Database Info

Security

Alright. Just got my Infuse last month. I picked this phone for specific reasons. Nevermind that. What I am curious about is this:
How secure are custom ROMs?
I know...noob. However, I have read a lot about it...or attempted to anyway. I am not finding much in the way of a technical explanation of why custom ROMs are secure.
Because of the nature of what I do, I need things to be pretty locked down.
I used to have a cappy, which I flashed a few ROMs to, and eventually bricked. But again, my job deals with personal info in my gmail inbox. I can't compromise that.
Alright, super long blabfest cut short: how secure are any of these ROMs?
Thanks for reading, thanks for writing, and most of all, thanks to the Devs!!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

I don't think anybody has had any "security" issues. I mean after all they are or most of them are Samsung based roms, just with mods and themes applied to them.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

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honestly if your worried about your phone then i think you need to NOT have a smart phone .. not bashing you just saying if you it upload it etc etc people can and will fined it

jfromh said:
Alright. Just got my Infuse last month. I picked this phone for specific reasons. Nevermind that. What I am curious about is this:
How secure are custom ROMs?
I know...noob. However, I have read a lot about it...or attempted to anyway. I am not finding much in the way of a technical explanation of why custom ROMs are secure.
Because of the nature of what I do, I need things to be pretty locked down.
I used to have a cappy, which I flashed a few ROMs to, and eventually bricked. But again, my job deals with personal info in my gmail inbox. I can't compromise that.
Alright, super long blabfest cut short: how secure are any of these ROMs?
Thanks for reading, thanks for writing, and most of all, thanks to the Devs!!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a Dev, but I understand a little regarding software security from my software hack days.
Running these Custom ROMs are secure, it's your individual setting per app is where you manage your security. There are software apps free and paid, I have tried Norton apps for security on the Infuse, check it out its free and I believe it has a trial period. I understand what your concern, I have 4 email accounts that I run, with a govt email being forwarded to one of the four.

As per google's policy, they can retain your info (including personal) indefinitely. They could share non personal info like browsing habits with their partners. Personal info would be divulged law enforcement officers when request comes in through proper channels. This is the norm with all online providers.
If you are talking about encryption and such stuff, make sure you enable strong passwords (not simple pattern based or number based).
Also set the option in settings to disable USB debugging when phone is locked. This will prevent connecting and issuing adb commands at system level.
Set up software like avast to send remote commands to phone when you feel its lost to erase the phone as first step.
When you try to install stuff from market, see for what permissions it uses. If you are uncomfortable, and the vendor isn't a well known entity, don't install such software.
These are some basic measures you could try employing. 100% security is something not achievable, cos if it were, we wouldn't be having so many people/companies working on anti virus software.

You spoke about gmail...check out their 2 layer security protection for gmail. You have to have your phone WITH you in order to log in. I know it's not what you asked but I'm sure U would be interested in setting that up.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

ateebtk said:
You spoke about gmail...check out their 2 layer security protection for gmail. You have to have your phone WITH you in order to log in. I know it's not what you asked but I'm sure U would be interested in setting that up.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is only for browsers. On phone, once setup, it stays.
@OP: In case you lose your phone, change your gmail password on computer, and it will auto disconnect the email and market on phone.

There are several apps on the market, Cerberus and Lookout, for example, that will let you remote wipe your phone if it gets lost or stolen. Also they allow you to send text messages to your device or email messages to turn on wifi/gps and locate it, send you back information, set off the alarm, etc.
There's also an app called Divide iirc, that lets you set up a 'work' and 'personal' data/app profile, so when you hand off your phone to someone or take it into work, you can set it into work mode, and your personal data is unavailable until you switch back.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium

adalgiso said:
There's also an app called Divide iirc, that lets you set up a 'work' and 'personal' data/app profile, so when you hand off your phone to someone or take it into work, you can set it into work mode, and your personal data is unavailable until you switch back.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta try this Divide IIRC

@diablo Now I know what you were talking about in much more detail.. Very interesting.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

Erik_T said:
@diablo Now I know what you were talking about in much more detail.. Very interesting.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See, finally it came out here what I kinda should've put out for you in our PMs.

CheesyNutz said:
honestly if your worried about your phone then i think you need to NOT have a smart phone .. not bashing you just saying if you it upload it etc etc people can and will fined it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude. I'm not going without a smartphone. Before I bricked it, I had teamhacksung's ICS on it. There's no way I'm going to have a dumbphone. It's hard enough going back to Froyo and Touchwiz.
I work in an industry that by its very nature is mobile. I understand that transmitting data & putting stuff in the cloud carries some risk. What I want to understand better is whether I am adding to that risk by getting rid of official firmware and installing something that isn't.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

I have been using Lookout. I have tried a few security apps, but I've also read a few articles that seem to indicate that it's unclear whether some of those apps work because there has been few widespread outbreaks.
My primary concern is the relative security of my clients' data. Their email could be hacked before it ever gets to me too. But, after spending a month with TouchWiz, I am drooling over some of the ROMs I'm seeing here. Particularly interested about Revelation.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

diablo009 said:
As per google's policy, they can retain your info (including personal) indefinitely. They could share non personal info like browsing habits with their partners. Personal info would be divulged law enforcement officers when request comes in through proper channels. This is the norm with all online providers.
If you are talking about encryption and such stuff, make sure you enable strong passwords (not simple pattern based or number based).
Also set the option in settings to disable USB debugging when phone is locked. This will prevent connecting and issuing adb commands at system level.
Set up software like avast to send remote commands to phone when you feel its lost to erase the phone as first step.
When you try to install stuff from market, see for what permissions it uses. If you are uncomfortable, and the vendor isn't a well known entity, don't install such software.
These are some basic measures you could try employing. 100% security is something not achievable, cos if it were, we wouldn't be having so many people/companies working on anti virus software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...good stuff! I recently shared a couple of those things with some folks who just got their first Androids.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

ateebtk said:
You spoke about gmail...check out their 2 layer security protection for gmail. You have to have your phone WITH you in order to log in. I know it's not what you asked but I'm sure U would be interested in setting that up.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very interesting. Will definitely take a peek. Thanks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

diablo009 said:
I think this is only for browsers. On phone, once setup, it stays.
@OP: In case you lose your phone, change your gmail password on computer, and it will auto disconnect the email and market on phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Didn't know that, very smart
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

adalgiso said:
There's also an app called Divide iirc, that lets you set up a 'work' and 'personal' data/app profile, so when you hand off your phone to someone or take it into work, you can set it into work mode, and your personal data is unavailable until you switch back.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds pretty badass. Thanks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

jfromh said:
I work in an industry that by its very nature is mobile. I understand that transmitting data & putting stuff in the cloud carries some risk. What I want to understand better is whether I am adding to that risk by getting rid of official firmware and installing something that isn't.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, the custom ROMs here are more secure than the stock one, with an exception that they are rooted. But by enabling certain options I mentioned above, this can be overcome (I am referring to disabling USB debugging when screen is locked).
Also, the ROM devs go to lengths to incorporate any security loopholes that they find out. Best example was the loggers on most HTC phones that logged even sensitive info like passwords. The devs here took care of taking it out from their ROMs.
jfromh said:
My primary concern is the relative security of my clients' data. Their email could be hacked before it ever gets to me too. But, after spending a month with TouchWiz, I am drooling over some of the ROMs I'm seeing here. Particularly interested about Revelation.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a relative flaw in android that it currently does not support device level encryption like blackberry. BBs go the extent of not even showing contacts and requiring a full reset of device on things like SIM change. Android still doesn't have this feature. There are some workarounds though that we could employ to use this wonderful OS.
Most security apps today (like avast; I am not marketing this app, but this is one of apps I tried that is free and has a hell load of options) can be configured at system level as device admins. And they have options that can help keep them alive even after a full system reset (helps save from majority of users).
---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:41 PM ----------
diablo009 said:
Gotta try this Divide IIRC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am unable to find this app in market. Any market link?

diablo009 said:
To be honest, the custom ROMs here are more secure than the stock one, with an exception that they are rooted. But by enabling certain options I mentioned above, this can be overcome (I am referring to disabling USB debugging when screen is locked).
Also, the ROM devs go to lengths to incorporate any security loopholes that they find out. Best example was the loggers on most HTC phones that logged even sensitive info like passwords. The devs here took care of taking it out from their ROMs.
This is a relative flaw in android that it currently does not support device level encryption like blackberry. BBs go the extent of not even showing contacts and requiring a full reset of device on things like SIM change. Android still doesn't have this feature. There are some workarounds though that we could employ to use this wonderful OS.
Most security apps today (like avast; I am not marketing this app, but this is one of apps I tried that is free and has a hell load of options) can be configured at system level as device admins. And they have options that can help keep them alive even after a full system reset (helps save from majority of users).
---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:41 PM ----------
Am unable to find this app in market. Any market link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Even I found it. Feels great. To help the smart guy. Even just a little.
I do believe this is what he is talking about...
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.enterproid.divideinstaller
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

Erik_T said:
Wow. Even I found it. Feels great. To help the smart guy. Even just a little.
I do believe this is what he is talking about...
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.enterproid.divideinstaller
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Erik. I wasn't able to find it myself

Please call Samsung about 4.3 update for google edition S4 and writing to SD card

For everyone with the S4 google edition. As you know the ability of many apps to be able to write to the sd card was busted with the 4.3 update. Just got off the phone with Samsung and explained the situation and they said they have not received any other calls on this and basically nothing will be done until they receive more calls. So please let them know. their number is 1 800 726 7864 Thank you!

Please dont take it personal but don't be naive
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

UdK.cH said:
Please dont take it personal but don't be naive
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't take it personal but don't be a anus

Heard another user using this Samsung number can escalate the issue quicker
You can contact our voice support at 1-888-987-4357, Mon-Fri: 7 AM - 9 PM (CST), Sat: 9 AM - 6 PM (CST).

I will call on Monday and urge others to as well.
In the meantime, it there anyway to go back to stock 4.2.2 on the GT-I9505G? Everything was so good!

http://www.sammobile.com/2013/08/11...-breaks-sd-card-writing-for-apps-heres-a-fix/

planoman said:
I will call on Monday and urge others to as well.
In the meantime, it there anyway to go back to stock 4.2.2 on the GT-I9505G? Everything was so good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If like me you don't want to root no. Some apps that could save to SD card(camera JB+)developers are working on a fix but from what I read today it doesn't sound good. One program that still works is ES File Explorer to move files to SD card. But not the greatest solution. Hopefully Samsung will put out a fix if we make some noise.

cgp1 said:
If like me you don't want to root no. Some apps that could save to SD card(camera JB+)developers are working on a fix but from what I read today it doesn't sound good. One program that still works is ES File Explorer to move files to SD card. But not the greatest solution. Hopefully Samsung will put out a fix if we make some noise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, just root the phone, install Busybox and use Foldermount to move apps to the sdcard

These threads are funny. Everyone *****es about Samsung's apps, framework, overlay and customizations so they release a phone that's as AOSP as possible. Then people ***** about not having access to Samsung's customizations. OP, Google's adamantly against external storage which is why Nexus devices don't have it. Be lucky the SGS4 GE supports it at all which is a customization to AOSP in itself. There are two SGS4s - pick the one that works for you. Expecting Samsung to continue to add their own features to a phone intentionally kept as "pure" as possible is a bit nuts and goes against why GE edition phones exist in the first place. The post above this one is the answer to your problem. Not spamming Samsung.

BarryH_GEG said:
Expecting Samsung to continue to add their own features to a phone intentionally kept as "pure" as possible is a bit nuts and goes against why GE edition phones exist in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhhh, you're a little misinformed. We can't write to the SD card at all. Not just apps2sd is broken. I don't care about that. I can't create a folder on my SD Card with Solid Explorer without rooting my phone and modifying a system file. That's bull****. The phone is advertised on play.google.com as supporting expandable storage. They need to fix it.

illogic6 said:
Uhhh, you're a little misinformed. We can't write to the SD card at all. Not just apps2sd is broken. I don't care about that. I can't create a folder on my SD Card with Solid Explorer without rooting my phone and modifying a system file. That's bull****. The phone is advertised on play.google.com as supporting expandable storage. They need to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I am. But you guys looking for people's help in getting the problem fixed also did a crappy job of explaining it. Let me help.
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/ga...-android-4-3-breaks-sd-card-writing-for-apps/
Since it's an identified problem that's been picked up by the media you can pretty much assume a fix is in the works. Relying on low-paid third party call center agents as a source of info ("Samsung's not aware of the problem") isn't really that wise as they are typically the last to know about both problems and their solutions.
Hope it gets fixed soon.

I called this morning to the mobile services number. They did ask me for my IMEI number he repeated the issue back to me and he understood it as a SD writing issue not apps to SD issue.
I also requested he put in to Google "4.3 issue with s4 Google edition" and they will see several post explaining the issue.
He said he would forward to technical support.
To those with a GT-I9505G please call even if you do not care about the issue.
Although ES file explorer work to move pics and video to the Ext SD card, this should be fixed for this model since it is about the only pure android OS with an SD card.
Sent from my GT-I9505G

running my i9505g stock rooted on 4.3
ive been getting ALOT of force closes since the the update. unrooted the device/factory reset and still getting alot of FC's
Google Play music
Candy crush
Feedly
flipboard
Facebook
etc etc
almost every app
about to go back to 4.2.2

WhiteSRT69 said:
running my i9505g stock rooted on 4.3
ive been getting ALOT of force closes since the the update. unrooted the device/factory reset and still getting alot of FC's
Google Play music
Candy crush
Feedly
flipboard
Facebook
etc etc
almost every app
about to go back to 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.2.2 was great! of the apps you mentioned I only use Google Play music and have not had any force closes. The only issue for my is the ext sd card writing bug in which my camera apps, JB+ camera, Procapture and Zoom camera FX cannot save pictures to the ext SD card like they could on 4.2.2!

You people expect an answer by calling samsung? Seriously?
Let me tell you this- they don't care. They got away with your $$$ and don't give a rat's poop.
They release updates and put what they want on it when they feel like it (or a court order forces them).
That's why XDA exists so we won't have to be so reliant on samsung regarding features that we want.

deathnotice01 said:
You people expect an answer by calling samsung? Seriously?
Let me tell you this- they don't care. They got away with your $$$ and don't give a rat's poop.
They release updates and put what they want on it when they feel like it (or a court order forces them).
That's why XDA exists so we won't have to be so reliant on samsung regarding features that we want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They apparently listened on the low available space on the S4 and brought back apps to SD for the S4 in a fairly quick update. In the case of the S4 Google Edition, we are taking about one line of code in the platform.xml file. I do expect them to issue a fix. Why wouldn't they if it is a legitimate bug? If not, they may as well stop making the S4 GPe because nobody will buy them if this is not fixed. Many people that buy the s4 GPe want their apps to have write access the ext SD card.

The Samsung email address page is a little tricky to find here it is
https://contactus.samsung.com/custom....jsp?SITE_ID=1
This is what I wrote feel free to use all or part
I have a recently purchased Samsung s4 google edition i9505G from the Google play store. After the 4.3 android update my apps have lost the ability to write to the sd card. This has been documented in many articles on the web.
I have talked to Google and they told me a fix for this would be your responsibility.
Are you aware of this problem? Are you working on a fix? Thanks!

I'm sure this will be patched eventually but I don't think bugging them will make it any quicker lol
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4

Because the squeaky wheel doesn't get the grease?
Did you see where Google refunded the shipping cost on the Nexus 7 sleeve because of the uproar on the outrageous shipping cost. These companies listen and respond once you let them know. At $649 a pop for this device they should fix this.

planoman said:
They apparently listened on the low available space on the S4 and brought back apps to SD for the S4 in a fairly quick update. In the case of the S4 Google Edition, we are taking about one line of code in the platform.xml file. I do expect them to issue a fix. Why wouldn't they if it is a legitimate bug? If not, they may as well stop making the S4 GPe because nobody will buy them if this is not fixed. Many people that buy the s4 GPe want their apps to have write access the ext SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not download a tool from the market that allows this ? problem solved

Starting with your brand new Galaxy Note 3

This thread is a starting point for Galaxy Note 3 owners.
So, well, let's get started.
What is my phone called in these forums?
International Variant - Snapdragon Processor - Quad Core (Unless you know otherwise, this is the one you most probably have)
SM-N9005
hltexx
hlte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International Variant - Exynos Processor - Octa Core (Launched in markets where 4G is not very prevalent)
SM-N900
SM-N9000
ha3g
ha3gxx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier Variant - Snapdragon Processor
hltetmo - SM-N900T - T-Mobile US
hltespr - SM-N900P - Sprint
hlteusc - SM-N900R4 - US Cellular
hltecan/hlteub - SM-N900W8 - Canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NOTE- If you bought your device from Europe or the American continent, it might be region locked. This would typically be depicted by a sticker on the side of the box that your device came in. This means that you cannot use it in another region.
Samsung claims that this restriction is lifted after you use the device in the home region for 5 minutes worth of calling, but many users have complained that this did not work.
My shiny new phone came with Android 4.3 but the moment I booted it up, it wanted to update itself.
In mid January, Kitkat (Android 4.4.2) was released for the Galaxy Note 3. If you update your phone, you will probably get to this version.
Should you upgrade to Kitkat?
The only reason to not upgrade your phone would be if you want to root you phone while keeping your knox warranty intact. (We will come to these terms in a minute).
If you don't want to root your phone, or you don't care about the knox warranty, there is no harm in upgrading.
The upgrade brings with it some noticeable improvement in speed and slightly improved multi-window and recoloured status bar icons. If there were any other visible changes, I have forgotten.
What is root?
Root is basically an administrator user in linux environment.
Cool. What does it have to do with my phone?
Hey, no need to get snarky.
Android is basically a Java Interface running on top of a linux environment.
So rooting your device gives you unparalleled access on your device.
You get to modify the system files, play with the CPU speed and the lot.
A million different ways to screw up your phone, basically.
What is KNOX?
KNOX is a proprietary software developed by Samsung. It was released with the Note 3 and even backported to other Samsung devices.
It allows you to run a separate environment for some particular apps on your phone. This adds a layer of security as it allows you to keep your sensitive data in a separate environment.
If you tamper with the phone's OS files (by rooting and such), the bootloader marks your Knox Warranty to be void.
This can also be used by Samsung to deny you warranty.
Once your KNOX is tripped, there is absolutely no way to go back.
How do I root my phone?
There are two ways.
Root De La Vega - This allows you to root without tripping your knox. But it doesn't work on newer firmwares. Visit the link to get more details.
CF-Auto-Root - Works on all devices and all firmwares but trips the knox.
There are a couple more methods of obtaining root, namely Klingo and vRoot, but they are both under suspicion of being malware designed to steal your personal data.
Which is the best ROM for this phone?
Asking such questions. Shame on you.
If there is anything else that you think should be added here, let me know.

First of all, it ships with 4.3, not 4.2.2. Next, there are other root options, like Kingo root. Where you talk about what the phones are called on these forums, you forgot a major distinction: quad-core versus octa-core. Also, it's extremely misleading to say that those are the only reasons not to upgrade to 4.4. Haven't you seen all that drama about apps not being able to access the SD card?!
Please edit this information in quickly. I don't want to see this well-intentioned post doing more harm than good.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

The only significant drawback of KitKat on N9005 - no call recording program works without root.

rossiza said:
The only significant drawback of KitKat on N9005 - no call recording program works without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So media players not being able to access media files on the SD card is not a "significant issue?!"
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

CZroe said:
So media players not being able to access media files on the SD card is not a "significant issue?!"
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think no, because the developers app just need to update their app to KK to access SD card again...
But that call recorder problem... I didn't know about that. And I didn't like it too. You never know when you need to record a carrier, boss or even family call to proof something.

WandersonGD said:
I think no, because the developers app just need to update their app to KK to access SD card again...
But that call recorder problem... I didn't know about that. And I didn't like it too. You never know when you need to record a carrier, boss or even family call to proof something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even when they do, they can only access their own data on the SD cards. If I have four media players then I need four DUPLICATE media libraries on my card, which is ridiculous. Actually, they can access it in read-only, which means you need a file manager to create the shared directory and then... OOPS! There's no way to manage the media and make a directory and move them together without a PC because AOSP and stock Android do not have system app file managers. This is a MAJOR oversight.
My last phone was an Xperia with barely any internal storage. When my Amazon MP3 app downloads my purchased albums, Google Play Music can't find or play it because it wasn't included as a system app on my Xperia phone. Furthermore, there is no stock file manager on Timescape. Have you ever tried to use the one included with TouchWiz?! It's laughable! They actually broke functionality with ICS that they STILL haven't fixed (no way to make home screen shortcuts to folders)!
KitKat's problems run a lot deeper than no call recording without root, which was something you were not supposed to be able to do in the first place.
Few people use or expect call recording. Almost everyone with a phone has video and audio players, especially those with a large external SD card.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Another incorrect piece of info:
NOTE- If you bought your device from Europe or the American continent, it might be region locked. This would typically be depicted by a sticker on the side of the box that your device came in. This means that you cannot use it in another country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use it in another country without issue... So long as that country is part of the region your phone is meant for!
You can use a German Note 3 in France without any fear of region lock issues. Just don't try to use it in the US.

Alright, OP: if we are going to make this thread work, we've got a lot of editing to do.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

CZroe said:
So media players not being able to access media files on the SD card is not a "significant issue?!"
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on kitkat on my N9005 stock and unrooted, i never had this issue. Just took my SD card off my 9100 and plugged it in and i was playing all my songs/vids off my SD all the way from shipped 4.3 to kitkat...
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

N1T15H said:
I am on kitkat on my N9005 stock and unrooted, i never had this issue. Just took my SD card off my 9100 and plugged it in and i was playing all my songs/vids off my SD all the way from shipped 4.3 to kitkat...
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, it works with existing files as read-only but doesn't work for cloud downloads. For example, Google Play Music and Amazon MP3 can't share downloaded media libraries unless one is a system app. They can share what's already on the card but they can only download to their protected folders which the other app can't see/access.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

CZroe said:
First of all, it ships with 4.3, not 4.2.2. Next, there are other root options, like Kingo root. Where you talk about what the phone's are called on these forums, you forgot a major distinction: quad-core versus octa-core. Also, it's extremely misleading to say that those are the only reasons not to upgrade to 4.4. Haven't you seen all that drama about apps not being able to access the SD card?!
Please edit this information in quickly. As it stands, I think this post is doing more harm than good.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated the CPU cores part, the root part (Though Klingo and vroot are still banned from XDA for being malware)
The SD card issue was sorted in the OTA updates of Kitkat.

CZroe said:
Alright, OP: if we are going to make this thread work, we've got a lot of editing to do.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Corrected.

The combination of KNOX, Kitkat 4.4.2 Symmy negative features, the apparent region-lock issue not resolved and the inability to revert back to 4.3 is a pretty big reason to look for another brand, anybody agree? What do I need a Ferrari for if the speed limit is 50 Km/h ?

koskhandeh said:
The combination of KNOX, Kitkat 4.4.2 Symmy negative features, the apparent region-lock issue not resolved and the inability to revert back to 4.3 is a pretty big reason to look for another brand, anybody agree? What do I need a Ferrari for if the speed limit is 50 Km/h ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switching to another brand won't help reverting to 4.3 with Sony or LG is the same thing I know cause I own both of those phones along with my note 3
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Nexus 5 Custom ROM

Hello,
I will get a Nexus 5 this month, the 16 GB version and it really pisses me off that the stock android has ~8 GB... that will use half of my phone space....
A friend told me it's worth installing a custom ROM. But, it really is?
I was thinking at Cyanongenmod and Elix-R, but I have no idea how the custom ROM works, never installed one, never had one.
Which one is the best? And how can I see how much space will they occupy?
I will use my phone for applications like Facebook, Kik, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Steam and games.
So, what I need to know:
1. Best custom ROM(s) for what applications I will use (read at top)
2. Please tell me how much space will the occupy. Every of them.

andreeyps2 said:
Hello,
I will get a Nexus 5 this month, the 16 GB version and it really pisses me off that the stock android has ~8 GB... that will use half of my phone space....
A friend told me it's worth installing a custom ROM. But, it really is?
I was thinking at Cyanongenmod and Elix-R, but I have no idea how the custom ROM works, never installed one, never had one.
Which one is the best? And how can I see how much space will they occupy?
I will use my phone for applications like Facebook, Kik, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Steam and games.
So, what I need to know:
1. Best custom ROM(s) for what applications I will use (read at top)
2. Please tell me how much space will the occupy. Every of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about no.
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"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
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"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/best-rom-kernel-threads-t2477889

andreeyps2 said:
Hello,
I will get a Nexus 5 this month, the 16 GB version and it really pisses me off that the stock android has ~8 GB... that will use half of my phone space....
A friend told me it's worth installing a custom ROM. But, it really is?
I was thinking at Cyanongenmod and Elix-R, but I have no idea how the custom ROM works, never installed one, never had one.
Which one is the best? And how can I see how much space will they occupy?
I will use my phone for applications like Facebook, Kik, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Steam and games.
So, what I need to know:
1. Best custom ROM(s) for what applications I will use (read at top)
2. Please tell me how much space will the occupy. Every of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what are you talking about? where do yoy hear these rumors? the 16gb model has about 13gb free for you to use. only the samsung sgs 1, 2, 3, and 4 had 8gb in their 16gb versions, because samsung adds much useless junk to their stock roms. the nexus devices NEVER come with bloatware.
also, there is NO SUCH THING AS A BEST ROM. to every person, they are different. best is only for you, and what fits your needs best. there isnt such a thing as a one size fits all rom. anyways, xda does not let you ask this question, as theres no best roms.
also, cm might be popular, but its far from a good rom.
before you do anything to your phone, learn first. read about modding, about how to fix things, about how to do things properly before you do anything, or youll be starting a thread titled "help, i bricked my dev ice".

OK, maybe I lied... I have a HTC Desire and I installed ~3 custom ROMs on it. I currently use Cyanongenmod V7.
A friend of mine told me that the stock android uses ~8 GB on his Nexus 5 (32 GB version).
I was thinking at installing Elix-R custom ROM.
It seems to be a simple ROM, for what I need... simple things.
What do you guys think?
I found just now the rules about "BEST ROM". I'm sorry ! But now I'm talking about Elix-R ROM Not breaking the rules anymore.

andreeyps2 said:
OK, maybe I lied... I have a HTC Desire and I installed ~3 custom ROMs on it. I currently use Cyanongenmod V7.
A friend of mine told me that the stock android uses ~8 GB on his Nexus 5 (32 GB version).
I was thinking at installing Elix-R custom ROM.
It seems to be a simple ROM, for what I need... simple things.
What do you guys think?
I found just now the rules about "BEST ROM". I'm sorry ! But now I'm talking about Elix-R ROM Not breaking the rules anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install what you like, as there are many good roms for the n5(almost all of them). it takes minutes to flash, if you dont like a rom, flash another. no one is going to tell you which rom to use.
your friend is a bit off, android doesnt use 8gb, it uses almost 3.

Umm, I will go for the Elix-R one.
The zip file has ~400 mb.
Do you guys know ~ how much space it will occupy after I install it?

more than 400mb. you have 3gb dedicated to system stuff, it doesnt touch your storage, and you cant use the other space left over in the system, its only for system stuff.

simms22 said:
you have 3gb dedicated to system stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Partitioned is the word :angel:

Lethargy said:
Partitioned is the word :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea yea

Thank you guys very much for the help !
Another question...
After I root my Nexus 5 and install Elix-R... I was thinking at buying a Micro SD adapter.
The product is called "Dash Micro with USB-MicroUSB Adapter & Case, Carbon Black". It costs 12$ and it's from the company named meenova.
I will be able to install apps & games on the SD Card and open & play them ?

andreeyps2 said:
Thank you guys very much for the help !
Another question...
After I root my Nexus 5 and install Elix-R... I was thinking at buying a Micro SD adapter.
The product is called "Dash Micro with USB-MicroUSB Adapter & Case, Carbon Black". It costs 12$ and it's from the company named meenova.
I will be able to install apps & games on the SD Card and open & play them ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about apps and games, but you'll need Stickmount or an alternative if the ROM doesn't have it implemented.

andreeyps2 said:
Thank you guys very much for the help !
Another question...
After I root my Nexus 5 and install Elix-R... I was thinking at buying a Micro SD adapter.
The product is called "Dash Micro with USB-MicroUSB Adapter & Case, Carbon Black". It costs 12$ and it's from the company named meenova.
I will be able to install apps & games on the SD Card and open & play them ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google the product name followed by the word review and you'll likely be able to determine if the purchase is one you should make or not. More likely than not, someone with a Nexus 5 has bought that product before and left a review.

umm
andreeyps2 said:
Hello,
I will get a Nexus 5 this month, the 16 GB version and it really pisses me off
Smart buying decision buying something that you know pisses you off:silly::silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Lethargy said:
Not sure about apps and games, but you'll need Stickmount or an alternative if the ROM doesn't have it implemented.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps as in apk, no but game data (including obb) yes, with root and folder mount.
However a word of warning, the N5 isn't comfortable to play games in landscape mode with a USB device hanging out the port.
Personally I gave up and will get much bigger memory on my next device.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rootSU said:
Apps as in apk, no but game data (including obb) yes, with root and folder mount.
However a word of warning, the N5 isn't comfortable to play games in landscape mode with a USB device hanging out the port.
Personally I gave up and will get much bigger memory on my next device.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "comfortable" thing will not be a problem for me xD but thanks anyway for the information !
trsix said:
andreeyps2 said:
Hello,
I will get a Nexus 5 this month, the 16 GB version and it really pisses me off
Smart buying decision buying something that you know pisses you off:silly::silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are one of those persons who talk without knowing anything about what they talk.
A phone company offers a nice deal, you pay ~80 EUR in the first month, and in the next 12 months you pay 25 EUR / month.
+ unlimited mobile data and unlimited international & national minutes for 5 eur / month
And that's the only phone I can afford at that price. Asked them if they got the 32 GB version, no, they dont.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Flash this Note 5 or keep it stock?

So I always root every single phone I get days into getting it. It has been different with this one. I want to root it so badly but I really want to use Samsung Pay. Chase Bank JUST got support, even though I don't have Chase, my girlfriend does so I can use her card from my phone lol.
I haven't been able to find anything indicating KNOX won't be tripped by ANY root method or even being reversed. If I could reset the KNOX counter then I will root away, but there isn't anyway to do that.
I don't even know what I'm asking, any input? Thanks folks!
Edit: It's a T-Mobile Note 5 SM-N920T

You will probably get better help if you had a moderator move this to the T-mobile Q and A threads.

CodeNameRedNeck said:
You will probably get better help if you had a moderator move this to the T-mobile Q and A threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'm not on much.

Squarez said:
I haven't been able to find anything indicating KNOX won't be tripped by ANY root method or even being reversed. If I could reset the KNOX counter then I will root away, but there isn't anyway to do that.
Edit: It's a T-Mobile Note 5 SM-N920T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope - not going to happen. Rooting the Note 5 trips the Knox flag and it cannot be reset. Pingpong root (which didn't trip Knox) was killed off before the Note 5. If you root there will be no Samsung Pay (and the like), probably ever.
That said I rooted - as you can see from my signature I also have an iPhone, which I use for Apple Pay, so no worries!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

apd said:
Nope - not going to happen. Rooting the Note 5 trips the Knox flag and it cannot be reset. Pingpong root (which didn't trip Knox) was killed off before the Note 5. If you root there will be no Samsung Pay (and the like), probably ever.
That said I rooted - as you can see from my signature I also have an iPhone, which I use for Apple Pay, so no worries!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a chance to use Samsung Pay with my girlfriends Chase card today and I'm not impressed. I waited all this time for nothing. Oh well, time to root. Any suggestions on method and ROM?

Root - no strong feelings!
Rom @drketan L6 - love it!!! And a responsive developer - fabulous!!!
Sent from my SM-N920I using Tapatalk

lol.

You should really root. Opens up so many possibilities. Ad blocking, titanium backup, cache cleaning, the list goes on and on.
Not to mention the roms.
I'm on Tek's latest rom and it's sooo much better than stock.
Just borrow her chase card.
---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 AM ----------
Here's how to root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3187422
---------- Post added at 09:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:10 AM ----------
This is the rom I'm running.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3201869

I am in the same situation. Not asking if I should root or not but haven't decided for myself. Been with android since 08 and have rooted every phone I've had, Knox is a different animal all together and, tho I like the note I know I won't be with it for too terribly long. I think tripping Knox will hurt the resale...I remember why I didn't care for Samsung all to well now.

Don't really see how tripping Knox effects resale since most buyers wouldn't know how to check. Just root. Life's too short.

Yeah, come to the dark side. Root for all the people on the other carriers with locked bootloaders.

Android_Monsters said:
Yeah, come to the dark side. Root for all the people on the other carriers with locked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen. I myself am a recovering AT&T victim and I was so bummed when I learned they lock the bootloaders. That's one of the main reasons I switched to T-Mobile
On topic: Root it. Samsung pay is sorta cool, but sacrificing all the features you get with root for one sorta cool feature doesn't add up to me.

I don't miss root at all. Especially with AdGuard and the ability to use my custom font, I'd rather have Samsung Pay and updates when they're out.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

darkjedi said:
I don't miss root at all. Especially with AdGuard and the ability to use my custom font, I'd rather have Samsung Pay and updates when they're out.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct my fellow xda member. With the xml that shuts down so many apps and the ability to change my fonts and finally nova launcher. With all this in place and a 1+ that I have rooted and running marshmallow life is grand. To those that say you are not impressed with the ability to not carry you cards with you and simply touch and pay you make no sense. Also why root a Samsung phone which can be used at 95% of the places you go and keep an Apple because of Apple Pay? If there is Apple Pay then there is Android Pay and Samsung gives you two options.
Sorry just my opinion on things but I root to remove bloat and increase battery life. Of course some options are great but I have found alternatives which help me cope. First phone since winmo days that I have not touched per se

TarquinnBlackwood said:
Don't really see how tripping Knox effects resale since most buyers wouldn't know how to check. Just root. Life's too short.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess it's honesty. I wouldn't sell something without disclosing pertinent information. It's not this short life I am worried over.

But, if you buy a used phone you expect the first owner to have used it. It's like saying you won't listen to music on it cause you might hurt the speakers.
I'm glad you're happy being not rooted. The note 5 is awesome stock.
As for me, I got mine the day they were released and was rooted the second I got to my cpu.
I've no regrets. I had to do an exchange. They gave me a new one no questions asked.
Knox isn't really the big deal people think it is.
---------- Post added at 04:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 AM ----------
I'm religious, too. Just hate the bloatware that comes with the stock rom, need my root apps, and love me some roms.
To each their own.
Trust me. I work at a cell phone store. You won't have any trouble selling your note 5 when you want to part with it.

darkjedi said:
I don't miss root at all. Especially with AdGuard and the ability to use my custom font, I'd rather have Samsung Pay and updates when they're out.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard?
beep

Here's the link for adguard:
https://m.adguard.com/en/welcome.html
Looks like they are not on the playstore.

TarquinnBlackwood said:
But, if you buy a used phone you expect the first owner to have used it. It's like saying you won't listen to music on it cause you might hurt the speakers.
I'm glad you're happy being not rooted. The note 5 is awesome stock.
As for me, I got mine the day they were released and was rooted the second I got to my cpu.
I've no regrets. I had to do an exchange. They gave me a new one no questions asked.
Knox isn't really the big deal people think it is.
---------- Post added at 04:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 AM ----------
I'm religious, too. Just hate the bloatware that comes with the stock rom, need my root apps, and love me some roms.
To each their own.
Trust me. I work at a cell phone store. You won't have any trouble selling your note 5 when you want to part with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, to each their own. I have been on androids since the g1 pre order October of 08, rooted all my phone's and compiled cyan or AOSP for most of them. This is the first phone I have had that by rooting you actually lose something useful besides warranty. I agree, root is better but with the ability to still block ads and literally turn off services it's not as important to me as it once was. Your music analogy is flawed tho, listening to music should in no way void your warranty or remove a feature of the phone. Odds are, in an exchange situation they probably wouldn't even check, they could tho.
You are right, most people wouldn't know how to check for Knox but those same people probably know how to use pay, and an ever increasing chance they will want to.
Hard to say this after hating touchwiz for so long but you are right again, after a bit of tweaking the note isn't all thar bad stock, if I decide to keep the phone for a length of time, I will root it depending on software updates etc but that's also an added feature with android, it's your choice. I'll take the perceived hit on selling it with full disclosure.

Both of you have valid points.
I rooted because I hate, Hate, HATE FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM AND WHAT'S APP AND ALL THAT OTHER BULLSTUFF!!! Sorry got intense there. Bloat does nothing but steal, and for a device that has to be so "secure," they are sure keen on securing the wrong things.
I really do hope no information such as credit card info is being shared by the Bloat apps. Yes they say Samsung pay is secure.....*1 year later* Have you or anyone you know used Samsung Pay?!
Just saying, you never know. I rather use my card itself anyways. No one has successfully stolen it yet. Weird thing too though, as I'm getting older; and I'm 29, I've been using cash a lot more often instead of swiping my card.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk