Best way to protect your phone when you´re rooted? - Galaxy Note5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So after years of rooting my devices I found out that (obviously) you are not as safe with your data as you are when you have an unrooted device and now I have asked in a couple of forums without getting a real answer on my question
How do you get an almost safe as unrooted device when rooted? I really dont want to go back to stock on my Note 5 since its very buggy (because of my model version) and want to keep my Note 7 rom but Im on the process on getting sensitive data on my device and really need something i can trust
So what do you recommend guys? apps, mods, mod-free device any ideas?
Thanks for your time!

Related

Is rooting/flashing ROMS safe and worth it?

Around one month ago now, I decided to take the plunge and purchased an International Galaxy Note from 3 on a £27 GBP per month 24-month contract (including 500 minutes, 5000 texts and unlimited data). I love the phone so far and it is my first proper Android phone, minus an old second-hand HTC Desire which had a severe storage problem. The big screen is a definite plus and I'm looking for ways to enhance my Galaxy Note experience.
First off, what exactly is rooting in basic English and how difficult is the procedure? Will it void any warranties and, if so, what are the exact benefits of rooting my device? I am running the stock UK ICS ROM, by the way. Also, will rooting cause my to lose my data such as contacts or apps? If I mess up rooting, will it ruin my device/brick it forever?
Flashing a new ROM on, at a guess, will lose all my data but what are the exact benefits of that also? What does the process involve? Any recommendations for custom ROMs would be appreciated too. I'd like one which features the S-Pen apps though (S Note, S Planner and S Memo).
Woohooo....so many questions bunched together...give them to me in point form and I'll tell you the answers immediately...
Anyways here are my answers--
Read this for any should-I-root/advantage/disadvantages type of questions.Awesome post.End of discussion on that front.
For how to root, check out dr.ketan's guide(it's in the dev section).The procedure is pain free unless you melt down with anxiety .No, if you mess up rooting it just means you flash another stock ROM and try again--although you'd have to work pretty hard to fail that provided no power outages,battery deads happen.No,rooting doesn't mean you lose contacts or app data.
Yes, flashing a new ROM will mean losing your app data.But that can be backed up using TB and then restored later at your convenience. ONLY Samsung based ROMs have support for S-pen apps.
---------- Post added at 06:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------
All right, Pointdexter, sit down and listen!---Sheldon Cooper
There is a bug in samsung ICS kernels which may cause your note to get bricked when you wipe data on it(doesn't matter if you do it via phone settings or recovery).Your best bet may be ROMs which don't use Samsung kernels.If you have to use the samsung based kernels then flash the speedmod kernel immediately after you flash the rom without wiping.Repeat-without wiping.Under no circumstances will you wipe your phone while having the stock ICS kernel.This method isn't fail-proof however and search and ask more before trying to go down this road.
In my opinion 1 follows the other. That is to say you probly don't need to root unless you want to flash a custom rom. The only exception would be if you wanted to add or delete features that you cannot do unless rooted.
In my case I flashed a custom rom to get a few distinct features, those being the S voice program and the stock android keyboard. Both of those I found work well with the Criskelo custom rom.
If it weren't for those features however I probably would not have flashed and not even bothered to root. So it really depends on what you are looking to do
Brad387 said:
Around one month ago now, I decided to take the plunge and purchased an International Galaxy Note from 3 on a £27 GBP per month 24-month contract (including 500 minutes, 5000 texts and unlimited data). I love the phone so far and it is my first proper Android phone, minus an old second-hand HTC Desire which had a severe storage problem. The big screen is a definite plus and I'm looking for ways to enhance my Galaxy Note experience.
First off, what exactly is rooting in basic English and how difficult is the procedure? Will it void any warranties and, if so, what are the exact benefits of rooting my device? I am running the stock UK ICS ROM, by the way. Also, will rooting cause my to lose my data such as contacts or apps? If I mess up rooting, will it ruin my device/brick it forever?
Flashing a new ROM on, at a guess, will lose all my data but what are the exact benefits of that also? What does the process involve? Any recommendations for custom ROMs would be appreciated too. I'd like one which features the S-Pen apps though (S Note, S Planner and S Memo).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should read info on ICS, GB, Bricks, Flashing etc...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1659768
If you want to customize your phone then you need to root the phone that allows you to install and delete any file in your system folder.
Brad387 said:
Around one month ago now, I decided to take the plunge and purchased an International Galaxy Note from 3 on a £27 GBP per month 24-month contract (including 500 minutes, 5000 texts and unlimited data). I love the phone so far and it is my first proper Android phone, minus an old second-hand HTC Desire which had a severe storage problem. The big screen is a definite plus and I'm looking for ways to enhance my Galaxy Note experience.
First off, what exactly is rooting in basic English and how difficult is the procedure? Will it void any warranties and, if so, what are the exact benefits of rooting my device? I am running the stock UK ICS ROM, by the way. Also, will rooting cause my to lose my data such as contacts or apps? If I mess up rooting, will it ruin my device/brick it forever?
Flashing a new ROM on, at a guess, will lose all my data but what are the exact benefits of that also? What does the process involve? Any recommendations for custom ROMs would be appreciated too. I'd like one which features the S-Pen apps though (S Note, S Planner and S Memo).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AS far as security is concern... Read this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1826915

Installing Paranoid Android ROM

I purchased my Samsung Galaxy Note around 1.5 months ago and, whilst the device like all of its many competitors has undeniable flaws, I have been relatively impressed so far. Yet, as a replacement for both my phone or tablet (which is what I originally purchased it as), I felt it hasn't quite filled the slot of a tablet entirely for me. The Nexus 7 Google unveiled yesterday is extremely tempting; there are some amazing specifications on offer for the money. Yet, for just 2 inches extra of screen real estate, I find it hard to justify the cost. I'm looking to optimise my device as a tablet, whilst retaining phone functionality in full, and Paranoid Android looks to fill that. But, first I have some questions.
The S-Pen was a big appeal to me when purchasing the Note, as I use S Planner, S Memo and S Note to effectively manage my school homework tasks. It's proved really helpful and I'd hate to lose it. So, will it be possible to get the S-Pen apps mentioned above working in full with the S-Pen on Paranoid Android? Is it possible to also get the screenshot functionality using the secondary button on the pen working on this ROM?
I am running the stock ICS, which is infected with the brick bug. Being only 14, I don't have much technological know-how and ruining my phone would get me in serious trouble with my parents (I can't afford another phone if I were to break it). How difficult is it to safely install this ROM? I assume it isn't affected by a dodgy kernel?
How is the performance and battery life for this ROM? Is it an improvement or decrease in terms of battery from the stock ROM? Does running in tablet mode on this ROM use more battery?
When you install this ROM, do you then have to still root it? If so, how can I root this ROM? Also, can you over-clock and under-clock the processor on this ROM?
Finally, is it possible to still use Kies with this ROM installed (both Air and plugged into computer versions)? I also would like a way to back-up and restore my main contacts too should I successfully install this ROM.
I have always wondered this, but could you find a phone shop who'd do this for you for a price obviously?
Phone shops.... maybe ??
Ebay.. Hell yes !!
OR..... You could just read the guides, take your time and do it yourself Save you some money and you will learn A LOT too !!
Its really not as hard as it looks, Its overwhelming at first, But slowly take your time and it will all make sense
azzledazzle said:
Phone shops.... maybe ??
Ebay.. Hell yes !!
OR..... You could just read the guides, take your time and do it yourself Save you some money and you will learn A LOT too !!
Its really not as hard as it looks, Its overwhelming at first, But slowly take your time and it will all make sense
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, what guides do I begin with? And, I'm not sending my phone off to somebody on eBay to have it flashed...
Brad387 said:
[*]The S-Pen was a big appeal to me when purchasing the Note, as I use S Planner, S Memo and S Note to effectively manage my school homework tasks. It's proved really helpful and I'd hate to lose it. So, will it be possible to get the S-Pen apps mentioned above working in full with the S-Pen on Paranoid Android? Is it possible to also get the screenshot functionality using the secondary button on the pen working on this ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will lose all S pen apps and features, Your S-pen will become a stylus, However there are similar apps to the S note ect. on the market, Just have a look around and check the themes and app sections, Also ask what other users are using
[*]I am running the stock ICS, which is infected with the brick bug. Being only 14, I don't have much technological know-how and ruining my phone would get me in serious trouble with my parents (I can't afford another phone if I were to break it). How difficult is it to safely install this ROM? I assume it isn't affected by a dodgy kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, its easy, Because i know how to do it, If you dont know, READ, READ, READ, DO NOT RUSH !!. If in doubt..........ASK !
If you are on GB already, the process is much simpler
[*]How is the performance and battery life for this ROM? Is it an improvement or decrease in terms of battery from the stock ROM? Does running in tablet mode on this ROM use more battery?
[*]When you install this ROM, do you then have to still root it? If so, how can I root this ROM? Also, can you over-clock and under-clock the processor on this ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The performance is epic ! AOSP is a absolute beauty, Battery life is good, 99% of battery drain is down to the user and their setup. So get it right and you'll be fine. Tablet mode doesnt use any more battery than phone mode would, The ROM is pre-rooted so thats another thing you dont have to worry about. Also, You *CAN* over clock if the kernel supports it. However, I really doubt you will need any OC on this ROM as its immensely fast.
