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I'm not the person that buys a new phone every 6 months. I'm probably going to use my Nexus S for 2 years or more. And because of that, I want it optimized so that I won't get jealous at those multi-core phones.
I can optimize the OS by just downloading something like Launcher Pro, but I want more. I like applications like Adfree and ShootMe, and VooDoo sound also looks very nice. But, I want more! Custom ROMs increase the speed, and then I could always overclock. So Cyanogen Mod 7 is also on my list.
But the problem is, I don't know where to start. There are SO MANY options in the world of Android. Of course, with some Googling I can find the best Custom ROM (CM7), but the internet isnt very clear about it all. I am an average user, so I don't want to much risks. I also don't understand 'geek language' (you know what I mean ), so these forums don't help me much either.
I know how to root (there are tons of youtube videos), and I can probably find a youtube video for installing CM7 as well, but like I said, I don't know where to start. Can somebody give me a push in the right direction? I hate to ask, but I couldn't find something like a noob guide...
Go to the android development section for nexus S and all topics are covered
willcpfc said:
Go to the android development section for nexus S and all topics are covered
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Click to collapse
Hmm I see you can root with or without fastboot oem unlock. I know fastboot oem unlock wipes all data, but if you do it when you get your phone, that isnt a problem. Is there any other (dis)advantage?
It seems there are a lot of methods to root. What is the best one (not the fastest)? I like the one from AllGamer, but it says 'via Clockwork Mod'. I don't know what that is, or what it does. I know I look like an idiot now, but I really can't find good explanations on the internet. Everyone supposes that you know a lot of stuff already.
Androyed said:
Hmm I see you can root with or without fastboot oem unlock. I know fastboot oem unlock wipes all data, but if you do it when you get your phone, that isnt a problem. Is there any other (dis)advantage?
It seems there are a lot of methods to root. What is the best one (not the fastest)? I like the one from AllGamer, but it says 'via Clockwork Mod'. I don't know what that is, or what it does. I know I look like an idiot now, but I really can't find good explanations on the internet. Everyone supposes that you know a lot of stuff already.
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Click to collapse
All the guides get you to the same result: root and a custom recovery with the exception of distortedloop's guide which keeps the bootloader locked and avoids an initial wipe. If you read through each thread, you'll realize that they all do the same thing. Some just helps you avoid terminal work, which is as easy as retyping what you see. Just pick one and follow all the steps. No reported advantages or disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader other than the wipe you are aware of.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Go to theunlockr.com It has alot of beginner friendly videos.
http://theunlockr.com/category/howto/android_how_tos/nexus-s-how-tos/
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Thanks, both of you!
Unlocking the bootloader is needed for flashing ROMs, right? If that's true, I think I'll unlock it right away when I don't have any data/apps installed. The only thing that will suck is the ugly padlock sign when you start your phone, but who starts his phone anway...
By the way, changes a unlocked bootloader anything else except for a slightly different boot animation?
Some other questions: will you get OTA updates from Google when you have root enabled? And what if you use a Custom ROM? And what if you use a Custom Kernel? And what if you use Clockworkmod (that is a custom recovery, right?)?
And where do you need a custom kernel for? Is it only to overclock your device? I saw it is also necessary for VooDoo sound, which I like very much. Same question about Clockworkmod: if it's a custom recovery, what does it do? Is it for back-up/rom switching?
Androyed said:
Thanks, both of you!
Unlocking the bootloader is needed for flashing ROMs, right? If that's true, I think I'll unlock it right away when I don't have any data/apps installed. The only thing that will suck is the ugly padlock sign when you start your phone, but who starts his phone anway...
By the way, changes a unlocked bootloader anything else except for a slightly different boot animation?
Some other questions: will you get OTA updates from Google when you have root enabled? And what if you use a Custom ROM? And what if you use a Custom Kernel? And what if you use Clockworkmod (that is a custom recovery, right?)?
And where do you need a custom kernel for? Is it only to overclock your device? I saw it is also necessary for VooDoo sound, which I like very much. Same question about Clockworkmod: if it's a custom recovery, what does it do? Is it for back-up/rom switching?
