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Hi All,
It's been quite a few years since I last rerooted a phone - I've found I just didn't really need to with Nexus devices, but since the next Nexuses don't have wireless charging, I've decided to pick up a Note 5.
It's a good phone, I really like it so far, but there are enough things niggling me about it, I think I will root this time. If anyone can provide advice on any of the following list I'd really appreciate it!
1. I see Dr Ketan's thread on the matter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/general/how-to-root-note-5-t3205073) which seems doable, and as complex as I remember. Has anyone tried one-click rooting and can comment on reliability? I'm all for just getting easy root access... For reference I have the SM-N920I. I also see "tripping Knox" a lot, but I have no idea what the means. Last person I asked said "I can't say if that is a good or bad for your specific situation" which makes me think they didn't understand my question.
2. I don't like TouchWiz. It's OK, but I much prefer stock, or, what I'm doing at the moment: Action Launcher 3. I prefer the stock dialer, and the stock quick menu (when you pull-down notification bar). Can I flash a stock ROM onto the Note 5? I mean, not stock-like like the popular MODs (Cyanogen for example) but something that is practically stock? I may end up going with something like Cyanogen, but I'd just like to know what's out there along those lines.
3. Having said that I don't like TouchWiz, and might install a new ROM, there are many things I do like about this device's interface: The SPen's overlay/menu is handy. The fact it brings up a notepad-like app if you pop the SPen out when the screen is off, one-hand mode (note: I have found an XPosed Module for this), the fingerprint scanner, the camera app, the S Planner app, the Home button shortcuts (single click->home; double-click->camera; triple-click->one handed mode) ... all things I assume I'll lose if I flash away Touch Wiz. However, perhaps I can get some (or all) of these things back? If so ... how? e.g. It looks like one-handed mode could be acheived with an XPosed module, and the home-button shortcuts with a launcher (I think Action Launcher can over ride this...)
4. Always listening Google Now. At the moment I have fingerprint scanner lockscreen security, always listening S Voice, and Google Now "from any screen." It... kinda works. But I can't see any reason why Google Now shouldn't just be always listening, and using a Trusted Voice allow me to throw voice commands at my device at any time. At the moment only S Voice is always listening... and even if I have the screen on, trusted voice doesn't seem to be able to get through the fingerprint security anyway. Ironically if I ask S Voice to launch Google Voice Search... it ploughs through in that scenario. Ultimate goal: Have Google Now always listening, and use Trusted Voice to get past the lockscreen, which would typically be secured with a fingerprint scanner.
If you can answer, or provide feedback on any of these queries, it'd be much appreciated!
dakuth said:
Hi All,
It's been quite a few years since I last rerooted a phone - I've found I just didn't really need to with Nexus devices, but since the next Nexuses don't have wireless charging, I've decided to pick up a Note 5.
It's a good phone, I really like it so far, but there are enough things niggling me about it, I think I will root this time. If anyone can provide advice on any of the following list I'd really appreciate it!
1. I see Dr Ketan's thread on the matter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/general/how-to-root-note-5-t3205073) which seems doable, and as complex as I remember. Has anyone tried one-click rooting and can comment on reliability? I'm all for just getting easy root access... For reference I have the SM-N920I. I also see "tripping Knox" a lot, but I have no idea what the means. Last person I asked said "I can't say if that is a good or bad for your specific situation" which makes me think they didn't understand my question.
2. I don't like TouchWiz. It's OK, but I much prefer stock, or, what I'm doing at the moment: Action Launcher 3. I prefer the stock dialer, and the stock quick menu (when you pull-down notification bar). Can I flash a stock ROM onto the Note 5? I mean, not stock-like like the popular MODs (Cyanogen for example) but something that is practically stock? I may end up going with something like Cyanogen, but I'd just like to know what's out there along those lines.
3. Having said that I don't like TouchWiz, and might install a new ROM, there are many things I do like about this device's interface: The SPen's overlay/menu is handy. The fact it brings up a notepad-like app if you pop the SPen out when the screen is off, one-hand mode (note: I have found an XPosed Module for this), the fingerprint scanner, the camera app, the S Planner app, the Home button shortcuts (single click->home; double-click->camera; triple-click->one handed mode) ... all things I assume I'll lose if I flash away Touch Wiz. However, perhaps I can get some (or all) of these things back? If so ... how? e.g. It looks like one-handed mode could be acheived with an XPosed module, and the home-button shortcuts with a launcher (I think Action Launcher can over ride this...)
4. Always listening Google Now. At the moment I have fingerprint scanner lockscreen security, always listening S Voice, and Google Now "from any screen." It... kinda works. But I can't see any reason why Google Now shouldn't just be always listening, and using a Trusted Voice allow me to throw voice commands at my device at any time. At the moment only S Voice is always listening... and even if I have the screen on, trusted voice doesn't seem to be able to get through the fingerprint security anyway. Ironically if I ask S Voice to launch Google Voice Search... it ploughs through in that scenario. Ultimate goal: Have Google Now always listening, and use Trusted Voice to get past the lockscreen, which would typically be secured with a fingerprint scanner.
If you can answer, or provide feedback on any of these queries, it'd be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Rooting is easy on the 920I. Just follow the instructions. As for tripping Knox, Knox is a security system which you may or may not use. Many don't but some people and enterprises do. Knox is also required for Samsung Pay which is currently rolling out. As soon as you root Knox will be disabled and a flag will be tripped which cannot be reset - thus once you root, that is that. Whoever said that they don't know whether you use Knox was absolutely right. The most obvious case is that if you want to use Samsung Pay, don't root.
Two things: when you root, make sure you backup your EFS. Also have a look around for which kernel you are going to install. I use arter 7.0 at the moment.
2 and 3. Experiment with other launchers and see what you like. I don't like touchwiz but I do like the spen integration. Same for ROMs - have a good look around before you root to see what you like. I prefer Dr ketan L3 but it's all personal choice.
In order from most annoying:
Cannot whitelist k9 mail (and other things) from power saving (this is a deal breaker, I'm taking it back)
Long press to select text instead of double click (vanilla android allows both) (almost a deal breaker)
Media volume cannot be increased without acknowledging warning when BT connected
Can’t disable bixby button without samsung account
No root (needed to run webserver on 80 and change iptables)
Fingerprint sensor hard to find, hard to touch (compared to nexus 6p)
Default phone app sucks and can’t be changed
-Notifications for blocked numbers calling
-Hard to block numbers
-Hard to add recent calls to contacts (uses wrong account or something)
Volume buttons hard to find, on wrong side of phone
Samsung sms app is ugly and horrible (replaceable)
Samsung calendar app does not allow multiple default reminders (replaceable)
Lock screen time is on multiple lines with no way to change it
Thats nice. Enjoy.
swooperstar said:
bleh bleh bleh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the question? Wrong forum, maybe you should tell someone who cares?
Um, what phone is this, half the things you complain about can be done by the note 8, so must be another phone. Maybe he got the wrong forum...
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
Incorrect, but whatever. Pixel2 XL coming next week to replace this samsuck. This site used to be more help less fanboy.
...more help less fan boy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not about fanboys, you didn't ask for any help, just listed complaints. No one cares about personal complaints.
lol once again the user is the problem not the device... you can do all of those things either with an app from the play store or with root. maybe stick to something more simple? try iOS.
Not sure how moving to another Android device will help you. :laugh:
Being that the OP has a total of 9, count them 9 posts and is a junior member, I'm guessing he's referring to the old days on the site when we were more help and less fanbois
Mr.Ash.Man said:
lol once again the user is the problem not the device... you can do all of those things either with an app from the play store or with root. maybe stick to something more simple? try iOS.
Not sure how moving to another Android device will help you. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is already using IOS!
Ryland
Now we know from authoritative source that volume button is on the wrong side all those years, imagine that.
There are ways to adjust pretty much all of these points. Some are android specific - assume you are new to Android??
Did you even review the phone/play with it before spending on something you have chosen to dislike? To be fair you've come to a forum where 99.9999% of people are note enthusiasts so you will be whacked with a great big stick with a post like this :silly:
Ok how do you whitelist from power saving in a way that actually works? The settings interface for that is much different than stock android and doesn't actually let stuff run all the time like it does on my 6p. k9 always says syncing disabled (and works fine on 6p with stock nougat or oreo).
How do you get double-tap to select a word in text? Works by default in stock android.
After asking twice before to confirm increase volume while BT connected, it didn't ask this last time I increased it. I guess it is magically ok now.
How do you disable bixby button without creating a samsung account? There is an app that used to work using accessibility but no longer works in latest update.
How do you get root? The rooting page itself says "2.Enable OEM Unlock from developer option (Currently no workaround for those who doesn't have this option)" and I don't have this option.
How do you change the phone app? I tried downloading and installing one from apkmirror and got an error when installing.
How do you prevent notifications when blocked callers call?
How do you get normal time on the lock screen? Not the always on screen.
swooperstar said:
Ok how do you whitelist from power saving in a way that actually works? The settings interface for that is much different than stock android and doesn't actually let stuff run all the time like it does on my 6p. k9 always says syncing disabled (and works fine on 6p with stock nougat or oreo).
How do you get double-tap to select a word in text? Works by default in stock android.
After asking twice before to confirm increase volume while BT connected, it didn't ask this last time I increased it. I guess it is magically ok now.
How do you disable bixby button without creating a samsung account? There is an app that used to work using accessibility but no longer works in latest update.
How do you get root? The rooting page itself says "2.Enable OEM Unlock from developer option (Currently no workaround for those who doesn't have this option)" and I don't have this option.
How do you change the phone app? I tried downloading and installing one from apkmirror and got an error when installing.
How do you prevent notifications when blocked callers call?
How do you get normal time on the lock screen? Not the always on screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A respectful suggestion if I may.
Your first post was..... confrontational? Not the way to have your teething problems answered or supported.
Many of us, in all forum's, experience teething problems. I suggest you ask questions preferably one at a time so a peer can offer you some advice.
I have yet to ask for help here and not receive it. You will find there are some amazingly smart guys and gals here who will help IF you ask a palatable question. I am afraid what you have done is cause bad feeling and that's not the way to get help with your problems. Just food for thought. :good:
Ryland
I agree with the fingerprint sensor placement, for me being left handed, I have ot align it perfectly for it to work. Luckily the iris scanner is fast.
One issue I am coming across is my phone would random reboot and some settings would be changed to stock. For example, the font size would be change to default instead of everything tiny. My quick shortcuts layouts are stock and I have to re-login into some apps.
It happened about 3 times since i got the phone the first week of September. Hopefully I'm not alone. Sucks if I am though...lol
There is no help for those issues. That is why there is no response, and why the phone is going back. I am surprised anyone can stand the samsung interface and that is why it might sound confrontational. The apps that samsung replaces default apps with are really awful.
swooperstar said:
There is no help for those issues. That is why there is no response, and why the phone is going back. I am surprised anyone can stand the samsung interface and that is why it might sound confrontational. The apps that samsung replaces default apps with are really awful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only issue or possibly even an advantage is Samsung is edging it's own ecosystem in more and more. , basically it encourages one to buy another Sammy device and stay on board with them.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
UberPishy said:
Where is the question? Wrong forum, maybe you should tell someone who cares?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I care. Thanks to the original poster for critical analysis.
Anybody can fan-boy and circlejerk, that takes no skill.
It takes skill to spot issues and courage to speak out on them.
Every phones has its issues, these do not make Note 8 useless, but buyers can more easily decide if it is for them, when they know its particular failings.
vasra said:
I care. Thanks to the original poster for critical analysis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So which of the OP's claims do you really care about, because most are false, many are non issues for the majority and a few are valid. But the point remains that they were posted in the wrong forum.
vasra said:
I care. Thanks to the original poster for critical analysis.
Anybody can fan-boy and circlejerk, that takes no skill.
It takes skill to spot issues and courage to speak out on them.
Every phones has its issues, these do not make Note 8 useless, but buyers can more easily decide if it is for them, when they know its particular failings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a critical assessment...it's a misleading one.
A few observations.
The volume button on the left side is the more ergonomic position and also makes it less likely you will drop the phone while changing volume making it an objectively better placement. The fingerprint scanner? Yeah, it's poor ergonomics at best and your complaint there is well justified.
Root is something you knew going in you wouldn't have, if it mattered you should have bought something else. I do agree in general that the trend toward taking root access from us is one I hate. That's why I bought an international version and rooted it.
The Samsung calendar app is less well featured than the stock app but it uses no resources when not used and you can always use the google app or one of the several better than stock google calendar apps on the play store. You don't get to complain about not having an app you can put on you phone in seconds which isn't even close to the best app of its kind anyways. I BTW didn't use the stock app on my 6P, didn't meet my needs.Samsung's stock SMS app is awful, IMO someone should be fired there because it falls below even a minimum level of functionality. But then while Googles does manage to get to at least a minimally functional feature set it isn't much better and both are a long way from what can be had in seconds for free that work better than either on the market. You don't get to complain about this one either though, the stock google app is a few clicks away and a few seconds will give that stock google experience if that is your preference.
Same number of clicks with Samsung to add a recent callers to contacts. Hard to do so is dismissed.
Hard to copy because you have to long press instead of double tap? Seriously? lol That's a fairly lame complaint without even taking into consideration the S-pen which opens up a whole world of options that you don't have on the 6P, one of which is using the S-Pen in the first place.
I like the default dialer and it has features which Google's does not. Regardless it can be changed as well as which dialer is the default, where did you get the idea you couldn't change dialers?
I don't have the media volume warning with my phone unless I'm on headphones, not sure why you do?
The Bixby button can be disabled, it can be disabled without signing into Samsung. Just an FYI, it can also be slaved to another function. All without root.
You can white list any app from power saver, just takes a few clicks, assuming of course you know which clicks. You have in an oblique way a real gripe here, Samsung's menus are getting better but they are still too bloated. The search menu function is your friend in pursing hard to find settings.
Who uses lock screens in this day an age? You've get bio-metrics and AOD, leaving the lock screen as an artifact of what was once the best we could do but isn't anymore. Think of it this way, I'm a pathetic old man and I've been able to understand that lockscreens are now just an extra step. Your complaint in this regard reminds me of my friends who cant handle new tech and are still trying to hang on to their flip phone.
At this point you probably think I'm busting your balls a little bit and you're right. On the other hand your complaints are largely groundless. The only real objective gripe you have is the fingerprint sensor location. Your assessment of the volume button location is subjective, not objective, and objectively is incorrect. Your complaints about the stock apps can be applied to google apps in the same way and most of which I changed on my 6P just as I have here. The impression I get is that the main problem you have is you need to learn how to shop better. There is no reason to buy a phone that does not have root if you know you want root. There is no reason to buy a phone well known for it's rather overbearing GUI and menu bloat if you know you are going to hate it. Why do that to yourself?
I didn't come for a lecture on how the phone will automatically sleep apps I don't use or how I can just live with it. I just want to clean the clutter from my phone. I don't use Bixby, nor do I want stickers in my camera, nor do I want 80% of my app drawer being taken up by crap I will never ever touch.
Oh and I'm not buying a pixel, they are ugly and I can't draw on one.
I used to use bk disabler but now it won't go past the sdk loading screen.
What do you guys use that doesn't involve adb or rooting.
BriniaSona said:
I didn't come for a lecture on how the phone will automatically sleep apps I don't use or how I can just live with it. I just want to clean the clutter from my phone. I don't use Bixby, nor do I want stickers in my camera, nor do I want 80% of my app drawer being taken up by crap I will never ever touch.
Oh and I'm not buying a pixel, they are ugly and I can't draw on one.
I used to use bk disabler but now it won't go past the sdk loading screen.
What do you guys use that doesn't involve adb or rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their site has a post explaining how to get the app to work on the latest software update. You'll have to use adb.
Use adhell 3, it's not on xda so you'll need to Google it but it works fine
Sounds like you want an iPhone ??
BriniaSona said:
I didn't come for a lecture on how the phone will automatically sleep apps I don't use or how I can just live with it. I just want to clean the clutter from my phone. I don't use Bixby, nor do I want stickers in my camera, nor do I want 80% of my app drawer being taken up by crap I will never ever touch.
Oh and I'm not buying a pixel, they are ugly and I can't draw on one.
I used to use bk disabler but now it won't go past the sdk loading screen.
What do you guys use that doesn't involve adb or rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.powermanager.batteryaddon
The disablers dont work with android 8. You can use sabs is clearly the beast option and best disabler ever. Before open threads search into the site.
Amaranth` said:
The disablers dont work with android 8. You can use sabs is clearly the beast option and best disabler ever. Before open threads search into the site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Package Disabler Pro+ (Samsung) works fine for me on Oreo.
StevePritchard said:
Package Disabler Pro+ (Samsung) works fine for me on Oreo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe after the last update. But sabs still mutch better. Is not only a disabler. Can try both.
Uninstalling via adb is so much more easier and hassle-free. You can find a very small package with just the minimum required on the forum. No need of Knox key, Android studio, generating key every 3 months, not knowing when it will be discontinued or if it will still work with the next update, etc.
You can just install them back when needed.
Nastrahl said:
Uninstalling via adb is so much more easier and hassle-free. You can find a very small package with just the minimum required on the forum. No need of Knox key, Android studio, generating key every 3 months, not knowing when it will be discontinued or if it will still work with the next update, etc.
You can just install them back when needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need for android studio, there is apk which just need renaming.
Ok it is by far the more complicated app to install, but also by far the best, much better from any other solution, and the one with by far the best battery.
If you can, you go for sabs, if not this is the best alternative
..
Sent from my Note 8 using XDA Labs
I've been using Package Disabler Pro + (Samsung) by policedeveloper and it works flawlessly...
There's another topic you might want to check out regarding this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/help/package-disabler-pro-samsung-vs-bk-t3617455/page4
sosimple said:
No need for android studio, there is apk which just need renaming.
Ok it is by far the more complicated app to install, but also by far the best, much better from any other solution, and the one with by far the best battery.
If you can, you go for sabs, if not this is the best alternative
..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since SABS is discontinued I won't recommend it and you'll still need a key to be generated every 90 days if not banned beforehand. Plus, an other app to install to rename the package and this method was never supported by the devs.
If I recall what was said on the thread well, it never fully disallowed the disabled packages to still run in the background.
It can't be better than just uninstalling the unwanted app for the current user which require nothing than a 9 MB to install on your computer.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
Then
Code:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.yourpackage
Nastrahl said:
Since SABS is discontinued I won't recommend it and you'll still need a key to be generated every 90 days if not banned beforehand. Plus, an other app to install to rename the package and this method was never supported by the devs.
If I recall what was said on the thread well, it never fully disallowed the disabled packages to still run in the background.
It can't be better than just uninstalling the unwanted app for the current user which require nothing than a 9 MB to install on your computer.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
Then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually sabs is still unofficially updating. Last version is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/8cp46f/notsabs_version_100_changelog/
After first installation it is a peace of cake to update. To renew key, i spend under 1 minute... 1 minute every 3 + months (it still work some times to 4 months.) is nothing for me.. On the other hand, i have friends who can't do it, so i do it for them.. I suppose we doesn't all have same knowledge..
It doesn't need continuing update as it has specific target which is fulfilled as it is..
Something that you don't know. Search it if you think i am wrong, i am not: By the adb command you posted you do EXACTLY what sabs does. You just use a pc for this. You don't really uninstall an app. You just hide it from os. You don't earn the mb of the app, as the app still stay installed. Just os doesn't see it. Just for information. I can understand that some people find it hard to use sabs. It's a good thing we have options.
One thing is 100% sure though. There is not better way than sabs. No pc, no adb, no anything. Nothing is better and more battery friendly. But yes, it is the most complicated for installing. Some people just can't do it or doesn't want to spent the time for installing it. It's very understantudable this..
I know why the OP said he doesn't want a lecture. Of course you're always gonna get the comments about why buy a SSamsung.Well I like the way it operates....generally. But I've not found any Android that provides the very customizable email app I like...including Samsung. But their email app keeps running even though I've never uusd it. The "it doesn't affect battery life" mantra is crap. When you're doing something intensive, EVERYTHING running in the background lags you more and more.
I had Package Disabler...quit working. I paid for BK disabler...quit working. I just tried Package Disabler Pro+, crashed everytime I tried to disable anything.
Not everyone has quick access to a PC. Mine crashed, then Oreo updates, screws everything up so I have to factory reset...without a computer, ADB or a working disabler.
In addition to email, Smart Things constantly wants to run and I don't own any smart equipment to use it with. So why can't you even disable it? WithTV??? ANT??? Does anyone use ALL of the apps on their phone? If not then it would be nice to be able to disable what you don't want. And the space waste Uber, Briefing, ad infinitum, you should have the rights to delete them, not just disable. When you pay 3 car payments for a phone, you expect it to work the way you want it.
>>>Off my soapbox. But that's why I bought a Samsung and why I want a working disabler too.
If you own a Samsung device and you want a full package disabler and adblocker come to the alliancex website and download the alliance x shield full package disabler APN changer and Ad blocker all without root.
garyinskeep1 said:
If you own a Samsung device and you want a full package disabler and adblocker come to the alliancex website and download the alliance x shield full package disabler APN changer and Ad blocker all without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't seems to be a very active project. Plus, having to post to enable features...
That was an old requirement they did away with the poat rule.The alliance x shield works great
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
garyinskeep said:
That was an old requirement they did away with the poat rule.The alliance x shield works great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great.
It's it still an active, updated project?
Yes it's still active and we are still adding new things.If you have anything you would like to see added let me or one of the other active mods now we will discuss with developer.
garyinskeep1 said:
Yes it's still active and we are still adding new things.If you have anything you would like to see added let me or one of the other active mods now we will discuss with developer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice!
I'll test it as soon as I can. Sorry for the bad hasted opinion yesterday.
---------- Post added at 08:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 AM ----------
garyinskeep1 said:
Yes it's still active and we are still adding new things.If you have anything you would like to see added let me or one of the other active mods now we will discuss with developer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice!
I'll test it as soon as I can. Sorry for the bad hasted opinion yesterday
I saw a recent article about being able to use tasker to activate, via Active Edge, to run any app you want. I've written and called the Google Pixel tech team and suggested that they added a "squeeze to answer" feature. I hate swipping to answer especially I'm a Samsung convert coming from a Note 5. The Nt 5 had a physical home button so you could set the button to answer calls which made life easy and one handed. But, now I have a Pixel 2 XL don't miss the Note at all, but I want that feature.
So can it be done? I hope I don't have to root
Thanks
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your better get a Oneplus Phones for modding / rooting purpose.
For samsung phones, somebody have to find a solution for knox trip.
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
...
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as you already noticed the modding/rooting community for the S21 series is not that active (yet?), maybe indeed different to phones like the Oneplus 8 Pro etc...
But still there is a reliably working method for rooting the device, although depending from your location warranty may be void afterwards. And then there is Knox, so rooting will definitely disable some specific Samsung functions (Samsung pay & Safe Folder among them).
If you are interested, there are threads on rooting and TWRP - the forum is presently only one for all S21U topics so things move down the line pretty quickly :
I for myself as a long-time "rooter" decided to go with locked stock ROM and while missing some detailed tweakings things are running pretty nicely so far. One of the things I noticed is that 90% of the things you do with rooting are workarounds to cover the negative effects of rooting - like making Gpay work etc.
Yes, unless there's a solution for the Samsung Knox issues, rooting will void your warranty. FWIW, the stock software has so much customization options that even after 2 months of using it I still haven't got hold of all the customizations. Yes, you might do in OnePlus where the software is quite bland/ featureless but that's not the case with One UI
fairyshacker said:
Your better get a Oneplus Phones for modding / rooting purpose.
For samsung phones, somebody have to find a solution for knox trip.
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Click to collapse
I don't want anything from a Chinese company.
s3axel said:
Well, as you already noticed the modding/rooting community for the S21 series is not that active (yet?), maybe indeed different to phones like the Oneplus 8 Pro etc...
But still there is a reliably working method for rooting the device, although depending from your location warranty may be void afterwards. And then there is Knox, so rooting will definitely disable some specific Samsung functions (Samsung pay & Safe Folder among them).
If you are interested, there are threads on rooting and TWRP - the forum is presently only one for all S21U topics so things move down the line pretty quickly :
I for myself as a long-time "rooter" decided to go with locked stock ROM and while missing some detailed tweakings things are running pretty nicely so far. One of the things I noticed is that 90% of the things you do with rooting are workarounds to cover the negative effects of rooting - like making Gpay work etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worried about warranties. I don't know if I'd ever need the samsung specific things like Samsung Pay. Not sure what Safe Folder is but I guess it's some kind of encryption based file storing? I generally don't use all these mainstream things people like.
I don't really spend time making Google Pay work because I have no use for it. I'll have an occasional issue with an app refusing to operate because of rooting and Magisk Hide doesn't work, but it isn't a big deal.
I like tweaking things like the battery logo (I like having a circle with percentage number inside and not having the extra/stock battery logo up there at the same time). I like to disable certain system icons from the top bar that aren't necessary to be there and just clog it up. I like adding the "clear all" type buttons in the running apps page. I like customizing the behavior of holding the power button so I can reboot, reboot to recovery, or shut the phone off easily.
For example, on my LG V30+ right now I am running the stock rom but rooted it and did things like I described above. Nothing major and don't need Google Pay. The LG app for air conditioners won't run because of my root. My bank app notifies me of root very occasionally but isn't a big deal. Yeah, I don't think my SafetyNet passes, but I don't care.
I am using Xposed, hostless AdAway, No Shutter Sound, Highway Radar and YouTube Vanced as well.
amirage said:
Yes, unless there's a solution for the Samsung Knox issues, rooting will void your warranty. FWIW, the stock software has so much customization options that even after 2 months of using it I still haven't got hold of all the customizations. Yes, you might do in OnePlus where the software is quite bland/ featureless but that's not the case with One UI
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Click to collapse
I tend to go through every single setting in a phone before I even start really dailying it . I don't mind it. I like customization. That's great to hear. I do like unrestricted or not very restricted phones as opposed to iPhone style lockdown stuff, though.
I used to consider the OnePlus phones but lately I have been more insistent on not buying things made in China or from Chinese companies as much as possible... for various reasons.
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So assuming I don't care about things like warranty and Samsung Pay.. what other drawbacks are there? What would stop me from going this route? I intend on picking it up from Google because they have really good deals and I can even make 0% interest payments. I just have to stick with Fi for 3 months, then I can go back to ATT.
Another concern I have is the size of the phone. It makes me lean towards the S21 5G. I just like the Ultra for the other enhancements.
Thanks to all of you as well for the replies.
I wouldn't get that phone if my intent was to root it. One of the more easily rootable Samsung models probably be a better choice*. If you want a blackhole gravity well to get frozen in time with while you're troubleshooting the root then this is a good choice.
That said stock Samsung's are the most customizable phones there are. Hundreds of free icon packs/themes, the Good Lock family of apps and more. The SSC codec for the Buds+ that seamlessly connect to this model with the propiatory Samsung new 360° audio support.
You can lock it down with PD MDM package disabler and Karma Firewall.
*Also no SD card slot so no dual drive ie data drive; you lose a valuble key feature.
Personally I loathe it's rounded corners/display and it's larger frame to display ratio. It's ugly compared to the Note 10+ or N 20 U; I take either of these over the 21 series any day.
Yeah, I really don't like the 21 series... even at half price I would spurn them.
I just read up on Samsung Pay and it's actually pretty interesting. I may actually try and use that. I would love to not have to pull out my wallet all the time and swipe/insert my bank card. That alone is very enticing.
I don't watch TV and haven't had TV service in ages, but I found out with this phone I'll have access to TV stations without a subscription or any kind of fee. That's pretty cool as an added bonus and I may find some shows I like.
blackhawk said:
I wouldn't get that phone if my intent was to root it. One of the more easily rootable Samsung models probably be a better choice*. If you want a blackhole gravity well to get frozen in time with while you're troubleshooting the root then this is a good choice.
That said stock Samsung's are the most customizable phones there are. Hundreds of free icon packs/themes, the Good Lock family of apps and more. The SSC codec for the Buds+ that seamlessly connect to this model with the propiatory Samsung new 360° audio support.
You can lock it down with PD MDM package disabler and Karma Firewall.
*Also no SD card slot so no dual drive ie data drive; you lose a valuble key feature.
Personally I loathe it's rounded corners/display and it's larger frame to display ratio. It's ugly compared to the Note 10+ or N 20 U; I take either of these over the 21 series any day.
Yeah, I really don't like the 21 series... even at half price I would spurn them.
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Click to collapse
That package disabled is really nice to know about, thanks. That is also something I did on my current phone but I did it through ADB (well, I uninstalled things I didn't want and saved the APK of the app).
I'm pretty sure I can use AdAway and YouTube Vanced without root. I'm currently using an older version of Vanced because newer ones do not work. Mine is from Magisk. I figure it has to do with Vanced on this specific phone and I can probably use some other version on the S21/Ultra.
Not sure what you meant about gravity and about a "valuble key feature". I am aware it has no sd card support, but I've found that I have never had the need for this on my current phone which supports up to 2 TB sd cards.
There is one thing that I doubt I'll be able to do which I've done on my V30+... I have the stock phone app modified to have a built-in recording feature. One press and I record calls with no notification beeps or anything stupid like that. After the call ends it prompts me to listen now or later. It saves the recording automatically as a file, based on the settings I've already configured. I can turn this on and off whenever I want during the call and if I turn it on before the call is answered, the app automatically waits until the call is connected to enable call recording. It records both sides in clear quality whether or not it's using the speaker or regular mode.
Is there a shutter sound on the S21? If so, is there a way to disable it without root?
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
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Click to collapse
I just come over to the S21 Ultra from Xiaomi. I loved how you could theme the Xiaomi. I tried a few themes from the Samsung store but nothing would change all the icons. A real miss match and it looked terrible. Maybe I never searched hard enough well anyway I downloaded Good Lock and some modules from the Samsung store. It has some good customisations and it changes all icons to the same style and hides icons from status bar. Not sure if this is what your after but I knew when I got this phone there would not be much development on it at the start. Actually not to fussed about rooting at the moment. Also aodNotify as I missed the notification light. Moved away from Chinese phones myself. Here's a couple of pics if this is the sort of thing that your after.
Hope this helps
Clarkie_955i said:
I just come over to the S21 Ultra from Xiaomi. I loved how you could theme the Xiaomi. I tried a few themes from the Samsung store but nothing would change all the icons. A real miss match and it looked terrible. Maybe I never searched hard enough well anyway I downloaded Good Lock and some modules from the Samsung store. It has some good customisations and it changes all icons to the same style and hides icons from status bar. Not sure if this is what your after but I knew when I got this phone there would not be much development on it at the start. Actually not to fussed about rooting at the moment. Also aodNotify as I missed the notification light. Moved away from Chinese phones myself. Here's a couple of pics if this is the sort of thing that your after.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on leaving Chinese brands. I'm also making effort to buy things not made in China as much as possible as well. So Taiwan, Japan, USA, etc...
I don't usually do the whole custom icon set thing on phones, but I am aware that's a big thing so I understand why that would be frustrating when you can't find one you like. The most theming I've done is choose one I like (color wise) from some LG app I had on the phone which worked well.
Other small changes may count as theme changes in some ways, but it wasn't the intention.. it was mostly for functionality.
Thanks for the info.
Also I have researched a few things...
1. AdAway. It can now be used without root, which I didn't know. It can be run on S21 variants. BUT, you have to run an AdAway VPN to do it.. so might as well find another method for ad blocking. My friend showed me a screen on the S20 where there is a "private DNS" option. I could block ads that way.
2. Vanced doesn't need root. It actually is arguably better without root because you only have to set the app to open YT links and it doesn't replace the YT app. Right now I can't use auto app updates because it won't let me pick and choose which to not auto-update and one of the ones I would need to stop from auto updating is the stock YT app.
3. From research online and after asking Google about the variant they sell, you can disable shutter sound in the settings (which is actually better than what the LG V30+ supports.. a huge surprise).
4. Don't think I can use Xposed. There MAY be some bootleg way with partial functionality or something but I don't know for sure.
Can I (without root) remove the stock battery icon and replace it with a circle and percentage? Like this:
I also want to enable the seconds counter and add the date.. I want to do all that stuff, if possible.. that I did there.. including hcanging the size of fonts and capitalization of fonts in the top middle area.
Main thing I want is the seconds counter.
A friend showed me this from his s20:
So that's cool that he can change the icons displayed. I used Gravity Box or Xposed.
Not so much I cant find what I like it's just they don't change system wide like Xiaomi did. So I end up having half custom and half stock and looks crap with all the different colors in the folders. At least Good Lock manages to change them system wide which I don't quite understand why Samsung theme store will change maybe fifty percent. Anyway got it to how I like it.
With Good Lock you can remove status bar icons but no customisation with battery indicators. That pic is a pic of Good Lock the one you posted. I went with the Hong Kong version with Snapdragon which you can unlock bootloader in development options. Don't think you can on US Snapdragon versions. Here in OZ we only had the Exynos. Got the 16/512 Snapdragon for $1550 AUD. Same phone with Exynos just over $2200 here.
AdAway have not really missed it. Had it on my previous phone and maybe I'm not taking any notice of adds and just enjoying the phone. Never use Vanced. Cant see any setting in camera to turn off shutter sound but you can silence it in volume controls. Haven't looked into Xposed yet.
Don't know what model your going to get but there is root and TWRP available for ultra models. But soon as you flash a boot image you will trip Knox and lose some features of Samsung apps. Mainly Samsung pay I believe and warranty if you buy local. Still sussing this out myself. Have a old Tab S that I rooted and my first Android was a Samsung Galaxy Gio (GT-S5660)
Overall extremely happy with this phone.
Hoe this helps Sneak
A stock Note 10+, heavily customized.
Running fast and stable on Pie/OneUI.
sneak said:
I don't want anything from a Chinese company.
I'm not worried about warranties. I don't know if I'd ever need the samsung specific things like Samsung Pay. Not sure what Safe Folder is but I guess it's some kind of encryption based file storing? I generally don't use all these mainstream things people like.
I don't really spend time making Google Pay work because I have no use for it. I'll have an occasional issue with an app refusing to operate because of rooting and Magisk Hide doesn't work, but it isn't a big deal.
I like tweaking things like the battery logo (I like having a circle with percentage number inside and not having the extra/stock battery logo up there at the same time). I like to disable certain system icons from the top bar that aren't necessary to be there and just clog it up. I like adding the "clear all" type buttons in the running apps page. I like customizing the behavior of holding the power button so I can reboot, reboot to recovery, or shut the phone off easily.
For example, on my LG V30+ right now I am running the stock rom but rooted it and did things like I described above. Nothing major and don't need Google Pay. The LG app for air conditioners won't run because of my root. My bank app notifies me of root very occasionally but isn't a big deal. Yeah, I don't think my SafetyNet passes, but I don't care.
I am using Xposed, hostless AdAway, No Shutter Sound, Highway Radar and YouTube Vanced as well.
I tend to go through every single setting in a phone before I even start really dailying it . I don't mind it. I like customization. That's great to hear. I do like unrestricted or not very restricted phones as opposed to iPhone style lockdown stuff, though.
I used to consider the OnePlus phones but lately I have been more insistent on not buying things made in China or from Chinese companies as much as possible... for various reasons.
---
So assuming I don't care about things like warranty and Samsung Pay.. what other drawbacks are there? What would stop me from going this route? I intend on picking it up from Google because they have really good deals and I can even make 0% interest payments. I just have to stick with Fi for 3 months, then I can go back to ATT.
Another concern I have is the size of the phone. It makes me lean towards the S21 5G. I just like the Ultra for the other enhancements.
Thanks to all of you as well for the replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In 100% me..
You just write that's way am here on xda,
Am a fan to customise my phone as I want,
And if I pay so much money we should have the right, and possibility to choice and use ..
Sorry for my English.
Well, I bought one from Google. If there are serious issues I don't want to put up with I will return it.
As long as I can disable the stock battery icon I would think I could get an app which has a custom battery icon.
I hope it's possible as well to do vertical listing of apps in app screen instead of having the left/right pages.
sneak said:
Well, I bought one from Google. If there are serious issues I don't want to put up with I will return it.
As long as I can disable the stock battery icon I would think I could get an app which has a custom battery icon.
I hope it's possible as well to do vertical listing of apps in app screen instead of having the left/right pages.
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Click to collapse
Congrats
The scrolling from the right was a pain at first. But all good now. Hopefully Good Lock will bring something out in the future and change it.
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea rooting is possible and safe if right software is used but might affect warranty i guess
If anyone remembers the whole Carrier IQ thing, do you know if there's something like this on the S21 Ultra?
System UI Tuner doesn't seem to work as far as showing seconds in the status bar clock.
I would love to be able to customize the recently used apps section in the apps drawer. Either remove it completely or set static apps or somehow customize a blacklist or whitelist or some other variables to determine what goes there.
When I use jetaudio+ it puts a notification with details in the menu from the top. I can't swipe it away and it stays there even after I close the app and remove it from app list. I found out I have to drag down on it to expand it to be slightly larger and then an "x" appears. These "x" buttons would appear by default on apps like this on my old phone and they were a little larger relative to the rest of the UI as well. Would love to be able to tweak this functionality.
I want a feature I had on my LG V30+ where based on my GPS location I can enable or disable WiFi. Meaning, the same as hitting the wifi icon in the quick toggles based on entering a certain location or leaving that location. That way when I get home my phone will automatically globally turn on wifi and when I leave it twill automatically turn it off so it isn't hunting for networks.
Another feature in the same section was something which allowed me to have the phone remain unlocked when paired with a specific device. I want the phone to stay unlocked when paired with my car instead of having to unlock it all the time with fingerprint.
I would like to be able to scroll the apps list vertically, like normal.. instead of this left and right pages stuff.
I want a battery indicator setup where there is a percentage inside of a circle and the circle is representative of the percentage. Not finding an app option that has what I want. Does anyone know of a way to do this or an app?
I also want to make pressing the home button in the bottom center of the screen do a full open of the bar from the top.
On my current phone I've also found some way to keep the alarm clock icon from Alarm Clock Xtreme without having a persistent notification of the next alarm. Not sure how on this.
MacroDroid!
the answer to toggles based on location. A lot of features there to look into. Very nice.
MacroDroid seems fine for the WiFi toggle but it doesn't keep the phone from locking. At first it was keeping the screen on but then it just did nothing. I want the screen to still shut off if necessary but not require thumbprint or code or anything to unlock, while paired with phone.
sneak said:
MacroDroid seems fine for the WiFi toggle but it doesn't keep the phone from locking. At first it was keeping the screen on but then it just did nothing. I want the screen to still shut off if necessary but not require thumbprint or code or anything to unlock, while paired with phone.
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Click to collapse
I don't advise using it but stupid Bixby probably can ie Bixby Routines.
blackhawk said:
I don't advise using it but stupid Bixby probably can ie Bixby Routines.
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Click to collapse
That's the first thing I checked but I couldn't figure out how to do it. It's not very intuitive....