[Q] New to smarphone, Android, tech-savvy community - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hope I'm posting it in the right section.
Well, recently I've bought a S4 I9505 and I'm trying to understand all about it, including terms and features related to the OS and the device itself.
Looks like I've joined a new world and I don't know anything about it. I would like to own my phone, and I found that I could do that by rooting. Since I've noticed it, I've made some researches, but it didn't help me to clarify my mind and I still do have a lot of questions. I've heard about the KNOX and if I root it i could possibly trigger it. I've found some articles regarding how to root it w/o triggering the KNOX, but in most of these articles there are some users saying it didn't work for their phones and it's triggered now. So, the question is, is there anyway of rooting it with no chances of violating the KNOX?
What do you recommend for new smartphone users to know and learn about to become their android devices' master?
Thanks in advance.

Read everything twice....and flash once.

Does anybody have an advice? Thanks.

ThiagoRFA said:
Does anybody have an advice? Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Hmmm.. you have joined by the wrong phone (samsung) in the wrong (KNOX) time.
In the past, Sammy was giving the silent permission to do with the phone what you wanted to. nowadays, we have the Knox (in the recent bootloaders/ROMS incapable to downgrade).
Well, first step would be rooting. BUT, you have the choice between the Knox violation, privacy violation (kingo root) or not to root.
Read all of it. It may take more than one day. Make your choice WISE.
As the old Romans said: "Quidquid agis, prudenter agas and respice finem" what in free translation would be:
Whatever you want to do, do wisely, and face the consequences.
Good luck.

Related

Organized info for rooting the G1

I am currently a G1 owner on the fence about rooting my phone, as are many others. One of the first issues I've come across is being overwhelmed by forum threads. Unless I have missed something (and if I did, please point me in the right direction!), everything is posted in forums here, requiring people to pour through tons of posts and pick through the right information.
Is there an official wiki or something where all the latest news, guides, FAQs, etc. are being updated? If not, I'd love to start one, but unfortunately I don't have the knowledge to do so (yet, at least). I'm thinking of a super simple, jargon-free site for users to find answers to their questions, and a simple outlined "official" process for how to begin and where to go from there.
For example, some FAQs..
Can T-Mobile/Google "cut me off" in any way if they determine I have rooted my phone?
If I change my mind later, can I go back to original firmware and leave no trace that I ever rooted the phone in the first place? Future over-the-air updates will install with no issues?
Let's say I mess up during the rooting process. Is there always a way out, or am I screwed?
How safe is storing apps on the SD card? What can happen to my phone, and how do I avoid problems?
What are the JFvX.XX firmware releases? How do they work? Are they required? Are there other alternatives?
What if a future OTA can't be hacked, will we miss out on features?
I've seen various different methods of rooting the G1, which one is the most popular and why?
etc.
This is just an idea, but there's all these questions like this that I know many people have. While these questions can easily be answered in forums, I'm looking for a more convenient solution for the community. As official answers are nailed down, it would be great to have a reference to check with rather than flooding forums with questions.
Anyway, thanks for all the hard work from the developers here. It's really exciting to follow, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the G1!
they have one:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Dream
look first
kay11224 said:
they have one:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Dream
look first
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, but unfortunately this doesn't seem user friendly (it's filled with unexplained links and jargon), and seems pretty outdated. I'm thinking about info aimed the average n00b end-user here, not developers or people actively following the forums and progress made.
I'm not sure if you understand fully what you're asking. Keeping your phone updated without "actively following the forums and progress made" is a simple task right now, just wait until Google pushes an update for you. If using the search function is too hard for you, I think root access is biting off more than you can chew. All of your FAQ's can easily be found in the development section of the forums. As far as step by step guides are concerned, read the stickies, use the search function, and then ask. It's not complicated at all.
dudinatrix said:
Can T-Mobile/Google "cut me off" in any way if they determine I have rooted my phone?
If I change my mind later, can I go back to original firmware and leave no trace that I ever rooted the phone in the first place? Future over-the-air updates will install with no issues?
Let's say I mess up during the rooting process. Is there always a way out, or am I screwed?
How safe is storing apps on the SD card? What can happen to my phone, and how do I avoid problems?
What are the JFvX.XX firmware releases? How do they work? Are they required? Are there other alternatives?
What if a future OTA can't be hacked, will we miss out on features?
I've seen various different methods of rooting the G1, which one is the most popular and why?
etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) as far as i'm aware no. They can remove apps from peoples phones (allegedly) but i can't see how they would know you have root, or even care. It's good publicity for the phone if anything.
2) Yup, you can easily un-root your phone and the updates should work correctly.
3) Once you have the hardSPL bootloader loaded it's pretty much impossible to brick your phone, see this thread for details.
4) Not sure about this, so i can't comment
5) the JF firmware releases are essentially hacked firmwares, created by JesusFreke, that allow us to get root access (among other things ). they are incredibly easy to install and they are required for certain things such as, multi-touch. as far as i know, there are no alternatives.
