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[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

[Q] Q time!

Alright try not to flame the piss outta me; i've been a member here for years and i know how to SEARCH. (and i did)
there's alot of reading between the lines that goes on here. lots of things are not explicit.
my needs are:
1. to be able to tether via bluetooth/wifi/usb/MIFI/hotspot my phone to a windows laptop
2. to delete the bloatware
3. maaaybe save the apps to the SD but that's not necessary
but i must remain with stock ROM. i had a cingular 8125 (wizard) and an AT&T Fuze (diamond) that i hacked and cracked and unlocked and every other thing you could do to them.. and it was always a mess; emailin the dev late at night cause this don't work or that don't work, data don't work, GPS don't work, radios don't work, the phone don't work, it needs to be rebooted everyday cause the other thing's from a different phone. hell i even blew the speaker on the fuze with some speaker mod i downloaded cause it was too quiet and so it didn't ring half the time. i don't need sweet fuzeberry pictures for the menu button and all of this.
so unless there's some perfect rom out there that doesn't have not one damn error, i'd like to stay with a stock rom.
so can bullets 1 and 2 and maybe 3 be solved without going with a non-stock rom? do i have to root to get #'s 1 and 2?
thanks for not flamin me

There is a stock rooted Rom on here which you can use that will let you do what you want.
As for the roms, I know everyone has their preference but gtg's inspired saga gingerbread Rom is pretty much flawless. Even have it on my wife's inspire and she never complains about anything not working. I am sure others are very good as well.

wdkingery said:
Alright try not to flame the piss outta me; i've been a member here for years and i know how to SEARCH. (and i did)
there's alot of reading between the lines that goes on here. lots of things are not explicit.
my needs are:
1. to be able to tether via bluetooth/wifi/usb/MIFI/hotspot my phone to a windows laptop
2. to delete the bloatware
3. maaaybe save the apps to the SD but that's not necessary
but i must remain with stock ROM. i had a cingular 8125 (wizard) and an AT&T Fuze (diamond) that i hacked and cracked and unlocked and every other thing you could do to them.. and it was always a mess; emailin the dev late at night cause this don't work or that don't work, data don't work, GPS don't work, radios don't work, the phone don't work, it needs to be rebooted everyday cause the other thing's from a different phone. hell i even blew the speaker on the fuze with some speaker mod i downloaded cause it was too quiet and so it didn't ring half the time. i don't need sweet fuzeberry pictures for the menu button and all of this.
so unless there's some perfect rom out there that doesn't have not one damn error, i'd like to stay with a stock rom.
so can bullets 1 and 2 and maybe 3 be solved without going with a non-stock rom? do i have to root to get #'s 1 and 2?
thanks for not flamin me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of that will require root access. At the very least, your gonna need to do that.
Once you do, if you want a kick-ass fast, stable and dependable tweaked custom stock ROM...try the one in my signature.

Nickovtyme said:
All of that will require root access. At the very least, your gonna need to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the exception of maybe App2sd.
But indeed, rooting is pretty much a must-do activity.
Inspire 4G ¦ XDA Premium

Nickovtyme said:
All of that will require root access. At the very least, your gonna need to do that.
Once you do, if you want a kick-ass fast, stable and dependable tweaked custom stock ROM...try the one in my signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly i cannot even find the one in your sig

wdkingery said:
sadly i cannot even find the one in your sig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me remedy that for ya.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1015206
I think there's only a handful of us around here that use this ROM as their day to day ROM...and mostly its because it's so close to stock. Not many bells or whistles with this one.

oh puke it appears i'm gonna end up crackin this phone into pieces as well.. bleh. there's sooo much i don't know right now. apn? what was it before i did this? what should it be? a million trillion new things with a new operating system, new phone.. not one thing is the same it seems. on the the [GUIDE] i go..
can this all be undone on this phone if i crush it and need to return it to AT&steal for insurance?

Take a breath. You will catch on and yes it can be reversed if you need to send in for insurance though if the phone is split in half you may have trouble running the stock ruu and getting s-on.
Check the thread in dev section on data speed to see apn settings I believe they are listed in there.

i have yet to even plug this phone into my laptop for the first time.
any activesync type programs i need?

wdkingery said:
oh puke it appears i'm gonna end up crackin this phone into pieces as well.. bleh. there's sooo much i don't know right now. apn? what was it before i did this? what should it be? a million trillion new things with a new operating system, new phone.. not one thing is the same it seems. on the the [GUIDE] i go..
can this all be undone on this phone if i crush it and need to return it to AT&steal for insurance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant to tell ya that with the Ingersoll ROM, well with most of the ROM's in the dev section, wifi hotspot is enabled by default. I have used it and can verify that it works perfectly..just enable wifi hotspot in the settings. Oh and AT&T won't ever know either...though there is some debate about that.
Or like Newter555 says, do the research and you can add the APN's yourself.

wdkingery said:
i have yet to even plug this phone into my laptop for the first time.
any activesync type programs i need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the sticky guide at the top of this forum and you should breeze right through it.

i believe i rooted, but rom manager cannot find superuser, i downloaded superuser from market and it is not doing anything special; no errors ...
i'm now stuck with a rom that has no sound. please help

wdkingery said:
i believe i rooted, but rom manager cannot find superuser, i downloaded superuser from market and it is not doing anything special; no errors ...
i'm now stuck with a rom that has no sound. please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used the attn1 method he mentions that you have to flash a ROM to get sound back. Do you have rom manager installed? It can install recovery for you and download roms for you.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

He has recovery installed. All he has to do is select a rom, put it on the hd and start recovery to flash it. The process is well.documented. ROM manager is not the answer.

lil fyi i got it all worked out thanks to attn1

wdkingery said:
lil fyi i got it all worked out thanks to attn1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awsome! Good for you.
Welcome aboard...you're life is changed forever.

[Q] tethering and my htc and att?

Hello, can someone help me with something. I rooted my htc inspire a few months back. I did not change the room just left it as is. I am now trying to tethering my accer a500 to my htc inspire. I have tried the hot spot and also tried to hook cable to tablet from phone. when i try hot spot it turns on then turns off says i need to call att.
I am wondering do i have to flash phone with a differnet rom inorder to use those functions. or is their a way around the issue. Sorry for my lack of knowing lol. i am looking but I have not found a newbie guid covering this. I am asuming i do need to flash phone with custom rom but wanted to make sure.

update
I guess should of added more info. I have rooted my phone a long while back. I did not flash a custom Rom to my phone. I am running the Rom the phone came with just rooted. Thanks again for any help someone will be able to give. I am still reading the fourms just guess not understanding. From what I am getting if I want hot spot to work or tethering to work I need to flash my phone with a custom Rom.

a 30second search of putting 'free tether htc inspire' into google would have given you the answer you need. This has been asked over and over and over. You are technically breaching your agreement and if you get caught that is on you. Here is a link in the market for a simple to use app. Next time please search before making threads.
https://market.android.com/details?...EwOSwiY29tLm1zdHJlYW0uZWFzeXRldGhlcl9iZXRhIl0.

ok
Lol sorry but you really think I didn't do that like a month ago. Really I have read and re-read every topic even close to covering this topic. One topic saying yes you can the next saying it didn't work. Figured would find someone nice enough to say yes you can do it, and here is the topic area to look. Thank you for the link
Update, followed your link and it went no were. Google free tethering again and came up with the same thing. Someone saying they have a way to make it work. Then a bunch of posts after that with people saying it worked for a bit but not now. I'm just looking to see if it can be done, what has and has not worked and if I am right and I need a custom Rom.

I use EasyTether Pro, don't know if its safe, but I have been using it for almost 2 years on 2 different phones, and haven't been stuck with a higher bill yet
Sent from my Inspire 4G

I tether my HP Touchpad about an hour a day and have never got hit with the email from AT&T.
Sent from my HTC Inspire using Tapatalk

thanks for the info
Was wondering do you guys use the cable, or set up a WiFi way. I don't plan on doing any downloading I use a program that looks up info for me on the net. Maybe some Facebook on the night ****. Once again thanks for the help with this very cool.

I dont have to DD an app to use hotspot because my dev built it in, which most roms do... but if you must stick with your stock rom... (thumbs down)
I used "open garden" wifi tether on a few different phones requiring that functionality. Its one of the best out there IMHO
P.S. If you like the stock feel and stability? of your stock rom, but are ready to open your phone up to a brand new life...
My suggestion for a jump off point(ROM) is 'COREDROID'! I dont rock it anymore, but it was imo the best, next very close runner up would be 'AndroidRevolution'...
Both of those have built in hotspot, plus a WAYYY faster UI than stock. Just My Opinion. good luck!

