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Hi All,
It's been quite a few years since I last rerooted a phone - I've found I just didn't really need to with Nexus devices, but since the next Nexuses don't have wireless charging, I've decided to pick up a Note 5.
It's a good phone, I really like it so far, but there are enough things niggling me about it, I think I will root this time. If anyone can provide advice on any of the following list I'd really appreciate it!
1. I see Dr Ketan's thread on the matter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/general/how-to-root-note-5-t3205073) which seems doable, and as complex as I remember. Has anyone tried one-click rooting and can comment on reliability? I'm all for just getting easy root access... For reference I have the SM-N920I. I also see "tripping Knox" a lot, but I have no idea what the means. Last person I asked said "I can't say if that is a good or bad for your specific situation" which makes me think they didn't understand my question.
2. I don't like TouchWiz. It's OK, but I much prefer stock, or, what I'm doing at the moment: Action Launcher 3. I prefer the stock dialer, and the stock quick menu (when you pull-down notification bar). Can I flash a stock ROM onto the Note 5? I mean, not stock-like like the popular MODs (Cyanogen for example) but something that is practically stock? I may end up going with something like Cyanogen, but I'd just like to know what's out there along those lines.
3. Having said that I don't like TouchWiz, and might install a new ROM, there are many things I do like about this device's interface: The SPen's overlay/menu is handy. The fact it brings up a notepad-like app if you pop the SPen out when the screen is off, one-hand mode (note: I have found an XPosed Module for this), the fingerprint scanner, the camera app, the S Planner app, the Home button shortcuts (single click->home; double-click->camera; triple-click->one handed mode) ... all things I assume I'll lose if I flash away Touch Wiz. However, perhaps I can get some (or all) of these things back? If so ... how? e.g. It looks like one-handed mode could be acheived with an XPosed module, and the home-button shortcuts with a launcher (I think Action Launcher can over ride this...)
4. Always listening Google Now. At the moment I have fingerprint scanner lockscreen security, always listening S Voice, and Google Now "from any screen." It... kinda works. But I can't see any reason why Google Now shouldn't just be always listening, and using a Trusted Voice allow me to throw voice commands at my device at any time. At the moment only S Voice is always listening... and even if I have the screen on, trusted voice doesn't seem to be able to get through the fingerprint security anyway. Ironically if I ask S Voice to launch Google Voice Search... it ploughs through in that scenario. Ultimate goal: Have Google Now always listening, and use Trusted Voice to get past the lockscreen, which would typically be secured with a fingerprint scanner.
If you can answer, or provide feedback on any of these queries, it'd be much appreciated!
dakuth said:
Hi All,
It's been quite a few years since I last rerooted a phone - I've found I just didn't really need to with Nexus devices, but since the next Nexuses don't have wireless charging, I've decided to pick up a Note 5.
It's a good phone, I really like it so far, but there are enough things niggling me about it, I think I will root this time. If anyone can provide advice on any of the following list I'd really appreciate it!
1. I see Dr Ketan's thread on the matter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/general/how-to-root-note-5-t3205073) which seems doable, and as complex as I remember. Has anyone tried one-click rooting and can comment on reliability? I'm all for just getting easy root access... For reference I have the SM-N920I. I also see "tripping Knox" a lot, but I have no idea what the means. Last person I asked said "I can't say if that is a good or bad for your specific situation" which makes me think they didn't understand my question.
2. I don't like TouchWiz. It's OK, but I much prefer stock, or, what I'm doing at the moment: Action Launcher 3. I prefer the stock dialer, and the stock quick menu (when you pull-down notification bar). Can I flash a stock ROM onto the Note 5? I mean, not stock-like like the popular MODs (Cyanogen for example) but something that is practically stock? I may end up going with something like Cyanogen, but I'd just like to know what's out there along those lines.
3. Having said that I don't like TouchWiz, and might install a new ROM, there are many things I do like about this device's interface: The SPen's overlay/menu is handy. The fact it brings up a notepad-like app if you pop the SPen out when the screen is off, one-hand mode (note: I have found an XPosed Module for this), the fingerprint scanner, the camera app, the S Planner app, the Home button shortcuts (single click->home; double-click->camera; triple-click->one handed mode) ... all things I assume I'll lose if I flash away Touch Wiz. However, perhaps I can get some (or all) of these things back? If so ... how? e.g. It looks like one-handed mode could be acheived with an XPosed module, and the home-button shortcuts with a launcher (I think Action Launcher can over ride this...)
