Root without wipe? - LG G8 Questions & Answers

Time to retire my TMO G8, but I've been using it unrooted for years, because it wasnt available when i first got the phone. Ive been out of the scene since the G6, so im not sure what a lot of the common tools are, TWRP i know, but whats a firehose? Basically, I want to be able to take a full backup of my app data, ideally using titanium backup, but ill take what i can get, as long as it dosent involve a device wipe. do i have any options?

ZeikHunter said:
Time to retire my TMO G8, but I've been using it unrooted for years, because it wasnt available when i first got the phone. Ive been out of the scene since the G6, so im not sure what a lot of the common tools are, TWRP i know, but whats a firehose? Basically, I want to be able to take a full backup of my app data, ideally using titanium backup, but ill take what i can get, as long as it dosent involve a device wipe. do i have any options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, look at this thread for discussion re backup non root device. It's in the Sammy forums but much of it is relevant to any non root device.
I'd ask though, what did you plan on using root for? You need Magisk to get root, and normally when it's installed data has to be wiped and you flash dm-verity to now have unencrypted data partition. If you don't do that, data will remain encrypted and inaccessible (except by the device of course).
a 'firehose' file is used by qfil to access the low level / partitions of the device. It's a signed file specific for an individual device. It's a somewhat rare thing to have, as it gives you pretty much full access to the device, without root.
but using qfil to backup your user data partition, would result in a huge file, maybe like 80 gig or so, and, it's encrypted, so it basically doesn't have any value to do that?

Related

[Q] Root Time!

Well my G2 is still very fast but now I think its time for it to follow my G1s "root"s. I am going to root this phone after I find out whether or not if:
My G2's current apps and info will still be on my phone after I root?
What app is a good enough to back up my phone completely?
What information will I lose if I do root?
Seems a little bit different rooting than the G1, I see many parts where some may get confused...
Blackman778g said:
Well my G2 is still very fast but now I think its time for it to follow my G1s "root"s. I am going to root this phone after I find out whether or not if:
My G2's current apps and info will still be on my phone after I root?
What app is a good enough to back up my phone completely?
What information will I lose if I do root?
Seems a little bit different rooting than the G1, I see many parts where some may get confused...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to simply root, all you're doing is adding the Superuser Whitelist and modifying the /system folder a bit. No wipe required unless you flash a custom ROM, in which case you can use Titanium Backup.
blackknightavalon said:
If you're going to simply root, all you're doing is adding the Superuser Whitelist and modifying the /system folder a bit. No wipe required unless you flash a custom ROM, in which case you can use Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright now it sounds clear to me, thanks for the help.

