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Rooted, but never flashed. Best way to unroot to take the updates?

Hi there, quick question. Searched like crazy, but I think the keywords were just too generic to get any useful results.
Status:
Verizon Galaxy S3
Running 4.1.2 Touchwiz via Verizon
Rooted with some apps frozen & some greenified
Never flashed anything, there are no triangles.
The unlocked icon & "custom" appears at boot.
Issues: None, except my micro USB port doesn't work anymore, so I'm a battery swapper day to day.
I'm on the last few months on my phone, but decided I'd like to take the kitkat update. The quickest & easiest way to do this seems to be to install Universal Unroot from the play store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.universal.unroot
Run it. Then take the updates once I'm no longer rooted.
Before I did this, wanted to get your feedback on this as a process and if anyone has experience with a similar set up??
Thanks!!

aarontsuru said:
Hi there, quick question. Searched like crazy, but I think the keywords were just too generic to get any useful results.
Status:
Verizon Galaxy S3
Running 4.1.2 Touchwiz via Verizon
Rooted with some apps frozen & some greenified
Never flashed anything, there are no triangles.
The unlocked icon & "custom" appears at boot.
Issues: None, except my micro USB port doesn't work anymore, so I'm a battery swapper day to day.
I'm on the last few months on my phone, but decided I'd like to take the kitkat update. The quickest & easiest way to do this seems to be to install Universal Unroot from the play store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.universal.unroot
Run it. Then take the updates once I'm no longer rooted.
Before I did this, wanted to get your feedback on this as a process and if anyone has experience with a similar set up??
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you revert back to factory as much as you can remembered, like build.props, unfreeze all system apps, unroot with Universal unroot, then take the update. But first make a backup of all your apps/settings with Tibu. Worst come to worst it just failed without any harm done and if it failed and you couldn't figure out what's wrong then the fastest way and most reliable way is to Odin stock ML1, then use the OTA to upgrade to 4.4kk then root with Towelroot app, then restore all your apps with Tibu.

buhohitr said:
Make sure you revert back to factory as much as you can remembered, like build.props, unfreeze all system apps, unroot with Universal unroot, then take the update. But first make a backup of all your apps/settings with Tibu. Worst come to worst it just failed without any harm done and if it failed and you couldn't figure out what's wrong then the fastest way and most reliable way is to Odin stock ML1, then use the OTA to upgrade to 4.4kk then root with Towelroot app, then restore all your apps with Tibu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That's what I'm thinking. Thinking unfreeze, ungreenify, then unroot. Do a nice reboot for good measure then take the update.
If it fails and I'm still on 4.1.2, just re-root, grab mobile odin, and **** it, let's flash!

I rooted recently using towelroot and uninstalled a bunch of bloat. What would I need to do in order to take the upgrade?

buhohitr said:
Make sure you revert back to factory as much as you can remembered, like build.props, unfreeze all system apps, unroot with Universal unroot, then take the update. But first make a backup of all your apps/settings with Tibu. Worst come to worst it just failed without any harm done and if it failed and you couldn't figure out what's wrong then the fastest way and most reliable way is to Odin stock ML1, then use the OTA to upgrade to 4.4kk then root with Towelroot app, then restore all your apps with Tibu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh. Went ahead and gave it a go. Twice. Won't take the update. It's confirmed unrooted. Huh.

my suggestion if you're still on 4.1.2 is to wait till a custom 4.4.2 rom comes out and flash that. or sell me your 4.1.2 lol. this whole locked bootloader stuff is so apple like. shame on you vzw/samsung

suchavibrantthang said:
my suggestion if you're still on 4.1.2 is to wait till a custom 4.4.2 rom comes out and flash that. or sell me your 4.1.2 lol. this whole locked bootloader stuff is so apple like. shame on you vzw/samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I may do that. I'm down to the last few months which is why I was like "screw it, let's go vzw". With that in mind, I do need to think about clearing off my personal data, so I may do a factory reset soon because why not and see what happens.
You don't want my phone. While it is in really good condition, the lack of usable micro usb (it flat out doesn't work) gets old.

aarontsuru said:
yeah, I may do that. I'm down to the last few months which is why I was like "screw it, let's go vzw". With that in mind, I do need to think about clearing off my personal data, so I may do a factory reset soon because why not and see what happens.
You don't want my phone. While it is in really good condition, the lack of usable micro usb (it flat out doesn't work) gets old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
had a problem w/ a refurb they gave me where the usb port was screwy. i had to firmly hold the cable in at a weird angle and luckly got through a 9min ODIN flash after 4 tries. you could probably chat w/ tech and see if they'll still send you another. i've been outta warranty for awhile but they were really cool, gave me another (although it was a locked 4.3).

suchavibrantthang said:
had a problem w/ a refurb they gave me where the usb port was screwy. i had to firmly hold the cable in at a weird angle and luckly got through a 9min ODIN flash after 4 tries. you could probably chat w/ tech and see if they'll still send you another. i've been outta warranty for awhile but they were really cool, gave me another (although it was a locked 4.3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Giving it one more go, found this little bit of advise on a verizon support board when someone was getting a 402 failure on a Note 2:
https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/813932
Please wipe your cache partition, then try again. This will not erase data.
• Turn off the device.
• Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time:
• Volume Up key
• Home key
• Power key
• When 'GALAXY Note II' appears on the screen, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
• When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
• Press the Volume Down key to highlight 'wipe cache partition.'
• Press the Power key to select and wipe the cache.
• With 'reboot system now' highlighted, press the Power key to restart the device.
MarquiaF_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We'll see! Yeah, if i'm stuck on 4.1.2 and get annoyed, I may re-un-root and give them a shout.