[*]Finally, is it possible to still use Kies with this ROM installed (both Air and plugged into computer versions)? I also would like a way to back-up and restore my main contacts too should I successfully install this ROM.
[/LIST]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kies is a samsung app, So it will not work on an AOSP ROM, google backs up your contacts, and if you are rooted, Titanium backup will also back them up, along with all your apps, messages, data and pretty much anything else for that matter.
EDIT: start here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424997
So, if I'm not mistaken, this is what I have to do...
Root the stock ICS.
Flash back to Gingerbread.
Flash on Paranoid Android ROM.
Is there absolutely no way to transfer over the S-Pen apps? Also, are there any apps which allow you to capture screenshots on Android as that is a pretty useful feature for me. If anyone would be willing, perhaps I could add them on Google+ or alternatively message them on here as this is all very intimidating to me, yet the shown results for this ROM look amazing. The idea of using the tablet version of my apps, which are often the better versions, appeals to me.
On a side note...
Also, is there any news of Samsung releasing a fix for the brick bug and, if we are a sufferer of it, wouldn't the update be a danger as it would need to wipe data?
Brad387 said:
So, if I'm not mistaken, this is what I have to do...
Root the stock ICS.
Flash back to Gingerbread.
Flash on Paranoid Android ROM.
Is there absolutely no way to transfer over the S-Pen apps? Also, are there any apps which allow you to capture screenshots on Android as that is a pretty useful feature for me. If anyone would be willing, perhaps I could add them on Google+ or alternatively message them on here as this is all very intimidating to me, yet the shown results for this ROM look amazing. The idea of using the tablet version of my apps, which are often the better versions, appeals to me.
On a side note...
Also, is there any news of Samsung releasing a fix for the brick bug and, if we are a sufferer of it, wouldn't the update be a danger as it would need to wipe data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can pm me.
No need to root ics just flash gingerbead using odin pc. Then root and install cwm then yes flash paraniod.
The s apps require samsung frame work which is only in stock roms sorry but there other apps on the market and yea there aee plent of screen shoot apps to
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
zacthespack said:
You can pm me.
No need to root ics just flash gingerbead using odin pc. Then root and install cwm then yes flash paraniod.
The s apps require samsung frame work which is only in stock roms sorry but there other apps on the market and yea there aee plent of screen shoot apps to
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent you a PM.
Worst case scenario? Could I permanently ruin my phone if I messed this up?
yes but you wont
you could potentially die crossing a road, but you're careful so you dont lol, same method applies
azzledazzle said:
yes but you wont
you could potentially die crossing a road, but you're careful so you dont lol, same method applies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose so, but I'm still not sure if it is worth the risk. Anyone here tried Paranoid Android by the way? Does it work well?
Damn! I really want this ROM, but I see my attempts to install most definitely not ending well...
Don't know what to do?
In your situation I would not attempt to do anything flashing, rooting, etc. to your phone until you have read, read, and read enough to the point where you feel that you have a pretty good understanding of what you're doing and you're confident enough to make the attempt to root, flash, etc. You and you alone are responsible for any errors occurred during the rooting, flashing process and that's why it's VERY IMPORTANT TO READ AND UNDERSTAND BEFORE DOING ANYTHING TO YOUR DEVICE!
I did this myself a few days ago. First i thought it is very difficult. After i did it, i thought it is very easy.
Take a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1662802
Problem is, the instructions are not really step by step, and they are not very clear either.
The basic steps:
Note that you should probably backup your internal memory like contacts, smses, apps, etc.
Use google account to sync, SMSbak, APPbak, and titanium backup, all from google play store.
Then:
Install GB 2.3.5, links in post above. This is totally safe using odin. You can't brick your phone by this.
Then, get the cf-root kernel that matches your selected GB kernel, from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360
Unzip and merge with the install script and then Flash as per instruction.
Now you have a rooted GB kernel with the required 'CWM recovery console'.
Download the PA rom as per http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1662802 and save to internal memory [or maybe to sd card].
Reboot into recovery console by pressing power+ vol up+ home button until samsung logo appears. Let go and you are in CWM.
Flash as per PA post above. Then select the several options to clear the various caches, as per PA post.
That's it. Reboot.

[Q] Is rooting/flashing worth it?

Hello!,I've had the Atrix HD for a little under a year now, and I was just wondering if rooting the phone is worth it. I've looked at the Development section and all that, but this is my first Android phone, and I'm worried about messing up and bricking my phone with no warranty. So is it worth it?
boredperson said:
Hello!,I've had the Atrix HD for a little under a year now, and I was just wondering if rooting the phone is worth it. I've looked at the Development section and all that, but this is my first Android phone, and I'm worried about messing up and bricking my phone with no warranty. So is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its worth it.
