I've rooted all my devices since the days of the OG Droid. Up until a year or two ago, root and custom roms were a must have for a lot of useful features, but the dependency on root features has definitely gone down as stock android has advanced.
With the Moto X being mostly stock, and a little harder to root (especially with every OTA) I've been thinking about just going stock and keeping it unrooted when it arrives today.
As of now I use root mainly for just backing up and syncing app data between my phone and tablet (since a lot of apps don't implement google's cloud sync). It appears that Helium works with the Moto X, though that's definitely not as seamless or quick of a process. I also use Greenify but apparently that doesn't need root anymore.
Has anyone else gone down this path? I feel like I might end up missing a lot of things I can't even think of right now.
I just got my MotoMaker yesterday, and I was basically in the same boat. I was initially going to just unlock the bootloader, install TWRP, and install SuperUser, but the Moto site was rejecting my device key. I usually will immediately root a device and install Titanium Backup to install my standard set of apps. I gave up waiting for Moto to update their db and started installing apps without unlocking. Most apps I use don't really store much beyond some basic settings locally, so I just re-downloaded everything I wanted from the Play Store and logged into everything again. The few apps that had locally saved data that I wanted to transfer (games, mostly) I ended up using adb on my computer to backup individually, then used adb to push the apps to the new phone. This worked for most things... some apps don't let you back them up. My biggest concern was Google Authenticator, which I use for a number of websites. For that, I had to cheat. Since my existing phone was already rooted, I used adb to pull the stored secrets database off the phone (which you can't do without root). I found this awesome tool which lets you generate QR codes directly from a Google Authenticator db file, and used that to add the secrets to a freshly installed copy of Authenticator.
In the end, the Moto site finally let me get an unlock code, though I think I've decided to skip that, at least for the time being. Unlocking the device wipes it, and I've got things installed and configured the way I want. I don't see myself wanting to push any non-stock roms to this (I really like the Moto additions). I still want root (mostly for backups, though it does make tweaking the device a bit easier), but I can live without it for now.
detonation said:
I've rooted all my devices since the days of the OG Droid. Up until a year or two ago, root and custom roms were a must have for a lot of useful features, but the dependency on root features has definitely gone down as stock android has advanced.
With the Moto X being mostly stock, and a little harder to root (especially with every OTA) I've been thinking about just going stock and keeping it unrooted when it arrives today.
As of now I use root mainly for just backing up and syncing app data between my phone and tablet (since a lot of apps don't implement google's cloud sync). It appears that Helium works with the Moto X, though that's definitely not as seamless or quick of a process. I also use Greenify but apparently that doesn't need root anymore.
Has anyone else gone down this path? I feel like I might end up missing a lot of things I can't even think of right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am the same as you. Traditionally, I always rooted but for the X I've just felt no need. (I was worried about receiving future updates, mostly).
I wrote a guide on backing up and restoring app data to the Moto X without root.
Helium works well for backing up your old devices, but it seems to have trouble for many on restoring the data. That's where my guide comes in, helping lay out the adb commands to finish up.
I will add, though, that after the Lenovo/Moto X announcement, it seems likely that I will root this in the future in case Lenovo drops the ball with delivering future OS updates.
Thanks, forgot about using adb for backup/restore
First Andoid I haven't felt the need to root, it's just so stable and smooth. The only reason I can imagine rooting it would be to install Adaway. Didn't realize how many ads there are until now :laugh:
I have rooted all my previous phones up until the X. I'm still able to enjoy it without the root access.
Usually rooting was necessary to debloat the phone and tune it to a stock like Android experience. Haven't really needed it with the X obviously.
The only thing that bothers me I guess is I didn't realize some of the apps I use had ads....lol
I just want adblocking again.
I was in the same boat before. Flash flash flash... That's all I ever did. Of course it was due to HTC and Samsung. Then with my n4 I went custom kernel and a few mods. The only thing I truly miss root for is ad block but that I can live with out
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
This is my fifth android phone and the first I didn't root. Finally saw no need to as like you say android has come along way, especially with being able to disable and hide apps you don't want. I have used Helium for backup, it needs to be connected to a PC for the first use and then every time the phone is rebooted, a little bit of a hassle. I also have used mybackup pro since 2010 and it never needed root but doesn't have the option to back up to box or dropbox only their own cloud storage.
Same thing for me. Decided first phone not needing root. Tethering even works out of the box! (XT 1053 on AT&T).
The only catch I had with helium was that I wasn't able to restore google authenticator data. So I manually used an SQL lite tool to extract the keys and just re-enter in a new install of google authenticator.
I refuse to limit myself so I got a developers edition. Being one if the first in America with 4.4.2 and being able to fix the exchange email issues beforehand etc are reasons I made sure I had root as an option. However this and my Nexus5 are the first phones that don't have Cyanogen Mod and so far I don't see a need or have a desire to run a different OS.
MotoX GSM Developer Edition, Bootloader Unlocked, Rooted, Stock 4.4.2 Great Britain on T-Mobile !
You're a better man than I if you can pull it off
Galaxy S4 was my first bootloader-locked phone, and I couldn't stand it. I'm on Moto X Dev version now.
I got my Moto X (at&t version) a couple weeks ago and like you I've always rooted. This time the experience was great out of the box, I just reinstalled everything fresh. I hate seeing tons of folders on my "sdcard" so now I feel like its clean and there is no legacy garbage brought over from my old phone. The only thing I am missing over my old phone (HTC One X) is being able to tether for free.
Also, the Motorola Migrate app is actually pretty good at bring your pics, texts and call logs over to your Moto X.
compulov said:
found this awesome tool which lets you generate QR codes directly from a Google Authenticator db file, and used that to add the secrets to a freshly installed copy of Authenticator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share a link to this? I need this also!
msk said:
I got my Moto X (at&t version) a couple weeks ago and like you I've always rooted. This time the experience was great out of the box, I just reinstalled everything fresh. I hate seeing tons of folders on my "sdcard" so now I feel like its clean and there is no legacy garbage brought over from my old phone. The only thing I am missing over my old phone (HTC One X) is being able to tether for free.
Also, the Motorola Migrate app is actually pretty good at bring your pics, texts and call logs over to your Moto X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly how I felt... I wanted to start clean. I have all my photos uploaded to Google+ via auto backup and I occasionally import them all into Lightroom on my laptop, so that was a non-issue. As for SMS, I've been using SMS Backup+ for a few years now to automatically backup my SMS and call history to my Gmail account. It also makes it easy to search my SMS history if I'm looking for an old message.
Can you share a link to this? I need this also!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tool I used can be found here: https://github.com/ikonst/authenticator-import
It's basically an html page and some javascripts that you run locally in your browser (no web server needed). I actually want to run this again and save the QR codes either into Lastpasss or an encrypted file or something, just so I have easy access to them in the future.
I can do lots of things without needing root now thanks to third party apps. There are still essential reasons I need root. Ads blocking and apps permission management mainly and have more to do with security and anti-malware, I purchase my apps so it's not about depriving devs. App Ops will no longer work with Android 4.4.2 without root, I think it's a major mistake by Google. Also Cerberus needs root to exist through factory reset.
But so far I haven't root my Moto X due to warranty, but will eventually. I think the Moto X is very usable without needing root and KitKat with ART performance really help with that.
Just a question about the bootloader on the MotoX. If I unlock it, can I relock it and unlock it later without needing to use the unlock code or run into any trouble?
sent via tapatalk
I was in the same boat for about a day. I couldn't help myself and had to get the Xposed Framework up and running. I need Gravity Box and Xprivacy.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda app-developers app
overthatscreen said:
I was in the same boat for about a day. I couldn't help myself and had to get the Xposed Framework up and running. I need Gravity Box and Xprivacy.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I am probably going to root but only because I often use tethering. I used to do all the custom roms and such, but those are more of a PITA than they're worth the majority of the time.
deanrobbins said:
I am probably going to root but only because I often use tethering. I used to do all the custom roms and such, but those are more of a PITA than they're worth the majority of the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted because I needed to get that stupid at&t logo off the top of the screen and gravity box was + and greenify.
MOTO X Slapped
Related
After a bit of work, I finally got my phone working the way I want. I basically tried to get the phone as clean as possible and removed the Motorola bloat.
- Phone no longer reboots itself.. at all.
- 20+ hours of battery is the norm, despite a good amount of use
- Very stable and responsive
Please note: I have the extended battery and use Launcher Pro. Freezing certain apps will stop the Motorola widgets, home screen, and apps from working properly.
1. Flashed the TBH SBF on to phone
2. Formatted SD card
3. Wiped the cache and partition
4. Rooted phone with z4 root
5. Installed Titanium Backup and froze apps
Apps frozen:
3G Mobile Hotspot 2.2.1
Amazon MP3
Backup Assistant 1.0
Backup Assistant 2.2.1
Battery Manager 1.1
City ID 1.0.30
com.motorola.photowidget 2.2.1
Files 2.2.1
Global Unplug 1.0
Help Center 2.2.1
InPocket 2.2.1
MediaShare 1.0.0
Messages 2.2.1
Messaging 2.2.1
News 2.2.1
NFS Shift 1.0
Print to Retail 1.0
Quick Contact 2.2.1
Skype mobile 1.0.0.2
Social Messaging 2.2.1
Social Messaging Service 2.2.1
Social Networking 2.2.1
Social Sharing 2.2.1
Social Status 2.2.1
Sticky Note 2.2.1
Sync Service 1.5.7
Task Manager 1.0
Toggle Widgets 2.2.1
Universal Inbox 2.2.1
Voice Commands
Voicemail 1.1
VZ Navigator
Weather 2.2.1
Yahoo Contacts 2.2.1
I really hate the fact this was all necessary. The original Droid was a great device, because it did not contain any bloatware. I've learned my lesson and will only buy Android devices without it, such as the Nexus series of phones. At least in the meantime, I can use a properly functioning device again.
