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[Q] Which method for rooting should I use?

I'm as new as they come when rooting devices, although I was able to successfully root my previous tablet, a Galaxy Tab 2 without issue but that's besides the point.
Point is I'm looking to finally root my Nexus 7, I've had it since last December and never really saw a need to do it, but the appeal of being able to customize it in any way I want to proved too much to resist and I'm ready to take that step.
However I've come across with two different methods to root my device, one that requires unlocking the bootloader and one without, the Nexus Tool Kit and djrbliss motochopper's tool kit that doesn't require unlocking the bootloader.
I myself am worried about losing my data and depending on the method suggested will back up my data using the adb backup, but what do the kind people here recommend for a first timer?

JohnathanKatz said:
I'm as new as they come when rooting devices, although I was able to successfully root my previous tablet, a Galaxy Tab 2 without issue but that's besides the point.
Point is I'm looking to finally root my Nexus 7, I've had it since last December and never really saw a need to do it, but the appeal of being able to customize it in any way I want to proved too much to resist and I'm ready to take that step.
However I've come across with two different methods to root my device, one that requires unlocking the bootloader and one without, the Nexus Tool Kit and djrbliss motochopper's tool kit that doesn't require unlocking the bootloader.
I myself am worried about losing my data and depending on the method suggested will back up my data using the adb backup, but what do the kind people here recommend for a first timer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might as well unlock your bootloader now, that way when you need to flash something through fastboot someday, you won't need to worry about wiping everything.

korockinout13 said:
Might as well unlock your bootloader now, that way when you need to flash something through fastboot someday, you won't need to worry about wiping everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help, I was able to use the Nexus Tool Kit and rooted my tablet with no issues at all.

[Q] Possible root method?

So, I've been using Motorola phones since the Droid X and I've been wondering if we could possibly use 2nd init to get root. More details here: http://cvpcs.org/blog/2011-06-14/2nd-init._what_it_is_and_how_it_works
Personally, I don't really care about boot loader unlock as long as I have root. This phone has a pretty good ROM already... I just want to be able to use xposed again.

Tru7h said:
So, I've been using Motorola phones since the Droid X and I've been wondering if we could possibly use 2nd init to get root. More details here:
Personally, I don't really care about boot loader unlock as long as I have root. This phone has a pretty good ROM already... I just want to be able to use xposed again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea.. like a kexec type of thing. I dont know much about the inner workings but it seemed to work on older devices thanks to DHacker and Hashc0de.

I just bought the Nexus 6, should I root it immediately?

Hi, long time lurker here. I want to start by saying how great and informative this site is. Anyway, my nexus 6 came in from the mail like 5 hours ago, did all the updates from 5.0 to 6.0 and it's now running Marshmallow mra58n. Question is should I root it immediately and if so, are there any guides I can follow? Much love to you all, I'm not exactly pro at this kind of things but I can follow instructions since I have competently rooted my past phones which were an HTC M7, M8 and a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet.
Thank you.
Edit: Phone is also unlocked, I currently have no SIM card

start here..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481

At the least unlock the bootloader right away. Doing so will completely wipe the phone so it's the first thing I do.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

razortaz18 said:
At the least unlock the bootloader right away. Doing so will completely wipe the phone so it's the first thing I do.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been looking at the Nexus Root Toolkit since I am kind of confused on how to proceed with anything at all, is that ill advised since I've read that there are problems with the USB cable disconnecting during reboot?
Also, thank you for the reply.

I used the NRT without issue. Just follow the guide step by step.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

and, dont touch the usb cable while the phone is processing your commands!
j/k, never even heard of the USB cable "problem"

I just used the toolkit today to unlock and root my N6.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I rooted last night initially using manual method described in the first link provided, however after some driver issues ultimately used the 2.1.0 rootkit to uninstall and reinstall all drivers. That too alone saved me tons of time and either method is simple if you can follow instructions.
Totally recommend rooting and then experimenting with custom roms, its like getting a new phone everyone you install a new rom.
Have fun!

