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What are the benefits to rooting Tab S2?

ok, i just got a tab s2 from christmas party, and im wondering what are the benefits to rooting the tablet
im all about rooting and all, as my note 5 is rooted running MOAR. And you can check my profile, ive done a good bit of themeing over the past few years.
but as for the Tablet, what good would root serve? should i root or pack it back up and get the gift receipt to exchange it for something else?

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JoeyDuran said:
ok, i just got a tab s2 from christmas party, and im wondering what are the benefits to rooting the tablet
im all about rooting and all, as my note 5 is rooted running MOAR. And you can check my profile, ive done a good bit of themeing over the past few years.
but as for the Tablet, what good would root serve? should i root or pack it back up and get the gift receipt to exchange it for something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting this will give you the option to do anything a rooted device can do.

Root it. Then let me know when theme it so I have a desire to root. Wait, you didn't get the 9.7, did you? ?

Basically this, do you want the keys to your house or do want someone else to have them and let them decide which parts of the house you're allowed to access?

ashyx said:
Basically this, do you want the keys to your house or do want someone else to have them and let them decide which parts of the house you're allowed to access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it could be argued that rooting in the hands of inexperienced users is a bit like handing the keys to the house to someone else. Plus there are rooms out there that you don't want people wandering into aimlessly. Think cockpit of a jetliner.
For me the main benefits are AdAway, xPosed, Tasker with secure settings, and ability to delete bloat ware rather than freeze it.

GroovyGeek said:
Well, it could be argued that rooting in the hands of inexperienced users is a bit like handing the keys to the house to someone else. Plus there are rooms out there that you don't want people wandering into aimlessly. Think cockpit of a jetliner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may have some credibility if you gave your keys to someone else, but I neither do that nor give any of my devices to anyone else to play with.
I'm the pilot, so I'm in the cockpit and in charge of the jet.

ashyx said:
That may have some credibility if you gave your keys to someone else, but I neither do that nor give any of my devices to anyone else to play with.
I'm the pilot, so I'm in the cockpit and in charge of the jet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For you absolutely, for the typical user it is more like buying the budget fare and then being asked to fly the plane. For someone who needs to be told "what is rooting" or asks what it can do for them I would not be so sure the benefits are clear. This is not intended to put down the OP, we all need to learn and some learn by asking the right questions from more experienced users.

GroovyGeek said:
For you absolutely, for the typical user it is more like buying the budget fare and then being asked to fly the plane. For someone who needs to be told "what is rooting" or asks what it can do for them I would not be so sure the benefits are clear. This is not intended to put down the OP, we all need to learn and some learn by asking the right questions from more experienced users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It comes down to this as far as I'm concerned, you can either be the driver or the passenger. [emoji6]

GroovyGeek said:
Well, it could be argued that rooting in the hands of inexperienced users is a bit like handing the keys to the house to someone else. Plus there are rooms out there that you don't want people wandering into aimlessly. Think cockpit of a jetliner.
For me the main benefits are AdAway, xPosed, Tasker with secure settings, and ability to delete bloat ware rather than freeze it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the most helpful post to answer what the OP was originally asking. After rooting, you can install custom ROMs that could give things like extended battery life or the ability to overclock your processor. It may not need it now, but future applications may refuse to run, or run slowly when installed unless you update your operating system. Samsung will eventually stop providing updates, but often there is support for the device by the XDA community who want to continue to use the tablet long after Samsung "retires" it.
As for right now, I'm leaving my device mostly stock until there becomes a strong reason to root.

Lucas155 said:
As for right now, I'm leaving my device mostly stock until there becomes a strong reason to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how I feel too. There's really nothing I need to do now that requires root access.

For me it was worth it just for the Xposed module that allows all apps to be used in multiwindow ?

Ramer said:
Root it. Then let me know when theme it so I have a desire to root. Wait, you didn't get the 9.7, did you? ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry ramer, just seein this...havent been keeping up with xda lately. and i got the 8.0 one

I want to root my new S2 so badly I can hardly stand it because I have a hard time living without AFWall+, AdAway, and Titanium Backup. However, this is my first Samsung device since the Galaxy S2, which had "Triangle Away". Now I'm worried that the thing will break on me within the warranty period and Samsung will refuse to repair it because of the Knox flag.
I'm more curious what the reliability of these tablets has been before I do anything to mine that precludes me from returning it or getting warranty service.

ashyx said:
It comes down to this as far as I'm concerned, you can either be the driver or the passenger. [emoji6]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this. Rooting gives you the option to kill off ads, really backup the device, install software you want (like an adblocker ), not what google/samsung wants you to install (anything but an adblocker).
For me, it started with rooting, as I wanted a real backup. Now I root stock and run titanium backup, adblock, when there is, xposed with minminguard (even better adblocker) and as soon as I get a build working or someone else beats me to it, I install Lineage (previously known as CyanogenMod) to get rid of all bloat and install the apps I want. (yeah, even opengasps gets that treatment, pico only)
My wife was using my CM Moto G 2014 for a while and when she wanted to replace it, she went for one on which Lineage was available... Having to learn a different way of using the phone was the reason to switch to 1 interface for all. (and the restore of her settings with TB was nice as well )
---------- Post added at 05:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------
jshamlet said:
I want to root my new S2 so badly I can hardly stand it because I have a hard time living without AFWall+, AdAway, and Titanium Backup. However, this is my first Samsung device since the Galaxy S2, which had "Triangle Away". Now I'm worried that the thing will break on me within the warranty period and Samsung will refuse to repair it because of the Knox flag.
I'm more curious what the reliability of these tablets has been before I do anything to mine that precludes me from returning it or getting warranty service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine had a bad charger port, while I was developing CM for it. (T810) Flashed stock, KNOX flag triggered, they checked and repaired. However, I'm in Europe and manufacturers have to prove that messing with software caused the breakage before they can void warranty. (Which they usually don't try, as it's to much a legal hassle)

