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?

G900A Root and Flash help.

Hi, I have been trying to find a guide on flashing my G900A (AT&T) model, but I have found no success. I was able to downgrade my firmware with odin and root using via towelroot. It worked, but then a few hours when I restarted my phone it was stuck on the boot loader and I had to take it to At&T to restore because my text messages weren't going through after I tried to reflash it myself. I am running the latest update with AT&T and I'm 100% sure that doesn't work with towelroot. I'm just trying to get a custom rom on it because the stock touchwiz is just terrible. Thank you for your help.

IMPERVIOUS17 said:
Hi, I have been trying to find a guide on flashing my G900A (AT&T) model, but I have found no success. I was able to downgrade my firmware with odin and root using via towelroot. It worked, but then a few hours when I restarted my phone it was stuck on the boot loader and I had to take it to At&T to restore because my text messages weren't going through after I tried to reflash it myself. I am running the latest update with AT&T and I'm 100% sure that doesn't work with towelroot. I'm just trying to get a custom rom on it because the stock touchwiz is just terrible. Thank you for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear your phone derped after you got so far. I'm on 4.4.4 G900A with G900AUCU2AOA2 baseband trying to see if it's safe to downgrade and root. Do you know what your specs were before you down/rooted?
And as far as offering help, I have another phone that is on Lollipop 5.0 Smg900a, and I hear it's almost impossible to get that rooted, it's bootloader is extremely well patched against any exploits
Best of luck to you though.

Let me know if you find a way please
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Free mobile app

NetVlad2009 said:
Sorry to hear your phone derped after you got so far. I'm on 4.4.4 G900A with G900AUCU2AOA2 baseband trying to see if it's safe to downgrade and root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can easily root the OA2 update.
I couldn't find the needed files for OA2 so I learned how to obtain and create them myself. As always, backup your data first. I take no responsibility for damage or loss. Follow at your own risk:
Follow the guide found here with two minor changes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s5/general/how-to-root-g900aucu2aoa1-4-4-4-2-3-2015-t3021120 Make sure you are already updated to OA2. If you end up following the troubleshooting section, be aware that it wipes data.
First change to guide: At step five, instead of using the G900A_OA1_Stock_Kernel, use the G900A_OA2_Stock_Kernel located at: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799283
Second change to guide: If you need the OA2 zip for the troubleshooting section, it is located here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799282 Apply it after you have applied all the others. Then start at step two.
You may need to re-install BusyBox, not sure. Also, ignore the rest of the guide. I don't know if it will work in Safestrap as I don't use Safestrap.
After following this, you should be rooted with the OA2 update. No need to downgrade or anything.

netman74501 said:
You can easily root the OA2 update.
I couldn't find the needed files for OA2 so I learned how to obtain and create them myself. As always, backup your data first. I take no responsibility for damage or loss. Follow at your own risk:
Follow the guide found here with two minor changes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s5/general/how-to-root-g900aucu2aoa1-4-4-4-2-3-2015-t3021120 Make sure you are already updated to OA2. If you end up following the troubleshooting section, be aware that it wipes data.
First change to guide: At step five, instead of using the G900A_OA1_Stock_Kernel, use the G900A_OA2_Stock_Kernel located at: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799283
Second change to guide: If you need the OA2 zip for the troubleshooting section, it is located here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799282 Apply it after you have applied all the others. Then start at step two.
You may need to re-install BusyBox, not sure. Also, ignore the rest of the guide. I don't know if it will work in Safestrap as I don't use Safestrap.
After following this, you should be rooted with the OA2 update. No need to downgrade or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man thanks for the explanation. I actually achieved root using that exact same guide already.
Funny thing is, because for several days I couldn't find ANY info on OA2... I ended up flashing the OA1 kernel on my phone like the guide said. Zero negative consequences.
I got to install Safestrap too because I really like custom ROMS (will mess with it a little later)
I also got the Valve game Portal working on my phone, and connected my PS3 controller to the phone wirelessly.
Really cool of you to upload those files though, they should get their own thread.
OP. What I don't understand is after you flashed a downgrade and got a glitch... why didn't you try to go into stock recovery and do the factory reset before taking it back? I found like 2 different downloads for the same firmware. If I was in your position I would factory wipe the phone if the flash didn't go right and try another one.
There's got to be more zips out there you can flash with odin.

