Database Users

Backup new Nexus S

I sold my iPhone 4 today and bought a brand new nexus s. I'm not new to android though, I used to own a nexus one before iPhone 4.
My question is that I want to install custom roms on it, but I might want to restore it back to original factory settings in case I want to return it to best buy. How can I backup my phone so that best buy would take the phone back without questions?
I saw a thread to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader. Is that what I should do? Any help is appreciated!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Just root and do a nandroid backup. If you use rom manager to install the custom recovery you can just use it to so the backup.
Sent from my Onyx CM7 Google Nexus S!

Go to the Samsung nexus s android development section. Look for the thread that begins with Odin 1.81... bookmark that thread. That thread will help you flash completely back to stock. And always make sure you relock your bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

The only advantage of not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe of your internal storage such as pics, music etc. However custom roms or apps may have stability issues without an unlocked bootloader. No harm in unlocking the bootloader because you can always lock it again. Just make sure you back up any files you may want to keep.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

peeturr said:
The only advantage of not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe of your internal storage such as pics, music etc. However custom roms or apps may have stability issues without an unlocked bootloader. No harm in unlocking the bootloader because you can always lock it again. Just make sure you back up any files you may want to keep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the only advantage to not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe and loss of all data.
I'm curious if you can point to an example of any current existing ROM that displays issues because the bootloader is locked... if so, I need to add that information to the non-unlock method instructions.

Sorry I don't. I was just quoting one of the root guides in here. But then again there's always that IF. Now that I think about it, unlocking the bootloader is to be able to install root and a custom recovery. If you can do that without unlocking the bootloader then you should still be golden. Don't see why a rom or app would be dependent on the bootloader. Sorry for the confusion.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

peeturr said:
Sorry I don't. I was just quoting one of the root guides in here. But then again there's always that IF. Now that I think about it, unlocking the bootloader is to be able to install root and a custom recovery. If you can do that without unlocking the bootloader then you should still be golden. Don't see why a rom or app would be dependent on the bootloader. Sorry for the confusion.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, we've found no reason to HAVE-TO unlock it yet. Just to be clear, I wasn't challenging you, just looking for anything I might need to add to the guide on doing it without the unlock. I already have a caveat that it might be an issue for something, but don't know what something could be.
Anyways, if you're a fresh out of the box phone, no problems unlock method, since you have no data to lose in the wipe. For late-comers, the no unlock method spares them that data wipe. The beauty of it is that you can root and install titainium or other backup software without wiping the phone if you already have data on it, and then if needed you can always unlock it and re-root, and then restore your wiped data. Best of both worlds for some.

Pretty much exactly what happened to me Distorted loop, Very thankfull for that non wipe root method, definately saved my ass as i had a good play with the phone before getting it to a PC for backup/rooting.
I am going to swap my device for another tommorrow to confirm if my reboot issue is even remotely hardware related. So i will have 30 mins with no nexus s ...s'gonna kill me as i love this lil thing (even with my calling problems).
Looking forward to a nice stable nexus, and then i'll try out some of the mods and roms (still on stock for now)

[Q] Rooting Nexus 7

Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.

The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
2) Inorder to flash a kernel you need to root first.
3) You could use a toolkit to unlock and root( either nexus 7 toolkit or wugs') or if you want to unlock and root manually you can use adb, which is just a few commands for a nexus. Both are easy, the only hard part is making sure you have the correct drivers.
Hope i helped and good luck!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
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Click to collapse
Dang, that really sucks. What all can i save? App permissions, any of that?
I was just looking around and noticed there are some Apps that save data/info, the ones i saw were Carbon and TWRP. Would i be able to save my app stuff that way?

