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[Q] Just got my Nexus S! Should I Root it?

Hi, I just got my Nexus S, this is my first Android device, I've been an iPhone user for the last 3 years.
So my question is:
should I root it right now?
or should I just play with stock Android for a while?
if root: what should I install/do with it?
Thanks.

wilee1928 said:
Hi, I just got my Nexus S, this is my first Android device, I've been an iPhone user for the last 3 years.
So my question is:
should I root it right now?
or should I just play with stock Android for a while?
if root: what should I install/do with it?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there is no reason not to root it. If you root you can do whatever you want. I suggest you check out the different apps, roms, kernels, or mods you can get because there are far too many choices and different kinds of things you can do with root for anyone to tell you what or how should you use it.

kenvan19 said:
Well, there is no reason not to root it. If you root you can do whatever you want. I suggest you check out the different apps, roms, kernels, or mods you can get because there are far too many choices and different kinds of things you can do with root for anyone to tell you what or how should you use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i forgot another thing.
if i root it, is there a way to "unroot" it? just in case there is something wrong with the phone and needs repair (warranty).

wilee1928 said:
i forgot another thing.
if i root it, is there a way to "unroot" it? just in case there is something wrong with the phone and needs repair (warranty).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making it seem untainted is as easy as flashing a stock rom and relocking the bootloader.

Always yes.
root.

I might suggest playing with the stock android for a bit first since this is your first android device. That way you can get acquainted and get a feel of what you want or expect from a custom rom or applications that require root.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Look around and see if of interest you then root.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Rooting gives you access to some incredibly powerful and useful applications that many of us can't live without.
There's really no reason not to root. It's stupid simple to do, and easily reversed with a few terminal commands to delete the su binary, busybox and its symlinks and the superuser.apk. I don't believe it's even an issue with warranty service. Google's endorsed rooting and hacking the phone (thanks kevnan for shoving that one down my throat again last night), and part of why they made it so easy to do.
Until recently, if you wanted to root, it was really a bad idea not to do it right away because the earlier methods (still) have you doing the fastboot oem unlock command, which will WIPE EVERYTHING on your phone, including all the stuff on your /sdcard (pictures, music, etc), and all your apps' data (like Angry Birds scores) that can't be backed up without root.
We've recently found a method that doesn't require you to wipe the phone, and is just as effective as the earlier methods (really all we're doing is skipping that oem unlock step), so it's not as time critical to root right away as it used to be.
Good luck with the phone; it's fantastic, even on stock ROMs (my choice to use), despite a few annoying quirks!
Sent from Safari browser because Chrome browser frequently won't cooperate with xda forums.

What is root?

I think this thread needs to come about because of my pure hatred for people not understanding what root actually is. We have a nice clean forum and I would like to start a trend. I want people to know what ROOTING is and why when something 'doesnt work' its not because of 'root'
some of the complaints i have read across the boards:
I never had this problem before root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
said by people that are already running a custom rom. rooting had nothing to do with it
ever since I rooted, my data has been flaky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting has no bearing on actual settings for data, apps, or configuration.
i rooted my phone, but i still cant do <insert random function here>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you never installed the application to do that, or you never TOLD your phone to do that. some of this stuff requires a little bit of EFFORT to make it do what you want. rooting isnt some magical voodoo that takes care of itself.
i rooted my phone, but it still looks like the same OS/ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting does NOT install a new OS for you. hell, installing a new OS doesnt even require ROOT on most phones. once you have an unlocked bootloader, you put a recovery on it, and do all your flashing through recovery. with a stock phone, unlocked bootloader, you can literally never even boot to the OS to flash a new rom on it.
i am having problems flashing this rom through CWM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
typical response from another user:
are you sure you are rooted? make sure you have debugging turned on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROOT has absolutely NOTHING to do with anything outside of the actual booted up OS. CWM happens before the OS loads, which means that debugging means F All as well.
what do i do, now that i rooted my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why did you root? rooting your phone should be done only because you have a PURPOSE for doing so. some application that you want to use that requires root, de-bloating, access to /system to poke around, etc. if you have to ask what to do after rooting, you never should have rooted.
This is a pretty good article covering many aspects of rooting
The first paragraph of that article sums it up pretty well:
Rooting your Android phone enables you to use the superuser, or root, permissions of the Linux-based operating system (OS). This gives you and apps that take advantage of the root permissions more control over the Android operating system and the device. Rooting can be entertaining for techies, but there are also plenty of practical benefits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The article is mainly geared toward using SuperOneClick to root, but that method doesnt work on 2.3.5+ as of yet. There is a pretty good list of applications there though.
rooting only applies WITHIN the OS itself. rooting only affects the OS. rooting does NOT make the phone self-aware. rooting doesnt awaken some hidden demon that will make your phone do magical things. its simply a way to get access to the 'administrator' account of the OS and utilize things that are locked out by manufacturers/carriers.
Sorry for the rant, folks. I just have a few pet peeves and people talking about root like its the 'root' of all their problems is one of them. it proves they have no idea what they are doing on their expensive toys. hacking a phone isnt childs play and people that dont want to understand it, have no business here. if you dont understand what you are doing to your phone, READ, UNDERSTAND, COMPREHEND. if you dont want to do those things, then STOP. STAY STOCK and move along, nothing to see here.

I forgot to mention that the entire rooting process only adds 2 files (really only one is NEEDED, the other you can get from the market)
/system/bin/su is added
/system/app/Superuser.apk is added (can be downloaded in market)
thats the root. ONE binary and ONE apk. nothing magical there.
the exploit that is needed is simply to allow a 'temporary' root so that the /system may be mounted as read/write and those 2 apps can be added. the exploit is the magical part.....lol

Thanks for posting this, should be stickied. Good read for the noobs.
sent from my Motorola Atrix 2 via Tapatalk

[A510] Root A510

Hi guys. Is it hard to root the A510. I don'twant to install a custom ROM, just get root access to run stuff like Chainfire and have a little more control over GPU/CPU performance.
How long will it take? Can some one post me directions or a link?
Thanks!

Is it so hard to look at the whopping 8 topics here?
Sent from my A510 using xda app-developers app

Randomwalker said:
Is it so hard to look at the whopping 8 topics here?
Sent from my A510 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, there's not much. Even them, I'm a noob at this stuff. So I would've thought a little more hand.

There is a rooting guide and a program that will root your tablet, all within these 8 threads...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app

There are many discussions about this topic.

Ok wait. So once I root, can I then update OS OTA. Will root be broken?

Its not hard at all, and while you surf xda in general, notice that there is the website part of xda with many good articles about the rooting process and its pro's and cons.
Theres a risk with any tinkering under the hood, but the guides a mostly quite accurate at what to do and its requirements for the process, but you, and solely you are responsible for doing it.
Another detail you have to obey to a certain extend is the posting of requests for advices in general, is that you ask in the appropriate section, eg. Questions and Answers, and the other sub threads like accessories, developement, and so on.
But dont mind too much about your first initial misplaced questions, and the subsequent grunty answers, unless you do it repeatedly that is. We all started as noobs, but follow posting rules as your first lesson.
And for your last question; No, you cant be sure of anything working as it did before you rooted, and further, flashed CWM, removed stock apps, setting up tweaks and mods etc etc.
OTA's is often depending on stock recovery, so nope, root can be lost easily, or the OTA execution might not be successfull at all.
Omnius
Sent from my A510 using xda app-developers app

himmatsj said:
Hi guys. Is it hard to root the A510. I don'twant to install a custom ROM, just get root access to run stuff like Chainfire and have a little more control over GPU/CPU performance.
How long will it take? Can some one post me directions or a link?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Rooting does not automatically give you the ability to control GPU/CPU
2. What from Chainfire do you want to install?
3. The above stuff is not "noobish", ie. if you want to do such things you really need to know what you are doing - so better first read a bit more about root
4. When you root, depending on the method you choose, be careful with any update and better, do not do any FOTA update. It might cause the root not to work after FOTA (on A510 you use an exploit to be able to root which may be fixed in newer releases), or even brick you device (see simoneser's update here)
Regards,
Nika.

Ok, another thing. Which is harder and longer process...root or flash custom ROM?
Also, if I root, is it possible to stay with stock ROM? All I want is root access. Or with rooting must I got custom?\
Additionally, whats the difference between root and bootloader unlock? If I want to use things like CHainfire and Titanium backup, is unlocking bootloader enough?
PS: I will really appreciate if I can get a link (I have been trying to find) where the whole root process for this specific device is shown. I saw the XDA thread but didnt understand much.
Daknen

himmatsj said:
Ok, another thing. Which is harder and longer process...root or flash custom ROM?
Also, if I root, is it possible to stay with stock ROM? All I want is root access. Or with rooting must I got custom?\
Additionally, whats the difference between root and bootloader unlock? If I want to use things like CHainfire and Titanium backup, is unlocking bootloader enough?
PS: I will really appreciate if I can get a link (I have been trying to find) where the whole root process for this specific device is shown. I saw the XDA thread but didnt understand much.
Daknen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is entry level. It is usually more difficult to flash a custom ROM as you will also need an unlocked bootloader (which the A510 already has I think), and a custom recovery.
Root, in popular Windows terms, is simply getting administrator rights on your current PC.
Unlocking the bootloader, is like having the BIOS password as well.
If you need Chainfire and TB, bootloader unlocking will do nothing for you. You need root.
To get root, I believe A100's Mempodroid exploit works for the A510: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25036001&postcount=93

[Q] [NOT ASKING FOR HOWTO] A query about CM and rooting.

Hello XDA.
For a while now I've been thinking about rooting and adding a custom ROM to my phone. It seems like fun and I'd like to get involved.
Recently (as in I have no idea) Cyanogenmod released a new update that doesn't require the user to root their phone in order to install CM. However rooting allows full administrative access which is something that I'd like to have. Does CM root in the process of installation or does CM by itself have enough capability and features so you don't require rooting at all? If not, do people still root their phones before installing CM?
For starters I'm running Android version 4.1.2, if that will help in anyway possible.

taetiem said:
Hello XDA.
For a while now I've been thinking about rooting and adding a custom ROM to my phone. It seems like fun and I'd like to get involved.
Recently (as in I have no idea) Cyanogenmod released a new update that doesn't require the user to root their phone in order to install CM. However rooting allows full administrative access which is something that I'd like to have. Does CM root in the process of installation or does CM by itself have enough capability and features so you don't require rooting at all? If not, do people still root their phones before installing CM?
For starters I'm running Android version 4.1.2, if that will help in anyway possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post a link to the source saying you don't need root to install cm? You can't actually post a link because you're brand new, but post the url anyway.
CM in itself does not root the device. The process of rooting is simply granting administrative permission as you already mentioned. It has root managing applications (such as supersu) installed, and a lot of its built in features require root access. I can't think of any instance where you could install the rom without root permission because it needs to change specific files to run, such as the kernel and system partition. This by default can't be changed without rooting the device.
Rooting is very easy and has to be done first, then you have to unlock the bootloader, then you can install custom roms. As long as you aren't on the 4.3 update.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

BadUsername said:
Could you post a link to the source saying you don't need root to install cm? You can't actually post a link because you're brand new, but post the url anyway.
CM in itself does not root the device. The process of rooting is simply granting administrative permission as you already mentioned. It has root managing applications (such as supersu) installed, and a lot of its built in features require root access. I can't think of any instance where you could install the rom without root permission because it needs to change specific files to run, such as the kernel and system partition. This by default can't be changed without rooting the device.
Rooting is very easy and has to be done first, then you have to unlock the bootloader, then you can install custom roms. As long as you aren't on the 4.3 update.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's on the wiki under "/w/CyanogenMod_Installer"
Code:
Do I need to root my phone before installing?
No. You can have a rooted phone, or not. The installer doesn't care. However, to be in a supported configuration, you need to be running a stock ROM.

taetiem said:
It's on the wiki under "/w/CyanogenMod_Installer"
Code:
Do I need to root my phone before installing?
No. You can have a rooted phone, or not. The installer doesn't care. However, to be in a supported configuration, you need to be running a stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so no, this will not work on our device. Specifically because we have a locked bootloader.
A lot of the coding in the cyanogenmod wiki is extremely confusing. Even doing something as simple as installing the rom written on that website looks very unnecessary to me. There are much easier ways to do it that don't involve such complicated processes, with such potential to brick a device.
I feel like a lot of the developers know how to use heimdall which can write to any device. Our device can use Odin though which is much more user friendly. When they write guides, they write for many devices, and they're unaware of simpler methods on each phone.
In a nutshell, I'd follow guides here on xda on how to root and install custom roms. Just make sure to follow the correct guides for your baseband and you should be good to go. Once you root and unlock the bootloader, you can install any custom rom you want simply by flashing in recovery.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

taetiem said:
It's on the wiki under "/w/CyanogenMod_Installer"
Code:
Do I need to root my phone before installing?
No. You can have a rooted phone, or not. The installer doesn't care. However, to be in a supported configuration, you need to be running a stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agreed with Badusername, to be safe you should just stay within Verizon S3 thread and here is the info how to root/unlock 4.1.2 bootloader, install custom recovery then flash custom rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439

Should I root?

Everyone got their own reasons.. I'm still new to the Nexus 5 and running stock without root. What do you think? Does rooting really has that many benefits on the Nexus 5?

Yes. Yes you should
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

IVS IVRIS said:
Does rooting really has that many benefits on the Nexus 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Only root will not do anything more, it's what you plan to do once rooted that can have benefits...
abaaaabbbb63 said:
The advantages of rooting
-De-bloat your phone. Uninstall any unwanted system apps.
-More control over how the CPU acts. This can increase performance or battery life, depends on how you configure it.
-More control over power consumption. This implies undervolting your CPU, giving it less power, so it consumes less.
-More control over how apps start up. Prevent apps from starting up when they don't need to.
-Change your Baseband (Radio). Try different radio versions, with the purpose of reducing battery drain or improving your signal strength.
-Flash custom ROMs. Bored of the stock ROM and look? Browse through the hundreds of custom ROMs provided by this community, each having different features and looks.
-Backups. The ability to completely backup your phone, and fully restoring it to the time of the backup. This is done with a Nandroid Backup (we'll talk about this later)
-Mods and Inovations. Use many mods, fixes, tweaks or features created by the community!
-Custom Kernels. As a Nexus device, the Nexus 5 will have tons of kernels with different features, supporting better performance, or battery life! To see what a kernel is, keep reading.
-Run apps that need Root Permission. These apps can be very useful, like Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, Terminal Emulator and many others!
The disadvantages of rooting
-Rooting will void your warranty (Although reverting root is very easy)
-The process a bit dangerous. Something could (99.9% probably not, but still) go wrong, and end up bricking your phone. So, yes, the process is 0.1% risky. You can end up deleting everything on your phone. You'll have to handle this process gently and with care.
-You will be able to do a lot more mistakes. These may cause damage to your phone (But hey, that's why we have these kind of threads, eh?)
-No more over the air official updates. You'll have to update your phone manually, through your recovery. (Which isn't that hard)
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From this useful thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/faq-to-android-read-post-root-t2508292...
And there is also a lot of useful sticky's to read in the General section :good:
And I would say you will have a bunch of different replies, root or not, with a bunch of different reasons, not sure it will help you more in your choice, maybe even not at all...
And a poll for this, if you rely on a poll to know if YOU need root or not...

IVS IVRIS said:
Everyone got their own reasons..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then make up your own mind. We can make it for you.

Thanks guys, perhaps I should wait untill the new 4.4.3 is released and then root.. since I do not intend to install a custom recovery.

IVS IVRIS said:
Thanks guys, perhaps I should wait untill the new 4.4.3 is released and then root.. since I do not intend to install a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root gives you the ability to modify system. I would definitely recommend installing a recovery, if only to take a backup before you change things, then revert

rootSU said:
root gives you the ability to modify system. I would definitely recommend installing a recovery, if only to take a backup before you change things, then revert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Definitely!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Unless you have reason to root, you probably shouldn't. However, unlocking the bootloader (which is required to root) will wipe your device, so if you even THINK you may root someday, unlocking the bootloader is not a bad idea early on.
My recommendation: Unlock the device, but do not root until you have reason to root (such as installing an app that requires it).
Having said all that, most backup apps (well, good ones anyway) require root, so that alone may be the reason you need to root. Don't take my recommendation as a sign you shouldn't root. I simply mean that rooting for root's sake is pointless. Only root when you're actually going to do something with it (like make a backup).

I feel like there are 100 threads on this topic already

If you have to ask and take a survey, then I would not recommend it!

Standard XDA answer:
If you don't have your own strong reasons to root, then no, you probably don't need to root.

IVS IVRIS said:
Thanks guys, perhaps I should wait untill the new 4.4.3 is released and then root.. since I do not intend to install a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes its totally up to you, but remember one thing there is more advantages and positive points for you if you root it.It will modify your apps and power consumption as well.