Database Info

Newcomers please read me, a helpful little guide

While I'm seeing an influx of new comers to the MyTouch4G section, most likely due to newer phones coming out and picking these up cheap.
I'd like to remind you of a couple of things prior to just jumping in and rooting your phone.
Disclaimer: i am not a mod or an admin, just a humble "helper outer"
First Things First.​Rooting one's phone is not to be taken lightly. When you root your phone to are basically giving your self SU access to the /system files of your phone. While this allows for GREAT expansion of the devices capabilities, you need to under stand that it can also brick your device in a heart beat. I know a guy who lives in St.Louis who said all he did was flash a custom font, via an application, on his rooted droid 2 and it bricked. You need to read, and understand what you are getting into. Because when the rubber meets the road you are the only one who can save your phone.
Secondly and just as important as anything else else.​please install the ADB drivers at a minimum. TrueBlue_Drew has put together a very simple walk-through with video for this http://bit.ly/q7MP9t. Please take the time to learn the basic commands and what they do.
Third, and this can prevent some headaches down the road​please go and check which eMMC chipset you have. Our phones where made in two different places, and have two different Chip set serial numbers. One of them is problematic and one of them is pretty safe. Please take time to verify which chipset you have prior to flashing anything. And yes it can be done without root access [http://bit.ly/y2zmdr]. Please see this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=858996
Fourth, and this is where the rubbers meets the road. ​A)
You need to decide which root method is for you. There are two different proven methods out there. One is known as the root.sh method. This is the simplest method. the long and short of it is this. You download a packet, extract a folder to your SD Cards root directory. Then you download, install and run a program called VISIONary. after you do that you enter a simple command or two to run the script in the extracted folder. you can find that method here root.sh method now this method will work to turn your phone into a rooted s-off phone. and is super easy i used this method to root my phone with s-off before i even left the T-Mobile store when i bought the devices. However it only turns off the security flags. IF you flash the PD15IMG to return to a stock fashion it will remove all SU rights.
B)
the second method is a bit more entailed but completely removes the security flags. IT's called ./gfree method. Now you need to be careful because this will root a phone with a bad eMMC chipset. Meaning it will be easier for you to brick your device. If that happens you own a 200-500 USD paper weight. And as of currently there is no sure fire way to recover from it. you can find more on that method here ./gfree rooting method.
c)
ONLY IF YOU HAVE THE STOCK 2.3.4 (GINGERBREAD) ROM
you must downgrade to 2.2.1 before you can root your phone.
Please see this link http://bit.ly/rugejM.
d)
if you do not know what you are doing i would advise against the OneClickRoot for rooting ANY phone. It's a simple path to enable someone with no knowledge to root their device.
We are glad you have chosen to make XDA your source for all of your hacker needs. But please take some time and read and study prior to doing anything. We'd hate to see you root and brick your phone because you over looked something.
the Q&A section is used for just that Questions and Answers
the Accessory section is for just that Accessories devoted to the HTC Glacier
the Development Section is just that a section where you can find ROMS, Kernels, hacker, and PC/Mac/Linux guides
the App section is just that a place for us to talk about add ons and applications
everything else falls under the general section.
hope you enjoy your stay here.

Finally, and i wanted to post this separately
please do not be afraid of the search button or Google. Chances are if you've encountered a problem, or have a question. Someone has already asked it, or solved it.
Please watch this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmvCpR45LKA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Thanks for this. So your saying not to root at all if you have the "bad" chipset?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

CoNsPiRiSiZe said:
Thanks for this. So your saying not to root at all if you have the "bad" chipset?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is what is encouraged, unless you want a $500 brick.

saranhai said:
that is what is encouraged, unless you want a $500 brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I got that, plus the bad display!!! Do I call T-Mobile?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

Thank you this is very helpful! I just got replacement mt4g due to the bad emmc chip failing and it had the 2.3.4 on it. And it was a pain finding all the info plus the bad info people was giving out to root my phone. So now all new and replacement mt4g's are shipping with 2.3.4 on them, my mother just got a free mt4g and it had 2.3.4 already on it.

