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Hey Guys,
i'm really tempted to buy an Xperia XZ1 Compact, but am really wondering if i can live with the Restrictions Sony 'implemented'. I read some threads, but am still unsure about some facts.
I thought Id write down what i found out, would you mind to correct any conclusion that is wrong? (As of 2018 Mar 21)
1) By unlocking the Bootloader, the DRM-Keys are lost forever, thereby warranty is likely void
2) By now there is no way to backup the DRM-Keys. There is a Bounty-Program for finding a solution, but by now that isnt solved, and it seems more unlikely that a solution might pop up anytime soon.
3) It is possible to unlock every Bootloader, even those with status "allowed: no"
4) Sony provides an official way to unlock the Bootloader, but that renders the Camera (and some other Features) unusable.
5) There is a DRM-Fix that simulates the DRM-Keys, so it is possible to use the Camera and other Special Features without any downside, aside that the original DRM-Keys are gone forever.
6) If not rooted, it is always possible to downgrade the Firmware to a Version that is compatible with XperiFIX
7) Even without Root, it is possible to uninstall every unwanted Package over ADB
8) Even without Root, it is possible to disable/delete unwanted sounds like Startup/Shutter/Screenshot etc...
Would be really glad if you could correct anything that might be wrong, so i can really decide if could live with those limitations!
Thankin u! :good:
dafunkydan said:
Hey Guys,
i'm really tempted to buy an Xperia XZ1 Compact, but am really wondering if i can live with the Restrictions Sony 'implemented'. I read some threads, but am still unsure about some facts.
I thought Id write down what i found out, would you mind to correct any conclusion that is wrong? (As of 2018 Mar 21)
1) By unlocking the Bootloader, the DRM-Keys are lost forever, thereby warranty is likely void
2) By now there is no way to backup the DRM-Keys. There is a Bounty-Program for finding a solution, but by now that isnt solved, and it seems more unlikely that a solution might pop up anytime soon.
3) It is possible to unlock every Bootloader, even those with status "allowed: no"
4) Sony provides an official way to unlock the Bootloader, but that renders the Camera (and some other Features) unusable.
5) There is a DRM-Fix that simulates the DRM-Keys, so it is possible to use the Camera and other Special Features without any downside, aside that the original DRM-Keys are gone forever.
6) If not rooted, it is always possible to downgrade the Firmware to a Version that is compatible with XperiFIX
7) Even without Root, it is possible to uninstall every unwanted Package over ADB
8) Even without Root, it is possible to disable/delete unwanted sounds like Startup/Shutter/Screenshot etc...
Would be really glad if you could correct anything that might be wrong, so i can really decide if could live with those limitations!
Thankin u! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
add bluetooth problems to your list of cons.
Sent from my G8441 using Tapatalk
With the Bootloader unlocked, you won't receive OTA updates anymore.
jbarba76 said:
add bluetooth problems to your list of cons.
Sent from my G8441 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Bluetooth problems here.
dafunkydan said:
so i can really decide if could live with those limitations!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The DRM fix made by sToRm// works on any firmware (next release) and any XZ device.
The DRM that sony installed is broken when you unlock your bootloader and sToRm//'s fix enables it. So there is no loss of quality with the camera, it's exactly as stock. The DRM is fixed or broken, the camera is fixed or broken, there is no half way 'dodgy' pictures that people imagine.
Yes, you won't receive any OTA updates if your phone is rooted, but there is Xperiafirm and Newflasher, to keep you up to date. Then reflash with sToRm//'s app and you're good to go.
Yes, you can delete or disable apps you don't want without root.
Disabling sounds needs no special permissions and the level of tweaking as to what apps make visible/audible notifications on Oreo is superb.
In the old days you wanted to root your phone to control all the battery eating apps, but Google/Sony have been aware of the drive to extend battery life for a long time now and with a few exceptions, changing the configuration of the services will probably make your battery worse not better. The battery life on the XZ1 compact is the best of any phone I've had, straight out the box, no tweaking required.
The only other main driver for rooting your phone was to be able to customise it and change the frramework colours, but you can do that without root now.
Be sure you want to root you phone for the right reasons, not because it's fashionable, or because you want Xposed installed so that when you press the volume the flash comes on.
There's a chance you'll break your phone in the process, so is what you want to root your phone for important enough to have to buy a new phone for?
I'm not trying to put you off, but if you read sToRm//'s thread, there's loads of people getting into a real mess trying to root when they don't even know what ADB is. They've unlocked their phones, broken the camera, but now stuck unable to get the fix to work. Don't go there.
Hi there. Just giving my two cents here.
First the op is right I think in everything he said. I'm just not sure what the unlock bootloader part but other than that looks legit. It's a great idea for topic because Sony really screwed up some things in this phone. I had a z3 compact before which lasted like 2 years until I decided to upgrade to a s8 last year. Great phone but I really didn't like the size so decided to switch back to this. Overall I like it but the limitations Sony has put are ridiculous and defeat the whole purpose of getting an android.
Anyways I wanted to root because I use VPN and as a result I couldn't get a decent ad block solution because of that. Now with root I can use adaway and mimminguard while using VPN so I'm happy. Anyways I bought the phone on a online shop with only 3 month warranty. As it expires next week I decided to give it a go during the weekend.
With xperifix its really a simple process the dev made a great job. I'm far from being an expert in Android stuff and I could do it almost hassle free. So if you really want to root the phone and don't care about the TA or warranty go for it. Otherwise stay out of it as the last user said
Good day.
I had several Android phones, and all rooted except the lastest two, Galaxy S8 and Sony xperia XZ1 compact.
I see no real advantage in rooting latelly, Android OS has become more mature and apps like xposed, titanium backup, greenify are no longer needed IMO.
I used xposed for astetic purpose.
Now is possible to backup Apps and data with Xperia Backup, it is possible to freeze system apps with BK disabler, so i no longer need Titanium backup.
I can force doze the phone with Naptime, and apps are hibernated earlier, so no longer need for Greenify.
Not worth loosing warranty.
Hansoliv said:
Good day.
I had several Android phones, and all rooted except the lastest two, Galaxy S8 and Sony xperia XZ1 compact.
I see no real advantage in rooting latelly, Android OS has become more mature and apps like xposed, titanium backup, greenify are no longer needed IMO.
I used xposed for astetic purpose.
Now is possible to backup Apps and data with Xperia Backup, it is possible to freeze system apps with BK disabler, so i no longer need Titanium backup.
I can force doze the phone with Naptime, and apps are hibernated earlier, so no longer need for Greenify.
Not worth loosing warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ you can theme with substratum without root. i really cannot see why people bother with root these days.
edit: not trying to be contentious, i get that some people still love to root for some niche mods. i just mean that compared to five years ago when i needed a tonne of mods to get my galaxy s3 looking and feeling nice, there seems to be much less need for it with a device/OS this good and so many great rootless mods.
Is it possible to encrypt the device with a password at boot, with pin+fingerprint and only user fingerprint at boot?
i'm looking to strengthen my security with a new device and upgrade from z3 compact, but still unsure. love the compact, hate DRM-stuff of sony
luminoso said:
Is it possible to encrypt the device with a password at boot, with pin+fingerprint and only user fingerprint at boot?
i'm looking to strengthen my security with a new device and upgrade from z3 compact, but still unsure. love the compact, hate DRM-stuff of sony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone partiton is encrypted by default.
You only need to set either pin unlock or pattern unlock (both have fingerprint option) and that will lock the phone and make the partition unreadable, no MTP access or recovery access via TWRP.
If you want to read the phone in TWRP then you need to have set the pin unlock and TWRP will ask you for the pin to continue.
This doesn't apply to the external SD card.
Fingerprint unlock to boot? you've been watching too many spy movies.
1) By unlocking the Bootloader, the DRM-Keys are lost forever, thereby warranty is likely void
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keys are lost, warranty not necessarily. I unlocked bootloader on a Z1 compact and had to sent it later to Sony because of defect battery and they fixed it without complaints.
2) By now there is no way to backup the DRM-Keys. There is a Bounty-Program for finding a solution, but by now that isnt solved, and it seems more unlikely that a solution might pop up anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, not sure when or if ever a vulnerability that allows root acces will be found. For Tablet Z4 it took very long time until I could backup my keys (~ 1.5 years as far as I remember)
4) Sony provides an official way to unlock the Bootloader, but that renders the Camera (and some other Features) unusable.
5) There is a DRM-Fix that simulates the DRM-Keys, so it is possible to use the Camera and other Special Features without any downside, aside that the original DRM-Keys are gone forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to be solved (did not test it). But not perfect solution of course. Needs for example additional steps on every firmware update.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1-compact/development/kernel-sony-xz1-compact-16-january-2018-t3736068
6) If not rooted, it is always possible to downgrade the Firmware to a Version that is compatible with XperiFIX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, no problem. Use FlashTool and XperiFirm. Doesn't matter if bootloader unlocked or not. In some cases you may need to reset data to factory default too on downgrade. It may be wise to backup firmware packages when new version is released because you can download only latest and second latest in XperiFirm. Older get removed!
7) Even without Root, it is possible to uninstall every unwanted Package over ADB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly no, you can only disable system apps. You would need read/write access to system partition which you cannot get without root.
Examples of uninstallable apps: "Amazon Kindle", "Amazon Shopping", "AVG Protection", "Facebook", "Facebook App Manager", "Spotify", "Talkback".... oh Sony )
8) Even without Root, it is possible to disable/delete unwanted sounds like Startup/Shutter/Screenshot etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No startup sound present at all.
Shutter sound can be disabled in Camera settings.
Screenshot sound cannot be disabled.
allofmex said:
Examples of uninstallable apps: "Amazon Kindle", "Amazon Shopping", "AVG Protection", "Facebook", "Facebook App Manager", "Spotify", "Talkback".... oh Sony )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can uninstall all of those,, permanaently, without root, perhaps you are unfamiliar with ADB?
Didgesteve said:
You can uninstall all of those,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hint. The end of your linked article mentions that these apps are still not deleted from device. They are just deleted for default user (user 0). It is a little bit better than disabling the app because if they are "uninstalled" by mentioned adb command the don't show up in your Settings -> App list anymore, but you will not free space on device.
I just tested it before, no change on free storage size after "pm uninstall...".
allofmex said:
Thanks for the hint. The end of your linked article mentions that these apps are still not deleted from device. They are just deleted for default user (user 0). It is a little bit better than disabling the app because if they are "uninstalled" by mentioned adb command the don't show up in your Settings -> App list anymore, but you will not free space on device.
I just tested it before, no change on free storage size after "pm uninstall...".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you leaving the '-k' switch in?
pm uninstall -k --user 0 "package name goes here"
the 'k' switch preserves the folder and data and I'n not entirely sure why the example of how to uninstall shows that configuration.
If you delete without that switch, it will infact remove the files
pm uninstall --user 0 "packagenamegoeshere"
Think about it before rooting or mess up the phone.
I already wrote this in another thread.
Seriously, it's not KitKat days anymore guys. Besides adblockers, what do u need root for since Android Oreo? And I mean really useful stuff, not theming or or freaking sounds...
And about the damn ad blocker, u can Google it and u will find a few ways to have it, without root.
.... Or maybe it's just me getting older so I don't see any reason to bother about it ???
BK disabler for XZ1 compact?
I checked out BK disabler in Play store, it says it's for Samsung only and it's a paid app with no trial version. However I did notice in reviews (if I pick "From this device model only") that someone with XZ1 compact gives this app 5 stars. Is this a better way to deal with unwanted uninstallable apps than ADB?
Hansoliv said:
Good day.
I had several Android phones, and all rooted except the lastest two, Galaxy S8 and Sony xperia XZ1 compact.
I see no real advantage in rooting latelly, Android OS has become more mature and apps like xposed, titanium backup, greenify are no longer needed IMO.
I used xposed for astetic purpose.
Now is possible to backup Apps and data with Xperia Backup, it is possible to freeze system apps with BK disabler, so i no longer need Titanium backup.
I can force doze the phone with Naptime, and apps are hibernated earlier, so no longer need for Greenify.
Not worth loosing warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
strate aero said:
I checked out BK disabler in Play store, it says it's for Samsung only and it's a paid app with no trial version. However I did notice in reviews (if I pick "From this device model only") that someone with XZ1 compact gives this app 5 stars. Is this a better way to deal with unwanted uninstallable apps than ADB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good day.
. Sorry, i totally forgot it was a paid app, i bought it for my Galaxy S8 last year. It seems that the last version is 10.9 that works in all android.
And i followed this instruction. (https://kunkunsoft.wordpress.com/setup_device_owner_2/)
I personally use the app, because i freeze apps i only use sometimes, like facebook or instagram, and don't want them to be in the app drawer and using resources in the background.
If you only want to freeze bloatware and uninstalable and forget about them, is better (and cheaper) doing it by adb.
(Recently i read an article that disabling apps does not have any impact in battery consumption whatsoever)
BTW, if you do not want your games or apps like facebook be running in background and use resources, you could try App Ops (this one is free, i promise).
I use it for my games, facebook and google play store (the most known battery hoggers) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rikka.appops)
Hansoliv said:
Good day.
. Sorry, i totally forgot it was a paid app, i bought it for my Galaxy S8 last year. It seems that the last version is 10.9 that works in all android.
And i followed this instruction. (https://kunkunsoft.wordpress.com/setup_device_owner_2/)
I personally use the app, because i freeze apps i only use sometimes, like facebook or instagram, and don't want them to be in the app drawer and using resources in the background.
If you only want to freeze bloatware and uninstalable and forget about them, is better (and cheaper) doing it by adb.
(Recently i read an article that disabling apps does not have any impact in battery consumption whatsoever)
BTW, if you do not want your games or apps like facebook be running in background and use resources, you could try App Ops (this one is free, i promise).
I use it for my games, facebook and google play store (the most known battery hoggers) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rikka.appops)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, I actually don't mind paying for an app if it works well on my device. It would only bother me if I bought it only to find out it didn't work (I guess I could request a refund) anyway I was just trying to verify that it indeed did work with XZ1 compact. I read the instructions in the link and using BK Disabler is a bit more involved than just installing the app and using it to freeze other apps. You need to temporarily remove all your accounts and use ADB!
The main app I'm trying to get rid of is What's New, I have already disabled everything else I don't want. For some reason Sony won't let that app be disabled the regular way.
Thanks for the tip about App Ops , looks like it needs to used by ADB and needs "a little bit troublesome setup steps" in the words of the developer, oh well, I guess I'll try looking into this a little further but no matter what I'll be needing to use ADB to get the job done
strate aero said:
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, I actually don't mind paying for an app if it works well on my device. It would only bother me if I bought it only to find out it didn't work (I guess I could request a refund) anyway I was just trying to verify that it indeed did work with XZ1 compact. I read the instructions in the link and using BK Disabler is a bit more involved than just installing the app and using it to freeze other apps. You need to temporarily remove all your accounts and use ADB!
The main app I'm trying to get rid of is What's New, I have already disabled everything else I don't want. For some reason Sony won't let that app be disabled the regular way.
Thanks for the tip about App Ops , looks like it needs to used by ADB and needs "a little bit troublesome setup steps" in the words of the developer, oh well, I guess I'll try looking into this a little further but no matter what I'll be needing to use ADB to get the job done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to the trouble of setting up ADB, you don't need any apps to disable a service.
Didgesteve said:
If you're going to the trouble of setting up ADB, you don't need any apps to disable a service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for your reply, I checked out your link. Apparently to get rid of What's New I would have to remove package com.sonymobile.entrance ,right? I was noticing in that thread a few users were reporting that they needed to reset their devices because they apparently removed something they weren't supposed to but they didn't say what that was. Is What's New somehow linked to System Update or something else that might be important? Should I maybe leave it alone just wondering why Sony wouldn't allow that app to be disabled if it wasn't important somehow
I decided to remove BK disabler and force doze and let the phone be. It seems that having some apps disabled that way confuse the OS and it uses more battery.
I will try and use the method above and remove What's New and Support app, and leave the OS manage things.
Currently have a ONEPLUS 3T running Resurrection Remix ROM, which is great.
I guess the P30 hasn't had any development in this area? I was reading in the rom section and it seems even unlocking the bootloader is tricky, let alone loading a custom rom.
Is this something that will come later?
It's my first time thinking about buying a relatively new phone so not sure of the time line of things like this.
Cheers!
anotherxdauser said:
Is this something that will come later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei stopped giving official bootloader unlock codes, which means no TWRP or custom ROM/ Kernels. There are unofficial unlock codes, but they are pricey, may not be available all the time, etc.
But if you're looking to buy a P30 Pro, it shouldn't be for its custom ROM scene or mod capabilities. It should be for its camera. Period. There is a very good reason it's being held so high in all reviews for its camera prowess, you won't be getting tried of admiring what the camera can do, and the built-in image editor can enhance on - be it night, wide or zoom.
To its credit, EMUI does have a few features like very good theme support, a Network speed indicator, the gesture navigation and floating navigation dock are nifty, etc. You can install Netguard for firewall and Ad blocking through hosts, disable or uninstall system apps (bloatware) through ADB, try out custom launchers if you do not like EMUI launcher, and so on - in other words, its not too bad that the phone cannot be officially unlocked.
But if custom ROM/ recovery are more important, you should look at One Plus 7/ Pro, maybe. You'll not have similar kind of a development for this phone. Look up the custom section for, say, Mate 20 Pro to understand the kind of progress you can expect
Thanks
Have been thinking yesterday whether I need root or not.
I don't understand ADB, so try and avoid using it.
This is where a custom recovery excells - I can just load the zip and flash it on to the phone from the phone. But a lot of the time, this is to do with custom roms.
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I have Solid Explorer, which has a root mode, but I rarely use this and it's more for finding files around the phone than anything else.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Titanium Backup - but I only use this when upgrading the ROM.
Bouncer is another app I have recently installed. It does have a root mode, but is optional.
I can still sideload apps without root, so don't need it there either.
So it doesn't look like I need root.
Perhaps I only had it to install a custom ROM, but I'm not one of those people who installs a new one every week. I barely update the one I have because it's a fair bit of hassle! I think the only thing I am worried about is after Android 9 and whether there will be a timely update to 10. But then the changes I have seen since abut 3 or 4 versions of Android have been very minimal at best.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Sorry for all the questions.
Does worry me a little that Huawei don't allow people to fully control their phones - the cynic in me makes me think it's because they're spying, so don't want people to run any other software but theirs! Ha ha.
I may have an opportunity to buy the phone for about £400 less than what Amazon are selling it (Amazon: £899, eBay: ~£500, one I was looking at on ebay: £500 with best offer).
Be careful with ebay. Cheapest isn't always best.
anotherxdauser said:
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdAway will need root (or magisk) - so that won't work. What you can do is use netguard and import the latest hosts created by AdAway (in another, rooted device). Read up about netguard, it's pretty good at what it does
Greenify has a non-root mode, but then the battery life in this phone is monstrous - I get about 2.5 days with 7 hrs of screen time and 1.5 hours of calling - my usage is pretty light though
Nova launcher does not need root for its primary functions - I haven't used it in a while so not sure what else it does that needs root
Nope - systemless/ magisk et all need bootloader unlocking, which ain't straightforward with this device...
Some good thoughts here.
If I can import a hosts file (link to tutorial?) that would be great.
Funny as I only use AdAway to block a banking app contacting its servers to report I'm rooted so I can still use the banking app. However, if I'm not rooted, I may not really require it any more.
Hi,
I used to root my phone but since I bought the S10 I found myself using Samsung Pay instead of using my cards all the time.
Before I used to root in order to have:
- Spotify mod, but now you can hack Spotify without root installing a modded version
- adaway but you can still use adhell
- YouTube vanced worked on non-root device
So do you think it's worth rooting the phone to maybe removing some bloating and add some minor customisations but lose Samsung Pay?
ValouSydney said:
Hi,
I used to root my phone but since I bought the S10 I found myself using Samsung Pay instead of using my cards all the time.
Before I used to root in order to have:
- Spotify mod, but now you can hack Spotify without root installing a modded version
- adaway but you can still use adhell
- YouTube vanced worked on non-root device
So do you think it's worth rooting the phone to maybe removing some bloating and add some minor customisations but lose Samsung Pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think yeah, debloating is the first thing to pushed me to root, but more reasons exist, like tweaks to systemui, backups, also this time i use it to be able to mock locations on pokemongo hehe.
The only thing stopping me to root my s10 was securefolder, because the warranty doesn't mind if you break,wet,loose the phone and since someone found a way to use it theres no other reason to not root for me
Chuytl said:
i think yeah, debloating is the first thing to pushed me to root, but more reasons exist, like tweaks to systemui, backups, also this time i use it to be able to mock locations on pokemongo hehe.
The only thing stopping me to root my s10 was securefolder, because the warranty doesn't mind if you break,wet,loose the phone and since someone found a way to use it theres no other reason to not root for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I DO NOT ROOT ANYMORE!
