HELP Please - LG say my phone is rooted - SuperSU

I did post this in the G5 group, but this is more appropriate, I only got 1 reply there and need more info really to fight my cause. I have also emailed the Superuser developers but no reply..
My LG G5 is just under 18 months old, so still covered by the 2 yr UK warranty in that sense. It has started to only accept a USB connection (for charging, data connection, anything) once before it needs rebooting to accept it again.
So, I sent it back to LG. They sent the phone back to say it is rooted and wouldn't fix it.
I have eventually got to someone at Head Office and they still say the same, that as the OS has been modified then they will not repair it (the warranty does state that they will not repair a fault CAUSED by a modification by the way)
So I ran the internal software check as mentioned here - - and it does indeed come up with a positive, it says that SUPERUSER (a rooting related app) was installed on 1/1/17. - see attached image
I well remember doing a full wipe and reinstall of the phone on new years day and Google Play installed all the apps on my account and I had to delete the ones that I didn't use anymore. I have rooted various devices and that is why Superuser was in my Google Play account. It did install on the phone that day and was uninstalled (never run) the same day. The phone has never been rooted (it has been mine since new, I know how to root phones and would know if I had! I have also had no reason to) and I have run Android Pay and the banking apps on it all the time.
I can actually get the phone repaired for £25 anyway so it's not so much the repair that is the issue right now, it's that I think LG shouldn't get away with treating customers like this and I want to make a point.
Before I go through the various public attempts to make the point (Twitter, Trading Standards, Tech mags) I do want to be 100% clear of the facts, so if I am mistaken then please do tell me.
The Head Office guy said that even though Android Pay etc still works, that they have different checks and that a program has been run that has modified the OS. Their own internal phone software tells me that this program is Superuser. My understanding is that superuser does nothing at all unless a phone is rooted. Then, on a rooted phone, it will act as a 'middle-man', intercepting anything that wants root access and asking for permission from the user.
Am I correct in saying (and LG incorrect) that Superuser makes NO change to the OS? All the version numbers in About in Settings are the current legit ones.
In my opinion, they are technically intelligent enough to know that there is no technical issue with my circumstances, they just want to get out of fixing the phone (which has already cost them me buying the next incarnation of the series at the end of my contract and my next TV too). Even if it had been modified, the app was installed on 1 Jan, the issue started a month ago, and LG happily fixed another fault (fingerprint sensor) on the phone back in April with no complaining about root! There could be no proof that the fault was caused by Superuser.
Any advice/ammunition to talk to them would be appreciated.

Related

Should I buy apps now or wait for froyo?

Hi, new user here. Also kind of new to android in general, but I've been lurking avidly over the past couple of weeks and soaking in as much as I can.
So here is my dilemma:
There a couple of apps that I came across that I wish to buy. However, I'm currently running 2.1 with JH7. I'm waiting for AT&T to release an official Captivate froyo (which I've been reading might be anywhere from a few days from now, or sometime mid December), before I root my phone.
So, if I buy the apps now, they'll get installed onto my phone memory. After froyo, I understand I'll have to option to install the apps on my SD instead - and this is the option I want.
So if I buy the apps now, is there anyway to move the installation files or even somehow reinstall the app to my SD card once froyo hits? If not, I might just have to wait until froyo is released before I buy the apps.
Thanks in advance.
We have 16g of internal mem. compare to 2g on Nexus One. It will not be an issue. But yes when you move to froyo you will still be able to move them over.
Thanks, that's good to know. I guess now I can do some shopping.
Just a more general question: how do the rights for paid software work? Are you generally restricted to a specific phone, or does the buyer still have rights to the software should he later decide to upgrade to a different android phone?
kingtz said:
Thanks, that's good to know. I guess now I can do some shopping.
Just a more general question: how do the rights for paid software work? Are you generally restricted to a specific phone, or does the buyer still have rights to the software should he later decide to upgrade to a different android phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The software you purchase is yours. And can be installed on any Android phone that will run that app. I bought most of apps when I got my droid and have used them on multiple Android phones. Same apps are now on my Captivate. You only have to purchase them once. As long as you sign into your phone with the same account on your previous device. They will show in the market as "purchased" and you just reinstall them to your new device. Hope that explains what your asking.
rdunseith said:
The software you purchase is yours. And can be installed on any Android phone that will run that app. I bought most of apps when I got my droid and have used them on multiple Android phones. Same apps are now on my Captivate. You only have to purchase them once. As long as you sign into your phone with the same account on your previous device. They will show in the market as "purchased" and you just reinstall them to your new device. Hope that explains what your asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that was very helpful. Time to shop!
uninstalling an app
Just thought I would post this here. I bought the SETCPU app which ended up locking my phone when it went into standby. I uninstalled the app, and to my surprise marketplace detected it and automatically issued me a refund.
This phone continues to amaze me. I had the windows Surround phone, kept it 2 weeks, and brought it back to exchange for the Captivate. The windows phone had much better sound, great voice recognition, easy to use, but apps were way too limited and the OS needs a lot more tweaking. The tradeoff was worth it. Maybe by next year windows phones will catch up somewhat.
Returning apps - 24H Refund
Refund policy
You have 24 hours from the time of purchase (not download) to return an application purchased through Android Market for a full refund. You may only return a given application once; if you subsequently purchase the same app again, you may not return it a second time.