I have never tried to tether using stock rom, however almost all custom roms I have used have the ability to tether. Maybe try a custom rom, I like IceColdSandwich v 4.2. Good luck!

Thank u very much that was what I was really looking for. I will start looking for custom Rom that might work for me. I really need to learn how to back up the Rom I have so I can save it so I can flash it back to phone if need be. Thanks again all for all the help with this.

Start by looking for a recovery like "cwm recovery"... within the Inspire forums. Follow the directions exactly and read them ALL first, then reread them before flashing. Once youve achieved a recovery, you'll have opened yourself up to try ROMS i.e.Try coredroid for a few days then perform a backup of coredroid, then flash AR and run that for a few days.
As it seems in your OP, youre kinda used to a stock ROM and both of those are based on stock, with enhancements, and bloatware removed... MUCH FASTER and responsive.
So just start with one thing at a time - Recovery Time!!!
p.s. once youve installed your recovery, you should backup your current config before going to the next step - ROM!!! Practice good backup skills, and you'll limit your headaches considerably.

hello, thank you all for your replies. I am really wanting to move up to custom roms. Prob is I do not know how to back up my current rom, and how to check it to make sure its good. I am looking for the info and what app to use to get the best back up file. i want to be sure I know how to back up and also how to go back to the back up if need be before I move forward. If someone knows of a guide to do that stuff or has any good information could you pm me please. thanks a bunch for the help.

gage0727 said:
hello, thank you all for your replies. I am really wanting to move up to custom roms. Prob is I do not know how to back up my current rom, and how to check it to make sure its good. I am looking for the info and what app to use to get the best back up file. i want to be sure I know how to back up and also how to go back to the back up if need be before I move forward. If someone knows of a guide to do that stuff or has any good information could you pm me please. thanks a bunch for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as for backup between ROMs the two major ones are Titanium Backup and MyBackup

Darunion said:
a 30second search of putting 'free tether htc inspire' into google would have given you the answer you need. This has been asked over and over and over. You are technically breaching your agreement and if you get caught that is on you. Here is a link in the market for a simple to use app. Next time please search before making threads.
https://market.android.com/details?...EwOSwiY29tLm1zdHJlYW0uZWFzeXRldGhlcl9iZXRhIl0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the EasyTether app a few times around last Christmas. Today I got the email from AT&T about tethering. So I guess now we can't use EasyTether?

I went to my local store yesterday and had a rep examine my phone to be sure there was no way I could tether. She noted it in my account. Today I got a txt msg saying I was tethering. So I called the 866 number in the msg and the phone rep told me they can now tell any time a computer or any other device is plugged into the phone and any time a tethering app is used. So according to her logic, we can't even use our computers to charge our phones.

struff said:
I went to my local store yesterday and had a rep examine my phone to be sure there was no way I could tether. She noted it in my account. Today I got a txt msg saying I was tethering. So I called the 866 number in the msg and the phone rep told me they can now tell any time a computer or any other device is plugged into the phone and any time a tethering app is used. So according to her logic, we can't even use our computers to charge our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, she means they can detect the tethering. not the connection itself. u can still charge and xfer files and sync lol

Darunion said:
no, she means they can detect the tethering. not the connection itself. u can still charge and xfer files and sync lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*I* know that. But she apparently doesn't. She told me that ANY time ANYTHING is plugged into the phone now counts as tethering. Even if NO apps are being used. I know better than to believe that lol.
---------- Post added at 04:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 AM ----------
Sucks for EasyTether and PDANet users

This seems a good place to ask. Of course, the ref with whom I spoke claims that their system is flawless, but is there anyone here who kows AT&Ts systems that can speak as to the reliability of their inspection system?
The reason I ask, I was informed that "the data connection from your phone was opened to another device several times within the past 2 months." I used it once, I'm afraid that something looks like tethering to their system, and I'll end up with a more expensive capped plan rather than my unlimited plan (truth is that I've only gone over 3 GB once of which I'm aware, I just don't like the concept of caps.... or more cost).

