Related
Most of us were talking about Towelroot over in Jcase's PIE thread or over in collinjames' thread, but I think it's time it deserves it's own thread.
UPDATE:
@iKrYpToNiTe made the awesome TowelPieRoot which makes this method easier to use. You can still use this thread to root your phone, but I will be using his method from now on. Happy rooting!
Important Links:
Geohot's original post.
Towelroot's Homepage
Mod Strings
What is Towelroot?
Towelroot is a rooting method for most android phones, and it uses an apk to obtain root (dead simple too, push one button, no need for other tools and workarounds). (source)
Why do we use Towelroot in conjunction with PIE?
PIE nor Towelroot disables write protection. Both of them offer a temporary root that has to be applied after a reboot. The advantage to Towelroot is that it is an APK that sits on device, so unlike PIE, Towelroot can be run later, non-tethered to a PC, should you have to power off/on. So you use PIE first while tethered and initially rooting, then Towelroot allows you to continue rooting "on the go" in the future without needing a PC.
How does it work with the Moto X?
It works the same as PIE. It gives root access but the device is still write protected. It is also temporary and must be reapplied after a reboot. However, a soft/hot reboot can keep the root access, due to soft/hot reboots only rebooting the graphical Android shell.
What does it work on?
XT1049 - Republic Wireless, not confirmed, should work.
XT1052 - European
XT1053 -T-Mobile US, not confirmed, should work.
XT1055 - US Cellular, not confirmed, should work.
XT1056 - Sprint, not confirmed, should work.
XT1058 - AT&T, Rogers, Claro, Movistar, Vivo, Oi, TIM
XT1060 - Verizon
How do I use this tool?
Remember to apply PIE first!
1. On your device, go to here.It will start to download the .apk
3. On your device, go to Settings>Security>Unknown Sources and tick the box.
4. Run the downloaded apk, tr3.apk
5. Press "welcome to towelroot" 3 times.
6. Replace the last 0 with a 1, due to modstrings.
7. make it ra1n
Your device should now be rooted and you should be able to use apps such as Greenify and Titanium Backup.
Some applications that should work with root, might not work with this method.
Some people have experimented with using Superuser apps, but I have not seen a consistent method to use one.
How are we keeping root after reboots?
We aren't rebooting! Seriously, we soft/hot reboot which allows us to keep root after a graphical reboot. And even if you do reboot, you can always reapply the root with Towelroot. You just need to make sure you have applied jcase's PIE before hand.
Xposed:
jpond83 posted up some instructions in the PIE thread about how to get Xposed to work:
Make sure you have installed PIE before you try to use Xposed or it will NOT work. View jcase's PIE thread for more details.
jpond83 said:
1) install towelroot. Xposed installer, Busybox installer, power menu
2)run towelroot, click "welcome to towelroot", replace 0 with 1, make it rain.
3) run xposed and click install
4) run busybox installer and click install
5) run power menu and click "hot reboot"
6) enjoy root without using a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Current problems/bugs
Some users have problems with soft/hot rebooting. Reapply PIE.
Random reboots.
Warning about using this exploit
Myself or anyone that has helped develop this are not responsible for anything that occurs to your phone by using this method.
As for this thread, feel free to post your experiences with this tool or any supplements to add.
I'm glad this finally has a dedicated thread. Good job OP
I finally got it working. When I installed SuperSU it was lagging. But I kept it off. I even have hkthememanager running with KitKat all white settings from the nexus forum.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Free mobile app
The softboot/hot boot issue comes from not having busybox installed.
jpond83 said:
The softboot/hot boot issue comes from not having busybox installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed 3 different Busybox installers:
Busybox by Stephen (Stericson)
Busybox Installer by JRummy Apps Inc.
Busybox X by Robert Nediyakalaparambil [root]
The first and the third one said they installed successfully, but the second one did not.
Even after 2 installations succeeding, I was still unable to soft/hot reboot.
Any ideas?
I use busybox installer with the blue icon. Never had a issue with softboot as long as I install everything in the order I stated in the other thread.
jpond83 said:
I use busybox installer with the blue icon. Never had a issue with softboot as long as I install everything in the order I stated in the other thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guessing that is the Busybox Installer , I just get this when I try to install it. I have root access, but Busybox is not installing.
But when I use Busybox by Stephen, it says it installs correctly, and my Busybox checker says it does too, but Power Menu still won't Hot Reboot.
Have you ran pie root before? It needs to be ran on the device once before for it to work.
jpond83 said:
Have you ran pie root before? It needs to be ran on the device once before for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replying the PIE exploit has seemed to fix it. Thank you.
Should I add to the original post that you need to install PIE?
dier325 said:
Replying the PIE exploit has seemed to fix it. Thank you.
Should I add to the original post that you need to install PIE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, its a must. It should only need to be ran once. After that you should never need it again unless you factory reset.
jpond83 said:
Have you ran pie root before? It needs to be ran on the device once before for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so you need to use PIE to make stuff work under towelroot work on the X?
If so, why not just stick with PIE? Why add towelroot?
KidJoe said:
Wait, so you need to use PIE to make stuff work under towelroot work on the X?
If so, why not just stick with PIE? Why add towelroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read??? You only need to use pie once. After that you can reboot your phone as much as you want and just root with towelroot.
KidJoe said:
Wait, so you need to use PIE to make stuff work under towelroot work on the X?
If so, why not just stick with PIE? Why add towelroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot can work just by itself, but PIE adds some functionality that allows for easier softbooting.
jpond83 said:
Did you read??? You only need to use pie once. After that you can reboot your phone as much as you want and just root with towelroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry that it bothers you so much that I have a question I'm asking. But if you must know, YES I READ. I've read this thread, the PIE thread, and Does Towel Root have any potential in the Motorola field?
And if you can read, you would know that you didn't even answer my question of "why use both?". Instead you just sort of flaming me for asking something and said pie only needs to be run once which is already stated very clearly in what I quoted.
What I'm getting at with my question is something that is implied, but not stated.....
It is understood that since neither PIE nor Towelroot disables write protection on locked bootloaders, if you root with either PIE or Towelroot, you need to re-root after power off/on (or "hard" reboot as some are calling it). It appears the advantage to Towelroot is that it is an APK that sits on device, so unlike PIE, Towelroot can be run later, non-tethered to a PC, should you have to power off/on. So you use PIE first while tethered and initially rooting, then whatever it does allows Towelroot APK to continue working properly when "on the go" in the future without needing a PC.
If that is truly the case, then I think that should be highlighted better, and @dier325 should add it to the OP as many are missing that bit of information. It would also cut out some of the frustration by those encountering issues when running PIE again, after they had to power off/on. (as they could use PIE when first setting up, then towelroot if they lose root while away from their PC).
But it does beg a few more questions (at least by someone who is READING all of this, but not using either PIE or TowelRoot)...
Is PIE needed once before Towelroot only if you want Xposed? Or is it always needed once if you ever plan on using Towelroot? (i.e. Are there any cases where Towelroot alone works? like if you only want to block ads or tether. Or must you have used PIE once already, if you want to make use of Towelroot to root at all?)
Must it be done in a certain order? I.e. if you've used towelroot and realized you forgot PIE, can you just run PIE and be good? or must you reboot, use PIE, then use Towelroot again?
What changes are made by PIE that survive power off/on and enable Towelroot to work when trying to use Xposed?
If this information is accurate, can Geohot and Jcase work together on a single solution, and possibly single on device solution for the X?
KidJoe said:
It is understood that since neither PIE nor Towelroot disables write protection on locked bootloaders, if you root with either PIE or Towelroot, you need to re-root after power off/on (or "hard" reboot as some are calling it). It appears the advantage to Towelroot is that it is an APK that sits on device, so unlike PIE, Towelroot can be run later, non-tethered to a PC, should you have to power off/on. So you use PIE first while tethered and initially rooting, then whatever it does allows Towelroot APK to continue working properly when "on the go" in the future without needing a PC.
If that is truly the case, then I think that should be highlighted better, and @dier325 should add it to the OP as many are missing that bit of information. It would also cut out some of the frustration by those encountering issues when running PIE again, after they had to power off/on. (as they could use PIE when first setting up, then towelroot if they lose root while away from their PC).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great explanation of why we are using both. I will add a paragraph to the OP that paraphrases what you just said.
KidJoe said:
Is PIE needed once before Towelroot only if you want Xposed? Or is it always needed once if you ever plan on using Towelroot? (i.e. Are there any cases where Towelroot alone works? like if you only want to block ads or tether. Or must you have used PIE once already, if you want to make use of Towelroot to root at all?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot alone works, but we've found that some applications (i.e. Xposed, Busybox) don't work unless you have PIE. Using them together allows us to use them.
KidJoe said:
[*]Must it be done in a certain order? I.e. if you've used towelroot and realized you forgot PIE, can you just run PIE and be good? or must you reboot, use PIE, then use Towelroot again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The method of each one must be done in order but it does not matter which one you apply first to the device. In fact I just had Towelroot running on my device and then applied PIE allowing for Xposed to work.
KidJoe said:
[*]What changes are made by PIE that survive power off/on and enable Towelroot to work when trying to use Xposed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PIE allows us to keep Busybox installed on the device which allows us to Soft/hot reboot.
KidJoe said:
[*]If this information is accurate, can Geohot and Jcase work together on a single solution, and possibly single on device solution for the X?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to remind everyone that there are very few of us who are using both of these methods together currently. It is fine for these questions to be brought up for the uninitiated. As for them working together, I think Jcase stated that he wants to move away from the X, as well as I think he is on holiday due to his current signature. I don't know about Geohot but some people have created a thread over in the Moto G forum raising some money to buy the device for him after he said he would try to work on it if he had one.
I have jcases pie root on my x and g and i either always soft boot in xposed framework and keep phone on airplane mode when not in use and charge when necessary
KidJoe said:
If that is truly the case, then I think that should be highlighted better, and @dier325 should add it to the OP as many are missing that bit of information. It would also cut out some of the frustration by those encountering issues when running PIE again, after they had to power off/on. (as they could use PIE when first setting up, then towelroot if they lose root while away from their PC).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have added another section to the OP explaining the situation.
cell2011 said:
I have jcases pie root on my x and g and i either always soft boot in xposed framework and keep phone on airplane mode when not in use and charge when necessary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding them together allows you to root without having to use a PC if you do reboot your device, say it dies.
Thanks guys for clearing this up. I think Towel root should be renamed to something less middle east reference and it would be welcomed more.
So basically if we want more functionality with our root, we should do PIE first? I clicked over onto the PIE page but didn't really how it's done. I have towelroot down, but it seems PIE is a good idea to use in combo with towel root. I could be missing something though cause I'm in the XDA app at work.
I do understand though that PIE is a one time thing and we should just use towel root thereafter when we reboot and need to reroot again.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Free mobile app
Using PIE in conjunction with Towelroot allows you to use apps such as Xposed.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA-FORUM, powered by appyet.com
If you have rooted your N6P and you are at a store and want to use Google Pay, is there a way of quickly (on the fly as it were ) unrooting the phone,, making purchase and then rerooting?
Go into SuperSU. Uncheck Enable Superuser. Add your cards. Turn root back on and you're good to go. It appears the only caveat to root is that you're unable to add payment methods. You should be able to pay.
Cares said:
Go into SuperSU. Uncheck Enable Superuser. Add your cards. Turn root back on and you're good to go. It appears the only caveat to root is that you're unable to add payment methods. You should be able to pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you actually tested this at a terminal? Everything I've read says root or custom roms will not work with Android Pay. You can unroot and add the cards, but it will still not function at a POS terminal. I am yet to find someone that can confirm it works the way you mentioned. Everyone agrees that you can add the cards... but that's where the functionality stops.
Tried this method on my Nexus 6. It knows I'm rooted, even if I've disabled SU entirely and rebooted.
Have a search about, at least one of two people have confirmed that they have paid with root disabled, but only if the system partition hasn't been changed
So how do you ensure the system partition is not changed?
kboya said:
Have a search about, at least one of two people have confirmed that they have paid with root disabled, but only if the system partition hasn't been changed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pardon my ignorance here... but doesn't rooting the device modify the system partition? If not... maybe that's the difference with the other threads I've seen. Everyone was using custom roms as far as I know. I'd like to be able to root so I can use adblocker and still use Android Pay. I can live without a custom rom on stock android... but I really miss adblocker.
teknomar7 said:
Have you actually tested this at a terminal? Everything I've read says root or custom roms will not work with Android Pay. You can unroot and add the cards, but it will still not function at a POS terminal. I am yet to find someone that can confirm it works the way you mentioned. Everyone agrees that you can add the cards... but that's where the functionality stops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just added my cards. I'll test it out later today. Need to find a store that takes Android Pay
teknomar7 said:
Pardon my ignorance here... but doesn't rooting the device modify the system partition? If not... maybe that's the difference with the other threads I've seen. Everyone was using custom roms as far as I know. I'd like to be able to root so I can use adblocker and still use Android Pay. I can live without a custom rom on stock android... but I really miss adblocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a root without changing system. As I said, have a search about. I read it earlier today or perhaps yesterday. There's a thread about the root without system.
Thanks... found the link.
http://www.xda-developers.com/chainfire-releases-root-for-android-6-0-without-modifying-system/
cool, no worries.
So I can confirm that Android Pay will not let you add cards while rooted, but it will let you complete a payment at a terminal while root in SuperSU is enabled. So once you have your payments setup, you can root and use Android Pay.
I own a store with a terminal that accepts Android Pay and have tested it a few different ways over the past 2 days. Every way worked. Unrooted, root simply disabled, root enabled.
The only thing root does is makes it so you can't add a card.
And I have regular root, not the new systemless root.
ArkAngel06 said:
So I can confirm that Android Pay will not let you add cards while rooted, but it will let you complete a payment at a terminal while root in SuperSU is enabled. So once you have your payments setup, you can root and use Android Pay.
I own a store with a terminal that accepts Android Pay and have tested it a few different ways over the past 2 days. Every way worked. Unrooted, root simply disabled, root enabled.
The only thing root does is makes it so you can't add a card.
And I have regular root, not the new systemless root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you still pay after a reboot? Thanks.
It works. I wish the misinformation would simply stop. It has worked on devices in the past, it works on devices now and it will most likely work on devices in the future. We had threads before launch how root would disable bank apps, fingerprint sensor, android pay etc and it is all simply untrue.
It works.
boxcar8028 said:
Can you still pay after a reboot? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I'll have to try tomorrow.
Was this explanation debunked, then?
http://www.xda-developers.com/googl...-with-root-and-android-pay-in-the-xda-forums/
You
Aridon said:
It works. I wish the misinformation would simply stop. It has worked on devices in the past, it works on devices now and it will most likely work on devices in the future. We had threads before launch how root would disable bank apps, fingerprint sensor, android pay etc and it is all simply untrue.
It works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but Google stated that Android Pay can't be used with root. So of course there will some question to it.
source
And root absolutely does effect Android Pay. However if seems only while adding payment methods, and nothing once they are added.
What Google is using to determine if the device has been tampered with: https://koz.io/inside-safetynet/
Its definitely an interesting and pretty secure setup. Since it seems to happen real-time, maybe they turned off the "su_files" check and thats why Android Pay works on rooted devices now.
boxcar8028 said:
Can you still pay after a reboot? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So tried it again today after rebooting with root enabled and it does not work. So there you go. Android Pay does not work while rooted, period.
It does work with root simply disabled in the SuperSu app and then a reboot.
Maybe the new systemless root, though chainfire said if it does work, it was unintentional and Google will probably patch it.
ArkAngel06 said:
So tried it again today after rebooting with root enabled and it does not work. So there you go. Android Pay does not work while rooted, period.
It does work with root simply disabled in the SuperSu app and then a reboot.
Maybe the new systemless root, though chainfire said if it does work, it was unintentional and Google will probably patch it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct. If you try to pay, after adding your cards and re rooting, it will fail.
You must disable root again to pay. You can reenable after.
first of all i'm sorry if this has been answered already, but i could not find the answer.
My 6P is setup as follows:
MDB08L build
rooted with systemless root and TWRP
xposed v78 sdk 23
xposed mods:
greenify
gravitybox
App Settings
No Lock Home
Snapprefs
Xinsta
Custom Share
i try to activate my AMEX on android pay and i get the error message stating that Google cannot verify the software (same message as if i was running a rom)
i have tried to unroot in SuperSU and then add the card...no difference
can anyone help me out here?
It won't work if you are rooted. Some people have said that temp unroot works, but I've never been able to get it.
Xposed modifies system, pay won't work
akellar said:
Xposed modifies system, pay won't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright. i'm going to try to uninstall xposed. add the card and see what happens then i guess.
Thanks!
No AP with root, even systemless root. There might be a few that have said they have figured it out but in general 99.9% of people say it will not work.
I came from an Lg G3 with root and Xposed.
You cannot add cards if Xposed is installed. FIle systesm is checked.
You need to uninstall Xposed.
Once the cards are added re-install Xposed and root.
Use the module "No Device Check" to be able to use Android Pay.
