I found the cheapest Desire in the UK is at 3uk/payg - 350 Sterling
...but apparently it comes locked to the 3 network, so, before I buy I thought I'd ask:
Noob Questions:
Will rooting take care of unlocking/make it SIM Free? What about rooting AND changing the ROM? (MUST the ROM be replaced when rooting?)
Is there a way to install a stock ROM? (the new ROMs look great but are still early builds - I think the best is yet to come and would rather wait, for now)
If, as promised, the Desire gets an OTA update to support apps2SD and/or divX, etc in the future, will I have to wait for a custom ROM based on the update because I rooted the device?
(Ops, if this should be in the dev forum, feel free to move it)
Rooting should unlock it - perhaps others can step in to ensure that. The last step in the root process is installing a rooted ROM. Paul's default ROM that gets flashed in that step is nothing but the stock Desire ROM (the one from HTC direct) modded to allow root. Sounds like that's what you want.
If the Desire later gets updated and you want it, you will have to wait for HTC to come out with an official update, or (since you're rooted), you'll most likely be able to get it sooner via the rooting community. HTC has to take time and make sure everything's perfect with Sense, etc. before they release an update. The root community doesn't usually have that hold time.
If you do wait for an official ROM from HTC, there's a chance installing that after rooting will revert your root, i.e. you'll lose access to the extra fun stuff.
eesmm said:
but apparently it comes locked to the 3 network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3's Desire's are 100% unbranned and unlocked. I've got one right here and checked it just now with an o2 sim and it worked, although I do actually use my 3 sim in it! They get them stock from HTC and bundle a SIM card pack with them - According to 3 Blog. That may well change in the future, but it was the case when I picked mine up last Sunday.
The Professor said:
i.e. you'll lose access to the extra fun stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is this extra fun stuff? apps to SD? (doesn't really affect me). What else? What am I missing. No idea of the real advantages of rooting so hoping to learn about the practical applications of rooting.
Hi. I have searched the forum, and checked google for possible answers for about 2 days but haven't come up with something I can use.
I got my HTC Desire a couple of days ago and soon upgraded it to froyo. However being from Denmark i realized that I do not have the option to purchase apps, which leaves me with some demos and apps I would like to buy the full versions off.
I then browsed the topic and saw that my best option was to root my phone and give it a custom rom.
After all methods had failed me I browsed a little more to find out that none of the methods I had used would work on 2.2.
I then found some nice guides about downgrading but all of those said something like: Don't do this if your phone is either *gibberish* or *lots of numbers*.
So basically that leaves me with a bunch of questions:
1. Is there a way to enable the market without rooting/flashing until there is a way to just root 2.2 (this is without buying a foreign sim card)
2. IS there a way to root 2.2 that I simply missed?
3. is there a way to downgrade at which I do not have to fear utter destruction and chaos.
4. Why does google not love me back
I have the same problem
someone? please.
I too could do with a guide on how to downgrade from OTA froyo (hboot 0.92) in order to root and flash a custom rom. Battery life isnt really acceptable in the stock froyo and I could do with sideloading one or two apps from my hero.
munken said:
1. Is there a way to enable the market without rooting/flashing until there is a way to just root 2.2 (this is without buying a foreign sim card)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but it's not a one-click-solution. You need to downgrade to hboot 0.80/Android 2.1, then root your phone, then flash any cooked ROM you like.
Read all the details here.
Cheers
tadzio
Hi Guys,
I am really new to the rooting customary process. Pardon me if there are information that I am not aware of. Okay, I always wanted to root to install apps that were restrictive to what I want and how to manage the phone properly. But I bought my Note 2 in Singapore, which is why I was hesitating as most of the guides were for AT&T and other American phone companies.
I was hesitating but a friend of me referred me to a very simple clip to root with using Odin
Needless to say, I rooted the phone and was able to install the couple of applications I wanted though there were a few I still couldn't find replacements for (Market Unlocker, AdAway).
However, I find myself not being to use ROM Manager to backup and change ROMS and being different with how normal people rooted. I think it has got to do with the how I had my phone rooted.
Please advice how I can place myself in what the general public is using as it would be easier for me to configure the phone if I were to try looking for assistance in the future.
Should I unroot and root using the XDA developer suggested way (I found the clip on YouTube but it wasn't for the firmware 4.1.2, thus I hesitated) ? After rooting my phone says its firmware is 4.1.1
Actually, if someone could also answer me whether
1) I can update my phone after rooting or do I need to unroot and update and root it again ?
2) Is the furthest update for Note 2 is 4.1.2 and in order to go for further updates I need to root ?
Again, pardon my knowledge on rooting. Thanks
McBrand said:
Hi Guys,
I am really new to the rooting customary process. Pardon me if there are information that I am not aware of. Okay, I always wanted to root to install apps that were restrictive to what I want and how to manage the phone properly. But I bought my Note 2 in Singapore, which is why I was hesitating as most of the guides were for AT&T and other American phone companies.
I was hesitating but a friend of me referred me to a very simple clip to root with using Odin
Needless to say, I rooted the phone and was able to install the couple of applications I wanted though there were a few I still couldn't find replacements for (Market Unlocker, AdAway).
However, I find myself not being to use ROM Manager to backup and change ROMS and being different with how normal people rooted. I think it has got to do with the how I had my phone rooted.
Please advice how I can place myself in what the general public is using as it would be easier for me to configure the phone if I were to try looking for assistance in the future.
Should I unroot and root using the XDA developer suggested way (I found the clip on YouTube but it wasn't for the firmware 4.1.2, thus I hesitated) ? After rooting my phone says its firmware is 4.1.1
Actually, if someone could also answer me whether
1) I can update my phone after rooting or do I need to unroot and update and root it again ?
2) Is the furthest update for Note 2 is 4.1.2 and in order to go for further updates I need to root ?
Again, pardon my knowledge on rooting. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do more research before doing anything but I would question if you have a custom recovery installed? You could use GooManager on the market to install a custom recovery (Open GooManager -> menu -> "Install OpenRecoveryScript") but check your phone model number first and make sure it matches the file you are about to flash. This would enable you to work with flashing and such. Also check your model number I believe the Verizon phones have locked bootloaders and don't know if your will or not (I believe this adds steps to flashing a custom recovery.) Wish I could be of more help.
I have a brand-new LG Optimus G Pro [E980] phone. When I purchased one from ATT, I had gotten a great deal on the other one and decided to keep it in-case anything ever happened to my other one. Well, I ended up giving it to my sister.
I decided to get on someone else's T-Mobile plan, for the cheaper payments. So, as of now, I have a cheap piece-of-**** T-Mobile phone that works horribly and is cracked beyond belief in which I use to text and/or call. Except, I want to use my LG E980.
I tried contacting ATT and getting the unlock code, as well as going into the store and trying to retrieve it. They said it must be done online. When I tried entering in all my information, it says IMEI is not recognized. Which is complete bull****. I even tried the IMEI of the other LG E980 I had given to my sister.
So, with all of that said, I would still like to use my T-Mobile sims card with this phone. I looked at my phones software information, which has never been updated or ANYTHING - because it has never had an ATT sims card inside it to connect to any servers.
I am currently running:
Model number: LG-E980
Android version: 4.1.2
Kernal version: 3.4.0
Software version: E98010k
I had a few questions, and would be ecstatic to hear all of your answers!
1) What is rooting, and what does it do?
2) Why would I want to root my phone?
3) Would it be safer and easier just to purchase a ~$5 unlock code from some website? If so, which one is best and cheapest?
4) How do I "backup" my phone? Like does it save all my apps, pages, settings, everything - like a restore on a computer?
5) If I did decide to root, is there a tutorial for beginners?
6) Which root would be the best recommended one?
7) Will I still be able to use all the features and functions if I root it and/or unlock it with an unlock code? [Internet, texting, SD card, etc.]
8) If I unlock is with an unlock code, will it reset the phone? (like a factory reset)
9) If I root it, will it reset the phone as well? (like a factory reset)
Thank you for all of your help!
hillmankt said:
I have a brand-new LG Optimus G Pro [E980] phone. When I purchased one from ATT, I had gotten a great deal on the other one and decided to keep it in-case anything ever happened to my other one. Well, I ended up giving it to my sister.
I decided to get on someone else's T-Mobile plan, for the cheaper payments. So, as of now, I have a cheap piece-of-**** T-Mobile phone that works horribly and is cracked beyond belief in which I use to text and/or call. Except, I want to use my LG E980.
I tried contacting ATT and getting the unlock code, as well as going into the store and trying to retrieve it. They said it must be done online. When I tried entering in all my information, it says IMEI is not recognized. Which is complete bull****. I even tried the IMEI of the other LG E980 I had given to my sister.
So, with all of that said, I would still like to use my T-Mobile sims card with this phone. I looked at my phones software information, which has never been updated or ANYTHING - because it has never had an ATT sims card inside it to connect to any servers.
I am currently running:
Model number: LG-E980
Android version: 4.1.2
Kernal version: 3.4.0
Software version: E98010k
I had a few questions, and would be ecstatic to hear all of your answers!
1) What is rooting, and what does it do?
2) Why would I want to root my phone?
3) Would it be safer and easier just to purchase a ~$5 unlock code from some website? If so, which one is best and cheapest?
4) How do I "backup" my phone? Like does it save all my apps, pages, settings, everything - like a restore on a computer?
5) If I did decide to root, is there a tutorial for beginners?
6) Which root would be the best recommended one?
7) Will I still be able to use all the features and functions if I root it and/or unlock it with an unlock code? [Internet, texting, SD card, etc.]
8) If I unlock is with an unlock code, will it reset the phone? (like a factory reset)
9) If I root it, will it reset the phone as well? (like a factory reset)
Thank you for all of your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_%28Android_OS%29
2. just read that wiki link and you know the answer
3. didn't know cause i'm buying unlocked phone and not living in US
4. instal twrp or cwm and choose backup
5 and 6. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2460859 depend on OS
7. yes
8. same answer like number 3
9. nope
10. good luck
I have seen posts saying others have not been able to use their SD cards?
Also, I can not back up my phone UNLESS it is rooted - so that does me no good?
Next, what root would you all suggest?
Will this allow me to use my T-Mobile sims card in my ATT phone?
hillmankt said:
I have seen posts saying others have not been able to use their SD cards?
Also, I can not back up my phone UNLESS it is rooted - so that does me no good?
Next, what root would you all suggest?
Will this allow me to use my T-Mobile sims card in my ATT phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will not unlock your phone for use with T-Mobile. The main reasons for rooting are to enable install of a custom recovery for backup and install of custom roms plus certain specialized apps require root.
My best most straightforward advice. Unlock your phone first. I have no experience with unlock services but I'm sure there is feedback on them online via Google.
For the time being stay with the version of Jelly Bean stock that came with the phone. Updating to AT&T's stock Kit Kat brings some complications you don't want to deal with as a novice. Stock Jelly Bean works fine. I have tried several custom ROMs with this phone and all of them have had problems with voice and internet. YMMV.
After you have unlocked the phone download TowelRoot (Google it) and install it like a regular app (you must enable "unknown sources" in the security settings). Simplest way to root.
Download Freegee from Play Store and install TWRP recovery (you must still be on JB for this to work). If you are still on Jelly Bean you should have a choice as to whether or not to back up to an external card. If you have updated to Kit Kat you probably won't be able to use a custom recovery to back up to an external card. The advantage of a "nandroid" backup like the one made with TWRP is that it restores *everything* with one click: the system and all apps with their data. The disadvantage is that generally a nandroid restore is all or nothing and it takes time. To restore apps and data selectively use Titanium Backup (see below).
Now if you are really paranoid about back ups, relax. When you first sign on to your Google account check the option to back up and restore your data. If you didn't do it when you first signed in go into accounts and sync settings and check data. Google does a good job of backing up and restoring all the apps you downloaded from the Play Store but it does not restore settings the way a TWRP backup would.
Eventually you will probably want to buy Titanium Backup Pro if you are concerned about back ups. It does a very good job of backing up apps and data but it does not restore the system. You need root for TB.
All this said, if you really don't want to use AT&T your first priority should be unlocking the phone.
Go to freemyblackberry.com and select other models. LG codes are $2 Canadian. I used them for my wife's GPro. Worked great, quick service.
Just remeber, be sure to write down your unlocking code because each time you do a rom update or factory reset you loose your unlocking number. Many people get phone unlocking and the root mix up. Phone unlock, or the jail break, is to make your phone from accepting only one mobile provider's signal, to be able to pickup signal from any providers that support your phone. Root is basically giving you the super user privilege. Think of it like learning to ride a bicycle. When you first get your phone is like riding with the training wheels on, you're riding the bike, can't go fast but it's safer. Once you root the phone, now is like taking the training wheels off, you can go faster and do much more, but also expose you to much more danger. That's basicly what the root is, you're able to do much more to your phone but with many dangerous consequences, such as 'brick the phone'. If you never heard of that term use before, once you root, you probably will (or hope you never will). But root also allows you to remove all the apps that are just taking up space and slowing down your phone. I've being rooting my Android device since 2011, and rooting had gotten much easier. Now you don't even need to get into the bootloader (another one of those term you'll learn) to root. Like somebody already suggest, get an app call 'towelroot', install and run it, and you probably will get the root access on your phone. Once you get the root, the next thing is to get the recovery, so get an app call 'freegee'. Run it and you will get either cwm or twrp recovery, it doesn't really matter which, flip a coin if you can't decide. Now if you make it this far, you can start to think about what you want to do to your phone, get the custom rom? New themes? Possibilities are endless once your phone is rooted.
marvin02 said:
Go to freemyblackberry.com and select other models. LG codes are $2 Canadian. I used them for my wife's GPro. Worked great, quick service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for this site, it is super fast and I've unlocked 8-9 G2's, E980's and E970's from here.
im gonna root my note 4, and in the notifications it always says to activate the phone, since i havent activated the phone because i just recently switched to verizon. Im wondering if i wont be able to use verizon or call and use data if i root using this guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...guide-step-step-stock-n910v-6-0-1-to-t3426905 . Please help i really wanna root but dont wanna lose my service
You shouldn't have any problems activating your phone after putting a new ROM on it, as long as the ROM will work with Verizon. For stability, security, and the the fewest bugs, I suggest a ROM based on the most recent Stock Verizon ROM: N910VVRU2CQL1
I'm switching from PaulPizzRom to MODest ROM because it has the most recent developer activity.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-verizon/development/modest-rom-sm-n910v-pf3-t3458377
In addition to the guide you reference, there are also these guides to unlocking your Boot Loader and installing a ROM:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-verizon/general/shortcut-to-rooted-n910vvru2cqi2-t3763451
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...t/howto-bootloader-unlock-upgrade-to-t3398144
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...firmware-safe-upgrade-to-marshmallow-t3402727
All these probably are very similar and each one may explain certain steps in a way that makes more sense to you than the others. After you've reviewed and compared all of them you'll have a better grasp of what you're doing.
Good luck and I wish you well!