aarontsuru said:
Giving it one more go, found this little bit of advise on a verizon support board when someone was getting a 402 failure on a Note 2:
https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/813932
We'll see! Yeah, if i'm stuck on 4.1.2 and get annoyed, I may re-un-root and give them a shout.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nevermind.
It failed 402.
lol

I'd wait. If you install OTA, you will NEVER be able to go back and install normal, custom ROMs.

cozzbp said:
I'd wait. If you install OTA, you will NEVER be able to go back and install normal, custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like I have no choice. Every attempt to take the OTA has failed.

[Q] Considering rooting the Nexus 5

So I have a black Nexus 5 with a capacity of 16GB. The device is only about 4 months old, so I still have it covered with warranty until June 2016. The device is as good as new and I'm very happy with it because everything is so fast and smooth.
Recently I've been thinking about rooting the device for maybe some little extras. For example, I have GTA SA installed but I would like to play it with the Cleo mod to have a little bit more fun. Or maybe I'll install some kind of adblocker so I could enjoy my brand new phone without the annoying gold diggers. Or perhaps I want to hide some apps from my app drawer so it would look neat and organised. Or I would like to install an apk that isn't available for non-rooted devices. Or in case I want to see the battery percentage next to the time display or anything like that.
As you can see I would only want to root it for rather small reasons. I definitely don't want to overclock anything because it already meets my criteria for speed, nor do I want to install any custom ROMs because I really like the pure android experience. So I have a few questions because I'm a total noob at the field of tweaking android:
Is my current data going to be wiped if I would want to root it?
I'm aware of the upcoming Android L release, so would I be able to update it right away (remember, I'm not going to use any custom ROMs) or would I have to unroot and reset everything first?
In case something goes wrong and I want to use my warranty, could any traces be found after I would have unrooted the device? (because rooting voids your warranty, right?)
What would be the top reasons to root the Nexus 5? For example, any features the device should've had but unfortunately hasn't.
And is it actually 100% safe...?
So regarding to the last question... A friend of mine has a rooted Moto G, he made me familiar with rooting and it's probably thanks to him that I'm considering it. Everything was going well but there were a few times that he woke up and his phone wasn't worth more than a brick. Apparently, it was because of some ROM he installed. This probably won't affect me in any way because like I said, I'm not going to install any custom ROMs, but my friend expected everything to be normal while it wasn't. He probably did everything like it should be done but then he suddenly woke up with a brick next to his head. So apparently, even if you do everything exactly like they tell you to do it, there's still a slight chance that it's going to end up badly, right?
So basically, I'm considering rooting my device but I'm still not sure what I would have to do because there are lots of tutorials and everything is quite confusing and I have some questions. All the help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

root/unlockbootloader/install twrp&busybox no data loss
root/unlockbootloader/install twrp&busybox no data loss without P.C, okay here we go mod's remove if you think it's not helping. download towelroot by geohot,now the rest from playstore, es file exploer,super su,busybox,reboot app,nexus unlock bootloader,
make sure you have security unknowen sources ticked and verify apps unticked.
download towelroot from chrome with es file exploer open and install hit make it rain tab, next install busybox,next install super su app.unlockbootloader with in the app.,install twrp and auto install recovery for hammerhead from twrp, now you should have full root after reboot.super user and busybox unlocked bootloader and twrp installed, and you know what the reboot app is for . no data loss and without a P.C, or you could use fastboot install just look in Q&A, kind regard's joe hope this help's.

Spaceblow said:
Is my current data going to be wiped if I would want to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep; when you unlock bootloader of your device (before root), all of data will be wiped.
Spaceblow said:
I'm aware of the upcoming Android L release, so would I be able to update it right away (remember, I'm not going to use any custom ROMs) or would I have to unroot and reset everything first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. When you upgrade to Android L, it might be overwrite existing system clearly.
Spaceblow said:
In case something goes wrong and I want to use my warranty, could any traces be found after I would have unrooted the device? (because rooting voids your warranty, right?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are using Google Nexus. Just revert with Nexus Factory Image.
http://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
Spaceblow said:
What would be the top reasons to root the Nexus 5? For example, any features the device should've had but unfortunately hasn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case, to connect NTFS filesystem.
Spaceblow said:
And is it actually 100% safe...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, but it's at your own risk.

Jongmin Kim said:
Yep; when you unlock your device (before root), all of data will be wiped.
Nope. When you upgrade to Android L, it might be overwrite existing system clearly.
No. We are using Google Nexus. Just revert with Nexus Factory Image.
http://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
In my case, to connect NTFS filesystem.
Maybe, but it's at your own risk.
English is too difficult... I'm trying to understand right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root and then unlock bootloader with the app from playstore. has to be this way. regard's p.s no data wiped ,

Spaceblow said:
So I have a black Nexus 5 with a capacity of 16GB. The device is only about 4 months old, so I still have it covered with warranty until June 2016. The device is as good as new and I'm very happy with it because everything is so fast and smooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all:
Lethargy said:
I think OP got his question reversed. Should be:
"Why buy a Nexus 5 if you're not going to root?"
:angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spaceblow said:
So I have a few questions because I'm a total noob at the field of tweaking android:
Is my current data going to be wiped if I would want to root it?
I'm aware of the upcoming Android L release, so would I be able to update it right away (remember, I'm not going to use any custom ROMs) or would I have to unroot and reset everything first?
In case something goes wrong and I want to use my warranty, could any traces be found after I would have unrooted the device? (because rooting voids your warranty, right?)
What would be the top reasons to root the Nexus 5? For example, any features the device should've had but unfortunately hasn't.
And is it actually 100% safe...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Unlocking the bootloader is what wipes the data partition, not root access.
2. Don't bother with OTAs to update, they're too much of a bother to try to get to work, when you can just flash factory images/zip, most likely before you even get the OTA pushed to you.
3. Depends where you bought it from. If you got it off the Play Store, then Google does not care about the software you have on your device as long as it's a legitimate manufacturing fault covered by the warranty. You can RMA to Google with a custom ROM and kernel if you wanted to. If you bought it from elsewhere, You'll have to send it to LG for repair. It's possible to reflash factory images and reset the tamper flag, there isn't anything else on the Nexus 5 that will tell LG anything. The easiest way is using LG Flashtool, which can be found in the first link of my signature. If your device is completely dead however, it doesn't matter since LG wouldn't be able to boot it up.
4. Root access is simply root access. You get access to /system, and therefore can use root apps and other modifications.
5. The root process itself is pretty much 100% safe. The Nexus 5 is really, really hard to brick, unless you flash something that isn't meant for your device or something similar, so user error is the only risk in the process. Software-wise, of course root access comes at some form of a security risk. Just be sure of what apps you're granting root access to and you should have no problem.
Spaceblow said:
So regarding to the last question... A friend of mine has a rooted Moto G, he made me familiar with rooting and it's probably thanks to him that I'm considering it. Everything was going well but there were a few times that he woke up and his phone wasn't worth more than a brick. Apparently, it was because of some ROM he installed. This probably won't affect me in any way because like I said, I'm not going to install any custom ROMs, but my friend expected everything to be normal while it wasn't. He probably did everything like it should be done but then he suddenly woke up with a brick next to his head. So apparently, even if you do everything exactly like they tell you to do it, there's still a slight chance that it's going to end up badly, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely user error, or simply because a Moto device could be locked down more (which also makes it riskier and harder to restore) and not as easy to develop for. The Nexus 5 is one of the hardest devices to brick (again, excluding user error), and if you have any issues it would either be user error or a bug in the ROM/kernel.
Spaceblow said:
So basically, I'm considering rooting my device but I'm still not sure what I would have to do because there are lots of tutorials and everything is quite confusing and I have some questions. All the help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the first link of my signature and read some threads before proceeding blindly.
There are ways to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader and without a PC as mentioned above, but it's recommended to do it the traditional way by backing up your internal storage to a PC first and using fastboot. Those methods are useful for other devices that are more locked down. This is a Nexus device, it's better to do it properly.

Lethargy said:
First of all:
1. Unlocking the bootloader is what wipes the data partition, not root access.
2. Don't bother with OTAs to update, they're too much of a bother to try to get to work, when you can just flash factory images/zip, most likely before you even get the OTA pushed to you.
3. Depends where you bought it from. If you got it off the Play Store, then Google does not care about the software you have on your device as long as it's a legitimate manufacturing fault covered by the warranty. You can RMA to Google with a custom ROM and kernel if you wanted to. If you bought it from elsewhere, You'll have to send it to LG for repair. It's possible to reflash factory images and reset the tamper flag, there isn't anything else on the Nexus 5 that will tell LG anything. The easiest way is using LG Flashtool, which can be found in the first link of my signature. If your device is completely dead however, it doesn't matter since LG wouldn't be able to boot it up.
4. Root access is simply root access. You get access to /system, and therefore can use root apps and other modifications.
5. The root process itself is pretty much 100% safe. The Nexus 5 is really, really hard to brick, unless you flash something that isn't meant for your device or something similar, so user error is the only risk in the process. Software-wise, of course root access comes at some form of a security risk. Just be sure of what apps you're granting root access to and you should have no problem.
Most likely user error, or simply because a Moto device could be locked down more (which also makes it riskier and harder to restore). The Nexus 5 is one of the hardest devices to brick (again, excluding user error), and if you have any issues it would either be user error or a bug in the ROM/kernel.
Check out the first link of my signature and read some threads before proceeding blindly.
There are ways to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader and without a PC as mentioned above, but it's recommended to do it the traditional way by backing up your internal storage to a PC first and using fastboot. Those methods are useful for other devices that are more locked down. This is a Nexus device, it's better to do it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol yeah i have to agree with you, but i find this help's when on the go,

joecool666 said:
lol yeah i have to agree with you, but i find this help's when on the go,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have access to a PC, or you're using a locked-down Samsung/HTC/Moto/Sony/whatever device, then sure, go ahead and use the exploit methods.
But if you do have access to a PC, and it's a Nexus device, just do it properly, it'll cause fewer possible issues.

Lethargy said:
If you don't have access to a PC, or you're using a locked-down Samsung/HTC/Moto/Sony/whatever device, then sure, go ahead and use the exploit methods.
But if you do have access to a PC, and it's a Nexus device, just do it properly, it'll cause fewer possible issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do use my p.c and lg flashtool and fastboot.just incase lol.and it is the better way of doing it, p.s when OTG rooting don't forget to bring the XDA app.

joecool666 said:
root and then unlock bootloader with the app from playstore. has to be this way. regard's p.s no data wiped ,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean Towelroot? I'm also considering this option because it would be nice to keep all my data.
Lethargy said:
First of all:
1. Unlocking the bootloader is what wipes the data partition, not root access.
2. Don't bother with OTAs to update, they're too much of a bother to try to get to work, when you can just flash factory images/zip, most likely before you even get the OTA pushed to you.
3. Depends where you bought it from. If you got it off the Play Store, then Google does not care about the software you have on your device as long as it's a legitimate manufacturing fault covered by the warranty. You can RMA to Google with a custom ROM and kernel if you wanted to. If you bought it from elsewhere, You'll have to send it to LG for repair. It's possible to reflash factory images and reset the tamper flag, there isn't anything else on the Nexus 5 that will tell LG anything. The easiest way is using LG Flashtool, which can be found in the first link of my signature. If your device is completely dead however, it doesn't matter since LG wouldn't be able to boot it up.
4. Root access is simply root access. You get access to /system, and therefore can use root apps and other modifications.
5. The root process itself is pretty much 100% safe. The Nexus 5 is really, really hard to brick, unless you flash something that isn't meant for your device or something similar, so user error is the only risk in the process. Software-wise, of course root access comes at some form of a security risk. Just be sure of what apps you're granting root access to and you should have no problem.
Most likely user error, or simply because a Moto device could be locked down more (which also makes it riskier and harder to restore) and not as easy to develop for. The Nexus 5 is one of the hardest devices to brick (again, excluding user error), and if you have any issues it would either be user error or a bug in the ROM/kernel.
Check out the first link of my signature and read some threads before proceeding blindly.
There are ways to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader and without a PC as mentioned above, but it's recommended to do it the traditional way by backing up your internal storage to a PC first and using fastboot. Those methods are useful for other devices that are more locked down. This is a Nexus device, it's better to do it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is some great information, thank you very much! So in case I would want to do it manually, this thread has everything I need (in combination with the 15 seconds ADB Installer)?

Spaceblow said:
This is some great information, thank you very much! So in case I would want to do it manually, this thread has everything I need (in combination with the 15 seconds ADB Installer)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. :good: I also recommend using TWRP instead of CWM as your recovery. PhilZ Touch is also another good alternative, but it is no longer maintained and probably won't work for Lollipop's default encryption.
Latest SuperSU is located here, flashable in a custom recovery.

Lethargy said:
Yep. :good: I also recommend using TWRP instead of CWM as your recovery. PhilZ Touch is also another good alternative, but it is no longer maintained and probably won't work for Lollipop's default encryption.
Latest SuperSU is located here, flashable in a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for helping me but I used Towelroot and it works flawlessly!

Spaceblow said:
Thanks for helping me but I used Towelroot and it works flawlessly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. :good:
Even though you now have root access, I recommend using Bootunlocker or whatever app to unlock the bootloader from within Android (which doesn't wipe), then flashing a custom recovery with fastboot while in the bootloader anyways.
Why?
If something goes wrong and your phone doesn't boot, you'll have no choice but to unlock the bootloader WITH a wipe using fastboot, then flash a custom recovery or reflash factory images, unless you've done the above, in which case you can dirty-flash (no wipe) a stock ROM zip downloadable here. :angel:

back up
Spaceblow said:
Thanks for helping me but I used Towelroot and it works flawlessly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
make sure you make a back up back up most important,regard's joe

To be clear, the *whole* phone including your sdcard partition will be wiped so make sure you back up before unlocking your bootloader. I would use an app like ES File Explorer and copy all your files to Dropbox or Google Drive if you dont have a computer but you'll need a computer anyway.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

MrObvious said:
To be clear, the *whole* phone including your sdcard partition will be wiped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we want to be clear, we should also be accurate. The *whole* phone is not wiped. The /data partition is wiped, which includes /data/app (where user apps are stored) /data/data (where user settings and app data is stored) and /data/media (where /sdcard data is stored)

Lethargy said:
Cool. :good:
Even though you now have root access, I recommend using Bootunlocker or whatever app to unlock the bootloader from within Android (which doesn't wipe), then flashing a custom recovery with fastboot while in the bootloader anyways.
Why?
If something goes wrong and your phone doesn't boot, you'll have no choice but to unlock the bootloader WITH a wipe using fastboot, then flash a custom recovery or reflash factory images, unless you've done the above, in which case you can dirty-flash (no wipe) a stock ROM zip downloadable here. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip but then I'll be unable to receive OTA updates unless I restore everything, including everything being wiped, right?
joecool666 said:
make sure you make a back up back up most important,regard's joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By using Titanium Backup?

Spaceblow said:
Thanks for the tip but then I'll be unable to receive OTA updates unless I restore everything, including everything being wiped, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All guides and info threads are in my signature. One such INFO thread is OTA help-desk, which explains that you can receive OTA with custom recovery, however there are extra steps.
However, please let me explain 1 thing. OTA is the ultimate noob move. Only root-noobs receive OTA updates. They are the most inconvenient method of updating your OS if you are rooted. Long before you even receive the OTA update, there will be a pre-rooted flashable.zip that can be flashed via recovery.
noobs will often say "but..but..but I wont have to wipe if I accept an OTA"... Little do they know... Even after an official OTA, things screw up. Whenever an OS is upgraded, a wipe is highly recommended as OTA's are imperfect and data between apps and settings conflicts between versions.
OTA is a fools errand if you're rooted. Now you're rooted, leave OTA to the unrooted and learn to manage your rooted device properly. All the info you could ever need is available in my signature as previously mentioned.

Spaceblow said:
Thanks for the tip but then I'll be unable to receive OTA updates unless I restore everything, including everything being wiped, right?
By using Titanium Backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or helium back up

Owning a Nexus makes fastboot your best friend, especially if you have issues.
Read up on adb/fastboot and forget OTA's. Nothing like a clean fresh install of a new version. And there's many options to save /backup your data and important files.
Without learning fastboot and adb.... Simple fix issues can become major headaches.
Don't be intimidated. Read, learn, then do. ?
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------
@rootSU has everything you need in his sticky roll up thread.

rootSU said:
All guides and info threads are in my signature. One such INFO thread is OTA help-desk, which explains that you can receive OTA with custom recovery, however there are extra steps.
However, please let me explain 1 thing. OTA is the ultimate noob move. Only root-noobs receive OTA updates. They are the most inconvenient method of updating your OS if you are rooted. Long before you even receive the OTA update, there will be a pre-rooted flashable.zip that can be flashed via recovery.
noobs will often say "but..but..but I wont have to wipe if I accept an OTA"... Little do they know... Even after an official OTA, things screw up. Whenever an OS is upgraded, a wipe is highly recommended as OTA's are imperfect and data between apps and settings conflicts between versions.
OTA is a fools errand if you're rooted. Now you're rooted, leave OTA to the unrooted and learn to manage your rooted device properly. All the info you could ever need is available in my signature as previously mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you convinced me to take my N5 to a step further.
So I already Towelrooted my phone which gave me root access and an untouched bootloader and recovery. My next step would be to backup every app and all data to be sure in case something goes wrong, this would be done by using Titanium Backup. Then I should be unlocking the bootloader by simply using BootUnlocker for Nexus Devices so I wouldn't get my data wiped (I know I would be able to restore it with my backup but I rather do it a bit faster and less complex). When I did that, I have to head over to this thread and flash TWRP by following the instructions at "2. Installing a Custom Recovery".
So after all these steps my phone would have no limitations and it would be as unlocked as for example your Nexus 5, right?

[Q] Galaxy s6 after rooting

Hello, I have rooted my galaxy s6 international version and the only thing I am using is some CSC (?) features like alphabetacilly sorting the app drawer, adblocker and whatsmapp. Actually, I kind of regret it, I want back my factory galaxy s6, warranty, clean rom, is there any way to get like a new device? Installing the stock rom I had will fix it?

Now I see more problems with the s6 like fingerprint sensor isn't working, I'm so afraid without the warranty, don't you?

The burned eFuse-Chip is in fact a hardware damage caused by rooting from the user --> no more warranty by Samsung! You can check that in several reports online, in magazins and even at Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saw this in the other thread located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/penalties-flashing-rooting-t3097277
So yeah you can never restore original, never...You can only flash stock firmware.
I did root my Galaxy S6, at first I was very disapointed that I did that, but now I'm thinking that sooner or later I would still have done the same thing, because without root your phone is kind of limited to some things, root gives you more power over the phone so you can control it how you like.
Edit: Fingerprint scanner works fine for me, for you it's probably software related issue, that could be solved by flashing other firmwares.

Giancarlo456 said:
Saw this in the other thread located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/penalties-flashing-rooting-t3097277
So yeah you can never restore original, never...You can only flash stock firmware.
I did root my Galaxy S6, at first I was very disapointed that I did that, but now I'm thinking that sooner or later I would still have done the same thing, because without root your phone is kind of limited to some things, root gives you more power over the phone so you can control it how you like.
Edit: Fingerprint scanner works fine for me, for you it's probably software related issue, that could be solved by flashing other firmwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im curious if thats the same case with rooting with PingPong root. It doesnt trigger KNOX so can it also mean that the efuse doesnt get triggered?

MaxieA said:
Im curious if thats the same case with rooting with PingPong root. It doesnt trigger KNOX so can it also mean that the efuse doesnt get triggered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, but it may save the Efuse-chip by rooting with PingPong. It's a shame that I didn't knew about it before rooting...

Giancarlo456 said:
I'm not sure, but it may save the Efuse-chip by rooting with PingPong. It's a shame that I didn't knew about it before rooting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well we can hope that it doesn't! Yeah mate it sucks ive been wanting to root ever since the SGS6 released but been torned incase I want to return to completly stock so this is a nice choice. But as you said yourself, you would have eventually rooted sooner or later and I don't think you will miss out on anything important

JusTeN_ said:
Hello, I have rooted my galaxy s6 international version and the only thing I am using is some CSC (?) features like alphabetacilly sorting the app drawer, adblocker and whatsmapp. Actually, I kind of regret it, I want back my factory galaxy s6, warranty, clean rom, is there any way to get like a new device? Installing the stock rom I had will fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Samsung Smart Switch and use it to make a backup of your things and then use the recovery option in the program. It will download the right firmware for you and re-install your phone to fabric settings.

ZoZo- said:
Install Samsung Smart Switch and use it to make a backup of your things and then use the recovery option in the program. It will download the right firmware for you and re-install your phone to fabric settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx everyone.. really disappointed of rooting, at least I wish I could restore it and root with ping-pong root.
And Zozo,
Its just to transfer files from my previous device to my current device. .

JusTeN_ said:
Thx everyone.. really disappointed of rooting, at least I wish I could restore it and root with ping-pong root.
And Zozo,
Its just to transfer files from my previous device to my current device. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you press the "More" button up to the right there's an option called "Emergency software recovery initialisation". There you can re-install your whole phone to completely factory settings
It will not untrip your KNOX if you rooted the phone in any other way than with PingPong Root, that is not possible for the time being.

ZoZo- said:
If you press the "More" button up to the right there's an option called "Emergency software recovery initialisation". There you can re-install your whole phone to completely factory settings
It will not untrip your KNOX if you rooted the phone in any other way than with PingPong Root, that is not possible for the time being.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I don't have the More button, nevermind I will just keep it this way, not a big deal I hope,thx.

bricked s8+ trying to root

ive tried to root my s8+ following the step by step guide but now its a brick
i have never rooted before and tried it for the first time, everything seemed to be going correctly until i pressed wipe and swiped to confirm, i got error message unable to mount storage, now i have a continuous loop of samsung s8 logo
i have tried connecting to odin again and no joy.
is there any hope or is it for the bin ?
gutted

What model do you have? If it's a Snapdragon, they are locked down tight and not rootable. You may have just made a drink coaster....

i have model SM-955F

Download the stock ROM and download mode should be reachable, where you can then flash it

Pedroc1999 said:
Download the stock ROM and download mode should be reachable, where you can then flash it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i need more information if possible ? i have no idea how to do it, its my first and probably last attempt at rooting

It's probably not binned, don't worry. Can you get into Download mode again?
- Press and hold the Bixby, Volume down and Power buttons together until you see anything on screen.
- When you see a warning screen, hit Volume Down to continue to download mode.

GibMcFragger said:
What model do you have? If it's a Snapdragon, they are locked down tight and not rootable. You may have just made a drink coaster....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Come on man, if you had a snapdragon version, you can't root or even get that far.

yes i can get into the screen where it says downloading do not turn off

It does look like it's the usual snapdragon variant, yeah. You need the Exynos version for its unlocked bootloader, if you want root and whatnot.
Honestly unless you have specific reasons for root, you probably don't need it.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I don't miss it so far, but I can't speak for everyone else. I know Brava27 wouldn't dare.
Edit: Okay good. So the Stock ROM is basically the factory image always intended for your phone, from Samsung. You just have to find and download that, then flash it as usual via Odin.
PLEASE triple check around and do your research on whether this link provides you the right one, but here is a first-hit I found when searching for a stock rom for your model. https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/sm-g955f-stock-odin-firmware-t3585022

brilliant thank you i will give it a try
does it unroot it also if i flash it back to stock and put knox back to normal or is that history now ?

That's right, it's completely stock, so it'd be like you got the phone fresh. It'll be unrooted if you get it working.
So that said, ensure your SIM is in the phone before you set it up, or it'll reset on you again when you insert it later.
I'm not sure what Knox's status would be and if the e-fuse has triggered... you'll know when you're powering on the device, I think. It's no real matter, unless you're concerned about warranty. In which case, you were going to stop caring about that right after attempting to root anyway.
I'm still not certain on what firmware file you want. Might want to search around for something that matches your carrier.

once you root knox is triggered forever, no way to use samsung pay or samsung health in stock not rooted firmware.

galarond said:
once you root knox is triggered forever, no way to use samsung pay or samsung health in stock not rooted firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you use them on rooted devices with knox triggered ?

No, I was not able to use Samsung Pay on my Note 5 after I tripped knox. It does some sort of security check on start-up of the app.

The bigger question is whether it "rooted" yet or not. With some luck, the e-fuse has not triggered yet and it's a clean device still.

widget2k13 said:
can you use them on rooted devices with knox triggered ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes with custom roms can be done or with some build.prop mods too.

So the snapdragon version is not rootable? Damn, I didn't know that.

woohoo somehow and i have no idea how i managed to get it working again and its rooted
couple of things though now its rooted
i have a security notice always popping up saying there is a problem with my phone and it needs repaired, how do i stop that ?
i found a post about changing a 1 to a 0 to get s health working but when i edit it and try to save it i get error read only file unable to save.
the main reason i wanted it rooted was to stop the annoying heads up display so i installed the noheadsup app which said it installed but i cannot see it on my phone anywhere to change the settings
also the battery drain , normally overnight it uses about 5% battery, last night 32% overnight
apart from that it all seems to be working as normal thanks to the help from people on here

widget2k13 said:
woohoo somehow and i have no idea how i managed to get it working again and its rooted
couple of things though now its rooted
i have a security notice always popping up saying there is a problem with my phone and it needs repaired, how do i stop that ?
i found a post about changing a 1 to a 0 to get s health working but when i edit it and try to save it i get error read only file unable to save.
the main reason i wanted it rooted was to stop the annoying heads up display so i installed the noheadsup app which said it installed but i cannot see it on my phone anywhere to change the settings
also the battery drain , normally overnight it uses about 5% battery, last night 32% overnight
apart from that it all seems to be working as normal thanks to the help from people on here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the "Security notice" try this:
root explorer go to /system/app/SecurityLogAgent delete folder
For "S-Health" to work, follow this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/guide-how-to-s-health-devices-knox-t3543306
Good luck.

Totaly different sittuation but I think I have this right from what you say in this thread.
That Knox being tripped cant be reversed? and that Knox is a fuse so it cant be bypassed with otg cable backup?

[HOWTO] / [GUIDE] Root G9700 version

Hi,
I've been looking but can't find anything clear, all the Snapdragon information is very mixed
Today, what is the best method to root S10e G9700 version?
Is there a step-by-step guide from standard phone (as you buy it)?
(I have a 9700 HK model, CSC TGY with the last October rom)

Finally, the past week a get root in my phone:
I put here in one post the info that I have collected: (Thanks to the people that share it)
For G9700 root is the same as Exynos:
- Unlock bootloader
- Download the full firmware ( your current firmware) extract it and you copy ap file to your sd card then you patch the ap as tar in magisk
- Copy back the file to your computer
- Flash it in Odin in the AP slot.
- Reboot and wipe data
- Boot up back to system install magisk app and follow the steps done
- You are now rooted.
These video and link helps a lot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3a8YnWT3yk
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html#samsung-system-as-root

Now I have a new doubt:
There is a 24 Oct new patch.
Now, which is the correct way to update the phone whitout loose root or make a full wipe again?
Is there a working procedure for installing the new patch?

joselindion said:
Finally, the past week a get root in my phone:
I put here in one post the info that I have collected: (Thanks to the people that share it)
For G9700 root is the same as Exynos:
- Unlock bootloader
- Download the full firmware ( your current firmware) extract it and you copy ap file to your sd card then you patch the ap as tar in magisk
- Copy back the file to your computer
- Flash it in Odin in the AP slot.
- Reboot and wipe data
- Boot up back to system install magisk app and follow the steps done
- You are now rooted.
These video and link helps a lot:
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html#samsung-system-as-root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two questions.
Which Magisk version was used?
Reboot and wipe data means disable auto reboot (system) in Odin and boot the phone directly in recovery mode to wipe data?

s3korn said:
Two questions.
Which Magisk version was used?
Reboot and wipe data means disable auto reboot (system) in Odin and boot the phone directly in recovery mode to wipe data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
- I have used the last Magisk when I did it (8.0.2)
- Yes, I did like you say, In the video appears
But I think that I made something wrong.
Everything worked perfectly but today I have rebooted the phone and it seems that I have loose root...
Root this phone is like a pain in the ass, the worst I have rooted

You have to restart with special button combo. you can google it or you use a modified kernel but I think kernel for G9700 isn't available and you loose some functions.
The G9700 is the first phone which I don't need to root, it's closely perfect.
why you want to root it?

s3korn said:
You have to restart with special button combo. you can google it or you use a modified kernel but I think kernel for G9700 isn't available and you loose some functions.
The G9700 is the first phone which I don't need to root, it's closely perfect.
why you want to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I found different methods and none of them worked for me. :crying:
Today I had more time and I fixed it quickly:
As it seems, if you reboot your phone you will booting system without magisk. For booting system with magisk you need to do the last steps of the video and it worked.
- Turn off
- Turn on with (VOL+,BIXBY and POWER)
- When screen turns on you release everything and press only VOL+
- Entry in recovery mode "Reboot system now" and when the screens turns off we push (VOL+,BIXBY and POWER)
It works perfect again. From now always power OFF and Power ON, never reboot.

s3korn said:
why you want to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off all to use AdAway and get a full free ads phone
Map the Bixby button to another functions
Several Nova launcher functions
...
It is true that today it makes less sense than years ago, but it still allows you to have the phone more to your preferences.

joselindion said:
First off all to use AdAway and get a full free ads phone
Map the Bixby button to another functions
Several Nova launcher functions
...
It is true that today it makes less sense than years ago, but it still allows you to have the phone more to your preferences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try too to make the cpu schedule less aggressive and see your s10e flaws in battery life , I'm waiting my warranty to over for make root to control the kernel and finally bring adaway .

joselindion said:
First off all to use AdAway and get a full free ads phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fully understand cause it's also important for me.
I'm using Blokade VPN now so need to root anymore.
OneUI is greate compare to old TouchWiz so imho no custom ROM needed. My experience is that stock rom has always better battery life.

Update info: After a lot of weeks using it all works perfect.
Just have to be careful not to reboot the phone, always power off and power on separately

I rooted my phone the other day and got in trouble with boot loop but managed to get back and now I'm unrooted. And bootloader re locked. I didn't really need root I just did it because I was bored, (lockdown) but now I can't use Samsung pay or Samsung pass. Is there away I can get through this, I'm using UK Exynos.

Hello, I've always been rooted for like a decade, however I'm not rooting my G9700 (TGY)
- remap bixby button: possible with adb command and BxActions app (full remap)
- uninstall bixby and other apps (adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 "APP.PACKAGE.NAME")
- removing ads is fine with a custom dns (dns.adguard.org) available natively in android
- boosting sound is possible with Goodev app (googleplay)
- theming is possible and absolutely lovely using #HeX+ , it is even better than substratum. Themed apps as well, qs tiles mods, gradient colors, bunch of themes. Personally using stock android looks with a black background and different vivid colors as accents.
- non root youtube vanced available since ages ago.
- other non root mods available such as Good Lock modules, personally using three of them: Task Changer, QuickStar, Sound Assistant
- custom fonts now available also in android 10-11 with #mono_ app
- other cool stuff like Alliance X app that helps you disabling system apps, or disable package
SO what you wanna root for??
I love android but rooting this phone is a total waste. I'm happy using Samsung Pay and other things. Personally I haven't lasted more than a few months with the same phone and this one is lasting for 2-3 years at least.
I miss some rooting stuff like custom kernels etc, might get a oneplus again next time for that matter but I'm absolutely loving one ui experience and all the aforementioned mods, they're all awesome, you can get a cool setup.

Morphine1 said:
Hello, I've always been rooted for like a decade, however I'm not rooting my G9700 (TGY)
- remap bixby button: possible with adb command and Bx Actions app (full remap)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I wish I hadn't
Morphine1 said:
Hello, I've always been rooted for like a decade, however I'm not rooting my G9700 (TGY)
- remap bixby button: possible with adb command and Bx Actions app (full remap)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes well I wish I hadn't bothered trying to root it now the boot loop was enough to give me a stroke Why do I want to remap the Bixby button?

Lol you can flash the official firmware.

fred_loves_ginger said:
I rooted my phone the other day and got in trouble with boot loop but managed to get back and now I'm unrooted. And bootloader re locked. I didn't really need root I just did it because I was bored, (lockdown) but now I can't use Samsung pay or Samsung pass. Is there away I can get through this, I'm using UK Exynos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry mate didn't read this post till now. I don't know if you can get that back. Maybe not :/

Morphine1 said:
Lol you can flash the official firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for replying to my dumbass questions and I know I am a being dumbass here but could I just ask you to reiterate that if I flash original firmware I can use the Samsung apps() that I could use before I rooted and unlocked the bootloader now that I have UNrooted and RElocked the bootloader? I read somewhere that I can't use certain services because 'Knox' has been triggered and it will never go back. I only want the Samsung apps because certain Google apps won't work on my Samsung watch that I got cheap from CeX

Morphine1 said:
Sorry mate didn't read this post till now. I don't know if you can get that back. Maybe not :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh noooo.
Ok, thank you anyway

fred_loves_ginger said:
Thank you for replying to my dumbass questions and I know I am a being dumbass here but could I just ask you to reiterate that if I flash original firmware I can use the Samsung apps() that I could use before I rooted and unlocked the bootloader now that I have UNrooted and RElocked the bootloader? I read somewhere that I can't use certain services because 'Knox' has been triggered and it will never go back. I only want the Samsung apps because certain Google apps won't work on my Samsung watch that I got cheap from CeX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found this thread:
Dispelling the myths of tripping knox and samsung pay
Knox 0x10 will not disallow samsung pay from working. It just wont. Root will, but tripping the e-fuse will not. I have a few samsung phones at home and i was irritated that lost samsung pay after getting TWRP installed and running. Well, after...
forum.xda-developers.com
Apparently once knox is triggered, you can't go back but you can use samsung pay as long as you have a non rooted firmware.
I'm new to samsung so I can't help much on this but try installing the official firmware, your apps like samsung pay should go back working normally.

Morphine1 said:
Found this thread:
Dispelling the myths of tripping knox and samsung pay
Knox 0x10 will not disallow samsung pay from working. It just wont. Root will, but tripping the e-fuse will not. I have a few samsung phones at home and i was irritated that lost samsung pay after getting TWRP installed and running. Well, after...
forum.xda-developers.com
Apparently once knox is triggered, you can't go back but you can use samsung pay as long as you have a non rooted firmware.
I'm new to samsung so I can't help much on this but try installing the official firmware, your apps like samsung pay should go back working normally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's really kind of you to find that for me, thank you very much. This is my first Samsung, and I only bought it because all the other phones were massive, I usually have a Sony. And check out the thread you found for me. Thank you very much