Database Users

[Q] Which rooting method?

I see a couple of different tools here to unlock and root my Nexus 7. What are the differences between them?
I do not want to flash ROMs; just unlock, root and install cwm recovery.

Nate2 said:
I see a couple of different tools here to unlock and root my Nexus 7. What are the differences between them?
I do not want to flash ROMs; just unlock, root and install cwm recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash cmm recovery, flash the su binaries, reboot and profit.

Search for wugfresh nexus root toolkit. Very simple to use.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

frozenspark said:
Search for wugfresh nexus root toolkit. Very simple to use.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use tools for rooting with the Nexus devices, it's useless in my opinion. Try to understand the basics behind rooting, recovery and fastboot, do it manually and you will be able to help yourself even if something is not working as expected.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
This is the best tool for Nexus 7.

AndDiSa said:
Don't use tools for rooting with the Nexus devices, it's useless in my opinion. Try to understand the basics behind rooting, recovery and fastboot, do it manually and you will be able to help yourself even if something is not working as expected.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though I know how fastboot, recovery and rooting works, I still use this tool without any of those commands. And it serve the purpose for me quickly. Of course using such tools will not stop you from learning more afterwards.
I wouldn't say its useless.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

frozenspark said:
Even though I know how fastboot, recovery and rooting works, I still use this tool without any of those commands. And it serve the purpose for me quickly. Of course using such tools will not stop you from learning more afterwards.
I wouldn't say its useless.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then you should br helping out all the people that mess up their devices afyer using toolkits and dont know how to fix it. i havent seen you help out, yet you are still recommending toolkits. why is that?

I used the steps outlined at http://rootzwiki.com/topic/28544-guide-nexus-7-bootloadersrecoveriesrootback-to-stock/ to guide me.
I must say it might not be trivial for the non-software-developer types.
I was a Java developer for many years, so I didn't have much problems setting up Java,
Android-sdk, etc.
My N7 was recognized by adb when booted normally, but after I flashed cwm, I could not do 'adb shell' to mount the /system partition and rename the recovery-from-boot.p file to prevent the recovery from getting reset to stock each time.
I ended up installing the ROM Manager app to enable me to boot into cwm recovery.
I have done the obligatory cwm backup. I believe this is the nandroid backup?
Edit:
I used my Linux box to re-flash the bootloader and cwm recovery images to the Nexus 7, and I could 'adb shell' and rename the recovery-from-boot.p file. So I'm all set now.
I just needed to run 'adb start-server' and 'fastboot' using sudo, so it might have been a permissions issue on my Windows box.
Sent from my unrooted DroidX using Tapatalk

I used Wug's Root Toolkit. Both of the toolkits seem good, but that was just the first one I saw. The Wug's Toolkit is an application and the other one is in a CMD.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Linexus said:
Use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
This is the best tool for Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Absolutely brilliant ToolKit, very simple, fast and works like a charm.
I rooted my N7 with this, and had no issues to date.
Only took a couple of minutes.
BRILLIANT!

Looks like I'm not all set, after all Today, right before I plan to take the JB 4.1.2 OTA update, I notice my tablet won't boot into CWM, like it did a couple of days ago. I did rename the one file and things looked normal. What could have happened to my CWM?
Edit:
So there are 2 files that need to be renamed, not 1?
/system/recovery-from-boot.p
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh
And there was a bug in JB 4.1.1 that prevented booting into cwm recovery unless the device was plugged into USB??
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I re-flashed the same cwm recovery img, reinstalled the same su zip, and I'm back to normal
Gotta watch out for those OTA updates, I tell ya.

Use the fastboot commands
Good to see you alright!

This is like asking "Should I get an automatic or manual car?"

veeman said:
This is like asking "Should I get an automatic or manual car?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the early days, automatic transmissions were more problematic and much more expensive. Today they are pretty efficient, even though a manual transmission gives you better control over the car, which most people don't really need for everyday driving.
If you frequently get stuck in stop-and-go traffic, you'll wish you had an automatic transmission.

Look at these lazy people..
Beamed from my Grouper.

Nate2 said:
Looks like I'm not all set, after all Today, right before I plan to take the JB 4.1.2 OTA update, I notice my tablet won't boot into CWM, like it did a couple of days ago. I did rename the one file and things looked normal. What could have happened to my CWM?
Edit:
So there are 2 files that need to be renamed, not 1?
/system/recovery-from-boot.p
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh
And there was a bug in JB 4.1.1 that prevented booting into cwm recovery unless the device was plugged into USB??
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there was a bootloader bug on the nexus 7 and most people could not boot into CWM recovery without plugging it into their computer.
I however used TWRP back then [have since switched back to CWM touch, now that the bug is fixed] and had no issues. Now I have no issues with CWM touch, I can boot it directly from fastboot menu, or "reboot -> recovery" when booted.
Nate2 said:
I re-flashed the same cwm recovery img, reinstalled the same su zip, and I'm back to normal
Gotta watch out for those OTA updates, I tell ya.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly what I would have done! sounds like you're getting the hang of it. and yes, I definitely recommend manual rooting/fastbooting to a toolkit.

