Database Users

New to rooting - What is easiest?

Hi everyone,
I'm new to "rooting" android devices, although I have jailbroken all my iPhones and "rooted" my palm pre.
As a newbie, it seems the "root toolkit" is the best way to do this? Is this Windows only, or is there a Mac version?
anything else I should read up on / know before rooting? I basically want to root, initially at least, to get sixaxis support and stickmount working.
Thank you all for your help in advance.

First of all, this is the wrong section. You should post inquiries in the q/a section.
In terms of rooting, I personally find the easiest way is to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery such as cwm/twrp, and then install the supersu zip via recovery. You should be able to unlock the bootloader and install recovery via fastboot. After that the rest is just copying a file to the device, booting into recovery and installing a zip file.
Sent from my Nexus 7

Take a peek at the nexus root toolkit thread in this forum...quick and easy.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

The tool kit is windows only, correct?

Any reason to NOT use the tool kit and go with other more manual methods?
An iphone is virtually impossible to "brick" - Is the same true for the N7?

Foxman2k said:
Any reason to NOT use the tool kit and go with other more manual methods?
An iphone is virtually impossible to "brick" - Is the same true for the N7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would agree with:
evonc said:
In terms of rooting, I personally find the easiest way is to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery such as cwm/twrp, and then install the supersu zip via recovery. You should be able to unlock the bootloader and install recovery via fastboot. After that the rest is just copying a file to the device, booting into recovery and installing a zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you know what is happening, and how it works... so if you run into troubles later, you know what to do.
Hard to brick this device.

Foxman2k said:
Any reason to NOT use the tool kit and go with other more manual methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For practice, and maybe the one-click solution is not flexible enough for your means. It's usually dependent on the developer to update it, so do check if it has any limitations.
Also, the ones I've seen are Windows only.
Foxman2k said:
An iphone is virtually impossible to "brick" - Is the same true for the N7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you don't mess up the bootloader, it should be possible to reflash stuff via recovery or fastboot. Bear in mind there have been exceptions (though that came about because of a serious kernel bug, rather than due to user error) so this can't be a guarantee.

I was new to rooting too, using the nexus toolkit helped me learn a lot about rooting and all the android stuff I wasn't used too!
I really recommend it

spdecoste said:
I was new to rooting too, using the nexus toolkit helped me learn a lot about rooting and all the android stuff I wasn't used too!
I really recommend it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another recommendation for WUGS rootkit - literally very easy foolproof step by step menus/instructions - only prob I had were the drivers - just manually pointing to driver directory sorted this out.

I made a guide that could help you. http://exzacklyright.blogspot.com/2012/07/nexus-7-guide-for-adbunlocking-rooting.html There's really only 3 commands. I don't recommend toolkits.

exzacklyright said:
I made a guide that could help you. http://exzacklyright.blogspot.com/2012/07/nexus-7-guide-for-adbunlocking-rooting.html There's really only 3 commands. I don't recommend toolkits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, will check that out!
Can someone explain to me, in layman's terms, what "unlocking the bootloader" does?
I'm familiar with what "root" technically means as I've been using Linux since back when it had to be loaded on floppys and manualy configuring X LOL. So basically "root" means you have access to super user privileges.
Why is the bootloader locked in the first place? Once it's unlocked can it be locked again?

exzacklyright said:
I made a guide that could help you. http://exzacklyright.blogspot.com/2012/07/nexus-7-guide-for-adbunlocking-rooting.html There's really only 3 commands. I don't recommend toolkits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems to rely on Windows. Any Mac tools available?

Foxman2k said:
Great, will check that out!
Can someone explain to me, in layman's terms, what "unlocking the bootloader" does?
I'm familiar with what "root" technically means as I've been using Linux since back when it had to be loaded on floppys and manualy configuring X LOL. So basically "root" means you have access to super user privileges.
Why is the bootloader locked in the first place? Once it's unlocked can it be locked again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to mess with the bootloaders progression at startup, which gives you the ability to install a custom recovery and gives us the method to gain root access. The bootloader can be unlocked by many different methods - some manual and some "one-click". I'd suggest doing it the manual way first, so you understand the process, and are able to fix it manually if anything goes wrong.
To my understanding, it's locked so that people who don't know what they're doing can't mess the device up. It's a safety procedure basically.
To relock the bootloader, you just type (I only know how to do this in windows - Linux and Mac work as well al beit differently)
Code:
fastboot oem lock
and you're all set.