netman74501 said:
You can easily root the OA2 update.
I couldn't find the needed files for OA2 so I learned how to obtain and create them myself. As always, backup your data first. I take no responsibility for damage or loss. Follow at your own risk:
Follow the guide found here with two minor changes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...to-root-g900aucu2aoa1-4-4-4-2-3-2015-t3021120 Make sure you are already updated to OA2. If you end up following the troubleshooting section, be aware that it wipes data.
First change to guide: At step five, instead of using the G900A_OA1_Stock_Kernel, use the G900A_OA2_Stock_Kernel located at: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799283
Second change to guide: If you need the OA2 zip for the troubleshooting section, it is located here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799282 Apply it after you have applied all the others. Then start at step two.
You may need to re-install BusyBox, not sure. Also, ignore the rest of the guide. I don't know if it will work in Safestrap as I don't use Safestrap.
After following this, you should be rooted with the OA2 update. No need to downgrade or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to learn how to extract the kernel from the boot.img. was there a guide you followed? If so link please.

A0425A said:
I want to learn how to extract the kernel from the boot.img. was there a guide you followed? If so link please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot.img contains the kernel and is what is inside the tar.md5 that is flashed in ODIN. No need to extract the kernel from the boot.img. I extracted the boot.img from the update and then followed the rwilco12 link in a post at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2154762 to create the tar.md5.
NetVlad2009 said:
Hey man thanks for the explanation. I actually achieved root using that exact same guide already.
Funny thing is, because for several days I couldn't find ANY info on OA2... I ended up flashing the OA1 kernel on my phone like the guide said. Zero negative consequences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My main motivation was that I like my kernel to be up-to-date even though older kernels may work. Since I believe this was an update soley to address the Stagefright bug, it is very likely the kernel didn't change much if at all.

netman74501 said:
You can easily root the OA2 update.
I couldn't find the needed files for OA2 so I learned how to obtain and create them myself. As always, backup your data first. I take no responsibility for damage or loss. Follow at your own risk:
Follow the guide found here with two minor changes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...to-root-g900aucu2aoa1-4-4-4-2-3-2015-t3021120 Make sure you are already updated to OA2. If you end up following the troubleshooting section, be aware that it wipes data.
First change to guide: At step five, instead of using the G900A_OA1_Stock_Kernel, use the G900A_OA2_Stock_Kernel located at: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799283
Second change to guide: If you need the OA2 zip for the troubleshooting section, it is located here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347799282 Apply it after you have applied all the others. Then start at step two.
You may need to re-install BusyBox, not sure. Also, ignore the rest of the guide. I don't know if it will work in Safestrap as I don't use Safestrap.
After following this, you should be rooted with the OA2 update. No need to downgrade or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the guide that you found but could not get towel root to work in step two. Also step one requires it to be on 0A1. Should I start at step 3? Sorry for being such a noob. Thanks.

reyreyrey said:
I read the guide that you found but could not get towel root to work in step two. Also step one requires it to be on 0A1. Should I start at step 3? Sorry for being such a noob. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You say you aren't on OA1, so are you on lollipop, if so you can't root as has been mentioned earlier in the thread.
Sent from my Tw5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Rakuu said:
You say you aren't on OA1, so are you on lollipop, if so you can't root as has been mentioned earlier in the thread.
Sent from my Tw5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OA2 on 4.4.4. Thanks for the help.

OF3 comes with Android 5.0 pre-installed on it , any solution has been found for my locked boot loader guys ?

[/COLOR]
reyreyrey said:
ehsanotaku said:
OF3 comes with Android 5.0 pre-installed on it , any solution has been found for my locked boot loader guys
I'm new to this rooting stuff. BUT
I believe the OF3 bootloader is locked through OTA update. Look at the link below, read the caution statement in red from the 1st post. Hope this help, Good luck.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3149146
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ehsanotaku said:
OF3 comes with Android 5.0 pre-installed on it , any solution has been found for my locked boot loader guys ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
guys , still looking for any kind of working exploit for this phone ...... AT&T is evil to the core , I never understood their policy for locking boot loader in the first place , after getting DE- activation code from them for my sim card ! still no easy task to get the root permission ,,,,,,:crying:

Curious about non blackbox root process for Nexus devices

I have been a Linux based software developer for over 10 years but recently started looking into Android development and just purchased a Nexus 6 phone from Motorola to start hacking on. The first thing obviously is to unlock the bootloader (which seems really straight forward) and then root the phone. But this leads me to a question.
I have been searching the internet for root techniques for the Nexus device and I keep finding tutorials that point me to downloading premade files from others that root the phone in a blackbox fashion. I would rather understand the actual root process than just follow a cookie cutter process designed to make it easier for people who don't want to learn how to do it. So my question is this, does anybody know of any information anywhere that details and explains the rooting process without using others downloaded files or actually explains what those downloaded files are doing? I am a curious guy and don't really like blackboxes if I have an alternative. I would much rather learn the process so I can start figuring out how to hack on this phone more effectively.
Thanks for any information you can provide!
Adrian

aew_78 said:
I have been a Linux based software developer for over 10 years but recently started looking into Android development and just purchased a Nexus 6 phone from Motorola to start hacking on. The first thing obviously is to unlock the bootloader (which seems really straight forward) and then root the phone. But this leads me to a question.
I have been searching the internet for root techniques for the Nexus device and I keep finding tutorials that point me to downloading premade files from others that root the phone in a blackbox fashion. I would rather understand the actual root process than just follow a cookie cutter process designed to make it easier for people who don't want to learn how to do it. So my question is this, does anybody know of any information anywhere that details and explains the rooting process without using others downloaded files or actually explains what those downloaded files are doing? I am a curious guy and don't really like blackboxes if I have an alternative. I would much rather learn the process so I can start figuring out how to hack on this phone more effectively.
Thanks for any information you can provide!
Adrian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock the bootloader, flash TWRP recovery. Flash the SuperSU zip in TWRP.
Profit.

Thanks for the reply
Evolution_Tech said:
Unlock the bootloader, flash TWRP recovery. Flash the SuperSU zip in TWRP.
Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! This seems like the general process I have seen in the tutorials. What I would really like to understand is the nature of the process though. Previously in all my other Android devices I blindly downloaded files and followed instructions to run them and it all just seemed to work. Now I'm trying to figure out the process and why it worked. You could say I am trying to understand how the people that create these downloadable files do it. I'm not looking for a quick root process, but a more thorough approach that actually teaches me what's going on.
For instance, I don't know why I need to flash the TWRP recovery (or even what it is doing in the process) and I don't understand what the SuperSU is doing? Consider me a very curious novice who would like to get to the point to where I could be a valuable contributor to a project like TWRP.

aew_78 said:
Thanks for the reply! This seems like the general process I have seen in the tutorials. What I would really like to understand is the nature of the process though. Previously in all my other Android devices I blindly downloaded files and followed instructions to run them and it all just seemed to work. Now I'm trying to figure out the process and why it worked. You could say I am trying to understand how the people that create these downloadable files do it. I'm not looking for a quick root process, but a more thorough approach that actually teaches me what's going on.
For instance, I don't know why I need to flash the TWRP recovery (or even what it is doing in the process) and I don't understand what the SuperSU is doing? Consider me a very curious novice who would like to get to the point to where I could be a valuable contributor to a project like TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe start here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2948481

aew_78 said:
I have been a Linux based software developer for over 10 years but recently started looking into Android development and just purchased a Nexus 6 phone from Motorola to start hacking on. The first thing obviously is to unlock the bootloader (which seems really straight forward) and then root the phone. But this leads me to a question.
I have been searching the internet for root techniques for the Nexus device and I keep finding tutorials that point me to downloading premade files from others that root the phone in a blackbox fashion. I would rather understand the actual root process than just follow a cookie cutter process designed to make it easier for people who don't want to learn how to do it. So my question is this, does anybody know of any information anywhere that details and explains the rooting process without using others downloaded files or actually explains what those downloaded files are doing? I am a curious guy and don't really like blackboxes if I have an alternative. I would much rather learn the process so I can start figuring out how to hack on this phone more effectively.
Thanks for any information you can provide!
Adrian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find stuff from chainfire, for example: THIS.

You could check sources from superuser written by Koush. Although it is old, you will get the basic idea of what is going on with root.

Basically the entire idea is to get the linux su binary installed on the system.
The problem is that the user that you are using doesn't have permission to create or execute the su binary.
The root process is the process of making both of those true.
Sometimes a root kit needs to utilize an exploit for this to happen, or can simply be flashed (written to the system) before the system is booted (typically in recovery mode).