Kristine,
In answer specifically to your question "Should I...?" my answer is "No". It really depends on what you think you'll get from it - why do you want to do it? What specific benefits do you want?
The reason that I say "no" is that I've been rooted on all my several phones for years, and I've decided that for me the annoyance of having to manually flash ROMs outweighs the benefits - particularly now that Google are releasing frequent security updates. The moment you root your device the OTA (over the air) updates no longer work.
For me the major reason for rooting was to have a firewall. The other things (wakelock detection, double tap to wake, auto-hibernation...) were great but not showstoppers. Now that there is a non-root firewall (Netguard) I'm happy to leave my phone unrooted. I haven't had an OTA to apply yet, so if I have any problems then I might change my mind, but my advice would be to think hard about why you want root before you buy yourself into a world of tinkering...

razortaz18 said:
At the least unlock the bootloader right away. Doing so will completely wipe the phone so it's the first thing I do.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dammit, are you kidding me? I just downloaded and setup everything, figured I'd do all everything else tomorrow... Oh, well I can do it again I suppose.

Kristine-N said:
Question is should I root it immediately....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I don't want a white interface, rooting is necessary. Google forces to many things, like forced encryption, useless apps and a white interface (battery drain). When rooting was impossible I would not have bought a Nexus.

Short answer: No!
Long answer: Well, it's sill no, but you can or even should do a couple of things.
First if all, allow OEM Unlocking in development settings. There are gazillion how-tos to switch developer mode on, and tick that switch. Google has borked OTAs already, and if your phone doesn't boot, and the switch is off, then you're boned, you can send it for repair. But if you can unlock you bootloader, then you can flash a custom recovery and make your phone working again.
Second, if you do plan to root your phone in the near future, you should unlock the bootloader now, while it's still new, because it will erase everything (IMHO this would be sufficient as a security measure, the Enable OEM Unlocking is overkill).
As for the main question if you don't have any specific ideas what you want the root for, then don't root your phone. It's a clear and present security risk, and you're just one too many "Allow" taps from letting someone acquire your passwords, clone your IMEI, and download your personal stuff. My motto is, if you don't know what exactly root is, what it does, then you don't know how to prevent exploits that need it to run.
Also if you modify your phone in any way, and that includes rooting, you won't receive the monthly OTAs, and will have to flash it manually.
And finally, don't use toolkits on a Nexus. Spend another hour reading about the matter and you will find out typing adb and fastboot commands is a easy as clicking buttons on toolkits. There is nothing extra in them, they just download the images to flash, and "type" these commands for you.

Unlock bootloader and don't root it for now. After some time, if you feel like you're missing some features that you can obtain only with root, then go ahead. But for now I would strongly recommend to stay stock and see how it goes...

Persistent root without installing TWRP

I used this method after I unlocked with sunshine to remove king-root and replace it with SuperSU. It worked great for me. Kingroot is gone and i have a permanent root and SuperSU installed. I was wondering if there is someone else who has unlocked their boot-loader and not yet installed TWRP who can give it a shot to see if my expereince was a fluke or the norm. It would be a nice addition for people who want root but don't want TWRP installed for one reason or another.
I used the second link in his post.
Replace_Kinguser_with_SuperSU-v2.4.zip
http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2015/05/How-to-Remove-Replace-KingUser-KingRoot-with-SuperSU.html
Thank you

HT123 said:
I used this method after I unlocked with sunshine to remove king-root and replace it with SuperSU. It worked great for me. Kingroot is gone and i have a permanent root and SuperSU installed. I was wondering if there is someone else who has unlocked their boot-loader and not yet installed TWRP who can give it a shot to see if my expereince was a fluke or the norm. It would be a nice addition for people who want root but don't want TWRP installed for one reason or another.
I used the second link in his post.
Replace_Kinguser_with_SuperSU-v2.4.zip
http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2015/05/How-to-Remove-Replace-KingUser-KingRoot-with-SuperSU.html
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I previously used the above method you posted to permanent root an LG Transpyre on 5.1.1 that did not have the bootloader unlocked. Glad to see someone else knows about it. :good:
Maybe it will work on a locked bootloader Turbo for those who don't want to unlock their phones but just want root.

classic757 said:
I previously used the above method you posted to permanent root an LG Transpyre on 5.1.1 that did not have the bootloader unlocked. Glad to see someone else knows about it. :good:
Maybe it will work on a locked bootloader Turbo for those who don't want to unlock their phones but just want root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can not unlock booloader root? I do not have a visa. $ 25 is a huge amount to me

Thành67890 said:
Can not unlock booloader root? I do not have a visa. $ 25 is a huge amount to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that is the case.
What I said was you don't need to install a custom recovery.
Give it a shot report back though. Worst that can happen is it does not work.