Foxman2k said:
This seems to rely on Windows. Any Mac tools available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Android SDK and ADB tools are equally available on Linux and Mac. You won't have to do the "Adding to Path" thing. All of the ADB commands will be the same, though.

I didn't know anything about rooting at all too, despite having an android phone for more than 2 years.
I went with the one-click root process.
Download this file, plug your Nexus 7, follow the instructions- which means typing Y, N, Y etc
Done in 5 minutes. There's a youtube video on it too. Go check it out.
I still dont know much about the process.. except I'm unlocked and rooted =)

I have a few naive questions
Do I have to do the OEM unlock to root the device? I would prefer not to wipe it.
Assuming I don't hard brick the device, can I go back to stock for warranty work?
Does rooting the device mean I can't get OTA updates from Google? For now I just want to run the stock kernel/rom and get updates. I just want root to run titanium and certain other apps that require root.
I've seen a thread that suggest that the play store (market) doesn't work on rooted devices. Is that true?

How easy is it to root nexus 7?

Hello Everyone,
I am thinking about buying the nexus 7, however I only want to do so to root it.
I have rooted my HTC Incredible and my Kindle Fire, both of those were pretty easy to root.
Is the nexus 7 just as easy?
I have done some looking around I know there is a utility for the nexus 7 similar to the one for the kindle fire.
I have some experience with rooting but am definitely not an expert.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you,

There are many ToolKits available, check the Android Development sub-forum and look for "Nexus 7 ToolKit", I'd post a link but I need 10 posts.

dont use toolkits.
without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock, flash a custom recovery, flash a custom rom or the su binaries, reboot, and profit. thats all. never any need for a root toolkit on any nexus device.

Your be wise to listen to the senior member than the junior member who uses toolkits. :thumbup:
Especially since he has a similar thread askmg the same thing.
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk

simms22 said:
dont use toolkits.
without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock, flash a custom recovery, flash a custom rom or the su binaries, reboot, and profit. thats all. never any need for a root toolkit on any nexus device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But doesnt that mean that I will have to run commands?
I am intimidated by commands

ÜBER™ said:
Your be wise to listen to the senior member than the junior member who uses toolkits. :thumbup:
Especially since he has a similar thread askmg the same thing.
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info, I didn't know. I just explained that Toolkits are available if he chooses to use them. After all, he asked how easy is it to root.

Beeg Boy said:
But doesnt that mean that I will have to run commands?
I am intimidated by commands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st command.. fastboot oem unlock(this unlocks your bootloader)
2nd command.. fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img
then use the recovery to flash what you want, a custom rom(it has root) or the su binaries
---------- Post added at 05:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------
CJHolderUK said:
Thanks for that info, I didn't know. I just explained that Toolkits are available if he chooses to use them. After all, he asked how easy is it to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
toolkits generally are easy. but its also easier to mess things up. and if you dont know what you are doing in the first place at that point, its easy to turn your device into a real brick. taking a little time to learn the right way will also save you when you mess up your device too, since its generally easy to fix things if you are semi familiar. plus, the people that make the root toolkits also mess up sometimes. so you can do everything right in a root toolkit and still mess up

simms22 said:
1st command.. fastboot oem unlock(this unlocks your bootloader)
2nd command.. fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img
then use the recovery to flash what you want, a custom rom(it has root) or the su binaries
That does sound pretty easy.
I am going to come to you for help when I get my G7
I keep reading people's posts about their G7 C90 and other numbers, are they talking about serial numbers?
Are we able to look at the package and identify by the serial number when it was made?
So, if we look for a newer serial number we wont run into some of the QA issues people are having?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Beeg Boy said:
simms22 said:
1st command.. fastboot oem unlock(this unlocks your bootloader)
2nd command.. fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img
then use the recovery to flash what you want, a custom rom(it has root) or the su binaries
That does sound pretty easy.
I am going to come to you for help when I get my G7
I keep reading people's posts about their G7 C90 and other numbers, are they talking about serial numbers?
Are we able to look at the package and identify by the serial number when it was made?
So, if we look for a newer serial number we wont run into some of the QA issues people are having?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive got mine from an older batch, no issues here.
honestly, it doesnt make a difference to me which method you chose to root your device, its your device. im just tired of reading new threads that people have started because they messed up their devices using a root toolkit, then really messed it up trying to fix it(because they didnt know how). yea, helping them increases my thanks and post counts, but id rather they didnt need that help to begin with :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

