Is there a stock (ROM) root method that will not require me to reset all my settings? - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm sorry if this has been posted already, but searching on my phone for this answer has been less than ideal, so I've resorted to making a post. I'm hoping someone can link me to a thread that has this available.
I'm looking to root my phone, but I've already got it setup the way I like and I really don't want to go through the hassle of getting everything all ironed out again. So here is what I'm looking for:
1. Root the phone while remaining with the stock N4 ROM.
2. Don't need to "reformat" my phone or start from scratch.
3. Just to clarify 2, I want to keep the phone the way it is now, but just gain root access so I can take advantage of some apps that require it such as the Sixaxxis app for the PS3 controller and Titanium Backup.
4. Still will receive OTA updates without breaking root.
As of now I have no desire to go after any custom ROMs until I find some added functionality that I really see being useful that also doesn't break other features of my phone. So I'm really waiting on development to mature a bit more for this device before even considering something custom.
Thanks to anyone who can offer some help.

1. Root the phone while remaining with the stock N4 ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting doesn't touch your ROM, so you're still in stock.
2. Don't need to "reformat" my phone or start from scratch.
3. Just to clarify 2, I want to keep the phone the way it is now, but just gain root access so I can take advantage of some apps that require it such as the Sixaxxis app for the PS3 controller and Titanium Backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most, if not all, rooting methods have boot-loader unlocking as a prerequisite.
Unlocking boot-loader will wipe your phone. There is no alternative.
On the bright side, you can make a backup of your system, unlock boot-loader, restore your system, then root the phone.
4. Still will receive OTA updates without breaking root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you don't flash customer recovery, you're fine.

What are my backup alternatives then to keep all those settings? I've only ever rooted one device before and I thought Titanium Backup (which requires root) was one of the only backup methods for this sort of thing? Or is there something I'm missing?

there is one backup that the app has a picture of one of those hula hoops use for saving people from drowning...

My backup pro.
I'd try this way. Backup whole ROM in custom recovery and if needed restore via app extractor (found on market)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

The guide stickied in this section is relevant to your interests.
Adb backup...
Unlock.
Restore...and it'll be like you never touched anything.

MattSkeet said:
My backup pro.
I'd try this way. Backup whole ROM in custom recovery and if needed restore via app extractor (found on market)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly is he going to backup the ROM in custom recovery.. if he is still bootloader locked?
ADB backup will backup your settings without being rooted.

OK thanks, I'll give that a try.

Related

ROM flashing

I'm use to flashing Windows mobile roms but new to anDroid
so a couple of things
What's the best way to back things like web bookmarks,contacts,etc,also is there a way to auto reinstall any apps already on there
Finally is the best way to flash roms using Rom manager once the clockwork mod is available for it
Thanks for any help
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
anyone
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Titanium Backup should take care of all your backup needs (you need to be rooted in order to use it)...
braby said:
Titanium Backup should take care of all your backup needs (you need to be rooted in order to use it)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will temp root work or do you have to perma root?
Do we have a guide for flashing custom ROMs yet? I see a guide on ROOT and S-OFF, but have no idea what these mean. Again, new to Android (from WM 6.5.5).
I never temprooted, did permroot immediately, but I would assume any type of root will do for TB.
You can always test it out, it's not like it's going to do any damage.
There's a billion guides outthere...every custom ROM so far I see comes with flashing instructions.
The only truly risky thing you can do is flash HBOOT with S-OFF.
For majority of your needs just rooting will do as it allows you to run programs with superuser priviledges, while flashing new HBOOT is for more advanced stuff (as it allows you to write to system partitions (S-OFF means Security OFF), and you can brick a phone very easily.
p.s.
New to Android since last week also, you just have to do some reading...it's all available on Google!

Backup new Nexus S

I sold my iPhone 4 today and bought a brand new nexus s. I'm not new to android though, I used to own a nexus one before iPhone 4.
My question is that I want to install custom roms on it, but I might want to restore it back to original factory settings in case I want to return it to best buy. How can I backup my phone so that best buy would take the phone back without questions?
I saw a thread to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader. Is that what I should do? Any help is appreciated!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Just root and do a nandroid backup. If you use rom manager to install the custom recovery you can just use it to so the backup.
Sent from my Onyx CM7 Google Nexus S!
Go to the Samsung nexus s android development section. Look for the thread that begins with Odin 1.81... bookmark that thread. That thread will help you flash completely back to stock. And always make sure you relock your bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
The only advantage of not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe of your internal storage such as pics, music etc. However custom roms or apps may have stability issues without an unlocked bootloader. No harm in unlocking the bootloader because you can always lock it again. Just make sure you back up any files you may want to keep.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
peeturr said:
The only advantage of not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe of your internal storage such as pics, music etc. However custom roms or apps may have stability issues without an unlocked bootloader. No harm in unlocking the bootloader because you can always lock it again. Just make sure you back up any files you may want to keep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the only advantage to not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe and loss of all data.
I'm curious if you can point to an example of any current existing ROM that displays issues because the bootloader is locked... if so, I need to add that information to the non-unlock method instructions.
Sorry I don't. I was just quoting one of the root guides in here. But then again there's always that IF. Now that I think about it, unlocking the bootloader is to be able to install root and a custom recovery. If you can do that without unlocking the bootloader then you should still be golden. Don't see why a rom or app would be dependent on the bootloader. Sorry for the confusion.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
peeturr said:
Sorry I don't. I was just quoting one of the root guides in here. But then again there's always that IF. Now that I think about it, unlocking the bootloader is to be able to install root and a custom recovery. If you can do that without unlocking the bootloader then you should still be golden. Don't see why a rom or app would be dependent on the bootloader. Sorry for the confusion.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, we've found no reason to HAVE-TO unlock it yet. Just to be clear, I wasn't challenging you, just looking for anything I might need to add to the guide on doing it without the unlock. I already have a caveat that it might be an issue for something, but don't know what something could be.
Anyways, if you're a fresh out of the box phone, no problems unlock method, since you have no data to lose in the wipe. For late-comers, the no unlock method spares them that data wipe. The beauty of it is that you can root and install titainium or other backup software without wiping the phone if you already have data on it, and then if needed you can always unlock it and re-root, and then restore your wiped data. Best of both worlds for some.
Pretty much exactly what happened to me Distorted loop, Very thankfull for that non wipe root method, definately saved my ass as i had a good play with the phone before getting it to a PC for backup/rooting.
I am going to swap my device for another tommorrow to confirm if my reboot issue is even remotely hardware related. So i will have 30 mins with no nexus s ...s'gonna kill me as i love this lil thing (even with my calling problems).
Looking forward to a nice stable nexus, and then i'll try out some of the mods and roms (still on stock for now)

[Q] Rooting Nexus 7

Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
2) Inorder to flash a kernel you need to root first.
3) You could use a toolkit to unlock and root( either nexus 7 toolkit or wugs') or if you want to unlock and root manually you can use adb, which is just a few commands for a nexus. Both are easy, the only hard part is making sure you have the correct drivers.
Hope i helped and good luck!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, that really sucks. What all can i save? App permissions, any of that?
I was just looking around and noticed there are some Apps that save data/info, the ones i saw were Carbon and TWRP. Would i be able to save my app stuff that way?
TWRP is a custom recovery which you can use AFTER unlock and root and i have never used carbon so i wouldnt know.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
I don't own a tablet, but I am a beta tester for a few projects here, I have to wipe all data, but the cool thing is after the first initial wipe, you never have to worry about that again.
A backup of your non-rooted device, I would say do your best with titanium backup, need an easier program? Try go backup pro or Clickfree backup.
Then try to restore. If it fails, retry.. I got that a lot, most game data saved is usually stored in /mnt/sdcard/Android/data or /mnt/sdcard/Android/obb
You can store that info on an external SD, using directory bind, you can find it on here, very good app if your phone/tablet sucks because its internal storage is 3.75gb. my dual partitioned and mounted 64gb sdcard works wonderfully, my games get 16gb to themselves.
Anyway to stay on topic, I want this, but also looking at an Asus, and a Samsung galaxy tab 2
:-MiniHazard-: sgh-i927 glide
CWM 6.0.1.2
CM 10.1 JB - thanks thegreatergood
LiteKernel-jb-20130121 - just until bugfix
First of all, TWRP can only be used after unlocking boot loader and unlocking wipes all data
I also unlocked boot loader after 2 months when I have many apps, so it is simple you copy all the data to your PC and you can do a backup of your apk's by sending them to a Bluetooth device by the help of a app ( Bluetooth file transfer) , you unlock the boot loader and send all apks back either by Bluetooth or by using stick mount when you are rooted , and restore all data,
Flashing a kernel requires to root first
You can either root by using root toolkit or by using adb fastboot method manually
Here is the link to a post of mine for rooting nexus 7 by adb fast boot method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Good luck,if you are unable to root or having any problem,reply and I will look into it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
flash kernel and root are two different things.
after unlocking the boot loader, you can flash anything you want, including an already rooted system image.
The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read the FAQs which concern your N7 grouper, if not I invite you to go to read this FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - ASUS GOOGLE NEXUS 7 – GROUPER & TILAPIA (WiFi & 3G)
What is the best (easy) way to root on Android 4.2.2?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
^^chaos67731
Here is the link to my post for rooting nexus 7 4.2.2 or any other nexus device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Can I hide my Root status from an app permanently?

I need help guys. I'm currently rooted running ParinoiAndroid 3.00 and Franco Kernel #82. I'm trying to download the Good for Enterprise App from the Play Store and install for my work email, but the app won't install becasue of my Root status. Is there a way to hide the root status from this app at all times. I really don't want to unroot my phone.
:fingers-crossed:
Not sure if this will work...
Go to SuperSU -> Settings.
There in Access, give default access as Deny
Then set up the whole Good for Enterprise thing
Then once the setup is done, set default access as Prompt again.
rhoadster91 said:
Not sure if this will work...
Go to SuperSU -> Settings.
There in Access, give default access as Deny
Then set up the whole Good for Enterprise thing
Then once the setup is done, set default access as Prompt again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, but I gave it a try and it didn't work.
Any other ideas????
Unroot. Install. Re-root. ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
chrisrozon said:
Unroot. Install. Re-root. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not think unrooting 4.2.2 is wise. I heard 4.2.1 rooting techniques do not work for 4.2.2.
Gjohnson7771 said:
Any other ideas????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm... nothing I can think of right now... If you have a spare device you can unroot that, install it on that device, setup your phone, root it, copy its data from /data/data and then restore it in your Nexus 4 Long shot.
rhoadster91 said:
I do not think unrooting 4.2.2 is wise. I heard 4.2.1 rooting techniques do not work for 4.2.2.
Umm... nothing I can think of right now... If you have a spare device you can unroot that, install it on that device, setup your phone, root it, copy its data from /data/data and then restore it in your Nexus 4 Long shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that's not good. I guess I will need to do more research on unrooting 4.2.2.
And no this is my only device. I have a couple of old Iphones but that won't do me any good. Oh and if I was to unroot it and install the software, wouldn't the device be wiped when I re-root it and flash a custom ROM?
Gjohnson7771 said:
Oh and if I was to unroot it and install the software, wouldn't the device be wiped when I re-root it and flash a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After re-rooting it, backup the data using Titanium. Then flash custom ROM and restore App + data.
rhoadster91 said:
After re-rooting it, backup the data using Titanium. Then flash custom ROM and restore App + data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if you would know this answer or not, but in an app like Good Enterprise does it normally just search for root status upon initial install or does it look for the root status periodically.
Also, I had plans to unroot using the SuperSU "Full unroot" option or even the Nexus 4 tool kit. Are either one of these methods the unroot techniques you were referring too? I really don't want to brick my device if its unwise to unroot.
bump.......
Gjohnson7771 said:
I'm not sure if you would know this answer or not, but in an app like Good Enterprise does it normally just search for root status upon initial install or does it look for the root status periodically.
Also, I had plans to unroot using the SuperSU "Full unroot" option or even the Nexus 4 tool kit. Are either one of these methods the unroot techniques you were referring too? I really don't want to brick my device if its unwise to unroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have tried to check it myself first before suggesting you the solution (I had even downloaded the app) but turns out setting up Good Enterprise requires more than just downloading and installing it. I am not sure if it checks the root status periodically but in this case looks like the only option we have is to hope that it checks only during initiation. However, if the app is any good, I think it will check root status periodically to maintain security (because a lot of app information is compromised on a rooted phone)
Also, I do not think you will brick your phone if u attempt to root 4.2.2. Simply rebooting it in fastboot mode will give you option to revert to stock even in the worst situations. Still, cannot rule out the risk.
Anyway, a simple Google Search revealed this which could be a potential solution
Well thanks for all the info. I'll see what I can figure out.
Un rooting is quite simple , nothing to worry about!
By the way, Good permissions can be set by your administrator. They have the option to allow root, to check every time, Or to check once. It all depends on how your company configures it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Well, I was able to use nexus 4 toolkit to uproot and relock the boot loader. The app install fine after that and is working properly.
Thanks for the replies. For some reason I was thinking I would have to return the phone back to stock to uproot it, I'm glad I was able to keep my custom ROM and kernel. 1 more question, was re-locking the boot loader necessary or could I have kept it unlocked?
voodoo ota root keeper has a temporary unroot option, grab it from the playstore , much easier than unrooting your phone, also root survives an ota from google. You probably could have left the bootloader unlocked.
easy way ??
An easy way to hide root is renaming the superuser app/apps in the below location.
/system/app
This method did the charm for me for few apps. But the disadvantage is, it will hide root for all apps..
Workaround
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2040163 - thread talking about workaround for GFE

Rooting My Nexus 6p

Hello,
I really want to root my Nexus 6p but I have a few questions.
1) How can I make it so that if it goes wrong I can get my phone back it's original state with all my stuff there. (Backing up basically)
2) How can I make it so that when I have rooted my phone keeps the same layout (I use Nova) and all my apps, games contacts etc. are reinstalled
3) How do I root my Nexus 6p, 6.0.1. I was going to use this gadget hacks tutorial but I didn't know if it would work?
Thanks alot,
Callum
callum_suttle said:
Hello,
I really want to root my Nexus 6p but I have a few questions.
1) How can I make it so that if it goes wrong I can get my phone back it's original state with all my stuff there. (Backing up basically)
2) How can I make it so that when I have rooted my phone keeps the same layout (I use Nova) and all my apps, games contacts etc. are reinstalled
3) How do I root my Nexus 6p, 6.0.1. I was going to use this gadget hacks tutorial but I didn't know if it would work?
Thanks alot,
Callum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all in my guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
You first need to unlock your bootloader, then install TWRP recovery, then you can flash SuperSU to gain root. To answer your questions:
1. You can't. Unlocking the bootloader wipes the device, so you need to backup your photos, videos, etc to your PC first. You can't backup your apps and settings. This is why it's a good idea to unlock your bootloader when you first get the device.
2. You'll have to download your apps again though. Your contacts should be synced with your Google account so they'll just sync back to the device.
3. See my guide linked above. It's very detailed and has everything you need to know.
Will android not automatically download apps when I log in?
Also is there a way of keeping my settings the same.
I wish I had rooted right away but too late now.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Free mobile app
callum_suttle said:
Will android not automatically download apps when I log in?
Also is there a way of keeping my settings the same.
I wish I had rooted right away but too late now.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might download your apps automatically, it never does for me though. There's no way of keeping your settings, the device is going be wiped and there's no way to back them up.
OK thanks
Heisenberg said:
It might download your apps automatically, it never does for me though. There's no way of keeping your settings, the device is going be wiped and there's no way to back them up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to root then flash a custom ROM, do I still need to flash different radios and firmwares when newer ones come out? Or does that come with the ROM upon flashing?
mackster248 said:
If I were to root then flash a custom ROM, do I still need to flash different radios and firmwares when newer ones come out? Or does that come with the ROM upon flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROMs don't include radios or other firmware components like the bootloader or vendor. When I ROM gets updated and is based on a newer build you'd need to flash those yourself with fastboot (the vendor can be flashed with TWRP though).

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