Database Users

Rooting the phone..

I have never "rooted" my phone. I was wondering what the Pros & Cons were, of doing it..

Menace II Society said:
I have never "rooted" my phone. I was wondering what the Pros & Cons were, of doing it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Benefits are minimal if you are not a power user, or developer... The only real benefit I can think of is the WiFi teather.
Cons are things like voided warranty.
From the sounds of it, you need to do alot more research before you make the decision to root. Please use the search functionality on the forum.
Also, currently no root for the G2 that lasts past reboot.

I agree with above, I feel that the greatest thing gained from root access is the ability to enable Wifi (and Wired) tethering to other devices.
You can also:
Flash Custom Roms
Flash kernels to Overclock your CPU for better performance
Flash kernels to Undervolt your CPU for better battery life
There are also plenty of applications in the market that you can only use with Root Access. Just go to the Market and in the search bar type "Root" and you will see the different goodies that pop up.

Akulamenuri said:
I agree with above, I feel that the greatest thing gained from root access is the ability to enable Wifi (and Wired) tethering to other devices.
You can also:
Flash Custom Roms
Flash kernels to Overclock your CPU for better performance
Flash kernels to Undervolt your CPU for better battery life
There are also plenty of applications in the market that you can only use with Root Access. Just go to the Market and in the search bar type "Root" and you will see the different goodies that pop up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunatly, it looks like none of these advanced options will be available to G2 uses fro some time as the phone rejects the root on reboot...
Rejects the root on reboot, Rejects the root on reboot, Rejects the root on reboot... Mmmmm, Geeky tounge twister!

The key word being 'some time'... could be an hour, could be until the next OTA, so we can watch exactly how it 'vets' the new update.
I'd say that being able to install/uninstall the default apps the phone comes with would be something anyone would find useful. Same with being able to access the system filestructure, to tuck away new ringtones in the default directory, so the music app won't pick them up. Or with wallpapers into the default Wallpaper section, instead of cluttering up your Gallery. Overclocking the CPU would mostly be for tweakers, going for high marks on Linpack.
Personally, I'd love an app that remapped a few of the keyboard keys (like those useless 'quick launch' buttons, and the hat-go-on-foot STUPID www/com button) to something actually *useful*.
Though yes, wifi/wired tethering would be the icing on the cake, for those who actually need/use it.

1. Flashing custom roms (CM6 is the real deal)
2. Adding tethering back (rarely use it but its a part of froyo)
3. Ability to change notification settings (needs better trackpad lighting)
Those are the 3 reasons I would love getting root, but as Google continues to update the app, getting root becomes less and less important. As far as the ringtones someone mentioned above, just download ringdroid. It makes ringtones, alarms, notifications, etc. without making it into the music.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Forgot about the notification light color options.. that'd be nice too.
And no, Ringdroid seems to leave them visible to the Music app, annoyingly enough.

Talesin_BatBat said:
Forgot about the notification light color options.. that'd be nice too.
And no, Ringdroid seems to leave them visible to the Music app, annoyingly enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For ringtones and notification sounds I just put them in /sdcard/ringtones and /sdcard/notifications and they do not seem to appear in the Music app, and are available to the respective spinners to configure without third party apps...

How exactly do I root the phone? I've only jailbroken my iPhone. I don't know how to go about it with Android now.

Menace II Society said:
How exactly do I root the phone? I've only jailbroken my iPhone. I don't know how to go about it with Android now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No permanent root as of yet with the G2. Only temporary that reverts back on reboot.
Hang tight.

[Q] root questions...

Hi All,
Enjoying my MT4g on Tmobile. I am interested in rooting my phone and getting the CM7 (Gingerbread) on my phone.
Before I jump into the guides, I wanted to know that is there a way to get back to stock TMO (that came with the phone) just in case I dont like CM7.
Secondly, is everything working on CM7 builds? Are there still any parts of the OS that do not work (wifi, camera etc).
Thanks and would appreciate any guidance on the above 2 questions.
Thanks!