T_I said:
I agree with this. Rooting gives you the option to kill off ads, really backup the device, install software you want (like an adblocker ), not what google/samsung wants you to install (anything but an adblocker).
For me, it started with rooting, as I wanted a real backup. Now I root stock and run titanium backup, adblock, when there is, xposed with minminguard (even better adblocker) and as soon as I get a build working or someone else beats me to it, I install Lineage (previously known as CyanogenMod) to get rid of all bloat and install the apps I want. (yeah, even opengasps gets that treatment, pico only)
My wife was using my CM Moto G 2014 for a while and when she wanted to replace it, she went for one on which Lineage was available... Having to learn a different way of using the phone was the reason to switch to 1 interface for all. (and the restore of her settings with TB was nice as well )
---------- Post added at 05:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------
Mine had a bad charger port, while I was developing CM for it. (T810) Flashed stock, KNOX flag triggered, they checked and repaired. However, I'm in Europe and manufacturers have to prove that messing with software caused the breakage before they can void warranty. (Which they usually don't try, as it's to much a legal hassle)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the US, where we seem to enjoy letting corporations have their way with us. Given the scare I had last night with the battery*, I think I'm going to stay stock until at least a few weeks or months have gone by to avoid infant mortality issues.
*The battery levels dropped significantly faster than I was expecting, and then refused to recharge past 98% until I power cycled the tablet.

Hi, thank you all for the replies here, I would have 3 related questions:
Is there any way to root the SM-T719 without triggering KNOX/installing recovery?
Will root had any bad influence on Miracast or similar screen casting techniques or on audio? (I had a Sony and if the DRM keys where not found the screen cast and some other proprietary enhancements like Bravia didn't function after unlocking the bootloader, don't understand if KNOX is similar).
If so, can this be reversed?
Thanks!

ccris said:
Hi, thank you all for the replies here, I would have 3 related questions:
Is there any way to root the SM-T719 without triggering KNOX/installing recovery?
Will root had any bad influence on Miracast or similar screen casting techniques or on audio? (I had a Sony and if the DRM keys where not found the screen cast and some other proprietary enhancements like Bravia didn't function after unlocking the bootloader, don't understand if KNOX is similar).
If so, can this be reversed?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short of an engineering kernel, which hasn't been found to my knowledge, no. Rooting will trip Knox on this device. This is irreversible, so make absolutely sure it won't be an issue before tripping it.
However, the only thing you really lose is Knox related features, such as secure storage (and possibly your warranty depending on location). I've not really found any functionality missing or damaged beyond that. The Tab S2 doesn't support Samsung Pay as it stands, which is the only other thing that typically gets axed with the warranty bit is set.
Unlike Sony, which for some reason thinks their software is so special they need DRM on the device, Samsung only borks things which are legitimately tied to a known secure device, and the list is pretty short on this tablet.

I'm not really sure if it's related but didn't notice this before rooting... When using an app (Tapatalk/Play Store/Opera browser) sometimes there's a glitch, like for 1-2 seconds the display refreshes the content, this might be repeted every 15-30 seconds... anyone else noticed something similar? thanks!

ccris said:
I'm not really sure if it's related but didn't notice this before rooting... When using an app (Tapatalk/Play Store/Opera browser) sometimes there's a glitch, like for 1-2 seconds the display refreshes the content, this might be repeted every 15-30 seconds... anyone else noticed something similar? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what are the root apps you are using?
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA Labs

Presuming no Xposed framework will ever be available for Android N or later...

Presuming no Xposed framework will ever be available for Android N or later, what hardware would you buy today? I will not run an Android version without Xposed (due to the need for XPrivacy). Therefore, I seek opinions on the best available, future-proofed hardware to run Xposed. For example, it seems I should still be able to buy a new OnePlus 3T, nuke the Nougat it presumably ships with, and "upgrade" down to Android 6 w/ Xposed. I doubt that path will be an option with later hardware releases.
What's the best, cutting edge Xposed-compatible hardware—presuming I might still be running it 5 years from now?

None.
Also hardware isnt the issue. Software is.
A one plus will stipl run great after 5 years.
But probably new security issues will arise and there won't be bug fixes to those things from anyone.
Maybe there will be other alternatives to exposed, but personally speaking, my current nexus 6 wipl be my last smartphone.
I will either not use one in the future or simply continue using this phone until it dies.
Appart from being utterly disgusted by the regression of technology (removable batteries gone, headphone jacks gone, lack of support),
I also cant stand the privacy issues.

shadowcore said:
hardware isnt the issue. Software is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree, unless you were making a reference to Wirth's law. My Nexus 5 crawls today in comparison to how it ran years ago, and I'm constantly short on RAM when I wasn't in the past. Most of this is the bloat caused by apps. It will help, of course, that the OS wouldn't be upgraded.
A one plus will stipl run great after 5 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also perform the hardware repair on my N5 myself, so that's a factor. Things like battery replacement come into play after years of use.
But probably new security issues will arise and there won't be bug fixes to those things from anyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's effectively where I'm at now. The OTAs won't apply, and I don't care enough to go through the gyrations to update the OS with the patches.

organophosphate said:
I disagree, unless you were making a reference to Wirth's law. My Nexus 5 crawls today in comparison to how it ran years ago, and I'm constantly short on RAM when I wasn't in the past. Most of this is the bloat caused by apps. It will help, of course, that the OS wouldn't be upgraded.
I also perform the hardware repair on my N5 myself, so that's a factor. Things like battery replacement come into play after years of use.
That's effectively where I'm at now. The OTAs won't apply, and I don't care enough to go through the gyrations to update the OS with the patches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed I have Nexus 5, Redmi Note 3, Redmi Note 4, Moto G5 Plus, Mi5 at home
Nexus 5 feels ancient now though I love the form factor and the occasional times when it runs smooth off late
Im guessing EMMC might be degrading

Then I should buy more Android Phones, at least one for shopping, one for apps at sixes and sevens. I am in China and most of the apps don't want to obey the rules...
Plus: less pleasure for personalizing

Guys !
Please keep on topic and refrain from xposed lifespan assumptions , the OP is asking for a different opinion
thread cleaned and be nice one with the other
thanks for understanding
Dan - forum moderator

you pretty much already have my suggestion.... a OnePlus 3T. since you seem to need xposed (imho, just move on) all new phones will obviously be shipping with android 7.xx+, the 3T is the best phone to get. i doubt there will be an update to xposed so eventually you will need to update and its obvious that later android version will have superior memory management to make use of the 3T's memory.
if by chance, xposed does somehow live you will still be left with a great phone that is only further made better by whatever android version is available. a few weeks ago i helped several classmates switch ROM's. they all bought 3T's due to my recommendation. all are very happy. i suggest you get one while they are still available. i hope this helps! cheers!

droidbot1337 said:
you pretty much already have my suggestion.... a OnePlus 3T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
since you seem to need xposed (imho, just move on)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I *need* XPrivacy and not only is that dependent on Xposed but I subsequently found out that development likely won't support anything later than Marshmallow. So, that's where I'll be indefinitely until someone replicates that.
they all bought 3T's due to my recommendation. all are very happy. i suggest you get one while they are still available. i hope this helps! cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does. Thanks. The largest concern is battery replacement, as it seems there are no genuine replacement batteries. Maybe that will change in a few years, though.

Well, I *need* XPrivacy.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, if privacy is your concern their are many apps that can help. your familiari with AFWall+ so there's that. you could also use Island by Oasisfeng. i mostly use it to hide my friends titpics and my snapchat, kik accounts but the app will eventually be able to do so much more.
i dont know what type of privacy concerns you have but a firewall should be enough unless your either a spy or just paranoid.
The largest concern is battery replacement....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can find parts for this phone with an easy google search. i purchased a replacement screen for a friend that accidentally dropped her 3T from a balcony at school.
i truly suggest you move on to N. soon there O will be released and with it so many worthwhile features. if your lucky enough to get the chance to use it i suggest you do and not pass due to the lack of xposed. while i agree that xposed is great, its not worth passing over on updating to a better android release.
btw, now that there has been more info on the 1+5, i suggest you wait. give island a try and then i hope you go for the 1+5. cheers!

droidbot1337 said:
well, if privacy is your concern their are many apps that can help. your familiari with AFWall+ so there's that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to XPrivacy, I'm already using AFWall+, AppOps Xposed, and an always-on VPN.
you could also use Island by Oasisfeng. i mostly use it to hide my friends titpics and my snapchat, kik accounts but the app will eventually be able to do so much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I'll check it out for consideration to be added it into the mix. Thanks.
i dont know what type of privacy concerns you have but a firewall should be enough unless your either a spy or just paranoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A firewall is necessary but insufficient due to in-band privacy leaks. I require XPrivacy to intercept calls and feed apps fake data. There is really no substitute for Xposed for this type of approach; you may remember PDroid and how clunky that was.
you can find parts for this phone with an easy google search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm. I was unable to find a genuine OnePlus 3T battery. I found a few obviously counterfeit batteries from dodgy ebay vendors, but I would certainly appreciate it if you could point me to a source for a genuine new replacement battery for a 3T.
i truly suggest you move on to N. soon there O will be released and with it so many worthwhile features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your perspective, but I'd rather not have a smartphone than to go without XPrivacy or its equivalent. I certainly need XPrivacy a lot more than I need some new UX. I already disable all the "cool" creepy google **** like google now cards and I deny the google app access to my mic & location (well, location services is disabled altogether, but you get the point). My smartphone on MM does what I want it to do, and I really don't need it to do anything more—especially if it comes at the cost of losing the fine-grained control over apps one has via XPrivacy.

Hijacking the thread, since you posted some nice alternatives. What about us that can't live without Amplify and Greenify?

