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[Q] Nexus S: Root & more

Probably tons of questions like these, but I couldn't find the right answers, sorry.
1) What makes the Nexus S easier to root than other devices?
2) When you root, you can install custom roms. What else can you do with root acces?
3) Do you need root to overclock your device, and do you need a custom rom? I saw a video of the Nexus S overclocked to 1.3ghz, and it looked like a custom rom (boot screen was different).
4) Can you receive OTA-updates when rooted? And when having a custom rom installed? And when overclocked?
5) Do you need to root to install home screen replacements like Launcher Pro and ADW Launcher?
6) I saw that rooting 'wipes' all your data? What does that mean exactly?
Thanks in advance!

Androyed said:
Probably tons of questions like these, but I couldn't find the right answers, sorry.
1) What makes the Nexus S easier to root than other devices?
2) When you root, you can install custom roms. What else can you do with root acces?
3) Do you need root to overclock your device, and do you need a custom rom? I saw a video of the Nexus S overclocked to 1.3ghz, and it looked like a custom rom (boot screen was different).
4) Can you receive OTA-updates when rooted? And when having a custom rom installed? And when overclocked?
5) Do you need to root to install home screen replacements like Launcher Pro and ADW Launcher?
6) I saw that rooting 'wipes' all your data? What does that mean exactly?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Other devices rooting is quite an extensive process on the NS its just fastboot oem unlock and then flash a recovery and then a rom. Google isnt trying to lock you out
2.you can do just about anything that isnt allowed in stock, i know thats vague but true
3. yes you need root, custom rom no, custom kernel yea
4.you can receive OTA on stock rooted roms but it will remove root and replace recovery with stock, most roms remove the OTA ability so you dont lose root
5. no
6. what whipes your data is fastboot oem unlock it does this for security purposes and it does what it means gets rid of everything on the "SD card" and "internel memory" you can just copy stuff off the SD portion but as far as everything else like app data game saves and what have you your pretty SOL

So if you've rooted your device, you have to un-root it when a OTA-update comes, and then when you root it again, it will wipe all your data again?
A normal android user like me, would he have a good reason to root his/her device, or is just installing a homescreen replacement enough excitement?
This custom kernel, does it install more than just a different bootscreen? I am going to buy a Nexus S because there isn't messed with Android, but I am interested in overclocking so that I will not get jealous at other dual-core devices. If a custom kernel changes the interface, it is a no-go for me.
Rooting, is it like jailbraking on the iPhone/iPod Touch? All my friends have jailbroken their iPod's and iPhone's, so that they can download most apps for free and install other cool stuff. Is there a way (with or without rooting) to download apps for free on your Android?
^ This question is probably going to stay unanswered. I can say that I'm just asking, and that I will not use it, but then I would lie. I could also say that I haven't got that much money, but then I would also be lying. I could say that I don't have a creditcard, which is true, but there are a lot of creditcard 'simulators'. And I'm probably saying this all to pretend that I'm a super intellegent guy, so that you would think: 'Oh, he doesn't deny he is going to use it, he is smart, I will answer the question', but I'm not intelligent. And I probably said that out of self-pity, in the hope someone will answer the question.

Androyed said:
So if you've rooted your device, you have to un-root it when a OTA-update comes, and then when you root it again, it will wipe all your data again?
A normal android user like me, would he have a good reason to root his/her device, or is just installing a homescreen replacement enough excitement?
This custom kernel, does it install more than just a different bootscreen? I am going to buy a Nexus S because there isn't messed with Android, but I am interested in overclocking so that I will not get jealous at other dual-core devices. If a custom kernel changes the interface, it is a no-go for me.
Rooting, is it like jailbraking on the iPhone/iPod Touch? All my friends have jailbroken their iPod's and iPhone's, so that they can download most apps for free and install other cool stuff. Is there a way (with or without rooting) to download apps for free on your Android?
^ This question is probably going to stay unanswered. I can say that I'm just asking, and that I will not use it, but then I would lie. I could also say that I haven't got that much money, but then I would also be lying. I could say that I don't have a creditcard, which is true, but there are a lot of creditcard 'simulators'. And I'm probably saying this all to pretend that I'm a super intellegent guy, so that you would think: 'Oh, he doesn't deny he is going to use it, he is smart, I will answer the question', but I'm not intelligent. And I probably said that out of self-pity, in the hope someone will answer the question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just going to stop you right there, rooting is not about piracy, if you wanna pirate apps please do look somewhere else

slowz3r said:
Just going to stop you right there, rooting is not about piracy, if you wanna pirate apps please do look somewhere else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought. Thanks for answering the other questions anyway!

