Lot's Of Root Questions - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Okay, so I've got into the Android ecosystem with Nexus 5 as my first device, after ditching my iPhone 5S.
I wanted to root it, but have a few questions:
1) Will my 3rd-party apps get deleted [Phone Is Non-Contract if it helps]
2) Will I be getting OTA updates, like the upcoming Android KitKat 4.4.3?
3) Will my phone become slow/prone to viruses/malwares?
4) What are these "ROMs and Kernels" I'm hearing/seeing a lot, and which one is the best after a root?

deepak2001 said:
Okay, so I've got into the Android ecosystem with Nexus 5 as my first device, after ditching my iPhone 5S.
I wanted to root it, but have a few questions:
1) Will my 3rd-party apps get deleted [Phone Is Non-Contract if it helps]
2) Will I be getting OTA updates, like the upcoming Android KitKat 4.4.3?
3) Will my phone become slow/prone to viruses/malwares?
4) What are these "ROMs and Kernels" I'm hearing/seeing a lot, and which one is the best after a root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better start reading first, read the first 4 threads in the General Section so you learn something about unlocking the bootloader. rooting, flashing, adb, custom recovery`s etc etc before you start doing stuff and ending up bricking your phone

deepak2001 said:
Okay, so I've got into the Android ecosystem with Nexus 5 as my first device, after ditching my iPhone 5S.
I wanted to root it, but have a few questions:
1) Will my 3rd-party apps get deleted [Phone Is Non-Contract if it helps]
2) Will I be getting OTA updates, like the upcoming Android KitKat 4.4.3?
3) Will my phone become slow/prone to viruses/malwares?
4) What are these "ROMs and Kernels" I'm hearing/seeing a lot, and which one is the best after a root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes. Part of rooting is unlocking the bootloader which wipes all personal data from the phone.
2) Read here
3) Root has nothing to do with speed or performance. Its just elevated privileges. Its up to you what you choose to do with that. As for viruses, I have been rooted for a long long time and never come across any virus issues. The only times I've seen people get their phones infected is when they try to download pirated apps off sketchy, bootleg websites.
4) ROMs are basically the firmware/OS that runs on your phone. Kernels are what connect the software to hardware. There is no best rom/kernel. It a choice that you make for yourself.

deepak2001 said:
Okay, so I've got into the Android ecosystem with Nexus 5 as my first device, after ditching my iPhone 5S.
I wanted to root it, but have a few questions:
1) Will my 3rd-party apps get deleted [Phone Is Non-Contract if it helps]
2) Will I be getting OTA updates, like the upcoming Android KitKat 4.4.3?
3) Will my phone become slow/prone to viruses/malwares?
4) What are these "ROMs and Kernels" I'm hearing/seeing a lot, and which one is the best after a root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It resets everything back to default the first time you unlock the bootloader.
2. You won't get OTA updates/they'll glitch, but it isn't hard to upgrade regardless through flashing the update (usually from XDA) rather than getting it OTA.
3. Common misconception, rooting does NOT make your phone slow, it simply allows access to your phone's root, which can possibly (not always) pave the way for malicious software asking for root access to your phone. You have to grant or deny root access for an application through SuperSU/Superuser so it's up to you to keep your phone safe.
4. ROMs are android builds, the one that comes with your phone is referred to as the stock ROM. Custom ROMs usually add a variety of new features/customization options to android, and sometimes increased performance (not always, sometimes worse). Kernels are the software/firmware that lets the system communicate with the hardware, and are a factor in battery life and performance, as well as (to some degree), personalization (eg swipe/tap2wake).
Edit: @Chromium beat me to it

Read through the threads for your phone. Make sure it's your specific phone model when modding. Another great idea is to watch YouTube Videos so you get a sort of hands on approach. YouTube really helped me out back in the day. Make sure you know what to do if something doesn't go as planned during the flashing process. Rooting & flashing custom roms is highly addictive and you may find yourself checking out XDA several times a day for the latest mods for your phone. Good luck and Godspeed!
NEXUS 5

Related

Just got my first andriod phone and....

I'm lost >_<'
Sorry, but I don't know where to start. My friend texted me a link to this forum so I could get help. I've already spent hours, and I still don't know what I should do.
So far:
1.) I was hoping on finding a way to remove all this useless AT&T Crap, HTC Likes, HTC, Blockbuster, etc. Is there a way without rooting my phone
which brings me to...
2.) Is there a way to effectively organize the all apps section?
3.) I noticed that the battery is really low and barely lasts a day. Would underclocking the cpu be possible to save battery life if I root my phone?
4.) My friend said I should root my phone. I've been looking around the past two days about it, but I'm still confused; there's like all these various ROMs. I'm assuming this is similar to the idea of various distros that derive from Ubuntu/Debian? But my main concern is the idea of rooting something itself. I use Ubuntu and what I've learned from forums and using it is that being a superuser for the whole time is a big no-no. I know it's just a phone, but I've heard of phones being hacked so I don't know if rooting is safe... Is it? How does a rooted OS generally work? Is there like a way to not have root access at all the times (like a guest account) and use root via typing in the admin password?
5.) Warranty - So I have 30 days to return the phone if I don't like it (which is unlikely ). Anyway, say something bad happens (e.g. I flash some ROM and I can't figure out how to fix my GPS or something). Is there a way to get it back to a stock, unrooted ROM incase something goes wrong? In other words, if for any reason I want to (and can) return my phone, is there a way to get back to unrooted-unmodified Froyo?
6.) Speaking of flashing, I've read terms about a goldcard, S-Off, and clockwork. The first two has to do with the sim card and making the phone unlocked I think? If so, is it necessary to have these/do these things in order to root a phone? I don't care much about unlocking my phone; I'm stuck on AT&T (I don't pay for the plan; my older bro does). As for clockwork, I think it has to do with recovery of something? Can someone elaborate on this for me
7.) Flashing - I've read about flashing ROM's but I also heard about flashing the radio and it being more, if not very risky. If I want to root my phone, is it necessary to flash the radio?
8.) Kernels - I know kernels have to do with a phone's performance, battery consumption, etc. but I see different kernels being used with different ROM's. Are they interchangeable or are the custom ROM's built around each kernel making it unique?
9.) IF I do decide to root my phone, which custom ROM should I use? I really like the HTC sense so I'm hesitant to change if I lose it.
Sorry, I know this is too a lot. I read the stickies, but there's only two question marks under "Guides | Rooting: (The guides to the basics)." Hope someone can answer these questions
Start here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=961406
No, you can't remove at&t apps without rooting.
Rooting is fine. You're not personally messing around with system files just casually using your phone. They're modified when you install roms, kernels and radios.

[Q] Rooting Question!

Hey so I have read a lot of the threads on rooting but I think (hope) mine is a bit original for you. I am one of those skittish goody-two-shoes type people who have a bad record of breaking their electronics. My family is updating their tmobile plan in August and I am planning on getting a lg g2x. It seems like a great phone that'll be able to keep up with the advancements of Android for a while. However I have heard the battery life is really bad (as it is for most androids) and that there are all of these great methods I could use (setCPU, Battery Calibration, etc.) and I can get rid of ads on my apps (adfree) and even use ROMs and Themes!! This sounds great EXCEPT all of the above requires rooting. So my question is, if I install Battery Calibration, setCPU, adfree, etc, while rooted and then just unroot, will they all still work??? Also, in the case that this is possible, if I have any problems with my phone and have to send it in for service, as long as it's unrooted I don't have to delete any of the apps to put it back under warranty do I? And (yes there's more) can I continuously root/unroot as I please in order to change themes and ROMs and even updating the android system once my phone is out of date (though I hope I'm not obsolete within 2 yrs) and no longer gets updates from my phone company? I know superoneclick is supposed to be really easy but as I don't have the phone yet I was wondering how fast it actually is as well.
Thanks for all of your help!!
Hmm....lots of questions young one, well 1st of all by rooting it technically voids the warranty, and yes for the programs to work properly you will need to keep it rooted because some off them actually need root access to tweak the device.
Sent from my mind
scarlet_fire said:
Hey so I have read a lot of the threads on rooting but I think (hope) mine is a bit original for you. I am one of those skittish goody-two-shoes type people who have a bad record of breaking their electronics. My family is updating their tmobile plan in August and I am planning on getting a lg g2x. It seems like a great phone that'll be able to keep up with the advancements of Android for a while. However I have heard the battery life is really bad (as it is for most androids) and that there are all of these great methods I could use (setCPU, Battery Calibration, etc.) and I can get rid of ads on my apps (adfree) and even use ROMs and Themes!! This sounds great EXCEPT all of the above requires rooting. So my question is, if I install Battery Calibration, setCPU, adfree, etc, while rooted and then just unroot, will they all still work??? Also, in the case that this is possible, if I have any problems with my phone and have to send it in for service, as long as it's unrooted I don't have to delete any of the apps to put it back under warranty do I? And (yes there's more) can I continuously root/unroot as I please in order to change themes and ROMs and even updating the android system once my phone is out of date (though I hope I'm not obsolete within 2 yrs) and no longer gets updates from my phone company? I know superoneclick is supposed to be really easy but as I don't have the phone yet I was wondering how fast it actually is as well.
Thanks for all of your help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you install the root required apps, root, then unroot, they will stop working. Once an app requires root and your phone is not rooted, even if it was before but it's not now, they will not work.
2. There are many one click root apps. e.g. z4root and universal androot.
3. You will have to unroot and remove the root required apps to put it back under warranty. I say this because if you leave them, then your provider will know that you must have rooted your phone to put them on it in the first place. (It would be like sending an Iphone for servicing to AT&T with Cydia installed. They will know that you jailbroke it.
4 Superoneclick does work fast. It may take up to five minutes (depends on your phone model), but remember what I said in #2. Good luck.

To Root, or not to Root?

Right, I'm getting sick of waiting for the official JellyBean update for my S2, will it be worth it for me to root the fone myself? If so, how do I go about doing it?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Yes it is worth it. Check the international s2 forums and search it up.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Yes it's definately worth it to root. A little risky at first but if you get rooted, your home free and will be loading custom roms almost daily. Many apps will only run on rooted phone. Go for it!
mr
yes it`s worth it.so you can install custom roms.good luck.
It's only "worth it" if you have a reason to.
It's like... "is it worth buying a 30 gallon aquarium for $10" ? Sure, if you actually want a 30 gallon aquarium, it would be - but if you don't, it's just going to sit there unused and taking up space (and in the case of root access, opening up potential vulnerability).
Some people are flash-happy, but I only update mine maybe every few weeks because it's kind of a pain. And I only rooted and flashed a custom ROM on my tablet because it's no longer supported by the manufacturer - meaning a custom ROM was the ONLY way to get updates. I rooted my phone because I wanted to install Google Wallet and that required some work-arounds since my carrier is blocking it.
If you get into unofficial ROMs of updated Android versions, unless it's a leak, there are often problems - various things won't work, bugs, et cetera. It can still be fun, but don't expect it to be perfect.
Find something that you want to do with your device that requires root access and then worry about it.
Banksy1892 said:
Right, I'm getting sick of waiting for the official JellyBean update for my S2, will it be worth it for me to root the fone myself? If so, how do I go about doing it?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you own an Android device, chances are you’ve probably heard of the term “rooting” or “rooted.” If you have and are wondering if it’s for you, this post is perfect, as we break down the major pros and cons of rooting your Android smartphone.
Before we go any further though, what exactly is “rooting”? Rooting refers to gaining access to the "root" user or command prompt of your Android phone. Root access gives users full access to the device and allows for other low-level tasks to be run. Rooting an Android phone is similar to "jail breaking" an iPhone or the "unlocking" of a Windows Phone.
When you root your Android device, you gain access to the entire file system, with full admin rights. You can customize your own boot image, create a full backup of your phone, or install a full-blown Linux distro. Basically, you can do whatever you want.
So, should you root your phone? For me, the answer to that question is a resounding yes, but before you decide, read on to see our list of the major pros and cons of rooting.
Pros of Rooting
Some of the best reasons to root your Android phone include:
1. "Tethering" your 4G/3G internet connection to a laptop computer or tablet via USB cable, Hotspot or Bluetooth. While I don’t recommend this, you will essentially be able to tether for free without paying your carrier a fee.
2. Installing custom themes, mods, and ROMS. This is probably the reason most people root their phone. The ability to deeply customize your own device and upgrade software is very appealing to a lot of rooters.
3. Backing up all the data and apps on the device.
4. The ability to install any application or game, including those "blocked" or Tegra-only games.
5. The ability to underclock the processor to conserve power. This is huge for a lot of people as Android devices are real battery hogs. I have been able to squeeze out days of battery life on a medium-sized battery by underclocking, which is pretty significant.
6. The ability to remove bloatware from your carrier-branded Android device. We all know that carriers love putting quite a bit of crap on their phones and rooting is one way to get rid of it.