Debloating is NO LONGER an excuse either!! Infact the phones are SUPER EASY to remove ALL the bloatware from!!!
Just flash a stock "unlocked" firmware and boom, bloatfree.. you dont even need to sim unlock!!!
Modded Apks are good enough for me, and work fine on unrooted devices.
You maintain ALL features...
AND YOU KEEP YOUR WARRANTY INTACT!!!
Some apps only work with root. Root also gives you access to install a custom recovery which can be used to make nandroid backups of the phone. Something stock recovery can't do unless you use the flash fire app in which case you need root to use it.
psynetkilla said:
I DO NOT ROOT ANYMORE!
Debloating is NO LONGER an excuse either!! Infact the phones are SUPER EASY to remove ALL the bloatware from!!!
Just flash a stock "unlocked" firmware and boom, bloatfree.. you dont even need to sim unlock!!!
Modded Apks are good enough for me, and work fine on unrooted devices.
You maintain ALL features...
AND YOU KEEP YOUR WARRANTY INTACT!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if thats your choice thats ok...
warranty is not a deal with because probably I'll break my phone before any factory issue also a full debloated stock firmware?
im not telling you to root but for me is not a need is because i like to do it. manually debloting a rom, use of apps that need device admin without grant it, backups,kernel wireless and framework tweaks, ui customization and a lot of things you can do with root only
Couple of reasons why I have it rooted:
- Replace the ugly Samsung Emoji for any other (I use the legacy but updated blobs).
- Full disable Google if you care "a bit" about privacy.
- Remove Bixby and remap without accepting their contract.
- Full VPN, Android by default don't tether internet with VPN
In overall, rooting is needed if you want to own your device and care about privacy. People have more usage for rooting, but that's why I prefer rooting.
The main reasons I used to root were
-Install black theme. These days every manufacturer offers black themes and Google also offers black themes.
-Adaway for ads removal. There are many alternatives for non rooted devices.
-Viper 4 Android for superior sound. I bought an external DAC which is much better.
-Debloating. Nowdays we are able to remove most of the apps we don't want.
I like my rooted LG G4 a lot, but I need my S10 to use my bank apps without hassle, so I will probably never root it.
Not any real important reasons that usually can't be done some other way, sometimes because their friends are doing it.
Tel864 said:
Not any real important reasons that usually can't be done some other way, sometimes because their friends are doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is cool, only cool kids root :good:
I root my phone just because I want to have the freedom to do what I want.
I like to modify config files for apps (whatsapp for example - better photo quality, larger videos and so on).
Adhell isn't working anymore and non-root adblockers including AdGuard DNS are either sucking battery or you need to disable it often to enter websites. You can't add filters to the DNS. Adaway works great on root.
Also Substratum or similar is great and I like the Swift Black theme.
For me it's more the principe. Before I switched to Android I used to have jailbroken iPhones, only - and I loved the freedom.
But since my warranty's void and my USB port got destroyed by fake moisture I'm thinking about to suppress my thoughts of "Android freedom" - the repair shop wanted 400€ for switching the mainboard. I let them send my S10 back and now VaultKeeper prevents booting...and without USB I don't have any chance to use the phone.
So, rooting is great but if your device got damaged it gets expensive.
It's annoying that the phone brands are working so hard to prevent rooting without any logical reason...VaulKeeper and KNOX are just two examples just by Samsung. Huawei, for example, disabled the unlocking of their devices completely, this was the reason for me to switch to Samsung.
My Pixel 3 is having power button/battery-life issues, so I took advantage of the inflated Google trade-in values and pre-ordered the 7 (ugh, hope it goes better than the 6 launch, especially since with my trade-in I'll be stuck if I have issues).
My Pixel and Pixel 3, I unlocked the bootloader and rooted, but with the Pixel 3, seemed like I was spending more and more time trying to read and make sure that I was going to be able to get the updates installed and re-root with Magisk, and still be able to pass SafetyNet and Play store certification with a different kernel, such that I was skipping updates because I just didn't have time.
My main reason for rooting these days was to use AdAway and to freeze apps that I wasn't using regularly (like Uber, Lyft, store apps needed to get coupons but rarely used which I didn't want waking up and siphoning data in the background) with Titanium Backup. And to migrate a few apps and app data using Titanium Backup (though I think most apps/data transferred successfully using the Pixel transfer wizard when I went Pixel->Pixel 3?- can't remember the last time I had to do this, after 3 years on the P3)
When setting up the P7, I'm thinking about not unlocking the bootloader and just trying to use an adblock DNS, but wonder if anyone else is having similar thoughts? Have you been able to backup/restore apps and app data when necessary using ADB or Helium? Do you freeze apps or just uninstall ?
If I have forgotten some other reason why I really needed to be rooted with unlocked BL, do you think I'll be able to take an ADB backup, unlock BL and wipe and restore all apps/data?
Would be interested to know what everyone else is planning on doing...
Nateg900t said:
My Pixel 3 is having power button/battery-life issues, so I took advantage of the inflated Google trade-in values and pre-ordered the 7 (ugh, hope it goes better than the 6 launch, especially since with my trade-in I'll be stuck if I have issues).
My Pixel and Pixel 3, I unlocked the bootloader and rooted, but with the Pixel 3, seemed like I was spending more and more time trying to read and make sure that I was going to be able to get the updates installed and re-root with Magisk, and still be able to pass SafetyNet and Play store certification with a different kernel, such that I was skipping updates because I just didn't have time.
My main reason for rooting these days was to use AdAway and to freeze apps that I wasn't using regularly (like Uber, Lyft, store apps needed to get coupons but rarely used which I didn't want waking up and siphoning data in the background) with Titanium Backup. And to migrate a few apps and app data using Titanium Backup (though I think most apps/data transferred successfully using the Pixel transfer wizard when I went Pixel->Pixel 3?- can't remember the last time I had to do this, after 3 years on the P3)
When setting up the P7, I'm thinking about not unlocking the bootloader and just trying to use an adblock DNS, but wonder if anyone else is having similar thoughts? Have you been able to backup/restore apps and app data when necessary using ADB or Helium? Do you freeze apps or just uninstall ?
If I have forgotten some other reason why I really needed to be rooted with unlocked BL, do you think I'll be able to take an ADB backup, unlock BL and wipe and restore all apps/data?
Would be interested to know what everyone else is planning on doing...
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The very first thing I will do is unlock the bootloader and root. Not really a hassle for me and I don't use banking apps.
Lughnasadh said:
The very first thing I will do is unlock the bootloader and root. Not really a hassle for me and I don't use banking apps.
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What are your biggest reasons to root? I don't mind just using banking websites, and I suppose I could do check deposits with a different device like an iPad... Back in the day was also using Xprivacy but now there is more control over app permissions too. Just trying to decide if there's still a reason to go through the hassle for my use cases.
Nateg900t said:
What are your biggest reasons to root? I don't mind just using banking websites, and I suppose I could do check deposits with a different device like an iPad... Back in the day was also using Xprivacy but now there is more control over app permissions too. Just trying to decide if there's still a reason to go through the hassle for my use cases.
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Adaway root version
YouTube & YouTube Music Vanced
Substratum
Repainter
JamesDSP
Pixel Launcher Mod
Shortcutter app
Swift Backup
App Manager
To name a few..
Thanks, from your list Adaway root is the big pull for me.
Nateg900t said:
Thanks, from your list Adaway root is the big pull for me.
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How about a VPN with ad blocking? Kill two birds..Proton is awesome for me. Do a backup, save it then try without root for a bit. You can't stand it then root.
bobby janow said:
How about a VPN with ad blocking? Kill two birds..Proton is awesome for me. Do a backup, save it then try without root for a bit. You can't stand it then root.
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Have thought about that- use a VPN to a VPS when traveling on wifi, and a VPN to access my home network, but don't like the idea of leaving it connected all the time (battery drain, keeping the radios active to keep the connection) or the idea of having to constantly connect/disconnect it when I want to use the phone. And I would have to create new profiles for adblock to use on mobile while maintaining no-adblock for other devices.
That's why DNS or Adaway hosts seems like the best options for me.
I think I might do your idea of starting without and see how it works. Just looking for any reports from others who have been able to successfully fully backup and restore apps/data to unlock the bootloader. If I have to setup everything from scratch, it's a larger barrier to doing the BL unlock later.
I unlock the bootloader right away so I can use the Android Flash Tool for quick updates via my work computer. I don't like waiting for OTA updates and the optimization process that follows. Root and AdAway is another benefit, also better theme possibilities.
Nateg900t said:
What are your biggest reasons to root? I don't mind just using banking websites, and I suppose I could do check deposits with a different device like an iPad... Back in the day was also using Xprivacy but now there is more control over app permissions too. Just trying to decide if there's still a reason to go through the hassle for my use cases.
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I used to root for the adblocking, but found setting the private dns to dns.adguard.com is just as effective. As for backups, I used Titanium Backup, but have found Google's backup is just as effective. For those apps not installed from the play store, I use swift backup running on top of Shizuku. For ad-free Youtube, you can find a modified youtube (vanced) apk, but as always, modified apks come with risks.
mruno said:
I used to root for the adblocking, but found setting the private dns to dns.adguard.com is just as effective. As for backups, I used Titanium Backup, but have found Google's backup is just as effective. For those apps not installed from the play store, I use swift backup running on top of Shizuku. For ad-free Youtube, you can find a modified youtube (vanced) apk, but as always, modified apks come with risks.
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Thanks for sharing your experience! Have been reading more about the private DNS options, just trying to figure out whether connecting to my OpenVPN profiles will override the phone settings and cause me to have to change server config settings in OpenVPN server (seems like OpenVPN will override if doing server push, and the iOS and Android OpenVPN clients don't listen to the pull-filter commands to ignore server config DNS which would be needed to allow non-adguard profile option with a client profile instead of running a second server instance on a different port). I'm probably just going to have to experiment and figure out some combination of settings that allows me to use adguard Private DNS when on mobile/wifi when not using VPN, and also adguard Private DNS when on my own VPN, with the option to use a non-adguard DNS profile if something isn't working/loading and I need to disable the adguard.
Was also reading about using Shizuku and Hail to freeze/disable apps without root, which is my other biggest use-case.
Have a family YoutubeMusic account that costs $2.50/month and includes no-ad Youtube, so thankfully don't have to worry about Youtube ads.
chopt51 said:
I unlock the bootloader right away so I can use the Android Flash Tool for quick updates via my work computer. I don't like waiting for OTA updates and the optimization process that follows. Root and AdAway is another benefit, also better theme possibilities.