Step 1: Do some reading, both of the RC1 thread and the Nightlies thread, and the CM7 FAQ. There are people who are having problems, there are people for whom things are perfect, and there are people for whom things are usable.
Step 2: Be sure to use the CORRECT version of ClockworkMod Recovery. With the exception of the specially-created 3.0.0.6 version that supports both Froyo and Gingerbread filesystems, you MUST use 2.x for Froyo based ROMs, and 3.x for Gingerbread based ROMs. This includes backup/restore as well as flashing.

ravneetg said:
Hi All,
Enjoying my MT4g on Tmobile. I am interested in rooting my phone and getting the CM7 (Gingerbread) on my phone.
Before I jump into the guides, I wanted to know that is there a way to get back to stock TMO (that came with the phone) just in case I dont like CM7.
Secondly, is everything working on CM7 builds? Are there still any parts of the OS that do not work (wifi, camera etc).
Thanks and would appreciate any guidance on the above 2 questions.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest watching a video tutorial a few times if you have never rooted a phone before. If you are comfortable installing an OS on a computer then you probably won't have any trouble rooting.
You can always go back to stock if you like. Make sure you follow all the steps for the root procedure. I'm pretty sure grankin posted up the unroot procedure with the root procedure. One of the steps is saving a backup of your original phone settings. Keep that in a safe place.
I'm pretty sure CM7 isn't stable yet, but most everything works for that ROM. Wifi Calling and almost everything else. As always read the updates to see what the developer has fixed (or is working on) If you don't like a ROM you can always find another. That's pretty much the beauty of the whole thing.
Hope this helps

Thanks guys. I will go ahead and refresh myself with all the guides and tutorials in here...Last time I was doing this was 5-6 years ago with the HTC MDA Win Phones
Thanks!

Seems like we're in a similar boat with root....
This site rules. I learn so much here and yet there's a ton of info so just to be clear....
I have a myTouch 4G. Is it worth rooting JUST to remove some of the stock apps (Amazon MP3, etc.)? Is there any benefit to be gained from doing that if I have no other reason that I want to root right now?
Thanks in advance.

allyn274 said:
This site rules. I learn so much here and yet there's a ton of info so just to be clear....
I have a myTouch 4G. Is it worth rooting JUST to remove some of the stock apps (Amazon MP3, etc.)? Is there any benefit to be gained from doing that if I have no other reason that I want to root right now?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
up to you.
personally i will never use a "stock/unrooted" android.

neidlinger said:
up to you.
personally i will never use a "stock/unrooted" android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. I understand. But I'm still pretty new at this and so far all I want to do is remove the "bloatware." Does it make a noticeable difference in the way the phone runs if I go through rooting to do that?
Thanks!

allyn274 said:
Okay. I understand. But I'm still pretty new at this and so far all I want to do is remove the "bloatware." Does it make a noticeable difference in the way the phone runs if I go through rooting to do that?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just rooting the phone will offer no performance changes. The only thing Rooting does is give you [the user] Super User access.
With that you can do massive performance upgrade with s=off. but nothing Rooting Only will do.

neidlinger said:
Just rooting the phone will offer no performance changes. The only thing Rooting does is give you [the user] Super User access.
With that you can do massive performance upgrade with s=off. but nothing Rooting Only will do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you saying there's something more than rooting that I need to do in order to have the ability to delete the preloaded programs that I don't use?
Thanks!

allyn274 said:
So are you saying there's something more than rooting that I need to do in order to have the ability to delete the preloaded programs that I don't use?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted my MT4G yet, but I had a rooted and modded MT3G for a long time. I would read A LOT through the guides and threads involving rooting your device, because it seems like you don't know too much about it. But in short - rooting alone does nothing but give you super user access to the phone, which in non-nerd talk means you can control things about the phone that you couldn't do before rooting. If you then want to remove bloatware (as well as do anything else like flashing roms etc), it will require further steps. Again, READ READ READ (and WATCH WATCH WATCH videos).

sunsean said:
I haven't rooted my MT4G yet, but I had a rooted and modded MT3G for a long time. I would read A LOT through the guides and threads involving rooting your device, because it seems like you don't know too much about it. But in short - rooting alone does nothing but give you super user access to the phone, which in non-nerd talk means you can control things about the phone that you couldn't do before rooting. If you then want to remove bloatware (as well as do anything else like flashing roms etc), it will require further steps. Again, READ READ READ (and WATCH WATCH WATCH videos).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand there is more required than just the rooting. And I really really appreciate your post. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is just if there is a benefit to removing bloatware? Maybe it's not really a "to root or not to root" question so much as a "will removing bloatware improve my phone at all" question? If there's a better place to ask, please point me in the right direction?
Thanks again for all the help.

There is no performance benefit to removing bloatware if the application is not used. It just consumes space on the internal SD device.
Rooting and then disabling those apps merely ensures they won't be run.
HTC Glacier CM7 #2

jggimi said:
There is no performance benefit to removing bloatware if the application is not used. It just consumes space on the internal SD device.
Rooting and then disabling those apps merely ensures they won't be run.
HTC Glacier CM7 #2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I really appreciate it. I think that's the answer I was looking for.

allyn274 said:
So are you saying there's something more than rooting that I need to do in order to have the ability to delete the preloaded programs that I don't use?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium backup is a paid app that can remove apps after root (Monopoly, Asphalt 5, etc) Most ROM's you install after root have these apps removed.
Also it's pretty nice to underclock the phone to give you some great battery life. Really nice to set a profile when the screen is off that it slows the clock speed.
I like the videos here
I don't think he uses the new gfree method of rooting though in his video...
grankin posted a video with the root procedure on his post I'd look there.

2Noob4U said:
Titanium backup is a paid app that can remove apps after root (Monopoly, Asphalt 5, etc) Most ROM's you install after root have these apps removed.
Also it's pretty nice to underclock the phone to give you some great battery life. Really nice to set a profile when the screen is off that it slows the clock speed.
I like the videos here
I don't think he uses the new gfree method of rooting though in his video...
grankin posted a video with the root procedure on his post I'd look there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is extremely helpful. I have lots and lots of research and learning ahead of me, but this at least gets me in the right direction. There's a lot to sort through.
Just one thing: @2Noob4U - what is the "gfree method of rooting"? I thought you could achieve root with VISIONary?
You rock. Thanks again.

TB does not remove system applications. It "Freezes" them. This marks them disabled in the Android package manager so they cannot be executed, and wont' be seen by the launcher / app drawer.
I mentioned disabling bloatware earlier in this thread. You can use TB to "Freeze" and "Thaw", or you can use the "pm disable" or "pm enable" commands from a terminal emulator.
Disabling a system application is significantly easier than removing it. Plus, removing it may break a dependent application. Yeah, removing Monopoly and Stock won't break anything, but you may decide some tool in the app drawer is unused -- but it is actually used by another app unbeknownst to you. Disabling is safer. Removing requires mounting /system in read/write mode, which is cumbersome to do manually with a mount command, but can be done from adb or Root Explorer.
TB's Freeze/Thaw is available in its Pro version.

jggimi said:
TB does not remove system applications. It "Freezes" them. This marks them disabled in the Android package manager so they cannot be executed, and wont' be seen by the launcher / app drawer.
I mentioned disabling bloatware earlier in this thread. You can use TB to "Freeze" and "Thaw", or you can use the "pm disable" or "pm enable" commands from a terminal emulator.
Disabling a system application is significantly easier than removing it. Plus, removing it may break a dependent application. Yeah, removing Monopoly and Stock won't break anything, but you may decide some tool in the app drawer is unused -- but it is actually used by another app unbeknownst to you. Disabling is safer. Removing requires mounting /system in read/write mode, which is cumbersome to do manually with a mount command, but can be done from adb or Root Explorer.
TB's Freeze/Thaw is available in its Pro version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read back through the thread and I'm not 100% sure I found the reference to bloatware, but this is incredibly helpful.
To make sure I'm understanding correctly, I could:
- Root my phone using VISIONary
- Get TB Pro
- Freeze (or Thaw to reverse) any unwanted apps
Would this improve performance/storage in any way or simply remove those unwanted apps from the drawer?
thanks again - as always.

