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Hey everyone. I was wondering if you could root without unlocking the bootloader first. I know i wouldn't be able to flash roms and such, but I just want the Superuser app so I can use apps like Titanium backup and sixaxis controller. Thanks in advance!
timour79 said:
Hey everyone. I was wondering if you could root without unlocking the bootloader first. I know i wouldn't be able to flash roms and such, but I just want the Superuser app so I can use apps like Titanium backup and sixaxis controller. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry to tell you, but there is no way of rooting without unlocking the bootloader, since its secured and you won't be able to flash the necessary super user scripts. i could be wrong, but i think its necessary to unlock the bootloader.
Billchen0014 said:
sorry to tell you, but there is no way of rooting without unlocking the bootloader, since its secured and you won't be able to flash the necessary super user scripts. i could be wrong, but i think its necessary to unlock the bootloader.
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Click to collapse
Can I unlock the bootloader, root, then relock the bootloader and keep the root?
timour79 said:
Can I unlock the bootloader, root, then relock the bootloader and keep the root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you choose the relock bootloader option in the toolbox, it removes superuser as well
Billchen0014 said:
if you choose the relock bootloader option in the toolbox, it removes superuser as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, thanks
Billchen0014 said:
if you choose the relock bootloader option in the toolbox, it removes superuser as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good example of where using a toolkit fails.
You can re-lock the bootloader without affecting root. Boot the phone in fastboot mode, connect to computer and run the following command:
Code:
> fastboot oem lock
timour79 said:
Can I unlock the bootloader, root, then relock the bootloader and keep the root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's your reason for wanting it relocked?
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app
noneabove said:
What's your reason for wanting it relocked?
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I'm not the OP, but I don't like the open padlock icon that shows that the device's bootloader is unlocked.
Any disadvantage to re-locking the bootloader?
Nate2 said:
I'm not the OP, but I don't like the open padlock icon that shows that the device's bootloader is unlocked.
Any disadvantage to re-locking the bootloader?
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Click to collapse
Well I dont want to completely void the warranty, unless rooting already does that. If it was mine then i would've unlocked and rooted. I'd probably already have a rom and kernel on it. But it's actually my dad's, and he said I can root it if I don't do anything too serious(like I said, I just want Superuser so I can use things like the sixaxis controller app.)
comminus said:
This is a good example of where using a toolkit fails.
You can re-lock the bootloader without affecting root. Boot the phone in fastboot mode, connect to computer and run the following command:
Code:
> fastboot oem lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that be manual rooting?
NRT questions
hey there
have some newb questions about rooting along the same lines of the OP. hope you can help me
1. what are the chances of bricking the nexus by rooting if all i am going to do is the same as the OP. use sixasis and the usb stick apps. has anyone completely bricked their device or is there always a way back. i have seen a lot of info and guides to suggest you can always get the factory image restored.
2. does the superuser app already need to be installed on the nexus or does the toolkit install it for me?
3. if i am only rooting for basic stuff like sixasis is there any point installing clockword mod?
4. i have downloaded the toolkit and tried the driver installation. my experience was different from the screenshots in the toolkit and guides i have seen but when i run the driver check/step 3 it comes back with success and i have managed to make a backup. so does this imply i can safely unlock and root.
5. if i have to get my device repaired and relock the device and un-root it will my warranty be ok or can google still detect rooting has been done?
sorry for the newb questions but there are so many different guides out there and some of them refer to older versions of the NRT so just want to clarify these points.
timour79 said:
Would that be manual rooting?
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Click to collapse
No. All you are doing there is unlocking the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader is the equivalent of pre-heating your oven. You haven't messed with any ingredients or cooked anything yet.
---------- Post added at 01:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 PM ----------
Lemegeton300 said:
1. what are the chances of bricking the nexus by rooting if all i am going to do is the same as the OP. use sixasis and the usb stick apps. has anyone completely bricked their device or is there always a way back. i have seen a lot of info and guides to suggest you can always get the factory image restored.
2. does the superuser app already need to be installed on the nexus or does the toolkit install it for me?
3. if i am only rooting for basic stuff like sixasis is there any point installing clockword mod?
4. i have downloaded the toolkit and tried the driver installation. my experience was different from the screenshots in the toolkit and guides i have seen but when i run the driver check/step 3 it comes back with success and i have managed to make a backup. so does this imply i can safely unlock and root.
5. if i have to get my device repaired and relock the device and un-root it will my warranty be ok or can google still detect rooting has been done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The chances are pretty slim for permanently bricking. That is the beauty of Nexus devices - the entire factory image is available to be flashed back on if you screw things up. That is the equivalent of reformatting your harddrive & reinstalling your OS on your desktop.
2. mkskip's toolkit will install it for you. I am sure wug's will too.
3. You don't have to install CWM, especially if you are thinking that you will pretty much always stay stock. But, the bug might hit you in a month or two to start playing around, and then CWM or TWRP is your friend. I installed CWM & made a backup pretty quickly in case I do something I shouldn't, such as accidentally deleting a vital system app. That way you do not have to do the factory reinstall route. Every few weeks you can make yourself a fresh backup just for fun.
4. You should be fine - the drivers must be working if the toolkit is doing backups for you. I am assuming you are using mkskips toolkit based on this question - his instructions say that sometimes in 1 step it says drivers didn't install correctly when they actually do - Windows is...Windows. If you want to be sure, ask away on mkskip's thread. He is quite helpful.
5. If you reflash the factory image & the bootloader is relocked, there is nothing for them to see...not that they'd really care since the point of a Nexus is to develop on it. You would only be returning it for a hardware issue, and the software unlocking has no impact on the hardware problem, since your hardware issue would've happened no matter what software you had on it. The only way a software thing could cause a hardware issue would be if you over-overclocked it & cooked some parts. You'd really have to work at doing that since these things usually shut down when the temperature gets too high.
In short: root it & enjoy it!
Thanks for the info. Its wugs tool I am using so not sure what happened with drivers but like you said its good to go. So will the clockwork mod essentially create a restore point for me ?
Going to go ahead and root the device now. Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Lemegeton300 said:
Thanks for the info. Its wugs tool I am using so not sure what happened with drivers but like you said its good to go. So will the clockwork mod essentially create a restore point for me ?
Going to go ahead and root the device now. Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. When you restore a backup it will be just as it was when you made it. Have fun!
Hello guys!
Just bought my N7, really nice device, and I want to unlock the bootloader.
I looked around for a bit, and saw Wugfresh's toolkit will be the best way to unlock&root. So here's my question:
If I backup my N7 then unlock and after that restore my backup, is the bootloader still unlocked?
I'm searching for a way to unlock my device without having to wipe data. Do you've got any suggestions?
If there's no way, that's no problem for me, but I forgot to unlock when I started using my N7.
Thanks in advance,
Jasper
SGWUser said:
Hello guys!
Just bought my N7, really nice device, and I want to unlock the bootloader.
I looked around for a bit, and saw Wugfresh's toolkit will be the best way to unlock&root. So here's my question:
If I backup my N7 then unlock and after that restore my backup, is the bootloader still unlocked?
I'm searching for a way to unlock my device without having to wipe data. Do you've got any suggestions?
If there's no way, that's no problem for me, but I forgot to unlock when I started using my N7.
Thanks in advance,
Jasper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking your bootloader wipes all data, in that you are right. I lost all my progress in GTA vice city! ... But I am not sure you can backup all your data pre-unlock and restore it completely after. Maybe you can try TB. Save the backup on your PC, and restore the filles after rooting. That method at least won't do anything to your bootloader. I am not sure if you were thinking of any other way to backup. I *think* Wugfresh's backup method was to make a Nandroid (so, after unlocking and rooting). I didn't try it though. It's a great toolkit, nonetheless. Worked without any hitches for me. It's laid out in a detailed manner - with screenshots of exactly what you'll see in your screen (so no need to freak out at weird messages!)
I was too eager to root, so I just went for it! Needless to say, it was totally worth it!
Hope that helps. Cheers.
Neo3369 said:
Unlocking your bootloader wipes all data, in that you are right. I lost all my progress in GTA vice city! ... But I am not sure you can backup all your data pre-unlock and restore it completely after. Maybe you can try TB. Save the backup on your PC, and restore the filles after rooting. That method at least won't do anything to your bootloader. I am not sure if you were thinking of any other way to backup. I *think* Wugfresh's backup method was to make a Nandroid (so, after unlocking and rooting). I didn't try it though. It's a great toolkit, nonetheless. Worked without any hitches for me. It's laid out in a detailed manner - with screenshots of exactly what you'll see in your screen (so no need to freak out at weird messages!)
I was too eager to root, so I just went for it! Needless to say, it was totally worth it!
Hope that helps. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just going for it, all the important things I did on my N7 were synced with my Google account. Thanks!
Hello Community.
I am new to the Nexus forums. Previously with HTC and Samsung Android devices. The root process has always been extremely simple and for the most part a pc was never needed with Samsung devices. I am now an owner of a TMobile Nexus 4 and would like to know what is the easiest process to obtain root on my device? Im not looking to do much, just want to get rid of some apps I dont use that are locked into the stock ROM.
Is there an automated root process (one click root) or anything similar? Ive read through the Root Guide but im a bit hesitant to use anything related to command prompts unless its the only way.
Thanks
jgentry151 said:
Hello Community.
I am new to the Nexus forums. Previously with HTC and Samsung Android devices. The root process has always been extremely simple and for the most part a pc was never needed with Samsung devices. I am now an owner of a TMobile Nexus 4 and would like to know what is the easiest process to obtain root on my device? Im not looking to do much, just want to get rid of some apps I dont use that are locked into the stock ROM.
Is there an automated root process (one click root) or anything similar? Ive read through the Root Guide but im a bit hesitant to use anything related to command prompts unless its the only way.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Learn to use the command prompt. This will save you if you ever run into issues. As a nexus is a developers device you will not find any one clicks here. It is better to know what you are doing then for someone else to do it for you.
jgentry151 said:
Hello Community.
I am new to the Nexus forums. Previously with HTC and Samsung Android devices. The root process has always been extremely simple and for the most part a pc was never needed with Samsung devices. I am now an owner of a TMobile Nexus 4 and would like to know what is the easiest process to obtain root on my device? Im not looking to do much, just want to get rid of some apps I dont use that are locked into the stock ROM.
Is there an automated root process (one click root) or anything similar? Ive read through the Root Guide but im a bit hesitant to use anything related to command prompts unless its the only way.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the drivers for your phone download su.zip to your phone download a recovery img to you computer open a command prompt type
fastboot OEM unlock
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
then flash the su.zip in recovery reboot done
From my BLACKED OUT N4
Look for the unlock without losing data method. Can't remember what it's called, maybe someone will enlighten.
The best way isn't always the easiest way. Using a toolkit is the easiest way, especially if you're not confident with using command prompts. That's the method I used to root, and had great success with Wug's nexus toolkit. Like was posted previously, rooting via fastboot is the better way, because you're not depending on someone else's work to do the job for you. Plus you'll learn more about your phone and how to fix it should something go wrong.
I find following a video step by step very helpful. I used this to root my N4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV355YEDzc8
WugFresh toolkit is the easiest that you're going to find. It even allows you to easily unroot and oem lock.
You should learn command prompt like stated but the tool kit is the easiest.
meangreenie said:
Look for the unlock without losing data method. Can't remember what it's called, maybe someone will enlighten.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its very simple just don't reboot the phone after you do oem unlock just flash the recovery right after then wipe caches and reboot.
From my BLACKED OUT N4
Easiet way ? Here u go.
Download and install frama root apk and then download boot unlocker from play store and unlock. Done.
Link frama root- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2130276
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
I'm about to take my baby steps and root my Nexus 4 for the first time. I've read the sticky's and have a good idea of what I'd be doing, but I don't see much in the way of backing things up before root and as I understand, rooting wipes your data. Can anyone help me on this or at least better understand what I should do?
I'm also having difficulty understanding the whole bootloader and custom recovery too but not too much trouble. I'd just like to know how to install a custom recovery and how much risk I'm at of messing up my bootloader.
PGvossman said:
I'm about to take my baby steps and root my Nexus 4 for the first time. I've read the sticky's and have a good idea of what I'd be doing, but I don't see much in the way of backing things up before root and as I understand, rooting wipes your data. Can anyone help me on this or at least better understand what I should do?
