custom ROM? - Motorola Atrix 2

I'm currently looking for a new Android phone, bouncing between Samsung SGS2 and the Atrix2.
Having a few questions about the A2.
1. After searching/reading, it looks like the A2 can be rooted for full access. So what is the advantage of unlock the bootloader? What is it good for?
2. Can we install a custom ROM on the A2, for example, a CM7 ROM (I don't even know that CM7 team actually has the ROM for this device or not, but they seem to have one for SGS2)?
Thanks all

Answers to your questions:
1. The advantage of unlocking the bootloader is that you gain the ability to flash ROM images and update.zip's (which can include many different mods). It does this by giving you the ability to load a custom recovery which is used to flash ROM's and updates, backup and restore your entire file system, clear the file system, and tons of other functionality depending on the custom recovery available for the phone.
2. Right now the A2 does not have an unlocked bootloader and there have been no ROM's made for it yet. If flashing is priority one, you might want to go with an SGSII since it has everything you need NOW. If you are patient, you can go with the A2 and wait for the blessings to come.

Clear!
Big thank for your quick reply lilhaiti.
So, up to now, after rooting, can we install different launcher (if not wanting the default GUI by Motorola, is it called Blur or something?)

votinh said:
Clear!
Big thank for your quick reply lilhaiti.
So, up to now, after rooting, can we install different launcher (if not wanting the default GUI by Motorola, is it called Blur or something?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can install different launchers without rooting.....go to the market and install one....

I'm a big fan of Go Launcher EX. That stock Moto launcher is not very impressive.

Pirateghost said:
you can install different launchers without rooting.....go to the market and install one....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know, thanks ghost.
Just need a clarification, I am a B&N NC owner, by default B&N stock ROM has limited the apps and that's the reason why we root it to gain full access on the Android Market. Is the same theory applied for the A2?
Other meaning, what will I miss if I don't root the A2?

votinh said:
Good to know, thanks ghost.
Just need a clarification, I am a B&N NC owner, by default B&N stock ROM has limited the apps and that's the reason why we root it to gain full access on the Android Market. Is the same theory applied for the A2?
Other meaning, what will I miss if I don't root the A2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The NC isn't even in the same class of devices. You have access to most of the market on a phone. If you have to ask what the benefit is of rooting, then you don't need it. Most all the bloatware is user uninstallable out of the box.
Sent from my MB865

Oh, so why do need to root? What's the benefit of it if we can fully access to Android Market for apps and bloatwares can be uninstalled right out the box?
Thanks again.

Did they change something with the bootloader? On the backflip, noone ever touched the bootloader. it's always been locked/fastboot disabled. Yet it has several roms and recoveries?

cheetablaze said:
I'm a big fan of Go Launcher EX. That stock Moto launcher is not very impressive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, just what I was looking for

votinh said:
Oh, so why do need to root? What's the benefit of it if we can fully access to Android Market for apps and bloatwares can be uninstalled right out the box?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root gives us access to the /system and to functions and features that are previously hidden from stock usage.
like i said, if you have to ask, WHY we would want/need root, then you dont need it. nothing mean, just that so many people go off thinking they have to root like its going to open up a magical door and make the phone self-aware. its just giving you access to stuff you normally dont have access to. this is good for people that know what they are doing, and bad for people that have no clue what root means.
koriflame said:
Did they change something with the bootloader? On the backflip, noone ever touched the bootloader. it's always been locked/fastboot disabled. Yet it has several roms and recoveries?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
while this may be true, we dont have any recoveries available yet. there are ways around a bootloader, but we have not gotten to that point yet. the phone is too new, and not enough dev support yet. i am working on a rom, and can make it a pseudo-rom like we had on the OG Atrix, but we need a way to get back to stock in case of a mishap first....

Thanks again, ghost.
I've been ripping my NC apart but I tend not to mess around with the phone.

Actually PG, not everyone is aware of the pennies and apps that open up with a root. I am sure almost everyone can benefit from more apps

cheetablaze said:
I'm a big fan of Go Launcher EX. That stock Moto launcher is not very impressive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunatly Go Launcher has a problem with notifications of Gmail (which I knew when I loaded it). That's not an issue I don't use Gmail
However I do use my alarms and it appears it stops almost all, if not all, notifications. I love the menus and how it works but I'm doing a factory reset. If we had not used a second alarm this morning my wife might have beat me to death with the Atrix 2 this morning.
I still have not rooted the phone so no titanium backup, it's downloading time

I have never seen go launcher remove notifications. Sounds like you got something else going on.
Sent from my MB865

I don't have those issues with go launcher.
Sent from my MB865

Pirateghost said:
I have never seen go launcher remove notifications. Sounds like you got something else going on.
Sent from my MB865
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmnnnn.........
I reset the phone, loaded all the apps I wanted to keep and then put Go Launcher EX back on. Problem solved
I'm thinking that during my slew of loading and trying out apps, like a kid in a candy store, I loaded a data manager that allowed me to set kills on apps. I believe in my zeal I set the alarm to be shut down 2 min after the phone gets sleepy.
Thanks again guys, I really like go launcher and now have go manager too

Related

[Q] I'm a first time smartphone owner trying to figure out where to start...?