I just rooted one yesterday its easy if you read
boredperson said:
Hello!,I've had the Atrix HD for a little under a year now, and I was just wondering if rooting the phone is worth it. I've looked at the Development section and all that, but this is my first Android phone, and I'm worried about messing up and bricking my phone with no warranty. So is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you love custamisation, and want to make full use of it, it is worth, else, go with the original one...
boredperson said:
Hello!,I've had the Atrix HD for a little under a year now, and I was just wondering if rooting the phone is worth it. I've looked at the Development section and all that, but this is my first Android phone, and I'm worried about messing up and bricking my phone with no warranty. So is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be amazed what this beast is really capable of once you root and get a custom ROM which have no bloatwares.
In my case games like subway surfer used to lag on the stock JB but after rooting it is all smooth ride .
Go ahead and install mythtools ( say thanks to the dev) and unlock the bootloader and root it.
Bricking your phone is really difficult even if you intend to do so . So get going and post back when you are rooted.
boredperson said:
Hello!,I've had the Atrix HD for a little under a year now, and I was just wondering if rooting the phone is worth it. I've looked at the Development section and all that, but this is my first Android phone, and I'm worried about messing up and bricking my phone with no warranty. So is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting has essentially no chance of bricking your phone. What you do after you get root? That's a different story...
Unlocking your bootloader actually makes you safer if you have no warranty anyway. If you flash a custom recovery then you can back up your stock ROM and recover at any point or flash to a much nicer custom ROM. I'm running XenonHD personally and I'm very impressed with it. They recently added the option to overclock the processor to 1.9GHz and I've had a huge performance jump in games and multitasking. Now I just need the EB40 to support it.
If you're a new user then READ EVERYTHING THOUROUGHLY before you proceed. I consider myself rather skilled and even I have had a couple "OH SHI-" moments because I didn't read enough.
tldr: DO IT! But be careful.
Rooting was definitely worth it. Enabled tethering (on T-Mobile, so it would never have worked otherwise), AdFree, Screen Standby (while streaming video on hotel TVs).
Bootloader unlocking I haven't done it. I've lost a phone before and the idea that someone can get through the lock screen, access my data and use the phone bothers me.
diamond12 said:
Rooting was definitely worth it. Enabled tethering (on T-Mobile, so it would never have worked otherwise), AdFree, Screen Standby (while streaming video on hotel TVs).
Bootloader unlocking I haven't done it. I've lost a phone before and the idea that someone can get through the lock screen, access my data and use the phone bothers me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's what you're afraid of then don't root...seriously. All that's necessary is adb with root access and all your info is mine.
adb root
adb pull /data /local/directory
adb pull /sdcard /local/directory
adb pull /external_sd /local/directory
some things are encrypted, some not. Not sure if its still this way, but WiFi passwords used to be stored as unencrypted text files on /data....CM7, btw.
Anyone of us here could steal your data if we had physical access to your device, some of us if you are on stock, no root, no unlocked bootloader.
The safest way is to have an unlocked bootloader, a password protected recovery (we don't a have one), and disable adb completely. Even then, I could get around that and access your stuff (snap-fastboot flash recovery non-protected-recovery.img ). There is no way to fully lock out an android power user from an android phone, simple as that.
boredperson said:
Hello!,I've had the Atrix HD for a little under a year now, and I was just wondering if rooting the phone is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh boy. I can't wait to see all the comments on this lol.
Yea its definitely worth it. Rooting/unlocking boot loader makes it so you can: 1) flash roms. 2) change the CPU speed at which you phone runs. 3) change you boot loader image (the animation that happens when you phone turns on/off). 4) and the most appealing one (to me), get ride of all that #!*[email protected]!-+ blootwere (apps that come preinstalled that you don't use but aren't able to delete, thus freeing up a lot of memory/ram)
If your worried about bricking you phone, its become pretty hard to permanently brick It as long as you have the determination to fix it.
The MythTools will help you root/unlock bootloader/flash cwm for you so no worries about screwing up
Hit "thanks" if this helps!
Sent from my PACman Atrix HD
I think rooting my atrix hd was well worth it in terms of de bloating all the junk off my phone that just slowed it down.
Not to mention with the PACMAN rom which I LOVE!!!!, you can also overclock the cpu to 2GHZ which is insane fast my girlfriend has the same phone and hers is so slow compared to mine now.
With the PACMAN rom and all the customization available like for example, under the launcher settings I set the transition effect in both the homescreens and apps drawer to cylinder out effect, which pretty much gave the phone a almost complete 3d UI effect along with HD Widgets.