Thanks a lot for your post mate, it is really helpful.
Were you able to update your phone to the latest version? Did you have any issues updating ?
Thanks.
Even though I haven't had too many problems so far, I went in and froze everything on your list. I have gotten an occasional auto-reboot, so maybe this will help.
Can you explain what this is?
1. Flashed the TBH SBF on to phone
Thanks!
@elmemyself: Yes, the phone updated just fine.
@MrWilliams2: If your phone is rebooting by itself, try switching it back to Global if you currently have it set to CDMA. I never changed it to CDMA since wiping everything and I haven't had a single reboot in almost a week now.
TBH is Team Black Hat.. they are the ones that first released a valid SBF. The SBF is basically an image that will restore your phone back to it's factory settings. All of your current programs and settings will still be intact after you install the SBF because those reside in the cache and partition. You can choose to "wipe" them by booting your phone into Recovery Mode. I went this route to get my phone as clean as possible and so far it's paying off.
To get into Recovery Mode, turn off your phone. Hold 'R' and 'M' keys and turn on the phone. After the '!' comes up, press '@'. Follow the directions on screen.
One last note.. after you format SD card and wipe cache / partition, your phone is essentially factory reset. I highly recommend you turn Wifi on, if it isn't already. After entering my Google account settings, it automatically downloaded my Wifi settings and connected to my router. It then proceeded to download every app I had on my phone previously. If you aren't connected via WiFi, it will take a lot longer for your phone to re-download all those apps.
Good luck!
Thanks for this great information!
I've been holding off rooting my Pro (after using my rooted OG Droid for the past year), but will be rooting soon with the help of the info you've provided...
Sent from my DROID PRO using XDA App
A few questions
MANY thanks eus107709 for your wonderful guide! I'm sure MANY of us appreciate it and will be following it.
I have a few questions:
1) Why do we have to use the SBF at all? Why not just 'factory reset' the phone using the android/menu/settings option?
2) If we use the SBF, I hear we have to re-activate phone with Verizon. Is this true? I'm in the UK and don't have a verizon account (phone is unlocked). Will I be able to bypass activation?
3) How can I clear the micro-sd card of all my settings to start fresh? Will that also wipe any pictures and music I have on it?
4) By using this method, how (or will I) be able to upgrade the OS with future OS upgrades from Motorola and/or Verizon?
5) not directly related - as we know the phone is radio locked to verizon and unable to use with AT&T / T-Mobile in America. Is it possible to get it radio unlocked to use other bands? The reason I ask is: will I get better 'signal' / reception if I do this? I work in Central London often, where signal is top in the country, but often my 'H' radio bar only shows 2 out of 4. I expect it to be 4 being in London, or at the very least 3, but it never goes above 2 really. Could this be related to the 'locked radio'? I've seen this but can't find much info/feedback yet: see twitter and 'droidbandunlock'
Sorry for all the long-winded questions. Thanks in advance eus107709
I'll try to answer to the best of my knowledge, but I'm afraid I'm not qualified to comment on them all.
1) Why do we have to use the SBF at all? Why not just 'factory reset' the phone using the android/menu/settings option?
Many of us have rooted our phones and removed stock applications that we believe hinder the performance of the device. This prevents us from applying the system update provided by Motorola. I think, but am not positive, that "factory resetting" the phone via the menu options merely clears the cache but doesn't restore the removed apps.
2) If we use the SBF, I hear we have to re-activate phone with Verizon. Is this true? I'm in the UK and don't have a verizon account (phone is unlocked). Will I be able to bypass activation?
If you bought your phone in the United States, through Verizon, I'm pretty sure you need to call them to SIM unlock your phone to be used on a different carrier. They are generally willing to comply with your request if you're a customer in good standing or if you've purchased the phone at full retail value. I believe you generally only have to do this once, but maybe someone more experienced at this can confirm.
3) How can I clear the micro-sd card of all my settings to start fresh? Will that also wipe any pictures and music I have on it?
You can clear the micro-SD card by going to Settings -> SD Card -> Unmount SD card (takes a few seconds) -> Format SD Card.
The applications store program data and settings in the SD card which I like to clear when starting fresh. Uninstalled software often leaves residual data that will continue living on unless you manually delete them. It likely will never affect you, but I know this in the back of my mind and it bugs the hell out of me. I also worry about configuration files leftover from previous installations that will affect my newly installed ones (of the same program). The likelyhood of that being a problem is also very small, but ya never know and I like reducing the chances of things going wrong.
4) By using this method, how (or will I) be able to upgrade the OS with future OS upgrades from Motorola and/or Verizon?
Yes. The TBH SBF is a copy of the software on your phone as it was from Motorola. Rooting your phone by this method is not permanent and can be undone. Freezing the apps is also temporary and can be undone by "unfreezing". Bottom line: You aren't making any permanent changes to your phone. The SBF is a safety net, so even if we made drastic changes to our phone, we can install the SBF to start clean again. I'm more than willing to install new ROMs for our phone as they come out, but as of right now it's not an absolute necessity.