I just got a Samsung Captivate and it's the first smart phone I've ever had. It's really a neat little device.
I'm well familiar with jailbreaking, computing, following instructions to perform basic hacks, and yes, even reading, but what I haven't been able to find is an ORDER to do things in.
- Should I root/do things to my phone now, or wait until 2.2? Are there any benefits or drawbacks either way?
- In what ORDER do I have to do things? I'm looking to root, get rid of AT&T bloatware, and start side loading apps.
- What are the essential fixes for the Captivate? Lag fix? GPS fix? I don't know what else there is...
Anyway, I'm really excited to start digging in to this stuff, just looking for some basic advice for a first time smart phone/android owner. Thanks in advance!
Well, you can find a plethora of very useful ROM packages on the Developers forum that will root your device and enable sideloading and most are running 2.2 already. I abandonded stock after 2 weeks of owning the phone, it is my first smartphone as well and I will not touch any OTA's from AT&T because they bricked a lot of phones with their first OTA. The developers have the system dumps as soon as they start to push them and they clean up the bloatware. Before you flash anything get the unlock codes, use an app called SGS unlock from the market and Android ID changer to get your uniquie number and write it down and don't loose it. Once you flash 2.2 leak your ID will not be the correct one. Also once you root, get ROM Manager (donate version) and Titanium Backup (donate version) you will not be able to live without them. Also the 2.2 leak fixed my GPS, it really works now. Also, very important before you flash anything make sure you have a phone that enters download mode and recovery mode using the three button combo or you will brick your phone, there is a batch of phones that can not enter download mode no matter what you do. Take out your battery and look below your IMEI number for the batch hopefully it isn't 1008 these phones do not go into download mode. If you have one of these go to AT&T and exchange it for a phone that is from a different batch and make sure you have the button combos working before starting to mod your phone.
Lastly welcome aboard and enjoy your phone
Thanks for the reply.
Luckily, it appears my phone is from batch 1010 (you had me scared there for a second!)
What are the odds that the leaked 2.2 is any different from the actual one when it comes out?
Edit pretty much already said
Leaked froyo will be slightly different it will more of the stuff native to android and the att one will have more of there stuff. The developers seem to find and fix the bugs fast.
Is there any possibility to updated to 2.2 even if the phone was produced in 1008 batch? Unfortunately, mine says 1008. I have rooted my phone and am able to sideload apps.
Please help
Thanks
There is a jig somewhere in the forum that is how to make a jig that forces download mode. I would make it or if you are not comfortable with that someone is selling it. Try it to make it sure it works. It really is only needed if there is problem. Which happens to all of us sometime. It will get you out of pretty much any jam. That is why its recommend.
ill give you 2 rules of thumb
1 if its fun do it
2 if it aint broken dotn fix it
your choice , I only obey rule #1 , and I take risk because its fun , android is fun ...
if all you need are fixes , welll your the one who should say where to start .. is your phone sluggish ? do you feel lag ? does your gps lock in timely manner ? thats how it goes ... like I said me I mod just to mod ( many of us do ) ..
The main things I'm looking to do are:
- Remove AT&T bloatware
- Sideload custom apps
- Make it look awesome
- Install helpful stuff for battery life / gps / lag / etc.
That said...
I have successfully rooted my phone, and I'm now figuring out my next steps.
Hey all. I just bought a used (but in great condition) captivate off of ebay. Unfortunately it is of the #1008 batch.
I did test the 3 button and 2 button + usb modes and they both work.
Does this mean I will be fine putting a new rom on, or will this #1008 problem present itself somewhere down the road?
Last time I put an alternate ROM on a phone was way back on a Tmobile SDA, and hopefully it will be soon when I do my next one
Thanks
Rhiannon224 said:
Well, you can find a plethora of very useful ROM packages on the Developers forum that will root your device and enable sideloading and most are running 2.2 already. I abandonded stock after 2 weeks of owning the phone, it is my first smartphone as well and I will not touch any OTA's from AT&T because they bricked a lot of phones with their first OTA. The developers have the system dumps as soon as they start to push them and they clean up the bloatware. Before you flash anything get the unlock codes, use an app called SGS unlock from the market and Android ID changer to get your uniquie number and write it down and don't loose it. Once you flash 2.2 leak your ID will not be the correct one. Also once you root, get ROM Manager (donate version) and Titanium Backup (donate version) you will not be able to live without them. Also the 2.2 leak fixed my GPS, it really works now. Also, very important before you flash anything make sure you have a phone that enters download mode and recovery mode using the three button combo or you will brick your phone, there is a batch of phones that can not enter download mode no matter what you do. Take out your battery and look below your IMEI number for the batch hopefully it isn't 1008 these phones do not go into download mode. If you have one of these go to AT&T and exchange it for a phone that is from a different batch and make sure you have the button combos working before starting to mod your phone.
Lastly welcome aboard and enjoy your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you need ROM Manager AND Titanium Backup? Do they do the same thing? installed ROM Manager, created a backup, thought that's all I needed...
markmensch said:
Why do you need ROM Manager AND Titanium Backup? Do they do the same thing? installed ROM Manager, created a backup, thought that's all I needed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rom Manager or a nandroid backup is a complete system image. It's useful to get back a full rom state if you have any troubles. Saves some time from having to rebuild from scratch.
Titanium Backup is used to save and easily restore third party apps. If you are flashing a new rom, you never want to restore system data as this has a tendency to cause fc's.
Hope that clears it up.
Thanks Cappy!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Bobzooka said:
The main things I'm looking to do are:
- Remove AT&T bloatware
- Sideload custom apps
- Make it look awesome
- Install helpful stuff for battery life / gps / lag / etc.
That said...
I have successfully rooted my phone, and I'm now figuring out my next steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can do that if you already rooted.
2. You can do that easy, even with out having to root. I use 'Android Central
Sideload Wonder Machine' (its a program you download and use on your pc)
3. Use Beautiful Widgets or Fancy Widget. Might need to be rooted to customize some UI.
4. For battery life I use Battery Indicator Pro. I like 'GPS Status' to test GPS.
I myself is not rooted or not running any custom roms. Not worth the risk to me and I can wait for the official update. My phone works and looks great. GPS is good enough when outdoors.
Read like the rest of us you lazy piece of sh*t! Go back to your iPhone
I897 captivate, leaked froyo, rooted, side loaded, Verizon fingerprint, led density=210, startup sound changed
danalo1979 said:
Read like the rest of us you lazy piece of sh*t! Go back to your iPhone
I897 captivate, leaked froyo, rooted, side loaded, Verizon fingerprint, led density=210, startup sound changed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha! Agreed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
danalo1979 said:
Read like the rest of us you lazy piece of sh*t! Go back to your iPhone
I897 captivate, leaked froyo, rooted, side loaded, Verizon fingerprint, led density=210, startup sound changed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bitter much?
FYI This will also help others who have the same questions. Be nice.
To answer your questions, the most popular rom currently in use would be cognition (located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=786532). This handles all the needs you are looking for and more.
To make things pretty I would recommend using launcherpro and Beautiful Widgets. The best music player is poweramp.
good question
danalo1979 said:
Read like the rest of us you lazy piece of sh*t! Go back to your iPhone
I897 captivate, leaked froyo, rooted, side loaded, Verizon fingerprint, led density=210, startup sound changed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's a good question. and anyone calling someone else a piece of sh*t for asking a question is one himself.
panflute said:
I think it's a good question. and anyone calling someone else a piece of sh*t for asking a question is one himself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree to that as well
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Why root?

