Database Info

(INTRODUCTION TO ROOTING) New to rooting/flashing ANY Android? See this guide!

ROOTING
Rooting is a very popular thing to do with your android phone these days. It allows you to do a number of things you wouldn't normally be able to do, such as use apps that require root permissions (wifi tethering, real backups, etc), flash custom/cooked ROM's, flash kernels, remove bloatware. and overclocking. Before you attempt rooting however, there are several things you should know first:
"Rooting" is, in vernacular terms, the Android OS equivalent of say, jailbreaking an iPhone.
To be exact, it means several things:
Name for an administrator on Android or any other Linux system.
The lowest level in a file system (for example: the root of your SD card would be the screen that comes up when you first open it, no other sub-folders.)
It also means having administrative powers over your phone.
It also voids your warranty if your phone company finds out.
So basically, by extension, rooting a phone means giving yourself rooting privileges. Think of it like this: Say you have an HTC Evo. Android is open-source, but you're only allowed to do on the phone what Sprint allows you to. Sprint wants to charge people $30 or $40 per month to do wifi tethering. A rooted phone could do wifi tethering for free, as you would be the administrator, and override the block.
PROS and CONS
1. Pros
Superuser permissions (full control over your phone, down to terminal commands).
Use root-requiring apps (wifi tether, backups, etc).
Over/underclocking
Ability to use a custom recovery.img (for flashing).
Flash custom ROMs and kernels
Flash other .zip files
Removing bloatware (apps that you don't want or need but can't normally delete)
Upgrading your firmware to later versions (such as phones that won't get the Froyo update)
2. Cons
Voided warranty
Possibility of bricking device
Possibility of damaging hardware
The cons are easy to avoid, as long as you do everything correctly and do your research first. As for your warranty, it's often just easier to say your phone was lost. If it's still covered by warranty, then you could be covered for it.
ROOTING METHOD
For how to root your phone, the internet is your best friend. However, if you are not comfortable, then look to see if you can get someone experienced to do it! All rooting will require you to put your phone in USB Debugging mode as well, which is turned on by going to Menu-->Settings-->Applications-->Check the USB Debugging box. My personal favorite resources are:
Software/apps:
Unrevoked
OneClick
SuperOneClick
z4root
Written Instructions:
Cyanogenmod Wiki
My Blog! (Still growing)
XDA Developers
Video Instructions:
Youtube
(See my youtube vids)
The Unlockr
For having someone do it for you: See craigslist. Someone may be offering the service or you can ask for it.
ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST!
GROUND BASICS OF OPERATING A ROOTED PHONE:
A rooted phone acts the same as a non-rooted phone. The difference is usually under the hood.
You will need an application called "Superuser", downloadable from the app market. Most rooting methods install this automatically. It will have one of these two icons:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Any time something requires root permissions, it will ask for them. The first time around, you'll get a popup screen like this.
Just checkmark next to "remember" and you won't be prompted in the future.
Some popular apps that require superuser permissions:
Wifi Tethering - Self explanatory.
Titanium Backup - A powerful app for backing up your apps and data and restoring them (very useful if switching phones or if you wipe yours).
Autokiller - A powerful memory optimizer, helps with battery.
Overclock Widget - A widget that lets you overclock or underclock your processor. This requires a compatible kernel, which we'll get to in a second.
ROMs
ROM technically means "Read Only Memory", or your flash memory. In Android context though, it means porting a different firmware onto the phone. This is really where the magic of open-source comes into play:
ROMs usually come in ".zip" file format. DO NOT upzip them
ROMs are customized firmwares for your phone. "Customized" and "Cooked" are synonymous in Android context, and developers are the chefs. A ROM can be:
A minimalistic, fast firmware, and have certain features unlocked.
Upgrade your phone to 2.2 or 2.3 if you're stuck on an older firmware.
A completely new look and feel for people who don't like how their phone UI currently is (prevalent with many HTC Sense users).
An overclocking monster.
An undervolted battery saver.
Some combination of the above.
A quick way to brick your phone.
Bricking means your phone is an expensive paperweight, a "brick". Dead.
Notice the last bit about bricking. This is the biggest underlying risk in the rooting business. Many phones have corresponding software that will root the phone for you (Unrevoked, OneClick, SuperOneClick, z4root), but flashing is done manually, and someone who doesn't know what they're doing can brick their phone. Here is a basic guide to flashing:
Download a ROM
Good places to look are XDA or Cyanogenmod.
ROM Labels:
Vanilla - The stock ROM that comes standard on a phone.
CM - Cyanogenmod (or based on)
BACK UP YOUR INFORMATION.
This includes apps, contacts, texts (optional), and call logs (also optional).
You need to install a custom recovery, such as Amon Ra or Clockworkmod. They are both usually as easy to flash, and work generally the same.
Many softwares for rooting, such as Unrevoked, flash a new recovery image automatically.
If your method didn't, you can download an app called ROM Manager from the market. After installation, open it, and click "Flash Clockworkmod Recovery".
If the first two steps didn't work, then you'll have to research a way how.
Go to recovery mode, either from ROM Manager or manually.
Look up how to boot into recovery. For most phones, you'll navigate to it from the bootloader. which is started by turning on your phone while holding some combination of volume/camera buttons and the power button. Bootloader looks like this on most phones, though some vary (particularly Galaxy phones):
Your recovery will look like this:
Now there are a couple of important rules of thumb with flashing:
Always make a NANDROID backup. Navigate to it from the "nandroid" option in recovery. This is a little different than just backing up your contacts and pictures. It backs up your phone system as-is, like a sort of picture (metaphorically of course) of that moment. This gives you something stable to come restore to if something goes wrong.
When flashing a new ROM, if it's not just an update of the one you currently have, you SHOULD "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition". Your information we backed up earlier is on your SD card, which remains untouched.
Now, ready to continue?
Select "install zip from sdcard", then "choose zip from sdcard".
Navigate to your ROM zip(s).
Select it, then scroll down to "YES".
LET IT FINISH. DO NOT TOUCH ANY BUTTONS.
Steps 1-4 of this section are what "FLASHING" means.
When it's done, repeat steps 1-4 of this section for any other zip files associated with it (themes, kernels, tweaks, etc)
When you're done, navigate back to the initial screen of your recovery mode using the "***go back***" options at the bottom of each list. From here, select "reboot phone now".
It will install any remaining packages now. Again, LET IT DO ITS WORK.
Your phone will reboot. If it locks up on boot, try reflashing, or if it just won't work, restore from a NAND backup.
There you have it. A new ROM is a big plus to many with androids. Those who are stuck with 2.1, or even 1.6 and 1.5 now can get a 2.2 ROM and upgrade their firmware, etc. You will no longer receive updates from your provider though, so it is your responsibility to keep your phone up to date by checking the developer's ROM updates, or if you like it as is and don't mind, just keep it like it is for all time.
KERNELS
Kernels are the lowest part of a system's software. It controls memory related things as well as processor things. It manages the communication between the hardware and the software, and caution should be exercised.
Kernels are flashed the same way ROMs are.
Many developers will recommend or develop a kernel to go along with their ROM.
Custom kernels are often needed to do overclocking, or undervolting (for battery optimization), etc.
Also downloaded from XDA and such.
Make sure you do your research and that it's compatible with your phone and/or ROM!
RADIOS, WIMAX, AND OTHERS
Often time you can flash updated versions of your phone's radio and wimax. Download and flash these like you would a ROM.

Thank you! Great guide, simple and clear

Thanks! Please continue commenting to keep this thread from getting buried.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Do i need a new kernel (patched) to create a custom recovery or i can use the original kernel with moded ramdisk?
Can you give same direction for create a custom recovery?
Thank you.
Sent from my Ideos S7 using Tapatalk

Just curious, but any reason you don't have the UniversalAndroot app on your list? I have used it for my old HTC (GSM) Hero, Moto Milestone and a Chinese Android tablet.

I just listed a few off the top of my head, I didn't mean to diss any software

awesome thread... thank you

Can you post a guide to getting usb debugging to work if it is not inside settings? I can't figure out how to do that.

pandafloski said:
ROOTING
Rooting is a very popular thing to do with your android phone these days. It allows you to do a number of things you wouldn't normally be able to do, such as use apps that require root permissions (wifi tethering, real backups, etc), flash custom/cooked ROM's, flash kernels, remove bloatware. and overclocking. Before you attempt rooting however, there are several things you should know first:
"Rooting" is, in vernacular terms, the Android OS equivalent of say, jailbreaking an iPhone.
To be exact, it means several things:
Name for an administrator on Android or any other Linux system.
The lowest level in a file system (for example: the root of your SD card would be the screen that comes up when you first open it, no other sub-folders.)
It also means having administrative powers over your phone.
It also voids your warranty if your phone company finds out.
So basically, by extension, rooting a phone means giving yourself rooting privileges. Think of it like this: Say you have an HTC Evo. Android is open-source, but you're only allowed to do on the phone what Sprint allows you to. Sprint wants to charge people $30 or $40 per month to do wifi tethering. A rooted phone could do wifi tethering for free, as you would be the administrator, and override the block.
PROS and CONS
1. Pros
Superuser permissions (full control over your phone, down to terminal commands).
Use root-requiring apps (wifi tether, backups, etc).
Over/underclocking
Ability to use a custom recovery.img (for flashing).
Flash custom ROMs and kernels
Flash other .zip files
Removing bloatware (apps that you don't want or need but can't normally delete)
Upgrading your firmware to later versions (such as phones that won't get the Froyo update)
2. Cons
Voided warranty
Possibility of bricking device
Possibility of damaging hardware
The cons are easy to avoid, as long as you do everything correctly and do your research first. As for your warranty, it's often just easier to say your phone was lost. If it's still covered by warranty, then you could be covered for it.
ROOTING METHOD
For how to root your phone, the internet is your best friend. However, if you are not comfortable, then look to see if you can get someone experienced to do it! All rooting will require you to put your phone in USB Debugging mode as well, which is turned on by going to Menu-->Settings-->Applications-->Check the USB Debugging box. My personal favorite resources are:
Software/apps:
Unrevoked
OneClick
SuperOneClick
z4root
Written Instructions:
Cyanogenmod Wiki
My Blog! (Still growing)
XDA Developers
Video Instructions:
Youtube
(See my youtube vids)
The Unlockr
For having someone do it for you: See craigslist. Someone may be offering the service or you can ask for it.
ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST!
GROUND BASICS OF OPERATING A ROOTED PHONE:
A rooted phone acts the same as a non-rooted phone. The difference is usually under the hood.
You will need an application called "Superuser", downloadable from the app market. Most rooting methods install this automatically. It will have one of these two icons:
Any time something requires root permissions, it will ask for them. The first time around, you'll get a popup screen like this.
Just checkmark next to "remember" and you won't be prompted in the future.
Some popular apps that require superuser permissions:
Wifi Tethering - Self explanatory.
Titanium Backup - A powerful app for backing up your apps and data and restoring them (very useful if switching phones or if you wipe yours).
Autokiller - A powerful memory optimizer, helps with battery.
Overclock Widget - A widget that lets you overclock or underclock your processor. This requires a compatible kernel, which we'll get to in a second.
ROMs
ROM technically means "Read Only Memory", or your flash memory. In Android context though, it means porting a different firmware onto the phone. This is really where the magic of open-source comes into play:
ROMs usually come in ".zip" file format. DO NOT upzip them
ROMs are customized firmwares for your phone. "Customized" and "Cooked" are synonymous in Android context, and developers are the chefs. A ROM can be:
A minimalistic, fast firmware, and have certain features unlocked.
Upgrade your phone to 2.2 or 2.3 if you're stuck on an older firmware.
A completely new look and feel for people who don't like how their phone UI currently is (prevalent with many HTC Sense users).
An overclocking monster.
An undervolted battery saver.
Some combination of the above.
A quick way to brick your phone.
Bricking means your phone is an expensive paperweight, a "brick". Dead.
Notice the last bit about bricking. This is the biggest underlying risk in the rooting business. Many phones have corresponding software that will root the phone for you (Unrevoked, OneClick, SuperOneClick, z4root), but flashing is done manually, and someone who doesn't know what they're doing can brick their phone. Here is a basic guide to flashing:
Download a ROM
Good places to look are XDA or Cyanogenmod.
ROM Labels:
Vanilla - The stock ROM that comes standard on a phone.
CM - Cyanogenmod (or based on)
BACK UP YOUR INFORMATION.
This includes apps, contacts, texts (optional), and call logs (also optional).
You need to install a custom recovery, such as Amon Ra or Clockworkmod. They are both usually as easy to flash, and work generally the same.
Many softwares for rooting, such as Unrevoked, flash a new recovery image automatically.
If your method didn't, you can download an app called ROM Manager from the market. After installation, open it, and click "Flash Clockworkmod Recovery".
If the first two steps didn't work, then you'll have to research a way how.
Go to recovery mode, either from ROM Manager or manually.
Look up how to boot into recovery. For most phones, you'll navigate to it from the bootloader. which is started by turning on your phone while holding some combination of volume/camera buttons and the power button. Bootloader looks like this on most phones, though some vary (particularly Galaxy phones):
Your recovery will look like this:
Now there are a couple of important rules of thumb with flashing:
Always make a NANDROID backup. Navigate to it from the "nandroid" option in recovery. This is a little different than just backing up your contacts and pictures. It backs up your phone system as-is, like a sort of picture (metaphorically of course) of that moment. This gives you something stable to come restore to if something goes wrong.
When flashing a new ROM, if it's not just an update of the one you currently have, you SHOULD "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition". Your information we backed up earlier is on your SD card, which remains untouched.
Now, ready to continue?
Select "install zip from sdcard", then "choose zip from sdcard".
Navigate to your ROM zip(s).
Select it, then scroll down to "YES".
LET IT FINISH. DO NOT TOUCH ANY BUTTONS.
Steps 1-4 of this section are what "FLASHING" means.
When it's done, repeat steps 1-4 of this section for any other zip files associated with it (themes, kernels, tweaks, etc)
When you're done, navigate back to the initial screen of your recovery mode using the "***go back***" options at the bottom of each list. From here, select "reboot phone now".
It will install any remaining packages now. Again, LET IT DO ITS WORK.
Your phone will reboot. If it locks up on boot, try reflashing, or if it just won't work, restore from a NAND backup.
There you have it. A new ROM is a big plus to many with androids. Those who are stuck with 2.1, or even 1.6 and 1.5 now can get a 2.2 ROM and upgrade their firmware, etc. You will no longer receive updates from your provider though, so it is your responsibility to keep your phone up to date by checking the developer's ROM updates, or if you like it as is and don't mind, just keep it like it is for all time.
KERNELS
Kernels are the lowest part of a system's software. It controls memory related things as well as processor things. It manages the communication between the hardware and the software, and caution should be exercised.
Kernels are flashed the same way ROMs are.
Many developers will recommend or develop a kernel to go along with their ROM.
Custom kernels are often needed to do overclocking, or undervolting (for battery optimization), etc.
Also downloaded from XDA and such.
Make sure you do your research and that it's compatible with your phone and/or ROM!
RADIOS, WIMAX, AND OTHERS
Often time you can flash updated versions of your phone's radio and wimax. Download and flash these like you would a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Galaxy 3 phone and am completely new to rooting and based in Bangalore, India. Is there a one-click app for G3 which can root my phone automatically without much of my intervention and is it safe to use this app?

