What are the pros and cons of rooting my phone? - Moto G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Title says it all.
Sent from my XT1028

The Blackest Knight said:
Title says it all.
Sent from my XT1028
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pros
- You get to remove bloatware that were preinstalled
- try out custom roms (if youre into that)
Cons
- Unlocking bootloader (rooting) will delete ALL your data. Its so annoying to reinstall apps tbh.
Thats all to it.

So is losing my data all that there is?
Sent from my XT1028

From what I have read, unlocking your bootloader does not automatically give you root access and rooting does not automatically unlock your bootloader.

Could you expand on this?
PS. I'm new here and don't know much about rooting phones.

Unlocking the bootloader will allow you to install "non-authorized" software such a custom recoveries (CWM, TWRP), custom kernels, and ROMs.
Rooting will give you access to system files and allow you to run programs that require the equivalent of "administrative" access.

So it is a lot like jailbreaking an iOS device?

Kind of.

Related

Rooting Nexus S without unlocking bootloader

I've seen many different rooting methods for the nexus s but unfortunately they don't allow rooting without unlocking the bootloader like the samsung vibrant allows is there anyway I can root my phone without unlocking the bootloader?
why I don't want to unloack the boot loader because I'm fine with the stock ROM on my nexus s. I was really into installing ROMs and things with my Vibrant but the Nexus S feels really complete so I feel like I don't need to unlock my boot loader
Also for the first time I have decent signal in my house after switiching from my blackberry to android so I don't wanna change my baseband and my battery life is good too so I don't want to mess with the kernel
Nope, can't root w/o unlocking bootloader anymore.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
If it means anything, u can re-lock the bootloader just as easily as u can unlock it.
Also, u can unlock and root without messing with baseband or kernel.
Sent from my Nexus S
anishs said:
I've seen many different rooting methods for the nexus s but unfortunately they don't allow rooting without unlocking the bootloader like the samsung vibrant allows is there anyway I can root my phone without unlocking the bootloader?
why I don't want to unloack the boot loader because I'm fine with the stock ROM on my nexus s. I was really into installing ROMs and things with my Vibrant but the Nexus S feels really complete so I feel like I don't need to unlock my boot loader
Also for the first time I have decent signal in my house after switiching from my blackberry to android so I don't wanna change my baseband and my battery life is good too so I don't want to mess with the kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to change any of those things with an unlocked boot loader. Unlocking the boot loader does only one thing, unlock the boot loader. It doesn't need a custom rom. You don't even have to install a custom recovery if you don't want to.
All stock OTAs will continue to work as well - it will just allow you to load a custom recovery and the su binary if you please, with the ability to relock at any point in the future if desired.
One of the features of the nexus line of phones (and upcoming unlockable boot loaders) is that you aren't reliant on finding an exploit to elevate privileges in order to gain root access - you simply unlock the boot loader and you are free to do as you please (or not do if you choose).
Have a look here
This method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1479831
worked perfectly on my i9023 running stock ICS.

Rooted and Unlocked... Explain please?

Hello,
Pardon the noobness... Even when I have been working with phones and tablets for a while, I have to ask now... what is the difference between Unlocking and Rooting the TF700 when it comes to features, ROM flashing, etc?
Thanks!
Mordred69 said:
Pardon the noobness... Even when I have been working with phones and tablets for a while, I have to ask now... what is the difference between Unlocking and Rooting the TF700 when it comes to features, ROM flashing, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure this is in some FAQ... but unlocking voids your warranty and allows you to install custom kernels and recoveries (and custom ROMs). With a custom recovery you can also always root your ROM.
Rooting without unlocking requires some exploitable bug (currently, Motochopper works) and then allows you to modify the system partition and direct access to all files on your device, including apps and app data (e.g. for backup).
_that said:
I'm sure this is in some FAQ... but unlocking voids your warranty and allows you to install custom kernels and recoveries (and custom ROMs). With a custom recovery you can also always root your ROM.
Rooting without unlocking requires some exploitable bug (currently, Motochopper works) and then allows you to modify the system partition and direct access to all files on your device, including apps and app data (e.g. for backup).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! While I do know unlocking voids the warranty and what a custom recovery is for, you've answered my query when you explained about exploit and compared limitations and features.
Many thanks!

[Q] Is it possible to unroot or un-unlock the device?

From what I have read, the answer is no but I have some more questions so I guess Id ask anyway.
Transformer was very expensive and I have more than a year of warranty left. On the other hand I would very much like some of the features that require root. What action is possible to roll back? Unlocking, rooting or flashing a custom rom? I need to unlock the device before I can root it right?
I would use a number of features that rooting allows, but my main desire is to be able to use keyboard dock and mouse or even a gamepad as game controllers. Only program that can do that (joy2touch) requires root. But if I had root I guess I would try Cyanogenmod too because I can only see people praising it for how greatly it improves experience.
Also, there is lots of information around here but its still not dumb enough for someone who just wants to root a device but has no idea where to start (its pretty confusing). So sorry in advance for possibly asking obvious questions.
3DeX said:
From what I have read, the answer is no but I have some more questions so I guess Id ask anyway.
Transformer was very expensive and I have more than a year of warranty left. On the other hand I would very much like some of the features that require root. What action is possible to roll back? Unlocking, rooting or flashing a custom rom? I need to unlock the device before I can root it right?
I would use a number of features that rooting allows, but my main desire is to be able to use keyboard dock and mouse or even a gamepad as game controllers. Only program that can do that (joy2touch) requires root. But if I had root I guess I would try Cyanogenmod too because I can only see people praising it for how greatly it improves experience.
Also, there is lots of information around here but its still not dumb enough for someone who just wants to root a device but has no idea where to start (its pretty confusing). So sorry in advance for possibly asking obvious questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want root to use joy2touch, then your warranty is still good. If you unlock your device, then your warranty is voided... you can find more information about unlock and root here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1833212
Good luck..:fingers-crossed:
Yes but, there is rooting for either unlocked devices or devices running ICS or lower. And whatever rooting for JB I found (im running newest OTA) is only for unlocked devices as well. As I understand it, rooting does not void the warranty but unlocking does? Does that mean im screwed? I dont even know the difference between unlocking and rooting...
3DeX said:
Yes but, there is rooting for either unlocked devices or devices running ICS or lower. And whatever rooting for JB I found (im running newest OTA) is only for unlocked devices as well. As I understand it, rooting does not void the warranty but unlocking does? Does that mean im screwed? I dont even know the difference between unlocking and rooting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A rooting is allowed you to access your system files so you can modify them as will. A unlocking is allowed you to install custom rom and recovery. Someone else may have a better explaination for you.
No, you still can root your device if you have a bootloader .8 or earlier. If you have the latest bootloader, you can downgrade and root it..
LetMeKnow said:
No, you still can root your device if you have a bootloader .8 or earlier. If you have the latest bootloader, you can downgrade and root it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting exploits a bug in the kernel, not in the bootloader, so it's the ROM/kernel build 10.6.1.14.8, not the bootloader build. But it's always the same on locked devices anyway.
Uhm... you are confusing me even more. So is there a rooting guide that doesnt involve unlocking, can be reverted or doesnt void warranty, and works with newest stock OTA?
To my knowledge I dont have any kind of bootloader.
_that said:
Rooting exploits a bug in the kernel, not in the bootloader, so it's the ROM/kernel build 10.6.1.14.8, not the bootloader build. But it's always the same on locked devices anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks _that. What I meant is the latest firmware from Asus.
@3DeX
1. Download the Asus firmware 10.6.1.14.8
2. Backup your personal data and everything that you like to keep to your computer or your external SD.
3. Make sure that your battery is full so it is not shutdown during the installing process..
4. Unzip it once because there is another zip file insde it.
5. Copy the second zip file to the root directory of your internal SD.
6. Reboot your tablet.
7. After reboot, you will see the downgrade notification in the lower right corner.
8. Click on the downgrade notification and follow the instructions.
9. During the installing process, Do not try to turn it off. It will reboot by itself when the installation is completed. It may take 2 to 3 minutes..
10. Use motochopper to root your device.
Good luck..

Moto g 3 - is there easy tool to root phone.

Hi,
is there easy tool to root phone. I don't need install trwp and custom roms.
I just need to root the phone - that's all.
There is no shortcut... you must unlock the device via Motorola's Official Unlock tool, this will wipe your device and void the warranty. Then you can boot TWRP (without flashing it if you wish) and install root.
Sorry, but since Lollipop, and all future versions of Android, there will be no more quick root solution that can be done without unlocking and following the "old normal" procedure, Google made sure of that, for now at least until someone discovers an entirely new way to root.
i was thinking that there is some easier way.
Motorola has app (Moto care i think ) that can remotely wipe phone when lost. When i was activating it there was some info about root access.
So i need that tool:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
??
How to boot into TRWP without flashing it ?
Is there way to lock the phone after unlock process ? For example when I won't need any more rooted phone.
Yes
You boot twrp with the 'fastboot boot xxxx.img' command
Your phone will always show unlocked, even when relocked, unless you flash a stock rom image using a special OEM lock procedure. TBH, almost no one bothers because it will always show tampered and you won't get the warranty back.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
that's not good information. With my "luck" to phones it probably will need warranty after unlock
what else will i need to unlock it ?
Motorola unlock tool - i know.
i suppose drivers for phone, what else ?
bartwaw said:
that's not good information. With my "luck" to phones it probably will need warranty after unlock
what else will i need to unlock it ?
Motorola unlock tool - i know.
i suppose drivers for phone, what else ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "tool"... Just drivers (Win only), a few fastboot commands, and Moto's website, it's all manually done with the G3.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
If you are ready to root your phone, then don't think about warranty. every warranty voids at one day, then if you want full control over your phone , you must ready for everything, otherwise don't root .
Before doing anything, you must do a backup
Read everything and understand then hit ok in all steps of Android rooting life .
There is a root tool called One Click Root. It seems great. have a try.
drmuruga said:
If you are ready to root your phone, then don't think about warranty. every warranty voids at one day, then if you want full control over your phone , you must ready for everything, otherwise don't root .
Before doing anything, you must do a backup
Read everything and understand then hit ok in all steps of Android rooting life .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are saying backup before doing anythig... But how to backup it? When we unlock all data get wiped... So there is nothing to backup... Device is very clean...
sagar27691 said:
You are saying backup before doing anythig... But how to backup it? When we unlock all data get wiped... So there is nothing to backup... Device is very clean...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should back up as much as possible before you unlock the device. Photos, Videos, etc - you can back-up to your SD card. Contacts, Calendar, etc. can be backed up on Google.
I'm not sure about other app data, like in games.
Before you root, consider whether you actually *need* to root your phone for you to use it. Often, a lot of the 'control' people mention, is something they hardly make use of. One popular reason for rooting might be ad-blocking, but if it's just to block ads in browsers, there are various browsers available with ad-blocking enabled (firefox for instance with a plugin) and if you want system-wide ad-blocking, there are services such as AdGuard, which work with a local VPN / without rooting. More 'control' also means you're potentially making your device less safe. Lastly, the Moto G3 is very clean to begin with, very close to stock Android and the Motorola apps that are included are generally considered to be useful instead of bloat.
TL;DR, think before your root / gamble with your warranty, don't just root for the sake of it.
That said, good luck

[Q] Backup before unlocking bootloader? Custom kernel on locked bootloader?

Hello. What's the easiest way to backup everything (and I mean everything, including detailed app data) before unlocking my bootloader? I want to flash a custom kernel with minimum modifications to anything else, and obviously I want to take a backup of everything before I lose them with the unlock process, but I haven't been able to find a way to do so on a stock ROM that's not even rooted.
Or is there a way to root my phone before I unlock it?
I've never had a OnePlus device before, so here I am, asking dumb questions. :silly:
Also, one more question (in three parts, sorry!): since some of the newer apps, especially banking apps, have started using stricter safety procedures, they can detect an unlocked (or even merely rooted) device, and so they don't work. 1) Is there any way I can use a custom kernel on a locked (or relocked) bootloader? 2) Is it possible to use a custom kernel on an unlocked phone that's not rooted? 3) If neither of the two is possible, how can I prevent said apps from detecting my unlocked bootloader and rooted phone?
Thank you very much in advance for taking the time to answer all of my questions.

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