[Q] ParanoidAndroid - should I root before installing? - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

topic.
N4 is my 2nd Android phone (my 1st is an old HTC Magic) and have never rooted a device before.
I'd like to install PA. So do I need to root it first?
Also I have already installed some apps, I'd like to do backup before factory reset. What is the easiest way for this?
Thank you

Cool_Roxas said:
topic.
N4 is my 2nd Android phone (my 1st is an old HTC Magic) and have never rooted a device before.
I'd like to install PA. So do I need to root it first?
Also I have already installed some apps, I'd like to do backup before factory reset. What is the easiest way for this?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly Install carbon backup app (like titanium backup) from the play store to backup your app and app data. It is good because you don't need to root your device in order to backup.
However in order to root, you need to unlock the bootloader which will delete everything from your phone. After that it is easy to root your phone using the guides in the forum. I suggest you don't use toolkit if you want to learn how everything works.
Only after rooting, you can install PA.
Sent from my Nexus 4

You don't need to root. Open boot loader, install custom recovery preferably twrp and you can install the zip files you need. Roms come rooted by default you don't need to worry about that.

i think root will make it easy to install app

molesarecoming said:
You don't need to root. Open boot loader, install custom recovery preferably twrp and you can install the zip files you need. Roms come rooted by default you don't need to worry about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks moles. I didn't know that you didn't need to be rooted to your roms. I guess you learn something new everyday. Btw I love your PA roms. This is my first android device and PA is the only ROM I've ever flash. Keep the good work.
Sent from my Nexus 4

Related

[Q] How to update to 4.2 with custom kernel, stock ROM and rooted?

Hi there, i'm new to android OS all together, I've recently started using android and manage to root my phone along with the installation of franco custom kernel.
I'm looking to update to the latest 4.2, but I can't seems to find a proper guide to do that.
1. For custom ROM, you have to flash it to stock rom before you are able to upgrade is that right?
2. What about custom kernel, do I need to do the same?
3. What is the best way to backup my data for an upgrade? Nandroid backup or the one in titanium backup (app + data) would be sufficient?
4. could anyone provide me a step by step guide on what needs to be done (i've downloaded the file for 4.2 build).
many thanks!
anyone could help me please?
ABC
SpikeySpy said:
Hi there, i'm new to android OS all together, I've recently started using android and manage to root my phone along with the installation of franco custom kernel.
I'm looking to update to the latest 4.2, but I can't seems to find a proper guide to do that.
1. For custom ROM, you have to flash it to stock rom before you are able to upgrade is that right?
2. What about custom kernel, do I need to do the same?
3. What is the best way to backup my data for an upgrade? Nandroid backup or the one in titanium backup (app + data) would be sufficient?
4. could anyone provide me a step by step guide on what needs to be done (i've downloaded the file for 4.2 build).
many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u tell me what your's phone model?
Look for Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit in development thread. Read the threads and instructions carefully before flashing the firmware you've downloaded under flash stock + unroot. Just follow the instructions step by step. Once done you need to root it using the same toolkit. NOTE : THIS WILL WIPE EVERYTHING! And you will have 4.2 and stock kernel.
You will need titanium backup to restore data and apps. Nandroid will only let you go back to same ROM before.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I'm using Nexus 7.
Thx for the reply, so you're saying in order to upgrade the OS i will have to 'reset to factory setting' as in unroot it and lock the bootloader?
Do I have to flash it with original kernel as well?
No.
Reset to factory only wipe all your data (user data). It won't unroot or lock boot loader.
Refer to my previous post. I find it to be easiest to do with a toolkit. Just search it, it's a sticky in Android Development section. You don't need to unroot first, just flash using the toolkit, it will do everything for you. Of course read the thread first.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
alright thanks for the help mate!

[Q] downgrading to 4.1.2

hello guys, i want to downgrade because i am sick of 4.2.1. Due to the fact that i have a 8gb nexus 7(rooted) i am having memory shrtages and directorybind dont work on the latest version...so i have a few questions:
can i downgrade without losing data?if no....how do i backup my apps and dara
should i downgrade with wugs toolkit?
If it's not obvious already: you'll need to do a clean-wipe to downgrade. Just flash the appropriate gapps and you should be good to go. Keep in mind any custom kernels/zips you may have flashed that may not work on 4.1.2. -Use Titanium Backup to backup your user apps as some 4.2 system apps won't work on 4.1.2
Have you tried other 4.2 roms or different kernels? I used to get horrible battery drain and some performance issues with the stock rom and kernel, then I tried other options and got much better results
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Please try a custom rom before all hope is lost. Try Rootbox
first of all i have never flashed a custom rom or kernel
secondly if i backup all my games and apps with TB when i restore it in 4,1,2 will it work properly?....as i have seen people complaining that after restoring they were stuck in bootloop...
...is there any custom roms that support directory bind or any other ways that allow playing games from usb stick?
alpha-niner64 said:
Just flash the appropriate gapps and you should be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what are GAPPS?
where can i find the appropriate gapps for 4.1.2?
can i use these steps to downgrade : http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/4...-stock-android412-android42-jellybean-ota.htm
This is what I would do:
Backup your desired apps using Titanium Backup
Install the factory 4.1.2 image using the instructions here
Root your device and restore the apps using TB
I don't know about bootloops caused by TB, but if it does you can reflash using the guide in the list.
mmystere68 said:
what are GAPPS?
where can i find the appropriate gapps for 4.1.2?
can i use these steps to downgrade : http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/4...-stock-android412-android42-jellybean-ota.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't flash gapps on stock...
And we have a sticky thread for doing this; no need to leave the forum.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Remcotjuuh said:
This is what I would do:
Backup your desired apps using Titanium Backup
Install the factory 4.1.2 image using the instructions here
Root your device and restore the apps using TB
I don't know about bootloops caused by TB, but if it does you can reflash using the guide in the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot for your help...but the method seems too complicated....as i dont have cmd skills on windows...i would rather use nexus root toolkit....it should work right?:thumbup:
ok guys...i downgraded yesterday with wugs toolkit and restored my apps with TB....everythings fine......i can now play games from usb drive

[Q] Root

How to root nexus 7 with out install custom recovery...? which is the easy and safe method..?
Just download wugfresh' Nexus root toolkit. You can uncheck the custom recovery method under the root button.
But without a custom recovery you can't make backups, restore one or flash a custom without a PC. I don't recommend rooting without a custom recovery.
If you want a custom recovery after rooting without one, just get goo manager from the play store!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2233852
sdelange99 said:
But without a custom recovery you can't make backups, restore one or flash a custom without a PC. I don't recommend rooting without a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
x1000
If you take the time to understand the motochopper (no bootloader unlock) root process, you will easily realize that a backup can be taken of the pre-existing recovery even (safely) when the (rooted) OS is running. You can do this just before installing a custom recovery.
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/SOS of=/sdcard/stock-recovery-ver.Xxx.img
Once you have a safe (read: not the copy stored on the tablet) backup of the stock-recovery-ver.Xxxx.img file, you can flash a custom recovery and then restore back the saved copy at any time by reversing the roles of the input file (if=) and output file (of=) in the above "dd" command.
If you assume that "all I really need is this little root thingy and a few tweaks here and there, but no backups." you will end up regretting that decision. It is a better plan to assume that something will go wrong, and plan for that as if it were a certainty.
The more certain you are about not needing such protection, the more likely the chances are that you actually will need it.
good luck
gijokmr said:
How to root nexus 7 with out install custom recovery...? which is the easy and safe method..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wug's will currently install 2.4.1.0 TWRP I think, but if you want to at a later time you can flash 2.5.0.0 via fastboot later. And as others said above, you'll want a custom recovery to be even 'safer', and it's a Nexus 7, it would be very hard for you to hard-brick it.
PS: Is your signature big enough?

[Q] Nexus 4 Un-Rooted on 4.3 update. Best way to re-root?

Hello, after updating to 4.3 JB on my Nexus 4, the phone had been unrooted.
I have a few questions, I'm new to rooting, so please bear with my (possibly simple) questions.
1. Why did it unroot when it updated? (I was told it would not unroot).
2. If I use helium to backup my phone, will all settings be the same exact as they are at the time I make a backup? Are there any non-root backup programs that work as well or better?
3. I rooted using the "Nexus Root Toolkit" by: WugFresh. The BootLoader is unlocked. Do I just need to root it, or do I have to go through the bootloader process again?
Thanks very much for ready this. Hopefully someone can help me out.
mntwins7 said:
Hello, after updating to 4.3 JB on my Nexus 4, the phone had been unrooted.
I have a few questions, I'm new to rooting, so please bear with my (possibly simple) questions.
1. Why did it unroot when it updated? (I was told it would not unroot).
2. If I use helium to backup my phone, will all settings be the same exact as they are at the time I make a backup? Are there any non-root backup programs that work as well or better?
3. I rooted using the "Nexus Root Toolkit" by: WugFresh. The BootLoader is unlocked. Do I just need to root it, or do I have to go through the bootloader process again?
Thanks very much for ready this. Hopefully someone can help me out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The process your went through in order to gain root access was overwritten by the update. Normally, you can use apps like root saver or whatever to keep root through updates, but too many things were updated on 4.3 so there was no way to save root.
2) There are no backup apps that don't require root that will work as well as apps that require it. However, backups made through CWM or other custom recoveries don't technically require root and create exact images of your phone at the time of backup.
3) You don't have to unlock the bootloader again, just flash the SU binary through a custom recovery. I'm not familiar with the toolkit so I can't give you any specific information.
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
hoponpop said:
1) The process your went through in order to gain root access was overwritten by the update. Normally, you can use apps like root saver or whatever to keep root through updates, but too many things were updated on 4.3 so there was no way to save root.
2) There are no backup apps that don't require root that will work as well as apps that require it. However, backups made through CWM or other custom recoveries don't technically require root and create exact images of your phone at the time of backup.
3) You don't have to unlock the bootloader again, just flash the SU binary through a custom recovery. I'm not familiar with the toolkit so I can't give you any specific information.
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thank you very much!

[Q] General question about backing up

I'm just starting with android and planning on rooting my phone (vD800) eventually. I made a backup here: all settings> general> backup and reset but I don't think this is what I need for recovering from a failed root. What do I need to get so I can make an image of the phone? I have lots of questions but that'll do it for now.
You need to first root then install custom recovery then make a back up...
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
scram99 said:
You need to first root then install custom recovery then make a back up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok that kind of goes against everything I know about computers but ok. What am I going to use for a failed root then? Where does my backup image come from? Thanks
brutusthegeek said:
Ok that kind of goes against everything I know about computers but ok. What am I going to use for a failed root then? Where does my backup image come from? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by failed root? I've never experienced such a thing. To root follow this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48709232&postcount=869
You don't replace the OS until after the custom recovery (such as TWRP) is installed. So after you install TWRP or whichever recovery you want just boot in to the recovery and then backup there. Then flash whichever ROM you want.
Ok I get the part about not replacing the OS until you are rooted. So just root it and if I fail post here and see if anyone can help?
I guess I'm just trying to be sure I understand what I'm getting into before I do something that could seriously mess up my phone.
You can use the LG backup app on your phone, it's quite good. Then move or copy the backup file to the computer for safekeeping. I did this when I downgraded back to jellybean from kitkat in order to root kitkat and it worked perfectly. There's nothing about the root process for jellybean that will hurt the phone or cause data loss.

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