Hi all... so the last samsung I had was a Note 3, and I'm contemplating coming back to Samsung.
I will need to root whatever phone I get, so I am just trying to get clear around what impact that will have. I understand that rooting will trip knox, and therefore Samsung Pay and a few other sammy-specific things will stop working. That doesn't worry me too much.
On my current rooted phone (Mate 10 Pro running Android 8), my banking app works fine and so does everything else I need. Should I expect that to continue with a rooted S21 UItra or should I expect more problems?
It's really hard to find a phone that ticks all my boxes these days....
With the current status of Magisk hide I'm not sure how long until you'll have to start walking on a thin line between updating Magisk and keeping the hide functionality.
Yes... I've been reading about that. It's the kind of situation I have with my current phone, sitting on Android 8 for various reasons. I tend to look after my phones so they last me a long time, but the software ends up well out of date.
I guess things just aren't moving in the direction I would have preferred them to...
anthropoidape said:
Hi all... so the last samsung I had was a Note 3, and I'm contemplating coming back to Samsung.
I will need to root whatever phone I get, so I am just trying to get clear around what impact that will have. I understand that rooting will trip knox, and therefore Samsung Pay and a few other sammy-specific things will stop working. That doesn't worry me too much.
On my current rooted phone (Mate 10 Pro running Android 8), my banking app works fine and so does everything else I need. Should I expect that to continue with a rooted S21 UItra or should I expect more problems?
It's really hard to find a phone that ticks all my boxes these days....
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Click to collapse
If you're not worried about Knox or any of the Samsung services like Samsung Pay or Samsung Pass etc, then rooting it is going to behave like practically any other phone of this current generation. Third party app behaviour will depend on how well (and for how much longer) you can hide your root status.
The only difference compared to other phones like OnePlus etc is that you can never go back to full stock on a Samsung. That tripped Knox will always remain tripped and none of the disabled Samsung services will work, even if you flash back stock firmware. Also, some users have reported Samsung defying warranty (even for hardware defects) due to a software "modification" . This may depend on your countries' laws so YMMV, but something to be aware of...
enigmaamit said:
If you're not worried about Knox or any of the Samsung services like Samsung Pay or Samsung Pass etc, then rooting it is going to behave like practically any other phone of this current generation. Third party app behaviour will depend on how well (and for how much longer) you can hide your root status.
The only difference compared to other phones like OnePlus etc is that you can never go back to full stock on a Samsung. That tripped Knox will always remain tripped and none of the disabled Samsung services will work, even if you flash back stock firmware. Also, some users have reported Samsung defying warranty (even for hardware defects) due to a software "modification" . This may depend on your countries' laws so YMMV, but something to be aware of...
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Thanks, that makes sense. We also only get exynos where I live, another factor although it looks closer to snapdragon in the S21 than in, say, a Note 20 Ultra which I'd consider with sd865 but probably not with exynos.
anthropoidape said:
Thanks, that makes sense. We also only get exynos where I live, another factor although it looks closer to snapdragon in the S21 than in, say, a Note 20 Ultra which I'd consider with sd865 but probably not with exynos.
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you should also consider that when you root your samsung, you half its value so if you want to sell it you'll get half of the money and you can't trade in for a new phone
From a security point of view I would only ever shred such equipment at end of life.
I have never sold a phone, I just use them to death. However the point about value is a good one. I guess pixel and oneplus don't have the problem of root being irreversible and that is a positive for them over samsung.
anthropoidape said:
I have never sold a phone, I just use them to death. However the point about value is a good one. I guess pixel and oneplus don't have the problem of root being irreversible and that is a positive for them over samsung.
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I think it comes down to why you need to root, it's more complex than it used to be and has more consequences on S Series devices. For most it doesn't add up. Losing a few Samsung Services like Pay, Health and Secure Folder is one thing but losing your Warranty, all future OTA Updates and Security Patches is tough to swallow, especially on a expensive smartphone. Also be aware you're not obligated to aquire the Exynos SoC, Snapdragon variants with unlocked bootloaders are widely available online. Based on what you've shared if you have to root your next device, the S21 likely isn't your best option. Pixel 6 or OnePlus comes to mind for users devoted to root access but both of those are clearly inferior to the S21.
varcor said:
I think it comes down to why you need to root, it's more complex than it used to be and has more consequences on S Series devices. For most it doesn't add up. Losing a few Samsung Services like Pay, Health and Secure Folder is one thing but losing your Warranty, all future OTA Updates and Security Patches is tough to swallow, especially on a expensive smartphone. Also be aware you're not obligated to aquire the Exynos SoC, Snapdragon variants with unlocked bootloaders are widely available online. Based on what you've shared if you have to root your next device, the S21 likely isn't your best option. Pixel 6 or OnePlus comes to mind for users devoted to root access but both of those are clearly inferior to the S21.
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Probably you are not rooting your device now a days and have many misconceptions.
- Rooting on samsung never risky, never heard any hard brick device by just rooting device on any samsung device.
- SPay won't work but - SPay still works if you have Samsung Watch, Also SPAy was best when it was supporting MTS technology nut now a days it is no more better than GPay and GPay working fine on rooted device
- Samsung Pass won't work but similat Google Pass will do.
- Secure folder working except on A12 but that's may be time being and dev may find solution.
- Samsung Health working
- Some banking/other app may not work but most of work if you hide root, If not then most of bank transaction can be made with browser.
- OTA won't work but there always you can flash full firmware with Odin or may be better managed with custom ROMs (Plenty of my users flashing dirty install)
- Rooting S21 takes just 10 minutes if you know how to OR simply follow guide available over XDA
Not mentioning the benefits of root here as it is not OP's requirement, Yet have to tell - People should have to think why they needs root. If there are valid reasons then only should go for it. Rooting is amazing and have plenty of benefit but only if you needs those.
Agree with much of what you've shared, especially, "people should have to think why they need root."
I used to root my device's but not any longer, current S Series models have much more customization options not to mention apps which retool software without having root access. But you're correct, there are definitely advantages which can only be realized after gaining root access.
But can't give you a pass on this.
"Rooting on samsung never risky, never heard any hard brick device by just rooting device on any samsung device."
That's a bit misleading, one may not brick their device accessing root but some do after they've gained root access. There's a reason developer's usually include the same disclaimer when they hoist custom roms. "Not responsible if you brick your phone".
varcor said:
"Rooting on samsung never risky, never heard any hard brick device by just rooting device on any samsung device."
That's a bit misleading,
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Let me tell you again
Bricking (Hard brick not a soft brick that's common everyday) Samsung device is really really hard now a days
Only thing I know that can easily brick device is
Flashing wrong/corrupt bootloader with TWRP (odin won't allow wrong bl flashing) and that's reason I never appreciate bootloader sharing that can be flash with twrp or doesn't have md5 checksum built in.
varcor said:
Agree with much of what you've shared, especially, "people should have to think why they need root."
I used to root my device's but not any longer, current S Series models have much more customization options not to mention apps which retool software without having root access. But you're correct, there are definitely advantages which can only be realized after gaining root access.
But can't give you a pass on this.
"Rooting on samsung never risky, never heard any hard brick device by just rooting device on any samsung device."
That's a bit misleading, one may not brick their device accessing root but some do after they've gained root access. There's a reason developer's usually include the same disclaimer when they hoist custom roms. "Not responsible if you brick your phone".
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I've rooted my Note 20 Ultra 5G with ZERO problems, almost a year ago. I think you have to do something really ignorant to brick your Samsung device.
Thanks for all the replies guys.
dmw_4814 said:
I've rooted my Note 20 Ultra 5G with ZERO problems, almost a year ago. I think you have to do something really ignorant to brick your Samsung device.
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That's great, I've never bricked devices I've rooted either. I didn't mention bricking a device in my response to the OP. Based on a number posts we see user's soft brick their device without ever accessing root, by attempting to swap FW or CSC among others. For some user's a soft brick is functionaly the same as a hard brick, they never manage to restore the OS. I have no issue with rooting, it's one of the main reasons I aquired a device with an unlocked bootloader,
so from what's being said on this thread, tripped Knox in and of itself does not stop banking apps etc from working? if you successfully hide root from those apps with the usual methods, you should be ok with tripped Knox?
To share my experience and answer the question why rooting!! I've rooted my S22 ultra for multiple reasons. One of those, as an example, was applying the FLAG_SECURE module to take screenshots whenever I want. And many other reasons like disabling ads etc.
In my country S pass or S pay doesn't work even secure folder I've never used it in my previous Galaxy phones. So basically, all Samsung apps that require Knox are useless to me or worry about. The only downside was voiding warranty permanently and it's irreversible too.
However, I got back to stock ROM again since I spent more than 3 consecutive days trying to figure out how to make only two essential apps, for me, to work again: an NFC app to pay with my registered bank cards and a Hikvision app that monitors my cameras. No matter how hard I tried to hide root, even with the help of root detector app ,nothing worked out. To be honest, most bank apps worked flawlessly and even other government apps that usually detect normal root. Except for these two apps in which I've no other alternatives making me mad and reverting back to stock.
I concluded maybe there're some apps that detect the status of the ROM itself or device specifics like bootloader or SE instead of root and SafetyNet stuff. Just like S apps that detect 0x1 and 0x0 even with stock ROM. I believe devs are getting tired with Samsung devices since more and more restrictions are introduced. Just imagine if all apps work like S apps!! Once rooted .. your phone is done, even with stock ROM. Currently there's no perfect approach to hide the status of bootloader and root from any app. I'd be more than happy and root my device again if a developer comes with a clever way to get any app, e.g. Hikvision, to work in rooted and unlocked bootloader. This dream was so enjoyable during my time using HTC one when (mike1986) was handling this device. It was the golden era for me to taste the real meaning of rooting.
Related
I have recently acquired an ATT Note 5 (N920A). I paid $200. (64Gb variant). Good price??
So far, I tried making calls and browsing the internet using an ATT SIM without issues.
ROM on the phone is 6.0.1 with an update in October 2016.
Can this phone be unlocked to use on a different carrier than ATT?
Can this phone be rooted? I'd like to be able to remove the ATT Bloatware.
My apologies if this was already answered .
Thanks
You can unlock the phone, but you can't root due to the locked bootloader.
Thanks for your response.
Any recommendation as to where I can get this phone unlocked??
AT&T Unlock just means you can move it another carrier it doesn't mean you can unlock the bootloader to install a custom firmware, or even another official one. You are locked into the AT&T firmware and the only way that will ever change is if you stop updating and a security flaw is realized which allows us to replace the bootloader. As it stands if you actually did get root your phone wouldn't boot. Depending what you do to it the Note 5 will turn on/off really fast. (They did a great job locking it down)
Yeah 200 bucks for that phone with package disabler is a great deal. They are working on Nougat but I will not update because I want to hold out on Nov. Security patch in the hopes I can downgrade, remove bloatware, or even better install twrp someday.
As it stands we are locked down. As always if root/custom roms are important you shoudn't update but the Note 5 never even made it to custom rom while on 5.11 so the chances aren't looking spectactular that we will conquer this in the life of the phone.
Edited: Just gave the info and lost the attitude toward AT&T
droidvoider said:
the firmware is absolutely horrible
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I disagree. I've been able to disable the AT&T stuff using package disabler. I don't see any evidence of my phone being an AT&T model other than the boot screen and when I attempt to search for a OTA update. I like the battery life of my N920A (coming from my battery-draining TMobile Note4). Once I leave my phone in power saver mode and close or uninstall apps that I don't need, I'm good. I get 13 hours battery life (the most) and 5.5 hours of on screen time.
I can do 4 hours of Youtube and 4.7 hours of watching movies on my internal storage.
Edit: Samsung locking down boot-loaders will ensure Apple's consistency in terms of the eco systems for application security (such as Samsung/ Google Pay) , battery life and system performance.
I edited my post before your response to lighten up on AT&T a little. I do not like AT&T at all but that has little to do with this persons question.
I noticed also that when I use package disabler I get much of my battery life back. While I realize that is perfectly good enough for most people I am not happy with that. I made a mistake when I purchased my phone as I didn't research how locked down it was during the grace period. I realize this is my fault and that my mistake was purchasing through AT&T when what I really wanted was freedom of true choice. Obviously I am not a majority. But for others who are very interested in even the possibility of a custom rom I think it's imperative to know the entire story.
I had the bootloop problem and was given a replacement phone with ZVC installed. I've waited with varying degrees of patience for someone to release a method for getting root, operating on the assumption that taking any further updates would just exacerbate the problem. After six months, it doesn't seem like there's any progress forthcoming, and apparently there have been more OS updates (it looks like at least ZVE).
So here's my question. Is there a point to updating to the newer release? Does it do anything better than ZVC? Alternately, is it unlikely that there's going to be a way to root this phone again, so there's no reason to stay with ZVC?
I should point out that I'm frustrated with not having root on a daily basis, to the point that I've seriously considered finding an older phone on eBay, or finding a new phone altogether (but making sure it's rootable first). So I'm basically trying to ask how optimistic I should be.
What do you think?
FireflyII said:
I had the bootloop problem and was given a replacement phone with ZVC installed. I've waited with varying degrees of patience for someone to release a method for getting root, operating on the assumption that taking any further updates would just exacerbate the problem. After six months, it doesn't seem like there's any progress forthcoming, and apparently there have been more OS updates (it looks like at least ZVE).
So here's my question. Is there a point to updating to the newer release? Does it do anything better than ZVC? Alternately, is it unlikely that there's going to be a way to root this phone again, so there's no reason to stay with ZVC?
I should point out that I'm frustrated with not having root on a daily basis, to the point that I've seriously considered finding an older phone on eBay, or finding a new phone altogether (but making sure it's rootable first). So I'm basically trying to ask how optimistic I should be.
What do you think?
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At the rate im going im never vonna figure it out.
At this point in time it doesnt really matter suposedly nougats coming and i have it on my note 5 and if its any where near how it is on there itll be great.
Hoping the bootloader will get unlocked along the way.
And if lg and sprint have there way everytime it bootloops theyre just gonna update it anyways.
Now u being on zvc u can flash the mellowmallow zvb rom on ures but still no root
Honestly, Sprint and LG are being super stubborn with it. 1) It's ZVF now and will probably only just keep going with the inability to downgrade. 2) We are really lucky to have convinced LG to give us Nougat in Q3. This might come with a bootloader unlock for both the G4 and V10 and if it doesn't then that'll probably be it for these devices. Due to their hardware issues and the inability to distinguish between good and bad ones on LG's side, they're likely not going to give us bootloader unlock or root. Unfortunately, and of course this isn't official, it just makes sense, they probably don't want to face the problems that they might come across with people who have the bootloop ridden devices getting upset if they root or unlock and then try to claim warranty. I'm looking forward to Nougat because it's better than nothing, but honestly, as soon as I can get my upgrade in January of 2018, I'm going to ditch this device in favour of the V20, (hopefully) the V30, or I might wait for the G7. Anyway I go, I suggest that you do the same. I've been hopeful for this device so long and it sucks that LG has practically given up on it, but at this point the optimism isn't worth it. So I hope I helped. Either way, I got to rant so I'm good! Hopefully nothing like this happens in the future with LG. The G6 looks really cool and I definitely favour it over the S8. I think they should keep the 16x9 resolution and the removable battery with expandable storage and the ticker screen with the V series and have the G series keep the 18x9. What do you think?
RubyUltima said:
Honestly, Sprint and LG are being super stubborn with it. 1) It's ZVF now and will probably only just keep going with the inability to downgrade. 2) We are really lucky to have convinced LG to give us Nougat in Q3. This might come with a bootloader unlock for both the G4 and V10 and if it doesn't then that'll probably be it for these devices. Due to their hardware issues and the inability to distinguish between good and bad ones on LG's side, they're likely not going to give us bootloader unlock or root. Unfortunately, and of course this isn't official, it just makes sense, they probably don't want to face the problems that they might come across with people who have the bootloop ridden devices getting upset if they root or unlock and then try to claim warranty. I'm looking forward to Nougat because it's better than nothing, but honestly, as soon as I can get my upgrade in January of 2018, I'm going to ditch this device in favour of the V20, (hopefully) the V30, or I might wait for the G7. Anyway I go, I suggest that you do the same. I've been hopeful for this device so long and it sucks that LG has practically given up on it, but at this point the optimism isn't worth it. So I hope I helped. Either way, I got to rant so I'm good! Hopefully nothing like this happens in the future with LG. The G6 looks really cool and I definitely favour it over the S8. I think they should keep the 16x9 resolution and the removable battery with expandable storage and the ticker screen with the V series and have the G series keep the 18x9. What do you think?
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100% agree wish lg would start using amoled screens though. other than well said....
RubyUltima said:
Honestly, Sprint and LG are being super stubborn with it... I'm looking forward to Nougat because it's better than nothing, but honestly, as soon as I can get my upgrade in January of 2018, I'm going to ditch this device in favour of the V20, (hopefully) the V30, or I might wait for the G7. Anyway I go, I suggest that you do the same. I've been hopeful for this device so long and it sucks that LG has practically given up on it, but at this point the optimism isn't worth it.
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TheMadScientist420 said:
At this point in time it doesnt really matter suposedly nougats coming and i have it on my note 5 and if its any where near how it is on there itll be great.
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Thanks for the responses, it's gratifying to at least hear it from others rather than just perseverating over it myself.
