Database Develop

[Q] root and updates

Hi! I have little questions...
1) I think is a stupid one: if I root my phone, can I install updates normally, or I have to flash them in a strange way (CMW recovery) ?
2) And if the answer is "yes", I have to do again and again the root's process (every time I do an update)? It means that every update does a sort of "unroot"..
3) And last question, it is not important, but I want to root my phone because I want to install this app that needs root.. i think is not very useful, but is great
Do you know apps that are very useful, and it need root permissions to work? (if I have to root my device only for 1 app, I won't do! )
suggest me please!

1) you can flash new firmwares with Flashtool
2) yes, you need to repeat the rooting procedure
3) bucketloads of them, my favs are Titanium Backup (great for backing up apps) and Paragon NTFS (can read NTFS drives, including disks connected to OTG)
And why is rooting the phone for 1 app a problem? If you want to use that one app, go for it. Not to mention that with rooting you can remove bloatware or unnecessary system apps

robogo1982 said:
Not to mention that with rooting you can remove bloatware or unnecessary system apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also just flash a stock ROM without rooting, which will get rid of bloatware.

1)it should look for your bootloader(BL) is locked or unlocked ,if your BL is locked ,you can update normally via PCC or SUS
otherwise you can't update normally and you have to flash new firmewares
2)yes ,you have to root again after update your phone
3) LMT will ask your root permission ,if you are not rooted ,LMT will work with Home function ONLY ,so root is needed to run LMT perfectly
i'm using LMT too ,same reason i choose to root my phone ,CAUTION that you don't unlock your BL ,because you will lost warranty and BE2 ,so be aware of
your BL.

[Q] Step by Step Guide to installing a Custom ROM

Hello,
I'm new to Android and would like to install the Android Revolution HD ROM on my HTC one.
Is there a step by step guide on how to install this while taking a backup incase I want to go back to the original state?
Thanks in advance

I don't think You will find a step by step guide. But You should find quite a nice one in the ARHD thread. Just read carefully first post.
First of all You need to unlock on htcdev.com. There is a perfect guide there.
Then You need to install custom recovery (CWM, TWRP) and You're free to install whatever ROM You want.
Also from recovery You can make a backup.
You will find guide for installing recovery in corresponding thread (it will probably be through fastboot).
But I actually never had problems using guides in Mike's threads and I'm using his ROMs for quite a long time.

Thanks,
I read some online guides but am still a bit confused. What I want to do is:
1) Unlock the Bootloader (figured this out on the htcdev site)
2) Is unlocking the bootloader the same as rooting or do I have to do something else for that?
3) Do a nandroid backup
4) Install the Custom ROM
In the process, how do I get back my apps, settings, and data such as sms', call records, etc?
Would really appreciate it if someone can tell me exactly how to do this.

There is two guide for unlock and flash rom:
1) Guide by Mike1986.
2) Guide by Torxx

Edit: nevermind, guich already posted the two links you need.
But I will add a couple points:
For non-titanium (ie non-root) backup of personal data check out HTC's own backup service (hat tip to
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2311969 )
Note you don't have to really worry about backing up apps if you downloaded them all from the play store, those will sync up fine when you config your new ROM with the same google account.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Thank you both for the links and information. I will attempt it later today.
I can't find HTC Backup in my app drawer / play store although it shows up in my app list. Weird!
Also, can I still receive OTA updates from HTC on the phone once I have installed Android Revolution HD?

No, you can't get OTA updates unless you're totally stock - unlocking your bootloader stops you being able to receive OTA updates, as some system apps are stored in the data partition, and are nuked when you unlock the bootloader. There may now be a solution, but other than having the correct RUU, I don't believe it's currently possible.
msb111 said:
Thank you both for the links and information. I will attempt it later today.
I can't find HTC Backup in my app drawer / play store although it shows up in my app list. Weird!
Also, can I still receive OTA updates from HTC on the phone once I have installed Android Revolution HD?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[How-To] Root and unlock the bootloader of the Nexus 4/5 without wiping data

This is a tutorial on how to root and unlock the bootloader of the nexus 4 without wiping any data!
Note: I'm not responsible for any damage on your phone! You choose to do these modifications and you are responsible for any problems!
I tested this on Android 4.4.3, but you may try it on other android versions, too. Please report if it works
Devices you can root using this app:
- Nexus 4: 4.4.3, 4.4.4
- Nexus 5, 4.4.3
1. Install the towelroot app (xda thread) from the project site! Please thank geohot, he made this possible!
2. Open the app and click on "make it ra1n"
3. Wait 15 seconds and the phone will reboot!
Congratulations! Your phone is rooted now!
4. Install either SuperSu or Superuser
a) In the app update your binary the "normal way" (without a custom recovery)
b)
1. Install BootUnlocker for nexus devices to unlock your bootloader! In the app, click "unlock" to unlock it!
2. Now you are able to install a custom recovery like TWRP or cwm
3. Boot up your system again, open SuperSu or Superuser and update the binary (using "TWRP/CWM")
This is it! You're rooted now and you can easily unlock/relock your bootloader using the BootUnlocker app without wiping any data
Note: This was not my work! I just wrote down some steps to root and unlock
How to unroot:
1. Reflash the stock recovery image/stock kernel/etc (only necessary if you are running a custom kernel/recovery/etc)
2. Open BootUnlocker and lock the bootloader. Now you are able to uninstall the app!
3. Open SuperSu -> Settings -> Full unroot. This will unroot your phone and the app will automatically be uninstalled.
4. Reboot and done

noob clarifications
Hey, came across your post in another post where you mentioned this method would prevent the posibility of the phone being wiped when unlocked + rooted via "traditional" methods using a PC w SDK etc. Phone at present is locked, unrooted stock Nexus 4 kitkat 4.4.4 stock.
Just wanted to clarify a few points since this is the first time I've come across a method where the phone is rooted and unlocked from within itself (I've rooted and unlocked a HTC desire back in my heydays).
--- Do I need to unlock the phone if I just want to change the kernel from stock to the Matr1x kernel? (I had taken unlocking as a given as it was the first step in every guide - there is no mention of steps on how to actually install the kernel but I was going to research that process once root and unlock was done successfully)
--- Any chance you can give steps on updating the binary the 'normal' way? (never done this before)
--- How do you install CWM using your method? Again, I have only seen it being installed via command lines from the PC
Apologies in advance for the dumb questions but searched and couldn't find any clear answers for those steps that I'm not understanding

salxtai said:
Hey, came across your post in another post where you mentioned this method would prevent the posibility of the phone being wiped when unlocked + rooted via "traditional" methods using a PC w SDK etc. Phone at present is locked, unrooted stock Nexus 4 kitkat 4.4.4 stock.
Just wanted to clarify a few points since this is the first time I've come across a method where the phone is rooted and unlocked from within itself (I've rooted and unlocked a HTC desire back in my heydays).
--- Do I need to unlock the phone if I just want to change the kernel from stock to the Matr1x kernel? (I had taken unlocking as a given as it was the first step in every guide - there is no mention of steps on how to actually install the kernel but I was going to research that process once root and unlock was done successfully)
--- Any chance you can give steps on updating the binary the 'normal' way? (never done this before)
--- How do you install CWM using your method? Again, I have only seen it being installed via command lines from the PC
Apologies in advance for the dumb questions but searched and couldn't find any clear answers for those steps that I'm not understanding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. To flash a kernel you have to unlock your bootloader, that's right. You just flash it using your PC and fastboot, there are many guides on how to do that
2. If your phone is rooted and you have SuperSU installed there'll be a popup and it'll tell you to update the binary before using the app. You are able to select the "normal" way then without a recovery
3. You can install CWM/TWRP using your PC in fastboot mode!
No problem, just ask :good:

Can the usual commandline methods for other things be used after this?

PGvossman said:
Can the usual commandline methods for other things be used after this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean fastboot commands for example to flash another kernel/recovery/etc, yes! There's no difference between unlocking using this method or another "old" one, but this one doesn't wipe data

PGvossman said:
Can the usual commandline methods for other things be used after this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. can also be used flashify to flash recovery.img without PC

I think I'll give it a try then (assuming there's no risk of bricking my phone or doing irreversible damage). On that subject, is there an easy way to lock the bootloader and unroot?

PGvossman said:
I think I'll give it a try then (assuming there's no risk of bricking my phone or doing irreversible damage). On that subject, is there an easy way to lock the bootloader and unroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the OP, there are already the steps given to unroot and relock

mihahn said:
I tested this on Android 4.4.3, but you may try it on other android versions, too. Please report if it works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tested this on Android 4.4.4... it works fine!
Note: with TowelRoot v3 it isn't necessary reboot, but when I've tried to update SuperSu it fails so reboot and that's all
Thanks so much!

I apologize for asking so many questions but what exactly is "updating the binaries". Is that just for the app itself or does it do something to the phone?

PGvossman said:
I apologize for asking so many questions but what exactly is "updating the binaries". Is that just for the app itself or does it do something to the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It updates the superuser binary that got installed by Towelroot I guess

will this method work on the nexus 5?

mihahn said:
This is a tutorial on how to root and unlock the bootloader of the nexus 4 without wiping any data!
Note: I'm not responsible for any damage on your phone! You choose to do these modifications and you are responsible for any problems!
I tested this on Android 4.4.3, but you may try it on other android versions, too. Please report if it works
1. Install the towelroot app (xda thread) from the project site! Please thank geohot, he made this possible!
2. Open the app and click on "make it ra1n"
3. Wait 15 seconds and the phone will reboot!
Congratulations! Your phone is rooted now!
4. Install either SuperSu or Superuser
F
a) In the app update your binary the "normal way" (without a custom recovery)
b)
1. Install BootUnlocker for nexus devices to unlock your bootloader! In the app, click "unlock" to unlock it!
2. Now you are able to install a custom recovery like TWRP or cwm
3. Boot up your system again, open SuperSu or Superuser and update the binary (using "TWRP/CWM")
This is it! You're rooted now and you can easily unlock/relock your bootloader using the BootUnlocker app without wiping any data
Note: This was not my work! I just wrote down some steps to root and unlock
How to unroot:
1. Reflash the stock recovery image/stock kernel/etc (only necessary if you are running a custom kernel/recovery/etc)
2. Open BootUnlocker and lock the bootloader. Now you are able to uninstall the app!
3. Open SuperSu -> Settings -> Full unroot. This will unroot your phone and the app will automatically be uninstalled.
4. Reboot and done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, for the average user who doesn't use custom roms or anything really crazy, is super su or Superuser a better option? Or is it the same more or less? Thanks

anees167 said:
will this method work on the nexus 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it should work fine. Try it
dodgebizkit said:
Thanks, for the average user who doesn't use custom roms or anything really crazy, is super su or Superuser a better option? Or is it the same more or less? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These two are basically the same, as they are apps to manage the superuser permissions of other apps. You may use the one you like

That was easy
Of course I don't see this thread unitl after I spent the last hour setting everything up in Ubuntu to root the old fashioned way! Used this and was rooted in no time.

ota updates affected or not?
does using this towelroot will affect the ota updates i.e. if any ota update comes will i able to install as in the stock rom...?? please clarify this...

ashutoshchauhan211 said:
does using this towelroot will affect the ota updates i.e. if any ota update comes will i able to install as in the stock rom...?? please clarify this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see towelroot only roots your device.
You can get OTA PROVIDED - You dont change any of the stock files.. Nothing should be changed.

mihahn said:
This is a tutorial on how to root and unlock the bootloader of the nexus 4 without wiping any data!
b)
1. Install BootUnlocker for nexus devices to unlock your bootloader! In the app, click "unlock" to unlock it!
2. Now you are able to install a custom recovery like TWRP or cwm
3. Boot up your system again, open SuperSu or Superuser and update the binary (using "TWRP/CWM")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have rooted Nexus 4 4.4.4 with towelroot app (and I have SuperSu app).
Now, If I install custom recovery, I will lost data? With custom recovery, I will get OTA update?
Thank you

blank nexus 4 without ROM
hi
i tried to install android L, forgot to backup the old ROM , unable to flash the new android L and i cant even restore the old ROM because i forgot to backup the ROM. Tried to do ADB SIDELOAD also....it says cannot read the (file)...tried so many times
i am unable to install a ROM in my nexus 4....only thing i can see in my phone is recovery mode....
Kindly please help.........anyone please reply to this post....and help me......

nexusfans said:
hi
i tried to install android L, forgot to backup the old ROM , unable to flash the new android L and i cant even restore the old ROM because i forgot to backup the ROM. Tried to do ADB SIDELOAD also....it says cannot read the (file)...tried so many times
i am unable to install a ROM in my nexus 4....only thing i can see in my phone is recovery mode....
Kindly please help.........anyone please reply to this post....and help me......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/general/how-to-how-to-flash-factory-image-t2010312

New nexus 6, need some advice in the steps to unlock/deccrypt/root/sideload

Hello, new to N6 and I'd like to perform the following:
Unlock the bootloader
Decrypt the device for better performance
Root the device
Side-load 5.1
Install a custom recovery (Not sure if I should do this)
I have seen a lot of tutorials of each and I'll be using the Nexus Room Toolkit for all of this. I'm just not sure of which is the right order to achieve this, this is a new N6 so no data to backup. In which order should I perform all this?
Thanks.

Dunphe said:
Hello, new to N6 and I'd like to perform the following:
Unlock the bootloader
Decrypt the device for better performance
Root the device
Side-load 5.1
Install a custom recovery (Not sure if I should do this)
I have seen a lot of tutorials of each and I'll be using the Nexus Room Toolkit for all of this. I'm just not sure of which is the right order to achieve this, this is a new N6 so no data to backup. In which order should I perform all this?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are going to use the toolkit, backup in the toolkit first (if you have setting of importance on the phone), then unlock bootloader, decrypt, install custom recovery, sideload, then root.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Dunphe said:
Hello, new to N6 and I'd like to perform the following:
Unlock the bootloader
Decrypt the device for better performance
Root the device
Side-load 5.1
Install a custom recovery (Not sure if I should do this)
I have seen a lot of tutorials of each and I'll be using the Nexus Room Toolkit for all of this. I'm just not sure of which is the right order to achieve this, this is a new N6 so no data to backup. In which order should I perform all this?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's fine to use a toolkit but only if you already know how to do all these steps manually. If you do not know how to do that then you should do it manually so that you do know. The reason for this is if something goes wrong further down the line, we don't want to have to teach you the basics AND tell you what you need to do to fix whatever issue you have. We just want to do the latter - because teaching someone the basics that they should already know when they are frustrated and panicking is not a good set of circumstances to be teaching in and it is frustrating to us more than you and putting us in that situation is a little bit selfish.
So the steps should be:
Unlock the bootloader using fastboot
reboot the bootloader using fastboot
Install a custom recovery (TWRP)
Flash a stock rom.zip that has a kernel that does not force encryption via recovery
If that rom is not rooted, put SuperSU on your sdcard and flash it via TWRP

Is an unrooted phone still secure as "never been rooted"?

Hello, I'm looking to get a new Android phone and I really like how the Sony Xperia 1 ii sounds, but, I really don't want the pre installed apps and I would rather fully delete them then just "disable for the current user".
If I rooted a Sony Xperia 1 ii then deleted the apps I didn't want, and I unrooted the phone, would it be as secure is it was before root? Also, would the apps I just deleted come back with future OTA updates?
Since I don't want to maintain a rooted phone and have to keep up security myself while it is rooted.

If you update it after that there's no telling what could happen is my guess.
Maybe do some ADB edits and call it good.
Or use Package Disabler for non Samsung phones and bypass all the monkey business entirely. Phone remains stock.

adb tools can fully delete pre installed app.
rooted phone cannot use some bank app.
If you want to rooted the phone,
you must unlock bootloader before root,
this step will clear all user data in your phone.
And when you want to get OTA and unroot,
you need relock bootloader.
And you need to flash firmware once before relock bootloader.
If not, you cannot boot into system.
So, your preinstall app will be back after relock bootloader.

bkk99213 said:
adb tools can fully delete pre installed app.
rooted phone cannot use some bank app.
If you want to rooted the phone,
you must unlock bootloader before root,
this step will clear all user data in your phone.
And when you want to get OTA and unroot,
you need relock bootloader.
And you need to flash firmware once before relock bootloader.
If not, you cannot boot into system.
So, your preinstall app will be back after relock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply.
I read on another forum that removing apps with ADB only "removes" for the current user. Not fully deleting off of the phone.
Is this not correct?

8bitKyle said:
Thank you for your reply.
I read on another forum that removing apps with ADB only "removes" for the current user. Not fully deleting off of the phone.
Is this not correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's fully uninstalled.
But the install file (apk) is continue in your phone. So, if you add a new account(or use adb) , they can come back.
After use this method to uninstall app, just storage will be use (apk file) . The pre-install app will never use any ram and battery.
(I use adb method to delete "file" app before, but I cannot re-install it by adb.
Finally I need to make a clean flash by newflasher to bring it back. )