely be more updates to 4.2 before Android 5.0 comes out.

I personally think it does make it better. It all really matters how you use your tablet and what you put in it like the Kernel you install. Roms it really doesn't matter really what you get but I have always been a big fan for CM since first getting the G1, nexus one, the HTC G2/Desire z and it has always been the fastest rom for me.
Sent on my rocken Nexus 7

simms22 said:
root doesnt automagically improve the devices performance, its what YOU do with root access. oh, and what lag? not the tiniest bit of lag on my device. custom rom/kernel, and some optimizations. couldnt be happier. btw, mostly whatl root does is let you use root apps. you dont need root to flash custom roms/kernels. but you do need an unlocked bootloader. with root, you can control that rom/kernel, get to the devices main file system, change whatever you want, and otherwise be in complete control of your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had thought you needed SU access in order to flash a custom rom. Or is that just to use CWM which needs SU? Anyways if you unlock you must as well root it.....yes....!

Yeah as a few people have already said root alone will do mouthing for performance faux kernel, as far as I'm concerned, is a great addition to this great tablet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I actually get a lot of performance lag. Might be from alot of email sync but still it shouldn't have a half second delay after lock screen and moving between screens etc.
And I thought I would need to root to get my bootloader unlocked? I'm sure it's easier for the nexus than my HTC One X. Which was kind of a pain.

Yes using different roms and or kernels will make a massive difference to performance and or battery life but thats determined by which kernels and roms you use some are built for speed others for battery. If you had searched the forum you would have found this :silly:

Root will break some apps.
Just wanted to mention that unlocking your bootloader and rooting will break a few apps for the Nexus 7. I was all gung-ho to root my Nexus the first week I had it. Then I discovered I could no longer stream cable tv to it with Time Warner Cables app. Google Wallet also wouldn't let me link any cards to it's app while rooted or with an unlocked bootloader. A quick skim of the forum shows that rooting breaks streaming functionality on other subscription video apps as well. Depending on how you use your tablet, this might not matter to you. I ended up going back to stock for now, just because I wanted to use these apps. There is probably workaround, but I just didn't want the extra work....around. I think the Nexus 7 ultimate toolkit might let you gain temp root, I don't remember for sure tho.

Rooting will not effect performance at all. Your just gaining access to the root directory. It's what you do after that effects performance. Also just rooting does not effect the wallet app at all, this is wrong information. Wallet does a root check for security purposes and will show "unsupported device" within the app after rooting. Ignore that, it is just a root notification. Cards add correctly and it functions correctly. I can't speak on the other apps mentioned, but ill take a stab in the dark and start at user error
Custom roms will definitely increase performance. Stock 4.2.1 is a bit laggy, I recommend flashing liquidsmooth and see the difference!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

I stream movies using Flixster with my rooted N7. It's simple if you are rooted with Supersu. I go to settings in the Supersu app and uncheck Enable Superuser. After I finish streaming, I go back and enable it again.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Understanding rooting in my brand new Nexus 4

Hi friends.
I just bought an Nexus 4, I always had iPhones and this is my first Android phone!
So, I am loving it but I am getting really annoyed with this whites that are not really whites!
I found in another threads (yes, I used the search a lot) that the screen can be calibrated by using the "Faux123 Kernel Enhancement Pro" app in a rooted phone. I also found this wonderful thread with a tutorial about how to root the phone.
My questions are:
- In this tutorial it shows how to flash the stock Android. In this spreadshet I found some configurations, but also saw a lot of people using "Faux" kernel. Why I would use this other kernel? Can I just use the stock one?
- After rooting the phone, if an update shows in my phone can I just update it?
- Is makes a difference if my phone have a difference revision (like being produced in January and not in October)?
I appreciate the help!

F0rB1z0n said:
Hi friends.
I just bought an Nexus 4, I always had iPhones and this is my first Android phone!
So, I am loving it but I am getting really annoyed with this whites that are not really whites!
I found in another threads (yes, I used the search a lot) that the screen can be calibrated by using the "Faux123 Kernel Enhancement Pro" app in a rooted phone. I also found this wonderful thread with a tutorial about how to root the phone.
My questions are:
- In this tutorial it shows how to flash the stock Android. In this spreadshet I found some configurations, but also saw a lot of people using "Faux" kernel. Why I would use this other kernel? Can I just use the stock one?
- After rooting the phone, if an update shows in my phone can I just update it?
- Is makes a difference if my phone have a difference revision (like being produced in January and not in October)?
I appreciate the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. as far as I know you can't configure the colors using the stock kernel.
2. as long as you're in stock kernel you should be able to update it OTA. (I think)
3. I guess not. I mean some rev_10 users here says that their phone isn't having any major issues while some rev_10 users does. same thing with rev_11.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