slowz3r said:
Just going to stop you right there, rooting is not about piracy, if you wanna pirate apps please do look somewhere else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I condone piracy or anything but you can pirate apps without being rooted.... unless you're on AT&T.
I know this because certain applications who are being beta tested (e.g. Trillian Beta) was in .apk format... all you needed was Unknown Sources. Root isn't required to do that
just saying.

zephiK said:
Not that I condone piracy or anything but you can pirate apps without being rooted.... unless you're on AT&T.
I know this because certain applications who are being beta tested (e.g. Trillian Beta) was in .apk format... all you needed was Unknown Sources. Root isn't required to do that
just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can not use this information, but you and I know I will. So, thanks, I guess.

Need help understanding Android :)

Hi,
I am switching from blackberry to Android and have a few questions to all the knowledgeable people here.
so.
1. What does it mean the the bootlogger is locked or something like that? And how does that affect the functionality of the phone
2. what does rooting mean? and what does it do?
3. On the HTC sensation are you forced to use the Sense UI?
4. What does Vanilla mean? I saw the G2X is Froyo Vanila
5. If you "Jailbreak" a phone with Android does it void the warranty?
6. If your phone is locked does it block you from certain applications
7. What does custom ROM mean?
Thanks I have more but for now thats enough lol.

I do not have amazing knowledge of android either, but i read and try to learn as much as i can.
Below is my try to answer your questions.
1. What does it mean the the bootlogger is locked or something like that? And how does that affect the functionality of the phone
It's called bootloader. Every phone has locked boot loader which means you can't go down to the system level and back up your ROM or basically do anything at very basic system level.
2. what does rooting mean? and what does it do?
Rooting means unlocking the bootloader. Kind of Jailbreak. By rooting the phone you can access the system files and tweak the system files to your likings. Most of the android phones come with some apps already installed on it(bloatware). You can remove those apps after rooting your phone. You can install different ROMs other than your phone shipped with. CM7 is one of the custom ROMs. There are plenty others.
3. On the HTC sensation are you forced to use the Sense UI?
Yes. You can definitely root your phone and install some custom ROMs. But every new phone takes some time for development. Its not like within a week you are going to get custom ROMs.
4. What does Vanilla mean? I saw the G2X is Froyo Vanila
Vanilla is sth which comes directly from google without any customization. So G2X is stock android. Froyo(2.2) is the version of android. G2X is soon to get Gingerbread(2.3) update.
5. If you "Jailbreak" a phone with Android does it void the warranty?
Jailbreak term is for iPhones. You do not jailbreak android phones. You ROOT android phone using some programs. And yes it does void your warranty BUT you can always unroot the phone and get back to the stock to get your phone replaced or get it back under warranty.
6. If your phone is locked does it block you from certain applications?
It all depends. Let's say your phone has pretty bad battery life. You saw an app called battery calibrator from market which helps to calibrate you battery. Now you can't use that app until and unless you are rooted as that app needs access to the system files. So only the apps which needs access to the system files will not work. But nobody is going to block you from downloading it. it's just that it won't work if you are not rooted. So the direct answer to your questions is ANROID is open source. Nobody is ever going to stop you from doing anything with your phone.

johnnyp500 said:
Hi,
I am switching from blackberry to Android and have a few questions to all the knowledgeable people here.
so.
1. What does it mean the the bootlogger is locked or something like that? And how does that affect the functionality of the phone
2. what does rooting mean? and what does it do?
3. On the HTC sensation are you forced to use the Sense UI?
4. What does Vanilla mean? I saw the G2X is Froyo Vanila
5. If you "Jailbreak" a phone with Android does it void the warranty?
6. If your phone is locked does it block you from certain applications
7. What does custom ROM mean?
Thanks I have more but for now thats enough lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Hard to gain root/hack
2. Just like jailbreaking pretty much. It allows access to things the common user shouldn't have access too.
3. Yes and No. You can download one of the many launchers from the market and while they will change what your device looks like on the surface, some underlying features of Sense will still remain in the background.
4. Vanilla means "Stock Android" (No skins like Sense)
5. Android doesn't have Jailbreaking, it has rooting and yes it will void the warranty but it's easy to undo encase you need to send your phone back.
6. I am assuming your talking about a locked bootloader and no it doesn't mean you can't have access to certain apps.
7. A custom ROM is something a developer cooks up. It is usually a version of Android with extra features that runs better than what came on your device.

johnnyp500 said:
Hi,
I am switching from blackberry to Android and have a few questions to all the knowledgeable people here.
so.
1. What does it mean the the bootlogger is locked or something like that? And how does that affect the functionality of the phone
2. what does rooting mean? and what does it do?
3. On the HTC sensation are you forced to use the Sense UI?
4. What does Vanilla mean? I saw the G2X is Froyo Vanila
5. If you "Jailbreak" a phone with Android does it void the warranty?
6. If your phone is locked does it block you from certain applications
7. What does custom ROM mean?
Thanks I have more but for now thats enough lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does it mean the the bootlogger is locked or something like that? And how does that affect the functionality of the phone=
Its a bootloader, and to keep it simple lets just say if its locked it makes it alot harder for the devs to do what they do.
what does rooting mean? and what does it do?=
rooting means to gain root access. think of it as being an admin on your pc compared to being on as a guest account. It allows you to make changes that you are normally not able to
On the HTC sensation are you forced to use the Sense UI?=
Untill you have rooted your phone you are but once your rooted you can flash (install) a rom that is not sense based or "senseless"
What does Vanilla mean? I saw the G2X is Froyo Vanila=
it refers to the UI
5. If you "Jailbreak" a phone with Android does it void the warranty?=
You Jailbreak an I-phone and Root an android. Its the same thing and it does void the warranty
If your phone is locked does it block you from certain applications=
no,
What does custom ROM mean?=
it means someone put alot of time and hard work into making your devise run better, faster, and smoother. Not to mention look and sound different.

Making sure I understand all this rooting stuff

Hi, I am waiting for my HTC Sensation to arrive from eBay. New to android and have been reading about rooting. Just want to make sure I am getting this clear:
So, to root, I'll need to to the S-off thing with revolution, then clockwork recovery, then SU to actually root it right?
I am not sure whether I need to root it, but I am interested in unlocking it for SIM and I read there's a way to do it if the phone is rooted. Also, I probably don't need some of the T-mobile apps and want to delete it. However, do I have necessarily have to flash a custom ROM after I rooted it? Can I just use what came with the HTC?
However, if I do this, I guess I can't update through HTC/T-mobile anymore right? So I'll have to flash some ROM, but does it have some modify ROM, or can I use the ROM that's official from HTC?
Can someone please correct me if I misunderstood the process? And also, can I reverse all this if I decide I just want to use it the way it was shipped except simunlocked, and be able to update newer version of the OS from HTC.
Thanks

Sensation rooting
I was just like you about a month and half ago. im new to android aslo but i'll help you. first- your right about using the revolutionary method and installing clockwork and super user. as for unlocking it for a SIM you might need super cid check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300
to remove some tmobile apps use titanium backup (it's in the market)
As for roms im using stock but it's rooted. but before you root please update to 2.3.4 because it really improve your phone but yes you would have to flash update roms after you root. but you can find the official one's here if you look for them as soon as they come out.

pretty much yes to your questions...even if you root you can stay with your stock rom and just use titanium backup to delete all the junk u dont want. Also, even if you cant get updates officially, devs here are nice enuf to post the newest stock roms for you to flash so dont worry. so i suggest you read these three threads to start off and have fun (just read directions very carefully)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1137311
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232107
edit: ah, i guess someone else was replying too

darryll4sh0 said:
I was just like you about a month and half ago. im new to android aslo but i'll help you. first- your right about using the revolutionary method and installing clockwork and super user. as for unlocking it for a SIM you might need super cid check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300
to remove some tmobile apps use titanium backup (it's in the market)
As for roms im using stock but it's rooted. but before you root please update to 2.3.4 because it really improve your phone but yes you would have to flash update roms after you root. but you can find the official one's here if you look for them as soon as they come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply. So I can only remove some t-mobile apps if it's rooted right? I was thinking of updating to the newest version before considering rooting. I think I will be kinda in the same situation as you....so when you say stock rooted rom...it's basically the same ROM as what t-mobile has with SENSE etc...but can be apply to a rooted phone without losing root right?
Finally, since you're not using any custom ROM and stuff... do u find it worthwhile rooting? what other advantage have you notice if you're using the stock ROM?
Thanks again!

rooting sensation
My rom is the same one that comes when you first get the phone. the only expectation is that it's updated to 2.3.4 instead of 2.3.3 and that it's rooted. When you root imagine like it's a window's pc and instead of using the guest account where stuff is limited, your now able to use the administrator account which lets you do anything.
As for advantages, i wanted to improve it's speed and battery life. the update helps but you'll find out that tmobile has alot of apps running in the background which slows it down and uses more battery and they also included useless app or two of the same kind of app. Right now im looking at other roms because im kinda tired of sense but i wish i could keep it's widgets.

darryll4sh0 said:
My rom is the same one that comes when you first get the phone. the only expectation is that it's updated to 2.3.4 instead of 2.3.3 and that it's rooted. When you root imagine like it's a window's pc and instead of using the guest account where stuff is limited, your now able to use the administrator account which lets you do anything.
As for advantages, i wanted to improve it's speed and battery life. the update helps but you'll find out that tmobile has alot of apps running in the background which slows it down and uses more battery and they also included useless app or two of the same kind of app. Right now im looking at other roms because im kinda tired of sense but i wish i could keep it's widgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. I think I'll just stick with the 2.3.4 firmware for now before considering flashing any custom ROMs etc.
So just so I am clear, I should update the unrooted phone to 2.3.4 when I get it. then I can perform the S-off, clockwork, superuser to get it rooted and just leave it as it is and use the existing ROM as it came with the phone. Until I need to update to a higher version, I will then flash a rooted version of whatever t-mobile came out with from here. Is that the deal?
Finally, what's superCID? Do I need that?
Thanks again.. you guys been a great help! I can't wait to play around with this when I get the phone this weekend

Rooting
Yep your correct....
As for super CID is something like a carrier unlock. This has something to do with updates i think. but by adding this you can flash any carrier's rom onto your phone. for example vodafone and orange are both 2 different europe phone companies and they both include different apps on their roms just like tmobile give there special apps. With super-CID you can put anyone of those carries rom on you phone regardless if it's a europe, usa, or asia sensation. but you don't need- i haven't put it on either.

Rooting problem

Hi folks,
There was this wonderful guide on how to root a phone. Well, I'm stupid. I admit it.
I have NO idea what flashing means or what ROMing does...
regardless, my sole aim & purpose here was to figure out a way HOW to get my phone in a state, where i can delete ANY APPLICATION tmobile puts on my bloody phone that i don't want or need. much like getting a new HP laptop...i buy my own OS and delete everything and start from scratch...
so first i got my unlock code from tmobile...so my phone is unlocked...but i still can't delete any app
so guy next to me who i know and writes apps for android says i should root my phone
well i think i'm rooted...but can't confirm...
regardless, going through this process of rooting...it cleared out phone contents...which i knew it would...you know SD data, sim card data...photos, etc etc...
lol...well now i forgot what gmail ID i used to store all my phone contacts that sucks for me...
So HOW do i get my phone to a state where i can delete anything i want on my phone?!! Thx

Unlock bootloader, flash recovery e.g twrp (v 2.3.3 recommended, higher versions have problems) flash super user then download system tuner and delete the bloat or stuff u don't want under system tab
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app

This guide makes it pretty easy.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24478083
Follow the steps to unlock bootloader, get a new recovery, and a custom Rom.
Customs Roms don't come with all that tmobile bloat. If you like Sense, try Viper One S.
Goodluck and enjoy the wonderful world of xda.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

npiper05 said:
This guide makes it pretty easy.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24478083
Follow the steps to unlock bootloader, get a new recovery, and a custom Rom.
Customs Roms don't come with all that tmobile bloat. If you like Sense, try Viper One S.
Goodluck and enjoy the wonderful world of xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what a ROM is
But yes, I don't like ANY of the Tmobile bloated software...my INTENTION is to delete all the apps it puts on and just put my own on.
I also don't know what new recovery means.
I'm a guy that pretty much has used Win7 for ages & ages..this is my "realistically" first smartphone, because the "actual 1st" had a broken screen and didn't play with it much. All of this Android stuff is pretty new.
So yeah, I just like clean slates...I pretty much just want my phone to play the music I add on it, my Pandora & watch a few TV shows that I add to the phone via USB from my PC.
As a side question, is it OKAY to ask about "cracked" apps...meaning finding apps that are free but are normally billable..thanks.
Earlier this morning I did go to one of the threads here to start "rooting" but I don't know if I'm done or not...how do I know?

get to know xda, not just these threads--ck out the wiki
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Main_Page
i read and searched everything when i started
you cannot discuss cracked apps as the are illegal
if you are rooted you can dl and use apps like titanium backup and root explorer from market
all this takes time but effort like everything else we do
enjoy the advantages of being rooted
and once you are make a backup (nandroid) asap and a copy of your sdcard. put both on pc also

Buying New, Plan To Root, Any Advice Before I jump in?

I will be buying a new LG v10 still on Android 5.1 (lollipop)
I plan to root it to the latest version I can that xposed works on.
What im trying to find out is what info SHOULD I KNOW before hand? I like this place cause its where all the info is at but info runs into each other, one thread I read says root is not possible and next says it is. From what I read root is possible as long as you dont have the September 17 patch update or whatever is that correct?
Will I be able to disable updating the phone to the newest android flavor? I would have to wake up one day and my phone no longer has root.
Im new so just asking some question before I go ahead and make teh LG v10 purchase.

I was going to ask the same question. You did better research than I for sure. Got my phone and installed the update without thinking...might have to get another one and return this :/. I mainly wanted root for unlimited hotspot though, and the netshare app does a good job so don't necessarily need it per se. Suppose the other features make it worth it.
Been reading the threads like yourself and not sure how you'd get rooted from lollipop. It does appear, however, that it's a fairly simple process of:
1) going to dev options and enabling usb debugging and oem unlock
2) sticking in a SD card with the ROM you want to flash and supersu on it.
3) installing the twerp app
4) installing the v10 driver on your pc
5) connecting v10 to pc with volume down button pressed when off to enter vootloader
6) using fastboot commands (via command prompt) to unlock bootloader
7) using command prompt again to launch twerp
8) using twerp to install supersuu and custom Rom (like nougat for instance? It's much better than marshmellow IMHO...or at least I like a lot better haha.)
Then I assume you can install all the root only apps you need. (Maybe test root with root checker first). Like greenify, remove adds on apps, install mobile hotspot capabilities, that app which hacks apps using the play store to get everything for free..., Magisk, live boot (really cool), etc.
Anything I'm missing or have backwards?
What is required to get the hotspot functionality anyhow? My phone has it but it's disabled on the carrier level. Would I have to install an app? Or just change settings? Guess this is the next research topic

Don't buy it, never buy an LG phone if you don't want to regret. I bought one v10 and I regret it. It got bootloop as hell and LG doesn't care about their customers. So I suggest you to not buy an LG phone anymore. They suck. You will regret it if you buy an LG phone. Good luck
Sent from my SM-G965F using XDA Free mobile app