Root & Rom Advice from the Ground Up - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

I need some help and I've looked all over but the information is fragmented and there is too many unfamiliar acronyms used which make it incredibly difficult for some like myself to catch up. So for the benefit of others who may be new I wanted to get some additional guidance.
I got the Pixel XL Google Version
Objectives:
1. Root with the ability to hide root so other apps will work
2. Native Mobile Hotspot
3. The ability to easily receive android updates without having to reflash etc..
4. Stay close to stock if possible, but willing to explore other options as long as security is trusted, and has good
compatibility.
5. Security is a concern, I tried a rom in the past with a Galaxy S4 and swear it had a backdoor installed in the rom.
What do you guys recommend? And how do I go about doing it?
Thank you!

If security is truly a concern you will not unlock your bootloader and root your phone.
Otherwise it all depends on which version phone you have, Verizon or Google?

1. You need magisk root for that.
3. No updates when you are rooted
4.5. Never heard of any custom rom with a backdoor. That's absolutely bull****. More likely it was an app you installed.
Unlocked bootloader is a security issue, so better to stay on full stock.
Root is a big security issue so better stay on full stock.
Jokes aside the only security issue is your phone gets stolen or you install apps outside playstore.
If you stay encrypted and use a hard pattern with fingerprint you are fine and there is always the way to delete your phone when it gets stolen.

mikaole said:
1. You need magisk root for that.
3. No updates when you are rooted
4.5. Never heard of any custom rom with a backdoor. That's absolutely bull****. More likely it was an app you installed.
Unlocked bootloader is a security issue, so better to stay on full stock.
Root is a big security issue so better stay on full stock.
I have the Pixel XL - Google Version
Jokes aside the only security issue is your phone gets stolen or you install apps outside playstore.
If you stay encrypted and use a hard pattern with fingerprint you are fine and there is always the way to delete your phone when it gets stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point about security really was that it's quite possible a ROM could have a backdoor. That a side..
Root is not a big security issue for me as long as the rom is trusted etc..
Shouldn't I be able to turn root off then be able to update and turn it back on again?

jadensmith said:
1. Root with the ability to hide root so other apps will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to root to one slot with SuperSU while the other slot remains unrooted, and then the phone can be switched between slots with TWRP or fastboot commands. Kernels have been posted with safetynet patches, to hide that the bootloader is unlocked, but I'm not sure if any are available with the software version on my phone's current slot. As noted, Magisk can also hide root and that the bootloader is unlocked, so it's probably less hassle than trying to root and hide using SuperSU.
3. The ability to easily receive android updates without having to reflash etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FlashFire can use the OTA to update and stay rooted with SuperSU. The past couple months I've used FlashFire to update my phone, and it seems quicker and easier than the sideloading and reinstalling process I had been using. I'm not aware of anything similar to FlashFire for Magisk users, so to me it seems like you would have to decide if 1 or 3 is more personally important.
jadensmith said:
Shouldn't I be able to turn root off then be able to update and turn it back on again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While reading I got the impression that I might be able to uninstall SuperSU and use the OTA update, but that didn't work with SuperSU the times I tried it, so I presume something SuperSU changed or something I did with root must have caused the update to fail. I haven't read the Magisk threads as much, yet I've seen that other SuperSU users also indicate that OTA updates no longer worked for them after rooting the phone.

alluringreality said:
It's possible to root to one slot with SuperSU while the other slot remains unrooted, and then the phone can be switched between slots with TWRP or fastboot commands. Kernels have been posted with safetynet patches, to hide that the bootloader is unlocked, but I'm not sure if any are available with the software version on my phone's current slot. As noted, Magisk can also hide root and that the bootloader is unlocked, so it's probably less hassle than trying to root and hide using SuperSU.
FlashFire can use the OTA to update and stay rooted with SuperSU. The past couple months I've used FlashFire to update my phone, and it seems quicker and easier than the sideloading and reinstalling process I had been using. I'm not aware of anything similar to FlashFire for Magisk users, so to me it seems like you would have to decide if 1 or 3 is more personally important.
That didn't work with SuperSU the times I tried it, so I presumed that something I did with root must have caused the update to fail to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thanks for the great reply! It's so refreshing!
What do you mean by root one slot?

