[Q] Simple Root? Or another way to enable LTE? - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
I left the land of iOS a while back because I was sick of the cat-and-mouse game around jailbreaking. I assured that I could root my Nexus 4 and install whatever I want. The problem is that everything I keep finding about rooting my phone is like *massive* overkill.
I'm used to iOS where jailbreaking simply unlocks the phone so I can do whatever I want. I basically want to achieve that same effect on my phone. It would be ideal if I could even still somehow get system updates from Google after rooting but that might be asking too much.
I've had my phone for some time now and there are only two reasons I want to root it:
1) I want to enable LTE
2) I want to be able to install AdBlock fully
I don't want to install a customized ROM. Everything about my phone is fine. I just want to do the two above things. In fact, I almost don't even care that much about AdBlock. Enabling LTE that is most important to me.
Is it necessary for me to locate a new ROM to do this? If so, where can I find a ROM identical to the one currently installed (everything is up to date) but simply 'unlocked' so I can install the LTE enabler? Is there another way to enable LTE without rooting?
Sorry if this question has been answered, I've searched around, but I seem to be finding lots of not very useful answers.

blueandwhiteg3 said:
Hello,
I left the land of iOS a while back because I was sick of the cat-and-mouse game around jailbreaking. I assured that I could root my Nexus 4 and install whatever I want. The problem is that everything I keep finding about rooting my phone is like *massive* overkill.
I'm used to iOS where jailbreaking simply unlocks the phone so I can do whatever I want. I basically want to achieve that same effect on my phone. It would be ideal if I could even still somehow get system updates from Google after rooting but that might be asking too much.
I've had my phone for some time now and there are only two reasons I want to root it:
1) I want to enable LTE
2) I want to be able to install AdBlock fully
I don't want to install a customized ROM. Everything about my phone is fine. I just want to do the two above things. In fact, I almost don't even care that much about AdBlock. Enabling LTE that is most important to me.
Is it necessary for me to locate a new ROM to do this? If so, where can I find a ROM identical to the one currently installed (everything is up to date) but simply 'unlocked' so I can install the LTE enabler? Is there another way to enable LTE without rooting?
Sorry if this question has been answered, I've searched around, but I seem to be finding lots of not very useful answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read you post and I think you are asking for something (i.e., LTE) but you don't want to get your hands dirty. So here is my suggestion for you, sell your nexus 4 on swappa and then buy the Nexus 5 which has LTE by default. The price of Nexus 5 has come down very much that you can recoup some by selling the Nexus 4.

I never said I'm unwilling to get my hands dirty. I am just trying to find the simplest, cleanest way to do this. Once I identify that, I'll execute.

blueandwhiteg3 said:
I never said I'm unwilling to get my hands dirty. I am just trying to find the simplest, cleanest way to do this. Once I identify that, I'll execute.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two main steps really:
1. Root your phone (involves unlocking your bootloader):
a. This will destroy all data on your phone, so back up what you need to
b. This is a great guide to getting it done: http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Blog/Google-Nexus-4-Unlock-and-Root-Guide/ba-p/6983918"
It uses the graphical toolkit which if you dont want to get your hands dirty makes it much easier than messing around with the command line
c. In summary the process is Download toolkit on PC -> Enable usb debugging on phone -> Install Drivers on PC (from toolkit) -> Unlock Bootloader -> Install Root and Flash Custom Recovery
2. Flash a custom Modem. This enables the LTE/4G:
a. This basically overwrites the radio software with one which has 4G Unlocked
b. bpear96 has written an App that you can get from the Play Store which makes it easier for you to do this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/themes-apps/app-nexus-4-modem-flasher-lte-enabler-t2607221)
c. This is a good guide to do so (http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-enable-lte-google-nexus-4-e960-1447403), follow the bit that says ‘How to enable LTE on Nexus 4’. You have to choose a LTE Hybrid Modem, flash this (will reboot) and then go back into the app and Say Enable LTE.
At this point your phone should be able to pick up the LTE Signals and should show 4G.
Since you're rooted, you can simply download the AdAway apk and install it.

