Database Info

Root Without Unlocking Bootloader

Hello All
How long does it usually take for root Without Unlocking the Bootloader to come out?
This is the only reason I have not purchased this phone yet.
So frustrated there will be no decent normal sized Nexus 6 and the Z3 loses camera features when unlocked ?

No ETA pls
Let's wait

funkyblue04 said:
Hello All
How long does it usually take for root Without Unlocking the Bootloader to come out?
This is the only reason I have not purchased this phone yet.
So frustrated there will be no decent normal sized Nexus 6 and the Z3 loses camera features when unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "usual" number. Some phones got root before they were even out officially. Some took a few days. Some took over a month. And some end up retired without a safe root option.
First rule of xda: don't ask for eta

I know that. Just another frustration with android. We need more Nexus phones!

funkyblue04 said:
I know that. Just another frustration with android. We need more Nexus phones!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never thought I could use this phone without root but it turns out I'm wrong. Not really seeing any need for it at the present moment

I like to be about to restore all my data and apps with Titanium Backup. So much easier.

wolf0491 said:
I have nothing but force closes when restoring with titanium unless the ROM is very similar anyway. Like I was using AOSP on my Z before so I just came in fresh. Less issues down the road
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had an issue switching ROM's being careful to avoid system apps and only restoring the call logs and SMS database, as well as non-system apps.

Everyone is different ☺ I also do nightly backups and sync with Dropbox.

Shudder123 said:
I never thought I could use this phone without root but it turns out I'm wrong. Not really seeing any need for it at the present moment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never thought of using adblockers like AdAway, preventing a total waste of mobile data for loading unwanted ads which easily consume ten times the data needed ?
Never thought of kicking out bloatware also wasting your ressources ?

Would love to see root but for now I can manage quite fine without it... There is less bloatware then with certain other brands and you can uninstall or disable quite a bit.
The few things I WOULD like:
* Completely remove unused system apps
* Change LCD Density (it's all soooo big now)
* Full SDCard read/write access for all apps. (I love quickpic as a gallery, but because I save my pics/vids to sdcard it can not remove anything now)
* Titanium backup. Have never ever had issues with this (only user apps+data for me most of the time) and that's with switching between different roms, brands, aosp/stock, etc... Never failed me

Chefproll said:
Never thought of using adblockers like AdAway, preventing a total waste of mobile data for loading unwanted ads which easily consume ten times the data needed ?
Never thought of kicking out bloatware also wasting your ressources ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ABP doesn't require root and all of the bloat apps can be uninstalled or disabled / blocked using package manager.

cschmitt said:
ABP doesn't require root and all of the bloat apps can be uninstalled or disabled / blocked using package manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention Xposed and everything it offers.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app

cschmitt said:
ABP doesn't require root and all of the bloat apps can be uninstalled or disabled / blocked using package manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ABP (please call it "Adblock Plus" so every readers knows what's meant) does not require root, but it's not too capable running under Android. It does a brilliant job with FireFox and Windows, but the Android implementation only captures a fracture of annoying ads. And: No plugin for defining your own black lists under Android.
AdAway additionally removes annoying ads from a wealth of apps. Just doesn't work without root.
Ok, I can hear you: "If everybody uses that means, app developers won't get paid."
Yes, that's correct.
But:
a) If I really like an app, I'll buy it. Example: Poweramp. NO ads, no annoyance. It just stops working after some time. I regard that as ok. I do NOT like apps getting on my nerves all the time.
My formula is simple: Annoying ads = deinstall, no purchase.
b) A majority of free app developers uses that "evil" ads, appearing at places previously occupied by regular buttons - so you tap on them although you just don't want to.
If that bad behavior gets to a stop, I'll think about disabling AdAway again. Fair play - but on BOTH sides.

A working package disabler?

Anyone managed to find a working safe package disabler? I feel all this bloatware is whats really killing my battery even tho I disabled &got rid of what I could. And even turned off the features I wouldn't be using that constantly drain. But I think the processes are still running for example the fingerprint process which I refuse to even use. I'd love to root but I think the tmobile s7 has been done yet.

Package Disabler Pro $2 in playstore

http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
Free.

sbdadmak said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
Free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one requires root though.

0dBu said:
That one requires root though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works without root, it just doesn't remove them and instead only disables.

The built in one (under applications, DIsable) works fine and uninstalls all the updates so you regain any memory you've lost. I've disabled several including Lookout and and T-Mobile NameID and TV.

AndroiderM said:
Package Disabler Pro $2 in playstore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It got taken down at this time

nest75068 said:
It got taken down at this time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look again.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en

mknewman said:
The built in one (under applications, DIsable) works fine and uninstalls all the updates so you regain any memory you've lost. I've disabled several including Lookout and and T-Mobile NameID and TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be noted, that NO, THE BUILT IN ONE does not work fine, and while you mentioned the other tmobile apps, you (probably intentionally) didn't mention the terrible, disable-proof, insulting, MEMORY INTENSIVE harassment of code that is the pointless T mobile "my account" app, with its system monitoring, and permanent notifications you have to jump through hoops to disable.
The fact that I have 200 MORE Samsung apps that I'm forced to run than my vanilla android counter parts is almost as insulting as the fact that Facebook, (and messenger), whatsapp, 5 pointless t mobile apps (2 of which are trials for premium paid features) are considered equally important and can't be uninstalled.
Thats purely asinine, and the watered down built in version does nothing about the services or dependent processes (aka battery consumption and everything else)
The T mobile hidden package "com.tmobile.pr.adapt" is so invasive that it quietly asks for root, the SECOND it detects the binary and DOES SO AGAIN AND AGAIN, OVER AND OVER without us ever getting an explanation...now it even shows up in marshmallow with data usage access... the only reason we know it even exists, or wants root, is supersu pops up, as our battery bottoms out...
Now, package disabler pro is gone from the store..oh wait...is it? Or is it just gone for Samsung devices? Or maybe just T Mobile, Samsung devices? Hrrmmm
No. The built in watered down version which doesn't help us with a package like tmobile.pr.adapt or let us disable every single thing we choose to, is simply NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
flyingwolf said:
Look again.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only gone for certain devices...

My Account is not enabled on my S7 unless I start it up myself. The com.tmobile.pr.adapt is enabled but if you disable Diagnostics under App Settings in T-Mobile for me it uses very little data, 14mb in almost a month for me, and T-Mo claims that the usage is not charged to you. You are correct you cannot stop it with the default application manager, but it will not show up in the task bar unless you manually start it.
I'm not going to get into root issues, my phone is on the Jump on Demand so I'm planning to trade up every few months and yeah root is nice but for the most part unless you are a dev (I am not) you shouldn't need it. I'd love to have my copy of Root Explorer and Titanium Backup work (for restores) but can get along without it. If I really needed that stuff I wouldn't have given up my Sony Xperia Z Ultra which was running CM to go to a new unrooted platform.

Hi,
I have been using EZ package disabler since I got my S7 Edge and I am happy with it. Unfortunately, when the software update came, with too much excitement, I forgot to enable all disabled apps prior to updating the firmware. I have updated the firmware with apps disabled. What problem should I be facing? What should I do? Currently I am not experiencing any problems but I suspect that the disabled apps where not optimized. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

You can still find package disabler pro. Won't post the link because forum rules but Google is your best friend. I have it in my SD card.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app

Advice needed: root or not to root?

Hi all.
I'm a long-time Android user. I managed to make my old HTC One M7 running alternately cyanogenmod and Google Play edition last for three years or so, and just switched this week to a lovely new S7 here in the UK.
It looks to be the perfect phone- very fast, nicely designed, lovely camera.
The first thing I did was install CF-autoroot, but I chose not to affect the system partition with the decryption option yet as I didn't know whether this would be strictly necessary yet. Then i installed titanium backup and restored all my apps and app-data from the HTC.
So, here I am a few days in, and I'm considering whether I should de-root it and go back to stock. My battery life isn't great, and by my reading it really should be. I'm getting to need a charger by ~7pm.
Things I want:
1- android pay is excellent- the option to never have to have my wallet with me is really attractive.
2- good battery life
In the past I've been a great fan of having TWRP to do backups, and switching between different ROMS using titanium backup to restore apps. I've always run xposed to tweak things.
Now, my basic understanding here is that xposed and root mean that I can't use android pay. That really does swing it for me.
Unfortunately the battery life is also currently a problem. I'd like to get rid of all the useless samsung bloat as well.
The options appear to me to be:
1. Wipe and go full stock, unrooted.
2. Remove verity and start from scratch with a debloated ROM. Lose android pay.
3. Stay as I am and accept that the battery probably isn't as good as I'd hoped.
4. Unrooted stock and somehow debloat without using root (don't know how to do this without titanium backup 'feeze' option).
Is there an optimum way forward here? I'd appreciate advice.

4. Unrooted stock and somehow debloat without using root (don't know how to do this without titanium backup 'feeze' option). <<< look for Package Disabler Pro in Play Store, I used it to disable (but not delete) lots of bloatware. It does not require's root, it installs as Device Manager so you'll have to authorize it.
So far I'm happy with the battery life I get from my S7, no need to root & try to improve battery life so far as I had to do with all my previous Androids.

pingtiao said:
Hi all.
I'm a long-time Android user. I managed to make my old HTC One M7 running alternately cyanogenmod and Google Play edition last for three years or so, and just switched this week to a lovely new S7 here in the UK.
It looks to be the perfect phone- very fast, nicely designed, lovely camera.
The first thing I did was install CF-autoroot, but I chose not to affect the system partition with the decryption option yet as I didn't know whether this would be strictly necessary yet. Then i installed titanium backup and restored all my apps and app-data from the HTC.
So, here I am a few days in, and I'm considering whether I should de-root it and go back to stock. My battery life isn't great, and by my reading it really should be. I'm getting to need a charger by ~7pm.
Things I want:
1- android pay is excellent- the option to never have to have my wallet with me is really attractive.
2- good battery life
In the past I've been a great fan of having TWRP to do backups, and switching between different ROMS using titanium backup to restore apps. I've always run xposed to tweak things.
Now, my basic understanding here is that xposed and root mean that I can't use android pay. That really does swing it for me.
Unfortunately the battery life is also currently a problem. I'd like to get rid of all the useless samsung bloat as well.
The options appear to me to be:
1. Wipe and go full stock, unrooted.
2. Remove verity and start from scratch with a debloated ROM. Lose android pay.
3. Stay as I am and accept that the battery probably isn't as good as I'd hoped.
4. Unrooted stock and somehow debloat without using root (don't know how to do this without titanium backup 'feeze' option).
Is there an optimum way forward here? I'd appreciate advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable bloat with package disabler pro, from play store. No need to root and list of what safe to freeze is availlable here on lovely xda. Or you can do it manually with app manager.

Your favorite/must have tweaks/apps?

I have a carrier Note 20 Ultra (T-Mobile), so I don't think I can like ever root or anything. Wondering what the next best thing is? Any cool APKs? Is unlocked firmware worth flashing or will I lose carrier services?
Thanks for reading!

Vonsk said:
I have a carrier Note 20 Ultra (T-Mobile), so I don't think I can like ever root or anything. Wondering what the next best thing is? Any cool APKs? Is unlocked firmware worth flashing or will I lose carrier services?
Thanks for reading!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Lock from Samsung is a must[emoji2956][emoji1303]
Edit: ...for non root Ad Blocker use Blokada
Just Google it[emoji16]
Sent from my Gorgeous Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra SM-N985F using Tapatalk

Vonsk said:
I have a carrier Note 20 Ultra (T-Mobile), so I don't think I can like ever root or anything. Wondering what the next best thing is? Any cool APKs? Is unlocked firmware worth flashing or will I lose carrier services?
Thanks for reading!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without root you can still use substratum to theme your phone.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/substratum/official-starting-substratum-andromeda-t3798316
You can also use Hex Installer to theme without root.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=project.vivid.hex.bodhi&hl=en_US
An old root app, Adaway can also be used without root now. Just use the latest Beta vesion.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2190753

CCSWE to disable pesky apps and DevCheck and Hardware info app to review the system info etc.

After some more though there are two more root apps that you can use with several adb commands without root.
GSam Battery Monitor Pro.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gsamlabs.bbm.pro&hl=en_US
Naptime by Francisco Franco the android kernel developer. Put's you're phone into a deeper doze and in turn saves battery.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gsamlabs.bbm.pro&hl=en_US

PD MDM
Good lock family apps
One Handed Operation +
Double Tap
Digi Clock
Samsung Galay store themes and icon packs
Color Wallpaper
If you load 3rd party launchers you'll find out the native Sammy one is actually quit good... and stable.
Had a 3rd party launcher put my 10+ in a boot loop twice.
Two hard resets later... NO!
Samsung provides a lot of customization apps, add some 3rd Playstore ones and a package blocker to take out the trash. All these use little battery and run great.

CCSWE is still working for you?

ventolino said:
CCSWE is still working for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wasn't working on my Note 10+ and had to change Package Disabler Pro. Someone on the forum has said that CCSWE is back and working.

ggrant3876 said:
It wasn't working on my Note 10+ and had to change Package Disabler Pro. Someone on the forum has said that CCSWE is back and working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T 10+, tried it but get a can't verify Knox message.

Nova Launcher still one of the best around, imo. Have been using it for several years across many devices.

blackhawk said:
AT&T 10+, tried it but get a can't verify Knox message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Package Disabler Pro, a member of this forum said he's using it on the Note 20 Ultra. As I said it wasn't working on my Note 10+. Just downloaded and verified working on the Note 20 Ultra.

blackhawk said:
PD MDM
Good lock family apps
One Handed Operation +
Double Tap
Digi Clock
Samsung Galay store themes and icon packs
Color Wallpaper
If you load 3rd party launchers you'll find out the native Sammy one is actually quit good... and stable.
Had a 3rd party launcher put my 10+ in a boot loop twice.
Two hard resets later... NO!
Samsung provides a lot of customization apps, add some 3rd Playstore ones and a package blocker to take out the trash. All these use little battery and run great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you please share all that you have disabled with pdp. I bought it but I am not sure what all I can disable safely.
Thank you.

ventolino said:
CCSWE is still working for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me yes. Back in business!!!

ggrant3876 said:
It wasn't working on my Note 10+ and had to change Package Disabler Pro. Someone on the forum has said that CCSWE is back and working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
enjoylife1788 said:
Would you please share all that you have disabled with pdp. I bought it but I am not sure what all I can disable safely.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my current set up (see, import xml attachment*). I'm using the PD widget to flip Playstore and a few other checked apps on as needed.
Of course you can block many I don't have blocked.
Just don't get stupid about it. Probably best not to block One UI... Goggle and try to learn/understand what you're blocking.
Know that some apks are dependent on others, that by blocking an apk it can cause constant polling that sucks cpu cycles and battery as other apks try to communicate with the missing one.
So just blocking the hell out of everything doesn't necessarily mean better battery life. Bloatware and 3red party aapps are generally exempt from this effect; system apps watch more carefully if blocked.
Note that I block AT&T updates like the plague; don't want it forcing updates and it's constantly running with every permission under the sun.
If something goes wrong and you get the flashing kernel of death you'll need to disable PD as Administrator fast. Know how to get there blindfolded, ha-ha fast mind and fingers count when the screen warning is flashing.
PD runs in Safe Mode so forget that.
The current version is very stable on Pie; no issues.
I've never had to do a hard reset using package blockers but using a rock solid one is important as it can raise hell if it goes rogue.
Weeeee-e-e fun times... too fun.
Use PD MDM to clear data; it leaves no nulls (presumably).
Clearing app data in Settings apparently doesn't always; enough so to leave the data corrupted in some cases. I've seen this happen.
PD can fix apks by clearing data that otherwise wouldn't be possible like with smaller unistallible system apks.
It's a great tool to use for troubleshooting and system repair. It can save you from a reload.
I love this app; my 10+ be a complete mess without it.
It's the first app I load on a reload.
Play with it
Note: if you do a carrier update it's best to disable PD completely. I've done flashes with it enable with no apparent harm but this isn't a good idea. Apps seem to update ok on Playstore even when blocked.
*you can create multiple backups with different configurations and use that history of them to troubleshoot etc. Make sure to save copies to the SD card, email it to yourself or on the PC... saves time.

Rooted Android Security Measures. What are they?

I've never rooted an Android. One of the warnings I see over and over is that rooted devices are more vulnerable to malware. I don't see any solutions for this though.
What extra measures will I need to take to keep my Android safe?
I use Norton 360 on my PC and Androids. Will this be of any help?
Are there any apps I can install to help with this issue?
Are there any system settings I should use for this particular problem?
Thank you

With stock or rooted the biggest threat is the user themselves. Most either install or download the malware themselves. A fully updated stock Android isn't invulnerable; there's no saving dumb bunnies...
Side loaded apps are high risk; at the least scan with online Virustotal and consider the results before installing. Keep email in the cloud and be careful if you choose to download anything.
All downloads stay in the download folder until vetted. Jpeg's and png's are suspect; open them there first before moving them and watch for strange behavior in that folder. Check the download folder daily for anything you didn't download, if found do not open, delete.
Keep thrash social media apps off the phone, all of them. They are targets and vectors for malware of all types.
Use a good firewall and police what apps are doing. Revoke internet access to all apps that don't need it. Know what apps have run at start permissions; do they need it? Updates and upgrades can cause more lost time then malware trying to find work arounds. Lock auto updates down, and download them only if needed. Updates and firmware upgrades can and do break things...
Most importantly cover your six and be prepared.
Critical data can not be lost, protect it!
Redundantly backup all critical data to at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Be ready to do a full reload if needed.
If malware is found or suspected, isolate the phone and if it can't be completely deleted in an hour or two, nuke that load. Be ready to change passwords and secure accounts.
Never trust antivirus apps to detect malware or save you, mostly they just waste resources on an Android.

Thank you!
I'm already doing a lot of those things, especially social media apps.
One of the reasons I want to root my phone is that I can't uninstall, force stop, disable or take away permissions for some apps, like Facebook, Facebook App installer, FB app manager Google, ad nauseum. The same goes for the millions of preinstalled Samsung bloatware apps. They dont stay disabled and routinely restore permissions. Im sick of having to routinely check them all. I'll never buy another Saamsung again.

You're welcome. Welcome to XDA
I run 2 stock N10+'s, one on Pie, the other on 10.
I use package disabler to kill bloatware and services I don't want to run at bootup. You can also use a adb editing app to disable apks. Don't go too nuts; be wary of disabling any Samsung system apps. Most of these apps just sit unless needed. Dependencies... actions have consequences; understand what the app does and what other apps, services or UI functions are dependent on it!
Google play Services can be disabled when not needed; disable find my device as System Administrator first.
On Pie Karma Firewall is fully functional but not on Android 10 and up, although it will still block access. It uses virtually no battery.
Once you sort it out (learning curve ahead) stock Samsung's especially older ones like the N10+ are easy to run. They are the most customizable stock Android on the planet with an excellent UI. The current load on this one will be 2 yo this June; still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission. Security is simply not an issue.

blackhawk said:
You're welcome. Welcome to XDA
I run 2 stock N10+'s, one on Pie, the other on 10.
I use package disabler to kill bloatware and services I don't want to run at bootup. You can also use a adb editing app to disable apks. Don't go too nuts; be wary of disabling any Samsung system apps. Most of these apps just sit unless needed. Dependencies... actions have consequences; understand what the app does and what other apps, services or UI functions are dependent on it!
Google play Services can be disabled when not needed; disable find my device as System Administrator first.
On Pie Karma Firewall is fully functional but not on Android 10 and up, although it will still block access. It uses virtually no battery.
Once you sort it out (learning curve ahead) stock Samsung's especially older ones like the N10+ are easy to run. They are the most customizable stock Android on the planet with an excellent UI. The current load on this one will be 2 yo this June; still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission. Security is simply not an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The more annoying Samsung apps I was referring to are the Bixby apps, AR doodle, Smarter things... those kind of apps. If they didn't re-enable themselves restore permissions, I wouldn't mind them so much. But they DO.
I won't be using that phone much longer anyway. I'm going back to Motorola.
I always buy factory or globally unlocked phones. That helps some. But Motorola recently started forcing FB. I can uninstall it, however I have to review updates to make sure it doesn't end up on my phone again. But then I review all updates before installing them anyway..
I always look up the system apps before making any changes. Like Google Easter Egg. Everything I could find says it's unnecessary.

All those mentioned apps can be safely disabled.
Bixby Vision is used for barcode scanning though.
Try the free Galaxy store icon packs, themes and the Good Lock family of apps including One Handed Operation plus.
Chose theme>icon pack>whatever wallpaper you want. The native high contrast theme looks good.
Play with it...

blackhawk said:
All those mentioned apps can be safely disabled.
Bixby Vision is used for barcode scanning though.
Try the free Galaxy store icon packs, themes and the Good Lock family of apps including One Handed Operation plus.
Chose theme>icon pack>whatever wallpaper you want. The native high contrast theme looks good.
Play with it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually already ordered a new Moto. It will be here tomorrow. Well, it's after 1am, so I guess it'll be here later today.
I've disabled multiple Samsung apps, restricted data and battery, taken away permissions, not just in app settings, but in permissions setting, special access permissions... And all the other weird ways I keep finding out about that you wouldn't think would be a place to remove permissions. When my phone starts to slow down, or the battery isn't lasting very long, sure enough, Samsung has gone behind my back and reset my preferences again. I never had issues like this any of the Motorola phones I've had.