I finaly put a custom rom on my phone and was able to hotspot and tether my phone to my laptop. Only used it to load one page of xda just to see if it worked or not. I never got a text meassage or phone call or anything. I also use a bunch of bandwidth on a daily bases. e-mail, web games and such. I had to re-lock my phone sending it to htc to get repaired, when i get it back it will be re rooted and custom rom and tethered again. Will let you know what happens then. lol

They will constantly improve the system. the more people that find ways around it the more they will invest in closing the holes. they didnt used to have the ability to see but more and more is pointing to packet inspection and TTL's on them to see if theres another device behind the phone. it's not just an apn setting anymore. it's best either to not tether and breach contract or just pay the $15 a month and use it. Getting around it now, could change next week or a month or tomorrow. companies will do what they can to protect their services from being taken advantage of, and with the number of users that are stealing tethering data, that is a considerable cost. do i think its fair that i need to pay $15 to connect my pc to phone for just a picture here and there, no, but the consumer always wants everything for free.

Rooting MoPho w/ 2.3.5

Hi - I'm no developer, just a fan. I've read all the rules, terms, threats about what happens if you don't SEARCH first - guys I've done it all and for a long time. I have been studying up on how to root my MoPhoton 4g since I got it last August. I think I'm finally ready....but now I'm afraid I'm too late. I got involved in that soak test, which installed 2.3.5. Now, if I've searched/read acs and xda correctly (and other less intelligent sites), here's where I am:
There is no way to downgrade from 2.3.5
Shabbypenguin's wonderfully simple and sweet One Root won't do the trick on 2.3.5 (and boy did I try it MANY times). Had correct drives installed, etc...but no go. I assume you guys know what I'm talking about, but I can and will paste what the script read if you need me too. Short story...got all the way to "you should have root"....but I don't.
Currently the only way to do it is with a root method called Torpedo....which I don't know enough about yet but I'm about to get into it...
And finally, even if I get root, I won't have bootloader, again, because of 2.3.5.
Sound about right so far? If so, here's my big question:
If I can ONLY root for now, will I obtain the benefits I am looking for (mainly increasing/unleashing the SPEED I know this phone is capable of, and fixing whatever problem has always caused this phone to flicker it's wifi on and off and on and off constantly all the time, even in the same location....it drives me up the wall! Also, I'd like to get free wireless hotspot too, cause if you're gonna dream, dream big.
Thanks guys

I got a little confused reading your post, so sorry if this isn't the answer you are looking for...
Rooting would help you in a lot of ways, but the full potential of the phone is unlocked with custom roms and kernels...
For wifi on off, go to settings>wireless and network> wifi, and then press menu, select "advanced"...and see "wifi sleep policy" is set to "never"...
Sent from my GT-S5670

Photon root, bootloader, 2.3.5
Thanks for the response. Allow me to clarify:
Yes, I do want to root and install CM 7 or CM9, but if I can't unlock bootloader that's not possible....correct? If so, I'm hoping someone will tell me I'm wrong about one or more of my earlier assumptions (see bulleted list in OP).

Sorry, but I do not know the way around locked bootloaders...my device has an unlocked bootloader, and this makes job fairly simple...
Does you device have a subforum at xda? If so, then ask this over there, and you shall receive specific help there...
Or wait here for someone with more experience with locked bootloaders...
(P.s. look on over at youtube, you may find an answer)
Sent from my GT-S5670

cool old lady said:
Thanks for the response. Allow me to clarify:
Yes, I do want to root and install CM 7 or CM9, but if I can't unlock bootloader that's not possible....correct? If so, I'm hoping someone will tell me I'm wrong about one or more of my earlier assumptions (see bulleted list in OP).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock but you will lose 4G.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium

[Q] T-Mobile LG Optimus F3 Forum?

Okay, so I know this phone doesn't exactly win the spec war, but it's awesome and would make a fantastic rooted phone. Unfortunately there isn't a forum here on XDA for the device (either because it's too new or there isn't a demand for it)
Do you guys think a forum will be made for this device? It'd be nice to at least have a place to say what root methods DON'T work (I've tried a few)
Thanks for the help, XDA rules!

I second this. I am planning on buying a new phone and after researching numerous phones out there based on my tastes and constraints, I think this phone works very well (another is Samsung Galaxy Exhibit 2). One flaw that I heard is the amount of storage in this phone is around 4gb. Without a way to put apps on an external SD card (which I believe would require a custom ROM), the storage would probably fill up pretty quickly. So it'll be great if XDA opened a forum for this phone.
As a side note if anyone can point to other devices that fit my needs I would be grateful:
- Less than 4.2" screen (preferably 4").
- Android only
I don't have any financial constraints or any favorite companies.
Thanks!

What root method did you find worked? Did you try framaroot? Also have you found any Roms?
Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2

bbradf44 said:
What root method did you find worked? Did you try framaroot? Also have you found any Roms?
Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2
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I used Motochopper, worked like a charm. make sure you have the LG Optimus f3 drivers on your computer.(found on LG website)

habitforming said:
I used Motochopper, worked like a charm. make sure you have the LG Optimus f3 drivers on your computer.(found on LG website)
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Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.

richardpwnsner said:
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.[/QUOT
Anyone find a tethering ap that works?
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wolfu11 said:
richardpwnsner said:
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.[/QUOT
Anyone find a tethering ap that works?
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Do tethering apps need to be phone specific? I don't have data, but I'll let you know if I come across one.
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Bad news
I have created the recovery tree, and have created a recovery.img for this phone. ok now heres the bad news OUR lg optimus f3 has a stock 3.4 kernel with a locked bootloader. Even worse news is that 3.4 "locking" features a sha5 hash system for its image/partitions (recovery, boot, and bootloader). Even worse news there is no known (or atleast what i know or have heard) way to get around this. The phone will be forever locked until lg updates or allows said lock to be removed. I have flashed the recovery and have had no damage to my device but it just sticks at "unsecure recovery" and does a hard reset (factory restore) every time i try to play with it which is a huge flaw if you ask me.
I have hexedited the bootloader and found that there is indeed "juicy" strings within that may tell to a future unlock these strings being
-Device UnLock!, so Boot Success!!
-oem unlock
-ERROR: Could not do normal boot. Reverting to fastboot mode
Also these strings could just be defualt with all lg bootloaders meaning....there is no hope.
My phone is without a soul and I will never be buy lg again.
If anyone is able to get into fastboot
1. PM ME
2. run : fastboot oem unlock
Again root for this phone works great as long as you dont touch recovery, bootloader, or boot partitions

inyourface09 said:
I have created the recovery tree, and have created a recovery.img for this phone. ok now heres the bad news OUR lg optimus f3 has a stock 3.4 kernel with a locked bootloader. Even worse news is that 3.4 "locking" features a sha5 hash system for its image/partitions (recovery, boot, and bootloader). Even worse news there is no known (or atleast what i know or have heard) way to get around this. The phone will be forever locked until lg updates or allows said lock to be removed. I have flashed the recovery and have had no damage to my device but it just sticks at "unsecure recovery" and does a hard reset (factory restore) every time i try to play with it which is a huge flaw if you ask me.
I have hexedited the bootloader and found that there is indeed "juicy" strings within that may tell to a future unlock these strings being
-Device UnLock!, so Boot Success!!
-oem unlock
-ERROR: Could not do normal boot. Reverting to fastboot mode
Also these strings could just be defualt with all lg bootloaders meaning....there is no hope.
My phone is without a soul and I will never be buy lg again.
If anyone is able to get into fastboot
1. PM ME
2. run : fastboot oem unlock
Again root for this phone works great as long as you dont touch recovery, bootloader, or boot partitions
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Ugh. Thanks for the work. This is bad news indeed. I'll keep poking around and let you know if I find anything.

richardpwnsner said:
Ugh. Thanks for the work. This is bad news indeed. I'll keep poking around and let you know if I find anything.
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Out of curiosity, any chance Loki would work? I'd be willing to give it a go if there's a decent chance—still within the 14 day exchange window .

Will motochopper work on any carrier version of this phone? Thanks!

jjfad said:
Will motochopper work on any carrier version of this phone? Thanks!
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I've seen confirmations on three carriers (can't remember which ones off the top of my head, sorry [edit-well, T-Mobile and Virgin Mobile come to mind now]), so I'd assume the answer is yes. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone complain about adverse affects, so no reason not to try (though, grain of salt—I'm brand new to android).

For anyone that has this, how are the antennas on this phone?
I just ordered one from tmo and am hoping to get better reception at my house than from my Samsung or HTC.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Steve5400 said:
For anyone that has this, how are the antennas on this phone?
I just ordered one from tmo and am hoping to get better reception at my house than from my Samsung or HTC.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
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They seem better and with WIFI calling built in the phone hasn't skipped a beat.

Check my way!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2420178&highlight=rooting+lg+optimus+f3
I failed rooting my phone with Windows system, maybe cause I'm not familiar with the process or I was just to lazy, but it does work if you use motochopper. Try looking it up youtube. You could try my method, it should work on Jellybean 4.1.2!

richardpwnsner said:
Out of curiosity, any chance Loki would work? I'd be willing to give it a go if there's a decent chance—still within the 14 day exchange window .
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BAHAHA me to man i think im down to 10 days. Im trying to get some attention but i need someone who knows little endian, and their way around bootloaders. Id be willing to donate to someone who can help me out, also to support the other 3 variants (if the aboot differs).
I have a recovery created also and a device tree (needs gpio support for kernel).
And to awnser your question, yes loki will work IF i can get the needed values so that when recovery/boot is read into memory that it overwrites the security check feature in aboot. If the wrong values are give you may end up with a brick (very slim chance)

My return window just closed . If it helps, you can pull the open source from LG's website and merge it with the android source. I also discovered an even easier solution: set up the LG Sync application, and select the "upgrade recovery option". Then, when it begins downloading, remove your phone, set Windows (or your relevant OS) to show hidden files and folders, and go the the Program Data folder. There should be something like "PHONEAX" under the LG Electronics folder that will contain the full stock kdz file when the download is complete.
It's really kind of surprising that there's absolutely no dev love out there for the F3. I suppose it's because the phone is entry level, but it's really not that bad but for the storage. I got it as a gift, so no complaints here—of course, if anyone wants to donate a Note or Galaxy gratis, I suppose I'd be willing to switch .

I had a Galaxy S4 from Verizon. I switched to T-Mobile Because believe it or not the network is stronger where I work. Also, there pricing on plans cannot be beat. But, I digress. The Galaxy S4 being a Verizon device never really functioned the way it was supposed to on T-Mobiles network. It was unlocked however was still useless for 4G LTE and while I could do better than edge in some places, those places were few and far between. I started to assess what it is I actually used my phone for these days. I'm not into modding with custom ROMS and kernels anymore and I'm not much of a multi-tasker either so I decided that I did not need the super power device anymore. The specs on this phone are perfect for what I need my phone to do. Its been a long time since I have gone beyond rooting to remove bloat and tether. I agree that the storage on this sucks. I don't understand why there are any devices anymore that come with less than 32gb internal. storage is the cheapest thing that can be added to a device and its not as though it uses much physical space. other than the storage I will say that I am impressed with the quality of this device and I don't know that I would even put this as low as "entry level device." I would say its more of a mid-grade device. I am also happy with the reception on this device and its nice to have a compact phone again that actually fits comfortably in my hand and on my belt.

yutzyscott said:
I had a Galaxy S4 from Verizon. I switched to T-Mobile Because believe it or not the network is stronger where I work. Also, there pricing on plans cannot be beat. But, I digress. The Galaxy S4 being a Verizon device never really functioned the way it was supposed to on T-Mobiles network. It was unlocked however was still useless for 4G LTE and while I could do better than edge in some places, those places were few and far between. I started to assess what it is I actually used my phone for these days. I'm not into modding with custom ROMS and kernels anymore and I'm not much of a multi-tasker either so I decided that I did not need the super power device anymore. The specs on this phone are perfect for what I need my phone to do. Its been a long time since I have gone beyond rooting to remove bloat and tether. I agree that the storage on this sucks. I don't understand why there are any devices anymore that come with less than 32gb internal. storage is the cheapest thing that can be added to a device and its not as though it uses much physical space. other than the storage I will say that I am impressed with the quality of this device and I don't know that I would even put this as low as "entry level device." I would say its more of a mid-grade device. I am also happy with the reception on this device and its nice to have a compact phone again that actually fits comfortably in my hand and on my belt.
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No argument here. I like it well enough, but I'm (1) a closet geek; and (2) a heavy multitasker, so given the option I'd prefer something with more screen space (I just graduated from law school, so I do a lot of reading on the go). As a phone, however, you really couldn't ask for more—the size otherwise pretty much perfect, it's relatively snappy with most applications, and once debloated the stock launcher is pretty good.
That being said, the second I see a safe way to deal with the bootloader pop up, I'm diving in, no question .

Decided to share my home screens.
Sent from my LG-P659 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app