My suggestion is to take it slow, and don't root your phone unless if you have a legitimate reason for doing it. I have a Nexus 4 that's rooted because I wanted the CM10 quick setting panel, but my Nexus 7 is not rooted because I don't use any apps that require root on it. My first android phone was the I9000, and I had to root it because I needed to use Titanium Backup - the first few updates released by Samsung does a full wipe, so TB is a must have to backup app data.
Root is Android's equivalent of Window's Administrator User. It allows you to do things that a normal user account cannot do (hence Super User). To root your phone, you must unlock your bootloader first. Note that this is not the same as unlocking an iPhone. As a security feature, unlocking your bootloader will wipe everything on your phone, apps, photo, videos, music, younameit. Read the sticky guide on how to backup your phone before unlocking the bootloader.
1) Kernel is the interface between the software and the hardware. It's a bit like the drivers on the computer. Some kernels offer extra functionality, for example overclocking and undervolting. Again, if you don't need the extra functionality, you may as well stay with the stock kernel.
2) Updating OTA might remove root, but it won't lock your bootloader again. There are ways to retain root after an OTA update. I have no idea which thread the relevant information can be found, but the next time Google release another OTA, the threads will resurface again.
3) No difference.

You don't need a custom kernel to play with the colours ....
I'm on stock ROM and kernel and use faux clock app to change screen settings
Just requires root
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

italia0101 said:
You don't need a custom kernel to play with the colours ....
I'm on stock ROM and kernel and use faux clock app to change screen settings
Just requires root
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for correcting. I wasn't sure.

Does rooting impact Prime features?

Can someone please explain whether rooting the HDX (mine is a 7" if that matter) has any impact on Amazon Prime such as can no longer borrow book and video?
Thanks for helping a newbie!
Sent from my LG-D801 using xda app-developers app

No it doesn't. I have Prime and everything works fine and always has. Though unless you need root and plan on using it for stuff like Titanium Backup, no need to root.

chirawat said:
Can someone please explain whether rooting the HDX (mine is a 7" if that matter) has any impact on Amazon Prime such as can no longer borrow book and video?
Thanks for helping a newbie!
Sent from my LG-D801 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but root is only for version # 13.3.1.0 for now. Rooting gives you higher permissions on the device and does not impact much more. Rooting and running as root is similar to running a Windows application as Administrator. In order to do special things to your device such as browsing the root folder, changing root files, running rom's and any app that needs root, needs to be granted 'root access' to the device. Now some root apps, conflict with with services such as Books and Prime video is a cat and mouse game ( some do and some don't ). The biggest issue is that you need to keep your device from updating. If Amazon releases an update and patches the hole that the root uses to be 'granted root access' you loose root permissions and ie. all root apps and mods. There are a few ways to block Amazon updates but they might impact some Amazon apps. If you want Google Play along with all the Amazon apps, progress is being made. But I suggest rooting and trying to use a way to block updates so if Amazon updates you won't miss the root window. Take it with a grain of salt an ask yourself what you want from the tablet.

Thanks for the prompt replies!
Sent from my LG-D801 using xda app-developers app

Another new user who just got a hand on a HDX, though in my case its an 8.9. I've been wondering if I should root mine as well. I know that Google Apps don't require root, but I use Titanium Backup and a few other similar apps on my other tablet. I've read that its still dangerous to root at the moment however... Is it worth the risk?

I'm not sure why it would be dangerous unless you're installing shady apps by mistake but that's what SuperSU is for.

I thought I'd read that it was possible to brick the tablet while rooting elsewhere on the board, and sometimes get a bit paranoid about stuff like that. Thats all.

Ah yes, there's always that possibility which is why I said unless you need it, don't bother. Pretty sure you need root for Play store to work though I'm not 100% sure. The rest of the gapps work but ymmv.

Hmm... Is there another type of app like Titanium Backup that I'd be able to use without root?

Sandwitches said:
Hmm... Is there another type of app like Titanium Backup that I'd be able to use without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helium, previously known as Carbon.
I'm not keen on it personally (some backups fail to restore) but it does work without root.

Brand new Mate 9 not even switched on...what tips/things to do first and then rooting

Just purchased a brand new Mate 9 from Best Buy in the USA. First Huawei device.
Held the Mate 9, Galaxy 8 and Galaxy 8+ in my hands and didn't like the feel of the Galaxy 8 handsets.
Before I even switch it on, I wanted to ask the regulars here what they suggest are the first things to do beforehand as I want to root it and install TWRP and Magisk.
After reading in the Mate 9 forum there are different posts about rooting, patching and other things (e.g. people bricking their device) in regards to tweaking this device, so I wanted to know for sure what the correct procedure is to root, install TWRP and Magisk.
I have watched the two videos shown here for tips so anything else that is helpful would be appreciated.

