BIG QUESTION:
I have not turned on Sprint service on the phone yet and was wondering if Sprint will detect if the phone has been rooted before I try to activate it and then not allow me to activate it?? I am basically wondering if I should wait to root the phone till after I activate it, because I don't want Sprint to ban it, but I also don't want all that bloatware on it either.
Background:
I have kept "feature/dumb phones" ever since I've had Sprint and I've been with the consecutively for more than 10 years with the same "plan" that gives me free 3G internet, but times are changing and while my plan is perfect for me (price and everything else balanced) I'm finally giving in to the data and bandwidth Gods. I find it a shame Sprint or other carriers don't provide a toolkit to customize their phones to how people want them and for the most part I just want my smartphone to be "barely smart" and mostly just a NICE phone with broadband convenience. I don't want to live so plugged in all the time, so a custom ROM seems right.
I have held out for a very long time on getting a smart phone. I don't change phones, but every 4-5 years. I bought a HTC EVO Shift 4G used with a slightly cracked screen (on the edge) and have refurbished it with a new screen and new circuit chip/ribbon cable and I've got it all working nicely now. I'm rockin an old Samsung Rant (slider) and honestly I think sliders are dying, but as long as I can use one I always will.
I have been teaching myself how to root my phone through various posts (the whole past week) on this web site and the only thing I've found that will temproot my HTC Evo Shift is Visionary+ and I had to install it manually since the PLAY market doesn't have it anymore. I'm working on getting through all the various instructions to permanent root it. Then I was gonna load JustWorksTechnology's ROM v2 and hopefully like it and use it bloatware free.
Lastly - I have temprooted the phone, and even then I don't see the option to remove the bloatware apps when I go to manage applications in the regular menu system. Do I find a bloatware/root uninstaller type app, once I'm temprooted, to remove this stuff if I wanted to stick to the stock ROM and just get the bloatware off it? or how else is removing stock apps from a stock ROM accomplished?
FYI - I've gotten rom manager/clockwordmod recovery on it, but I realized before trying that I can't even do a backup ROM to "start the ROM experimentation process" without having full permanent root privileges first.
Sorry if this was a little long. Just figured I'd introduce my highly technical Android and PC freedom forever - SELF. 1st post on this site. Yes, I actually did watch the NOOB video.
To get rid of bloatware you need a root explorer or something like Titanium Backup. Just be aware deleting it may cause issues when trying to get OTA updates.
And there's no way for Sprint to detect root.
Sent from my Droid using xda app-developers app
About detecting a root
Well if Sprint would be able to detect a root at all, then activating a phone or not, it would be detected.
You can either detect a root, or not detect a root.
And to answer your question; "Can I uninstall bloatware from my stock ROM?"
I was about to give a "no", but then I realized something. If you root and use your stock ROM, you can download Titanium Backup (app in the Playstore) and the app will let you delete bloatware. Only if rooted though, obviously.
Yes ofcourse, ROOT ALL
Welcome to "Rooting community
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Posting to root or not to root on XDA is like saying should we legalize weed at a weed distribution center, Anyways you are ONLY gaining functionality by having root and really not losing anything.
I love the responses. lol thanks everyone. Well, then I guess activating a ROOTED phone on Sprint shouldn't be an issue. Thats what I needed to know.
1. Well, then what remains is what ROM is best for my SHIFT. Anyone got experience with the JustWorksTechnology one that has very recently been updated? or recommendations of any certain ROM?
2. Do these ROMS include all the default menu system that comes on the phone or do they do away with that as well?
IE: I know the main purpose is of a ROM is to get rid of bloatware and gain performance and a few added features, but will I be missing any normal parts of the menu system that are normally there or do I get all that too with the Android OS?
3. Whats a good Android emulator for me to play around with ROMs before loading it to my phone?
You're activating it over the air right, not taking it into the store to have it added to your account? If you're doing it yourself or having them do it over the phone you're good, but if this is something you bought from someone else and have to get put on your line in-store then you don't want to root until after they have it in the system.
MissionImprobable said:
To get rid of bloatware you need a root explorer or something like Titanium Backup. Just be aware deleting it may cause issues when trying to get OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, Titanium Backup (and the like) can't remove bloatware unless you are rooted right?
What type of OTA updates would cause issues? PRI, PRL, Firmware, etc.. ?
I figure you are just saying if it tries to update something that isn't there, there could be issues right?
What the issue could be with a used phone is a bad ESN.
Sent from my xt862 using xda app-developers app
Cheers!
Congrats! Always fun learning something new. Personally I started off rooting with a previously water damaged HTC MyTouch 3G Slide. I eventually ended up with 3 altogether, and as these phones required repair I turned to the XDA community. I couldn't be happier with learning all the in's and out's of working with Android, the various phone producers and the different cell phone companies. So, Cheers! Wish you the best of luck.
Rooting before activation?
Hello,
I'm am going to take advantage of Sprint's Black Friday promotion to get an SG3 for my partner. He's not very technical but I'd prefer to root his phone so that he can take advantage of Titanium Backup. Do I need to activate the phone prior to rooting it or can I root it first? I know I have to turn it on and enable USB debugging mode. I want to say that when I got my E4GT, I had to activate it before doing anything on the phone.
Is there a non-root method for backup that will back up app data and not require a connection to the computer? I looked at the Ultimate Backup Tool, but it appears to require a USB connection to a computer to work. I like the simplicity of TiB.
Thanks
cajunlibra said:
Hello,
I'm am going to take advantage of Sprint's Black Friday promotion to get an SG3 for my partner. He's not very technical but I'd prefer to root his phone so that he can take advantage of Titanium Backup. Do I need to activate the phone prior to rooting it or can I root it first? I know I have to turn it on and enable USB debugging mode. I want to say that when I got my E4GT, I had to activate it before doing anything on the phone.
Is there a non-root method for backup that will back up app data and not require a connection to the computer? I looked at the Ultimate Backup Tool, but it appears to require a USB connection to a computer to work. I like the simplicity of TiB.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the phone and it should arrive next week. Do I have to activate the phone before rooting it? This would just be a rooted stock JB ROM. Giving him anything else will confuse the hell out of him. If you think not rooting it is better, what would be the best way to backup app data, etc? I haven't really found any non-rooted backup solutions that don't require connecting to a computer. Once rooted, will he have to ignore all OTA updates as well?
Root all your life
Inviato dal mio Desire HD con Tapatalk 2
OTA Block
MissionImprobable said:
To get rid of bloatware you need a root explorer or something like Titanium Backup. Just be aware deleting it may cause issues when trying to get OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are ways to block OTA updates, thus preventing root issues. From when I was researching root for my Motorola Droid X2 last summer, if your phone receives an OTA update and you froze/removed system apps it can brick your phone.
Looking back on that, I question "brick". You can probably still SBF, although probably won't keep your data.
cajunlibra said:
:
Originally Posted by cajunlibra
Hello,
I'm am going to take advantage of Sprint's Black Friday promotion to get an SG3 for my partner. He's not very technical but I'd prefer to root his phone so that he can take advantage of Titanium Backup. Do I need to activate the phone prior to rooting it or can I root it first? I know I have to turn it on and enable USB debugging mode. I want to say that when I got my E4GT, I had to activate it before doing anything on the phone.
Is there a non-root method for backup that will back up app data and not require a connection to the computer? I looked at the Ultimate Backup Tool, but it appears to require a USB connection to a computer to work. I like the simplicity of TiB.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the phone and it should arrive next week. Do I have to activate the phone before rooting it? This would just be a rooted stock JB ROM. Giving him anything else will confuse the hell out of him. If you think not rooting it is better, what would be the best way to backup app data, etc? I haven't really found any non-rooted backup solutions that don't require connecting to a computer. Once rooted, will he have to ignore all OTA updates as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone help me with this? The phone is expected to arrive either Wed or Thurs and I'll be heading out of town to see him on Saturday.
Related
Resolved: see post below.
Hi there, I'm really writing this hoping that maybe someone knows a fix for my problem and as a warning for why renaming system/apps with .bak is a silly idea when you can just do it via titanium or something similar.
About the device
Phone is a bell model, rooted but running the stock rom. I froze a bunch of apps with titantium (the smart way) but also added the .bak extension to some apps in the system/app folder.. I can't remember which ones but evidently important ones.
Everything was fine until today when an app I sideloaded caused my phone to go into a boot loop. I've been fighting with wakelock issues lately so I figured it wasn't a big deal to pop into the android recovery and do a factory restart. Problem is, some of the apps I added the .bak extension to are needed via the setup.
Problem I'm having
I can boot the phone fine and get to the blur setup screen which I can bypass as well. Problem is, once I skip the screen I immediately get a force close, and instead of taking me to the home screen, it goes back to the blur setup screen. I tried the keyboard shortcut bypass method which also works fine, but renders the phone useless since I can't access any menus, etc. It's just a black screen with the notification bar at the top. Horrah!
Long story short:
I can't enable usb debugging unless there is a way to sneak into the settings menu from the emergency call screen
Bell doesn't have a stock rom available
I can't re-root and fix my problem via adb because I can't turn on debug mode.
GAH!
Anyways, I'm pretty screwed. What are my choices?
I can return it to bell and hope they don't notice my giant gaff, flash an aftermarket rom and lose any warrenty I might have (I'm pretty toast now anyways) or buy a replacement phone.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated
- Kate
OMG
my heart had literally stopped beating for the past hour until I remember reading somewhere that you could text message a link to a replacement launcher hosted on dropbox.
OMG
Problem solved, phone is working.. I think.
Lesson for today kids: Do not mess with things you're not totally 100% sure about. Also, don't screw around with work phones. You need them to stay employed. Bricks don't keep you employed.
Flashing after market software shouldn't void your warrenty. I've sent in a few self bricked phones to bell.
Try early USB enumeration mode for ADB access
sent from my Atrix via XDA premium
marko! said:
Flashing after market software shouldn't void your warrenty. I've sent in a few self bricked phones to bell.
Try early USB enumeration mode for ADB access
sent from my Atrix via XDA premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I have sent 2 of my atrixs back to at&t both were unlocked and rooted
No questions asked not on extra doller spent I love insurance its worth 5 dollers a month to me + my phones were both bricked by apps in the android market
that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
marko! said:
Flashing after market software shouldn't void your warrenty. I've sent in a few self bricked phones to bell.
Try early USB enumeration mode for ADB access
sent from my Atrix via XDA premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that work even if usb debugging is off? If so, that's fantastic! I'll keep that in mind next time I'm in a horrible jam.
It wasn't market apps though that was my concern though... rather it was messing with system/apps and build.prop that had me concerned. Any wise tech would know that my problems weren't caused by some error on Motorola's part, but rather a silly girl who's breaking things from within.
Thanks though
I once told the **tech repairs specialist** that I bricked my phone installing a custom rom and got asked " what kind of customer was on the phone?"
Try and find NFHimselfs atrix mods apk it will help a lot
sent from my Atrix via XDA premium
So, I decided to finally root. Frankly, I've been happy, for the most part, with the stock UI, and my main reason for rooting is to not pay Sprint for the rare but helpful times I want to use the WiFi Hotspot (and can actually get a strong enough data connection).
So, I tried Towelroot (just google it and you will find it easily and there is a QR Code on screen). It was simple, untethered, WAY faster than any root experience I have ever had, and simply said, "if your phone reboots, it didn't work. Well, it worked. I loaded the usual suspects (SU, Busybox, Root Checker, TWRP manager). I also found that LG has a rather utilitarian stock recovery mode it boots into, that seems to do the job, despite not being as pretty as TWRP or even Clockwormod. And, since I'm not flashing another ROM, this really doesn't matter right now.
I then surfed for a WiFi tethering apk, knowing that it has been a while since any worked reliably, but I wanted to try before I bothered to install a custom ROM, to accomplish this purpose.
I found WiFi Tether TrevE Mod and loaded it, and low-and-behold, it worked! So, while I realize this is not exciting for most, I now have a rooted Sprint LG G2, running the stock Android 4.4.2, with the aforementioned WiFi Tether TrevE Mod doing the job.
I mention all this in case anyone else, like me, is bored and wants a simple, easy, untethered root methodology, so they can get FREE WiFi Tethering and maybe some other root functionality out of their apps.
I have also read that the LG G2 has a built in "Root Counter", though, frankly, this sounds like a lot of hooey. There should be no way to tell if a device was every rooted once it is returned to it's unrooted state. But, I was willing to take the risk. If anyone wants to comment on this, please feel free.
Hope this is helpful to someone.
Okay, so, yes, I know to use the Search function, but alas all information is either outdated or there is no concise answers / solutions to be found. Trust me, I have scoured.
Overview: Okay so Thursday I bought an SGH-i337, being the nerd that I am knowing that I use MetroPCS (can't beat unlimited 4G LTE for $60) I scoured the net and researched ALL models of the S4 and G3. Decided the screen size of the G3 too big coming from a 5C. Decided Sprint's version might work, but not on 4G. Verizon, would switch from LTE to 2G with no 3G support, so that would be a desperation act, haha.
So, my main options were T-Mobile, then AT&T, because MetroPCS and T-Mobile were one and the same. All the people that had T-Mobile based phone sellers were being a pain in the butt to deal with... so, I found an AT&T owner that was ready.
The tragic love story: So on once I used the MicroSIM card in the S4 to cut an old full-size SIM to scale a border around my Nano SIM and finally got it placed perfectly to read... I was happy... which faded quickly as it was locked, how could I be so dumb!
So, the previous owner is now awaiting an unlock code as I found EVERY method to use the UMTS Menu is impossible to get to "[6] Phone Control" option. Due to that silly Auto Updating AT&T bloatware and Kernel upgrade/Firmware.
Okay, I should wait, but... does anyone know a way to get to the Phone Control menu using a secret code?? I have noticed some of the many codes go straight to the Debug Screen or go straight to the other menu options... so could there be one for Phone Control?
Also, maybe is there a way to get the phone to output the NCK Key manually connecting it to a computer and using a prompt? I may have heard about such a thing on SureWest routers through TelNet, to get the administration password... not that I personally have done this. Just feel like if these websites are able to use an IMEI number to charge you for a code... it has to be stored on the phone somewhere right?
Rooting and Downgrading
Also, has anyone tried the Odin way of downgrading and rooting these phones, has personally worked for them? I have found the threads on here and it seems pretty interesting... when I look at previous versions of Droid they look to allow more functionality for more advanced users than this 5.0, so if that be the case I am interested in taking this back to stock and beginning removal of all AT&T programs.
Maybe I am sounding like an idiot, but I have been on a Jailbroken 5C for... probably 2 years now and even with that it seems limiting to the curious, nerdy, mess with things side of me.
Summary:
- Should I just wait the 2-5 days for the code? / Would downgrading firmwares negate the entered NCK code if used prior to downgrade?
- Are there any known ways to unlock this model fully upgraded?
- Should I use the Odin methods of downgrading to stock? / Do you prefer previous versions over 5.0?
- What problems should have you guys faced / should I consider prior to doing anything?
- Should I just try to find a T-Mobile model of the S4??
Phew, sorry, if you read all of that and hate me for it, haha. Please, be knowledgable and not tell me how dumb I am for being so antsy to be able to use this phone w/o WiFi! Haha, you guys try using a 5C forever and see the screen difference / abilities you've been missing out on for so long!
Thanks!
The method of downgrading to 4.4.2 (aka NB1) then rooting and then going to lollipop by keeping the root has worked for me. There is no direct way, to root lollipop atm.
First downgrade to stock rootable 4.4.2. You can do this from any base, and/or use it if you mess your phone up (bootloops, etc). Link here. Second post on that thread, step 1. Make sure you download the rootable one.
To root it use TowelRoot. Run it - Tap make it ra1n - After a succeseful root, install SuperSU.
The follow this post here to goto stock rooted lollipop 5.0.1 (aka OC4). I recommend downloading the deodexed version, so you can install xposed if you want in the future.
Thats it for rooting lollipop. And now that you have root you can get rid of that bloatware.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I personally, don't really fancy lollipop. High Ram usage.
Secondly, i bought this phone on eBay and it came unlocked, and even after flashing different firmwares, its still unlocked. I think if you unlock using that NCK code, the phone will stay unlocked forever.
Thirdly, the T-Mobile version has an unlocked bootloader, which is a big up in comparison to the i337. We are restriced to only using one costum recovery, that is SafeStrap. Others, don't work.
Thank you
I will probably have to go through that whole process. Got it unlocked thankfully, but am feeling as though based on specs and the little apps I have installed the phone should be a bit smoother in basic functionality especially Web browsing.
So yeah definitely already feeling your point in resource hog and though I disabled the bloatware, I don't think it helps being installed.
Also, figuring out after using the phone in my car that Galaxy has very quiet audio output via the 1/8" headphone jack. Seems that you can find volume controlled headphones easier than just straight cords! However, found this a known issue for all Galaxies and rooting it may be the easiest workaround.
Thanks for the organized list of information/insight! Now I will have some more stuff to geek out on... ?
Peptobismal said:
Also, figuring out after using the phone in my car that Galaxy has very quiet audio output via the 1/8" headphone jack. Seems that you can find volume controlled headphones easier than just straight cords! However, found this a known issue for all Galaxies and rooting it may be the easiest workaround.
Thanks for the organized list of information/insight! Now I will have some more stuff to geek out on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome
I don't know, but cranking the volume to full on my phone using earphones, makes my ears hurt . The audio output on mine is great, nothing modified.
Oh, if you decide to stick with kitkat, check out these posts. I'm sure they will come in handy for stock roms. Simply to make life easier.
Remove AT&T carrier name from the notification bar
Restore Mobile Data Toggle in Notifications Bar (First method - apk on third post)
TheJuli said:
You're welcome
I don't know, but cranking the volume to full on my phone using earphones, makes my ears hurt . The audio output on mine is great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'd say it's probably fine with headphones, but through a car's auxiliary it is probably 25-30% quieter than my iPhone even at "full" volume.
Read that there are files to modify, but you have to be rooted.
