Worth rooting atm? - Xoom Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Was just wondering if the xoom is worth rooting atm? I don't want to root just to have root if there are really not much of a diff between stock and rooted xooms.
Thanks a lot.

Sd card support was one of my main reasons

I think so. I did it for the SD card, USB Hosting and the ability to use Titanium Backup as well as other root only apps. I was able to restore my Angry Birds progress

That depends if you need sd card now root then flash, but if you can wait till..... then I recommend just staying stock.

Here are the reasons I rooted, in no particular order:
SD Card access
USB Host for disks and tethering
Titanium Backup (also to restore Angry Birds, lmao)
Nandroid backups
VNC Server (so I can use my phone as VNC client and control the Xoom while it's plugged in to the TV)
Overclocking
Access to Windows & NAS SMB shares using cifs (not sure if needs root actually).
Anyway, there are other reasons you might want to, these were just my reasons.

For me it was about first the SD card, as well as being able to connect to ad-hoc tethering from my phone. I can't think of any real reasons to leave it stock. If you are worried about being able to get an update just look at how fast we were able to apply the 3.1 update. Also ask yourself what features a future update would bring: SD card (We all hope at least,) faster speeds maybe, USB hosting? All of these are available now if you want them, and you can always apply any future update anyway.
Just one way of looking at it.

To all of the above, I would add that BigRushDog's new ROM is incredibly smooth and fast.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

Agreed BigRush's ROM does make it all worth the root, its smoother and faster, and comes with all the features you could want right now built in. But I am one to emphisize it it all about what you want your experiance to be like.

burden010 said:
Here are the reasons I rooted, in no particular order:
SD Card access
USB Host for disks and tethering
Titanium Backup (also to restore Angry Birds, lmao)
Nandroid backups
VNC Server (so I can use my phone as VNC client and control the Xoom while it's plugged in to the TV)
Overclocking
Access to Windows & NAS SMB shares using cifs (not sure if needs root actually).
Anyway, there are other reasons you might want to, these were just my reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love the VNC server idea! I hadn't thought of that. Now I gotta order a mini hdmi cable

burden010 said:
Here are the reasons I rooted, in no particular order:
SD Card access
USB Host for disks and tethering
Titanium Backup (also to restore Angry Birds, lmao)
Nandroid backups
VNC Server (so I can use my phone as VNC client and control the Xoom while it's plugged in to the TV)
Overclocking
Access to Windows & NAS SMB shares using cifs (not sure if needs root actually).
Anyway, there are other reasons you might want to, these were just my reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VNC Server? How do I do this. Would love to control Xoom with phone.
Edit: I downloaded VNC Server from the market and it seems to work on Xoom but I can't connect to it from pocketcloud on phone.

Related

Any linux (ubuntu) users with success?