Use the Wugsfresh toolkit to get root, then the LTE Flasher to get LTE.
The hardest part will be getting the right Windows drivers to install, but that's Microsoft's fault not Google
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

Related

[Q] Droid 2, Roms & activations

You guys must be tired of people asking the same over and over, and to be honest that is because information is so scattered newcomers often get confused.
But Anyways.
I've got myself a motorila Droid 2 a few days ago, poking around internet i found about rooting and roms and all that stuff, however I've got a question that's yet to be answered!
I'm currently residing in Mexico, my Droid 2 is unlocked and activated on a mexican carrier, however on the guides I've red so far it says that one of the requirements for installing custom ROM's one must wipe all data from the phone and return to factory settings, this means i will have to pay AGAIN to get it unlocked and activated?
As i said before, information is scattered, and is not always accuarate.
Somewhere on the net i also found a post that states customs ROM's come unlocked... whats with that?
And one last question.
What will happen if i only root my phone, no custom rom added? will this be harmful in any way? could i be able to overclock and get rid of the annoying verizon apps or do i forcefully need to install a custom ROM?
Thanks for all answers in advance.
Rooting itself would not harm your device, however rooting allows you to do pretty much anything on the device. So, in other words, rooting wont hurt it, however what it allows you to do CAN hurt it.
As far as the roms being unlocked, as far as I have read, all roms are unlocked. However I could be mistaken. But there is an easy way to find out for sure: give it a try. What I would do first root the device and install the Clockwork Recovery Mod and then boot into recovery and make a backup. This way you can restore the phone back exactly as it was when you backed it up (using the restore option), as if you never made any changes. Then I would go ahead and install whatever rom you wanted to try out, and see if everything works as intended. If you dont like it, or it doesnt allow you to access the network, etc then all you need to do is boot back to recovery and restore your backup and when it's done you'll phone will be back to it's old self.
Links:
Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782556 (This is the process I used)
Clockwork: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-install-clockwork-recovery-to-your-android-phone/
Not sure how experienced you are - or aren't - so if you have any deeper questions about the process or need more detailed instructions just let me know.
EDIT: Oops, I completely skipped some of your questions. With just rooting you can uninstall SOME of the preloaded crap, however there is allot of the preloaded applications and such that you cant uninstall without crippling your phones functionality. My originally plan when I first rooted my device was just to remove the bloatware. However after I saw just how much there was I couldn't remove I decided to jump to a custom ROM. Just to give you an example, I have the Fission ROM installed on my device, and it's packaged filed were about 70ish mb, while the packaged files to restore it back to stock/factory was nearly 300mb. And yes, rooting alone would allow you to overclock your phone.