Picture twrp as your recovery tool for your comp. Basically same functions. SuperSU does the same thing as root on your Linux
Benefits if running Linux you only download 2 files. Twrp and SuperSU. Process is done in terminal so you can see everything that is happening. Also if you open a rom zip you can access the notes that tell it what to do and sorta see what's going on in there as well.

Should I root my 6P?

Hi!
A month ago I bought a second-hand Nexus 6P and I ordered a silver casing because the black color that brought didn't like to me.
When I opened it and change the housing the guarantee was logically lost, and now I wondered if it was worth to root it because I don't lose anything.
I don't want to change the ROM. I'd like flashing MODs to improve sound quality or increase the audio output voltage (I don't know if that's possible).
The problem is that I don't know how to do it with my laptop, which has Windows 10. I have always done on Windows 7 and I know the drivers on Windows 10 are a mess. Also, I don't know how to do things like flashing firmware or RRU through ADB and fastboot so, should I root it?
I would appreciate your help.
Thank you!

MortalPizza said:
Hi!
A month ago I bought a second-hand Nexus 6P and I ordered a silver casing because the black color that brought didn't like to me.
When I opened it and change the housing the guarantee was logically lost, and now I wondered if it was worth to root it because I don't lose anything.
I don't want to change the ROM. I'd like flashing MODs to improve sound quality or increase the audio output voltage (I don't know if that's possible).
The problem is that I don't know how to do it with my laptop, which has Windows 10. I have always done on Windows 7 and I know the drivers on Windows 10 are a mess. Also, I don't know how to do things like flashing firmware or RRU through ADB and fastboot so, should I root it?
I would appreciate your help.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't lose your warranty when rooting Nexus devices anyway, so even if you hadn't opened your device up it wouldn't have had a problem. There's no mess with drivers on the Windows 10, really. Extract ADB and Fastboot from the Android SDK and follow one of the many guides available in the general section. It's easy enough to unlock and root the device and/or change the firmware too if you had to. Just read the available guides.

Quasar said:
You don't lose your warranty when rooting Nexus devices anyway, so even if you hadn't opened your device up it wouldn't have had a problem. There's no mess with drivers on the Windows 10, really. Extract ADB and Fastboot from the Android SDK and follow one of the many guides available in the general section. It's easy enough to unlock and root the device and/or change the firmware too if you had to. Just read the available guides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! It's very simple. I did have issues with the drivers on my Windows 10 computer but it was a matter of uninstalling and reinstalling them.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

MortalPizza said:
Hi!
A month ago I bought a second-hand Nexus 6P and I ordered a silver casing because the black color that brought didn't like to me.
When I opened it and change the housing the guarantee was logically lost, and now I wondered if it was worth to root it because I don't lose anything.
I don't want to change the ROM. I'd like flashing MODs to improve sound quality or increase the audio output voltage (I don't know if that's possible).
The problem is that I don't know how to do it with my laptop, which has Windows 10. I have always done on Windows 7 and I know the drivers on Windows 10 are a mess. Also, I don't know how to do things like flashing firmware or RRU through ADB and fastboot so, should I root it?
I would appreciate your help.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have nothing to lose, so why not?! Take a look at my guide, it should have everything you need:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928

Thank you for your replies @Quasar @GallardosEggrollShop and @heisenberg! Now I have only two questions:
1. System updates by Google support other recoveries apart from Android original recovery (I'd like to install TWRP)?
2. When I unlock the bootloader I'll lose all my data (factory reset)?
Thank you!

MortalPizza said:
Thank you for your replies @Quasar @GallardosEggrollShop and @heisenberg! Now I have only two questions:
1. System updates by Google support other recoveries apart from Android original recovery (I'd like to install TWRP)?
2. When I unlock the bootloader I'll lose all my data (factory reset)?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, other recoveries cannot flash OTA updates. You can't apply an OTA if you're rooted anyway, you need to flash the factory images to update.
2. Yes, unlocking the bootloader completely wipes the device so back up your personal data (photos etc) first.

Plus, in my opinion... It's a Nexus, why would you buy a Nexus if you weren't going to root it? At least to see whats out there and you can always go back to stock if you wish.

Nexus + XDA = Happy Flashing!