Cons of Rooting
Some of the major reasons not to root your Android device include:
1. If the rooting process fails you may permanently "brick" your phone, rendering it unusable for anything other than, well, a brick. Basically, your phone will be useless.
2. Rooting your phone typically voids any manufacturer and carrier warranties. This is pretty crappy, honestly, but some OEMs won't cover certain things. It is really up to the manufacturer. You could lose out big, though, if something major breaks and you have to pay the full repair price.
3. Other drawbacks are more specific to what is done after the device is rooted, such as burning out your smartphone CPU due to overclocking, wearing out the SD card prematurely and burning out pixels in the screen. Additionally, the potential monetary costs that your carrier might apply if they see you've downloaded several gigs of data to your laptop could be big.
4. Rooting usually causes general instability of your Android smartphone. This is a given, as you are basically beta testing modifications and ROMS before they become daily drivers. Expect great performance, but a lot of bugs.
So, is Rooting really for You?
If you're a hacker or tinkerer and don’t mind bugs, I’d say yes. If you’re not, I’d say hold off and make sure it’s really what you want. You must remember that with most phones, once you root, you can’t go back. It is very difficult, in most cases, to completely reset your device to factory conditions, which is definitely something to consider before you decide.
However, if you’re like me--happy with your device as is, but just love pushing the envelope--I'd say wait until your warranty expires. After your warranty runs up, which is usually a year after purchase, there is really nothing to lose.
If you have any additional pros or cons to rooting, leave them in the comment below.
If your warranty is over, definitely root.
Galaxy s2 is a pretty safe and easy device to flash. No need to mess with bootloaders and all. There are many guides in the forum, check them out. If something does go wrong, you will most probably find the solution in this forum itself.
You might might end up waiting indefinitely for the official update for your country from samsung. Flashing it yourself will keep you up to date.
But its time consuming if you are new to all this. There is a LOT to read. I know because I was there. It was after a lot of reading that I felt confident enough to root my phone. But now I flash a little bit to often!
Try a custom ROM based on the latest official samsung. I use NeatROM Lite 4.3, based on LSD. Stable, fast and bloatware free. There are a lot of them, pick the one that suits your need. Or if you're feeling adventurous, try most of them like I did!
Help With Rooting My Verizon Galaxy S3
I Am New To Rooting And I Would Like To Know If It's At All Possible To Install Android 4.2 On My Verizon Galaxy S3, I Feel My Phone Is Very Sluggish And I Would Like To Uninstall All The Bloatware On The Phone. Any Positive Help Would Be Greatly Appreciated Thanks In Advance!
Root
I was feeling the same way on my Atrix HD. Now i am glad i did it, its worth doing, you have greater access to apps, programs, and other things. IT was also simple to me.
#newbie
Harley Malvado said:
I Am New To Rooting And I Would Like To Know If It's At All Possible To Install Android 4.2 On My Verizon Galaxy S3, I Feel My Phone Is Very Sluggish And I Would Like To Uninstall All The Bloatware On The Phone. Any Positive Help Would Be Greatly Appreciated Thanks In Advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is your friend, try using it.
Root!!!! I rooted my s2 the first day of having it. Best thing ever. I only update every 2 months or so, make sure bugs are out. I am on ga10 right now which 4.1.2. Even did it to the wife's phone. Original software is not good and slow updates. I am planning on rooting whatever new I get.
definetely root, because with root you can use many hidden capabilities like reverse tethering, free wifi tethering and so on

Security Concerns with Rooting/Custom ROM's

Hi everyone, I hate to ask this question since I've been rooting and flashing ROM's for a good 3 years now.
I recently accepted a promotion at my work and I am now being given access to my work's email (through the app called "Good"). My fear is that my security is extremely important where I work because my employer is a financial institution. My question is if running anything other than stock presents any kind security risk whatsoever. I love running custom ROM's, but it's not worth losing my job.
Thanks and sorry if this is the dumbest question you've ever read.
mjs2011 said:
Hi everyone, I hate to ask this question since I've been rooting and flashing ROM's for a good 3 years now.
I recently accepted a promotion at my work and I am now being given access to my work's email (through the app called "Good"). My fear is that my security is extremely important where I work because my employer is a financial institution. My question is if running anything other than stock presents any kind security risk whatsoever. I love running customer ROM's, but it's not worth losing my job.
Thanks and sorry if this is the dumbest question you've ever read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Good for Enterprise" won't run on a rooted phone..
there are ways to bypass the root detection (google xda+good+hide+root, but if the app updates, you might have to re-hide it
with a rooted nexus 5... you could buy a really cheap used phone (with wifi), don't root it, install good and tether via your nexus 5... but you'll have to carry around two phones
if you're worried about security, stock rom, no root, stock everything, locked bootloader.
By rooting your phone as you may or may not already know, you are bypassing certain security measures in order to make manufacturer level changes such as installing roms. I personally believe because of that, your rooted phone will never be as secure as a non-rooted one. If i were you i would go back to stock and use androids built in security features (data encryption, password/pin) because no matter what app you use to protect yourself, because you are rooted there will always be a risk
Hope this helps
Great thanks for the responses. Yeah, I was a little worried about that. As much as I love rooting/custom ROM's, my job means 10x more. I'll go back to stock unrooted and locked bootloader.
Thanks again!
My opinion as a corporate email administrator and IT security and compliance policy writer.... (edit - and experienced android rooter)
Although I would always ensure my policy dictates rooted phones are not used, the risk doesn't lay within root itself. Nothing can get root without your say so and applications are sandboxed meaning they cannot Install themselves without user intervention.
So long as you follow simple rules, you should be fine
1) Use reputable custom roms. Stay away from betas, tests and leaks
2) only install reputable applications from reputable sources. Stick to play and xda. Don't be an early adopter.
3) use a secure kernel. Do not opt for insecure ones (Insecure adb)
4) keep the device password protected at all times.
5) ensure the strictest settings in the supersu app. Monitor it regularly
6) use flashify to flash stock recovery and bootunlocker to lock your bootloader - your everyday state MUST be stock recovery and locked bootloader. Unlock bootloader and flash recovery to flash roms and kernels but ensure you flash stock recovery and re lock
7) exercise common sense
Although that said:
1) if your company IT /AUP policy dictates no root, you'd better comply. I've worked in similar places where they have blanked out camera plates on blackberrys and check your messages
2) if the app doesn't work with root anyway..
Personally, if you really want corporate email on your phone AND freedom, get a second phone
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
rootSU said:
My opinion as a corporate email administrator and IT security and compliance policy writer.... (edit - and experienced android rooter)
Although I would always ensure my policy dictates rooted phones are not used, the risk doesn't lay within root itself. Nothing can get root without your say so and applications are sandboxed meaning they cannot Install themselves without user intervention.
So long as you follow simple rules, you should be fine
1) Use reputable custom roms. Stay away from betas, tests and leaks
2) only install reputable applications from reputable sources. Stick to play and xda. Don't be an early adopter.
3) use a secure kernel. Do not opt for insecure ones (Insecure adb)
4) keep the device password protected at all times.
5) ensure the strictest settings in the supersu app. Monitor it regularly
6) use flashify to flash stock recovery and bootunlocker to lock your bootloader - your everyday state MUST be stock recovery and locked bootloader. Unlock bootloader and flash recovery to flash roms and kernels but ensure you flash stock recovery and re lock
7) exercise common sense
Although that said:
1) if your company IT /AUP policy dictates no root, you'd better comply. I've worked in similar places where they have blanked out camera plates on blackberrys and check your messages
2) if the app doesn't work with root anyway..
Personally, if you really want corporate email on your phone AND freedom, get a second phone
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Yeah, I think the key here is that our policy does state that the phone being used can't be modified, so it's better that I just follow the rules.
Plus, stock Android has improved so much over the years that this is a much easier decision than it would have been back in the day when I had my LG Optimus running Froyo.
mjs2011 said:
our policy does state that the phone being used can't be modified,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then its best not to. Financial companies take this sort of thing very seriously and can often see breach as gross misconduct
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Thankfully a lot of the stock ROM is pretty good out of the box and just needs a few minor tweaks.

Google Pixel 2 Root Help

Hello, XDA Developers.
I joined this forum yesterday, and to be honest, I am a complete Android noob. I got my first Android phone around 6 months ago, and, as you know thanks to the title of this thread, it was a Google Pixel 2, a solid way to dip my toes into Android for the first time, especially after being an Apple sheep for many years in the past. Anyway, I found my interest in rooting coming from me wanting to install a custom icon pack to my Pixel Launcher. I found Pixel Launcher Mods, but discovered it required root. I learned what rooting was, and how to do it. That's not the problem, though.
I've heard tons on what rooting can do negatively to your phone, but using a Google-branded phone, I'm not worried in the least about getting my phone bricked nor am I worried about blowing my warranty (since Google doesn't take away warranty due to rooting). What I am worried about is security.
I use many apps on my phone which are very personal and important, like my AMEX app, Google Pay, and PayPal. Knowing that rooting is risky in the security department, I'm very nervous to make the jump due to exposing those very applications and all of that sensitive information.
I've heard that installing Magisk and TWRP somehow keeps me safe from this kind of risk, but I don't quite understand how. I really need to understand why and how Magisk keeps me safe before I root, since I know that if I don't, I'll have insane paranoia in the back of my head, which will completely ruin my experience rooting.
I've also heard that Netflix and apps similar to it simply do not function. I am a Netflix subscriber and sometimes watch on my phone, so this is kind of concerning for me. Apparently Magisk comes to the rescue again, but I still don't know why!
One other thing (second last one, I promise) I heard was that I can get purchases in the Google Play store for free. If someone can leave a link for me on how I can do that, it would be pretty awesome.
The fourth and final 'thing' as I've been calling them, is that I won't get OTA updates. With some of my own research, I found that I actually do get these updates, however, they break my root. I've heard of things like OTA RootKeeper, but when I looked it up, all I found were forum posts from 2012, which had me slightly worried. This coupled with the fact that Android P was coming out so soon had me bear the question: update or wait?
Thank you so much if you took the time to read this long and confusing thread. I tried to lay it out in the least confusing way as possible. As you can see, I'm really new to all of this, and it would be great if you guys could help me out and answer some of the questions above.
Take care! I look forward to your responses.
- Arrow008
First of all: Good choice and welcome to the community.
1. I can't exactly tell you how Magisk would keep you safe but I can tell you that it is always in your hands to keep your device and data safe. What I mean by that is that you should use your brain while using your phone. Don't download any "fancy apps" which promise to make your battery last longer or something like that. Don't click any shady links etc.
After all you are not more vulnerable just due to rooting but apps could do more harm.
2. Netflix or other apps will work with "Magisk Hide" which is built in feature of Magisk.
3. You are talking about illegal warez which are not allowed on XDA. Anyways apps cost between 1 - 5 $ and are often on sale. So there should not be any need to tinker with warez.
4. There is a guide here to keep Root with Magisk even on OTA. But for this to work you don't have to have TWRP flashed to your device (at least that's what I think).
EDIT: I'm using different Android phones since 2011 and always rooted them and didn't ever have any problems with security.
Arrow008 said:
Hello, XDA Developers.
I joined this forum yesterday, and to be honest, I am a complete Android noob. I got my first Android phone around 6 months ago, and, as you know thanks to the title of this thread, it was a Google Pixel 2, a solid way to dip my toes into Android for the first time, especially after being an Apple sheep for many years in the past. Anyway, I found my interest in rooting coming from me wanting to install a custom icon pack to my Pixel Launcher. I found Pixel Launcher Mods, but discovered it required root. I learned what rooting was, and how to do it. That's not the problem, though.
I've heard tons on what rooting can do negatively to your phone, but using a Google-branded phone, I'm not worried in the least about getting my phone bricked nor am I worried about blowing my warranty (since Google doesn't take away warranty due to rooting). What I am worried about is security.
I use many apps on my phone which are very personal and important, like my AMEX app, Google Pay, and PayPal. Knowing that rooting is risky in the security department, I'm very nervous to make the jump due to exposing those very applications and all of that sensitive information.
I've heard that installing Magisk and TWRP somehow keeps me safe from this kind of risk, but I don't quite understand how. I really need to understand why and how Magisk keeps me safe before I root, since I know that if I don't, I'll have insane paranoia in the back of my head, which will completely ruin my experience rooting.
I've also heard that Netflix and apps similar to it simply do not function. I am a Netflix subscriber and sometimes watch on my phone, so this is kind of concerning for me. Apparently Magisk comes to the rescue again, but I still don't know why!
One other thing (second last one, I promise) I heard was that I can get purchases in the Google Play store for free. If someone can leave a link for me on how I can do that, it would be pretty awesome.
The fourth and final 'thing' as I've been calling them, is that I won't get OTA updates. With some of my own research, I found that I actually do get these updates, however, they break my root. I've heard of things like OTA RootKeeper, but when I looked it up, all I found were forum posts from 2012, which had me slightly worried. This coupled with the fact that Android P was coming out so soon had me bear the question: update or wait?
Thank you so much if you took the time to read this long and confusing thread. I tried to lay it out in the least confusing way as possible. As you can see, I'm really new to all of this, and it would be great if you guys could help me out and answer some of the questions above.
Take care! I look forward to your responses.
- Arrow008
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I would also like to welcome you to the community. Good choice crossing over from Apple and you made a great choice as far as phones go. Xda is a grea place to start and there are amazing people on here that can help you get to where you want to be.
Some background on myself, I have owned an android phone since 2010 and have rooted every android phone I've had since then. Root is the way to go and it opens so many doors for android devices.
1. Don't let a security risk scare you away from rooting, as long as you are smart with your device then you will be ok. You heard right in that Magisk keeps you safe when rooting. Magisk implements security protocols that allow our devices to pass safteynet checks. Safteynet is what android uses to tell apps that your device is secure and hasn't been tempered with. Things like Google Pay use safteynet checks in order to function. Some apps also won't function if it detects Magisk on your device. This is simply because the app knows your device is rooted and doesn't want to function as it knows it has been tampered with. Magisk has a feature called magiskhide that hides itself from certain apps being able to see it. So that, in a nutshell, is how Magisk tricks your device into thinking it hasn't been tampered with. Magisk also prevents apps from getting root acces to your phones that you don't want to authorize. Everytime an app initially requests root access, Magisk will prompt you with a popup asking if you would like to authorize said access.
2. As far as security goes. Google releases security patches once a month for our devices. if you run a custom ROM then most devs will incorporate these updates in to their ROMs and push them out to users. So when you root, your device will no longer update OTA, you must do it yourself. Even if you run stock Google firmware, you must still manually push updates to your phone (plenty of guides on how to do this). As long as you stay on the most recent Google security patch, then you have nothing to be afraid of.
3. Free apps. Yes, there are illegal markets out there that upload stolen apps but these come with a high security risk and are not allowed to be discussed on Xda. When you install apps from markets like these you run a high security risk. Some apps are made to look like other apps and have different permissions and can have access to parts of your phone that you don't know about. I would never recommend installing apps from markets like these. Stick to the Play Store and support the devs.
4. Like I said in #2, you will not get OTA updates anymore since you are rooted. Yes, in the past with other devices, some devs have come out with apps that allow OTA while maintaining root, as of right now there is not such thing for our phones. Manually pushing updates to our phones is not hard with TWRP. TWRP allows you to backup everything, wipe everything, and install new ROMs/updates. When you install a new ROM it will wipe everything as far as your os goes but will not wipe your storage (pics, music, files) So when you update a new ROM I highly recommend you get an app called Titanium Backup. TB will backup all your apps+data, that way when you install a new ROM/update, all you have to do is restore the apps with TB and its like nothing changed. It can even backup things like call history, texts, wallpaper selection, wifi passwords, etc. Definitely a must have for rooted devices.
Dive in, get involved, but please do your research before just spouting off questions in this q+a thread. People are here to help you but 9/10 times your question has probably already been answered. Read the rules of Xda and happy rooting.

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