[Q] Asus Google Nexus 7 Toolkit v4.0.0 - I just want to root and nothing else

Hi all,
After deeply snorkeling in the whole forum I ended up realizing that (perhaps) there's no answer for my question. So, I think now I'm able to post it here (since I'm so new in this forum that I'm not able to post in Development thread).
Ok, here is my issue:
I recently got my brand new N716G (JB 4.2.1), so far so good it has everything I need, except by game playing experience in some games: using a touch screen for playing some games is really anoying... The good news is that my gamming experience could be improved a little bit if I use my PS3 joystick, but again I got frustrated by the (again) anoying USB cable... I didn't give up and continued my journey to joy, by doing some extra research. I ended up finding a really nice tool on google play: "sixaxis controller" but it is required to root my device in order to run this software in my N7.
Since I just want to root my N7 in order to allow "sixaxis controller" to work, I need something really simple.
I've found that "Asus google Nexus 7 Toolkit" from mskip could help me on this but I've to be honest: I've never rooted an android device before.
Of course, I read almost the whole thread (link) in order to learn what I'm going to do and now I'm pretty sure that I really need to root my tablet but I'm not interested (at least now) on putting a custom ROM nor tweak any configuration. Also, I want to keep my tablet stil able to keep updating by itself whenever a new android version is coming (OTA) after rooting it (I know I'd need to re root after OTA but I might avoid that by installing another tool from google play that avoids that).
So, by using that tool I guess I would need to perform the following steps:
a) 1. Install Google Nexus drivers on your PC
b) 2. Back up your device
c) 3. Unlock your loader
d) 4. Root your device
e) 4.2. Root device + Install busybox
f) 2. Restore backup
Steps a) and b) are done. I didn't continue because I don't know if there's something else I've to do... Do I really need to flash a recovery? How should I continue? In my specific case, what sequence should I have to follow in order to succeed? Just a,b,c,d,e,f and that's all?
I know there's a "1-click for all" option but I don't know if that will fit my needs...
By the way, thanks for reading up to here and many thanks in advance... For sure, any help or tip will be highly appreciated.
Nico.
easiest way to gain root, and without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock(unlocks the bootloader), fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries in that custom recovery, reboot.
simms22 said:
easiest way to gain root, and without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock(unlocks the bootloader), fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries in that custom recovery, reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi simms22,
thank you for your reply!
Sorry but I don't understand. Do you mean that I can root my N7 manually by fastboot it and then flash a custom recovery? How?
I'd rather let an application (or script) to perform such actions for me since I'm really new on this and I just want to avoid any brick
Thanks again!
Nico.
IlNiCoLiNo said:
Hi simms22,
thank you for your reply!
Sorry but I don't understand. Do you mean that I can root my N7 manually by fastboot it and then flash a custom recovery? How?
I'd rather let an application (or script) to perform such actions for me since I'm really new on this and I just want to avoid any brick
Thanks again!
Nico.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the problem, since youre new. by letting something else do it for you, you learn nothing. so when it comes time for simple maintenance, you get stuck, possibly ruining your device. rooting any nexus is easy, it was designed to be easily "rooted". all you need is to install fastboot onto your computer, and make sure the drivers are installed. there are a few threads here that explain how to do it. then, with one line(three words), you unlock the bootloader. with another four word line you flash the recovery. then all youndo is flash the su binaries zip imnthat custom recovery and reboot. anyways, it still comes down to it being your choice how you want to root your device
Agree with simms. I used a toolkit when I first got my Nexus because I thought there's no way I'll be able to figure it out and I'll probably brick the thing. Then when I had to figure out how to use adb for something else I had no idea and was starting from scratch.
Basically, go ahead, it's easy.
+1 for no toolkit. My first rooting experience was on my HTC IncS which involved downgrading HBOOT, doing everything manually, and the like. I'm glad that was the case as it certainly provided me a challenge at the time but it forced me to learn at least the basics of adb and fastboot. (although I certainly know more now) You should try to gain root manually as it is actually very easy on the Nexus 7 and the basic knowledge you will gain will stand you in good stead if you ever have any problems or want to delve into custom ROMs or kernels in the future.
simms22 said:
thats the problem, since youre new. by letting something else do it for you, you learn nothing. so when it comes time for simple maintenance, you get stuck, possibly ruining your device. rooting any nexus is easy, it was designed to be easily "rooted". all you need is to install fastboot onto your computer, and make sure the drivers are installed. there are a few threads here that explain how to do it. then, with one line(three words), you unlock the bootloader. with another four word line you flash the recovery. then all youndo is flash the su binaries zip imnthat custom recovery and reboot. anyways, it still comes down to it being your choice how you want to root your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I guess I'll give that tool a try and see what happens.
Thank you for your patience!
Nico
I'm going to throw one thing out there. If you install super user and busy box THEN restore a backup, all you have done is unlocked your boot loader and flashed custom recovery. Install super user/busy box after you restore your backup. Also, you posted in the right section. If you had posted this in development you would have been flamed. Big time.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I think there are some basics that I must learn before even rise an opinion here
Is there any tutorial or something you'd recommend to start with?
I don't know, may be "android rooting for noobs" or "teach yourself android basics in 21 days"
Thanks!