4. Always listening Google Now. At the moment I have fingerprint scanner lockscreen security, always listening S Voice, and Google Now "from any screen." It... kinda works. But I can't see any reason why Google Now shouldn't just be always listening, and using a Trusted Voice allow me to throw voice commands at my device at any time. At the moment only S Voice is always listening... and even if I have the screen on, trusted voice doesn't seem to be able to get through the fingerprint security anyway. Ironically if I ask S Voice to launch Google Voice Search... it ploughs through in that scenario. Ultimate goal: Have Google Now always listening, and use Trusted Voice to get past the lockscreen, which would typically be secured with a fingerprint scanner.
If you can answer, or provide feedback on any of these queries, it'd be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Rooting is easy on the 920I. Just follow the instructions. As for tripping Knox, Knox is a security system which you may or may not use. Many don't but some people and enterprises do. Knox is also required for Samsung Pay which is currently rolling out. As soon as you root Knox will be disabled and a flag will be tripped which cannot be reset - thus once you root, that is that. Whoever said that they don't know whether you use Knox was absolutely right. The most obvious case is that if you want to use Samsung Pay, don't root.
Two things: when you root, make sure you backup your EFS. Also have a look around for which kernel you are going to install. I use arter 7.0 at the moment.
2 and 3. Experiment with other launchers and see what you like. I don't like touchwiz but I do like the spen integration. Same for ROMs - have a good look around before you root to see what you like. I prefer Dr ketan L3 but it's all personal choice.
I've had tons of phones, and have rooted every single one. I've always done it, and many times out of habit. Before buying the XZ1C, I disabled root on my Oneplus 3 to see if I'd miss it. Turns out I really don't, except for the ability to run AdAway and completely uninstall bloatware, but that's a minor issue. I have my DRM keys intact, can use all the features on the phone without a worry, and don't really need root for anything. Of course, that's because Sony phones run nearly stock Android, so there's nothing that needs to be heavily modified. How about you? Do you miss/need root access?
Yes. YouTube ads.
YES! I want a dark ui, I want a 5 button navbar, I want to be able to use SonySketch font, so much so that I was looking at Z5 Compacts on eBay last night. If my X Compact was actually black in colour I would have kept it until it died or root for Oreo on Sony became available.
SXUsr said:
YES! I want a dark ui, I want a 5 button navbar, I want to be able to use SonySketch font, so much so that I was looking at Z5 Compacts on eBay last night. If my X Compact was actually black in colour I would have kept it until it died or root for Oreo on Sony became available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the Custom Navbar app to modify it, even without root.
Yes and no, I've found workaround solutions to most the major things I wanted to do with root (block ads using dns66 for example), but if and when a root solution comes up, I will be rooting to take full control over my own phone.
Adguard is a fantastic no-root adblocker for which I have a lifetime licence. Disabling the bloat apps at least takes it out of sight if not out of storage and you don't get updates. I've not missed root for a while honestly, its often more convenient to not root with safety net checks and apps blocking root and such.
I have been a fan of Sony compacts since the Z1c.
I have rooted every phone I've owned, this is the first time I've used a phone without it. The main reason I wanted root in the past was to remove bloatware and get a better battery life. The battery life on the XZ1c is amazing out of the box and I can disable apps in this Oreo build, so my need for root has almost disappeared.
I must admit that I am with SXUsr on wishing for a dark UI, but it's just a wish and not really a game changer.
The thing I noticed about running a build with no root is that everything works perfectly, no issues, no crashes or FCs. I quite like a flawless smooth UI and if rooting it means I'm going back to a buggy phone, I'm going to have to think long and hard about how much I want those customisations.
this is precisely why i keep more than one phone sitting around. i'm holding on to my Oneplus5 just so i have a tinker toy. i will likely switch between the two when i feel like it.
i don't miss root yet, but i will. still stoked about having androidO
---------- Post added at 07:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:56 AM ----------
bilboa1 said:
Yes. YouTube ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
youtube red. ads are how they support their infrastructure. if you use youtube that much, you should just purchase. $15 for five accounts right now. share with friends and family.
SXUsr said:
YES! I want a dark ui, I want a 5 button navbar, I want to be able to use SonySketch font, so much so that I was looking at Z5 Compacts on eBay last night. If my X Compact was actually black in colour I would have kept it until it died or root for Oreo on Sony became available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A dark UI can be achieved without root using Substratum...though it can get annoying to keep having to update the skinned apps.
maidguitar said:
A dark UI can be achieved without root using Substratum...though it can get annoying to keep having to update the skinned apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the middle of trying to create one for our devices but figuring out Android Studio plus the Substratum template is starting to become a real pain.
I'm impressed with the stock features on this device so far, but I do miss being able to fully restore apps through TitaniumBackup (Helium just isn't the same) and AdAway.
blackknightavalon said:
I do miss ...<snip>... AdAway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least we have some form of ad blocking for non-root users, apps like AdGuard or dns66.
I personally use the latter, lightweight and works for me pretty well.
Tried AdGuard (admittedly not on the XZ1C), found it too battery consuming, plus am not a fan of the subscription model.
Yes. Have had rooted phones since 2013. I miss not being able to prevent apps to start at boot, and TWRP would be nice to have.
Have to add that the thing I miss the most is Xprivacy, but since the development is dead, there is little reason to have a rooted phone anymore, even if Oreo gets Xposed. Magisk is nice though.
I hate the assertive display feature which changes gamma in sunlight. That's why I'd like to root.
Using the Nexus 4 previously, root was a must as well as custom ROMs.
Then I upgrade to a Z3C and was missing it for a short while. Stuff like Greenify and Xposed framework were what I used a lot, but as time went on, I got used to the stock Sony experience. Even when a root method for the Z3C was found, I didn't have the urge to root it as much as before.
Now with the XZ1C, I don't think I'll consider it. At most, I'll probably flash the Sony Concept Rom, if they decide to use the XZ1 series for the next round.
Hello,
I really need root acces for Adaway it's a nightmare without.
Youtube, on the web... horrible !
There are non-root ad block solutions you know, see a few posts up
I am too enjoying the stock Oreo smothness and battery life, but what might push me into LineageOS is the extremely annoying wifi/data traffic indicator that shifts the other icons in the status bar. That and double tap to wake the phone, why would you disable that? Lets see the next updates if they "fix" these issues, otherwise I am really happy with the phone.
Need root. Without Adaway this phone is crap.
Also need to remove all the Google apps crap, facebook, etc.
andTab said:
Need root. Without Adaway this phone is crap.
Also need to remove all the Google apps crap, facebook, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Also tethering is an issue too.
I read recently that Tasker can be used, along with the Pixel Active Edge, to run any app you want. The one I want ,and told Google to apply, is to squeeze the phone to answer a call. Coming from Samsung. when it had the home button, I really missed that feature. I hate to swipe for a call. The Active edge squeeze feature is a natural solution.
I've gone into Google play and see Tasker choices but I don't know which is the right one.
Please let me know
Thanks
Although it has a separately accessible beta, there is only one tasker so you should find it if you include the word:
joaomgcd
binvius said:
Although it has a separately accessible beta, there is only one tasker so you should find it if you include the word:
joaomgcd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if I can use Tasker, on an un-rooted phone, and use it to use the Active Edge and answer the phone ( Pixel 2XL)?
pbman1953 said:
Do you know if I can use Tasker, on an un-rooted phone, and use it to use the Active Edge and answer the phone ( Pixel 2XL)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tasker can be used on a non-rooted device (though with limited functionality), but for remapping the Active Edge gesture, you need the Edge Sense Plus app in combination with its corresponding Magisk module, which requires root. Tasker itself isn't able to directly remap the Active Edge.
Understood. But , in general is it worth it to root the P2XL? It's been a while since i rooted. For me that would be going back to the Note 4.
Thanks
pbman1953 said:
Understood. But , in general is it worth it to root the P2XL? It's been a while since i rooted. For me that would be going back to the Note 4.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on your needs. I do root my devices for advanced control like AdAway, AFWall, Tasker and Oandbackup. Rooting my Pixel 3 was extremely easy (as the Pixel devices are quite user friendly).
Currently have a ONEPLUS 3T running Resurrection Remix ROM, which is great.
I guess the P30 hasn't had any development in this area? I was reading in the rom section and it seems even unlocking the bootloader is tricky, let alone loading a custom rom.
Is this something that will come later?
It's my first time thinking about buying a relatively new phone so not sure of the time line of things like this.
Cheers!
anotherxdauser said:
Is this something that will come later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei stopped giving official bootloader unlock codes, which means no TWRP or custom ROM/ Kernels. There are unofficial unlock codes, but they are pricey, may not be available all the time, etc.
But if you're looking to buy a P30 Pro, it shouldn't be for its custom ROM scene or mod capabilities. It should be for its camera. Period. There is a very good reason it's being held so high in all reviews for its camera prowess, you won't be getting tried of admiring what the camera can do, and the built-in image editor can enhance on - be it night, wide or zoom.
To its credit, EMUI does have a few features like very good theme support, a Network speed indicator, the gesture navigation and floating navigation dock are nifty, etc. You can install Netguard for firewall and Ad blocking through hosts, disable or uninstall system apps (bloatware) through ADB, try out custom launchers if you do not like EMUI launcher, and so on - in other words, its not too bad that the phone cannot be officially unlocked.
But if custom ROM/ recovery are more important, you should look at One Plus 7/ Pro, maybe. You'll not have similar kind of a development for this phone. Look up the custom section for, say, Mate 20 Pro to understand the kind of progress you can expect
Thanks
Have been thinking yesterday whether I need root or not.
I don't understand ADB, so try and avoid using it.
This is where a custom recovery excells - I can just load the zip and flash it on to the phone from the phone. But a lot of the time, this is to do with custom roms.
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I have Solid Explorer, which has a root mode, but I rarely use this and it's more for finding files around the phone than anything else.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Titanium Backup - but I only use this when upgrading the ROM.
Bouncer is another app I have recently installed. It does have a root mode, but is optional.
I can still sideload apps without root, so don't need it there either.
So it doesn't look like I need root.
Perhaps I only had it to install a custom ROM, but I'm not one of those people who installs a new one every week. I barely update the one I have because it's a fair bit of hassle! I think the only thing I am worried about is after Android 9 and whether there will be a timely update to 10. But then the changes I have seen since abut 3 or 4 versions of Android have been very minimal at best.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Sorry for all the questions.
Does worry me a little that Huawei don't allow people to fully control their phones - the cynic in me makes me think it's because they're spying, so don't want people to run any other software but theirs! Ha ha.
I may have an opportunity to buy the phone for about £400 less than what Amazon are selling it (Amazon: £899, eBay: ~£500, one I was looking at on ebay: £500 with best offer).
Be careful with ebay. Cheapest isn't always best.
anotherxdauser said:
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdAway will need root (or magisk) - so that won't work. What you can do is use netguard and import the latest hosts created by AdAway (in another, rooted device). Read up about netguard, it's pretty good at what it does
Greenify has a non-root mode, but then the battery life in this phone is monstrous - I get about 2.5 days with 7 hrs of screen time and 1.5 hours of calling - my usage is pretty light though
Nova launcher does not need root for its primary functions - I haven't used it in a while so not sure what else it does that needs root
Nope - systemless/ magisk et all need bootloader unlocking, which ain't straightforward with this device...
Some good thoughts here.
If I can import a hosts file (link to tutorial?) that would be great.
Funny as I only use AdAway to block a banking app contacting its servers to report I'm rooted so I can still use the banking app. However, if I'm not rooted, I may not really require it any more.
Totall noob here to xda,
Is there anyway to basically delete everything and straight up use a google pixel/stock android rom? I want to de-samsungize my phone as much as I can basically lol.
Hi and welcome to XDA!
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
You could unlock, Root, and use a custom rom that has the Pixel experience.... That would require a lot of this forums reading and understanding on your part!
Btw, nice avatar! Cheers
Omega422 said:
Totall noob here to xda,
Is there anyway to basically delete everything and straight up use a google pixel/stock android rom? I want to de-samsungize my phone as much as I can basically lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only roms that exist currently are GSI roms, those are not 100% compatible with all of the hardware features.
you can for now disable a lot of but not all pre-loaded apps. you can put apps you don't like into deep sleep, you can limit their use of background data and usage stats. you could change your launcher from the play store, you can alter the scale of the screen rendering from developer options without root.
I've never looked in there, but the Samsung store has themes, maybe one of those can better mimic stock android !?