Being the xoom has sideload what other incentives are there to root? I have an atrix and thing of geting the xoom but w/o custom roms what does rooting do for you? And are there custom kernals if so what do those do thanx
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I think the better question is Why not root?
Rooting brings backups, recovery, ownership of the system, customization, and the ability to run modified hulu flash
You don't HAVE to root.
My XOOM is running stock 3.1
I've unlocked my TouchPro2 which sometimes runs Android too, rooted my wife's CDMA Hero and her NOOK Color.
I'm not opposed to rooting my XOOM, I just don't have a NEED to right now.
Its fast enough for my games, google reader and XDA app, I don't need overclocking, and I prefer the longer battery life anyway.
32GB of storage is quite a bit, so I don't need the SD right now, don't have a SD card for it yet either.
All the other little bits of neat things here and there are cool, and would be fun to play with. I probably will root eventually, but isn't necessary right now.
Don't let all this talk of rooting make you think you HAVE to, you don't.
If there's something released that you just absolutely have to have, root then.
Rooting alone won't make unicorns appear or magical gnomes keep your house clean.
But should someone write an app for the gnomes to clean my house, you can guarantee my XOOM will be rooted lol
KYT said:
You don't HAVE to root.
My XOOM is running stock 3.1
I've unlocked my TouchPro2 which sometimes runs Android too, rooted my wife's CDMA Hero and her NOOK Color.
I'm not opposed to rooting my XOOM, I just don't have a NEED to right now.
Its fast enough for my games, google reader and XDA app, I don't need overclocking, and I prefer the longer battery life anyway.
32GB of storage is quite a bit, so I don't need the SD right now, don't have a SD card for it yet either.
All the other little bits of neat things here and there are cool, and would be fun to play with. I probably will root eventually, but isn't necessary right now.
Don't let all this talk of rooting make you think you HAVE to, you don't.
If there's something released that you just absolutely have to have, root then.
Rooting alone won't make unicorns appear or magical gnomes keep your house clean.
But should someone write an app for the gnomes to clean my house, you can guarantee my XOOM will be rooted lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also running stock 3.1. Rooting gives you the ability to do several things with your system because when you are "root" in a *nix environment you have control of everything. You can overwrite files, you can delete files, you can install whatever you want and you can also easily break stuff.
The last part is where users get into trouble.
My advice is always going to be to save rooting for the technically inclined. If you're technically inclined and feel like you can competantly run amuck in your system go for it man there's a ton of fun stuff you can do. If you're the slightest bit leary that you might get something wrong, or don't want to install development tools, etc... stay stock.
cwizardtx said:
I am also running stock 3.1. Rooting gives you the ability to do several things with your system because when you are "root" in a *nix environment you have control of everything. You can overwrite files, you can delete files, you can install whatever you want and you can also easily break stuff.
The last part is where users get into trouble.
My advice is always going to be to save rooting for the technically inclined. If you're technically inclined and feel like you can competantly run amuck in your system go for it man there's a ton of fun stuff you can do. If you're the slightest bit leary that you might get something wrong, or don't want to install development tools, etc... stay stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you manage to keep your nexus one stock? Lol
I for one have rooted every android device I owned I've never been a fan of stock either way its all up to you but my opinion is rooted >stock
bwcorvus said:
I think the better question is Why not root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because Google will be blocking movies (and I'll bet Netflix does, as well) on rooted devices. Which then leaves us stuck with how to do things like backup, customization, etc. without a rooted device...
eric
Personally... overclocking, underclocking, screenshot, adfree, Hulu, system backup, Titanium backup.
ericbergan said:
Because Google will be blocking movies (and I'll bet Netflix does, as well) on rooted devices. Which then leaves us stuck with how to do things like backup, customization, etc. without a rooted device...
eric
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Drm only hurts honest people...
Netflix currenty works on rooted devices. I can't see a logical reason why it would change either. But nothing the riaa does is really logical to me so who knows. But Netflix is streaming only so it is different than a 24hr rental service that you can actually download the file for offline viewing.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
PaulG1488 said:
How do you manage to keep your nexus one stock? Lol
I for one have rooted every android device I owned I've never been a fan of stock either way its all up to you but my opinion is rooted >stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well actually I wouldn't mind rooting the Xoom or the Nexus one I just don't fiddle around with ROMs or kernels. Merely rooting the device all by itself is pretty safe and gets you a lot of things I guess.
I just had my Nexus repaired by HTC a couple weeks ago and they wiped it... even though I don't have all these fancy back up measures in place it took me all of 10 minutes to put the phone back the way it was.
ericbergan said:
Because Google will be blocking movies (and I'll bet Netflix does, as well) on rooted devices. Which then leaves us stuck with how to do things like backup, customization, etc. without a rooted device...
eric
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesn't bother me cos australia can't get movies anyway... i rooted to get more control (for system apps and stuff) and for otg stuff
because you can. root then unroot if you have to.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Yes there are custom kernels. These add SD card support and real micro USB otg hosting, including the ability to read thumb drives and hard drives. That to me was enough to root. I don't want to pollute my Xoom's disk space with 10gb of music and another 10 with movies. Google music beta solved the music and hot swaping USB solved everything else.