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Do you play the game of trying to maintain Gpay compatibility and Play store certification to install Netflix and other apps, or that's just not something that matters for your use case?
Nateg900t said:
Do you play the game of trying to maintain Gpay compatibility and Play store certification to install Netflix and other apps, or that's just not something that matters for your use case?
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I honestly don't have to worry about those instances. My use might be different than others.
I'm thinking about getting a Pixel 7 (non Pro), and if I get one I'll keep the BL locked I guess. Right now I got a Realme GT2 Pro, and it's locked running stock color OS. I got a virtual credit card and various banking apps, so I don't want to mess around anymore. For blocking unwanted stuff I use personalDNSfilter (got that running on my PC and my smartphone and it's great) and adblocking browsers. During the last years I used less custom ROMs and kernels, because I don't need that stuff anymore. It rather annoyed me testing ROMs and getting problems because of root.
Immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked. You can decide to go with root at any time it suits you after that without losing all your data -- can be as simple as fastboot'ing the modified boot image, and as temporary as its gone the next time you reboot.
96carboard said:
Immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked. You can decide to go with root at any time it suits you after that without losing all your data -- can be as simple as fastboot'ing the modified boot image, and as temporary as its gone the next time you reboot.
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I haven't unlocked for some time and when I did I didn't use GP or my banking apps. Does Pay and all banking apps work with an unlocked bootloader. Perhaps before telling someone to immediately unlock the bootloader you could inform them of the drawbacks as well as the benefits you provided. Maybe suggest a few articles on the security risks of an unlocked bootloader as a start. The person you are quoting has numerous financial apps on the device and is security conscience. Blanket statements of "immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked" can be shortsighted for some people.
bobby janow said:
I haven't unlocked for some time and when I did I didn't use GP or my banking apps. Does Pay and all banking apps work with an unlocked bootloader. Perhaps before telling someone to immediately unlock the bootloader you could inform them of the drawbacks as well as the benefits you provided. Maybe suggest a few articles on the security risks of an unlocked bootloader as a start. The person you are quoting has numerous financial apps on the device and is security conscience. Blanket statements of "immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked" can be shortsighted for some people.
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Everything will work perfectly with an unlocked bootloader. It will just give you an annoying warning screen briefly when powering on.
If you want to know about security risks, they're fairly small, and ONLY apply if your phone is handled physically by someone untrusted for an extended period of time, in which the only thing they could actually do is install a modified boot image. Under those circumstances, the device security has to be assumed compromised whether the bootloader is unlocked or not.
An unlocked bootloader will NOT allow a 3rd party to access data on the device, since it is encrypted and requires your security code to unlock.
Now, you can actually tell if they've rebooted the device, which they would HAVE to do in order to install a different boot image; the unlock screen (which they are NOT able to modify without resulting in boot failure) will tell you!
And I absolutely disagree that it is shortsighted to advise immediate unlocking. Nothing of real benefit comes from having a locked bootloader. Any sense of security you gain from it is smoke and mirrors. It can only be tampered with if someone has physical access, and if somebody has physical access, it has to be assumed compromised regardless of whether it is unlocked or not. If anything, your security is improved because it is now on your mind that it could potentially be tampered with, and you are reminded of it with the id10t warning every time it reboots.
96carboard said:
Everything will work perfectly with an unlocked bootloader. It will just give you an annoying warning screen briefly when powering on.
If you want to know about security risks, they're fairly small, and ONLY apply if your phone is handled physically by someone untrusted for an extended period of time, in which the only thing they could actually do is install a modified boot image. Under those circumstances, the device security has to be assumed compromised whether the bootloader is unlocked or not.
An unlocked bootloader will NOT allow a 3rd party to access data on the device, since it is encrypted and requires your security code to unlock.
Now, you can actually tell if they've rebooted the device, which they would HAVE to do in order to install a different boot image; the unlock screen (which they are NOT able to modify without resulting in boot failure) will tell you!
And I absolutely disagree that it is shortsighted to advise immediate unlocking. Nothing of real benefit comes from having a locked bootloader. Any sense of security you gain from it is smoke and mirrors. It can only be tampered with if someone has physical access, and if somebody has physical access, it has to be assumed compromised regardless of whether it is unlocked or not. If anything, your security is improved because it is now on your mind that it could potentially be tampered with, and you are reminded of it with the id10t warning every time it reboots.
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Everything will not work perfectly. Let's be honest here. Look it up, some banking apps work mine doesn't. Pay will work one day and not the next. And if your bank finds out your account was hacked and your phone is unlocked and/or bypasses bank security protocols who will pay for the missing funds when they find out?
A missing device can be booted into a custom recovery and adb commands will be available to take everything on your device bypassing any security you have. With a locked bootloader that is not possible. So if you know your phone can be compromised you feel more secure? That is ludicrous and really doesn't make sense. I mean talk about smoke and mirrors.
Now that being said there are a lot of folks in your camp that say you're living a pipe dream if you think the phone is more easily hacked or info stolen. I understand that argument entirely and it's possibly correct to a certain degree. But to summarily say immediately unlock your bootloader if you don't plan on rooting because.. well just in case, is really disingenuous to a great many individuals. At the very least look up some articles on why to keep your bootloader locked, especially for someone that hasn't done it in some time, if ever. The beauty of Android is the possibility if you so desire. Just be conscience of the advice you give. Many years ago Chainfire said in his blog that if you have an unlocked bootloader and have financial apps on your device you're asking for trouble and you might want to rethink that. (not in so many words) That weekend I locked my bootloader and never looked back. I haven't missed anything.. well other than flashing MVK kernel for my 6a. ;-) But then I'd need root and that brings a host of other issues.