FenrirMX said:
Hijacking the thread, since you posted some nice alternatives. What about us that can't live without Amplify and Greenify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greenify doesn't require Xposed to work, just for the "boost" features. It works just fine on my 6P running 7.1.2, which means I have no Xposed.

another thread hijack since someone mention xposed module alternatives
can someone create a thread specifically list down all the alternatives for xposed modules? I am switching to S8 which is nougat only so I need to find alternatives for my xposed modules
- app settings: no alt
- appopsxposed: no alt
- boot manager: no alt
- nekosms: samsung default messaging app block feature (although not as complete)
- rootcloak: magisk
- xtouchwiz: manually deal with csc xml

Garock said:
another thread hijack since someone mention xposed module alternatives
can someone create a thread specifically list down all the alternatives for xposed modules? I am switching to S8 which is nougat only so I need to find alternatives for my xposed modules
- app settings: no alt
- appopsxposed: no alt
- boot manager: no alt
- nekosms: samsung default messaging app block feature (although not as complete)
- rootcloak: magisk
- xtouchwiz: manually deal with csc xml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Magisk directly replace Rootcloak? Doesn't Magiskhide only hide Magisk, not root?

ldeveraux said:
Does Magisk directly replace Rootcloak? Doesn't Magiskhide only hide Magisk, not root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magisk hides its root.

josephcsible said:
Magisk hides its root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, not SuperSU though.

ldeveraux said:
Right, not SuperSU though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure but I thought magisk hide will also hide root from other apps
but you're correct, magisk hide needs magisksu and cannot work with supersu

Info overload : Please help me turn an SV98LN OS 5.4.0.0 into a NEXUS flavoured unit

Hi all, appreciate best practice is always to read posted guides but I'm getting kinda old and too many threads are only relevant at particular points in time when the 5th Gen Fire was newer. So basically I'm lost in conflicting info on the guides and need some direction.
Starting point is i) I've got 'basic' experience of rooting and flashing roms, so my PC has got ADB drivers etc. ii) I have a stock OS 5.4.0.0 5th Gen Fire which is my elderly mothers and the intention is to get the crap OS removed and make it a simple Nexus 7'like device.
Can somebody please give me some step-by-step advice. I'm at the point where the device is developer enabled and ABD enabled. But the guides I've seen are all based on old OS's so I fear the whatever I try next will just brick the unit.
Thx in advance

As of now, 5.3.2.1 - 5.4.0.0 can not be rooted, much less have the bootloader unlocked to install a custom ROM.

aww bummer
OK second question : How should I treat the term "As of now"? Do you think there is any likelihood of a 5.4.0.0 root solution happening soon? i.e. weeks or months?
If its not gonna be a while, then I might just install the non-root google-play stuff and just shift the bloaty stuff out of sight if I can.

ebod said:
aww bummer
OK second question : How should I treat the term "As of now"? Do you think there is any likelihood of a 5.4.0.0 root solution happening soon? i.e. weeks or months?
If its not gonna be a while, then I might just install the non-root google-play stuff and just shift the bloaty stuff out of sight if I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: The usual warning: I am not responsible for any damage done to your device. If using ANY of these guides, you're doing so at your own risk.
That's about your only option at the moment. You can use the guide here, which will install the appropriate google services needed. You can then use this guide to manually 'uninstall' system/Amazon applications (you aren't really uninstalling them, just disabling them). Or use the automatic tool here, which will uninstall a significant number of the Amazon 'bloatware' and install the Google services and a few other Google related apps.
I CANNOT STRESS THIS NOTE ENOUGH: Whether you uninstall apps manually or automatically, please be aware you have to replace the Amazon apps BEFORE you uninstall them. For example, if you want to use contacts, you should install the necessary Google Contact APKs, open 'Contacts' then uninstall Amazon contacts. DO NOT UNINSTALL the Amazon Contact Storage APK or no contact applications will function properly, if at all. There is a guide here where you can install Google Contacts and get a fun little surprise as a result of doing so.
A factory reset will bring back all system apps you uninstall whether you uninstall them manually or automatically. So if anything stops working or you uninstall something that broke something else, factory resetting will fix the tablet, but you'll have to start over.
If you want to use a custom launcher like Nova Launcher, you can read this post which will describe how to do so. In this post I explain how to disable Fire Launcher without breaking the home button. Please read the WHOLE post, including the very bottom where there's a link that describes a 'fix' for the recent apps button (square button) which has a fit when you uninstall Fire Launcher (even on rooted devices). Just tap on 'hide Fire Launcher BEFORE' at the bottom which will take you to a page where you can activate widgets. Read the very bottom and it will tell you how to 'fix' the recent apps button. When you swipe closed apps using the recent apps button, swiping the last one will kick you to the lock screen or black you out for a moment. The fix is kinda cheesy, but it is a fix. I use it on my HD 8.
In this post I describe what Amazon apps I did NOT uninstall. Note this list of apps will differ slightly from the ones installed on the HD 7, but not by very much. This list MIGHT allow you to use Gmail (which doesn't work on any tablet model) and a few other apps.
Very soon, I plan to make a thread with a detailed tutorial on how to do all of this, so it's in one single spot for everyone to find.

Jake1702_ said:
As of now, 5.3.2.1 - 5.4.0.0 can not be rooted, much less have the bootloader unlocked to install a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.

Davey126 said:
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Davey, yeah I'm not ultimately looking for a rooted device, I just want a clean Nexus'like rom with no bloated crap on it. As a plan-B I will follow the other guide notes that DragonFire kindly provided. But primarily if you are still staying I can get Flashfire to install a custom Nexus rom, then please can you guide me to the appropriate instructions to make Flashfire come to life.
I have Flashfire installed...but it just warns there are no permissions etc.
Thanks

ebod said:
Thanks Davey, yeah I'm not ultimately looking for a rooted device, I just want a clean Nexus'like rom with no bloated crap on it. As a plan-B I will follow the other guide notes that DragonFire kindly provided. But primarily if you are still staying I can get Flashfire to install a custom Nexus rom, then please can you guide me to the appropriate instructions to make Flashfire come to life.
I have Flashfire installed...but it just warns there are no permissions etc.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom ROM (ie: Nexus) can not be installed on this device without root. I do not foresee that happening anytime soon with the so you're stuck with FireOS for a bit. It's not a bad skin once you get used to it.
@DragonFire1024 provided a nice summary of the available tweaks and associated caveats. I suggest going slow; start with the Google Play Store and some light visual customizations. Save the all-or-nothing 'debloat script' until have have a better idea of what to keep.
Most importantly, enjoy your new device and don't fret over what could have been.