6) They will be as everything is open source. I imagine xda will have a firmware hacked within hours of it's release
7) personally, i find this way the best. nice n simple and easy to follow.
have fun
Iceucold said:
I'm not sure if you understand fully what you're asking. Keeping your phone updated without "actively following the forums and progress made" is a simple task right now, just wait until Google pushes an update for you. If using the search function is too hard for you, I think root access is biting off more than you can chew. All of your FAQ's can easily be found in the development section of the forums. As far as step by step guides are concerned, read the stickies, use the search function, and then ask. It's not complicated at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am perfectly capable of handling root access. I am a Linux system administrator (among other things) by profession. I admit, this would be my first attempt at "hacking" a device and thus voiding the warranty, hence my hesitation and "noob" questions. Using the search function is not my concern here, but I can appreciate where you're coming from.
What I'm talking about, and what appears to be misinterpreted, is an information source for common end users, not developers or tech-savy users. If I have questions about rooting the G1, certainly those less technically inclined do as well. And unfortunately for them, they don't necessarily even know where to begin looking. I'm talking about people like my brother in law, for example... who probably never used a forum in his life, but wants to have multi-touch on his phone, or change his themes, or find a solution to his constant "low storage" warnings. People like him don't care about hacking into the phone and getting all this flexible access for himself. They just want to take advantage of what's already been achieved, but unfortunately require root to do so.
I agree that it is pretty simple to root the phone, but face it you have to be somewhat comfortable with technology first, even just to obtain the information.
Perhaps now isn't the appropriate time to wrap things up in a bow and give to the general G1 user base in a tidy little easy-to-digest package. As things develop further it may just naturally come about, perhaps via installers or something. I just think it would be helpful to many to have a source written for the common folk with jargon-free information... considering the more people get their hands on it, the more successful the platform can become.
And to Metlus, thanks for being receptive and answering my questions kindly without making me feel judged for asking what I assume many think is a "just search for it" type of post.
Meltus said:
1) as far as i'm aware no. They can remove apps from peoples phones (allegedly) but i can't see how they would know you have root, or even care. It's good publicity for the phone if anything.
2) Yup, you can easily un-root your phone and the updates should work correctly.
3) Once you have the hardSPL bootloader loaded it's pretty much impossible to brick your phone, see this thread for details.
4) Not sure about this, so i can't comment
5) the JF firmware releases are essentially hacked firmwares, created by JesusFreke, that allow us to get root access (among other things ). they are incredibly easy to install and they are required for certain things such as, multi-touch. as far as i know, there are no alternatives.
6) They will be as everything is open source. I imagine xda will have a firmware hacked within hours of it's release
7) personally, i find this way the best. nice n simple and easy to follow.
have fun
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Click to collapse
Great post meltus!
If and when you do decide to root g1 take your time and breathe, really isn't too hard just nerve racking the first time. I did it and im not a pro at all so you will probably breeze through it! The advancements made so far are unreal, auto browser, themes and many more make rooting well worth it in my opinion
I'm not sure if it gets any easier than this, but gizmodo today posted what looks like the easiest "recipe" yet for rooting the G1:
How To: Hack Android For Multitouch Web Browsing on the T-Mobile G1

[q] noob i am!!

When i run Rommanager it says an error occurred while attempting to run privileged commands.... what do i do ??
try visionary again, temp root, then permroot and restart the phone to make root stick
Side note:disclaimer:
My advice (without trying to hurt anyone's feelings too much) is DON'T ROOT. I would suggest you familiarize yourself with everything (Linux, ADB, XDA) before diving in head first.
Despite popular belief, having root does NOT in fact make you cooler.
Way too many new users are trying to root because they think it's cool or heard it's cool. You need to learn your device first.
If you don't know how to perform a Nandroid backup, or restore a previous ROM backup, flash updates, install custom ROM's etc, then you should NOT root. You should browse the forums here, read everything until you know it well. Google search related topics. Exhaust all available avenues, then ask questions. After you've executed all of these options you might consider rooting and starting to tinker with your device.
im noob to the MT4G iv rooted many htc phones i had an add up on c-list to do but now im trying to to the MT4g and im very new to it. I want to root my MT4G because i want to customize my themes splash screen ect.. oh and cuz its COOL TOO
OH AND I SLOVED MY PROBLEM JUST HAD TO REBOOT THE PHONE
xXy3kXx said:
noob i am!!
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ummm yoda... why dont you just use the force?
CBConsultation said:
Side note:
My advice (without trying to hurt anyone's feelings too much) is DON'T ROOT. I would suggest you familiarize yourself with everything (Linux, ADB, XDA) before diving in head first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DOUBLE SIDE NOTE:
Thank you for saying that.... I do all the time... rooting should only be done after massive research, research and then when you think you've done all the research in the world... squze in a little bit more research
The reason why phones don't come rooted and why their getting harder to root is because of all the people that don't do their research go and destroy their phones, then try to return them as a manufacture defect...
If you were in a phone manufacture shoes you wouldn't wanna pay for those phones either...
pack said:
ummm yoda... why dont you just use the force?
DOUBLE SIDE NOTE:
Thank you for saying that.... I do all the time... rooting should only be done after massive research, research and then when you think you've done all the research in the world... squze in a little bit more research
The reason why phones don't come rooted and why their getting harder to root is because of all the people that don't do their research go and destroy their phones, then try to return them as a manufacture defect...
If you were in a phone manufacture shoes you wouldn't wanna pay for those phones either...