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Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader is not required for flashing roms. On previous devices, it was necessary but we have a method in distortedloop's guide which can work around that.
You can still get OTA updates with root, however updating will cause you to lose root. Custom roms usually have a script to disable OTA updates. Kernels and custom recovery will not affect OTA updates.
Custom kernels are "custom" in itself and often offer more features such as the ability to overclock, file system hacks, as well as sound/graphic hacks which may not be included in a previous developer's custom rom. It leaves room for the user to pick what is suitable for him/her.
Custom recoveries are recoveries with extended features. These features may include the ability to backup/restore, wipe device between ROM builds, and more. Its main feature which I enjoy the most, is the ability to navigate between folders of your storage and choose a ZIP file to flash. Standard recovery requires anything flashed to be in the root of your storage as well as named "update.zip". Custom recoveries eliminates this requirement and lets you keep the name of your zip files as well as organize them in folders. There are more features, but that's up to you to discover and see what you'll actually use.
And again, thanks!
After reading the post above and an awesome explanation on a dutch forum, I now know what all those 'custom' things do.
First of all, I'm interested in root. There are some very useful applications that can only be used with root. After that, I'm going to flash a kernel (not overclock it), probably Netarchy's, for some speed improvement and most important of all, voodoo sound improvement! The last looks very promising.
If I'll get bored after that, (I probably tried out dozens of homescreen replacements and their themes by then), I'm going to flash a Custom ROM, and experiment with custom ROM themes. This is probably going to be Cyanogen Mod, but I'm going to wait till a stable release comes out for the Nexus S. If I'm still bored (we are probably talking about 1.5 years ahead), I'm going to overclock for optimal performance...
This is why I love Android. Why would you buy a new device every couple of months? There is so much to tweak! When I tried to find some information about flashing ROMs, I sure have learned how many possibilities Android has. It isn't easy for the average user, but if you get something awesome like voodoo sound in return, it is defenitely worth it!
Sorry, I got still two questions left:
Custom ROMs don't change anything from the outside, right? They are only deodexed? Or is there a difference between, let's say, MoDaCo's ROM and CM7, from the outside?
I heard some Custom ROMs have certain themes, but I suppose you could just as easy install the stock Gingerbread theme when for example MoDaCo ships with a different theme. Custom ROMs support themes after all.
Also, what is the difference between a theme from a homescreen replacement and a theme from a Custom ROM? Themes from Custom ROMs can change apps, because it is a deodexed ROM, so themes will probably also change the looks of the dialer for example. And themes from homescreen replacements will only change the homescreen. But will a theme from a homescreen replacement also change the notificationbar and the icons? Or do you have to install a Custom Rom for that?
Thanks in advance!
I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)
WoolyMarmot said:
I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a stock kernel on stock ICS, this is what i have done in the past and it was great. However I will note that the new ROM modifications that increase usable System RAM make a very noticeable difference with no negatives as far as i see. You also get things like notification power toggles, more lockscreen options and so on with a custom ROM.
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
2) ClockWorkMod is generally the most favorable, compatible and least buggy of the lot. TWRP, although good, has a couple of hidden bugs in it and is no longer being developed. Further, CWM now gives you the option between a Touch based recovery and a button based one. This is up to you as they're both essentially the same, but i still prefer the buttons.
3) There is no best kernel, just the best for you. Find the features you want in a kernel first, and then pick a handful and try them all. If you are using a ROM with fixes for the extra RAM (CM9, Slim, etc), you will need a kernel that supports this.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
Custom UI? If you mean bootloader or something like that, not really. There have been one or two devs who have tried to make this possible (not specific to the Nexus S) but i don't think their (working?) attempts have taken off. Don't get your hopes up here though.
Harbb said:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
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Click to collapse
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?
WoolyMarmot said:
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?
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Click to collapse
It'll all make sense as soon as you do it, I assumed you had a read through some rooting guides for the Nexus S.
The Nexus S uses a little flashing utility called fastboot. fastboot gives us the ability to replace certain parts of our phone with customised versions. For example, you can replace the stock Recovery partition (which only lets you install Google-signed .zip files) with a custom one, such as TWRP or ClockWorkMod (which let you install any correctly-formatted .zip file). To be able to use fastboot, you need to unlock the bootloader. On our phones it is possible to lock it again afterward with no trace, but the phones warranty would technically be voided (<-- scare tactics). So basically, you unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery and then you can freely install a .zip file through the recovery which gives you root privileges. Afterward with this new recovery, feel free to install custom ROMs and the such straight through it.
I personally used Zedomax's guide found here. This does exactly what i stated above and gives you all of the tools to do it, as well as a video. Just follow the video to a T and you'll be fine, it is all pretty simply laid out. I personally use CWM recovery though, not TWRP as it is no longer being developed. I'm pretty sure i explained what each of the steps do above.
CyanogenMod, unlike most other ROMs, have a somewhat large team of developers working together. They add many features to many phones which are often ported to other ROMs, whether it be the concept or the code. It is a great ROM once stable with countless features and they generally do a great job making sure everything is just about perfect, and there is plenty of support and a large userbase. This doesn't mean it's the best, it is just one of the most known.
I personally use Slim ICS daily right now. Largest benefit at the moment is compatibility with CMs bigmem mod, the phone loves the extra RAM.
well in that case I dont wanna use cyanogenmod. I was thinking something as close to stock(or just simple) as possible because I plan on using themes and widgets to customize it.
1 more question before I root, does it matter which version of OS it has? For example, this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007782
nvm, phone already rooted
new question: is it possible to dual boot roms? Ive been reading and they say its possible with using particular apps and an SD card, but the nexus S has no sd slot so...
Hey fellas, I got my Verizon GS3 last Thursday knowing that it had a locked bootloader but was hoping someone would figure out how to get root. Now I see that it has been rooted but is it "completely" rooted? What I mean is, can I overclock it, flash kernals, custom roms, wifi tether? Does it have the same capabilities of all three of the other US carriers' GS3s? Is Cyanogenmod developing CM9 for it yet? I was reading somewhere that you can root it just like any other version but it's just a bigger pain in the ass. I just want to make sure that my Verizon GS3 can be completely rooted so I can do everything I did with my old Droid. Should I just take it back and go with the Sprint version of the GS3? Im sorry if some of these are "noob" questions but I just want to figure out what I should do. Any help would be much appreciated!
Rooting and the other things you spoke of are not the same thing.
Rooting = The ability to write to the system partition, while booted into android. This allows you to delete system files (such as bloatware).
Locked Boot Loader = You will not be able to flash custom files (unsigned) to the phone from Odin. This means no clockwork recovery, roms, kernels ect....
There are ways around some of the locked boot loader stuff on some phones (ex. droid 2 got a special recovery through months of dev work. This did not cicrumvent the locked boot loader, but allowed away around it). This type of recovery (2nd init) is not avalible for Samsung phones.
If you want roms and all access, I would go with the dev unit samsung is selling for verizon. However, there still may not be much for the VZW gs3 because they wont sell tons of the dev units at $600 a pop.
The Verizon S3 already has root, roms and kernels up and working and some really good devs trying to crack it. I have a VG3 and it was rooted in less than a day and I'm having no issues. It's a great phone but the locked bootloader may cause issue in the future.
If I knew that samsung was going to release a dev version I may not have pre-ordered my S3 but I"m still happy with my purchase so far. What I find amusing is the price stated on the dev phone right now is cheaper than buying the phone outright from big V right now. We will see what the price really is when the phone is made available.
Farabomb said:
The Verizon S3 already has root, roms and kernels up and working and some really good devs trying to crack it. I have a VG3 and it was rooted in less than a day and I'm having no issues. It's a great phone but the locked bootloader may cause issue in the future.
If I knew that samsung was going to release a dev version I may not have pre-ordered my S3 but I"m still happy with my purchase so far. What I find amusing is the price stated on the dev phone right now is cheaper than buying the phone outright from big V right now. We will see what the price really is when the phone is made available.
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Click to collapse
I second this post!
locked bootloader means no custom roms or kernels.
chakra said:
locked bootloader means no custom roms or kernels.
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Click to collapse
Not true.
Touchwiz based custom roms are entirely possible and it has already been shown custom kernels work using kexec. Yeah it's not as good as an unlocked bootloader but we have our work arounds until these crazy smart devs figure out how to bypass the locked bootloader.
Sent from my SGS3
tanman21 said:
Rooting and the other things you spoke of are not the same thing.
Rooting = The ability to write to the system partition, while booted into android. This allows you to delete system files (such as bloatware).
Locked Boot Loader = You will not be able to flash custom files (unsigned) to the phone from Odin. This means no clockwork recovery, roms, kernels ect....
There are ways around some of the locked boot loader stuff on some phones (ex. droid 2 got a special recovery through months of dev work. This did not cicrumvent the locked boot loader, but allowed away around it). This type of recovery (2nd init) is not avalible for Samsung phones.
If you want roms and all access, I would go with the dev unit samsung is selling for verizon. However, there still may not be much for the VZW gs3 because they wont sell tons of the dev units at $600 a pop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply man! The dev phone just may be an option but I really don't feel like forking over $600 when I can go to Sprint on a cheaper plan and have an unlocked bootloader....either way, I have 10 more days to return my phone and cancel my contract if I need to. And btw, I sent a long email to Verizon asking them if they will ever unlock the bootloader ( I read an article saying they may, then today read a article saying they wont. We'll see.) I also said that I may just cancel my contract and go to Sprint and ask them how they can "help" relieve this situation that alot of people are facing. I'll report back and let everyone know what their response is.
Topdroid01 said:
Hey fellas, I got my Verizon GS3 last Thursday knowing that it had a locked bootloader but was hoping someone would figure out how to get root. Now I see that it has been rooted but is it "completely" rooted? What I mean is, can I overclock it, flash kernals, custom roms, wifi tether? Does it have the same capabilities of all three of the other US carriers' GS3s? Is Cyanogenmod developing CM9 for it yet? I was reading somewhere that you can root it just like any other version but it's just a bigger pain in the ass. I just want to make sure that my Verizon GS3 can be completely rooted so I can do everything I did with my old Droid. Should I just take it back and go with the Sprint version of the GS3? Im sorry if some of these are "noob" questions but I just want to figure out what I should do. Any help would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's some erroneous replies so far, hopefully this will clear it up for you. Root or superuser, is a linux term, which basically provides you with admin rights. With root alone you can run WiFi tether, rename system apps, etc. Root is easily attainable on the Verizon S3, see the dev section for guides.
The S3 recovery partition is NOT signed. This allows us to install custom recoveries (i.e. ClockworkMod, TWRP, etc.) This is very different from say, a Moto phone that had to use bootstrap methods. The S3 can have a fully functioning recovery that will allow you to do backups, flash ROMs and Kernels, etc. Again, very easy to do, see dev section for guides (it's grouped with root).
What's currently being worked on is the "locked" bootloader. Basically we can write whatever we want to the various partitions, however, there is a security check being done that prevents altering various areas, like the boot.img. Right now there is a workaround where custom Kernels are flashed via the recovery partition (see recovery/kexec threads for more info).
There is no official CM9 or CM10 builds yet, but they are being worked on and there are bootable versions of both. Right now the RIL is the bigger issue as it's preventing data but that has nothing to do with the bootloader. The RIL is being worked on, no ETA.
tl;dr - The bootloader is still "locked" but there are already various workaround methods in place to allow for the flashing of custom recoveries, ROMs, Kernels, etc. Reading the guides in the dev section would be a great place to start understanding what's going on better.
s197 said:
There's some erroneous replies so far, hopefully this will clear it up for you. Root or superuser, is a linux term, which basically provides you with admin rights. With root alone you can run WiFi tether, rename system apps, etc. Root is easily attainable on the Verizon S3, see the dev section for guides.
The S3 recovery partition is NOT signed. This allows us to install custom recoveries (i.e. ClockworkMod, TWRP, etc.) This is very different from say, a Moto phone that had to use bootstrap methods. The S3 can have a fully functioning recovery that will allow you to do backups, flash ROMs and Kernels, etc. Again, very easy to do, see dev section for guides (it's grouped with root).
What's currently being worked on is the "locked" bootloader. Basically we can write whatever we want to the various partitions, however, there is a security check being done that prevents altering various areas, like the boot.img. Right now there is a workaround where custom Kernels are flashed via the recovery partition (see recovery/kexec threads for more info).
There is no official CM9 or CM10 builds yet, but they are being worked on and there are bootable versions of both. Right now the RIL is the bigger issue as it's preventing data but that has nothing to do with the bootloader. The RIL is being worked on, no ETA.
tl;dr - The bootloader is still "locked" but there are already various workaround methods in place to allow for the flashing of custom recoveries, ROMs, Kernels, etc. Reading the guides in the dev section would be a great place to start understanding what's going on better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This explains things alot better for me Thank you!!!. Im coming from a OG Droid that I rooted as soon as I got it so its been a while since I've been on the scene. I've kept up with the OG Droid Development for quite some time (which is basically nonexistent) so Im somewhat familiar with rooting and such just not familiar with this lock bootloader and such on my S3. Anyways, I still may just go to Sprint but havent made my mind up yet. And THANKS again for the very knowledgeable answer!
The GF got a S3 at my urging and before I knew it she took all the OTAs. I've had mine since release but now with the new bootloader lock I don't want to pork her phone playing around with it. I want to be able to modify it a little but I want to make sure I'm covered. I searched but am still a little confused
Questions.
1: Does Xposed work with the stock TW ROM. I see TW specific mods so I believe so.
2: Phone is rooted but no recovery. What options do I have in order to be able to make a nandroid in case I have issues with Xposed.
3: What odin file do I need in case it all goes bad and I have to start over. All I have are the older versions and as we know, they don't work.
TIA and feel free to point me to other relatively safe ways to mod her phone.
My intent was to get her on SlimKat like I've been running but since the OTA that's no longer an option.
Farabomb said:
The GF got a S3 at my urging and before I knew it she took all the OTAs. I've had mine since release but now with the new bootloader lock I don't want to pork her phone playing around with it. I want to be able to modify it a little but I want to make sure I'm covered. I searched but am still a little confused
Questions.
1: Does Xposed work with the stock TW ROM. I see TW specific mods so I believe so.
2: Phone is rooted but no recovery. What options do I have in order to be able to make a nandroid in case I have issues with Xposed.
3: What odin file do I need in case it all goes bad and I have to start over. All I have are the older versions and as we know, they don't work.
TIA and feel free to point me to other relatively safe ways to mod her phone.
My intent was to get her on SlimKat like I've been running but since the OTA that's no longer an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Xposed does work as long as it's rooted, with the locked bootloader you can't run custom recoveries. Your limited to safestrap. Unsure about the odin file
Unofficial Safestrap Recovery
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2797314
1st Rom
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2830974
Superliterom
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2805797
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
I've been trying to gather as much info as I can over the last few days about how to root my Z3 (6603) and flash the CM12 ROM.
I first started researching down the traditional path of unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery (TWRP is my flavor of choice), rooting, then flashing the ROM but ran into a stumbling block that I haven't run into with past phones that I've rooted and that is to say, I've read that the bootloader partition is the same as the recovery partition (or the kernal is on the same partition or some two elements are on the same partition) which ultimately means I have to get a custom recovery for my exact build which is: 23.2.A.1.62.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm definitely no pro when it comes to understanding all of this stuff and I've always relied on super easy to follow tutorials / YouTube videos etc that all of you wonderful people put together but have always managed to get done what I need to get done...but this time I'm stumped and am reaching out for help.
First off, if you could educate me as to what makes this phone different (two elements on the same partition (still not 100% what those elements are)) and why that's important, that would help with my knowledge and understanding. Secondly, if anyone would be willing to point me to a guide (or series of guides that I can piece together) for getting the job done that I want done (unlock bootloader (this I think I can manage already), flash TWRP custom recovery (this is where I'm mostly already stuck because I don't want to install a bad kernal or w/e that's not compatible with my build number), root (this I think I can manage already too with the SuperSU package), and finally flashing CM12 (this I think I can manage too with a working TWRP).
I know all of this info already exists out there but I'm having a helluva time putting it all together.
In summary, I just want CM12 on my phone (D6603) which is currently running android 5.0.2 on build number: 23.2.A.1.62