This list MIGHT allow you to use Gmail (which doesn't work on any tablet model) and a few other apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Davey126 said:
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know that. If that's the case, as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.

Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're lucky then. Many users have had issues with Gmail either force closing or not working at all. Hope the rest was somewhat helpful.
---------- Post added at 05:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 PM ----------
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
I did not know that. If that's the case, as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*IF* it becomes available. I've had my tablets almost a year, maybe a months or so under one. That's how long I've been waiting. Some have been waiting longer.

Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially and for many months after the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.

Davey126 said:
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Initially (and for many months after) the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere where quite a few people had put a bug report in or something to that effect. A few days later there was an update to Gmail. That's about the time I installed it and it worked perfectly for me. I'm willing to bet Google did something that that made it possible to use again. Did Amazon do something to block is from using it? In my opinion, not likely. But what caused it? Not a clue. There is some speculation it had to do to with a permission, but that's only speculation. This is something we'll likely never get the answer to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Jake1702_ said:
... as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get your hopes up. There's a reason securing root on Amazon and other manufacturer devices has become more difficult over the past 12-18 months. While I appreciate the euphemistic optimism shown by some the tightened security and legacy code cleanup initiated by Google is actually a good thing for the general Android user community. Of course, XDAers hate it (spare me the sermon on someone controlling *your* device) but they don't represent the much larger community that Amazon and other market driven companies are targeting. Business/capatolism 101.

Davey126 said:
Initially and for many months after the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might just have been the perfect period of time during when I had mine sitting and not being used. Guess I'm just lucky.
Davey126 said:
Don't get your hopes up. There's a reason securing root on Amazon and other manufacturer devices has become more difficult over the past 12-18 months. While I appreciate the euphemistic optimism shown by some the tightened security and legacy code cleanup initiated by Google is actually a good thing for the general Android user community. Of course, XDAers hate it (spare me the sermon on someone controlling *your* device) but they don't represent the much larger community that Amazon and other market driven companies are targeting. Business/capatolism 101.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definitely possible, just not enough people spending time on this device, they are all focused on more popular brands/devices.

Jake1702_ said:
Might just have been the perfect period of time during when I had mine sitting and not being used. Guess I'm just lucky.
It is definitely possible, just not enough people spending time on this device, they are all focused on more popular brands/devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This I will actually agree with. But to be honest, I really thought we'd have a good chance after Prime Day. I really thought we'd have gotten it then, but I still have hopes.
That being said, the tricks and hacks we've discovered over the last few months are pretty amazing. The method of 'uninstalling' I mentioned a few posts ago, was never intended nor expected to work on these tablets. It had sat on XDA for a couple days before I literally said out loud: "oh what the hell. I can't break anything." So gave it a shot and was incredibly surprised to see it really did disable Amazon Video.
With the tricks and hacks I also mentioned a few posts back, really does go a long way in terms of a custom ROM. Aside from the technical aspects and apps, in my opinion it's pretty much a custom systemless ROM. Though some may disagree with me very much.
Feel free to ask any question you like. We'll do our best to help.

DragonFire1024 said:
This I will actually agree with. But to be honest, I really thought we'd have a good chance after Prime Day. I really thought we'd have gotten it then, but I still have hopes.
That being said, the tricks and hacks we've discovered over the last few months are pretty amazing. The method of 'uninstalling' I mentioned a few posts ago, was never intended nor expected to work on these tablets. It had sat on XDA for a couple days before I literally said out loud: "oh what the hell. I can't break anything." So gave it a shot and was incredibly surprised to see it really did disable Amazon Video.
With the tricks and hacks I also mentioned a few posts back, really does go a long way in terms of a custom ROM. Aside from the technical aspects and apps, in my opinion it's pretty much a custom systemless ROM. Though some may disagree with me very much.
Feel free to ask any question you like. We'll do our best to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny how for months now this device still hasn't been rooted, yet a few days after the release of the Samsung Galaxy S8, it was already rooted. Simply, those devices have much more people willing to take time to find exploits for, whereas the Fire does not. It's a shame really.
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk

Jake1702_ said:
Funny how for months now this device still hasn't been rooted, yet a few days after the release of the Samsung Galaxy S8, it was already rooted. Simply, those devices have much more people willing to take time to find exploits for, whereas the Fire does not. It's a shame really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There just may not be any at the moment. Amazon has done a lot to this OS, so much so, I've seen posts where users don't even consider it an Android base anymore. Depending on what you read, I've seen other sites where some say its too butchered.
Also keep in mind when an exploit is found, some have been around for a very long time. So one may exist, but no one has either found it yet so no method exists or as you say, may not care enough to take the time to make a method. Every Android device is different. The OS is customized and programed to a manufacturers liking who also add their own customization, then is passed off to a service provider who further customizes it. In that period exploits are patched or simply don't work because what's exploited in certain devices, may not exist in other devices. The list and possibilities really could go on.

