[Q] Questions from a potential buyer - Xperia Z3 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everybody!
I am using xperia x10 for 4.5 years now and when I saw z3 compact I fell in love with it.
I think that it is going to be my next device.
I have a few questions please.
1. I have permanently replaced stock launcher, stock dialer and stock message app with other apps.
Can I do this on this phone?
2. I have rooted my device so I can use an app called Fontchanger, with which I can change the font of the device whenever I want. Can I do this with this device?
3. Someone told me that with 4.4.2 android version I cannot use the external SD card as I do now, transferring apps etc., it is locked but with 4.2.2 version this function is available. I really need this function. If I buy this phone, can I revert to 4.2.2 version?
4. I am using Sony's MW600 bluetooth headset but with 2.3.3 version there is no track and caller id. I was told that this was due to lack of AVRCP 1.3 support on bluetooth. I was also told that only Samsung devices implement this feature. Is this true? I cannot believe that Sony does not support their own products, especially for such an elementary feature...
Thanks in advance!

Hi sakis14,
let's start with the obvious and work our way from there,
first of all, as of now, rooting your phone requires unlocking the bootloader which causes you lose your DRM keys [which results in loss of low light camera enhancement algorithms and a few other things]
if you're curious to read about it further, you can do so here, there is work being done to try and find a root exploit that won't require unlocking the bootloader with no success as of yet.
now, as per your questions.
1. you can obviously download/install non stock launcher/dialer/messaging app, but in order to remove the stock versions you'll have to root the phone.
2. if you don't mind losing the drm keys with all that follows, you can root your phone and install font changer.
3. you cannot move apps to sdcard [unless you root the phone] with the current [stock] rom, you can store all your media [music, photos, videos] on your sdcard and any apps that utilizes sd storage will store their data on the card, but you cannot move the apps to the sdcard, i'm not sure there are any 4.2.2 z3c roms because the phone is still rather new and a. development is still in progress and b. a lot of people are waiting for a root exploit that won't require unlocking the bootloader before starting to mod the phone
4. who still uses 2.3.3? with newer versions both are reported to be working.

Thank you for your reply.
1. I do not want to remove these stock apps but permanently replace them as I do now on my x10.
You know, there is a dialog box asking for example "Complete action with----> Zeam Launcher or Sony Launcher" and you tick Always on your selection. This is what I meant. I do not know if this kind of dialog box appears on android versions above mine.
2,3,4. Nice to know.
who still uses 2.3.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I am using stock 2.3.3!
Thanks again!

sakis14 said:
Thank you for your reply.
1. I do not want to remove these stock apps but permanently replace them as I do now on my x10.
You know, there is a dialog box asking for example "Complete action with----> Zeam Launcher or Sony Launcher" and you tick Always on your selection. This is what I meant. I do not know if this kind of dialog box appears on android versions above mine.
2,3,4. Nice to know.
Well, I am using stock 2.3.3!
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, you still have the "complete action with..." dialog in newer versions so you could definitely download whatever launcher/dialer you like
and wow, even my old LWW is running custom 4.4 kitkat

Related

[Q] In what Heroic direction do I go?