Heisenberg said:
1. No, other recoveries cannot flash OTA updates. You can't apply an OTA if you're rooted anyway, you need to flash the factory images to update.
2. Yes, unlocking the bootloader completely wipes the device so back up your personal data (photos etc) first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, im going to root my 6P finally, thank you all! Before the start, I want to solve a couple of questions and then I'll root it!
1. How can I update the Nexus stock ROM when I have TWRP? (Firmware, security updates or major updates like Nougat)
2. It's true that when my bootloader is unlocked, every time I boot the phone a message saying that my bootloader has been unlocked appears? In that case, Is it possible to remove permanently?
3. Is necessary make S-OFF like the HTC phones? I've never had a different phone of HTC, this is my first phone that's not an HTC.
Thanks!

MortalPizza said:
Ok, im going to root my 6P finally, thank you all! Before the start, I want to solve a couple of questions and then I'll root it!
1. How can I update the Nexus stock ROM when I have TWRP? (Firmware, security updates or major updates like Nougat)
2. It's true that when my bootloader is unlocked, every time I boot the phone a message saying that my bootloader has been unlocked appears? In that case, Is it possible to remove permanently?
3. Is necessary make S-OFF like the HTC phones? I've never had a different phone of HTC, this is my first phone that's not an HTC.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I already answered this question in the post you quoted, you flash the factory images. It's all in my guide that I linked you to earlier.
2. Yes you will have a warning message, and no you can't remove it.
3. S-off is specific to HTC so no need to worry about that.

I have only one question.
Is it completely necessary to flash regularly new hboot or firmware versions or I can use a non-stock rom with no worries about that?

MortalPizza said:
I have only one question.
Is it completely necessary to flash regularly new hboot or firmware versions or I can use a non-stock rom with no worries about that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such thing as hboot, that's only HTC. You need to make sure your bootloader and radio are up to date, and you need to make sure you flash the correct vendor image to suit the ROM.

Heisenberg said:
No such thing as hboot, that's only HTC. You need to make sure your bootloader and radio are up to date, and you need to make sure you flash the correct vendor image to suit the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you VERY much! I am so lost since I don't have an HTC for first time and it's so good that the only two things I have to keep up to date were bootloader and radio. Only two questions, and sorry for being that heavy ?:
How can I get the latest bootloader and radio (a thread in XDA or something)?
How can I flash them? Will I lose my data every time I need to update them?
Thank you!

MortalPizza said:
Thank you VERY much! I am so lost since I don't have an HTC for first time and it's so good that the only two things I have to keep up to date were bootloader and radio. Only two questions, and sorry for being that heavy ?:
How can I get the latest bootloader and radio (a thread in XDA or something)?
How can I flash them? Will I lose my data every time I need to update them?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read my guide that I've mentioned a few times? There are instructions for flashing the bootloader/radio/vendor there. Look in the section for flashing the factory images but only flash those specific files. And my index contains downloads for the factory images, which is where you can get the files you need.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/index-huawei-nexus-6p-t3213583

Heisenberg said:
Have you read my guide that I've mentioned a few times? There are instructions for flashing the bootloader/radio/vendor there. Look in the section for flashing the factory images but only flash those specific files. And my index contains downloads for the factory images, which is where you can get the files you need.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/index-huawei-nexus-6p-t3213583
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! I've read it and I have my PC ready to root my device but I'm so insecure and I need to have things clearly before I start to make things.
Thank you, again, for your help. And I hope this is my last question:
Now that I know that the things I need to keep up to date are bootloader, vendor and radio, and in your guide you say that flashing a factory image I'll lose all my data, will it happens to me when i update one of those things (only vendor/bootloader/radio)?
Thanks!

MortalPizza said:
Yes! I've read it and I have my PC ready to root my device but I'm so insecure and I need to have things clearly before I start to make things.
Thank you, again, for your help. And I hope this is my last question:
Now that I know that the things I need to keep up to date are bootloader, vendor and radio, and in your guide you say that flashing a factory image I'll lose all my data, will it happens to me when i update one of those things (only vendor/bootloader/radio)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing the factory images only wipes your data if you:
A) Flash the userdata.img
B) Format userdata
Neither of those are necessary for you so you're fine.

Rooting? Darn yes! :good:
The Nexus line is so sweet for easy rooting and also for returning to complete stock if so desired.
I have used Heisenberg's extensive thread many times...it's the best thread on XDA bar none! :highfive:

Rooting?

