[Q] Root and then update or viceversa? - Samsung Galaxy S (4G Model)

Hi, i got my first android and i´m VERY happy with it.
Although, i still want to make two things to make it better. Eliminate bloatware and update to gingerbread.
My confusion is that, to eliminate bloat i know i must ROOT, but should i root BEFORE updating or AFTER updating?
I have another doubt, will rooting affect functions of my phone like serving as a AP (access point) or any other???
Note: i do have the SGH-T959V (T-mobile´s) BUT it is unlocked and as i live abroad i´m using it with another telco. (Will rooting or updatind affect my conectivity to my other telco?)
THANKS in advance
Xavier

You need to first root in order to install a custom recovery, then the root should persist across different ROMs you flash.
I only encountered one ROM where I lost root after flashing, but I think that is rare.

Can ROOT be undone???
After the device has been rooted, if somethings comes out wrong, can i UNROOT it? and leave the phone as brand new???
Thanks

Yes, but I don't know how for the SGS4G.
For my Huawei U8100 it was as simple as reflashing the stock ROM, but for the SGS4G I don't think it is that easy. The closest thing to a stock ROM I found was a rooted stock ROM.

flash a stock rom with odin and use superoneclick root to unroot the phone. simple at that.

Related

[Q] Are there Android phones that can be rooted without flashing ROM or bootloader?

Hi all.
I am a programmer and I haven't Android phone yet but I am going to buy it.
My goal is get full access to all the phone's resources so I can test and install applications which might need admin rights (and also my self-made applications).
I have read many stories and tutorials about rooting but most of them involve flashing a custom ROM or flashing the bootloader. I know that messing up with a bootloader is always a bit risky.
So the question is -
is there any phone which allows to set and unset root permissions without reflashing the complete ROM firmware or even worse - the bootloader?
P.S. Please, do not suggest official Google Developer phones, I haven't seen them in my country...
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Weird ... was it so difficult question? Anyway, I hope some experienced modder will take a look on this question.
For now I found only that Samsung Galaxy is pretty simple to root, no obvious bootloader or ROM reflashing, just some mystical update.zip. But I have no idea - maybe this update.zip contains modified bootloader?
There is root software for many phones that doesn't require flashing a custom rom. flashing a bootloader is quite rare. Rooting basically involves installing busybox and sudo.
Go look up what phones you like and then read about what 1click root methods are available, if any.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Hm... and what about that S-OFF thing for HTC Desire phones? Doesn't setting S-OFF mean doing something with the bootloader?
Also according to SonyEricsson, to flash custom ROMs with root access, it is needed to unlock the bootloader:
unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com
Most HTC phones come with a locked bootloader, so you have to make it S(ecurity)-Off.
All the galaxy S line phones are extemely easy to root, and hard to perm-brick.
If it has 2e recovery you can use an update.zip (it just copies superuser and stuff).
If you are on 2.2 then you need to use an exploit like z4root or super1click.
If you ever soft-brick get to download mode and odin flash stock. The only way to perm-brick is with a bad bootloader flash (only needed for ginger leaks, and flash stock).
Sent from my CM7 captivate.
The simpliest phone to root is The x10i
There are many ROMs and great tools,ideas and developers!
Buy an x10i !!!!!!!
Sent from my X10i TripNMiUI-IRIS using XDA App

Making sure I understand all this rooting stuff

Hi, I am waiting for my HTC Sensation to arrive from eBay. New to android and have been reading about rooting. Just want to make sure I am getting this clear:
So, to root, I'll need to to the S-off thing with revolution, then clockwork recovery, then SU to actually root it right?
I am not sure whether I need to root it, but I am interested in unlocking it for SIM and I read there's a way to do it if the phone is rooted. Also, I probably don't need some of the T-mobile apps and want to delete it. However, do I have necessarily have to flash a custom ROM after I rooted it? Can I just use what came with the HTC?
However, if I do this, I guess I can't update through HTC/T-mobile anymore right? So I'll have to flash some ROM, but does it have some modify ROM, or can I use the ROM that's official from HTC?
Can someone please correct me if I misunderstood the process? And also, can I reverse all this if I decide I just want to use it the way it was shipped except simunlocked, and be able to update newer version of the OS from HTC.
Thanks
Sensation rooting
I was just like you about a month and half ago. im new to android aslo but i'll help you. first- your right about using the revolutionary method and installing clockwork and super user. as for unlocking it for a SIM you might need super cid check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300
to remove some tmobile apps use titanium backup (it's in the market)
As for roms im using stock but it's rooted. but before you root please update to 2.3.4 because it really improve your phone but yes you would have to flash update roms after you root. but you can find the official one's here if you look for them as soon as they come out.
pretty much yes to your questions...even if you root you can stay with your stock rom and just use titanium backup to delete all the junk u dont want. Also, even if you cant get updates officially, devs here are nice enuf to post the newest stock roms for you to flash so dont worry. so i suggest you read these three threads to start off and have fun (just read directions very carefully)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1137311
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232107
edit: ah, i guess someone else was replying too
darryll4sh0 said:
I was just like you about a month and half ago. im new to android aslo but i'll help you. first- your right about using the revolutionary method and installing clockwork and super user. as for unlocking it for a SIM you might need super cid check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300
to remove some tmobile apps use titanium backup (it's in the market)
As for roms im using stock but it's rooted. but before you root please update to 2.3.4 because it really improve your phone but yes you would have to flash update roms after you root. but you can find the official one's here if you look for them as soon as they come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply. So I can only remove some t-mobile apps if it's rooted right? I was thinking of updating to the newest version before considering rooting. I think I will be kinda in the same situation as you....so when you say stock rooted rom...it's basically the same ROM as what t-mobile has with SENSE etc...but can be apply to a rooted phone without losing root right?
Finally, since you're not using any custom ROM and stuff... do u find it worthwhile rooting? what other advantage have you notice if you're using the stock ROM?
Thanks again!
rooting sensation
My rom is the same one that comes when you first get the phone. the only expectation is that it's updated to 2.3.4 instead of 2.3.3 and that it's rooted. When you root imagine like it's a window's pc and instead of using the guest account where stuff is limited, your now able to use the administrator account which lets you do anything.
As for advantages, i wanted to improve it's speed and battery life. the update helps but you'll find out that tmobile has alot of apps running in the background which slows it down and uses more battery and they also included useless app or two of the same kind of app. Right now im looking at other roms because im kinda tired of sense but i wish i could keep it's widgets.
darryll4sh0 said:
My rom is the same one that comes when you first get the phone. the only expectation is that it's updated to 2.3.4 instead of 2.3.3 and that it's rooted. When you root imagine like it's a window's pc and instead of using the guest account where stuff is limited, your now able to use the administrator account which lets you do anything.
As for advantages, i wanted to improve it's speed and battery life. the update helps but you'll find out that tmobile has alot of apps running in the background which slows it down and uses more battery and they also included useless app or two of the same kind of app. Right now im looking at other roms because im kinda tired of sense but i wish i could keep it's widgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. I think I'll just stick with the 2.3.4 firmware for now before considering flashing any custom ROMs etc.
So just so I am clear, I should update the unrooted phone to 2.3.4 when I get it. then I can perform the S-off, clockwork, superuser to get it rooted and just leave it as it is and use the existing ROM as it came with the phone. Until I need to update to a higher version, I will then flash a rooted version of whatever t-mobile came out with from here. Is that the deal?
Finally, what's superCID? Do I need that?
Thanks again.. you guys been a great help! I can't wait to play around with this when I get the phone this weekend
Rooting
Yep your correct....
As for super CID is something like a carrier unlock. This has something to do with updates i think. but by adding this you can flash any carrier's rom onto your phone. for example vodafone and orange are both 2 different europe phone companies and they both include different apps on their roms just like tmobile give there special apps. With super-CID you can put anyone of those carries rom on you phone regardless if it's a europe, usa, or asia sensation. but you don't need- i haven't put it on either.

[Q] some clarification about rooting pls

Would appreciate some clarification about the rooting thing. I've read and rooted my HTC sensation...S-off and clockwork. Have a few questions that I would like to clear up:
1) when a new OTA update is available for example...can I actually just install that instead of flashing a rooted ROM? I understand that I will lose root...but can't I just reflash the superuser file to obtain root again? Or must I use a rooted ROM or custom ROM.
2) right now, I am using the ROM that came with the phone and only went through the rooting process. If I want to keep this ROM as an original so I can go back to...do I have to back up this one now? I've done a Nand backup in clockwork before I rooted it as instructed...can I simply use that and then flash the SU file again if I ever want if I want to stay on this current ROM after I change it?
3) I performed backup using titanium backup including apps and system data...does that include all the contacts info?
4) finally, what exactly is Radio and Kernel? Do I need to change it...from what I read, if things are working...I don't need to change anything right?
Thx for clarifying this. I've read various threads but haven't gotten a clear answer to these questions.
newr said:
Would appreciate some clarification about the rooting thing. I've read and rooted my HTC sensation...S-off and clockwork. Have a few questions that I would like to clear up:
1) when a new OTA update is available for example...can I actually just install that instead of flashing a rooted ROM? I understand that I will lose root...but can't I just reflash the superuser file to obtain root again? Or must I use a rooted ROM or custom ROM.
2) right now, I am using the ROM that came with the phone and only went through the rooting process. If I want to keep this ROM as an original so I can go back to...do I have to back up this one now? I've done a Nand backup in clockwork before I rooted it as instructed...can I simply use that and then flash the SU file again if I ever want if I want to stay on this current ROM after I change it?
3) I performed backup using titanium backup including apps and system data...does that include all the contacts info?
4) finally, what exactly is Radio and Kernel? Do I need to change it...from what I read, if things are working...I don't need to change anything right?
Thx for clarifying this. I've read various threads but haven't gotten a clear answer to these questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You could, but the ota could include some security changes or something making it hard to achieve root again. Easiest to just flash a pre rooted ROM that includes the updates
2. Yes that would work, but why not create a backup after root instead?
3. Tb can backup contacts, but the file might not be compatible with newer roms due to software changes. I just let google keep mine, that way the ROM doesn't matter
4. by radio we mean the software that is connecting your phone to the mobile network using the physical radio. Sometimes newer version can be more effective, and some are region specific. Between the radio and the ROM is the ril (radio interface layer), which helps the two interact. The kernel is the layer of software that directly controls the hardware of the phone (battery drain, cpu frequency and governor, all that stuff). rarely is changing any of that stuff necessary, but some of us just want to tweak everything we can
Thx for the clarification.
What to you mean by pre-rooted ROM? Wouldn't I need a rooted ROM now that my phone is rooted or it'll lose root?
As for the backup...yeah.. so if I perform a NAND now..it would be a rooted version of the ROM right? And it'll have all the contacts as well?
Thx
newr said:
Thx for the clarification.
What to you mean by pre-rooted ROM? Wouldn't I need a rooted ROM now that my phone is rooted or it'll lose root?
As for the backup...yeah.. so if I perform a NAND now..it would be a rooted version of the ROM right? And it'll have all the contacts as well?
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant when an update comes along, instead of all the effort of UN rooting, updating, and re rooting, just wait for a dev to post a ROM with the update cooked in. Much easier, less work = less risk of a problem.
And yes

[Q] A pre-noob question

I am very new to the android world. my question is about the version of Lite'ning rom I should use?? My understanding is that I need not to have a rooted phone to use this? Good mine ain't rooted. Here is a pic of everything I think will help.View attachment 837063 Sorry about my literacy or lack of it.
You have to be rooted to run any custom rom.
download SuperOneClick and root your device, then install the ROM.
I'm actually scared to root because of the 'bricking' thing. I know nothing about this stuff. Will I mess up?? what to do after, if successful, etc.
Do the research. You can't run a custom rom if your not rooted. If it worries you so much maybe you should stay stock. Custom roms are not for everyone. There are risks and there are bugs that dev try to fix but each device is different and if bugs happen you need to be able to find and work out fixes for it.
Those that just root and flash without knowing what they are doing are bound to be mad when they brick their device.
Rooting is pretty easy but I would avoid flashing a new rom if your worried about rooting as it is more difficult and you need to be very sure what your doing first.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
You mean i can root my phone and keep the stock rom?? The reason for me wanting to do this is the Bloatware that is installed on it. Will I be able to get rid of them??
frnknchrst said:
You mean i can root my phone and keep the stock rom?? The reason for me wanting to do this is the Bloatware that is installed on it. Will I be able to get rid of them??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes just root the device and buy Titaium back up pro and you all good to go.
You can do it without TIBU pro but it just makes it easier

New I9020A with 2.3.6 - No Cellular service - Can I fix while staying unrooted?

Hi guys,
There are threads on this and I have taken a look. Most solutions to this issue (apparently a radio file that is incompatible with certain devices rolled out with the 2.3.6 update) require a flash (radio, rom etc.).
My phone is unrooted and since I still have the return policy, I don't want to disrupt too much and spend too much time rooting/unrooting just to get it to work.
I'd like to try either a radio flash or a full wipe back to 2.3.5 or 2.3.4 in order to see if this is actually a hardware defect, or a software issue as above.
Can anyone advise on whether or not it will be possible to do a full wipe back to 2.3.5 or earlier without having a rooted phone?
I tried the other thread on flashing the radio but I believe it is not possible without root access.
I apologize for the noob thread, but I could not find an answer to this problem specifically for those with unrooted phones..
Thank you.
Hi there,
There's no way to return to an older version with stock recovery. You would need to root and install a custom recovery. Then you will be able to rollback to the older version of the update.
Since you don't want to do that, the only option is to return the device and get another.
Root is extremelly easy with SuperOneClickRoot (just in case you're afraid of loose too much time on this).
Thanks for the prompt reply.
I guess I was just grasping at straws.
I was following a guid eon nexus hacks for rooting and the process seems relatively quick and painless... would I need superuser installed if all I'm doing is the recovery tools for now?
Its not the rooting part I'm worried with, or the unrooting as there's guides for those (and its quite a simple process) its just the possibility of something messing up along the way
Actually the fastboot unlock and recovery install is pretty painless. Just make sure you have the correct custom recovery for your phone model.
You don't need superuser if you're just running the recovery and have all the roms you will need in you phone's "sdcard"
Fair, I guess if all I'm doing is unlocking fastboot and then am able to "relock" it, it is relatively painless.
This might be a very stupid question and it is a bit OT but since you're active in this thread for the moment, customer recovery... I am a bit at a loss on how to retrieve that from? I was merely hoping that by unlocking fast boot, I can just "flash" in a radio file, but I assume I should backup those radio files first...
You are correct. Just flash the correct radio and you're good to go.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

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