How to return an app:
From Market, visit the My Downloads page, and select the application you'd like to return.
Applications that are eligible for return are marked with a 'Uninstall & Refund' button. Please note that after the 24-hour return period has expired, all sales are final.
After 24 hours, selecting the "Uninstall" button will simply remove the application from your device. More about uninstalling purchased applications.
If you're unsatisfied with an application after 24 hours, we recommend contacting the developer directly. Learn more about refunds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://market.android.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=134336

[Q] Wi-Fi connection "completely dead" - Not connecting to ANY network at all !

[Q] Wi-Fi connection "completely dead" - Not connecting to ANY network at all !
I have ATT SM-N900A.
Rooted via Kingo root since day one (back in mid December). Never had any issues.
Everything worked just fine - then I lose W-Fi connectivity 'literally' overnight last week.
I am still running 4.3. There were no software updates or new apps installed when this happened.
In fact, I was on 7 days cruise in the middle of the Caribbean, (data roaming turned off because
the ship was getting expensive 4G service) - when my Wifi abilities completely died. No changes
to the phone that I know of that could have caused this.
I remember checking WiFi on TUE night and the "Royal Caribbean' wifi was available in my stateroom.
At $30 per hour or $60 per day I decided to wait until we get ashore the next day so I could
connect to WiFi in a bar or cafe.
The next morning on WED - once off the ship I tried to turn the WiFi on - no luck. Restarted, shut it off,
took the battery out for a few minutes - still no WiFi the phone does not see and cannot connect
to ANY NETWORKS - None !
Came home from the cruise on Sunday - backed everything up - then performed factory reset
fully expecting to resolve the issue. NOPE Still no Wifi of any kind, cannot see any networks at
all - the wifi icon is never bright green like other active icons - it's only dimmed green as its trying to find
networks, then just goes gray (off)
At this point I am thinking its a hardware issue (dead wifi modem?) - EVERYTHING else on the
phone works just fine (the mini SD card is not corrupted - I also tested the phone without the SD card in the
phone as I found one person who had the same problem and the SD card was the culprit)
Talked to ATT customer service tonight. They suggested I go to their local ATT repair facility or Best Buy
Samsung kiosk to get the 4.4 ATT update and then do another factory reset - to see if that fixes the problem.
If it does not - then they would replace the phone under warranty..
I have some questions:
- 1) any suggestion to fix this (if the 4.4 update does not help....or before I even go to get the 4.4)
- 2) if I unroot via Kingo - will they know that my phone was rooted (and potentially deny the replacement
under warranty which they are now offering if the problem persist). I think that Kingo can unroot just fine, but
does it reset the counter?
Any advice or suggestions how to fix this issue with WIFI or how to present a phone for replacement to ATT that
will qualify - will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
There's no "rooting counter". There used to be a ROM Flash counter, but since you can't flash ROMs anyway ... (Safestrap isn't glashing ROMs.)
I'd prefer to not get 4.4, but you can probably restore to MJ5 using the thread here. And I do suspect it's a sudden hardware failure. Software doesn't suddenly break (at least, after 40 years of writing it, that's been my experience). Hardware breaks all the time.
Unrooting via Kingo shouldn't leave anything they'll find. And their tool (in the store) will flash 4.4.2 over 4.3 - but that means no root and, for now, no slots in Safestrap. And if they replace the phone it's probably going to be 4.4.2. (If you go to an AT&T device support center for the replacement, ask really nicely whether they have any refurbs that are still on 4.3 [if that's what you prefer - I have my updater frozen until we get flash and Safestrap on 4.4.2].)
Thank you very much for your reply.
I should add that I actually just unrooted via Kingo a few minutes ago.
the "CUSTOM" script with the big lock is now gone from the screen when booting up
and under About Device > Status > Device Status it now reads "Official" instead of "Custom".
How do I check to see if knox counter is tripped ? From what you are saying it looks like I am all set.
Is there anything else I need to do to make sure that they cannot tell that the phone was rooted?
Ultimately, I would still prefer to fix the wifi issue without replacing the phone.
...same as you however - I think that updating to 4.4 wil not resolve anything as i think it is
hardware problem as well.
Thanks for the tip about asking for 4.3 replacement !
PS:
what do you mean by:
"I'd prefer to not get 4.4, but you can probably restore to MJ5 "
What is MJ5, and what is slots in Safestrap ?
Thank you !!
I had a similar issue on my Xperia TL and so I thought I would wipe the OS and reinstall it... HARD BRICK'd the phone on a STOCK install via Flashtool. It wasnt like the phone was rooted either.
Turns out it was indeed a physical modem issue. It took me three days to unbrick the phone... I went through torment to get it unbricked. After it was unbricked... I used it for a few days... no good signal at all. Dang wifi and 4G bounced all over the place. I could buy another modem and replace it. AND then I could use the phone again. I said F it ... got a note 3.
On a serious note, you have a hardware prob bro... futz with it if you like... you will make it really non-functional... pull the warranty and get it fixed.
WatchFan1 said:
How do I check to see if knox counter is tripped ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reboot to recovery. (From power off, Volume+/Home/Power.) But I've never heard of Kingo tripping Knox.