allyn274 said:
I read back through the thread and I'm not 100% sure I found the reference to bloatware, but this is incredibly helpful.
To make sure I'm understanding correctly, I could:
- Root my phone using VISIONary
- Get TB Pro
- Freeze (or Thaw to reverse) any unwanted apps
Would this improve performance/storage in any way or simply remove those unwanted apps from the drawer?
thanks again - as always.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removing or disabling will offer little performance upgrade. Androids work much like a computer does. Just because the Application is setting on the phone doesn't mean that it is using any resources other than memory. The only thing you will gain by removing or disabling those application is the memory that they are using.

neidlinger said:
Removing or disabling will offer little performance upgrade. Androids work much like a computer does. Just because the Application is setting on the phone doesn't mean that it is using any resources other than memory. The only thing you will gain by removing or disabling those application is the memory that they are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 things:
1 - do I have the steps correct?
and
2 - if I gain that memory, is it usable by other apps I would install?
Thank you!

allyn274 said:
2 things:
1 - do I have the steps correct?
and
2 - if I gain that memory, is it usable by other apps I would install?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- yes
Download and install VISIONary.apk
Temp Root with VISIONary
Download Ti/Backup
Freeze or delete any unwanted application
and yes other applications will be able to use that space. IF you delete them. If you freeze the no. They are still in the memory the CPU will just not pick them up.

Now that I have root, what should I do?

I followed all the instructions and installed CWM recovery, and then installed su and now I have root. It was pretty easy. There is some loss of quality of the camera but I can live with it for now.
What are the suggested modifications now? The main thing I would like to do is purge all the stupid spyware / adware apps on this. What is recommended?
I am hoping there will soon be a CM install for this so I can truly get rid of all the Sony junkware.

Not sure but can you keep us posted on your battery life after installing a custom rom, curious to know if the stock rom has some special battery efficiencies.
Sent from my D5803

Toughdroid said:
I followed all the instructions and installed CWM recovery, and then installed su and now I have root. It was pretty easy. There is some loss of quality of the camera but I can live with it for now.
What are the suggested modifications now? The main thing I would like to do is purge all the stupid spyware / adware apps on this. What is recommended?
I am hoping there will soon be a CM install for this so I can truly get rid of all the Sony junkware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll tell you what I did:
uninstall all sony bloatware, expecially that antivirus app...
install xposed framework
install titanium backup
Now I'm just waiting for CM or whatever rom

Do you have a list of package names I should nuke? I can't quite match up all the package names with the evilware.
I'm looking at the crazy permissions some of these apps have. Weather Widget can read my call log! wtf!
Thanks

Well, you sure don't want to take a bunch of low-light pictures....

Xposed Modules

There should be am exposed module who can do this for you, it should be called set permissions or something like that... I personally deleted everything from Sony, I use 3rd party apps for weather, calendar and so on... But this is personal taste I just prefer to use the phone for its hardware, not for the Sony brand

Install gesture control and permanently disable the nav bar. That's what I would do gestures are the best way to control a touch device IMHO.

Install Greenify to enhance your battery life. Install Adaway to get rid of ads system wide. Use Tasker to automatically enable/disable pattern unlock based on your location (ie home or not) and also automate the phone putting itself in flight mode when you charge at night.

?

Toughdroid said:
I followed all the instructions and installed CWM recovery, and then installed su and now I have root. It was pretty easy. There is some loss of quality of the camera but I can live with it for now.
What are the suggested modifications now? The main thing I would like to do is purge all the stupid spyware / adware apps on this. What is recommended?
I am hoping there will soon be a CM install for this so I can truly get rid of all the Sony junkware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't wait to install Xposed framework. I can't live without "vibrate on answer", long press tile to go to setting, camera shutter mute, Wanam's Youtube ad-remover, and most importantly GEM Xperia module to hide unwanted apps. Some root apps like Titanium backup, Samba droid, SSH droid, Greenify etc. Fingers crossed for a root exploit.

If you do not really know what to do with root, then I'd really question whether damaging your device is worth it.
This phone is super powerful and the "bloatware" doesn't affect performance - certainly from my user perspective. Just use apex or nova and hide the apps you don't want to see.
TBH, as much as I love tinkering around with my phones, the need for root (as opposed to it being nice to have it) is diminishing as android develops.

Will root for titanium but not much. sony has the battery management that can compare with greenify.

machatta said:
If you do not really know what to do with root, then I'd really question whether damaging your device is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm hoping to use CM as soon as its available.
machatta said:
This phone is super powerful and the "bloatware" doesn't affect performance - certainly from my user perspective. Just use apex or nova and hide the apps you don't want to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bloatware is also spyware, and that I do not like.
machatta said:
TBH, as much as I love tinkering around with my phones, the need for root (as opposed to it being nice to have it) is diminishing as android develops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My big thing is I want all the spyware to be gone, and I basically do not trust any carrier / manufacturer builds.
Btw the camera is very good, even post-rooting. And battery life is really amazing. I ordered the magnetic charger, and I can probably wait to charge my phone until the new charger arrives. It seems like this phone could go for several days pretty easily. I'm impressed.

[Q&A] No Root? Why? What do you miss about root? Let's find workarounds!

ROUNDUP OF NON-ROOT MODS/APPS/SOLUTIONS​
APPS
1. iFont
It uses the native Flipfont system present in the Note to change fonts. You can install any font from a very big list and if you buy the Donate version (which I highly recommend), you can make an installable apk for any font you want. I have already made and shared Roboto L fonts, Comic Sans and Comic Neue.
2. Adblock Plus
Works on WiFi and (if APN settings are edited) on mobile data, blocks apps on browsers and other apps. An excellent solution for ad-blocking on non-routed phones.
2b. An alternative solution that only works for browsing via WiFi networks is Adguard.
3. SMS Backup & Restore
A free app that can backup and restore your messages, no root required. Works flawlessly, I used to it to backup my SMS on my S4 and restore them to my Note 4.
4. Greenify
As mentioned in this thread, Greenify works without root as well. Automatic hibernation is even an option, albeit some issues with "talking calculator" have been mentioned.
5. My Backup
As mentioned here this app is a feature-rich backup solution for non-rooted phones.
6. SD Maid - System Cleaning Tool
This app attempts to make best possible use of its features without root present. It's a tool that cleans up unnecessary files from your phone that apps leave behind.
7. AutoStart - No root
As the name suggests, this app lets you select which applications you want to auto start after phone boot-up and it works on all phones/tablets without root permission. You can also choose one or multiple apps to auto-launch at boot with customisable delay values.
8. Busybox (No Root)
For advanced users who want to run busybox commands on their phones via the Android Terminal Emulator app.
9. Call Recorder
Call recording app that uses the Samsung standard API therefore does not require root access. It is a bit pricey but well worth the money for people who need that feature. There's a full-featured trial available from XDA so you can try before you buy.
9b. There is also a free alternative that has been reported to work well on the Note 4, AndroRec Free.
9c. Another great free alternative is Automatic Call Recorder, with the added bonus that it can record in better formats, like mp3 or wav, save on the SD card and the option for prompt to "Save or Delete" at the end of every call.
10. NoRoot Firewall
Firewall without root. Host name/domain name filtering, simple interface, fine-grained access control and no suspicious permissions on the app itself.
11. Better Wifi On/Off
A free, fully featured, ad-supported app that aims at giving you the control of the Wifi state, optimizing your battery life without losing on user experience. In theory, Wifi is less power hungry than 3G but some apps behave differently when Wifi is on (DropBox / Google+ uploads, Google Maps location caching) and the well known wlan_rx kernel wakelock is a symptom of wakeups caused by uncontrolled Wifi hotspots. The Wifi sleep policy is not working consistently and does not solve all the above problems, enter this app.
12. Helium - App Sync and Backup
Helium is the missing app sync and backup solution for Android and doe not require root. You can backup both your apps and their data to your SD card or cloud storage and sync them from your other Android devices. You need access to a computer for a brief USB connection and then you're good to go.
13. Desktop VisualizeR
Application that allows you to personalize your home screen by creating icons or widgets with your favorite photos or images, works on any launcher, even TW!
14. FREE screen recorder NO ROOT