I wouldn't take back rooting mine.
I rooted, unlocked the bootloader, and downgraded back to ICS so I could use the lapdock my dad got me for my birthday. I'm still on stock but I liked the stock look, just had to get rid of that horrible bloatware eating up my space. It was all worth it and I was a afraid to do it at first and just waited. Mythtools came out and it took no time at all to get it done. Try it, I think you'll like it
Rooting is well worth the trouble. It took me 6hrs to root my galaxy s3 and I flashed cm 10.1. I love the customization, speed, themes, boot animations etc... The main thing about it is you have to do back-ups quite a bit.
Sent from my brain to your eyes, to your brain, using my Galaxy S3, running Cm 10.1. I'm in your head now.

Rooting NIGHTMARES!

Hi all,
So my Nexus 4 arrived today and I'm umming and ahhing as to root or not.
I've heard all the good things about doing it but I'm interested in peoples rooting nightmares. What's gone wrong? When have you wanted to throw your phone out the window?
Look forward to reading!
noahdev said:
Hi all,
So my Nexus 4 arrived today and I'm umming and ahhing as to root or not.
I've heard all the good things about doing it but I'm interested in peoples rooting nightmares. What's gone wrong? When have you wanted to throw your phone out the window?
Look forward to reading!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really takes a tremendous effort to screw it up, it really does.
Cliff's Notes/summary, not an actual guide:
1. Learn to do it the old fashioned (and easiest way) by installing the drivers and using fastboot.
2. fastboot oem unlock
3. fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. flash your SU binaries zip
5. b00m!
CMNein said:
It really takes a tremendous effort to screw it up, it really does.
Cliff's Notes/summary, not an actual guide:
1. Learn to do it the old fashioned (and easiest way) by installing the drivers and using fastboot.
2. fastboot oem unlock
3. fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. flash your SU binaries zip
5. b00m!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case I'll lower my requirements. Anyone done it and thought 'You know what, I prefer the stock experience.'?
noahdev said:
In that case I'll lower my requirements. Anyone done it and thought 'You know what, I prefer the stock experience.'?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes actually. I thought rooting it was great and all, even went for custom kernels. The thing is, when you get all the updates that Google provides on a near instant basis, there is no need to root and rom your phone. Also, I feel like it doesn't provide too much extra for the experience. On a side note, when I had an HTC Sensation, I would root and rom just to get the newest and greatest from Google.
Your choice, but I like getting OTA's and don't run any SU apps.
Drebin 894 said:
Yes actually. I thought rooting it was great and all, even went for custom kernels. The thing is, when you get all the updates that Google provides on a near instant basis, there is no need to root and rom your phone. Also, I feel like it doesn't provide too much extra for the experience. On a side note, when I had an HTC Sensation, I would root and rom just to get the newest and greatest from Google.
Your choice, but I like getting OTA's and don't run any SU apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting means you are:
- able to make nandroid and Titanium Backups
- run a good custom kernel for color and sound control, better batterylife and performance and lower cpu temperatures
- install adblockers and other usefull apps.
If these aren`t improvements i don`t know what is and you might as well buy an iPhone for stock xperience, just my 2 cents.
BTW: @OP: rooting nightmares only occur with mis and badly informed users.
gee2012 said:
Rooting means you are:
- able to make nandroid and Titanium Backups
- run a good custom kernel for color and sound control, better batterylife and performance and lower cpu temperatures
- install adblockers and other usefull apps.
If these aren`t improvements i don`t know what is and you might as well buy an iPhone for stock xperience, just my 2 cents.
BTW: @OP: rooting nightmares only occur with mis and badly informed users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but I feel like I don't need them on my phone. I don't need to back up apps as I am not switching roms, I like getting the OTA updates, and I don't care about ads on mobile because I never see them anyway, either through paid apps or little browsing.
Drebin 894 said:
Yes, but I feel like I don't need them on my phone. I don't need to back up apps as I am not switching roms, I like getting the OTA updates, and I don't care about ads on mobile because I never see them anyway, either through paid apps or little browsing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too each his own bro
I fully agree to each his own but if you do not see the advantages and personalization rooti g gives you then most likelyyou are the type tthat is satisfied with what you get. For me T9 calling alone is worth it, adjusting scree colors, raising the sound level,showing actual dBm signal strength, removal of all apps I don't want that were preloaded, darker ui experience. Now if you never try this then you wont miss it but its not lime you can't root it then unroot if you are not happy.
Bottom line updates will come the same day here whether rooted or not and these updates can also come with goodies...
Edit: Also lets be honest in a forum of 100.000's of members and rooter you will find maybe a few hundred or so that may have an issue and most of them I guarantee you was because of them not following directions properly. Thats what makes for rooting nightmares. Remember even non rooters from time to time have to restore their phones for one crazy reason or another. Now you have to restore back to 1 year ago when you first got the phone...SMH
I am having some trouble rooting and puting a custom recovery on my new Nexus 4, I unlocked the bootloader, and flashed the custom recovery through fastboot, but its not sticking, I don't know whats wrong.
UNless youir getting deadlocks letting your phone charge overnight, I would stay on stock.
CM is great, but there are just always broken things and bugs that will eventaully piss you off when you want to do something.
noahdev said:
Hi all,
What's gone wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing, except for the very slight inconvenience of having to re-root or re-install TWRP after doing an Android operating system OTA update. Not only that, but I now have several "root only" apps that I needed, I have full access to the Linux command line programs which I use, and I am learning a lot about the Android OS lower level stuff. For me anyway, I really have no desire to install custom ROMS, as stock rooted Android does everything I want it to do.
There are stock based custom roms with CM type customization's... Again unless you have tried a stock customized rom with advancements you should not be judging. Also you don't have to use each cutsomization you can actually leave it stock and only use 1 or 2 custom items. Check out PSX 4.1 bone stock with a handful of customizations
There is really only one thing that annoys me about stock and that is the oversized Nav bottons. I just wished they made them smaller or gave us the otion to change the size. This is available on custom Roms and gives you more screen real-estate which definitley makes a difference.
That is one thing that keeps pulling me to custom Roms. I was running AOKP which seemed to run pretty good. I restored my phone back to stock because I thought I was having an issue with the notification light but then saw it just needed an app to make it work the way I was expecting it to.
So I have my phone rooted on stock 4.3 right now and I just wish I can make those Nav bars smaller! There are definitley cool features on some of the custom Roms though and it most certaintly can enhance your experience.
If ur not using the toolkit, then you should be.. If ur using and still manage to screw things, you should leave ur phone stock... The toolkits are already noob proof..
Connect phone to PC
Unlock boot loader
Root
Install recovery
Install ROM....
Its all 1 click each or some toolkits does it all in 1 click...
Rooted and running Paranoid Android + franco.kernel
my nightmare came from me going to fast... i missed a step and screwed up my phone...
i was able to get a stock image and reflash it, but it was a grueling 2 hours with a soft-bricked phone.
read all the stuff you can, and don't rush it.
Lucke said:
my nightmare came from me going to fast... i missed a step and screwed up my phone...
i was able to get a stock image and reflash it, but it was a grueling 2 hours with a soft-bricked phone.
read all the stuff you can, and don't rush it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't take this the wrong way... but you being the only person with a real horror story is quite comforting!
noahdev said:
Please don't take this the wrong way... but you being the only person with a real horror story is quite comforting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no offense taken thats what i get for trying to root it while at work dealing with an Exchange upgrade
You can't really screw up a nexus device. It's not like Samsung where you hard flash the wrong version for the wrong phone and end up with a paperweight. If you mess up with nexus you can always return back
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
My last nightmare with rooting was from htc desire hd, lots of bullcrap to be done, lots of s**t pre requisite..goldcard, emmc etc., ugh gives me headaches for days :/
Just use wugfresh toolkit and its a breeze
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Whether to root my Nexus 6? been on the fence for a while

I never rooted / jailbroke any previous devices but can't make up my mind on whether to do it with my N6.
I primarily never fiddled with rooting / jailbreaking in the past because of all the warranty issues in addition to pretty much any device-related product / app usually saying "you're on your own" to customers with rooted or jailbroken devices.
Not a huge issue for me now, as my phone's warranty was voided when I had to send it in for "repairs" after it broke (ie got a replacement phone in exchange for my broken one from motorola).
I'm incredibly intrigued by the countless perks that come with rooting such as customization, permissions, turning off encryption, and so on. However, I love my phone the way it currently is, and as a result am a bit hesitant to set it all up again / risk messing something up since I would need to learn how to do it (ie read one of the many useful guides on these forums).
Besides having better control over every part of the phone, the other main appeal of rooting for me is being able to get rid of the AT&T bloatwear on the phone. I absolutely hate AT&T and would love to rid myself of their presence in my life, even if just by a small amount.
So the issue is:
currently very content with my non-rooted N6 vs. love customizing / controlling everything on my device and hate AT&T with a burning passion, but would have to spend ample time learning how to properly root the phone / set everything up.
If anyone has any opinions I'm all ears. Do you know of a reason I should definitely not root the device that I'm unaware of? Did rooting your phone make your experience with your device so much better that you wouldn't even consider going back to a non-rooted device?
Opinions / thoughts are welcomed as I am pretty much just thinking out loud with this thread anyways :laugh:
Hard part is getting drivers installed but there is an all in one tool kit that does it all for you. Stalk lollipop is missing lots of key features like kill all apps button, and free hot spot. Roms fix this also having all volume sliders is great.
phallb said:
I never rooted / jailbroke any previous devices but can't make up my mind on whether to do it with my N6.
I primarily never fiddled with rooting / jailbreaking in the past because of all the warranty issues in addition to pretty much any device-related product / app usually saying "you're on your own" to customers with rooted or jailbroken devices.
Not a huge issue for me now, as my phone's warranty was voided when I had to send it in for "repairs" after it broke (ie got a replacement phone in exchange for my broken one from motorola).
I'm incredibly intrigued by the countless perks that come with rooting such as customization, permissions, turning off encryption, and so on. However, I love my phone the way it currently is, and as a result am a bit hesitant to set it all up again / risk messing something up since I would need to learn how to do it (ie read one of the many useful guides on these forums).
Besides having better control over every part of the phone, the other main appeal of rooting for me is being able to get rid of the AT&T bloatwear on the phone. I absolutely hate AT&T and would love to rid myself of their presence in my life, even if just by a small amount.
So the issue is:
currently very content with my non-rooted N6 vs. love customizing / controlling everything on my device and hate AT&T with a burning passion, but would have to spend ample time learning how to properly root the phone / set everything up.
If anyone has any opinions I'm all ears. Do you know of a reason I should definitely not root the device that I'm unaware of? Did rooting your phone make your experience with your device so much better that you wouldn't even consider going back to a non-rooted device?
Opinions / thoughts are welcomed as I am pretty much just thinking out loud with this thread anyways :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reasons i rooted.
1. titanium backup
2. MCR Control (Reverse order of nav buttons. my thumb is too short for back button and i use one handed)
(double tap to wake)
(battery percent in notif bar)
3. Notification light (light flow enables it)
4. Cabinet beta or root browswer
I might be missing something... but those things benefit me on the daily.
this thread should go into the help/q&a section, not into general..
edit.. it got moved to the right place
Read every post on rooting and watch every video at least two times. Download all files to a folder on your desktop ask all the questions you need to ask then jump in. A phone with an unlocked boot loader is the best place to start rooting. If your phone boot loops cause you messed something up don't worry you can come back from that.
lngwca said:
Reasons i rooted.
1. titanium backup
2. MCR Control (Reverse order of nav buttons. my thumb is too short for back button and i use one handed)
(double tap to wake)
(battery percent in notif bar)
3. Notification light (light flow enables it)
4. Cabinet beta or root browswer
I might be missing something... but those things benefit me on the daily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I think I already bought that app months ago on accident haha maybe I can finally use it if I root.
2. left handed here, didn't even realize how much of an issue it would be if the button was on the other side, that would be a must if I was right handed lol. Also double tap to wake is something I would love to have.
3. I miss that ittle light, then I saw the LED light when I dropped my first N6 and the screen shattered..not how I wanted to be reunited with it lol. Wouldn't mind seeing it without having to shatter my screen :laugh:
all very helpful, thanks!
bulvine420 said:
Hard part is getting drivers installed but there is an all in one tool kit that does it all for you. Stalk lollipop is missing lots of key features like kill all apps button, and free hot spot. Roms fix this also having all volume sliders is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
volume sliders is pretty high up there on the list of reasons I am so tempted to undertake the project of learning how to root. From what I've read so far it seems there are two methods for rooting that most people use, one of which is the all in one tool kit you mentioned? I'll have to check it out in more detail.
bulvine420 said:
Read every post on rooting and watch every video at least two times. Download all files to a folder on your desktop ask all the questions you need to ask then jump in. A phone with an unlocked boot loader is the best place to start rooting. If your phone boot loops cause you messed something up don't worry you can come back from that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that would be the plan if I end up rooting. When it comes to tech I get fairly OCD about knowing it all before I start fiddling with something. I've irreversibly broken enough programs / gadgets in my time to know that the slow and studious approach always wins
planning on going through the guides and videos on these forums with a fine-tooth comb once I've had more coffee lol.
phallb said:
I never rooted / jailbroke any previous devices but can't make up my mind on whether to do it with my N6.
I primarily never fiddled with rooting / jailbreaking in the past because of all the warranty issues in addition to pretty much any device-related product / app usually saying "you're on your own" to customers with rooted or jailbroken devices.
Not a huge issue for me now, as my phone's warranty was voided when I had to send it in for "repairs" after it broke (ie got a replacement phone in exchange for my broken one from motorola).
