Database Develop

[Q] Cons and Pros of rooting my Nexus 6 XT1103?

Should I root my Nexus 6? Why or why not?
Would I be able to go back to 100% stock everything to have my warranty back? Or will people know I unlocked/rooted it?
Would I be able to un-brick my device? (Soft and hard?)
Would I be able to install OTA updates, or would I have to use custom roms?
I have been thinking of using the Nexus toolkit by Wugfresh, what order should I do everything in? I want to decrypt my phone as well.
Should i use the root toolkit or manually unlock and root using Command prompt?
Thank you all

You should post this in the Q & A section
Unlocking and rooting means custom rom, i think you have your answer

Use the toolkit by wugfresh. Simple and good.

C00lBeanz said:
Should I root my Nexus 6? Why or why not?
Would I be able to go back to 100% stock everything to have my warranty back? Or will people know I unlocked/rooted it?
Would I be able to un-brick my device? (Soft and hard?)
Would I be able to install OTA updates, or would I have to use custom roms?
I have been thinking of using the Nexus toolkit by Wugfresh, what order should I do everything in? I want to decrypt my phone as well.
Should i use the root toolkit or manually unlock and root using Command prompt?
Thank you all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am of the opinion that if you own a Nexus, you should root it.. it's too easy and development is awesome.
You could go back to 100% stock, yes. No on would ever be able to tell. You can do that in Wug's Toolkit.
You can undo a soft brick, hard bricks are hard to do on a Nexus.. don't do things you don't understand in Fastboot and you shouldn't hard brick. I dunno about undoing one of those, though.
You can't install OTA, but you can use Wug's toolkit or Fastboot to flash stock updates if you wish to go stock. If not, custom ROMs are updated to match whatever base (OTA) Google is currently using, so you would never be unable to update like on a locked phone like a Samsung because of root.
If you use the Kit, you should unlock your device, decrypt if you want to, if not no need, and install custom recovery with root, simple. It's very easy to do in Fastboot, though, and I would encourage you to learn.

wrongway213 said:
I am of the opinion that if you own a Nexus, you should root it.. it's too easy and development is awesome.
You could go back to 100% stock, yes. No on would ever be able to tell. You can do that in Wug's Toolkit.
You can undo a soft brick, hard bricks are hard to do on a Nexus.. don't do things you don't understand in Fastboot and you shouldn't hard brick. I dunno about undoing one of those, though.
You can't install OTA, but you can use Wug's toolkit or Fastboot to flash stock updates if you wish to go stock. If not, custom ROMs are updated to match whatever base (OTA) Google is currently using, so you would never be unable to update like on a locked phone like a Samsung because of root.
If you use the Kit, you should unlock your device, decrypt if you want to, if not no need, and install custom recovery with root, simple. It's very easy to do in Fastboot, though, and I would encourage you to learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for answering all of my questions
But I read somewhere that you should decrypt the phone after everything is done like the recovery, ROM, or does it not matter when you decrypt it? Would it stay decrypted?

C00lBeanz said:
Thank you for answering all of my questions
But I read somewhere that you should decrypt the phone after everything is done like the recovery, ROM, or does it not matter when you decrypt it? Would it stay decrypted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it wouldn't even be possible to do it that way. You read exactly wrong, it's basically the opposite. You want to decrypt as soon as you unlock. Decrypting your phone formats your userdata, internal sd card at all, meaning it erases EVERYTHING on your phone. If you wish to decrypt, you want to do it after unlocking and before rooting and you always want to make sure to check if a ROM forces encryption before flashing it.. if you flash a ROM that forces encryption when you're decrypted it'll encrypt all your data. If you want to flash a ROM that forces encryption, make sure to flash it with a kernel that does not force encryption to remain unencrypted, Personally I just remain encrypted, easier and no performance difference Ive noticed, just read/write speeds and that has zero effect on use.

wrongway213 said:
No, it wouldn't even be possible to do it that way. You read exactly wrong, it's basically the opposite. You want to decrypt as soon as you unlock. Decrypting your phone formats your userdata, internal sd card at all, meaning it erases EVERYTHING on your phone. If you wish to decrypt, you want to do it after unlocking and before rooting and you always want to make sure to check if a ROM forces encryption before flashing it.. if you flash a ROM that forces encryption when you're decrypted it'll encrypt all your data. If you want to flash a ROM that forces encryption, make sure to flash it with a kernel that does not force encryption to remain unencrypted, Personally I just remain encrypted, easier and no performance difference Ive noticed, just read/write speeds and that has zero effect on use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is CyanogenMod decrypted?