DragonFire1024 said:
There just may not be any at the moment. Amazon has done a lot to this OS, so much so, I've seen posts where users don't even consider it an Android base anymore. Depending on what you read, I've seen other sites where some say its too butchered.
Also keep in mind when an exploit is found, some have been around for a very long time. So one may exist, but no one has either found it yet so no method exists or as you say, may not care enough to take the time to make a method. Every Android device is different. The OS is customized and programed to a manufacturers liking who also add their own customization, then is passed off to a service provider who further customizes it. In that period exploits are patched or simply don't work because what's exploited in certain devices, may not exist in other devices. The list and possibilities really could go on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if it would be possible "break" the bootloader, so-to-speak, to a point where it "works" but is flawed, allowing the installation of a custom ROM.

Jake1702_ said:
I wonder if it would be possible "break" the bootloader, so-to-speak, to a point where it "works" but is flawed, allowing the installation of a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not likely. I have a list of things to try on my head. Some simple, some outrageous. Truth is this HD 8 has been through hell. I've reset it more times than I can count. I've nearly disected it and to be honest I'm absolutely amazed I haven't broken it yet. So I'm giving her a break from that right now.
With that said, I have an HD 7 that's rooted. I have an idea to try some things using it, that could work on non rooted 7 and up tablets, that would be totally systemless that could open up the possibilities to some things. I've been disecting the HD 7 for some ideas and plan to do some testing very soon. I'm the type that will immediately look at all settings and functions and then look through every file, folder and directory I'm able to, so we can do what many of us have already achieved. Keep an eye on me

DragonFire1024 said:
Not likely. I have a list of things to try on my head. Some simple, some outrageous. Truth is this HD 8 has been through hell. I've reset it more times than I can count. I've nearly disected it and to be honest I'm absolutely amazed I haven't broken it yet. So I'm giving her a break from that right now.
With that said, I have an HD 7 that's rooted. I have an idea to try some things using it, that could work on non rooted 7 and up tablets, that would be totally systemless that could open up the possibilities to some things. I've been disecting the HD 7 for some ideas and plan to do some testing very soon. I'm the type that will immediately look at all settings and functions and then look through every file, folder and directory I'm able to, so we can do what many of us have already achieved. Keep an eye on me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone were to go so deep to a point where they took it apart, maybe it would be possible to modify the bootloader by setting up a custom one.
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk

Root or Not Root that's the question

Hi together,
I am wondering which benefits I can expect from rooting my device.
One thing that comes to my mind is having an option to use face unlock for older unlock APIs.
What do you guys think?

Tirade incoming...
I'm probably in the minority, but I won't buy a phone I cannot root. The idea that the phone that I paid $1000 for up front is under the control of other companies seems wrong to me. I have full control over my computers... my ISP doesn't tell me what I can run on it and can't force me to use their DNS; Microsoft doesn't tell me that I'm breaking a EULA by running admin programs; my bank's website doesn't refuse to load because I'm running a lot of browser extensions that can modify the page. Google says they respect that people want control over their phones but they also say they respect app creator's wanting to run on an unmodified device. I throw those companies to the wind and don't look back. If only Google would stop blocking access to things and requiring us to use root to gain them back. They give and take features almost constantly and it often feels like a losing battle.
Ideology aside, there are so many small things that can be done through rooting. The next best alternative is either awkward or non-existent. I could name them off, but each thing on their own is easily dismissable is about preference. But if I had to use a phone that had none of my modifications/tweaks, I would be fairly unhappy. I don't think you'll understand the difference until you're actually changing your phone significantly as a whole then have to consider going back. A lot of things you won't know you even wanted until you find that they're possible... and a lot of things you'll look at and not even care about, despite them being popular to other people. That's what rooting is to me. Choices and options... in a world where Apple and even Google think that less is more.
I think if you're willing to experiment and put a significant amount of time in doing so, you should dive in and find out what you like. But if you're on the ropes about it, then you might not get into it.

jljtgr said:
Tirade incoming...
I'm probably in the minority, but I won't buy a phone I cannot root. The idea that the phone that I paid $1000 for up front is under the control of other companies seems wrong to me. I have full control over my computers... my ISP doesn't tell me what I can run on it and can't force me to use their DNS; Microsoft doesn't tell me that I'm breaking a EULA by running admin programs; my bank's website doesn't refuse to load because I'm running a lot of browser extensions that can modify the page. Google says they respect that people want control over their phones but they also say they respect app creator's wanting to run on an unmodified device. I throw those companies to the wind and don't look back. If only Google would stop blocking access to things and requiring us to use root to gain them back. They give and take features almost constantly and it often feels like a losing battle.
Ideology aside, there are so many small things that can be done through rooting. The next best alternative is either awkward or non-existent. I could name them off, but each thing on their own is easily dismissable is about preference. But if I had to use a phone that had none of my modifications/tweaks, I would be fairly unhappy. I don't think you'll understand the difference until you're actually changing your phone significantly as a whole then have to consider going back. A lot of things you won't know you even wanted until you find that they're possible... and a lot of things you'll look at and not even care about, despite them being popular to other people. That's what rooting is to me. Choices and options... in a world where Apple and even Google think that less is more.
I think if you're willing to experiment and put a significant amount of time in doing so, you should dive in and find out what you like. But if you're on the ropes about it, then you might not get into it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To make that clear. I rooted every android phone I owned up to now. There has been always a thing that bothered me about the stock ROM.
But this time I feel like everything is working out of the box. (Except face unlock for ing, which sux)
I get your point and you are totally right. But I'm not sure if I want to change so much and having to update on my own and other things is to much work for me.