Wilks3y said:
+1
Absolutely brilliant ToolKit, very simple, fast and works like a charm.
I rooted my N7 with this, and had no issues to date.
Only took a couple of minutes.
BRILLIANT!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's my favorite too. It does it all and more. It slices, it dices, it'll even cut a can!

Nate2 said:
In the early days, automatic transmissions were more problematic and much more expensive. Today they are pretty efficient, even though a manual transmission gives you better control over the car, which most people don't really need for everyday driving.
If you frequently get stuck in stop-and-go traffic, you'll wish you had an automatic transmission.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I'm saying. They both have their ups and downs. If you're willing to learn a little about how Android works and learn some adb and fast boot commands then you should definitely do it manually.
If you just want to be a "1337 Haxorz" and aren't willing to learn then just use a toolkit.

OK, just one sub-question on rooting. I see no real reason to root except maybe to get more tablet interface than nexus has. Kinda like when the wifi indicator is at the bottom, since there are those !$#$$ back/home buttons already and a lot of wasted space Anyways, the question.
I bougth N7 16Gb and upgraded via forced OTA to 4.1.2. Do all these root methods work with 4.1.2?
Thanx,
D.

TWRP vs CWM ?

Which one is the best ? And the most downloaded and popular?
Sent from my Full Android on Grouper using xda premium

OLYMPIAKOI said:
Which one is the best ? And the most downloaded and popular?
Sent from my Full Android on Grouper using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They both do pretty much the same thing. Personally, I like TWRP better. CWM seems to be more popular, though. The main thing I like about TWRP is the USB OTG functions, but besides that, CWM works just as well.

Whichever one YOU prefer.

TWRP may be easier simply due to it being touch based unlike CWM which navigates menus with the volume rocker. But as far as functionality, they're essentially the same.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

CamFlawless said:
TWRP may be easier simply due to it being touch based unlike CWM which navigates menus with the volume rocker. But as far as functionality, they're essentially the same.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhm.... You do realize that there is a touch version of CWM too, right? I guess you didn't. Now you do!

I have used both and twrp is faster and gets better support in my opinion. Twrp works great and when there is a issue with a release it is quickly fixed.

Most important feature of TWRP for me: backup files on OTG-USB!
-> leave more space of /data partition
-> have a 'really' backup ...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

AndDiSa said:
Most important feature of TWRP for me: backup files on OTG-USB!
-> leave more space of /data partition
-> have a 'really' backup ...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use otg-usb but never saved my back ups to it unless I move it manually how do you get twrp to do it changing the dir path?

Travisdroidx2 said:
I use otg-usb but never saved my back ups to it unless I move it manually how do you get twrp to do it changing the dir path?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an option: you can choose to write the backup to internal or external (only if you have connected an USB-stick by OTG).

I switched recently from CWM to TWRP. I hate this stupid blobs in CWM. These are useful for people who backup their device every day. Not for people who want to backup before rom-upgrade.
Especially for the Nexus 7, which has only MTP. Backup of CWM blob-images with MTP? Horror!

OTG USB is not working in TWRP...
ANY SOLUTIONS? I have the latest installed... With jb 4.2 , and it doesn't let me choose external SD USB otg ..
I have otg formated in NTFS , does it have to be in FAT or ExtFat?
Sent from my Full Android on Grouper using xda premium

Was a fan of CWM until they introduced blobs, makes backing up nandroid images to PC an absolute pain over wi-fi with millions of small files, space isn't freed up from deleting one of the nandroid backups either. TWRP has been excellent so far.

OTG USB has to be Fat or ExFat? Because my OTG USB is formatted in NTFS and it is not working...

As far as I know the format has to be fat/vfat. I was using an ext4 formatted sdcard first and it was neither working with stickmount nor in TWRP. After reformatting to vfat it's working like a charm ...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I switched from CWM to TWRP because I cannot install my payed CWM Touch out of the Rom Manager App after replacing my grouper with a replacement device, it says I have to pay another time (actually I bought it twice, on my Crespo and my Grouper, such as Rom Manager Premium). I do not support such business methods.

Felsenmann said:
I switched from CWM to TWRP because I cannot install my payed CWM Touch out of the Rom Manager App after replacing my grouper with a replacement device, it says I have to pay another time (actually I bought it twice, on my Crespo and my Grouper, such as Rom Manager Premium). I do not support such business methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not tied to your Google account? I hope other apps are not like that. I will get a 32g to replace the 16g OK have and don't want to repay for all apps. I never thought about it till now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

k29er said:
Its not tied to your Google account? I hope other apps are not like that. I will get a 32g to replace the 16g OK have and don't want to repay for all apps. I never thought about it till now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the first time I bought CWM-Touch (on my Crespo) I bought it via Play Store. When I got my first Nexus 7, I had to pay another time, and I grudgingly paid again, this time via PayPal, and I got a message that it would be linked to my gmail-account... Apparently, it wasn't... Unfortunatly, I can't say something to other In-App-purchases.

Koush has stated many times over on G+, that it is a separate purchase per device. An RMA/replacement device, is a new device in the eyes of the app.
You do NOT need to flash touch recovery from the app though, as it is free from his website if you flash via fastboot.
The purchase of touch recovery is NOT indicative of 99.9% of all purchases done through the play store. you keep your play store apps forever tied to your GMAIL account. CWM touch is a completely different thing altogether.
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager

TWRP is so much better..
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app

Pirateghost said:
Koush has stated many times over on G+, that it is a separate purchase per device. An RMA/replacement device, is a new device in the eyes of the app.
You do NOT need to flash touch recovery from the app though, as it is free from his website if you flash via fastboot.
The purchase of touch recovery is NOT indicative of 99.9% of all purchases done through the play store. you keep your play store apps forever tied to your GMAIL account. CWM touch is a completely different thing altogether.
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I didn't know he explained that on G+.
Maybe he should point it out inside the App before the purchase. I sent him a mail and asked if it is correct that I have to pay another time after I got my replacement device and restored my old device-ID via TitaniumBackup, but I got no answer.
But after some testing, I like TWRP with GooManager a lot more than CWM.

Which recovery do you use? CWM or TWRP?

Which do you use and why?

I would love to be able to use 4ext. But Nexus 4 seems to be on low priority now.

I'm using the stock recovery but when I need to backup or flash something I boot into CWM.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

KyraOfFire said:
I would love to be able to use 4ext. But Nexus 4 seems to be on low priority now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never used it before. Why do you prefer it?
decepticon said:
I'm using the stock recovery but when I need to backup or flash something I boot into CWM.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems easier to just have it on the phone. Are you doing this so you can get OTA updates?

KyraOfFire said:
I would love to be able to use 4ext. But Nexus 4 seems to be on low priority now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more, i put in a request for max to port it to this device ages ago, when my back ordered N4 eventually drops through the door, I'll get back on his case as it was without doubt the greatest recovery ever (all credit to cwm where due obviously)
4 ext, had the ability to stack multiple complex wipe, flash, restore and backup operations into one step greatly simplifying the flashing process, was also rock sold in my experience.
So until then will monitor this thread
Sywepd form my DsereiS

I don't have my nexus yet but on my gs2 I'm using twrp. I had cwm touch and liked it, it worked pretty good. But I like the twrp format better and I think it's easier to navigate. Also you could name your backups on twrp unlike cwm. Last thing is cwm I usually have to wipe and flash wiping scripts like darkside for some roms and twrp you don't have to.

Using CWM at the moment but will be switching to TWRP soon once I get back home to my computer.
Edit: Oh now I see that the goo manager method is working, will be installing TWRP tonight =)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

3bs11 said:
Never used it before. Why do you prefer it?
Seems easier to just have it on the phone. Are you doing this so you can get OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. I rarely need recovery access so its not a hassle for me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

ben_pyett said:
I couldn't agree more, i put in a request for max to port it to this device ages ago, when my back ordered N4 eventually drops through the door, I'll get back on his case as it was without doubt the greatest recovery ever (all credit to cwm where due obviously)
4 ext, had the ability to stack multiple complex wipe, flash, restore and backup operations into one step greatly simplifying the flashing process, was also rock sold in my experience.
So until then will monitor this thread
Sywepd form my DsereiS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wouldn't happen to know where we stand on getting 4ext support would you? I'd only used it a few times on my gf's phone and loved it instantly... For now I'm still stuck on CWMR, but would love to switch over!

ben_pyett said:
I couldn't agree more, i put in a request for max to port it to this device ages ago, when my back ordered N4 eventually drops through the door, I'll get back on his case as it was without doubt the greatest recovery ever (all credit to cwm where due obviously)
4 ext, had the ability to stack multiple complex wipe, flash, restore and backup operations into one step greatly simplifying the flashing process, was also rock sold in my experience.
So until then will monitor this thread
Sywepd form my DsereiS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
twrp has the same ability

simms22 said:
twrp has the same ability
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he meant that there is a "wipe all (except SD)" button that includes the boot partition. It's quite useful. TWRP doesn't have that.
I used 4EXT recovery touch on my Glacier. Purchased the updater. Great recovery. Used all the same folders as cwm, too. All apps designed to work with cwm worked with it, too.