No, Cm forces encryption. If you want to remain decrypted on official CM nightlies you'll need to make sure you're flashing them with a custom kernel that does not force encryption. I recommend Franco personally but many kernels will work for that purpose.

wrongway213 said:
No, Cm forces encryption. If you want to remain decrypted on official CM nightlies you'll need to make sure you're flashing them with a custom kernel that does not force encryption. I recommend Franco personally but many kernels will work for that purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your recommended rom and kernel?

C00lBeanz said:
What is your recommended rom and kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lots of good ROMs and kernels but feel free to look in my sig lol

wrongway213 said:
Lots of good ROMs and kernels but feel free to look in my sig lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does dirty unicorns have forced decryption off? Or do I have to flash the kernel too?

C00lBeanz said:
Does dirty unicorns have forced decryption off? Or do I have to flash the kernel too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running Dirty Unicorn as my Daily with Sensei Kernel, great battery and smooth. It does not force encryption with the Kernel that comes with it.
If you go to any Roms post it will 99% of the time tell you if it is forced or not.

Nexus 6 coming tomorrow

Guys I just have a question,
I will be receiving my nexus 6 tomorrow and I plan on unlocking the boot loader and rooting it, but what I am curious about from reading all the threads is a few things.
1) I plan on using adb to unlock boot loader and root
2) I plan on using flashify to install twrp so i can be able to get a backup of the stock recovery
My question is this. I plan on installing cm12 on my device and i like the idea of having my device descrpyted. I am told I have to flash the script I believe made by chainfire, but i also read u can flash another kernel. Which would i have to do? I read some say that u have to do the one made by chainfire first, and others said u just have to flash another kernel.
Also since the cm12 comes encrypted as default and lets say I "dont" want to descrypt do I have to before I flash cm12 even though its set as default encrpyted just like stock?

the_rooter said:
1) I plan on using adb to unlock boot loader and root
2) I plan on using flashify to install twrp so i can be able to get a backup of the stock recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You'll need to use fastboot to unlock the bootloader. YOu'll then need to use fastboot to flash the recovery. If you're going to flash a rom, you may not need to then root as some roms are already rooted
2) flashify needs root to flash the recovery and you need the recovery to flash root.

What chain fire thing? Chain fire doesn't have anything in relation to encryption from what I know. Go to Android development and find the unencrypt thread and from there you'll find out how to unencrypt.
Do note that your data will be wiped. You'll have to flash a custom kernel before your phone starts up otherwise your phone will be encrypted again.
Most custom kernels have encryption patches to accelerate the encryption i/o speeds. You're better off just leaving it enabled if you want to keep things simple.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

rootSU said:
1) You'll need to use fastboot to unlock the bootloader. YOu'll then need to use fastboot to flash the recovery. If you're going to flash a rom, you may not need to then root as some roms are already rooted
2) flashify needs root to flash the recovery and you need the recovery to flash root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i remember from previous devices doesnt flashify allow backup of the stock recovery? and also it flashes twrp within the app as long as root is done.
Edit:
Also I wasnt sure who made the descrypt file to flash, and yes i know it does a FDR, but wouldnt it be better just to flash a custom kernel? Most kernels are already descrypted. Sorry if i repeated anything.

the_rooter said:
If i remember from previous devices doesnt flashify allow backup of the stock recovery? and also it flashes twrp within the app as long as root is done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but you wont have root at that point so, no...

rootSU said:
Yes, but you wont have root at that point so, no...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am honestly not trying to pick a fight and i thank you for taking your time to help me out but if i follow this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481
That gives me root via fastboot up to the end of obtaining root and not doing custom recovery.
Within flashify i know u can back up the stock recovery, and then flash twrp. After i flash twrp i will be making a back up of my system just in case something goes wrong.
That sound correct? I prolly will give a few days and wait till my usb otg sd adapter to get here before i actually flash a rom. Sorry should have mentioned that.

the_rooter said:
i am honestly not trying to pick a fight and i thank you for taking your time to help me out but if i follow this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481
That gives me root via fastboot up to the end of obtaining root and not doing custom recovery.
Within flashify i know u can back up the stock recovery, and then flash twrp. After i flash twrp i will be making a back up of my system just in case something goes wrong.
That sound correct? I prolly will give a few days and wait till my usb otg sd adapter to get here before i actually flash a rom. Sorry should have mentioned that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That uses a script to flash root... But lets break down your steps...
fastboot unlock
run script
boot into android
install flashify
flash recovery
Download rom
reboot recovery
flash rom
vs my steps...
fastboot unlock
fastboot flash recovery
put rom on sdcard
flash rom
It doesnt matter if you backup your stock recovery, because its all available on the google site anyway as this is a nexus device.

rootSU said:
That uses a script to flash root... But lets break down your steps...
fastboot unlock
run script
boot into android
install flashify
flash recovery
Download rom
reboot recovery
flash rom
vs my steps...
fastboot unlock
fastboot flash recovery
put rom on sdcard
flash rom
It doesnt matter if you backup your stock recovery, because its all available on the google site anyway as this is a nexus device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks man that helps alot. Now still on the confusing about the encrypt and decrypt. Whats the advantages to disadvantages? because from what i here people say it should be decrpyted, and that i have to follow the step set up in that thread to do so, but wouldnt like i said before just be as easier to just flash a decrpyted kernel and be done with it?
Edit: Sorry with all the questions this is my first nexus device since i am on verizon.

the_rooter said:
thanks man that helps alot. Now still on the confusing about the encrypt and decrypt. Whats the advantages to disadvantages? because from what i here people say it should be decrpyted, and that i have to follow the step set up in that thread to do so, but wouldnt like i said before just be as easier to just flash a decrpyted kernel and be done with it?
Edit: Sorry with all the questions this is my first nexus device since i am on verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do some reading off XDA on what encryption is and its advantages/disadvantages.
To be simplistic,
Encryption pro: more protection with your data
Encryption disadvantage: slower I/O speed
(Most custom kernels include patches that accelerate the speed of I/O with encryption on, Google's stock kernel does not include this)
Decryption pro: faster I/O speeds, possible increase in battery life as your phone is not using clock cycles to perform encryption (not by much, if any)
Decrypton disadvantage: less protection with your data, but if you're not carrying sensitive data, then who cares.
My suggestion to you is to leave it encrypted and if you don't notice anything slowing down then leave it. Keep it simple.

zephiK said:
Do some reading off XDA on what encryption is and its advantages/disadvantages.
To be simplistic,
Encryption pro: more protection with your data
Encryption disadvantage: slower I/O speed
(Most custom kernels include patches that accelerate the speed of I/O with encryption on, Google's stock kernel does not include this)
Decryption pro: faster I/O speeds, possible increase in battery life as your phone is not using clock cycles to perform encryption (not by much, if any)
Decrypton disadvantage: less protection with your data, but if you're not carrying sensitive data, then who cares.
My suggestion to you is to leave it encrypted and if you don't notice anything slowing down then leave it. Keep it simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you help guys. With this being my first nexus phone i think i understand now.

the_rooter said:
Thanks for you help guys. With this being my first nexus phone i think i understand now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once a Nexus you won't go back Nexus devices are the devices to be on XDA, traffic is a lot higher here than the other phones.

zephiK said:
Once a Nexus you won't go back Nexus devices are the devices to be on XDA, traffic is a lot higher here than the other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well yeah but like i said i am on big red and this is the first nexus device they are allowing since the gnex days

Trouble Decrypting Nexus 6

I recently received my nexus 6 a couple days ago and I LOVE it. The problem I am having at the moment is that I can't seem to get it to go decrypt. I downloaded the tool kit and my devices build isn't present. As a result, the tool kit it won't allow me to run the decrypt option on the fastboot window.
It's anyone running into this. My build is a LNX***.

