Is it worth rooting - OnePlus Nord Questions & Answers

I wanted to root my Nord, but I started to wonder is it worth it? What benefits I can aquire by rooting my phone? It has a lot of space anyway (I own 12/256 variant) so I don't care about additional space I can aquire by debloating.
Also I'm pretty happy with Oxygen OS, so I don't care about other ROMs, which can be bugged even more than OOS.
I was thinking about degoogling, but can we do a real degoogling, or it's just some kind of placebo, because they're everywhere
Other thing I was thinking was a proper call recording, can we do that with root access?
What's more there are some issues from banking apps etc.
Any other benefits? What do you guys think?

Well, that's up to you
Perhaps this similar thread helps:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rooting-worth-it-or-hassle.4364757/
Personally, I'd say yes.
And as for google: Better to be touched inappropriately in one spot once then gang-raped for years and left to die on the harbor's bottom, eh?
Sounds harsh? Well, a googly friend did request his data some time ago - unzipped it was some 30GB and, among other things, contained his location ever since 2013 and just that meant roughly 2 location fixes every minute...
But, please, don't believe me, check their data on you for yourself:
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3024190?hl=en

But can you really get rid Google from your phone? It's I was thinking about some time ago. Except flashig a LineageOS rom-like...

Alas, not really... but it does make a huge difference to not have your device bound by an account.
(BTW, Aurora is a nice replacement for the playstore!)
Even LineageOS has some hardwired G-crap... after all, android is google's child. For example, every single time you log on to your wifi, android tries to verify internet.
Still, I do prefer to minimize such bad behavior than to give up entirely.

I still prefer to root for using
- AdAway
- AFWall+
- Titanium Backup
- Clocksync
- Automate lots of things with Tasker
Even without a proper TWRP available so far the root process is not that much of a hassle if you read the instructions properly and as long as you know how to unpack the boot.img from a full OTA.

Ramihyn said:
I still prefer to root for using
- AdAway
- AFWall+
- Titanium Backup
- Clocksync
- Automate lots of things with Tasker
Even without a proper TWRP available so far the root process is not that much of a hassle if you read the instructions properly and as long as you know how to unpack the boot.img from a full OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the first and second I use AdGuard. I find it way more better than Adaway in terms of blocking ads, trackers etc. Also, you can firewall apps with it too.
To be honest it's only TB and its mighty backup/restore/root/debloat abilities makes me still considering rooting my device.
I have a patched boot.img ready to flash since about two weeks. I'm sure I can manage this, but still not sure if I really want/need to.

AdAway and AFWall+ have the huge advantage compared to Adguard (Blokada would be another alternative) that they do not consume the VPN "slot" and thus almost no battery at all.
I am using my phone regularly to dial home using my own OpenVPN server (e.g. to access my music on my NAS instead of using Spotify and co.), so I cannot use VPN based ad-removal services.

wonsky21 said:
I wanted to root my Nord, but I started to wonder is it worth it? What benefits I can aquire by rooting my phone? It has a lot of space anyway (I own 12/256 variant) so I don't care about additional space I can aquire by debloating.
Also I'm pretty happy with Oxygen OS, so I don't care about other ROMs, which can be bugged even more than OOS.
I was thinking about degoogling, but can we do a real degoogling, or it's just some kind of placebo, because they're everywhere
Other thing I was thinking was a proper call recording, can we do that with root access?
What's more there are some issues from banking apps etc.
Any other benefits? What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Degoogle....
I tried /e/Os and hope half of their marketing is true.
3/4 banking apps are running (because banks are less evil than google).
The only disappointment is not to get 48mp frontcam (like (all?) custom roms for nord).

Related

You Root Your Phone for What?

Many people may be ask what is root? Surely most of you know there is an account called administrator in WINDOWS XP and it gets the highest permission to operate the system. Then, Root is to cell phones what administrator is to computer. Only after you root your phone can you have the permission to customize your phone.
Then can you share your root experience. I am considering whether to root my samsung phone.
Ahh for so many reasons. But to name a few: get rid of bloatware, block ads, listen youtube in the background, record my screen, most importantly customize your phone the way you like it and many many more
For more custom features and to make my phone more smoother. My stock rom was really freezy and laggy. When I rooted my phone and downloaded a new rom, my phone feels a lot more smoother.
Mainly for customization and for remove ads u.u
Inviato dal mio LG-D855 utilizzando Tapatalk
that's one good short explanation
markdc said:
Ahh for so many reasons. But to name a few: get rid of bloatware, block ads, listen youtube in the background, record my screen, most importantly customize your phone the way you like it and many many more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good:It seems that there are many benefits to root the phone.
swaglordk said:
For more custom features and to make my phone more smoother. My stock rom was really freezy and laggy. When I rooted my phone and downloaded a new rom, my phone feels a lot more smoother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No wonder so many people want to root their phone.
To remove ADS, definitely. I understand the value of them, but I can't stand them...
Sent from my LG-D802 using XDA Free mobile app
Install a custom ROM and you'll see why.
Rooting gives privilege , if you are not satisfies with what you have , default apps , any other think which can be modified only if rooted .Although i you wont be having company warranty anymore.
I saw this great reddit comment that summed me up pretty well; for a while I did the whole root thing. Loved it. Tweaking every tiny detail of a phone, getting access to insanely powerful apps, etc.
But it all started souring. Confession: I'm a convert from Linux and Windows to Mac. And that's because Mac's just work for me; when I'm needing to do something vital, I'd much rather something that is 50% less powerful but 100% stable. And I've found with my Galaxy Note 4, although I am annoyed at Touchwiz, at a lot of the stock touches, I much prefer having a non-rooted phone that, if/when an error happens, I know is nothing to do with me.
"My evolution using Android..
Get Android...
Learn to root..
Learn to flash ROM..
become flashaholic flashing multiple ROMs per day crack flashing.
Never having the same ROM/setup for two days in a row
Want more power....
Flash a custom kernel.....
OVERCLOCK!!
Too much battery being used
OVERCLOCK! UNDERVOLT!
Now horsepower is not so important.. Need more battery life...
UNDERCLOCK!!
Need to squeeze more battery life out of device
UNDERCLOCK!! UNDERVOLT!!!
Tired of custom kernel stability(even when not OC/UC UV)
Stock kernel... custom ROM, rooted..
Tired of all the bugs and little nuisances in custom ROMS..
Stock rom, stock kernel... still rooted of course
Root? I don't need root anymore..
Completely bone stock
The end..."
I root my device to get rid of bloatware, to install custom roms, to customize my device the way I want.
For best battery life.
- Remove bloat/spy/adware
- Titanium backup for easily migrating apps+data (including system apps) to other devices
- Micro-manage permissions of apps for security and efficiency.
- A good proxy/VPN app (if you've been to China you know what I mean).
- Killer youtube replacement app (downloads, plays in background, checks other video services, etc)
- Screen rec. app (pre-lollipop)
- Adaway (blocks adds even in games)
- Tasker
- Possibly to re-partition the eMMC --typically with those cheap 8GB devices that emulate an SD card and only have 1GB or so for apps. But that can be tricky. Would preferably try to flash a custom ROM/Recovery if possible, which is not really related to root.
- Also didn't add nandroid backups to the list because I don't tend to flash custom ROMs much.
I rooted my Samsung as soon as I got it in order to get rid of the unnecessary apps and save the ROM space. Enjoy my customized phone since I don't like the feeling being led by the rose.
I root my devices to use them to their highest potential and of course for Flashing various ROMS and Kernels
To become the original owner of my phone
jaymeenc said:
To become the original owner of my phone[emoji14]
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[emoji106] [emoji106]
I root mainly for removing bloats and of course more customization.
manly to clean a lot of unnecessary apps in order to get more ram and faster device,also to put allays the software of the newer devises

Should I root? What are the perks of it for the S8+ (what have you used root for)?

I've come back to Android after being on iOS for the past 2 or so years. Bought an S8+. With the S8 and S8+ rooted, I'm wondering if I should go about it. I don't like the 80% battery max that comes with it, or that there is no official Xposed support. Im mainly looking for a system wide adblock (which I dont believe I can do without Xposed(?)). Is there any reason you guys would recommend rooting, other than debloat? What else am I missing/forgetting?
Nope, you don't need root if you don't want to mod your system; ad blocker is available without root, just google "adhell 2". This is the 1st phone that I don't have rooted since I don't need it - I can do 90% of the stuff without root. I.e. you can't turn data off from Tasker without root. One of the things I miss. Also, find Knox very usefull - which is lost after root. Just my opinion though.
pr0necr0 said:
I've come back to Android after being on iOS for the past 2 or so years. Bought an S8+. With the S8 and S8+ rooted, I'm wondering if I should go about it. I don't like the 80% battery max that comes with it, or that there is no official Xposed support. Im mainly looking for a system wide adblock (which I dont believe I can do without Xposed(?)). Is there any reason you guys would recommend rooting, other than debloat? What else am I missing/forgetting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get adblocking with "AdHell" or "Disconnect for samsung browser" from plays store.
You can theme you device with Substratum or from this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/themes/substratum-inversion-ui-overlay-overlays-t3604341 or the inbuilt theme store.
You disable any system app you like with Package Disabler Pro.
You can get Xposed-like tweaks from this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/themes/mods-small-collection-tweaks-t3657119.
Really no point in rooting these days!
My S8+ is rooted right now, and I'm on the fence about going back to non-root. If ad blocking is your main concert there are SEVERAL no-root options. I used Disconnect for Samsung (google it, you'll find an APK somewhere) that is a system wide ad block that does allow some ad's... Other ad block methods are Ad Hell, AdGuard, Block This - and I'm sure there are many others... they essentially create a VPN on the device and route all traffic through the VPN and block the things you wouldn't want.
The issue with the bootloader locked rooting methods is they are based on the ENG BOOT kernel which is designed for debugging/testing/repair etc... so you ABSOLUTELY get a performance hit... and a battery hit. The S8+ is so fast the performance hit isn't nearly as bad as it was on the S7E, the battery hit is another story... 80% and I don't think it "stops" charging at 80 - maybe just me? but my phone is warm in the morning charging wired or wirelessly. Again, could be just me. YMMV.
Not to take anything away from the guys who worked hard on getting the root method released. They are awesome and have done a great job - they deserve all the praise in the community they can get. But without TWRP and custom roms, and the ability to create those types or rom's - root isn't quite the same.... AGAIN THAT COULD BE JUST ME! YMMV!
Can rooting boost protection and security?
I have a question about rooting.
All my previous 5 - 6 android smartphones were rooted by me.
The main reason for rooting was to improve security and confidence in the phone - good firewall, de -bloating, control of privilegies
But now with S8+ I am having second thought about if rooting really protects vs exposes.
1) Lots of original protection features will be gone after rooting, like DM-verity
2) Automated system updates and therefore related security patches will be gone too. I am not a big fan of regular manual downloads and updates. So my once rooted system will become dated soon.
Am I taking it right?
Do a good firewall and control of priviligies outweigth the new risks that rooting could bring?
I do a lot of important things on my phone, so the protection is number the #1 thing for me.
Thanks for you thoughts

General Custom Rom?????

Hello
whats about custom recovery and custom rom like Pocophone F1--------------- for Z Flip 3 .....release?????
Regards
Zipfelino said:
Hello
whats about custom recovery and custom rom like Pocophone F1--------------- for Z Flip 3 .....release?????
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about a custom recovery, but Samsung has posted the required files to build the source if you want to make a custom ROM.
twistedumbrella said:
Not sure about a custom recovery, but Samsung has posted the required files to build the source if you want to make a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TThat,s not polite. If he were a developer he wouldn't ask for one. Zipfelino didnt offend any body. He and me and thousands other members may have the same question. But the brave one had the guts to ask and found a rude answer
luisnica98 said:
TThat,s not polite. If he were a developer he wouldn't ask for one. Zipfelino didnt offend any body. He and me and thousands other members may have the same question. But the brave one had the guts to ask and found a rude answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest you read it again in a casual tone, not the one you used to troll me.
By the way, not every developer fills out the form for a title. It's pretty ignorant to assume someone isn't one because they asked if anyone else had released anything.
Hm... maybe to second the initial request as I understand it, even if it is too early at the moment since the device is merely two months in the market and from what little I understand building e.g. LOS for a new device is a lot of hard work: I am also looking forward (edit: which IMHO includes actively supporting the developer) to see someone more capable of this kind of voodoo than me release a custom ROM for this device before official support will be over
This thing here is the first Android mobile since the Sony XZ1 Compact that I deem "officially trouser pocket compatible" and with a price tag that might become okay for the average user
If you have a USA variant (snapdragon) then I'd suggest not getting your hopes up. Thanks to Verizon (even if they aren't your carrier) the US versions of Samsung phones since the note 8 (I think) haven't been able to be rooted.
d0x360 said:
If you have a USA variant (snapdragon) then I'd suggest not getting your hopes up. Thanks to Verizon (even if they aren't your carrier) the US versions of Samsung phones since the note 8 (I think) haven't been able to be rooted.
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Click to collapse
Yes, I learned this as well when I browsed through the Z Flip 3 section. Even if I don't know the details why it is like that, I think it's really weird that they managed to achieve such crap at all.
Thankfully I live in Germany and have the european version. I would not have bought this phone if I would have found any clue that you might be unable to unlock the bootloader. Been inside the golden cage with the bitten apple, got away, don't want to turn back
FFW said:
Yes, I learned this as well when I browsed through the Z Flip 3 section. Even if I don't know the details why it is like that, I think it's really weird that they managed to achieve such crap at all.
Thankfully I live in Germany and have the european version. I would not have bought this phone if I would have found any clue that you might be unable to unlock the bootloader. Been inside the golden cage with the bitten apple, got away, don't want to turn back
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Click to collapse
Turning back sucks lol. I always had rooted phones. It started with the HTC G1 the first android phone. I stuck with Google phones (Nexus 1 through the Pixel XL) or HTC phones like the HTC One M8.
Then I got a note 9 and soon after found out there was no root method for the snapdragon version. Then for some stupid reason I did it again and bought the note 10+...and again with the z Flip3 lol.
Next time I'm making sure I can root before I buy. Thankfully I can use Adguard (website version not store version) and package disabler to block ads, analytics etc at a system level, plus it can act as a firewall.
Then I'll use package disabler to truly disable the bloat and spyware. I wish I could just uninstall it but this is better than nothing.
One thing I really miss is custom roms and Kernel's. I'd love to be able to get rid of Samsung's horrible battery management system. It kills apps that it shouldn't including the alarm clock. Plus Samsung's apps are all pretty much terrible...sigh
d0x360 said:
Turning back sucks lol. I always had rooted phones. It started with the HTC G1 the first android phone. I stuck with Google phones (Nexus 1 through the Pixel XL) or HTC phones like the HTC One M8.
Then I got a note 9 and soon after found out there was no root method for the snapdragon version. Then for some stupid reason I did it again and bought the note 10+...and again with the z Flip3 lol.
Next time I'm making sure I can root before I buy. Thankfully I can use Adguard (website version not store version) and package disabler to block ads, analytics etc at a system level, plus it can act as a firewall.
Then I'll use package disabler to truly disable the bloat and spyware. I wish I could just uninstall it but this is better than nothing.
One thing I really miss is custom roms and Kernel's. I'd love to be able to get rid of Samsung's horrible battery management system. It kills apps that it shouldn't including the alarm clock. Plus Samsung's apps are all pretty much terrible...sigh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa. My first Android was the Xperia XZ1 Compact since I finally decided to kick Apple out now when the first informations about iOS 11 got available. That one served me well, rooted and running Lineage from day one (and still does, big thanks @Flamefire), but the battery has degraded noticeably and Sony obviously built that phone starting with the battery as component no.1 which makes replacing it a royal PITA, which is why I searched for a new pocket compatible daily driver. So here I am...
I see your phone is more or less in the state mine is currently. I had it rooted initially but reset it and decided to try out NetGuard and ADB AppControl and see how far that gets me while keeping the OTA update alive as long as there is no custom ROM available.
Edit: with that nifty guide from @doggydog2 rooting might become more interesting again however, even without a custom ROM. Will need to dig through that one on of the next weekends...
FFW said:
Whoa. My first Android was the Xperia XZ1 Compact since I finally decided to kick Apple out now when the first informations about iOS 11 got available. That one served me well, rooted and running Lineage from day one (and still does, big thanks @Flamefire), but the battery has degraded noticeably and Sony obviously built that phone starting with the battery as component no.1 which makes replacing it a royal PITA.
which is why I searched for a new pocket compatible daily driver, so here I am...
I see your phone is more or less in the state mine is currently. I had it rooted initially but reset it and decided to try out NetGuard and ADB AppControl and see how far that gets me while keeping the OTA update alive as long as there is no custom ROM available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm gonna check out adb appcontrol and see if it has any extra features over package disabler. I used to have an app like package disabler that would let me go into an apps services and receivers. Then I could disable specific parts of apps. It was fantastic but I can't remember it's name lol.
I have tried netguard and it's not bad but I definitely like Adguard better. It's better designed, works better, has more features etc... But it's not free. I think I paid $35 for 3 lifetime phone licenses during a sale. I also use Adguard on Windows now instead of adblocking extensions. I didn't pay for that one though, I signed up for a beta key, got one and then I just renew it every year.
d0x360 said:
I'm gonna check out adb appcontrol and see if it has any extra features over package disabler. I used to have an app like package disabler that would let me go into an apps services and receivers. Then I could disable specific parts of apps. It was fantastic but I can't remember it's name lol.
I have tried netguard and it's not bad but I definitely like Adguard better. It's better designed, works better, has more features etc... But it's not free. I think I paid $35 for 3 lifetime phone licenses during a sale. I also use Adguard on Windows now instead of adblocking extensions. I didn't pay for that one though, I signed up for a beta key, got one and then I just renew it every year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem with "not free". I usually donate to the developers of my software unless they say they don't want (yes, this happens as well) - either by buying the enhanced version or by simply sending a donation every now and then, such as for every new released patch level of LOS or so.
ADB Appcontrol is quite nice since it is a PC program and also backs up any software you decide to remove.
AFAIK, Adguard is a DNS-based ad blocker comparable to Pi-Hole while Netguard is a firewall as e.g. AfWall+ (or mimicks that behaviour as much as possible as you can without root)? This would mean the logic behind the program would be different, such as being able to track and set what to block differently for each program.
I will take anotrher look at it though
FFW said:
No problem with "not free". I usually donate to the developers of my software unless they say they don't want (yes, this happens as well) - either by buying the enhanced version or by simply sending a donation every now and then, such as for every new released patch level of LOS or so.
ADB Appcontrol is quite nice since it is a PC program and also backs up any software you decide to remove.
AFAIK, Adguard is a DNS-based ad blocker comparable to Pi-Hole while Netguard is a firewall as e.g. AfWall+ (or mimicks that behaviour as much as possible as you can without root)? This would mean the logic behind the program would be different, such as being able to track and set what to block differently for each program.
I will take anotrher look at it though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard does have DNS blocking options but it's so much more than that. I'm not sure if there is a free trial period but if there is definitely check it out, I think you will find it really nice. Also anytime you find any kind of issue whether it's a missed overlay on a website or a gap where the ad was you can report it through the app and it's usually fixed in a couple hours. Their response time is insane.
The adblocking options are extensive. It includes all the same filters in ublock origin and then some. You can also disable filters you don't want, make custom filters for literally anything. For example I made a filter that would remove search results for just polygon.com from Google. It also supports custom scripts like the greasemonkey extension.
The firewall aspect is like a genuine firewall. You can fully block an app from net access or set it so it can only use wifi or cell signal or both. There is also a log of every connection (incoming/outgoing) that tells you what app or service is trying to do something and what it's trying to connect to. You can click on an entry in the log and automatically block or whitelist it.
You can even block Google analytics and telemetry for Android itself which is fantastic because they collect tons of info..
In just the last 30 days Adguard has saved me 11.79 gigs of data, blocked 362,763 ads, 17,092 trackers and 2 threats. That's from Android, apps and browsers.
i know I sound like a salesman lol but I genuinely love this app and it has so many options and features that it can do pretty much everything a fully loaded (with necessary extensions) desktop browser can do.
They also have a free vpn that works with the app if you want another layer of privacy and protection.
d0x360 said:
Adguard does have DNS blocking options but it's so much more than that. I'm not sure if there is a free trial period but if there is definitely check it out, I think you will find it really nice. Also anytime you find any kind of issue whether it's a missed overlay on a website or a gap where the ad was you can report it through the app and it's usually fixed in a couple hours. Their response time is insane.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed answer
d0x360 said:
The adblocking options are extensive. It includes all the same filters in ublock origin and then some. You can also disable filters you don't want, make custom filters for literally anything. For example I made a filter that would remove search results for just polygon.com from Google. It also supports custom scripts like the greasemonkey extension.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm... Lets compare.... I use my compiled Pi-Hole list (which includes the AdBlock lists and some others btw) for NetGuard as well, so this is covered for me, even if not as comfortable when it comes to whitelisting for just one given domain (never needed that option until now though, but something to keep in mind)
d0x360 said:
The firewall aspect is like a genuine firewall. You can fully block an app from net access or set it so it can only use wifi or cell signal or both. There is also a log of every connection (incoming/outgoing) that tells you what app or service is trying to do something and what it's trying to connect to. You can click on an entry in the log and automatically block or whitelist it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems pretty standard for an ad blocker. The question is: can I selectively block or allow a given connection (i.e. URL or IP address) for one single app as I can do with Netguard?
d0x360 said:
You can even block Google analytics and telemetry for Android itself which is fantastic because they collect tons of info..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I translate this to "can block system apps". That's the case for Netguard as well.
d0x360 said:
In just the last 30 days Adguard has saved me 11.79 gigs of data, blocked 362,763 ads, 17,092 trackers and 2 threats. That's from Android, apps and browsers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that saved amount of data is more than I use at home and mobile in total in the same time
But yes, I use Pi-Hole at home and for any mobile device that uses my VPN, and its shows an awful lot of connections being blocked, so the basic savings should be the same. Additionally, each browser has its own uBlock Origin instance and some other plugins e.g. to block Youtube ads. Using a computer that does not have this is outright painful.
d0x360 said:
i know I sound like a salesman lol but I genuinely love this app and it has so many options and features that it can do pretty much everything a fully loaded (with necessary extensions) desktop browser can do.
They also have a free vpn that works with the app if you want another layer of privacy and protection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might explain why you get such fast response times in case of issues
Something else, apart from the question above: Can Adguard apply all its filters and then use my private WireGuard VPN Server (not some 3rd party VPN service!) on Android as its only way out into the internet? That is the one obvious downside of not having root at the moment - since Android allows only one VPN being active and Netguard does not interface the WireGuard App, I can only use either my VPN or NetGuard, not both at once as I could with AfWall+ and WireGuard.
Just to add my bucket - I will buy this phone as soon as bootloader unlock, root and custom roms are confirmed (an a working gcam mod). I simply can't imagine using the phone without the benefits of it. I really hope this phone gets support.
eVen123 said:
Just to add my bucket - I will buy this phone as soon as bootloader unlock, root and custom roms are confirmed (an a working gcam mod). I simply can't imagine using the phone without the benefits of it. I really hope this phone gets support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first two are done as long as you buy the european SM-F711B and not that crippled US version (model no. SM-F711U if I am not mistaken). That leaves a ROM (and the GCam mod you mentioned, but I have to admit I have no clue what that one is about). Let's see what the future brings.
Oh, one more thing: I hereby confirm I would happily contribute significantly to a donation for a developer who in turn wants to take the task of creating and maintaining a custom ROM for this phone that supports the outer display and the flip open/close phone function (maybe LOS or Havoc?) but needs money to buy the phone.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Question Any real reason to use roms over stock?

Most people seem fairly happy with the stock pixel user experience, after all a main reason we purchase pixels is because of it's software.
in your experience, is there any benefit to any of the currently available custom roms that would increase performance and battery? I mean something bigger than just customisability and tinkering
I've been debating this too. I haven't rooted a device in 4 years. No real reason to anymore. I'm on the fence because I'm hoping for a true blackout theme and better animation transitions on a custom rom. Haven't pulled the trigger yet.
Performance, efficiency, and control over fast more than what Google chooses to provide.
ctfrommn said:
Performance, efficiency, and control over fast more than what Google chooses to provide.
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Click to collapse
What roms are you referring to?
It has been scientifically proven that running custom kernels and/or roms helps to minimize E.D.
Mainly battery life. I have to charge my phone once every 1-1.5 weeks or so, vs every or every other day like most people.
*Keeping the screen brightness only as bright as you need it (i.e. not ecessively set or maxxed out--I keep mine around 1/4 maybe touch more, on the brightness slider.
smokejumper76 said:
I have to charge my phone once every 1-1.5 weeks or so
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Click to collapse
Bruh, do you even use your phone at all? What ROM makes such a huge difference for your use to extend your battery life from 1 day to over 7 days?
fix-this! said:
What roms are you referring to?
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Click to collapse
Literally any?
GrapheneOS gets rid of all Google Services, thus (and overall) it's a lot more privacy-focused.
Performance isn't a huge issue on Pixel devices (imo), because the ROM they come with isn't super bloated, but you can always just use LineageOS, or any other barebones ROM if you don't need any fancy features, only sleek (slick?) performance.
I have always been a fan of ResurrectionRemix/crDroid, which are filled with TONS of features. Sure, depending on who you are, you might not care for most/some of them (double tapping on statusbar to lock the screen, changing the animation of quick settings tiles when you tap on them, blinking the flashlight when you receive a call, and many, many other small things).
Nowadays, even ROMs like this aren't hogging up your performance or ruin your battery life.
Besides flashing custom ROMs, rooting is still useful for me.
Yeah, getting SafetyNet to pass can be a bit of a hassle, but in exchange I get to use ACC to prolong my battery's health, I can get rid of the navbar pill, and I can use an lsposed module to disable secure flag in my transportation app, so I can take a screenshot of my ticket (should the inspector come when there's no cellular connection (and the app doesn't properly cache the ticket, because of great programming )).
None of these are deal-breakers, but as long as there's still an option for doing these, I wouldn't want to miss out.
Radjah2001 said:
in your experience, is there any benefit to any of the currently available custom roms that would increase performance and battery? I mean something bigger than just customisability and tinkering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery life and performance is pretty good as is. The stock rom on Pixels isn't super bloated, so it's not like it has much of an effect on battery or the performance of your phone. With the stock kernel I lost about 0.6% of battery every hour overnight, with MVK kernel that number got reduced to about 0.4%. Does it make a difference? Not at all.
I guess you could root and use a kernel manager to downclock the CPU to gain some extra SoT, but that's about it. If you're not much of a tinkerer, and content with your current setup, there's no real reason to switch to something else.
Lada333 said:
Bruh, do you even use your phone at all? What ROM makes such a huge difference for your use to extend your battery life from 1 day to over 7 days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. I have no friends. <s>
I'll use it outside/on road but even then, phone conversations and internet browsing is not very much. Here and there, etc. Mostly texts or instant msgs.But calls here and there. I have it set to charge max 75% and will recharge when it gets to around 20%. Running LineageOS w/ the kernel it comes with it. Nothing fancy. I don't use any social media app (or social media or that matter), so I don't have to worry about that stuff draining the battery. WiFI and/or VPN will so I tend to keep them turned off until I need them. If I used phone more regularly, I could see myself having to recharge it maybe every 3-4 days maybe, I dunno.
Battery life can actually be worse on custom ROMs that do not have Google Play Services. When an app uses Play Svcs to handle push notifications, things like notification pushes get are managed and batched together by Play Services. If a phone does not have Play Svcs, apps that use cloud notifications may have to register their own persistent polling services which can chew up battery. And then you have to disable battery optimization for that app so it doesn't get dozed.
I've at least heard anecdotal evidence that battery life suffers on GrapheneOS because of this. Say, if you have an email client and messaging apps that require a persistent polling service to look for new messages.
Nowadays when I look up reasons to use ROMs or root, I get annoyed when articles list modules or features that serve to fix the issues that the act of making these changes cause (eg- hide root from other apps, force apps to doze, magisk bootloop saver, etc). I mean now you're spending the time managing the problem you've created for yourself. It's silly. Unless there are practical reasons to customize, I see no compelling reason to do so.
jawz101 said:
Battery life can actually be worse on custom ROMs that do not have Google Play Services. When an app uses Play Svcs to handle push notifications, things like notification pushes get are managed and batched together by Play Services. If a phone does not have Play Svcs, apps that use cloud notifications may have to register their own persistent polling services which can chew up battery. And then you have to disable battery optimization for that app so it doesn't get dozed.
I've at least heard anecdotal evidence that battery life suffers on GrapheneOS because of this. Say, if you have an email client and messaging apps that require a persistent polling service to look for new messages.
Nowadays when I look up reasons to use ROMs or root, I get annoyed when articles list modules or features that serve to fix the issues that the act of making these changes cause (eg- hide root from other apps, force apps to doze, magisk bootloop saver, etc). I mean now you're spending the time managing the problem you've created for yourself. It's silly. Unless there are practical reasons to customize, I see no compelling reason to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well said. I've been thinking the same. Google does there optimizations pretty well and they have given even more options to even tinker with a lil more effecient as per your need. There's no need to go out of the way replace the whole rom. even if you do you should have a very good reason and it should have some very noticable difference that can be seen to any one... Though i always have a soft corner for the modding community. Because of their push oems are stepping up their game.
Interesting. I do have Gapps installed and regarding polling the servers, while I myself haven't had battery drain, I can definitely attest to custom roms possibly messing with polling. On my old M8 (which also had Lineage), if the phone was on standby for a long time, I would not get ANY text or IMs unless I turned on the screen, THEN I'd get a bunch of messages. Or even if the phone was on, I would have to send a text message to myself and then I'd get a bunch back from people. So, yes at least on that phone there was serious polling issues I opened myself up with.
Currently I am on the newer phone(s), which I don't experience those issues, but you are absolutely right about them.
smokejumper76 said:
if the phone was on standby for a long time, I would not get ANY text or IMs unless I turned on the screen, THEN I'd get a bunch of messages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also experienced that issue on my 3T running.. any custom ROM, basically. I think it's mostly fixed on newer ROMs though. YMMV.
Radjah2001 said:
Most people seem fairly happy with the stock pixel user experience, after all a main reason we purchase pixels is because of it's software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speak for yourself. I bought pixel for the HARDWARE, and specifically the fact that it isn't crippled (locked) and is properly supported in AOSP. The factory prebuilt software is utter trash with one purpose and one purpose ONLY: To track everything you do.
In order to safely use the hardware, it is NECESSARY to wipe the spyware from it. Either build AOSP from source yourself, or use a security focused distribution like GrapheneOS.
Lada333 said:
Besides flashing custom ROMs, rooting is still useful for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add possibly Viper4Android on A13 some day and its perfect.
Safetynet / play integrity & hide root is pretty easy on stock, but did you have success on custom Roms?
My banking app doesnt even rely on Safetynet / play integrity and checks for root itself, but shamiko takes care of that, but I suspect it would detect a custom Rom and refuse to work.
An entire Rom would probably much harder to hide than just root.
G5-User7080 said:
Add possibly Viper4Android
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Click to collapse
Never really saw the need/use for v4a.
G5-User7080 said:
Safetynet / play integrity & hide root is pretty easy on stock, but did you have success on custom Roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. Never had issues. Besides adding my banking apps to the DenyList, I also had to hide the Magisk app. What I've found is that some apps may look for the Magisk app being installed on your device (you don't even necessarily need to be rooted, just have Magisk installed).
Love the warped perspective a few posts up. Reminder to all on the risks of oxygen deprivation at birth
Lada333 said:
Never really saw the need/use for v4a.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really hope someone finds out how to make it work on A13 soon, luckily my music app has an eq so its not like it sounds bad, but what I mostly miss is replay gain ig, when I'm outside music with a wider dynamic range is a bit of a problem, the quieter parts just drown in the outside noise.
Sure. Never had issues. Besides adding my banking apps to the DenyList, I also had to hide the Magisk app. What I've found is that some apps may look for the Magisk app being installed on your device (you don't even necessarily need to be rooted, just have Magisk installed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, mine do, hideMyApplist takes care of that, for some reason when I hide magisk App, it gets picket up by AppListDetector (well not by my banking app at least).
I kinda wanna try a custom ROM but flashing an entire new ROM is a lot scarier than just rooting stock, like some apps might not be working cause they rely on google services etc, maybe when I buy a new phone in a few years and this one doesnt get updates anymore I could try that.
DB126 said:
Love the warped perspective a few posts up. Reminder to all on the risks of oxygen deprivation at birth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With all the scandals involving big tech all the time, do you really wonder why people distrust google & co?
In the end it's probably never as bad as you fear and never as good as you hope.
A13 has some nice privacy protecting features built in, like Android System Intelligence all happens on device, then again, gboard, google app, etc don't, ig u get a little bit of everything.
You can never be completely private, and for that reason some of my friends say "Well then it doesn't matter anyway, just know everything about me idc" and some others be like "ill just stop using all their services alltogether"
In the end everyone can do what they want cant they?
G5-User7080 said:
like some apps might not be working cause they rely on google services etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
um, so?
Even if the ROM of your choice doesn't come with GApps preinstalled, you can always just sideload MindTheGapps.

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