Is there anything else I need to do to make sure that they cannot tell that the phone was rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on how thoroughly they check. If they look for deleted files they'll probably find something, but they'll most likely flash 4.4.2 first, and that wipes out any signs of the rooting. (The people at the stores aren't engineers or system programmers, it doesn't work, the book says to flash a new ROM, they do it. It still doesn't work, they replace the phone.)
what do you mean by:
"I'd prefer to not get 4.4, but you can probably restore to MJ5 "
What is MJ5, and what is slots in Safestrap ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MJ5 is th version of firmware we had before the NB4 update, which is probably what you're on now.
Safestrap is the only way to change ROMs in the Note 3. The bootloader is locked, so you can't just flash a ROM. Safestrap intercepts the boot process and runs the ROM you have in it as the "Current" one. Version 3.71, for 4.3, allows you to have the original ROM plus 4 others in "slots" you set up. So if, for instance, you want to play around with your setup, but be able to get back to what you llike if you mess up, you can back up the current ROM, restore it to a slot and mess around with the one in the slot. Every time you make a change you like, back up again. Make a change you don't like and restore the backup.
Or keep a few ROMS on hand. Maybe one that runs really fast but eats battery like crazy. Another one that's not that fast but you can get almost forever on the battery. Reboot into whichever one you need.
Go to 4.4.2 and Safestrap has, the last time I looked in the thread, only 1 slot. And you can't root 4.4.2 yet. Which is why my wife - who considers it a phone with a few games and a calendar, allowed the update she got the other day, while I have my update app frozen. (Not that it would work with a rooted ROM not in the stock slot, but why ask for problems?)
Thanks for the explanation of everything.
I was actually on NB4 already.
Called the local repair ATT center - they do not have any NB3 phones - all replacements are shipped from TX.
To my surprise they did not have the latest 4.4.2 flash and they suggested I go to Best buy !!!! (Unreal !
Went to Best Buy and a fellow in Samsung kiosk had the ATT version of 4.4.2.
We updated the OS, did a factory reset afterwards - the WiFi modem is DEAD as suspected.
Got back to the office, called ATT customer service. They had me download an app and connected to
my phone remotely so they trouble-shoot it. The tech confirmed that the wifi modem is faulty and they
are sending me a replacement phone.
I tried to request 4.3 and he said that it could be 4.3 or 4.4 (depending how long it has been sitting on the
shelf in their warehouse - but the selection is random and there is no way to request a specific OS version.
Good news is that I do not have to be without a phone and will simply return my old phone in the same box.
At least you'll get wifi. Keep your fingers crossed that you get an "old phone". Or that the work on SS doesn't take too long.
Funny enough, I had almost the same thing happen. Went on vacation overseas and turned everything off. Used Wifi sporadically and when I returned home, I had no wifi. Warranty exchange gave me a replacement phone and shortly after that it automatically upgraded to 4.4.2. I actually started a thread but no one had had the same issue as me. Good luck with your new phone.
Great news !
My replacement phone arrived yesterday and to my pleasant surprise it is 4.3.
Its actually MJ5 (the original?) baseband - not NB4.
Kernel is from Thu Oct. 17th 2013.
I guess I can just leave it 'as is' correct?
In a meanwhile that baby got rooted on Kingo immediately and the "AT&T update app"
was frozen with Titanium backup really quickly
Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Phone installed apps on its own?

Three apps installed themselves without my intervention:
Cookie Jam
Drippler
RetailMeNot
They didn't come preinstalled, but just installed themselves today. I was able to uninstall them but they keep coming back.
Any idea what's going on? They do not show up under My Apps in the play store, but I can uninstall them through settings. I did a factory reset and didn't install anything and they still come back.
Mine just did the same thing also. Just got it two days ago too. I've uninstalled them now, and they haven't come back yet, but that is disturbing if you say gotta keeps coming back.
Forgot to mention this, I've already disabled the other app stores except for the Google play store.
Just happened to me as well. Thought I was the victim of some new exploit.
This just happened to me, and it is driving me nuts. I think I tracked it down to a program called DTIgnite. Somehow, a sight I visited or a link I clicked installed this program which essentially gives the controller a backdoor to install anything they want. I dont recall it being in the file directory before, but its there now and it survives a factory reset. Mine started doing it yesterday and I have done about 2 dozen factory resets trying to narrow down the problem I was able to determine that it only downloads these programs (the same thee mentioned) when the sim card is inserted. Without the sim card, and with an active wifi connection, it does not do it. The moment it gets a carrier signal, it begins downloading those three apps in the background. I went to tomobile and got a new sim card, and it still does it, but not if I put the sim card in a different phone. So it lies within my note 4 not my account or the sim card. Furthermore, if you factory reset without the simcard, DTIgnite does not appear in the file directory. Once it is inserted, DTIGnite downloads itself and then these three programs. This leads me to believe that what ever site I visited or clicked on, rooted my phone. Because, how else would it survive a reset unless it was in the root directory?
Now DTIgnite is an app developed by a firm that tries to market its capabilities to carriers in order to give them backdoor access to phones. I think its possible someone licensed the software and repurposed it to install bloat ware of their own for third party companies for profit.