First, what toolkit are you talking about?
Second, to decrypt the N6 you need to flash a modified boot image and then wipe your phone.
Thirdly, what's build LNX***?

Didgeridoohan said:
First, what toolkit are you talking about?
Second, to decrypt the N6 you need to flash a modified boot image and then wipe your phone.
Thirdly, what's build LNX***?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the nexus root toolkit . I have the flash on my computer and LNX07M is the build I have on the device. Maybe I should install a custom ROM first?
Nexus 6....man I missed being rooted.

KappaAce2010 said:
I'm using the nexus root toolkit . I have the flash on my computer and LNX07M is the build I have on the device. Maybe I should install a custom ROM first?
Nexus 6....man I missed being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need a custom kernel and a wipe.

another prime example of why you shouldn't use toolkits, if you don't understand what they are doing you shouldn't be using them.
To decrypt all you need to do is:
Backup your internal storage to a PC
Either use custom recovery to wipe everything including internal storage, install your rom and install a kernel that doesn't force
or
factory reset your phone, but before it boots up go back into recovery and flash a custom kernel that doesn't enforce

Circaflex said:
another prime example of why you shouldn't use toolkits, if you don't understand what they are doing you shouldn't be using them.
To decrypt all you need to do is:
Backup your internal storage to a PC
Either use custom recovery to wipe everything including internal storage, install your rom and install a kernel that doesn't force
or
factory reset your phone, but before it boots up go back into recovery and flash a custom kernel that doesn't enforce
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you to come off as a jerk, you have accomplished your goal. All you had to do was state what was needed and none of bs personal ideals you have. It's a Q & A section, so you should expect questions like this to arise.
Thank you for the input though.
Nexus 6....man I missed being rooted.

KappaAce2010 said:
Well if you to come off as a jerk, you have accomplished your goal. All you had to do was state what was needed and none of bs personal ideals you have. It's a Q & A section, so you should expect questions like this to arise.
Thank you for the input though.
Nexus 6....man I missed being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although you're right, it is a personal ideal of many of us, I don't think he intended to come off as a jerk. But his point is that toolkits often remove the need for knowledge, which can become a problem for some users.
The good thing about nexus devices is that everything is pretty easy to do, so if you get stuck - continue to ask.

+1 to what rootSU said. And you should probably upgrade. That build is ancient and doesn't even have an official factory image (the reason it's not available in NRT).

Didgeridoohan said:
+1 to what rootSU said. And you should probably upgrade. That build is ancient and doesn't even have an official factory image (the reason it's not available in NRT).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already plan on doing this anyway. Just time is conflicting with me at the moment.
rootSU said:
Although you're right, it is a personal ideal of many of us, I don't think he intended to come off as a jerk. But his point is that toolkits often remove the need for knowledge, which can become a problem for some users.
The good thing about nexus devices is that everything is pretty easy to do, so if you get stuck - continue to ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it happened, it's not going anywhere. Either way thanks guys for the advice. I should figure out everything tonight.
Nexus 6....man I missed being rooted.

Everything is a go. Fully decrypted and loving it. Thanks again.

Nexus 6 forced encryption questions.

Hello! So I just have some questions about the forced encryption on the Nexus 6. I will be getting a Nexus 6 very soon here, and I like custom ROMs and custom software. Questions are:
1) Can I install a custom ROM without even messing with the forced encryption? In other words, can I ignore that it's there and just unlock bootloader, install custm recovery, and flash a ROM and gapps? Will it just run with the encryption on?
2) If I do disable the encryption, can I use the normal software update? (with no custom ROM of course in this case) Or will I have to reflash the encrypted kernel to system update?
3) Do some custom ROMs just disable the encryption by default?
And
4) If it get stuck in a boot loop because of a kernel issue, is this easy fixable? Or is it a hard brick that can't be recovered?
Thanks in advance everyone!

