In trying to root my phone, I have discovered that full r/w access is somewhat required... and that it is also something I do not have. Is there a way to get this without root, or am I going to have to try to find a way around it?
Omegaclawe said:
In trying to root my phone, I have discovered that full r/w access is somewhat required... and that it is also something I do not have. Is there a way to get this without root, or am I going to have to try to find a way around it?
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Click to collapse
It sounds to me like you don't know what root is, let alone know how to get full read /write access. But if you want full read /write access first thing you do is unlock your bootloader, then you get urself a recovery image, then you make a backup, and then you can root. Keep in mind that you will NEVER find a way around having to root in order to get full read / write access to your phone.
In order to get full read / write access to your phone, you have to root it first.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
sniperkill said:
It sounds to me like you don't know what root is, let alone know how to get full read /write access. But if you want full read /write access first thing you do is unlock your bootloader, then you get urself a recovery image, then you make a backup, and then you can root. Keep in mind that you will NEVER find a way around having to root in order to get full read / write access to your phone.
In order to get full read / write access to your phone, you have to root it first.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really don't have to be so condescending. I am aware of what root is, and that it could easily get me full R/w access. It just sounds kinda useless to have root methods that require something you can only get with root, so I assumed either there was a way to get it over ADB that initial Google results didn't show, or the "unlock on any firmware" part was clearly false advertising because full r/w straight out of the box is typically a huge security vulnerability.
It would also appear that these root methods are for phones with locked bootloaders, since with an unlocked bootloader, you can get root without having to muck around with exploits.
So, to clarify, the root exploits are not working because I do not have write access to the locations they require files to be written to, and chmod is not allowed on those locations. I'm pretty sure I only need write access to /data/local/12m/, actually. If that cannot be done, I may have to attempt a more dangerous approach.
Omegaclawe said:
So, to clarify, the root exploits are not working because I do not have write access to the locations they require files to be written to, and chmod is not allowed on those locations. I'm pretty sure I only need write access to /data/local/12m/, actually. If that cannot be done, I may have to attempt a more dangerous approach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this thread - Root Achieved
Enables you to mount the system as read/write via ADB
Omegaclawe said:
You really don't have to be so condescending. I am aware of what root is, and that it could easily get me full R/w access. It just sounds kinda useless to have root methods that require something you can only get with root, so I assumed either there was a way to get it over ADB that initial Google results didn't show, or the "unlock on any firmware" part was clearly false advertising because full r/w straight out of the box is typically a huge security vulnerability.
It would also appear that these root methods are for phones with locked bootloaders, since with an unlocked bootloader, you can get root without having to muck around with exploits.
So, to clarify, the root exploits are not working because I do not have write access to the locations they require files to be written to, and chmod is not allowed on those locations. I'm pretty sure I only need write access to /data/local/12m/, actually. If that cannot be done, I may have to attempt a more dangerous approach.
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Click to collapse
Well I apologize if you think that I was talking down to you. I didn't mean to sound like a prick, lol. As for the unlocking of bootloader, and no phone comes with an unlocked bootloader, it's just up to the manufacturer to decide on whether or not the bootloader is unlockable. And they leave it up to the user to unlock the bootloader themselves.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
Related
http://www.unlockroot.com/index.htm
It mentions galaxy nexus. I didn't unlock my phone right away and now I regret it. I don't want to lose my app data and since I don't have root I can't use TB to back up my apps.
So will this be a good alternative, or should I avoid it?
Is there a down side to using this method instead of doing it the old fashioned way?
if this is useless, any recommendations on how I can safely back up my app data before unlocking the bootloader?
Thank you for the help.
never seen or used this. you can, but i prefer doing it manually. not really that hard.,
and theres a thread somewhere in general that tells you how to back up your stuff without root or unlocked bootloader.
something involving ADB commands. might be just better off starting again from fresh
zephiK said:
never seen or used this. you can, but i prefer doing it manually. not really that hard.,
and theres a thread somewhere in general that tells you how to back up your stuff without root or unlocked bootloader.
something involving ADB commands. might be just better off starting again from fresh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked / rooted mine right after I got it. Wipes it (the unlocking part), but it was easy, but I'm pretty good with adb and fastboot. Give it a try, there seems to be a bunch of one click tools out now.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
this method seems to implement security vulnerability in android to escalate user privileges and install super user.
So this method is not an automatic version of the regular (boot unlock using fastboot), meaning it skips the whole wipe after unlock requirement.
anyway, I am gonna try it when I get home and report results.
I just want to know the difference
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
SanderTheNinja said:
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
with an unlocked bootloader, then you are able to root your phone and install custom roms and overclock and root stuff.
an unlocked bootloader is something you must do before having full access to your phone
scott_doyland said:
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, you can only get root if you unlock your bootloader.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Root
Rooting a device is a method to gain full access to the operating system. With root you can do all the administrative stuff, write to locations normally restricted to the system and customize your device deeper.
Root enhances your privileges and you are able to change almost anything inside of your rom.
The rooting, however, affects ONLY your operating system (Android)
Unlocked Bootloader
In most devices, the Bootloader is the instance that calls the operating system (Android) and manages direct access to the device's partitions. Having an unlocked bootloader enables you to flash custom roms, custom kernels, recoveries and so on.
Bootloader and Rooting Teamplay
Often it is the case, and so, too in our devices, that a locked bootloader also locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader. Rooting needs write access to the system partition (for storing the superuser binary and the superuser app)
Without unlocked bootloader, only a temporary half-root can be achieved.
Thanks alot guys
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
prdonja said:
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do some research. There are hundreds of posts on this topic.
scott_doyland said:
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
19 months after the question was asked, i just happened to be wanting to answer the same question for myself, so I searched and found this thread...
I am happy he asked the question, as it was the first answer I saw in google search... so maybe he could also have done a search 19 months ago, but his question was useful to me, and your response seemed rude and unnecessary. You never know who may benefit from a little generosity.
Mark.
scott_doyland said:
Do some research. There are hundreds of posts on this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that you're not rude (even though you sounded so). You replied what was correct and appropriate.
But my research for the question in question (pun unintended) on google pointed me straight to this very thread.
So, it would be greater if someone had posted some more good links besides their rude looking remark (again, not rude, but just looking so).
theq86 said:
Root
Rooting a device is a method to gain full access to the operating system. With root you can do all the administrative stuff, write to locations normally restricted to the system and customize your device deeper.
Root enhances your privileges and you are able to change almost anything inside of your rom.
The rooting, however, affects ONLY your operating system (Android)
Unlocked Bootloader
In most devices, the Bootloader is the instance that calls the operating system (Android) and manages direct access to the device's partitions. Having an unlocked bootloader enables you to flash custom roms, custom kernels, recoveries and so on.
Bootloader and Rooting Teamplay
Often it is the case, and so, too in our devices, that a locked bootloader also locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader. Rooting needs write access to the system partition (for storing the superuser binary and the superuser app)
Without unlocked bootloader, only a temporary half-root can be achieved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this useful info
I agree. It is the autumn of 2014, and I've been reading webpages until my eyes are bleary. This is the 1st thread that actually explains how the two concepts relate rather than descending into buttonology. I think the OP's question hits the nail on the head (well, one of them at least) and he doesn't need to be treated in a demeaning manner.
Wow, 1 year after last post, I thanked he asked this question! Was thinking as same as u, loll
fredphoesh said:
19 months after the question was asked, i just happened to be wanting to answer the same question for myself, so I searched and found this thread...
I am happy he asked the question, as it was the first answer I saw in google search... so maybe he could also have done a search 19 months ago, but his question was useful to me, and your response seemed rude and unnecessary. You never know who may benefit from a little generosity.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root vs bootloader
If i have an unlocked bootloader can i install apps that require root. Will they still work even though im not rooted?
Deogracias said:
If i have an unlocked bootloader can i install apps that require root. Will they still work even though im not rooted?
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Click to collapse
I'm not an expert, but here's my understanding from months of reading up on this: Unlocking the bootloader lets you install a program known as Recovery, which is another program that lets you install operating systems, e.g., stock Android, CyanogenMod. Whether you have root or not is determined by settings made after the operating system is installed. So unlocking a bootloader is different from root. You can have either one without the other. However, I am also left with the impression that software that helps you unlock the bootloader also give you root (and perhaps vice-versa). This dual functionality is designed into the software, but they are separate things which don't have to both happen.
I just reviewed my answer and realized that it doesn't really address the quoted question very directly. Unfortunately, there is no "delete" function. So hopefully, it helps a bit. As further info, I unlocked bootloader, changed the Recovery, and replaced the native Android OS from Koodo with CyanogenMode. However, I did not root. Hopefully, someone else can chime in with further experience.
I've been wondering about this for years, as well. I don't feel confident doing things to my phone that I don't understand. I'm sure I'll never have a thorough understanding, as I'm not a programmer, but even a rough one would suffice. This is the same reason why I will only attempt certain operations on my car -- if I muck it up, I'm boned.
I rooted my phone (or maybe unlocked the bootloader?) a couple years ago, and never got around to doing anything else with it, because I couldn't figure out how to "do a recovery" (still don't know what that means, exactly). Or maybe I unlocked the bootloader, and never rooted it? I'm still confused. I see LOADS of folks who throw the terms around, whom I suspect, actually have no clue. I have a Verizon S4 MDK 4.2.2, and I just now finished the process -_- Better late than never? Now, I'm trying to decide if it's worth the headache, and possible risk, of installing custom ROMs, etc. Also, I know my phone is "SO old!!' and blah-blah-blah. At least if I screw things up now, I can get a new phone with a new contract, etc.
I really wish Verizon weren't such dirtbags about the locked bootloader thing.
No
SanderTheNinja said:
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heee is full difference between rooting and unlocking bootloader
Rooting - Administrative access to the entire file system including the ability to change system files such as installing system-wide ad-blocker by modifying the host file on your device, or uninstalling system apps, such as bloatware that comes pre-installed on your device. Without root, one can only see files in root directory instead of editing them. Some alps and mods only work with root.
Unlocking bootloader- To understand this term, one need to know the meaning of bootloader first. In simple terms, bootloader is like a person which checks many functions at the time of boot. It's on of the most important part and boots the first. Unlocking bootloader means asking that person to give us rights to do some modifications in our device like flashing custom recovery, rom etc.
prdonja said:
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB
Alright so being the tech-nut that I am, I have an off the wall question, which, appears to be unanswered from my searching.
I've rooted plenty of android devices in my day, but I've never actually known how root is gained, or how tools like the Nexus tool kit obtain it. My question is...what do these tools do in order to gain root? AKA, how is it done? Hope that makes sense!
Probably a question that most people don't know the answer to lol.
But to my understanding, root is achieved when you find the exploit in the system. I dunno, that's my guess lol.
mackster248 said:
Probably a question that most people don't know the answer to lol.
But to my understanding, root is achieved when you find the exploit in the system. I dunno, that's my guess lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kinda felt weird asking this because I didn't know if it was obvious, But my curiosity intrigued me!
That's kinda what I thought, but I guess I've just always been curious!
I've been told by one of my friends who has the verizon version that the toolkit basically flashes an unlocked image of the stock rom and then installs super user. Not sure how true it is.
mackster248 said:
Probably a question that most people don't know the answer to lol.
But to my understanding, root is achieved when you find the exploit in the system. I dunno, that's my guess lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no exploit required on a Nexus. You just unlock the bootloader (1 command line prompt) and push the SU binary to the phone, then push superuser.apk to the phone, and grant it SU access. Done.
The only way you needed an exploit for is if you were on 4.0.2 and didn't want to unlock your bootloader (which wiped the device). There was an exploit to root w/o unlocking first.
Just to add to what martonikaj said:
"Rooting" or gaining root user access to the Android OS is essentially placing 2 file (with the correct permissions) in the system partition: the su binary, which actually grants root access, and a Superuser app, which acts as kind of a firewall, filtering root access requests.
The trick, however, on most devices, is getting write access to the system partition (which is read-only by default). Devices with locked bootloaders require an exploit of some sort to enable "temporary root access" to make /system rw.
Given that all Nexus devices have unlockable bootloaders, an exploit is not really necessary. With an unlocked bootloader, we can flash a custom recovery like CWM, and then flash the two required files via the recovery. Done.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Hey guys, I recently got my Gnex(internation version from expansys) last week, but I'm a little bit on the fence when it comes to rooting as this is my first Android device. What are the benefits? I mean, I know that you guys get a ton of options with the variety of roms available to download/install, but I'm liking the stock ics that came with the device. If somebody cold convince on on doing it, then I'd be grateful. My baseband is XXLA2, is that the recommended one if I'm living in the US?
The ability to control your phone like you should. However being a really new person to android I wouldn't recommend you do it right away. Maybe browse the forum and learn somethings. Knowledge is power.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus
Root gives you admin access to your phone. Definitely you should root, even if you want to stay on stock factory rom.
RogerPodacter said:
Root gives you admin access to your phone. Definitely you should root, even if you want to stay on stock factory rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if he sees the benefits for himself. There's absolutely no reason for him to root if he doesn't understand what it does or how it will help/hurt him.
As mentioned previously, root access is admin access to the phone. Some benefits of it include being able to use the Adfree app to block advertisements in apps or Titanium Backup to backup apps the data associated with them. I'd take the time to get to know the phone and operating system first and then decide if you have a need for apps that require root access.
Off the top of my head:
-Fastest updates
-Ad removal
-Firewall
-True call blocking
-Lightflow
-Theming
-Backups (titanium, nandroid)
-Custom ROMs and all the millions of features they have (you could write pages and pages about this alone)
-Custom kernels (better battery+performance, touch wake, etc)
Since you have the Galaxy Nexus(a dev phone) as opposed to another locked-down phone, rooting is very, very easy. Unless you do something totally retarded you'll be safe. Just don't use toolkits -- do it manually.
fredryk said:
-Fastest updates
-Lightflow
-Backups (titanium, nandroid)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-You don't need to root to get fast updates. You can flash update files the day they come out via fastboot w/ an unlocked bootloader.
-Lightflow also works w/o root.
-You can do backups with ADB also.
martonikaj said:
-You don't need to root to get fast updates. You can flash update files the day they come out via fastboot w/ an unlocked bootloader.
-Lightflow also works w/o root.
-You can do backups with ADB also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I was thinking of "root" being synonymous with unlocked bootloader. My old phone required root...still need root for TB.
fredryk said:
I guess I was thinking of "root" being synonymous with unlocked bootloader. My old phone required root...still need root for TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is usually the case with other phones. With the Nexus, its extremely easy to unlock the bootloader and not root. I'd recommend unlocking the bootloader on this phone, but I'm not so quick to recommend rooting. People on XDA or too quick to recommend rooting to people who have absolutely no idea what it is and end up bricking their device.
martonikaj said:
Yes this is usually the case with other phones. With the Nexus, its extremely easy to unlock the bootloader and not root. I'd recommend unlocking the bootloader on this phone, but I'm not so quick to recommend rooting. People on XDA or too quick to recommend rooting to people who have absolutely no idea what it is and end up bricking their device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Exactly.
You do not need root to flash custom ROMs, get updates, etc. if you have an unlocked bootloader. I totally agree with martonikaj: you SHOULD unlock your bootloader, but you shouldn't mess around with root until you know what root is and need it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I would unlock the bootloader immediately if you think you'll ever want to root the phone. Reason why is that you can unlock the bootloader easily with a single command, but it will wipe your phone, and there's no good way to do a real backup without rooting it. Better to do it now, before you have everything set up the way you want it and all of your apps installed.
For rooting, I agree that you shouldn't do it until you have a better idea what it is and why you want to do it.
I've been back and forth between root and non-root (always unlocked bootloader) and other than a few things already mentioned (Ad-free, Titanium Backup) I'm the type that can live with Stock ICS. I do flash custom ROM's once in a while to see if I enjoy them but I've always come back to Stock (for now) because of random reboot issues.
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
kennwoodkenn said:
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From someone who knows just enough to get by....
Unlocking your bootloader allows you to flash custom recovery/ROM/Stock version/etc. You don't need root for this.
Root allows you full access to the phone with superuser permissions and install some apps that require full access to system files.
kennwoodkenn said:
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You couldn't have been doing a lot of good reading if you've been reading for a year and don't know the difference. But don't feel bad -- there are lots of senior members that use the terms interchangeably which is completely and utterly wrong.
Root means having root user access to the file system. Kinda like being the administrator user on Windows machines. You can access all the files and modify and delete anything. The process consists of placing two files on the /system partition of your device. The problems with this process, is finding a way to make /system write-able to place those two files there (as it is read-only by default when you are booted in Android). Chicken or the egg -- You need root to get root.
Think of the bootloader as the BIOS of a computer. It loads up before the operating system, and allows you to perform certain basic tasks. In our case, the bootloader allows you to flash images to your device, and to boot images on your devices (without actually writing them to the NAND). Unlocking the bootloader removes the security on the bootloader, which means that the bootloader no longer verifies the signature of images you are trying to flash or boot and, thus, allows you to flash or boot non-Google signed images.
Now, are rooting and unlocking your bootloader related? Well, to a certain extent yes. If you unlock your bootloader, you can easily obtain root access. This is true because you can flash or boot a custom recovery, which will allow you to write files to /system without being booted into Android. So, with an unlocked bootloader, "rooting" becomes trivial. However, there are other ways to root -- by using exploits. GNex Android builds up to ICL53F can be rooted by mempodroid (see link 4 in my signature), but to-date, an exploit has not been found for IMM76D and higher.
For the epic touch it looks pretty easy to root in Odin mode it seems to be a way to go I know I want root for all the reasons above
My process
Root with ODIN
Install CWM
And like what I see in the AOKP ROM
I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN TO BACKUP
Am I on the right track
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
kennwoodkenn said:
For the epic touch it looks pretty easy to root in Odin mode it seems to be a way to go I know I want root for all the reasons above
My process
Root with ODIN
Install CWM
And like what I see in the AOKP ROM
I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN TO BACKUP
Am I on the right track
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you ask in the Epic Touch forum??
Rooting your gnex doesn't need to be seen as taking a dive off a cliff while blindfolded. This is a myth perpetuated by people who have either never rooted their devices or did something retarded and bricked it. It's easy, painless, and uncomplicated if you follow the instructions. If you can take advantage of the ad removal, backups, call blocking, etc with ease....why not do it?
Use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
Thanks for all your help!
I'll proceed to unlock the bootloader, but will remain on stock for a while until I get the hang of it and want to expand my options.
i believe kingroot does not work on 5.1.1 but is there another way to root? ive looked everywhere...
Xnitro67 said:
i believe kingroot does not work on 5.1.1 but is there another way to root? ive looked everywhere...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingroot does work, you will have to try several times...
Xnitro67 said:
i believe kingroot does not work on 5.1.1 but is there another way to root? ive looked everywhere...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but no, you haven't looked everywhere. Try using the search function.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/announcement.php?f=3676
i do get the padlock on reboot at times but doesnt show that i have root access
Xnitro67 said:
i do get the padlock on reboot at times but doesnt show that i have root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both Kingroot and Kingoroot will grant you TEMPORARY and very unstable root access, but it only lasts for a minute or two, at best, and definitely NOT through a reboot. Look for a guide to Permanent Root and TWRP for instructions on how to gain permanent root privileges. To summarize the process, you'll need to exploit the temporary root access in order to push some commands to modify your CID, essentially converting your retail phone to a Developer Edition. Repeating a similar process cracks the kernel open (and trips Knox, but that isn't necessarily a deterrent), at which point you can install a custom TWRP recovery, then flash custom rooted firmware. Upgrading to Marshmallow requires most of these procedures to be repeated all over again. Obviously, there is more to it than what I've stated, but that is a basic overview of what you'll need to do in order to achieve perma-root. There is a lot of reading involved and no real shortcuts, but all the information you'll need is in this forum and it is very much worth all the aggravation. Just be sure to set aside a few hours to dedicate to the process. Good luck!