The phone has two "slots" for Android. The basic idea is that you have two copies of Android on the phone that share the same user data. On a stock phone it's intended to allow for less noticeable updates, and it also can allow the phone to fall back to the previous software version if something goes wrong with an update. On the May update my phone did automatically switch between slots, due to what is discussed in the second link below. The first link below gives some information and additional links to discussion about the slots on these phones.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/1...-partition-changes-and-new-fastboot-commands/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...signing-boot-images-android-verified-t3600606

Is it possible to keep stock or near stock and just have root with the ability to hide root, and hotspot?
That's all I really need. What would be the best way to to do this?

Related

Turning Off Enable superuser in SuperSU

Just wondering if anyone has toggled Enable superuser off and on in SuperSU and whether there were any issues. I have a couple of apps that check for root and will not run if detected. In the past (ran rooted S3s for the past 3.5 years), I have just been able to turn it off to use the apps and then turn it back on with no issues, but like everyone else am still learning the ins and outs of the Pixel. I am running a Verizon Pixel XL and a non-XL (wife's phone). Both are bootloader unlocked and rooted running NDE63P. I have not had time to update to NDE63X or install TWRP yet, not that any of hat matter to the original question.
sliding_billy said:
Just wondering if anyone has toggled Enable superuser off and on in SuperSU and whether there were any issues. I have a couple of apps that check for root and will not run if detected. In the past (ran rooted S3s for the past 3.5 years), I have just been able to turn it off to use the apps and then turn it back on with no issues, but like everyone else am still learning the ins and outs of the Pixel. I am running a Verizon Pixel XL and a non-XL (wife's phone). Both are bootloader unlocked and rooted running NDE63P. I have not had time to update to NDE63X or install TWRP yet, not that any of hat matter to the original question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running a custom kernel?
The reason I ask is because I havent tried the method you mentioned but if it turns out it doesnt work for you, I would suggest flashing(reflashing) a custom kernel because that will knock out root, then boot back into the bootloader and boot to root again.
On second thought I think I missed your intent though, Im thinking more in terms of like Snapchat which checks for root only at login (so if you logged in before rooting you will continue to be good after) as opposed to apps that check every time the app is ran. Disregard if this is not helpful.
I want to say the unroot option in the app didn't work but that may have only been for the earlier releases that were pixel compatible.
pcriz said:
Are you running a custom kernel?
The reason I ask is because I havent tried the method you mentioned but if it turns out it doesnt work for you, I would suggest flashing(reflashing) a custom kernel because that will knock out root, then boot back into the bootloader and boot to root again.
On second thought I think I missed your intent though, Im thinking more in terms of like Snapchat which checks for root only at login (so if you logged in before rooting you will continue to be good after) as opposed to apps that check every time the app is ran. Disregard if this is not helpful.
I want to say the unroot option in the app didn't work but that may have only been for the earlier releases that were pixel compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your are correct in your second thought. Not a Snapchat type issue, but a check each time the app runs. FWIW though , not a custom kernel but I laughed at the thought of flashing one and re-rooting each time I needed to run the apps in question
sliding_billy said:
Your are correct in your second thought. Not a Snapchat type issue, but a check each time the app runs. FWIW though , not a custom kernel but I laughed at the thought of flashing one and re-rooting each time I needed to run the apps in question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll say though if that ends up being the path you take, to unroot and root, you should look into TWRP because at least that way you won't need a computer to fastboot the boot-to-root.img, you can just flash the SU zip.
pcriz said:
I'll say though if that ends up being the path you take, to unroot and root, you should look into TWRP because at least that way you won't need a computer to fastboot the boot-to-root.img, you can just flash the SU zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah. I have been using TWRP for many years. Just waiting for the dust to settle a little on the process of getting from where I am now to using TWRP and finding a suitable custom ROM with a current base.
sliding_billy said:
Oh yeah. I have been using TWRP for many years. Just waiting for the dust to settle a little on the process of getting from where I am now to using TWRP and finding a suitable custom ROM with a current base.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't see the initial process of loading it changing. Right now there are issues with restoring but if you don't make a back up it won't affect a thing but it will make flashing mods and updates to the TWRP easier.
Aside from using a tool kit, installing it seems to be spot on so long as all the steps are followed.
So once a stable build comes out I will simply flash in the TWRP I currently have.