H4X0R46 said:
Hello! So I just have some questions about the forced encryption on the Nexus 6. I will be getting a Nexus 6 very soon here, and I like custom ROMs and custom software. Questions are:
1) Can I install a custom ROM without even messing with the forced encryption? In other words, can I ignore that it's there and just unlock bootloader, install custm recovery, and flash a ROM and gapps? Will it just run with the encryption on?
2) If I do disable the encryption, can I use the normal software update? (with no custom ROM of course in this case) Or will I have to reflash the encrypted kernel to system update?
3) Do some custom ROMs just disable the encryption by default?
And
4) If it get stuck in a boot loop because of a kernel issue, is this easy fixable? Or is it a hard brick that can't be recovered?
Thanks in advance everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes
2. You can't update with any modifications to the system. Meaning you must have stock recovery, no root, etc.
3. Yes (They don't FORCE encryption meaning if your unencrypted already you will stay unencrypted.)
4. Yes
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the quick response! Much appreciated. On my fourth question, did you mean that's easily fixable? Or like, yes that's a hard brick? And also, (question 3) you say that a custom ROM won't force it, but if you're still encrypted when you flash the ROM, does that mean you can just turn it off in your settings with a ROM? Or do you stay encrypted? Or how does that work?
EDIT: (question 2) if I used a toolkit to reflash a stock image, that's clean enough for a normal system update right? After that and relocking the bootloader?
Sorry for all the questions, I just wanna know these things before I go fork out $600 for a device that I intend to mod!

H4X0R46 said:
Thanks for the quick response! Much appreciated. On my fourth question, did you mean that's easily fixable? Or like, yes that's a hard brick? And also, (question 3) you say that a custom ROM won't force it, but if you're still encrypted when you flash the ROM, does that mean you can just turn it off in your settings with a ROM? Or do you stay encrypted? Or how does that work?
EDIT: (question 2) if I used a toolkit to reflash a stock image, that's clean enough for a normal system update right? After that and relocking the bootloader?
Sorry for all the questions, I just wanna know these things before I go fork out $600 for a device that I intend to mod!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be unencrypted, you must format data. Do not use toolkits unless you know how to use ADB/fastboot. Yes this phone is hard to brick as long as the bootloader is unlocked.

H4X0R46 said:
Hello! So I just have some questions about the forced encryption on the Nexus 6. I will be getting a Nexus 6 very soon here, and I like custom ROMs and custom software. Questions are:
1) Can I install a custom ROM without even messing with the forced encryption? In other words, can I ignore that it's there and just unlock bootloader, install custm recovery, and flash a ROM and gapps? Will it just run with the encryption on?
2) If I do disable the encryption, can I use the normal software update? (with no custom ROM of course in this case) Or will I have to reflash the encrypted kernel to system update?
3) Do some custom ROMs just disable the encryption by default?
And
4) If it get stuck in a boot loop because of a kernel issue, is this easy fixable? Or is it a hard brick that can't be recovered?
Thanks in advance everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3. its the kernel, not rom, that makes you be abke to decrypt, not rom. it might be added to a rom as well, but it would be in its kernel. also, ot doesnt decrypt, it gives you the option to decrypt. but you have to do it, decrypt.
4 easily fixable. you have to learn the very basics of it though. rrally. but its extremely easy to fix.
---------- Post added at 09:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:46 PM ----------
H4X0R46 said:
Thanks for the quick response! Much appreciated. On my fourth question, did you mean that's easily fixable? Or like, yes that's a hard brick? And also, (question 3) you say that a custom ROM won't force it, but if you're still encrypted when you flash the ROM, does that mean you can just turn it off in your settings with a ROM? Or do you stay encrypted? Or how does that work?
EDIT: (question 2) if I used a toolkit to reflash a stock image, that's clean enough for a normal system update right? After that and relocking the bootloader?
Sorry for all the questions, I just wanna know these things before I go fork out $600 for a device that I intend to mod!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
learn to do it right the first time. it sounds hard and complicated, but its extremely easy after you do it all manually the first time. after that, feel free to use a toolkit. it wont save you time btw, doing it right takes just 3-5 minutes after the first time