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Click to collapse
No problem pack. Just trying to lend some helpful advice to people before they go and screw up their phones then cry for help. Makes things easier on us as well.
CBConsultation said:
No problem pack. Just trying to lend some helpful advice to people before they go and screw up their phones then cry for help. Makes things easier on us as well.
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Click to collapse
Ah-Men! Its seems as though google (or anyother search engine) just sends people to this website when the query "how can I try and be cooler" is entered. So therefore no research is done resulting in bricked devices and price increases and diffuclty rooting future devices and forum clogging and thermonuclear war and all around causing me to have a bad day. </end rant\>
Wow you people like to cry I was just asking for help you guys are turning this post in to a thred of crap
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Notice! You will brick this device...

I know everyone is eager to set up their KF HDX how they want it & many of you are new-ish to XDA, so you have been able to rely on tools to automate everything, making it easier to accomplish what you want, but not so great for learning the basics of Android & the core development & debugging tools that are used in the automated processes like the various toolkits you find throughout the forum threads.
At any rate, I am writing a warning about this device ONCE AGAIN. If you really have no idea what the sdk is or how it is used, the HDX is not something you want to start messing with. You know who you are. If you aren't running Linux, or at the very least a dual boot distro like Unbuntu via wubi & you have never installed or used the Android SDK, PLEASE think twice about whatever you are contemplating.
The Kindle Fire HDX is not like other device you have maybe played with, or owned. It is a low level development device that uses an oddball system for updating & while it is vulnerable to several exploits, the bootloader is 100% locked. Complicating this issue is the fact that the device does not have fastboot access & messing with certain system files or permissions CAN & WILL cause issues ranging from wifi & 4G connectivity to a full on hard brick. There are also checks in place that will prevent adb access if you remove or mess up certain binaries or drivers. Some of these things CAN & WILL lead to loss of ADB access. Without ADB access, anything you break CANNOT be fixed.
This is NOT the device to get your feet wet on when it comes to rooting or modding. In the last two days alone, I have had 8 requests from people with devices that are having issue because of something that was done inadvertently or because something was done in the wrong order. I am willing to help WHEN I CAN, but I am an engineer, not a developer, with a busy schedule & a family, so taking care of my responsibilities comes before anything XDA related, for myself, or anyone else.
If you decide to ignore all of the posts about people bricking their devices & you ignore this warning, the SECOND SUCH WARNING, well, fine. After all it's your device & you can do whatever you want to it. Just don't expect to find an easy fix or someone there 24/7 to hold your hand through the process of trying to recover it. After all, this is a development forum, where you are expected to have a certain degree of knowledge, or be in the process of gaining that knowledge & it's not something you are going to learn by osmosis or be able to cram into a panicked couple of hours because you messed up your device.
So, you have been warned. Again. Unless you want a $300 - $700 project you may never finish, read BEFORE you do. Learn about what you are trying to accomplish & just deal with the Amazon only device until you can understand at the very minimum how to use adb & know how to apply all of the various adb commands. The absolute worst time to try to learn anything is when you are panicked & grasping at straws.
Don't be this guy:
I think that http://towelroot.com/ is a good place to start as the apk can be side loaded and should provide root access. I still have root on my Kindle Fire HDX 7" so I dont have any need for this root method, but according to the CVE-2014-3153 most versions of android are affected including 4.2.2. I would say if your a noob and not comfortable with adb and command line then this is your best bet for gaining root. Once you do have root I would suggest installing a firewall app and block everything except the apps you want to have access to the internet this should stop any updates from hitting your device. Have Fun!!
CDub50
cdub50 said:
I think that http://towelroot.com/ is a good place to start as the apk can be side loaded and should provide root access. I still have root on my Kindle Fire HDX 7" so I dont have any need for this root method, but according to the CVE-2014-3153 most versions of android are affected including 4.2.2. I would say if your a noob and not comfortable with adb and command line then this is your best bet for gaining root. Once you do have root I would suggest installing a firewall app and block everything except the apps you want to have access to the internet this should stop any updates from hitting your device. Have Fun!!
CDub50
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Click to collapse
Not helping. Yes, anyone can root there device by installing an apk & clicking a few buttons. The ISSUE is what they do AFTER they root, because now they have access to do things like overwrite graphical drivers with ones that are 4 years old, erase directories from the system partition or just completely WIPE the system partition. These are three examples of things that people have done in the last 24 hours with root. I'd go thru the other 5 from PM's but frankly I don't remember the exact issues, most were some form of the previously mentioned mistakes. But hey, since you are telling people that "aren't comfortable with adb..." they should root, I'll start a brick master thread for you to take care of. :good:
yeap
gsleon3 said:
not helping. Yes, anyone can root there device by installing an apk & clicking a few buttons. The issue is what they do after they root, because now they have access to do things like overwrite graphical drivers with ones that are 4 years old, erase directories from the system partition or just completely wipe the system partition. These are three examples of things that people have done in the last 24 hours with root. I'd go thru the other 5 from pm's but frankly i don't remember the exact issues, most were some form of the previously mentioned mistakes. But hey, since you are telling people that "aren't comfortable with adb..." they should root, i'll start a brick master thread for you to take care of. :good:
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Click to collapse
well said and repeated!
GSLEON3 said:
Not helping. Yes, anyone can root there device by installing an apk & clicking a few buttons. The ISSUE is what they do AFTER they root, because now they have access to do things like overwrite graphical drivers with ones that are 4 years old, erase directories from the system partition or just completely WIPE the system partition. These are three examples of things that people have done in the last 24 hours with root. I'd go thru the other 5 from PM's but frankly I don't remember the exact issues, most were some form of the previously mentioned mistakes. But hey, since you are telling people that "aren't comfortable with adb..." they should root, I'll start a brick master thread for you to take care of. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Come on though, this XDA forums, isn't it? Anyone reading these threads should be well aware of the risks involved. With towelroot app rooting the device is simple, and not going to brick your tab. Being reckless and doing some of the other things you mention, well, sorry, but like Clint Eastwood says in Magnum Force, "A man's got to know his limitations".
sent from hdx+ with tapatalk
Lol. When the vroot method was posted a couple days ago the hdx forum was quite silent...
Then BOOM!
"OMG I BROKED MY TABLET! BRICKED HDX! *BLAH BLAH* BROKE MY TABLET! HELP!!!! HELP!!! BRICKED TAB! "
good warning for noobs.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
I used the towelroot, then used a ota update blocking script and kindlefree, that's it. I bet people are out there installing safestrap, Roms and whatnot.
GSLEON3 said:
Not helping. Yes, anyone can root there device by installing an apk & clicking a few buttons. The ISSUE is what they do AFTER they root, because now they have access to do things like overwrite graphical drivers with ones that are 4 years old, erase directories from the system partition or just completely WIPE the system partition. These are three examples of things that people have done in the last 24 hours with root. I'd go thru the other 5 from PM's but frankly I don't remember the exact issues, most were some form of the previously mentioned mistakes. But hey, since you are telling people that "aren't comfortable with adb..." they should root, I'll start a brick master thread for you to take care of. :good:
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Click to collapse
To think that everyone who roots their Kindle is going Brick their device is laughable. Most people want to root to install google play store and stop future updates. There are always going to be people that are going to brick their device by pulling a bone head move. People know the risk, but if you can make rooting less risky by just installing an .apk sounds like a no brainer to me.
---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 PM ----------
jimyv said:
well said and repeated!
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Click to collapse
Please people root phones all of the time and I would say 99% of people dont run into any issues with having root.
sounds like
cdub50 said:
To think that everyone who roots their Kindle is going Brick their device is laughable. Most people want to root to install google play store and stop future updates. There are always going to be people that are going to brick their device by pulling a bone head move. People know the risk, but if you can make rooting less risky by just installing an .apk sounds like a no brainer to me.
---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 PM ----------
Please people root phones all of the time and I would say 99% of people dont run into any issues with having root.
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Click to collapse
You just sighned up for brick duty... Where was your energy and sarcasm Friday when Chinese root hit the forum? But yea thx and for chiming in though.
jimyv said:
You just sighned up for brick duty... Where was your energy and sarcasm Friday when Chinese root hit the forum? But yea thx and for chiming in though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Suggesting people use a simple apk to root their device earns you "brick duty"? And talk about sarcasm, your last sentence is a good example.
What's the point of XDA if we're afraid to do anything to our devices?
sent from an Elix-R nexus 5
afraid?
move_over said:
Wow. Suggesting people use a simple apk to root their device earns you "brick duty"? And talk about sarcasm, your last sentence is a good example.
What's the point of XDA if we're afraid to do anything to our devices?
sent from an Elix-R nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want anybody to be afraid but I expect them to do their own homework and when they cut their sh*t up not come on here acting like a rotten punk and not willing to do any work to help themselves out.... Which is exactly what a 1-Click Apk breeds.., It tells them yay they were good enough to root device.. And they just dive into making other modifications especially on a device that has no fastboot capabilities and a locked bootloader I just don't think they should make anything that easy for a unit that is this hard to recover.. Because obviously you're not going to be here to help the ones that were ignorant enough to get an application to root device but not educated enough to accomplish any other modifications without bricking their units and then come back here implying that it's anybody else's responsibility but their own.... I'm sorry but most the ones here Bricked right right now can't even run batch application without asking how to double-click thre times ... Much less run ADB commands so stick around and help please... if this device had fastboot or unlocked bootloader. I personally would not give a damn
Well, towelroot was made for a variety of devices and just happens to work with the hdx. So are we supposed to pretend it doesn't work just because some people are not able to know what they can and can't do?
Another movie quote :
Forrest Gump "Stupid is as stupid does".
Don't be stupid with your expensive tablet, if you are it's your own damn fault.
sent from an Elix-R nexus 5
tokenpoke said:
Lol. When the vroot method was posted a couple days ago the hdx forum was quite silent...
Then BOOM!
"OMG I BROKED MY TABLET! BRICKED HDX! *BLAH BLAH* BROKE MY TABLET! HELP!!!! HELP!!! BRICKED TAB! "
good warning for noobs.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made my toolkit to help people avoid bricking issues by waiting for proven methods that work and that I tested. I made it a menu and not a stooped down click and auto run installer. I wanted to give people the choice what they wanted to install, without risk bricking.
