Database Users

Why Root?

I root every phone I have for tether. I am not sure why I would want to root the Nexus other than because we can.

Because it will allow for a lot more mods and flexibility.
Tablet UI? Needs root.
Adaway app from the market for ad blocking? Needs root.
Various sound mods? Needs root.
You get the point
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Bielinsk said:
I root every phone I have for tether. I am not sure why I would want to root the Nexus other than because we can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only root for tethering...?
Seems a bit shallow, no offense.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

kind3rgarten said:
You only root for tethering...?
Seems a bit shallow, no offense.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would that be shallow? I don't need or desire to do anything else. After flashing my 1000 rom, I grew tired of resetting my phone. So now I use it as a phone.
Back to the thread. Good points DarkRyoushii, thank you.

I rooted so I could import my data from my last tablet. I am also waiting to get a usb otg adapter to mount external usb, which also requires root. But it also gives the ability to do a little more.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

danifunker said:
I rooted so I could import my data from my last tablet. I am also waiting to get a usb otg adapter to mount external usb, which also requires root. But it also gives the ability to do a little more.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was wondering about rooting as well, thanks everyone.

to me unlocking the bootloader is probably more important as you can install clockwork recovery and then are enable to flash ROMs and other things. Having said that rooting does have its advantages -
gives you more flexibility to run rooted only apps like Titanium Backup, enables you to change density of your screen so you can get tablet mode, lets you install a terminal program and send commands directly to the system
cypwrx said:
Was wondering about rooting as well, thanks everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I need root to use Openvpn to be connected on my USA VPS server to have access to all the USA Google stuff, Netflix and hulu from Canada.
Currently setting a London Openvpn access for IPlayer too!
To me being rooted is almost a necessity to enjoy this device fully.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

danifunker said:
I rooted so I could import my data from my last tablet. I am also waiting to get a usb otg adapter to mount external usb, which also requires root. But it also gives the ability to do a little more.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm like the OP. My HTC EVO LTE is rooted, but I'm deciding whether to root my 7. I like the UI just as it is. I can always reinstall apps.
However, I am curious about getting an usb otg adapter to mount external usb. As I understand, I can already use a usb keyboard or mouse.
Is rooting and gaining access as an external usb drive the only way to transfer files between my PC and the 7? I mean other than Dropbox, etc.
I seem to remember there's an app to let you wirelessly transfer, but I can't remember if it requires root.

I'm rooting In order to use USB storage.

Same here, the only reason I want root is to connect a OTG cable for extra storage.

I don't mean to be naive or anything (been rooted since opening my N7) but isn't the device set up for USB OTG out of the box?
There's a setting in Settings > Developer Options for allowing apps to access USB storage..... So is rooting reply required for that feature?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

i rooted for the extra tweaks and mods that cm10 and or aokp will bring to my nexus 7.

Waiting for rob43's Salad Bar II to come and replace the highly questionable nav bar we have currently.
Titanium backup is a must have.
Other than that, yeah.

Like other's I have flash phones (that just doesn't sound right) but have not had a Nexus product before.
What's the risk of rooting this quickly. Any concern that G will release a feature that rooted N7 will not be able to use?

I rooted Nexus 7 to restore app data from Galaxy Nexus using titanium backup, run stickmount for external usb file transfer, and of course custom roms.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I rooted because it only took 20 minutes... and for GameCIH, plus when I decide on a ROM i'll be able to flash it. It's a nexus, root it! XD

Bielinsk said:
I root every phone I have for tether. I am not sure why I would want to root the Nexus other than because we can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just like everyone saying in here, it becomes beneficial to root when you want to install certain apps like for me autokiller (kills apps not being used and can make kernel tweaks). Its just a nice thing to have done. Usually when there are new updates, you find it first on message boards like these, and being able to flash the updates when they first become available makes you very pleased with the decision of doing it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Why not root?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

If you have to ask why you should root, then you don't have any need for it.
I root for many things.
Adaway is the main reason. I can't stand ads popping up everywhere.
OTG storage of course (stickmount)
Over and under clocking. Voltage tweaks, sd tweaks, etc.
Changing my DNS to stock.

Question about the internal storage and ROM flashing

Hey guys, long time rooted/android user here, I am about to get my Nexus 7 on Monday, and I just had a couple of questions. First, since there is no external storage, when you wipe the device to flash different ROMS, does it wipe EVERYTHING? Like, say I have 250mb's of downloaded data for a game...idk say, Dungeon Defenders, I know that when you typically wipe a device, it wipes everything, but will it still wipe that data? Basically, what I am trying to say is, after each wipe/install, will I have to redownload all of that extra data from the game again? That seems like a super big pain in the ass. Hopefully that isn't the case because I don't want to spend 3 hours redownloading data for games after each new flash lol

No. When you unlock for the first time, it cleans out everything... so do that asap before getting cozy.
CWM is designed to leave your storage folder alone. So wiping and flashing won't touch anything saved.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

player911 said:
No. When you unlock for the first time, it cleans out everything... so do that asap before getting cozy.
CWM is designed to leave your storage folder alone. So wiping and flashing won't touch anything saved.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! Thanks for the info. The first thing I do when I get a new android device is root it haha. I have heard that you shouldn't use the toolkit with the device though, is that true?

No, at leat in cwm, it wipes everything not in the sdcard partition, so if you keep any nandroids, or app data in that partition, you'll be fine
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

oshizzle1991 said:
Sweet! Thanks for the info. The first thing I do when I get a new android device is root it haha. I have heard that you shouldn't use the toolkit with the device though, is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The toolkits work fine most of the time. Its just always good to learn how to do things through commands in case the toolkits, or anything regarding your nexus has an issue
Sent from my Google Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

clintkev251 said:
The toolkits work fine most of the time. Its just always good to learn how to do things through commands in case the toolkits, or anything regarding your nexus has an issue
Sent from my Google Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I understand. I know my way around ADB so honestly for me, it is whatever way is fastest and gives me the least heartburn. I have heard that users start to have issues after the first day with the device, so I will hold off for a day before I root it, just to be sure

Why I'm hesitating to root...

Hi Folks,
My first post on N4 section.
Ive just upgraded from a HTC Sensation that I've been running for two years, mostly using CM9 & CM10 on it, so Im well aware of all the benefits to root.
Even been lucky enough to have some of the excellent Devs cooking in this section over at Sensation workbench too, like Showp's kernel with Sweep2wake.
So far, my Nexus has not been rooted, and although I miss custom Rom-ing, im very excited to say that not rooting means that some apps like SkyGo and Barclays Mobile banking & Barclays PingIt are working very nicely for me indeed, something that never happened on my Sensation.
Since my go-to rom on Sensation was AOSP anyway, Im pleased with my stock Android for now, and it just seems that some of the apps I can use now are pushing me into the non-root territory.... for now.
Anyone with any thoughts on my current predicament?

I don't see anything wrong with it although you are going to lose data the moment you decide to root. Unlocking the bootloader would wipe data off your phone if I remember correctly. (Nexus noob as I came from Desire.)
via xda app

Agreed, I rooted my xperia, HTC evo and HP touchpad just to run AOSP. My nexus is staying stock for a long time, like you its very convenient to use the Barclays apps, only thing that might tempt me to root is to block ads....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I was in your boat with my HTC vivid. That thing had to be rooted to make it actually useful. But with the N4, I have no need to root. Ironic, don't you think? We finally get the phone that screams to mod it with how easy it is to root and yet we don't...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

While I respect all of your decisions to hold off on rooting, I will recommend that even if you don't root, unlock your boot loader ASAP because as mentioned above, your data IS wiped when you do so and it is necessary to do so if you ever decide to root in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I have taken a look at the nexus 4 toolkit by mskip and you backup apps and data before unlocking then restore.... So I don't think it really matters.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

stankyou said:
I don't see anything wrong with it although you are going to lose data the moment you decide to root. Unlocking the bootloader would wipe data off your phone if I remember correctly. (Nexus noob as I came from Desire.)
via xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I didn't lose data when I rooted..
Also without root you can't make the most of your battery with under clicking, screen off profiles, cpu sleeper, etc.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

VoiD_Dweller said:
Hmm I didn't lose data when I rooted..
Also without root you can't make the most of your battery with under clicking, screen off profiles, cpu sleeper, etc.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as I unlock the bootloader, my data is wiped. Maybe you used toolkits and such like what the other guy said and had that option to save stuff. As for me I prefer command lines as much as possible.
via xda app

I'm in the same place as you. One of my main reasons for using custom ROMs was because I loved the look of AOSP. Now I have AOSP, I'm less tempted to flash anything or root, because everything works and looks good.

stankyou said:
As soon as I unlock the bootloader, my data is wiped. Maybe you used toolkits and such like what the other guy said and had that option to save stuff. As for me I prefer command lines as much as possible.
via xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guide stickied in this forum has a how-to on ADB Backups.
Perform the backup as outlined and unlock...
Restore as outlined and it's as though nothing ever happened...all data restored.

Well, had the Evo V before this and I rooted/modded it to look/run like this phone runs out of the box so I don't plan on rooting at all.
Sent from my Nexus 4

joshnichols189 said:
While I respect all of your decisions to hold off on rooting, I will recommend that even if you don't root, unlock your boot loader ASAP because as mentioned above, your data IS wiped when you do so and it is necessary to do so if you ever decide to root in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will unlocking Bootloader mean apps that don't work on Root phones stop functioning?

No unlocked DOES NOT equal root
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

to root or not to root

GF bought me a N7 for xmas (love abbreviations) and it was to upgrade from a kindle fire from previous.
I of course rooted the KF in about 5 minutes and its been running full android since first boot but with my N7 I almost feel I dont have to root for some reason. My NS phone is of course rooted but after setting up the N7 its almost so functional after that it seems to much work since rooting will wipe the device.
Anyway if you guys were in my position would you root or no?

If you need/use apps, that need root, yes you should ^^ if not, IMHO you don't need to, for me and my use (gaming, chatting, browsing, celebrating, xdaing) stock is very comfortable and nice.
It really depends on how you want to use it ^^ test stock for a few days and decide after testing
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I didn't due to not having my laptop at time of purchase. While all is well and I don't need root for anything I have been thinking about rooting just because its a nexus and knowing I haven't modded it in the least is starting to semi bother me. However now I only have 8GB free on a 32GB version and really don't want to lose all my data. So I'd recommend it so you don't regret not doing it down the road.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

95Z28 said:
I didn't due to not having my laptop at time of purchase. While all is well and I don't need root for anything I have been thinking about rooting just because its a nexus and knowing I havuse en't modded it in the least is starting to semi bother me. However now I only have 8GB free on a 32GB version and really don't want to lose all my data. So I'd recommend it so you don't regret not doing it down the road.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think rooting will wipe SD. It will wipe os. I just went to install button savior and saw it needed too so I'm pretty much decided. I turned on backup through google so hopefully when i root i can just use Google to restore my data for me and just use apex to restore may desktop

tevil said:
GF bought me a N7 for xmas (love abbreviations) and it was to upgrade from a kindle fire from previous.
I of course rooted the KF in about 5 minutes and its been running full android since first boot but with my N7 I almost feel I dont have to root for some reason. My NS phone is of course rooted but after setting up the N7 its almost so functional after that it seems to much work since rooting will wipe the device.
Anyway if you guys were in my position would you root or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would at least unlock the bootloader since it will wipe your tab completely. Then later on if you want to root you won't need to unlock it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

I got mine for christmas too. Rooted it on the same evening and it's a total different experience. Try flashing Paranoid Android and use Action Launcher. It's the ultimate tablet experience for me because both ROM and Launcher use the 7" display the best.

I root because I know I'm going to need root apps even if I don't feel like using a custom ROM.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

I really think there is no reason to root. Stock on the n7 is flawless IMO. I rooted mine just to familiarize myself with the manual process but I have no intention of changing anything. I even got rid of custom recovery and re locked my bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

root
I would root for the access

tevil said:
GF bought me a N7 for xmas (love abbreviations) and it was to upgrade from a kindle fire from previous.
I of course rooted the KF in about 5 minutes and its been running full android since first boot but with my N7 I almost feel I dont have to root for some reason. My NS phone is of course rooted but after setting up the N7 its almost so functional after that it seems to much work since rooting will wipe the device.
Anyway if you guys were in my position would you root or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always ROOT.
I would root my electric toothbrush if I could.

tevil said:
I don't think rooting will wipe SD. It will wipe os. I just went to install button savior and saw it needed too so I'm pretty much decided. I turned on backup through google so hopefully when i root i can just use Google to restore my data for me and just use apex to restore may desktop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your right, I just mean in my case since I didn't unlock bootloader or anything in order to obtain root I would lose all my data. But actually just the rooting part shouldn't wipe anything.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Heating of n4

Hello
My n4 heats up a lot while its not doing anything,means nothing. It is just kept locked with 3g on that's all. I play NFS and GTA in it and it gets heated bt it is understanding.....
Any help....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Ankurcul said:
Hello
My n4 heats up a lot while its not doing anything,means nothing. It is just kept locked with 3g on that's all. I play NFS and GTA in it and it gets heated bt it is understanding.....
Any help....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Close apps after using them so the phone won't work too much..

Ankurcul said:
Hello
My n4 heats up a lot while its not doing anything,means nothing. It is just kept locked with 3g on that's all. I play NFS and GTA in it and it gets heated bt it is understanding.....
Any help....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Playing games the phone will obviously heat up, and that too these higher graphics game heat up the device.

Yeah that's what I wrote it is understood that phone heats when I play those games....
I close all apps from multi task window by swiping left or right....then also it heats generally near camera area...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

some app is doing some things in background. install better battery stats to see what apps are using most the cpu.then search to see if there is one that is not normal to be there(e.g. google play music is using a lot the cpu in background but u dont even use it).if yes u may uninstal that app or do something

opssemnik said:
some app is doing some things in background. install better battery stats to see what apps are using most the cpu.then search to see if there is one that is not normal to be there(e.g. google play music is using a lot the cpu in background but u dont even use it).if yes u may uninstal that app or do something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply and help....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

As you said you left 3g on..so that's is why. You said it gets hot around the upper part near camera..and yes it's because you on 3g. That means there are some apps that always work in background when you have data connection. Look for any wakelock or change your kernel. Mine never gets hot using matrix even if I kept 3g on and full sync.

arffrhn said:
As you said you left 3g on..so that's is why. You said it gets hot around the upper part near camera..and yes it's because you on 3g. That means there are some apps that always work in background when you have data connection. Look for any wakelock or change your kernel. Mine never gets hot using matrix even if I kept 3g on and full sync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks....bt my n4 is not rooted....can u give me link to root my n4....a perfect guide I looked for many like unified it is asking for donation and wugs tutorial reduces internal storage....thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Ankurcul said:
Thanks....bt my n4 is not rooted....can u give me link to root my n4....a perfect guide I looked for many like unified it is asking for donation and wugs tutorial reduces internal storage....thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do it through a toolkit which you look into already or do it manually and learn something new . Here is a guide for doing manually step by step. http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/5303...id-4-2-kot49h-kitkat-install.htm#.UtqthrQo670

Ankurcul said:
Thanks....bt my n4 is not rooted....can u give me link to root my n4....a perfect guide I looked for many like unified it is asking for donation and wugs tutorial reduces internal storage....thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the all in one guide. Follow until you have unlock bootloader then proceed to section E for rooting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
And this here is a dedicated guide for rooting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
Both of them are very detailed and easy to follow through. Good luck mate.
p/s: I believe that you should learn the manual way before using any toolkits. It's like you need to learn to count before using any tools such as a calculator.

and with manual mode you can recovery your data if u dont wanna lose it or lost by accident

arffrhn said:
This is the all in one guide. Follow until you have unlock bootloader then proceed to section E for rooting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
And this here is a dedicated guide for rooting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
Both of them are very detailed and easy to follow through. Good luck mate.
p/s: I believe that you should learn the manual way before using any toolkits. It's like you need to learn to count before using any tools such as a calculator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
badboy47 said:
You can do it through a toolkit which you look into already or do it manually and learn something new . Here is a guide for doing manually step by step. http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/5303...id-4-2-kot49h-kitkat-install.htm#.UtqthrQo670
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
opssemnik said:
and with manual mode you can recovery your data if u dont wanna lose it or lost by accident
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank u all of u for replying and i'll do it by manual way... i had done rooting with my previous mobiles(htc,xperia) so lets see what google lg had stored....thanks for the reply...really appreciated

i must say in a weird way its harder then other devices(Not hard, but i mean we need to do more things + a backup of our data)