simms22 said:
Beeg Boy said:
ive got mine from an older batch, no issues here.
honestly, it doesnt make a difference to me which method you chose to root your device, its your device. im just tired of reading new threads that people have started because they messed up their devices using a root toolkit, then really messed it up trying to fix it(because they didnt know how). yea, helping them increases my thanks and post counts, but id rather they didnt need that help to begin with :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do I need installed on my PC to run the command?
Anything in particular? Or do I just pull up a command line and run it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Beeg Boy said:
simms22 said:
What do I need installed on my PC to run the command?
Anything in particular? Or do I just pull up a command line and run it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adb/fastboot. this works, its not the most recent but has all that you need. adb for dummies(both adb and fastboot are included) http://www.mediafire.com/?qrjo6bi8ayblj1r
and the driver for your device. when i plugged my device in via usb while it was in tbe bootloader, the android driver installed all by itself(windows7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

simms22 said:
Beeg Boy said:
adb/fastboot. this works, its not the most recent but has all that you need. adb for dummies(both adb and fastboot are included) http://www.mediafire.com/?qrjo6bi8ayblj1r
and the driver for your device. when i plugged my device in via usb while it was in tbe bootloader, the android driver installed all by itself(windows7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks for the info.
I installed ADB when I rooted my Kindle Fire, will that work or do I need the file you posted?
I am hoping to get a G7 within the next few weeks.
I hope you are down for helping me should I decide not to use a tool kit.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Beeg Boy said:
Cool, thanks for the info.
I installed ADB when I rooted my Kindle Fire, will that work or do I need the file you posted?
I am hoping to get a G7 within the next few weeks.
I hope you are down for helping me should I decide not to use a tool kit.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
na, if you have adb and fastboot then you dont need the file i posted. let me know when/if you need help

simms22 said:
na, if you have adb and fastboot then you dont need the file i posted. let me know when/if you need help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do
So, just out of curiosity, is it possible to root any android device using command lines?
I was thinking of buying an off brand android tablet on eBay just to tinker with.
Can I use commands to root that as well?

Beeg Boy said:
Will do
So, just out of curiosity, is it possible to root any android device using command lines?
I was thinking of buying an off brand android tablet on eBay just to tinker with.
Can I use commands to root that as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, the "fastboot oem unlock" is only for nexus devices. google made it easy to unlock the bootloader of any nexus, they made it an option. once you enter that line, you will have a popup on that device that explains that you will lose whatever data, then you press either yes or no. also, you can relock any nexus device with "fastboot oem lock"

I used a toolkit and didn't mess anything up. Took me 30 mins from getting it out o the box.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Mannn121 said:
I used a toolkit and didn't mess anything up. Took me 30 mins from getting it out o the box.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
absolutely, most wont mess anything up, but many will. took me 4 minutes without a toolkit though

[Q] Question about rooting

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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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!

[Q] the ultimate way to kill a Nexus 7

I'm an idiot. In Some mysterious way, I managed to kill my Nexus 7.
I've tried everything I can thing of to make the bloody thing work again. This is the closest I've come.
screencast.com/t/QoEOgOAAuy
What I did then was to follow this guide to get it back on track.
forums.androidcentral.com/nexus-7-rooting-roms-hacks/191477-guide-nexus-7-factory-image-restore.html
Before that, I've tried to use Nexus 7 Toolkit as well as Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit.
As you can imagine, I'm close to giving up. Any suggestions by the pro's in here are happily received.
Cheers

jacobsthlm said:
I'm an idiot. In Some mysterious way, I managed to kill my Nexus 7.
I've tried everything I can thing of to make the bloody thing work again. This is the closest I've come.
screencast.com/t/QoEOgOAAuy
What I did then was to follow this guide to get it back on track.
forums.androidcentral.com/nexus-7-rooting-roms-hacks/191477-guide-nexus-7-factory-image-restore.html
Before that, I've tried to use Nexus 7 Toolkit as well as Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit.
As you can imagine, I'm close to giving up. Any suggestions by the pro's in here are happily received.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont use toolkits. root the device the right way, via fastboot. notice how there are many threads here on xda about people messing up their devices? notice how they all mention that a root toolkit was used? rooting is very easy the right way, just do a little reading about it, familiarize yourself with the terms and process.

