I delete all my texts at the end of each day and they don't get saved or backed up anywhere. Is there any way to recover old texts somehow (like from a few months) ago, either through the service provider or through some strange thing on the phone that actually saves everything and never really deletes them?
I've heard that the police can do this if they want to, is that true? Just curious. However in my case I just want to know if there's any way to do it myself (as in be able to actually read the outgoing/incoming texts, not just see that they occurred - or is it even possible to see that they occurred?).
By the way I have an HTC Desire and I'm on AT&T in the US, if it makes a difference. AT&T customer support said it's impossible but XDA members are a lot more knowledgeable so I thought I might as well ask.
Hey folks,
Does anyone know for certain (not speculation) how Verizon treats phones that have been rooted when you go to trade them in on the Edge program? Will a phone that's been rooted in the past be denied for Edge trade-in?
Thanks
So I called Verizon. They said that I would need to remove root in order to trade it in or "Edge-Up". I've read recently though that even if you unroot your phone, carriers can now detect the fact that at one point time it was rooted. Is this true?
MSmithXDA said:
So I called Verizon. They said that I would need to remove root in order to trade it in or "Edge-Up". I've read recently though that even if you unroot your phone, carriers can now detect the fact that at one point time it was rooted. Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
most phones can be returned to stock without a trace of root as long as the stock files are available.
check your phones specific forum for return to stock guides and methods to remove root indicators if that applies.
calling verizon and asking about root really was not wise. they usually make notes on your account when you call for future reference.
you may not have an issue later from calling them, but you defiantly stirred the hornets nest, so it is possible you will.
---------- Post added at 09:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:55 PM ----------
MSmithXDA said:
Hey folks,
Does anyone know for certain (not speculation) how Verizon treats phones that have been rooted when you go to trade them in on the Edge program? Will a phone that's been rooted in the past be denied for Edge trade-in?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
btw,
it doesnt matter what plan you are on, they dont allow rooting period.
as far as they are concerned, "when they find out it is rooted", your warranty is void, returns are not accepted, and trade ups are denied.
bweN diorD said:
calling verizon and asking about root really was not wise. they usually make notes on your account when you call for future reference.
you may not have an issue later from calling them, but you defiantly stirred the hornets nest, so it is possible you will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I didn't tell them it was me :silly: I pretended to be a new customer interested in service and just had these hypothetical questions. But they didn't have my account # or anything to trace it back to me. Thanks for the info though!
MSmithXDA said:
Well I didn't tell them it was me :silly: I pretended to be a new customer interested in service and just had these hypothetical questions. But they didn't have my account # or anything to trace it back to me. Thanks for the info though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you didn't call them from the phone that's on your account.
I really wouldn't worry about returning a phone that is/was rooted, unless perhaps it was a Samsung with Knox tripped and/or a yellow triangle. It's simply not cost effective for them to check every phone. The reps at the store aren't trained for that sort of thing, and when it goes back to wherever they get refurbished, it's only the hardware that gets tested, and they flash a new factory image. They have to flash a new image, because even after a factory reset, sensitive data can still exist in the memory on the phone (data isn't actually deleted when you delete it, until it gets overwritten, formatted, or you use a special app that does that sort of thing). Certain things can remain the same after doing a factory reset as well. I did a factory reset on a Nexus 4 rooted with Towelroot, and root remained.
Case in point: When I was with Verizon, I rooted my Razr Maxx. I was new to this whole "root" thing (I did it to bypass their hotspot crap). I was having a problem with the Play Store; it wouldn't let me purchase/download ROM Toolbox Pro, regardless of if I did it on my phone or off the website. So I got clever and deleted it (with a warezed Titanium - I'm not proud, I paid for the legit version later) and reinstalled it. And every time I tried, the Play Store would FC instantly.
So I did a factory reset, and WTF? The Play Store was GONE. Some bloatware was back, like the Madden NFL demo and some stupid cartoony golf game, but the Play Store was GONE. Not so clever, I guess. So I bit the bullet and took it to a Verizon store, told them I did a factory reset and Play Store was gone (I left out the other stuff). They googled it for like half an hour before giving up and ordering me a warranty replacement.
At one point, a rep did ask me if I hacked it - I played dumb (how do you hack a phone?). If they were trained or experienced in the sort of things we do, they would have known that the only way this could have happened was if the phone was rooted and I did something. And, if I wasn't such a n00b, I would have known to change Play Store to a system app and it probably would have worked fine (this occurred to me the day after). I got the replacement, and never heard anything about the old phone. I didn't feel too bad about "screwing" them in to giving me a new (refurb) phone, because when I got the replacement, I saw that the screen on the old one was dim, yellow, and sickly compared to the newer one, so apparently there was something actually wrong with it. Months later, the battery on the replacement expanded to the point that it popped the screen loose. The battery expanded on it's replacement too. But that's beside the point.
The point is, when you return a phone, it gets tossed into a pile, and that pile gets sent back to whatever it is they do with them. The sales reps aren't trained for that sort of thing - if you have a problem they don't know off the top of their head, they just google it on the iPads they carry around, and if they come across a site like XDA, they probably ignore it because the lingo and jargon here is gibberish to them (hell, most of it's still gibberish to me, and I've been learning all I can for 2 years). So it gets tossed in to a pile and sent wherever, and wherever it's sent gets hundreds of piles a day, and it's simply not cost effective to check every device. The parts get refurbed, the factory images get flashed (to eliminate any residual sensitive data and ensure the version is up to date), and that's that.
So I really, really, wouldn't worry about it. Unless it's a Samsung and you tripped Knox, have a yellow triangle, or it reads as "custom" or whatever. If you unlocked the bootloader, relock it. Beyond that, don't worry about it. I'm not saying it's impossible that something might happen and they "find out", but it's extremely unlikely. And unlikely to have repercussions. Remember, they want your money. Above all, they want your money. Are they going to keep getting your money if they piss you off by not honoring a phone exchange plan that you're already paying more for? Are they going to keep getting your money if you're dissatisfied and choose to switch providers? Unlikely. A new phone to them is a couple hundred bucks. One more year of service is a grand. Don't worry about it.
Planterz said:
I hope you didn't call them from the phone that's on your account.
I really wouldn't worry about returning a phone that is/was rooted, unless perhaps it was a Samsung with Knox tripped and/or a yellow triangle. It's simply not cost effective for them to check every phone. The reps at the store aren't trained for that sort of thing, and when it goes back to wherever they get refurbished, it's only the hardware that gets tested, and they flash a new factory image. They have to flash a new image, because even after a factory reset, sensitive data can still exist in the memory on the phone (data isn't actually deleted when you delete it, until it gets overwritten, formatted, or you use a special app that does that sort of thing). Certain things can remain the same after doing a factory reset as well. I did a factory reset on a Nexus 4 rooted with Towelroot, and root remained.
Case in point: When I was with Verizon, I rooted my Razr Maxx. I was new to this whole "root" thing (I did it to bypass their hotspot crap). I was having a problem with the Play Store; it wouldn't let me purchase/download ROM Toolbox Pro, regardless of if I did it on my phone or off the website. So I got clever and deleted it (with a warezed Titanium - I'm not proud, I paid for the legit version later) and reinstalled it. And every time I tried, the Play Store would FC instantly.
So I did a factory reset, and WTF? The Play Store was GONE. Some bloatware was back, like the Madden NFL demo and some stupid cartoony golf game, but the Play Store was GONE. Not so clever, I guess. So I bit the bullet and took it to a Verizon store, told them I did a factory reset and Play Store was gone (I left out the other stuff). They googled it for like half an hour before giving up and ordering me a warranty replacement.
At one point, a rep did ask me if I hacked it - I played dumb (how do you hack a phone?). If they were trained or experienced in the sort of things we do, they would have known that the only way this could have happened was if the phone was rooted and I did something. And, if I wasn't such a n00b, I would have known to change Play Store to a system app and it probably would have worked fine (this occurred to me the day after). I got the replacement, and never heard anything about the old phone. I didn't feel too bad about "screwing" them in to giving me a new (refurb) phone, because when I got the replacement, I saw that the screen on the old one was dim, yellow, and sickly compared to the newer one, so apparently there was something actually wrong with it. Months later, the battery on the replacement expanded to the point that it popped the screen loose. The battery expanded on it's replacement too. But that's beside the point.
The point is, when you return a phone, it gets tossed into a pile, and that pile gets sent back to whatever it is they do with them. The sales reps aren't trained for that sort of thing - if you have a problem they don't know off the top of their head, they just google it on the iPads they carry around, and if they come across a site like XDA, they probably ignore it because the lingo and jargon here is gibberish to them (hell, most of it's still gibberish to me, and I've been learning all I can for 2 years). So it gets tossed in to a pile and sent wherever, and wherever it's sent gets hundreds of piles a day, and it's simply not cost effective to check every device. The parts get refurbed, the factory images get flashed (to eliminate any residual sensitive data and ensure the version is up to date), and that's that.
So I really, really, wouldn't worry about it. Unless it's a Samsung and you tripped Knox, have a yellow triangle, or it reads as "custom" or whatever. If you unlocked the bootloader, relock it. Beyond that, don't worry about it. I'm not saying it's impossible that something might happen and they "find out", but it's extremely unlikely. And unlikely to have repercussions. Remember, they want your money. Above all, they want your money. Are they going to keep getting your money if they piss you off by not honoring a phone exchange plan that you're already paying more for? Are they going to keep getting your money if you're dissatisfied and choose to switch providers? Unlikely. A new phone to them is a couple hundred bucks. One more year of service is a grand. Don't worry about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the reason root remained after you did a factory reset is, factory reset does nothing more than wipe the data partition. root code is not inserted there, so it will remain in tact with the exception of the su app unless it is installed in system/apps..
the fact that you had bloatware return after a reset is odd, i have never heard this happen before. resetting does not modify, restore, or change the system partition in any way.
as for them finding the root, i agree it is unlikely, but it can and has happened. also, it doesn't have to happen right away. there have been several reports of charges for replacement phones applied to your bill, from modifications found after the return.
as for them caring if you leave for another carrier, they don't, plain and simple. this has been shown countless times over the years. many people leave them every day, and they don't do the slightest thing to try and stop them.
i seriously doubt they will let you strong arm them by threatening to leave after they find out you returned a modified phone.
So my recent ex boyfriend did something to my phone and was spying on me. He knew things that he would only know bc he had access to everything on my phone. Before u think I'm just paranoid I will say that he has been charged with a crime for doin this to someone else years ago. I think he flashed my phone to do whatever he did. He's very very smart when it comes to technology, he has about 6 laptops and works with computers. He even made the comment once that if he wanted to spy on my phone that it wouldn't matter bc I could never prove it. With one of my phone's I used to could put it in recovery mode but then one day it wouldn't go into recovery mode anymore, I have two build prop files when I used to have only 1. My question is where exactly would a folder be that has a file that wpild prove he spies on me, he's too confident that he can't be caught and admitted he's done it to his exes. This is illegal and wrong and he shouldn't get away with it. I saw something called conspy and cttyhack but I'm not sure if he put it on my phone or if that's just on some phones help me please, there has to be something in a folder I'm just unsure where to look
You could try Malwarebytes and scan your phone. I seem to mention this a lot around here but I've had good results helping friends and family when they screw something up.
Best bet is to wipe and factory reset.
KernelCorn said:
You could try Malwarebytes and scan your phone. I seem to mention this a lot around here but I've had good results helping friends and family when they screw something up.
Best bet is to wipe and factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory reset doesn't help. I know he flashed my phone so idk what he has programmed in the phone but he did something and I need to find the proof
Really really good question but you will hate the answer lol
To answer your question, you would need to seek someone with a reasonable level of tech (ideally) who is preferably certified or holds some form of IT credentials to present your case to the authorities. They would use a forensics program (such as EnCase® Forensic ) to make an exact replica of your phones data. Not to mention you would also need someone else (with a very high tech skill set) to be able to actually identify the malicious behaviour of your phone.... not super hard but can be.... if you were to just take your phone straight to the police yourself with your story .... I highly doubt much would come from it. Even if you can prove what you are saying is true AND you have your infected phone as evidence..... you still have no evidence he did it. Even if your friend was there with you and both watched the entire re flashing etc.... You are still beat... I am going to guess you would need no less than full video of him doing it and even then it would be very shaky.... who's phone was it etc etc ....non malicious hacks (to non celebs and elites) is run of the mill and they probably have about 0.1% of the IT personnel needed at their disposal.... long story short.... errr longish ... I would HIGHLY suggest replacing your phone or taking a chance and getting help from random "tech" Those are your two options.... or you could also get famous overnight I guess..... your call. :good:
Basically you can't prove he did it
But you can testify that he manually flashed a rom to your phone
You can get any decent intelligent tech company to dump your Rom
And compare it to the original rom for changes..
And if those changes are detrimental you have a civil case against him..
But for what it will cost you in tech fees and lawyer bills
Buy 10 new phones and don't let anyone touch them.
cutie28345 said:
So my recent ex boyfriend did something to my phone and was spying on me. He knew things that he would only know bc he had access to everything on my phone. Before u think I'm just paranoid I will say that he has been charged with a crime for doin this to someone else years ago. I think he flashed my phone to do whatever he did. He's very very smart when it comes to technology, he has about 6 laptops and works with computers. He even made the comment once that if he wanted to spy on my phone that it wouldn't matter bc I could never prove it. With one of my phone's I used to could put it in recovery mode but then one day it wouldn't go into recovery mode anymore, I have two build prop files when I used to have only 1. My question is where exactly would a folder be that has a file that wpild prove he spies on me, he's too confident that he can't be caught and admitted he's done it to his exes. This is illegal and wrong and he shouldn't get away with it. I saw something called conspy and cttyhack but I'm not sure if he put it on my phone or if that's just on some phones help me please, there has to be something in a folder I'm just unsure where to look
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use a firewall and see which apps have UNUSUALLY many permissions.
i think he used d*****ack, (sorry, i will not post the name of the hack)
Its quite easy to use and CAN be combined with an existing app
it can be used to record voice/video
can even see call logs, messaging history, whatssap etc.
so boot into recovery mode and wipe factory reset FROM recovery, not settings.(if you dont want to check each app manually)
I think he used d- r- o- i- d- j- a- c- k
cutie28345 said:
So my recent ex boyfriend did something to my phone and was spying on me. He knew things that he would only know bc he had access to everything on my phone. Before u think I'm just paranoid I will say that he has been charged with a crime for doin this to someone else years ago. I think he flashed my phone to do whatever he did. He's very very smart when it comes to technology, he has about 6 laptops and works with computers. He even made the comment once that if he wanted to spy on my phone that it wouldn't matter bc I could never prove it. With one of my phone's I used to could put it in recovery mode but then one day it wouldn't go into recovery mode anymore, I have two build prop files when I used to have only 1. My question is where exactly would a folder be that has a file that wpild prove he spies on me, he's too confident that he can't be caught and admitted he's done it to his exes. This is illegal and wrong and he shouldn't get away with it. I saw something called conspy and cttyhack but I'm not sure if he put it on my phone or if that's just on some phones help me please, there has to be something in a folder I'm just unsure where to look
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are just paranoid.
about the build.prop, whenever a change is made, the system saves the original as a backup. so youll have 2. if you dont want to be paranoid anymore, in twrp or cwm recovery, wipe the system then flash another rom or a factory image. wiping the system will delete any rom or anything that was added into your system. you will need to flash a rom before you could boot up again.
I think getting a new phone will be the most hassle free and likely cheapest solution. Turn off the other phone, take out the battery and you will have nothing to worry about it anymore.
Yes you can go and do al kinds of checks yourself, reset it and have some people look at it. But will you ever be sure that there is nothing malicious left on your phone? Just holding the phone that was once (or still is) infected by your (evil?) ex-boyfriend might bring up many emotions. Please don't lose your sleep over this. Spare yourself the trouble and get a new device.
Maybe it was time for an update anyway
Good luck!
If it is a good device, give it to me
Or even a crappy one I have a collection of both)
I'll use it
That will mess with your exs mind..
Hi there
I can only apologize for having to ask this question, and I do feel a complete n00b for having to ask, but I actually can't afford to get this wrong, so need some help from people who know what they are doing
I've just defected from my Apple iPhone 6+, as Android phones are the only ones that are listed as 100% compatible with my Tobii I12 eyegaze communication device. Using this device I can make calls, texts, Facebook, pretty much anything I want to without needing physical access to the phone.
Now, I also have a Samsung Tab 2 (SM-T700) which I rooted, installed recovery, custom ROM etc some time ago, as it was only a cheap tablet and if it all went wrong, I could afford to wait and mess around to try and fix it.
The thing is, it's more essential my S8+ is working, as I use it with my communication aid to get through to the outside world.
OK, so what do I want to do? Obviously, I'm hoping to achieve root, and one of the reasons for this is because I paid full price for my S8+ (not a network upgrade), the full >£700. This in turn means that I get the privilege of being punished by not being able to use Three WiFi Calling. The signal at my house is a bit shaky, and I read that with a CSC (Country Specific Code) I might be able to get VoWifi working It'd also be nice to know my phone had the capability of running what I want it to....
So, I know that rooting is going to trip knox & warranty void. Not an issue. Having a device that does what I ask it to is more important than some stupid warranty.
However, I have read that before doing ANYTHING, I should make sure I have a backup of this EFS/IMEI partition. Because once it's gone, it's gone for good.
Now I never did anything like this for my tablet, so now I'm just a bit scared I'm going to wipe this partition and completely hose my phone in the future.
So, can somebody please let me know what I should be doing? I really can't afford to be without my phone, but I really need Wifi Calling to work!
Sorry if this is a n00b question that has been answered before. Thanks in advance
Never mind.....
Did a bit more reading today and it makes more sense now.... EFS partition is just a partition on the device; and there are many tools that can backup partitions.... with root, I could even just 'dd' it
Going to take it slowly, but hopefully I can start contributing soon instead of just asking questions
Thanks again
I'm kinda curious about this too, this will be my first attempt at rooting a Samsung and I've seen horror stories about losing the EFS partition in the past.
Incidentally, if you're based in the UK, tripping knox doesn't void your warranty.
Nothing original here, I did the accidentally deleted a whole chain of texts thing, they had to do with a death in the family and now I really want them back. I understand I can use 3rd party app software to try and get them back, but I'm not sure if they all require rooting the phone, and how dangerous this is. I've changed settings in my laptop bios and updated it, so I'm not scared of getting into tricky software areas, but would like clarification on the dangers of rooting/retrieving. I don't want to lose anything else. If anyone has advice, it'd be very much appreciated!
Also, tips on good apps would be great.
Thanks