SeppGoPro said:
To make that clear. I rooted every android phone I owned up to now. There has been always a thing that bothered me about the stock ROM.
But this time I feel like everything is working out of the box. (Except face unlock for ing, which sux)
I get your point and you are totally right. But I'm not sure if I want to change so much and having to update on my own and other things is to much work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you. Rooting used to be fun and easy but it's more work than I want to deal with at this point.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using XDA Labs

It takes me longer the download the stock image to do updates with than it takes me to re-root the phone after the update. I wonder why it seems like a lot of work to you.
PS. My broadband ISP is slow....

jljtgr said:
It takes me longer the download the stock image to do updates with than it takes me to re-root the phone after the update. I wonder why it seems like a lot of work to you.
PS. My broadband ISP is slow....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes more time, which you actively have to spend. It's not like ow there is an update. Ok install done.
You have to go through all steps. You have to e.g. change settings in build.prop again. Flash kernel or what ever.
One example with rooted and problems with apps I'm always unsure if it's due to root or due to the rom. Stuff like this.

I don't have to do either of those things. My build.prop changes are systemlessly handled by a Magisk module that just works as soon as I'm rooted again. YMMV.
I've spent more time writing in this thread than my monthly process takes. If you don't have that time, then fine. You've answered your own question?

I've rooted all my devices except the pixel ones. There's absolutely no need for me to root a pixel device, everything is working as I want out of the box. That's one reason that development for the pixel 4/xl is nearly non existent.

ROOT! #1 reason Fingerface for fingerprint only APIs, other than that I agree the Pixel phones don't need any modifications. I hope the Pixel 5 will bring back the FP, face unlock sucks with a mask!

dave5777 said:
ROOT! #1 reason Fingerface for fingerprint only APIs, other than that I agree the Pixel phones don't need any modifications. I hope the Pixel 5 will bring back the FP, face unlock sucks with a mask!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this would be the only reason for me.

first reason finger face
second reason motion sense..
now on android beta 2.5 not rooted

Why choose android if you are going to use a limited system?
If i could live without root i would just go iPhone way

fuarkgl3 said:
Why choose android if you are going to use a limited system?
If i could live without root i would just go iPhone way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cause the limited system will do what most people need it to do

dave5777 said:
ROOT! #1 reason Fingerface for fingerprint only APIs, other than that I agree the Pixel phones don't need any modifications. I hope the Pixel 5 will bring back the FP, face unlock sucks with a mask!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull it down for half a sec.

Mackay53 said:
Cause the limited system will do what most people need it to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again. If you are going to use a limited system why choose android over iOS?
I don't understand your reply

fuarkgl3 said:
Again. If you are going to use a limited system why choose android over iOS?
I don't understand your reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because many people like what Android has to offer over iOS, simple. Rooting isn't as useful as what it used to be

Does google pay work currently root? Magisk hide?
Or is that out of the question now...

xtravbx said:
Does google pay work currently root? Magisk hide?
Or is that out of the question now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've been reading it's going to be hard to get Google Pay to work with root. I only use root to bring back the 2 button gesture using a Magisk module. I don't know if it's worth it anymore.

xtravbx said:
Does google pay work currently root? Magisk hide?
Or is that out of the question now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google pay works right now for me and I'm rooted running 11 beta 2.5.

fr0st420 said:
From what I've been reading it's going to be hard to get Google Pay to work with root. I only use root to bring back the 2 button gesture using a Magisk module. I don't know if it's worth it anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to root so I can run ProtonVPN (or any VPN really) alongside Adguard. You can't run them side x side without root....
Admittedly a little sick of the whole big brother thing, so wouldn't mind obscuring my traffic a bit.

Question Does it worth rooting pixel 7?

I'm receiving my Google Pixel 7 tomorrow. I'm coming from Pixel 6 and before coming from a Pixel 4. The last device I rooted was Oneplus 6T and was before the pixels I've got. So, my question is, does it worth root for this device? What would be the benefits nowadays? I've got the pixel 7 from Google unlocked. Thanks in advance

imrock666 said:
I'm receiving my Google Pixel 7 tomorrow. I'm coming from Pixel 6 and before coming from a Pixel 4. The last device I rooted was Oneplus 6T and was before the pixels I've got. So, my question is, does it worth root for this device? What would be the benefits nowadays? I've got the pixel 7 from Google unlocked. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your question, I would say it's worth it. You can get system wide AdBlock. Some apps require it like audio mods. You can also get LSPosed and ASOPMods which will give you a bunch of tweaks on the stock rom without having to use a custom ROM, among other things, but in the end it's up to you

Thanks, for the reply. My bad about the miss understanding. The Google pay always it's patched and possibly to use? My question resides since I use it a lot

imrock666 said:
Thanks, for the reply. My bad about the miss understanding. The Google pay always it's patched and possibly to use? My question resides since I use it a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Pay might be disabled when you root it though.

imrock666 said:
Thanks, for the reply. My bad about the miss understanding. The Google pay always it's patched and possibly to use? My question resides since I use it a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im rooted and I have no problem doing payments with the NFC

I think that the people that use XDA are likely to be in favor of rooting, after all they are mostly hackers anyway. I have to say I haven't rooted one of my phones in years, android has gotten so good that most of the features that rooting provided are available without rooting now.
That being said, I think you know the answer. If there is something you want on your phone that you can only get by rooting, then you should root. The Pixel series seems to be very well supported by the community.

Thank you guys for the reply. I've been far from the scene but i know what you say it's right. I'll take a look to the topics to see if I need something that worth root.