Hi again guys!
Ever since the ATT update usb connecting to the phone in ubuntu is sporadic and unreliable. I can usually get my photos off of it. Sometime I can even get into a non-root basic filesystem as well
However this isn't my main problem. I want to root the phone and install custom ROM's etc... Tried the VMware and a version of windows and installed the samsung drivers to XP but have trouble (again) with the usb and VMware.
Any help would be appreciated.
Additionally I'm pretty pissed off about the update thing. I don't care about tethering per se but that underhanded **** is why I dumped microsoft in the first place. I'll dump ATT too and spend my money elsewhere.
maskvp said:
Hi again guys!
Ever since the ATT update usb connecting to the phone in ubuntu is sporadic and unreliable. I can usually get my photos off of it. Sometime I can even get into a non-root basic filesystem as well
However this isn't my main problem. I want to root the phone and install custom ROM's etc... Tried the VMware and a version of windows and installed the samsung drivers to XP but have trouble (again) with the usb and VMware.
Any help would be appreciated.
Additionally I'm pretty pissed off about the update thing. I don't care about tethering per se but that underhanded **** is why I dumped microsoft in the first place. I'll dump ATT too and spend my money elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Linux user here. I haven't had the problems you describe. I have lately been using ES File Explorer to copy to and from a shared folder on my desktop. avoiding the USB for file transfers all together. when I do connect via USB I usually use ' adb push' and 'adb pull' to move files around.
To Root your phone there is an 'update.zip' method that I used (no computer needed)
There is also a tool called ClockworkMod Recovery that you can use to install custom rom's and create nandroid backups. (no computer needed)
And finally if you manage to screw up and can not boot, you can use Heimdall on linux like you would use Odin on Windows.
enjoy your phone...
-p
Thank-you so much!!!
I was thinking about exactly what you wrote. Why not do it the linux way? Admittedly my skills are weak.
Had a little trouble with the update.zip but went to the wiki (again) and the info on how to do it from the phone was there. BTW the wiki has improved since last week.
Rooted phone and installed Titanium Backup and Clockwork Recovery. In my excitement I deleted all the ATT bloatware before backing them up and the ROM. Oh well... Too bad.
Now I just feel great about my phone. Needs some customization but no hurry. Only thing was that TB prompted me to go to settings/applications/ and tick "unknown sources". Doesn't exist.
Thanks again! If you have anymore nuggets of info...?
linux newb here but i try
edit:
the phone can mount to a vm in dowload mode for use with odin or in kies mtp mode as long as debugging is off, otherwise it likes to mount to the host pc as a drive, i dont know a work around but you can make the phone a shared folder with the vm client so you can see the files in the vm, it'll be seen as a network location in that case.
it can mount as a drive in linux but you need to select to mount from the phone. i was having problems with it in eclair in windows and didnt try it in linux but froyo is working great. in eclair it may help to try with debugging on then you can mount from the notification bar.
maskvp said:
Rooted phone and installed Titanium Backup and Clockwork Recovery. In my excitement I deleted all the ATT bloatware before backing them up and the ROM. Oh well... Too bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did that also...
maskvp said:
Now I just feel great about my phone. Needs some customization but no hurry. Only thing was that TB prompted me to go to settings/applications/ and tick "unknown sources". Doesn't exist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To enable side loading(unknown sources). I used method 5 from this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=738376
and here is a link to my comments on the method later in the thread regarding some punctuation corrections.
This method uses adb from the SDK to pull the settings.db file off and edit it using sqlite3 before pushing it back on.
I believe you can edit the file directly on your phone once you have root and install a terminal app from the marketplace.
The above forum post is also in the wiki you referenced previously. basically you want to look for methods to "enable side loading"
-p
I'm using Ubuntu and have had no problems. Rooted and removed market restrictions without a hitch.
In progress upgrading to 10.10 64bit. Will see, but right now my machine sees my phone but it won't mount. Though I haven't tried to force it.
maskvp said:
In progress upgrading to 10.10 64bit. Will see, but right now my machine sees my phone but it won't mount. Though I haven't tried to force it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the phone I leave my usb settings set to ask on connection. And then chose 'mass storage' when it asks. It then mounts /sdcard as an external drive. (make sure you haven't left usb debuging on)