I'm also having difficulty understanding the whole bootloader and custom recovery too but not too much trouble. I'd just like to know how to install a custom recovery and how much risk I'm at of messing up my bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting does not wipe data, the unlocking process does. There is no really good way to backup everything prior to unlokcing, you could use My Backup but you should really use the Pro version which is $4.99 (Many people swear by it for unrooted phones, I have no real experience with it). Wugfresh's toolkit has a backup and restore when doing unlock, but honestly, it messed up my phone and I had to factory default anyways.
As long as you are syncing stuff to Google (contacts, pictures, videos, etc), have Android Backup& Restore enabled (handles apps and common system settings), SMS Backup & Restore (text and pix messages), and you pull of the other files you want, there is no real need to backup at all. I swap ROMs all the time, and this is all I do to go from one ROM to another.
As far as the actual rooting process, ie. flashing SuperSU, there is no need to backup prior to that... all that is going to do is add a few files in some system directories and that's it.
The greatest thing about a Nexus device is it's ability to be modified... and within normal means it is virtually unbrickable, so give it a shot, and if you screw it up ask for help, thousands of people here have done it and can help, and if you still can't figure out a problem just restore the Google system images and whoalla... your phone is back to out of box condition.
You are able to root and unlock without wiping any data. Just check out my guide (the link is in the stickies, too)
mihahn said:
You are able to root and unlock without wiping any data. Just check out my guide (the link is in the stickies, too)
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Click to collapse
I opened your links but they all seem to be about Xperia devices.
I don't quite understand. Isn't the unlocking process needed to root the phone, thereby loosing all the data?
easy
before rooting, you hav to unlock bootloader and it wipes your all pics videos etc so better backup in your pc and thn try root. foloow guide ,its easy, or search on youtube for videos...
parveen75 said:
before rooting, you hav to unlock bootloader and it wipes your all pics videos etc so better backup in your pc and thn try root. foloow guide ,its easy, or search on youtube for videos...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I guess that makes sense. Does that include phone contacts, SMS and passwords?
And I suppose my final question is the danger of the bootloader. Is it possible for a newbie like myself to ruin something accidentally?
PGvossman said:
I opened your links but they all seem to be about Xperia devices.
I don't quite understand. Isn't the unlocking process needed to root the phone, thereby loosing all the data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I meant the one in the stickies here, I'll add the guide to my signature later
But I meant this guide. It'll root before unlocking the bootloader and you are able to unlock without wiping then. Check it out
PGvossman said:
OK I guess that makes sense. Does that include phone contacts, SMS and passwords?
And I suppose my final question is the danger of the bootloader. Is it possible for a newbie like myself to ruin something accidentally?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m also a newbie earlier . lol.. Only follow guide corectly for rooting.. U wl b good to go
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mihahn said:
Yeah I meant the one in the stickies here, I'll add the guide to my signature later
But I meant this guide. It'll root before unlocking the bootloader and you are able to unlock without wiping then. Check it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Where does the whole custom recovery and such come into play on this though?
PGvossman said:
Thanks. Where does the whole custom recovery and such come into play on this though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not necessary to flash the recovery, but you may flash it if you want to and if you need it
Couple ways to do a backup without root.
Use adb,
eg. adb backup -all -apk -nosystem
Then pull files you want to backup
eg. adb pull /sdcard/
Or use helium app available from play store which is basically a gui for the adb backup command.
Thanks. I notice the -nosystem command, does that mean it won't back up system details?
I suppose my final question is Windows 8 support. I saw a thread a while back when you have to do something extra for the drivers and I can't seem to see it in the sticky threads.
Hey guys, i've been looking at some different guides and ill be trying to root my N4 running 5.1.1 using that, just wanted to make sure it's legit:
ive installed the adb drivers from the 15 sec installer found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
and root it using this guide: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-root-nexus-5-4-android-5-1-1-lollipop-install-cwm-recovery-1502856 (except ill be using twrp not cwm)
(backed up apps and messages using helium app, assuming this process will wipe my data)
just wanted to make sure if this way is legit, or i may have missed something (i assume my bootloader is locked)
Pingas12 said:
Hey guys, i've been looking at some different guides and ill be trying to root my N4 running 5.1.1 using that, just wanted to make sure it's legit:
ive installed the adb drivers from the 15 sec installer found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
and root it using this guide: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-root-nexus-5-4-android-5-1-1-lollipop-install-cwm-recovery-1502856 (except ill be using twrp not cwm)
(backed up apps and messages using helium app, assuming this process will wipe my data)
just wanted to make sure if this way is legit, or i may have missed something (i assume my bootloader is locked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks good, just make sure you understand that in the when you flash the recovery the command is "fastboot flash recovery *the file name of your recovery file*" make sure to include the .img in the file name.
EDIT: Make sure to remember to unlock your bootloader before flashing the recovery by using the command "fastboot oem unlock" after booting into the bootloader.
theminikiller said:
That looks good, just make sure you understand that in the when you flash the recovery the command is "fastboot flash recovery *the file name of your recovery file*" make sure to include the .img in the file name.
EDIT: Make sure to remember to unlock your bootloader before flashing the recovery by using the command "fastboot oem unlock" after booting into the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot man! Is there a way to make sure my bootloader is locked (or unlocked)?
Is it going to wipe my data?
Pingas12 said:
Thanks alot man! Is there a way to make sure my bootloader is locked (or unlocked)?
Is it going to wipe my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know of any way to check if the unlock was successful, but I imagine it would say something in the command prompt after running the command.
Yes, it is going to wipe your data and sdcard folder so anything you want to keep you have to make a backup of on your computer or somewhere else.
EDIT: BTW this guide goes over the process in alot more detail than the guide you found and are using, so if you're still unsure about the process this guide will probably help. http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/help/guide-ultimate-nexus-4-root-guide-t2018179
theminikiller said:
I don't know of any way to check if the unlock was successful, but I imagine it would say something in the command prompt after running the command.
Yes, it is going to wipe your data and sdcard folder so anything you want to keep you have to make a backup of on your computer or somewhere else.
EDIT: BTW this guide goes over the process in alot more detail than the guide you found and are using, so if you're still unsure about the process this guide will probably help. http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/help/guide-ultimate-nexus-4-root-guide-t2018179
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, Thanks! again!
Second, i've seen this guide, and even though you are probably right, it still refers to older versions of android and im a bit skeptical about using it. Plus, it shows a way of unlocking and rooting without losing data but i don't want to use it because it's not the "normal" way and im not sure if it will work.
and one more thing: flashing the recovery means i will have it as long as i want or each time i would want to use it i will have to flash it again?
Pingas12 said:
First of all, Thanks! again!
Second, i've seen this guide, and even though you are probably right, it still refers to older versions of android and im a bit skeptical about using it. Plus, it shows a way of unlocking and rooting without losing data but i don't want to use it because it's not the "normal" way and im not sure if it will work.
and one more thing: flashing the recovery means i will have it as long as i want or each time i would want to use it i will have to flash it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the guide I linked it gives you a way to make it permanent. If you don't do that I think you have to reflash the recovery after every time you boot into the normal ROM.
theminikiller said:
In the guide I linked it gives you a way to make it permanent. If you don't do that I think you have to reflash the recovery after every time you boot into the normal ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it! does some of the ways apply to twrp as well?
Pingas12 said:
Got it! does some of the ways apply to twrp as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use either the file explorer method or the adb method just do the exact same thing.
theminikiller said:
If you use either the file explorer method or the adb method just do the exact same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, you helped me alot. i'll do the rooting process later today (just got home) I really appreciate your help.
Pingas12 said:
Man, you helped me alot. i'll do the rooting process later today (just got home) I really appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did it go?
it shows a way of unlocking and rooting without losing data
theminikiller said:
How did it go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It went great! today ill be busy restoring old data, already worked with whatsapp but for some reason the helium app cant find the backup files and it assumes there is no backup
Pingas12 said:
It went great! today ill be busy restoring old data, already worked with whatsapp but for some reason the helium app cant find the backup files and it assumes there is no backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Congratulations! Unfortunately I've never used helium so I don't know anything about that, I've always used titanium.