I'm new to xda and obviously I'm not a dev. I just want to root my Axon 7 so I can download root apps. I'm not tech savvy at all and I've created this thread because I have no idea what to do with this page : http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165 . Can anyone give a step by step tutorial on how to root my phone?
I feel so so out of place here... please don't scold me :x
inb4 banned cuz didn't read the rules or stickies
I'm running B29.

What version are you running? B20/B27/B29

If you are not tech savvy, do not attempt the root method. It's for advance user and too many people have bricked their phone already. Just read the threads and you will know what I mean.

S8ntsHaz3 said:
What version are you running? B20/B27/B29
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running B29.
And yes I can probably guess the amount of people who bricked their phones. But what if everything were to be laid out simple and I follow the directions in every respect? I'm not going to start rooting until I know what I'm doing. So don't worry. I'm stupid but I'm not THAT stupid.

No your fine lmao I started with this phone so we're pretty much same level. As to my understanding it is possible but I would wait just a bit for the b29 stuff to come out.

Don't worry, you're not the only one. I've been reading these tutorials and it's all gibberish, lol.... Every phone I have has been rooted within the first day, this phone I've had over 2 months, and I still can't get it. So you're not alone, lol...

There definitely needs to be some cleaning done on this forum, with far too many threads covering the same topics and many OPs being out of date.
Best rooting guide I found was buried in a thread, but is now also out of date if you're running B29.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68302434&postcount=157
It might help if you're still on B27. I used it, had root and bootloader still locked, updated to B29 for the security patch, and was able to keep TWRP but lost root. Having TWRP still allows me to flash all the Google pixel stuff though, which is nice

Bolandk said:
There definitely needs to be some cleaning done on this forum, with far too many threads covering the same topics and many OPs being out of date.
Best rooting guide I found was buried in a thread, but is now also out of date if you're running B29.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68302434&postcount=157
It might help if you're still on B27. I used it, had root and bootloader still locked, updated to B29 for the security patch, and was able to keep TWRP but lost root. Having TWRP still allows me to flash all the Google pixel stuff though, which is nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking closely at this phone now myself...
I've seen the bootloader thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204
I'm only interest in this if I can successfully unlock the bootloader and stock root is possible...from what I've read, BOTH can be done. According to the root thread, the model I need (A2017G) is listed as unlockable, correct? What's the difference between a2017g B02 and B03??
RoOSTA

totalFX said:
I'm new to xda and obviously I'm not a dev. I just want to root my Axon 7 so I can download root apps. I'm not tech savvy at all and I've created this thread because I have no idea what to do with this page : http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165 . Can anyone give a step by step tutorial on how to root my phone?
I feel so so out of place here... please don't scold me :x
inb4 banned cuz didn't read the rules or stickies
I'm running B29.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I have read far too many of these questions here about root on B29 - so here goes.
1. Go to the ZTE website, download the stock B20, and install it.
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204 use this to get TWRP installed on your phone - don't worry about root.
3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165 UNLOCK the bootloader
4. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2 flash boot file, system file, and SuperSU 2.65
Now please relax - anyone here with any dev skills whatsoever are neck deep in other projects (like CM13). B29 hasn't been out long and the only stock image we have from ZTE is B20, which doesn't give us a ton to work with

I also very new to android smartphone and I also feel so so out of place too.
I wish someone make a video how to root this axon 7 phone.
search around youtube jailbrake iPhone is so easy root samsung phone is so easy.... but root axon 7 nothing
I love axon 7 so much now but if I know it's so hard to root i'm just gonna buy samsung phone .
so F..... tired of this youtube ads
ads block is the only reason why I want to root
and that is the only reason why I jailbrake all my ideviese

For me, also with B29, the best and easy way was this from rczrider (thanx a lot). http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69507226&postcount=766
But one issue after root: I have no access to system, i noticed that, as i install Gsam Battery Monitor root companion, that will install in priv-app but i was write protect. Also RootExplorer was not possible to copy/delete files in system, because write protect. How to change that?

tasar said:
For me, also with B29, the best and easy way was this from rczrider (thanx a lot). http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69507226&postcount=766
But one issue after root: I have no access to system, i noticed that, as i install Gsam Battery Monitor root companion, that will install in priv-app but i was write protect. Also RootExplorer was not possible to copy/delete files in system, because write protect. How to change that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to add a final step to that list. I've updated it and here's the new one:
Copy everything off your internal storage that you don't want to lose.
Get all of the files you need from the steps below and put them on your microSD card.
Flash TWRP (recovery) using the method in the OP (B27 file is fine). You don't need to flash the boot image.
Unlock the bootloader (B27 is fine): http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
Flash B29: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2
Boot phone, set it up, whatever
*Reboot to TWRP, go to Advanced > Terminal and type: reboot disemmcwp
This will leave you with an unlocked bootloader, a fully functioning TWRP (no data encryption issue), and rooted B29. You will not be able to receive OTAs.
*This disables write protection and allows your changes (such as AdAway) to stick with reboot. You need to run this before your changes will stick. You don't have to use TWRP (you could also use a terminal emulator or ADB), but I find that since you have to reboot anyway, it's just as easy to do it in TWRP.
---------- Post added at 08:45 ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 ----------
In case anyone stumbles across this thread, here's a "Newbie's Guide to Unlocking and Rooting the Axon 7": http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/newbies-guide-to-unlocking-rooting-axon-t3496234
It will be updated as necessary and contains a step-by-step process with links to the appropriate threads.

So are they still releasing a new bootloader unlock tool? Or should I just go ahead and do these steps?
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

polar2792 said:
So are they still releasing a new bootloader unlock tool? Or should I just go ahead and do these steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, ZTE still supports bootloader unlocking on the Axon 7. It is currently on hold, but yes, our understanding is that they will be releasing a new process (likely with Nougat).
I can't think of any reason not to unlock now because you can always re-lock if you want to. Who knows what the new process will entail.

rczrider said:
[*] *Reboot to TWRP, go to Advanced > Terminal and type: reboot disemmcwp
*This disables write protection and allows your changes (such as AdAway) to stick with reboot. You need to run this before your changes will stick. You don't have to use TWRP (you could also use a terminal emulator or ADB), but I find that since you have to reboot anyway, it's just as easy to do it in TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, reboot disemmcwp fixed my write access to /system

rczrider said:
Yes, ZTE still supports bootloader unlocking on the Axon 7. It is currently on hold, but yes, our understanding is that they will be releasing a new process (likely with Nougat).
I can't think of any reason not to unlock now because you can always re-lock if you want to. Who knows what the new process will entail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea well I was hoping the new tool wouldn't kill the warranty but that's wishful thinking, and after some thought I highly doubt that will happen. So time to unlock the bootloader,l and flash TWRP.....soon as I get off work in 9 hours.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

polar2792 said:
Yea well I was hoping the new tool wouldn't kill the warranty but that's wishful thinking, and after some thought I highly doubt that will happen. So time to unlock the bootloader,l and flash TWRP.....soon as I get off work in 9 hours.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think ZTE will eventually put out a bootloader unlock without killing the warranty. But, yeah, either way it's easy enough to do it on your own now.

rczrider said:
I forgot to add a final step to that list. I've updated it and here's the new one:
Copy everything off your internal storage that you don't want to lose.
Get all of the files you need from the steps below and put them on your microSD card.
Flash TWRP (recovery) using the method in the OP (B27 file is fine). You don't need to flash the boot image.
Unlock the bootloader (B27 is fine): http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
Flash B29: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2
Boot phone, set it up, whatever
*Reboot to TWRP, go to Advanced > Terminal and type: reboot disemmcwp
This will leave you with an unlocked bootloader, a fully functioning TWRP (no data encryption issue), and rooted B29. You will not be able to receive OTAs.
*This disables write protection and allows your changes (such as AdAway) to stick with reboot. You need to run this before your changes will stick. You don't have to use TWRP (you could also use a terminal emulator or ADB), but I find that since you have to reboot anyway, it's just as easy to do it in TWRP.
---------- Post added at 08:45 ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 ----------
In case anyone stumbles across this thread, here's a "Newbie's Guide to Unlocking and Rooting the Axon 7": http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/newbies-guide-to-unlocking-rooting-axon-t3496234
It will be updated as necessary and contains a step-by-step process with links to the appropriate threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you; thank you, THANK YOU!!!!! I tried for an hour or two, using both ADB and Terminal Emulator to apply this "reboot disemmcwp" fix, and I just couldn't get it to work (I'm on B29). Then, I saw your instructions to use TWRP and followed them, and it worked first time, like a charm!
Thanks again - I'm a very happy camper. You da' man, LOL!
Dennis