Nico.
As a fellow noob, I thought you'd appreciate a simpler answer. I'd like to learn more but it can be confusing having all these different methods to consider. I've just unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device using the toolkit. You can go ahead with steps c, d, e & f Nico. You don't need to install a custom recovery unless you plan on flashing a custom rom. I'm sticking with the official OTA updates for now so I've stuck with the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
For future reference read all these links
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2070419
Used wugfresh toolkit with not one single problem and its simple...in fact I even rooted my galaxy nexus with the same toolkit.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
FlexiPack said:
As a fellow noob, I thought you'd appreciate a simpler answer. I'd like to learn more but it can be confusing having all these different methods to consider. I've just unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device using the toolkit. You can go ahead with steps c, d, e & f Nico. You don't need to install a custom recovery unless you plan on flashing a custom rom. I'm sticking with the official OTA updates for now so I've stuck with the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, FlexiPack! You really made my day with your reply.
Regarding the back up, I was not able to back up the virtual SD from the back up menu (0 files were backed up) but I did a complete applications backup (including system files and SD card). I don't know what was the difference but at the end, the .bak file was noticeably bigger. Hence I assumed that in fact all SD contents were backed up.
How was your experience with the backup option and after restoring your data? Did you lost something?
Again, thank you!
Nico.
Hello there guys, I too am a utter android noob and this my my first android device. I'm basicly in the same boat as the poster, all I want to do is root. No custom ROM and flashing of any sort. All I want to accomplish is root to enable USB OTG.
I know there are apps that enable reading such as Nexus media importer but I want to be able to read and write data to external storage via USB (Flas drives, external hard drives and cameras and the sort)
What I've discovered the first big step (after installing drivers and the lot - which is all rather simple) is to unlock the bootloader if I'm correct? But in this process the device will format? I honestly dont want to format my device. I'm totally confused and put off by the whole process.
Another question, what is a good backup program to use - of course for unrooted devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
smartass145 said:
Hello there guys, I too am a utter android noob and this my my first android device. I'm basicly in the same boat as the poster, all I want to do is root. No custom ROM and flashing of any sort. All I want to accomplish is root to enable USB OTG.
I know there are apps that enable reading such as Nexus media importer but I want to be able to read and write data to external storage via USB (Flas drives, external hard drives and cameras and the sort)
What I've discovered the first big step (after installing drivers and the lot - which is all rather simple) is to unlock the bootloader if I'm correct? But in this process the device will format? I honestly dont want to format my device. I'm totally confused and put off by the whole process.
Another question, what is a good backup program to use - of course for unrooted devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toolkit you can backup the whole thing to your comp
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
VonEsch said:
Toolkit you can backup the whole thing to your comp
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, and formatting to unlock the bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
This is kind of a rant but applies here: Don't be afraid to unlock, install custom recoveries, and root.
I hear so many people say, "I just want to be stock... but I want all these features". I can't understand why people hold on to this "stock" state so dearly. It's like device virginity (and it is since you "can't" [mentally] really ever go back). There are so many features and updates that are worth enjoying today. At least, a custom recovery is critical for backups.
I understand this stuff isn't for everybody... but if you are reading this, you aren't grouped with everybody.
player911 said:
This is kind of a rant but applies here: Don't be afraid to unlock, install custom recoveries, and root.
I hear so many people say, "I just want to be stock... but I want all these features". I can't understand why people hold on to this "stock" state so dearly. It's like device virginity (and it is since you "can't" [mentally] really ever go back). There are so many features and updates that are worth enjoying today. At least, a custom recovery is critical for backups.
I understand this stuff isn't for everybody... but if you are reading this, you aren't grouped with everybody.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me vanilla android offers me everything I need at the moment. All I want more from it at the moment is USB OTG functionality - which it has its just been locked by Google for this device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
For all people who call themselves noobs, you really aren't cuz you now know certain things better than the average user.
Trust me, I saw a Customer buying Note 2 today, and when the sales guy told him that it's jelly bean, the retort was "what's that!!!"
And yes, all nexus devices are the easiest lot to root, unroot, unlock and then relock.
Trust me, Google and xda are your best friends.
Just remember one thing, backup before anything, you can always revert then!!!
You guys (noobs as you yourself call) have already jumped, now swim...
One most important thing, search, read, and take the plunge...
All forums have at the least one tutorial stickied!!!
As regards adb, fastboot, google, read, and trust me, you'll not be stuck for more than an hour!!!
Just my 2 cents, actually more!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
It really is like that. But once you start you can't stop. I started by rooting my original android phone ( there were no toolkits and no problems) and ended up with two nexus devices compiling unofficial nightlies for them. I didn't even boot stock on my 7 before I flashed twrp. There's a whole world of fun if you're willing to get your feet wet. If you can stop with just root you're a stronger person than I.

Beginner needs rooting advice

Hi guys,
Just installed the 4.2.2 update on my Nexus 7, but I decided I wanted to go further. I have had plenty of android devices in the past, but I was always cautious about rooting them in fear of messing up. Well, after reading up about the benefits of rooting I think it's worth a try. I have read up on the basics of what rooting is and how to do it, but there are so many roms and kernels out there I have no idea where to begin!
So I saw an article on a website I frequent that has a guide on how to root the Nexus 7 with the newest update.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/4...7-official-android422-jdq39-jellybean-ota.htm
What do you think about using this guide?
Also some side questions:
1.) Is there a way to backup my Nexus 7's unrooted state before I begin, so if I decide to go back to unrooted I can easily do so?
2.) Should I root my Nexus 7 on the 4.2.2 ota, or downloading it here on the forums? ( I assume they are slightly different)
3.) I don't want to ask what is your favorite rom, but what would you say is the most popular one around here? My biggest needs are stability, as well as better battery and performance.
Please excuse me if my questions seem strange or obvious. I've tried reading up more on this subject but quite frankly I don't understand it. I probably will get the hang of it. I was once a beginner to PC building but eventually I made myself a monster rig and overclocked the hell out of it. But since I'm thinking of rooting tonight, I would really appreciate it if someone would be kind enough to help me out! Thanks
Apav said:
What do you think about using this guide?
Also some side questions:
1.) Is there a way to backup my Nexus 7's unrooted state before I begin, so if I decide to go back to unrooted I can easily do so?
2.) Should I root my Nexus 7 on the 4.2.2 ota, or downloading it here on the forums? ( I assume they are slightly different)
3.) I don't want to ask what is your favorite rom, but what would you say is the most popular one around here? My biggest needs are stability, as well as better battery and performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guide looks fine from what I skimmed, I would follow the toolkit found here though. It does everything for you basically.
1) Unlock your bootloader, install CWM, then nandroid backup from there. Transfer your backup to your PC.
2) No point in rooting your current rom if you are switching out.
3) I don't know which roms are the most popular but I switch between these two:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800268
-best customizing options and on the fly phone/phablet/tablet UI changing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2098139
-stable, smooth and fast. Performance rom here.
Now you should hold off flashing these until the devs have integrated 4.2.2 into them, shouldn't take long...they are both working on them!
coolloser said:
The guide looks fine from what I skimmed, I would follow the toolkit found here though. It does everything for you basically.
1) Unlock your bootloader, install CWM, then nandroid backup from there. Transfer your backup to your PC.
2) No point in rooting your current rom if you are switching out.
3) I don't know which roms are the most popular but I switch between these two:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800268
-best customizing options and on the fly phone/phablet/tablet UI changing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2098139
-stable, smooth and fast. Performance rom here.
Now you should hold off flashing these until the devs have integrated 4.2.2 into them, shouldn't take long...they are both working on them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! So the tutorial I linked is just to unlock the bootloader but not to install a ROM correct? Then why is SuperSU included in this guide?
Apav said:
Thanks! So the tutorial I linked is just to unlock the bootloader but not to install a ROM correct? Then why is SuperSU included in this guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because some people just want Root on stock?
rooting =/= rom
Thanks guys! Last question. Should I have restored my Nexus 7 to factory settings before I updated to 4.2.2, or before I root? I know with the 4.2 update a lot of people recommended doing it since it increased performance. That was a bigger update though, so probably not, but I just want to be sure before I root that it would or wouldn't make a difference.
From what I've seen the easiest way to root the Nexus is 'Nexus Root Toolkit' which does the whole job with a couple of clicks of the mouse (you run it from Windows).
(Note: at the time of writing NRT v.1.6.2 doesn't support 4.2.2 so wait a couple of days before trying it and it will be updated.)
1) Do a full backup (MyBackup Pro is excellent for unrooted devices) as the process wipes your Nexus back to factory settings.
2) Connect your Nexus to the PC and copy the backup (the 'rerware' folder) to your PC (I'd copy everything, just to be safe).
3) Install and run Nexus Root Toolkit on the PC, enter the details for 'Your model type' and run the 'Full Driver Installation'.
4) Click 'Unlock', let it do its thing, then click 'Root' and after a while you'll have a fully rooted device.
5) Install MyBackup Pro on the Nexus, copy the 'rerware' folder back to the Nexus and restore it.
It really couldn't be easier and it works a treat.
Once you're rooted you'll find Titanium Backup is a better app as it can backup more stuff but it only works on rooted devices.
Or you could spend the 15 minutes to learn the right way and you would understand the process that takes place with the click of that 'magical button'.....then you wouldnt have to wait for a toolkit to update...
KNOWLEDGE REALLY DOESNT HURT.

[Q] Few rooting questions from a noob

Okay, I wasn't sure where would be the best place to port this, so excuse me if I'm in the wrong place:
So, I was thinking about rooting my phone (S4 Verizon) and flashing the Cyanogen Mod 11 on it. I was wondering a few things about it though before I decide to do it...
1. Is there any way that I can flash the ROM, and still have my phone the EXACT way it is now, except with CM11? When I watch installation videos on YouTube, it seems like it refreshes your phone to simply having the stock Google experience, which I don't want. I'm currently using Nova, which I love, and I just really want... A. TouchWiz off my phone B. The Notification center of CM11 and C. The status bar. So, if there was any way to flash the mod and keep everything the way it is, similar to how you jailbreak iOS, that'd be great.
2. Is there any way to UNROOT the phone, if I ever need to? I have insurance on my phone with my carrier, so if it ever suffers a cracked screen or the like, I can get a free replacement, and I'm sure if I were rooted that'd probably be voided.
3. I was planning on picking up a Gear 2 Neo tomorrow. If I'm rooted and running a custom ROM, will I still be able to use the Gear to its full extent (as in, not like a G2 connected to it) while running the custom ROM? Or will the Gear detect that the device no longer has TouchWiz/has been modified?
4. Also, if it isn't possible to load CM11 like you would jailbreak, and you always start with a clean boot, how would I go about reloading all my data/ contacts/photos/apps/Nova setup? How/what should I use to back everything up?
Thanks a ton in advance, I know, I'm a noob lol
1. Mostly , but there will be slightly difference maybe, depends how you look things. I don't really get your point B and C.
2. Unroot yes, but you must know there is something called KNOX, which will avoid your warranty, and by now this can NOT be undone.
Which means, unroot is easy, but if your carrier checks KNOX, you are so dead...
3. I think, gear support is part of TW framework, which means CM11 will be act like any other non-samsung connected to it.
4. I don't really understand it
If you mean the content in your internal/external sdcard, flash ROM will not delete them as long as you don't choose to (like option of format sdcard in recovery ) but you are on Verizon s4 , I don't really know about it, if it requires unlock bootloader, then you better back up sdcard first.
And yes, clean flash requires you to do apps backup and wipe data / cache / system before flash

I'm confused, rooted OnePlus 8 Pro can or can't use fingerprint security

Hello Guys,
I'm about to buy the OnePlus 8 Pro, as I haven't had a root-able phone for a few years and greatly miss it. In choosing the phone to buy, and to save you guys time answering repeated questions, I of course have read many threads related to rooting, which versions can me rooted, issues with rooting, etc. Mind you most of my rooting was with HTC and I never once had an issue.
I'll be buying the US market unlocked variant, rooting it, and I'll likely use Magisk during the process.
1. Do we actually need to flash a bootloader, or can I just load it with the bootloader without flashing to maintain the stock bootloader?
2. What things are broken from root? I'm assuming the google pay features will break, but will I not be able to use the fingerprint scanner? Or is it a hit and miss, intermittent problem for some and not others? This is the question that seems to lack a consolidated, concise explanation.
3. Is it better to use the international version, or the US version, or does it matter?
I rarely use custom roms, but when I do, I prefer to run pure Android. I prefer speed over animations. When I don't, I remove every app I can without breaking the phone. How friendly is this phone to trial and error, and re-flashing to start over while I'm learning?
Camboozle said:
Hello Guys,
I'm about to buy the OnePlus 8 Pro, as I haven't had a root-able phone for a few years and greatly miss it. In choosing the phone to buy, and to save you guys time answering repeated questions, I of course have read many threads related to rooting, which versions can me rooted, issues with rooting, etc. Mind you most of my rooting was with HTC and I never once had an issue.
I'll be buying the US market unlocked variant, rooting it, and I'll likely use Magisk during the process.
1. Do we actually need to flash a bootloader, or can I just load it with the bootloader without flashing to maintain the stock bootloader?
2. What things are broken from root? I'm assuming the google pay features will break, but will I not be able to use the fingerprint scanner? Or is it a hit and miss, intermittent problem for some and not others? This is the question that seems to lack a consolidated, concise explanation.
3. Is it better to use the international version, or the US version, or does it matter?
I rarely use custom roms, but when I do, I prefer to run pure Android. I prefer speed over animations. When I don't, I remove every app I can without breaking the phone. How friendly is this phone to trial and error, and re-flashing to start over while I'm learning?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Previous HTC rooter here. Had the 10, then the 12+
This phone is slightly more root friendly. And no, there is no custom bootloader. You will not need to go and get a token from a website to unlock the bootloader. As far I can tell at a glance, S-OFF isn't a thing.
If you set up magisk properly, google pay will work (for now). I use it every other day. Widevine certification will default to L3, so you can't root and keep that in L1 like you could with HTC. I don't get it myself.
Do: backup persist partition (and modem1 and modem2 I guess? Someone recommended it) For sure. While rare, and particularly an issue with magisk canary, if you want any chance of the fingerprint sensor to last, backup the persist partition. Otherwise, you're technically sitting on a ticking time bomb and it can pop at any time and no longer function. Haven't heard anything too recent, but better safe than sorry. Only other solution is RMA.
HTC phones, least the ones I used, used LCD panels. I love LCD, because it seems more protection from burn in and screen retention, and less issues for screen problems. That said, this is a newer screen and amazing, just not as amazing I feel as an LCD screen (although this is a better screen, via tech upgrades and more). Keep in mind there are rampant reports of green tint or burn in right away, black crush, and other screen issues. If you do go with the phone, I recommend giving that a thorough once over.
Customer service is in par to that famous thing of kids going, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Type stuff. Do not expect anything from customer service outside what directly is stated to contact them (such as RMAs), and then be prepared to fight tooth an nail for it, and prepare for any additives that arise from it. I would have better odds of customer service with comcast (as weird it sounds) than with oneplus' customer service. They will not honor anything outside what you can do on the website yourself.
What I mean by that, is if you have a coupon for a 10 dollars off accessories, and you accidentally "place" an order and forgot something, and want to add it again? Either wait for your current order to expire to then allow for the coupon, or you're SOL. And to add: By far, the oneplus 8 launch was the worst I ever experienced from any industry, especially as it comes to ordering it. So if you stay, keep that in mind.
A lot of people recommend to just forgo the warranty and get your own via other means (my renters insurance provides it for like, 6 bucks a year) as it's literally the same boat as customer service, with reports of people being charged erroneously like, 500 dollars for some incompency from the warehouse.
If you're in the US the global model I believe is the one you want. UK, INDIA, and CHINA have their own model. While it can be possible to use these, keep that in mind that you most likely want the phone to be compatible with the bands of your country. I believe the india / chinese model is the only one who now has the photochrom filter disabled, thus if you do go with one of these, you'll want to either install a magisk rom, or fix it yourself with one of the many guides available.
You can convert the phone to different models more easily. Such as chinese to global, as compared to HTC phones. You don't need to do superCID like you did or similar I believe, and it's very tolerant of that. In fact, the first oneplus phone even shipped with CyanogenMod installed, now more or less known as lineageOS. This device is very customizable friendly. In fact, some roms will even allow you to uninstall practically anything you want.