In anycase, because of my work, I cannot have a compromised phone and must replace it now. Thinking about contacting a lawyer and seeing what can be done to the company that makes DTIgnite
raptir said:
Three apps installed themselves without my intervention:
Cookie Jam
Drippler
RetailMeNot
They didn't come preinstalled, but just installed themselves today. I was able to uninstall them but they keep coming back.
Any idea what's going on? They do not show up under My Apps in the play store, but I can uninstall them through settings. I did a factory reset and didn't install anything and they still come back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 PM ----------
IDIgnite is indeed the problem. I reformated without the Sim, and then without logging into any account I checked the app manager. Within, is DTIgnite, but once it is "turned off" you can insert the sim card and it will not resinstall those three programs. However, this app is not preinstalled which means each one of us clicked on a link that silently downloaded it. Furthermore, I suspect it has been placed in a safe partition on the device or on the ROOT directory itself because it survives a factory reset.
I dont know how to check if my device is rooted, but when I boot in recovery mode it lists me in # manual mode# and I seem to remember the # symbol was significant in the root determination discussion. Again, I am no expert on the matter; so, I can be completly off base here. I recomend you research my findings on your device to see if they are compromised as well.
Now, I just contacted Mandelay Digital, the publically traded company that authors DT Ignite, and let them know that on monday I will consult an attourney regarding there neglegent distribution of their software and have requested they provide steps to uninstall. after my discussion with an attourney, I may come back here to post information regarding a class action if it is feasible.
Well I know you guys have heard this before but porn sites are bad. Lmao. When ya guys click u may be given consent to those other apps to self install. You would have to prove that you did not give consent
BAD ASS NOTE 4
cirrob said:
This just happened to me, and it is driving me nuts. I think I tracked it down to a program called DTIgnite. Somehow, a sight I visited or a link I clicked installed this program which essentially gives the controller a backdoor to install anything they want. I dont recall it being in the file directory before, but its there now and it survives a factory reset. Mine started doing it yesterday and I have done about 2 dozen factory resets trying to narrow down the problem I was able to determine that it only downloads these programs (the same thee mentioned) when the sim card is inserted. Without the sim card, and with an active wifi connection, it does not do it. The moment it gets a carrier signal, it begins downloading those three apps in the background. I went to tomobile and got a new sim card, and it still does it, but not if I put the sim card in a different phone. So it lies within my note 4 not my account or the sim card. Furthermore, if you factory reset without the simcard, DTIgnite does not appear in the file directory. Once it is inserted, DTIGnite downloads itself and then these three programs. This leads me to believe that what ever site I visited or clicked on, rooted my phone. Because, how else would it survive a reset unless it was in the root directory?
Now DTIgnite is an app developed by a firm that tries to market its capabilities to carriers in order to give them backdoor access to phones. I think its possible someone licensed the software and repurposed it to install bloat ware of their own for third party companies for profit.
In anycase, because of my work, I cannot have a compromised phone and must replace it now. Thinking about contacting a lawyer and seeing what can be done to the company that makes DTIgnite
---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 PM ----------
IDIgnite is indeed the problem. I reformated without the Sim, and then without logging into any account I checked the app manager. Within, is DTIgnite, but once it is "turned off" you can insert the sim card and it will not resinstall those three programs. However, this app is not preinstalled which means each one of us clicked on a link that silently downloaded it. Furthermore, I suspect it has been placed in a safe partition on the device or on the ROOT directory itself because it survives a factory reset.
I dont know how to check if my device is rooted, but when I boot in recovery mode it lists me in # manual mode# and I seem to remember the # symbol was significant in the root determination discussion. Again, I am no expert on the matter; so, I can be completly off base here. I recomend you research my findings on your device to see if they are compromised as well.
Now, I just contacted Mandelay Digital, the publically traded company that authors DT Ignite, and let them know that on monday I will consult an attourney regarding there neglegent distribution of their software and have requested they provide steps to uninstall. after my discussion with an attourney, I may come back here to post information regarding a class action if it is feasible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really not a big deal.
For starters, a random piece of adware did NOT root your device. In order to root, you would need to run commands and codes into your device using a program called ODIN, and unless your phone rebooted, showed a red system menu, then rebooted itself again, it was not rooted. You would also have a root access application like SuperSU or SuperUser.
*****
There's 2 ways to go about fixing the adware...
1. Factory Reset, THEN ODIN back to factory stock, the files (from root accessed files and normal files alike) will be entirely resetted to how the stock .img was created.
2. (Easier way) Root, use Titanium and uninstall the adware application causing the problem. Seeing as I've never had adware on my device, I feel this way would only be a temporary fix.
Needless to say, fix #1 is preffered.
If this is an issue for you (novice problems might I add), use an antivirus designed for your device. There are multiple options in the Play Store.
And a side note for ya, this will not stand up in court, this wouldn't even make it to court; in any way possible. If a lawyer had a nickel for anyone who has ever had adware on their devices that was trying to take a company to court to get some kind of settlement or resolution, lawyers would be very rich people.
You visited a site that infected your device with adware. (Probably pornographic). You'll be wasting your time and money. Based on the fact that you went to the extent to call them and threaten them is even worse, almost childish. They don't care, they probably get calls like that all day, every day.
This is not some random anomaly, it's a virus that was installed into your device due to your Internet browsing / downloading habits.
*****
When you see **** on the ground, rather than yelling at it and rolling around in it, just pick it up and be done.