Unlock, Root, Xposed and then relock

Hi, my Mix2 arrived few days ago and I find MiUI quite nice, yet lacking few things. Those are easily available via xposed, hence I need to root. I'm also not so lucky in these matters so before I start to tinker with it I'd like to learn few things.
What are least dangerous ways to unlock and root phone? (heard sth about magisk, its quite new for me, haven't been rooting phones for couple years now) Is it good?
Suppose I succeed unlocking, rooting and flashing xposed, can I relock bootloader? I want that because ie AndroidPay needs that to work, and I haven't found any working rootcloack or similar (at least on Note2)
How reliable is 'the most official tool' for xiaomi flashing (from eu.xiaomi.com ?)? I mean can it bring back the dead or revert phone back to where I started, without any trace of tinkering?
As a new xiaomi owner are there any critical things I need to know?
Thanks!
If you flash magisk, which is the best thing ever btw, you won't have to relock bootloader to get Android pay working.
yeyeoke said:
If you flash magisk, which is the best thing ever btw, you won't have to relock bootloader to get Android pay working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I read about that and intend to use it. Though, there might be some issues with magisk and different versions. What features does it have?
So far, need to wait 3 days to unlock bootloader.
Mighty_Ahti said:
Thanks, I read about that and intend to use it. Though, there might be some issues with magisk and different versions.
So far, need to wait 3 days to unlock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using magisk on my Note 3 Pro since release and I've never had an issue. Yes, I got my mix 2 today and I'm also waiting for 3 days..
Mighty_Ahti said:
Hi, my Mix2 arrived few days ago and I find MiUI quite nice, yet lacking few things. Those are easily available via xposed, hence I need to root. I'm also not so lucky in these matters so before I start to tinker with it I'd like to learn few things.
What are least dangerous ways to unlock and root phone? (heard sth about magisk, its quite new for me, haven't been rooting phones for couple years now) Is it good?
Suppose I succeed unlocking, rooting and flashing xposed, can I relock bootloader? I want that because ie AndroidPay needs that to work, and I haven't found any working rootcloack or similar (at least on Note2)
How reliable is 'the most official tool' for xiaomi flashing (from eu.xiaomi.com ?)? I mean can it bring back the dead or revert phone back to where I started, without any trace of tinkering?
As a new xiaomi owner are there any critical things I need to know?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's generally considered to be dangerous to relock a bootloader with anything other than perfectly stock/factory firmware installed. It may be ok to do this technically but it sort of "ties your hands" in some ways after making an unofficial modification and makes it a bit harder to recover from a botched situation.
You can have an unlocked bootloader and still use Android Pay. This can be achieved either with a ROM that is built to accomplish this (Epic ROM is an example of this) or by using Magisk, which allows root without any sort of SafetyNet trip in many cases. I don't believe there's *any* way to install Xposed and also use Android Pay or any other SafetyNet apps...the best alternative if you really want Xposed is to use Magisk and then install the Xposed Magisk module...you still can't pass SafetyNet with this setup but Magisk allows you to disable Xposed if you're willing to uncheck it in the Magisk Manager app and reboot the phone, after which time SafetyNet should pass ok...at least with this setup you'll be able to kind of have your cake and eat it too, though it's not ideal as you'll have to reboot if you want to change the status of Xposed.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-systemless-xposed-t3388268
Thank you for detailed answer. I didn't know that.
flyer_andy said:
the best alternative if you really want Xposed is to use Magisk and then install the Xposed Magisk module...you still can't pass SafetyNet with this setup but Magisk allows you to disable Xposed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried AndroidPay few times past few days and it didn't work at all. Perhaps terminals were not compatibile. So lets say I gave up on AndroidPay - can I use regular Xposed along with Magisk? Or does it have to be that module?
Mighty_Ahti said:
Thank you for detailed answer. I didn't know that.
I tried AndroidPay few times past few days and it didn't work at all. Perhaps terminals were not compatibile. So lets say I gave up on AndroidPay - can I use regular Xposed along with Magisk? Or does it have to be that module?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I think I may be able to help you with the Android Pay issue - my phone didn't work right with Android Pay until I made sure *all* Google apps' permissions were allowed via the Apps menu in Settings (along with "Autostart" via the security app)...and also toggled the NFC setting where it lets you select between "embedded secure element" and "HCE Wallet." It probably is on "HCE Wallet" but try toggling to "embedded secure element" and then back to "HCE Wallet" a couple of times. My Mix 2 would not make a terminal connection until I did this...it would just say "card read error." Seems like a firmware bug. Let me know if that helps!
But yeah if you don't want to use Android Pay then normal Xposed should be fine...you wouldn't need Magisk I don't think. Though, I'm not sure but I think the Magisk Xposed module probably functions the same as normal Xposed so I'm not sure there's an advantage in doing so. But of course it's all about personal preference!
Whoah, I'm still new to xiaomi/android7+ policies, where each app's permissions are reduced to bare minimum (messenger not being able to show notifications for example). I will definitely try this tomorrow.
So far I just managed to unlock BL, flash recovery and install magisk. SafetyNet checks ok. Will try xposed tomorrow after some payments ;D Thanks!
HCE wallet worked for me (I had it set to SIM wallet).
If I understand correctly here is the possible solution to xposed+magisk+androidPay.
I'd need phh's su binaries for that and keep crossing fingers for it to work on 7.1
I need to learn more about that stuff before I break something
So as I was expecting I experience troubles in installing Xposed.
I followed official way as in here And got bootloop.
I removed magisk stuff in recovery and fixed bootloop, then installed v89.0 (not .1) and also bootloop.
Im using SDK25, and miui 9 - 7.1.1 so it should be ok I think
Mighty_Ahti said:
So as I was expecting I experience troubles in installing Xposed.
I followed official way as in here And got bootloop.
I removed magisk stuff in recovery and fixed bootloop, then installed v89.0 (not .1) and also bootloop.
Im using SDK25, and miui 9 - 7.1.1 so it should be ok I think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable hooks from the xposed apps settings before flashing xposed
What hooks? I dont have any modules yet
Mighty_Ahti said:
What hooks? I dont have any modules yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a toggle in the settings under experimental, disable resource hooks
Boot took longer but it works. Thanks! Do I have to keep it on all the time ?
Mighty_Ahti said:
Boot took longer but it works. Thanks! Do I have to keep it on all the time ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, phone won't boot with it on. Don't think it makes much difference anyway
Hi @Mighty_Ahti, how much time was "longer"? it's been loading for over 5 minutes already. Thanks
Certainly below 5 minutes.

