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[Q] New owner of a Note Pro 12.2 - Questions

Hello everybody,
I just bought a Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 (unlocked LTE edition). I have to say that although I am quite an experienced Windows user, I am totally new to Android. So far I really enjoy this tablet and I am trying to use it as at least 70-80% as a laptop replacement (if possible).
I have some issues though and I would like to ask for your help:
1. Adobe Flash Player: I was reading that unfortunately Android 4.4 does not support flash player any more. Although I am also not a big fan of flash, it seems that is required quite often (e.g. for youtube videos, facebook games, etc...). I found on the XDA forum in another thread that it should be possible to use flash player with the Dolphin web browser. I would like to ask you if there is a way to install flash also on Chrome or Firefox.
2. Youtube: I often get the message that the content is not available on mobile devices. Is there any way to bypass this somehow? Also is there a way to always load desktop websites instead of the mobile ones?
3. RemotePC: I tried RemotePC which comes pre-installed with the device and I like it quite a lot (although it's a bit slow). However, I have not found a way to transfer files from my laptop to the Note. Could you please help me with that? Also, are there maybe any other apps which perform better than the RemotePC?
4. Media Player: Whuch media player would you suggest? Is there a media player such as VLC for PC which can handle all different video and audio files (MKV, AC3, AVI, etc...)
5. Rooting: I have read some stuff regarding rooting and it seems that it's really worth it. I would like to ask you if is it possible to root Note Pro 12.2 and if yes then how to unroot it in case I would need to use my warranty.
I know that these are quite a lot of questions and I would be really grateful if you could help me!
Thanks a lot!

elessar2014 said:
Hello everybody,
I just bought a Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 (unlocked LTE edition). I have to say that although I am quite an experienced Windows user, I am totally new to Android. So far I really enjoy this tablet and I am trying to use it as at least 70-80% as a laptop replacement (if possible).
I have some issues though and I would like to ask for your help:
1. Adobe Flash Player
2. Youtube
3. RemotePC
4. Media Player
5. Rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The problem with using Flash is that the -browsers- won't support it in KitKat. I can only get it to work with Dolphin. I use Lightning + for everything else, though.
2. Maybe this: http://imgur.com/zc2Kzan. Otherwise, I just watch the videos using Dolphin set to 'Desktop' mode.
3. To transfer files, I use either Ex File Explorer (free) or Solid Explorer (paid, but super awesome). I use a different program to connect to my PC remotely, though, and it is fairly quick: Real VNC Viewer which used to be $10, but is now free. I have TightVNC installed on my computer.
4. I use Archos or MX Player. Archos is beautiful, but you have to buy the codec pack to play everything else. MX Player comes in free and paid, but I don't care for the interface. The combination of both (I've not paid for the codecs) plays every file streaming from my computer. I'm sure if I pay for the codec pack, Archos will play everything.
5. I've rooted, and I'm 100% satisfied. I have a lot of apps that require root. I'm sure unrooting is possible, but I will never have the need. Plus, once you're rooted the Knox counter is tripped.

Perfect... Thank you very much for your help!!
I have another question regarding youtube... Is it possible to continue play the video in the background when I switch tabs or I open another app?
Also what is this Knox counter and what does it mean that it will be tripped? If I eventually root the tablet, do I have to re-install all the downloaded apps from the beginning?

elessar2014 said:
Perfect... Thank you very much for your help!!
I have another question regarding youtube... Is it possible to continue play the video in the background when I switch tabs or I open another app?
Also what is this Knox counter and what does it mean that it will be tripped? If I eventually root the tablet, do I have to re-install all the downloaded apps from the beginning?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are apps that can do that, yes. PVSTAR+ is one. I suppose with multi-window mode you could have YouTube playing in one window and doing other things in the other window? I've not tried.
I'm not sure what the Knox counter is, actually. I believe the original purpose was to show if the device's software had been modified. When you root, Knox shows the device was tampered with. When I rooted, I didn't have to re-install anything.

ExtremeRyno said:
I'm not sure what the Knox counter is, actually. I believe the original purpose was to show if the device's software had been modified. When you root, Knox shows the device was tampered with. When I rooted, I didn't have to re-install anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the Knox counter will tell Sammy and everyone whether or not your device has been tampered with / rooted etc, its primary purpose is for the enterprise. The Knox partition (if you enable it) creates a "secure" work environment which is what many companies want with their mobile devices. Software policies can be easily put into place which read the Knox counter and if it has been tripped will treat the knox device as either 1) a typical unsecured device and let it on the network however the admins allow unsecured devices on, or 2) prevent the device from hooking up to the network even with a knox partition in tact.
Knox is Samsung's way of trying to break the Windows / iOS (and once upon a time BB) lock on the secure corporate / government world. I actually think the idea is brilliant as you have two partitions, one to install all your home crap on, and a tight secure partition strictly for work.

My thoughts exactly. Knox has nothing to do with the hardware warranty.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

Dangers of rooting

Hi,
I just bought a Oneplus 6 256gb version and now I'm thinking about rooting it for the likes of adaway and lucky patcher.
But what exactly are the dangers? I researched quite a while but I'm still not sure if it's safe enough. I am only planning on rooting, so no custom rom. So a few questions here:
1. Can I still update Oxygen OS after root? Would I need to reinstall Magisk (root) if yes?
2. Is it really that unsafe to use banking apps with a rooted device?
3. Anything else that affects a phone with root in a negative way?
I have rooted my old galaxy s5 quite a bit, so I know how to not brick my phone. So, yes, I know I could potentially brick it if somethings goes wrong.
Thanks for the help.
Elekted

You can update while rooted but you will have to reflash the Magisk zip as the new update will install the stock boot.img and Magisk patches the boot image. So with a stock boot image, you will need to flash Magisk again for root.
On the banking apps, yes. I do not use banking apps on my phone, but I use Android pay. The reason being, is I have a friend that works for Chase Bank in the fraud department for mobile devices. He said the risk is when you are adding a credit card to the Android app, never in using the app to make a payment as they generate a token for the specific amount of that transaction and they use a ID and not your credit card number in the transaction.
And nothing will affect your phone negatively unless you do something to cause the issue. It's virtually always user error. Know what you're doing and if your new to modding, don't be a guinea pig or early adopter. Let others who know what they are doing and report on what works and doesn't. That's the best advice I can give you.

1. You can upgrade your Oxygen OS but u will lost your root Xposed etc.
2. If you know all application installed in your phone and you know who published it, then it will be safe (don't install such like *Free Minecraft Giveaways* lol)
3 .Oneplus is NOT Samsung. Unlock and root your phone will not cause permanent negative effects.

Another thing to be aware of is that unlocking the bootloader (not the rooting) will cause your devices widevine security level to go down. This means netflix/amazon video will be limited non HD resolution. You can still cast the video to your tv at HD or higher resolution though.

Does this also affect youtube and all other streaming devices or just amazone prime and netflix?

@Eric214 thank you for the quick response. With negative effects i was thinking battery, security or other issues. Or how peltus mentioned the issue with widevine. Are there any other apps i can't use anymore after root or limitations?

peltus said:
Another thing to be aware of is that unlocking the bootloader (not the rooting) will cause your devices widevine security level to go down. This means netflix/amazon video will be limited non HD resolution. You can still cast the video to your tv at HD or higher resolution though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that's to try to prevent people from ripping data from a video stream and pirating/distributing it?
That's why I only bought netflix with the intention to use it on my TV when I'm bored of all the stuff I've downloaded on my computer lolol

Elekted said:
@Eric214 thank you for the quick response. With negative effects i was thinking battery, security or other issues. Or how peltus mentioned the issue with widevine. Are there any other apps i can't use anymore after root or limitations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Android pay with Magisk but if you install Xposed, you will fail safety checks

1.
It's really easy with A/B... You install the update, automatic or manual via the system updater. Then BEFORE rebooting, you install Magisk again to the inactive slot. Reboot, that's it. I never had such easy updates before.
2.
When rooting a phone, you usually read the details and how all this works. You keep your phone up to date. Every app requesting root rights needs your confirmation. Look before acknowledging and use reliable sources especially for apps requiring root. But with root, you can use an adblocker, a low level firewall, a good backup software and more to keep yourself away from risky content behind banners.
3.
You can relock the bootloader and flash the stock image and the phone is in its original state.
Beside that, if you do not use Xposed, with Magisk Hide I did yet not find an app which refused to work on my phone. Also Android Pay does work.

akxak said:
1.
It's really easy with A/B... You install the update, automatic or manual via the system updater. Then BEFORE rebooting, you install Magisk again to the inactive slot. Reboot, that's it. I never had such easy updates before.
2.
When rooting a phone, you usually read the details and how all this works. You keep your phone up to date. Every app requesting root rights needs your confirmation. Look before acknowledging and use reliable sources especially for apps requiring root. But with root, you can use an adblocker, a low level firewall, a good backup software and more to keep yourself away from risky content behind banners.
3.
You can relock the bootloader and flash the stock image and the phone is in its original state.
Beside that, if you do not use Xposed, with Magisk Hide I did yet not find an app which refused to work on my phone. Also Android Pay does work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you that i exactly what i wanted to know. Guess im going to root my oneplus then.

This phone seems pretty brick-resistant. Lots of people getting into bootloops, but fixes are easy. I haven't seen a single hard-brick yet.
OP provides a tool for getting out of major errors, and it seems to work well.

iElvis said:
This phone seems pretty brick-resistant. Lots of people getting into bootloops, but fixes are easy. I haven't seen a single hard-brick yet.
OP provides a tool for getting out of major errors, and it seems to work well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What tool is that?

Elekted said:
What tool is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/tool-msmdownloadtool-v4-0-international-t3798892
I have not used it, but many people have reported good results.

iElvis said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/tool-msmdownloadtool-v4-0-international-t3798892
I have not used it, but many people have reported good results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, nice to have that in case thing goes wrong.

Advantages of unlocking bootloader

Hi,
I am curious what you guys think about it ?
What is the advantages? Why you unlocking ? Which kernel are you using etc..thx

I haven't unlocked mine yet but probably will. Main reason is to root and ability to run custom roms and kernels. Once you have custom kernel and magdisk the possibilities are almost endless as far as tweaking and optimization goes!

Basically what @oneandroidnut said. I have mine rooted and get about 7hrs of SOT over 40hr periods when using certain kernels. Its well worth it IMO.

I'm unlocked, and appreciate the level of access (read "root" ) that this affords me to run custom ROMs and kernels, get better sound, etc.
What you should know is a pretty significant drawback of bootloader unlocking according to some reports here on XDA. Namely, your Widevine level will go to L1 to L3.
What is Widevine?
"Widevine

marko94 said:
Hi,
I am curious what you guys think about it ?
What is the advantages? Why you unlocking ? Which kernel are you using etc..thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many reasons. To me, the best advantage is having customizable black/dark themes for hundreds of appes like Instagram, Snapchat, Outlook, all google apps, for the system*, etc. This requires root/magisk, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
You can have many gestures and remap keys to do a myriad of functions as well. I used Xposed Edge Pro- I can have over 30+ gestures and remap keys.. You can also get expanded volume slider back, which pie removed for some dumb reason. You have to be aware that some apps try to check for root/unlocked bootloader. Magisk Hide is able to hide root detection for the most part. You might need developer options to be disabled for additional checking too (dev settings only useful if using -Always on Data -Disable Absolute Volume -USB debugging)

reaper000 said:
I'm unlocked, and appreciate the level of access (read "root" ) that this affords me to run custom ROMs and kernels, get better sound, etc.
What you should know is a pretty significant drawback of bootloader unlocking according to some reports here on XDA. Namely, your Widevine level will go to L1 to L3.
What is Widevine?
"Widevine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah,I heard about that. But screen on this phone is so beautiful , so watching Netflix for example in non hd mode is awesome. Hehe
Maybe there will be some fix soon for that ,who knows

Netflix looks just fine on my rooted phone. I would rather have themes and all the other tweaks other than Netflix. Can watch that crap in my huge tv.

marko94 said:
Hi,
I am curious what you guys think about it ?
What is the advantages? Why you unlocking ? Which kernel are you using etc..thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What everyone said about getting custom roms, root, etc is correct. Magisk modules are also amazing.
With magisk, you will pass saftynet and can use google pay too.
But sadly after unlocking bootloader, widevine goes from L1 to L3 so you can't stream HD HDR content on netflix and amazon prime. Another drawback to unlocking bootloader and custom roms is that usually stock camera takes a hit (you can use Gcam), and the FP unlock speed is usually also effected. This is all my prior experience from Oneplus 3T and 5T, both of which I unlocked and rooted within a few days of getting them.
But the 7pro has this amazing HDR compliant screen, so I'm probably going to enjoy it as long as I can, I'll eventually get fed up with OOS and then go to custom roms.
Overall, there are more advantages than disadvantages to unlocking boot loader IMO.
---------- Post added at 04:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:33 PM ----------
reaper000 said:
I'm unlocked, and appreciate the level of access (read "root" ) that this affords me to run custom ROMs and kernels, get better sound, etc.
What you should know is a pretty significant drawback of bootloader unlocking according to some reports here on XDA. Namely, your Widevine level will go to L1 to L3.
What is Widevine?
"Widevine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my oneplus 5T, I have L1 even after unlocking bootloader but Netflix won't play higher than 960x540.
Is there no possibility that we can somehow bypass that like saftynet?

Question What is the benefits of Rooting these days?

I used to do it to flash firmwares but that does not seem to be prevalent any more, so why do I need to root?

I know this is a developer/modding site but I have to agree with the OP.
I come here for the general forum information that is "usually" more technical for obvious reasons. But to risk a very expensive tool for unlocking and modding....the risks far outweigh the benefits...IMO...YMMV

App & system theming (with Substratum + Swift Black, Repainter for pure system AMOLED black & Project Themer for different notification styles, lockscreen clock etc.). System-wide equaliser (currently with JamesDSP but will await VIper4Android working on A13 hopefully), system-wide ad-blocking. Revanced Youtube for background play etc.
Plus with AOSP Mods via Magisk it adds tons on features like customisable quick toggle column/row quantities + label text size, clock position, removing carrier label from status bar, long press power button screen off for torch and so much more! Plus not to mention custom rom support which whilst sometimes buggy, come with a wealth of benefits. I like to stick to stock these days with AOSP Mods & Magisk, as that module has many features and saves having any custom rom bugs (e.g. on Pixel 6 Pro, a custom rom would lose Magic Eraser whereas having a modded stock, retained it)/
I get the risks, but we do plenty of research and tread carefully and all is generally ok!
Got my Pixel 7 Pro just today and bootloader unlocked after the first OTA came through. It's now rooted and without passing safetynet currently, all cards successfully added to my Google Wallet.
Running like a dream

I used to root every one of my previous phones, but I've not done so on my Noted 10 Plus as I find Samsung Pay too useful. And rooting destroys it forever. Not sure if Google Pay still works when rooted, that may nudge me to do it.
I have no plans to root my 7 Pro when it arrives. But that may change.

Naughty boy client for Pokemon GO and system-wide AdBlock

For me the main thing is working app backup, since the Google solution is absolutely unreasonable (I have several non-play-store apps that I have had on every smartphone I've owned, and data generally isn't saved with Google anyway) But also tons of little things like being able to set a limit on battery charge level, full (to the extent still possible) filesystem access, a floating CPU monitor I like, Greenify, Island, Tasker stuff, etc.

System wide as blocking since 2012. No other phone does it better and easier.

How about Banking? I ditched rooting since all Banking apps denied to work. Workaround didn't work anymore.

Custom kernels that save on battery
Better Internet Tiles
ACC (Advanced Charging Controller) and AccA (Advanced Charging Controller App)
@siavash79's thread [MOD][Xposed+Magisk][Pre-Release] AOSP Mods - System modifications for AOSP-based Android 12+. This is a big one for me, personally.
Classic Power Menu
Swift Backup

hey_malik said:
How about Banking? I ditched rooting since all Banking apps denied to work. Workaround didn't work anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use their website? Or switch banks? I have my primary bank with a local outfit that doesn't care about rooting (although that's not why I got them, it certainly helps keep me there) if I need to deposit a check and everything else can be done on their mobile website.

My main reason would be for the custom Kernels and for Viper4Android. I didn't have a bunch of $ to fork out for 2 new phones so I went with Verizon so I won't be getting either unless I hit the lottery and then buy a Google Version of the P7P.
Anyone remember what made us able to root/ unlock the bootloader On the OG Verizon pixel?
Any chance of that happening on this device or should I just go ahead and do the system update that's waiting? For instance, I know the Samsung Galaxy Note Ultra 20 5G on Verizon(The Device I'm switching from) was locked down but apparently some guy on XDA started an Unlock service and would unlock it for ~$100.

I root since it's my XDA addiction!
Also add Titanium to the attached list!

bryan1854 said:
Any chance of that happening on this device or should I just go ahead and do the system update that's waiting? For instance, I know the Samsung Galaxy Note Ultra 20 5G on Verizon(The Device I'm switching from) was locked down but apparently some guy on XDA started an Unlock service and would unlock it for ~$100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From memory on the Verizon Pixel 1, there was a bug on Android 7.10, I believe it was, that fully just allowed us to toggle OEM unlocking on. From there it was a done deal. They patched it in 7.11. Again, from memory but it was either that or 7.11 before and 7.12 after.
And no, not likely to happen again. It would be very, very rare and like hitting the lottery. Didn't happen on the Pixel 6 Pro.

roirraW edor ehT said:
From memory on the Verizon Pixel 1, there was a bug on Android 7.10, I believe it was, that fully just allowed us to toggle OEM unlocking on. From there it was a done deal. They patched it in 7.11. Again, from memory but it was either that or 7.11 before and 7.12 after.
And no, not likely to happen again. It would be very, very rare and like hitting the lottery. Didn't happen on the Pixel 6 Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I will contact the guy doing it for the note 20 ultra and see if he thinks whatever he's doing to those phones is possible here.
Thanks for the reply.

galaxys said:
I root since it's my XDA addiction!
Also add Titanium to the attached list!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
holy crap, when you mention "Titanium", do you mean the backup?! or even the "tweaker"? either way, aren't those EOL for years???

EtherealRemnant said:
Just use their website? Or switch banks? I have my primary bank with a local outfit that doesn't care about rooting (although that's not why I got them, it certainly helps keep me there) if I need to deposit a check and everything else can be done on their mobile website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see how that again helps with tan apps. But sure just don't use it is always an option.

hey_malik said:
I don't see how that again helps with tan apps. But sure just don't use it is always an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reality is that forced hardware attestation and the Play Integrity API will soon put an end to the tricks used to get around detection so people will have to figure out what root is worth to them. I decided awhile ago that I can live without it. Adb pull /sdcard does a nice enough backup job for me and Google's cloud backup pulls partial app data and will restore it where applicable.
Of course it does seem that there isn't a way to disable 5G SA on Pixels without disabling 5G altogether so I may have a use for root in the end anyway, time will tell, as I get sick of being stuck on T-Mobile's slow as molasses SA when midband is available.

Well i have rooted every other phone and rooting, installing kernel or roms solve some problem where oem is lazy or will not solve. Previously i was using OnePlus 7 pro with unlocked bootloader initially with Android 9. During Android 10 i prefer to lock bootloader again as during that time i was damm busy and getting time for root and transfer data was not possible. During Android 11 Oneplus had really ****ed up, device was getting hot like frying pan in summer. I really had no choice but to unlock bootloader and installed a stable custom rom(CR Droid) . Everything was perfect. After 9-10 months i thought i willl go to stock again and lock bootloader. But to my surprise cts profile was not getting matched. My phone was constantly recognized as Google pixel 6 pro (no NFC payment and play store dont recognize netfix) . Only safety net fix with Magisk was able to fix it. What really surprise is when i again installed Oxygen OS 10 cts profile was showing match with locked bootloader and with Oxygen OS 11,12 will show CTS profile mismatch. I really don't know what i had done wrong and there is no solution for locked bootloader.
So my suggestion is if anybody really want to unlock bootloader and have magisk prefer with your secondary device.

Is it possible to unlock 5G in another countries with root while having functional google wallet?

I only do it for AdAway. Would be wonderful if I could avoid rooting for blocking ads since it makes a few apps unusable (specificly Norwegian with no rooting community support). But I'll probably root my P7P when I get it on monday.

What's really at stake if rooting an older phone?

My phone is 5 years old, and hasn't had any OTA updates in years and its got no warranty. Apparently my older version of Android 8, isn't recognized as much and I'm starting to encounter more and more Play store apps that want a newer version of android and refuse to load. Hence I had to learn how to sideload stuff which is really annoying.
After a quick google search I learned you can root your phone and there is an Android 11 image called Lineage OS 18.1 ... which sounds pretty sweet. BUT after additional searches, I'm reading so many cons about rooting a phone. If bricking it isn't a concern, and I don't have a warrantee to void. What's at risk? I was probably going to buy a new phone anyways but now I'm intregued with this rooting process and wondiering if it might buy me time on a older phone that still works amazingly well. Why replace it if it still works, it just needs new software.
Questions: If I install Lineage OS 18.1 successfully...
Will the Play Store and Apps continue to update, or will I stop receiving notifications regarding available updates? Or am I forever stuck with sideloading?
If I don't install G Apps is this bad? I don't use stock Google Apps, I've opted to use the Microsoft equivalent like Outlook for email and calendar... or do I still need to install Google Apps to gain the ability to layer Microsoft products on top?
Why is there so much negative talk about malware infection with rooted phones? If I'm not downloading and installing apps constantly, the risk would still be no more threatening than it is now correct?
Are there any apps that would realize the phone is rooted and refuse to run? Some searches told me that security apps may not like a rooted phone. Does rooting it affect Microsoft Authenticator app?
Lastly, if I only want to pick and choose specific G Apps - can you install only the ones you need? or do they come all bundled together?
Thanks in advance,

What's really at stake if rooting an older phone?​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ii is easy to answer:
Pro: Complete Control Over Your Device​
One of the most significant benefits of rooting your Android device is the ability to have complete control over it. You can remove any pre-installed apps that you don’t need, customize the look and feel of your device, and control every aspect of its performance. With rooting, the possibilities are endless, and you can make your device truly your own.
Con: Risk of Bricking Your Device​One of the most significant risks of rooting your Android device is the potential to brick it. Bricking is when your device becomes completely unusable due to a software malfunction. If you’re not careful, you can render your device useless. However, if you follow the instructions carefully and take the proper precautions, you can minimize the risk of bricking your device.

Speed up older Android hardware with a custom ROM​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing a custom ROM ( or a 3rd-party OS ) allows your device to live a second life, provided you can stomach the somewhat lengthy process. Custom ROMs become especially useful once your smartphone’s manufacturer stops delivering software and feature updates. Most ROMs are also based on vanilla Android ( AOSP ), which means you get a lighter and faster experience than default manufacturer skins.
Having said that, it’s worth noting that custom ROMs are completely unofficial. Some work perfectly, while others may exhibit bugs and instability - you’ll need to do some due diligence for your specific device model. But don’t worry, here is a guide on how to install Lineage OS, one of the most popular custom ROMs.