I have Xposed and root and use Pay with no issues.
steveo17 said:
alright. i'm going to try to uninstall xposed. add the card and see what happens then i guess.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jawmail said:
No AP with root, even systemless root. There might be a few that have said they have figured it out but in general 99.9% of people say it will not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep so even without xposed and disabling root, i cannot activate android pay.
oh well
I have used android pay with system less root.
No android pay with root, it's actually the first time i didnt immediately root my phone
what are u talking about guys? i have full stock, bootloader locked, but still can't use android pay, tells me that it is not available on this device
emiwonder said:
what are u talking about guys? i have full stock, bootloader locked, but still can't use android pay, tells me that it is not available on this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you talking about? Android pay absolutely works fine on this and every other device with nfc.
emiwonder said:
what are u talking about guys? i have full stock, bootloader locked, but still can't use android pay, tells me that it is not available on this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you?
emiwonder said:
what are u talking about guys? i have full stock, bootloader locked, but still can't use android pay, tells me that it is not available on this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works perfectly fine on a stock 6P in the U.S.
tech_head said:
Where are you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am in Canada
Lots of misinformation about this. Android pay works fine if you use systemless root. I have it on my phone currently.
Is pay available in Canada
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
tech_head said:
Is pay available in Canada
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. And all banks except RBC in Canada who have tap to pay apps won't work either as the use secure SIM
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
grubbster said:
Lots of misinformation about this. Android pay works fine if you use systemless root. I have it on my phone currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too am having problems adding a card to Android Pay due to the "Google is unable to verify. . ." error. I'm on stock ROM, and followed the directions for system-less root (thanks for that thread!).
One thing I'm starting to suspect is that when I first booted TWRP, upon being asked to keep system read only, I chose to "swipe to allow modifications".
Does anyone think this action, of allowing TWRP to modify the system partition, is the root cause for Android Pay not working? Is there a way to undo this action in TWRP, to put the system partition back to read-only?
Thanks!
sentinel230 said:
I too am having problems adding a card to Android Pay due to the "Google is unable to verify. . ." error. I'm on stock ROM, and followed the directions for system-less root (thanks for that thread!).
One thing I'm starting to suspect is that when I first booted TWRP, upon being asked to keep system read only, I chose to "swipe to allow modifications".
Does anyone think this action, of allowing TWRP to modify the system partition, is the root cause for Android Pay not working? Is there a way to undo this action in TWRP, to put the system partition back to read-only?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm assuming you're rooted with SuperSU 2.62?
you have to delete SU/Bin i think to get it to work
It is available on this device, but is geographically dependent. If you live in a location where Android Pay is available and are completely stock and unrooted it will work. You then go into the lottery once you start looking at root etc.
Hello everyone,
My Moto X Pure edition is on the way on the mail. I'm already excited to root it and get twrp on it. However, I believe the phone will come with android lollipop installed, and I should get an option for an OTA update for android 6.0.
My question is: Should I root my phone and install twrp BEFORE receiving the update, or after? I plan to use WinDroid Toolkit to root my phone and install twrp (seems to be the easiest way) so have any of you done it while having 6.0 already installed?
Your phone will most likely arrive with 6.0 pre-installed on it. You can't take an OTA with TWRP installed. I can't answer the WinDroid question.
Edit: It will most likely come with 6.0 already assuming you purchased it from Motorola.
quakeaz said:
Your phone will most likely arrive with 6.0 pre-installed on it. You can't take an OTA with TWRP installed. I can't answer the WinDroid question.
Edit: It will most likely come with 6.0 already assuming you purchased it from Motorola.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your help! It's good that the phone will most likely come with MM. Does Motorola also offer an OTA update to 6.0.1?
I wanted to flash a pre-rooted stock-based ROM because I thought it would be easier to get root. Although, my preference really would be to get the stock update, then just root that. The only reason I wanted to flash an already rooted ROM was because it seems kind of tricky to root it haha. Is the systemless root by ivcarlos the easiest way to root MM? Or have you perhaps found another way to root it on MM?
Additionally, just to make sure before I go on with anything: I should first let the clean phone upgrade to android 6.0.1, AFTER that I should unlock the bootloader, followed by installing TWRP and root, correct? @vertigo_2_20
Thank you for any help you can give me!
Henryy97 said:
Thanks a lot for your help! It's good that the phone will most likely come with MM. Does Motorola also offer an OTA update to 6.0.1?
I wanted to flash a pre-rooted stock-based ROM because I thought it would be easier to get root. Although, my preference really would be to get the stock update, then just root that. The only reason I wanted to flash an already rooted ROM was because it seems kind of tricky to root it haha. Is the systemless root by ivcarlos the easiest way to root MM? Or have you perhaps found another way to root it on MM?
Additionally, just to make sure before I go on with anything: I should first let the clean phone upgrade to android 6.0.1, AFTER that I should unlock the bootloader, followed by installing TWRP and root, correct? @vertigo_2_20
Thank you for any help you can give me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC, that's how I did it (OTA 6.0.1 > unlock bootloader > flash TWRP > root), though I did miss some things along the way that I only found out about after the fact, so I've included warnings about those thing here. Before I rooted, I read the following (and a LOT more, but these are the primary ones I based how I did it on):
ivcarlos' method, which you mentioned
And this, which is what I followed for rooting, though I don't remember why. I also had to use 2.62-3 as mentioned in the instructions vs 2.65 which is mentioned at the end as verified working, since it didn't work for me.
I ran across this as well, probably when 2.65 didn't work, and there's some good tidbits in there, worth reading through.
I also found this, but only after I finished rooting with the other method, and I didn't have the time to mess with it. I don't know enough to say whether it's really a better method or not, but something worth checking out if you have the time.
Just make sure you backup anything you want to keep (phone log, texts, pictures, etc) before unlocking the bootloader. I recommend SMS Backup & Restore with Titanium Backup as a secondary backup. Then, use fastboot to back up your recovery before flashing TWRP (I didn't know to do this until too late). Also, make sure you back up your /system and /boot partitions (don't need /data, since you're dealing with a freshly wiped phone from unlocking the bootloader, so nothing there to back up) with TWRP (and store the backups on the external SD card and/or your computer) as soon as you get TWRP flashed, before you do anything else.
Remember, anything you do that modifies /system can potentially break the "systemless" aspect of this root, thereby breaking Android Pay as well as the ability to receive OTA updates. Examples of things that might do this are AdAway (there's apparently a systemless file that needs to be flashed before installing it, which I didn't realize until too late, so mine may be broken already) and battery apps like GSam and BetterBatteryStats. I've yet to get an answer on if these really do break it, though. One that definitely will is Xposed, but I just found there's a systemless version, so when I get time I plan on trying that out. I think even if you do break it you can just a) reflash your backup (/recovery, /boot, & /system) then take an OTA and reflash TWRP and re-root, or b) flash the updated partitions from the OTA then reflash recovery and re-root. Of course, any of those things that changed /system (AdAway, Xposed, battery apps, etc), will probably be broken by this, and I believe they're supposed to be uninstalled first and reinstalled after.
I wouldn't doubt if I've screwed something up, so hopefully somebody can correct me on anything I did, as well as provide more information regarding the breaking of systemless.
vertigo_2_20 said:
IIRC, that's how I did it (OTA 6.0.1 > unlock bootloader > flash TWRP > root), though I did miss some things along the way that I only found out about after the fact, so I've included warnings about those thing here. Before I rooted, I read the following (and a LOT more, but these are the primary ones I based how I did it on):
ivcarlos' method, which you mentioned
And this, which is what I followed for rooting, though I don't remember why. I also had to use 2.62-3 as mentioned in the instructions vs 2.65 which is mentioned at the end as verified working, since it didn't work for me.
I ran across this as well, probably when 2.65 didn't work, and there's some good tidbits in there, worth reading through.
I also found this, but only after I finished rooting with the other method, and I didn't have the time to mess with it. I don't know enough to say whether it's really a better method or not, but something worth checking out if you have the time.
Just make sure you backup anything you want to keep (phone log, texts, pictures, etc) before unlocking the bootloader. I recommend SMS Backup & Restore with Titanium Backup as a secondary backup. Then, use fastboot to back up your recovery before flashing TWRP (I didn't know to do this until too late). Also, make sure you back up your /system and /boot partitions (don't need /data, since you're dealing with a freshly wiped phone from unlocking the bootloader, so nothing there to back up) with TWRP (and store the backups on the external SD card and/or your computer) as soon as you get TWRP flashed, before you do anything else.
Remember, anything you do that modifies /system can potentially break the "systemless" aspect of this root, thereby breaking Android Pay as well as the ability to receive OTA updates. Examples of things that might do this are AdAway (there's apparently a systemless file that needs to be flashed before installing it, which I didn't realize until too late, so mine may be broken already) and battery apps like GSam and BetterBatteryStats. I've yet to get an answer on if these really do break it, though. One that definitely will is Xposed, but I just found there's a systemless version, so when I get time I plan on trying that out. I think even if you do break it you can just a) reflash your backup (/recovery, /boot, & /system) then take an OTA and reflash TWRP and re-root, or b) flash the updated partitions from the OTA then reflash recovery and re-root. Of course, any of those things that changed /system (AdAway, Xposed, battery apps, etc), will probably be broken by this, and I believe they're supposed to be uninstalled first and reinstalled after.
I wouldn't doubt if I've screwed something up, so hopefully somebody can correct me on anything I did, as well as provide more information regarding the breaking of systemless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply! I'll read the links you sent me, although from what I can see the "root done right" is for the nexus 6, and if it works for the moto x pure it doesn't seem to be overall that much beneficial over the systemless root.
What exactly is the effect of breaking the "systemless" aspect of the root? For example, if I install AdAway, what will happen? I didn't really get that from your post.
Perhaps after all this process, I'll write a how-to guide, heh
So according to your experience, SUPERSU 2.62-3 is the adequate version to use for android 6.0.1?
Thanks again!
Henryy97 said:
Thank you for your reply! I'll read the links you sent me, although from what I can see the "root done right" is for the nexus 6, and if it works for the moto x pure it doesn't seem to be overall that much beneficial over the systemless root.
What exactly is the effect of breaking the "systemless" aspect of the root? For example, if I install AdAway, what will happen? I didn't really get that from your post.
Perhaps after all this process, I'll write a how-to guide, heh
So according to your experience, SUPERSU 2.62-3 is the adequate version to use for android 6.0.1?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that breaking it will render Android Pay inoperable and will make it so you can't take an OTA, though as I mentioned, it seems you still can by reverting back, it's just a LOT more work. But again, as I said, I'm not completely sure and I haven't been able to get an answer.
As for the supersu version, it doesn't really matter, because you'll just update it once you're rooted and booted into the OS. I just found that, despite what that post said, 2.65 did not work for me, so I had to flash 2.62-3 which did. Not a big deal, was just a little frustrating and scary when 2.65 didn't work because I was worried that I broke something and that the method wasn't going to work.
Edit: Good catch BTW on the link having to do with the Nexus. I didn't even look at what sub-forum it was in. At least it's one less thing to worry about for now, though I do hope it spreads to more devices, because we could always use more, not to mention better (assuming it is) ways of doing things.
vertigo_2_20 said:
My understanding is that breaking it will render Android Pay inoperable and will make it so you can't take an OTA, though as I mentioned, it seems you still can by reverting back, it's just a LOT more work. But again, as I said, I'm not completely sure and I haven't been able to get an answer.
As for the supersu version, it doesn't really matter, because you'll just update it once you're rooted and booted into the OS. I just found that, despite what that post said, 2.65 did not work for me, so I had to flash 2.62-3 which did. Not a big deal, was just a little frustrating and scary when 2.65 didn't work because I was worried that I broke something and that the method wasn't going to work.
Edit: Good catch BTW on the link having to do with the Nexus. I didn't even look at what sub-forum it was in. At least it's one less thing to worry about for now, though I do hope it spreads to more devices, because we could always use more, not to mention better (assuming it is) ways of doing things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I am aware that you can revert back to lollipop, and do the update from there whenever you want to update to a newer OTA MM update. However, my real question is, what does it mean to break the systemless aspect? I know that it will prevent further OTA updates, but will xposed work as it should, etc? If I am rooting my device, it's really to get xposed. So, if it means that I must revert to an unrooted stock rom everytime I wanna update, then so be it. I just want to make sure that breaking the systemless root aspect will not make the ROM unstable. Will it?
Henryy97 said:
Thanks. I am aware that you can revert back to lollipop, and do the update from there whenever you want to update to a newer OTA MM update. However, my real question is, what does it mean to break the systemless aspect? I know that it will prevent further OTA updates, but will xposed work as it should, etc? If I am rooting my device, it's really to get xposed. So, if it means that I must revert to an unrooted stock rom everytime I wanna update, then so be it. I just want to make sure that breaking the systemless root aspect will not make the ROM unstable. Will it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you'll find all the info you're looking for and more in those links. But in summary, as I said, AFAIK the only consequence is breaking OTAs. It does not prevent you from using xposed, rather xposed is one of the things that breaks it. Systemless is so called because it roots without affecting the /system partition, therefore preventing the breaking of Android Pay and allowing OTAs. Once /system is modified (unclear if at all or just beyond a point), these two will no longer function. So if you "break" the systemless root by doing stuff that modifies /system (i.e. xposed, etc), you basically now have a standard (non-systemless) root, which simply negates the benefits it provides. But as far as I could tell, systemless is the only option anyway, so you just do it since it works and it's easy, then you either are careful not to break it if Pay/OTAs are important to you, or if you don't care about those then you just do whatever you want just as if you were rooted in the traditional way. But as I said, once I get the time, I plan to try out the systemless xposed, though it may not matter since I might have already broken it, but may as well, and maybe it'll mean not having to uninstall it when it comes time to take an OTA. If you play with it and figure it out, let me know.
vertigo_2_20 said:
I think you'll find all the info you're looking for and more in those links. But in summary, as I said, AFAIK the only consequence is breaking OTAs. It does not prevent you from using xposed, rather xposed is one of the things that breaks it. Systemless is so called because it roots without affecting the /system partition, therefore preventing the breaking of Android Pay and allowing OTAs. Once /system is modified (unclear if at all or just beyond a point), these two will no longer function. So if you "break" the systemless root by doing stuff that modifies /system (i.e. xposed, etc), you basically now have a standard (non-systemless) root, which simply negates the benefits it provides. But as far as I could tell, systemless is the only option anyway, so you just do it since it works and it's easy, then you either are careful not to break it if Pay/OTAs are important to you, or if you don't care about those then you just do whatever you want just as if you were rooted in the traditional way. But as I said, once I get the time, I plan to try out the systemless xposed, though it may not matter since I might have already broken it, but may as well, and maybe it'll mean not having to uninstall it when it comes time to take an OTA. If you play with it and figure it out, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again, thanks. I reached the limit of thanks I can give for today, haha. I'm reading up much more on the process, etc. Just one final question, how often do the OTA updates come on average? I always like having the latest software installed, so MAYBE I can consider having an unrooted phone.. although that will be very difficult. I love my xposed. Anyway, I guess if updates only come about once a month, then rooting is fine. Not too much of a loss. I will definitely be making a how-to guide once I'm done with all of this! (and once my device arrives)
Henryy97 said:
Once again, thanks. I reached the limit of thanks I can give for today, haha. I'm reading up much more on the process, etc. Just one final question, how often do the OTA updates come on average? I always like having the latest software installed, so MAYBE I can consider having an unrooted phone.. although that will be very difficult. I love my xposed. Anyway, I guess if updates only come about once a month, then rooting is fine. Not too much of a loss. I will definitely be making a how-to guide once I'm done with all of this! (and once my device arrives)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my phone ~5-6 months ago. When I got it, the MM update was waiting (released late last year). Probably ~2 months later, another update came through. Since then, nothing. So it looks like probably 3 maybe 4 a year. I'd rather be rooted with all the benefits than get a small update, though I'd really rather have both.
6.0.1 is not out yet although there is a reteu version posted which works great. Rooting is as simple flashing su 2.62-3 with twrp.
lafester said:
6.0.1 is not out yet although there is a reteu version posted which works great. Rooting is as simple flashing su 2.62-3 with twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check it out. Do you mind sharing the link to that version just in case? I am very confused now though, because @vertigo_2_20 says he has 6.0.1, and you say you didn't get it. Perhaps location matters? Can you elaborate a little bit more?
And actually, I've just realized: I think I was looking at too many outdated posts perhaps with all the complicated root procedures such as the one by ivcarlos. The guide that amit.lohar made is very simple which is the one vertigo kindly shared in this OP. One final question @vertigo_2_20 (sorry for so many questions). Does the method by amit.lohar work for 6.0 anddd 6.0.1? I would assume so since they're pretty much very similar. What is your take on this?
I assumed I was on 6.0.1 because I received a system update after being on MM, so I don't know what else it could be. Though it does just say 6.0 in settings. Regardless, I only did it a few weeks ago, so if you're fully updated, you'll be the same as what I was. Even if not, I would think it wouldn't matter. As long as you do a back up before messing with things, worse case scenario is you screw something up and restore the backup.
Henryy97 said:
I'll check it out. Do you mind sharing the link to that version just in case? I am very confused now though, because @vertigo_2_20 says he has 6.0.1, and you say you didn't get it. Perhaps location matters? Can you elaborate a little bit more?
And actually, I've just realized: I think I was looking at too many outdated posts perhaps with all the complicated root procedures such as the one by ivcarlos. The guide that amit.lohar made is very simple which is the one vertigo kindly shared in this OP. One final question @vertigo_2_20 (sorry for so many questions). Does the method by amit.lohar work for 6.0 anddd 6.0.1? I would assume so since they're pretty much very similar. What is your take on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I don't get links for people... this forum is small and easy to read. Dev section has one pre loaded with franken and there are two threads in general.
Henryy97 said:
Once again, thanks. I reached the limit of thanks I can give for today, haha. I'm reading up much more on the process, etc. Just one final question, how often do the OTA updates come on average? I always like having the latest software installed, so MAYBE I can consider having an unrooted phone.. although that will be very difficult. I love my xposed. Anyway, I guess if updates only come about once a month, then rooting is fine. Not too much of a loss. I will definitely be making a how-to guide once I'm done with all of this! (and once my device arrives)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If receiving the OTA updates is something you really want, systemless root will allow you to get them with a lot less effort. The trick is knowing which of the apps that require root privileges will end up modifying your system. Avoid the ones that will and you can enjoy root with less work to get updates. If the only root required apps you are interested in modifies the system, then it will be a matter of what you value more.
Sent from my awesome phone!
That reminds me of another thing I haven't yet figured out. If /system is modified, I'm assuming the OTA will still show up and just won't install, but I wonder if it won't even show up anymore. Anyone know?
aybarrap1 said:
If receiving the OTA updates is something you really want, systemless root will allow you to get them with a lot less effort. The trick is knowing which of the apps that require root privileges will end up modifying your system. Avoid the ones that will and you can enjoy root with less work to get updates. If the only root required apps you are interested in modifies the system, then it will be a matter of what you value more.
Sent from my awesome phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh! I guess I'll just flash ROMS to update my phone then because I need my xposed Besides, after 6.0, if we want root, we can only get the systemless one anyway, right?
Also, I did not quite understand something about systemless root. If the root is 'systemless', then how can apps still edit the system? I've read up that after a memory wipe, the root will actually go away but what happens if I have apps that already modified the system? I just don't quite get how the apps can get into the system and modify it, if the root itself cannot do that because it is systemless. Am I getting the wrong idea here? I've read, and read, and read. I can't find an answer to that :/ According to what you have said though, if I were to get an app that modifies the system, then it would essentially *break* the systemless aspect of it, right? Therefore, it just becomes a normal root?
I feel like I'm going in circles now so I hope someone will be able to explain this for me or just point me in the right direction!
Systemless root does not mean root doesn't have access to /system, it simply means a way of gaining root access without modifying the /system partition, because if you gain root with the old methods, which DO modify /system, it breaks Android Pay and OTAs. Root still has access to modify system, hence why you have to be careful in installing apps, xposed, etc, because if they have root access, they can modify it, and if they do, your systemless root just became useless. The whole point is to NOT modify it so as to keep those certain functions intact, but it doesn't prevent you from doing so after gaining root.
vertigo_2_20 said:
Systemless root does not mean root doesn't have access to /system, it simply means a way of gaining root access without modifying the /system partition, because if you gain root with the old methods, which DO modify /system, it breaks Android Pay and OTAs. Root still has access to modify system, hence why you have to be careful in installing apps, xposed, etc, because if they have root access, they can modify it, and if they do, your systemless root just became useless. The whole point is to NOT modify it so as to keep those certain functions intact, but it doesn't prevent you from doing so after gaining root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My experience was rooting 5.1.1 on the new phone. I backed up at every stage. I tried a few roms, no big deal. I liked 5.1.1 better due to micro sd card usage. I stupidly allowed the OTA to attempt to install. I knew it would fail but hoped it would stop nagging. The result I did not expect was phone continually rebooting on its own, trying to complete the update. After it completed the reboot it would start to shut down and begin the reboot process again. I restored a backup and froze the Motorola Update app with Titanium Backup. Problem solved. Don't do what I did!
Why would you want to stay on L? M is so much better. Between Doze and permission control, you'll have better battery life and more privacy and security. Not to mention the increased security from having more up-to-date software. I'd recommend just taking the update.
-Preface: I have never rooted an Android phone before. I really want to but I have questions/concerns that I want to address before I do so. My daily driver and the phone I want to root is a OnePlus 5 running Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
-I want to root my phone to learn how to root and gain the experience from it (one of the reasons I built my own PC, besides just having an amazing gaming PC), delete all the garbage apps that I can't uninstall or can only disable, I want access to the very useful apps only accessible with root access of a phone, etc.
-Is it safe to root an Android phone?
-How do I root my phone?
-Should I be installing any antivirus/anti-malware software to plug security problems that comes with rooting an Android device? (I currently have Malwarebytes Pro; I was grandfathered in so I don't need to pay for it.)
-Here are some apps that I plan on using with my rooted phone (these either require rooting or significantly benefit from it): Oxygen Updater, Greenify, Sixaxis Controller, SuperSU, Titanium Backup, system app remover, Flashfire, Keepass2 USB Keyboard Plugin, Flashify, Lucky Patcher, Adaway, Game hacker app (Freedom APK?)
-Are there any other apps that you can suggest that I use with a rooted Android phone?
-Will OTA updates still work? I would absolutely hate having to re-root every single time OnePlus releases an update. (I think Oxygen Updater and Flashfire might be able to solve this problem.)
-I'm not sure if all of my concerns/questions that I have are laid out here but I would love all feedback, responses, and additional concerns you may raise with rooting. Thanks so much!
This looks like the page I might be looking for as to how to root the OnePlus 5: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/how-to/oneplus-5-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-t3624877. Not sure what any of the terminology means at the moment, but when/if I'm ready to root, this seems like the place to do it.
Ah safe as houses these days xD, just make sure your on the latest OOS firmware and follow that guide you've linked. You learn from your mistakes and just remember you've got a team of people willing to help you out with any issues if you do mess up
blackcell1 said:
Ah safe as houses these days xD, just make sure your on the latest OOS firmware and follow that guide you've linked. You learn from your mistakes and just remember you've got a team of people willing to help you out with any issues if you do mess up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does rooting completely wipe the phone of all its data? If so, how do I ensure it's all backed up in case something goes wrong? All my important things (my files: images, videos, etc.) are uploaded to cloud services (Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive), so I won't lose any of that stuff, but I absolutely (1) cannot brick my phone, and (2) I don't want to have to, in case something goes wrong, reinstall all my apps, sign into them again, change the settings to the way I like, etc.
FamilyGuy0395 said:
Does rooting completely wipe the phone of all its data? If so, how do I ensure it's all backed up in case something goes wrong? All my important things (my files: images, videos, etc.) are uploaded to cloud services (Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive), so I won't lose any of that stuff, but I absolutely (1) cannot brick my phone, and (2) I don't want to have to, in case something goes wrong, reinstall all my apps, sign into them again, change the settings to the way I like, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root process itself does not wipe anything. But you have to unlock your bootloader first, and this will inevitably wipe everything on your phone including internal storage.
So any apps you have installed so far (and their settings) will be lost unless that app has some export settings feature. Nothing you can do about it now.
All the steps necessary for unlocking and rooting can be found at the link you posted. I followed the same guide and I'm good to go and had no problems.
Rooted or unrooted, an antivirus is optional and it's up to you if you want one. I personally don't use one.
Pwnycorn said:
The root process itself does not wipe anything. But you have to unlock your bootloader first, and this will inevitably wipe everything on your phone including internal storage.
So any apps you have installed so far (and their settings) will be lost unless that app has some export settings feature. Nothing you can do about it now.
All the steps necessary for unlocking and rooting can be found at the link you posted. I followed the same guide and I'm good to go and had no problems.
Rooted or unrooted, an antivirus is optional and it's up to you if you want one. I personally don't use one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is SafetyNet? Does it have anything to do with Google Play apps passing some sort of security test in order for them to function/open? How do I not lose access to some apps (like Android Pay is one of them that I have heard) that fail this SafetyNet test?
FamilyGuy0395 said:
What is SafetyNet? Does it have anything to do with Google Play apps passing some sort of security test in order for them to function/open? How do I not lose access to some apps (like Android Pay is one of them that I have heard) that fail this SafetyNet test?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's it. Pokémon GO and Mario Run are other two examples.
You can bypass it with Magisk, but it's never forever as SafetyNet gets updated and then you have to wait for Magisk to get updated. It's a never-ending cat and mouse game.
Ugh, that's an unbelievable pain in the ass... I don't get why people who root their phones have all these extra burdens. I want to root my phone really badly but with all these hurdles I honestly am not sure if it's worth it.
Are there any other apps I haven't mentioned or any other root benefits any of you guys can mention to persuade me in the direction of rooting?
FamilyGuy0395 said:
Ugh, that's an unbelievable pain in the ass... I don't get why people who root their phones have all these extra burdens. I want to root my phone really badly but with all these hurdles I honestly am not sure if it's worth it.
Are there any other apps I haven't mentioned or any other root benefits any of you guys can mention to persuade me in the direction of rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply being able to delete applications that I don't want got me into rooting. I cannot persuade, but if the SafetyNet thing is something that is going to hold you back because you use those applications then it's up to you. I know people that have rooted phones and manage with Magisk as a workaround, but yes it's a cat and mouse deal in the end. The ability to flash custom kernels and customize the UI (through substratum or custom ROM) is also a plus! ?
I think you should root only if you have time to learn about android OS, rooting your phone will grants you the full access for everything and you'll have full control in it... Then there are some apps or mods that requires rooted phone (substratum for theming is AMAZING) but here it's up to you... The question is, what you want to do with your phone? If you like/want to have complete control over it and a lot of feature then install a custom rom
God damnit I'd love to root but the more research I do into SafetyNet rooting just seems not even worth it if I have to keep losing access to apps I use...
The reasons I want to root basically boil down to me wanting to trash garbage apps I don't use and can't uninstall and to install cool apps that require root access.
SafetyNet is not important in my opinion.. I've used Android rooted with supersu (no SafetyNet) for years and I've never miss anything..
Is that app list I have above include useful apps, in your opinion? Are any of them redundant? Any other ones I shouldn't miss out on?
A few banking apps use safetynet. If it's vitallyimportant youhave a banking app working, keep in mind you can still access through internet, then this can be a deal breaker...
I think you're going to find most people here are pro root as this is a developers forum - so saying, it opens up a world of ease with which to do things that aren't available to most people and allows you to do things they can't, nerd cool factor high...
FamilyGuy0395 said:
God damnit I'd love to root but the more research I do into SafetyNet rooting just seems not even worth it if I have to keep losing access to apps I use...
The reasons I want to root basically boil down to me wanting to trash garbage apps I don't use and can't uninstall and to install cool apps that require root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just youtube the process
FamilyGuy0395 said:
God damnit I'd love to root but the more research I do into SafetyNet rooting just seems not even worth it if I have to keep losing access to apps I use...
The reasons I want to root basically boil down to me wanting to trash garbage apps I don't use and can't uninstall and to install cool apps that require root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past I used to always root but to me it's not worth it anymore. To me AP is incredibly convenient. Not willing to play cat and mouse with it. This phone doesn't really have bloat and tethering works flawlessly for
me. Tethering and AP are two of the most important features for me.