Thanks guys! Much appreciated! If things were to go horribly wrong with the kernel if I did decrypt it and it bricked because of a kernel issue, would flashing a stock image still be a fix for a kernel problem? (with the bootloader unlocked of course). I'm not new to Android modding, I have a phone running a CM nightly right now, but this encryption thing and messing with a phones kernel scares me a bit haha

H4X0R46 said:
Thanks guys! Much appreciated! If things were to go horribly wrong with the kernel if I did decrypt it and it bricked because of a kernel issue, would flashing a stock image still be a fix for a kernel problem? (with the bootloader unlocked of course). I'm not new to Android modding, I have a phone running a CM nightly right now, but this encryption thing and messing with a phones kernel scares me a bit haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing any rom also flashes a kernel, so you've already done it before. Its no different here

danarama said:
Flashing any rom also flashes a kernel, so you've already done it before. Its no different here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, custom ROMs contain kernels. I've heard that before but wasn't sure haha Thanks everyone!

H4X0R46 said:
Alright, custom ROMs contain kernels. I've heard that before but wasn't sure haha Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
every rom haa a kernel in it. a rom can not run without a kernel. a kernel is like what will connect the cpu and hardware with the os.

H4X0R46 said:
If things were to go horribly wrong with the kernel if I did decrypt . . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first question you need to answer is:
'Why decrypting?'
When the answer contains words like 'speed' or 'performance' than you may consider to leave your N6 encrypted.

NLBeev said:
The first question you need to answer is:
'Why decrypting?'
When the answer contains words like 'speed' or 'performance' than you may consider to leave your N6 encrypted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right :good:

chavonbravo said:
Try Ultimate Theft Alert v3.5 and W.I.M.P. Both have ability to track via GPS when your phone gets stolen as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I've heard from many sources that the encryption in the phone just KILLS battery life, and if you turn off the encryption, it nearly triples the battery life. Is this true? Because it would be a waste if the phones battery is abysmal for such a great device! From anyone's experience here, should I not worry about it and just leave the device encrypted?

H4X0R46 said:
Well, I've heard from many sources that the encryption in the phone just KILLS battery life, and if you turn off the encryption, it nearly triples the battery life. Is this true? Because it would be a waste if the phones battery is abysmal for such a great device! From anyone's experience here, should I not worry about it and just leave the device encrypted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't say it triples battery, just increases the NAND read/write speed performance. Battery could take a hit as opening apps takes longer when encrypted.

Choristav said:
I wouldn't say it triples battery, just increases the NAND read/write speed performance. Battery could take a hit as opening apps takes longer when encrypted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps aren't encrypted. If they were we couldn't pull them from phone to decompile and mod them. Only your data is and it is only a few KBs per app. Only notice encryption on large personal files and downloads.

H4X0R46 said:
Well, I've heard from many sources that the encryption in the phone just KILLS battery life, and if you turn off the encryption, it nearly triples the battery life. Is this true? Because it would be a waste if the phones battery is abysmal for such a great device! From anyone's experience here, should I not worry about it and just leave the device encrypted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im encrypted, and my n6 sees between 5.5-7 hours sot. thats more than most unencrypted phones see!
---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 PM ----------
battery life is all about how you personally use the device, how you set it up, which apps you use, and your phone/data signal quality. everything else plays a minor role for battery.

Alright! So if I just ignore the encryption and install a ROM, it won't pose a problem at all? I can say, leave it encrypted and install a cm ROM without issue? And because of the encryption, do operations like installing a zip and formatting the device take a lot longer? I'm using a Galaxy Note 2 right now and the ROM installations take mere seconds to install, so a Nexus 6 might be something different.

H4X0R46 said:
Alright! So if I just ignore the encryption and install a ROM, it won't pose a problem at all? I can say, leave it encrypted and install a cm ROM without issue? And because of the encryption, do operations like installing a zip and formatting the device take a lot longer? I'm using a Galaxy Note 2 right now and the ROM installations take mere seconds to install, so a Nexus 6 might be something different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only problems you will notice is all the CM bugs.