I guess people go outside the box for the "easy fix" to a complex problem. People and jobs are like that, doing some half assed thing to keep the wheels turning. I'm just blabbing now.
Be safe when messin' with the hdx. I play with stuff while on a rom slot to avoid a stock rom brick.
move_over said:
Come on though, this XDA forums, isn't it? Anyone reading these threads should be well aware of the risks involved. With towelroot app rooting the device is simple, and not going to brick your tab. Being reckless and doing some of the other things you mention, well, sorry, but like Clint Eastwood says in Magnum Force, "A man's got to know his limitations".
sent from hdx+ with tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously "anybody reading blah blah blah", isn't the case, as evident by the brick posts & my PM inbox. Sure, this is xda, but it's not the XDA it used to be. Part of that is because of the ease with which one can obtain root. You used to have to do everything manually, so you actually had to read, sometimes info for a completely different device, and then spend time figuring out how to apply it to your particular device. I am not saying nobody should root, frankly I do not care either way. What I am saying is that it is probably a bad idea for some people. Seriously, you think the guy that had no idea what Linux was, or the guy that thought you double click on the adb.exe to make it magically unbrick a device are good candidates for having unrestricted world writable access to a device? No. All you have to do is read some of the posts to know it isn't a good idea for some ill-prepared people & they obviously DIDN'T understand the consequences, otherwise they wouldn't have tried doing things that even the newest well informed member would ever try doing.
At any rate, this is what I think of now whenever I think of XDA, particularly the HDX forums lately. LMAO....
Say what?
Do any of you have anything useful to add besides your nanny pandering bull****? It's funny when you start digging for info on rooting a Kindle Fire HDX and this one of the first things you run across, a bunch of nannies moaning about it being too easy? Don't do it because you might break your toy because you are an idiot? Seriously? Is this a day care or am I missing something?
GSLEON3 said:
Obviously "anybody reading blah blah blah", isn't the case, as evident by the brick posts & my PM inbox. Sure, this is xda, but it's not the XDA it used to be. Part of that is because of the ease with which one can obtain root. You used to have to do everything manually, so you actually had to read, sometimes info for a completely different device, and then spend time figuring out how to apply it to your particular device. I am not saying nobody should root, frankly I do not care either way. What I am saying is that it is probably a bad idea for some people. Seriously, you think the guy that had no idea what Linux was, or the guy that thought you double click on the adb.exe to make it magically unbrick a device are good candidates for having unrestricted world writable access to a device? No. All you have to do is read some of the posts to know it isn't a good idea for some ill-prepared people & they obviously DIDN'T understand the consequences, otherwise they wouldn't have tried doing things that even the newest well informed member would ever try doing.
At any rate, this is what I think of now whenever I think of XDA, particularly the HDX forums lately. LMAO....
Having Root does not cause any issues. People create the issues, but who are you tell tell everyone not to root. Its their device if they want to root by all means root it. EVERY ROM and RECOVERY I have ever flashed or created states that in the terms of use that there is a potential they could brick their device. Who cares about your PM's. If you dont want to help them dont help, but dont create a thread just to complain about people bricking their device.
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Click to collapse
Thanks....but....
I'm not a developer....nor a hacker....nor a ...whatever.....just someone who enjoys reading and learning all that I can about my phone and Kindle Fire HDX....have rooted a variety of phones and Kindles through the years - first "mod" was to be able to download music and my own ringtones to a first edition Razr back in the day. I know there are so many people smarter than me - in some areas...not all - and I gratefully use that info and knowledge I get AT MY OWN RISK....as most people do, I think....the XDA site has over 5 million members - will there be some idiots who don't read or throw common sense and caution to the wind and screw up their devices?...sure....shame on them.
But if others with that knowledge have an elitist attitude about the rest of us - well - shame on them too. If someone knows how to make it easy for someone to be able to get the most of their device - while knowing the risks - BUT WON'T SHARE because they feel we don't 'deserve" that info - please....don't post! Just keep it to yourself and enjoy the fruits of your own labors.
PS...think it's a bit of a coincidence that when the romaster root surfaced - from a Chinese developer - all he** broke loose....it seems others had the knowledge but didn't want to share....oh well.....and please...this is just my humble opinion.
I appreciate all the efforts of the developers and testers who make it easier for people like me to really get the most out of their devices - but I think there is a reason that most of the major companies lock down theirs....to stop the ones who will stupidly brick the device and blame the company....thanks for reading.
I have
revircs said:
I'm not a developer....nor a hacker....nor a ...whatever.....just someone who enjoys reading and learning all that I can about my phone and Kindle Fire HDX....have rooted a variety of phones and Kindles through the years - first "mod" was to be able to download music and my own ringtones to a first edition Razr back in the day. I know there are so many people smarter than me - in some areas...not all - and I gratefully use that info and knowledge I get AT MY OWN RISK....as most people do, I think....the XDA site has over 5 million members - will there be some idiots who don't read or throw common sense and caution to the wind and screw up their devices?...sure....shame on them.
But if others with that knowledge have an elitist attitude about the rest of us - well - shame on them too. If someone knows how to make it easy for someone to be able to get the most of their device - while knowing the risks - BUT WON'T SHARE because they feel we don't 'deserve" that info - please....don't post! Just keep it to yourself and enjoy the fruits of your own labors.