HT123 said:
I don't think that is the case.
What I said was you don't need to install a custom recovery.
Give it a shot report back though. Worst that can happen is it does not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I was just pointing out that I was able to use kingroot and wolfdroid's method to permanent root a phone (albeit an lg phone) that had a locked bootloader. Other people also had success doing that as well on other brands of phones. Will it work on a Turbo with a locked bootloader? IDK. However I would not be surprised if it does. I had a Turbo with a locked bootloader but sold mine else I would try it myself.

classic757 said:
Agreed. I was just pointing out that I was able to use kingroot and wolfdroid's method to permanent root a phone (albeit an lg phone) that had a locked bootloader. Other people also had success doing that as well on other brands of phones. Will it work on a Turbo with a locked bootloader? IDK. However I would not be surprised if it does. I had a Turbo with a locked bootloader but sold mine else I would try it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, i apologize if it it came off otherwise. I think the question is if the sunshine process removes the protection and allow writing to the system partition. I unlocked prior to making my root permanent so i cant test again but am very interested to see if it works with a locked boot loader

HT123 said:
I agree, i apologize if it it came off otherwise. I think the question is if the sunshine process removes the protection and allow writing to the system partition. I unlocked prior to making my root permanent so i cant test again but am very interested to see if it works with a locked boot loader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thinking it that it probably will work because temp root can be obtained on a locked bootloader Turbo with kingroot. It's just that kingroot is unstable and often times does not survive reboot. However, wolfdroid's method is similar to using SuperSu Me(or SuperSume). It removes kingroot and replaces it with SuperSu, which of course is more stable and survives reboot.

classic757 said:
My thinking it that it probably will work because temp root can be obtained on a locked bootloader Turbo with kingroot. It's just that kingroot is unstable and often times does not survive reboot. However, wolfdroid's method is similar to using SuperSu Me(or SuperSume). It removes kingroot and replaces it with SuperSu, which of course is more stable and survives reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If security is disabled and the system can write to the system partition it will work, if not, then I assume Sunshine disables it in the process of unlocking the boot-loader. Hopefully someone with a stock Turbo who was going to unlock anyway can verify.

Not sure why you wouldn't want a custom recovery. With custom recovery you can make backups of your entire phone image in case you screw something up. Many times in the past I've flashed something that didn't work as I expected. And with ROOT, if you flash something you can screw up something system-related. Very easy to boot back into TWRP recovery and restore the previous day's backup I had made. Like a time machine to erase your mistake.
And it's FREE. Doesn't cost anything.
Yes, with Titanium Backup (a powerful app) you can restore previous versions of an another app. (I choose to save 3 days worth of apps in Titanium Backup.) But with a TWRP custom recovery backup (also called a "nandroid"), you can save and restore the ENTIRE phone, including all system apps, all settings, everything. Very powerful, useful tool.
I wouldn't have a rooted phone without custom recovery. That's one of the main reasons I always buy phones where I can unlock the bootloader -- to install custom recovery (like TWRP or CW) and root.
If you screw something up and come asking for help, the first thing someone is going to ask is, "Did you make a backup?" And they are talking about a custom recovery backup.

