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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.

Rooting

I bought a DS a few days ago and found a few apps require rooting, I am running a complete stock rom (whatever that means) 2.3.3 and I have tried using SuperOneClick, but have always been stuck at Waiting For Device... as the program just freezes, can anyone help!!

if you need temporary root try Gingerbreak (link here). It have to give you root until rebooting

I want a permanent root, as I am re booting my ds nearon everyday, so the temp root is hopeless for me. Can anyone else help?

TotalMusic said:
I want a permanent root, as I am re booting my ds nearon everyday, so the temp root is hopeless for me. Can anyone else help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. It was not making sense otherwise...
Remember - once you decide to change your original software you are continuing on your own risk. All the procedures are done multiple times and verified by the community here, but there is always a chance to screw thing up. Going to this for a few apps that require rooting - your call
For permanent root you have to "unlock" your phone for custom software first. This can be done with the Revolutionary tool and will void your warranty (but is the only way to gain permanent root). You can veryify this on the SuperOneClick thread - look for Nandroid lock.
Then you have the following options:
if you want to keep your current ROM use SuperOneClick. This will give you full root and keep your apps and data intact
replace your "completely stock rom" with some of these or this one. Which one to pick is up to you. (the ROMs in the first thread are with Sense 2.1, the other is the latest Stock with Sense 3.0) They will give you permanent root and "completely stock ROM" experience
flash any custom rom (you can pick from here). This will give you permanent root as well and custom goodies
Happy flashing

One extra thing to mention is if you decide to permanent root your ds is definately get Rom manager and I would even spend a lil bit of money for the premium. It's perfect for making those essential backups of your Rom just incase something goes wrong with flashing a new rom or keyboard. Have fun.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App

If i wantes to s-on would i be able to turn it back on?
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium

TotalMusic said:
If i wantes to s-on would i be able to turn it back on?
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man there are a bunch of Sticky Index threads where everything is explained:
Example (all your questions are answered there):
[GUIDE] A Complete Tutorial for the Beginners and Others

Seriously, a quick search first wouldn't hurt wouldn't it?
And I'm pretty sure A LOT of the stickies on the forum WILL answer your question first hand.

CyanogenMOD changes root access

So apparently CyanogenMOD is no longer offering root access as a default option. Which doesn't make sense to me cause in order to flash a Custom ROM like CyanogenMOD you have to be rooted and being rooted means you have root/superuser access to your phone.....Here's the link the article I read on Engadget - http://phandroid.com/2012/03/16/root-access-no-longer-the-default-in-latest-version-of-cyanogenmod/
Sent using my rooted LG Revolution running GingerVolt 2.0

It's definitely an annoyance for me personally, and I can see newbie users getting confused as to why their root apps aren't working. It feels like more trouble than it's worth. The superuser prompt should really be more than enough warning, especially considering that practically every guide on rooting goes on a tangent about its perils.
sent from my Zerg Hatchery.

thebobp said:
It's definitely an annoyance for me personally, and I can see newbie users getting confused as to why their root apps aren't working. It feels like more trouble than it's worth. The superuser prompt should really be more than enough warning, especially considering that practically every guide on rooting goes on a tangent about its perils.
sent from my Zerg Hatchery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are that noob, arguably you shouldn't be using root!

pulser_g2 said:
If you are that noob, arguably you shouldn't be using root!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if you don't realize some random mod's settings are preventing you, you shouldn't be using root? Great.
sent from my Zerg Hatchery.

CM grows up
The article says root is still available three different ways. It's just not the default any more. That's smart.

If you don't know what root is doing and everything that goes long with it then no one should not use it. Far to many people root their phone cause they think its cool and end up bricking their device with no warrenty because its rooted. I personally think its a good thing

.
Thread moved. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
Failure to comply with forum rules will result in an infraction and/or ban depending on severity of rule break.

You don't necessarily have to be rooted to flash a custom ROM; all you need is ClockworkMod or some other non-stock recovery. I have a Motorola Triumph and all you have to do to install CWM is boot into download mode, connect to a computer via USB, and replace recovery.img. No root necessary.

Where and how to get my mod and still have all functions worling on virgon mobile
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using xda app-developers app