PS...think it's a bit of a coincidence that when the romaster root surfaced - from a Chinese developer - all he** broke loose....it seems others had the knowledge but didn't want to share....oh well.....and please...this is just my humble opinion.
I appreciate all the efforts of the developers and testers who make it easier for people like me to really get the most out of their devices - but I think there is a reason that most of the major companies lock down theirs....to stop the ones who will stupidly brick the device and blame the company....thanks for reading.
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LOL I have noticed everybody that has chimed in about any complaints going on here have not been here to help recover in any of these devices last few days .. Trying to help people that refuse to help themselves.... I mean really we can only feed them so much info and babysit so much and get told please help please hello please help me . And when you attempt too. they have absolutely no clue of what you are talking about or what you're trying to get them to do it just looks too complicated so they keep asking for help... Expecting somebody here to make an easy one click.. To salvage their mistakes and keep their mommy and daddy from finding out they bricked their tablets.....and btw if this device wasnt soo fn locked down.. We would not be having this discussion because recovery of a brick would be easy with fastboot capabilities and unlock bootloader click click done. So I call BS honestly over the last few years out of all these devices I've been here in xda tinkering with.. The only time see false warranty claims are always on devices that are locked up tight.
If they refuse to help themselves then don't help them. Claiming that something shouldn't be easy and the fear mongering and elitism aren't helping anyone. Instead of trying to be a nanny document the known problems and work arounds if there are any. If you don't want to do that then don't. Save the other BS for your significant other cause no one else worth concerning yourself with wants to hear it. This thread is pointless, people here want to root their devices for any number of reasons; they why's don't matter and if it goes south it's not your problem.
I
jptros said:
If they refuse to help themselves then don't help them. Claiming that something shouldn't be easy and the fear mongering and elitism aren't helping anyone. Instead of trying to be a nanny document the known problems and work arounds if there are any. If you don't want to do that then don't. Save the other BS for your significant other cause no one else worth concerning yourself with wants to hear it. This thread is pointless, people here want to root their devices for any number of reasons; they why's don't matter and if it goes south it's not your problem.
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I understand your point and this thread was not started as a wine fest it was supposed to be started for a fair warning I can't help it if he had a sarcastic tone to his voice from trying to help ignorant people all weekend and I think it's hilarious how people are chiming in complaining about our complaints but none of them have been here to help all the ignorant folk ... I'm just saying as one that has been here for the last five days repairing brick or trying to help that is ... Is a lot of and uneeded tension here I understand .. And it is turning" quite the Flamer thread ... So instead of chiming here to complain about our complaint and tell us to keep our complaints to ourselves as you are here complaining your self .. Please go to the general section or the troubleshooting section and start helping people... For example help him http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2783591

Internet banking on custom ROM

Is it safe to install an banking app like ING Internet banking on a custom ROM?
Oh my god. Just delete your post.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
troullis2004 said:
Oh my god. Just delete your post.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
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His question is less dumb then it looks. It's not that hard to build an keylogger or something into a custom rom. Most people here will install just about anything if it looks shiny.
Not to long ago we had a rooting method that was sending data to a server. People would still use it tough.
Always use your brain when you flash something.
In short: Yes it's safe to flash a custom rom.
Lennyz1988 said:
His question is less dumb then it looks. It's not that hard to build an keylogger or something into a custom rom. Most people here will install just about anything if it looks shiny.
Not to long ago we had a rooting method that was sending data to a server. People would still use it tough.
Always use your brain when you flash something.
In short: Yes it's safe to flash a custom rom.
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Click to collapse
I agree. This isn't a dumb question at all.
And here at XDA we don't jump on new members who ask questions. It's rude and makes this site an unwelcoming place. That's not what XDA wants to portray to new members.
This is a sensible question from a user who is properly investigating his risk for identity theft. That's a good question, not a bad one.
As for the answer, well like anything it all depends.
99% of all developers are good people doing good honest work. (And its' probably even higher than that) But there's always that one jerk who tries to take advantage of good trusting people. So you do have to watch out for that.
The main ROMs that are popular and have a long history are completely safe. Cyanogen, Carbon, etc etc etc. These are developed by teams of people who work together and are screened by the ROM dev team before they are allowed to become official maintainers of a ROM. Those are all almost completely safe.
The only place I'd be concerned is when you have a one off developer building his own ROM from source who's working alone. That's where the risk is. And again, 99.99% of those developers are honest. The risk is very minimal. But it exists.
But bigger than that risk is your keyboard. Are you running a third party keyboard? Developed god knows where by god knows who? Just something you downloaded off Google Play? That's probably a bigger risk. I'd never use a 3rd party keyboard to enter banking information. It's WAY too easy to build a keylogging system into a keyboard. That's where the keyboard selector switch comes in handy. You can switch to a stock keyboard quickly to enter banking info then go back to the one you like.
Again, the risk of a Keyboard downloaded from Google Play being a keylogger is low. Very low. But it could happen. And even though it's a minimal risk, it's a risk you should be aware of.
The biggest risk to running a banking app on your phone is losing the phone itself. If you lose it and someone gets past your lock screen (not the most difficult thing in the world) they have access to your banking app. So NEVER save passwords on your banking app. Enter it each time.
troullis2004 said:
Oh my god. Just delete your post.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Oh my god, if youre a rich twat that doesnt mean people dont care about their hard earned money. Money is just not swag my friend.
His concern is genuine and please be nice to people out here. You dont own opinions and thoughts that people have. Everybody is as free here as you are. So kindly let people clear their doubts.
swa100 said:
Is it safe to install an banking app like ING Internet banking on a custom ROM?
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●Well devs are pretty nice here thus only download firmwares from their threads and no other site. The links mirrored by them or in their official threads are to be used and thus they also mention that do not create any other mirror link. Never doubt a developer here. People here are a family.
●Never root (as it was widely publicised here) via kingo and vroot or root genius, they take anonymous data and idk what all they do. They were banned by xda too. Vroot is still banned.
●Plus keyboards are only to be downloaded via playstore as google has a software called bouncer which regularly checks for malicious content and coding in apps. Though bouncer has been fooled, but google devs and execs are cool too
Plus a swiftkey team or the go team wont want a bad reputation. Because so many people trust them.
The only way to inject a keylogger in your phone is via other sources apps. Any app can have it. IMHO it is always better to pay for the apps than downloading the cracked versions from shady websites.
●Always have way of cleaning your phone online or oia sms or anything. Google administrator (app) provides such service and so does samsung.
Thus if it gets lost or something, you can always wipe it or lock it online or just by sending a sms.
The only way to keep you safe
Sent from my Ozcan GT-i9500 using XDA mobile app
Hey all, thanks for your reactions. I'm using the custom ROM from broodplank, a xda-recognized dev and I'm using SwiftKey.
I asked this question because I was indeed not sure if I should be afraid for keyloggers and stuff like that.
So, in conclusion, I should not be afraid and I could safely use Internet banking on this ROM, with this keyboard?
swa100 said:
Hey all, thanks for your reactions. I'm using the custom ROM from broodplank, a xda-recognized dev and I'm using SwiftKey.
I asked this question because I was indeed not sure if I should be afraid for keyloggers and stuff like that.
So, in conclusion, I should not be afraid and I could safely use Internet banking on this ROM, with this keyboard?
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Click to collapse
Yes you can. Without a doubt.
But keyboard only from playstore. And rom only from XDA threads.
Sent from my Ozcan GT-i9500 using XDA mobile app
Thing is
Coming onto a developers forum and asking if we include keyloggers in our work is kind of offensive or if its safe to use our work with banking apps (which gives the impression he thinks people like myself are trying to steal his info)
The fact that a user thinks we would do that in an open source environment means the op has not bothered to educate themselves before doing anything
I don't think you should see it like that. By flashing custom ROMs I think I show my trust in devs. I just have no clue how vulnerable these ROMs actually are.
After all, it's the safety of all my money I'm talking about.
DSA said:
Thing is
Coming onto a developers forum and asking if we include keyloggers in our work is kind of offensive or if its safe to use our work with banking apps (which gives the impression he thinks people like myself are trying to steal his info)
The fact that a user thinks we would do that in an open source environment means the op has not bothered to educate themselves before doing anything
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Click to collapse
He wasn't in a development thread. He properly posted in the correct general forum.
He didn't accuse anyone of anything, especially not you specifically.
He very well may not even know what a keylogger is and is just being reasonably precautionary to learn what the risks are before proceeding. And he may not believe that a rom developer would include malicious code but perhaps just wondered if a custom rooted rom was more vulnerable to attack by a third party after install than a stock closed source rom. (A legitimate concern because a rooted phone IS more vulnerable to attack if the user just grants superuser permissions to any and all apps that ask for it)
No specific accusations were made or devious behavior insinuated. So don't take his legitimate question so personally.
If it bothers you so much that anyone would worry about their bank account in a time when accounts get hacked regularly....try explaining why its not a major concern to install a custom rom.
Give a developer's viewpoint on what the risks could be and how you mitigate those risks by specifically not including malicious code. That would go along way to help nervous rookie modders feel comfortable about using work found on XDA. And it would go alot further than "my rom is safe because I said so".
Err..I never said anything about posting in a development thread...no idea where the first part of your post is in response to
I never stated he accused me of anything either
In your eagerness to correct me (and failing) you have gotten ahead of yourself
Its not down to me to give any viewpoints or any info about malicious code. This is a developers forum. Its down to the user to educate themselves
(A legitimate concern because a rooted phone IS more vulnerable to attack if the user just grants superuser permissions to any and all apps that ask for it)
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you dont see the problem with that sentence?
DSA said:
Thing is
Coming onto a developers forum and asking if we include keyloggers in our work is kind of offensive or if its safe to use our work with banking apps (which gives the impression he thinks people like myself are trying to steal his info)
The fact that a user thinks we would do that in an open source environment means the op has not bothered to educate themselves before doing anything
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Click to collapse
Well there have been incidents when things like data leak have happened in XDA. Not because of you, the awesome developers, but because of the rooting methods and other methods and apps that were shared.
Keylogging is pretty easy, well atleast not that a task.
Thus talking about keylogging and other vilnerabilities is banned here too.
Plus when youre rooted, the vulnerability increases a bit.
