Database Users

To Root or not to Root, that is the question

I've had my Nexus 7 a few days now and I am noticing ads all over the place. So, I am thinking about rooting my device so I can put one of the ad blockers on there.
1. Do you recommend it?
2. When Android brings new updates to their OS, does the root stay there or prevent you from upgrading in the normal way? Do you have to reroot each time they do an update?
3. Can I preserve all my data on the device as it currently is or will it get lost on my rooting escapade?
Thanks,
Jon

Jon12345 said:
I've had my Nexus 7 a few days now and I am noticing ads all over the place. So, I am thinking about rooting my device so I can put one of the ad blockers on there.
1. Do you recommend it?
2. When Android brings new updates to their OS, does the root stay there or prevent you from upgrading in the normal way? Do you have to reroot each time they do an update?
3. Can I preserve all my data on the device as it currently is or will it get lost on my rooting escapade?
Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, too fast system updates.
2. You habe to reroot it every update
3. No idea.
But no!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Already Answered Follow my Link
Jon12345 said:
I've had my Nexus 7 a few days now and I am noticing ads all over the place. So, I am thinking about rooting my device so I can put one of the ad blockers on there.
1. Do you recommend it?
2. When Android brings new updates to their OS, does the root stay there or prevent you from upgrading in the normal way? Do you have to reroot each time they do an update?
3. Can I preserve all my data on the device as it currently is or will it get lost on my rooting escapade?
Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to read this OP POST and all user Questions and answers without this thread.. All of the above and more have been asked here. This Thread was STICKIED To avoid to many of this type of thread you just created.. With that said we all sometimes post without thinking.. Please go here where your Questions are already answered..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
Good Luck
Erica Renee. Questions should be in the Questions and Answers Not General..

1 - I surely recommend. For me, root is the best thing you can do in Nexus 7, mainly because 3 apps i can´t live without now:
- PPP widget (3g modem working on Nexus 7) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.draisberghof.pppwidget
- Stickmount (Any flash drive working on Nexus 7, i use it to keep all my emulators roms, and videos and it´s perfect!) : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.stickmount
- USB/BT Joystick Center 6 (it works with almost EVERY gamepad in the market, be it USB or wireless) and the best thing is that you can map buttons and analog sticks to use as touch controls, so it works with almost all games and emulators for android. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.poke64738.usbjoy
2 - There´s a way to keep your root before updating, search for ROOTKEEPER, easy as walk...
3 - You can preserve all your data. JUST DO IT NOW!

Without adding toooo much to the spam on the forums I'll answer some of your questions.
Should you root? imo yes, if like me you want to use otg and be able to dim the screen enough that night time use doesn't blind you.
Do updates mess it up? yes but with the likes of Wugs toolkit it's easy to root again.
Your user data is easy to back up and easy to reload if for any reason you lose it.

Jon12345 said:
I've had my Nexus 7 a few days now and I am noticing ads all over the place. So, I am thinking about rooting my device so I can put one of the ad blockers on there.
1. Do you recommend it?
2. When Android brings new updates to their OS, does the root stay there or prevent you from upgrading in the normal way? Do you have to reroot each time they do an update?
3. Can I preserve all my data on the device as it currently is or will it get lost on my rooting escapade?
Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally I wouldn't respond to redundant threads, but I don't like to see misleading information like this post left around to confuse people:
bstosnbata said:
1. No, too fast system updates.
2. You habe to reroot it every update
3. No idea.
But no!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Rooting is an individual decision, but there is no real reason not to - outside of personal preference. Sure you could do something stupid and break your device, but 99% of the time it's easily recoverable. If you want to use some nice and very hand apps like Titanium Backup, you need root. If you want to run custom software (kernels, etc.), you might not technically need root, but you will need to do almost all the steps necessary to get there (unlock bootloader, install custom recovery, etc.), so you might as well root it to. The fact that the OS updates come quickly on a Nexus device is irrelevant. While the stock OTA updates will remove root, it won't undo the other things, which makes restoring root (especially with a "root keeper" tool) take about 10 seconds.
2) Yes, OTA updates will remove root. But, as I mentioned above, the fix process is trivial, so that alone shouldn't make any difference in your decision. Having root by itself will NOT break OTA updates. However, modifying other files on the system (framework, system apks, etc.) will. But you can always just reflash the full newer version or make backups of the modified files.
3) The first step of the "rooting" process, or the process to do anything custom, will require you to unlock your bootloader. If you have not done this yet, it WILL force wipe you tablet. No way around that. But once you unlock your bootloader the first time, you're good to go and don't need to worry about it in the future. Additionally, once that's done, using tools like TiBu and custom recovery nandroid backups make restoring your data MUCH easier then stock options.
In my opinion, rooting is a definite benefit, especially on devices like the Nexus7. I would recommend it for anyone who likes to play with their devices and maximize their capabilities. But it's up to you. There really is no downside, and it can easily be undone if you want later.
But as the other poster said OP, you need to read the existing threads/stickies in the future before asking questions that were asked and answered already.

The OP question was about whether to root his device or not, then you shot him down by saying he should have done a search and provided a link to how to root his devices. Some thread spun off to other topic but from the thread heading you will not know if you do a search.
I know that search should be done first, but not unless I can't comprehend the English language, that thread will not be the goto thread to answer that question.
I myself try to search for things I have seen before and find it hard to get back to the same thread, we are all here to learn and discover from each other and you don't need to put people down on how you answer their question, not unless they're Apple fanboy (pun intended).
Flame suit on!
Nexus 4 & 7

kwabby said:
The OP question was about whether to root his device or not, then you shot him down by saying he should have done a search and provided a link to how to root his devices. Some thread spun off to other topic but from the thread heading you will not know if you do a search.
I know that search should be done first, but not unless I can't comprehend the English language, that thread will not be the goto thread to answer that question.
I myself try to search for things I have seen before and find it hard to get back to the same thread, we are all here to learn and discover from each other and you don't need to put people down on how you answer their question, not unless they're Apple fanboy (pun intended).
Flame suit on!
Nexus 4 & 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, while it may be a bind for the regular contributors to answer the same questions over and over people like me learn a lot from others asking questions.
I could use the search function and learn for sure, however how would I search for a question that hasn't arose for me yet? Just reading posts is the best way to learn general knowledge, if people didn't ask questions then I'm unlikely to go searching random things in stale posts.
Nexus 7 Tapatalk 2

As simple as if you want root apps like ad block, then root it.
There are no risk and you can always back to stock.
For me, a non rooted android is useless.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

kwabby said:
The OP question was about whether to root his device or not, then you shot him down by saying he should have done a search and provided a link to how to root his devices. Some thread spun off to other topic but from the thread heading you will not know if you do a search.
I know that search should be done first, but not unless I can't comprehend the English language, that thread will not be the goto thread to answer that question.
I myself try to search for things I have seen before and find it hard to get back to the same thread, we are all here to learn and discover from each other and you don't need to put people down on how you answer their question, not unless they're Apple fanboy (pun intended).
Flame suit on!
Nexus 4 & 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are plenty of sociopaths on forums. I just ignore them.
Asking questions is what makes a community. Fresh discussion is where it is at, else we would all go to blog posts and read articles on a topic. "Hey, why don't you Google your answer?" Nutters.

[Q] Greetings! need some help

Hello all,
I'm very new to the XDA fourms, and would like to thank everyone for having and keeping such a supportive community for Android based products
I would like to start off saying I just recently purchased a Nexus 4 and I would really like to root it, i'm a complete noob too rooting and have a few questions. I did read http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688 and the how too Youtube video. questions below
1. I did see that i can keep the custom rom and just unlock and root my device, but will this allow me to change my cpu speed and such to conserve battery or would i need to install a different kernal and rom?
2. After rooting and unlocking my device and keeping stock rom will i still be able to get OTA updates without reverting back to factory state? or would i have to revert back to factory state DL the OTA update and re-root again?
3. I know that nexus 4 tool kit says Root Stock Jelly Bean builds (upto 4.2.1 JOP40D), can i use this for 4.2.2 or is their a updated Tool kit for 4.2.2? and if their is can someone please provide a link i tried searching for it and couldn't find anything, and preferably from Mr. mskip
I know these questions have probably been asked a million times and i apologies in advance for that. (noob problems )
Also advice and opinions are always extremely welcome :good:
Best,
Pkang

pkang said:
Hello all,
I'm very new to the XDA fourms, and would like to thank everyone for having and keeping such a supportive community for Android based products
I would like to start off saying I just recently purchased a Nexus 4 and I would really like to root it, i'm a complete noob too rooting and have a few questions. I did read http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688 and the how too Youtube video. questions below
1. I did see that i can keep the custom rom and just unlock and root my device, but will this allow me to change my cpu speed and such to conserve battery or would i need to install a different kernal and rom?
2. After rooting and unlocking my device and keeping stock rom will i still be able to get OTA updates without reverting back to factory state? or would i have to revert back to factory state DL the OTA update and re-root again?
3. I know that nexus 4 tool kit says Root Stock Jelly Bean builds (upto 4.2.1 JOP40D), can i use this for 4.2.2 or is their a updated Tool kit for 4.2.2? and if their is can someone please provide a link i tried searching for it and couldn't find anything, and preferably from Mr. mskip
I know these questions have probably been asked a million times and i apologies in advance for that. (noob problems )
Also advice and opinions are always extremely welcome :good:
Best,
Pkang
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. CPU control is a function of the kernel. You can keep the stock kernel, but I'd recommend a custom one. More features and capabilities.
2. I may be mistaken, but I believe your OTA will function as long as you are on the stock ROM and kernel with the factory files in place and the stock recovery. That's a lot to sacrifice for an update, especially when they'll be readily available here.
3. Don't use a toolkit. Use the rooting sticky to learn how to do it right.

thank you
estallings15 said:
1. CPU control is a function of the kernel. You can keep the stock kernel, but I'd recommend a custom one. More features and capabilities.
2. I may be mistaken, but I believe your OTA will function as long as you are on the stock ROM and kernel with the factory files in place and the stock recovery. That's a lot to sacrifice for an update, especially when they'll be readily available here.
3. Don't use a toolkit. Use the rooting sticky to learn how to do it right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much!
so use this sticky thread?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2183555
or can you recommend one?

pkang said:
thank you so much!
so use this sticky thread?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2183555
or can you recommend one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that thread has a lot of great info you should read up on if you are new to all of this.
Here is also a great thread if you just want to root the stock ROM. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

El Daddy said:
Yes, that thread has a lot of great info you should read up on if you are new to all of this.
Here is also a great thread if you just want to root the stock ROM. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
much much thanks!
Also i just wanted to know why the nexus 4 toolkit isn't recommended for beginners?
best,
Parm

pkang said:
much much thanks!
Also i just wanted to know why the nexus 4 toolkit isn't recommended for beginners?
best,
Parm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because when one uses a toolkit nothing is learned. If they ever run into a problem they won't know how to fix it. It also makes it more difficult for others to help because they don't understand the terminology.
I wrote more about this last January. That thread is linked in my signature "Dangers of toolkits and one click root methods."
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I wouldnt worry about updates.
Devs upload there ROMs with new android updates quickly.
Itll be much easier just to flash custom UPDATED ROMs than ota updates in my opinion.
Franco kernel would be a great start for you as well.
Amazing kernel.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Sprint Version - Little Activity

Thoughts?
I've been noticing that there doesn't seem to be much activity around the Sprint Version of the HTC One. Correct me if i'm wrong. I did manage to get the recovery changed and the device rooted.
Recovery didn't go too smoothly because i didn't realize there was a different TWrp for sprint and i assume the same goes for clockwork. I tried using both and wouldn't work until i found a very brief mention of a sprint TWRP file that ended in wls.
I really wanted to try the Revolution HD ROM but quickly noticed that it seemed like most all version of the htc one are supported except the sprint version. There is a v9.4 but i have yet to find it.
Question: Is the sprint version that different from the others? That difficult to work with? or is the interest just too low?
I was thinking i'd try to have this thread (easily searchable for sprint users) with some quick info on how to deal with those devices. Though i will admit i'm not that skilled in software mods. Just a member of the community that appreciates all the work you guys put in on all these devices and supporting the freedom we enjoy to use our devices as WE please.
If anyone want to join in and commenting about Sprint specific devices and issues.. feel free.

Sorry the sprint version tends to lag behind others because of the cmda chip. Since all international leaks are probably going to be from gsm models, they are only going to be usable on gsm versions of the phone. Until someone leaks a cdma version of 4.2.2 there's not much we can do.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta

This thread shouldn't be here. This should be in the General thread.

Thread Moved​
Please only post development related threads in the dev section.​

Recovery Experience
Step 1 - Unlocking Boot Loader
I used the Revolution HD thread as a start point. It is very detailed and easy to follow. It directed me to this flashing Guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265618... The bootloader process is easy and pain free.
Step 2 - Flashing to a more advanced recovery
The guide doesn't suggest which to use. I went to the Device essentials (sticky thread of the forum). The choices seem to be TWRP and Clockwork ... (if there are more feel free to suggest). Unfortunately this didn't go as planned because I was unaware that the recoveries for a sprint device were different ... So for you ... if you are using TWRP you must use the recovery specifically for Sprint devices .. currently the file name is "openrecovery-twrp-2.5.0.0-m7wls.img". I will try to find a link or anyone can volunteer it.
1. The first thing it allows you to do is save your current recovery. I was unable to do this because i had the wrong recovery and by the time realized it i had tried to flashboot flash. However, you can flashboot boot .. which basically allow you to load the recovery and save your current recovery. then you can flash and replace your recovery with the new one.
That is it.. that is kind of where i am at for now. I haven't flashed a ROM .. and i will say i am having some difficulty with both "superuser" it keeps asking to update but then fails and Wifi Tether .... so i'll return with answers to that when i find them.
Hope this helps someone

seemed like a development issue to me ..
original_ganjaman said:
Thread Moved​
Please only post development related threads in the dev section.​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
instructions on how to avoid some development / installation problems? I thought that would fit into development. Apologies if it doesn't fit. Thanks for the move.

makes sense ..
syaoran68 said:
Sorry the sprint version tends to lag behind others because of the cmda chip. Since all international leaks are probably going to be from gsm models, they are only going to be usable on gsm versions of the phone. Until someone leaks a cdma version of 4.2.2 there's not much we can do.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That both sucks and makes sense.

_sunz said:
instructions on how to avoid some development / installation problems? I thought that would fit into development. Apologies if it doesn't fit. Thanks for the move.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just it, it is an issue. If you have issues with a particular custom ROM then you should post in that thread. Development thread is for development and not "issues" with a development.

_sunz said:
instructions on how to avoid some development / installation problems? I thought that would fit into development. Apologies if it doesn't fit. Thanks for the move.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, this contains no development, its more of a discussion thread. I can see the confusion, so no problem.

_sunz said:
Step 1 - Unlocking Boot Loader
I used the Revolution HD thread as a start point. It is very detailed and easy to follow. It directed me to this flashing Guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265618... The bootloader process is easy and pain free.
Step 2 - Flashing to a more advanced recovery
The guide doesn't suggest which to use. I went to the Device essentials (sticky thread of the forum). The choices seem to be TWRP and Clockwork ... (if there are more feel free to suggest). Unfortunately this didn't go as planned because I was unaware that the recoveries for a sprint device were different ... So for you ... if you are using TWRP you must use the recovery specifically for Sprint devices .. currently the file name is "openrecovery-twrp-2.5.0.0-m7wls.img". I will try to find a link or anyone can volunteer it.
1. The first thing it allows you to do is save your current recovery. I was unable to do this because i had the wrong recovery and by the time realized it i had tried to flashboot flash. However, you can flashboot boot .. which basically allow you to load the recovery and save your current recovery. then you can flash and replace your recovery with the new one.
That is it.. that is kind of where i am at for now. I haven't flashed a ROM .. and i will say i am having some difficulty with both "superuser" it keeps asking to update but then fails and Wifi Tether .... so i'll return with answers to that when i find them.
Hope this helps someone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Resolved SuperSU and Wifi Tether Issue. The issue was the binary update. HOwever i am not sure how i fixed it. i just tried using the TWRP/CWM method for a third time and it work. it rebooted into recovery, installed the binary file and booted back into the OS. SuperSU worked and then i tried Wifi Tether and it started to work as well .. FYI "settings for Wifi Tether" that i use
1. Device profile "Generic ICS/JB (wlan0)". 2. Wifi-Driver reload (checked).
Now I just need the awesomest best ROM .. any suggestions!?

[Q] S4 Google Edition

Anybody with the official Samsung S4 Google edition root or install a custom recovery like TWRP on their device yet? I am getting mine next week and I have not seen any forums for this phone. I am on AT&T but I am thinking T-Mobile TWRP would work once it is rooted since it is unlocked boot loader?
Not sure if anybody got their phone in yet??
Thanks in advance.

Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved
FNM

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2343938

sabre31 said:
Anybody with the official Samsung S4 Google edition root or install a custom recovery like TWRP on their device yet? I am getting mine next week and I have not seen any forums for this phone. I am on AT&T but I am thinking T-Mobile TWRP would work once it is rooted since it is unlocked boot loader?
Not sure if anybody got their phone in yet??
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, we do have a thread, in this same forum, and we have discussed this exact thing there, please use the google thread to get answers to these questions that involve the GE rom, I stay active in that thread daily, as do others.
and xBeerdroiDx, thanks, I get 8 thanks to use a day, and you got 3 today from me. No more for you!

TheAxman said:
But, we do have a thread, in this same forum, and we have discussed this exact thing there, please use the google thread to get answers to these questions that involve the GE rom, I stay active in that thread daily, as do others.
and xBeerdroiDx, thanks, I get 8 thanks to use a day, and you got 3 today from me. No more for you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will ask the question in that thread..thanks for pointing it out. Reason I didn't ask in that thread in first place is because it relates to the GE leaked rom on AT&T/CAN S4. My question is related to the actual phone from google that ships from them. I am thinking everything should be same as the TMO version as far as partitions and root methods. I will ask in that thread.
Thanks

[Q] Rooting the Samsung Galaxy SGH-I337

I've never rooted my phone before, but I'm very familiar with customizing the phone, etc. I also read about custom ROMS and was wondering if flashing my ROM is the same and/or similar to rooting the device or once the device is rooted, do you then decide what type of ROM you want to use to put on the device and is there specific advantages/disadvantages to different ROMs developed by different people? Is there a particular favorite someone would use over another? Please let me know because I've decided to try rooting my S4 today. After the latest Android 4.3 update, some things haven't been working particularly well since I had already installed other apks from newer versions of Android (like the newer camera and gallery), and after the latest update, things just don't seem to run as smoothly so I've decided to wipe the device and start from scratch again. So I've seen threads about ways to root the device but is one way better than another and the same goes with custom ROMs (and whether this is the same thing or not)?

MJ9 Root
Well, I also just read in another thread that there currently isn't a way to root the I337 4.3 Build number ending in MJ9. So does this mean I can't root this device and I'm stuck restoring it back to how it was?

Rolldog said:
Well, I also just read in another thread that there currently isn't a way to root the I337 4.3 Build number ending in MJ9. So does this mean I can't root this device and I'm stuck restoring it back to how it was?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct that you can't root it. I don't know what you mean by restoring it back to the way it was
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Rolldog said:
I've never rooted my phone before, but I'm very familiar with customizing the phone, etc. I also read about custom ROMS and was wondering if flashing my ROM is the same and/or similar to rooting the device or once the device is rooted, do you then decide what type of ROM you want to use to put on the device and is there specific advantages/disadvantages to different ROMs developed by different people? Is there a particular favorite someone would use over another? Please let me know because I've decided to try rooting my S4 today. After the latest Android 4.3 update, some things haven't been working particularly well since I had already installed other apks from newer versions of Android (like the newer camera and gallery), and after the latest update, things just don't seem to run as smoothly so I've decided to wipe the device and start from scratch again. So I've seen threads about ways to root the device but is one way better than another and the same goes with custom ROMs (and whether this is the same thing or not)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as you have asked several questions in here, I have moved to Q and A. We don't allow "best rom" discussion as that can only be determined by the individual.
The other questions are, however, "ok" to ask, and I know the many helpful users here will certainly jump in with assistance!