I have a history of being disappointed by losing features when upgrading to new devices or OSes. Here's a small sample:
I loved having a physical keyboard on Epic, but was annoyed that it didn't do video-out on Sprint (the other carriers' versions did). When I moved to a Galaxy Note II, I lost the keyboard, but gained a useable stylus and HDMI output, as well as split-screen apps, though it also lacked the extended battery I had for the Epic, and the newer Android system disabled installing apps on the SD card. I was able to circumvent that with root access, and mounting folders from the card to internal memory slots. I next moved to the LG G4, which gained an IR port (something I missed from pre-smartphone days) and restored the use of the SD card, but lost the stylus and the HDMI output again. I was at least comfortable with the G4 (having again taken advantage of root to help restore various features, like multi-window anything ala the Note II), but had to swap phones when the bootloop crippled the device.
Now I have a phone that continuously annoys me due to lack of features I used to have, and arbitrarily restricted permissions (Sorry, you can't save this phone number to your contacts because the phone needs access to your calendar, which you can't give it because you have a screen overlay running, which you can't turn off, because you have a screen overlay....Sorry, you can't unzip a file to the SD card because this program doesn't have access to the SD card...) which has left me waiting and hoping for a solution. From the sounds of it, though, it might be worth updating the OS, but it's not exactly compelling either way, and root seems unlikely.
I guess it's time to start looking around for upcoming root-friendly phones....
Hi all,
I have searched to no avail, hopefully this is OK to ask and is the right place to ask it?
I have resigned myself to purchasing a new phone as it appears that my knowledge and expectations are lacking and not correct. Therefore I am looking at the or at least the most popular phone(s) that are supported with custom ROM's as I really want to be left alone and not have a $399 Leather Ikea Sofa follow me around 24/7.
What I would like to know is the following:
1. Does this phone have custom Rom support? Or is it popular enough for this type of support or customization.
2. I basically dislike all the carriers due to them shoving their bloatware, privacy invasion down my throat. I would happily pay for apps that work without tracking me and couches following me around.
3. I have Tmobile, intend on getting the phone through Tmobile, are there reasonably easy ways to Unbloat the phone, have admin rights on the phone, deal with privacy issues, and most importantly get updates all simultaneously? I know that once you Root any Android phone the God Carriers will no longer allow ANY updates to work. Additionally, my experience with Kingroot just switched devils.... I was able to deal with my phone and bloatware however traded for the same ads and bloatware with Kingroot. Maybe its changed, it has been a year since I attempted my last Root. Like I stated,, I would gladly pay for apps that are ad and bloatware free and keeping my privacy....
4. Are there better phones?
Your thoughts, ideas and links would be greatly appreciated. I dont mind a little work getting updates, I dont mind slow updates, or even using the Generic Samsung Android Version, I dont need all the apps in the world, I would prefer reasonable privacy more than anything.
Thanks in advance.
The Galaxy S8 isn't the best device for doing custom ROMs on. You need a device that is open without restrictions, the one that already good has root options and so on. I am not saying there aren't any ROMs for it... You can wait to see if Pixel 2 will be any good. I would suggest you to check out a flagship phones(if you want) and make a list of which ones you like and then search on XDA and check out the ROM section for each phone.
Any suggestions.... Im not to picky... I guess I should ask what is the most popular at this time and why???
Ratfink11 said:
Any suggestions.... Im not to picky... I guess I should ask what is the most popular at this time and why???
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One Plus 5 is a great phone if you like flashing stuff. It doesn't have wireless charging, the display is a 1080P AMOLED, no mechanical image stabilization, and no official waterproofing. Other then that its great.
well, after the S6 ( i believed) samsung tighten up security on their phones, especially for a new phone like the S8. So customize ROM ( AOSP) is pretty much out the door for the S8( at the time of this comment). Well, if you really want S8, go with the Exynos version, since there is some ROMs available. And if you dont like S8, then maybe take a look, and some research at the LG G6, it's solid phone. Great build, good looking, and from a well-known company.
Get the Note 8 when it comes out soon. Don't get US Snapdragon S8 due to UFS 2.0 storage; US Snapdragon S8+ is UFS 2.1 (something like 300MB/s faster read when comparing). Don't expect to root anytime soon unless you get an international Exynos S8/S8+. I am happy with US Snapdragon S8+ but I kinda wish I waited for Note 8. I plan to root my phone as soon as a root method is published. Oh well, I'll just get the Note 9 next Fall.
zone23 said:
One Plus 5 is a great phone if you like flashing stuff. It doesn't have wireless charging, the display is a 1080P AMOLED, no mechanical image stabilization, and no official waterproofing. Other then that its great.
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Agree. OR Xiaomi Mi6 isn't bad choice also.
So I have been digging around and have yet to see a solid way to root the Note8. So the next thing i need to ask myself whats a good alternative that i can root to kinda get a bit out of googles thumb, while still being able to use the playstore. I would very much prefer a head phone jack on it. I was looking at OnePlus until they dropped the headphone jack.
So if you either know of a way to root the note8 so i can install a custom ROM, or have a good suggestion for another phone i can install custom roms on, please help me out
EDIT: Also i have the SnapDragon. I was wondering if maybe upon upgrading even if its to the note 9 or 10 if going for the Exynos version would allow custom ROMs. Or even finding a Note8 with a Exynos CPU
After owning every Note except Note1, I got tired of the locked bootloader and half A$$ root. I got a Pixel 3 XL to test it out and love it. I will never look back at Samsung. Very happy with it and have never regretted my decision. Now I have full root, custom ROMs, Titanium backup and every app I desire. The phone is super responsive and easily the best phone I've ever had. It has an amazing camera. I get monthly updates directly from Google and will receive new OS (ie Android Q) updates before anyone else without having to wait 1/2 a year for them like I did with my Note 8. I'm also not locked into any provider and can change sim cards with anyone I wish in the world. I believe no Samsung carrier phone will ever receive root (look at the Note 9, S9+ etc). International versions do get root, but then you don't get all bands supported by carriers in US and you void your warrantee and Samsung pay. To me , not worth it. To me, the decision is crystal clear. As much as I loved my Note phones, I will never look back at another one. Nonetheless, I do understand some people are ok with no root and locked bootloaders. In such cases, I would stick to Samsung.
Unfortunately, hearing aid manufacturers often demand at least 10, BT 5.0, and a protocol(?), ASHHA (misspelled I'm sure), related to streaming to hearing aids (alternative is a dongle that far too much beyond managing streaming - Grrr....
All of that means leaving my rooted Samsung S7 with 7.0.
That means I have to buy a 5, unlock it (I assume), and root it. I haven't rooted any phones since the S7's, so I haven't clue about what options now exist. The goal for rooting is staying Titanium, FX (file browser), and GSam battery monitor. That is a plain vanilla 5 that's rooted.
What are my options for finding an unlocked 5? I assume rooting means factory data reset. And, I'm sure, something I've missed or don't know about.
RBEmerson said:
Unfortunately, hearing aid manufacturers often demand at least 10, BT 5.0, and a protocol(?), ASHHA (misspelled I'm sure), related to streaming to hearing aids (alternative is a dongle that far too much beyond managing streaming - Grrr....
All of that means leaving my rooted Samsung S7 with 7.0.
That means I have to buy a 5, unlock it (I assume), and root it. I haven't rooted any phones since the S7's, so I haven't clue about what options now exist. The goal for rooting is staying Titanium, FX (file browser), and GSam battery monitor. That is a plain vanilla 5 that's rooted.
What are my options for finding an unlocked 5? I assume rooting means factory data reset. And, I'm sure, something I've missed or don't know about.
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Unlocking the bootloader wipes your phone, so when you get it, skip the setup when you first boot it up. Everything is really easy. Pixel devices are the simplest phones to root. There are several tutorials here on XDA
That confirms my recollection that earlier Pixels were easy to root.
Obviously, I don't want to buy a phone from Verizon, although I am Verizon customer. Recommendations on finding a carrier agnostic Pixel 5 at a sane price?
RBEmerson said:
That confirms my recollection that earlier Pixels were easy to root.
Obviously, I don't want to buy a phone from Verizon, although I am Verizon customer. Recommendations on finding a carrier agnostic Pixel 5 at a sane price?
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You could try Swappa if you don't mind getting a second hand phone.
EDIT: Here's a link https://swappa.com/mobile/buy/google-pixel-5/unlocked
I've bought second hand phones in the past. Kinda "roll the dice and see what second hand really means".
Off to follow your link.
See this thread for a continuation of the story:
OEM unlock greyed out
I have a Pixel 5 bought on eBay as an "open box". The thing's awake and generally no obvious signs of problems. But... I want to root it and OEM unlock is grey. Grrr... I did a "reboot bootloader" and... bootloader "locked". I assumed (silly...
forum.xda-developers.com
I sucked it up and bought an open box phone.
It's a Google Store phone, but unless there's a magic spell I haven't found (not saying much for my search skills), I'm not going to unlock the bootloader. Grrr...