simms22 said:
dont use toolkits. root the device the right way, via fastboot. notice how there are many threads here on xda about people messing up their devices? notice how they all mention that a root toolkit was used? rooting is very easy the right way, just do a little reading about it, familiarize yourself with the terms and process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And with nexus devices it's like done in less than 5 minutes... I've learned it myself and its really easy to keep all the commands in mind (;
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

.
I didn't try to root it with the toolkits, I just tried to restore it with them since no manual method seem to work.

i just noticed your screenshot. why did you erase EVERYTHING?
you tried these instructions? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796

If you Did not erase the bootloader then it can easily Be resolved.if you have erased the Bootloader as well then nothing can be done.

"fastboot update" takes a ZIP archive, you are giving it the system.img raw-image file - this can't work.
Either use "fastboot update update.zip" with the ZIP (!) file from the factory image, or flash the seperate raw-images seperately with "fastboot flash <partition-name> <image-file-name>"

Root N4. (Little Scared)

Alright guys. I have been doing a lot of reading as of late about rooting my wonderful N4. Its prob the best phone I have ever had.
Reason I am scared is I am a little confused on the whole unlock bootloader and what not.
I had a S2 which was easy to root plug in Odin and away we went. I was hoping this would be much the same. I read the guide you have up and its very helpful. My problem is I am new to it really.
The reason I want to root is I want to try the custom ROM PIE as it looks sexy. So any good tips on the rooting process. How safe is rooting.
Sent From The Future.

Download the toolkit for the mako aka nexus 4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Watch the video first, install the drivers, and then follow the instructions in the video/thread. It can't get as easy as the dev who created the toolkit.
Don't a pansy about rooting, be confident; You're not going to break it. Soft-Brick maybe, but one can easily fix that.

ismethajametovic said:
Download the toolkit for the mako aka nexus 4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Watch the video first, install the drivers, and then follow the instructions in the video/thread. It can't get as easy as the dev who created the toolkit.
Don't a pansy about rooting, be confident; You're not going to break it. Soft-Brick maybe, but one can easily fix that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you dude. I'll look into it. I shall man up. Have you used pie custom ROM.
Sent From The Future.

Do. Not. Use. Toolkits.
Go through http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312. All of it. Learn something that you can always use.
(click on the thanks button instead of saying thanks. People luv that in here. You will too, eventually. )

What the difference between what you posted and tool kits.
Sent From The Future.

JknRich said:
What the difference between what you posted and tool kits.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Learn how to use fastboot. Learn how to practically "hack" your phone so you can go back and correct things when they go wrong.
Toolkits are fine until you get stuck. But then you have no clue why & more importantly how to fix it.
Trust me, follow efrant's guide. :thumbup:
(you have to experience the joy of "fastboot oem unlock". That's why you got a nexus device mate!! )

Vangelis13 said:
Learn how to use fastboot. Learn how to practically "hack" your phone so you can go back and correct things when they go wrong.
Toolkits are fine until you get stuck. But then you have no clue why & more importantly how to fix it.
Trust me, follow efrant's guide. :thumbup:
(you have to experience the joy of "fastboot oem unlock". That's why you got a nexus device mate!! )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is fastboot OEM unlock. Sounds like a STD Lol. I have to admit its the best android phone I have had.
So rooting is my next step. Feel like its a massive jump.
Sent From The Future.

JknRich said:
What the difference between what you posted and tool kits.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
difference is that you you dont learn anything from using a toolkit. so when it comes down to an easy fix for something, or some easy maintenance, you wont soft brick your device and wont start one of the "i bricked my device" threads. plus root toolkits can come with their own issues. it comes down to root toolkits are fine, if you already know what you are doing. but for someone new they should never be recommended. learning fastboot is easy, itll just take a little extra reading. in reality, using fastboot is faster then a root toolkit too, once you learn. this is all thats needed to do to unlock/root via fastboot.. type fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom in your new recovery, then reboot and profit.

lol I used toolkit and had no probs.
At least till I tried to reset it but then I learnt how to fastboot. So I'd recommend that you set up toolkit and fastboot. You might use the toolkit, but if you "break" something you can easily fix it with fastboot.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

simms22 said:
difference is that you you dont learn anything from using a toolkit. so when it comes down to an easy fix for something, or some easy maintenance, you wont soft brick your device and wont start one of the "i bricked my device" threads. plus root toolkits can come with their own issues. it comes down to root toolkits are fine, if you already know what you are doing. but for someone new they should never be recommended. learning fastboot is easy, itll just take a little extra reading. in reality, using fastboot is faster then a root toolkit too, once you learn. this is all thats needed to do to unlock/root via fastboot.. type fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom in your new recovery, then reboot and profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I best get reading.
I have always loved playing about with my phone so a bit more reading won't hurt.
Has rooting your device benefited you.
Sent From The Future.