I'm incredibly intrigued by the countless perks that come with rooting such as customization, permissions, turning off encryption, and so on. However, I love my phone the way it currently is, and as a result am a bit hesitant to set it all up again / risk messing something up since I would need to learn how to do it (ie read one of the many useful guides on these forums).
Besides having better control over every part of the phone, the other main appeal of rooting for me is being able to get rid of the AT&T bloatwear on the phone. I absolutely hate AT&T and would love to rid myself of their presence in my life, even if just by a small amount.
So the issue is:
currently very content with my non-rooted N6 vs. love customizing / controlling everything on my device and hate AT&T with a burning passion, but would have to spend ample time learning how to properly root the phone / set everything up.
If anyone has any opinions I'm all ears. Do you know of a reason I should definitely not root the device that I'm unaware of? Did rooting your phone make your experience with your device so much better that you wouldn't even consider going back to a non-rooted device?
Opinions / thoughts are welcomed as I am pretty much just thinking out loud with this thread anyways :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have made your mind up already, if you on the fence, your ready to root!
Read http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481 and this http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/guide-flash-factory-images-nexus-6shamu-t2954008
Download one of the adb/fastboot lite zips, I will look for one for you (try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42407269#post42407269), it just loads whet you need. Then make sure you can connect to your phone, read the 2 links and after some minor settings to your phone, plug it into your PC, go to the dir you dl'ed adb/fastboot to and do "fastboot devices" if you see your device your ready to go. It may not be as easy as that, but its a 1x setup and sometimes it is that easy. Don't use an "all-in-one" tool, you won't learn anything and when you need to know exactly what step to do and you can't use a tool, you will be stuck, its not that complex.
Unlock; you will have to set everything up again, sorry. But if your gonna un-encrypt, do it now. Then root and flash a custom recovery, TWRP. Once you have that setup, boot into the recovery and do a backup. Boom, you can always flash that and your back to where you were. Now try some roms, I'm partial to BlissPop, so many features its insane, I'm also partial to Lean kernel, but Franco is great, but try em out. Flash the Rom/Kernel, you don't like it, restore your backup and your ready to start again.
If your on this site, your hooked, just do it and you won't be sorry, well you may get hooked and become a crack rom'er.
Ehem, crack. Flasher.
I have owned a LOT of phones. I used to root all of them. I haven't bothered with the N6. Just no need for me with 5/L.
I have also found that many times rooting has had adverse affects on the device that outweigh any benefits. Just me though.
thepolishguy said:
I have owned a LOT of phones. I used to root all of them. I haven't bothered with the N6. Just no need for me with 5/L.
I have also found that many times rooting has had adverse affects on the device that outweigh any benefits. Just me though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same way. I owned a galaxy nexus. I was a notorious crack flasher and ultimately in the end the device stopped turning on. Being that lollipop is incredibly buggy, I'm going to stay away from flashing.
I've never rooted before myself until now on the n6 and I really can't go back to no root. For me it was mainly for adaway, greenify, and titanium backup. But now that I've used them I don't care much for greenify and titanium, but adaway alone is worth it. I also discovered the super awesome LMT pie plus removing the soft keys, that's one mod I can't live without now.
Seiga said:
Being that lollipop is incredibly buggy, I'm going to stay away from flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think this would be one of the reasons TO flash.
Sent from my SinLess Shamu
jackpollard said:
You have made your mind up already, if you on the fence, your ready to root!
If your on this site, your hooked, just do it and you won't be sorry, well you may get hooked and become a crack rom'er.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stumbled upon this site from another.. Once I started reading and seeing what could be done and more reading, I had to try it. I love the ease at which it was rooted; thank you Chainfire... The tricks it does are amazing. :good:
thanks everyone, as some have guessed I think I'm leaning towards rooting at this point. Just need to read up so I know what I'm doing and then find the time to sit down and do it.
All of your feedback and personal experiences / suggestions is really helpful since I'm so new to this topic (rooting and all it entails). Please feel free to keep the opinions, favorite apps / features / why you root or dont root, etc coming.
I've decided not to root at this time, maybe down the road though I'm sure I will. Being on Sprint, my previous phones were the Hero, Evo 4G and then the Note 2, I found myself rooted and running roms soon after buying the phones. My only problem(if it was a problem) I was bored of Sense and Touchwiz rather quickly and loaded up aosp roms within a month or two of owning the phones. Hence why I now have the Nexus 6.
It'll be nice for awhile to not worry about small bugs with my phone, changing kernels, setups.... not that anything runs without bugs but at least I won't worry about it as much.
But if you're interested in having complete control over the phone, I would root asap!!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

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