[Q] Newbie....please - General Questions and Answers

Hello everyone! I am new here on the forums so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to everyone.
I am totally new to rooting/unlocking. I have personally never attempted or owned an unlocked device, however I have decided now is the time. I have a Verizon Galaxy S4 that I am hoping to root to gain full control of the device, and what little memory it has. I have been reading things about it and it seems you can do so much more with the phones once you unlock them.
With that said, I am nervous if I mess something up I will make my phone unusable and void my warranty. Any thoughts as to what I should do? Or any help as to the process of using the All in One Tool?
Here is what I have done so far....
I enabled the developer mode on the Galaxy S4, and turned the enable debugging function on.
Also, I have removed the lock pattern, so now it is only swipe to unlock.
I downloaded the tool that was on the front page of the forum, is there a newer version I should be downloading, or use that one?
Also, I downloaded the Samsung Kies application, I'm not sure if I have my phone with its latest software or driver...I connected them and did a sync, would this mean that I have accomplished this step?
If I mess up the process of doing this will I be able to recover my phone?
I know this is a lot, but I hope someone with experience can help me!
Thank you in advance!

Keep reading. Look in the development threads specific to your device.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

Welcome man, just a quick tip for everything around here, read read drink some coffee and read again before doing anything to your device. 99% of problems can be solved be paying attention to directions and helping the developer as best you can much as much attention to detail as possible. Most problems you may occur with your phone will be easily fixable but as with anything you are agreeing to do things to your phone that may brick (basically make unusable) your device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Welcome!
It's kind of hard to mess anything up. I understand that you're nervous but just make sure you follow the guides to the T. The developers do a great job in making sure that the guides are noob friendly so to speak. If you need help rooting, there is a script by bhp090808 here that can help you out with rooting/recovery. Once you set up either TWRP or CWM, make a backup so you're safe incase you do think you've messed up your device

Related

To All Who Use Easy Root Methods

Stop getting angry when we do not want to help you fix the problem you are having. Seriously, quit it. You are warned left and right that you may not or will not get support for it. The simple fact is that auto/easy root methods are too questionable. It leaves you in the dark when something goes wrong. We cannot easily figure out what happened, why it happened, or what exactly the issue is because it is automatic. I'm annoyed at the amount of users who go onto IRC begging for help and start freaking out on us because YOU wanted the easy way out. It doesn't take more then a Google search to learn exactly what to do, what it is doing, and how it works for the manual root method. I can only speak for myself but I'm plenty sure other members can agree and attest to this. I, myself, spend more time helping lazy/scared people FIX their phones BECAUSE of an easy root method then doing any real development! And when I decline to, the AndIRC chatroom becomes a hated place and gets bashed on. Use at your own risk. Enjoy.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
If you don't want to help, don't help. People have every right to ask for help and if they freak out on you for not helping, ignore them. All you're doing by posting this thread is returning the sarcasm and snarkyness that you're accusing them of dishing out.
No no no. ProTekk is 1000% right on this. I get tired of lazy assholes on IRC who want to be spoon fed.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Tbh, this wasn't an "I'm better and smarter than you" post. It was meant to be a clear and valid warning to all. In no way was I trying to come off as snarky or a know it all. If you take this the wrong way then maybe you need to.reread this and start over again.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Oh, also, I explain in detail why and what my reasoning is. Don't start flaming buddy
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
I agree 100%.
There are a lot of new people moving into android with this phone, and a lot of progress has been made through development inthe few weeks it has been out.
People really need to slow down, and read before jumping. I think that was proven this morning...good one Jcase
I've had a rooted phone for over a year now, been through roms like mad, but still get nervous and re-read every post before I put something on my phone and understand exactly what it's doing.
Take your time people, read, re-read, ask questions, then flash, your phones not going anywhere unless you do something dumb and end up with a brick....which would more than likely be your fault if it happens.
Bimmer323 said:
I agree 100%.
There are a lot of new people moving into android with this phone, and a lot of progress has been made through development inthe few weeks it has been out.
People really need to slow down, and read before jumping. I think that was proven this morning...good one Jcase
I've had a rooted phone for over a year now, been through roms like mad, but still get nervous and re-read every post before I put something on my phone and understand exactly what it's doing.
Take your time people, read, re-read, ask questions, then flash, your phones not going anywhere unless you do something dumb and end up with a brick....which would more than likely be your fault if it happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgot about the questions. They.are more than welcome if it is about rooting. Ask away. We share knowledge. We don't hoard it and say go home. Glad to see some voices in here besides mine.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Completely agree with protekk. Devs can not help you if they don't know the exact process of rooting went wrong if you use a "1 click" method. Using the process put out by jcase a person can start over or even go back to the prior step. The process jcase put out was a step by step (copy & paste commands) process. I am no better than any of you, but I can read and follow simple instructions, and in doing so have gotten a good understanding of adb. As for getting help, I have never had a problem with getting help, even when I started.
When rooting or flashing, you need to read, read, read, read, until you are comfortable with the instructions. Xda has info to getting everything setup and running. Research before you flash or root.
+1 man. I've only had my Thunderbolt for a few days and ended up deciding to root manually because I wanted to know what was going on, step by step. It's taking a little time to get used to CWM coming from the Eris where I've used Amon Ra's recovery.
<soapbox>
I've noticed a trend of folks really beating up on the dev's. Guys, our dev's do this for free or donations. Some even insist that we donate to the homeless or our favorite charity. You're not paying for support, these guys do what they do out of love and commitment to the community. Please remember this before you log onto IRC or make a new thread. The dev's have gone through a lot of trouble to learn these systems and write scripts for you, usually through reverse engineering and a lot of time. Respect their time by searching first.
Additionally, if you need help - please and thank you goes a long way. So do logcats and output from the screens that you're currently working with
Now, back to your regularly scheduled discussion.
</soapbox>
All I'm saying is I remember a lot of people complaining about jcase, not wanting a 1 click root released . He wanted people to know what was being done and how to do it. And people complained saying he had no right. I believe this is why he didn't want it released to soon. Damn I hate mind readers. Lol
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
"ProTekk is 1000% right on this."
"+1"
If someone doesn't want to put in the time to understand what is going on and the processes taken to make it happen they shouldn't even bother rooting.
This is my first android phone ever. I have successfully rooted it on both a mac and pc. I followed the instructions and learned how to use adb (nothing fancy of course). If I can learn others can too.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Thats a good point OP.
The method posted by JCASE is so simple that anyone should be able to do it.
1) Install drivers for your phone
2)copy files to your ADB directory and to your phone SD card
3)Open a command prompt
4)Copy and paste a bunch of ADB commands
5)Put the other PG05IMG.BIN on your phone
6)Copy and paste some more adb commands
7)Download a few market apps
8)Success
I mean where is that difficult? Its basically spoon fed. If you don't have the ability to copy files to your phones SD card, copy and paste commands into a DOS prompt, follow clear instructions, and install driver software for your phone, then you probably shouldn't bother doing anything. I don't even consider myself an ADB pro, I learned how to use some of it with my MOTO Droid and I still don't know what a bunch of the commands are. I know how to push files to my phone, how to pull files from my phone, and some other misc commands.