That is why developers, mods and admins repeatedly explain and tell why warez and other sources apps should not be shared here. First, because you dont know what has been shared, with what coding and another point of condemning warez here is that you cannot just share someones hardwork for free here.
Example : KingoRoot, Vroot that were popular on XDA were banned by XDA Devs because of data leak that were reported and discovered by them. Mods and Admins are pretty cool you see.
If the OP wants to get educated and feel safe for a future relationship with XDA, I fail to understand why can't we just take this as a normal question and be done with clearing his doubts.
Everybody has doubts and they ought to be cleared.
Plus this is XDA, there are n number of sites replicating our devs work and you dont know what is coming for you next.
Thus, we were educating the OP how custom roms made uploaded on XDA are 100% safe and not how custom roms are safe. You as a developer are not being framed here.
Sent from my Ozcan GT-i9500 using XDA mobile app

Rooted Lollipop, want to try Marshmallow.

Hey all, I've spent a couple hours sifting through these pages to find an answer I cannot see. Or, I'm not reading correctly.
I am currently running Jasmine Rom on my rooted/unlocked OF1 Note 3. After several months of everything working fine but slow here and there, I would like to try one of two things. If anyone has some insight (Google certainly doesn't ) that may or may not help me, I'd very much appreciate you...
1- Is unrooting as lollipo to update to marshmallow a good or bad idea? Why?
2- If good, could you point me to a page that I don't have to read 700 posts to find clear instructions to do so?
3- If bad, I will stick with what I have...BUT, I'd really like to get rid of the bloatware (permanently, if possible). Is this possible? NOTE: I've sifted through countless pages of safe to remove bloat, so I'm asking if there's a way to do this upon fresh rom installation?
4- I love this place. I've rooted many a phone with all of your help. I must say that this note 3 vzw section is a WRECK. How can non-devs possibly sort through all this to find working answers? I'm legit asking, not being a smartass...there's active threads from 1983, and how's a regular Joe who wants to play with his toys too supposed to make sense of the endless this-one-works no-it-doesn't mess?
I'm sincerely seeking some final, working answers to the above questions, any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
There is no "update to marshmallow" AFAIK.
OF1 is Lolipop.
XDA has zero threshold to entry, so the postings here are from both geniuses and idiots. You get to sort through them.
Postings are made while the phones are in play - which is to say while stock firmware is changing constantly, and devs and hackers are making changes, revising their stuff and learning new tricks.
So in addition to info which is correct - and stays correct, there is also information that becomes incorrect with new software... or never was correct in the first place.
So yeah, XDA is a mess. But you are missing the point - that it's a hot mess.
Your expectation of perfectly curated data, 100% correct and up-to-date instructions that minimize your time (at the expense of others, naturally) is unreasonable for this simple reason: it doesn't exist anywhere else.
So... step up or step out.
All this stuff is optional behavior. If you don't have time for it, well... then you don't have time for it.
If you want to try marshmallow on your device flash this rom using TWRP : [ROM][CM13][6.0.1_r43][VZW][OTA-Updates] Temasek's UNOFFICIAL.
I'm using version V10.8 on my unlocked OF1 Note 3 and everything works, here is the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...opment/rom-temaseks-unofficial-build-t3364382
bftb0 said:
There is no "update to marshmallow" AFAIK.
OF1 is Lolipop.
XDA has zero threshold to entry, so the postings here are from both geniuses and idiots. You get to sort through them.
Postings are made while the phones are in play - which is to say while stock firmware is changing constantly, and devs and hackers are making changes, revising their stuff and learning new tricks.
So in addition to info which is correct - and stays correct, there is also information that becomes incorrect with new software... or never was correct in the first place.
So yeah, XDA is a mess. But you are missing the point - that it's a hot mess.
Your expectation of perfectly curated data, 100% correct and up-to-date instructions that minimize your time (at the expense of others, naturally) is unreasonable for this simple reason: it doesn't exist anywhere else.
So... step up or step out.
All this stuff is optional behavior. If you don't have time for it, well... then you don't have time for it.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. I must say, though, there's a clear difference between everything being perfectly organized to my taste and organized for the everyman who doesn't have all day to sort through everything in the forum on a particular phone. Im not demanding anything, nor am I accusing anyone of laziness or ignorance. There's wasn't anything implying anyone should do anything. Rather, a question was posed to understand the processes. I get the point of this forum, and more to the point, I APPRECIATE this forum. But I will say that at some point clean up might be a good idea. That's an opinion, not a demand. It is silly to me how unkempt this PARTICULAR part of XDA is.
That said, I will continue to use it happily, messy, hot, or otherwise, and I appreciate everyone's work on these devices for the everyman to experience the full range of possibilities with our devices.
Thanks for the answers.
aaroon200 said:
If you want to try marshmallow on your device flash this rom using TWRP : [ROM][CM13][6.0.1_r43][VZW][OTA-Updates] Temasek's UNOFFICIAL.
I'm using version V10.8 on my unlocked OF1 Note 3 and everything works, here is the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...opment/rom-temaseks-unofficial-build-t3364382
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Click to collapse
Awesome, I will check out it.
Forgive my tone on my original post, XDA. I believe I came across as *****y, and I didn't mean any offense.

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