ChazzMatt said:
Not sure why you wouldn't want a custom recovery. With custom recovery you can make backups of your entire phone image in case you screw something up. Many times in the past I've flashed something that didn't work as I expected. And with ROOT, if you flash something you can screw up something system-related. Very easy to boot back into TWRP recovery and restore the previous day's backup I had made. Like a time machine to erase your mistake.
And it's FREE. Doesn't cost anything.
Yes, with Titanium Backup (a powerful app) you can restore previous versions of an another app. (I choose to save 3 days worth of apps in Titanium Backup.) But with a TWRP custom recovery backup (also called a "nandroid"), you can save and restore the ENTIRE phone, including all system apps, all settings, everything. Very powerful, useful tool.
I wouldn't have a rooted phone without custom recovery. That's one of the main reasons I always buy phones where I can unlock the bootloader -- to install custom recovery (like TWRP or CW) and root.
If you screw something up and come asking for help, the first thing someone is going to ask is, "Did you make a backup?" And they are talking about a custom recovery backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as why... some people like chocolate... some people like vanilla. The question is not the merits of a custom recovery, it is if one is required to have persistent root on the phone.
I personally don't care about a custom recovery. I prefer the stock rom at this point because without fail most custom roms have some minor bug that inevitably annoys the sh*t out of me. I want root because i want an ad blocker. I want an ad blocker because I use my phone as a proxy for web traffic on a computer with network monitoring software and i would prefer my internet traffic not be visible to my employer. There is zero reason for a custom recovery to do what i want to do.

Root sprint note 8 (n950u)

Any thoughts?
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f453/sm-n950u-sprint-unlock-solution-2267268/
Read entire thread.

Very very interesting..
Gonna follow this
Sent from my SM-N950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Is this for unlocking the bootloader or just unlocking the phone for other carriers?

powerstroke said:
Is this for unlocking the bootloader or just unlocking the phone for other carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, this was in first post
recovery mode
wipe cache
boot to bootloader.
Using Version...1.0.0.0050
Selected Model SM-G935P
Selected Task SAMSUNG SPRINT UNLOCK
Searching ADB device Please wait..
Device Detected...
SELinux := Permissive
model:= SM-N950U
Androids Version:= 7.1.1
Description Version:= greatqltesq-user 7.1.1 NMF26X N950USQU1AQH7 release-keys
Platform:= msm8998 [ qcom ] [ MSM8998 ]*
Baseband:= N950USQU1AQH7
VER:= N950USQU1AQH7/N950UOYN1AQH7/N950USQU1AQH7/FA71_N950USQU1AQH8
Carrier := SPR_USA
EFS CSC := SPR
AP UART Status := Enable Already.
Security Patch := 01-08-2017
Simstatus:= READY
ANDROID-ID = ce07171772d104280c7e_00006EE834
Code:
type1 root exploit possible.
Device is not rooted
SAMSUNG ALL SPRINT UNLOCKING STARTED...
Please Wait while...
Checking Data...
Waiting for Loader...
Loader Ok...
No device found Please make sure DIAG PORT is selected..
Direct Unlock Success...
!!! Success !!!!
Restart Phone Manually if not done auto...
Total Time Take...00:00:23
Log Saved
used gcpro BUT Z3X WILL WORK OR OCTOPUS. THANKS
WILL ALSO WORK WITH COMBINATION FILE. THANKS

It looks like boot loader exploit...no root acheived...still working on it though...if a fully working exploit is found, we could see a custom recovery shortly after...the problem I think they are having is unlock sticking...are you going to attempt using the tool they are using? The combo file I shared in the main thread is the one with engineering boot but I thought that it still had locked bootloader. The devs working on root stated that they are passed this and are trying to get Odin to accept modified system...I haven't tried anything myself...thoughts?

BlueFox721 said:
It looks like boot loader exploit...no root acheived...still working on it though...if a fully working exploit is found, we could see a custom recovery shortly after...the problem I think they are having is unlock sticking...are you going to attempt using the tool they are using? The combo file I shared in the main thread is the one with engineering boot but I thought that it still had locked bootloader. The devs working on root stated that they are passed this and are trying to get Odin to accept modified system...I haven't tried anything myself...thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Card not found error while using samsung tool pro 29.4 currently working on getting past this. I don't have the box.
I haven't tried any other method in thread so far

jpwhre said:
Card not found error while using samsung tool pro 29.4 currently working on getting past this. I don't have the box.
I haven't tried any other method in thread so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are fixes to this...you just have to Google search...I found a few but could not link...