Same thing happened to me today. I formatted the phone using TWRP and reinstalled stock using Odin. The sim was still in the phone. As soon as the phone connected to the cell network these apps came back!
Next try was to reflash stock with the sim out. The apps were not there. After routing the phone I uninstalled /system/priv-app/Ignite_TMO.apk which is the package for IDIgnite. Thankfully, these apps have not returned since.
What I found odd was that even stock image did not remove these. I did ensure that the microsd card was also not present in the phone so these apps are definitely stored in the internal partition somewhere.
Why are we assuming this is an exploit rather than something T-Mobile shipped in a recent ROM update or in the original image in order to install these bloatware apps?
I think it might be in the ank4, because I just got these when flashing an ank4 Rom.
I know for sure I didn't have them before.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Unauthorized Apps Downloaded to T-Mobile Samsung Note 4.
I have a T-Mobile Samsung Note 4 which updated on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Just a few minutes ago, I turned my phone off, then turned it on again and noticed on the status/notification bar a triangle with exclamation mark... and when I pulled down screen it was for 2 apps warning that these apps have high permissions. I did not add these apps and when I looked at my apps I noticed the same 3 listed here were installed on my phone. Cookie Jam (high permissions), RetailMeNot (high permissions) and Drippler. I uninstalled from the Google Play Store. Before uninstalling, I planned to give a 1 star review for all 3 apps downloaded on my phone informing people of these apps, but there was no option for me to review these apps although these apps have reviews from other users. I didn't pay attention to the first two that I uninstalled but when I selected uninstall for the Drippler app, there was a warning "This app was not installed by Google Play Store. Do you want to Uninstall it". After this happened I did uncheck the "Unknown Sources" box under the security option for third party apps. I'm very disappointed that this has happened. I have had too much trouble with this phone and really feel that it was a waste of purchase. The first one I bought was broken and this is the second one exchanged in the store and it has many issues. I only downloaded 1 app (MOOC app) a few hours before this happened, but these didn't download until after I turned my phone off, then back on. The MOOC app listed links to several MOOCs online, and only had 4 reviews. If these same apps are being downloaded to other T-Mobile Note 4 users could this be from a link or a problem with the phone. What are the chances of several people accessing the same link? Does this mean the phone is hacked? If the "Unknown Sources" box is checked, will this stop the downloads without permission? Someone please help. This is an edited response to the above-written. After I wrote the response, I picked up my phone and noticed the Virus Scanner (CM Security) icon was in status bar. It showed there was 1 vulnerability called BroadAnywhere. I searched it on Google and found that it is a very bad virus... Once the virus was cleaned from my phone it seems to be working well. It hasn't been long but so far it seems ok and the apps haven't come back, nor the permissions (which did come back once after deleting apps) and well as a couple other things before the virus scan. Hopefully this will clear the problem. If not, I'll give update.
raptir said:
Three apps installed themselves without my intervention:
Cookie Jam
Drippler
RetailMeNot
They didn't come preinstalled, but just installed themselves today. I was able to uninstall them but they keep coming back.
Any idea what's going on? They do not show up under My Apps in the play store, but I can uninstall them through settings. I did a factory reset and didn't install anything and they still come back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed this happened to me as well,but it only happened after I updated my note to the new update. My wife's phone has not been updated and she doesn't have the app in her applications, so my assumption is it was packages in with the new update.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
There is a preinstalled app labeled "DT Ignite" in the most recent stock rom.
The app is found in /system/priv-app. The file is Ignite_TMO.apk.
Package name is com.LogiaGroup.LogiaDeck.
Just disable it and you guys should be fine.
happening to me too
I can confirm that this has happened to me after the most recent update. Note 4 tmobile version. Disabling "DT Ignite" seems to have fixed it.
First of all, thank you.* Despite your tone it was helpful and reassuring. I have never rooted before and am unfamiliar with the process. If you're willing, I have a few questions that perhaps you can point me in the right direction.
I would like to root and get rid of some applications in general so this isnt exactly off the table, but I would like to begin with a clean factory stock image.
If I do the first method, can I leave it rooted afterwards, or will the act of installing a clean factory stock image unroot the device again?
Also, can you provide a link to a site that offers detailed and trusted steps for either process? Searching google provides several dozen sites each with slightly different methods; what method did you use?
Regarding the tone and assumptions: You do make a lot of assumptions, and you do ooze an air of superiority in your response. I can respect that; this is, afterall your expertise. I just dont think its needed for people to respect your opinion. Assumptions, on the other hand, just lead to people being dismissive of your remarks all together. Its my job to look past assumptions, so they dont bother me much.
Regarding a lawsuite: I live in California and Mandelay Digital is based in California as well. In California you can (edited) sue someone for just about anything: bad thoughts, dressing poorly, beverage too hot etc (all real cases). If there is money to be had, a Lawyer will find a way. Mandelay is publically traded and the author of the software being used; there is incentive there. I will let the attourney make the decision.
Anyway, thank you for your initial response, and any further help you can provide.
---------- Post added at 04:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 PM ----------
Looks like I responded too early and should have read the new developments on the thread. It is possible my phone updated thanksgiving and I wasnt aware of it. I did change the battery mid afternoon for family pictures and such, and I noticed the apps (through app2sd notification about some of them being campatible with moving to the SD card) after it booted back up. I just did not see anything about a software update.
With that being said, I suppose it is fairly harmless, though I do not like the idea of such a direct and quite backdoor to installing apps on my phone. I agreed to the initial presinstalled apps, and I am sure somewhere in the initial agreements I may have agreed to unfettered access to my device's selection of apps, but I would still like a more obvious warning of this capability.
I figured it was something that T-Mobile or Samsung had to have snuck in on one of their updates. Luckily I got my phone right before we went on a trip for Thanksgiving. So I haven't had much time to play with it or even Root it yet. I was able to go through all my Apps in the application manager and clear data/turn off all of the apps that I don't want or use, and I haven't had anything reinstall itself without my approval. I have also unticked the unknown sources option, so maybe that helped as well.
I would normally agree that it was some site that performed a drive - by installation, but I haven't used my phone for anything other than taking pictures, and asking Google for directions around Nashville since I got it on Wednesday.
I will definitely be rooting and probably flashing a new rom as soon as I get home though. Having Random apps installed without me knowing is no fun at all.
I've had the new update since the day it was released and never had this problem.
Very disturbing. This is the rights for DT Ignite which is now built into the rom after taking the last update. Did a hard reset and now is part of the rom. Nothing loaded and just logged into the phone. The community should be very upset about T-Mobile sneaking this malware on our phones!
Let me be clear that this is after a hard reset without logging into google, Samsung or a Web page. This crapware is now part of the device if you took the last update.
cirrob said:
First of all, thank you.* Despite your tone it was helpful and reassuring. I have never rooted before and am unfamiliar with the process. If you're willing, I have a few questions that perhaps you can point me in the right direction.
I would like to root and get rid of some applications in general so this isnt exactly off the table, but I would like to begin with a clean factory stock image.
If I do the first method, can I leave it rooted afterwards, or will the act of installing a clean factory stock image unroot the device again?
Also, can you provide a link to a site that offers detailed and trusted steps for either process? Searching google provides several dozen sites each with slightly different methods; what method did you use?
Regarding the tone and assumptions: You do make a lot of assumptions, and you do ooze an air of superiority in your response. I can respect that; this is, afterall your expertise. I just dont think its needed for people to respect your opinion. Assumptions, on the other hand, just lead to people being dismissive of your remarks all together. Its my job to look past assumptions, so they dont bother me much.
Regarding a lawsuite: I live in California and Mandelay Digital is based in California as well. In California you can (edited) sue someone for just about anything: bad thoughts, dressing poorly, beverage too hot etc (all real cases). If there is money to be had, a Lawyer will find a way. Mandelay is publically traded and the author of the software being used; there is incentive there. I will let the attourney make the decision.
Anyway, thank you for your initial response, and any further help you can provide.
---------- Post added at 04:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 PM ----------
Looks like I responded too early and should have read the new developments on the thread. It is possible my phone updated thanksgiving and I wasnt aware of it. I did change the battery mid afternoon for family pictures and such, and I noticed the apps (through app2sd notification about some of them being campatible with moving to the SD card) after it booted back up. I just did not see anything about a software update.
With that being said, I suppose it is fairly harmless, though I do not like the idea of such a direct and quite backdoor to installing apps on my phone. I agreed to the initial presinstalled apps, and I am sure somewhere in the initial agreements I may have agreed to unfettered access to my device's selection of apps, but I would still like a more obvious warning of this capability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if you use the first method, it will unroot your device. (If it's rooted, that is. )
I am making a guide but got tied up yesterday, the guide will be up in about 2-3 hours. I will link it here when it's done.
devynbf said:
Yes if you use the first method, it will unroot your device. (If it's rooted, that is. )
I am making a guide but got tied up yesterday, the guide will be up in about 2-3 hours. I will link it here when it's done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you
cirrob said:
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...uide-odin-to-stock-unrooted-firmware-t2957156
Here ya go, guide is live.

Living Without Root

First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
HipKat said:
First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
sd_shadow said:
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
HipKat said:
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well for me the biggest difference is I used to use Playstation controllers, so I had to switch to a gamesir g3s which is the same size and shape but does not require root. Nothing else I do requires root so Im perfectly fine not having it. I miss mhl far more than root since I used it a lot with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse with chrome remote desktop, but I bought a laptop to eliminate that.
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
sn00gan said:
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I wanted to hear. Guess I'll have to pass on this one. No Backup, or V4A is not acceptable for me
The only complaint that I have is that some of the pre-installed apps are not able to be uninstalled. theres 4? or so that I can't get rid of
This is my first non-rootable phone and I have mixed feelings about that. As a stock platform, the Z Force is a great phone and does almost all that I could ask for from a pocket computer. I love having stock Android and like having WiFi calling, though it's a pain to switch back and forth: go into airplane mode, then switch WiFi on to make WiFi calls. Of course, you have to remember to turn airplane mode off when you get back into service.
I also miss Titanium Backup and the ability to completely remove apps I have no interest in having on my phone. All things being equal, I find that I can live without root on this phone. Battery life is great, it's fast, and it gets frequent and regular updates.
Really, no root?
So I just as well stay with my old rooted Droid Turbo. I came here thinking its time I look for a newer Motorola phone, that I can root.
What if I buy an unlocked Z Force? Can it be rooted then?
It seems that the regular Moto Z can be rooted according to this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-z/how-to/guide-how-to-root-moto-z-supersu-t3551113
So why can the Force not also be rooted?
Stuck with VZW Malware
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
sn00gan said:
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
htcSlide said:
How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I know, right? Reading comprehension can be hard.
As I said, my plan was to FIRST move back to an iPhone, THEN switch to T-Mobile OR Google Fi (the implication being, that when changing networks, one must obviously either have or obtain compatible hardware). Unfortunately, in my area only VZW has reliable 4G coverage without dead zones in the places where we need service the most. The wife has put her foot down about switching networks for the time being.
At least my iPhone, while older, still has the most recent version of iOS and is unencumbered by Verizon's malware. It's a reasonable compromise at the moment.
Since Z Force seems to be non-rootable, does it mean that camera2 api support level on the phone cannot be improved?
Or is there any way to enable Camera2 API Without Root on this phone?
also, can someone PLEASE help me on this QUERY...
What is Camera2 API support level on Moto Z FORCE
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z-force/themes/camera2-api-support-level-moto-z-force-t3863829
Its so sad not to have root on a very capable device like the Z force

Factory reset A7 ( SM T-505)

I have an Tablet A7 ( SM T-505)- With Android 10 UI 2.5.
But after sn failed update from Google Maps ( from 10 something to 11.75.0302)- wich disabled me from charging my tablet propably.
( as I would say ruin my tablet).
Because however what's strange is that I can recharge when I have empty battery( or atleast <5%). Will I charge earlier it just recharge my unit.
And if I cancel before it will be fully recharged I must use up what I have charged.
I myself already tryed to: Put my unit into Safe Mode,and also into dev mode, and also inactivated the app.
Since this app is an rooted app- wich is an part of Googles standard apps ( wich isn't possibel to delete).
So it seems that this update has affected the " register files" in Android.
But since I in the past had experienced trouble to complete the process in the past, mostly due to new updated regulations from both Samsung and Google.
But mostly from Samsung,since they nowdays requires 2 step aut to a nr wich I don't have acess to.
So is there any possibility for me to reset it in an other way?
Since I myself also have heard of Odin- forum.
But it seems that this forum is down- since I don't recive any confirmation mail.
Welcome to XDA
If a reset reset doesn't resolve the issue, flash to the last known working version.
If you're unsure how to flash it, a Samsung Experience center at Best Buys can do, or Samsung Repair. A good repair shop can as well. If all above fail you're looking at a mobo failure; flashing to the last known working version may bypass the hardware damage if that's the cause.
Firmware upgrades and updates can and do break Samsung's. Anytime you flash firmware you take a risk, I trust OTA updates the least. Personally I avoid doing it on Samsung's if the device is running well.
[Edit]:
Well it seems that every time an new update is released from Google causes some sort of conflict( creates bug reports), and that every new update also requires an system update ( OS).
But what's more stange is that Google them selves ignore this,and their standard reply to everyting is Factory Reset.
And in the end that Google don't mention anyting about this.
Since all units wich are sold ( doesn't matter if it's an Tablet or phone ) they always will come with an rooted OS.
Since this type of licence is some special OEM- Software, it's also disabled from doing any changes to the software( non refundable)
So this mean if you already activated it once,it's per default also impossibel to recover( reinstall).
Unleash you create a new account.
Because however I myself had ruined my previous device due to an system update.
Since Samsung call their OS UI.
What many people also is not aware of is the difference between an update and reinstall.
Update= Only adds something new,but don't fix the original problem.
So the conclution is that Google force users to buy the latest equipment.
Wich also mean that I strongly dissuade users to repeat my misstake.
Just find your settings and disable from reciving autoupdates.
But what's more strange is that the new update activates some sort of Safe Mode= an absolut min of charging ( close to values of discarging)
Aprox 0.5A or less.
So this mean that the unit is charging,but very slowly( wich are similar/ close to discharging).
I myself would see an feature of an option where I can manualy Delete( or choose not download) this app.
Because however this is some sort of Momentum 22.
Since what Samsung says about this is that they don't take any responsiblity of 3:rd party apps ( wich are Samsungs policy).
At the other hand what Google do is that they forces me to create an Google accunt- wich is essential.
But the best would if the licens from Samsung would be an traditional OEM- software, wich I could use and reset as many times I find is nessesarly.
Because that's not the case today.
Since when Google has 100% control,they also decide like an push of a button when they should shut down my acess to their software.
Thomasz25 said:
[Edit]:
Well it seems that every time an new update is released from Google causes some sort of conflict( creates bug reports), and that every new update also requires an system update ( OS).
But what's more stange is that Google them selves ignore this,and their standard reply to everyting is Factory Reset.
And in the end that Google don't mention anyting about this.
Since all units wich are sold ( doesn't matter if it's an Tablet or phone ) they always will come with an rooted OS.
Since this type of licence is some special OEM- Software, it's also disabled from doing any changes to the software( non refundable)
So this mean if you already activated it once,it's per default also impossibel to recover( reinstall).
Unleash you create a new account.
Because however I myself had ruined my previous device due to an system update.
Since Samsung call their OS UI.
What many people also is not aware of is the difference between an update and reinstall.
Update= Only adds something new,but don't fix the original problem.
So the conclution is that Google force users to buy the latest equipment.
Wich also mean that I strongly dissuade users to repeat my misstake.
Just find your settings and disable from reciving autoupdates.
But what's more strange is that the new update activates some sort of Safe Mode= an absolut min of charging ( close to values of discarging)
Aprox 0.5A or less.
So this mean that the unit is charging,but very slowly( wich are similar/ close to discharging).
I myself would see an feature of an option where I can manualy Delete( or choose not download) this app.
Because however this is some sort of Momentum 22.
Since what Samsung says about this is that they don't take any responsiblity of 3:rd party apps ( wich are Samsungs policy).
At the other hand what Google do is that they forces me to create an Google accunt- wich is essential.
But the best would if the licens from Samsung would be an traditional OEM- software, wich I could use and reset as many times I find is nessesarly.
Because that's not the case today.
Since when Google has 100% control,they also decide like an push of a button when they should shut down my acess to their software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gookill... had my fill of them. Invariably they either keep screwing with a good product until they dumb it down or discontinue it. Either way you're boned. Typical MS ideology, woke cloud our way or the highway; you'll own nothing and be happy... not.
This N10+ last firmware update was 11/2019, still running on Pie. The current load will be 3 yo this June, still fast, stable with minimal maintenance. Security is not an issue. All OTA updates are disables as is Playstore. Google play Services is temporarily disabled unless needed. Samsung updates are disabled as much as possible; Galaxy store and Good Lock apps requires them. Wearables does not and the newer versions suck. Firmware upgrades for the Buds+ should be blocked if they sound good; use a firewall to lock it down.
These are some of the reasons why this Note runs so well and is so stable.
Rule #1 - if a OS is fulfilling its mission let it be!
Use ApkExport to save time, trouble and to avoid using Playstore for reloads and new setups. For paid Playstore apps, once activated firewall block them and disabled Playstore. Playstore runs a lot in the background and isn't needed.
Most apps should not be updated if nothing else is. This can break them and is a potential security risk.
That's a realistic ( and a bit funny) way of express yourself.
Because however as I remembered old computer programs( the type of license); is that when you bought it once you had it for more of less your lifetime( or untill a new OS was released).
But since the new app based technology; in wich you sign up for a period of time( wich means that you don't own your own copy), so this mean that a company in click of a button decides when and who sholud have acess to their products.
So even if Samsung ( or other brands) put " quality" hardware ( for an example high battery,great screen resolution,a good camera etc),but since a hardware is depending on a stable software- it will be a pile of junk either way.
So it's the same of putting an Volvo BM Tractor engine into a Volvo 740 series.
But now matter of my comical expressions- since I myself is an complete novice in the world of Android( has more experience of Win 98).
As I would say: " Everything above Win 98 is just superfluous"
But however I myself had experienced that there are loads of junk apps in Play store.
Some are released from officaly ( well known/ established) sources, but there are exeptions( mostly from cusom search from Google)- wich are junk( harmfull).
Now matter, what is the attached APK- File? What can I use?
Since I myself found a great site wich has APK- Files ( Google maps).
But this maybe be superfluous, since my main issue is that I need to perform a factory reset ( clean install).
Since I myself had experienced it badly in the past,I don't want to repeat the same again.
Thomasz25 said:
That's a realistic ( and a bit funny) way of express yourself.
Because however as I remembered old computer programs( the type of license); is that when you bought it once you had it for more of less your lifetime( or untill a new OS was released).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, still running W7 and may run XPx64 again as well. No real time limit as long as you use it within it's parameters.
Thomasz25 said:
But since the new app based technology; in wich you sign up for a period of time( wich means that you don't own your own copy), so this mean that a company in click of a button decides when and who sholud have acess to their products.
So even if Samsung ( or other brands) put " quality" hardware ( for an example high battery,great screen resolution,a good camera etc),but since a hardware is depending on a stable software- it will be a pile of junk either way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Samsung's need to be optimized and need a package disabler or adb edits. A stock Samsung as such can run very good. This N10+ is still running on Pie, current liad will be 3yo this June.
Almost no issues with minimal maintenance.
Thomasz25 said:
So it's the same of putting an Volvo BM Tractor engine into a Volvo 740 series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those tractor engines ran a lot better with plenty of off the line torque and acceleration. I owned 2 80's 240's before the brand went to hell. You could get half a mil miles out of them. 20 mpg even if stomp down on the accelerator from a stand still in city driving most of the time. You beat the turbos off the line everytime. The air aspirated International diesel on the 90's Ford F-250, E-250's etc were they same way, and fun to drive. Today's junk is well, junk.
Thomasz25 said:
But now matter of my comical expressions- since I myself is an complete novice in the world of Android( has more experience of Win 98).
As I would say: " Everything above Win 98 is just superfluous"
But however I myself had experienced that there are loads of junk apps in Play store.
Some are released from officaly ( well known/ established) sources, but there are exeptions( mostly from cusom search from Google)- wich are junk( harmfull).
Now matter, what is the attached APK- File? What can I use?
Since I myself found a great site wich has APK- Files ( Google maps).
But this maybe be superfluous, since my main issue is that I need to perform a factory reset ( clean install).
Since I myself had experienced it badly in the past,I don't want to repeat the same again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA.
Try using ApkExport to make installable copies of your Android apps...

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