5) not directly related - as we know the phone is radio locked to verizon and unable to use with AT&T / T-Mobile in America. Is it possible to get it radio unlocked to use other bands? The reason I ask is: will I get better 'signal' / reception if I do this? I work in Central London often, where signal is top in the country, but often my 'H' radio bar only shows 2 out of 4. I expect it to be 4 being in London, or at the very least 3, but it never goes above 2 really. Could this be related to the 'locked radio'? I've seen this but can't find much info/feedback yet: see twitter and 'droidbandunlock'
I'm fairly certain "unlocking the radio" will not improve your reception in the UK, but I don't really know enough about how they are blocking US carriers.
Hope things are a little bit more clear!
need to z4 root
i need to z4 root
please take a link fo me
Thanks very much for your response my friend!
I appreciate your help on all things regardless of your background and experience.
Activating vs unlocking - phone is factory and/or verizon unlocked and that is permanent. Activating is different from unlocking where we register our phone with verizon. I thought I saw someone say using sbf requires re-activation, and that they were able to bypass it somehow.
I will probably backup my pics and music etc on my PC before formatting the sd card.
Btw, do you notice the battery life increase after freezing all the unnecessary software?
Please also share any other experiences you've had since cleaning up your phone.
Thanks again my friend.
Sent from my DROID PRO using XDA App
You're welcome, I'm glad to help!
Updating the SBF or factory resetting your phone will surely require activation, but that is easily done. Most of the time, your phone will automatically prompt you to activate which is denoted by a "ACTIVATE NOW" button. Otherwise, just dial *228. It usually doesn't take more than 10 seconds and is completely automated.
My battery life was never horrendous, BUT it wasn't consistent. There were times when my battery would seemingly drain leaving me with only 9-10 hours of usage. Please keep in mind that no matter what you remove, battery life will still not be amazing. It's a smartphone after-all, and if you're like me who is constantly making use of it, you're not going to go 2 days without a recharge.
There is a very good chance that if you've never used the Droid 1, Nexus, or G1 you may not consider it "useless software". Personally, I like using Android the way Google designed it. When I switch Android phones, I don't want to be switching between "Blur" (motorola), "Sense" (HTC), and whatever Samsung calls their UI overlay and apps.
Right now, it's the closest I can get the phone to the way Google intended. In terms of functionality, you will not notice anything much different. I highly recommend using either Launcher Pro or ADW Launcher. IMO, both are better than the Motorola home screen launcher and even Google's default.
I hope that in between the time you're tweaking the phone you get to actually enjoy it, because it is still a great experience
nice....curious tho
Thx for the post man. helped me to utilize titanium and decide on some things to freeze. now I have to go back in and choose some things to quit backing up lol. im currently looking up everything you have frozen to actually see what purpose it serves before I freeze it though. a question Im surprised hasn't been asked of ya. I wanted to ask ya about launcher pro though. what are the benefits? is it just more efficient or..? thanks again man
Just want to say thanks again!
And that launcher pro is not only brilliant to use, but also saved me loads of battery life!
It seems that motoblur uses a lot of battery with widgets etc.
With launcher pro my phone's extended battery shows 80% after 7 hours, whereas without it, and 7 hours later otherwise (using phone in same way!) I would have 60 or 70% left.
Highly recommend.
I will also use titanuim. Isnt it better to remove apps rather than freeze them?
Cheers!
Sent from my DROID PRO using XDA App
@budwiser0240
While most people use Titanium Backup for backup, I really only use it for freezing. As for "Backup Assistant", it's something that Motorola concocted and I refuse to use it. Google already automatically backs up what I need.
As for Launcher Pro or ADW, I feel it's runs more smoothly than the Motorola or Google homescreens. There are many things you can configure in LP and ADW, but I won't go into them here.. there's enough threads about them. To keep it simple, just use the default settings for now.
@hanybanoub
The biggest drain on your battery is probably those social networking widgets that come with the phone. The Motorola widgets and programs all seem to be poorly written software. If you want to use social networking widgets, maybe you can use the official ones from the Market.
Freezing the apps allows you to quickly unfreeze them if you need to. Motorola updates often requires those apps be present. Also, if you break the functionality of the phone by freezing/removing them, it's easier to fix. With the SBF available, it's not that big of a deal either way. You can always restore them.
Complete newbie to android
I am a complete newbie to the android system so if I could get some clarification . I've got my phone configured the way I like it with LauncherPro. I have not rooted yet but I am interested in using TitaniumBackup to freeze useless apps, especially cityID. A few questions then:
1. Does freezing all these apps effectively mean getting rid of MotoBlur? I am under the impression that MotoBlur runs in the background and LauncherPro simply runs over it?
2. Can I use z4root version 1.3.0? Will the unroot option work if I need to unroot or will I have to flash the TBH SBF to unroot?
3. Do I need to wipe anything prior to rooting and using Titanium backup or can I just do those two steps if I haven't rooted before?