TWRP is a custom recovery which you can use AFTER unlock and root and i have never used carbon so i wouldnt know.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

I don't own a tablet, but I am a beta tester for a few projects here, I have to wipe all data, but the cool thing is after the first initial wipe, you never have to worry about that again.
A backup of your non-rooted device, I would say do your best with titanium backup, need an easier program? Try go backup pro or Clickfree backup.
Then try to restore. If it fails, retry.. I got that a lot, most game data saved is usually stored in /mnt/sdcard/Android/data or /mnt/sdcard/Android/obb
You can store that info on an external SD, using directory bind, you can find it on here, very good app if your phone/tablet sucks because its internal storage is 3.75gb. my dual partitioned and mounted 64gb sdcard works wonderfully, my games get 16gb to themselves.
Anyway to stay on topic, I want this, but also looking at an Asus, and a Samsung galaxy tab 2
:-MiniHazard-: sgh-i927 glide
CWM 6.0.1.2
CM 10.1 JB - thanks thegreatergood
LiteKernel-jb-20130121 - just until bugfix

First of all, TWRP can only be used after unlocking boot loader and unlocking wipes all data
I also unlocked boot loader after 2 months when I have many apps, so it is simple you copy all the data to your PC and you can do a backup of your apk's by sending them to a Bluetooth device by the help of a app ( Bluetooth file transfer) , you unlock the boot loader and send all apks back either by Bluetooth or by using stick mount when you are rooted , and restore all data,
Flashing a kernel requires to root first
You can either root by using root toolkit or by using adb fastboot method manually
Here is the link to a post of mine for rooting nexus 7 by adb fast boot method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Good luck,if you are unable to root or having any problem,reply and I will look into it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

flash kernel and root are two different things.
after unlocking the boot loader, you can flash anything you want, including an already rooted system image.

The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read the FAQs which concern your N7 grouper, if not I invite you to go to read this FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - ASUS GOOGLE NEXUS 7 – GROUPER & TILAPIA (WiFi & 3G)

What is the best (easy) way to root on Android 4.2.2?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

^^chaos67731
Here is the link to my post for rooting nexus 7 4.2.2 or any other nexus device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Updating with unlocked bootloader

Hello im on stock 4.2.2 and im rooted with an unlocked bootloader. Will i have to relock it once the new 5.0 klp update comes out to get it or will it still work fine? I know theres still a while until the update but id like to be prepared

Depends, if you want the KLP version from google, you'll need to go back to stock and lock the bootloader.
However, there's a 99.99999999% chance someone here at XDA will have a KLP rom before google officially releases one for our N10s.

Ok thanks but can i keep it rooted or do i need to unroot aswell?
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)

OK so I heard some rumors about a jellybean update to 4.3 soon. I really don't want to lose all my data by flashing a stock image once it comes out. Is there a way to relock the boot loader without losing data? And if not is there a way to backup all my data and restore it afterwards. I tried using wugs toolkit to do this but the problem is it only backs up the main user and not the secondary ones. Any suggestions would be appreciated thank you.
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)

I believe unlocking/locking the boot loader will in fact wipe all data. So you'd have to manually handle the backup/restore if you don't want to lose the data.
I'd try something like TB to backup and restore. I usually start from scratch again as I've read restoring app data can cause issue under certain circumstances. YMMV...

cowabunga said:
I believe unlocking/locking the boot loader will in fact wipe all data. So you'd have to manually handle the backup/restore if you don't want to lose the data.
I'd try something like TB to backup and restore. I usually start from scratch again as I've read restoring app data can cause issue under certain circumstances. YMMV...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I guess I'll just do that but doesn't locking the boot loader wipe "sd card" data as well? So would I have to save my tb files to a CPU?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers appu

abdel12345 said:
OK I guess I'll just do that but doesn't locking the boot loader wipe "sd card" data as well? So would I have to save my tb files to a CPU?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers appu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted, use nexus boot unlocker from the play store to lock the bootloader without losing data...

the_boo said:
If you are rooted, use nexus boot unlocker from the play store to lock the bootloader without losing data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks man. This is like the fifth time you've helped me out to solve my problem exactly. You are awesome. Thanks again I really didn't want to delete all my name data and now I don't have to
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

abdel12345 said:
Awesome thanks man. This is like the fifth time you've helped me out to solve my problem exactly. You are awesome. Thanks again I really didn't want to delete all my name data and now I don't have to
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha.. No problem.. Although, if you are on a custom ROM, I'm pretty sure you will have to flash a stock rom before you do the OTA... If you are on a custom ROM it will be better to wait for the devs to update it themselves...

the_boo said:
Haha.. No problem.. Although, if you are on a custom ROM, I'm pretty sure you will have to flash a stock rom before you do the OTA... If you are on a custom ROM it will be better to wait for the devs to update it themselves...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on stock so I won't have to worry about that. Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

What if you have unlocked boot loader, but not root - that will update won't it? Pretty sure thats how I did 4.2.1 to 4.2.2 if I am remembering correct....

bigmatty said:
What if you have unlocked boot loader, but not root - that will update won't it? Pretty sure thats how I did 4.2.1 to 4.2.2 if I am remembering correct....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure so far all I've heard is that you have to lock the bootloader first... And I'd rather not take the risk. Anyway that app mentioned earlier locks and unlocks your boot loader with a click so its great
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

hmm, from reading that apps description it gives me the impression a bootloader could be locked again w/out wiping - its just then when you would want to re-unlock that it would re-wipe.
right now Im unlocked but stock everything else. I think I will see what happens just trying the upgrade w/out relocking (again because Im pretty sure that's the same as the .2 I just did.)
if anyone can confirm any of this it would be welcomed

bigmatty said:
hmm, from reading that apps description it gives me the impression a bootloader could be locked again w/out wiping - its just then when you would want to re-unlock that it would re-wipe.
right now Im unlocked but stock everything else. I think I will see what happens just trying the upgrade w/out relocking (again because Im pretty sure that's the same as the .2 I just did.)
if anyone can confirm any of this it would be welcomed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app says it does the locking and unlocking without wiping anything. I've already relocked mine and ill see if it worked once I turn on my tablet. (Ill check if the unlocked sign is still there)
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)

OK I treid the app and can confirm it works great
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

abdel12345 said:
Hello im on stock 4.2.2 and im rooted with an unlocked bootloader. Will i have to relock it once the new 5.0 klp update comes out to get it or will it still work fine? I know theres still a while until the update but id like to be prepared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get any Google OTA you do not need to re-lock the bootloader. You might need to flash the stock recovery prior to install the OTA.
At least this is what I did. Of course, to be safe I installed "Bootunlocker", "Voodo OTA Rootkeeper", and "SuperSU".
SuperSU gives permission to keep your phone root when you flash stock recovery.
After you re-install a custom recovery you need, prior to reboot, to wipe "Dalvik-Cache".
The long wait can start

@gunner1937 OK thanks. But where can I get stock recovery? Also I already have super su installed so do I need to do anything before flashing stock recovery or I just need to have supersu installed and then flash to keep root? Will flashing stock recovery wipe data? And are there any other steps I need to take. Please explain thanks
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

abdel12345 said:
@gunner1937 OK thanks. But where can I get stock recovery? Also I already have super su installed so do I need to do anything before flashing stock recovery or I just need to have supersu installed and then flash to keep root? Will flashing stock recovery wipe data? And are there any other steps I need to take. Please explain thanks
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get stock recovery go to https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images.
Download the factory image for Nexus 10 "mantaray".
Extract the files using, preferably,7-zip.
In the extract files select the file with extension.tar. Unzip with 7-zip.
Open file " mantaray-jdq39". Click on file "image-mantaray-jdq39.zip: this is where you will find all the img files including "recovery.img"

gunner1937 said:
To get stock recovery go to https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images.
Download the factory image for Nexus 10 "mantaray".
Extract the files using, preferably,7-zip.
In the extract files select the file with extension.tar. Unzip with 7-zip.
Open file " mantaray-jdq39". Click on file "image-mantaray-jdq39.zip: this is where you will find all the img files including "recovery.img"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks alot man Ill do this
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)

Best Toolkit?

Hey guys,
I see alot of toolkits around like N-Cry and Wkip or something.
Now, Im still unrooted and locked.
What is the best toolkit to unlock my bootloader and flash twrp?
Also, I don't want to lose any data while unlocking my bootloader.
Thanks in advance!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

The best toolkit is to not use a toolkit at all. Learn how to do it yourself, it's not difficult and will pay off in the end since you'll know how to use fast boot.
You cant unlock your bootloader without losing data, it's a part of the process and is there for security purposes.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Like zephiK said, don't use a toolkit.
It is actually possible to unlock the bootloader without having everything wiped. You need to flash a custom recovery right after unlocking, without rebooting in between. Then you boot into the recovery, wipe the cache, and boot back into android and everything should be left untouched.
Sent using xda-developers app

zephiK said:
The best toolkit is to not use a toolkit at all. Learn how to do it yourself, it's not difficult and will pay off in the end since you'll know how to use fast boot.
You cant unlock your bootloader without losing data, it's a part of the process and is there for security purposes.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks guys I now know enough!
I'll find me a good tutorial and hopefully start unlocking and rooting soon.
Chromium_ said:
Like zephiK said, don't use a toolkit.
It is actually possible to unlock the bootloader without having everything wiped. You need to flash a custom recovery right after unlocking, without rebooting in between. Then you boot into the recovery, wipe the cache, and boot back into android and everything should be left untouched.
Sent using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

yup, in agreement.. best "toolkit" is fastboot/adb

failly said:
Okay thanks guys I now know enough!
I'll find me a good tutorial and hopefully start unlocking and rooting soon.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A good guide to unlocking and rooting your Nexus 4 is available at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2266654. Don't forget Chromium's advise to flash a custom recovery then boot into recovery and wipe the cache before rebooting to preserve your data. I would also recommend copying all data from the Nexus' internal storage to your computer as a backup before rooting.

Thanks alot guys! Will just use the fastboot method instead of a toolkit!

Is there any way to save data from a soft bricked Nexus 4?

I am experiencing with a soft bricked Nexus 4. Surely, I tried to do "Power + volume down" and tip on the internet. But, it did not work for me. my cell is on the bricked. For now, there is no way except for "reset to facory". But, I did not data back up. It's my dilemma. :crying: First of all, I should try to save data to my computer.
If my computer is broken, I can take the HDD(storage) out from that, and save data using connecting device like "SATA to USB". As Nexus 4 use only internal storage on (maybe, flash rom?)the board, I can not take it out.
Is there any way to save data from a soft bricked Nexus 4?
I found one thread have the same problem. My symptoms is the same as his
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the phone boots, shows the google logo then goes into those 4 colourful dots that fly around and it just stays like that. I left it like this over night and nothing happened.
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I am referring to the answer. So, I try to do wipe cache on recovery mode according to that. It doesn't help me.
Thanks for any other tips or comments in advance.

Is your bootloader unlocked? If it is flash a twrp.img file. Boot into it and you'll be able to connect your device to your pc and transfer files.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

no way if locked bootloader?
Thanks for your reply.
I 've never tried to unlock the bootloader. no way if locked bootloader?
Can I unlock the bootloader on the bricked Nexus 4?
jd1639 said:
Is your bootloader unlocked? If it is flash a twrp.img file. Boot into it and you'll be able to connect your device to your pc and transfer files.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

kitwithbell said:
Thanks for your reply.
I 've never tried to unlock the bootloader. no way if locked bootloader?
Can I unlock the bootloader on the bricked Nexus 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking your bootloader will wipe your device. So in your case it's not an option. You're probably going to have to give up on your data and lose it to get your device working again.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks jd1639.:good:
After reading about unlocking bootloader, unfortunately I get to know that will wipe all the system data and my data on my device. It's the same as what you comment.:crying:
A couple of years ago, there was an application program for Rom Flashing called Flashtool. I could do that with unchecking option "wipe user data". Surely, to back up data before that was strongly advised though.
Maybe, due to security, it seems to be impossible on recent version. I
am anticipating for any other idea to save data before get it work again.
Thanks in advance.
jd1639 said:
Unlocking your bootloader will wipe your device. So in your case it's not an option. You're probably going to have to give up on your data and lose it to get your device working again.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse