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[Q] I have a couple of important questions

I'm new to this whole rooting thing and I just rooted my G2 last night because I wanted to do more, now I have a couple of questions.
1. How can I use a different ROM and bring all my current apps, data, contacts etc. to that rom?
2. Which folders are unnecessary on my phone?
3. Should I delete all the rooting materials after I'm finished?
I'm still using the stock OS with setcpu overclocked but I want to test a new ROM. Somehelp help me :/

I would first create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM using ClockWorkMod Recovery. Then I would download Titanium Backup (Pro) and create a backup of your USER apps/data only. It's not safe to try to restore system apps/data after flashing a different ROM. But user apps/data can be easily restored via TB after you flash your custom ROM. Contacts are synced up with Google, so you don't need to worry about them... they'll return as soon as you sign in with your Google account.
When you say folders on your phone, do you mean on your SD card? That's really up to you.
In terms of ROMs, I'm loving CyanogenMod v7.1.0. But ROMs are all personal preference. If you need more help with any of these things, there are awesome guides all over XDA. Good luck.

gkenga said:
3. Should I delete all the rooting materials after I'm finished?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely not on this one. If you happen to screw up your system and have to reinstall your ROM, you have it still on your SD card. ROMS generally only take up about 50-300MB on your card and if you have a large card, it shouldn't be an issue unless you download every ROM known to man.

But for some reason, every time I reboot PyroMod it bootloops me for what I don't know -____-

Im using TastyGinger on my G2.. Tried a few roms from eclair to gb and most of the time I need to reinstall my apps.. i tried using TB to bacup my apps.. but when i tried and restore after flashing new roms, tb gave me an error.. so i decided to hv this perception everytime i wanna flash a new rom, i must start from scratch..

gkenga said:
I'm new to this whole rooting thing and I just rooted my G2 last night because I wanted to do more, now I have a couple of questions.
1. How can I use a different ROM and bring all my current apps, data, contacts etc. to that rom?
2. Which folders are unnecessary on my phone?
3. Should I delete all the rooting materials after I'm finished?
I'm still using the stock OS with setcpu overclocked but I want to test a new ROM. Somehelp help me :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.Just back up all your current application and system data with titanium backup, then restore after u flash that rom. its doesnt matter how many time u change rom coz data that u backup in -titanium backup folder- untouch. for contact i recommend u save to google. 3.its up to you man.

Thanks man, I'll be sure to avoid that

qesion about backup

I think I am idiot If I wait for htc ics update any more .
I want to change my original Rom to custom Rom but one concern.
I don want to loos my applications and my data .
what can I do ?
can I backup my all softwares in stock rom ?
I mean If I backup data in 2.3 rom can I use that in ICS ?
for instance gps software ,maps and places that I entered ?
second question is If I backup data in insertcoin rom can I use that in revolution rom ?
is the backup 100 percent reliable ?
thanks guys

1st question - My backup pro
2nd question - Yes

As jacks said yes, but in my case I'm using Titanium Backup to have all data from my apps saved.
You just have to go S-Off, SuperCID, Root, save all with Titatnium and start all process to flash ROM's (Firmware, Wipe, ROM, kernel...)
And btw, when I started on the ROM's world 1 week ago I tried InsertCoin, did a backup on it (Angry birds xD) and when I ported all to Revolution it worked perfectly So just quite similar case here!

thanks about repllys.
but what about ics.
can I backup android 2.2 sofwares and use it in ics ?

I guess you refer to sd card apps and data and not to system data.
In this case yes. Unless some appls may not be compatible with ICS.
Do not attempt to restore system data from GB to ICS as it will jam up your device.

bluelove2 said:
thanks about repllys.
but what about ics.
can I backup android 2.2 sofwares and use it in ics ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clicking on THanks button it's enough
Btw, take care on the 2.2 backups... I supose you are talking about Titanium backup or so isn't it? As said before you should have problem with not compatible apps, but if they can update via Google Play properly you should not lose any important data
What apps do you mean exactly, or about which one are you worried about? Just to help better

[Q] CWM Recovery Question On SGH-I727

Hello, I have recently been able to install and make a backup of my SGH-I727 using CWM. I have also purchased Titanium backup and made application backups.
I have a few specific questions that I have not been able to find an answer to :
1) Will a CWM backup contain all the apps that are on the phone as well? Meaning, if I restore with a backup image I made, will the
unit be exactly as it was before the backup (i.e. home pages, apps, etc)?
2) If the answer to #1 is YES, then what is the use of Titanium backup/restore?
3) I saw on a YOUTUBE video a user "teaching" how to use CWM, before the RESTORE, he formatted the /cache, /data and /system partitions, then did the RESTORE. Is this needed? required? recommended? best practice?
4) I have gb 2.3.5 on the device now and it works fantastic. I would like to try ICS but before I go there, I want to make sure I have a way to get back to what I have now. Is a CWM backup all I need?
5) Will installing a stock Kernel (ICS AT&T in my case) get rid of CWM Recovery? Or will it be there when I want to go back to the backed up version?
6) Lastly, and maybe this one should not be in this thread but lets try : I am learning about Android, and I see references to the "modem/radio" files for each device. Will a CWM backup also backup the radio/modem code in case the ICS install does not go as planned?
Thank you!!

I think you need to do more reading. Many of these questions have been answered.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

1. Yes a cwm or twrp b/u will put all your apps back just like you never left.!
2. You use titanium when you flash a new rom because of course the new rom won't contain your apps.
3. I've done lots and lots of restores and never wiped first....but wouldn't hurt i guess.
4.yup.!
5.no the recovery remains untouched.
6.I don't think the radio gets backed up or restored. But it's not critical to the rom operation and can be reflashed when ever..

calderonr said:
Hello, I have recently been able to install and make a backup of my SGH-I727 using CWM. I have also purchased Titanium backup and made application backups.
I have a few specific questions that I have not been able to find an answer to :
1) Will a CWM backup contain all the apps that are on the phone as well? Meaning, if I restore with a backup image I made, will the
unit be exactly as it was before the backup (i.e. home pages, apps, etc)?
2) If the answer to #1 is YES, then what is the use of Titanium backup/restore?
3) I saw on a YOUTUBE video a user "teaching" how to use CWM, before the RESTORE, he formatted the /cache, /data and /system partitions, then did the RESTORE. Is this needed? required? recommended? best practice?
4) I have gb 2.3.5 on the device now and it works fantastic. I would like to try ICS but before I go there, I want to make sure I have a way to get back to what I have now. Is a CWM backup all I need?
5) Will installing a stock Kernel (ICS AT&T in my case) get rid of CWM Recovery? Or will it be there when I want to go back to the backed up version?
6) Lastly, and maybe this one should not be in this thread but lets try : I am learning about Android, and I see references to the "modem/radio" files for each device. Will a CWM backup also backup the radio/modem code in case the ICS install does not go as planned?
Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. 99.9% back to what you had
2. if you install a new rom you can use titu to restore your apps and settings, 99.9% of apps should work, but some people like reinstalling thier apps fresh and not from backups
3. i wipe b4 i reinstall from backup, but dont wipe/format your sdcards, thats where all the backups of cwm and titu are, good practice is to backup your sdcards onto your computer, that reminds me, i need todo that
4. yes except for the radio
5. if you mean stock firmware , then yes custom recovery gone, you will get everything back to stock - recovery, kernel, rom, radio. if you mean just the kernel then no
6. no cwm/twrp do not backup or wipe the radio , you will still have what you had b4, but the ics stock firmware install you will get another radio and should be fine, worry about flashing the firmware correctly(do the wipes), radio is easy to flash/reflash with custom recovery(cwm/twrp)

vincom said:
1. 99.9% back to what you had
2. if you install a new rom you can use titu to restore your apps and settings, 99.9% of apps should work, but some people like reinstalling thier apps fresh and not from backups
3. i wipe b4 i reinstall from backup, but dont wipe/format your sdcards, thats where all the backups of cwm and titu are, good practice is to backup your sdcards onto your computer, that reminds me, i need todo that
4. yes except for the radio
5. if you mean stock firmware , then yes custom recovery gone, you will get everything back to stock - recovery, kernel, rom, radio. if you mean just the kernel then no
6. no cwm/twrp do not backup or wipe the radio , you will still have what you had b4, but the ics stock firmware install you will get another radio and should be fine, worry about flashing the firmware correctly(do the wipes), radio is easy to flash/reflash with custom recovery(cwm/twrp)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Vincom and all,
Thanks for the responses....Very useful and I think I am putting all the dots together now. Before I ask this let me say that I am a computer programmer as well but for IBM mainframe systems, so I am a technical person but the distributed computing world (Windows/Unix/Linux, etc) is not that familiar to me, therefore these follow up questions.
I am trying to understand the difference between FIRMWARE, and ROMS and Kernels.
1A) I gather firmware is the software that drives the hardware like device drivers..correct?
2A) I also gather that the Kernel is the version of the operating system. Correct?
3A) ROM is the one that is stomping me a bit...is that the UI version? Like Gnome in Linux?
When I look at my S2, in About Phone I see the following :
Baseband Version - I727UCKJ2
Kernel Version - 2.6.35.11
Build Number GINGERBREAD.UCKJ2
4A) Lastly, when I do a CWM backup, what am I backing up? The ROM and the Kernel? Does it also back up the firmware?
Anyway thanks to all for your input and help!...I love my Android device!

Hello there, To answer a few of your questions.
1.A. Typically Firmware is a patch or software update/version that affects what the hardware is supposed to do..Google definition-Permanent software programmed into a read-only memory.
2.A. Kernel - pretty good explanation of it...
3.A. Google definition - The Android ROM is the Android operating system. This is the User interface (Sense UI in HTC phones) and the file system for maintaining contacts etc. It is composed of a Linux kernel and various add-ons to achieve specific functionality.- I would define it as a user-developed version of android if we are talking about custom ROMs.
4.A. Yes when you back up it backs up everything except the radio.
To further explain why people might use TIBU and CWM/TWRP is because most people make a full nandroid (cwm backup) for safety / oops moments or just to try out a different rom. TIBU is usually used when users go from rom to rom and dont want to mess with playstore taking its sweet time to reinstall. (only restore app/app data. NEVER RESTORE SYS DATA unless on the same version of android. the sys files are always different rom to rom or version to version)
Baseband is the Radio, Just fyi there are several different versions of radios for our phone but they are typicall Version specific. ie: gb radios wouldnt work on JB
Not as a troll or flame but I am just curious why you are still using GB? My advice is just to install cm10 + gapps and look up installing cyandelta from the playstore.
I offer that as a suggestion because it will update your phone autonomously. also review the forums for which radios are best for cm (I'm still using uclf6 even though there are newer versions)

[Q] multiple ROMs, same issues

I have downloaded a few ROMs and installed them. In all of them, I have been getting multiple random reboots per day. Also, I tend to have reboots when calling. It seems very odd that I am having the same issues across multiple ROMs. Anyone have any ideas?
Edit: I am currently running Hyperdrive RLS15 but I have tried Liquid Smooth 2.9 and had the same issues.

How are you installing the Roms ? What kernel are you using ? Do you have any apps controlling kernel ? Did you use titanium , if so then what did restore ? User AND system apps ?

jmichaels1982 said:
How are you installing the Roms ? What kernel are you using ? Do you have any apps controlling kernel ? Did you use titanium , if so then what did restore ? User AND system apps ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed Hyperdrive via TWRP and Liquid Smooth through goo manager (Couldn't download HD via goo).
I believe my kernel is a stock kernel (unless the download for HD included one). It is 3.0.31 - 1152558.
I don't believe I have any apps controlling kernel but I don't know which apps do...
I have titanium but did not use it to restore anything. I know I have previously backed up apps with Liquid Smooth but when I look for "restore missing apps with data", I have 0. There is nothing to restore. I assume that is because those are not compatible with HD.
I tried reflashing Liquid Smooth like 4 times and it never got any better. I tried reflashing HD last night and my phone rebooted 6 times throughout the night.

OK when you flash , back up all your data . then don't use goo manager , flash things manually with twrp . wipe data , dalvik , cache , system and internal ( because you flashed aosp you might have 0 folders ) . wipe at least twice then install . on your first boot let the phone sit for five mins without touching it .
About titanium : buy the full version , press menu , then in preferences go to back up folder location and make it your external SD card . memorize this location and you will have to do this with every ROM installation . why external SD you may ask me , because I firmly believe in wiping the Intetnal with every ROM install . now ONLY BACK UP USER APPS never ever system apps . redelete all old backups every time you do a new back up .
I know I threw a lot of information your way, feel free to keep asking questions
Also make sure you're using the latest twrp .

jmichaels1982 said:
OK when you flash , back up all your data . then don't use goo manager , flash things manually with twrp . wipe data , dalvik , cache , system and internal ( because you flashed aosp you might have 0 folders ) . wipe at least twice then install . on your first boot let the phone sit for five mins without touching it .
About titanium : buy the full version , press menu , then in preferences go to back up folder location and make it your external SD card . memorize this location and you will have to do this with every ROM installation . why external SD you may ask me , because I firmly believe in wiping the Intetnal with every ROM install . now ONLY BACK UP USER APPS never ever system apps . redelete all old backups every time you do a new back up .
I know I threw a lot of information your way, feel free to keep asking questions
Also make sure you're using the latest twrp .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may also want to backup Account information, SMS/MMS, Call Logs, etc. Titanium Backup give you an option to do this (Titanium symbols in Backup/Restore tab).

jmichaels1982 said:
OK when you flash , back up all your data . then don't use goo manager , flash things manually with twrp . wipe data , dalvik , cache , system and internal ( because you flashed aosp you might have 0 folders ) . wipe at least twice then install . on your first boot let the phone sit for five mins without touching it .
About titanium : buy the full version , press menu , then in preferences go to back up folder location and make it your external SD card . memorize this location and you will have to do this with every ROM installation . why external SD you may ask me , because I firmly believe in wiping the Intetnal with every ROM install . now ONLY BACK UP USER APPS never ever system apps . redelete all old backups every time you do a new back up .
I know I threw a lot of information your way, feel free to keep asking questions
Also make sure you're using the latest twrp .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this this morning with no effect. I wiped everything x3 and reinstalled. Had issues with Google Play, did a factory reset. Google started working again. 2 hours later, I had a reboot that would not load. I did another reset and it loaded. I'm still having issues thought.

Ok. So, I ended bringing the phone back to stock. The device is defective. I'm have a while slew of issues with it now. Went to Verizon and told then to send me a brand new one.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Usually issues with Google play can be summed up to improper gapps

FlashHappy78 said:
Usually issues with Google play can be summed up to improper gapps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue was not a result of the gapps. It was that the phone was defective. When it was brought back to stock, it would constantly tell me that to insert a SIM card and then lose connection. Every time my phone rebooted when rooted, it was the SIM card being "lost". Once it was back to stock, it was obvious Asurion sent me a defective phone to replace my previously defective phone.

[FAQ] Flashing a custom ROM, Xposed framework, Recovery

Hey guys, I'm rather new to the world of customising Android devices. I just have SO MANY QUESTIONS right now. And I'm sure I'm not the only one, which is why I created this thread to help myself and other people.
Basically, I'll be asking a bunch of questions related to the topic, and this can help other people who are new to all this too.
So, I've got a rooted device. It's on lollipop 5.0, has an unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery, and Xposed framework.
A few questions to start off with:
1) Can I flash multiple .zip/.img files one after another? Or do I need to always wipe my phone's cache after each flash?
2) Say I wanna update TWRP recovery. Do I have do something before flashing it? CAN I flash a newer version over the previous one?
3) Same question as 2) but for Xposed framework instead.
4) I have Xposed framework installed with some modules running on my phone. Should I disable these modules before updating my Xposed?
5) The latest version of Xposed is v86 as given here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
Can v86 work for lollipop?
6) Similarly, can one download any TWRP version and flash it for their device? Or do each build have a different, specific version of TWRP?
7) Are the latest recovery mods and Xposed frameworks always guaranteed to be stable? Or is it safer to stay on the older ones? Which ones would you recommend?
8) Now, the custom ROMS. What are the necessary things to do before flashing one of these?
9) After flashing a custom ROM, can you flash another on top of it? Or do you have to restore back to your original stock ROM?
10) Does flashing and switching between custom ROMs cause any damage to the phone? Or is there any such potential?
11) Since backing up is a must, I'll ask some about that too. Which would you suggest to be the best backing up method?
12) Does creating a NANDroid backup or a backup from within custom recovery(TWRP in my case) equal to creating a backup of stock ROM?
13) Do I need to copy that backup into PC(to restore later), or will it be safe in my phone's memory after flashing a custom ROM?
I guess that's about it for now. Everyone, please answer if you have done these before. And of course, add your own questions too. This can save a lot of time for a lot of people. I could add more questions in if people request it.
**Answer mentioning the question number for simplicity of searching.

Answers!
1) Can I flash multiple .zip/.img files one after another? Or do I need to always wipe my phone's cache after each flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can, but it is more recommended to wipe cache and dalvik cache with each flash.
2) Say I wanna update TWRP recovery. Do I have do something before flashing it? CAN I flash a newer version over the previous one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to wipe dalvik cache and cache and just flash it normally. It might be stuck at 90% but a force reboot fixes it. It is because you are already in recovery. If it is stuck, leave it for 15 mins and come back. This is just to ensure that it really is stuck.
3) Same question as 2) but for Xposed framework instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, works, except you wont be stuck.
4) I have Xposed framework installed with some modules running on my phone. Should I disable these modules before updating my Xposed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need
5) The latest version of Xposed is v86 as given here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
Can v86 work for lollipop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, just flash it via recovery
6) Similarly, can one download any TWRP version and flash it for their device? Or do each build have a different, specific version of TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each build is different for each device, so for example, I can't flash a TWRP for s7 edge on my s4.
7) Are the latest recovery mods and Xposed frameworks always guaranteed to be stable? Or is it safer to stay on the older ones? Which ones would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In example, xposed and supersu framework and binary lets you choose if you want a stable file or a test one for developers. TWRP and other stuff have (what I know) different versions and as stated, these versions behave different on different device. During testing with my S4, I found that TWRP 2.8.7.0 is the most stable build for my device.
8) Now, the custom ROMS. What are the necessary things to do before flashing one of these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make a nandroid backup of your whole device and back it up on you computer. Then wipe everything except your external sdcard and either store it on an sdcard or "adb sideload" it.
9) After flashing a custom ROM, can you flash another on top of it? Or do you have to restore back to your original stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on top of it, you'll have to do as the answer to question 8, make a backup, wipe everything and then flash. No need to go back to stock ROM and then flash it
10) Does flashing and switching between custom ROMs cause any damage to the phone? Or is there any such potential?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is always the risk of bricking but as far as software, it is always revertable. As long as you have a backup of course.
11) Since backing up is a must, I'll ask some about that too. Which would you suggest to be the best backing up method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid backup is the best one.
12) Does creating a NANDroid backup or a backup from within custom recovery(TWRP in my case) equal to creating a backup of stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It creates a backup of your current state, lets say, you are in Cyanogenmod 13, making a Nandroid backup will backup everything on cyanogenmod so that if you flash another ROM and still want to go back, you'll have everything restored, including app data and apps.
13) Do I need to copy that backup into PC(to restore later), or will it be safe in my phone's memory after flashing a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will take up a lot of space on your device (since it is a backup of your whole device) so it is recommended to copy it to your computer and remove it from the phone. But, as always, make sure you copy the whole "BACKUPS" folder because the folder inside that folder has your device ID and it is required by TWRP to have the folder the exact ID of your phone to prevent anything bad from happening (bricks).
Hope, I answered all the questions as you wanted and if you have a new question, post it here and I'll reply as soon as possible

Hey, thanks a lot for answering. It helps a lot.
A few other questions I have:
14) So if I were to get CM13, and then create a backup of it, and then get another rom, say ASOP, create a backup of that too, and then switch to yet another rom, say Resurrection Remix, create a backup of that too.
Now, is it possible for me to be able to SWITCH between multiple roms, with ALL my data saved individually on each rom perfectly the way I wanted?(of course, wipe cache and data before restoring the backup)
If so, then I could just keep Nandroids of my favorite roms, can keep switching between them, never having to flash and start from scratch ever again!
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app

15) Since I don't have otg cable, nor an sd card reader, I'm gonna have to keep the nandroid on my sd. Which means a lot of space is needed.
Can this workaround be possible:
- I use TWRP to backup only system and boot data. I save this on sd card.
- I use Titanium backup to save only user app and data. I save this on PC.
So now, when my device crashes while flashing something, I can restore backup from TWRP(do I clear cache and data before this as well?), and once my system rom is back, I can copy titanium backup via USB and restore it.
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app

16) Suppose I flashed CM13, and it's really buggy. Can I switch back to the previous rom whose nandroid I had just by restoring it? Is it really that simple?
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app

ShinraTensei04 said:
Hey, thanks a lot for answering. It helps a lot.
A few other questions I have:
14) So if I were to get CM13, and then create a backup of it, and then get another rom, say ASOP, create a backup of that too, and then switch to yet another rom, say Resurrection Remix, create a backup of that too.
Now, is it possible for me to be able to SWITCH between multiple roms, with ALL my data saved individually on each rom perfectly the way I wanted?(of course, wipe cache and data before restoring the backup)
If so, then I could just keep Nandroids of my favorite roms, can keep switching between them, never having to flash and start from scratch ever again!
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
14) You can, but you would need tons of space.
Sent using a ks01lte (gt-i9506) running cm 13
---------- Post added at 05:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:56 AM ----------
ShinraTensei04 said:
15) Since I don't have otg cable, nor an sd card reader, I'm gonna have to keep the nandroid on my sd. Which means a lot of space is needed.
Can this workaround be possible:
- I use TWRP to backup only system and boot data. I save this on sd card.
- I use Titanium backup to save only user app and data. I save this on PC.
So now, when my device crashes while flashing something, I can restore backup from TWRP(do I clear cache and data before this as well?), and once my system rom is back, I can copy titanium backup via USB and restore it.
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not have to have an sdcard reader to view your sdcard on your PC. You know how when you make a backup it is stored in /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/CERIALNM/nameofbackup? Well, connect your phone to your pc and move the "backups" folder, then, when you need to restore it, add it to the twrp folder and restore it.
Sent using a ks01lte (gt-i9506) running cm 13
---------- Post added at 06:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:59 AM ----------
ShinraTensei04 said:
15) Since I don't have otg cable, nor an sd card reader, I'm gonna have to keep the nandroid on my sd. Which means a lot of space is needed.
Can this workaround be possible:
- I use TWRP to backup only system and boot data. I save this on sd card.
- I use Titanium backup to save only user app and data. I save this on PC.
So now, when my device crashes while flashing something, I can restore backup from TWRP(do I clear cache and data before this as well?), and once my system rom is back, I can copy titanium backup via USB and restore it.
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, on the titanium backup part, not a bad idea... You can then copy the data and system or boot to your pc and bam.
Sent using a ks01lte (gt-i9506) running cm 13

What I meant was: Let's say I bricked my phone. Now, according to you, I place backup on pc. Okay. But now, how do I place this backup onto the sd on my phone when my pc can't even detect the phone(cuz it's dead yo). Doesn't this impose on me to keep the backup in sd(as I don't have reader or otg).
About the titanium, so you're saying I can do that? Backup only user apps+data and restore after restoring only system+boot.
Another question:
16) Can the backup of user apps+data made on, say, 'X' rom, be restored on 'Y' rom via titanium, on condition they are same Android version(suppose 5.0), without ANY chance of incompatibility. More importantly, can it have any chances of leading to a brick/bootloop.
* I read somewhere that if you backed up system apps of 'X' rom, then changed to 'Y' rom, and restored the system apps of 'X' rom onto 'Y' rom, it bricks the phone.(which is why I ask this question)
17) "Backing up 'system' in TWRP is completely different from backing up 'system' on titanium. This is because TWRP backs up entire system with system apps, while titanium only backs up the apps." This is true, right?
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app

ShinraTensei04 said:
What I meant was: Let's say I bricked my phone. Now, according to you, I place backup on pc. Okay. But now, how do I place this backup onto the sd on my phone when my pc can't even detect the phone(cuz it's dead yo). Doesn't this impose on me to keep the backup in sd(as I don't have reader or otg).
About the titanium, so you're saying I can do that? Backup only user apps+data and restore after restoring only system+boot.
Another question:
16) Can the backup of user apps+data made on, say, 'X' rom, be restored on 'Y' rom via titanium, on condition they are same Android version(suppose 5.0), without ANY chance of incompatibility. More importantly, can it have any chances of leading to a brick/bootloop.
* I read somewhere that if you backed up system apps of 'X' rom, then changed to 'Y' rom, and restored the system apps of 'X' rom onto 'Y' rom, it bricks the phone.(which is why I ask this question)
17) "Backing up 'system' in TWRP is completely different from backing up 'system' on titanium. This is because TWRP backs up entire system with system apps, while titanium only backs up the apps." This is true, right?
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
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You adb sideload a functioning ROM and once you boot you copy the backup you can flash it via twrp. As for the second question, I have not tested it but it sounds possible.
16) You should not be in a bootloop if you backup like that, the fact that it is even the same android version is making it more likely to work and what I know, you can even switch the backup via phones. I don't use titanium because I always do nandroid backups.
17) Yup, that's true, twrp sees "system as the partition system while titanium sees it as the whole phones software, hence why it is called " system".
Thanks for asking these question and hopefully some day, you can teach others.

RAZERZDAHACKER said:
You adb sideload a functioning ROM and once you boot you copy the backup you can flash it via twrp. As for the second question, I have not tested it but it sounds possible.
16) You should not be in a bootloop if you backup like that, the fact that it is even the same android version is making it more likely to work and what I know, you can even switch the backup via phones. I don't use titanium because I always do nandroid backups.
17) Yup, that's true, twrp sees "system as the partition system while titanium sees it as the whole phones software, hence why it is called " system".
Thanks for asking these question and hopefully some day, you can teach others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm... so whenever I brick my phone, I MUST adb sideload to a working rom first, and only then restore the backup I made? Even if I already have a backup saved onto the sd card of my bricked phone? Can I not restore that via TWRP instead? I ask this because if I were to adb sideload first, I'd lose root, unlocked bootloader, and yes, TWRP. So, I'd have to get ALL that done again, and only then restore my backup.
18) Does restoring a backup I made(when I had root access, unlocked BL, custom recovery, xposed) RETAIN all that? Meaning after I restore to that backup, I will still have all that.
Thanks for answering, I'm learning quite a bit. And yeah, I'll make sure to help others with this information too.

ShinraTensei04 said:
Hm... so whenever I brick my phone, I MUST adb sideload to a working rom first, and only then restore the backup I made? Even if I already have a backup saved onto the sd card of my bricked phone? Can I not restore that via TWRP instead? I ask this because if I were to adb sideload first, I'd lose root, unlocked bootloader, and yes, TWRP. So, I'd have to get ALL that done again, and only then restore my backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't lose TWRP or unlocked bootloader, but I will try today by making backup of "cache" and flash it via my sdcard as soon as possible.
18) Does restoring a backup I made(when I had root access, unlocked BL, custom recovery, xposed) RETAIN all that? Meaning after I restore to that backup, I will still have all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it makes a backup of every little part of the system (if you include cache and dalvik, I don't, but some do).
Thanks for answering, I'm learning quite a bit. And yeah, I'll make sure to help others with this information too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Okay, made a backup of "cache and the flashing went fine, my hypothesis is that you have to make the backup on the sdcard and not on the phone and move it to the sdcard.

RAZERZDAHACKER said:
You won't lose TWRP or unlocked bootloader, but I will try today by making backup of "cache" and flash it via my sdcard as soon as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, when you adb sideload, you need to flash stock fastboot and recovery .img files(at least for my phone), and the bootloader does in fact get locked again, along with losing root. I know cuz I already have done adb sideloading before. So, doesn't that make flashing backup via sd card and TWRP without sideload the only thing I can do? I'm just trying to keep a backup without losing root, unlocked BL, TWRP, even if I gotta give up some space... Just wanna make sure it's safe to do it like that.
RAZERZDAHACKER said:
Yup, it makes a backup of every little part of the system (if you include cache and dalvik, I don't, but some do).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only have "System(1125 mb)", "Data(3480 mb)", and "Cache(0 mb)" listed in TWRP. My cache is 0 mb.... nothing to backup on there?
19) Do I have to unlink my linked apps before creating a Nandroid, or will creating one while linked allow me to retain the link even after wiping data and then restoring the Nandroid?

ShinraTensei04 said:
Actually, when you adb sideload, you need to flash stock fastboot and recovery .img files(at least for my phone), and the bootloader does in fact get locked again, along with losing root. I know cuz I already have done adb sideloading before. So, doesn't that make flashing backup via sd card and TWRP without sideload the only thing I can do? I'm just trying to keep a backup without losing root, unlocked BL, TWRP, even if I gotta give up some space... Just wanna make sure it's safe to do it like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wont lose anything during a complete nandroid backup, and, apparently, some devices loose stuff during adb sideload.
I only have "System(1125 mb)", "Data(3480 mb)", and "Cache(0 mb)" listed in TWRP. My cache is 0 mb.... nothing to backup on there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing....... Yet.
19) Do I have to unlink my linked apps before creating a Nandroid, or will creating one while linked allow me to retain the link even after wiping data and then restoring the Nandroid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlink? What do you mean? (Not quoting Justin Bieber)

RAZERZDAHACKER said:
Unlink? What do you mean? (Not quoting Justin Bieber)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's this thing you can do where you move your apps from internal storage to sd card COMPLETElY, thereby saving a lot of space on internal memory. It works because a 'link' is created between the app+data(now in sd) back to it's internal location counterpart(where it would have been otherwise). This way, the apps and system think your apps are in internal, but in fact are in sd(you can see that more internal is free by checking space used up via any file manager though).
In order to do this, a second partition on the sd card is to be made with an ext2/ext4 format, and use a linking app( like Apps2sd).

ShinraTensei04 said:
There's this thing you can do where you move your apps from internal storage to sd card COMPLETElY, thereby saving a lot of space on internal memory. It works because a 'link' is created between the app+data(now in sd) back to it's internal location counterpart(where it would have been otherwise). This way, the apps and system think your apps are in internal, but in fact are in sd(you can see that more internal is free by checking space used up via any file manager though).
In order to do this, a second partition on the sd card is to be made with an ext2/ext4 format, and use a linking app( like Apps2sd).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I've used one of those, I first thought the app used the "MV" Unix command but yea you need a sec. Partition to do that on the sdcard, but you don't have to do that on your nandroid backup.

RAZERZDAHACKER said:
Yea I've used one of those, I first thought the app used the "MV" Unix command but yea you need a sec. Partition to do that on the sdcard, but you don't have to do that on your nandroid backup.
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So can I backup linked apps with their links' data saved, so when I install the linking app again, they can be relinked automatically?
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Thanks for those questions and answers. I posted this before but appearantly in the wrong place. It seems to be quite right here. Thanks to helping people!
Hi XDA experts
I am newly registered in the forum, but experienced in modding (more or less). But I am (for now) strictly a user, not developer.
So far I got along very well, with my beloved Galaxy S4 jfltexx. I got from stock to rooted stock, from there to cm, instantly back to stock, used it for a long time and am just now on cm13 nightly, which is truly awesome!
It is so awesome that I would really like to help other people out, even if they have no idea about this. Meaning I wish to modify other peoples phones for them. However, when it comes to other peoples property I can't really fight my way through technical terms I don't understand anymore, hoping that the outcome will be as I wished. I pretty much know what most of all these technical terms mean, but I don't always understand how they are related to each other. I know, explaining this will take a while, but I would REALLY appreciate it if someone would take the time...
1) The bootloader, can it be replaced? What would be the purpose of that? UNLOCKING does not mean REPLACING, does it??
What do custom ROMs typically consist of? An entire working system? Parts of a working system? Sometimes this sometimes that?
I'm asking the question because I got the impression that some custom ROMs require the user to have a certain (usually stock) ROM in order to flash it. For example, if I had a Galaxy S6 edge running 5.1.1, could I upgrade to noble ROM Marshmallow?
I also have the feeling that the ROM or system or whatever is somewhat seperate from the kernel. What is this relation? Do custom ROMs not always come with a compatible kernel? Is there only one kernel compatible to the rest of the system, or is there a chance to run a system with a kernel not particularly designed for it? How to get a 'wrong' kernel?
Where to get stock ROMs and who provides them? If I wanted to upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow, but am rooted and don't get OTA updates, what do I do? Assuming that Nandroids are bound to a single device (e.g. MY phone) who can provide a stock ROM that runs on my device and how does he get it?
Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Is there ANY phone SOLD with open bootloader and root? A phone that actually wants its users to play with the system?
Thanks guys

NoBullsh1t said:
Thanks for those questions and answers. I posted this before but appearantly in the wrong place. It seems to be quite right here. Thanks to helping people!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It happnes alot that people post in wrong section
Hi XDA experts
I am newly registered in the forum, but experienced in modding (more or less). But I am (for now) strictly a user, not developer.
So far I got along very well, with my beloved Galaxy S4 jfltexx. I got from stock to rooted stock, from there to cm, instantly back to stock, used it for a long time and am just now on cm13 nightly, which is truly awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, kinda same, excpet im ks01lte but I moved from stock to rooted stock (5.1.1) then cm13, then stock + xposed 4.4.2 then cm11 and now back to cm13 nightly
It is so awesome that I would really like to help other people out, even if they have no idea about this. Meaning I wish to modify other peoples phones for them. However, when it comes to other peoples property I can't really fight my way through technical terms I don't understand anymore, hoping that the outcome will be as I wished. I pretty much know what most of all these technical terms mean, but I don't always understand how they are related to each other. I know, explaining this will take a while, but I would REALLY appreciate it if someone would take the time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The bootloader, can it be replaced? What would be the purpose of that? UNLOCKING does not mean REPLACING, does it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader can be replace, however, if you fail here, there is no comming back (you'll need a complete board replacement because the bootloader acts as a BIOS), the purpose of replacing it is various reasons, change of splash screen during boot etc. Some bootloaders are locked to only be able to flash certain ROMs (OEMs do this to not allow people to tinker with their devices) but it is nearly always un-lockable (except for some devices, I own an Acer tablet that has a locked bootloader that cant be un-locked) and no, unlocking it does not mean changing it.
What do custom ROMs typically consist of? An entire working system? Parts of a working system? Sometimes this sometimes that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, sometimes this sometimes that, in example, ported marshamllow touchwiz ROMs rely on some files in the stock ROM so the "update" doesn't take up much space.
I'm asking the question because I got the impression that some custom ROMs require the user to have a certain (usually stock) ROM in order to flash it. For example, if I had a Galaxy S6 edge running 5.1.1, could I upgrade to noble ROM Marshmallow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is because of the bootloader (again lol), from my experience with the s4, before flashing cm13, I had to go to 5.1.1 because of the bootloader was changed during the OTA, so as stated before, it only allowed a certain type of ROMs to be flashed.
I also have the feeling that the ROM or system or whatever is somewhat seperate from the kernel. What is this relation? Do custom ROMs not always come with a compatible kernel? Is there only one kernel compatible to the rest of the system, or is there a chance to run a system with a kernel not particularly designed for it? How to get a 'wrong' kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel tells the system what to do, some kernels are specified for battery optimization, so the kernel tells the cpu to slow down and save juice, while some other kernels offer the ability to overclock the device (mostly used on older devices to make it faster, but it drains more juice and can result into app crashing), the kernel, is not separated from the system, in fact, you can't even compile a ROM without a kernel. There is not only one kernel for lets say cm, you can flash another kernel, just make sure it is compatible with your android version. To get a wrong kernel, flash one that isn't for your device or android version.
Where to get stock ROMs and who provides them? If I wanted to upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow, but am rooted and don't get OTA updates, what do I do? Assuming that Nandroids are bound to a single device (e.g. MY phone) who can provide a stock ROM that runs on my device and how does he get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your OEM provides them, samsung has a website called sammobile and uploads all the stock ROMs there. If you want to upgrade, just flash it via recovery or in your case, odin (for samsung phones). To give your backup to someone else, the other person must have the exact same phones, in example, you (jfltexx) can't give it to me (ks01lte), I must have jfltexx and then (assuming you did the backup on twrp) I'd have to change the serial number to my device.
Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your hardware buttons will work on pure android (aosp), I don't see why not, you said you are running cm13, that is altered pure android and it works fine, see pure android as cm withou all the features.
Is there ANY phone SOLD with open bootloader and root? A phone that actually wants its users to play with the system?
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few devices like that, one plus was a company that wanted to do that, it came with root, unlocked bootloader and cyanogenmod running, they separated unfortunatly and evolved to using "oxygen os" and does nor provide a un-locked bootloader but provides a simple tool to root and unlock. I don't know any companies that have unlocket bootloaders because they don't want the average consumer to mess up their device and blame it on the OEM.

"Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Your hardware buttons will work on pure android (aosp), I don't see why not, you said you are running cm13, that is altered pure android and it works fine, see pure android as cm withou all the features."
I mean is there like a website from google where I can dowoad a non device specific aosp and flash that to my S4 to make it run? Wouldn't there be for example drivers missing? Isn't that what I have to be greateful to Cyanogenmod for, making up to date android compatible with older devices?
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
So I can actually make a jfltexx Nandroid and install it on another jfltexx by easily changing the serial number???

NoBullsh1t said:
"Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Your hardware buttons will work on pure android (aosp), I don't see why not, you said you are running cm13, that is altered pure android and it works fine, see pure android as cm withou all the features."
I mean is there like a website from google where I can dowoad a non device specific aosp and flash that to my S4 to make it run? Wouldn't there be for example drivers missing? Isn't that what I have to be greateful to Cyanogenmod for, making up to date android compatible with older devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, be greatful, it is free, open source and full of active devs and memebers. I'm still not sure what you mean, do you mean on-screen navigation bar? Because you can change that in cyanogenmod settings.
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
So I can actually make a jfltexx Nandroid and install it on another jfltexx by easily changing the serial number???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, you know how your backup is located in /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/SERIALNO? The device you want to flash it to should make a backup of the tiniest partition (usually cache, it's 5mb) and youll get acces to the serial number, then you just swap it and delete the tiniest partition.