New Pixel 2 XL owner, questions concerning OTA updates, unlocked bootloader, etc.

Hi guys, I finally decided to replace my good old Galaxy S7 edge and I came to the conclusion that I wanted, after using Samsung, OnePlus and Sony phones for years, the most streamlined Android experience possible without having to deal with OEM bloat, delayed updates, etc. anymore.
Result: I made the most obvious choice and I got an unlocked white 128GB Pixel 2 XL from the Google Store directly (I can't wait to receive it!).
I have a few questions though...
1) Will unlocking the bootloader alone (without actually rooting the phone) cause OTA updates to fail?
2) It's now possible to root your phone with Magisk without installing a custom Recovery (TWRP). Once installed, Magisk allows you to temporarily restore the stock, unrooted "boot.img". Is it enough for OTA updates to install properly or will they fail as soon as Magisk has been installed, even if the stock boot.img has been restored?
3) Does the Pixel 2 have an "e-fuse" that will get triggered once the bootloader is unlocked that will cause features to not work properly anymore, like on Samsung phones?
4) Any other recommendations or things I should be aware of?
Thanks guys
Only other thing I would read up on is how to work around the whole dual slots "feature" that these Pixel phones have. The last couple times I've tried to update to the latest security update, I get a "your device is corrupt and cannot be trusted" message and the phone won't boot. I end up have to scramble to flash stock boot.img to both slots A and B, flash the factory image to both slots, and hold my breath as to whether or not it's going to work. I wish there was an idiot's guide to updating firmware for this phone. Everyone that posts on this subject has a different opinion on how to do it properly. Going form any given security update rooted with Magisk, how does one update to the next month's firmware, without temporarily bricking the phone or wiping data? I've been unlocking phones and flashing custom roms since before Android was even invented. So I'm no stranger to this stuff, but it has become quite a production to keep up to date with this stuff.
Phazonclash said:
Hi guys, I finally decided to replace my good old Galaxy S7 edge and I came to the conclusion that I wanted, after using Samsung, OnePlus and Sony phones for years, the most streamlined Android experience possible without having to deal with OEM bloat, delayed updates, etc. anymore.
Result: I made the most obvious choice and I got an unlocked white 128GB Pixel 2 XL from the Google Store directly (I can't wait to receive it!).
I have a few questions though...
1) Will unlocking the bootloader alone (without actually rooting the phone) cause OTA updates to fail?
2) It's now possible to root your phone with Magisk without installing a custom Recovery (TWRP). Once installed, Magisk allows you to temporarily restore the stock, unrooted "boot.img". Is it enough for OTA updates to install properly or will they fail as soon as Magisk has been installed, even if the stock boot.img has been restored?
3) Does the Pixel 2 have an "e-fuse" that will get triggered once the bootloader is unlocked that will cause features to not work properly anymore, like on Samsung phones?
3) Any other recommendations or things I should be aware of?
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your questions.....
1. No
2. Yes. But you'll have to unroot and completely uninstall magisk to take the OTA.
3. No
4. There are several guides to explain how to unlock the bootloader, install twrp, kernels, and root. Let me know if you'd like links, or you can search on your own if you'd like. Welcome to the P2XL. We hope you enjoy your stay ??