What is this Mobile Data Toggle? Would it be really at all useful seeing as I have MetroPCS? * I assume that ridding AT&T is just a general tweak, which I do like getting rid of the carrier.
Peptobismal said:
What is this Mobile Data Toggle? Would it be really at all useful seeing as I have MetroPCS? * I assume that ridding AT&T is just a general tweak, which I do like getting rid of the carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile data toggle is used to enable Internet from your carrier/sim. Ridding the AT&T thing is sorta general because you need to have root.
Daughter had her Note 4 replaced a few months ago, and it had just been sitting there. Earlier this week got a DJI Spark, and the flight controller requires an Android or iOS phone. Got tired of pulling the case off and on MY phone (S8+), so figured I could use hers as a WiFi-only, dedicated device.
My main concern is that I don't think we ever got the phone formally unlocked by AT&T. I've gotten around that so far just by pulling out the sim. It doesn't seem "happy" about it, but hasn't stopped me configuring the phone to do what I need so far - though it would be nice to be able to uninstall all the AT&T apps that are on there even after a full reset/wipe.
So wondering if there is:
A) Some way to unlock this old thing so I can rest easy it won't have an issue waking up one day
B) A more recent ROM and/or security updates (while it mainly will access the Drone/Receiver WiFi I presume I need to still connect to the home LAN occasionally for app updates)
C) Anything I could flash to make it less of a phone and more of a small tablet (since that's how I'll be using it)
Thanks in advance!
If you are saying the phone is locked to AT&T and you want it unlocked then see here:
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/
Apparently no one has been able to root your device before because they cannot unlock the bootloader:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...ty-att-note-4-root-knox-list-pledges-t2946770
My recommendation is to do a factory reset and use something like Package Disabler Pro app to freeze unneeded applications.
terminator911 said:
Apparently no one has been able to root your device before because they cannot unlock the bootloader:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...ty-att-note-4-root-knox-list-pledges-t2946770
My recommendation is to do a factory reset and use something like Package Disabler Pro app to freeze unneeded applications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah... well that's too bad. I like that the phone has a replaceable battery, which makes it almost worth keeping as long as possible for that. Will try your suggestion on the other. Thanks anyway!
Sorry if this is wrong place or way to post on here. I am wanting to root the on5 but it is a learning experience. No pc to use. Is there a apk that actually works. Tried kingroot it says device not supported
I have developer options on and the oem toggle on am I ok with that. If anyone has the time and patience and could walk me through how to get going please let me know. Thanks
Jdaddy1 said:
Sorry if this is wrong place or way to post on here. I am wanting to root the on5 but it is a learning experience. No pc to use. Is there a apk that actually works. Tried kingroot it says device not supported
I have developer options on and the oem toggle on am I ok with that. If anyone has the time and patience and could walk me through how to get going please let me know. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess I came to the wrong place for advicre
I'm curious too.
You're not the only one who would like to know, but this is an older ( & apparently not widely used) phone that hasn't been sold for a few years so you may not get any answers.
Yea It's was one of my old ones. Wanted to use it to learn. Any suggestions on a older phone that rooting would be simple.? Can a phone be rooted without a computer I've read so much that says either but doesn't sound like it would.
Jdaddy1 said:
Yea It's was one of my old ones. Wanted to use it to learn. Any suggestions on a older phone that rooting would be simple.? Can a phone be rooted without a computer I've read so much that says either but doesn't sound like it would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply. It's my current phone & the storage issues are just getting to be ridiculous otherwise I wouldn't be interested in rooting because of the risk of bricking/voiding warranty etc; but I don't know anything else to do. I know that it's possible to root with an app, but it depends on finding a vulnerability that can be exploited with your specific phone. It's different for every phone. If you choose to install a custom ROM you should find one made for your phone too otherwise you're likely to have problems if you try it on a phone that you intend to actually use for calls/texts etc; I had an HTC droid Eris years ago & used a one-click root app & it worked without any problem that I could tell, but it was a phone I wasn't using as my daily driver too, so I wasn't worried about voiding the warranty/radios not working etc;. Cell & sometimes bluetooth & wifi radios not working are common issues with newer ROMs or especially if you choose a ROM not made for your phone. With the Eris I just installed the app, pressed the button & it rebooted, installed a custom recovery & booted into the OS. With the On5 either there isn't a known exploit or there's just nobody willing or able to look for one or both. They would have to still have the phone to be able to look for one. If you have a flea market near you maybe you could go there & see if there's a phone store that you could get an old cheap one you could practice on? I don't remember the app I used, but I'm pretty sure it came from the play store. It seems like I read somewhere that HTC phones were easier to root, but I'm not sure.