H4X0R46 said:
Alright! So if I just ignore the encryption and install a ROM, it won't pose a problem at all? I can say, leave it encrypted and install a cm ROM without issue? And because of the encryption, do operations like installing a zip and formatting the device take a lot longer? I'm using a Galaxy Note 2 right now and the ROM installations take mere seconds to install, so a Nexus 6 might be something different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
formatting is how you decrypt. besides decrypting, theres no need to ever format your device. installing a zip it depends on the zip, generally its fast. flashing a zip is fast. what will be slowed down is tranafering a large file to your computer to or from a pc.
oh, and cm does get many bugs, often.

Oh yea! Bugs for sure! I'm running a cm nightly right now on my Note 2 and it's buggy as hell haha I just like messing with ROMs really, I will probably leave it stock and rooted for the most part Just like to see new ROMs and tweaks and stuff. Thanks guys! You all helped a ton! I will probably buy a Nexus 6!

H4X0R46 said:
Well, I've heard from many sources that the encryption in the phone just KILLS battery life, and if you turn off the encryption, it nearly triples the battery life. Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
I have tried decryption with the Chroma and CM Roms. I did not notice more performance in daily use.
Then 5.1.1 arrives with some confusion because Google presented several factory images for the N6. I went back to stock and waited for the OTA.
After flashing the OTA and Franco's kernel my battery life was about the same.
Of course it depends on the daily use, but for me it was clear that not decrypting causes better battery life but the kernel.

best way to decrypt a tmobile phone running pure rom

so, just got my nexus a couple of days ago, and loving it!
would like to decrypt, but not 100% sure on the best/safest way to do it at this point..
running pure rom, with lots of tweaks, and I originally unlocked and rooted with Wugs great toolkit.
I know if I decrypt at this point I will lose all my data and stuff, but of course its already backed up in a couple of places, and I have the "fixes" to flash after I decrypt to keep me that way, if I flash a "encrypted" rom by mistake.
Just wondering if someone could make a straightforward post, telling me the 3 or 4 things I need to do/flash to get to that point.
Thanks so much!:good:

you need to flash a custom kernel that allows for decryption, then you have to format your storage. only then will you boot up decrypted. if you dont actively decrypt(format your storage), you wont be decrypted. this will delete everything in your storage.

ok, then do you know of a kernel for Tmobile that allows for that?
do I flash that kernel in twrp, then also format everything else in TWRP?
if I do that, how do I then boot my phone into something useable so I can rebuild it once again?
thanks

wase4711 said:
ok, then do you know of a kernel for Tmobile that allows for that?
do I flash that kernel in twrp, then also format everything else in TWRP?
if I do that, how do I then boot my phone into something useable so I can rebuild it once again?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the Nexus Root Toolkit to decrypt as well. I believe its under advanced utilities-flash boot image. You will have to be on a stock build however, so you could also use flash stock plus unroot. I believe there is an option there for flashing a no encrypt kernel in the process.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

wase4711 said:
ok, then do you know of a kernel for Tmobile that allows for that?
do I flash that kernel in twrp, then also format everything else in TWRP?
if I do that, how do I then boot my phone into something useable so I can rebuild it once again?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any custom kernel does. and there is no such thing on any nexus device as aa rom or kernel for a specific carrier, they all work on tmobile.

Othoric said:
You can use the Nexus Root Toolkit to decrypt as well. I believe its under advanced utilities-flash boot image. You will have to be on a stock build however, so you could also use flash stock plus unroot. I believe there is an option there for flashing a no encrypt kernel in the process.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
simms22 said:
any custom kernel does. and there is no such thing on any nexus device as aa rom or kernel for a specific carrier, they all work on tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks guys, I got it now!
Final question; is there a REAL difference in performace when you are decrypted, or is it mostly placebo?
this phone, on Pure Rom, is super fast and smooth, and I cant imagine it getting much better if decrypted, but as a Nexus N00b, I just dont know.
Thanks again for your help and feedback :good:

Most likely Pure has a decrypt kernel. Haven't looked. Beans usually adds all those tweaks. Just need to format data. May Lose your data and have to start over. Not sure as I run encrypted. If run decrypted might as well welcome Stagefright too.

ah, good point, so running decrypted makes you vulnerable to that krap...

wase4711 said:
ah, good point, so running decrypted makes you vulnerable to that krap...
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Decrypted makes you vulnerable to any data exploit. Stagefright is different but both are security risks. Probably won't see a performance boost with decrypt. Only can be seen with large data files. Won't see with apps or daily use.

wase4711 said:
thanks guys, I got it now!
Final question; is there a REAL difference in performace when you are decrypted, or is it mostly placebo?
this phone, on Pure Rom, is super fast and smooth, and I cant imagine it getting much better if decrypted, but as a Nexus N00b, I just dont know.
Thanks again for your help and feedback :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've ran both. And I actually just decrypted for a second time to see if I noticed any difference. To be perfectly honest, and this is just my personal experience, I haven't seen any noticeable difference between being encrypted or not since the release of 5.1. And since there are some ROMs out there that do have force encryption, I personally am going to go back to being encrypted just so I have one less thing to worry about when flashing ROMs. But there is a flashable zip that you can flash after any ROM that will disable force encryption if you want to go that route.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Let's clear things up. There is only one way to do it. You first need a kernel that doesn't force encryption (most don't force) so check the rom thread as its kernel probably doesn't either.
Then, you have to format userdata, which means all your apps, data (including sdcard) and settings will be gone.
Granted, there are a few ways to get these 2 steps done, but "fastboot format userdata" or format /data from TWRP recovery are the best.
As for TMobile, its the exact same phone as every other in north America, so all roms and kernels work. Actually there is.only one other model.(international) .and that works.with all the same.ROMs.and kernels.too.

Thanks for clarification. The format userdata was what I wasn't sure about. Recovery format I know clears all data. Fastboot format userdata restores data after format. Fastboot erase userdata wipes data. Wasn't sure which type format was required.

danarama said:
Let's clear things up. There is only one way to do it. You first need a kernel that doesn't force encryption (most don't force) so check the rom thread as its kernel probably doesn't either.
Then, you have to format userdata, which means all your apps, data (including sdcard) and settings will be gone.
Granted, there are a few ways to get these 2 steps done, but "fastboot format userdata" or format /data from TWRP recovery are the best.
As for TMobile, its the exact same phone as every other in north America, so all roms and kernels work. Actually there is.only one other model.(international) .and that works.with all the same.ROMs.and kernels.too.
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Click to collapse
thanks man, I am out of thanks for the day, but I do appreciate the input!
it sounds like with 5.1, there isn't a real strong reason to decrypt, and with all the stagefright nonsense floating around, and what ever other hidden exploits there are, its probably better at this point to just stay encrypted, since it doesn't sound like there are any major advantages to decrypt right now.
I appreciate everyone who posted in here for their knowledge and insight, and I will make sure I help anyone else going forward with a similar question.:good::good:

prdog1 said:
Thanks for clarification. The format userdata was what I wasn't sure about. Recovery format I know clears all data. Fastboot format userdata restores data after format. Fastboot erase userdata wipes data. Wasn't sure which type format was required.
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Click to collapse
fastboot erase userdata wipes all data but doesn't recreate the file system so the filesystem will retain the encryption flag.
fastboot format userdata will recreate the filesystem losing the encryption flag and since the kernel won't re-add the flag on boot, ,you're good to go.
Neither restore data.
Same in recovery, erase/wipe data won't format, only format will.

danarama said:
fastboot erase userdata wipes all data but doesn't recreate the file system so the filesystem will retain the encryption flag.
fastboot format userdata will recreate the filesystem losing the encryption flag and since the kernel won't re-add the flag on boot, ,you're good to go.
Neither restore data.
Same in recovery, erase/wipe data won't format, only format will.
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Click to collapse
You are correct. Thanks for the clarification. I run modified stock rooted so don't run into a lot of these scenarios that break their devices. All my mods are hard coded.

Mod Edit
Thread Closed - At OP request
ronnie498
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