Speed is the name of the game, and if you like fast devices, this will blow you out of the water most likely. I personally run .5 on all animation speeds myself.
And of course, if there is issues and you really messed stuff up, you can use the MSM tool or whatever it is to correct the issue. (Again, keep that persist backup in case)
The device will detect if you're rooted and installed either the small OTA package, or the full package in case. I used to always have TWRP installed, but I don't even use it anymore myself so much. The full package can flash through the system update too, btw. Only upon unlocking the bootloader will the data partition be wiped that one time.
There is the hole punch camera, and that was a significant selling feature for me for HTC, but... I figured I'd deal with it this once. Keep that in mind if this feature bugs you as it does me.
Ok, this was my tidbit of info. If you need more clarification or something, ask. Otherwise, enjoy.
Great response, thank you!!! I think it'll be fun to pay with. But really, worse customer service than COMCAST!!! Wow. I guess you get the device and nothing more. Hard to justify 800 bones and no customer service though.
Truant_Luce said:
This phone is slightly more root friendly. And no, there is no custom bootloader. You will not need to go and get a token from a website to unlock the bootloader. As far I can tell at a glance, S-OFF isn't a thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "need to go and get a token from a website"?
Can't I just simply unlock the bootloader like on my Oneplus 5t?
I am getting my 8Pro this week and plan to install the global ROM instead of the Chinese ROM it will come with, then root it and finally install TWRP.
Do I need to install TWRP to both slots? What are those "slots" anyway? My old phone was a 5t so it had no "slots" .
The instructions I have read are a bit confusing, seems like it is more difficult to install TWRP than it was on the 5t.
Thanks.
Camboozle said:
Hello Guys,
I'm about to buy the OnePlus 8 Pro, as I haven't had a root-able phone for a few years and greatly miss it. In choosing the phone to buy, and to save you guys time answering repeated questions, I of course have read many threads related to rooting, which versions can me rooted, issues with rooting, etc. Mind you most of my rooting was with HTC and I never once had an issue.
I'll be buying the US market unlocked variant, rooting it, and I'll likely use Magisk during the process.
1. Do we actually need to flash a bootloader, or can I just load it with the bootloader without flashing to maintain the stock bootloader?
2. What things are broken from root? I'm assuming the google pay features will break, but will I not be able to use the fingerprint scanner? Or is it a hit and miss, intermittent problem for some and not others? This is the question that seems to lack a consolidated, concise explanation.
3. Is it better to use the international version, or the US version, or does it matter?
I rarely use custom roms, but when I do, I prefer to run pure Android. I prefer speed over animations. When I don't, I remove every app I can without breaking the phone. How friendly is this phone to trial and error, and re-flashing to start over while I'm learning?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Docomoco said:
What do you mean by "need to go and get a token from a website"?
Can't I just simply unlock the bootloader like on my Oneplus 5t?
I am getting my 8Pro this week and plan to install the global ROM instead of the Chinese ROM it will come with, then root it and finally install TWRP.
Do I need to install TWRP to both slots? What are those "slots" anyway? My old phone was a 5t so it had no "slots" .
The instructions I have read are a bit confusing, seems like it is more difficult to install TWRP than it was on the 5t.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can. So HTC was the exact process, except you had to go to HTC dev, upload a string that was copied from bootloader, it would then create a token file that only your device could utilize and when you pushed it back to the device, that unlocked the bootloader. Oneplus, you just tell it you wanna unlock the bootloader and done. Since they are coming from HTC, why I said that.
Truant_Luce said:
Yes, you can. So HTC was the exact process, except you had to go to HTC dev, upload a string that was copied from bootloader, it would then create a token file that only your device could utilize and when you pushed it back to the device, that unlocked the bootloader. Oneplus, you just tell it you wanna unlock the bootloader and done. Since they are coming from HTC, why I said that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
How about installing TWRP? Would you have any suggestions as to how to go about it?
Also, I read that I better wipe /data before installing anther ROM.
However it seems TWRP still can't format partitions which means I can't wipe data.
Docomoco said:
Thanks.
How about installing TWRP? Would you have any suggestions as to how to go about it?
Also, I read that I better wipe /data before installing anther ROM.
However it seems TWRP still can't format partitions which means I can't wipe data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think mostly it's boot, but there is a way to install it if you must. I personally haven't touched twrp since moving to oneplus. If you're moving between AOSP or oxygen or hydrogen, yes, wipe data. This can be done via factory reset, without need of twrp. Now, don't quote me too closely for AOSP, but as oxygen or hydrogen builds go (Assuming magisk) you don't need to wipe data so much. I'd recommend consulting the individual device threads.
Thanks, will do.
Is there no way to retain L1? I've come from a Mi 9T where as long as your persist wasn't corrupted, L1 was fine. Do oneplus store the widevine certs in the boot partition or something strange?

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