Should I root? - Galaxy Note II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys,
I have samsung note 2 N7100
Android version 4.1.2
I am just looking around and I see loads of stuff about rooting, I came from Apple iPhones coz they are **** now lol and i have jailbroken all my devices. Had my note 2 for few months now but I am worried if i root it I will loose my warranty and might mess up my phone....
I seen the tutorials and it looks really easy but lets say down the line I want to un-root my device, could I leave no trace of the device being rooted?
I had to replace my old note 2 and it was rooted i managed to un root it but the benefit was that I work in the phone shop and I replaced it.
SHOULD I ROOT THE DEVICE?
WHAT BENEFITS WILL I GET?
Cheers guy
p.s. love the community here!

Hi,
Even without root, the Note 2 is still beast.
But with all these customizations, tweaks, improvement going on in the development threads, it's a GO.
Plus, you can unroot easily anytime you have a computer.
Cheers!

First of all! Welcome to the family
Well here's what! Rooting your device is basically allowing your phone to run apps and do special operations that it cannot normally do and also flash custom roms. If anyone else can help with a reply that will be awesome. Just go through the step by step process in either this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1896696 or this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1923956.
For more understanding, watch videos on youtube on the terms: rooting, custom Rom and custom recovery. If anyone can help it would be appreciated!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

here is a good tutorial to root without changing your counter ->http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1930418

Don't be a puss and root. May the force be with u....
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

You have nothing to loose but more to gain

Well it's upto you. You'd get a HELL lot more of options with a rooted devices than unrooted. Personally, I find absolutely no reason not to root, and it would be such a waste to not unlock the full potential of this beast. It's an awesome device as it is, but it's even awesome-er when your root

If u rooted the phone or not .. u will never use ur warranty ...
sent from xda-app
device : note2
ROM : testing
kernel : testing
modem : XXDLK7
recovery : TWRP

It's easy to remove all evidence of rooting if you ever need to. Still I don't think you should rush into it if your uncertain. There are benefits I've gained from rooting though nothing I couldn't live without. To some extent I've been rooting for so long it's just a habit now, I'm just used to having it, but even if I didn't have it on this phone I'd be happy with it.
Sent from the mighty Note II

LukeC88 said:
Hi guys,
SHOULD I ROOT THE DEVICE?
WHAT BENEFITS WILL I GET?
Cheers guy
p.s. love the community here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you know valid reason to root your device then root it, don't rush for fun or experiments. when you find some stuffs needs root that is must for you then go and root, but read couple of times before it.
dirtydeangelo said:
If u rooted the phone or not .. u will never use ur warranty ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't getting you. If you saying rooting voids warranty then
This is purely misguiding statement
I have rooted device and i still have warranty, what is wrong ?

dr.ketan said:
If you know valid reason to root your device then root it, don't rush for fun or experiments. when you find some stuffs needs root that is must for you then go and root, but read couple of times before it.
I don't getting you. If you saying rooting voids warranty then
This is purely misguiding statement
I have rooted device and i still have warranty, what is wrong ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing is wrong ... from my experience with phones I had never use the warranty
At all
sent from xda-app
device : note2
ROM : testing
kernel : testing
modem : XXDLK7
recovery : TWRP

dirtydeangelo said:
Nothing is wrong ... from my experience with phones I had never use the warranty
At all
sent from xda-app
device : note2
ROM : testing
kernel : testing
modem : XXDLK7
recovery : TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me neither. However it's a fact that a small number of units shipped will develop a fault. If you're going to put big money into a phone line the Note 2 then it's not unnatural to want assurance that you are going to have protection if you are one of the unlucky ones.
Sent from the mighty Note II

dr.ketan said:
I have rooted device and i still have warranty, what is wrong ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Warranty is always a question of time.
The advantage of rooting is difficult to explain to everyone who is doubting about that.
For me rooting is something that should not be necessary.
There are many users that will never use root access even when it is available.
But there are thoughts that root access will lead to problems or misuse.
For me root access is usefull in some cases. For example to install Whatsapp on tablets with wifi-only.

Not a question of advantages and disadvantages of Root OR how it is helpful
I mean to say You can claim warranty even you have device rooted with flash counter 0.

2 main reasons for me :
- Blocking ads
- backing up my entire phone.
You can't do that without root.
Now that my phone is rooted i've done other changes like installing the aosp camera to use photosphere and CWM to backup and install zip easier.
But I keep stock rom with stock kernel, with this phone there is no need to change it to my mind.

With root you can put any tiers application in the multi windows right?
You can also disable bloatware or freeze them with greenify.
The only thing is missing with is the undervolt settings. That's why I'm already in custom kernel/ROM.
But when 4.2.2 goes out I'll certainly go back stock ROM which i hope, will increase battery life.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

dr.ketan said:
Not a question of advantages and disadvantages of Root OR how it is helpful
I mean to say You can claim warranty even you have device rooted with flash counter 0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not in the good ole United States of America (but there is more too this?)
If you purchase a Samsung Galaxy Note II (or any other phone) from a Authorized Dealer, it comes with one year warranty and guarteneed warranty per terms of that dealers contract. If you unlock/root/flash, whatever, you break that contract because of something YOU did, not the Authorized Dealer, therefore, they are not responsible for it, YOU are.
Now, as someone that has unlocked/rooted/flashed MANY phones over the years, every set of instructions I have every read.....1. Explains the above first. 2. Immediately explains to read ALL the instructions first and understand them before you attempt anything. 3. Explains THEY are not responsible if you brick your phone. 4. They always give detailed instructions (or link to them) a. How to put it back to stock and b. Lastly, DO NOT TAKE PHONE BACK TO DEALER ROOTED!!!
Now, with that said, I (we) in America have T.E.P. (Total Equiptment Protection) that I pay $11.00USD a month. This insurance is in case I lose my phone, its stolen, I drop in bathtub, run over with car.............I pay a deductible ($150.00USD I think) and they give me a new phone.
Now, these are two different things. During the initial warranty period, If I have SDS, I take it back to Authorized Dealer, fix my s**t! After Warranty, period, I send it back to insurance company, pay deductible, and either they send you a new one OR send you a agreed upon compatable device!
Cheers!!!

For me rooting was a must for directory bind. As has been said blocking ads is essential greenify good and the increase Volume mod was also a god send.
However on the downside I've lost sky go.

I rooted my Samsung day 2 and wouldn't turn back. Iv undervolted getting 2 days out of my battery. Root is awesome.
Sent from my GT-N7105T using xda premium

Can I root and keep everything stock and get ota updates? That would be perfect because I really dislike custom roms. I've got the 4G version.

Related

The consequences of rooting

For exemple; Whould the Swype function disapear?
Whould my currently existing Guarrantee disapear? (In the thoughts that the phone goes broke)
Any risks according to the health of the phone?
I have no experience at all in this subject as you may see.
At last, why are you rooting, whats the most positive thing about rooting? (except that the phone is totally controlled by your own needs)
No, the swype function won't disappear if you root.
If you're talking about warranty, well, it depends. Some stores still acknowledge warranties even if a phone's rooted, and some don't.
Risks? Well there's bricking your phone in the process, but it's gonna be almost impossible if you just read, read, and read instructions/posts about rooting before doing so.
Rooting gives you all the access to your phone. After rooting, you can install apps that greatly improves your battery like juice defender and freeze bloatwares using titanium backup. You can also install custom roms that is better than the stock rom which can improve performance of your phone. (made by the most awesome devs here in xda)
If you're super bored with your phone and you feel that it needs a face lift, ROOT it! It's gonna be legen... wait for it... dary!
2 days ago i installed almost latest open rom and after new rom installed i made update by OTA. I also rooted my I8150 because its damn easy. The most problem for me is to get info about which one files i can delete or freeze by Titanium to not destroy the system. Maybe someone can help me ?
Hunteros said:
2 days ago i installed almost latest open rom and after new rom installed i made update by OTA. I also rooted my I8150 because its damn easy. The most problem for me is to get info about which one files i can delete or freeze by Titanium to not destroy the system. Maybe someone can help me ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at this..
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...1gdDJRekl4QmkyNmIzUmRvX2h3UDVkQXc&output=html
İ have questions about rooting too.
Will rooting with unlockroot.com will increase the flash
counter?
İ cannot ask it to the releated forum because i am new user.
Thanks for any help.
Regards,
Don't take my words for granted since I'm pretty new too,but afaik only flashing custom roms increase that counter. And there's a way to reset it
Sent from my GT-I8150 using XDA App
Best bet is to take the insurance from your carrier if something happens claim and pay deductible. It can go from $50-$200 depending on your device, if you are under your 30 days warranty you can exchange or return it no questions asked... rooting will not harm your phone, is flashing new roms and specially new kernels you have to pay very close attention to what you do!
The only way you will trip Odin counter is when you flash the stock firmware using odin and download mode, the newest devices will not reset its counter even with a USB jig like the Samsung gs2 skyrocket.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
İ understand now.
Thanks for the reply's.

[Q] SGH-T889v windmobile canada. PLEASE get in here.

Hey guys, sorry for posting this, but im desperate and have read until my eyes are falling out of my skull. I am willing to work with any dev if they need specific work/software ran/info to make this happen. Is there, or is there not clear concise directions on rooting SGH-T889v (wind mobile variant of note 2)?
remember we use AWS for our signal, the modem stuff is all different. this is were my expertise kinda falls short. BUT I AM WILLING TO HELP TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. As far as iv'e seen there are no current methods of rooting this phone which is a damn shame considering its horsepower. i saw the all in one toolkit for note 2's, and i simply cannot afford to donate to unlock the functionality of the update that supports wind. So only ONE guy knows how? I believe dev's should get paid and should accept donations, they are the real workers and smart guys. I don't work for free either, However this kinda defeats the purpose of the ecosystem we fought so hard to have.... open and accessible platforms were we the users are in control. By with holding the method, its no longer donating, it's close sourcing ala apple,microsoft, etc. Zero offence to that guy, id just really love to "own" MY phone. Can someone PLEASE help? pass the word? anything? a peep?
gh0stpirate said:
Hey guys, sorry for posting this, but im desperate and have read until my eyes are falling out of my skull. I am willing to work with any dev if they need specific work/software ran/info to make this happen. Is there, or is there not clear concise directions on rooting SGH-T889v (wind mobile variant of note 2)?
remember we use AWS for our signal, the modem stuff is all different. this is were my expertise kinda falls short. BUT I AM WILLING TO HELP TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. As far as iv'e seen there are no current methods of rooting this phone which is a damn shame considering its horsepower. i saw the all in one toolkit for note 2's, and i simply cannot afford to donate to unlock the functionality of the update that supports wind. So only ONE guy knows how? I believe dev's should get paid and should accept donations, they are the real workers and smart guys. I don't work for free either, However this kinda defeats the purpose of the ecosystem we fought so hard to have.... open and accessible platforms were we the users are in control. By with holding the method, its no longer donating, it's close sourcing ala apple,microsoft, etc. Zero offence to that guy, id just really love to "own" MY phone. Can someone PLEASE help? pass the word? anything? a peep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who says there is no way....use donated version of toolkit ...its in there
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
If you don't mind the flash counter, you could simply use an Odin flashable (N7100) CWM tar, push the superuser zip of your choosing to /data/media/ (linked to /sdcard/) and install that from CWM.
What I know is that the rooting part is all fine and dandy, sure its a little harder than the rest, but its okay, it not too hard. The problem I keep reading is that the ROMS aren't truly compatible with the device, as data become atrociously slow. A method one, respected fellow, recommended we take was to flash a modem that is "for" our device variant. I say that because people reported bootloops due to it. Also there's a greater chance for our device to lose its IMEI number...not sure if these problems have been resolved. But yeah your problem really isn't rooting its the whole deal afterwards, again I am going by what I've read, I myself do not wish to take the chance of it becoming unusable, so i stay far until I got time to research more and some brilliant helpful mind comes along and solves all problems.
true
MCRHAZ said:
What I know is that the rooting part is all fine and dandy, sure its a little harder than the rest, but its okay, it not too hard. The problem I keep reading is that the ROMS aren't truly compatible with the device, as data become atrociously slow. A method one, respected fellow, recommended we take was to flash a modem that is "for" our device variant. I say that because people reported bootloops due to it. Also there's a greater chance for our device to lose its IMEI number...not sure if these problems have been resolved. But yeah your problem really isn't rooting its the whole deal afterwards, again I am going by what I've read, I myself do not wish to take the chance of it becoming unusable, so i stay far until I got time to research more and some brilliant helpful mind comes along and solves all problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think thats the issue, we just generally need someone more brilliant xD as per the "gentleman" that again, suggested using the donating kit, please re-read my post. whats this business about a flash counter????
darn shame still nothing regretting purchasing this phone completely due to this :/
I used the toolkit to root my N2 (Videotron T889v) without any problems. Just used the T-Mobile option since they are the same phone, just different software. The only difference is the modem from what I've read. Rooting does not change the modem that you currently have right now. If you decide you want to install a custom rom, then you may have to flash your modem back. I am currently using Jedi X rom without any problems and I can honestly say that it's faster than stock. He also provides a link with our modem so we can flash it after the install. All the T-Mobile software has been taken out, so you won't have to deal with any of it. Here are the links for the toolkit and rom.
Toolkit - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957720
Jedi X rom - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1987634
There are 2 Jedi Roms available. Jedi X has the multi-window function working but no wifi calling. I believe the other is called Jedi Master and that one has wifi calling but no multi-window. I'm not sure if the wifi calling is a T-Mobile thing but I never installed that rom and can't really give much more info on it. In the end, you can always go back to stock if you're not satisfied. You can find a copy of your stock rom at sammobile. I would suggest making sure it's still available before doing anything.
As for the OP, this is my first time dealing with a flash counter although not my first time rooting. The flash counter is some type of software that Samsung puts in their phones to be able to tell if you have "tampered" with the phone's software. From what I've noticed, when you put your phone in the "download" state and install anything, that triggers the counter to rise. If you send your phone to Samsung for service and the counter is not 0, they will deny service since you would have broken your warranty. There is a program called Triangle Away that will return your counter back to 0, should you need to return the phone to Samsung. Although in my case it would only take it back down to 1 using their instructions. I finally got it back to 0 by adding an extra step. From what I've read, I think it depends on the kernel that you're using. Here is the link for the program.
Triangle Away - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
I'm not an expert on any of this, just trying to help. I can say that I've rooted, unrooted and reset my flash counter back to 0 along with my stock Videotron rom.
Good luck
JDLS said:
I used the toolkit to root my N2 (Videotron T889v) without any problems. Just used the T-Mobile option since they are the same phone, just different software. The only difference is the modem from what I've read. Rooting does not change the modem that you currently have right now. If you decide you want to install a custom rom, then you may have to flash your modem back. I am currently using Jedi X rom without any problems and I can honestly say that it's faster than stock. He also provides a link with our modem so we can flash it after the install. All the T-Mobile software has been taken out, so you won't have to deal with any of it. Here are the links for the toolkit and rom.
Toolkit - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957720
Jedi X rom - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1987634
There are 2 Jedi Roms available. Jedi X has the multi-window function working but no wifi calling. I believe the other is called Jedi Master and that one has wifi calling but no multi-window. I'm not sure if the wifi calling is a T-Mobile thing but I never installed that rom and can't really give much more info on it. In the end, you can always go back to stock if you're not satisfied. You can find a copy of your stock rom at sammobile. I would suggest making sure it's still available before doing anything.
As for the OP, this is my first time dealing with a flash counter although not my first time rooting. The flash counter is some type of software that Samsung puts in their phones to be able to tell if you have "tampered" with the phone's software. From what I've noticed, when you put your phone in the "download" state and install anything, that triggers the counter to rise. If you send your phone to Samsung for service and the counter is not 0, they will deny service since you would have broken your warranty. There is a program called Triangle Away that will return your counter back to 0, should you need to return the phone to Samsung. Although in my case it would only take it back down to 1 using their instructions. I finally got it back to 0 by adding an extra step. From what I've read, I think it depends on the kernel that you're using. Here is the link for the program.
Triangle Away - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
I'm not an expert on any of this, just trying to help. I can say that I've rooted, unrooted and reset my flash counter back to 0 along with my stock Videotron rom.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you flashed the modem that ptmr3 provided for the t889v along with his jedi x rom and all good is good? no signal issues ? you get hspa+?
First Post:
I'm on Wind Mobile T889v Note 2. And I cant wait for this phone to get rooted so that I can run debian or whatever have you full blow linux desktop experience on my phone.
The current limited version of android on its own is too limiting for the processing beast that this phone is.
MCRHAZ said:
so you flashed the modem that ptmr3 provided for the t889v along with his jedi x rom and all good is good? no signal issues ? you get hspa+?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. Never had any issues whatsoever. Always get full signal strength, no disconnections and overall great service. As long as you flash after the rom, you will get your modem back. To be honest, the rom itself has never changed my modem, I always just flash it in case it's just reporting it as an error. In the directions it states that it will change it but I always check it and it has remained the same every time.
you mean by letting bootup and set up first then go back to twrp or cwm? and then flash the modem...my exams are done hoping to do it by tomorrow.
MCRHAZ said:
you mean by letting bootup and set up first then go back to twrp or cwm? and then flash the modem...my exams are done hoping to do it by tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you flash the rom (if you're flashing Jedi) you need to let it sit for 10 minutes on the first boot up (after the android logo, just use the reboot option after the 10 minutes). Once you've booted up and finished your setup, just go back into cwm or twrp and flash the modem.
how did you reset the flash counter with triangle away? it doesnt seem to work on my 889V
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

[Q] warranty root

I saw a similar question on this but is my warranty really voided if I rooted my sprint galaxy s3 and I could get it back by going back to 100% stock? I rooted it shortly after getting this phone. This morning I went into download mode and saw the flash count 1 and 2 lines say custom and go into about device and it says modified.
There are ways to reset those. Search qbking77 on youtube.
As far as warranty, no they will charge you your deductible for a new/refurb phone. But a Sprint store can refuse to honor their TEP program and work on a rooted device.
And that's because after a tech fixes w/e is wrong, you walk out the door and it bricks because you flash something your not suppose to. They don't want the blame to fall back on them.
Sent from a planet far far away.
Kenny301 said:
I saw a similar question on this but is my warranty really voided if I rooted my sprint galaxy s3 and I could get it back by going back to 100% stock? I rooted it shortly after getting this phone. This morning I went into download mode and saw the flash count 1 and 2 lines say custom and go into about device and it says modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always go back to stock and triangle-away the flash counter. I'd recommend using the Toolkit by mskip. It has the option of returning to stock unrooted and getting rid of the flash count.
As far as your primary question about warranty. Yes, your warranty is voided. That being said, I've never really heard of it being an issue. Most Sprint Tech's are pretty chill when it comes to this. You can, of course, get an uptight one who will complain and even refuse your return. But yeah, I haven't really heard of that happening too often.
Usually all carriers would check the flash tick and they'd tell you that you can not have a warranty for your phone.
But it's other times that you'd be really lucky to obtain one for your device if they won't look into it ( And they will )
and they'll look at the status of the device as well. If you want to fully go back to stock TW and get your warranty
it'd be advised to flash this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1904099
Thank billar412 for that.
Take note this is the MB1 update, if you how ever don't like MB1 there should be an LJ7 in the forums somewhere
or just look up qbking77 guide to unroot for stock TW and he should also have a flash counter reset under his threads as well.
Thanks for the quick replies. So that quick return to stock one would bring back the warranty then? That's the one I got my eye on plus I'm craving some custom rom goodness.
Kenny301 said:
Thanks for the quick replies. So that quick return to stock one would bring back the warranty then? That's the one I got my eye on plus I'm craving some custom rom goodness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to be the legalistic guy, but I wanted to point out something.
By flashing a custom recovery (i.e. gaining root access), you are voiding your claim on the warranty. There's no getting around that. But, by returning to stock and resetting your flash counter, you are making it so that no one can tell you voided the warranty.
I know it's a slight difference from what you said and many people may say I'm nit-picking, but I want people to take responsibility for flashing ROMs. It bugs me when people don't read everything, brick their phones, then try to get the carrier to pay for their mistakes (case in point).
Hey -
my question is in a similar vein.
I am "stock" but rooted and with CWM recovery.
I'm getting bugged to death with the OTA update notifications, and of course it won't run under CWM...
Best method to get it to install seems to be to restore factory recovery?
Or do you guys have other suggestions?
Bigjohn_S said:
Hey -
my question is in a similar vein.
I am "stock" but rooted and with CWM recovery.
I'm getting bugged to death with the OTA update notifications, and of course it won't run under CWM...
Best method to get it to install seems to be to restore factory recovery?
Or do you guys have other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32152586
Transmitted with a portable device using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
You never mentioned where you got your phone. I buy mine at Best Buy, and purchase their insurance. It covers EVERYTHING except loss. No deductible. No limit on number of claims. I was flashing my GS3 back and forth between a few roms, and somehow messed it up. It was stuck in a boot loop. They couldn't get it to boot either. They sent it out, and I had a new one 4 days later. Only new because they had just come out, and didn't have refurbs yet
**Feed on your nothing,
You'll never live up to me**

[Q] Rooting and ROM

Hello, this is the first time posting on this forum and relatively new on the android platform after jumping ship from blackberry. So, i have afew questions i hope you guys can help me with.
1. I heard/read alot regarding rooting to bring out the full potential of an android(s4) phone. What is the full advantage of rooting my phone? How does granting administrative access affect my phone performance?
2. I often see the jargon of bloatware on this forum, what does it exactly mean?
3. What is the function of ROM?
Sorry if these qns are repeated, please direct me to the answer if it is already present in the forum. thanks
1. Ans
2. Ans
3. Ans
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London
Rooting your phone gives you access to do anything you want ie (Apps 2 sd) that the phone dosent permit you to do.
A ROM is just a different feel, and its a faster alternative in upgrading your android ios. (S4 has touchwiz, can change it to Htc Sense)
Bloatware is a bunch of unnecessary apps that Carriers know youll never use but have it just cause. Its annoying and it takes up space. Rooting allows you to delete these apps, cause if its not you wont be able to remove it.
I hope this helped, ask again if you have any more questions.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it. When I look at some of the threads on rooting it just seems like a foreign language to me!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
mahgnillig said:
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London
nikufellow said:
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I looked at that and it seems straightforward, but I'm concerned about what to do after the actual root. Things like how to back the phone up in case I mess it up, how to delete things, how to add things. Also I find a lot of the terminology confusing... not quite sure what all the acronyms stand for either, like ODIN or CWM, or what each thing does exactly. This is the kind of thread which would be totally useful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028 (this one is for the Vibrant though, so I think a lot of it would be different on a different device?)
As far as the kernel... as far as I know nothing has been updated. I got the phone on the first day it came out so I'm assuming it doesn't have the latest kernel. How would you find out? Not even sure what the kernel is or what it does :\ I would like to find out though!
^^^then you might be on an earlier kernel version anyway trying to root by motochopper method won't brick your device even if it doesn't go successful so no worries.
ODIN is the same software that service centres use to revive your bricked device - as a matter of fact with Samsung drivers, a usb cable and stock rom downloaded from online sources like sammobile, you can revert almost any instances of soft brick. Simply saying ODIN will flash back factory/stock rom anfd make your device as it was when you bought it. And yeah flashing via ODIN and all are more or less same procedure for all Samsung devices
Cwm is a custom recovery. If you don't know what recovery means it might be worth googling for better understanding the concept as even my knowledge is limited and my explanations might fall short of your expectations
---------------------------------------------------------
" Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor"
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Mami-dalous said:
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steps
#1. Locate GS4 box, place phone inside box.
#2. Return to store and get iPhone.
Serious tho. Best thing you can do is READ. SEARCH and READ. SEARCH and READ.
If you are unsure about something, READ again. Most questions have already been asked and answered.
If you find yourself lost......SEARCH and READ. Believe me this is this most useful advice you will ever get here.
Stuff is so easy now compared to when android 1st started. I remember rooting my G1 on a terminal prompt and installing recovery with wicked long commands. Now everything is automated and the hardest (NOT) part is reading the step by step instructions provided on almost every mod and tweak.
Welcome and goodluck !

New to Rooting.

I've been rooting since OG Evo days, but only played with that, the s2, and s3. Rooting was easy as pie. But with all this knox stuff I'm wary.
I recently read reports of people sending in their phones to both Samsung and tmobile and getting it back with knox restored but still maintaining sim unlocks. So obviously it's a well kept firmware they flash or perhaps signatures.
This in mind I used kingoapp, and root was easy. Just decline the recovery install and you'll maintain 0x0. But after this new information I'm still worried to trip knox for fear those restores we're just a fluke.
Anybody have luck with safestrap? I heard/read it doesn't replace recovery so it also won't trip knox? Also, as long as I don't flash kernels or recovery I'll be good right? Like i can delete bloat or install at root level to /system and I'll be fine?
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Naturesretard said:
I've been rooting since OG Evo days, but only played with that, the s2, and s3. Rooting was easy as pie. But with all this knox stuff I'm wary.
I recently read reports of people sending in their phones to both Samsung and tmobile and getting it back with knox restored but still maintaining sim unlocks. So obviously it's a well kept firmware they flash or perhaps signatures.
This in mind I used kingoapp, and root was easy. Just decline the recovery install and you'll maintain 0x0. But after this new information I'm still worried to trip knox for fear those restores we're just a fluke.
Anybody have luck with safestrap? Also, as long as I don't flash kernels or recovery I'll be good right? Like i can delete bloat or install at root level to /system and I'll be fine?
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you just root it nothing happens system will be fine .... Plssss hit thanksss.....
Sent from my HTC Desire C using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
pvinayraju2k4 said:
As long as you just root it nothing happens system will be fine .... Plssss hit thanksss.....
Sent from my HTC Desire C using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. However in the future there's no need to request we thank. I've learned most people here on xda thank quite often, myself included.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Naturesretard said:
Thanks for the info. However in the future there's no need to request we thank. I've learned most people here on xda thank quite often, myself included.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, the above poster is wrong... can't believe he asks for a thank. When you install a custom recovery, that is when you trip Knox. There a method to install a custom ROM w/o a recovery using Mobile Odin Pro. I know nothing about that but have read here that it works. You just can't flash custom kernel. I went ahead and flash a custom recovery because I don't care about Knox and will never send this phone to Samsung for warranty repair.
asianflavor said:
First off, the above poster is wrong... can't believe he asks for a thank. When you install a custom recovery, that is when you trip Knox. There a method to install a custom ROM w/o a recovery using Mobile Odin Pro. I know nothing about that but have read here that it works. You just can't flash custom kernel. I went ahead and flash a custom recovery because I don't care about Knox and will never send this phone to Samsung for warranty repair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the fact most of us have insurance plans; if we discover a problem such as faulty gps or screen displacement, etc, tmobile fixes it for us anyway, right?
So it really doesn't matter if we trip knox, correct???
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Naturesretard said:
Just the fact most of us have insurance plans; if we discover a problem such as faulty gps or screen displacement, etc, tmobile fixes it for us anyway, right?
So it really doesn't matter if we trip knox, correct???
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From everything I read, yes.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
asianflavor said:
First off, the above poster is wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's not wrong. There are a couple different methods of rooting that don't require a custom recovery, therefore don't trip Knox.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
asianflavor said:
From everything I read, yes.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I shouldn't bother with safestrap then. Was planning on trying to pay off the note 3 and keep it anyway instead of jumping again this year.
Either way it won't matter...until I do eventually get a new handset but even then I know enough about rooting I shouldn't need to repair this one once paid off and detached from my account.
my next question is then should I TWRP or cwm? I tried CWM for the first time since gingerbread on my s3 and fell in love with it
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hey Nature! just wanted to add my 0.02, ok theres a difference between rooting, and a difference between flashing recoveries,kernels,roms,and what have you.
ill give a brief explanation in the differences. The Colors of the titles indicate how safe/dangerous it is to modify one of these things and wether it will void your warranty, Green=Wont void your warranty, and easily reversible. Orange=Void Warranty, Reversible, But starting to get Dangerous, Red=Definitely VVoids Warranty, and if screwed up, could ruin/brick your devvice Definitely Voids Warranty, and if screwed up, could ruin/brick your devvice
Rooting: When you are rooting your device, you are basically forcing your stock version of android to allow you (the user) root access, therefore allowing you to bypass/allow signature verification for apps, now this could be anything from homebrew apps that you are making yourself...to the naughty pirated apps, and i dont encourage the latter. By giving yourself root access to your phone, your allowing the next to happen:
Flashing a Custom Recovery: Ok ill explain this as simple as i can...Mostly all if not ALL android phones have a stock recovery, this is a safeguard in case some kind of software fault happened in the phone(stock software fault or what have you). Flashing a custom recovery would be your next step after Rooting a device (IF) you want to go further than apps, meaning Kernels, Roms etc. Now the reason you must Root your device in order to install a custom recovery, is because like explained above signature verification....Now this is when you begin to tread in warranty territory, once flashing a custom recovery...your warranty has become VOID, however what the custom recovery allows you to do is a multitude of things, but the most major is Flashing .ZIP files, which most roms are in the form of, now not only Roms are in ZIP files, so are kernels,mods,baseband firmwares, etc, with that being said, different phones/devices use different methods of flashing roms, lets say for example you somehow screwed something up on a samsung really bad, and it wont boot, however, you can still get into download mode...then you're safe, because samsung uses Odin to flash the entire phone back to stock meaning Recovery/aBoot/Data/System and bring you right back, but if you hard brick it, theres only 3 ways out from that...and they all suck....number one, is call me and send it to me to Jtag it for you ..but it takes long and its not that cheap, #2, Desolder the chip (whichever it is on the device that has caused the problem) and replace it...and thats not an easy task at all, ive done it once to an S3 successfully, after that i never wanted to do it again, and this was back when they were really expensive, and lastly....#3.....and this one is the worse....go buy a new one SO BE CAREFUL!
ROMS: So now that we have a custom recovery, a rom is basically a heavily modified version of Android! and let me tell ya, i love them...i love so many of them, there are sooo many different things that you can do with roms, but the most desired from what ive gathered, is so people can remove the bloatware that comes with their phone when they buy it from the carrier/manufacturer. Thats not all tho, there is way too much to get into, but some roms allow you to Overclock your phones CPU/GPU, and change the Behaviors of the phones hardware, and the major component in roms that allows that is the Kernel.
Kernel: Now dont totally quote me here, im still learning kernels, but a kernel is basically the binary software in the phone, almost like a bios that when modified from stock, changes the behavior of the MOST of the hardware, not all. Now i could be wrong and anyone please feel free to correct me, now i do want to give you a shot of my own advice here...if you dont know what you are doing, kernels are dangerous to a noobie..before i started messing with roms and kernels, i tried to get the best understanding i could, and ill be honest with you, i blew up a couple S3's doing so. but im still learning. so if you're unweary or still not educated enough in the hobby to get too it, please read more up on it, because as none of these guys here that are devs nor people like myself that are trying to help intend to destroy your device on you, so please be careful for your own device's safety, and to save yourself money and a broken heart.
Knox: Ok now correct me if im wrong here, because im still learning as this is new to me, i only saw it on the MJA bootloader on the S4 on Jellybean from Sprint when they first OTA'd it, but knox looks to be Samsungs pathetic try of not lettings us Access the devices binary software, like an encryption, or to only let us access and modify certain things, also samsung has added a flash counter, which will tell them how many times you have flashed a new rom, however there are ways around these things, google and the search bar are you best friends to start, and we can help too.
I Hope this helped and shed some light on some information, and please if anyone has anything to add or to correct me if im wrong anywhere please do so ^_^
P.S. To be totally honest, theres always a way to restore your device and even get the flash counter back to 0 again and put everything back to normal, if an experienced tech looks at it and puts it in download mode unless all is restored, hell be able to see everything, but honestly, if you pay off the phone, you havve nothing to worry about, but then again, i dont care much for warranties, so it all depends on how savvy with fixing problems when they go wrong, but if you ever need i can help you, im pretty experienced when it comes to everything but developing atm, i was a microelectronics major in college, so my expertise is mainly in hardware i.e. if you hard/soft brick the devvice i can usually get it out of that.
please excuse my typing, i type extremely fast, and i have a mechanical keyboard and i think some lettings are startings to give way such as the V key.
---------- Post added at 01:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:29 AM ----------
Naturesretard said:
I guess I shouldn't bother with safestrap then. Was planning on trying to pay off the note 3 and keep it anyway instead of jumping again this year.
Either way it won't matter...until I do eventually get a new handset but even then I know enough about rooting I shouldn't need to repair this one once paid off and detached from my account.
my next question is then should I TWRP or cwm? I tried CWM for the first time since gingerbread on my s3 and fell in love with it
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh and please i Highly suggest using Philz Touch!
Code:
http://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/hltetmo
Thats for the HLTETMO version, which is our versions in this forum, all credit to phil ofcourse, it is basically CWM, but so much more user friendly and advanced with much more options, there are two files there, you obviously want the latest version, and there are two ways to do it, if you download the tar.md5 you must use Odin, and put your phone in download/odin mode, very easily done (turn it off unplug usb and press Home+Vol Dwn+Pwr) then once the screen pops up press Vol Up and then plug the USB in, and follow the instructions of w/e tutorial you are ready, but be very careful in odin mode, if you disturb the phone while its flashing you will most likely brick it, and the .zip is considering you already have a custom recovery and you can just flash it through there.
MasterSe7en said:
Hey Nature! just wanted to add my 0.02, ok theres a difference between rooting, and a difference between flashing recoveries,kernels,roms,and what have you.
ill give a brief explanation in the differences. The Colors of the titles indicate how safe/dangerous it is to modify one of these things and wether it will void your warranty, Green=Wont void your warranty, and easily reversible. Orange=Void Warranty, Reversible, But starting to get Dangerous, Red=Definitely VVoids Warranty, and if screwed up, could ruin/brick your devvice Definitely Voids Warranty, and if screwed up, could ruin/brick your devvice
Rooting: When you are rooting your device, you are basically forcing your stock version of android to allow you (the user) root access, therefore allowing you to bypass/allow signature verification for apps, now this could be anything from homebrew apps that you are making yourself...to the naughty pirated apps, and i dont encourage the latter. By giving yourself root access to your phone, your allowing the next to happen:
Flashing a Custom Recovery: Ok ill explain this as simple as i can...Mostly all if not ALL android phones have a stock recovery, this is a safeguard in case some kind of software fault happened in the phone(stock software fault or what have you). Flashing a custom recovery would be your next step after Rooting a device (IF) you want to go further than apps, meaning Kernels, Roms etc. Now the reason you must Root your device in order to install a custom recovery, is because like explained above signature verification....Now this is when you begin to tread in warranty territory, once flashing a custom recovery...your warranty has become VOID, however what the custom recovery allows you to do is a multitude of things, but the most major is Flashing .ZIP files, which most roms are in the form of, now not only Roms are in ZIP files, so are kernels,mods,baseband firmwares, etc, with that being said, different phones/devices use different methods of flashing roms, lets say for example you somehow screwed something up on a samsung really bad, and it wont boot, however, you can still get into download mode...then you're safe, because samsung uses Odin to flash the entire phone back to stock meaning Recovery/aBoot/Data/System and bring you right back, but if you hard brick it, theres only 3 ways out from that...and they all suck....number one, is call me and send it to me to Jtag it for you ..but it takes long and its not that cheap, #2, Desolder the chip (whichever it is on the device that has caused the problem) and replace it...and thats not an easy task at all, ive done it once to an S3 successfully, after that i never wanted to do it again, and this was back when they were really expensive, and lastly....#3.....and this one is the worse....go buy a new one SO BE CAREFUL!
ROMS: So now that we have a custom recovery, a rom is basically a heavily modified version of Android! and let me tell ya, i love them...i love so many of them, there are sooo many different things that you can do with roms, but the most desired from what ive gathered, is so people can remove the bloatware that comes with their phone when they buy it from the carrier/manufacturer. Thats not all tho, there is way too much to get into, but some roms allow you to Overclock your phones CPU/GPU, and change the Behaviors of the phones hardware, and the major component in roms that allows that is the Kernel.
Kernel: Now dont totally quote me here, im still learning kernels, but a kernel is basically the binary software in the phone, almost like a bios that when modified from stock, changes the behavior of the MOST of the hardware, not all. Now i could be wrong and anyone please feel free to correct me, now i do want to give you a shot of my own advice here...if you dont know what you are doing, kernels are dangerous to a noobie..before i started messing with roms and kernels, i tried to get the best understanding i could, and ill be honest with you, i blew up a couple S3's doing so. but im still learning. so if you're unweary or still not educated enough in the hobby to get too it, please read more up on it, because as none of these guys here that are devs nor people like myself that are trying to help intend to destroy your device on you, so please be careful for your own device's safety, and to save yourself money and a broken heart.
Knox: Ok now correct me if im wrong here, because im still learning as this is new to me, i only saw it on the MJA bootloader on the S4 on Jellybean from Sprint when they first OTA'd it, but knox looks to be Samsungs pathetic try of not lettings us Access the devices binary software, like an encryption, or to only let us access and modify certain things, also samsung has added a flash counter, which will tell them how many times you have flashed a new rom, however there are ways around these things, google and the search bar are you best friends to start, and we can help too.
I Hope this helped and shed some light on some information, and please if anyone has anything to add or to correct me if im wrong anywhere please do so ^_^
P.S. To be totally honest, theres always a way to restore your device and even get the flash counter back to 0 again and put everything back to normal, if an experienced tech looks at it and puts it in download mode unless all is restored, hell be able to see everything, but honestly, if you pay off the phone, you havve nothing to worry about, but then again, i dont care much for warranties, so it all depends on how savvy with fixing problems when they go wrong, but if you ever need i can help you, im pretty experienced when it comes to everything but developing atm, i was a microelectronics major in college, so my expertise is mainly in hardware i.e. if you hard/soft brick the devvice i can usually get it out of that.
please excuse my typing, i type extremely fast, and i have a mechanical keyboard and i think some lettings are startings to give way such as the V key.
---------- Post added at 01:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:29 AM ----------
Oh and please i Highly suggest using Philz Touch!
Code:
http://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/hltetmo
Thats for the HLTETMO version, which is our versions in this forum, all credit to phil ofcourse, it is basically CWM, but so much more user friendly and advanced with much more options, there are two files there, you obviously want the latest version, and there are two ways to do it, if you download the tar.md5 you must use Odin, and put your phone in download/odin mode, very easily done (turn it off unplug usb and press Home+Vol Dwn+Pwr) then once the screen pops up press Vol Up and then plug the USB in, and follow the instructions of w/e tutorial you are ready, but be very careful in odin mode, if you disturb the phone while its flashing you will most likely brick it, and the .zip is considering you already have a custom recovery and you can just flash it through there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ty for the explanation. Unfortunately, that is if you took the time to write that or just copied, I knew most if not all of the risks. As I said earlier I've been rooting since gingerbread.
However, it's quite informative and anybody else who is new to rooting shall find it helpful.
Kernels are more or less a bios, if you will. But they are specific to builds. You can't use aosp on tw and vice versa. There are other key features but I can't remember off the top of my head. Basically no kernel =/= no phone or no features such as camera.
You're right about the s4, but if I'm not mistaken it was believed to be an eFuse, as was for the note 3 too. Although other members have said they got it back reset, 0x0, and sim unlocks intact to fix other issues like broken gps. Therefore it is believed to be software at a signature level.
And I'll look into philz, loved it on the s3. If you ever have q's about root feel free to pm me
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Towle said:
He's not wrong. There are a couple different methods of rooting that don't require a custom recovery, therefore don't trip Knox.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... must have read that post wrong. Been working way too much. Sorry about that but looks like we have some great info added here.
Naturesretard said:
Ty for the explanation. Unfortunately, that is if you took the time to write that or just copied, I knew most if not all of the risks. As I said earlier I've been rooting since gingerbread.
However, it's quite informative and anybody else who is new to rooting shall find it helpful.
Kernels are more or less a bios, if you will. But they are specific to builds. You can't use aosp on tw and vice versa. There are other key features but I can't remember off the top of my head. Basically no kernel =/= no phone or no features such as camera.
You're right about the s4, but if I'm not mistaken it was believed to be an eFuse, as was for the note 3 too. Although other members have said they got it back reset, 0x0, and sim unlocks intact to fix other issues like broken gps. Therefore it is believed to be software at a signature level.
And I'll look into philz, loved it on the s3. If you ever have q's about root feel free to pm me
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh nate, i misunderstood, i thought you were new to rooting but just knew some of the basics, but were unclear of some others, but yeh, i typed that all up, no copy and paste here otherwise i would've credited the Author ^_^ but i hope it was Helpful, im sure its plastered and posted evverywhere around here, but maybe ill make a Write up somewhere to clarify things, because when i was learning, everything was scattered and i had to collect all the information.
MasterSe7en said:
ahh nate, i misunderstood, i thought you were new to rooting but just knew some of the basics, but were unclear of some others, but yeh, i typed that all up, no copy and paste here otherwise i would've credited the Author ^_^ but i hope it was Helpful, im sure its plastered and posted evverywhere around here, but maybe ill make a Write up somewhere to clarify things, because when i was learning, everything was scattered and i had to collect all the information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You Be Surprised How Often that happens. I'd sticky if I could
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Naturesretard said:
You Be Surprised How Often that happens. I'd sticky if I could
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Nate! **WAVE**
lol well i posted a new thread on it, so i hope it helps the newer guys and it'd be nice if it was stickied, like i said tho, its plastered everywhere around here and on google even, but its nice to try to help my Fellow note 3'ers

Categories

Resources