AdAway -that's why I root, and it's worth it. I hate ads and a system wide ad blocker is awesome. Also, the AOSP mods module (you can find it on XDA) helps customize a stock rooted device very well.
*But I don't use banking apps, so if you do - root may not be worth the hassle or the security risk.

O.J. Simpson said:
AdAway -that's why I root, and it's worth it. I hate ads and a system wide ad blocker is awesome. Also, the AOSP mods module (you can find it on XDA) helps customize a stock rooted device very well.
*But I don't use banking apps, so if you do - root may not be worth the hassle or the security risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If ad blocking is your main reason to root, you should look into things that can be done via dns from your router to every device in your home no software required. That being said, unlocking the bootloader on my Samsung tablet and pixel experience gsi actually made me appreciate some of the pixels ui. Root doesn't really matter like it used to for me, but in principle I should be allowed admin privilege on a device I paid for.

Thanks, pal. I'm still thinking in rooting the pixel 7. I've just got it but in my opinion has everything you need out of the box. Times are changing now.

imrock666 said:
Thanks, pal. I'm still thinking in rooting the pixel 7. I've just got it but in my opinion has everything you need out of the box. Times are changing now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nice thing regarding rooting are the possible extra functions you may want to add then using modules and apps. I tested many custom ROMs for the Pixel 6 and 7, but always went back to the stock ROM. With many custom ROMs I had problems, bugs and glitches. Now rooted stock plus a custom kernel is my setup of choice.
As you may know, root can be a serious security risk if you don't know what you do or if you f* up badly getting hacked or something like that. And maybe some banking apps and stuff like that won't work with a rooted device, but there's workarounds for that maybe.
I use latest stable Magisk, AdAway to block ads and tracking via systemless hosts file, and App Ops with Sui by Rikka. With App Ops you have advanced permission settings for apps, which is good for privacy.
Using App Ops and AdAway in hosts mode would not be possible without root, and for the Kirisakura Kernel a Magisk module is needed too. Swift backup, which I use for complete backups needs root too for some features.
App Ops and Swift Backup are not FOSS sadly. I wish they were and there are people saying that they can not be trusted if they are not open source. On the other side they are very well implemented apps which just work. So I use them.

talksickisil said:
If ad blocking is your main reason to root, you should look into things that can be done via dns from your router to every device in your home no software required. That being said, unlocking the bootloader on my Samsung tablet and pixel experience gsi actually made me appreciate some of the pixels ui. Root doesn't really matter like it used to for me, but in principle I should be allowed admin privilege on a device I paid for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ad blocking isn't my main reason, but thanks for the advice. I've been using AdAway for over a decade and it's a simple solution on the device side of things, and I like to keep things simple. I will look into your solution for my home Wifi network though.
But rooting allows you to add or delete features, so combined with AdAway, a custom kernel, and a few modifications on my stock pixel 7 rom - I have a device that performs better, does what I want when I want, and without obnoxious ads - regardless of the network I'm on

O.J. Simpson said:
Ad blocking isn't my main reason, but thanks for the advice. I've been using AdAway for over a decade and it's a simple solution on the device side of things, and I like to keep things simple. I will look into your solution for my home Wifi network though.
But rooting allows you to add or delete features, so combined with AdAway, a custom kernel, and a few modifications on my stock pixel 7 rom - I have a device that performs better, does what I want when I want, and without obnoxious ads - regardless of the network I'm on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are on the same page about root privilege. I just figured I'd mention there are other options available if anybody reading this actually is only rooting for ad control.

talksickisil said:
We are on the same page about root privilege. I just figured I'd mention there are other options available if anybody reading this actually is only rooting for ad control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, one can always stay unrooted and use the non-root mode of AdAway, use adguard DNS ( dns.adguard.com ) or personalDNSfilter e.g. ... During the last years I sometimes used adguard, atm using AdAway with root on my Pixel 7 but on my unrooted Nokia 8010 TV box I use personalDNSfilter (our GUI does not support Android TV very well, but it runs).

t-ryder said:
Sure, one can always stay unrooted and use the non-root mode of AdAway, use adguard DNS ( dns.adguard.com ) or personalDNSfilter e.g. ... During the last years I sometimes used adguard, atm using AdAway with root on my Pixel 7 but on my unrooted Nokia 8010 TV box I use personalDNSfilter (our GUI does not support Android TV very well, but it runs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely recommend to anybody rooted or not to look into setting up pi hole for network wide host list enforcement. I also recommend a 30 day trial on controld.com . Very versatile and I have been subscribed @4 dollars a month happily. Not trying to shill but I love what can be done with it. And it carries over to your cellular network when you aren't on wifi. Also there's nextdns and Adguard home which are great as well. Controld allows you to change you ip locale like a VPN, without being on VPN. If you do a trial you'll probably want to keep it. Word of warning

talksickisil said:
We are on the same page about root privilege. I just figured I'd mention there are other options available if anybody reading this actually is only rooting for ad control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much appreciated. And I guess that's the purpose of forums like this - public discourse and sharing of information.
Take care, homie

t-ryder said:
Sure, one can always stay unrooted and use the non-root mode of AdAway, use adguard DNS ( dns.adguard.com ) or personalDNSfilter e.g. ... During the last years I sometimes used adguard, atm using AdAway with root on my Pixel 7 but on my unrooted Nokia 8010 TV box I use personalDNSfilter (our GUI does not support Android TV very well, but it runs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1