sarcasmsiempre said:
You don't necessarily have to be rooted to flash a custom ROM; all you need is ClockworkMod or some other non-stock recovery. I have a Motorola Triumph and all you have to do to install CWM is boot into download mode, connect to a computer via USB, and replace recovery.img. No root necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. A lot of people don't understand the difference between rooting and flashing custom ROMs. Root used to be required before to be able to flash a custom recovery to the recovery partition of the device. These days a lot of manufacturers have provided bootloader unlock methods by which you can directly unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery, and still keep your stock un-rooted ROM. Root isn't necessary. CM's goal is to reach more people who aren't that technologically experienced. A lot of people are afraid of the word 'root' as they think it can damage their device. There's a lot of FUD about it still. Moreover, a majority of phone users don't know or care about what root is, don't use any root apps, and just don't need it to be there on their phone lest they potentially mess up something without their knowledge. They will just tap the allow button without having a clue about which app is requesting root and for what. For users like these, custom ROMs with root are a problem. CM wants to be able to reach these people too by offering a safer, non-root version by default. Think about how many people are stuck with their crappy, skinned stock OS for the entire life of their phone, limited by their manufacturer's decisions for updates. All these people will have the option of running CM and getting a feel of AOSP, and get a lot more joy out of using their phones just like us advanced users, with just the same amount of safety (mainly against themselves) as their stock un-rooted ROM. That's the idea. Experienced users can always go to Developer Options in settings and enable root for apps and adb in a second. It makes absolutely no difference other than providing an option, and that is what's important. In JB 4.2 ROMs and CM 10.1, the Developer Options are even more hidden and inaccessible to normal users, so that combined with root access disabled by default provides a lot of additional security.

TF700T and CleanROM 2.0

Update - scroll down.
First off, don't yell at me for asking these questions. I understand there are guides on xda about rooting and flashing ROMs. I'm just having a little trouble understanding which route I should take and the steps that come along with it.
I am on a TF700T (obviously), running JB with the latest update. I've never rooted or used anything other than what it came with.
I am really interested in CleanROM 2.0 and other tweaks such as browser2ram. Is it possible to a flash a ROM without voiding warranty? I understand that if the "bootloader" is unlocked, my warranty will be void. I understand that if I am rooted, I'll be able to further tweak the ROM I'm using. Does the bootloader need to be unlocked in order to gain root access?
I'm not really comfortable with following a generic guide. I'm more interested in having experienced users help me with my specific situation.
P.S. Is CleanROM 2.0 the best/fully working ROM?
I'm also open to having someone experienced guide me through the process via IM.
Update: I now understand that rooting does not require an unlock and is just for granting higher permissions. Now I am wondering if flashing a custom ROM is more effective than just rooting and tweaking. Aren't you essentially creating your own version by rooting and tweaking? I know there is a method for rooting the Infinity on ICS but will it work with JB?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW

same here..
i'm with the same issue,
after upgrading to jb, is there a way to use NVflash? downgrade maybe?
is there a safe way to install CleanRom?
if yes, what are the steps i need to do? (nothing touched except asus upgrades to jb.)

Joeful said:
Update - scroll down.
First off, don't yell at me for asking these questions. I understand there are guides on xda about rooting and flashing ROMs. I'm just having a little trouble understanding which route I should take and the steps that come along with it.
I am on a TF700T (obviously), running JB with the latest update. I've never rooted or used anything other than what it came with.
I am really interested in CleanROM 2.0 and other tweaks such as browser2ram. Is it possible to a flash a ROM without voiding warranty? I understand that if the "bootloader" is unlocked, my warranty will be void. I understand that if I am rooted, I'll be able to further tweak the ROM I'm using. Does the bootloader need to be unlocked in order to gain root access?
I'm not really comfortable with following a generic guide. I'm more interested in having experienced users help me with my specific situation.
P.S. Is CleanROM 2.0 the best/fully working ROM?
I'm also open to having someone experienced guide me through the process via IM.
Update: I now understand that rooting does not require an unlock and is just for granting higher permissions. Now I am wondering if flashing a custom ROM is more effective than just rooting and tweaking. Aren't you essentially creating your own version by rooting and tweaking? I know there is a method for rooting the Infinity on ICS but will it work with JB?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CleanROM 2 is by far the best ROM on the TF700 right now, untill official Cyanogenmod 10 is up and running at least...
Anyway to answer you question: Yes you can root your TF700 without unlocking the bootloader, but no you can't flash a custom ROM (such as CleanROM) without a custom recovery. To get this custom recovery you need to unlock your device, thereby voiding its warranty. So if you must have your warranty, the best you can do is root the device, but it won't make such a huge difference to the tablet. Also know that if you are rooted but not unlocked, and you break some part of the software, you won't be able to fix it at all. And you won't be able to unlock either. This one is probably just me, but I feel safer knowing I have a custom recovery that allows me to fix issue mysself, than I would feel if I still had warranty.... but if my drop my tablet and some hardware part of it breaks... I'm SOL. Hope this helps you.

What do you mean by "break some part of the software"? If I messed something up while rooted, couldn't I just reformat my Infinity back to square one?
I mainly wanted to root for browser2ram and some other tweaks. I love this tablet but the browsing issue is a little aggravating.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T

pietpodlood said:
Also know that if you are rooted but not unlocked, and you break some part of the software, you won't be able to fix it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always use the stock recovery to install the stock ROM and start over.

Joeful said:
Update: I now understand that rooting does not require an unlock and is just for granting higher permissions. Now I am wondering if flashing a custom ROM is more effective than just rooting and tweaking. Aren't you essentially creating your own version by rooting and tweaking? I know there is a method for rooting the Infinity on ICS but will it work with JB?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yo uare indeed creating a custom version with tweaking and rooting for root access, but to be very frank, given your reluctance to follow even the very simple and detailed guides we have put up here, I do not think you have the skill or determination (yet) to follow through with that. A good example is your question regarding the rooting of JB -- has been asked over and over -- and there are several threads tut'ing the process.
Again, no offense meant, and I'm certainly not 'yelling at you', but I am not going to hold your hand in person when so much information is readily available that you obviously do not care to read and take in.
When you've read up a bit and undertake something and get stuck, chime in.

MartyHulskemper said:
Well, yo uare indeed creating a custom version with tweaking and rooting for root access, but to be very frank, given your reluctance to follow even the very simple and detailed guides we have put up here, I do not think you have the skill or determination (yet) to follow through with that. A good example is your question regarding the rooting of JB -- has been asked over and over -- and there are several threads tut'ing the process.
Again, no offense meant, and I'm certainly not 'yelling at you', but I am not going to hold your hand in person when so much information is readily available that you obviously do not care to read and take in.
When you've read up a bit and undertake something and get stuck, chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't going to contribute to my thread, please don't post. Thank you.
It never surprises me when someone says "no offense" followed by something condesending and unhelpful.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T

unlock tf300

hiiiiiiiii
how can i unlock my tf300 ? what is unlock for ?
should i unlcok for doing this ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1845377
doesnt unlcok brick my tab?

The term unlocking refers to unlocking your bootloader. This will allow you (and is required) to install a custom recovery and root your device. Then you can flash custom roms, kernels, tweaks, etc. and unlock the full potential of this device.
No offense but it seems you really haven't done a lot of research about this and i recommend you get a good grasp on this stuff before trying anything as unlocking is permanent and cannot be undone and, if done carelessly/improperly rooting, romming etc. Can cause damage to your device.
All the info is on this forum. Read around, look at some guides, and get a better understanding of the benefits and dangers of unlocking/rooting before you do anything.
Sent from myTF300T, Nexus 7, or YP-G1

markymark567 said:
The term unlocking refers to unlocking your bootloader. This will allow you (and is required) to install a custom recovery and root your device. Then you can flash custom roms, kernels, tweaks, etc. and unlock the full potential of this device.
No offense but it seems you really haven't done a lot of research about this and i recommend you get a good grasp on this stuff before trying anything as unlocking is permanent and cannot be undone and, if done carelessly/improperly rooting, romming etc. Can cause damage to your device.
All the info is on this forum. Read around, look at some guides, and get a better understanding of the benefits and dangers of unlocking/rooting before you do anything.
Sent from myTF300T, Nexus 7, or YP-G1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well put...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app

tf300 noob said:
hiiiiiiiii
how can i unlock my tf300 ? what is unlock for ?
should i unlcok for doing this ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1845377
doesnt unlcok brick my tab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of the other posters have given you some good information.
My suggestion differs.
You have not invested enough time into learning about your tablet to do any more than allowing a stock update.
Since you don't know what unlock is then you shouldn't consider anything more than reading and improving your knowledge. It is never good to modify your unit without a good reason.
This in no way is intended to be negative toward you or anyone else. It is an attempt to guide you away from bricking your tablet until you have learned enough to know you why you want to unlock.
Good Luck!

+1 to everyone else. In addition, unlocking will void your warranty. Before doing anything heed the warnings from the other posters. Don't worry about being a noob on this, we all started in the same spot you are now. Since this device cost a good amount of money, I'm sure you want to make certain that you won't damage your device and end up using it as a paper weight. So, read up all you can before doing anything and then read some more. Afterwards ask around for help

thank u for ur answers
i did some searches and my last question is using Asus Unlock App Tool
i just need to install it ? cuz one of my friend installed it and he bricked his tablet and im a little scared about doing this.
i know all the stuff about rooting , custom roms , .... i just want to know how to Unlock the tab.
thanks

Not sure how your friend managed to brick his tablet using the unlock tool as it is merely an apk file. All you have to do is download the apk from asus website install it using any file manager, open it and press unlock. Maybe your friend got an apk for the wrong device?? I don't think this would brick a tablet but ive been wrong before... worst problem ive heard of is just the unlock tool failing. Never heard of it bricking a tablet
http://www.asus.com/Tablet/ASUS_Transformer_Pad/ASUS_Transformer_Pad_TF300T/#download
Here is the link. Copy and paste it to your browser, go to downloads tab, select os as android and download the unlock tool .apk file, install, run. Your tablet will reboot and should say unlocked in the top corner of the boot screen.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app