Privacy Guard / Xprivacy Alternatives - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

I just got a Verizon galaxy s6 edge for Christmas (long time T-Mobile s5 cm12 user); however rotting and putting cm12 on Verizon seems like a beast. Here comes the million dollar question, are there any alternatives for a good standalone privacy app that I can use without the need for a customs ROM. Rooting is fine but I would prefer to stay stock if possible
Thanks.

Most likely if you have a new S6 it cannot be rooted. Anything after the first or second OTA killed root.
As far as privacy without root sorry, I'd have to pass that to others for input.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app

As merlin mentioned there is no root solution for these devices for the Verizon variants.
The only root method that existed was for Kernel version built before May 2015. If you have 5.1.1 there is zero known methods. For some 5.0.2 that has an earlier build date than what I just mentioned, you can root using PingPong Root. Be aware that Samsung Pay, fingerprint reader will not work as those require the latest updates.
The good news is that Android 6.0 is coming for these phones and Marshmallow will be offering a built-in Privacy Guard app to control what permissions you choose apps to access.
Don't hold out much hope for root though. I used to go crazy not having root, but the S6 series have been great in my experiences and I'm okay without root apps since apps can be disabled. Yes they still take up space of your phone, but they do not run in the background draining resources and battery. A good tradeoff is better than none.

fingerprint reader still works just fine with root on the vzw devices..
soecifically also you need to be on OE2 or OC3 to root.. any other builds it is not possible

Related

To Root or Not To Root

Now that I have upgraded from the Note 3 to Note 5, I am hoping that rooting without tripping Knox will be a possibility.
However, I must admit that if it's not possible that for the first time in quite a while, I would be content to not root, because I'm interested in Samsung Pay which relies on Knox.
I am still open to the fact that if there's a way to root and that there is a good, stable ROM in development available, I would be willing to give it a try.
Your thoughts?
I'd still root.
I would still root, just because I like using Tasker and a bunch of stuff in it isn't enabled. I also use Google Wallet anyway, so Knox is a non-issue for me.
nivek64 said:
Now that I have upgraded from the Note 3 to Note 5, I am hoping that rooting without tripping Knox will be a possibility.
However, I must admit that if it's not possible that for the first time in quite a while, I would be content to not root, because I'm interested in Samsung Pay which relies on Knox.
I am still open to the fact that if there's a way to root and that there is a good, stable ROM in development available, I would be willing to give it a try.
Your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same as you. I've been rooting and romming for the past four years and this is the first time that I've had no desire to root.
I hope they will release the Ping-Pong root soon for the Note 5 as I would like to try out the various payment solutions coming out in the next months.
I didn't care with the S6 Edge as I thought it would have taken ages to find a 'stealth' root, but then... :banghead:
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925F) using stock rooted v5.1.1 ? firmware
Ping pong was fixed in 5.1.1 ?
siriom said:
Ping pong was fixed in 5.1.1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I think so, but not sure as I used CF-Autoroot.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925F) using stock rooted v5.1.1 ? firmware
Cr4z33 said:
Hmm I think so, but not sure as I used CF-Autoroot.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925F) using stock rooted v5.1.1 firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh you have a s6 edge ? I figured you were talking about root a note , then again i see youre in Italy so yeah no note for you either ...
I'm a rooter and ex flasholic but this time around I might not due to Samsung Pay. If I end up liking and using it, I won't root my phone but if I don't then I'll root and flash a Rom of choice as usual.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
I'm in agreement and have thanked those for responding to my post. I don't post often and respectfully welcome everyone's views and opinions.
If we get root I am all over it, I don't care about tap to pay... Takes me about the same time to pull out my phone and tap it as it does my card so yeah..
benefits of root outweigh the benefit of reaching into a different pocket to make a payment.
not sure yet
I too was an HTC M8 flashoholic, Ive been sober for a week now with the Note 5. I have to say it has been very smooth, even Touchwiz and trouble free as well as blazing fast. I do miss the Viper4Android and Titanium Back up abilities. But this phone needs some time for the developers to create some magic before I will root. There will be an OTA update soon and rooting will lose that ability, not to mention as of now there arent an abundance of ROMS to choose from. Also I have caught up on my sleep from the lack of flashing roms!
DR
Sprint 64g Black Note 5
Given the fact that I live in Canada and it will probably be 3 years or so before we can use Samsung Pay that makes my decision easier. I tried to stick with unrooted this time around so I can get the "promised" monthly security updates easily. However, Lightflow has that persistent notification if you dont have a rooted phone which is bothering me probably more than it should.

Pure Opinion = Keeping Root or Giving Up?

Howdy folks! I'd like to ask all of you SGS6 Edge users for your opinions regarding the "worthiness" of retaining root vs updating. For the TLDR please go to the bottom! :good:
I used to be super active on here, making small tweaks/apps for people all starting around the Droid Bionic ... so lets just say I'm not stranger to the world of root/customization.
With that being said, since the peak of my crack-flashing habit during the days of the Galaxy S3 I have slowed down quite a bit. Part of that is my own life (I'm older, have way more responsibility at home)...but I believe a much larger factor has been locked phones and a quieter development scene (at least with Samsung devices).
I've had my Edge rooted since the root became available - and I suppose I mostly use it to access the file system, remove bloat, and run the occasional "root only" app.
In the time that I've been rooted on OE2 (running CleanROM 1.5) there have been a few rather large updates to the phone's software both aimed at fixing issues and adding features. As I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone, root hasn't been attained for these new releases .. and I'm somewhat skeptical that it ever will as this device becomes "older".
SO the TLDR here is:
How many of you who HAD their Edge rooted decided to give up root to update their device? Was it worth it to you? Would you do it again if you had the chance, or would you have just kept root?
I updated and I wouldn't go back. Sure I miss the ad blocking and some other fun stuff, but the phone is so much more stable and usable after the updates. If you don't use root for much (which I didn't considering we never got Xposed anyway) I'd recommend doing the update, personally. I followed basically the same path as you. I flashed a new ROM or kernel basically daily on my S3, and have slowly felt more of a need for a more usable phone than being able to tweak it beyond recognition. If you're anything like I am now, you'll appreciate the stability that upgrading brings.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app
32BitWhore said:
I updated and I wouldn't go back. Sure I miss the ad blocking and some other fun stuff, but the phone is so much more stable and usable after the updates. If you don't use root for much (which I didn't considering we never got Xposed anyway) I'd recommend doing the update, personally. I followed basically the same path as you. I flashed a new ROM or kernel basically daily on my S3, and have slowly felt more of a need for a more usable phone than being able to tweak it beyond recognition. If you're anything like I am now, you'll appreciate the stability that upgrading brings.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm definitely leaning in that direction. I think a big part of it is literally mental/mind over matter ... just knowing my phone is more my phone and less Verizon's certainly makes an impact.
I updated as well, the phone is running better I think. I do miss ad blocking and tb. Being able to disable apps is helpful. Sometimes I wish I wouldn't have but for the most part I'm happy with it. I hate that Verizon is making us make this decision. The struggle is real!
theresin said:
Howdy folks! I'd like to ask all of you SGS6 Edge users for your opinions regarding the "worthiness" of retaining root vs updating. For the TLDR please go to the bottom! :good:
I used to be super active on here, making small tweaks/apps for people all starting around the Droid Bionic ... so lets just say I'm not stranger to the world of root/customization.
With that being said, since the peak of my crack-flashing habit during the days of the Galaxy S3 I have slowed down quite a bit. Part of that is my own life (I'm older, have way more responsibility at home)...but I believe a much larger factor has been locked phones and a quieter development scene (at least with Samsung devices).
I've had my Edge rooted since the root became available - and I suppose I mostly use it to access the file system, remove bloat, and run the occasional "root only" app.
In the time that I've been rooted on OE2 (running CleanROM 1.5) there have been a few rather large updates to the phone's software both aimed at fixing issues and adding features. As I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone, root hasn't been attained for these new releases .. and I'm somewhat skeptical that it ever will as this device becomes "older".
SO the TLDR here is:
How many of you who HAD their Edge rooted decided to give up root to update their device? Was it worth it to you? Would you do it again if you had the chance, or would you have just kept root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a hardcore Samsung user until the Note 3/S4 when root became more difficult to obtain and keep (updating). I even bought a Developer S5 so I could crack flash. As of late, the Galaxy line and development (for Verizon at least) is dead. If you want root/development on Verizon ditch the S6E and get a MXP. You can sell your used phone for about what a brand new unlocked Moto X Pure will cost you....unlockable bootloader, development, and a sd card.
I wouldn't buy a computer without administrative rights and I won't buy (and keep) a phone that I can't obtain root on.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Went through the same dilemma. The final straw for me was finding Package Disabler Pro (costs like 2.99) and that allowed me to at least disable the bloatware and remove it to a degree. I was really worried about losing Viper4android, greenify, and adaway. So far using the built in sound equalizer, the ram management improvements, theme store and the adblocker browser have been more then sufficient in maintaining the experience I was used to. Overall 10/10 experience would un-root again.
I was rooted and gave it up to get up to date. Without Xposed there really was not that much important stuff I wanted from root.
Benew0 said:
Went through the same dilemma. The final straw for me was finding Package Disabler Pro (costs like 2.99) and that allowed me to at least disable the bloatware and remove it to a degree. I was really worried about losing Viper4android, greenify, and adaway. So far using the built in sound equalizer, the ram management improvements, theme store and the adblocker browser have been more then sufficient in maintaining the experience I was used to. Overall 10/10 experience would un-root again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Once I found package disabler I was very happy losing root for the update.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app
Please I use package disabler, and I ask it to disable bloat ware but I realised most of useful stuffs were also disabled. Can I kindly get a list of stuffs you safely disabled without affecting phone functionality
---------- Post added at 07:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 PM ----------
Can you upload your xml file
Here is my XML. I didn't do an extremely thorough debloat but it gets rid of most of my useless icons and speeds things up a bit. No negative effects from it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6jz8Bcr3sVVemw0MzYwa3Z5eTg/view?usp=docslist_api
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app
If,,,,with the delays from Samsung, my S6 Edge gets MM I have serious doubts that I will update my phone. I will most likely wait until MM has been proven to be something better enough for me to lose root. However, I am still very shocked that this phone does not have any dev support? I know carriers like Verizon make it hard, if not impossible, to root but c'mon now I know there are devs out there that could crack this but they have either stopped or moved on to paid positions helping find exploits for carriers and manufacturers.
Thanks
I am currently running a rooted edge, which I did right after the phone's release. I will be updating to a non-rooted marshmellow as it has the permissions control, which is what I originally wanted root for.
However I will really miss not having the csv editor as I have been able to tweak the phone a lot due to some stupid samsung decisions.
Archangel said:
If,,,,with the delays from Samsung, my S6 Edge gets MM I have serious doubts that I will update my phone. I will most likely wait until MM has been proven to be something better enough for me to lose root. However, I am still very shocked that this phone does not have any dev support? I know carriers like Verizon make it hard, if not impossible, to root but c'mon now I know there are devs out there that could crack this but they have either stopped or moved on to paid positions helping find exploits for carriers and manufacturers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did end up giving up root. While there's plenty of things I miss, I have to admit the update has been a very good experience.
I think a lot of devs have moved on to paid positions as network security becomes one of the most lucrative industries out there. I also think carriers put a lot more emphasis on locking down their devices now than they did previously (call me captain obvious on that one..)
If only the bootloader unlock would be leaked like it was for the GS3
How does Tasker work with the unroot MM update? I have so many profiles I do not want to lose in Tasker.

Root SM-T817V?