CoNsPiRiSiZe said:
Thanks for this. So your saying not to root at all if you have the "bad" chipset?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it does go bad there is good chance you can exchange it just don't tell them anything about you rooted the phone. I sent my phone in rooted with S off with a different problem and had no problem getting an exchange now I have this 2.3.4 which is not too bad but still figuring out the downgrade process I miss all the privileges with being rooted.

jigajay said:
If it does go bad there is good chance you can exchange it just don't tell them anything about you rooted the phone. I sent my phone in rooted with S off with a different problem and had no problem getting an exchange now I have this 2.3.4 which is not too bad but still figuring out the downgrade process I miss all the privileges with being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on replacing with no problem.
Sent from the HTC Glacier Sense 3.0 using XDA premium app

Rooted and downgraded with this guide. Thanks SOO MUCH!!!
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

This thread should probably be stickied.

chem.manish said:
This thread should probably be stickied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could PM a local admin/mod and they could do that if they see fit.

Great guide! It helped me with several questions I had, I was even able to check if I had a bad eMMC, I'm lucky I have the good one \o/
My phone came with 2.3.4, I really want to root to remove all the junk that comes preinstalled.
I have a question, if I used the root.sh method (which seems the safest), after downgrading of course. If I flash a rooted stock 2.3.4 ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264704
Would I loose my S-OFF? Also to install the ClockworkMod recovery, is it the same way as other phones? ex can I just install it using the ROM manager?
Also is it really necessary to flash the engineering bootloader?
thanks for this great tutorial!

Salvy said:
Would I loose my S-OFF? Also to install the ClockworkMod recovery, is it the same way as other phones? ex can I just install it using the ROM manager?
Also is it really necessary to flash the engineering bootloader?
thanks for this great tutorial!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you have s-off, you will keep s-off until you manually turn it to s-on. So to answer your question.
No if you flash the rooted 2.3.4 of the stock OS you will keep s-off.
Yes you can flash it via the recovery image, without any problems. Just make sure to do a back up first.
It's not really needed, but encouraged as you can flash specific sections of the OS, or recovery image if needed.

Thank you very much for your help!
Everything went smoothly, now I'm in 2.3.4 rooted with bloat and ad free ^_^
The root.sh method didn't work for me though, but gfree worked like a charm (was kind of scared using it, but since I already checked my eMMC was good, I went ahead and worked perfectly!)
Thanks for your help!

thanks for help

Thanks, very useful information for mytouch 4g owners

check

Great guide! Thanks!

nice starting guide for new mytouch 4g users hoping to root to read!

Thanks for the info!

Looks like the devs are not working on Root for 1.85

Arg....seems like the devs have moved on to getting s-off and coming out with new roms and have given up on finding exploits to root 1.85. The threads for root have been empty for a while now...wondering if its time to exchange the phone or return it and want for the sg3?
I know i'm not the only person frustrated for upgrading to 1.85....

I thought you could RUU back to 1.82 if you wanted and then root?
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

mobilehavoc said:
I thought you could RUU back to 1.82 if you wanted and then root?
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can. That is what I did. It's pretty simple.
Revert to 1.82, root,
one click superCID
relock in fast boot
ruu 1.85
flash the unlock token from fastboot, it took me a few tries before it took
flash a recovery (twrp is working well for us right now)
and then use the recovery to flash the SU zip file. Then you're all set

Well this is how it works.
Once you update your RUU to 1.85 then install CWM (flashing utility in recovery) You will just flash the Rom you wish this will give you root.
Hope this clears things up?

I'm unclear on the rooted 1.85 but from what I gather you have to have done superCID hack before upgrading to be able to gain root. I believe you have to also have superCID to do ruu to a previous firmware. I may be wrong but if your on 1.85 without superCID I think your SOL for now atleast.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Read it follow it ROOT it... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671135

gtung99 said:
Arg....seems like the devs have moved on to getting s-off and coming out with new roms and have given up on finding exploits to root 1.85. The threads for root have been empty for a while now...wondering if its time to exchange the phone or return it and want for the sg3?
I know i'm not the only person frustrated for upgrading to 1.85....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe YOU should start working on the root then. Wow what an ignorant thing to post, its amazing how much people will complain for something they contribute nothing for.

P_Dub_S said:
Read it follow it ROOT it... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671135
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Says right in the instructions you need root to downgrade. Unless somebody can confirm otherwise?

redpoint73 said:
Says right in the instructions you need root to downgrade. Unless somebody can confirm otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread on how to downgrade in development.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA

SkizzMcNizz said:
There's a thread on how to downgrade in development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the one linked in the post I just quoted? Like I said, that one says it requires root.
Lots of people are saying "just downgrade" on this thread. But I don't think its possible.

redpoint73 said:
Says right in the instructions you need root to downgrade. Unless somebody can confirm otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah your correct there was another thread on how to get root through AT&T ready to go app but they blocked that now so looks like the OP waited to long.

It's simply amazing ...
robstunner said:
Maybe YOU should start working on the root then. Wow what an ignorant thing to post, its amazing how much people will complain for something they contribute nothing for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's simply amazing how many people will write such non-useful crap that serves no useful purpose.
Look, we've all been there. We all had to learn from the beginning at some point.
I'm also sick of people lobbing ignorant comments my way when it comes to some of the things I do for others, especially here on xda. Case in point ...
Over the last three days I've prepared a 36-page manual that describes, in great detail, how to do virtually everything on a ONE X. Here's the link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1678308
It's sad when, after working an average of 70 hours per week as President an owner of my LED lighting company, plus having a 2-1/2-year-old at home, who's a wonderful challenge, plus having issues with my 82-year-old mother suffering from Alzheimers, I still MAKE time to help others, most especially here on xda. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. As I said above, we've all been there, and I'm quite sick and tired of so many others (THEY shall remain nameless), who can't spend a few extra seconds of their precious time to provide a better explanation than the simple "just do it in fastboot," or "use adb," etc.
Yes, I've now learned exactly what these two simple statements mean, but it really would have been nice, and far, far, far easier not just for me, but everyone if, instead of saying the following ...
flash it in fastboot
...they instead said something like ...
open a command prompt, navigate to your adb folder, and flash in fastboot using the following line:
fastboot flash recovery xxxxxxx.img
Wow, it took me an extra 10 seconds. Oh, my goodness, my fingers are now so sore. I think I'll head to the hospital. Be back later.
Peter
P.S. And don't anyone dare tell me, like someone did yesterday, that I should basically shut up and stop "sassing" (their word) the developers because they work so hard at what they do. You know, I probably work as hard if not MUCH harder than most of them, yet I will always try my very best to give some of my time to others. Again, as I said above, it's the right thing to do. You know, maybe if more people did just that, the world wouldn't be so full of self-centred, egotistical ingrates.

P_Dub_S said:
Ah your correct there was another thread on how to get root through AT&T ready to go app but they blocked that now so looks like the OP waited to long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or didn't wait enough. Don't update official firmware without knowing if existing root methods will still work, unless you are willing to live with the consequences.

FusionTechFTS said:
You can. That is what I did. It's pretty simple.
Revert to 1.82, root,
one click superCID
relock in fast boot
ruu 1.85
flash the unlock token from fastboot, it took me a few tries before it took
flash a recovery (twrp is working well for us right now)
and then use the recovery to flash the SU zip file. Then you're all set
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. All that and I'm not sure it will even work. Makes me realize how nice it is to have devices like the Nexus that are not locked down as much as HTCs latest on AT&T.
It also seems like Samsung devices are not as difficult to deal with than HTC and the locked bootloader and S-On.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

davidstech11 said:
Wow. All that and I'm not sure it will even work. Makes me realize how nice it is to have devices like the Nexus that are not locked down as much as HTCs latest on AT&T.
It also seems like Samsung devices are not as difficult to deal with than HTC and the locked bootloader and S-On.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well..get a OTG..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...bSeBg &usg=AFQjCNHEnFsWor6zKtrltkg0TIqCxP1pLw
read that post...this allows you to downgrade...with you can get root...
however...you have to get some $$ off of your pocket..

redpoint73 said:
You mean the one linked in the post I just quoted? Like I said, that one says it requires root.
Lots of people are saying "just downgrade" on this thread. But I don't think its possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA

redpoint73 said:
You mean the one linked in the post I just quoted? Like I said, that one says it requires root.
Lots of people are saying "just downgrade" on this thread. But I don't think its possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So only option is to get a new OneX and hope it has 1.82 or below? I'm not even sure root and ROMs are that critical to me but just curious
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

once rooted what are somethings i can do to make my phone faster? i have no idea why it lags on opening the app drawer

Crizthakidd said:
once rooted what are somethings i can do to make my phone faster? i have no idea why it lags on opening the app drawer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have installed something to make it slow. Since every One X I seen and used did not lag on opening the app drawer. Not seeing lag.

davidstech11 said:
You have installed something to make it slow. Since every One X I seen and used did not lag on opening the app drawer. Not seeing lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen where some people say that it lags a little when they open it for the first time after a reboot or it sitting idle a while. It's happened to me a few times also.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA

i wanna root my sg3... is it worth it?

i dont know if i should root my sg3 or not! kinda scared, and whats the best program to root this device without crashing? and what are the chances to get the jellybean update... (im a verizon customer) .. lol anyways any kind of info helps.. thnx!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

You don't need to root to get a stock jellybean release on your phone. You would use a program called odin and put your phone into download mode and it will flash the system on your phone. If you don't like it or need to warranty your phone you just odin back to a official verizon release.
You can follow this guide, you would need 1,2,and 8. Then just follow the steps included. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1974114
Rooting is something you would do if you wanted to run apps or alter system files that require special privileges to access, read or write. A good reason to root is flash a custom recovery. The custom recovery will allow you to make backups of your phone. If something breaks on your system you can simply restore a backup in like 10 mins and its good as new
If you want to flash a rom then you will need to rooted AND have your bootloader unlocked. Its a pretty easy process to do everything as long as you pay attention. I.e. don't flash a rom meant for another carriers S3 or the international S3 cause you will hard brick your phone and have to mail it to someone with like $60 to get it fixed A good rom to try first would be CleanRom imo. There are many guides around this forum, just read em and reread em then go at it. If you are unsure about something then ask before you do it.
P.s. Backup your imei...... here is a great guide on how to do everything... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709

I just recently had to make the same decision! Finally, after a good bit of research and youtube video watching, I decided to go ahead with the root process and couldn't be happier! Especially with Verizon being so far behind right now.

It's so easy to do. Just read and follow all the steps.
Just my 2 cents,I couldn't imagine having a non rooted phone. Even if you don't want to flash a rom, getting the bloat off is worth it. Some apps can be disabled now but a few still linger.

I may still have 'noob' status on this forum, but I have been lurking here for years. And I have rooted all of the Android phones that I have had (Droid Incredible, Thunderbolt, and now GS3). I don't do much with my rooted phones, but being able to run a version of the operating system (JB) that seems like it will never make it out of Verizon R&D is totally worth it.
The root method for the S3 is incredibly easy. And there is plenty of help on these forums. Just make sure you read the info before moving forward, and all should be well.

I would say go Root. I too have been following the forums, and you will find an incredible amount of information on this site. Helpful people as well.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I'd say go for it, why wait for the jelly bean update when you can get it from leaked ROMS already.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

I would definitely root. There are so many roms, mods, themes that you can flash and it seems like something new every week. Plus this maybe one of the easiest phones to root that there is. There many guides that will help you and the community is wonderful.
You have v6 camero dont you want the v8 top of the line?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Make sure you do your research before hand, there is more than enough info on here but really there is no reason not to unless your phone was given to you by your job or something

x714x said:
You don't need to root to get a stock jellybean release on your phone. You would use a program called odin and put your phone into download mode and it will flash the system on your phone. If you don't like it or need to warranty your phone you just odin back to a official verizon release.
You can follow this guide, you would need 1,2,and 8. Then just follow the steps included. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1974114
Rooting is something you would do if you wanted to run apps or alter system files that require special privileges to access, read or write. A good reason to root is flash a custom recovery. The custom recovery will allow you to make backups of your phone. If something breaks on your system you can simply restore a backup in like 10 mins and its good as new
If you want to flash a rom then you will need to rooted AND have your bootloader unlocked. Its a pretty easy process to do everything as long as you pay attention. I.e. don't flash a rom meant for another carriers S3 or the international S3 cause you will hard brick your phone and have to mail it to someone with like $60 to get it fixed A good rom to try first would be CleanRom imo. There are many guides around this forum, just read em and reread em then go at it. If you are unsure about something then ask before you do it.
P.s. Backup your imei...... here is a great guide on how to do everything... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that. Thanks for the info!
I rooted my Droid Incredible and my Kindle Fire. Both were easy with a tutorial. It made the Kindle Fire a whole new device. I was waiting to root my S3 until after Verizon released the JB update, but seeing the quoted post above, it looks like I don't have to wait for Verizon.
I believe there is a one click root method for the VZW S3 so there's really no reason not to root!
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

Root that dude!
Learn a couple things and assert yourself my young Padawan! After all...
Aren't you holding a SGS3-PO?

x714x said:
You don't need to root to get a stock jellybean release on your phone. You would use a program called odin and put your phone into download mode and it will flash the system on your phone. If you don't like it or need to warranty your phone you just odin back to a official verizon release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You still need an unlocked bootloader to do this which would void warranty anyways.

So worth it!!! Root it!!! There are plenty of Step-by-Step guides in the developers forum that makes it so easy...but please read all the steps first then do them....

You know, I would always root, but would be much less tempted if Verizon didn't load up MY phone with bloat.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Root unlock and get system app mover and busybox. Move bloat apps from system and then uninstall them.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Can someone point me in the right direction? Looking for simple steps. I want to stay stock, no root. Would like to flash the latest leaked Jelly Bean. And then instructions on how to go back to Ice Cream Sandwich when the official Jelly Bean OTA comes out. Thank you everyone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

-before anything read and read more, if you do root first thing to-do make a backup of your system(nandroid)
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Its a matter of prefrence really.
I recently went back to stock and im content as can be.
Not really missing anything and there's tons of APK's around to get u what ur looking for.
Sent from my Cocaine White GSIII

Yes rooting your phone opens up the posibility to do anything flash roms, mod, ect.

If you like being able to customize your interface then you should defiantly root your phone.

Is there a way to root only?

I have the Verizon Galaxy S III SCH-I535 and I want to root it, but everywhere I've looked (I've been searching for the last three hours) the guides tell me to install a custom ROM as well. I am fine with the stock, I just want to root it. Is this possible or do I have to install a custom ROM?
I upgraded to the S III from my old Droid 3 and I was able to just root that.
I apologize if this is answered elsewhere, I couldn't find it, but I might just be blind, dumb, and stupid. Thanks for your help.

Yes. Just follow one of these guides through the root process and don't go any further.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439
Both methods require Odin which is pretty easy to use. Make sure you are 100% comfortable and fully understand all the steps and you should have no problem.

Ryno77 said:
Yes. Just follow one of these guides through the root process and don't go any further.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439
Both methods require Odin which is pretty easy to use. Make sure you are 100% comfortable and fully understand all the steps and you should have no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I was hoping for a simple root only plan, but this is pretty close to what I wanted. My room mate found a ROM for 4.2 so I might give that a shot as well.

teslonelf said:
Thanks, I was hoping for a simple root only plan, but this is pretty close to what I wanted. My room mate found a ROM for 4.2 so I might give that a shot as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure it's for the right phone, and not for an international version.

nufan said:
Make sure it's for the right phone, and not for an international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also use SuperSu for JellyBean Roms over Superuser

If you're going to root, why not unlock bootloader as well?
The phone can be set back to as if it was just taken out of the box still.
Just personal curiosity

What's the difference?
EDIT: This was for the message 2 above this one. Screwed up on messenger app. Sorry.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

getting an s3 in a few weeks. ?'s.

i have been using the droid x2 for about two years. it has a locked bootloader, and very limited abilities as far as flashing roms goes. kernels will be a new thing to me. i have noticed that in most rom install instructions, there are no specifications on what version to be on. lol not something i am used to.
could someone point me in the right direction for some reading material on the subject? this phone specifically? i understand a fair amount about being rooted and performing various things within recovery and android in general. i just want to make sure that before i go messing around with my s3, i know exactly what im doing. thanks in advance.
also, i have read a decent amount already, and it seems like this phone is fairly easy to brick,? also not something i am used to. the droid x2 with its locked bootloader was next to impossible to brick.
cant wait to join the ranks.! thanks again.

Lots of info here. Some of the info is old but reading it will help.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2079399
The only way I have seen someone hardbricking is by flashing a rom that's not made for the Verizon version. It seems people will accidently flash a rom for the the International version.
A few tips, back up your imei, make sure you unlock your bootloader and only flash Verizon roms.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

bobAbooE said:
Lots of info here. Some of the info is old but reading it will help.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2079399
The only way I have seen someone hardbricking is by flashing a rom that's not made for the Verizon version. It seems people will accidently flash a rom for the the International version.
A few tips, back up your imei, make sure you unlock your bootloader and only flash Verizon roms.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this. i appreciate you taking your time to hook it up. and thanks for the tips. ! :highfive: if you think of any others, let me know.