Oneplus 5t security updates vs custom ROM newbie

Hi I've never wanted to root or custom ROM. I read the instructions and they are pages deep and the issues that come up and are discussed in threads have such confusing back and forth discussions using lingo and abbreviations that make my head spin.
However... Oneplus did their last update on my 5t my fourth oneplus phone... With an already old security update.
Is the only way to not throw away a perfectly working, phone with good Ram and a fairly new battery I paid to have installed just months ago?
If I'm wanting to hold on another year or 2 use the only option custom ROMs that contain security updates?
Is there a way to add security updates without a ROM? Or maybe at least just learn to root and then add just updates or is it only in ROMs?
I could probably happily use my phone as is but worried what effect no security updates really is to my use.
I really tried videos on doing so this myself I'm not comfortable if problems happen. Not very techy.
Any help appreciated
Unfortunately you can no longer get security updates once your device is deemed as old.
Your options will be to get an antivirus app on your phone, install a custom ROM (like LOS or pixel exp), or you can get a new phone.
Since you're new to this stuff I highly recommend you just get a new phone or simply install an antivirus.
Not sure which anti virus is better than which. But I'm confident in Avira, McAfee, and Norton. You may want to purchase their plan though.
Hope I helped.
Thanks alot for the reply. I'll start with an antivirus.
Hello,
I have similar issue, since I would need security patch update to keep running company mails and apps.
I have 2 doubts:
- if I root and install Android 11 custom ROM, security patches will be updated too?
- after this, would I be able to unroot and install company mail apps ( if rooted they will not work) ?
Thanks
Personally I think that your company has put an unfair burden on you to run company mail and apps on your personal phone while expecting you to have an updated phone at the same time. An updated phone should have been "given" to you.
That being said, you can actually flash and run a custom rom without root. Root is optional.
Process is as follows: (you'll need a PC for this)
1. Backup ALL your data
2. Unlock the bootloader
3. Install custom recovery and reboot to recovery
4. Wipe cache & system and format internal memory
5. Copy custom rom & gapps to internal memory
6. Flash custom rom & gapps and reboot system
miloinodense said:
Hello,
I have similar issue, since I would need security patch update to keep running company mails and apps.
I have 2 doubts:
- if I root and install Android 11 custom ROM, security patches will be updated too?
- after this, would I be able to unroot and install company mail apps ( if rooted they will not work) ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if you install custom ROM you'll have security updates. It doesn't have to be Android 11 and you don't need root to install a custom ROM.
Also make sure to follow a precise guide about it so you don't encounter any issues. Always make a backup even if you're 100% sure you won't need it.
As far as I know mail apps don't check the integrity or do a SafetyNet check, so even if you root or don't it will work fine.
If you mean banking apps then you can install some modules to bypass the check or just completely remove root. Assuming that you rooted the device.
It shows my lack of knowledge never ever did I think you could Flash a ROM without being rooted.
Thanks
I successfully installed custom ROM w/o root.
But regarding company mail apps, I would need to hide bootloader unlocked status.
maybe it's impossible, if someone has a good idea...
miloinodense said:
I successfully installed custom ROM w/o root.
But regarding company mail apps, I would need to hide bootloader unlocked status.
maybe it's impossible, if someone has a good idea...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My banking apps working fine without root with crdroid 7.3 and flamegapps. Might work for your company mail app too.
Some roms readily hide bootloader status
Thanks for the hint, but these company mails apps are checking security patch date too. Last available for oneplus 5t are September 2020, and no further support from oneplus.
miloinodense said:
Thanks for the hint, but these company mails apps are checking security patch date too. Last available for oneplus 5t are September 2020, and no further support from oneplus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hence that's why the burden should be on the company to provide the "up to date" phone
miloinodense said:
Thanks for the hint, but these company mails apps are checking security patch date too. Last available for oneplus 5t are September 2020, and no further support from oneplus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's why the burden should be on the company to provide the "up to date" phone
miloinodense said:
Thanks for the hint, but these company mails apps are checking security patch date too. Last available for oneplus 5t are September 2020, and no further support from oneplus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you change build.prop to some other phone with recent security patches you can bypass this.
XDHx86 said:
I think if you change build.prop to some other phone with recent security patches you can bypass this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today, I was thinking that this could be good way.
Root, change build.prop, and then unroot.
If you have a link for a good tutorial on change bulid.prop would be nice, thanks.
miloinodense said:
Today, I was thinking that this could be good way.
Root, change build.prop, and then unroot.
If you have a link for a good tutorial on change bulid.prop would be nice, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just for update:
I tried to Root a stock ROM, edit build.prop (security patch date), unroot, and then lock bootloader.
But even if it was a stock ROM, OP5T was not booting.
Booloader was stopping boot since it was detecting a non-stock ROM.
Indeed, I had to unbrick OP5T since I was not possible to unlock bootloader.
So, still not solved
miloinodense said:
Just for update:
I tried to Root a stock ROM, edit build.prop (security patch date), unroot, and then lock bootloader.
But even if it was a stock ROM, OP5T was not booting.
Booloader was stopping boot since it was detecting a non-stock ROM.
Indeed, I had to unbrick OP5T since I was not possible to unlock bootloader.
So, still not solved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just edit build.prop and use magisk hide module from magisk manager.
XDHx86 said:
Just edit build.prop and use magisk hide module from magisk manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit build.prop w/o root and unlock bootloader is not possible...
Moreover, hiding root will not work with more recent android updates and for sure it will not hide unlock bootloader.
miloinodense said:
Edit build.prop w/o root and unlock bootloader is not possible...
Moreover, hiding root will not work with more recent android updates and for sure it will not hide unlock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I assumed you would know that you should root first. But seeing you even attempted to lock bootloader after modifying the device, seems I assumed wrong.
Magisk hide is working fine on later android versions like 8+. And for the bootloader it only trips CTS if your bootloader is using hardware backed key - Which is the case with OP5 - as CTS check also has hardware attestation. But it is possible to bypass said check by using SafetyNet Fix module, of course you will also install that from magisk manager.

Is it worth to root your Samsung Galaxy S10+

Hello,
Yesterday, I successfully rooted my Samsung Galaxy S10+. But since I still had some questions about it, I went on and posted a thread here. User Spaceminer then pointed out that my original post was in the wrong subforum and linked me here. Naturally, I looked at some of the most popular posts in hopes to find answers to my questions. But what I found confused me more than it gave me answers.
Since 2014 with the Samsung Galaxy S5 I got used to rooting in order to disable bloatware, protect my data and customize my phone. I continued doing that with the S8+ until I recently got my hands on the S10. Now, my main reason for rooting are still the same; I want disable (not necessarily uninstall) bloatware, protect my privacy and customize my phone (such as changing the background of the dial when calling someone). But that thread made me wonder if it is even essential to root. I also found a similar post on reddit and most answers seem to agree that it is not necessary to root your phones.
Now, my situation is a bit different. For one, I already rooted my phone. Second, I don't care about warranty nor custom ROMs. But I do want to install a banking app. Also, it is a bit cumbersome to not only have to manually update your phone with every update but the booting requirements with the warning screen are also a bit annoying. So, my question is the following:
What are the advantages of rooting that are not possible without? I have 3 main concerns: Bloatware, Privacy and Customization.
The reason why I posted this in a separate threat is that I was not able to come to a definitive conclusion on my own and most discussion threads are over a year old. By now, the whole process of rooting and what is possible changed since then, so I want to get a more recent insight. I hope you can help me out.
With kind regards,
DasMalzbier
Tbh root is not needed, unless you want to use a custom rom. Most things are already in the android now.
Calyx os not make for samsung Galaxy series and 12 update also comes this year so i think rooting is unnecessary for s10 series
Root is 100%, absolutely necessary for using the phone. I cannot use any phone without it. Critical root-only capabilities:
full system backups (in twrp)
titanium backup
disable updates permanently (update ONLY when want to)
app freezers (app quarantine)
disable/remove bloatware
disable google play services/google play
automate/tasker
cf lumen
adblockers
wifi tether
busybox
superuser
ssh tunnel
update android to later version / install custom roms
optimize system
button mapper
custom theming / substratum
nav gestures
tidypanel
xposed
root explorer
app privacy customizations
3c all-in-one toolbox
more
Without root, the phone is unusable to me. I will never buy any phone without root capability. I am willing to go to different carriers just to get root on the device, or go to different manufacturers if root is blocked. For example, I will never buy a huawei device - they are locked.
I would like to say yes but I can't. the stock apps are very well designed.
The biggest concern is that custom Roms are released faster than modded apps.
For example I tried about ten GCAMs and all of them have a bug... and it becomes more complicated with Exynos.
OpenGcam is not worth samsung app.
Unable to get voice match to work.
Alarms that you can't set to a specific day with the google app.
And so on.
Root is useful when the manufacturer no longer updates the devices.
I regret having Root mine because I lost Samsung Pay and other things.
DemotionFR said:
I would like to say yes but I can't. the stock apps are very well designed.
The biggest concern is that custom Roms are released faster than modded apps.
For example I tried about ten GCAMs and all of them have a bug... and it becomes more complicated with Exynos.
OpenGcam is not worth samsung app.
Unable to get voice match to work.
Alarms that you can't set to a specific day with the google app.
And so on.
Root is useful when the manufacturer no longer updates the devices.
I regret having Root mine because I lost Samsung Pay and other things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only one that would have any consequence of rooting is Samsung Pay.
xbt- said:
Root is 100%, absolutely necessary for using the phone. I cannot use any phone without it. Critical root-only capabilities:
full system backups (in twrp)
titanium backup
disable updates permanently (update ONLY when want to)
app freezers (app quarantine)
disable/remove bloatware
disable google play services/google play
automate/tasker
cf lumen
adblockers
wifi tether
busybox
superuser
ssh tunnel
update android to later version / install custom roms
optimize system
button mapper
custom theming / substratum
nav gestures
tidypanel
xposed
root explorer
app privacy customizations
3c all-in-one toolbox
more
Without root, the phone is unusable to me. I will never buy any phone without root capability. I am willing to go to different carriers just to get root on the device, or go to different manufacturers if root is blocked. For example, I will never buy a huawei device - they are locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you carrier /network unlock with the root >?
NickosD said:
Tbh root is not needed, unless you want to use a custom rom. Most things are already in the android now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, even if you wanna use custom rom you don't need to root. Just pick the rom with the apps you want or just use the gapps packages you want, if want essential to work gapps then use pico or nano. If there is still something you want to remove and the romdoesn't allow, just use adb shell commands and thats it. Less issues with banks not working because of Magisk (root). I know Magisk has a feature to hide itself, change its name but depending on the app, the libs can be found and know that is Magisk, so for security purposes some apps don't work and some aren't even shown in the Google Play Store just because you rooted the device.
logandavid said:
maybe now the root is not needed but later down the road when your phone will get obsolete and newer android OS updates will be halted for S10+ then you'll be more attracted towards custom roms. Actually it is just personal preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's happening right now, I doubt S10+ will receive Android 13 and now just security and bug fix updates are being shipped by Samsung.
Haknor said:
It's happening right now, I doubt S10+ will receive Android 13 and now just security and bug fix updates are being shipped by Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't get any new Android upgrades AFAIK.
But appart from tripping knox, what else do I lose if I unlock my bootloader? I read once, quite a while ago, that the battery is limited to 80% of its full capacity. Is that true?
io_gh0st said:
It won't get any new Android upgrades AFAIK.
But appart from tripping knox, what else do I lose if I unlock my bootloader? I read once, quite a while ago, that the battery is limited to 80% of its full capacity. Is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the version, you'll notice stock camera to be limited or not work as expected, secure folder, dual messenger either not working, it can trigger some banks or payment apps (especially if you root), no more ota updates (if you keep using stock rom), drm content can stop working, samsung pay, Play Store might limited the apps you see and so on... Not sure about the battery, for me unlocking the bootloader and switching to another rom made my battery last more than stock, but it depends on the rom, the device, it's not a rule of thumb.

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