Hi guys... I have a few questions for you about my Hero. Forgive me for not yet having the same level of knowledge that many of you guys have. I am certain that I can contribute in some way, as well. My phone details:
Firmware version: 1.5
Baseband version: 1.04.01.09.21
Kernel version: 2.6.27-533ce29d
Build number: 1.56.651.2 CL5027
Software version: 1.56.651.2
Hardware version: 0002
1. I've read several stories where a number of phones were returned because they couldn't be updated when the new update was released. Is this an absolute fact, that it can't be updated, or is there an error in code somewhere that made it reject the update and there is a known workaround? The answer to this question obviously dictates my forward motion.
I have the typical problem apps, and am getting no joy from youtube. Presently, I'm surfing with good speeds, but market is non-existent.
I like having Sprint tv, when I'm having to sit and wait somewhere.
I have time today and tomorrow to get things ironed out, but will be extrmemly busy after that, like 20 hours a day studying. I'm hoping to get some direction that will give me complete functionality, but will require the least setup. I am quite computer savy, and repaired this phone, to this point, in a day or 2, without asking a single question of anyone. I traced down problems, and solved issues. Seen APN, and TCP errors (don't believe it completely, since I can authenticate on the web). Know that some issues are url problems, etc.
The following questions are based upon the answer to question number 1.
2. Can this phone be updated?
2a. If yes, What do you recommend... 2.1? What rom do you suggest, for full stock-like functionality? Will I lose Sprint tv? Pointers/direction? (pancake??, superhero??)
2b. If no, What rom do you suggest, for full stock-like functionality? Will I lose Sprint tv? Pointers/direction?
Before repairing the phone, I actually tried to update it from my computer, but it was rejected. I turned off my security software and tried again. I noticed that while using XP sp2, a windows program that was incorporated starting with sp2, DEP (data execution prevention) didn't like the actions that the update was taking, and arrested it very shortly after starting (yet the window cycled forever). I assume that many people wouldn't be this observative, and recognize that this was happening. It was halting an HTC file that utilized storage memory (similar to buffer overrun exploits - the reason DEP halted it), for temporary storage of the files to be used for the update. That file was as follows:
C:\Program Files\HTC\HTC Sync\Mobile Phone Monitor\FsyncServer.exe
And the way to prevent it from continuing to do so is:
1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Select System
4. Click the Advanced tab
5. In the Performance region select Settings
6. Click the Data Execute tab in the dialog box that opens
7. Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except for those I select
8. Click Add.
9. The open dialog box will open. Browse and select your application.
10. Click Open
11. Click Apply
12. Click Ok
I guess what I'm sort of suggesting, is that this might be why anyone ever had problems updating, with the exception that OTA also said there wasn't an update.
So, back to the original question. Is it true that some Heros can't be updated? I don't want to force something, and brick, if you know what I mean. I completed the setting that will allow it to go forward (listed above), but haven't tried to update since. I felt that I really needed to ask you guys first, before I made a mistake that I'd regret. Should I try again? Before I started working on the phone I did try OTA and it said there wasn't an update. Now I don't have that option anymore. After repairing the phone, I've lost updates. Am I stuck with 1.5? With my run of the mill phone desires (except that it be fully functional), should I keep 1.5?
I did see gmail 2.3 apk, but is that compatible with 1.5? This looks like is would solve the market issue, if I could use it.
I did read about gscript and addressing mms (although I'm sure that's very old news to you guys), but if in fact I can't update this phone, it might be one of my only alternatives. If that is my only choice, are their also additional scripts to address everything I need to fix (all the normal issues)?