4. Optional Question What sort of advantage do would a custom ROM give a phone like the Droid Pro versus rooting and freezing useless apps?
Thanks
@LeoBloom
1. MotoBlur runs deep.. you're only getting rid of some of it. Components of the original Android code aren't even included in the software, so you're still running Blur. When you run LauncherPro, the Motorola homescreen will not be running. The phone/contacts module, the gallery, the camera.. it's all Moto. Not all of it is terrible I suppose.. seems like many of the components are built off Android code, just modified (maybe someone can confirm this).
2. You should be able to unroot with 1.3.. never tried, but I do get the unroot button.
3. You don't have to wipe for either of those.
4. It depends on the custom ROM and the objective of the "chef". Some modders aim for Battery Life, some for speed, and some try to bring the phone back to being close to AOSP. Android Operating System Project is the source code that all Android phones are based off of, but unfortunately manufacturers like to deviate away from it by adding their own garbage.
Thanks
Thanks for the replies eus!
I have one more question regarding "nandroid" backups. From what I understand, if I mess something up, I don't have to flash the TBH SBF if I have a nandroid backup. I could instead use it to revert my phone to the way I had it before I started experimenting.
Are there any specific instructions beyond what is listed here:
androidforums DOT com/droid-pro-all-things-root/233471-droid-pro-bootstrap-clockwork-mod.html
(New users restriction, cannot post links)
Does anyone else have experience with this and can add something?
Sometimes I wish I had gotten a Droid X solely because of the number of guides already written for it... :S
Thx for the reply. definitely gonna check out launcher pro soon
eus107709 said:
@budwiser0240
While most people use Titanium Backup for backup, I really only use it for freezing. As for "Backup Assistant", it's something that Motorola concocted and I refuse to use it. Google already automatically backs up what I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup Assistant is a verizon feature. It's available on all new verizon smartphones and is backed up your verizon account online.
Thanks for the list. I froze almost all the same things as you after installing the latest OTA update. seems to be working great.
I didn't freeze:
Social Messaging 2.2.1
Social Mess Serv 2.2.1
Social Net 2.2.1
Social Share 2.2.1
Social Status 2.2.1
I want to freeze most of these, but I really want to keep the linking between facebook, linkedin and my contacts. Anyone know which ones I can safely remove? I don't care about ANY of the other functionality associated with these. Plan to use the facebook app from marketplace. This app however doesn't link into your motorola contact like it does in ASOP
Unfortunately, the Facebook app will never be able to sync with your contacts because our phone uses Motorola's contact manager instead of the Android Source Code Project one (as you've mentioned). Perhaps you can look into installing the AOSP contact manager on the Droid Pro. I'm not sure if it's possible though, but it might be worth looking into.
I have no intention of ever running the "social" apps ever again, so can't help you there!
I recently got a nexus 10. I put some stuff on it and I am enjoying it. I have run across a few issues. I found that rooting will fix some of the issues.
1) If I root I will loose everything i just put on, not a huge deal, but is there an option to back-up prior to rooting?
2) I found a toolkit that says it has everything for backing-up, rooting, etc. Is this better then the "easy" way on the root options.
3) Other then being able to watch Hulu on a browser, what does rooting get me? Will I end up with a "modded" play store?
bc320 said:
I recently got a nexus 10. I put some stuff on it and I am enjoying it. I have run across a few issues. I found that rooting will fix some of the issues.
1) If I root I will loose everything i just put on, not a huge deal, but is there an option to back-up prior to rooting?
2) I found a toolkit that says it has everything for backing-up, rooting, etc. Is this better then the "easy" way on the root options.
3) Other then being able to watch Hulu on a browser, what does rooting get me? Will I end up with a "modded" play store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Rooting is quite a personal thing, I like rooting due to more apps, better system management, etc. Now for the questions:
1) Rooting involves unlocking your bootloader, therefore it will completely wipe your device.
2) Usually I recommend learning and doing everything manually, but I think you can try using a toolkit! I can't tell you which is good and which isn't, so remember to read the whole OP. If you want to backup your apps and data make sure they offer "adb backup" support.
3) AFAIK you can root tranquilly, all the apps I used to use still work fine.
~Lord
"All I Ever Needed Was A Little Piece of Hope" - World of Fantasy (Helloween)
Sent from my monstrous Xperia Z1
bc320 said:
I recently got a nexus 10. I put some stuff on it and I am enjoying it. I have run across a few issues. I found that rooting will fix some of the issues.
1) If I root I will loose everything i just put on, not a huge deal, but is there an option to back-up prior to rooting?
2) I found a toolkit that says it has everything for backing-up, rooting, etc. Is this better then the "easy" way on the root options.
3) Other then being able to watch Hulu on a browser, what does rooting get me? Will I end up with a "modded" play store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hop between USA and UK and I must in UK use proxy to watch Hulu and when in USA use proxy to watch BBC. To get the proxy to actually work I must root and use proxydroid, it puts the proxy beneath a list of apps like Hulu app and BBC app not just the browser proxy non-root Android offers.
Well XxLordxX already said it..
1. You can back up your apps with Carbon from Clockworkmod from the play store. Then transfer everything you want to keep to your PC.
2. Rooting manually is waaay better and not hard.
3. All apps will work the same but some will have more features/work better. I really like rooting but some people dont for some reason
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
I read the blog post on XDA about getting rid of Google on an android phone.
http://www.xda-developers.com/setting-up-android-marshmallow-without-google/#comment
It started with install TWRP. I know what it is, but just had a problem with it on a Nexus 4 running CM 10. I could not get to it through recovery. Finally had to install Clockwork Mod, and that got me to where I needed to go to put 12.1 on the Nexus. I had gotten both from Play. Is there a better download for TWRP elsewhere? and a good wiki? (I do read everything)
I've had problems with Play, I have an Oppo and Google told me some of my apps would not run. BULL! i repurchased from Amazon and they ran just fine. Google has also insisted that some of my wifi only tablets belonged to my carrier.
I can't get Carbon to run - tried everything possible and no joy. Can TWRP run a backup if you aren't rooted? I didn't root the Oppo. You could turn everything off so rooting was not necessary.
I've ordered the Moto X Pure, and since I don't use Google for anything except apps, I have no contacts, sms or other goodies stored there.
I don't want to, either. There's other cloud services besides Google. I also have friends that despise Google. They buy a phone and only use what the carrier offers. They just leave phone stock and don't want their names in Google's database via emails. The carriers update the phones. I also don't use Gmail. The account is mostly just to give out to spammers and to buy apps.
If I'm paying for a private mail service, I don't see why Google should get the info.
I'm concerned about the contact list.
Will TWRP help? and which 3rd party is best?
Thanks
I use a fairly fast phone for certain apps. All are reference and I like having them on the phone. All my info is at my fingertips. These apps will not run on anything but a smart phone. I also always buy unlocked phones. TMO is switching bands and the Oppo doesn't have the newer ones that I want to try.
I'd prefer to give the phone a chance, but if I get too annoyed, I'll root it.
I see the info here has improved - it's no longer in phone shorthand where you have to look up all the shortcuts.
For almost as long as I've been using Android devices (going back to my old Nexus One), I've been reading rave review about TitaniumBackup. I've given it a shot on a few occassions, and I've never been able to get it do anything useful, largely because I was never willing to invest the time to understand the user interface.
I'm now faced with the task of upgrading my daughter's Nexus 10 from the last stock OS release to LineageOS, while preserving her apps, data, settings, etc. I thought that my biggest obstacle would be the locked bootloader (and the automatic data wipe when unlocking it). Fortunately, I was able to root the device with KingoRoot and install TWRP. At this point, I figures that I should be able to use TitaniumBackup to migrate her apps, assuming that I was willing to fight through the UI issues.
Boy was I wrong!
I've now spent the better part of a week trying to get this working. After (sort of) figuring out how to use USB storage, determining that the "create update.zip" function doesn't work at all, and finally, FINALLY, managing to actually restore an app, I find that it hasn't copied any of my daughter's data; all apps behave as if they're newly installed.
What at waste of time and money!
I'm sorry to hear about your experience.
I was a regular user of titanium Backup during the days I spent with changing roms regularly.
I've never used the update.zip feature myself, so I can't say anything about it, however I've never had issues with the app.
The essential workflow is to make a backup and then a restore when on a new rom, both the backup and restore may be done on individual apps or as a batch job for multiple apps.
When you r restored the app, did you select "app only" or "app +data"?
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk
rufy93 said:
When you r restored the app, did you select "app only" or "app +data"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App+data
The issue seems to be that it simply doesn't understand restricted profiles, which is pretty darn sad in 2017.
ipilcher said:
App+data
The issue seems to be that it simply doesn't understand restricted profiles, which is pretty darn sad in 2017.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume with profile you refer to the mulitiple accounts feature built in android.
I have to say, I have never need to use multiple accounts on my devices, and as such am unfamiliar with them.
Hi All
Soon to be retiring my trusted rooted Samsung S7 Edge I have had for nearly 30 months for a new S20.
I have been rooting my androids for over 10 years now but am thinking that when it comes to the S20 I no longer wish to root. The reason is the security of the device is pretty high on my agenda and unfortuntely I dont get the time nowadays to keep my phone up to date via the unconventional means.
I have use few rooted apps over the years such as Titanium backup and few apps within Magisk such as the Youtube Vanced (no ADS) and also viper4android.
Before I make this decision can anyone convince me that rooting is still the way to go and I can do it without taking up too much of my time? I can already see there is some rooted builds already available. Is it even more dificult to perform the root process with the newer phones? I assume Knox won't work and other similar apps which rely on a unrooted phone or are there ways around this?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Thanks
On Samsung devices rooting allows you to debloat the phone a lot, which on my Galaxy S8 improved performances and battery peformances A LOT (it was a fast as the bloated S9+ of my parents on daily usage)
Also it allows you to install apps such as Viper4Android as you said, also it allows me to backup my WHOLE phone so that if any **** happens I can just restore everything.
The update process is fairly easy when it works, just download the updated zip and flash it via TWRP, however except some issues which would require you to reinstall, everything. sometimes with custom roms.
On my side as soon as a good custom rom is here, I will root it and go to a custom rom.
Also the rooting process doesn't take too much time, I'd say 1 hour if you encounter no problem, and yes knox features won't work tho I don't use any of them so.
Personally, rooting isn't near as great as it use to be. Adblock can be done via VPN or through private DNS. Music sounds just as good without Viper. Performance and battery life are incredible. You can uninstall anything via adb. Only thing I wish we could do without root is backup everything as well as titanium does.
Kind of similar situation here... I also used s7, rooted and flashed every device since android 2.1, and guess what - my s20 is still in factory condition
I'm not sure how long it will last, but for now I'm managing to find replacement for most things I got used to, without root. If i got bored some day, I might root it, but for now I'm enjoying it as it is :angel:
Same here. I'm enjoying my root free s20+
Haven't rooted since note 2.. Even on my s7 and note 8.. Except had to root my note 8 when samsung decided to lock usage of dual sim with sdcard. Before that I modded my simcard (remove the simcard from the plastic card, file off few mm off my sdcard and stick the simcard chip on the microsd card) on s7 and note 8 that allows me to have dual sim.
When samsung updated my note 8 to one ui, they locked dual simcard function when they detect the sdcard. So had to root my note 8.
Now that the s20 allows dual sim (1 sim and 1 esim) and sdcard, there really isn't a reason to root the phone anymore, well for me that is..
Having rooted phones with magisk is just horrible. Had to reset the phone every time there is an update (prerooted custom rom, dr ketans rom) and sometimes magisk just doesn't hide root properly. It fails sometimes then i have to update magisk..
Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk
I'm wondering the same, and did root my S20+. It was painful and it half work: Google Pay and Netflix no longer work. And I did use Magisk Hide to no avail. Now when I sell it it Google Pay might work, but Samsung Pay will not (didn't verify).
Nowadays I found a way to do a lot of things without root. With a little PC app I unlock a lot of features and it makes root far less mandatory. So I mainly root to test my apps. For my daily device I no longer intend to root it.
Dont take this the wrong way but i am really curious. What are the pros for rooting phones, especially $1000+ phones, in 2020?
I dont remember the last phone i rooted. I wanna say my Nexus 5 but really cant recall.
Could you please share which pc app you are using, I'd like to try it.
Thanks
3c said:
I'm wondering the same, and did root my S20+. It was painful and it half work: Google Pay and Netflix no longer work. And I did use Magisk Hide to no avail. Now when I sell it it Google Pay might work, but Samsung Pay will not (didn't verify).
Nowadays I found a way to do a lot of things without root. With a little PC app I unlock a lot of features and it makes root far less mandatory. So I mainly root to test my apps. For my daily device I no longer intend to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crows said:
Could you please share which pc app you are using, I'd like to try it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's this app: https://3c71.com/3cc
You'll need to use one of my apps which is able to take advantage of it transparently. It's pretty recent and still work in progress. I have to check every features one by one to know which one works with this method. Recently added disabling app (and their individual components) and force-stop. Just that is pretty awesome IMO . Allows debloating a device painlessly.
It will also enable app data backup in the future. Limited to apps which have authorized data backup by Google framework.
I'm so excited since I discovered all the things that could be done that way.
Im downloading now, when you say use one of your apps, what do you mean app on phone?
3c said:
It's this app: https://3c71.com/3cc
You'll need to use one of my apps which is able to take advantage of it transparently. It's pretty recent and still work in progress. I have to check every features one by one to know which one works with this method. Recently added disabling app (and their individual components) and force-stop. Just that is pretty awesome IMO . Allows debloating a device painlessly.
It will also enable app data backup in the future. Limited to apps which have authorized data backup by Google framework.
I'm so excited since I discovered all the things that could be done that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crows said:
Im downloading now, when you say use one of your apps, what do you mean app on phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, an app on phone. You'll get links for them and more details when you start the companion app. For now only toolbox allows disabling (called freezing) apps, but there's an app coming soon for app management alone that will have that.
Does it allow to edit root files such as CSC files?
3c said:
Yes, an app on phone. You'll get links for them and more details when you start the companion app. For now only toolbox allows disabling (called freezing) apps, but there's an app coming soon for app management alone that will have that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crows said:
Does it allow to edit root files such as CSC files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't give root access, but only gives access to "dev" features that you can do with ADB.
jojos38 said:
On Samsung devices rooting allows you to debloat the phone a lot, which on my Galaxy S8 improved performances and battery peformances A LOT (it was a fast as the bloated S9+ of my parents on daily usage)
Also it allows you to install apps such as Viper4Android as you said, also it allows me to backup my WHOLE phone so that if any **** happens I can just restore everything.
The update process is fairly easy when it works, just download the updated zip and flash it via TWRP, however except some issues which would require you to reinstall, everything. sometimes with custom roms.
On my side as soon as a good custom rom is here, I will root it and go to a custom rom.
Also the rooting process doesn't take too much time, I'd say 1 hour if you encounter no problem, and yes knox features won't work tho I don't use any of them so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can debloat using ADB....
3c said:
I'm wondering the same, and did root my S20+. It was painful and it half work: Google Pay and Netflix no longer work. And I did use Magisk Hide to no avail. Now when I sell it it Google Pay might work, but Samsung Pay will not (didn't verify).
Nowadays I found a way to do a lot of things without root. With a little PC app I unlock a lot of features and it makes root far less mandatory. So I mainly root to test my apps. For my daily device I no longer intend to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download magisk hide prop to fix that google pay issue. Now hide all google pay in magisk. I have a rooted s20+ exynos with working gpay.
ranjb said:
Hi All
Soon to be retiring my trusted rooted Samsung S7 Edge I have had for nearly 30 months for a new S20.
I have been rooting my androids for over 10 years now but am thinking that when it comes to the S20 I no longer wish to root. The reason is the security of the device is pretty high on my agenda and unfortuntely I dont get the time nowadays to keep my phone up to date via the unconventional means.
I have use few rooted apps over the years such as Titanium backup and few apps within Magisk such as the Youtube Vanced (no ADS) and also viper4android.
Before I make this decision can anyone convince me that rooting is still payg way to go and I can do it without taking up too much of my time? I can already see there is some rooted builds already available. Is it even more dificult to perform the root process with the newer phones? I assume Knox won't work and other similar apps which rely on a unrooted phone or are there ways around this?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the same situation ; Now it's possible to delete & / or disable so many apps i don't feel the need to root.
You don't need to be rooted to use YouTube Vanced , ive installed it already! But.... Viper4Android is a huge benefit for an audiophile (I had the LG G8 ThinQ , can't root it , sent it back , A Quad DAC with V4A ??)
Knox & warranty for me are the hindrances , apparently depending on your nation warranties must be adhered to by manufacturers if hardware fails even if you manipulate the software.
Titanium backup has carried me since my Sony Xperia z3 plus , i have old versions of apps like SwiftKey before Microsoft purchased it.
I'll probably root in a few months when things are more stable , i don't use Samsung pay or secure folders so.... Literally down to warranty reasons as this s20+ 5G (I don't need 5g , either 4G is so fast) is expensive, never thought I'd get a phone like this (suppose its a computer really)
An exposed module called LTE Only (There's other variants) is also useful as this phone sometimes opts for 5bars of h+ over 3 bars of 4g , so annoying that LTE only isn't standard given you can call over VoLTE & still receive texts
---------- Post added at 02:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 AM ----------
Djapatos said:
Dont take this the wrong way but i am really curious. What are the pros for rooting phones, especially $1000+ phones, in 2020?
I dont remember the last phone i rooted. I wanna say my Nexus 5 but really cant recall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends what you like or don't like.
I hate the Notion that the microphone gets activated by apps whenever the algorithm is triggered , rooted phoned allow the easy manipulation of app permissions - not that I've anything to hide it's just creepy , I don't use alexa or Google (whatever it's called) or bixby voice.
Essentially rooting your phone allows absolute manipulation of the system.
My S8 is rooted & has now employed a smashed screen , I thoroughly enjoy rooting but its actually to long winded for me now.
I don't think I've ever rooted & installed a rom once & left it , there's always wiping , reflashing , updating TWRP , updating roms , returning to stock to receive official firmware updates then reflashing updated rom
Ugghh as I write I think I've convinced myself. Rooting maybe dead for me. Being an audiophile / music maker I'd now only root an LG V or G phone as V4A & the incredible quad DAC is a heavenly combination for my ears
I stopped rooting years ago. It's just not worth it for most users.
Changed my mind , ended up rooting the phone (The adverts tipped me over the edge - seriously annoying).
debloated alot , disabled even more & can backup using titanium backup if i ever need to restart etc (quicker than / & i don't use cloud transfer).
i had to reflash after disabling too much & realised my data wasn't lost when flashing HOME_CSC rather than CSC which deletes everything (i know I'm preaching to the choir) which made me realise that updating this rooted s20+ is actually very easy.
jojos38 said:
On Samsung devices rooting allows you to debloat the phone a lot, which on my Galaxy S8 improved performances and battery peformances A LOT (it was a fast as the bloated S9+ of my parents on daily usage)
Also it allows you to install apps such as Viper4Android as you said, also it allows me to backup my WHOLE phone so that if any **** happens I can just restore everything.
The update process is fairly easy when it works, just download the updated zip and flash it via TWRP, however except some issues which would require you to reinstall, everything. sometimes with custom roms.
On my side as soon as a good custom rom is here, I will root it and go to a custom rom.
Also the rooting process doesn't take too much time, I'd say 1 hour if you encounter no problem, and yes knox features won't work tho I don't use any of them so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need root to debloat a phone. Just ADB. I removed nearly everything Samsung soon as I got the phone.