I agree. I was frustrated sure. Took me another 7 tries and a few different methods. But in the end I was the one responsible. I could have chose to give up , but because I didn't want to be left behind I kept learning and trying. I finally got it last night. It even feels better knowing how much trial and error I had to try. Makes me appreciate it more.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
TNS201 said:
Thats a good point OP.
The method posted by JCASE is so simple that anyone should be able to do it.
1) Install drivers for your phone
2)copy files to your ADB directory and to your phone SD card
3)Open a command prompt
4)Copy and paste a bunch of ADB commands
5)Put the other PG05IMG.BIN on your phone
6)Copy and paste some more adb commands
7)Download a few market apps
8)Success
I mean where is that difficult? Its basically spoon fed. If you don't have the ability to copy files to your phones SD card, copy and paste commands into a DOS prompt, follow clear instructions, and install driver software for your phone, then you probably shouldn't bother doing anything. I don't even consider myself an ADB pro, I learned how to use some of it with my MOTO Droid and I still don't know what a bunch of the commands are. I know how to push files to my phone, how to pull files from my phone, and some other misc commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering moving to Android, possibly the Thunderbolt. I'm experienced with flashing custom ROMs to WinMo 6.X phones, but that's not a root process (at least not on any phones I've owned), it's a simple process of connecting the device tp a PC via USB, launching a program on the PC, clicking a few buttons and restarting the phone. Done.
Coming from that simplcity, the rooting process looks kinda daunting, but not impossible. I've been reading as much as I can in different forums, but without having the phone in front of me and trying it out, I'm not understanding the process.
For instance, "Open a command prompt." Is this on a connected PC, or directly on the phone? If on the phone, how do I get to a command prompt on it?
I guess I'd like to ask the knowledgeable folks here for a website they'd recommend for an absolute beginner to bone up before attempting his first root? Or multiple sites, where I can not only read how it's done, but what is actually happening at each step. I know my way around Windows pretty well (up to XP anyway), but have no idea when it comes to Linux.
As to folks who dork up their phones while trying to root/modify - the devs are offering their knowledge, free of charge. You aren't being forced to root, it's your choice and ultimately your responsibility. I've seen the occasional Sp.Ed. flip out because his phone bricked while flashing a WinMo custom ROM that someone spent many hours working on and tweaking. Not often, I'm glad to say - most folks are grateful for the effort.
This was my first android phone, and initially I was too scared to do the manual method. But, I manned up and decided to do it, and to be honest, it was simple. After that, I tried reading all the threads and being active in the community. That's the thing with attaining knowledge, you have to be proactive. Read through everything, and often. Don't just ask questions only when it pertains to your problem, because from what I've seen, it's always answered in some thread.
tl,dr:The gist, just be proactive. read read read
tedkord said:
I'm considering moving to Android, possibly the Thunderbolt. I'm experienced with flashing custom ROMs to WinMo 6.X phones, but that's not a root process (at least not on any phones I've owned), it's a simple process of connecting the device tp a PC via USB, launching a program on the PC, clicking a few buttons and restarting the phone. Done.
Coming from that simplcity, the rooting process looks kinda daunting, but not impossible. I've been reading as much as I can in different forums, but without having the phone in front of me and trying it out, I'm not understanding the process.
For instance, "Open a command prompt." Is this on a connected PC, or directly on the phone? If on the phone, how do I get to a command prompt on it?
I guess I'd like to ask the knowledgeable folks here for a website they'd recommend for an absolute beginner to bone up before attempting his first root? Or multiple sites, where I can not only read how it's done, but what is actually happening at each step. I know my way around Windows pretty well (up to XP anyway), but have no idea when it comes to Linux.
As to folks who dork up their phones while trying to root/modify - the devs are offering their knowledge, free of charge. You aren't being forced to root, it's your choice and ultimately your responsibility. I've seen the occasional Sp.Ed. flip out because his phone bricked while flashing a WinMo custom ROM that someone spent many hours working on and tweaking. Not often, I'm glad to say - most folks are grateful for the effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look on you tube they have a real nice walk thru you should watch first
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc6EMdPpF6o&annotation_id=annotation_68322&feature=iv
thanx nat3mil
Bimmer323 said:
re-read every post before I put something on my phone and understand exactly what it's doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ayup. either a long contract or an expensive phone I do not want anything bad to happen to it
with my og droid I would do just about anything to it because that thing was bulletproof and I got buy 1 get 1 free .
my thunder bolt, it's treated with kid gloves
this is not a signature I type it in every time maybe sent from my phone or my computer
I have to agree for the most part...I rooted my bolt with the very first method released and it took me quit a while...had to do allot of reading (adb). I got most of my questions answered by going threw the threads.... reading other peoples problems they posted and then the fixes or answers left by knowledgeable forum members. Yes that takes time but it does help...I will vouch for that...lots of knowledge and answers here just have to put in the time.
I think people should be able to ask questions on here...thats part of why the forums are here, but if you ask and you don't get answer it's more than likely you have ask a question that has been asked before...several before's....Its just to basic of a question which could have several answers (not enough info in the question)....or you ask to many questions which means you have not done your home work.
Read and then read some more....google and google some more.....then ask the question....
+1000
People want to be spoon fed - doing things the right way is too hard for them

[Q] New to Rooting

Hello,
I apologize if this is a redundant post but I am becoming increasingly confused as I try and figure out what I'm doing.
I just recently switched from a two year old blackberry to the Inspire 4G. I love the phone and recently had surgery so I am stuck in a chair for a while which is forcing me to find fun things to do with my phone.
I have done some research on rooting the phone but there is just so much information out there and none of it seems to be all that consistant to me. I like the way the phone runs out of the box so I hate to go flashing the ROM and messing with what isn't broken. I would just like someone to clarify what all of this is about so here are my questions...
What is rooting and what are the advantages of it(besides removing bloatware)? What cool things have you done with rooting?
Is there any way to root the phone in order to remove the bloatware and then unroot it easily so my warrenty does not become void?
In other words, I would like to temporaraly root my phone in order to remove the bloatware. Then once this is done I would like it to go back to the way it was before the root with the exception of the bloatware being there.
Is what I want to do possible? Is it easy, and what would be the easiest way to accomplish this? If its not possible what should I do and how should I do it?
I hope this isn't too much, and if I am asking in the wrong place please direct me to the correct place to ask this sort of question. Thanks for all your help in advance!
-Mike
Belongs in General. Read there. Search Google "advantage of rooting my phone "
Read about the ROMS in this dev forum
Link on my signature for my thread on MIUI ROM if you'd like to learn about it.
Without rooting - what you bought is what you got.
Sent using XDA Premium
MrGarak's 1.4.1v3 MIUI
cattleprod's 1.8Ghz cyan0#3.7
I was in your spot a couple weeks ago, but I had come from a jailbroken iphone. All I can say is, there aren't *many* great walkthroughs, so it took me a good day or two of just looking around XDA to finally feel comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable, don't do it, but it takes a little research the first time.
That said, I'm very happy I rooted my phone, and this site has pretty much been my only resource.
Thread moved

How to really get started

Okay this may be redundant but let me try. I'm new to this site and new to the whole androids modding.I was thinking of buying the star x26i or the star note i9220 dpad. I'm really not sure where to start once I get phone. If I can't get the direction I think I can figure out the rest or at least search to get info. Any help will be appreciated.
Get started as in what exactly? Are you talking about rooting and custom roms?
Sent from my D3 w/ Unlimited $10 data
KayxGee1 said:
Get started as in what exactly? Are you talking about rooting and custom roms?
Sent from my D3 w/ Unlimited $10 data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess rooting would be 1st. I'm trying to get the 1st steps on what I need to do.
Root find the XDA phone forum you want and read their root guide .
jje
The 1st step you do is definately root...
stewie_blaque said:
Okay this may be redundant but let me try. I'm new to this site and new to the whole androids modding.I was thinking of buying the star x26i or the star note i9220 dpad. I'm really not sure where to start once I get phone. If I can't get the direction I think I can figure out the rest or at least search to get info. Any help will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as I see you are interested in ROM development then here is a best resource on this site to help you on this subject
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1661770
I know this is a modding community so the majority of answers are just going to say root root root! But in all honesty, if you are brand new to Android, get used to stock for a bit before you jump into modification. Spend your time reading about your specific device while you play with it and if people are happy with their devices rooted and the process isn't too intensive for you, then give it a shot.
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for all the input. I was trying to be sure if there was a step by step process on what to do.I am fairly new to android phones and want to learn the ins and outs. I'm searching for a new phone now and it seems like the ones I like need something to be done to them before I can use them. So I was trying to be sure of the process before I screwed something up. I like the suggestion of learning the phone 1st which will probably lead me to a name brand phone.I'm currently with boost mobile so my options are limited. Once again thanks for the info.
1. Root
*unlock bootloder* optional
2. remove bloatware
3. read about custom roms
4. go crazy modding
Enjoy stock for a while, Oh and heres a tip, On the process of rooting, You can easily brick your phone.
Meaning Of Brick - It will no longer boot up; You have to replace it.
Well, actually I'm just looking
I googled "Rooted phone, what next?" and got several helpful sites and threads. Most of which lead back to XDA. Although I had a fairly clear goal in mind; I wanted ICS.
«Sent from my Inspire 4G w/Redemption ICS»
I got the x26i and I rooted it with Bin4ry it worked really well don't forget to install drivers.
Leave a thumbs up if I helped you.

How to root?

Hey everyone. I just got this note pro today from Amazon. I've read about a lot of functionality you can get from rooting your device. The thing is I have no clue how to root a device. I've looked around the internet and to be quite honest I'm still not quite sure how to properly root the device. I was hoping someone could maybe point out or give me step by step instructions on how to root a device. Including making backups and the programs needed. I'm totally a noob in this and quite terrified of destroying a 685.00 dollar device. Thanks in advance to anyone willing to take the time out. The reason I'm rooting is because I want to get better battery life and be able to run any app in multiview mode. (Student who wants to go multiview with amazon ebooks and a note taking app)
mikeakanice said:
Hey everyone. I just got this note pro today from Amazon. I've read about a lot of functionality you can get from rooting your device. The thing is I have no clue how to root a device. I've looked around the internet and to be quite honest I'm still not quite sure how to properly root the device. I was hoping someone could maybe point out or give me step by step instructions on how to root a device. Including making backups and the programs needed. I'm totally a noob in this and quite terrified of destroying a 685.00 dollar device. Thanks in advance to anyone willing to take the time out. The reason I'm rooting is because I want to get better battery life and be able to run any app in multiview mode. (Student who wants to go multiview with amazon ebooks and a note taking app)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure which Internet your using.... you must not be looking very hard because your answer is in this very forum. In fact , there is a great big thread about it a few lines down. If after reading said thread you still have a question, I suggest asking IN that thread.
Every one here loves to help out, but you gotta put in at least a TINY bit of effort dude.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

What are the chances of BRICKING your phone via rooting?

Hi. I've been wanting to root my phone for a while now, but since as I am still a kid, I asked my parents if I could. They didn't like the idea of bricking. I tried to explain how low the risks are to them, but no.
I'm pretty sure that hearing professional's opinions on it would atleast help to change their mind.
You may be thinking, since im only a kid, that I dont know all this types of stuff? Well, I spend most of my time on the computer and I generally am really good with them.
I know a good of C++, but thats beside the topic.
(I would be using kingroot's one click since I have a nexus 5)
Thank you, and best regards,
R3pix.
R3pix said:
Hi. I've been wanting to root my phone for a while now, but since as I am still a kid, I asked my parents if I could. They didn't like the idea of bricking. I tried to explain how low the risks are to them, but no.
I'm pretty sure that hearing professional's opinions on it would atleast help to change their mind.
You may be thinking, since im only a kid, that I dont know all this types of stuff? Well, I spend most of my time on the computer and I generally am really good with them.
I know a good of C++, but thats beside the topic.
(I would be using kingroot's one click since I have a nexus 5)
Thank you, and best regards,
R3pix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to have to give you a thumbs down on rooting.
If you need king root to root a nexus, you don't know what your doing and shouldn't root.
bweN diorD said:
I'm going to have to give you a thumbs down on rooting.
If you need king root to root a nexus, you don't know what your doing and shouldn't root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know how to root without KR, but it seems like the easiest way.. (I meant since it supports it)
R3pix said:
I know how to root without KR, but it seems like the easiest way.. (I meant since it supports it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can root any nexus the right way in under 5 minutes. how is that difficult? and better to use the trash root that king gives you?
no one is going to support your petition to be allowed to root, when your using king on a nexus.
dont believe me? go post exactly what you posted here in the n5 forum. they will flame you mercilessly, i guarantee it.
im being nice about the situation, trust me lol
It's pretty damn hard to actually brick a Nexus. Permanently, anyway. In fact, I'm not sure it's even possible. With TWRP recover you can just restore from a back-up if you screw something up, and as long as you can boot into download mode, you can always just reflash the factory firmwares from a PC.
However, I think the method you'd use is less important than the question of why you want or think you need to root in the first place. If it's to learn about Android, programming, app making, etc for a future career (or even just a hobby) then I think it's a great idea. But not on your Nexus 5, if that's your only phone. Even if you screw something up, but not permanently, you still don't want to be without your phone for however long it takes to fix it.
I don't know how much money might be at your disposal (or your parents), but my suggestion would be to look on Swappa or eBay for something cheap to play around and learn with. Like a Nexus 4 or Galaxy S3. Both can be had for under $100 if you don't mind a little wear and tear. Heck, there's a brand new 16GB Nexus 4 listed right now for $123. If you can afford just a bit more, a second Nexus 5 for ~$150 would be an even better device to learn on, since it has official Marshmallow 6.0. Heck, a Nexus 7 tablet would be learning device, with its bigger screen.
You've already shown commendable responsibility in asking your parents and not just going ahead behind their backs, so I'll say this to you: If you want to convince your parents to let you try, or better yet, get the second device to experiment with, explain to them that a smartphone isn't a phone anymore. It's a computer that fits in your pocket that you can make calls with. And a Nexus is like a home-built PC that doesn't require restore disks and impossible-to-find drivers to fix if you happen to screw something up. And frankly, screwing up and learning how to fix your mistakes and not make others is all part of the knowledge process. Trust me, we've all done it.
But, if you want to root just to get free gems and gold and screenshot Snapchat pictures without the other party knowing, then that's an entirely different thing. And I'm not your parents.
Reasons for bricking a device.
Which are the major reasons which results into a useless bricked device?? I frequently use xposed modules and my device is mtk 6592 chipset one.
Please throw some light on my querry. Thanks
SKDesignsuccw said:
Which are the major reasons which results into a useless bricked device?? I frequently use xposed modules and my device is mtk 6592 chipset one.
Please throw some light on my querry. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the #1 way to brick your device from rooting, or any other mod is user error.

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