Is rooting worth it?

Hello, I have a Motorola Droid X, and was wondering if it was worth while to root it. My dad has a rooted phone, and I kind of think it's cool some if the stuff you can do. But, I don't think I totally understand rooting yet.
So because if this I'm wondering if there is anything that makes it worth rooting ? I've also seen some of the custom themes and stuff that you can get on a rooted phone. Do those make your battery life a lot shorter?
Thanks for any help I can get
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
dritz33 said:
Hello, I have a Motorola Droid X, and was wondering if it was worth while to root it. My dad has a rooted phone, and I kind of think it's cool some if the stuff you can do. But, I don't think I totally understand rooting yet.
So because if this I'm wondering if there is anything that makes it worth rooting ? I've also seen some of the custom themes and stuff that you can get on a rooted phone. Do those make your battery life a lot shorter?
Thanks for any help I can get
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If root isn't worth it for you (depending on apps you are using and if you are a developer), then at least a custom recovery is. Making backups is quite an obsession, but can save u weeks of work.
show-p1984 said:
If root isn't worth it for you (depending on apps you are using and if you are a developer), then at least a custom recovery is. Making backups is quite an obsession, but can save u weeks of work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly is a custom recovery? Sorry I'm really new to this kind of stuff. I didn't even know you could change the homescreen until today and no, I'm definitely not a developer
So then what all can I do with rooting my phone then?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
dritz33 said:
So then what all can I do with rooting my phone then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Make screenshots.
- Run a firewall to keep apps offline that don't need internet but use it anyway.
- Control app permissions.
- Block ads.
- Tether your internet, even if your carrier doesn't support it.
- Make full backups of your data, apps,, and settings.
- Auto-sync your clock with a time server.
- Undervolt for longer battery life, overclock to make your phone faster.
And much more.
dritz33 said:
Hello, I have a Motorola Droid X, and was wondering if it was worth while to root it. My dad has a rooted phone, and I kind of think it's cool some if the stuff you can do. But, I don't think I totally understand rooting yet.
So because if this I'm wondering if there is anything that makes it worth rooting ? I've also seen some of the custom themes and stuff that you can get on a rooted phone. Do those make your battery life a lot shorter?
Thanks for any help I can get
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say YES! Personally its the Best thing I've ever done with my phone! Here's a few Incentives...
1.) Wireless Tether
2.) Increased Cpu Speed
3.) Better Battery Life
4.) Nandroid Backup
(Which basically Allows you to Fix Anything you may of messed up)
5.) New Custom Roms!!!
hi all, me to very new to this forum, and thought of asking questions regarding , what is rooting and what are the +vs of it. I get most from above replies thank you all for that, i have few more question.
1.) Does rooted phone UI will be stock version ?
2.) what may be possible -vs / disadvantages of rooting?
3.)what are Custom Roms, i see in many threads - yup am completely noob
thanks,
merin
dritz33 said:
What exactly is a custom recovery? Sorry I'm really new to this kind of stuff. I didn't even know you could change the homescreen until today and no, I'm definitely not a developer
So then what all can I do with rooting my phone then?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a custom recovery system is used to flash zip files that are not signed (correct me if im wrong)
i suck at explaining things.
in your case you will be using a bootstrapper (just think of it as a custom recovery system, dont get confused)
once you learn and read more and see the benefits then you can decide if rooting is an option you want.
merin_83 said:
1.) Does rooted phone UI will be stock version ?
2.) what may be possible -vs / disadvantages of rooting?
3.)what are Custom Roms, i see in many threads - yup am completely noob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes. Rooting gives you access to the system files and folders. It doesn't change anything else, unless you start changing things after you've rooted your phone.
2) Plenty of advantages. The only disadvantage is that rooted phones are not covered by warranty. You can get your warranty back by unrooting, but if something on your phones breaks that prevents you from unrooting you're out of luck.
3) Modified versions of Android. It's a bit like all the different versions of Linux for computers.
Definitely the best thing I have ever done to my Fascinate!
Thank you rogier666..
you explained everything...
Defiantly i want to root... But before that i guess i should do bit research on which version i should use O
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Unbelievably worth it in my opinion!