I tried. One is to disable driver signatures, but I'm doing a recovery on my external hard drive and it's taking hours. Not doing a reboot right now to do this and start drive recovery scan again.

jpwhre said:
I tried. One is to disable driver signatures, but I'm doing a recovery on my external hard drive and it's taking hours. Not doing a reboot right now to do this and start drive recovery scan again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some think that this is for SIM unlocking anyways, not for bootloader...not sure myself...haven't had time to mess with it...

Has anyone try this yet?
Sent from my SM-N950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Haven't gotten to testing but..
At Sprint getting screen replaced on a S6 and picking up iPad pro and asked if they would give me my msl on my note. Guy behind counter told me it's 000000, and that apparently they all are. Haven't tested.

The team working on root is close to posting a guide...they have successfully rooted just need to finalize instructions...look here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-discussion-snapdragon-note-8-models-t3670091

BlueFox721 said:
The team working on root is close to posting a guide...they have successfully rooted just need to finalize instructions...look here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-discussion-snapdragon-note-8-models-t3670091
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seen that, watching since beginning. Just stumbled upon this in the mean time.

As much as I applaud all involved, amazing work in so short a time! Wow!
My only qualm is no unlocked bootloader, no twrp, no readily accessible backups. Unlocked bootloader may never happen but I believe I'll wait until it does
Sent from my SM-N950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

mikeyfreeman said:
As much as I applaud all involved, amazing work in so short a time! Wow!
My only qualm is no unlocked bootloader, no twrp, no readily accessible backups. Unlocked bootloader may never happen but I believe I'll wait until it does
Sent from my SM-N950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will be able to make backups with flashfire,
unlocked boot-loader isnt necessary im most cases imo, as well if there is a issue you can worst case restore with odin, have a smart switch backup and be almost golden again, as well once you are rooted you can make backups without needing twrp, i agree twrp is amazing but like magisk root, some things just change with times as the devices have gotten more restricted and we have to adapt. This root method is really a great one, not gonna be 1 million steps to complete and shouldn't give much if any adverse effects to the device! Me2151 and the guys doing testing have def gotten it done and from what ive heard its gonna be a nice method for us to use. This is pretty darn sweet with it being out officially less then 30days! Super stoked to have access to system again!

Team DevDigitel said:
you will be able to make backups with flashfire,
unlocked boot-loader isnt necessary im most cases imo, as well if there is a issue you can worst case restore with odin, have a smart switch backup and be almost golden again, as well once you are rooted you can make backups without needing twrp, i agree twrp is amazing but like magisk root, some things just change with times as the devices have gotten more restricted and we have to adapt. This root method is really a great one, not gonna be 1 million steps to complete and shouldn't give much if any adverse effects to the device! Me2151 and the guys doing testing have def gotten it done and from what ive heard its gonna be a nice method for us to use. This is pretty darn sweet with it being out officially less then 30days! Super stoked to have access to system again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really excited about this root possibility. Even if it pans out that it wasn't meant to be I wanna thank all who was/are involved for the hard work put in.

Team DevDigitel said:
you will be able to make backups with flashfire,
unlocked boot-loader isnt necessary im most cases imo, as well if there is a issue you can worst case restore with odin, have a smart switch backup and be almost golden again, as well once you are rooted you can make backups without needing twrp, i agree twrp is amazing but like magisk root, some things just change with times as the devices have gotten more restricted and we have to adapt. This root method is really a great one, not gonna be 1 million steps to complete and shouldn't give much if any adverse effects to the device! Me2151 and the guys doing testing have def gotten it done and from what ive heard its gonna be a nice method for us to use. This is pretty darn sweet with it being out officially less then 30days! Super stoked to have access to system again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've become so accustomed to twrp that I honestly haven't researched other methods to back up. I flatly refuse to modify my device without a proven method to restore, and I appreciate your input greatly.
Can't say enough good about the hard working people who brought root so soon. You guys rock
Sent from my SM-N950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Hope it all ture only time will tell

We have root..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/development/root-samfail-galaxy-note8-t3685340
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8 using XDA Labs

Sweet. Just need work around for 80% battery.