Additionally, it seems that many apps register with the phone/user. So, when you are using a used phone, many apps are still registered as functional. Does flashing a new rom affect the OS and apps? Will I loose the already registered/functioning apps? With a complete upgrade, will I gain functionality of some key features, but lose all other previously enabled apps? In other words, will I gain update, and market, and lose sprint tv?
I have read a lot. With things the way they should be, I've not been able to quite determine what I need to do. With all this being said, How do I go forward and achieve a fully functioning phone? What is the best choice of path's to take for me?
Rooting? I have seen the one-click, and think I'd be correct in that I need something containing Sense UI. Forgive me for asking a stupid question... but the rom is only the menu accessibility, correct? Is there something straight out of the box setup, or do all roms contain configuration notes?
I'm satisfied with stock features, if they work, and adding other useful things like tethering. Since I'll be so busy, I'll have little time to do much else. But don't get me wrong. I have 10 PC's in my house, with only 2 people living here. I'd love to customize the crap out of it. It's just not going to happen any time soon, due to my brutal study schedule. So for now, I just want it to work like it should, on a B mvno.
Do I go north, south, east, or west????
Could someone chime in that can give me direction, based on everything I've stated. Your response is so graciously appreciated.
Cheers!
Umm well I'm not sure why you're having problems with any update, someone who's far more experienced can maybe tell you but as far as roms I think it depends on whether you like sense or wanna go froyo. Cyanogen mod 6.1 stable (2.2) is nice & highly customizable however there's also AOSP roms (2.2) that some people feel is quicker than cyanogen however they aren't as customizable as cyanogen, in addition there are tons of GREAT themes for both. Also we've had a ton of work on an odex AOSP gingerbread rom (2.3) not yet stable but works good for most & on that note a great themer also put together a themed AOSP gingerbread rom (2.3) that looks good & about stability I'm not so sure on but I would recommend those roms. Although with these roms YES you will lose sprint apps like TV & vvm etc. However people have posted these apks in the theme thread section to work on roms like cyanogen & AOSP. If you do like sense roms there's a couple that are still live in the development section like nfinite & nfx I believe. Hope some of that info helps
Thanks so much for your response. So Cyanogen mod 6.1 stable (2.2) is highly customizable... That's good.
So let me get this straight. I need to:
root (is one-click OS version specific? Can it be used on 1.5?)
backup
save to pc
update to 2.1 (if I can, and it needs to be the rootable version found here)
re-root
and flash Cyanogen
and setup
Is this correct?
inkblots said:
Thanks so much for your response. So Cyanogen mod 6.1 stable (2.2) is highly customizable... That's good.
So let me get this straight. I need to:
root (is one-click OS version specific? Can it be used on 1.5?)
backup
save to pc
update to 2.1 (if I can, and it needs to be the rootable version found here)
re-root
and flash Cyanogen
and setup
Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of. I can't remember which version I was at when I rooted but I remember I downgraded to do it. But if you go in the development section you will find a thread that shows & gives you what you need to root. So you should root. Then flash a recovery image such as clockwork mod or amon ra. When I rooted I used the recovery from the downloadable app (Rom manager) in the market & that one was clockdwork mod. It's worked great for me so I've been using it ever since. Then backup whatever you are running currently. Then flash whatever rom you want. I'm about to see if I can link you to a root thread then once you do so I can give you a dl link to cm 6.1 stable. Will you be able to root on 1.5?? I don't completely know...
Edit: Ok this is the way I rooted mine, hopefully this will work for you
http://theunlockr.com/2010/09/27/how-to-root-the-htc-hero-androot-method/

[Q] A Few Questions

I got my HTC One yesterday and rooted it, but I have some queries. I modded my old Xperia Play a couple of years ago but I've forgotten most things about modding phones, my questions are:
1. I used Titanium Backup to remove some apps that I'll never use like Facebook, Chrome browser, and Google+, but if I restart the phone the apps will be back on it. For the moment I've just frozen those apps, so is it impossible to completely remove them?
2. Am I able to move apps to the sd card? I tried using Android Assistant but had no luck with it.
3. If there is a big update, how would I go about updating the phone (OTA?)? It is not possible doing it the normal way if the phone is rooted, correct?
4. Are there any roms that are far superior to the stock rom that you would recommend using?
Thank you in advance for your help.
projectmayhem22 said:
I got my HTC One yesterday and rooted it, but I have some queries. I modded my old Xperia Play a couple of years ago but I've forgotten most things about modding phones, my questions are:
1. I used Titanium Backup to remove some apps that I'll never use like Facebook, Chrome browser, and Google+, but if I restart the phone the apps will be back on it. For the moment I've just frozen those apps, so is it impossible to completely remove them?
2. Am I able to move apps to the sd card? I tried using Android Assistant but had no luck with it.
3. If there is a big update, how would I go about updating the phone (OTA?)? It is not possible doing it the normal way if the phone is rooted, correct?
4. Are there any roms that are far superior to the stock rom that you would recommend using?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you flash a custom rom then you can remove the apps permanently using rom cleaner. Some custom roms allow you to do this upon install.
2. Leaving the apps where they are should not be a problem.... there's plenty of space for them particularly if you remove the ones you don't need.
3. In order to obtain OTA updates you would need to flash the stock recovery and relock the bootloader... using a custom rom will not allow OTA from HTC but these are usually updated far more frequently by the devs anyway. Some custom roms have their own OTA update system.
4. There are many custom roms available in the dev section.... some are close to stock with enhancements whilst others can be heavily themed. Usually the devs work with the latest available from HTC then improve it. Stable custom roms based on android 4.2.2 were available long before HTC started to roll it out. I am Using Android Revolution HD 12.1 which is stock like. The benefit of this is, as with all custom roms, you have the ability to install the vast range of mods available to enhance the device.
projectmayhem22 said:
I got my HTC One yesterday and rooted it, but I have some queries. I modded my old Xperia Play a couple of years ago but I've forgotten most things about modding phones, my questions are:
1. I used Titanium Backup to remove some apps that I'll never use like Facebook, Chrome browser, and Google+, but if I restart the phone the apps will be back on it. For the moment I've just frozen those apps, so is it impossible to completely remove them?
2. Am I able to move apps to the sd card? I tried using Android Assistant but had no luck with it.
3. If there is a big update, how would I go about updating the phone (OTA?)? It is not possible doing it the normal way if the phone is rooted, correct?
4. Are there any roms that are far superior to the stock rom that you would recommend using?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Just delete the apk's for the apps you don't use, straight from the ROM you decide to flash (just be careful not to remove anything other apps depend on)
2) Not sure, the One doesn't has an SD Card in the traditional sense so in essence, it's all internal memory.
3) You'd have to install a stock ROM like the one in mike1986's thread .. install stock recovery .. re-lock your bootloader. This would allow you to receive OTA updates but obviously you would need to root again but that's easily done by re pushing custom recovery.
4) ARHD 12.1 ... Without a doubt mate, it's just a pure improvement on stock which is always going to be the best, most stable ROM ... Also try ARHD GE, the Google Edition one, also by mike1986.

Need some help regarding Custom-ROMs and their consequences!

Hello, iam a Xperia-Z (C6603) User for a week or two and am now looking forward to a
Nice and clean custom-Rom without any bloatware which I hate(ultimate music Sony select,sonysocialfoo and Facebook and alike)
and I guess cm11nightly would fulfill my needs, as i would also really love a smartphone without gapps.
FIrst I thought it would basically be a decision between the to be flashed ROM but now
I read about the bravia-engine getting lost forever which would really suck, is this still
State-of-the-art? Or is there an Option to get it back, as far as I know the BE is basically still there but licensed over a key like the mpeg2-codec on the raspberry-Pi isn't there a possibility to back it up and still be able to use it when you revert back to stock for example?
You're in charge now, what do you suggest me? Iam still on 4.2.2 and would like to get everything up-to-date soon. Btw. I would want a Rom that is of the same color as stock 4.2.2 so basically black, a white theme would be hard to look at in dark conditions even when turned down to lowest brightness.
So to sum it up: NO bloatware (must), NO gapps(nicetohave), black theme like 4.2.2(must), still BEngine(nicetohave)
Btw. How's the image-quality with custom-Roms? It shouldn't get worse than it is in 4.2.2 stock if possible!
Thanks! :good::highfive:
luluchambler said:
Hello, iam a Xperia-Z (C6603) User for a week or two and am now looking forward to a
Nice and clean custom-Rom without any bloatware which I hate(ultimate music Sony select,sonysocialfoo and Facebook and alike)
and I guess cm11nightly would fulfill my needs, as i would also really love a smartphone without gapps.
FIrst I thought it would basically be a decision between the to be flashed ROM but now
I read about the bravia-engine getting lost forever which would really suck, is this still
State-of-the-art? Or is there an Option to get it back, as far as I know the BE is basically still there but licensed over a key like the mpeg2-codec on the raspberry-Pi isn't there a possibility to back it up and still be able to use it when you revert back to stock for example?
You're in charge now, what do you suggest me? Iam still on 4.2.2 and would like to get everything up-to-date soon. Btw. I would want a Rom that is of the same color as stock 4.2.2 so basically black, a white theme would be hard to look at in dark conditions even when turned down to lowest brightness.
So to sum it up: NO bloatware (must), NO gapps(nicetohave), black theme like 4.2.2(must), still BEngine(nicetohave)
Btw. How's the image-quality with custom-Roms? It shouldn't get worse than it is in 4.2.2 stock if possible!
Thanks! :good::highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend Cyanogen Mod to most people. Honestly I can't live without the features these days!
Regarding the consequences.. Well there aren't really any.. Kinda.. You may or may not lose your warranty based on how stingy Sony are feeling at the time. Most of the BRICK warnings are just to cover developers if someone does something wrong or if your phone just so happens to die of something completely unrelated while installing the rom.
I would recommend trawling this forum for at least and hour or two just reading the various guides; How to backup your phone, How to unlock the bootloader and, most importantly, how to backup your TA partition.
It's quite a pain free process. It's just better to be aware of what could go wrong, so you are prepared and can easily apply the fix before panicking and messing something up
Good luck and happy trawling!
You only have to learn these things once. Once your rooted, unlocked and running a custom rom updating is easier than sonys
Hi, thank you for your reply.
I just looked up what exactly the "TA-Partition" is and i guess the only thing that was worrying me (loosing Bravia) is not up-to-date anymore
So lets get started, i looked up what i need to backup the "TA-Partition" and if i understood everything its basically having a rooted Xperia-Z and a double-click on a .bat-file?
So i guess the best would to not upgrade any of the shown OTA-Updates by Sony, and root the 4.2.2-Stock ROM that is on the device right now?
As far as i know rooting 4.2.2 isn't really a problem right now, agreed?
So after sucessfully rooting the Sony Xperia-Z its just backing up the "TA-Par tition" with "TA-Backup"-Script?
After that, its unlocking the Boot-loader over the Sony-Website (IMEI, Name, Email....) so that they send you the Unlock-Code, after that you'll have to use fastboot to finally unlock it?
(If i check the Service Menu "Rooting Status": there is nothing behind it, but the bootloader-unlock allowed: says yes, so no problem right?)
After that you most likely are done for the moment, until you decide if it should be CM10.1Stable or CM11Nightly, rig
How's the status of CM11 right now, any known major bugs?
Thank you already for your help :good:
luluchambler said:
Hi, thank you for your reply.
I just looked up what exactly the "TA-Partition" is and i guess the only thing that was worrying me (loosing Bravia) is not up-to-date anymore
So lets get started, i looked up what i need to backup the "TA-Partition" and if i understood everything its basically having a rooted Xperia-Z and a double-click on a .bat-file?
So i guess the best would to not upgrade any of the shown OTA-Updates by Sony, and root the 4.2.2-Stock ROM that is on the device right now?
As far as i know rooting 4.2.2 isn't really a problem right now, agreed?
So after sucessfully rooting the Sony Xperia-Z its just backing up the "TA-Par tition" with "TA-Backup"-Script?
After that, its unlocking the Boot-loader over the Sony-Website (IMEI, Name, Email....) so that they send you the Unlock-Code, after that you'll have to use fastboot to finally unlock it?
(If i check the Service Menu "Rooting Status": there is nothing behind it, but the bootloader-unlock allowed: says yes, so no problem right?)
After that you most likely are done for the moment, until you decide if it should be CM10.1Stable or CM11Nightly, rig
How's the status of CM11 right now, any known major bugs?
Thank you already for your help :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using Cyanogenmod 11 nighties for months now, no obvious bugs
Some features aren't implemented yet and the occasional feature is broken.. Nothing really integral to the phone though
You've pretty much got the method down! Just ensure you use a root method for your sony firmware version (Android version). It should use some form of "Exploit" to avoid deleting the TA-Partition. Honestly I backed mine up and haven't ever wanted to restore it, the features are more of a gimmick than anything useful
Enjoy
A few more questions! (Iam sorry )
So as far as i can see, my smartphone is running "10.3.1.A.0.244" which is regarding to the post by DooMLord not exploitable.
I therefore have to flash the "10.3.A.0.423"-Kernel-Only so that the previously used exploit works again.
After that i'll have to restore the Kernel that was previously on the Smartphone therefore "10.3.1.A.0.244"
After that root should stay in intact, but what about the TA-Partion? Is it somehow affected by this?
Secound Question, is it crucial to have an micro-sdhc inserted to sucessfully flash CM11 onto the Xperia Z after backing up TA, or is it possible without?
And the Image-Quality (taking Pictures) should be kinda worse on CM11 than it is with Sony's Stock Firmware, is it possible to include(myself) the propritary firmware.blobs for the Camera as we do it with gapps, or will i have to live with the reduced image Quality?
Thanks!

Difference between ROOT and Custom ROM

Hi,
While going through the threads, I was not able to exactly understand what is the difference between ROOTing a phone and installing a Custom ROM in it. (I'm new to this ROOTing world - only had a chance to watch a friend root Samsung Galaxy S3 long long time back ... Apart from that I do not have much knowledge). I'm planning to root my Sony Xperia Z2 and was wondering if ROOTing is enough or should I proceed further to install a custom ROM.
Rooting your device just gives you privileged access that permits you to modify the operating system.
A custom ROM is an entire Android operating system that has been customized or otherwise modified. Depending on the ROM, it could be stripped down or have all sorts of additional system apps and features. Custom ROMs generally include root access, though not always.
If you're going to start somewhere, you should probably just root your existing stock ROM. Though unless you have a specific need (e.g. per-app firewall, ad blocking, backup/restore) or just like to tinker with ****, I wouldn't bother.
DRM Keys are important.
srcm.ch said:
Hi,
While going through the threads, I was not able to exactly understand what is the difference between ROOTing a phone and installing a Custom ROM in it. (I'm new to this ROOTing world - only had a chance to watch a friend root Samsung Galaxy S3 long long time back ... Apart from that I do not have much knowledge). I'm planning to root my Sony Xperia Z2 and was wondering if ROOTing is enough or should I proceed further to install a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before rooting or start tinkering your stock rom, make sure to backup your DRM Keys. They are very important for Xperia devices and are essential for proper functionality of Camera and Music applications (Stock ones).
srcm.ch said:
Hi,
While going through the threads, I was not able to exactly understand what is the difference between ROOTing a phone and installing a Custom ROM in it. (I'm new to this ROOTing world - only had a chance to watch a friend root Samsung Galaxy S3 long long time back ... Apart from that I do not have much knowledge). I'm planning to root my Sony Xperia Z2 and was wondering if ROOTing is enough or should I proceed further to install a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend before rooting your phone you determine for yourself the purpose for which you are rooting, some people do for customisation via xposed and gravitybox, some do it for control e.g. removing stock apps, whatever the purpose, because rooting can cause your phone to stop working, it's a venture that's best taken with a purpose, my personal preference is to root a stock android environment rather than running ROMs
question
So im trying to make a "custom" rom but i want it to have root by default lke Cyaogen. Do i change something in build.prop or something else?

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Sm-n900a best rooting option?? Need current info.

Hello guys and Gals, this will be my first time posting so please bear with me. I have been trying to find the best option to root my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Sm-n900a for a while now, seems to be one of the harder phones to root... this will be my first time attempting to root a device, so I want to make sure I do everything correctly. I have watched multiple videos and read a lot of threads on the subject but it is hard to find anything that is current and has the proper links to be files needed. if anybody has a good step-by-step walkthrough or video and the time to help me I would greatly appreciate it, if you do respond to the thread please dumb it down I am still learning terminology. I am determined to get this done come hell or high water. so if anybody has a good step-by-step walkthrough or video and the time to help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for helping me put a nail in this coffin i I have been trying to do this far too long.
I just did this over the course of hours. I can't say I'm pleased with any of the explanations on xda-developers or found by Google. Unfortunately, writing up a good, full explanation is beyond me right now.
I did this from the Android 5.0.1? Lollipop "OC3" version (seen as the last 3 characters of the "Baseband version" under Settings -> General -> About device). Apparently this version cannot be rooted, however, you can downgrade your version of Android to one that you can root: Android 4.4.2 KitKat ("N900AUCUCNC2"). Apparently you can do something to stay rooted while manually updating to Android 5.0 Lollipop "OC1," but updating to the current AT&T version "OC3" revokes your root access.
I followed the process listed at https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att/general/root-att-note-3-android-5-0-t3318130/post65467618, but if you are satisfied with having rooted Kitkat 4.4.2, you don't need to do steps 11 and 12. If you want the more recent Android 5.0 OC1, then do steps 11 & 12.
One thing I can do is help you understand some of the things I never saw explained. In the list of instructions you will see some programs you will need. A brief summary of each:
Odin - A program that runs on Windows that will manage some low-level aspects of your phone over a connected USB cable. It is used to install an OS (Kitkat 4.4.2 in this example) after your phone has been Wiped from the boot loader menu (gotten to by turning your phone on holding down VolumeUp + Home buttons). It is nice to have a MicroSD card onto which you can move various things before wiping the phone. (You never need to wipe your MicroSD card. Make sure you don't wipe it when using the Wipe feature in SafeStrap).
Towelroot - This is actual program that roots your phone using a known problem in the phone. After running the program, tap the only button there is to do it. I think this is a safe operation—as in, I think it will tell you if it can't rather than scrozzle your OS.
SuperSU - A program that manages which apps on your phone have root access. After it is installed, when you run a newly installed program that requires root access, SuperSU will pop up a dialog asking you if you want to grant it root access. I saw no indication you can get by without it, even if you don't need to "manage" app root access.
SafeStrap - This is a program that does various things, most importantly installing other operating systems that you previously loaded onto your phone as a file and then letting you choose which one you want to boot to whenever your phone boots up. It installs like a normal program, however from within the program you can "Install Recovery" or "Uninstall Recovery." "Recovery" is a bit of software it inserts into the phone boot process. While booting, if you want to use that software, you tap "Recovery" in the lower left. Tap "Continue" if you just want to boot with the currently active OS (chosen from within the Recovery software under the "Boot" options). With Recovery, you create a new slot for an OS, MAKE IT THE ACTIVE OS, Wipe it (Advanced, NOT format), then can back up a menu and install an OS from your MicroSD card. The purpose of all these shenanigans is so you don't have to lose your working Android install while installing something else.
Titanium Backup - A software backup program that requires root access to work. It also has a ton of other features loosely related to backing up. It is the simplest way to prevent AT&T from updating your version of Android to the unrooted current version. Having said that, it is anything but simple because of the user interface. You might investigate alternative methods for preventing auto-updating.
Be aware that whatever software (e.g., file manager) you use to hunt down files and folders on your phone is probably not going to be showing you everything. There are hundreds of programs that your phone uses, some of which are hidden. Titanium Backup does appear to be capable of showing a true full list of apps (including system apps). This is pertinent, because the AT&T Software Update program is hidden very well.
Potential costs:
$10-20 US approximately for a MicroSD card. There's fast ones that are in that price range. Google for reviews.
$5.99 for Titanium Backup from the Google Play store.
GregJ7 said:
I just did this over the course of hours. I can't say I'm pleased with any of the explanations on xda-developers or found by Google. Unfortunately, writing up a good, full explanation is beyond me right now.
I did this from the Android 5.0.1? Lollipop "OC3" version (seen as the last 3 characters of the "Baseband version" under Settings -> General -> About device). Apparently this version cannot be rooted, however, you can downgrade your version of Android to one that you can root: Android 4.4.2 KitKat ("N900AUCUCNC2"). Apparently you can do something to stay rooted while manually updating to Android 5.0 Lollipop "OC1," but updating to the current AT&T version "OC3" revokes your root access.
I followed the process listed at https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...att-note-3-android-5-0-t3318130/post65467618, but if you are satisfied with having rooted Kitkat 4.4.2, you don't need to do steps 11 and 12. If you want the more recent Android 5.0 OC1, then do steps 11 & 12.
One thing I can do is help you understand some of the things I never saw explained. In the list of instructions you will see some programs you will need. A brief summary of each:
Odin - A program that runs on Windows that will manage some low-level aspects of your phone over a connected USB cable. It is used to install an OS (Kitkat 4.4.2 in this example) after your phone has been Wiped from the boot loader menu (gotten to by turning your phone on holding down VolumeUp + Home buttons). It is nice to have a MicroSD card onto which you can move various things before wiping the phone. (You never need to wipe your MicroSD card. Make sure you don't wipe it when using the Wipe feature in SafeStrap).
Towelroot - This is actual program that roots your phone using a known problem in the phone. After running the program, tap the only button there is to do it. I think this is a safe operation—as in, I think it will tell you if it can't rather than scrozzle your OS.
SuperSU - A program that manages which apps on your phone have root access. After it is installed, when you run a newly installed program that requires root access, SuperSU will pop up a dialog asking you if you want to grant it root access. I saw no indication you can get by without it, even if you don't need to "manage" app root access.
SafeStrap - This is a program that does various things, most importantly installing other operating systems that you previously loaded onto your phone as a file and then letting you choose which one you want to boot to whenever your phone boots up. It installs like a normal program, however from within the program you can "Install Recovery" or "Uninstall Recovery." "Recovery" is a bit of software it inserts into the phone boot process. While booting, if you want to use that software, you tap "Recovery" in the lower left. Tap "Continue" if you just want to boot with the currently active OS (chosen from within the Recovery software under the "Boot" options). With Recovery, you create a new slot for an OS, MAKE IT THE ACTIVE OS, Wipe it (Advanced, NOT format), then can back up a menu and install an OS from your MicroSD card. The purpose of all these shenanigans is so you don't have to lose your working Android install while installing something else.
Titanium Backup - A software backup program that requires root access to work. It also has a ton of other features loosely related to backing up. It is the simplest way to prevent AT&T from updating your version of Android to the unrooted current version. Having said that, it is anything but simple because of the user interface. You might investigate alternative methods for preventing auto-updating.
Be aware that whatever software (e.g., file manager) you use to hunt down files and folders on your phone is probably not going to be showing you everything. There are hundreds of programs that your phone uses, some of which are hidden. Titanium Backup does appear to be capable of showing a true full list of apps (including system apps). This is pertinent, because the AT&T Software Update program is hidden very well.
Potential costs:
$10-20 US approximately for a MicroSD card. There's fast ones that are in that price range. Google for reviews.
$5.99 for Titanium Backup from the Google Play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Life got pretty busy there for a minute... I was able to get Titanium Backup I have had a good SD card for a while now safestrap SuperSU towelroot everything that I need. But this being my first time and not really ever using the software, it's giving me a little bit of anxiety. Before trying process the root I had a couple of questions that I definitely would like to get a solid answer on they might sound stupid but I'd rather sound stupid then not have a phone and ask lol. Okay how about we know I have a Note 3 SM n910a AT&T original carrier swapped over to Metro PCS I'm on one of their $50 plans which I think is unlimited everything but no tether so I have been using PDA and foxfi tethering from my phone to my computer... my roommate has a hotspot but he is rarely home. I need to know if it is possible to complete the root in that situation also the person from the thread that you sent me to confused me as far as making sure you have the ROM pre-downloaded. It just confused me I'm to the point I want to have somebody jump on TeamViewer with me and just make sure I don't screw up too bad.. I did go look at them custom robs as well if anybody would like to share their favorites or what they think is a good easy ROM to be able to play around with it and not mess it up too bad I would love any suggestions from anybody
XxLightxX said:
Life got pretty busy there for a minute... I was able to get Titanium Backup I have had a good SD card for a while now safestrap SuperSU towelroot everything that I need. But this being my first time and not really ever using the software, it's giving me a little bit of anxiety. Before trying process the root I had a couple of questions that I definitely would like to get a solid answer on they might sound stupid but I'd rather sound stupid then not have a phone and ask lol. Okay how about we know I have a Note 3 SM n910a AT&T original carrier swapped over to Metro PCS I'm on one of their $50 plans which I think is unlimited everything but no tether so I have been using PDA and foxfi tethering from my phone to my computer... my roommate has a hotspot but he is rarely home. I need to know if it is possible to complete the root in that situation also the person from the thread that you sent me to confused me as far as making sure you have the ROM pre-downloaded. It just confused me I'm to the point I want to have somebody jump on TeamViewer with me and just make sure I don't screw up too bad.. I did go look at them custom robs as well if anybody would like to share their favorites or what they think is a good easy ROM to be able to play around with it and not mess it up too bad I would love any suggestions from anybody
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ended up stayin on kk rooted on mine. Everytime i goto lolipop i brick it. Its almost a hassle to try. I would odin the kk firmware and use towel root. Install xposed and some root apps. If ures is anything like mine dont debloat it. I debloat lightly. And next reboot get all kinds of spen and other force closes. The note 3 in general seem unstable. But i need to restore m8ne back stock now as its keeps force closing. I will be starting mine over for the 100th time it feels like. Dont let my ramblings discourage you. It is a awsome device and having a lgg5 iphone 5 and a few others my note 3s outer glass is destroyed. Got it like that. I would take the note 3 over the rest if i could get it to run rite more than 2 or 3 days at a time. Ive. Always set all my devices the same way. Debloated them the same but this one is really touchy.... Im on here a lot if u gots any ?s just hollar at me.
If you're still interested in an easy way to root, use Wondershare Dr Phone. It worked for me on stock OC1 and then the just used Flashfire to flash whatever I wanted.

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