pietro_spina said:
On the phone I leave my usb settings set to ask on connection. And then chose 'mass storage' when it asks. It then mounts /sdcard as an external drive. (make sure you haven't left usb debuging on)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I've tried it all-wichaways! That hasn't worked either. The card(s) are seen but no longer mount like they used to. When I choose media player I get this message on the phone: PC connection only available in idle screen. Close all running applications. I think something may be corrupted on the phone.
Before I start flashing anything I'm going to give 10.10 a go. Ubuntu specifies that 10.10 plays nice with Android. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble with my startup disks and have wasted three of them on three different downloads. Won't fully boot. Unfortunately, I've had this experience before with other releases, and it almost always was something being wrong with the .iso that was downloaded. Even tried a usb startup and same experience.
Woes. PITA!
maskvp said:
I've had this experience before with other releases, and it almost always was something being wrong with the .iso that was downloaded. Even tried a usb startup and same experience.
Woes. PITA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you burn your disks at a slow speed. Like 4x. Also try downloading over a stable wired connection. Use the md5 tool to check your download and your burn. If you can figure out when it is getting corrupt you have a fighting chance.
Reporting back. Finally got 10.10 to boot from a usb flashdrive by disabling the BootParameters. I guess 10.10 is so cutting edge my 2.5 yo toshiba can't boot it easily.
Reinstalled 10.04 without a hitch and since I didn't format my /home still kept everything. But I tried connecting by usb before any updates. No worky. And not after the 256M of updates either.
It's the phone I'm sure. Not really keen on flashing the ROM yet just to fix this. Recollection is that Samsung didn't put a good effort into this part of the phone. But I think again..
Why not eschew the usb for file transfers? I've got Bluetooth and wifi right here. Who needs clunky old usb? Adhoc network?
Ideas? Wifi would be easiest since my laptop doesn't have Bluetooth.
maskvp said:
Ideas? Wifi would be easiest since my laptop doesn't have Bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I use an app called ES File Explorer (free in the market) to navagate to a shared folder on my desktop.
My (samba) shared folder has no restrictions and works well. Only issue is I have to fix ownership and permissions on things copied over to the computer from the phone. If you choose to password protect yours let me know how that works out for you.
pietro_spina said:
I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I use an app called ES File Explorer (free in the market) to navagate to a shared folder on my desktop.
My (samba) shared folder has no restrictions and works well. Only issue is I have to fix ownership and permissions on things copied over to the computer from the phone. If you choose to password protect yours let me know how that works out for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks. I'm going to investigate this. I take it ESFE works over the 3g connection as long as the host (my laptop) is connected to the internet?
maskvp said:
OK thanks. I'm going to investigate this. I take it ESFE works over the 3g connection as long as the host (my laptop) is connected to the internet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It supports FTP for sure. I'm no security expert but I doubt its a good idea to share a samba share over the internet.
If you want remote access to you desktop there are secure methods for that. The method I would choose would depend on my desire/need for a remote connection.
If I just want to access my shared folder I would probably set up a VPN connection and then use ES FileExplorer.
To fully control the computer, use VNC or other "remote desktop" application.
Been reading up on Samba. It is the linux way lol. Also, I went and got a Bluetooth micro-adapter. Installed drivers from the repository.
Transferred some pics and music back and forth. All GUI based. Worked first time. I'm still this side of the learning curve but my base needs are met.
The Bluetooth works great but I'd like to learn a bit more about the wifi. Seems to me one should be able to move files with a VPN via the wireless adapters and no router. I just lack the knowledge and skill to do it.
But thanks for reminding me about the ES FileExplorer! As far as the permissions in Ubuntu for the shared folder I just checked the box under right-click- sharing options allow others to create and delete files from this folder. I think that works.