[Q] Newb questions about rooting/roms

So i have an HTC Evo with the latest OTA update 3.70.651.1. Completely stock, non rooted. I know very little about both rooting and roms other then what i quickly went over in a few Q&A's here.
Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom? if so what does this accomplish?
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Thanks
Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to root to do this.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. Thats what I do. The only reason I rooted was for wireless tether, and titanium backup. Other than that, I didnt want another rom, I love the stock one.
if so what does this accomplish?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what you just asked for in the previous paragraph.
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. There is ALWAYS a risk when doing anything in life, and rooting your phone in no different. However, it is actually quite difficult to completely brick your phone. Most of the time, if you follow the directions, you will be fine. But if you do screw up, you can usually just flash a stock ruu and redo it.
Thanks for the information. Is there anything the free version of titanium backup doesnt backup? What does a nandroid backup save?
Also will rooting alone allow me to delete any app on the phone?
Lastly what would be the recommended way for someone new like me to root my phone (or resources i can use to pick a method)? Is there a way to restore my phone back to stock if i need to?
Thanks again. As i ask these questions im also digging into the forums looking for specific answers
Hey welcome to XDA.
I don't know when you received your phone, but it seems very brand new to me, I would say your best luck is to try to look for the details of your main specs in your phone, when you start to root your phone, you look for instructions here to setup properly on How to do the root process with the same exact phone detail specs of it.
I was rooted with an older OTA at first, but I see these new OTAs are up on new EVOs but It's kinda fishy to think of how to root it with the latest OTA on the old leet legit methods that toastcfh had...you know...The Manual Professional way, without the risk of bricking your phone completely, if you had the chance to root successfully with idiot proof instructions, I say that was quite a day for me then.
Actually ive had my Evo since release, ive just been too scared to risk bricking it til now lol.
i currently have:
hboot 2.10
software 3.70.651.1
hardware 0002
i took down some other info but idk if it matters for rooting directions.
So far from my searches it appears the only option for hboot 2.10 + 3.70.651.1 is a pretty lengthy/difficult for beginners method. Is that accurate?
Also my primary concern is deleting bloatware/included apps, does rooting alone allow me to delete these?
Also none of the guides ive seen detail how to backup your phone before the root, is there an easy way to make like a backup image of the stock stuff + data,sms,phone log, etc?
Thanks again everyone, still digging but your help will make it go much more smoothly
So ive pretty much discovered that my 2 options are do it the "hard" way or wait for unrevoked to update their stuff for the newest evo software/hboot. Im probably going to wait.
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Does the stock rom support netfilter?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Thanks again
ctbenk said:
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To delete apps, you will want to use Titanium Backup. After removing stock apps, some of them still stay indexed, so you will need to boot to recovery and wipe your cache and dalvik to clear them from the apps list.
You won't be able to use the built-in wireless tether to tether unless you flash a new rom that unlocked that feature. Once rooted, there is a an app on the market called Wireless Tether for Root Users that will accomplish what you are looking for.
Titanium Backup will also allow you to backup your apps and data so that in the event you do flash a new rom, you can restore them without losing anything.
Titanium Backup is designed to backup your apps and data, Nandroid(recovery) will backup your entire ROM, so if you do flash a new rom, you can always revert back to your stock setup exactly how you left it.
OTA updates will always break your root, but at the same time don't offer much in the terms of upgrading. Plus 90% of the time the dev's here release a rooted version of the OTA update very shortly after it goes live.

Unlock HTC One (M8) bootloader without data loss

I was wondering if it's possible to unlock the bootloader of my HTC One M8 without losing data. I've read HTCDev's route but that wipes the phone. I've gotten upto a point. I just need to unlock it. I've done all the identifier token stuff so I just need to unlock. If anyone has a method (free method) to unlock the bootloader without data loss, please tell me.
Can't be done.
Backup your data, then restore it after the bootloader unlock.
There are a variety of methods to backup data (Gmail to backup contacts, Helium app, copy to computer or SD, lots more), so there really is no excuse to be running around without your personal data backed up (if that is the case).
Data loss can happen anytime (not just unlocking the bootloader). And waiting for a disaster then asking "how do I recover my data" is not the right way to go about things.
Um, if you are willing to shell out $25 and go S-off, you can. In fact, Sunshine leaves your bootloader unlocked as part of the process.
Of course, this isn't free (you have to use Sunshine), and for some variants of the phone King Root is required (and a pain the backside) However, there is a way to do what you are asking.
However, I can't disagree with the idea that you should be making backups anyway, and since you already have a token, it's not like you are saving much at this point by not just unlocking the traditional way and restoring your backups.
redpoint73 said:
Backup your data, then restore it after the bootloader unlock.
There are a variety of methods to backup data (Gmail to backup contacts, Helium app, copy to computer or SD, lots more), so there really is no excuse to be running around without your personal data backed up (if that is the case).
Data loss can happen anytime (not just unlocking the bootloader). And waiting for a disaster then asking "how do I recover my data" is not the right way to go about things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I backed up my stuff and unlocked without problem. Problem now is HTC Sync doesn't want to talk to my phone. It gives me a popup saying "This device needs a newer verison of HTC Sync". Im on the latest version but nothing works. I also made an ADB Backup and am slowly resolving the apps it gets stuck on like Fitbit and "com.google.quicksearchbox"
Some posts on this page may help you:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/t-htc-one/366764-trouble-syncing-phone-htc-sync-manager.html
Sent from my HTC One M8 using XDA Free mobile app
c5satellite2 said:
Some posts on this page may help you:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/t-htc-one/366764-trouble-syncing-phone-htc-sync-manager.html
Sent from my HTC One M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help but after I posted this I unlocked, installed TWRP and installed CM12.1.
redpoint73 said:
Backup your data, then restore it after the bootloader unlock.
There are a variety of methods to backup data (Gmail to backup contacts, Helium app, copy to computer or SD, lots more), so there really is no excuse to be running around without your personal data backed up (if that is the case).
Data loss can happen anytime (not just unlocking the bootloader). And waiting for a disaster then asking "how do I recover my data" is not the right way to go about things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About what you said, I made a backup and then had to restore my HTC M8 running Android 5. Of course I had recover my apps but not my pictures, they are in Google Photos now but not on my phone.
chapita said:
About what you said, I made a backup and then had to restore my HTC M8 running Android 5. Of course I had recover my apps but not my pictures, they are in Google Photos now but not on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure of the point of this post. Is there a question here? Or just sharing your personal experience?
redpoint73 said:
Not sure of the point of this post. Is there a question here? Or just sharing your personal experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point is that despite making a backup using the Google account I wasn't able to recover my pictures from the memory card. Clearly I misunderstood the "backup concept" here.
Saying that you have two choices here: one of them is to tell me that there is a way (if there is) to recover my pictures from the phone which will become my post a question and myself a happy man. The other one is to leave the post as it is. In that case, it will be just a personal experience.
chapita said:
The point is that despite making a backup using the Google account I wasn't able to recover my pictures from the memory card. Clearly I misunderstood the "backup concept" here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you misunderstood. Backing up using Google isn't going to save or allow you to recovery anything from the "memory card".
chapita said:
tell me that there is a way (if there is) to recover my pictures from the phone which will become my post a question and myself a happy man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "memory card"? Do you mean internal memory, or the removable SD?

M8 dual sim - MM - Root

Hi,
With so much information around, I think I'm just a little lost.
I have the HTC M8 DualSim (international version) and recently got the Marshmallow update via OTA.
I really need to get rid of the bloatware and hence require Root access.
Problem -> everywhere I read, it says 1st unlock the boot loader , which will wipe all data.
I need to keep all the data as-is and my paranoia won't let me backup everything to HTC's backup
any solutions please?
(the phone is very much stock, no changes made to anything)
Thanks!
There are numerous ways to backup your personal data. You should never rely on it being solely on the phone, if that data is important to you. Even without unlocking the bootloader, there is always a chance of random device failure or other causes of partial or complete data loss.
redpoint73 said:
There are numerous ways to backup your personal data. You should never rely on it being solely on the phone, if that data is important to you. Even without unlocking the bootloader, there is always a chance of random device failure or other causes of partial or complete data loss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you @redpoint73
I do backup my all my data to the pc quite often.
Just wondering if there was a way to root without data loss.
Would be great if you could point me in the right direction please
aliyawar said:
Just wondering if there was a way to root without data loss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is a current way to do that. Unless kingroot works on MM.

Rooting - What backlashes to expect?

I have a Samsung Tab S 10.5 (T805) that I'm about to root, and I've been reading through this forum and other places a few hours a day for almost 2 weeks, and still am unsure about a couple of things....
1.) Is there any good source to read about tripping Knox. Perhaps tripping Knox wont matter, but all I see everywhere is that tripping Knox will only void warranty and disable some samsung apps... But thats where it ends... No information about if it will wipe data or perhaps put the device in a boot loop, or something worse...
Can anyone point me to a good source that will perhaps make it more clear why I will care (or wont care) about tripping Knox? If its really only about some samsung apps and warranty I wont care at all, but bootloops, lockdowns, wiped data partitions is on a whole other level..
2.) Is there any good way to make a backup without root? .....This seems to be a Catch-22, since many guides I read about rooting recommend making a backup with Titanium Backup before Rooting because of the risk of getting the data partition wiped. However Titanium requires root to make a proper backup, so it really points to directions in circles.... The most important data to keep on this device is the kids progress/high scores (several years) in different games, and their chatlogs in different social apps (which dont have cloud backup).
3.) Is there any good source to read about if Rooting will wipe the data partition. I've read that if the boot loader is changed, most likely the data partition will be wiped. How would I know if this will happen?.... I have a [email protected] 6.0.1 (Exynos) thats newer been rooted or tweaked before, and have no idea if this "wiping of partitions" is to be expected for all first time rooters.
I really wish there were some topics called "Tripping Knox - What will happen", and "Will Rooting wipe my data? - case by case" and "How to properly backup without a rooted device", but I cant seem to find anything reliable.
I''m new here, but I've been reading this forum from time to time, ever since I tried NITdroid on my old Nokia N900.
DNA.hashfail said:
I have a Samsung Tab S 10.5 (T805) that I'm about to root, and I've been reading through this forum and other places a few hours a day for almost 2 weeks, and still am unsure about a couple of things....
1.) Is there any good source to read about tripping Knox. Perhaps tripping Knox wont matter, but all I see everywhere is that tripping Knox will only void warranty and disable some samsung apps... But thats where it ends... No information about if it will wipe data or perhaps put the device in a boot loop, or something worse...
Can anyone point me to a good source that will perhaps make it more clear why I will care (or wont care) about tripping Knox? If its really only about some samsung apps and warranty I wont care at all, but bootloops, lockdowns, wiped data partitions is on a whole other level..
2.) Is there any good way to make a backup without root? .....This seems to be a Catch-22, since many guides I read about rooting recommend making a backup with Titanium Backup before Rooting because of the risk of getting the data partition wiped. However Titanium requires root to make a proper backup, so it really points to directions in circles.... The most important data to keep on this device is the kids progress/high scores (several years) in different games, and their chatlogs in different social apps (which dont have cloud backup).
3.) Is there any good source to read about if Rooting will wipe the data partition. I've read that if the boot loader is changed, most likely the data partition will be wiped. How would I know if this will happen?.... I have a [email protected] 6.0.1 (Exynos) thats newer been rooted or tweaked before, and have no idea if this "wiping of partitions" is to be expected for all first time rooters.
I really wish there were some topics called "Tripping Knox - What will happen", and "Will Rooting wipe my data? - case by case" and "How to properly backup without a rooted device", but I cant seem to find anything reliable.
I''m new here, but I've been reading this forum from time to time, ever since I tried NITdroid on my old Nokia N900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't fret. You can always flash stock if anything goes wrong and reset the knox counter
zombolt said:
Don't fret. You can always flash stock if anything goes wrong and reset the knox counter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, thats good to know.
But how about point number 2.. Making a sufficient backup without root?
Is that possible, or will I lose chatlogs, game progress, and other app related data, if things go wrong?
Sorry about freting, but all these tons of guides and posts ive read these weeks regarding rooting leave out how to making a solid backup.. Call-logs and SMS is non existent on this device, but all the other apps data is important.
You could use titanium to make a nandroid backup. but I'm not sure if that works going between touchwiz to aosp roms.
I'm not a developer. I just follow the directions in the threads and have never had any problems
zombolt said:
You could use titanium to make a nandroid backup. but I'm not sure if that works going between touchwiz to aosp roms.
I'm not a developer. I just follow the directions in the threads and have never had any problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I think nandroid backup is impossible before rooting though. Catch 22...
I will not change ROM, The only reason for rooting this particular device is to get the "Screen shift" app to lower resolution in games to 720p. Samsung Exynos 5 Octa (5420) GPU is too old for full resolution in games.

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