[Q] Should toolkits be banned? - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

From reading this forum daily, it seems to me that toolkits are doing more harm than good. The Nexus has to be the easiest device there is to unlock and root, yet these toolkits are encouraging people to tinker who frankly have no idea what the hell they're doing, and when they inevitably bork their device and the toolkit can't fix it, they come here for help. We try to help them in earnest, but because they know absolutely nothing, even with guidance, they still can't fix it.
How do I get fastboot to work in recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader, what's a bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean everything will be erased?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait how do I unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work when I adb the factory image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And so on, and so forth. I'm not saying this to be mean or mock anyone, but if you can't follow simple instructions to unlock and root without the assistance of a toolkit, then you shouldn't be modding in the first place. The Nexus 5 is very easy to mod, and very difficult to hard-brick, you just have to know what you're doing. If you know what you're doing, then when you run into trouble, you'll most likely be able to fix it without any help, and even if you do need help, you'll actually understand how to do what people are telling you to do to fix it.

im probably the #1 proponent against root toolkits. there's way too much grief for many that use them. but, they shouldnt be banned. the problem is when people that are new to modding use them. these people mostly dont educate themselves as well. so when the have the tiniest of issues, or when some simple upkeep needs to be done, they are lost. and many times end up doing worse things to their phone. for the user that knows about the phone, and modding, they are fine. essentially, its not the root toolkit thats the issue, but the users themselves. of course, sometimes the root toolkits create their own issues, but i wont go there.

Its a tricky one. Sometimes when im struggling with drivers, a toolkit can help me out BUT there's the issue of new user's doing things they dont understand....whilst not learning ....
Personally I think we need to try and educate people against them but I've needed their help in the past
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I don't think the issue is tool kits, I agree that they aren't necessary, but nobody seems to want to learn these days. Everyone seems to want something right now and feels entitled to an answer. It's not only here but in society too. But enough of that.

jd1639 said:
I don't think the issue is tool kits, I agree that they aren't necessary, but nobody seems to want to learn these days. Everyone seems to want something right now and feels entitled to an answer. It's not only here but in society too. But enough of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol was about to post the exact same comment. Props jd1639
sent from my HAMMERHEAD neXus

What about facepalm rumrunner juopunut bear etc etc.. Those are all basically toolkits that handle multiple things like root s-off unlock compacted down to a few quick clicks made easy for the very technical exploits and unlocks?? Where one wrong key entry could potentially brick a device. That goes for experienced and inexperienced users. I think they are a good idea but in no way shape or form think that a user shouldn't be uneducated in what they are doing. If you are here then you should read and thoroughly understand what you are doing and know exactly why you are here!

rootSU said:
Its a tricky one. Sometimes when im struggling with drivers, a toolkit can help me out BUT there's the issue of new user's doing things they dont understand....whilst not learning ....
Personally I think we need to try and educate people against them but I've needed their help in the past
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, especially on windows 7 when you have a Samsung device and a nexus and the drivers conflict.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

But that is the point. A toolkit should be for the automaton of difficult, lengthy or risky processes.
Processes such as unlocking the bootloader
Fastboot OEM unlock
And flashing recoveries
Fastboot flash recovery xyz.img
Flashing factory image
Double click flashall.bat
Should never be included in any toolkit. Period.
There should be a basic level of understanding before doing anything but as has been said. People are becoming more and more stupid and don't want to understand what is actually happening.
I do feel sorry for us main few who are often actively attending these posts on xda.
Fingers point at the direction of Simms and rootsu who I often see answering the same stupid questions over and over.
What is happening to humanity!
I can understand if access to information is not available but there is plenty of documentation about how to do pretty much everything in this day and age but people don't seem to want to learn.
Enough ranting as nothing will change.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

I wrote a similar thread 2 years ago. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469909
Things have definitely gotten better since then. The people who actively remind new users about using fastboot and adb instead has increased. However, there are still a ton of panic threads about things people should know before they unlock and root their phone.
I don't think they should be banned, however it do disagree with them being featured on the Nexus 5 main page. They do have their place, just not for new users.

El Daddy said:
I wrote a similar thread 2 years ago. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469909
Things have definitely gotten better since then. The people who actively remind new users about using fastboot and adb instead has increased. However, there are still a ton of panic threads about things people should know before they unlock and root their phone.
I don't think they should be banned, however it do disagree with them being featured on the Nexus 5 main page. They do have their place, just not for new users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have an issue with xda letting them post toolkits in the development sections

simms22 said:
i have an issue with xda letting them post toolkits in the development sections
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point!

Imo depends on the phone somethings are really difficult as oems try to make it possible to mod. On some lower end devices the only way I found to root was to use some form of toolkit. Used them on HTC devices not because I don't know how to use fastboot or because I don't know how to go to HTC Dev unlock it's just all in one convenient step. In the past setting up adb was more confusing as the guids were terrible if your a beginner. Thankfully guids are much more easier to understand and its a breeze.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

When I first wanted to root my nexus I asked about the toolkit. I received instant responses regarding the issues using them with explanations why. I immediately reviewed chromiums guide to rooting our device the "right" way with fastboot and adb. I am grateful for the information a received on that original post after seeing tons of issues on this forum with using toolkits.
I would suggest that one of our more experienced and knowledgeable users here create a sticky on the disadvantages of tool kits and fully explain why good old fastboot and adb is the way to go. I think it might have a positive impact on new comers to this forum who would usually fall back to a toolkit to root their nexus, just as I almost did!!!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda premium

My first root was done with a toolkit on my old Xperia X8 and through that I've learned tremendously. Idiots will be idiots but if you don't let those who want to learn get their feet wet without jumping in headfirst many won't even attempt. Plus, that X8 was a difficult device.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I don't think they should be banned. I do however think that the majority of toolkit users should be banned from using them.