[Q] PC not connecting to g tab

Since updating rom to Vegan-7, my PC no longer recognizes my tablet. PC asks to insert a disk for the tablets drive. PC recognizes tablet in CWM with mount storage option. There is no USB icon/information coming up on my g tbalet.
I see other postings with this problem, but no solution seems to work for me
What kernel are you using? Pershoots recognizes your tablet when on clemsyns does not.
clemsyns supports things that pershoots does not as well. Its a give and take thing with kernels. Making one thing work sometimes breaks another. We are lucky to have two kernel devs working on our tab. Read the devs changlogs and decide what is best for you.
I suspected it was a problem with Clemsyn. I'm surprised though that others claim to have gotten theirs fixed if they had the Clemsyn Kernel installed, like I do.
There are files you can push using adb, terminal or TB that will let you get certain functionality in different kernels. Take pershioots, it supports PC recognition and oc's at 1.4 but to get cifs support you need to push a certain file from his git hub. Clemsyns does not have active PC support (must link to PC in cwm mounts) but oc's at 1.5, supports personal voltage manipulation and extended USB imput support (gamepads and such). Its not really a problem so much as options for personalization. If I connect my gtab to my PC to load stuff its usually copying larceny amounts of movies or music. At that point when dropping 2gigs minimum of data onto the internal SD you should reboot the tab. That's why mounting to PC using cwm with clemsyns kernel was never a hassle with me. I would need to reboot anyway and doing it thatway put me one step closer
Mantara said:
There are files you can push using adb, terminal or TB that will let you get certain functionality in different kernels. Take pershioots, it supports PC recognition and oc's at 1.4 but to get cifs support you need to push a certain file from his git hub. Clemsyns does not have active PC support (must link to PC in cwm mounts) but oc's at 1.5, supports personal voltage manipulation and extended USB imput support (gamepads and such). Its not really a problem so much as options for personalization. If I connect my gtab to my PC to load stuff its usually copying larceny amounts of movies or music. At that point when dropping 2gigs minimum of data onto the internal SD you should reboot the tab. That's why mounting to PC using cwm with clemsyns kernel was never a hassle with me. I would need to reboot anyway and doing it thatway put me one step closer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. If I need anything smaller than movies and music I just use es file manager to transfer wirelessly. Works like a charm.