Recordable is the easy way to create screen recordings without root. The free version adds a watermark on the recordings and limits frame rate to 8fps, but is otherwise fully functional. A Windows, Mac or Linux computer required to complete the installation (like with Helium Backup), but after this it's not needed to make screen recordings.
MODIFICATIONS
1. Full Screen Immersive Mode
Full screen immersive mode in any application or game, root is not required.
2.Enable AirView and AirGesture
2b. Instead of Nova Launcher, you can use the QuickShortcutMaker app to create any shortcut directly on the Touchwiz launcher.
3. MW-Pen App Enabler
This app that enables apps for multiwindow and/or pen window without rooted access. The only limitations are that it does not work for system apps and that enabled apps can not be updated. To update them, you need to uninstall the enabled app first, install the updated app and run it through the enabler app again.
4. Mont Blanc digital content
A guide on how to get the extra Mont blanc pens for the S Note and the two exclusive Mont Blanc wallpapers and unlock effect..
5. QuickClick
Start any action (flashlight, system toggles, media controls, etc) with a sequence of volume buttons clicks.
6. Spen Toolbox
A wonderful little app that extends the functionality of the S-Pen, by offering options for: turning the screen off when you attach the pen, changing the detach and attach sounds, creating a custom shortcut popup to appear on detach, and many more!
7. No root and want to modify your DPI? You can!
Thanks to PizzaSauce, we have a way to modify DPI without root. All you need is access to a Windows PC. Changes persist after reboot too.
If you don't want to install the whole Android SDK, you could use this tool to install ADB, which is all that is needed for this mod.
Hello all!
I recently got my Note 4 and it's by far the best device I've ever owned.
I started this thread because I decided not to root the phone -at least for now. Even though, I've been rooting and heavily modding all my phones in the past.
My reasons are:
1. Warranty.
I know that you can flash a stock firmware before handing it to service and that KNOX counter doesn't matter (I've had my Note 10.1 with a tripped counter repaired twice under warranty). However, I'd like for once to be able to just send my phone to service if need be, without the extra hassle of concealing the tweaking I've done.
2. S-Pen.
I know that rooting doesn't affect the S-Pen functionality, however, the use of the Pen makes custom ROMS such as AOSP and CM useless to me. I actually use the S-Pen heavily and it was one of the reasons I bought the phone. There are of course custom TW ROMS but to be honest, and with no intention to offend anyone, they are not my cup of tea.
3. Stability.
This one will seem weird to many, but it's my personal experience. This is the 4th Samsung device I own (SGS3, SGS4, Note 10.1, Note 4) and with the previous three I noticed that when I rooted and enthusiastically started "debloating", things started to turn unstable. And I have never, ever noticed any improvement in battery life. I know it sounds odd, but it is true to me. The Note 4 gives you the option to disable a lot of preinstalled apps anyway.
4. Lollipop.
I want to get the update that was meant for my region via OTA, no cables necessary. Plus I believe that all the annoyances I rectified with root (mainly theming, such as Tinted Statusbar) will be solved in Lollipop. Again, that's my opinion and personal taste.
Now do I miss root? Hell, yeah! Why?
1. ADS ADS ADS...
Ads everywhere! I have been paying for my apps and I am not using pirated software at all. And I gladly donate/pay for ads to be removed and premium features for apps I really love. However, there are apps that either don't offer an a ad-free option or they charge an insane amount for ad removal. I know developers need to make revenue, but there's nothing uglier than an ad banner. Seriously.
2. Tinted statusbar.
And generally Xposed.
3. Call recording.
I liked the native call recording function of the TW dialer, no app comes close from what I've seen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this thread will be used to discuss unrooted phones and ways to mod your device without root.
Kindly keep in mind that this is not a thread to persuade anyone to root or not -please respect other people's decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I decided not to root as well. I'm using the note 4 as my backup phone with the oneplus one as my DD. I don't want to root until an option to root without tripping knox is available. I'm very curious to know what options are avaailable to non rooted phones. Thanks for starting this thread. Great idea.

3. Call recording.
I liked the native call recording function of the TW dialer, no app comes close from what I've seen.
Try this app, by an actual XDA dev, it works great. Its very polished, very native looking/behaving app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skvalex.callrecorder
Tested and working great without root.

My reason not to root note4 is lollipop upgrade from ota too
I think this note4 is good enough for me except ads like you said

For me I need root to
- Change the very bad Arabic font
- Use proxy applications
- Be able to stop WifiKill which they use heavily over here
- Use Wanam Xposed mostly for Long press back button to kill App
- Freeze all the useless pre-installed apps I never use eating memory and battery, I need maximum memory for multitasking
- Stop auto startup of other un needed apps
well I guess these may not be important to you

deathshead said:
3. Call recording.
I liked the native call recording function of the TW dialer, no app comes close from what I've seen.
Try this app, by an actual XDA dev, it works great. Its very polished, very native looking/behaving app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skvalex.callrecorder
Tested and working great without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I'll have to try this!
khaeid said:
For me I need root to
- Change the very bad Arabic font
- Use proxy applications
- Be able to stop WifiKill which they use heavily over here
- Use Wanam Xposed mostly for Long press back button to kill App
- Freeze all the useless pre-installed apps I never use eating memory and battery, I need maximum memory for multitasking
- Stop auto startup of other un needed apps
well I guess these may not be important to you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The font is something I also miss, Roboto has been vastly improved for Lollipop. So I'm waiting for the big update.
EDIT: I figured out a way to change font that doesn't require root, it uses the native Flipfont system present in the Note!
Using the iFont app you can install any font from a very big list and if you buy the Donate version, you can make an installable apk for any font you want! Marvellous!

Nice Thread... main thing i miss in the Adaway..other den that the phone is perfect for me...no lag ..good battery life ..

Teardrop45 said:
Nice Thread... main thing i miss in the Adaway..other den that the phone is perfect for me...no lag ..good battery life ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a way for non-rooted phones to block ads only on WiFi though on both WiFi and mobile data connections, using an app called Adblock Plus.
iR¡[email protected]!* from i9505 via Tapatalk 4

Hi guys,
It is my first post although I had been lurking for a while now. Interesting thread, I didn't root my Note 4 as well for all the reasons mentioned above. What I miss most is App Opps or XPrivacy. I find it hard to install all the applications I want to try because of the ridiculous amount of permissions required. Other than that I don't miss much. The phone is pretty awesome.

I was forced to root because I had app data on another device that couldn't be moved, even through ADB.
But, Xposed,Titanium Backup, Adaway , greenify and a few others make rooting well worth the risk (once you know your devices hardware is good ).
Sent from my SM-N910U

Not rooting mine too, my first ever android device to remain stock.
Sent from my SM-N910G using XDA Free mobile app

I would like to stay without root but i really miss viper... Is there any non root way stay get that type of sound improvement?

monkley said:
I would like to stay without root but i really miss viper... Is there any non root way stay get that type of sound improvement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried installing Viper and see if it works? Because a quick Google search gave me these:
If you're using a Samsung device, you're lucky because you actually don't need root to install the Viper4Android! Only thing you need to do is to install the app as usual and change the sound effect in*settings > sound > music effect*to Viper4Android. Be sure you don't use the TouchWiz stock player because it may not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...And from the official XDA thread:
Setup your Device
For Samsung devices,
1. Try install V4A as user app instead of system app if the latter failed doesn't work.
2. Use Normal Mode and select V4A FX in Settings>Sound>Music Effects.
3. If don't work, use another player rather than Samsung stock Music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iR¡[email protected]!* from i9505 via Tapatalk 4

Jumping on the band wagon here too... I've had many android devices, all rooted; most recently an S4 running CM. The reason I bought the Note was for the stylus and note taking abilities. Very happy with the speed and stability so far in stock form although the battery life sucks. Dropbox was a major drainer so killed that. I need to selective disable some of the other stock apps but so far not really missing much requiring root other than titanium backup...
Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk

sawy3r said:
Jumping on the band wagon here too... I've had many android devices, all rooted; most recently an S4 running CM. The reason I bought the Note was for the stylus and note taking abilities. Very happy with the speed and stability so far in stock form although the battery life sucks. Dropbox was a major drainer so killed that. I need to selective disable some of the other stock apps but so far not really missing much requiring root other than titanium backup...
Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an S4 running a GPE edition ROM too. I only miss aesthetic modifications, like Tinted Statusbar and other theming elements.
Titanium Backup is also high on my list, however, I found SMS Backup & Restore works perfectly for messages (see OP). That's something!

Thanks for this lovely thread. Getting Adblock without root feels like an early Christmas. Would like to add that "My Backup" backs up SMS and much more without root. It also now backs up to Dropbox which is lovely (at least the Pro version does).

ozaghloul said:
Thanks for this lovely thread. Getting Adblock without root feels like an early Christmas. Would like to add that "My Backup" backs up SMS and much more without root. It also now backs up to Dropbox which is lovely (at least the Pro version does).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added your suggestion to the OP, thank you very much! :good:
Keep them coming!
Also, if anyone needs any specific installable font, post the .ttf file here and I'll make an apk.

Coming from rooted and heavy used Nexus. Really not missing anything in Notes Not planning to root.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk

bat0nas said:
Coming from rooted and heavy used Nexus. Really not missing anything in Notes Not planning to root.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes heavily modding your phone can become too much and it's nice to let things be once in a while!
I added SD Maid and AutoStart - No root in the OP.

iridaki said:
Titanium Backup is also high on my list, however, I found SMS Backup & Restore works perfectly for messages (see OP). That's something!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out! [emoji2]

What are the benefits of rooting this device?

It's already stock.

Awesome Root only apps, Ad blocking, Being able to tweak your device for countless reasons including performance improvements, battery improvements and many others, Can flash sick custom ROMs with features that stock does not offer, Volte, Band 12( T-Mobile), Cyanogen Mod, Layers Manager( Sick theming app that's ROOT only)
Prob forgetting some things...
You could have just googled this and saved yourself some time but I was happy to help.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

The benefits of rooting is universal with practically every phone. You get much deeper control of your device. You can install a custom rom to get extra features and potential performance increases. You can tweak the kernel to underclock (to save battery life) or overclock (to get more performance). Xposed modules, such as Gravitybox, can get you custom rom features on a stock based rom (such as TruPureX). You can block ads. Titanium Backup is a legendary root app for backups. There are plenty of other root apps to get the most out of the power of root. You can maximize the phone's potential by rooting, however, if you don't find these things particularly compelling for you to go through the whole process of rooting and flashing roms (which isn't too complicated), the stock rom will do you just fine.

The reasons to root all depend on you. If you just want a phone without carrier bloat, then rooting your phone is not necessary since this phone is already there. Otherwise, rooting gives you the ability to do many tweaks and customizations to your phone that is not otherwise possible. Read up on it and decide if it something worth your while
Sent from my awesome phone!

Xposed!

Bobaroo said:
Xposed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My main reasons are for Titanium Backup, Emoji Switcher, Better Battery Stats, & Sixaxis Pair Tool.

AdAway!

When you look at the pros (other replies above) and cons (have to unlock bootloader, so you void your warranty), I'm no longer convinced there is a great deal of benefit in rooting the phone.
In the last 5 years this is my 4th android phone and it's the 1st one I haven't bothered to root.
I look at the custom ROM threads and they're full of "this or that doesn't work"
I've used Apex to customise the UI (no root required for most things). The only thing I'd like is to have time/date shown in the middle of the status bar - but I'm not loosing my warranty just to get it!
I should say I'm a very "light" user of the phone - so stock Android gives me everything I need, and I'm not finding battery life an issue.

^^ This. Apex launcher, custom kernel for color and slight performance tweaks, center clock, and skipping tracks with the volume rocker all on stock rom. Thats all I really root for.
Sent from my iPhone 6s Plus

I'm sure this analogy has been used somewhere before.
If you're the type that likes to tinker, unlocked bootloader gives you [mostly] full access.
It's like going target practice and shooting with blanks or real bullets

I have decided not to root for now. With previous Android phones, my primary reasons to root was to remove and/or disable carrier bloat and freeze some manufacturer baked in functions I never used. In addition I could get a way to turn off LTE which AT&T is notorious for removing the capability. With this phone it is not an issue and the few things moto has baked in I actually find useful. I was able to block ads in the browser through ad blocker plus. Other than a few minor things that I miss I'm largely enjoying this phone. I don't find rooting necessary for me at this point. After my warranty I will probably give it a go.

One reason for me and its to turn off ascending ring tone as its affecting my notifications.