Informative thread, thanks.

I'm not sure there's a way to do that

I have noooo idea. I have no experience with that phone :/

Zinglife rooting is making me mad , pls help!
how to install adb drivers if no drivers are provided , superoneclick ,z4root all fail rooting my zinglife tablet..link to my thread in my signature

[GUIDE] The Mesmerize Glossary

Introduction
Welcome to the Mesmerize Glossary!
This glossary is written specifically with the Samsung Mesmerize, the US Cellular version of the Samsung Galaxy S, in mind. The terms defined below may loosely apply to similar Galaxy S models, or on a case-by-case basis for other devices. It is written for the "advanced beginner"; if you aren't sure what 3G or 4G is, or what the difference is between GSM and CDMA, I would instead recommend starting with the XDA Wiki's Acronyms and Glossary pages to start building your knowledge base from. A few terms from those pages may also appear here if they are especially applicable.
This glossary is intended to both define and describe terms you might see frequently here in the forums, such that no external wiki or forum thread link should be required, though links may still be offered for further reference at the reader's option. Enough information should ideally be provided on each term to offer a strong understanding of the term in the context it is commonly used, but generally, neither advanced knowledge nor in-depth guides or walkthroughs really belong here.
Should you notice that a term you know a definition of--or would like to have defined--is not present, please post to this thread to request it be added or explained.
Using the Glossary
For completeness and ease-of-use, some information may be repeated across the glossary for users searching just for one particular term. The Glossary has been created so that a visual scan of the bolded terms allows users to search the glossary in that way.
If you prefer to search for a term via your browser's Find function, search for "((term)) -" (that is, your desired term, a space, and a hyphen). This should result in locating the exact term you're searching for. Additional wordings of terms (such as nicknames, acronyms of other terms, etc.) have also been included to allow for better search results when using a browser's Find function. Note that these additional wordings may not themselves fit alphabetically, but have been included with their associated term in order to conserve post space.
Terms
Sorted alphabetically.
AOSP - Acronym, also Custom ROM.
Acronym: Android Open Source Project. The group created by Google that continues to develop the Android operating system. Also includes any non-Google member of the Android development community.
Custom ROM:
Author: many various authors and porting contributors.
"Ported" for Mesmerize (and many other devices) from the most generic version of Android available.
Platform Info: Android 2.2 (Froyo), AOSP based.
Kernel: Voodoo-compatible AOSP Kernel included, though a separate download of the ROM.
In the context of a Mesmerize, the Samsung- and US Cellular-free version of the Android operating system as ported (at least in terms of how Android interacts with the Kernel) to the Mesmerize. Excellent battery life with the voodoo-compatible AOSP kernel, and very fast without the Samsung or US Cellular apps. Note that AOSP ROMs and Kernels are NOT compatible with TouchWiz ROMs or Kernels.
Amend Scripting -
Amend Script -
Amend - Scripting Language. An old scripting language used to flash ROMs and Mods to a phone within a recovery or other automated flashing process. Google deprecated Amend in Android 1.5, and has since switched to Edify scripting. Supported only by CWM 2.5.x. (see also: Edify)
BLN - Mod. Backlight Notification mod. Some Android devices have LED indicators to show when you've received a text or e-mail without turning the screen itself on. Since Galaxy S devices do not have LEDs, the Backlight of the soft buttons (Menu, Home, Back, and Search) to fill that role. Note that this requires a BLN app to control. Newer ROMs may not need this mod, or have its functionality included in the ROM/Kernel.
Bootloader - Framework. The text interface that allows interaction with the kernel, application framework, and so on, for the purpose of flashing custom ROMs and other development functions. Note that on many Android devices, either the manufacturer or the carrier have chosen to run a locked framework, making development for the device much more difficult.
Specific to the Mesmerize (as well as the Fascinate and Showcase, at least), Samsung and US Cellular both chose to leave the bootloader unlocked, and the Mesmerize was easily rooted the day after it was released. The Bootloader is what is technically seen when using either the stock recovery, or the custom CWM recovery. Note that users who have loaded the QuickBoot app will simply reboot their phone when selecting the "Bootloader" option.
"Blue" Recovery -
Blue Recovery - Framework. The stock Android recovery. Named for the blue text the menu options use.
Clockworkmod -
Clockworkmod Recovery -
CWM -
CWM Recovery - Framework. The custom Recovery portion of the ROM Manager app originally created by Koush. By way of the Bootloader interface, it allows you to create or restore a Nandroid backup (everything but the kernel is saved to SD card in clockwork/backups/), wipe the system data and cache (Dalvik) partitions (sometimes necessary before flashing a new ROM), flash .ZIP packages saved on the SD card containing ROMs, Mods, Kernels, etc.
Originally, the Mesmerize was restricted to CWM Red, a modified version of CWM 2.5.x which recognized both Amend and Edify scripting types. Since then, several versions of modified CWM 3.0.x have been made available, and have been themed to come in several different colors. These can be found as stand-alone flashes, or bundled into ROMs. CWM 3.0.x only recognizes Edify scripting. Though previously it was recommended to stick with CWM Red for its support of Amend scripting as well as Edify, nearly all of the modern ROMs and Mods available have been written to use Edify. The newer MTD-based ROMs use CWM 4.x, which uses the original orange coloring.
NOTE: Certain MTD-based ROMs for the Mesmerize (and Fascinate and Showcase) are now fully supported by ROM Manager, so users using those ROMs can now install CWM 4.x via ROM Manager.
CWM also offers functions to enable or disable the Lagfix function of the Voodoo kernel (note that a Voodoo-compatible kernel must also be loaded for this menu to function). (see also: Amend, Bootloader, CWM Red, Edify, Lagfix, Nandroid, Voodoo)
Dalvik - The name of the Android-specific Java-based virtual machine (VM) that executes the code for apps. Each app runs in its own Dalvik VM. This allows for a smoother user experience since, for example, if an app crashes, it doesn't crash the entire operating system, but simply the virtual machine in which it was running.
Before running an Android app, Dalvik converts it into a Dalvik Executable, or DEX file. Prior to being converted to a DEX file, an Android app has certain Java classes stored within it for easy execution; these classes are similar to DLLs on a Windows system.
An Optimzed DEX file, or ODEX, is a cache of the Android App's Java classes converted for use with a DEX file. This makes executing those functions faster since they are cached, but makes editing or hacking the apps more difficult, since not all the code is contained within just the APK file; you can often find APK and ODEX files by the same name when browsing with a powerful enough file manager app.
Dalvik was originally developed by Dan Bornstein, and he named it after the fishing village of Dalvik, Iceland, where some of his ancestors lived.
Deodex - Verb. To literally De-ODEX an app or ROM. Specifically, this takes the ODEX cache and compiles it back into the APK file, leaving just the APK file. This makes altering the APK file much easier. (see also: Dalvik, ODEX)
Download Mode - Process. The process by which the phone is prepped for flashing with Odin or Heimdall. Remove the battery and connect the phone to a computer via the USB cable. Hold the Volume Down button until a screen with yellow text saying "Download Mode" and an Android shoveling rubble appears. In the Odin window, a small box should change to yellow, indicating it has recognized the device and it is ready for flashing. Note that no indicator will be present in Heimdall.
EA11 -
EB11 -
EB16 -
EC10 - Android Version. EC10 is the current release build of Froyo (Android 2.2.1) as released by US Cellular for the Mesmerize. Previous (leaked) builds include EA11 and EB16. Note that EB11 is specifically a Showcase build, and not for Mesmerize. This version is partially deprecated now as Samsung has recognized a "Missed Calls" issue with this build, as well as in their Eclair builds, although no official ROM has been released yet. That said, the EE19 leaked ROM addresses this "Missed Calls" issue. (see also: EE19)
EC01 Radio - Mod. This is actually the radio from a recent source drop from the Fascinate. Some users have reported faster 3G speeds and faster GPS pinpointing while using this radio. It also allows for the use of Fascinate ROMs without the need for porting, since Fascinate handles certain things different than the Mesmerize (such as SMS padding, etc.). Note that this radio was renamed from the original "ED01" source drop.
Eclair - Android Version. - The Google-specified codename of Android 2.1. Of note is the alphabetically progressing, food-themed naming convention.
Edify Scripting -
Edify Script -
Edify - Scripting Language. The current scripting language used to flash ROMs and Mods to a phone within a recovery or other automated flashing process. Google deprecated Amend--the previous scripting language--in Android 1.5, and at that time switched to Edify scripting. Supported by CWM 2.5.x, CWM 3.0.x, and CWM 4.x. (see also: Amend)
EE19 - A leaked version of Froyo (Android 2.2.1) that addresses the "Missed Calls" issue identified by Samsung for US Cellular customers. The naming convention puts the release date on or about May 19th, so this is the freshest version of Froyo available to the Mesmerize. At this time, work is still being done to build custom ROMs off of this release.
ESKBL - Mod. Stands for "Extended Soft Key Back Light". A mod specifically for the Mesmerize that allows you to alter how the backlight on the softkeys function.
Fascinate - Device Model. Specifically, this is the model of Samsung Galaxy S available for Verizon customers. Because its model number is SCH-I500, as the Mesmerize's model is, certain components such as mods, ROMs, and themes have been more readily ported between the two models. NOTE: Always ensure the Fascinate component you wish to use on your Mesmerize is actually compatible, some are not.
NOTE: The Fascinate has recently been retired on the Verizon website in favor of a newer Samsung model, likely the not-yet-released Samsung Stratosphere.
Flash - Verb. To transfer or "write" a ROM image, Kernel, Recovery, or complete package of any of the three onto the "flashable" (or writable) memory (ROM) of the Android device.
Framework - At least within the context of Android devices and this glossary, the basic components that make up the core of a complete Android installation; they include the Recovery, Kernel, and OS.
Froyo - Android Version. The Google-specified codename of Android 2.2. Short for "Frozen Yogurt". Of note is the alphabetically progressing, food-themed naming convention.
GAPPS - Mod. An abbreviation for a collection of "Google Apps" for Android devices; Gmail, Google Talk, the Android Market, and so on. This package varies by ROM, and depends on which apps the ROM author chose to include.
Hienz 57 -
H57 -
Heinz 57 - Custom ROM.
Author: Created by dfgas, now being managed by BakedTator. Froyo version based on EC10 Pick-n-Pack v0.3 by phidelt82; Gingerbread version based on ??
Designed for Mesmerize/Showcase.
Platform Info: Android 2.2 (Froyo), or Android 2.3 (Gingerbread); TouchWiz-based, EC10 build (Froyo), ?? build (Gingerbread).
Kernel: Voodoo-compatible TouchWiz kernel included.
This ROM bundles a lot of different mods and customizations commonly requested. The name refers to the fact that portions from several different ROMs were included to some degree; Some ED01 frameworks were included to allow sbrissen's 6-lock mod to work (settings for this mod have been included in the settings menu), while it contains the MIUI Music Player. The Phone.apk and Dialer tab are from sFc, and it includes the Mr. Home launcher, essentially a version of ADW Launcher with some additional mods. It includes nemesis2all's OTB TouchWiz kernel, as well as the voltage control app. (see also: Pick-N-Pack)
Kernel - Framework. Specifically, it is a bridge between the applications in an operating system and the processing components of the hardware. In short, it connects the software to the hardware.
In the context of an Android device, because the hardware drivers are contained within it, it can be replaced with a different kernel to change the way your device's hardware functions; overclocking, undervolting, sound and graphics tweaks, and so on are all customization options offered by using a custom kernel.
For additional information, see the XDA ROM vs. Kernel wiki page.
Kies - Software. The Samsung-created flashing software designed for flashing official Samsung/US Cellular-created ROMs to your device.
Lagfix - Mod. The process by which a Galaxy S device is sped up, typically by tweaking or entirely replacing the file system.
Samsung chose to utilize the RFS filesystem on the Galaxy S, but as a result, the way in which the device access the file system is notably slow. Some lagfixes will encapsulate an Ext2-based filesystem within the RFS filesystem, but since part of the filesystem is still RFS (not to mention that this method wastes a large portion of memory), it is not optimal.
The preferred Lagfix method is the Voodoo custom kernel, which backs up the device's data to the SD card, erases the RFS filesystem and then creates a much more modern Ext4 filesystem, and then writes the device's data back to the newly created filesystem.
Put simply: The older, slower filesystem is replaced with a newer, faster one, and the device operates notably quicker for many users.
Note that users running an MTD-based ROM do not need to enable Lagfix (and in fact, cannot disable it), since the ROM is build to inherently use Yaffs2/Ext4 filesystems.
WARNING: It is nearly always recommended to DISABLE LAGFIX when flashing your device. There may be times when this is not needed, but it is best practice to be prepared to disable this when flashing anything to your device. Flashing anything to your device while any Lagfix is enabled can result in soft-bricking your device.
MIUI MTD -
MIUI - Custom ROM.
Author: many various authors and porting contributors.
Originally designed for the Nexus One and HTC Desire, later ported to many other devices, including the Mesmerize and Showcase by way of the Fascinate port.
Platform Info: Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), AOSP based.
Kernel: MTD-compatible AOSP Kernel included. Non-lagfix Voodoo features supported.
Originally a Chinese-developed ROM based on AOSP, this unique Custom ROM is a visual blend of AOSP and Apple's iOS, all the while delivering the fast and powerful AOSP performance. Some parts of the ROM may still be in Chinese (most notably online themes), and some users have complained about an increase in battery usage; also, not all features are currently working for the Mesmerize-specific port (as with any AOSP build for the Mesmerize). As with iOS, there is no App Drawer, and any app downloaded is immediately displayed on one of the main screens. Deleting the icon will uninstall the app. However, folders like those in iOS are also present to allow for app sorting. There is also extensive theming support available for MIUI directly accessible from the Theme Manager app, allowing the ROM to be very highly customizable without rebooting or reflashing.
No definition of what "MIUI" stands for as an acronym was available after extensive research; it is thought by some that the name is not actually an acronym, but instead possibly a phonetic name pronounced as either "My UI" or "mee-oo-ee".
Nandroid - App, now Genericized Trademark. A Portmanteau of the terms "NAND Backup" and "Android". The original app, called Nandroid Backup, performed complete NAND backups, and the term "Nandroid" has simply become the colloquial term to refer to a NAND backup (in the same way one might make a Xerox--a photocopy--or ask for a Kleenex--a facial tissue). (see also: NAND Backup)
NAND Backup - Process. Capturing a complete system backup, called an Image, of the contents of the main OS partition of the onboard storage memory of an Android device. Note that this DOES NOT backup the Kernel or Recovery. NAND Flash Memory is the specific type of flash memory commonly used for USB drives, SD cards, Solid-State Drives, and other such non-volatile memory consumer products.
No AM/PM - Mod. Similar to No-Clock, but removes the "AM/PM" notation from your status bar (the area at the top of your screen) as some prefer to see the time in the top right, but want to conserve space in the status bar by removing AM/PM.
No-Clock - Mod. Removes the clock from your status bar (the area at the top of your screen) as some prefer to rely on their widget clock or other preferences.
ODEX - Process. The process (usually done automatically when an APK is run by the Dalvik virtual machine) by which the Dalvik cache of an APK or ROM is separated from the actual executable in order to more quickly run the App. Lets the app run faster, but since not all of the code is contained within the APK, makes it harder to develop or edit the APK. Stands for "Optimized Dalvik Executable. (see also: Deodex, Dalvik)
Odin - Software. A device-flashing utility for Windows created by Samsung, used for flashing ROM images and other OS components onto your Samsung device. Utilizes TAR files, and occasionally also PIT files depending on what you're flashing. Though many prefer it to flashing via recovery when given the option, Odin can potentially flash images to your device when Recovery cannot (or your recovery is damaged). Leaked releases from Samsung/US Cellular will most often be found formatted for Odin flashing.
CWM Orange -
"Orange" Recovery -
Orange Recovery - Framework. The original custom Recovery as installed by the ROM Manager app. Note that Galaxy S devices running Froyo should not typically be running Orange Recovery, as it is not fully compatible. However, devices running MTD ROMs will use CWM Orange 4.x, which is normal (and the only custom recovery available that supports the MTD file formatting). (see also: ROM Manager)
PnP -
Pick-n-Pack - Custom ROM.
Author: Phidelt82.
Designed for Mesmerize.
Platform Info: Android 2.2 (Froyo), TouchWiz-based, both EC10 and EE19 builds.
Kernel: Kernel not included. Use a TouchWiz-based kernel.
This ROM is specifcally designed to allow the user to "Pick" and choose which Samsung- and US Cellular-designed apps they wish to have loaded on their device, "Pack" them into a flashable ZIP file, and flash that ZIP onto the phone as a Mod pack. Also includes Mods such as Puzzle Lock and Accurate Battery Mod.
Port - Verb. To bring a mod, ROM, theme, or other component from one device to another.
In the context of the Mesmerize, this is most often done with components to or from the Fascinate or Showcase, as they are similar/nearly identical models, but occasionally from other phone models as well. (See also: Fascinate, Showcase)
Puzzle Lock - Mod. A mod which alters TouchWiz itself by removing the standard "slide glass to unlock" screen and replacing it with a puzzle lock screen (while using a stock ROM, this is normally only seen if you miss a call or message while your phone is locked)
Recovery - Framework. A Pre-boot environment similar in appearance to BIOS on a PC which allows you to recover your device by, at the very least, flashing back to the original stock configuration (factory reset). Also refers to the partition of any Android device where the data to perform recovery options is stored. Because it is a partition separate from the actual Android operating system, it may or may not be affected by changes or customizations you make to your device. Flashing stock ROMs will always change your Recovery to a stock Recovery. Custom ROMs may or may not alter your Recovery. A common example of a custom recovery would be CWM Recovery.
CWM Red -
"Red" Recovery -
Red Recovery - Framework. This refers specifically to an altered version of Clockworkmod (aka CWM) 2.5.x specifically designed to be compatible with the Galaxy S device. Note that ANY Mesmerize user running Froyo (Android 2.2) can only run either Red Recovery, or a Fascinate/Mesmerize custom 3.0.x CWM, as the original Orange Recovery as installed by ROM Manager is not compatible with the Mesmerize based on the type of scripting used. Note also that Mesmerize users running Eclar (Android 2.1) can also opt use Red Recovery.
Note that this recovery has been partially deprecated in favor of modified CWM recoveries based off of CWM 3.0.x, since more or less all modern ROMs and Mods use the Edify scripting language.
ROM - Android Image. A shortening of the term "ROM image". The ROM (Read-Only Memory) image is at least a full install of the OS framework, and may or may not include a Kernel or Recovery as well.
Official or "stock" ROMs include all three frameworks (OS, Kernel, and Recovery), as well as apps and services pre-installed, including those from both the device manufacturer and cellular service carrier (in the case of the Mesmerize, that would be Samsung and US Cellular, respectively).
Custom ROMs are typically based on Official ROMs, but have had one or more components altered or replaced; Custom ROMs may or may not include a kernel (stock or custom), a recovery (again, stock or custom), as well as additional apps and services installed, or even the removal of the apps and services normally installed by the manufacturer and carrier. Most frequently, a custom ROM will not include a recovery as it is typically flashed to the device while booted to recovery, but whether a kernel is included is largely up to the author. A thread containing a custom ROM would ideally state whether it contains a kernel, if which.
For additional information, see the XDA ROM vs. Kernel wiki page.
ROM Manager - App. The app that, among other things, installs the original Clockworkmod. Also allows for other functionality for ROMs, recoveries, recovery boot behavior, and so on. The original CWM that ROM Manager installs has orange text, and is therefore referred to as "Orange" recovery (this, and the app's icons, and the main website directly reference the film "A Clockwork Orange").
NOTE: At this time, if you're using a Samsung Galaxy S device that has been upgraded to Froyo (Android 2.2), you SHOULD NOT have ROM Manager installed, as the "Install CWM" and "Reboot to Recovery" options within that app are NOT compatible with Galaxy S devices running Froyo. You should be using the "Red" recovery instead, or a modified 3.0.x-based CWM recovery. It's worth noting that the Red recovery also works with Eclair (2.1) (this has not been tested with 3.0.x-based custom CWM recoveries). On the other hand, users running MTD-based ROMs will find CWM Orange 4.x flashed to their device, as it is the only custom recovery that supports MTD file formatting. As a result, certain MTD-based ROMs for the Mesmerize (and Fascinate and Showcase) are now fully supported by ROM Manager, so users using those ROMs can now install CWM 4.x via ROM Manager. (see also: Clockworkmod, Red Recovery, Orange Recovery)
Root - verb. To provide Superuser access to an Android device. Some apps require your device to be rooted in order to function. Term originated from from the Unix term of the same name, which described the user given full and total permissions over a Unix system (similar to Administrator on a Windows system). (See also: Superuser)
SGS - Acronym. Short for "Samsung Galaxy S".
Showcase - Device Model. Specifically, this is the model of Samsung Galaxy S available for Cellular South customers. Because its model number is SCH-I500, as the Mesmerize's model is, certain components such as mods, ROMs, and themes have been more readily ported between the two models. Potentially even closer to the Mesmerize than the Fascinate. NOTE: Always ensure the Showcase component you wish to use on your Mesmerize is actually compatible, some are not.
Su -
Superuser - user permission, also app.
User Permission: Another name for a Root user, someone with full and complete access to all portions of an OS. (See also: Root)
App: An app that allows you to control which apps may request Superuser access, view a log of apps that have done so, and control the way in which both you and other apps interact with the device while having Superuser permissions.
Three Finger Method -
Three Button -
Three Button Method - Process. The manual process of entering recovery mode. First, power the phone off. Then, simultaneously hold down the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons. The Samsung logo will appear; continue holding the buttons. Once the Samsung logo disappears and reappears again, release the buttons. You should now be in recovery mode.
As an alternative, you can use the following method if the first does not work. Once again, power off the phone first. Then, Simultaneously hold down the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons. The Samsung logo will appear; slide the finger on the volume button down so that it's only holding down the Volume Down button. The Samsung logo should disappear and reappear. Release the buttons. You should now be in recovery mode. Note that this does not work for users running an MTD-based ROM, since such a ROM flashes CWM Orange 4.x, which does not recognize this key combination. (see also: Recovery)
TouchWiz - Framework. The default Samsung-created graphical user-interface, or Shell, that provides touch sensitivity, app launching, and other user interface functions on all stock Galaxy S devices (and other specific Samsung devices). Can be replaced with other Shells. (see also: TWLauncher)
TWLauncher - App. The default TouchWiz Launcher; the actual application part of TouchWiz. Alternatives such as Launcher Pro, ADW Launcher, and so on are available on the market.
UV - Verb. The term is a shortening of "Undervolting", which is the process of providing the device with less power than it was originally designed to receive in order to achieve better battery longevity. This is done within the kernel.
Voodoo - Framework. A series of custom kernels designed specifically for the Galaxy S device and originally created by Supercurio. Voodoo's primary features are to allow the user to enable Lagfix, as well as color "temperature" (some Galaxy S devices apparently have a slightly blueish tint to them), and sound tweaks. Kernels that are voodoo compatible (i.e. not specifically by Supercurio but including the code that enables those functions) may also include functions such as BLN, UV, and so on. (See also: BLN, UV, Lagfix)

Credits
Names listed alphabetically.
Authors: Bdemartino, ChromWolf.
Editors: Bdemartino, Phidelt82.
Sources: XDA Forums, Wikipedia.
Term Contributors: butcher1966 (bootloader), getosquirrel (for Download Mode and Three Button Method), Legato525 (for BLN), Phidelt82 (for ESKBL, GAPPS, and sFc history)
Special Thanks: Sd73ta, for his additions to the Glossary XDA Wiki page and the ROM Vs. Kernel XDA Wiki page. Supercurio, for his explanation on the Project Voodoo site for how Voodoo changes the file system. Svetius, for his work on the Acronyms and Glossary XDA Wiki pages.
Post reserved for future additions.
...I figure this'll be a work in progress. I've had a couple people edit this so far, and it'll only get better as the community tweaks it, adds to it, and corrects it. It'll always be evolving, but especially now. So if you see something you think is incorrect, post constructively, and I'll do my homework and fix up what needs fixing.
In the end, I just hope it helps people get a better beginner's understanding of Android, and the Mesmerize in particular; a one-stop-shop for all the terms. Hope it helps.
o/

Excellent glossary ChromWolf!
Thanks to all that helped!!
Sent from my SCH-I500

Thanks for handling this ChromWolf! I pm'd jerdog to get this stickied.

Great work man!!!
How bout adding three button method and download mode?

getosquirrel said:
Great work man!!!
How bout adding three button method and download mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding.

ChromWolf said:
Adding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a little addition to the 3 button method, it works best if you hold all 3 buttons until you see samsung, then drop your thumb down to just holding volume down the rest of the way(if holding with the hand placed on the back of the phone palm facing you, thumb on volume side and forefinger on power). sometimes it's easier to do with the back case off (makes the buttons more exposed)

bdemartino said:
Just a little addition to the 3 button method, it works best if you hold all 3 buttons until you see samsung, then drop your thumb down to just holding volume down the rest of the way(if holding with the hand placed on the back of the phone palm facing you, thumb on volume side and forefinger on power). sometimes it's easier to do with the back case off (makes the buttons more exposed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can certainly agree on it being easier with the case off, but I've not had any troubles just holding both Volume Up and Volume Down... Maybe I just have big hands though. The process you're describing seems more of a 2-button method though. Does it rely on enough pressure being applied to the Volume Down button such that the Volume Up button is still being pressed down, or is it more that you've already hit it for long enough into the process that it doesn't need to be held down anymore?
Sounds like at the very least, I need to update to say it can take a few attempts, make sure you're pressing hard enough for both buttons, and how to properly hold the phone. How have other people fared?

ChromWolf said:
I can certainly agree on it being easier with the case off, but I've not had any troubles just holding both Volume Up and Volume Down... Maybe I just have big hands though. The process you're describing seems more of a 2-button method though. Does it rely on enough pressure being applied to the Volume Down button such that the Volume Up button is still being pressed down, or is it more that you've already hit it for long enough into the process that it doesn't need to be held down anymore?
Sounds like at the very least, I need to update to say it can take a few attempts, make sure you're pressing hard enough for both buttons, and how to properly hold the phone. How have other people fared?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first tried getting my phone into recovery by holding all 3 buttons the whole time, it wouldn't work - so I asked around and the instruction I posted is what was given to me to assist - and it worked like a charm. Since then - it's second nature for me to do it this way - but if others aren't haven't issues then maybe there isn't a need to reference it
And to answer your question no, the pressure is on both volume up and down (and power) 3 button, then once the samsung screen comes up i slide the thumb down to only holding down - that is what works 100% of the time for me.

Sweet .....

BootLoader ?

I definitely need to do an update again for 3-button, Bootloader, and EC01 Radio. Maybe sometime tonight if reflashing my phone doesn't take too long. Thanks for the suggestion, butcher1966!

Finally had a chance to update the Glossary; added Bootloader and EC01 radio, as well as updating a few terms like Three Button Method and MIUI, and also a few minor cleanups.

Very nice work, very well done and thought out. Thank you.

This is an amazing guide! Well done, it helped me alot when I was confused on a few things. Thanks for making this!

Updated to add Heinz 57, and update sFc, plus a couple "additional" spellings to enhance the browser search functionality.

Wow, very nice!!!! This is an excellent reference esp for those that don't get here that often and can't keep up with the devs! Thanks much!

How about the new AmendtoEdify and thenewer red cwm?

butcher1966 said:
How about the new AmendtoEdify and thenewer red cwm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I haven't gotten back to this sooner! I've had my head buried in MIUI builds (which haven't gotten anywhere thus far)...
I can definitely update the CWM entry, and should also note that themed CWM recoveries are available (I'm rocking the H57 green recovery, because green is cool).
I'm unsure if I should include Amend-to-Edify though; that's something only an advanced user would really need to care about, and this is really more geared towards "advanced beginners"... That said, I dislike the idea of just arbitrarily excluding information based on my own judgments of its validity to the target audience, so I think I'll open this one up to the floor: For those still watching, do you think the intelligent-but-not-yet-experienced user should know what Amend-to-Edify is?

If you were to add it I think it should go into a section labeled advanced with a label saying if you don't know what amend and edify and cannot fix a bricked phone. This may not be for you. As someone who does tech support there are times that you should withhold info. So really its up to you. I don't think it would hurt but then again I don't know the possible worse case scenarios from someone like me experimenting with it as well as don't want to see a influx of post to fix things that really should have never been broke in the first place. That goes back to if you cannot fix a bricked phone this is not for you deal.
Anyway those are my thoughts on it.
Tap-a-Talked

Read this before posting. MT4G Slide Compendium

The Almost Complete Compendium for MT4G Slide (Read This before Posting)
Note as of 12/22/2011 the ota update is not rootable (H boot 1.45.0013)
and s-off cannot be obtained. If you updated with s-off it is possible to revert back. [url='http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1421258"] Reference thread [/url]
Also, people who used HTC unlock and have s-on will have trouble flashing roms that are not gingerbread based.
Table Of Contents
1. XDA Lingo
2. MT4G Slide Specs.
3. S-Off, Root, Recovery, Backup, Unroot
4. ROMS, Kernels, Fixes, Mods
5. Network (Unlocking, Backtrack)
6. Apps
7. Development Section
8. Credits
Section One
READ FIRST
READ SECOND
READ THIRD
This is really helpful if a person is new to the forums. Some Lingo, Jargon!!
S-Off: This term is used when describing the security radio. With S-on only signed ROMs may be flashed, when S-off unsigned ROMs may be flashed IE custom ROMs.
Root: This means the user will have unrestricted full access to almost the entire system stack. Another way of describing it would be, having administrator rights on a windows computer
Custom Rom: This stands for “read only Memory”. With Android OS, a custom rom allows you to change things that were un-changeable.
Hybrid ROM: When referring to the MT4G Slide. This ROM contains both HTC Sense and AOSP Theme.
(Unlocked)Bootloader: Loads the core operating system. Unlocked bootloader means users can modify what files the bootloader opens.
H-Boot: Hitting power+volume down after a power down or restart brings up the H-boot (skating androids). This is used to get into recovery and can also be used to flash files using the proper file name.
Fastboot: Fastboot is the name of a tool used to manipulate the flash partitions of the Android developer phone. It can also boot the phone using a kernel image or root filesystem image which reside on the host machine rather than in the phone flash
Zipalign: Is an archive alignment tool. The benefit of zipalign is a reduction in the amount of RAM consumed when running the application.
A.O.S.P "Android Open Source Project": Pure google source untouced by carriers and phone manufacturers.
SDK ADK: “Software Development Kit”” Android Development kit” A suite of tools that helps developers create software for the Android OS.
ADB: “Android Debug Bridge” Allows a user to control and interface with the Android OS.
SBF: System binary file. “I sbfed back to stock” Meaning, I reverted my phone back to stock using a system binary file with a stock image.
Kernel: This is the center of the computer operating system. It provides basic services to the other parts of the system.
Overclock: Forcing the processor to increase its clock rate (therefore more cycles per second). Normally used to get better performance.
Underclock: Reducing the processor clock rate (less cycles per second). This is used to get battery performance and increase processor life.
Undervolt: Lowering the voltage while still maintaining clock rate. This is used to help save power and heat reduction.
Frosted/Defrost: A term used when freezing (frosted) an application or unfreezing (defrost).
Bloatware/Debloat: The many useless applications that carriers add onto the stock os (bloatware). Debloat means that the bloatware has been removed.
Master Subsidy Lock (MSL): Many phones are sold below cost, (at a loss to the carrier,) with the expectation that the money will be recouped in the cost of the monthly service plan. The up-front loss that is later recouped is called a Subsidy.For this to work financially for the carrier, the user must not buy the phone and then use it with a different carrier.The carriers slap on a MSL so the user cannot switch service providers.The term "unlock" means to get the MSL code to free the phone from the carriers lock.
Section Two
MT4G Slide Specs.
Phone specs:
Phone Scoop
[url='http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Phones/cell-phone-detail.aspx?cell-phone=T-Mobile-myTouch-4G-Slide-Black"]T-Mobile[/url]
HTC
Snapdragon
"Best Still Image shooter" according to PC World
T.V Out
Section Three
S-Off, Root, Recovery, BackUp.
S-Off and Root
How to find out S-On or S-Off / Booting Into Hboot
Radio - Necessary to recover botched radio install Stock Radio Another Stock Radio Thread
S-OFF for Retail (S-ON) Devices, NOTE ADDED 8/17/11
Revolutionary's site also has the root zip that is needed. Does this give me root?
Boot into H-boot, then recovery, use camera button and select "install zip from sd card". When zip is done reboot phone, check superuser.
PERMANENT-ROOT (NEW!) & Temp-Root (v2) for any MT4GS (Windows) Great Guide with very good information!
Recovery
[RECOVERY] Official CWM Recovery v5.0.2.7
Thanks Undeadk9 for install guide.
Also, if using an older ROM version of Sense On Crack, Senseless, Virtrous, etc both the system and data need to be mounted.
ROM Manager is also supported for flashing CWM Recovery. Simply download ROM manager, click flash recovery at the top. Then select our phone. Follow the directions.
Directions:
1. Make Sure Your On a WiFi connection.
2. Go here: http://www.clockworkmod.com
Go to recoveries, Download v5.0.2.7 recovery for doubleshot
3. Download Term Emulator
4. Using root explorer, move the recovery image to /data/local, then mount System r/w in root explorer, then press the home button.
5. Then open Term emulator and this....
su
dd if=/data/local/recovery-clockworkmod-5.0.2.7-doubleshot.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p21
Press ENTER
6. It should say transferring bytes blah blah
7. Open ROM manager and press reboot into recovery.
8. If it says v5.0.2.7 then You are done.
ClockworkMod Recovery 4.0.0.9 for the T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide (MoDaCo edition)
*Older Version*
I took out the terminal emulator post in the thread which is how I upgraded my recovery. The words and numbers must be exact.
here is the OP Thanks
1. Download Recovery 4.0.0.9 from Modaco's website
2. Using Root Explorer, find the file in your downloads folder on the sdcard.
3. Paste the recovery img file into your phone's /data/local folder.
4. In terminal emulator, first type "su" and then type "'dd if=/data/local/doubleshot.clockworkmod.4.0.0.9.modaco.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p21" and let it transfer the recovery file.
Re-Cap How To Turn S-Off, Install MoDaCo Clockworkmod Recovery, and Install a Rom For Dummie
Backup (Read and Re-Read this section)
Backups - After Rooting, before ROMing, take this step
Unroot
For The What Ifs
Section Four
Roms!Roms!Roms
Difference between full rom and patch
Basic Installation of a NEW ROM
1. MAKE NANDROID BACKUP OF STOCK ROM
2. REBOOT INTO RECOVERY
3. WIPE DATA AND CACHE
4. FORMAT DATA
5. FORMAT SYSTEM
6. WIPE BATTERY STATS "OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
7. WIPE DALVIK CACHE
8. INSTALL ROM
9. REBOOT
10*. LET PHONE SET FOR 5-7 MINUTES.(see below)
*The system is still building symlinks and installing things behind the scenes on first boot of a fresh installation. If you choose to play with it before the 5 minute mark, you risk losing data that has yet to be written. This can lead to buggy performance and issues the DEVS will have a hard time figuring out.
For patches
Backup
1. Wipe cache
2. Wipe davik
3. Flash Patch
4.Reboot
Stock Roms
12/Aug 1.28.531.9 r1 - HTC Doubleshot Stock ROM Rooted and decodexed
Pure Stock Doubleshot, Root/Deodex/Busybox/Opt/Zip
Ice Cream Sandwhich
[ROM][Jan 5 2012] Pyr-o-Ice ICS 0.3.0 alpha (Android 4.0.1) |Camera(photo)|FaceUnlock
Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Roms
CM7
Sense Roms
Virtrous
Crack Injected Sense
BulletProof
Touch 4G Slide DoubleShot Lite
*These Roms Have active Developer support. If I missed a ROM please message or post and I will fix.
Kernels
BoneStock Kernel
Unity V2
Kanged
Fixes, Mods
GPS Fix
Safe Bloatware Removal
Turn off system update for good
*Data Connectivity Fix
*Clutter Cleanup
*indicates stock ROM safe
Section Five
Networking(Unlock,Backtrack)
Unlock:Use method one
Another Way to Unlock the MSL
Backtrack (offensive network secruity)
Section Six
Apps
Good App suggestions and reviews
Section Seven
Development Section
This section is intended for DEVS and beginner DEVS. If you have a question ask before doing something.
MT4GS Stock App Developers Reference
Partions - memory address listing
ADB,SDK,JDK
Fastboot.Exe is in the attachments incase you did not get it. Put the .Exe in platform-tools folder.
Blue61x's Guide to setting up a fresh Dev Computer XP
ADB Workshop by Adrynalyne and Guide by Captainkrtek
Understanding Basic ADB Commands
Dev guide to adb
Key Mapping
Genius button to search
Hardware Key mapping and Flashable zips and requests
LockRing Editing
[How-To] Custom Sense Lockring on the MT4GS - easy step-by-step.Part 1
[How-To] Edit .9.png files for the MT4GS - step-by-step.Part 2
[How-To] Edit Mode10 Files for the MT4GS - step-by-step. Part 3
Tools and Dowloads
MR.Root by XMC Wildchild22 Great scripts!!!
SuperOneClick Root
Section Eight
Credits
I am adding more sections, more links and more information as well as some more jargon.
Pm's welcome for mistakes, more information, etc. ( I am human).
Thanks Blue6IX,Very involved with the creation of this compendium
I thank all the Devs, Mods,end users, supporters and noobs for helping me compile this information. I take no credit for this as it's an orangized Hub for all of our information.

Change Log: 11/02/2011 Added New CWM Recovery, CM7, Mods and Fixes section. Changed name of Unlocking section to networking. Added backtrack.
11/06/2011: Added new terminology.Updated and split the ROM section into aosp and sense roms. Added another way to obtain an unlock code. Added development Section.
11/11/2011: Added new terminology. Added new section to ROM: Hybrid. Added Doubleshot Lite to ROM section. Moved Key mapping section to dev. section. Added ADB section to dev. section. Edits.
11/22/2011: Added new terminology. Added Rom Manager is now supported for flashing CWM. Minor Edits.
12/21/2011: Updated Dev. Section and added fastboot.exe to attachments
1/05/12 : Added ICS Rom section, Added tools and download section, Added Blue's guide and XMC's root tool.

This should help clear up some of the oft-asked questions for people new to the device.
Droidmoder really put a lot of effort into making this happen!
Edit - How did I forget to click thanks on the OP? Dec 14th, 2011

Blue6IX said:
This should help clear up some of the oft-asked questions for people new to the device.
Droidmoder really put a lot of effort into making this happen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blue6IX,
thanks for your help. You helped more than you think you did!

Blue6IX said:
The system is still building symlinks and installing things behind the scenes on first boot of a fresh installation. If you choose to play with it before the 5 minute mark, you risk losing data that has yet to be written.
The system will serve you, the user, before itself, and will drop from memory things it still needs to write to process your requests. This can result in buggy performance or problems down the line, and lead to frustrating issues that developers of the ROM can't figure out - because no one else will have these problems. Please be advised of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added to step ten.

Very nice write up =D.

ekoee said:
Very nice write up =D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thank you very much! Now the goal is to keep it up to date which will probably turn into more work than you want, but thank you!

unclespoon said:
Yes, thank you very much! Now the goal is to keep it up to date which will probably turn into more work than you want, but thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem.
Sent from my Crack Injected Doubleshot using xda premium

Great Job!
Suggestion: a section on key remapping? (there was a thread somewhere but never got completed)

Etn40ff said:
Great Job!
Suggestion: a section on key remapping? (there was a thread somewhere but never got completed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to add this tonight. At work. I have that thread alreay
Sent from my Crack Injected Doubleshot using xda premium

Etn40ff said:
Great Job!
Suggestion: a section on key remapping? (there was a thread somewhere but never got completed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two threads actually.
Original
Then I made one for requests that people want in flashable zip form:
Requests
So technically, there is no need to 'finish' the first one, and I support my request thread as time allows. It's set up so any dev can come in and handle requests, and there are a few floating around here that would be more then happy to help.

by finish I refer to ekoee's post on shift+alt keys, either it never appeared or i could not find it at the time

Etn40ff said:
by finish I refer to ekoee's post on shift+alt keys, either it never appeared or i could not find it at the time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, good catch - i'd forgotten about that with everything else that's been going on.
Wonder if someone will put time into figuring it out?
I bet the answer to that will also lead to the answer for getting other languages supported on the hardware keyboard.

Yeah sorry about that, I haven't had the time to start pulling apart key mappings. Ill make sure to get on it when work settles down.

ekoee said:
Yeah sorry about that, I haven't had the time to start pulling apart key mappings. Ill make sure to get on it when work settles down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thinking about moving key mapping in the dev section. Wouldn't it be more of a devlopmental thing?
Btw I'm going to refurb the dev sections with links and guides on adk adb and fastboot .
sent from my sense on crack MT4G Slide using xda premium

What does "nandroid" backup mean?
I have backed up with the recovery and I have backed up with ROM manager. What is nandroid?

sandiegoan said:
I have backed up with the recovery and I have backed up with ROM manager. What is nandroid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid is what clockwork mod calls the actual backup file.
Backup means to create a backup.
Nandroid is the file backup of your system . Hence nan (small) and droid the os. So you can also say you made a small android os .
Ill add this to terminology when I get to it. Hope this helped.
sent from my Agent Orange MT4G Slide using xda premium

Very helpful info, I unrooted, but theunlockr guide stated that this would turn the phone back to S-ON, but it hasnt, i have the stock tmobile rom back on the phone, but HBOOT states I still have S-ON, is this a problem? is there a way to get S-ON again so I can start the root process over? or am is there shortcuts I can take to root now that I have S-off?

I actually do not know. I would assume s on is attainable. Why would you want s on, you can re root without going threw rev again.
Follow the root guide its easy enough.
sent from my Agent Orange MT4G Slide using xda premium

You mean the guide from theunlockr? or another guide? if its another guide please post it? as far as following theunlockr method, in order to gain perm root it stated I have to first boot into recovery, and then flash the ZIP file, but when I try to go into recovery, I get a red exclamation mark, even though I have S -OFF

[GUIDE] [NOOB] [ANDROID] Everything that You Want to Know ! !

This post is going to help you if you have done a fresh entry in the unending world of Android. Android being an open source operating system for mobile phones, offers limitless possibilities of optimization and customization as per your requirements. Brand new android device comes with stock ROM and locked bootloader but half the charm of an Android phone lies in the root-based apps, beautiful mods and patches, and custom ROMs. Let me first explain these terms:
BOOTLOADER:
Every Android phone has a bootloader that instructs the operating system kernel to boot normally. But you need to understand one thing here that as Android OS is an open source OS and is available on a variety of different hardware, every manufacturer has their own version of bootloader specific for the hardware present in it’s environment. In literal terms, bootloader is code that is executed before any Operating System starts to run. The concept of bootloaders is universal to virtually all Operating systems that inculcates operating systems on your PC, laptop, smartphones, and other such devices.
Why is Bootloader Locked??
A bootloader is usually locked on an Android device because although it’s an open source OS, still the manufacturers want you to stick to their Android OS version specifically designed for the device. In order to apply this concept, manufacturers lock the bootloader. With a locked bootloader on Android devices, it is virtually impossible to flash a Custom ROM and forced attempts void warranty as well as usually end up in bricks. Therefore, the first step is to always unlock the bootloader. A lot has been said about bootloaders being “locked” and even the developer-friendly Nexus devices shipped with a locked bootloader (Nexus devices and a couple tablets are easily unlocked with a single command).In fact, a lot bootloaders are locked and encrypted, meaning simple commands like “fastboot oem unlock”, won’t do a thing.
Why To Unlock Bootloader On Android Devices??
The explanation to this question is really simple. If you want root, you’d be wanting to flash Custom ROM post-root, and if you want to install a Custom ROM, you’d need to have your stock bootloader unlocked. In simple terms Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install custom Firmware on your Android phone.
Warning: Unlocking your phone’s bootloader voids its warranty. It also completely wipes (formats) your Android phone’s internal memory including applications, contacts, SMS and MMS messages etc.
ROOTING:
Half the charm of an Android phone lies in the root-based apps, beautiful mods and patches, and custom ROMs. If you have not rooted your phone yet, believe me you are not getting the most out of it. Rooting offers many advantages indeed but, at the same time it is also a little risky as it breaks into the wall of security build by the operating system.
According to a survey, 80% of Android phone users live happy with an unrooted device and the reasons for this are various- some people think of it as a sort of criminal activity, some are afraid of losing warranty, some are afraid of bricking their phone, while most people do not even know about the existence of a term like “rooting”.
ROOTING is one of the most loved and equally disdained terms in the world of Android. Android phone users can generally be divided into three sects on the basis of their opinion towards rooting stuff. First of all, there are those who are willing to unlock and root their phones as soon as they get it or update it with a stock firmware. Then there are larger class that are happy with keeping their phones in a state they bought it and keep miles away from rooting. Finally, there is a moderate group that keeps wondering- “To root or not to root!”
What is Rooting??
The term “root” comes from the Unix/Linux world and is used to describe a user who has “superuser” rights or permissions to all the files and programs in the software OS. Thus rooting is a kind of hacking procedure where you seek to obtain access to the hidden system files. It’s like seeing a tree with its roots that remain immersed in the earth. By rooting your Android phone, you can have capability to modify and change the internal files of your device which otherwise remain locked and hidden.
Why Not to Root Your Phone??
Rooting Voids the Warranty:
It may be that you skip all other harms associated with rooting, but one thing you cannot escape is that it will surely void the warranty of your phone as soon as you root it. Suppose you have rooted your device which is still under warranty period. One day it stops working suddenly or shows signs that demand repairing. In that case you will not be entitled to claim the warranty because it is void due to installing a modified kernel. However, there are methods that can uproot your device and you can reclaim the warranty.
Rooting Can Brick your Device:
Another solid reason for not attempting to root your device is the potential risk of “bricking” it. There are thousand of tech blog over the web that are full of rooting tutorial for almost every Android phone and tablet. I have known some people who, searching for a rooting tutorial for their device, stumbled upon a tutorial written by some raw-hand person and bricked or almost made it unusable. Moreover, in most cases it is the fault of the device owners, who being a raw-hand themselves, do not follow the procedure to the letter or carefully and turn their phone into a costly paper-weight.
Rooting Does not Let You Get Official Updates:
As soon as you root your Android phone, you will not be able to receive the Over-the-Air updates released by the manufacturer. It is another thing that you install the updates manually if you find the OTA update zip file.
Rooting might Threaten the Security:
Most of us store vital and private data such as passwords and credit card details on our smartphones and this has necessitated a greater need for security than ever before. According to a recent survey, one-third of Android apps contain a certain level of malware as they require our personal data to run. There are so many keyboard app apps, for instance, that store a database of everything you type on your Android phone- whether it be a common word or a password and login details. You are open to such risks even without rooting your Android device. The open nature of the Android OS is the reason why android users are more prone to these attacks.
Here are a few simple tips that might help you make your phone’s data more secure:
Install a Mobile Security/Antivirus App- The best ways to get started is to download and install a complete android Mobile Security App to protect your android smartphone or tablet. These security apps are specifically designed for mobile platform and offer browser protection and safety against potentially dangerous sites.
Granting Permissions to Apps Carefully- You should be a bit more aware when you are installing all those cool new apps and do read and grant permission to data that you are only comfortable sharing. If you are not happy with any of the “requests for permission”and feel it is information you rather not share, then discontinue using the app.
Avoid Installing Apps from Unknown Sources- While we do not say that you take a complete blanket approach towards apps from unknown sources and disallow them completely, if you want to install one, be absolutely sure that they are completely safe. Remember that no system or set of guidelines are ‘absolutely safe’, but reducing risks helps a great deal.
Advantages of Rooting:
Most Android enthusiasts or advanced users believe that it is impossible to make the most of and Android smartphone without rooting and installing a custom recovery on it. While keeping you Android device gives you a feeling of safety and insurance, rooting denotes to a state of freedom, adventure and wilderness. No doubt it involves risk, but it has big rewards too. Let’s consider them too. I see many people asking,”I have rooted my phone, now what?” Here are a few reasons why one should root one’s Android phone/tablet.
1. Truly own your device
2. Unlock hidden features and install incompatible apps
3. Boosts your phone speed and battery life
4. Uninstall pre-installed apps
5. Block ads in any app
6. Flash a custom Rom/Kernel
7. Enter into dark word of Android
8. Move all apps to SD card
9. Link SD card with internal memory
10. Choose Startup and background apps
11. Quick optimization and clean up
12. Get root explorer and terminal emulator
13. Fully customize your OS in your own way
14. Directly install apps to SD
15. Be able to use roundr, GMD, ROM toolbox
16. Get font installer and boot animations for better fonts
17. More internal storage
Rooting Opens a World of Possibilities:
There are many people who opt to root their device only to be able to install certain apps that need root privileges. Among these apps, there include some life-savers like Titanium Backup, Apps2SD, Root Explorer, Triangle Away, Juice Defender, ROM Manager, and so on. Thus on you rooted Android phone or tablet, you can backup your Apps and Games, move the apps to the external SD card, extend battery backup, unlock your SIM-locked phone and what not.
Ability to Install Custom ROM and Mods:
Another major, or probably the greatest, advantage of rooting your Android device is that it open the world of customization for you. Having in full control of your phone by rooting it, you can do what those with non-rooted device can only dream of. You may have heard of people installing custom ROMs on their devices. There are many great custom ROM’s available that can make your Android device look and perform drastically different.
Why a custom ROM is so important for many people has many reasons. You rooted phone with a good custom ROM installed on it can perform better, faster and smoother. There are many custom kernels that give you great battery-life. The stock Android ROM does not support theming, but there are great custom ROMs like the CyanogenMod and MIUI ROM that have great theming capabilities that add to the freshness of your phone.
The option of changing ROM does not let you get bored of the same look and feel of your Android device. Most Android phones see a single firmware upgrade from the manufacturer. If you buy an Android device with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, it will only see an upgrade to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Thanks to our ROM developers who bring the highest version of Android OS to the lowest-priced phones. It is only the magic of custom ROMs that we see a Galaxy Ace or Optimus One user enjoying Jelly Bean.
Best Apps For Rooted Users:
I have been using mobile phone’s since the days when it used be bulky like a walkie and had an antenna on the top. Just go back a few years ago and compare the phones of the day to the smartphones that we own today, and you’ll realize that their evolution has been fantastic. I have also been lucky enough to experience all major platforms, from java-based devices down to Symbian, Android and the newer Windows Phone too. I first, first came to know about Android during the days when the smartphone world was ruled by Nokia-made Symbian devices. For many, Android was just a thing of curiosity then.
Having got bored of Symbian, it was much later that I decided to switch to Android and bought my first device the Galaxy S. the new OS was attractive but after a few months, I was still unable to figure out why it was so popular. The difference between my old and new OS’s seemed marginal. Having spent about 4 months with my first Android phone in its virgin state, I came to know about a new thing called “rooting” that sounded to me synonymous to “bricking” my phone.
Anyway, I finally took that bold step with bouncing heart and only after after that adventure, I was able to get a deeper peep into Android. I believe that anyone reading these lines would not deny that it is impossible to enjoy Android to its full without rooting it. Voiding one’s phone’s warranty might sound a good idea to all, but rooting pays for it pretty well. Now, I own Moto E and within a month of its purchase, I rooted it ! If you wish to enrich your experience with your phone or tablet, rooting is the only way to achieve the ultimate performance and customization whether it be getting speedy response, better battery, enhanced features, tweak system or make visual changes.
Today, we’ll see some really good, and also popular, apps that can help you get most out of your Android device. As the very title of the present article makes it evident, all these apps require root access to function. And therefore, you must have a rooted device before you can use them.
So, here begins our list of some of the best apps for rooted Android phones and tablet devices:
JuiceDefender Ultimate:
The bigger the screen, the better the fun, isn’t it? We all like a smartphone or tablet with a big screen that show everything with minutest detail and vivid colors. In most cases, OEM’s use battery according to the screen size of a device. Then why it is that the bigger the screen, the least the battery runs? You’ll hardly find a guy who is happy with the battery performance. In a situation where we cannot extend the capacity of the battery of our device, it’s wise to manage the battery power to get better performance out of it. Battery drain is the biggest concern of any smartphone user but if you have root, you can enjoy better performance using a 3rd-party power-save app. While you can find hundreds of battery-saver apps at the Play Store, there are just a few that really possess the magic wand. And among such apps, JuiceDefender Ultimate is probably the king of all. It is a mighty power manager app packed with advanced functions that controls, checks and manages all features and resources that devour the battery juice of your device. The app employs a bunch of effective measures to give you the best possible battery backup, and it does so by intelligently managing the channels that suck the battery most. It features highly customizable options to curb battery drain and get it up to your expectations.
Xposed Framework:
Root access on an Android device gives you the license to do almost anything and when it comes to personalization of your device, modifying the available features and adding new things to it, Xposed Framework is an ultimate tool. It is a custom framework that replaces the default framework of your devices and adds the ability to be modified via compatible modules. The presence on Xposed framework and its modules ensure that you get the power to control the visual elements on your device in your hands. You can customize things like the statusbar items, notification panels, extend reboot menu options, enable call recording, manage connectivity features, install third-party icon packs on stock launcher and thousands of such tasks very easily without having the knowledge of editing system apps and XML codes.
Tasker:
Extending our list of best apps for rooted devices, I’m now going to talk about an app that hardly requires any introduction if you not a novice with Android. Tasker for Android is a must have app if you are an advanced or power user, but it offers much even if you are new to it. It is a kind of personal genie that is capable of granting your daily mobile wishes. Tasker is a task control and automation tool that, if used wisely, can multiply your mobile experience many times. The app has lots of advanced features that let you
program your devices by adding tasks to make your device do things according to the rules defined by you. It lets you determine the behavior of apps and features as you might wish them to behave, whether it be to assign a task based on sensors, schedule app automation, control data and network connectivity and so on. It can do almost anything you can imagine. If you are a hardcore Android user, Tasker might prove a
dream app for you.
ROM ToolBox Pro:
ROM ToolBox Pro is a perfect example that shows the immense possibilities offered by root access on Android. As its very name proclaims, it is not just a tool for rooted Android devices, but a collection of various advanced useful tools with plethora of options for customizing the performance and user interface of your phone or tablet. Here is a list of the major tools that Root ToolBox Pro combines:
App manager
ROM management
DNS changer
Terminal Emulator
Task manager
Scripter
Root file browser
SD Booster
build.prop editor
CPU control
Kernel tweaks
Font installer
Theme manager
Theme chooser
Boot animation changer
Icon changer
Reboot manager, and lots more ! !
On expanding each of the listed tools, you’ll get more options related to specific tools.
Any app that has so much to give you at the price of one is definitely good !
Greenify:
While apps like JuiceDefender Ultimate and ROM ToolBox Pro aim at giving you better battery life and enhanced performance on your Android device respectively, Greenify targets both ends at the same time. Greenify lets you select apps that remain active and run as background processes even when they are not actively running. Now, such apps not only eat your phone’s ROM, making it slow and laggy, but also keep draining the precious battery juice continuously. If you are one who is fond of installing a lot of apps, Greenify can save you from being worried about performance and battery life. It lets you identify rogue apps and allows you put them in hibernation mode so that they do not keep eating CPU and RAM resources and leeching battery power. The app is pretty easy to use. Simply add the applications you want to hibernate when they move to the background, and let Greenify do its spell.
Titanium Backup:
Good battery life, awesome performance and cool customization— we have seen one or more apps for these things. Now let’s see another must have and one of the most rated apps for rooted Android devices. If you got root privileges on your device, Titanium Backup is a highly recommended app for you. You might find a number of backup apps at the Google Play Store, but none of them does the job so perfectly and nicely. The only negative thing about the app is it user interface that feels outdated, but when it comes to functionality, Titanium Backup surpasses them all.This best in class app can backup all apps (including system apps) and games on your apps with all app settings and data. You can backup apps individually, in groups or all at once. Also, before backing up or restoring the apps, you can choose whether to do the operation just with the apps, settings and data or a combination of all three. Besides, it also lets you schedule your backups. If you purchase the Pro key, you will also be able to use some premium features like—
Data migration (important for those who are fond of switching ROMs)
Dropbox sync and restore
Multiple backups per app support
Zero-tap batch restore
App freezer for keeping an app unchanged
Backup apps without closing any app
And more.
NoBloat:
As the name suggests, No Bloat allows you to remove all the bloat from your Android device. For rooted users, the app should come in handy to remove all the useless apps and bloat that carriers or OEMs ship in their phone right out of the box, and free up some resources that should improve performance and battery life,
No Bloat is pretty simple to use, and even has an handy option to backup the APKs before deleting them, in case things go wrong.
RoundR:
The only purpose of RoundR is to make the edges of your screen rounded, instead of flat, like in iOS. While this may seem like a very minor change, it somehow ends up making a very noticeable difference in day-to-day usage.
It is very tough to explain how rounded corners can affect the UI so much, but in the end it does. RoundR is one of those apps that you must try to know the difference. The app can be downloaded for free from the Play Store.
GMD Gesture Control:
GMD Gesture Control is particularly useful for Android tablet owners. Using this app, users can assign certain gestures to perform certain tasks. For example, you can setup a four finger swipe across the screen to automatically take you to the previous app you were using as in the iPad. You can easily emulate all the gestures that the iPad has using GMD Gesture Control.
Even Note and other Phablet owners can use GMD Gesture Control for navigation purposes. Instead of hitting the back button, they can assign a gesture which they can draw on the screen to imitate the back button.
Rom Manager:
Rom manager is one great app for all you enthusiasts who want to flash new ROMs and taste new versions of android in your smartphones.This app gives you a list of all the famous ROMs available for your device.You can also download them through this app and this also saves you a lot of time searching for it on the net.The pro version of this app is worth a try.
SoftKeyZ:
Bored out of the normal looks of your navigation buttons? Wanna add some colours to your screen? Go try this app.This app can personalize your navigation buttons(soft keys) into a lot many styles.It has 150+ themes to choose from.This is an awesome app for those who want your smartphone to be just like you want it to be...
Solid Explorer:
This is the best file manager out there.The basic idea of this explorer is just awesome.This app provides you two panels when positioned in the landscape view.You can simply copy-paste any file or move any file from one panel to the other without the fuzz of remembering the path of the locations separately.It also has additional features like FTP connection,etc... This is a must have app for all the android users.
NOTE:You also need to install solid explorer unlocker to use the complete features.
At the moment it has some glitches working in android kitkat.
Font Installer:
This app comes with hundreds of custom fonts ready for you to install. Use any custom fonts just by saving it into your device and install it from your device storage.
Link2SD:
It is one of the best app you should have after rooting your phone. This app links all the files and folders to your external SD card, hence virtually increasing internal memory.
RECOVERY:
Android devices come with Google’s recovery environment, which is often referred to as the “stock recovery.” You can boot to the recovery system by pressing device-specific buttons as your phone or tablet boots or by issuing an adb command that boots your device to recovery mode. The recovery menu provides options to help recover your device — for example, you can reset your device to its factory default state from here. The recovery mode can also be used to flash OTA update files. if you want to flash a new ROM to your device — or re-flash the factory default ROM file — you’ll need to boot to recovery mode first.
The stock recovery is a minimal, limited system. It’s designed to be ignored, and it can generally only flash OTA updates and ROMs provided by the device’s manufacturer, not third-party ROMs.
A custom recovery is a third-party recovery environment. Flashing this recovery environment onto your device replaces the default, stock recovery environment with a third-party, customized recovery environment. This is a bit like flashing a custom ROM like CyanogenMod — but, instead of replacing your device’s Android operating system, it replaces the recovery environment.
A custom recovery environment will do the same things as the stock Android recovery. However, it will also have additional features. Custom recoveries often have the ability to create and restore device backups. Custom recoveries allow you to install custom ROMs. ClockworkMod even offers a “ROM Manager” app that allows you to access many of these features from a running Android system — this app requires a custom recovery installed to function.
Popular Custom Recovery:
The Android Recovery which comes installed on any device has several issues, so that’s exactly why we finally consider that a custom recovery could be a much better choice as long as it find a way to reset your device when it may be impossible to boot into it.
Clockworkmod is available for quite a while and it has managed to win the title of the most popular stock recovery replacement thanks to all its features. But another player had also entered the game being known as TeamWin Recovery Project (or simply TWRP) and we bet that you are curious about it as well ! !
This fully touch-based custom recovery was initially dedicated exclusively to Nexus devices, but things have changed and now it is available for a variety of other smartphone and tablet models too, in form of official or thirdparty builds.
But which of these apps should you choose? CWM Recovery wins over TWRP Recovery or not? Here we have a detailed analysis of the most important aspects of these two custom recoveries which will help you taking the best decision:
The Graphic User Interface:
ClockworkMod’s interface is completely different if we compare it to the interface of
TWRP. This one comes with larger buttons that make it even easier than before to spot the feature that you are looking for and select it with a simple tap. And don’t forget about the soft buttons for Home and Back here, or about the option to turn the display off after a certain amount of time. But this doesn’t necessary have to mean that the interface of TWRP is necessarily much better, but simply with some differences that can offer us a more comfortable and faster experience.
Installing ZIPs:
This is one of the most used features in a recovery, but we must admit that we cannot actually compare CWM Recovery with TWRP Recovery at this chapter. They both work flawless when it comes to installing zip files, but some of you might consider that is easier to locate the zip file you want to install it in TWRP Recovery; and the built file manager is the one that makes the difference.
Backing Up option:
If you select the backup option in ClockworkMod, the backing up procedure starts immediately for all the partitions, while TWRP proves to be ideal as long as it allows you to backup only one partition. To be more specific, it presents you several options that you can choose from, giving you the possibility to control exactly which partition you want to backup or in which storage you want this backup to take place. So here, we can definitely say that TeamWin Recovery Project can successfully replace ClockworkMod.
Restoring Backups:
This time, when it comes to restoring backups, ClockworkMod recovery comes with an advanced restore option which lets you restore just one partition, while TWRP recovery gives you the possibility to select as many partitions as you might want. Even more, partitioning the SD card in ClockworkMod is by default set to ext3 file system and you have no chance to change it. TWRP instead lets you change it to ext4. So, TWRP seems once again to have won the battle, but we must tell you that besides the interface or the backing up and restoring backups options, it actually provides the same features as ClockworkMod. But ClockworkMod comes with one click installation (via Clockworkmod’s own ROM Manager app), while TWRP can be installed with some adb commands, so this aspect comes in favor of ClockworkMod recovery.
Check the next thread for more info
Review the Risks ! !
Customize your Android
Hit thanks, if helped :good:

TWRP Recovery – Explored and Explained !
Most of us here are very well aware of what TWRP is, especially people who flash ROMs every
now and then. Today, I’m here to explore this simple yet very unique recovery and explain in
detail the functionality of all of its features. I will also help you on how to flash a Custom
ROM/Kernel/Mod using TWRP. To get on with that, I need to let you know, what TWRP is ! !
What is TWRP?
TeamWin Recovery Project or in short; TWRP, initiated in 2011, is an Android Custom Recovery
with full touch UI. This Recovery brought in and created a new trend of Touch-based
recoveries. It adds customization support and enormous other amazing features to the AOSP
recovery code which makes it one of the best Android Custom Recoveries available till date.
The GUI is fully XML based, so you can modify each and every aspect of this
recovery according to your desires, provided that you have appropriate knowledge of XML and
Android.
Why choose TWRP over others?
TWRP was the first to bring in the concept of touch-based UI on recoveries,
which in turn defines its uniqueness. Since the early days, this recovery has evolved more than
any other recoveries available, bringing in huge changes in the code and UI. If you choose
TWRP, you’re assured to be updated regularly with more and more features accompanied by
stability.
Exploring the Main Menu:
As soon as you boot your Android into the latest build of TWRP, the following menu will serve
you, known as the main menu. The main menu consists of 8 tabs (Install, Wipe, Backup, Restore, Mount, Settings, Advanced &
Reboot), each having its own sub-tabs and functions. Let us now begin with the first tab on the
screen.
Install:
The Install tab is simple and make its role in flashing files (ROMs/Kernels/Mods). Another thing
that is unique here, is that you can add a queue of files and the same will be flashed in the
respective order.
Now, lets get to know how simply this works.
1. Press on the “Install” tab.
2. Browse and choose the file that you desire to flash.
3. Press on Add more zips if you desire to flash another zip(s).
4. Swipe the round button present on the bottom of the screen to initiate the flashing
process.
Wipe:
This tab serves the function of wiping the partitions on your device. Wipe-able partitions
include System, Data, Cache, Dalvik Cache, Internal Storage and USB-OTG (if any). Wiping the
partitions is necessary as a pre-flashing process and is different for Installing
ROMs/Kernels/Mods and updating them. So, before you set yourself for opening this menu,
make sure to know what you’re doing.
Here, I’m gonna mention some basic wiping steps for Installing ROMs/Kernels. Note that these
are universal for every ROM and Kernel, until and unless the developer himself states some
specific steps.
Wiping before Installing a Custom ROM:
1. Press on “Wipe” tab.
2. Press on “Advanced Wipe”.
3. Select the partitions: Dalvik Cache, System, Data & Cache.
4. Swipe the round button present on the bottom of the screen to initiate the wiping process.
Wiping before Installing a Custom Kernel:
1. Press on “Wipe” tab.
2. Press on “Advanced Wipe”.
3. Select the partitions: Dalvik Cache & Cache.
4. Swipe the round button present on the bottom of the screen to initiate the wiping process.
Backup:
The Backup tab holds a very important and useful function. Situations might arise when you
accidentally Install a wrong (corrupted/damaged) or may be un-desirable ROM/Kernel/Mod.
Post these situations, we find ourselves stuck. So, the Backup option gives us an helping hand to come out. This option is also well known as Nandroid Backup, but is now certainly referred
to as a common term; Backup.
TWRP offers some unique privileges in the Backup option too. A user can simply select the
partitions that he/she might want to backup viz Boot (Kernel & Ram-disk), Recovery (Present
Recovery), System (Firmware files), Data (User Apps and Information) & Cache (Dalvik Cache
and Cache).
To Backup your current ROM, simply follow these steps:
1. Press on “Backup” tab.
2. Select the partitions you want to backup (Usually, ROM backup includes System, Data,
Cache & Boot).
3. Swipe the round button present on the bottom of the screen to initiate the backup
process.
Apart from backing up, you can also Set Backup Name (set a specific name for your backup),
Enable compression and Skip md5 generation during backup.
Restore:
The Restore option in simple words, restores the Backup. A backup made with the Backup tab
is to be restored from this tab. This option also allows you to delete a previous backup and
even enable md5 verification. Restoring a backup is quite easy:
1. Press on “Restore” tab.
2. Press on the backup you want to restore.
3. Swipe the round button present on the bottom of the screen to initiate the restore process.
Mount:
It certainly is essential to mount partitions while flashing some specific files. Mount-able
partitions includes: System, Data, Cache, Internal Memory, SD-card and USB-OTG (if any). To mount a partition:
1. Press on “Mount” tab.
2. Select the partitions to mount.
Settings:
This tab holds all the settings related to the recovery subsystem. The following come under this tab:
1. zip file signature verification (Enable flashing only if the zip file is signed properly).
2. Use rm -rf instead of formatting (Option enables manual rm -rf command to wipe instead
of automatic formatting)
3. Skip md5 generation during backup (disables the generation of md5 sum during backup
process)
4. Enable md5 verification of backup files (enables restore of backup, only if md5 sum verifies)
5. Use military time (Use the time format followed by Military/Army)
6. Simulate actions for theme testing (enables modification of actions during theme testing)
7. Time Zone (Set time zone according to your country)
8. Screen (Enable/disable/set screen timeout)
9. Restore defaults (Restores all the settings to their default value)
Advanced:
It provides all the advance functions of the TWRP recovery. Advanced functions include:
1. Copy Log to SD (Transfers the error log generated to the SD card)
2. Fix permissions (Fixes the permissions of the System files to fix errors)
3. File Manager (In-built recovery file manager to manage files on Internal and External
memory)
4. Terminal Command (In-built terminal emulator to execute commands)
5. Reload Theme (Reloads the theme from TWRP/theme, necessary when applying a new
theme)
6. ADB sideload (Initiates sideload over ADB to flash zips)
Reboot:
This menu lists ways to reboot the device to various locations. You can reboot your device into
the following modes just with a simple gesture. You can perform the following actions within
the Reboot menu:
System (Boot your device normally into the OS)
Power Off (Powers down your device completely)
Recovery (Reboots into the recovery mode)
Bootloader (Reboots the device into bootloader/fastboot mode)
To reboot:
1. Press on “Reboot” tab.
2. Press on the desire button where you’re willing to boot.
3. Swipe the round button present on the bottom of the screen to initiate the rebooting
process.
That’s all about TWRP, that every user needs to know and understand.
Things to Do Before and After Installing a Custom ROM:
Become familiar with Recovery and its working
Ensure a decent battery level
Backup your current ROM using recovery(It will help you if in case you are stuck in bootloop in future or if you want to go back to Stock
Go to settings and do factory reset
Reboot to recovery and flash ROM zip and Gapps
Clear cache and dalvik/ART cache
Reboot
ROM: Although ROM in computers mean Read Only Memory (memory storage which once written, can’t be edited or deleted) but When it comes to smartphones and tablets, the term ROM is used to refer to the firmware stored in the internal memory of the device, rather than the internal memory itself. It can also refer to a file prepared for the purpose of replacing this firmware with another version of using a special method.
Thus, when you are told by someone to download a ROM, they are referring to the file that contains the firmware in a format ready to be installed to your phone to replace it’s existing firmware. Similarly, when asked what ROM is your phone running or when told by someone their phone is running a particular ROM, they are again talking about the particular variant of the firmware.
ROM Distinction:
Truly Stock ROMs / firmware:
This is the operating system in its default form, without any modifications made to it except for any device-specific support required to run it on the particular device. Truly stock firmware provides the standard user experience of the operating system without any cosmetic or functional changes made. These days, truly stock firmware is primarily found in cases where both the device and the operating system is built by the same company. Amongst modern mobile devices, examples of truly stock firmware can be found on Nexus and (new) Moto devices.
Manufacturer or Carrier branded Stock ROM / Firmware:
This type of firmware has had enhancements added over the default operating system by the device manufacturer or the mobile service carrier. This often includes interface enhancements, proprietary applications and in most cases, restrictions intended to limit the use of the device with a specific carrier or region. There are often further restrictions preventing installation of firmware not released by the carrier or manufacturer.
Custom ROM / firmware:
Almost all devices ship with either of the above two categories of firmware, though things don’t end there. Independent developers who like to customize their devices beyond the standard options provided often tend to release the fruits of their labor for the rest to enjoy, in form of custom ROMs. The more open the platform, the more independent development it attracts, a good example of which is the independent custom ROM development for Android.
Stock v/s Custom ROMs:
Stock firmware is the result of a lot of research and testing done by the operating system vendor, the device manufacturer and/or the mobile service carrier. Therefore, it carries several advantages:
It is usually quite stable upon release.
Almost all bugs are patched during the extensive beta testing before release.
It carries the official support by the firmware vendor, device manufacturer and the mobile service carrier.
Updates are pushed automatically to the device by the carrier.
Along with its advantages, stock firmware also carries its disadvantages and these include:
Updates aren’t frequent, as development is done mostly by corporations who have to follow a scheduled release cycle.
Updates are often released first in the United States, leaving the rest of the world waiting. (A world does happen to exist beyond the United States, we’ve confirmed it ourselves!)
Worse still, when manufacturers choose to no longer release official updates for their older devices in favor of newer ones, their users are essentially stuck with old versions of the operating system. This case is evident with many Android devices barely a year and a half old.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Custom ROMs
Custom ROMs are as good or as bad as the effort put into them by their developers. Key advantages of custom ROMs are:
First and foremost, choice! There are thousands of custom ROMs out there for a range of devices, each offering a diverse set of features not found in the stock ROM.
Update frequency – custom ROMs are often under active development and newer releases of the core operating system are incorporated in them way before updated official ROMs are released. This is particularly true in case of Android devices, where developers start porting newer versions of Android to several devices as soon as they are released.
Custom ROMs usually have all the extra restrictions removed, enabling users to sideload apps, tether their mobile data connection to their computer without paying extra for it, gain root access, use their device in any region etc. without any need for circumventing the protection themselves.
Performance enhancements and optimizations found in many custom ROMs can make them much faster than stock ROMs, enabling users to get the most out of their devices.
Overclocking options are built into some custom ROMs, further speeding up the devices.
Undervolting options found in some ROMs on the other hand result in improved battery life.
Old phones with little internal memory can benefit most from custom ROMs that allow them to use the external SD card memory for the apps exactly the way they would use the internal memory.
So with all these advantages, there should be no reason to stick with the stock ROM, right? Not necessarily! Like all things in life, custom ROMs come with their disadvantages as well:
Due to the lack of extensive testing prior to release, many custom ROMs can be buggy in the beginning and installing a ROM with missing or corrupt critical files can even brick your phone.
Several custom ROMs that are ports of ROMs from other phones can have missing functionality that hasn’t been made to work on your phone with the ROM yet.
Installing a custom ROM usually involves wiping your phone to factory settings, so you lose your data and start from scratch. Fortunately, Android’s built-in contact syncing along with apps offering message, call log and app backup/restore make this process easier, letting you retain your data.
The installation process itself can be cumbersome and may require you to root your phone and often circumvent its security features to allow for custom ROM installation in the first place.
Installing a custom ROM will in most cases void your phone’s warranty, though often the process is reversible, meaning you can turn your phone back to stock as long as it isn’t bricked.
Installing a ROM to your phone requires you to root it first in most cases. While rooting most phones is easy, some phones require a complicated procedure to be followed before you can install a ROM to it and often, such procedures involve a risk of bricking your device if things go wrong.
Making the Choice
Choosing between a stock ROM and a question ROM is really a matter of your requirements. If the stock ROM on your phone lets you do all that you ever want to do with your phone and doesn’t feel slow, there isn’t any need to go through the trouble of circumventing your phone’s security and installing a custom ROM to it.
However, if you want to take your phone beyond what it currently offers, don’t care much about the warranty and are ready to take the risk of whatever may happen if things go wrong to be able to customize it the way you want, a custom ROM is at times the only solution. Choose wisely!
Review the Risks ! !
Customize your Android
Check next for more
Hit thanks, if helped :good:

BootLoop:
“Bootloop” is a very familiar term for smartphone users whatever OS they use, but it is definitely more familiar to Android phone users. Android being an Open Source operating system, is open to third party modifications. If you have a basic or advanced knowledge of Linux coding, you can develop a custom ROM or a modify a system file of your Android phone. Such openness has opened vistas for our great developers to cook ROMs, mods and hacks. It has enriched our experience with our phones at one hand, and posed a few problems like bootloop or a bricked phone in rare cases.
Most of phone- freaks like me spend their days doing nothing but trying almost all custom ROMs and mods available out there to tell other what is good for them. In doing so we often face a bootloop but that is not to say that only the third- party ROMs and mods are responsible for the problem. In most cases, however, it is some incompatible file imposed from outside that hinders the system files to work normally, resulting in a bootloop.
Thus, bootloop is a situation where the Android smartphones refuses to boot normally. There’s something wrong with the Android device, which is preventing it from completing the boot cycle and is stuck between the boot animation and the unlock screen. Bootloop is mainly caused when system files interfere with each other, causing instability, and crashes at the boot sequence.
While getting a bootloop on an Android phone is not a serious concern for an advanced user, it is surely enough to make a newbie or a noob tremble a little. Very often an average user begin to wonder if his phone is bricked or dead. In the present article I shall try to share with you some solutions that might help you recover your Android device from a bootloop.
Precautions to Avoid and Prevent Data Loss:
Bootloop is definitely one of the most undesirable situations a smartphone user can get into. It is shocking enough to make a new or basic user believe that he/she has bricked the device. It is true that in most cases you can recover your device to normal state but if you take precautionary steps, you could avoid it. Prevention is always better than the cure!
However, precautions cannot guarantee that you device is bootloop- proof. Therefore, it is also necessary that you always keep your phone’s data backed up. Remember, if your device gets into a bootloop, there are 90% chances that you will loose all your data, apps, settings and files stored on the internal SD of your device.
Things to be taken care of:
Before installing any stock or custom ROM, do not forget to confirm that it is made for your device and, more important, the same model number.
Before installing any custom Kernel, mod, patch or ROM, do not forget to backup your ROM. Also backup your phone’s apps, games, contacts, messages or any important data to an external storage-memory card, USB storage or your computer.
Avoid installing apps from outside Play Store and only those that are compatible with your device.
If your device is not rooted, you can use the official PC Suite from your device manufacturer.
Possible Reasons of a Bootloop on Android Device:
The reasons for getting a bootloop on your Android device might be anything. If you wish to know the reason why your Android phone is stuck on the bootloop, you need not type your problem on the Google search box. Just calm yourself for a while and think what you did just before. It could be anything! Here are some major reasons why your Android device is caught in a bootloop.
After installing an official or custom ROM
Flashing a wrong ROM or Kernel
Running an incompatible app or game
Wrong Permissions fix for an app or file
Installing a custom mod or theme
Most often we face a bootloop just after flashing a stock or custom ROM over an old one. This might be a major factor behind the bootloop issue on your device. Suppose you have flashed a new version of firmware over the old version. Your old data still remains on the device and the new firmware will use the Dalvik Cache from the old ROM that might not be compatible with the new system files and it will result in a bootloop. It mostly happen just when your device tries to reboot after you have flashed a stock or custom ROM. If this is the case, here is the solution.
If your device is on stock firmware, that also means it does not have a custom recovery like TWRP/CWM installed in it. Then do these steps:
1. Pull out the the battery of your phone, wait for about 30 seconds and reinsert it to its place.
2. Boot your device into ASR(Android System Recovery) mode. The method involves a hardware key combination and varies from one phone to another. For Samsung phones, for example, the key combination is Volume Up+Home + Power keys. The tablets which generally have no Home button, you can enter the Recovery mode bypressing and holding the Volume Up + Power keys simultaneously.
3. In the Android System Recovery, scroll down to “wipe cache partition” option using the volume rockers and select it using the power key.
4. When you have wiped the data/factory, go back to the main menu and reboot the device by “reboot system now” option.
5. If the device is still stuck on Boot animation pull out the battery again and repeat the above steps. This time also “wipe data/factory reset ” and then reboot device.
The bootloop problem should be fixed now.
If you have a rooted device with CWM recovery installed in it,and your phone is caught into a bootloop after flashing a custom ROM or mod, do as follows:
1. Pull out the battery, reinsert it after 30 seconds and boot the device into CWM Recovery: Volume Up+ Home + Power keys simultaneously.
2. Go to “Advanced”
3. Choose “Wipe dalvik-cache”
4. Now go to “Mounts & Storage”
5. Choose “Wipe/cache”
6. Reboot your phone
The bootloop should be gone now. If it still persists, do this.
1. Boot the phone again into CWM Recovery
2. Now go to “Mounts & Storage”
3. Choose “Wipe/data”
4. Choose “Wipe/cache”
5. Then reboot your phone.
Now the phone should reboot normally. Next time when you install a ROM, follow the instructions prescribed by the developer. Be more attentive to the warnings before experimenting with any third party ROM or mod. Always ensure what you are about to install is meant for your device.
If the Above Methods Do Not Work!
In case you are not able to get your device come out of bootloop, your final option should be to install or restore a previously backed up ROM by putting the device in recovery mode, or to install the official firmware/factory image to your phone your tablet.
Xposed Framework and Modules
Customization and flexibility lie at the core of Android and it is this potential that draws more and more people to it, making it the most loved platforms for mobile devices. I see Android as an assertion of freedom against some other major operating systems like iOS and Windows Phone. At the same time, it must be admitted that this liberty comes tagged with a check and can be experienced by only those who are adventurous in nature. An Android device in its maiden state is just a little better than devices from its opponents, but once rooted, its leaves all others far behind.
I do not mean that customization is not possible altogether on an unrooted phone or tablet. You can install 3rd party launchers and icon packs and decorate your home screens with a variety of widgets. However, the range of such type of personalization is limited to a certain level. By rooting your Android device, you get the key to unlock the whole next level of customization. If you have root access on your device, you can flash custom ROMs and mods to achieve not only true customization, but also improve its performance significantly not possible otherwise.
What is a Custom Framework?
In case you have a rooted device but you do not wish to install custom ROMs or mods, or a custom recovery is not available for it, there is yet another way of tasting the custom flavors of Android. And this can be done by installing a custom framework on your phone or tablet. All such frameworks modify the system.bin file replacing the original codes with those of the custom framework. The hacked system core then starts allowing changes imposed via custom modules. The best part of this whole business is that you can customize your device with stock firmware.
If you are not new to Android, you must have heard about some custom frameworks for Android like JKay, Xposed, 3Minit, etc. Developed by XDA member rovo89 is most popular of all its peers because of its potential and compatibility with almost all Android devices with Android 4.0 or above that house an ARM processor within them and are rooted.
How to Install Xposed Framework:
Download the latest Xposed Installer app. “Installing a custom framework” might sound a little geeky and complicated task to most new users. On the contrary, Xposed Framework can be installed very easily like a simple APK. All you have to do is to download the Xposed Installer app and install it on your device. Then open the app, select FRAMEWORK and tap on the “Install/Update” button. The app will ask you to grant
root permission, do it and wait for a while till you get an on-screen confirmation that the framework has been installed on your phone.
Now you have a custom base framework that can change the way you use your device with the help of compatible modules. Xposed Framework will not add any functionality to your device that can be used individually. Just search for Xposed modules and then you will be able to customize your device in various ways. The module files for the framework come as simple APK files and can be installed normally.
How to Install Xposed Framework Modules:
As I already mentioned above, it is the modules that let you customize your device and therefore, you will have to find and download the desired modules and install them separately on your device. Fortunately, the developer has now added the option to download modules right from the app’s interface. Open Xposed Installer and tap on “Download” option. You will now see a long list of available Xposed modules that can be downloaded. Just select the module you like and hit the Download button.
Besides the modules available in the app, you can find more at forums like XDA and others. After installing the modules, do not forget to select them in Xposed Installer. Launch the app, tap on “Modules” and check the newly installed module.
MultiROM:
MultiROM is one-of-a-kind multi-boot mod for Nexus 7. It can boot any Android ROM as well as other systems like Ubuntu Touch, Plasma Active, Bohdi Linux or WebOS port.Besides booting from device's internal memory, MultiROM can boot from USB drive connected to the device via OTG cable. The main part of MultiROM is a boot manager, which appears every time your device starts and lets you choose ROM to boot. You can see how it looks on the left image below and in gallery. ROMs are installed and managed via modified TWRP recovery. You can use standard ZIP files to install secondary Android ROMs, daily prebuilt image files to install Ubuntu Touch and MultiROM even has its own installer system, which can be used to ship other Linux-based systems.
Features:
* Multiboot any number of Android ROMs
* Restore nandroid backup as secondary ROM
* Use for example Ubuntu Touch (will be there in future) or Desktop alongside with Android, without the need of device formatting.
Currently, it has been ported to many Android devices !
Brick:
The term "brick" usually refers to the stone, which means: "device can only be used as paper-weight". Taken literally, there's no way to "unbrick".
However, you also find terms like "hard-brick" and "soft-brick" used, which makes the term "brick" less absolute: A soft-brick is something you easily can recover from (count it as a "temporary paper-weight"), mostly by software-based solutions (e.g. re-flash your phone) -- while a "hard-brick" is rather meant in the way the original term points to.
Still, technically spoken, even a "hard-bricked" device could be "unbricked" -- but mostly this is more expensive then getting a new device.
As for the warranty declaration you quoted: For a normal user, it's almost impossible to (hard-) brick his device. Even when flashing a custom ROM, this can rarely happen, as there are many security-layers involved. Almost always you can boot your device into some fall-back mode where it is at least recognized by some "flashing software", so you could simply flash another/the original firmware back. Which means, the risk you are taking is to "soft-brick" your device. A "hard-brick" is quite unlikely with "normal operations" like rooting or flashing custom ROMs.
Brick is a much-hyped word that gets bandied about with-out understanding what it is.
There's two types of brick, hard and soft. Lets go through this to make the distinction clearer.
Hard this is where the handset will absolutely refuse to boot at the press of the power button. Diagnostics: Dead screen, no power. That is the symptom of a hard brick. Reason: This can happen by inadvertently pulling the cable when flashing a ROM or even an update via the handset's supporting software such as Samsung Kies, Sony's PC Companion Suite etc. That is the worst case, that is why in this scenario, always, make, sure that no cable gets pulled unless told so by the supporting software in question. The other way is this, flashing in that manner when the battery power is low. Hence for that reason, it is recommended to have at least 75% of battery power in place prior to doing the update in that fashion. Its known as hard-brick, and requires specialist cables and stripping the device down to the circuitary board to revive it via JTAG cables.
Soft - this can happen through a bad flashing of the ROM in which yields the following. Diagnostics: it has power when the power button is pressed, and/or, the screen comes on. Reason: It can be a user error on this part. For example, failing to clear/wipe the data/cache, can cause Android to go into a boot-loop because of the mis-matches with the Android's virtual machine and the apps installed, or more than likely, a corrupted dalvik cache. The other, is flashing a ROM that is not designated for the handset which can cause the kernel to go into a boot-loop. This is generally easier to fix, but hangs, that is known as a soft-brick.
Review the risks ! !
Customize your Android
Hit thanks, if helped :good:

prince.d.emperor said:
Review the Risks ! !
Customize your Android
Hit thanks, if helped :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Android's been here for quite a while noobs are champs now. But still a nice guide ..
I hope people using various kinds of vendor devices HTC,samsung , xperia , motorola will find this useful.
I also know this thread will be visible to few and not when needed .

kapil.git said:
Thanks
Android's been here for quite a while noobs are champs now. But still a nice guide ..
I hope people using various kinds of vendor devices HTC,samsung , xperia , motorola will find this useful.
I also know this thread will be visible to few and not when needed .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then what is needed to be done??

Thnx

RCA RCT6203W46 Pro10 Tablet: Catch-all Thread

Fellow Pro10 6203 users:
Welcome! As we do not yet have a forum dedicated to this device, I am creating this thread to serve as a means to share everything that I've come to discover about the usage of this inexpensive yet capable Android tablet. This thread will include varying topics such as rooting, custom recovery, accessories, customization apps, custom ROM's, and anything else I might come across that may enhance our experience with the product. I have found no real one-stop source for information concerning this device, so I am beginning this one that I hope everyone that owns one will find useful. Please feel free to ask questions and add constructive commentary
Tech Specs:
Model Number: RCT6203W46KB
Operating System: Android 4.4.2
CPU Chip: Quad Core
CPU Chipset Model Number: MTK MT8127 1.5GHz
GPU: Mali-450 MP
Resolution: 1024x600
Density: 160dpi
Screen Features: 10.1 Thin-film Transistor
RAM: 1GB
RAM Type: DDR3
Storage Capacity: 16GB
Camera: Yes (Front & Back)
Camera Specifications: Front Facing 0.3M pixel webcam (640x480), Rear 2M pixel webcam (1600x1200)
Battery Life: 6 hours
Battery Life Details: Playback downloaded video with WiFi turn off
Connectivity/Audio: Headphone jack, Micro USB, DC jack, Micro HDMI
Dimensions: 262(W)x165(H)x11.5(D)
Weight: 921g
Software: Walmart, Sam's Club, Vudu, eMusic, Kingsoft Office
Included Accessories: Power adapter, Keyboard Folio
If you happen to find something here worth your while, please hit the thanks button!

Rooting
Always remember, you root your device AT YOUR OWN RISK. Rooting will void your warranty and you may brick your device in attempting this. Its a choice and you're the only one who can make it.
Rooting instructions (tested up to RCA firmware 1.9.50):
(Beginning with a tablet never before rooted, or has been completely unrooted prior)
1. On your tablet, go to Settings > About tablet > Build number and tap the build number 7 times. This will unhide the Developer options menu.
2. Tap the Developer options menu. Enable it by sliding the slider to the right in top bar. Select "USB debugging" by placing a check mark in the box next to it.
3. Go to Settings > Security. Select "Unknown sources" by placing a check mark in the box next to it. Deselect "Verify apps" by removing the check mark in the box (you can enable it again afterwards if you wish).
4. Connect your tablet to PC via USB.
5. Download the Windows iRoot rooting application here.
6. Install the app.
7. Start iRoot and follow instructions to root. Remember to enable USB permissions on tablet when prompted.
8. Once successfully completed, download and install SuperSU from here to replace the Chinese root manager called Superuser 1.0.4.
9. Start SuperSU and you will be asked for permission, choose to allow.
10. SuperSU will prompt to install SU binary, go ahead with OK and install normally (not TWRP). IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INSTALL THE BINARY.
11. Once SuperSU is installed and the binary updated, you can uninstall Superuser 1.0.4 and the second app it installs, something like "Clean Master" (unless you want it).
Happiness is now achieved with having a rooted device
* For further details regarding root, please see "Rooting considerations" in the Misc. section below.

Custom Recovery
Always remember, you install a custom recovery on your device AT YOUR OWN RISK. Installing a custom recovery will void your warranty and you may brick your device in attempting this. Its a choice and you're the only one who can make it.
99% of the credit for this section goes to johnemc2, PatF and mexicandroid for creating and contributing to this thread. Although it was created for a different but similar RCA tablet model, they provided everything I am going to reiterate here. Also the original thread for TWRP on MediaTek devices (which is the chipset for these RCA tablets) is here, and all credit goes to yuweng for this. Make sure to hit the thanks button in the respective threads for these guys!
TWRP installation instructions (tested up to RCA firmware 1.9.50):
1. Device must be rooted. See rooting section above or use another method of your choice.
2. Download the TWRP recovery image for the 6203 from here. Rename it by deleting "[RCA 6203 TWRP - Remove this tag]" so that the file name reads only "recovery.img" (with no quotes of course).
3. Place this file on your external sdcard.
4. Download and install [ROOT] Rashr Flash Tool from here. If the app suggests updates, go ahead and install them.
5. Rashr will ask you to make a backup. If you try, it will fail. Not to worry too much though, a stock recovery image is available below.
6. Start Rashr. From the menu, tap Recovery from Storage. From the "Pick a file" menu select /storage/emulated. Select /storage/, then select sdcard1/. From there select the recovery.img file you saved in step 3.
7. It will give you a warning prompt asking if you are sure. If so, select "Yes please" to install TWRP.
8. Upon successful flashing of TWRP you will have the choice to boot into the custom recovery, go check it out!
9. One procedural maintenance item to perform after: I have noticed that the rashr app holds on to a large amount of data for some reason and haven't found the need. Once you reboot, you can go into Settings > Apps > All and find Rashr and clear data to reclaim the space.
Good guide for using TWRP can be found here.
How to manually get into recovery (TWRP or stock):
From a powered off state, simultaneously depress the power and volume up buttons until the white RCA boot screen appears. Once this screen appears, release the power button but REMAIN DEPRESSING THE VOLUME UP BUTTON until you are in recovery.
Stock recovery installation:
It is the exact same procedure as was with TWRP, with the exception of step 2. Instead download the stock recovery image from here, rename it by deleting "[RCA 6203 Stock Repacked - Remove this tag]" so that the file name reads only "recovery.img" (with no quotes of course). Continue on using step 3 above. Check out why you might need the stock recovery image in the "Firmware updating considerations" area of the Misc. section below.
Ultimate happiness and assurance is now achieved with having a custom recovery installed on your device to back it up!

Accessories
Here are some of the accessories I am currently using for the 6203:
Cases:
The keyboard case is good, but I found it cumbersome in most cases and unnecessary. So I purchased this case from Ebay. Here are some photos of mine. I have had it for 5+ months with no issue upon daily use.
Screen Protectors:
I purchased this anti-glare and anti-fingerprint screen protector from Amazon. Although they now have it for the 6203, at the time they only had them for the 6103 and I had to modify it. But 5 months later it is still great. Being anti-glare means there is a slight matte to them, but overall I found it hardly effected the clarity of the screen. It really kept having to wipe off the screen due to fingerprints to a minimum!
I am just sharing what I have found to work for our devices and hope it helps you too in some way!

Customization Apps
Customization apps that require root (seeing rooting section above):
Xposed Framework. Man is this awesome. Here is the description from the site: Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. That's great because it means that modules can work for different versions and even ROMs without any changes (as long as the original code was not changed too much). It's also easy to undo. As all changes are done in the memory, you just need to deactivate the module and reboot to get your original system back. There are many other advantages, but here is just one more: Multiple modules can do changes to the same part of the system or app. With modified APKs, you to decide for one. No way to combine them, unless the author builds multiple APKs with different combinations. You can find version 2.6.1 for our tablet here (select "show older versions" at the bottom of the page).
GravityBox [KK]. TONS of customization for our device. Find it here.
Customization apps that do not require root:
Blacked out or inverted apps. I love darkened apps. I prefer a black or dark background to most apps. It looks good and is easier on the eyes! You can download the Team Blacked Out updater apk from here. You can download many popular apps that have been "blacked out" by this team.
I am just sharing these apps for fellow fans of customization. Enjoy!

Custom ROM's
[reserved]

Misc.
Rooting considerations:
Although there is a risk of bricking the device in doing so, to date I have rolled through both the 1.3.51 and 1.9.50 RCA updates without the update being hindered by having my device rooted prior (never unrooted), and I have not lost root once the update completes. Although I have not tried this without, I believe this may be because I use SuperSU Pro OTA survival. This app is not necessary, but the free version does not have the "OTA survival mode" that the pro version possesses. I recommend spending the $3.75 for purchase.
Firmware updating considerations:
If you delete any of the bloatware apps that comes preloaded (VUDU, Walmart, Sam's Club, Opera, etc.) and try to update the device, it will soft brick your tablet. This is because the update performs a core app comparison check to test validity prior to completing installation. You will only be able to get into stock recovery once this happens. Therefore my recommendation is not to delete any of these apps but instead use Titanium or MyBackup Pro to freeze them, and prior to attempting any firmware update remember to UNFREEZE THEM FIRST. This will save you any headache with the firmware updates.
I do not think you can install an official firmware update via TWRP, so you may need to reinstall the stock recovery to do this. See the "Custom Recovery" section above.

Misc. #2
[reserved]

One frustrating thing about our device is that some apps will not install from the Play store. It will state "this item is not compatible with your device". Well I have tried many methods to circumvent this, including changing prop files and using apps that fake screen densities. I don't recommend that . Instead I sideload. I use a Google Chrome extension called APK Downloader. You can get it here. To set up it will ask for devide ID info. I plug in the number for my S4. Once downloaded, I just copy the apk over to my tablet and install from there. The only caveat to this is that it does not work for purchased apps.
There are other ways to procure the app and sideload, but this is the method I use most often for the 6203.

I have a support request in to RCA for these concerns (here is the text as I sent):
Hello,
I have 3 questions. The first is that by reading the specs for this tablet the CPU is supposed to be set for 1.5Ghz. But when you use the tablet, it is only set for 1300Mhz (1.3Ghz) (I can provide screenshots). Which is wrong and why?
My second question is do we have any access to a complete firmware ROM that can be used via recovery? This would be nice to have in case the tablet is soft bricked for any reason. Update ROMs do not provide this.
Lastly, is there anywhere to download USB drivers for this tablet?
Thanks in advance for your help.
From RCA:
Glen (RCA Support)
Apr 27, 3:18 PM
1) The max threshold is 1.5Ghz. The reason it is running at 1.3 is probably because your not using its absolute full capacity
2) We dont have the ROM
3) Is this for the USB stick or memory stick?
Glen
Technical Support
#Madeforyourlifestyle
My response:
Glen,
Here are my responses:
1. I have attached 3 screenshots from independent apps that all report the CPU set for 1.3Ghz and not 1.5Ghz. In fact they show the governor as having the range for the CPU set to 598-1300mhz. I believe this happened in the firmware 1.9.50 update and was not the case prior. Can you check to see why this was done? We purchased tablets that were intending on having a 1.5Ghz processor.
2. You will see many returns then from tablets that were soft bricked due to the most recent update corrupting the system file, and then only allowing people to boot into recovery and not into Android.
3. No, USB drivers as in this explanation: http://developer.android.com/tools/extras/oem-usb.html
Thanks. I really appreciate your assistance with these questions. Please let me know if there is any other information I can offer.
From RCA 5/4/15:
Glen (RCA Support)
May 4, 3:43 PM
The tablet will use the 1.5Ghz only when it will take big update like firmware updates.
#Madeforyourlifestyle
My response:
Glen,
There is no way for the Android kernel to know only to use full CPU capability during an upgrade procedure. Its there for all operations or it is not.
Can I have my concern escalated to your engineering team? As I said previous, the system showed 1.5Ghz was available in processing speed before the last upgrade.
Thanks
From RCA 5-7-15:
Hello,
We'd love to hear what you think of our customer service. Please take a moment to answer one simple question by clicking either link below:
How would you rate the support you received?
Good, I'm satisfied
Bad, I'm unsatisfied
Conclusion:
So apparently RCA doesn't intend to do anything about the most recent update failures outside of performing RMA's for people, and also doesn't care to answer why these tabs are advertised as 1.5Ghz and are being throttled to 1.3.

Rct6203w46-android4.4.2-3101-v50-v1.3.71
What can I do with this or this - no ROM Backups, and an annoying 'brick' on my table?
I successfully rooted with KingRoot and tried to manually switch to SuperSU with a script I found.
The script seemed workable. I found all of the targets and: # root.sh ... oh *hi*
The transition failed and after trying to 'clean up' remnants the script seemed to have missed, the screen froze: RESET BUTTON - nothing, nothing, nothing.
I wish I hadn't believed it would work without a 'dd ... system.img'. The tablet had about 12hrs mileage and is now a very new [Black Friday] $49 item about to be smashed on the driveway.
I read somewhere that RCA will not be distributing winusb drivers.
*uc* it - i b-roke i-t! :victory:
It's Alive! After the battery drained, 2 weeks later, it booted!
removed supersu

probeafargavin said:
What can I do with this or this - no ROM Backups, and an annoying 'brick' on my table?
I successfully rooted with KingRoot and tried to manually switch to SuperSU with a script I found.
The script seemed workable. I found all of the targets and: # root.sh ... oh *hi*
The transition failed and after trying to 'clean up' remnants the script seemed to have missed, the screen froze: RESET BUTTON - nothing, nothing, nothing.
I wish I hadn't believed it would work without a 'dd ... system.img'. The tablet had about 12hrs mileage and is now a very new [Black Friday] $49 item about to be smashed on the driveway.
I read somewhere that RCA will not be distributing winusb drivers.
*uc* it - i b-roke i-t! :victory:
It's Alive! After the battery drained, 2 weeks later, it booted!
removed supersu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probeafargavin,
Sorry for slow reply. Been a busy month! I recommend sending the unit back to RCA for an RMA. I had to do this once and although it took a month, I received back a working tablet. It doesn't matter that you did this, they will not check. They will end up sending you back a refurbed tablet. Mine works fine.
-droidify

Needing Help
I rooted my device (same exact make/ model you have listed). Well it just so happens that now I am not able to open the Google App store. I have clicked the app logo so many times now and all what I see is what looks like the app is about to open but it just disappears about a half second later.
Looks like I am no longer able to use the back button also. I have tried factory resetting the device yet problem remains. Clearing cache of the Google Play app, no results. Please help!!!!! I would surely appreciate it, I'm sure you can imagine how devastated I am over this.

C_Cee said:
I rooted my device (same exact make/ model you have listed). Well it just so happens that now I am not able to open the Google App store. I have clicked the app logo so many times now and all what I see is what looks like the app is about to open but it just disappears about a half second later.
Looks like I am no longer able to use the back button also. I have tried factory resetting the device yet problem remains. Clearing cache of the Google Play app, no results. Please help!!!!! I would surely appreciate it, I'm sure you can imagine how devastated I am over this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C_Cee unless you have TWRP installed and had a back up, there is not much you can do. I would RMA the tablet through RCA. I had to do this once and it was a pretty quick turn around.
-Droidify

RCT203W46L Questions
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks

kwmike said:
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollipop is going to have a different recovery, so what I posted likely will not work and may cause serious problems if attempted. Not sure about stagefright vulnerabilities.

Any advance?
No more advance in this device?

drakedalfa said:
No more advance in this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My tablet is still going. Although not my daily driver device, I use it to watch videos on break at work and to read on. There hasn't been any development for this device that I am aware of and unlikely to be considering it is not that popular.

Flashing recovery from build Build: RCT6303W87DK-ANDROID5.0-V63-V1.12.20-B
kwmike said:
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aloha -
I just received one of these today:
Model: RCT6303W87DK (32GB)
Android version: Lollipop 5.0.
Kernel: 3.10.54
Build: RCT6303W87DK-ANDROID5.0-V63-V1.12.20-B
I installed NewKingrootV4.62_C133_B233_en_release_2015_11_24_105203.apk downloaded from www\.kingroot\.net
On the first attempt, Kingroot rebooted at 22%, and failed to root. I repeated the procedure without rebooting, and achieved root on the second attempt.
I am curious to know if you flashed TWRP and, if so, what results you had.
Also: does anyone know if, in fact, the 5.0 loader actually is different from the 4.4.2 loader.
Thanks in advance.

I'm confused, is this thread on the RCA Pro 10 RCT6203W46KB or for it's successor (I assume) the RCA 10 Viking Pro RCT6303W87DK. I ask because I have the RCT6303W87DK and am looking to see if there are any ROMs for it, as I would prefer to be running Android 5.1.2 or 6.0 over 5.0.