[XOOM 2] Xoom 2 Software Frustration

Connected the Xoom 2, to a windows 7 machine.
Insists on letting installing 'Motocast' which I let it...what a complete pile of shi*.
I want to 'sync' a 700MB .avi video, over usb cable, to the device...estimated time? 30 minutes!!! I swear this complete toss of software is insisting to re-encode the entire file to some bullsh*t format of their choice. Is there an option to turn this off and transfer it natively?
Secondly, thankfully, it also installs native 'portable' device drivers, allowing Windows 7 file explorer to browse the device. Great, so I copy the same .avi file and paste it to the device...'Do you want to copy xyz.avi? Your device might not be able to play this file' I am prompted...'yes' I click. Just as it finishes copying (after about 4 minutes...much better) it bombs out, notifying me that because the device cannot play this file it is cancelling the transfer...wtf?!?!
The only interim solution i've found is renaming the extension '.avi' to something like '.proprietrysoftwarecansuckmyballs', copying it, then renaming it back to '.avi' once transfer has completed solves this.
So can anyone offer any 'clean' solutions to my file transfer woes? If theres no improvement, this device will be getting returned next week, which is a shame as the tablet is a great bit of kit, its just a shame the software blows.
Look for "Wi-Fi File Explorer" in the market.
This looks like it only transfers over wifi?
I need to transfer over usb cable.
Had this problem myself, looks like it doesn't come with the drivers. After a bit of searching, I found that the standard driver package works:
http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles...al_Drivers/MotoHelper_2.0.53_Driver_5.2.0.exe
Installed that, unplug the USB cable and put it back in - should work fine!
tr00st said:
Had this problem myself, looks like it doesn't come with the drivers. After a bit of searching, I found that the standard driver package works:
http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles...al_Drivers/MotoHelper_2.0.53_Driver_5.2.0.exe
Installed that, unplug the USB cable and put it back in - should work fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks man, that worked a treat.
Just for clarification, does you still prompt you that the device may not support playback of the file, but then successfully transfer it (whereby it would previously error at the last second)?
No idea - haven't had that particular part of the issue myself - the main thing I had was the slowness...
I am a linux user ... i will only have the option to upload files via wifi network ?
I have a Xoom 2 ME and the only way to copy a large movie file to the device was adb.
adb push foo.txt /sdcard/foo.txt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only usb-way i come up with. I'am on snow leopard and Google's Android File Copy tool does not work.
elster said:
I have a Xoom 2 ME and the only way to copy a large movie file to the device was adb.
That's the only usb-way i come up with. I'am on snow leopard and Google's Android File Copy tool does not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess the same way will work to linux too . Xoom2 has only one partition on the disk ? that the reason not to be able to mount it as a normal usb ? If you root the device is the anyway to great a small 2 Gb for ex partition to use it for easy transfer ?
Off topic about xoom 2 ME . How good the screen and and the battery life are ?
Useless tablet ?
In fact it's worst!
As a Linux User I hoped being able to use MTP... But I tried mtpfs and mtp-tools on several distributions without any luck.
But what is worse is that FTP server applications won't work too! I tried SwiFTP, FTPServer, and some other: the servers are not reachable. It appears that not even a single ping can reach the tablet. I think Motorala have put some kind of firewall in it (maybe it has something to do with the netflix HD certification?).
For me this tablet is actually useless. If I can't find a way to transfer some files on it without using MotoCast today or tomorrow, I will bring it back to the supplier...
OldBeurt said:
In fact it's worst!
As a Linux User I hoped being able to use MTP... But I tried mtpfs and mtp-tools on several distributions without any luck.
But what is worse is that FTP server applications won't work too! I tried SwiFTP, FTPServer, and some other: the servers are not reachable. It appears that not even a single ping can reach the tablet. I think Motorala have put some kind of firewall in it (maybe it has something to do with the netflix HD certification?).
For me this tablet is actually useless. If I can't find a way to transfer some files on it without using MotoCast today or tomorrow, I will bring it back to the supplier...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably hit it on the head about the Netflix certification. I would think about returning it, man.
a solution ?
Thanks to a French forum (frandroid, in the Xoom 2 topic... sorry I can't send links here), I tested a solution to the transfer problem: It is possible to use (on the computer) a server to share the files such as a samba server.
It works fine. But it's not as easy to browse, select, copy and paste file with explorers on the tablet than it is on computers (several windows, keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl-c/v, and so on).
But it's now possible to exchange files with the Xoom 2ME without going through a cloud or using Windows/motoCast.
mdcykkk9 said:
Off topic about xoom 2 ME . How good the screen and and the battery life are ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for answering so late.
The screen is quite good.
The battery life is terrible compared to my ipad2. Charging needs a lot of time and is very slow. I guess it's because of mini usb only.
Currently i'am using the device as a Kindle Fire replacement, because off the lightweight (KF is heavier and bulky). The books i usually read have more weight than the device itself.
I like it for that.
But i may not be a good adviser because my device is a prototype. It is not smooth and the speakers are terrible.
I think 8,2" is the perfect size for me. The weight is so much better than any other tablet i had.
OldBeurt said:
In fact it's worst!
As a Linux User I hoped being able to use MTP... But I tried mtpfs and mtp-tools on several distributions without any luck.
But what is worse is that FTP server applications won't work too! I tried SwiFTP, FTPServer, and some other: the servers are not reachable. It appears that not even a single ping can reach the tablet. I think Motorala have put some kind of firewall in it (maybe it has something to do with the netflix HD certification?).
For me this tablet is actually useless. If I can't find a way to transfer some files on it without using MotoCast today or tomorrow, I will bring it back to the supplier...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using a terminal on the Xoom 2 and ping the computer you're trying to connect to, while pinging your Xoom 2 from that computer at the same time. It's like you have to force them to see each other before they can start connecting in future.
I used fileexpert to see and download files with smb shared folder on Ubuntu Linux without a problem.
Sent from my XOOM 2 ME using Tapatalk

USB OTG Apps Recommendations?

I've noticed that the OTA 4.4.2 update breaks native OTG forcing me to use a file manager app that supports OTG from the Play Store. With that said, does anyone have any recommendations for good file managers with USB OTG support? Preferrably paid with no adds, otherwise paid, but not too expensive (under <$5).
Also does anyone know if File Explorer (fx) supports USB OTG? I've been a long time user but I can't find anything in their documentation that mentions USB OTG support.
Acreo Aeneas said:
I've noticed that the OTA 4.4.2 update breaks native OTG forcing me to use a file manager app that supports OTG from the Play Store. With that said, does anyone have any recommendations for good file managers with USB OTG support? Preferrably paid with no adds, otherwise paid, but not too expensive (under <$5).
Also does anyone know if File Explorer (fx) supports USB OTG? I've been a long time user but I can't find anything in their documentation that mentions USB OTG support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im pretty sure ES file explorer does and there is a free version. I will test it when I get home.
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/
ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)
Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
techguyone said:
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/
ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)
Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use stickmount to mount the memory and then use es file manager to acces the files
Looks like it needs root, is there a non root solution?
Sent from my Moto G using XDA premium 4 mobile app
techguyone said:
Looks like it needs root, is there a non root solution?
Sent from my Moto G using XDA premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know if a non-root solution is possible.
If I have to root it, is there a guide somewhere to know I can root my Moto G? I have the US GSM model (XT1034), 16 GBs, and it has the OTA 4.4.2 applied.
On Google+ someone suggested I use Total Commander with the USB plug in (both available from Google Play, and this does work, although the UI is like something from 1990
This solution doesn't need root, give it a go and see if it fits your needs.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.hechler.tcplugins.usbstick
techguyone said:
On Google+ someone suggested I use Total Commander with the USB plug in (both available from Google Play, and this does work, although the UI is like something from 1990
This solution doesn't need root, give it a go and see if it fits your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, I can confirm it works but in READ ONLY mode.
To write smth to USB Flash Stick / microSD connected via OTG you still need root.
PS
Read only is more than enough to cover my needs cause you still can copy files/folders from memory stick to internal memory.
techguyone said:
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/
ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)
Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep Techguyone is bang on the money. Tested file explorer and various other usb apps and I can confirm that what worked in JB no longer works. Is this something to do with ART?
I can't understand why they would hobble this feature..... Could it be security related? I remember reading about the 'Fraud docks'. Where people would use a mobile charging hotspot and when they plug their android or iphone in it steals their data.....
It's not ART related, google are just gradually locking down their phones more and more which is to be honest, starting to get annoying. It's ridiculous to need root just to be able for example: to turn on/off GPS or Airplane mode. It's getting stupid now. Google are you listening?
techguyone said:
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/
ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)
Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
techguyone said:
It's not ART related, google are just gradually locking down their phones more and more which is to be honest, starting to get annoying. It's ridiculous to need root just to be able for example: to turn on/off GPS or Airplane mode. It's getting stupid now. Google are you listening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its not security related, then it is probably more of a 'differential pricing' issue. Moto G has been too successful and is probably canablising sales from the Moto X and Nexus 5 more than expected, so they rush out 4.4.2 and lock up USB OTG and other features on the budget handset......
Use Nexus Media Importer, I was using it before the KK update and have continued to use it since getting KitKat. It works for reading and writing both ways without root. I have never rooted either of my G's. This is a fact not a guess as I actually use it.
And, you can copy entire directories both ways too. (edit)

Use your smartphone as a backup server

This is not about backing up data on your phone. It is about utilise your (old) smartphone to backup files from other devices.
If you use any computer system at home or work - you know, you have to make backups to avoid data losses. Often windows computers are used to backup files from network shares. I am wondering, if my smartphones can do that job too?
I think about the following senario:
When going to bed, I hook my phone up on a powered USB-C hub to charge it.
Instead just sitting around and waiting being charged, it could do something usefull.
One could connect a USB harddrive to the hub and run the backup app atomatically at 3am or so.
After a few hours it should have finished the backup and I got my badly needed sleep. --> Win/Win Situation.
Thats the idea, but even if there are a bunch of apps, that can access network shares (via SMB or FTP), I did not find an app, that can do a file synchronisation or backup job to a USB drive.
I started thinking about creating some TASKER jobs, but I hope, there are already wokring solutions to accomplish the target.
Do you have any suggestions or app recommendations for me?
Get 2 or more enterprise class hdds for backup. Keep them electronically isolated when not in use.
Keep one with your main data base isolated except for updates every 1-12 months in case of malware infections. Best to store in a separate location in an earth grounded metal box.
Stagger the updates between the rest.
You absolutely need to use more than one backup device/copy...
If the phone supports OTG then you can fully backup your phone to USB-drive either from inbuilt File Manager or with USB Backup app. This free-of-charge app requires Android version 5.0 and above.
This app enables you to turn automatic backup on with the help of which whenever you connect the same USB Drive and OTG cable, your device’s backup will begin on its own. You can also set backup reminder to remind you after one month that no backup has made till now.
USB Backup (Android)
Back up your Samsung smartphone
usb-backup.en.uptodown.com
Wokoloko said:
This is not about backing up data on your phone. It is about utilise your (old) smartphone to backup files from other devices.
If you use any computer system at home or work - you know, you have to make backups to avoid data losses. Often windows computers are used to backup files from network shares. I am wondering, if my smartphones can do that job too?
I think about the following senario:
When going to bed, I hook my phone up on a powered USB-C hub to charge it.
Instead just sitting around and waiting being charged, it could do something usefull.
One could connect a USB harddrive to the hub and run the backup app atomatically at 3am or so.
After a few hours it should have finished the backup and I got my badly needed sleep. --> Win/Win Situation.
Thats the idea, but even if there are a bunch of apps, that can access network shares (via SMB or FTP), I did not find an app, that can do a file synchronisation or backup job to a USB drive.
I started thinking about creating some TASKER jobs, but I hope, there are already wokring solutions to accomplish the target.
Do you have any suggestions or app recommendations for me?
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Sync is not just copying files it is much more than that. Sync usually means you create clone of one particular thing into another computer, while if there is any change in future then the change will be copied and only the changing part will copy not the whole thing. There are very good apps for syncing, by far my favourite one is Syncthing. Because it is full free opensource, works under nat(meaning no need to have fix ip). There is power condition. You can set that up. There is file versioning and option for one-way/two-way sync. You can give it a try. available for multiple platforms.
Thx for the suggestion, @jwoegerbauer. But the idea is not to backup data, that is stored on the phone. It is about having data on a Windows server and backing it up to a USB drive, that is connected to your phone.
Try mixplorer. It should be able to achieve that
kouseralamin said:
Sync is not just copying files it is much more than that. Sync usually means you create clone of one particular thing into another computer, while if there is any change in future then the change will be copied and only the changing part will copy not the whole thing. There are very good apps for syncing, by far my favourite one is Syncthing. Because it is full free opensource, works under nat(meaning no need to have fix ip). There is power condition. You can set that up. There is file versioning and option for one-way/two-way sync. You can give it a try. available for multiple platforms.
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Syncthing sounded good at first. Although it needs a client to be set up on the source machine (hosting the network share). In my eyes that is a drawback, because it means to set up and install the syncthing on two machines. Especially the installation on the source machine feels unnessessary, because the files are already accessable to the backup machine.
Isn´t there any app, that as a backup machine "simply" reaches for the network share and stores the files on a direct connected OTG/USB drive?
[Edit: Typos]
Wokoloko said:
Syncthing sounded good at first. Although it needs a client to be set up on the source machine (hosting the network share). In my eyes that is a drawback, because it means to set up and install the syncthing on two machines. Especially the installation on the source machine feels unnessessary, because the files are already accessable to the backup machine.
Isn´t there any app, that as a backup machine "simply" reaches for the network share and stores the files on a direct connected OTG/USB drive?
[Edit: Typos]
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Can you describe the source machine. I mean is it a windows/linux/mac OR another android device OR an ios device? And do you want to backup files to an usb drive/pendrive that is connected to your android device by OTG?
If that is yes. Then you have 3 device.
1. Source machine. ex: windows/mac/linux.
2. Android device that will receive files/pull files from source machine.
3. USB drive connected to android device by otg, where files will be stored.
One thing to note is that source machine needs to give permission to access files to android device(SECURITY REASON). Or needs additional setup to access them. So you need to install additional software. If you are already running a ssh server you may try rsync.
Install ssh-server in source machine and use termux with tasker to sync using rsync. I am not an expert in rsync. you have to do your research for this matter.
@Wokoloko
Thx for the suggestion, @jwoegerbauer. But the idea is not to backup data, that is stored on the phone. It is about having data on a Windows server and backing it up to a USB drive, that is connected to your phone.
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As with Android fetching file(s) from Windows server can be done by either WGET ( retrieve files via HTTP or FTP ) or CURL ( retrieves files via HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS ) binary. Both binaries are available in Termux shell.
Simple wget example:
Code:
wget -P <ANDROID-USB-DRIVE> <FILE-URL>

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