Good points about unlocked BL. Every phone I've had with an unlocked bootloader, I also had root. If I have an unlocked bootloader but run a stock image, I see bobby and 96cardboard are offering different reports of whether that will result in apps like banking apps, Play Store certification, and GPay deciding that they won't allow normal functioning. Anyone else have recent experience on this?
If I can run stock with unlocked bootloader, then I might be more in the camp to have the unlocked BL but not root, at least initially. I like the idea that if somehow an update or some other Android bug borks the OS and/or boot partitions, I could potentially fastboot install a stock copy of the OS and have a chance of recovering my data, whereas with the locked bootloader, it seems the options are limited/none, correct (sorry, haven't had to try and recovery from that situation in the past, so maybe I just don't know/understand the tools available)? I just know from past experience that it seemed like an unlocked bootloader was required and also know that unlocking wipes all data in the process. Not sure if there's a reliable way to get a phone to back up user data to a computer via ADB that can be restored even when the OS isn't working, but also don't have experience trying to use ADB backup with a functioning phone (used to do nandroid backups and they saved my butt a time or two).
@Nateg900t You're not going to trash the os with an update. You might with root if you don't know what the new root process is. But why not just make a backup with an app or two and keep it offline. No adb needed. And copy your important pics too. But I do understand what possibilities there are with an unlocked bl.
What I sometimes do is make a full Google backup and an SMS, call log backup. Then I'll flip the OEM switch just in case I need to unlock. I actually have it flipped now because I'm on QPR1 b2. Now that can bork something. If I needed to wipe I could recover about 90+% within about 30 minutes. If you want to bl lock due to some app or something then a full wipe is needed. Oh how I miss nandroid backups.
Keep asking your questions all over and make an informed decision. Enjoy the device it's pretty awesome.
Ahh, good call on flipping the oem unlock switch.
What app are you using to make app backups? Helium? I don't do full Google backup because I don't pay for extra cloud storage. But I was going to try making the full adb backup and seeing if I can use that and restore my old pixel 3 (once it is transfered to the new 7, just before I wipe it for trade in... At that point it won't matter if the restore doesn't work and it will be nice to test and get the experience for backing up the 7 via adb..
For pics, already using an app that uploads pics to my NAS each night overnight.
Going to give private dns via adguard a try instead of adaway and with that and backup/restore capabilities, I think that will cover my root needs these days.
I just got my Galaxy S23.
Previously I've always rooted all my phones. But my previous phone is old, so much may have changed in the last six years. So I'm trying to decide whether to root the S23 or not.
What are some pros and cons with rooting the Galaxy S23?
If you want to have full control over your device, root is the way.
I, for example, want to have VPN and firewall on to controll which app and how can connect to internet, combining also with adblock and I simply has no other way to achieve that.
Also I found it outrageous not to have full control over device I paid for.
Cons are that you will loose Samsung Pay and Pass. The rest of the Samsung goodies is patchable to get working through Knox patch. And you won't be able to get to pre-unlocked state cause your Knox status will be permanently changed. And also you will have to install all updates manually. And, obviously, your warranty will be void.
pesa44 said:
If you want to have full control over your device, root is the way.
I, for example, want to have VPN and firewall on to controll which app and how can connect to internet, combining also with adblock and I simply has no other way to achieve that.
Also I found it outrageous not to have full control over device I paid for.
Cons are that you will loose Samsung Pay and Pass. The rest of the Samsung goodies is patchable to get working through Knox patch. And you won't be able to get to pre-unlocked state cause your Knox status will be permanently changed. And also you will have to install all updates manually. And, obviously, your warranty will be void.
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Good response. Thank you!
No need to root nowadays, you can install any apps, modded apps by just allowing unknown sources.
Apps such as Spotify mod to get somewhat access to premium, Youtube Vanced...don't require root access.
Also apps such as Greenify, adBlocks offer non-rooted mode - even if not as powerful it isn't a deal breaker.
But mostly losing access to the Pay apps (Samsung Pay...) is a big issue to me and there is no way back!
I used to root my devices but really I don't feel like it's necessary anymore.
I'm yet to hear about an app, customisation that would motivate me enough to root my phone.
pesa44 said:
Also I found it outrageous not to have full control over device I paid for.
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Lol, you forget that people thinking this is probably less than 1% of the people. The rest of the people just want a phone that works.
Not having root access is a security and safety thing, as being able to change root files could end up with people bricking their phone if they don't know what they're doing.
Personally, I feel the same as @ValouSydney
Currently, there's barely any need for root as all good apps/features are already available within android and the play store.
This is the first phone I won't be rooting as I want to be able to use Samsung pay, use my banking app etc and update without issue.
the comments are misleading, you dont lose access to banking apps or wallet. Its only Samsung pay. Just use google pay.
I made a post about lspatch, which is supposed to be xposed without root. hope it gets traction
bipindr123 said:
I made a post about lspatch, which is supposed to be xposed without root. hope it gets traction
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Thanks for sharing this - any suggestions of modules to install that are worth using?