It opens up a whole new world of possibilities and fine tuning. In addition to this, you can often talk to the people who develop some of the custom roms/features and receive direct support. Also, this scale of developing usually means any problems are corrected within a week (instead of within 4-6 months from the manufacturer). Having the ability to make nandroid backups (think of them as save states) is yet another wonderful feature.
Happy rooting!
dritz33 said:
Hello, I have a Motorola Droid X, and was wondering if it was worth while to root it. My dad has a rooted phone, and I kind of think it's cool some if the stuff you can do. But, I don't think I totally understand rooting yet.
So because if this I'm wondering if there is anything that makes it worth rooting ? I've also seen some of the custom themes and stuff that you can get on a rooted phone. Do those make your battery life a lot shorter?
Thanks for any help I can get
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be Fooled by the Pessimists!
Rooting your phones the Most fun you can have with your Pants On!
Lol... Nah but Seriously its Definitely Worth it!
Sent from my wildheroc using XDA Premium App
No your battery life will not be shorter if you flash the correct way, make sure you have it fully charged then flash. After this you drain it all the way and then charge it all the way. Do it again (twice) then boot into recovery and wipe battery stats. I think this is correct, I may have the steps switched around and someone correct me if i am wrong. Overall, many custom roms actually give you better battery life.
To Root or Not To Root, That is the Question
The decision to root your phone is highly dependent on your personality and background.
For example, many people "just want it to work." This basically means that they don't care how it works, they just want to use the device as-advertised. They expect the device to give them what they pay for. Their priorities are elsewhere.
This gets a little more complicated because rooting is basically tearing down a wall that is hiding additional functionality. The complication comes from the person knowing the extra functionality is behind that wall and finding value in that extra functionality. The question of whether rooting is "useful" depends on how much value the person puts on that addition functionality (minus the potential headache of figuring out to root).
An example is tethering to access the internet with a laptop by connecting to the phone via wifi, USB, or other means. For tethering, service providers charge about $20-$30 which can be gotten for free with rooting + the appropriate apps. That's an obvious value. The cost is when the service provider decides to try to block that tethering which can be a headache trying to circumvent. There are also the moral implications...
Other reasons may be to
- learn the unknown -- who knows, you might try to make an app to do what you want to do and get paid. you could dig into the kernel and become an expert, you could start creating themes and become skilled at visual/UI design.
- control the bull$#!^ that your service provider is trying to feed you (media, ads, pay apps, etc). remove all those junk apps that they force upon you too.
- impress the ladies -- seriously, if you can get them facegoogle+ in a car on a road trip they may nod a googlyface in the future. nerd girls get their own by definition, don't try, just belong.
dritz33 said:
Hello, I have a Motorola Droid X, and was wondering if it was worth while to root it. My dad has a rooted phone, and I kind of think it's cool some if the stuff you can do. But, I don't think I totally understand rooting yet.
So because if this I'm wondering if there is anything that makes it worth rooting ? I've also seen some of the custom themes and stuff that you can get on a rooted phone. Do those make your battery life a lot shorter?
Thanks for any help I can get
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My opinion is it depends on the particular device and what the root consists of. I have an Inspire 4G that I won't root because it just works too well as is and the root process is super-duper ugly and convoluted. However, I also have a Nexus S and, although it works perfectly fine without rooting, I have it root because the rooting process is simple and straightforward and the bootloader is open to being unlocked by a normal means rather than an ugly hack. And I only use root on my Nexus S to use certain apps that require root. I don't flash any other ROMs and I even allowed it to return to the original recovery image. Also I relocked the bootloader.
The only difference between my Nexus S and it's original state is the super-simple root. In fact, the only way to tell my Nexus S is different is to run an app that requires root. The app will work on mine and not on the original.
I wil do it olsow
+1 - well said
rogier666 said:
- Make screenshots.
- Run a firewall to keep apps offline that don't need internet but use it anyway.
- Control app permissions.
- Block ads.
- Tether your internet, even if your carrier doesn't support it.
- Make full backups of your data, apps,, and settings.
- Auto-sync your clock with a time server.
- Undervolt for longer battery life, overclock to make your phone faster.
And much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Is rooting worth it?

Hello guys,
I bought an S7 around 2/3 months ago. I'm in the UK meaning that I don't have Samsung Pay and probably wont when it releases (Natwest didn't support the Android Pay launch so they probably won't for the Samsung Pay either so I don't really care if I root.) I'm considering about rooting the device but I have a few questions.
1. What apps and features do i lose access to when the flash counter is triggered?
2. Is there a way to reset the flash counter to get them apps to work again?
3. Is there an app which allows me to change the Ultra Power Saver apps? (I know there was one for the S5 rooted but don't know if it works on the S7 and can't currently try it due to it needing root perms)
4. Would you recommend rooting the device? (I've rooted my Moto G 2nd gen in the past but didn't really use it for all that much though I feel that with an S7 I might be able to do more things by being rooted.)
Thanks in advance
1. The only thing I think you really lose is Samsung Pay (since I rooted yesterday haven't noticed any other major issues)
2. As of right now there is no option to do this, though I know other devices have recieved the ability through triangle away. Sadly this is not currently available.
3. It doesn't currently look like it, but I think they will probably update the app (looked and the app i found was UPSM+ and it costs money so couldn't actually test)
4. I'm happy I did because I can use apps like sixaxis for using my ds4 controller, and I'm trying out viper audio which I've heard is good)
Don't know if this helps or not, I like to know I have the full control of my device, but that's just me maybe.
I always root everything, but this phone almost like a Greek Goddess - beautiful and accommodating. But after about a month I went ahead and rooted it. I am a heavy user of Google chrome and Google music radio stations and the amount of ads they push through their channels is extremely obnoxious. I feel guilty toward Greek Gods now, but I am at peace...
Palisandr said:
I always root everything, but this phone almost like a Greek Goddess - beautiful and accommodating. But after about a month I went ahead and rooted it. I am a heavy user of Google chrome and Google music radio stations and the amount of ads they push through their channels is extremely obnoxious. I feel guilty toward Greek Gods now, but I am at peace...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you suggest I root the phone? I'm very worried that I will not like the consequences that come with it. I've seen and looked up the issues that it has, and I have also seen that they have been fixed. My main focuses are: Battery Life, performance, texting and calling works, I get a good signal from my carrier.
Do these all work like they should? Do they work as if there isn't even root on the phone?
Nobiscis said:
Would you suggest I root the phone? I'm very worried that I will not like the consequences that come with it. I've seen and looked up the issues that it has, and I have also seen that they have been fixed. My main focuses are: Battery Life, performance, texting and calling works, I get a good signal from my carrier.
Do these all work like they should? Do they work as if there isn't even root on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being rooted itself shouldn't affect anything you listed. Now certain apps you install that require root may negatively affect battery life, and possibly performance, but texting, calling, and signal shouldn't change. Rooting essentially gives you administrator privileges like on a Windows PC, what you do from there is what will affect you the most.
Palisandr said:
I always root everything, but this phone almost like a Greek Goddess - beautiful and accommodating. But after about a month I went ahead and rooted it. I am a heavy user of Google chrome and Google music radio stations and the amount of ads they push through their channels is extremely obnoxious. I feel guilty toward Greek Gods now, but I am at peace...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Outbreak444 said:
Being rooted itself shouldn't affect anything you listed. Now certain apps you install that require root may negatively affect battery life, and possibly performance, but texting, calling, and signal shouldn't change. Rooting essentially gives you administrator privileges like on a Windows PC, what you do from there is what will affect you the most.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, but there have been several user saying that they are having the issues I have stated.
Nobiscis said:
I know, but there have been several user saying that they are having the issues I have stated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well are you using the US variant? There are some problems with the engboot but a lot of users are saying that they are resolved with the fixes they provide. A lot of people are sticking with it because they still feel the pros outweigh the cons. Something to think about if you, yourself, would prefer root over stock.
Outbreak444 said:
Well are you using the US variant? There are some problems with the engboot but a lot of users are saying that they are resolved with the fixes they provide. A lot of people are sticking with it because they still feel the pros outweigh the cons. Something to think about if you, yourself, would prefer root over stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on the US variant. One of the main reasons I'd be rooting is for the game hacks I can get, so those are the biggest pros for me
Nobiscis said:
I am on the US variant. One of the main reasons I'd be rooting is for the game hacks I can get, so those are the biggest pros for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, as long as you won't miss Samsung Pay then go for it. You can always flash back to stock if you aren't happy with it. Give it a week and see if you get used to it. If not, then there is a thread here that explains how to flash back to stock completely.
Outbreak444 said:
In that case, as long as you won't miss Samsung Pay then go for it. You can always flash back to stock if you aren't happy with it. Give it a week and see if you get used to it. If not, then there is a thread here that explains how to flash back to stock completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way I can flash a backup?
Sorry, noob questions
Nobiscis said:
Is there a way I can flash a backup?
Sorry, noob questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you root and want to restore later on. I Recommend flashing a recovery such as TWRP and create a backup via TWRP. once that's done, bootup device and install SuperSU. Once that's done, open app and let it flash what it need a to flash via TWRP. there should be threads here in XDA for your device. Backups can only be done with a recovery. If this is your first time. READ THE PROCEDURES CAREFULLY. No one is to blame but your self if you screw up your device. Research before acting
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
Nobiscis said:
Is there a way I can flash a backup?
Sorry, noob questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, look into FlashFire, it should be able to backup and flash.
You will most likely forfeit your remaining manufacturers warranty.
I run the non-rooted version of the 935f exynos S7e and have superb battery life unlike some that rooted it.
Unless you are particularly adverse to TW or need to play constantly with icons I wouldn't bother. Samsungs stock browser is also very fast.
drummerman said:
You will most likely forfeit your remaining manufacturers warranty.
I run the non-rooted version of the 935f exynos S7e and have superb battery life unlike some that rooted it.
Unless you are particularly adverse to TW or need to play constantly with icons I wouldn't bother. Samsungs stock browser is also very fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really care that much about the warranty really, I've owned quite alot of devices in the past and haven't needed to use the warranty's for any of them. My device used to have really good battery life but it just feels that these days the life has gone down quite significantly.
I do like the customization which root permissions gives. I guess I might have to wait until Samsung Pay comes out to see if my bank (Natwest) supports the launch or not. I only want to root for the UPSM app really since most of the root battery saver apps don't work from my past experiences.
Nobiscis said:
I know, but there have been several user saying that they are having the issues I have stated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not notice any adverse effects yet, but I only installed one program requiring root - Adaway. I am sure you know, but by rooting the phone you void your warranty, trip Knox and will not be able to use Samsung and Android pay.

Who else is ready to return the phone if we can't root?

I'm a little conflicted with this as I actually like the v20. Who else is going to be returning the phone if we can't get a root method? I've tried to consider keeping it, even without, but I absolutely hate ads.
For those in the know, how is it looking? What are the prospects? I've kept up with the dev threads and I'm not sure how to judge this. I'm new to the LG dev scene.
codman2728 said:
I'm a little conflicted with this as I actually like the v20. Who else is going to be returning the phone if we can't get a root method? I've tried to consider keeping it, even without, but I absolutely hate ads.
For those in the know, how is it looking? What are the prospects? I've kept up with the dev threads and I'm not sure how to judge this. I'm new to the LG dev scene.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you bro....
Thanks
netgar said:
I'm with you bro....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's even worse is that if there is something discovered it seems it will be very close or after the return period in my case. But I guess those are the cards!
the phone hasn't even been officially released yet. honestly you just need to relax a little. we know the bootloader can be unlocked on the t-mobile variant. so hopefully root will soon follow. but seriously you just need to give the devs some time to spend some time with the phone. with that being said even if they aren't able to get root i am still keeping my v20. i love it. way better than when i had the note 7
probablecauzdnb said:
the phone hasn't even been officially released yet. honestly you just need to relax a little. we know the bootloader can be unlocked on the t-mobile variant. so hopefully root will soon follow. but seriously you just need to give the devs some time to spend some time with the phone. with that being said even if they aren't able to get root i am still keeping my v20. i love it. way better than when i had the note 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worked up. They have all the time in the world to work on it, no rush. I'm the one who is rushed. And I don't expect them to go any faster than they can. I'd be just fine in going back to my Note 5, but I'd rather not if I don't have to. It's nice to have a change. If I could help the devs I would.
Even if it doesnt get rooted, i will keep it, at least for 8 month or more. On ther other hand, i truly hope they manage to root not only Tmobile's variant (I own the tmobile's variant), but also at least 3 or 4 of the other variants. That way we can have more devs interested and joining the LG V20 Wagon . When a device's bootloader is unlocked only for 1 variant and locked for the others and if root is not achieved in the locked variants, then there are significantly less development on the phone, since only the variant able to be rooted will be truely open for developments, and the other devs in other variants would say "Meh" i skip it.
I would love root as well, I've been rooting my phones since the HTC 3G slide days. And along the way I've accumulated many apps that are a must have for me. That said, I think the features and functionality of this phone outweighs those must have apps. I could 'enjoy' this phone without root.
As far as if root with for sure be coming to this device? That's anyone's guess, it could take as long as a few months to acquire a real solution to root. There is also the development aspect of this to consider as well. While we will have people devoted to getting root and attempting to make ROM's/mods, Android N is brand new.
It's a toss up if we'll see root, than it's a question of how much development we'll see once a root solution has been found. So basically one need to ask themselves if attaining root solution is really necessary in keeping this phone. I personally see stock LG very pleasant to play with.
joseguillen1994 said:
Even if it doesnt get rooted, i will keep it, at least for 8 month or more. On ther other hand, i truly hope they manage to root not only Tmobile's variant (I own the tmobile's variant), but also at least 3 or 4 of the other variants. That way we can have more devs interested and joining the LG V20 Wagon . When a device's bootloader is unlocked only for 1 variant and locked for the others and if root is not achieved in the locked variants, then there are significantly less development on the phone, since only the variant able to be rooted will be truely open for developments, and the other devs in other variants would say "Meh" i skip it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I would love to see an unlocked bootloader for all carriers. That is the primary reason I am with Tmobile. I can't stand being deprived simple filesystem access to my own device. But in this case, I'd be just fine with just root if the devs don't jump on board. I mean I love flashing custom roms, but this stock rom is great (for once). I just want adaway!!!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the Pixel has been rooted yet either. And since there are only two devices out now that have shipped with both Nougat, and the duplicated system partition for background updates, there remains quite of but of work to get SuperSU working.
aaldiar said:
I would love root as well, I've been rooting my phones since the HTC 3G slide days. And along the way I've accumulated many apps that are a must have for me. That said, I think the features and functionality of this phone outweighs those must have apps. I could 'enjoy' this phone without root.
As far as if root with for sure be coming to this device? That's anyone's guess, it could take as long as a few months to acquire a real solution to root. There is also the development aspect of this to consider as well. While we will have people devoted to getting root and attempting to make ROM's/mods, Android N is brand new.
It's a toss up if we'll see root, than it's a question of how much development we'll see once a root solution has been found. So basically one need to ask themselves if attaining root solution is really necessary in keeping this phone. I personally see stock LG very pleasant to play with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little later than that. I think my first root was the HTC Evo. I agree that for once the stock experience here is pretty satisfying. I could deal with it, if I could only get rid of all those ads. I just can't do it. Pop ups and junk everywhere throughout the whole OS. I haven't seen an ad is so long I'm a little shell shocked.
I expected it to be a toss up with Android N. I knew this might happen, but we always hope for the best.
codman2728 said:
I agree, I would love to see an unlocked bootloader for all carriers. That is the primary reason I am with Tmobile. I can't stand being deprived simple filesystem access to my own device. But in this case, I'd be just fine with just root if the devs don't jump on board. I mean I love flashing custom roms, but this stock rom is great (for once). I just want adaway!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heck yeah!! I need adaway! And slim pie, and greenify, and TITANIUM BACKUP (GOD! ) , and a couple of things more. also, i would love for lg to create many themes and then they can keep updating them and make them compatible with future devices so that it doesnt stop just in few months. Also to add more options to the second screen such as display notifications entirely one by one. I wonder if LG has a page to send suggestions and feeback . I would make LG V20 the greatest device ever LOL!
NotATreoFan said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the Pixel has been rooted yet either. And since there are only two devices out now that have shipped with both Nougat, and the duplicated system partition for background updates, there remains quite of but of work to get SuperSU working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are the days I wish I was an Android dev. This is the kind of challenge in programming that is usually fun. Brand new territory.
codman2728 said:
I'm a little conflicted with this as I actually like the v20. Who else is going to be returning the phone if we can't get a root method? I've tried to consider keeping it, even without, but I absolutely hate ads.
For those in the know, how is it looking? What are the prospects? I've kept up with the dev threads and I'm not sure how to judge this. I'm new to the LG dev scene.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you going to get if this isn't able to be rooted? The options are few.
joseguillen1994 said:
Heck yeah!! I need adaway! And slim pie, and greenify, and TITANIUM BACKUP (GOD! ) , and a couple of things more. also, i would love for lg to create many themes and then they can keep updating them and make them compatible with future devices so that it doesnt stop just in few months. Also to add more options to the second screen such as display notifications entirely one by one. I wonder if LG has a page to send suggestions and feeback . I would make LG V20 the greatest device ever LOL!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Titanium Backup would have been extremely helpful! I find that I didn't install half the backed up apps though, so that's something. I guess I didn't need a lot of that junk. LOL I'm usually first in on Viper4Android as well, but for once I don't think that it is a necessity. I haven't even played with themes yet. Thanks for reminding me. Second screen is surprisingly useful. I love flipping through songs on spotify with the screen off. I also love how you can see the full notification text there sometimes, instead of it being broken up line by line. I do find myself trying to pull down the drawer from there though, even when the phone is in landscape!
douger1957 said:
What are you going to get if this isn't able to be rooted? The options are few.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll probably just crawl back to my Note 5. The s-pen gets stuck sometimes, and the charge port is wonky, but it's like an old friend. The dev community for it seems to have dried up a bit though. But I'm ok using a solid daily driver rom with adaway and viper4android on that phone. I don't need to be a flashaholic anymore.
codman2728 said:
Yeah Titanium Backup would have been extremely helpful! I find that I didn't install half the backed up apps though, so that's something. I guess I didn't need a lot of that junk. LOL I'm usually first in on Viper4Android as well, but for once I don't think that it is a necessity. I haven't even played with themes yet. Thanks for reminding me. Second screen is surprisingly useful. I love flipping through songs on spotify with the screen off. I also love how you can see the full notification text there sometimes, instead of it being broken up line by line. I do find myself trying to pull down the drawer from there though, even when the phone is in landscape!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldnt install about 15 apps that required root, now i only have 35 apps (my apps, the others are system apps) Which is why my battery drain seems reasonable LOL i mean, im surprissed it last more than a day given the fact that many of my apps are constantly synchronizing and i leave gps on and do some camera shots and videos, and also am constantly turning it on and off to see notifications and all that, and play music. Today i did all that. And my battery is in 68% . I bet greenify could make it even better. BUT I NEED ADAWAY! Everytime i go to Chrome and go to some website that has many ads and pop-ups it annoys me that much. Im about to download another browser, I think firefox has the ability of addons in android . Also, there are some apps with ads too.
joseguillen1994 said:
I couldnt install about 15 apps that required root, now i only have 35 apps (my apps, the others are system apps) Which is why my battery drain seems reasonable LOL i mean, im surprissed it last more than a day given the fact that many of my apps are constantly synchronizing and i leave gps on and do some camera shots and videos, and also am constantly turning it on and off to see notifications and all that, and play music. Today i did all that. And my battery is in 68% . I bet greenify could make it even better. BUT I NEED ADAWAY! Everytime i go to Chrome and go to some website that has many ads and pop-ups it annoys me that much. Im about to download another browser, I think firefox has the ability of addons in android . Also, there are some apps with ads too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Firefox now myself. It does support several ad blocking addons and seems to work pretty well.
NotATreoFan said:
I'm using Firefox now myself. It does support several ad blocking addons and seems to work pretty well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming that. The sad part is that i cannot import all my information from chrome to mozilla. But well.. As a temporary measure, it is great! :good:
joseguillen1994 said:
I couldnt install about 15 apps that required root, now i only have 35 apps (my apps, the others are system apps) Which is why my battery drain seems reasonable LOL i mean, im surprissed it last more than a day given the fact that many of my apps are constantly synchronizing and i leave gps on and do some camera shots and videos, and also am constantly turning it on and off to see notifications and all that, and play music. Today i did all that. And my battery is in 68% . I bet greenify could make it even better. BUT I NEED ADAWAY! Everytime i go to Chrome and go to some website that has many ads and pop-ups it annoys me that much. Im about to download another browser, I think firefox has the ability of addons in android . Also, there are some apps with ads too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to count. But with more than a dozen albums downloaded from Spotify, all my apps and media, my storage space is great with the stock 64GB and no SD. It's kind of mind blowing. Same here with the battery as well. I've been using it all day, listening to music, surfing the web, texting, youtube, etc. I'm still at 72 percent. It beats the Note 5 for sure.
NotATreoFan said:
I'm using Firefox now myself. It does support several ad blocking addons and seems to work pretty well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With not being able to block them system wide I'll have to start looking into things like this more. I love Firefox. It's all I use on PC. Great suggestion. Thanks!

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