JknRich said:
Ok I best get reading.
I have always loved playing about with my phone so a bit more reading won't hurt.
Has rooting your device benefited you.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it absolutely has, i have full control of my device.
the scariest things about rooting/modifying words used, the terminology. once you pass that stage, everything gets much easier.

I tried the fast boot way but could never get cmd to function. So I gave up because I couldn't find a solution anywhere. You guys just inspired me to try again. Gonna return my phone to stock and start over. Thank you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

simms22 said:
difference is that you you dont learn anything from using a toolkit. so when it comes down to an easy fix for something, or some easy maintenance, you wont soft brick your device and wont start one of the "i bricked my device" threads. plus root toolkits can come with their own issues. it comes down to root toolkits are fine, if you already know what you are doing. but for someone new they should never be recommended. learning fastboot is easy, itll just take a little extra reading. in reality, using fastboot is faster then a root toolkit too, once you learn. this is all thats needed to do to unlock/root via fastboot.. type fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom in your new recovery, then reboot and profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explained by a Meister.
---------- Post added at 12:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 AM ----------
Jammol said:
I tried the fast boot way but could never get cmd to function. So I gave up because I couldn't find a solution anywhere. You guys just inspired me to try again. Gonna return my phone to stock and start over. Thank you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you start in the same folder as your fastboot files. :thumbup:
Follow efrant's guide, it's gold.

i would avoid toolkits as you dont know what commands are being sent to your phone, im not saying they are not safe but you want to know what you are doing.i got stuck at selecting device version and build (step 1 lol) fast boot is easier.
i followed this link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1993331
just learn about fast boot and cmd commands if you need to.
you gotta root at xda, underclocking and changing the dpi to make full use of the resolution, battery life increased having it maxed at a lower clock, i wouldn't of brought the nexus to stay on stock
i cant wait to travel next month with my phone, i remember my S2 could only last 1 day but this nexus is 3 times more efficient

ismethajametovic said:
Download the toolkit for the mako aka nexus 4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Watch the video first, install the drivers, and then follow the instructions in the video/thread. It can't get as easy as the dev who created the toolkit.
Don't a pansy about rooting, be confident; You're not going to break it. Soft-Brick maybe, but one can easily fix that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is such bad advice. How should he expect to be confident when he doesn't know what the toolkit is even doing?
Read up on how to use fastboot and ADB and do it manually, because if you just use the toolkit and something happens, how do you expect to fix it?

JknRich said:
What is fastboot OEM unlock. Sounds like a STD Lol. I have to admit its the best android phone I have had.
So rooting is my next step. Feel like its a massive jump.
Sent From The Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see!? You have a Nexus, marvel of technology, and you don't know the mother of all fastboot commands..!!
I hope you are reading that guide I linked you up with already..

joshnichols189 said:
This is such bad advice. How should he expect to be confident when he doesn't know what the toolkit is even doing?
Read up on how to use fastboot and ADB and do it manually, because if you just use the toolkit and something happens, how do you expect to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QFT

estallings15 said:
QFT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite Fckng True..?

"fastboot oem unlock" was a gift from google to the moding community. it gave us the choice of unlocking our bootloaders without any potentially dangerous hacking. its a simple three word line that you type into the command window(fastboot) which then prompts us on the device with a simple yes/no question.. do you want to unlock tge bootloader. it started on the nexus one and continues with every nexus that followed. this separates nexus devices from all others.

simms22 said:
"fastboot oem unlock" was a gift from google to the moding community. it gave us the choice of unlocking our bootloaders without any potentially dangerous hacking. its a simple three word line that you type into the command window(fastboot) which then prompts us on the device with a simple yes/no question.. do you want to unlock tge bootloader. it started on the nexus one and continues with every nexus that followed. this separates nexus devices from all others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're taking away the magic. He was meant to be awed when he came to that point in efrant's guide. Ts ts, Dr Dr.. :banghead: