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[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?

use Dirty COW to temp root ?

it is said this Dirty COW vulnerability is affected almost all Android devices, so is it possible to use this Dirty COW to get a temp root for Xperia XZ ?

Believe me, you are not the only one, who hopes that

Read on here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/dirty-cow-t3484879

Sorry if this is a derail, but what exactly is the point of a temp root? Would you be able to temporarily root the phone, then run something like Adaway, restart ->unroot, but still have all the adblocking capability? Without affecting bootloader and android pay etc?

maidguitar said:
Sorry if this is a derail, but what exactly is the point of a temp root? Would you be able to temporarily root the phone, then run something like Adaway, restart ->unroot, but still have all the adblocking capability? Without affecting bootloader and android pay etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
temp root is for backup TA/drm partition before unlock bootloader, that means you will not lose warranty even unlocked bootloader 'cuz you can restore TA partition any time you want

BloodEdge said:
temp root is for backup TA/drm partition before unlock bootloader, that means you will not lose warranty even unlocked bootloader 'cuz you can restore TA partition any time you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaah, that makes sense. In this case though, would my example of running a one-time root app like Adaway work?

maidguitar said:
Aaah, that makes sense. In this case though, would my example of running a one-time root app like Adaway work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no idea honestly, but though you have already backup TA so why not just unlock bootloader and let it root permanently:silly:

BloodEdge said:
no idea honestly, but though you have already backup TA so why not just unlock bootloader and let it root permanently:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to keep android pay functionality, and it looks like the latest updates to pay check for unlocked bootloader, etc.
So I was thinking to do whatever root things I need, like Adaway hosts file patch, TiBu backup/restores, and then reboot to get rid of root.

maidguitar said:
I want to keep android pay functionality, and it looks like the latest updates to pay check for unlocked bootloader, etc.
So I was thinking to do whatever root things I need, like Adaway hosts file patch, TiBu backup/restores, and then reboot to get rid of root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmmm, maybe you should check about Magisk

maidguitar said:
I want to keep android pay functionality, and it looks like the latest updates to pay check for unlocked bootloader, etc.
So I was thinking to do whatever root things I need, like Adaway hosts file patch, TiBu backup/restores, and then reboot to get rid of root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the concept. Intrigued. But doubtful perhaps

Was speaking to someone about this recently.
WIll post if anything comes from it.

BloodEdge said:
it is said this Dirty COW vulnerability is affected almost all Android devices, so is it possible to use this Dirty COW to get a temp root for Xperia XZ ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see it happening anytime soon on any xperia x devices temp root or full locked bootloader root+recovery no one seems to care all I ever get is use the DRM-fix been waiting 4mths for a way to back up the ta keys/get lb root
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs

This is just sad... Im faced with a decision I dont want to make.. which is NOT get a Sony phone...... What is wrong with these companies? They think we want to pay 700$ and not beable to use it the way WE WANT? come on ! this is just ridiculous.... Ill just have to buy a older phone, newer models mostly all of them, the ones i really want, are not dev friendly...

Old discussions... Just realize there is a very small amount of people needing root. Also on this point you have to discuss the question of security - rooting.

Good morning guys. The vulnerability is still out there.. could be possible to achieve temp root to backup TA partition?

Tripping KNOX and restricted apps

If someone roots, I have heard that many apps stop working. My question is, if the device is then unrooted, will those apps still work considering the fact that knox will remain tripped? I'm not referring to Samsung Pay, but rather apps from the playstore.

Yes, using magisk you can run all of the applications...
Few may need workaround but possible
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

`SBR` said:
Yes, using magisk you can run all of the applications...
Few may need workaround but possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, but after unrooting will the apps work as normal? Since I cant use magisk if I decide to go back to stock

the_OZONE said:
Right, but after unrooting will the apps work as normal? Since I cant use magisk if I decide to go back to stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just stay stock if you want all the Samsung pay etc to work.

dynospectrum said:
Just stay stock if you want all the Samsung pay etc to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope I don't sound noob but coming from a 6p, i believe I am. I am new to samsung(even hated the idea of having one just as i hate iphones...) but was a gift and am lovin' it. I read a lot about rooting the s8+. Even got all the tools I found through a walkthrough to achieve root on my device. Many say it's not safe. The steps were flashing twrp through odin, then flashing magisk and the verity flash in twrp.
Hope i didn't tire you yet
Just a couple questions, is it actually safe to root my device? With the knox and whatnot(never had to worry about that before with the 6p)what apps will be affected by root and how to workaround that?
I have a g955fd btw
Thanks in advance

RockyAJ said:
I hope I don't sound noob but coming from a 6p, i believe I am. I am new to samsung(even hated the idea of having one just as i hate iphones...) but was a gift and am lovin' it. I read a lot about rooting the s8+. Even got all the tools I found through a walkthrough to achieve root on my device. Many say it's not safe. The steps were flashing twrp through odin, then flashing magisk and the verity flash in twrp.
Hope i didn't tire you yet
Just a couple questions, is it actually safe to root my device? With the knox and whatnot(never had to worry about that before with the 6p)what apps will be affected by root and how to workaround that?
I have a g955fd btw
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its safe but once Knox is tripped its tripped for good. As of now there's no way to use certain secure apps if Knox has been tripped. You won't be able to us Secure folders (private mode), S Health and allegedly Samsung pay (although this one works for me on my rooted s8+ with Magisk). There may be some other apps but those are the main ones I can think of.
Besides these apps most if not all other apps root check capabilities can be fooled or bypassed. Apps like Snapchat, Netflix and Poke Go etc.are normally blocked on rooted devices but work just fine with Magisk.

xeathpk said:
Its safe but once Knox is tripped its tripped for good. As of now there's no way to use certain secure apps if Knox has been tripped. You won't be able to us Secure folders (private mode), S Health and allegedly Samsung pay (although this one works for me on my rooted s8+ with Magisk). There may be some other apps but those are the main ones I can think of.
Besides these apps most if not all other apps root check capabilities can be fooled or bypassed. Apps like Snapchat, Netflix and Poke Go etc.are normally blocked on rooted devices but work just fine with Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you recommend going for root?

RockyAJ said:
So you recommend going for root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you dont care about the apps I mentioned or possibly forfeiting your warranty then I don't see why not. Its definitely not required though. There's not too much incentive to root yet until rovo89 gets Xposed to work on android 7.0+, if ever. I just rooted to make full nandroid backups and save myself the trouble of rooting down the road. As of right now there's not too much added functionality in having root access besides a few small-ish tweaks here and there.

Questions before I mess up my s8+

I have an att s8+ build g55USQU1AQJC, is this still root able without tripping Knox?
Will flashing the Odin files wipe my phone?
Has the 80% battery bug been fixed or is it just visual and not have any impact on battery life?
Last question when the new bootloader gets released on my device will that affect root?

You can't root without tripping Knox.
Yes, you will wipe your phone, probably twice, in the process of installing root.
80% bug has not been fixed. Probably won't be. It does have an impact. How much depends on your usage habits.
Until the devs get a hold of V3, that's hard to say. Most likely it will not be rootable for, at least, a little while. You won't be able to OTA anyway.
Anyone is more than welcome to correct me, if I got any of that incorrect. Been a few since I've combed through all the pertinent threads.

Thanatos355 said:
You can't root without tripping Knox.
Yes, you will wipe your phone, probably twice, in the process of installing root.
80% bug has not been fixed. Probably won't be. It does have an impact. How much depends on your usage habits.
Until the devs get a hold of V3, that's hard to say. Most likely it will not be rootable for, at least, a little while. You won't be able to OTA anyway.
Anyone is more than welcome to correct me, if I got any of that incorrect. Been a few since I've combed through all the pertinent threads.
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I thought I read somewhere samfail root won't trip Knox.

MysticFTW said:
I thought I read somewhere samfail root won't trip Knox.
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I have the same model device as you. Straight from AT&T, part of their pre-order deal, fwiw. I've used both methods for root, and can confirm that things that use Knox (e.g. Samsung Pay) both detects root and refuses to function thereafter.

Thanatos355 said:
I have the same model device as you. Straight from AT&T, part of their pre-order deal, fwiw. I've used both methods for root, and can confirm that things that use Knox (e.g. Samsung Pay) both detects root and refuses to function thereafter.
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What your describing is normal of any root but I'm asking about Knox warranty status.
Can you boot to download mode to check Knox status?
Here is a tutorial if you don't how to check knox
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.androidexplained.com/galaxy-s8-check-knox/amp/

MysticFTW said:
What your describing is normal of any root but I'm asking about Knox warranty status.
Can you boot to download mode to check Knox status?
Here is a tutorial if you don't how to check knox
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.androidexplained.com/galaxy-s8-check-knox/amp/
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My mistake, I thought you meant from a usability standpoint. No, the fuse itself has not been tripped. I just rechecked mine to make sure, 0x0.

Thanatos355 said:
My mistake, I thought you meant from a usability standpoint. No, the fuse itself has not been tripped. I just rechecked mine to make sure, 0x0.
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Awesome I didn't want to risk if it tripped Knox.
How noticeable is having only 80% battery on a daily basis?

MysticFTW said:
Awesome I didn't want to risk if it tripped Knox.
How noticeable is having only 80% battery on a daily basis?
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Honestly, not that bad. I almost always still make it through a full day, 7am-11pm or so, of use before I plug it in. I read on it extensively, text and message regularly, and play a few different games on it, that I launch every hour or two.
I did have a problem with battery life, at first, with Pwn, but had zero issues with Fail, and ended up going back to Pwn with no issues at all.

Thanatos355 said:
Honestly, not that bad. I almost always still make it through a full day, 7am-11pm or so, of use before I plug it in. I read on it extensively, text and message regularly, and play a few different games on it, that I launch every hour or two.
I did have a problem with battery life, at first, with Pwn, but had zero issues with Fail, and ended up going back to Pwn with no issues at all.
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Why did you go back?
Sorry to be asking so many questions I just wanna cover my bases.

Messing around with Substratum late one night, screwed things up (totally on me, I knew the risks), and decided to try Pwn again. I had been wanting to see if the battery issue was a fluke. All in all, I vastly prefer PartyCyborg's rom, but not enough to immediately switch back. I figure when he drops the next release, I'll switch back.

Thanatos355 said:
Messing around with Substratum late one night, screwed things up (totally on me, I knew the risks), and decided to try Pwn again. I had been wanting to see if the battery issue was a fluke. All in all, I vastly prefer PartyCyborg's rom, but not enough to immediately switch back. I figure when he drops the next release, I'll switch back.
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Ok I plan to substratum as well
Is this rom? https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum....ntroducing-samfail-root-sm-g950-t3685349/amp/

MysticFTW said:
Ok I plan to substratum as well
Is this rom? https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum....ntroducing-samfail-root-sm-g950-t3685349/amp/
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That one is in the S8 forum. This is the one I used.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...root-partcyborgrom-aqk3-samfail-odin-t3717702

Thanatos355 said:
That one is in the S8 forum. This is the one I used.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...root-partcyborgrom-aqk3-samfail-odin-t3717702
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Oh ok thanks you just save me trouble.
Which one do I need G955USQU2BQK5 or G955USQU1AQK3
Will it matter that my stock build version is g55USQU1AQJC

MysticFTW said:
Oh ok thanks you just save me trouble.
Which one do I need G955USQU2BQK5 or G955USQU1AQK3
Will it matter that my stock build version is g55USQU1AQJC
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I'm honestly not sure on that point. Your best bet is to read the entire first post, and if that doesn't answer your questions, search the thread.

Thanatos355 said:
I'm honestly not sure on that point. Your best bet is to read the entire first post, and if that doesn't answer your questions, search the thread.
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10 pages in Sar far no one has mentioned which file to download

I'm not really sure, man. I know that one was from v2 and one is from v1. I'm still on v1 bootloader and I used the original v1 rom, which was the AQK3 files.

Thanatos355 said:
I'm not really sure, man. I know that one was from v2 and one is from v1. I'm still on v1 bootloader and I used the original v1 rom, which was the AQK3 files.
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Ok well I posted in the thread hopefully I'll get an answer soon
Thank you for your help ?

Thanatos355 said:
I'm not really sure, man. I know that one was from v2 and one is from v1. I'm still on v1 bootloader and I used the original v1 rom, which was the AQK3 files.
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How do I know if I'm on v1 bootloader?

is this root bug with all variants uk and us ive got the sm-g955f will i get this 80% bug if i root

cosequence if unlock bootloader on google pixel 3?

hi guys
im new on pixel series. i want to know if i do unlock bootloader, is there any feature will gone if i do that?
like samsung lost knox or sony lost drm for camera and entertaiment
thankyou

xerxess said:
hi guys
im new on pixel series. i want to know if i do unlock bootloader, is there any feature will gone if i do that?
like samsung lost knox or sony lost drm for camera and entertaiment
thankyou
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You have to work a bit to keep GPay working, and the solution definitely requires root. The current solution has been working for a few months and works on Android 10, but who knows if they will "fix" the current hack. You will absolutely not be able to download Netflix from the Play Store. There is one build on APK Mirror that will sideload and run, but of course you will get no updates. I've been running that build on the Pixel for about 6 months, and I have a tablet that does get Netflix updates yet I see no difference between that Feb build and Netflix even from a few days ago. Those are the only two things impacting me. Obviously, need to hide apps with Magisk and such is user specific (my car's door unlock/diagnostics/etc detects root without hiding it, but it works fine once hidden).

sliding_billy said:
You have to work a bit to keep GPay working, and the solution definitely requires root. The current solution has been working for a few months and works on Android 10, but who knows if they will "fix" the current hack. You will absolutely not be able to download Netflix from the Play Store. There is one build on APK Mirror that will sideload and run, but of course you will get no updates. I've been running that build on the Pixel for about 6 months, and I have a tablet that does get Netflix updates yet I see no difference between that Feb build and Netflix even from a few days ago. Those are the only two things impacting me. Obviously, need to hide apps with Magisk and such is user specific (my car's door unlock/diagnostics/etc detects root without hiding it, but it works fine once hidden).
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first i wanna say thankyou for reply. ah i see so the only thing feature lost function is GPay (without little tweak). is it possible to relock again? if yes , is feature fully function again? tbh i dont really need GPay.

xerxess said:
first i wanna say thankyou for reply. ah i see so the only thing feature lost function is GPay (without little tweak). is it possible to relock again? if yes , is feature fully function again? tbh i dont really need GPay.
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You can relock the BL, but you need to first return to absolute stock (no root, no kernel, no custom recovery, etc - pretty much flash the factory image with wipe to both slots to be safe). Then the relock will perform another factory reset anyways. So, if you are asking if you can keep anything you've done while unlocked the answer is no. To me, the biggest reason for unlocking beyond root is that it is almost impossible to hard brick the Pixel with an unlocked BL. It is pretty easily accomplished when locked down and can even happen as a result of a bad OTA or something that is not your fault at all.

sliding_billy said:
You can relock the BL, but you need to first return to absolute stock (no root, no kernel, no custom recovery, etc - pretty much flash the factory image with wipe to both slots to be safe). Then the relock will perform another factory reset anyways. So, if you are asking if you can keep anything you've done while unlocked the answer is no. To me, the biggest reason for unlocking beyond root is that it is almost impossible to hard brick the Pixel with an unlocked BL. It is pretty easily accomplished when locked down and can even happen as a result of a bad OTA or something that is not your fault at all.
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understood, if only need back to absolute stock its okay for me. though it will like other smartphone need "drm" to relock.
yeah agree, why i think to unlock is about avoid brick or similar thing. but before i do that i need to know what feature will lost, so i asking here.
if relock again, all things will back to normal again right?

xerxess said:
understood, if only need back to absolute stock its okay for me. though it will like other smartphone need "drm" to relock.
yeah agree, why i think to unlock is about avoid brick or similar thing. but before i do that i need to know what feature will lost, so i asking here.
if relock again, all things will back to normal again right?
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No, there is no residual damage like lost Knox. Everything would return to normal once BL is locked back up.

sliding_billy said:
No, there is no residual damage like lost Knox. Everything would return to normal once BL is locked back up.
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understood, thank you very much. really appreciate your time.