I would honestly not root for a while so that you can get a proper feel of the device as it was meant to be experienced. Just my 2 cents.
:good:
Sent from my MHA-L29 using XDA Labs

Governa said:
I would honestly not root for a while so that you can get a proper feel of the device as it was meant to be experienced. Just my 2 cents.
:good:
Sent from my MHA-L29 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta agree with this. I've had mine for almost two months and it's so good I've never felt the need to root. But I'd say do lots of reading around first and get a feel for the stock is in the mean time.
Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk

Thank you for the suggestions. I don't want to set up the phone and then find I have to do a factory-reset when I can get it all done in one go.
I really hate all the ads (using AdAway on current Nexus 6) and like the ability to restrict apps usage e.g. stop location or mobile identification, so use LBE, thus the reason wanting to root and install TWRP. Having image backups has been amazingly helpful over the years.
and now that Magisk is doing an amazing job, I can have all the rooted tweaks and still have Android Pay working.

Root - yes
Adaway and other system tweaks - yes (with extra experience - to get system read/write)
Magisk - no

5[Strogino] said:
Root - yes
Adaway and other system tweaks - yes (with extra experience - to get system read/write)
Magisk - no
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you meaning I can have AdAway or some other ad blocking without needing root or do I need root for any successful blocking of ads...?
One other reason for rooting is Titanium Backup...my go-to app for keeping older copies of apps so I can revert to them when needed.

IconBoy said:
Are you meaning I can have AdAway or some other ad blocking without needing root or do I need root for any successful blocking of ads...?
One other reason for rooting is Titanium Backup...my go-to app for keeping older copies of apps so I can revert to them when needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
I told that if you want to customize system (Some functions in TB and Adaway do it), so you must have root and additionally turn dm-verity off.
Just root = simple functional.
P.s. One of Adaway can work without root

I have an ad blocker and I'm not rooted.
Search xda for netpatch firewall. Working for me here.
Only ads it doesn't block for me is YouTube but I can live with that

Bit late to the conversation but I have to say I've rooted every phone I've had except this one, and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm in favour of leaving this phone as it is.
Sent from my MHA-L29 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I don't think Magisk works on the Mate 9.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/install-magisk-huawei-mate-9-t3540310

With all these newer options of getting root e.g. systemless root, is it possible to do this on the HM9?
I'm new to Huawei and would like the OTA updates.

IconBoy said:
With all these newer options of getting root e.g. systemless root, is it possible to do this on the HM9?
I'm new to Huawei and would like the OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Systemless root works fine but you have to flash the stock recovery each time you want to OTA.
Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk

Thanks very much for the update.
Am I understanding this correctly, that systemless root is better than the SuperSU and other old-school/typical root options...?
Also, if I go with systemless root, then Android Pay and other banking apps (here's looking at you Barclays!) won't work because they would need Magisk to get them working...? (Weighing up my options here about whether I root or not as I really like the convenience of Android Pay and using banking apps but truly dislike the ads and how apps connect to internet when not needed to. Also, some of the users here have said they're enjoying not being rooted. Sigh...first-world problems).

IconBoy said:
Thanks very much for the update.
Am I understanding this correctly, that systemless root is better than the SuperSU and other old-school/typical root options...?
Also, if I go with systemless root, then Android Pay and other banking apps (here's looking at you Barclays!) won't work because they would need Magisk to get them working...? (Weighing up my options here about whether I root or not as I really like the convenience of Android Pay and using banking apps but truly dislike the ads and how apps connect to internet when not needed to. Also, some of the users here have said they're enjoying not being rooted. Sigh...first-world problems).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you root you won't be able to use Android Pay or anything that calls SafetyNet. Actually, it won't work either if you unlock bootloader.

I'll chime in here too
I've rooted and modded every phone I have had in my life, (more than 20 years) and this is the first phone I have had NO DESIRE at all to root..
Like the others here have said, this phone is fantastic stock, and I cant see ever wanting to root it

Another one to add. This is the first android phone i have no desire to root. Love it as it is. Really great.

are we all getting old that's why we don't wanna root anymore for cheats/sixaxis, etc...? this is also my first android phone (mate 9 pro) that i didn't root.

well, yeah, we are all getting old, but I dont think thats why we dont want to root this thing; I think that it already does most of the things as stock that we usually root a phone to get..
Mate 9 pro here too, and its truly an awesum phone...too bad its not "officially" sold in the USA, as it would be super popular..

Tuffcheez said:
Bit late to the conversation but I have to say I've rooted every phone I've had except this one, and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm in favour of leaving this phone as it is.
Sent from my MHA-L29 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here and Happy....
+ root M9 is really challenging depending on your firmware