Toolkits are like chainsaws. Their fast and convenient but sometimes not the best choice. Got to go now. I have a box of toothpicks that needs sharpening.
Sent from AOSP koeMod 4.4.2 w/ Franco kernel

Root both my nexus 5 using wug. Why would I want it banned. Best thing that ever happened. I am not an android genius so ....
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

kenpen said:
Root both my nexus 5 using wug. Why would I want it banned. Best thing that ever happened. I am not an android genius so ....
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need a degree to type seven words in a command prompt and flash a file in recovery.
Toolkits are part of the problem, not part of the solution. They encourage laziness.

Aerowinder said:
You don't need a degree to type seven words in a command prompt and flash a file in recovery.
Toolkits are part of the problem, not part of the solution. They encourage laziness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely agree with you as well as pretty much everything that's been said. Nexus is very, very easy to root (providing you can follow steps properly). I'm personally against tool kits but it mostly depends on the situation. For example, adb on a Nexus, o god.... Got it to work but a lot more work than I would've wanted to :/ However, it was a good learning experience.
On my old phone, HTC Incredible S, we had to do a downgrade to S-OFF and I can understand a toolkit that automates most of it. I would say that's the one time a tool kit has been mqajorly beneficial because if users manually entered the code in, there'd be a lot of questions
But on a device like nexus, why would you need a tool kit. I don't see an issue where the procedure for performin X task is very complicated but when it is downright simple like on a Nexus device, I see it doing a lot more harm than good. I would say ban tool kits in Nexus forums at least

Nah, don't ban em. The bricked threads are so much fun to read.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Related

1 click root app?

Is there any 1 click root apps for the thunderbolt yet like universal root or z4 type app?
Sent from my thunderbolt using XDA App
No. There are "easy" root apps for Windows (and some scripts for Mac/Linux) available...
I am not sure if there will be a one-click app for quite some time. If you read the process for rooting you will understand that you are required to downgrade the firmware in order to obtain permanent root (through an exploit).
I don't think that there should be any 1 click apps for rooting. These devs spend alot of time setting stuff up for us if you want to use their stuff then learn how to do the basics atleast. Besides the more that learns how to do "technical" stuff the stronger the community will be.
dsvoda said:
I don't think that there should be any 1 click apps for rooting. These devs spend alot of time setting stuff up for us if you want to use their stuff then learn how to do the basics atleast. Besides the more that learns how to do "technical" stuff the stronger the community will be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. I understand and believe that people should learn what they are doing before they begin but there are some people out there who just want to remove bloat. Nothing else. And for those people, I think a 1 click root should be available. I went through probably 2 or 3 hours learning how and why to do the root method on this phone after doing the same thing on my old phone (Droid X) because I plan on doing so much with it I want to know exactly what is going on. People like me, should go through the comprehensive root so we have far less "I flashed ____ and bricked my phone what do I do?!?!?!?!1" but for people who just want to remove bloat or use tethering should once again not have to spend hours figuring out what adb is/does.
And even if everyone in the community learns the "technichal" stuff many of them aren't going to help out anyone else. They are going to root, ROM, and GTFO.
miketoasty said:
I disagree. I understand and believe that people should learn what they are doing before they begin but there are some people out there who just want to remove bloat. Nothing else. And for those people, I think a 1 click root should be available. I went through probably 2 or 3 hours learning how and why to do the root method on this phone after doing the same thing on my old phone (Droid X) because I plan on doing so much with it I want to know exactly what is going on. People like me, should go through the comprehensive root so we have far less "I flashed ____ and bricked my phone what do I do?!?!?!?!1" but for people who just want to remove bloat or use tethering should once again not have to spend hours figuring out what adb is/does.
And even if everyone in the community learns the "technichal" stuff many of them aren't going to help out anyone else. They are going to root, ROM, and GTFO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I was doing is stating my opinion which still stands at if u don't want to learn stuff leave it stock. And even with a 1 click root app there is still a chance for stuff to go wrong. Nothing in this world is always predictable.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
dsvoda said:
All I was doing is stating my opinion which still stands at if u don't want to learn stuff leave it stock. And even with a 1 click root app there is still a chance for stuff to go wrong. Nothing in this world is always predictable.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't arguing with you just as you said I was stating my opinion.
And the difference between running through an hour long rooting process and a 20 minute 1 click root is, well it's quite obvious what the difference is. Also, we know nothing is perfect that's why everything out there (ROMs, kernels, rooting methods, etc) all have liability warnings, the same as 1 click roots.
dsvoda said:
All I was doing is stating my opinion which still stands at if u don't want to learn stuff leave it stock. And even with a 1 click root app there is still a chance for stuff to go wrong. Nothing in this world is always predictable.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really have a desire to learn ADB so I won't, but I will still root my phone.
Actually, if I absolutely HAD to learn to use ADB to root, I probably would, then I would promptly forget what I've learned since I'd probably never use it again, until it came time to root my next phone. So I don't see the point, just respectfully disagreeing and sharing my opinion
I use a MAC and a PC and I've built PC's, but I really don't care to learn how all the background s/ware stuff works, but I can add components like a mad-woman.
Thats exactly what I want to do. Just remove the tons of crap that came built in. A one click root solution would be a lifesaver.
The current root methods are way too complicated for me.
yumms said:
Thats exactly what I want to do. Just remove the tons of crap that came built in. A one click root solution would be a lifesaver.
The current root methods are way too complicated for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would this help you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1009969
of this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005292
dsvoda said:
I don't think that there should be any 1 click apps for rooting. These devs spend alot of time setting stuff up for us if you want to use their stuff then learn how to do the basics atleast. Besides the more that learns how to do "technical" stuff the stronger the community will be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, totally... and we should stop using push button car ignitions and even key starts. People should have to poor gas in their carburetors and hand pump up the pressure and crack start it. This way people will better understand how the engine works in case they need to work on it after a break down.
What about lighters and stoves!? 1 click to start a fire, wtf? 2 stick method I say, do people even realize what fire is and where it comes from these days?
Than there's Velcro shoes... omg!
hogowner said:
would this help you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1009969
of this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005292
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. The second link looks promising. I'll need to try that tonight.
For the love of God... not another effing debate about one-click solutions and learning ADB. Noob this, noob that... developer this, developer that.
The ultimate point is that nobody is entitled to anything... but once a solution has been developed in an open community, nobody is prohibited from using it based upon their level of experience.
I personally feel that it is beneficial to know how the root method works, but there are people who could care less and just want to root their device without fully understanding the process/risks/technicalities.
The bottom line is that they are free to do this and they are "allowed" to use one-click root solutions without having technical knowledge or understanding what ADB is!
/end_rant
Well what good is root at this point? The radio has issues, the camcorder app is bunked, txt app is wishy washy, ringtones for specific contacts switches, etc. I am waiting on root at this point! I have rooted every android phone I have had and this one just seems to flake with root at this time. I still don't understand wth it's doing! If I had a clue, I would write a one click. Just makes it less of a head ache if you have more than one tb to do. And you won't have noobs pop up asking wth did I do wrong. And yes I'm a noob too, but I also read b4 I venture into the unknown. I still say if u wanna learn go buy a book and if ya don't understand it then ask. Why not just put a noob section on each device forum? Let people help the ones that can't do it on their own. Heck make it a mandatory $10 donation fee if ya gotta have someone show you what to do. Seems like no one here has ever had to ask for help. I fix my father's car, not because I really want to. Just because if he does it, it won't ever run again. He ain't got a clue! Some people just aren't able to understand things like others. Be nice and quit bashing noobs.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
hammer4203 said:
Well what good is root at this point? The radio has issues, the camcorder app is bunked, txt app is wishy washy, ringtones for specific contacts switches, etc. I am waiting on root at this point! I have rooted every android phone I have had and this one just seems to flake with root at this time. I still don't understand wth it's doing! If I had a clue, I would write a one click. Just makes it less of a head ache if you have more than one tb to do. And you won't have noobs pop up asking wth did I do wrong. And yes I'm a noob too, but I also read b4 I venture into the unknown. I still say if u wanna learn go buy a book and if ya don't understand it then ask. Why not just put a noob section on each device forum? Let people help the ones that can't do it on their own. Heck make it a mandatory $10 donation fee if ya gotta have someone show you what to do. Seems like no one here has ever had to ask for help. I fix my father's car, not because I really want to. Just because if he does it, it won't ever run again. He ain't got a clue! Some people just aren't able to understand things like others. Be nice and quit bashing noobs.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even rooting w/o flashing a new custom ROM is causing issues?
From what I have seen even just straight root causes issues. I really prefer root without flashing a lot of extra. Simple and to the point. Gives me access to files without the head ache of something going wrong.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
hammer4203 said:
From what I have seen even just straight root causes issues. I really prefer root without flashing a lot of extra. Simple and to the point. Gives me access to files without the head ache of something going wrong.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted to stock and ran that for almost a week before flashing a rom. I had no issues whatsoever.
R
Is it assumed that there will never be a true easy 1-click root solution for this phone?
I am on my last week of eligibility to return this phone and if there will not be the same kind of support for this phone from the dev community, then I would like to know so that I can return it.
MoxJr said:
Is it assumed that there will never be a true easy 1-click root solution for this phone?
I am on my last week of eligibility to return this phone and if there will not be the same kind of support for this phone from the dev community, then I would like to know so that I can return it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is already a ton of support and development for this phone. There are several ROMS and kernels already, and the root process is very easy to do. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn how ADB works. Frankly, if you feel like you deserve to have superuser access to a *IX operating system then damnit you should know what the hell you're doing; that's just my 2 cents though. I wouldn't just turn over root access to my server rack to someone who doesn't understand and appreciate the responsibility of unfettered access to the operating system.
That being said, I am of the mindset that everyone should take the opportunity to learn how these systems work, and would gladly help anyone willing to do so. I have loved Unix based operating systems ever since I got my hands on the first release of Slackware Linux, love the BSDs, and have a lot of fun using Solaris.
nerozehl said:
There is already a ton of support and development for this phone. There are several ROMS and kernels already, and the root process is very easy to do. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn how ADB works. Frankly, if you feel like you deserve to have superuser access to a *IX operating system then damnit you should know what the hell you're doing; that's just my 2 cents though. I wouldn't just turn over root access to my server rack to someone who doesn't understand and appreciate the responsibility of unfettered access to the operating system.
That being said, I am of the mindset that everyone should take the opportunity to learn how these systems work, and would gladly help anyone willing to do so. I have loved Unix based operating systems ever since I got my hands on the first release of Slackware Linux, love the BSDs, and have a lot of fun using Solaris.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but I'm just looking for something like unrevoked for the T-bolt. I only need it to remove all the bloat, not trying to do anything too fancy.
MoxJr said:
Sorry but I'm just looking for something like unrevoked for the T-bolt. I only need it to remove all the bloat, not trying to do anything too fancy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand totally wanting to get the bloat off the phone; that's something I think every owner wants, lol.

complete noob here

Hello all,
I have had my HTC Inspire 4G for a few days now. I am completely new to smart phones but have figured my way around using apps, the internet and changing my screen's wallpaper.
I see that the phone comes with tons of useless apps that I want to get rid of and I heard about "rooting" my phone.
Whats is rooting anyway? What are the pros and cons?
How can you trust the person that made the root program etc
also are there any useful websites I should know of? is this the premier android forum? are there any others out there
It sounds like you oughtta do some googlin'. There are a number of guides and articles that you can read over that will answer your initial questions. Try this one:
http://www.androidcentral.com/what-rooting
Probably the two most important things you need to know are: search for answers to your questions before you ask them publicly, and follow directions to the letter. After that, things will go pretty smoothly for you.
Perhaps you overlooked the stickied guide in this general section of the forum?
Guide to rooting and flashing by user Mudknot2005.
Inspired Ace 1.0.1¦ XDA Premium
tisel said:
Hello all,
I have had my HTC Inspire 4G for a few days now. I am completely new to smart phones but have figured my way around using apps, the internet and changing my screen's wallpaper.
I see that the phone comes with tons of useless apps that I want to get rid of and I heard about "rooting" my phone.
Whats is rooting anyway? What are the pros and cons?
How can you trust the person that made the root program etc
also are there any useful websites I should know of? is this the premier android forum? are there any others out there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a nutshell, "root" is the superuser of a unix system. Like Administrator on windows, only even more powerful. The phone runs a linux OS so at the core it is unix-like. "rooting" can mean a lot of things, but basically, it is getting sufficient privileges on your phone to be able to read/write whatever you want and from there, change how the phone behaves.
If you do decide to root i suggest using bubbys one click. I know it reads scary, but its actually very easy. There is even a vid linked to it to show you better. Good luck!
ashies7 said:
If you do decide to root i suggest using bubbys one click. I know it reads scary, but its actually very easy. There is even a vid linked to it to show you better. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, Hack Kit V11 is simpler now.
ashies7 said:
If you do decide to root i suggest using bubbys one click. I know it reads scary, but its actually very easy. There is even a vid linked to it to show you better. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but how can you trust people who wrote the program? could it be a virus in disguise.
im just wondering
tisel said:
but how can you trust people who wrote the program? could it be a virus in disguise.
im just wondering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're that concerned about it, I don't recommend rooting your phone.
FWIW, I do malware cleanup/puter repair as a side gig and I haven't come across anything on here that wasn't legit.
Use the Ace Hack Kit and follow the instructions to a T. If you hit a bump in the road, search first then ask if you cannot find a definitive or concise resolution for your issue.
Anyone who is new to smartphones (or just android period) i don't recommend you rooting your phone..
I say learn about it some more. watch some videos, read some threads, then read them again.. and again.. to it sticks in your head..
then i suggest you should root.. it sucks to see thread saying "help i bricked my phone!"
YoungAceAtlanta said:
Anyone who is new to smartphones (or just android period) i don't recommend you rooting your phone..
I say learn about it some more. watch some videos, read some threads, then read them again.. and again.. to it sticks in your head..
then i suggest you should root.. it sucks to see thread saying "help i bricked my phone!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I Second that. I'd like root my phone, but since I'm in no hurry, I'm on here reading and learning about it. I'll prolly root after December if AT&T doesn't let me utilize my upgrade to the newest HTC device they have then, as I paid for this via off contract pricing. I had heard from Desire HD owners, that it is tricky to root given HTC's signed bootloaders. Hence the, what looks to a noob, as an overwhelming and potentially complicated process. Like the others have said just read all you can about it, and when your ready to take the plunge, follow the instructions word for word, and you shouldn't have any problems.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
ZeroRilix said:
+1 I Second that. I'd like root my phone, but since I'm in no hurry, I'm on here reading and learning about it. I'll prolly root after December if AT&T doesn't let me utilize my upgrade to the newest HTC device they have then, as I paid for this via off contract pricing. I had heard from Desire HD owners, that it is tricky to root given HTC's signed bootloaders. Hence the, what looks to a noob, as an overwhelming and potentially complicated process. Like the others have said just read all you can about it, and when your ready to take the plunge, follow the instructions word for word, and you shouldn't have any problems.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In reply to you, as well as in general, to the OP...
Well, I paid off contract as well, waited before rooting, not because I was scared of "bricking" my phone or because I didn't "trust these people" because it might "be a virus," I wanted to get familiar with how the phone operates in an unmodified state -- to get a baseline.
Really, it's not that big of a deal to root. You aren't going to brick your phone. The only true bricks (will not even power up) that I've heard of happened with some people who ran a certain function within a certain version of clockwork recovery that had a bad bug.
Everything else is a "soft brick," meaning it looks scary, but it's actually fixable.
Inspired Ace 1.0.1¦ XDA Premium
Scott_S said:
In reply to you, as well as in general, to the OP...
Well, I paid off contract as well, waited before rooting, not because I was scared of "bricking" my phone or because I didn't "trust these people" because it might "be a virus," I wanted to get familiar with how the phone operates in an unmodified state -- to get a baseline.
Really, it's not that big of a deal to root. You aren't going to brick your phone. The only true bricks (will not even power up) that I've heard of happened with some people who ran a certain function within a certain version of clockwork recovery that had a bad bug.
Everything else is a "soft brick," meaning it looks scary, but it's actually fixable.
Inspired Ace 1.0.1¦ XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I completely agree. When I root I'm gonna do it right.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
ZeroRilix said:
True. I completely agree. When I root I'm gonna do it right.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, for sure.
When you do finally root, you'll ask yourself why you didn't do it sooner.
Inspired Ace 1.0.1¦ XDA Premium
I think people should see what the stock ROM experience is like for about a month or so before rooting and flashing another ROM, especially if this is your first Android phone.

[Q] What's the best way to remove crap on ATT?

So, can someone link me to a simple, current guide to rooting and removing crapware? Bonus points if I can revert all changes so they can't screw me on my warranty.
I have an AT&T One X, purchased in the last week. I can post version info if necessary.
I want to ditch the yellowpages garbage and all the att garbage (wifi, navigator, cityid, etc) and probably twitter and facebook, though I don't really care if they're there. I'd also like to enable tethering if I can.
I had a ROM on my last phone (samsung infuse) which did all this, but I don't think I want to put a ROM on this one just yet. So, I'm not new to rooting, but I'm new to HTC, and new to removing/freezing bloat. I'm running linux.
Oh, and I saw the one-click root thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1644167
But I read that it makes your phone show *TAMPERED* and lock you out? That makes me terrified of running it.
Edit: Oh, and I have software number 1.85.502.3 710RD... I don't think it would work anyway.
Here are the two best places to start for this stuff:
Number 1
Number 2
Good luck!
You can disable them without voiding warranty. The only thing i couldn't disable was AT&T ready to go.
karan1203 said:
You can disable them without voiding warranty. The only thing i couldn't disable was AT&T ready to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But how?
_MetalHead_ said:
Here are the two best places to start for this stuff:
Number 1
Number 2
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I obviously haven't been trying to use those. Seriously, these forums contain some of the most unapproachable instructions that exist, instructions that have the potential to brick your device, and if you ask for some advice on not getting your $600 device completely ****ed by them, you get linked to google. I help users of various open source projects all the goddamn time, and I never go HERP DERP LMGTFY.
So give real advice or just don't reply. It's not helpful or constructive, it doesn't make you cool, it doesn't even clean up the forums. If you know nothing and are posting to be a jerk, then you're just bumping my post for me. If you're deliberately withholding information and posting to be a jerk, then you're actively increasing forum clutter by keeping me around longer. Either way, the outcome is that the "signal to noise" ratio of the forum goes to **** because half the posts are "OMG GOOGLE," because this attitude is actively encouraged for some reason, when in reality it shouldn't even be tolerated.
Holy crap dude, chill the eff out. My post was completely lighthearted and I was fully prepared to help you and give you whatever help you needed. Hence the that I ended it with. Not anymore!
And you know what's not tolerated around here? Farking n00bs who CLAIM they exhausted searching when it is more than evident they didn't. Answers to ALL your questions can be found in guides ON EVERY DAMN ANDROID FORUM ON THE INTERNET, including here on xda where you decided to post the same exact thread that has already been posted thrice today by other noobs asking for help without wanting to do any legwork of their own.
And if you can't understand the simple "herp derp click here and watch your phone get rooted automagically for you" instructions then maybe you shouldn't be rooting. Smart phones are for smart people.
GOOD DAY.
jschall2 said:
But how?
Because I obviously haven't been trying to use those. Seriously, these forums contain some of the most unapproachable instructions that exist, instructions that have the potential to brick your device, and if you ask for some advice on not getting your $600 device completely ****ed by them, you get linked to google. I help users of various open source projects all the goddamn time, and I never go HERP DERP LMGTFY.
So give real advice or just don't reply. It's not helpful or constructive, it doesn't make you cool, it doesn't even clean up the forums. If you know nothing and are posting to be a jerk, then you're just bumping my post for me. If you're deliberately withholding information and posting to be a jerk, then you're actively increasing forum clutter by keeping me around longer. Either way, the outcome is that the "signal to noise" ratio of the forum goes to **** because half the posts are "OMG GOOGLE," because this attitude is actively encouraged for some reason, when in reality it shouldn't even be tolerated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable apps, or uninstall them by going to settings>apps, or by going to the menu on your app drawer and selecting manage apps. once there, you can tap on apps that you don't want then tapping on them individually and selecting the option that you want.
Titanium backup. The end.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
_MetalHead_ said:
Holy crap dude, chill the eff out. My post was completely lighthearted and I was fully prepared to help you and give you whatever help you needed. Hence the that I ended it with. Not anymore!
And you know what's not tolerated around here? Farking n00bs who CLAIM they exhausted searching when it is more than evident they didn't. Answers to ALL your questions can be found in guides ON EVERY DAMN ANDROID FORUM ON THE INTERNET, including here on xda where you decided to post the same exact thread that has already been posted thrice today by other noobs asking for help without wanting to do any legwork of their own.
And if you can't understand the simple "herp derp click here and watch your phone get rooted automagically for you" instructions then maybe you shouldn't be rooting. Smart phones are for smart people.
GOOD DAY.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've dedicated the last hour or more to searching for this ****. Once you've been into modding your phone for a while, you don't understand how difficult it is to get started.
I'm trying to go about this with caution, so I don't get screwed. I cannot afford to replace the phone if I screw up and HTC and ATT decide to throw me under the bus. Maybe the people around here who seem to own 3-5 phones at a time can.
The various roots that I found appeared to have users replying that they didn't work with the latest revisions to 1.85. So I'm still not even sure I can do that. Maybe those users were full of crap, maybe not. How am I supposed to know?
Back to the subject of the phone, it looks like CleanROM is probably my best option, but it will require unlocking the bootloader. So far I've seen instructions for rooting 1.85, but I'm unsure about unlocking.
bloodrain954 said:
Titanium backup. The end.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about titanium backup, but I haven't even rooted yet.
jschall2 said:
I've dedicated the last hour or more to searching for this ****. Once you've been into modding your phone for a while, you don't understand how difficult it is to get started.
I'm trying to go about this with caution, so I don't get screwed. I cannot afford to replace the phone if I screw up and HTC and ATT decide to throw me under the bus. Maybe the people around here who seem to own 3-5 phones at a time can.
The various roots that I found appeared to have users replying that they didn't work with the latest revisions to 1.85. So I'm still not even sure I can do that. Maybe those users were full of crap, maybe not. How am I supposed to know?
Back to the subject of the phone, it looks like CleanROM is probably my best option, but it will require unlocking the bootloader. So far I've seen instructions for rooting 1.85, but I'm unsure about unlocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets start over, ok?
To root your phone, there is a one click thread that is stickied in development that works great. I have used it 6 times now and have had no issues. It doesn't always work the first time but usually does the second. it will give you a "tampered" banner on your bootloader but that goes away if you RUU back to stock. It absolutely does work on the latest software (1.85).
Here's the thread- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709424
For removal of bloatware, use Titanium Backup. Been using it for 3 years, and I swear by it. When you select an item for deletion, back it up first just in case.
Here- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup
Use these two things, I promise you won't get screwed. I'm sorry for yelling.
_MetalHead_ said:
Holy crap dude, chill the eff out. My post was completely lighthearted and I was fully prepared to help you and give you whatever help you needed. Hence the that I ended it with. Not anymore!
And you know what's not tolerated around here? Farking n00bs who CLAIM they exhausted searching when it is more than evident they didn't. Answers to ALL your questions can be found in guides ON EVERY DAMN ANDROID FORUM ON THE INTERNET, including here on xda where you decided to post the same exact thread that has already been posted thrice today by other noobs asking for help without wanting to do any legwork of their own.
And if you can't understand the simple "herp derp click here and watch your phone get rooted automagically for you" instructions then maybe you shouldn't be rooting. Smart phones are for smart people.
GOOD DAY.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a little pointed, but true.. i remember my first post here on xda and I was labelled as a noob for asking a question. some people are just too sensitive for these type of forums. To op, if you cannot handle the "heat" I would tell you what I was told back then: "xda is for people who want to tinker with their phone, or for those interested in learning how to do so and contribute to the community. If that's not you, go to a much more general forum like android central." Now, you can bash me like you did to that guy who was just joking, or you can take what I said for what it means and run with it. Read up, that will do wonders for you.
_MetalHead_ said:
Lets start over, ok?
To root your phone, there is a one click thread that is stickied in development that works great. I have used it 6 times now and have had no issues. It doesn't always work the first time but usually does the second. it will give you a "tampered" banner on your bootloader but that goes away if you RUU back to stock. It absolutely does work on the latest software (1.85).
Here's the thread- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709424
For removal of bloatware, use Titanium Backup. Been using it for 3 years, and I swear by it. When you select an item for deletion, back it up first just in case.
Here- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup
Use these two things, I promise you won't get screwed. I'm sorry for yelling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, thank you for the help. I still haven't been able to get that root to work. adb wait-for-device finishes, but then the adb push just sits there forever.
Do you have HTC sync running? Is USB debugging enabled?
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
SoberGuy said:
Do you have HTC sync running? Is USB debugging enabled?
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No and yes. I have sync installed but not running. USB debugging enabled on the phone, phone in charge-only mode.
jschall2 said:
No and yes. I have sync installed but not running. USB debugging enabled on the phone, phone in charge-only mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it to work by switching to a different USB host.
Edit: but it said no update found, so I'm restarting and setting the clock forward.
jschall2 said:
I got it to work by switching to a different USB host.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would have been next. Always use a port on the back of the computer for anything related to root, unlock, or flash.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
SoberGuy said:
Would have been next. Always use a port on the back of the computer for anything related to root, unlock, or flash.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's my laptop, and I have to use virtualbox to get winderz. So, it was probably something related to that.
Anyway, I swapped it from a usb2 port to a usb3 port.
Yeah on a desktop it can matter. I have yet to see an explanation of the difference between ports on the front and back, and why adb will refuse to work with some/most front ports. Just seems to be that way.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
So I'm on my fourth or fifth try, still "no update available."
Edit: Ok, tried it 7+ times, how can I eliminate winderz? Is this exploit using a patched adb?

Am i ready to root?

Are you ready to root your phone!?
I am writing this out do to the amount of people who seem to start doing things on their phones without understanding what it is they're really doing.
Now you might say "I know I know exad, I root many phoen, I want 2 show peopel how smrt I am! I custumize everything and maek it lewk cool!" But there's really quite a bit of risk associate with the rooting process and even afterwards! Here, I will explain some of the common terms and risks associated with rooting, it will be like an index of knowledge I've accumulated being here on XDA.
So first off, what is root? Why is it dangerous?
I will tell you very directly, if you do not know exactly what root is, and/or how to manage access, you are not at all ready to root.
Root is a term to mean Administrative Access. Meaning you have full control over the software of your phone and it's system files. When you are given root access, you can alter any system files. This can obviously be damaging. Perhaps you trust yourself not to do anything crazy or destructive, which I think is the case for most people but often, root access is given to third party apps! So what can an app with root access do with your phone technically?.. Well, ANYTHING IT'S DEVELOPER wants. Overclock your CPU, create a backdoor to your phone, pull/steal personal information. The sky's the limit.
*This is a work in reprogress* More content will continue to be added until I feel this is complete."
Nice write up exad
Sent from my VENOMized HoxL
I agree. Very nice.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Thanks guys! Means a lot coming from two top notch contributers as yourselves!
Yup.....very nice. I have been doing this for so Iong I had forgotten why. :thumbup:
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
This Is great...unfortunately 90% of new people won't see or read this.. most new people search "att one x root"
No. Thank you sir. I haven't thought about the basics in a long time. Been to busy just flashing away lol.
Sent from my One X using xda premium
a box of kittens said:
This Is great...unfortunately 90% of new people won't see or read this.. most new people search "att one x root"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There, that should help that! If it helps at least 1 person, it'll have been worth it.
exad said:
There, that should help that! If it helps at least 1 person, it'll have been worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We can only hope. Good job!
Sent from the HOXL dimension of S-OFF
I was thinking of doing a write up, but with work and army, I have no time. As you can see I am constantly on the app. However, this is awesome. I wish I had this when I started a few months ago. I just learned on my own. Also the android slang guide helped too.
Sent from my Liquid-fied Evita using xda-developers app
I wrote up something like this a while ago but decided not to post it because noobs never read these things. I may just throw it up in General.
Great work I will add it to my FAQ
Thanks for all your help, unfortunately I am one of those noobs who had been studying the root process for just about a week and thought I had a firm grasp on the concept. Fortunately for me I haven't done anything yet to brick my phone this is definitely a humbling experience haha -heads back to the forums to learn some more- :good:
Hmm not sure why this doesn't have more recognition... It took me months to figure this crap out. With a little experience, this guide could turn a total noob into a competant android rooter in a week or so. I remember my first posts on XDA *shudders*. So.... consider this a BUMPITY-BUMP
EDIT: That said, I know the first place many people go is general (that's what I did) so maybe this would get more views by the people who actually need it in general.
I would have loved this when I was rooting
Thanks for this. I've already rooted my phone and had to find much of this information on my own. It's nice to see it all in one place.
-RB
It's been a while since I've rooted a phone so I came here from another guide to refresh my memory a bit.
This thread is a joke, right? One of the more useless threads I've seen.
Organized_Chaos said:
It's been a while since I've rooted a phone so I came here from another guide to refresh my memory a bit.
This thread is a joke, right? One of the more useless threads I've seen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no I rage quit a few months back and deleted it all. I can rewrite it but people don't read anymore anyway (judging by Q&A)
exad said:
no I rage quit a few months back and deleted it all. I can rewrite it but people don't read anymore anyway (judging by Q&A)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came here through the link in FAQ! Too bad you deleted it
I can understand not updating because few people read this post but why actually delete it?

moto x toolkit and avast antivirus

I had the toolkit on my pc... just installed avast antivirus and it wiped the toolkit off my pc.. wtf?
Because it knows toolkits are the downfall of society and are the major contributing factor to phone modding idiocy and technology paperweights. Learn to do it manually, or leave it stock.
Sent from my Moto X
Don't know if the above comment is sarcastic or not but it's in no way supportive! Like everyone has the interest or time to do these stuffs manually
Anyway, maybe Avast found it as something which needs to be deleted? Yeah that's it. I don't have any problem with my NIS here. Just add the Toolkit under exception list, or whatever it is called for Avast, no big deal.
devilsdouble said:
Don't know if the above comment is sarcastic or not but it's in no way supportive! Like everyone has the interest or time to do these stuffs manually
Anyway, maybe Avast found it as something which needs to be deleted? Yeah that's it. I don't have any problem with my NIS here. Just add the Toolkit under exception list, or whatever it is called for Avast, no big deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes 10 minutes (maybe) to unlock manually, another 2 to flash recovery manually, and that's if you have dialup and need to wait to download the necessary files. Once you have recovery, what's the use of a toolkit? Is there sarcasm? Sure. But I've seen more people get into jams with toolkits and not be able to recover than people trying to do it manually.
imnuts said:
It takes 10 minutes (maybe) to unlock manually, another 2 to flash recovery manually, and that's if you have dialup and need to wait to download the necessary files. Once you have recovery, what's the use of a toolkit? Is there sarcasm? Sure. But I've seen more people get into jams with toolkits and not be able to recover than people trying to do it manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Especially with the step by step guides all over xda
apparently you havent rooted with slapmymoto a little bit more confusing than what you described even with the toolkit confusing.. and than theres adb and trying to figure out how to install it and use it... yep easy stuff.. more like 2 days... i will take flying an instrument approach in mexico any day to trying to understand adb
doitinthedirt said:
apparently you havent rooted with slapmymoto a little bit more confusing than what you described even with the toolkit confusing.. and than theres adb and trying to figure out how to install it and use it... yep easy stuff.. more like 2 days... i will take flying an instrument approach in mexico any day to trying to understand adb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With an attitude like that, I hope you brick your phone. The problem with the world today is everyone wants everything now. You can't take an extra 20 minutes to learn anything, it needs done now. Maybe that's why the people that learn to do stuff the "hard" way have fewer problems, because they learn how to fix stuff on their own, or know when to stop and ask before proceeding further. Installing ADB is far from difficult, and using it isn't hard either. There are only a small handful of commands, so I'm not sure why you think it's so difficult. Then again, you can't figure out how to get a your antivirus program to allow you to use the toolkit, so I'm sure anything over pressing the power button is too hard for you.
imnuts said:
With an attitude like that, I hope you brick your phone. The problem with the world today is everyone wants everything now. You can't take an extra 20 minutes to learn anything, it needs done now. Maybe that's why the people that learn to do stuff the "hard" way have fewer problems, because they learn how to fix stuff on their own, or know when to stop and ask before proceeding further. Installing ADB is far from difficult, and using it isn't hard either. There are only a small handful of commands, so I'm not sure why you think it's so difficult. Then again, you can't figure out how to get a your antivirus program to allow you to use the toolkit, so I'm sure anything over pressing the power button is too hard for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was funny.. thanks
doitinthedirt said:
I had the toolkit on my pc... just installed avast antivirus and it wiped the toolkit off my pc.. wtf?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever heard of "FALSE POSITIVE"?
and with an ending of WFT... I'm not surprised you got some harsh responses.
---------- Post added at 11:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------
doitinthedirt said:
apparently you havent rooted with slapmymoto a little bit more confusing than what you described even with the toolkit confusing.. and than theres adb and trying to figure out how to install it and use it... yep easy stuff.. more like 2 days... i will take flying an instrument approach in mexico any day to trying to understand adb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing ADB is not hard. For example a quick google search found this excellent guide -> http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/t...set-up-adb-and-fastboot-for-your-windows-7-pc which is illustrated and easy to follow. I would just add a couple of things which I noted here -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/ADB.htm
As for following SlapMyMoto, yes, it can be a daunting task for someone who is new to it... BUT if it was easy, everyone would root their phone and no android devices would be safe/secure. The SlapMyMoto and MotoWpNoMo threads do a pretty good job of covering the processes, but they were written at different times, so you have to pay attention as some steps might not be needed (like flashing to 4.4 if you are already on 4.4)
However if you don't understand it, you shouldn't be doing it as messing up could have serious impact on your phone, and your carrier or moto might refuse to warranty it since the failure wasn't cause by hardware, or the stock software.
OH, and what are you trying to do with the toolkit? You mention SlapMyMoto, have you done that already? or is that what you are trying? because if you are trying SlapMyMoto, make sure your phone is NOT on 4.4.2 or 4.4.3 before you start.
The wtf was in the sense of a joke.. and I wasnt using the tookit at the time Avast picked it out.. it was on the pc and i had just installed avast. I did use it to root my moto its running 4.4
I do like to get my hands into the dirt.. and learn the basics.. but time was an issue a couple months ago when i chose to use the toolkit.. now time is not so i may try to install and learn adb.
Thanks
I still laugh at the simple part... that little box that pops up during the slapmymoto root process.. a forgot the name but has to be ran 3 times and than another little box has to be ran .. my god.. i cant stop laughing at how simple that poster says it is.. LOL 2 minutes LOL
Thanks for the help
Jeez the guy asked a simple question and gets flamed you guys need to settle down. And as for the comment I hope you brick your phone well your just a douche bag that was uncalled for. I know how to use adb and I still use tool kits like house of moto. Why well for one someone took the time to make it and two its easier and quicker. Hey you want to do it the hard way knock yourself out. I do agree people should be inclined to learn adb and how to fix their phones. I have screwed up my fair share doing crazy stuff but have never had a paper weight. Always able to fxz it back to life. Anyway this wasn't a discussion on toolkits all he wanted to know was why his anti virus would delete the tool kit.
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Categories

Resources