After a few hours of searching, I feel like I already know the answer. I'm just wanting a more of a clarification - as there's no clear answer about this device that I can find, and nothing really updated since October.
Recently got the Verizon version of this tab (work gift) and I don't have VZW, and don't intend on getting them. and therefore don't care about the LTE aspects.
Is there indeed no root specifically for this device?
Would even the permissive kernel (for the 810) for 5.1.1 (current FW on my device anyway) not work?
Or does this all boil down to having a locked bootloader?
I really want to debloat the Verizon nonsense/notifications/activation/etc.
Probably going to be easier to just sell this one, and get a WiFi only version?
TIA!
Have you figured out how to root this because I am wondering the same thing! Google only throws junk results and this topic
I got one from my parents and the android version is 5.1.1. Could we root it?
Add me to the list of people who want a solution.
5
Sure would be nice. I have a t817v running 7.0 and knox enterprise. So far I've managed to get everything to work on other users than owner except usb debugging. Home and open app buttons work and so does sdcard and camera so far. No sure how I got around knox to update to 7.0 but I did. I'll have it figured out soon. No computer so haven't tried to root or flash stock

To root or not to root

Hey guys, so the question is simple. Should I or should I not?
I've had this habit of tripping knox after 1-2 months of use ever since the Galaxy S4.(not bothered about Samsung pay and secure folder) But now I've been missing all my purchased root apps and especially the dual speaker. However, what I'm worried about are those few issues poppin out after some time like what happened with my S7 edge. So I'm torn between rooting or not.
That said, one of the main reasons I still root is for ad blocking. I've had ad blocking on my phones for a very long time, and I remember HATING the way mobile ads affected my browsing. So if anything, this will be the big reason I end up rooting again.
Also I like being able to back up my app data with titanium Etc.
If I was to root what custom ROMs would you recommend?
**Edit I have a exynos device **
Any suggestions? Thanks guys.
Well you didnt quite say whichdevice you have. Exynos or snapdragon. theres different root methods for each. snapdragons doesnt trip knox however you are limited in custom roms and 80% battery
Exynos has twrp so custom roms are a go but you trip knox.
me2151 said:
Well you didnt quite say whichdevice you have. Exynos or snapdragon. theres different root methods for each. snapdragons doesnt trip knox however you are limited in custom roms and 80% battery
Exynos has twrp so custom roms are a go but you trip knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've updated the post ?
marcushesketh1991 said:
I've updated the post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case. If you dont care about knox features go for it. as for custom roms i cant really say. Im on snapdragon so i dont have much in regards to custom roms.
marcushesketh1991 said:
Hey guys, so the question is simple. Should I or should I not?
I've had this habit of tripping knox after 1-2 months of use ever since the Galaxy S4.(not bothered about Samsung pay and secure folder) But now I've been missing all my purchased root apps and especially the dual speaker. However, what I'm worried about are those few issues poppin out after some time like what happened with my S7 edge. So I'm torn between rooting or not.
That said, one of the main reasons I still root is for ad blocking. I've had ad blocking on my phones for a very long time, and I remember HATING the way mobile ads affected my browsing. So if anything, this will be the big reason I end up rooting again.
Also I like being able to back up my app data with titanium Etc.
If I was to root what custom ROMs would you recommend?
**Edit I have a exynos device **
Any suggestions? Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's mostly for ad blocking while browsing, have you tried the Disconnect and Adguard extensions for the Samsung browser? Been working great for me and no root required.

To root or not to root?

Hi everybody,
I’ve prereserved my Note 9, and while waiting for the release date I’m scrolling through the news and forums just to get teased a bit more
A question I’m asking myself though, is: do I really need to root this phone? I’ll lose some functionalities by rooting it (samsung pay/android pay, safetynet apps, knox...) but I’ll surely miss others too (adaway, xposed, tweaks...)
I always rooted all my devices unconditionnaly, like it’s part of my default setup, but do you guys think it’s still needed those days? Is there really a benefit, or can you live without root?
I use to be an avid 'root my phone asap' kinda guy, but the main reason was for wireless hotspot. It's included in most plans now, so I don't feel the need to. I liked getting a cleaner build, less bloatware. To each there own, but with a locked bootloader here in the US it may be a while as you'll need a unlocked version. Carriers here will have it locked down.
the first thing i'm going to do with the phone when i get it is rooting it, hopefully there is a working twrp and there is no oem timeout for unlocking the bootloader.
i can't live without adaway and titanium backup.
releasedate is thursday next week in sweden, can't wait, i have preordered the 512gb model in blue.
Not worth it anymore. Used to be mandatory when Android wasn't as feature rich and mature, but no reason for me to anymore.
In my case root would be needed only for app data transfer from the old phone. After that I don't see the need of root.
Anyway.. how about knox fuse trip and warranty?
Is this still a thing today? Was it in Note 5 7 8?
I know it was in Note 4. But what about later models?
I used to root, but not any more. I get the US unlocked version to cut down on the bloatware. Samsung has made it sooo easy to theme and skin the phone that it's pointless to root for that. Samsung pay is awesome and I use it more and more every day. Smart Switch has taken the place of Titanium back up, and it's free and very simple to use. Also with the 512gb version I ordered , not too worried about the few programs that I dont like but are included.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
I used to root the second i got a device, however since the 8 and also with the 9 i dont bother any more, all the reasons before were to get better battery life slim down etc, i just use package disable pro now and im done. Besides no point in tripping knox loosing secure folder and faffimng around to get google pay working etc. I love to tinker but the benefits are just not there any more imho
Most probably first phone i will not root. especially for warranty purpose with the know feature
Thanks for the input Now that I have some answers I can give my insights too. I think I'll (be able to) wait a few days before being tempted to root it, but I'm pretty sure there will be a day, especially when Samsung will drop updates and I'll have to use custom ROMs if I want to stay up to date or maybe get the Note 10 port
The things I would miss if I don't root are: Adaway, TWRP (flashing and full backup/restore), MyBackup Pro, debloating, Xposed probably, Viper4Android maybe.
I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.
Flame Red said:
I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ultimately, you don't necessarily have to root to debloat. You can just flash and use TWRP for this. Although when you boot into TWRP it triggers Knox and you lose those related functionalities.
This will be the second phone im not gonna root. First was the pixel 3 i need samsung pay in my life and plus im getting the locked sprint version. Im scared tho i really do want a clean build. Going with sammy since the s6. I dont want a phone with a notch so i figure i use my upgrade this year
I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.
Brava27 said:
I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.
Taebom said:
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Sounds so much better!
I personally stopped rooting since the Note 7 / S7E. I now find Samsung experience to offer me more than enough to keep from rooting. I've rooted all my phones since from the Dream G1 to Galaxy S1, Note 2, to the Note 4.
I root day 0 or I don't buy. Phone is worthless without Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP.
i'm leaning towards no root. but it may be difficult to swallow at first, i think i've rooted the last 4 galaxies i've had... before that was a Nokia. I will undoubtedly miss ad-away, and i've made good use of Xposed on my recent Note5, but many people mention TitaniumBackup and i just don't use it much anymore. I have done a couple full backups with TWRP and used restore from it a couple times, but lets face it... those are things i wouldn't need if a hadn't broke something in a Root function in the first place! All in all, hoping for the best without Root - I want Knox intact. If you guys don't hear from me in the next week or two, i drowned in advertisements.
I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms
Dayzee said:
I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!
I'd rather have the option, but, no such animal for US Samsung devices.
I can deal w/o it on Samsung devices, thanks to Package Disabler Pro & the ad blocking app Block-This.
Is it a perfect substitute for root?
No, but, this gives me the best of what's important to me with the minimum of compromises.
No interest in non-Samsung based ROMs for this phone, why bother picking up a Note to strip it of its unique features........
Currently using a VZW Note 5 using Package Disabler Pro & Block-This..... Doing just fine, the pragmatic part of my twisted mind (on life support, LOL) tells me to save my money & wait until next year, but, I bought this particular phone in great condition @ a great price, to use solely as a trade-in for T-Mobile"s $500 bill credit.....
Sent from my Galaxy Note 5 using XDA Labs

Categories

Resources