CWM works flawlessly so i see no need to switch. But originally when deciding between the two, TWRP had overheating issues so with CWM I went.

nightf0x said:
CWM works flawlessly so i see no need to switch. But originally when deciding between the two, TWRP had overheating issues so with CWM I went.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed with a kernel change. I've used both. I see cwm being like iOS. It's simplicity makes it easy to maintain. The core features everyone NEEDS are there. TWRP is more feature packed, more on the bleeding edge. More features means more chances for bugs. But that's the price you pay to be on the bleeding edge.

TWRP...FTW!
The 2 reasons I use TWRP
1. Flash multiple things at once
2. Set backup name
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

TWRP, I'd rather use touch and CWM touch is more of a hassle to install unless you pay.

TWRP all the way for my N4!

CWM for one reason and one reason only: stability.
threeclaws said:
TWRP, I'd rather use touch and CWM touch is more of a hassle to install unless you pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh?
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
http://builder.clockworkmod.com/
Edit: I guess when there's a new version of your recovery every couple weeks using fastboot might get annoying.

CWM! The "devs" of trwp better become themers. Twrp is totally unreliable.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I've never had a single problem with TWRP, I have no idea why some people think it's unstable

My N4 is unlocked and rooted, but using factory recovery so that it installs it's own OTA's when it gets them. I have to manually update the tablets in my house and it's getting to be a hassle(and I'm lazy).

[Q] CWM causing problems?

I remember putting CWM on my N7 but I then decided to switch because CWM caused me problems by making more and more subfolders in /0 . Has that problem been fixed or adressed? And has it happened to you? I want to hop on back to CWM because TWRP isn't doing the job for me on most things.

iAndropple said:
I remember putting CWM on my N7 but I then decided to switch because CWM caused me problems by making more and more subfolders in /0 . Has that problem been fixed or adressed? And has it happened to you? I want to hop on back to CWM because TWRP isn't doing the job for me on most things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twrp for me is much better than CM. Try the latest twrp. They just updated 2 days ago I think.

iAndropple said:
I want to hop on back to CWM because TWRP isn't doing the job for me on most things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used CWM yet so I can't confirm nor deny what you say, but your post would be much more valuable to me (and I suppose others, too) if you could please BE SPECIFIC.
The phrase "most things" provides zero useful details.
Thanks

Well i am currently using CWM flashed using the rom manager app. Then flashed it to manually flash Cwm touch recovery. Working a-ok for me. In case it helps i am on v6.0.2.3
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

How to start fresh after trying lot of roms?

I tried so many roms and kernels and i have found my best pair which are psx rom v6 and franco kernel r183. But i think my internal storage is a mess.
I know the procedure to start clean but i just want to make sure before i **** things up.
I want to wipe the internal storage in my phone, is this the correct way?
1. Boot into recovery.
2. Wipe everything including internal storage.
3. In twrp there is an option to wipe usb otg, is it needed?
4. Sideload or push rom zip, gapps, kernel and superSU 1.65 zip files.
5. Reboot again in recovery and start the procedure.
Please assist me. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Yep, looks like everything is right. One thing though: you don't need to flash the supersu zip if the ROM is already rooted. (And the majority of custom ROMs are rooted)
Sent using xda-developers app

Chromium_ said:
Yep, looks like everything is right. One thing though: you don't need to flash the supersu zip if the ROM is already rooted. (And the majority of custom ROMs are rooted)
Sent using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it stays rooted if you dont flash other custom kernel, but if you do, sometimes it breaks root and even twrp asking you to swipe to install root. At least it happened when i flash matr1x or even franco.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Agree with your first post, should be no problem. Although in TWRP there is a big button that said Format DATA, that does a complete wipe including the internal storage, so you don't have to manually select each partition.
Also give Neo kernel a try.

eksasol said:
Agree with your first post, should be no problem. Although in TWRP there is a big button that said Format DATA, that does a complete wipe including the internal storage, so you don't have to manually select each partition.
Also give Neo kernel a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try neo first before doing this clean fresh system, but i dont think there is any other kernel that will make me jump ship. Performance and battery life is really balanced with franco's r183 nightly now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

eksasol said:
Agree with your first post, should be no problem. Although in TWRP there is a big button that said Format DATA, that does a complete wipe including the internal storage, so you don't have to manually select each partition.
Also give Neo kernel a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think im sticking with franco, because neo gave me antutu result 20917 while franco gave me 21450.
Numbers not important but in opengl 2.0 test in antutu, neo gave me lower fps and i can see choppines while franco's is smooth. For real world usage, i feel tapatalk app is stuttering when swiping right to open the left bar while it's really smooth in franco. Thanks though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4