Database Users

[Q] Question about my new DX (new for me anyway)

My brother in law recently switched over to SPRINT and gave me his pretty new DX. I can't activate the phone until next week (because he made the mistake of porting the phone number BEFORE he gave me the phone) so according to VZW i have to wait until that process is completed and the billing cycle is finished before I can use the phone. (I don't think he plans on paying them )
My question is...can I root the DX before I actually get it linked to my VZW phone number? (like remove google apps and just use the phones capabilities like camera etc. without having to call and activate it) I'm coming from HTC Droid eris so I don't know much about rooting the DX yet.
Can someone help me please.

I believe you can, I think theirs a way to bypass the activation screen. You might be able to find it on the forums or if not just Google it I'm sure you can find it.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Yes you can root it without being on a network. all you need to do is go back out of this thread and read the first sticky and go to the wiki. I would post link but since this is my first actual post i cant
And after your phone reboots you can get passed the little android man by touching each corner in a circular motion.

I hope for your sake that your brother in law pays Verizon. If he doesn't in they most likely blacklist the phones esn.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

But keep in mind if the phone doesn't have OTA 2.2 you might want to keep all apps because the update might fail because missing files.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

You don't even need to do the 4 corner trick.
Touch the android, hit next until you have the options of "create google login, sign in, or skip" and just choose skip. That easy.
That's assuming he's at the "touch to begin screen" which he probably isn't being that he's the second owner.
...but yeah, check the sticky and root away.

Thanks for the information guys. Yeah I really hope that they allow him to give me his phone. I kept verifying with the rep that it would be okay to transfer the phone, he said it should be okay since it's HIS property. But i never know with those guys...
I don't plan on removing any apps at all I just want get the root access and ready so when I do hook it up, it'll be ready to go.
I'm excited to see what you guys have in store for this phone...especially coming from the Eris.

Just connect with wifi and use as normal. That easy. You can even setup a google account and use market and have all the sweet and chewies of using the X less the ability of calls and texts.
As stated above, if he doesn't pay the bill VzDubya will (normally) put the phone on the do not activate list. Again though this wont effect use while connected to wifi.

Will I have to set the phone to USB debugging mode if I try and root?
If so, I dont think I'll be able to root since I can't even get passed the "Activation Screen"
Also, how can I check to see what android version he is on (2.1 or 2.2) How do I look at the bootloader info...can I do that w/o Root? Is that dangerous? I don't want to brick the phone...
sorry for all the questions guys appreciate your patience.

Anyone?

Press menu then setting scroll to the bottom of the list to about phone click it and your info will be there. Just a thought if you don't know how to find something that simple are you sure you want to be playing with root.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

mrgloom said:
Press menu then setting scroll to the bottom of the list to about phone click it and your info will be there. Just a thought if you don't know how to find something that simple are you sure you want to be playing with root.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually if you read the first post. The phone is not activated yet, so I don't have the option to "menu>settings".
And Yes, I rooted my Eris. Thanks.

Bringing Epic in for service - how to conceal email?

So, yeah, I'm going to see if there's anything specifically wrong with my Epic in terms of the abysmal data speeds and nonexistent GPS I've been dealing with. I've pulled the SD card out but I don't want the folks in the Sprint store to have access to all of my email. Is there an advisable way to conceal my email (and contacts, for that matter)?

Remove the account from the phone when you bring it in
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

You can backup data with a nandroid and factory reset. After they are done, restore the nandroid. (assuming you are rooted)
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

marcusant said:
You can backup data with a nandroid and factory reset. After they are done, restore the nandroid. (assuming you are rooted)
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
running factory GB - not rooted...I wouldn't be bringing the phone in if I was

dead78 said:
running factory GB - not rooted...I wouldn't be bringing the phone in if I was
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really want to be secure, you can use an app that backs up your contacts to SD card (plenty non rooted ones on the Market) and then do a factory reset.
You can also just remove your email account, there is an option under "Accounts and Sync" located in Settings.
I don't think they will be looking at your email though, but I understand your privacy.

dead78 said:
So, yeah, I'm going to see if there's anything specifically wrong with my Epic in terms of the abysmal data speeds and nonexistent GPS I've been dealing with. I've pulled the SD card out but I don't want the folks in the Sprint store to have access to all of my email. Is there an advisable way to conceal my email (and contacts, for that matter)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to my knowledge their isnt. You will probibly have to go into Settings>Privacy>Factory Reset and that will wipe your phone back to original but you will lose your apps and MMS. There are ways to back those up as stated ^^^^ but as far as you email and contacts. those are backed up through Gmail. Also from what ive noticed you cant just delete your gmail account off your phone.... Well at least mine wont let me. you can unsync it but then can easily check the box if they wanted too. Good Luck
---------- Post added at 09:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 PM ----------
marcusant said:
You can backup data with a nandroid and factory reset. After they are done, restore the nandroid. (assuming you are rooted)
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is way off topic but i noticed in your sig marcussant that Sprint updating isnt working? is that why my phone says error when tring to update my PRL?
PS. sorry to OP for going off topic

as far as I can tell, the issue with simply removing the google account is that one can't do that unless there's also another google account linked to the phone. in my case, contacts, email, market, etc. are all linked to one account, so the phone won't allow me to delete it. I would imagine creating a replacement account would work, but I can't be bothered. the simple fix I found was to change my gmail password so that the gmail app can no longer sync. now my inbox is empty on the Epic and that's really all I wanted.

There is an app in the android market called app protector plus. It allows you to lock any app you desire. It requires the person to use a pin or pattern password to gain access. It will set you back $1.50 but is well worth it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

klownin816 said:
There is an app in the android market called app protector plus. It allows you to lock any app you desire. It requires the person to use a pin or pattern password to gain access. It will set you back $1.50 but is well worth it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if it's just linked to the phone lock that won't work for him. You have to give them the password when you give them the phone so they can work on it.
I brought my phone in for gps issues back with ec05 and all they did was a factory reset.
Make sure you tell them you don't want it reset! That's is sprints goto plan with a phone is to reset it and go from there.
i'd really think of throughing cwm on quick, making a nandroid, odin to stock ec05, let it update to ei22 see if the issue is still there, (I'm sure it will be) then bring it to them. When they can't fix it you can quickly reroot it and restore your backup.
If you can't or just won't back it up fully try "my backup" in the market and backup what you can. Trust me, if you hand them that phone they will reset it first thing they try.

This app is separate from the phone lock pattern. It only locks the applications you set to lock out.
See here for some demonstrations...
http://youtu.be/JMxUtJ99zUI
http://youtu.be/dDK-u7vxIug

klownin816 said:
This app is separate from the phone lock pattern. It only locks the applications you set to lock out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, the ones I saw with pattern lock all just used the phones lock.
dead78 said:
running factory GB - not rooted...I wouldn't be bringing the phone in if I was
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And since your running stock, don't worry about it, sprint already knows everything you do on your phone, e-mail, data, you name it, through CarrierIQ. Your data speeds are slow, and your gps doesn't work because sprint is so busy using it to look through your phone and see where you are.

For me when I bring in my phone I use launcher pro to hide my apps I don't want them seeing under general options in LP
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Stringyquark said:
And since your running stock, don't worry about it, sprint already knows everything you do on your phone, e-mail, data, you name it, through CarrierIQ. Your data speeds are slow, and your gps doesn't work because sprint is so busy using it to look through your phone and see where you are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone doesn't research before posting.
CIQ is disabled by default, but with a service always running looking for the call to activate. Read k0nane's thread about it.
To OP: your best bet is to start over from scratch. ODIN EC05, don't accept the OTA update. Update your profile and PRL, then run GPS. If it all works, then flash the update or accept the OTA. After that finishes, test those 3 again.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

nikon120 said:
To OP: your best bet is to start over from scratch. ODIN EC05, don't accept the OTA update. Update your profile and PRL, then run GPS. If it all works, then flash the update or accept the OTA. After that finishes, test those 3 again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've actually done all this...I was rooted and running ROMs for months. There wasn't any real data speed improvement and battery life was lackluster with most of the ROMs, so I flashed back around a month ago in order to be able to bring the phone into Sprint. I've just been dragging my feet on it. Also, the GB I'm running is from the flashed update made available here, not the OTA.

dead78 said:
So, yeah, I'm going to see if there's anything specifically wrong with my Epic in terms of the abysmal data speeds and nonexistent GPS I've been dealing with. I've pulled the SD card out but I don't want the folks in the Sprint store to have access to all of my email. Is there an advisable way to conceal my email (and contacts, for that matter)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or d/l a app like Smart lock for free and password protect your emails, contacts, pictures and videos

nikon120 said:
Someone doesn't research before posting.
CIQ is disabled by default, but with a service always running looking for the call to activate. Read k0nane's thread about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sir, that was a joke. Hence the Smiley purple thing at the end.
And I have read that thread, so I know it's disabled by default.
I still think it was funny.
why so sirius.

use it for wifi only

Is there a way to use the phone with a rom for wi-fi only use? I don't want my phone number associated with the phone, I did a factory reset and installed CM on it but it still shows my phone number.

davida72 said:
Is there a way to use the phone with a rom for wi-fi only use? I don't want my phone number associated with the phone, I did a factory reset and installed CM on it but it still shows my phone number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its activated, then it will show your phone number, that info is stored in a separate partition from /data (this is cleared with a "factory reset") and from /system (this is where roms are installed to)

Either use the Ubersonic Inactive Device ROM or cancel/deactivate the phones cellular account.

Even if you cancel /deactivate the account the old number will be shown. The only way to get rid of the number is to remove it with qpst. That is a bunch of work with no real gain. Just don't worry about it and use any rom of your choice.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda app-developers app

Even if the phone was deactivated and then wiped, it would still come up?
The phones number? Not the ESN/MEID

9h0s7 said:
Even if the phone was deactivated and then wiped, it would still come up?
The phones number? Not the ESN/MEID
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that is what we all have said. Yet you can edit out the phone number in qpst. Then only thing shown on a rom would be the esn/meid.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda app-developers app

davida72 said:
Is there a way to use the phone with a rom for wi-fi only use? I don't want my phone number associated with the phone, I did a factory reset and installed CM on it but it still shows my phone number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question OP, it is a somewhat obscure topic.
I'm not going to try and tell you what you should or shouldn't worry about.
Do what you want.
If you decide it to be necessary here is the concept you need that can be done from your phone.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1729751-Intercept-Factory-Reset-AND-erase-phone-number
Do this after ##786#
##YourMSL#
Fill both lines (MDN/MSID) with anything.
Menu
Commit Modifications
Reboot
Done
Now check your MDN

looks like the ubersonic rom might be what I'm looking for, going to give it a try!
Thanks for suggesting that.

davida72 said:
looks like the ubersonic rom might be what I'm looking for, going to give it a try!
Thanks for suggesting that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I would do.

Just got it installed, looks like that is what I was looking for. Going to use it at work with a generic Pandora login for everyone in my area to use. Thanks again for the suggestion!

Thank you to the OP for this idea... I didn't even think to use my old evo as a wifi pandora radio. I knew I kept this thing around for a reason

What I do is toggle airplane mode "on" then toggle WiFi "on". This shuts off the phones radio and some other things that really drain your battery. I have kept mine on for almost 3 days without it dying.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Automatic Data for MMS

Hey everyone,
I used to have a couple of HTC phones back in the day (Droid Incredible, Thunderbolt, Rezound), all of which were capable of turning data on when I receive an MMS. I always leave my data and WiFi off when not in use. Both my S4 and Nexus 6 cannot do this. I was wondering, does the Moto X Pure turn on data when you receive an MMS? My friend has an HTC One M8 and his can turn it on automatically. I would assume the Moto X Pure does not do this. I currently paid for Tasker, and every method to do this through Tasker has not worked properly for me. Does anyone know a solution? It's very aggravating that my MMS do not download automatically, and I have to turn on my data and then download them just to receive my message. Thanks in advance!

Bump

Why are you turning off your data? You say you turn off data and WiFi when not in use...when is that? A cell phone without one of these in use is basically an expensive slab of metal and plastic???

jaseman said:
Why are you turning off your data? You say you turn off data and WiFi when not in use...when is that? A cell phone without one of these in use is basically an expensive slab of metal and plastic???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't need to be connected to the internet 24/7. It's a waste of battery. I don't use my phone all the time, and it's way easier to just turn on my data and catch up on my notifications. I'd rather that then deal with my battery draining more when I'm not even able to check my notifications anyway. So it's a complete waste for me.

Bumps

Current generation phones can get a day of battery while keeping data and WiFi on the whole time, thus making what your looking for unnecessary and to the best of my knowledge no phone has had this since ~2012. If for some reason you're unable to charge once a day I'd recommend a battery pack for such an occasion.
Sent from my Nexus 6

so I was wondering the same thing. I'm coming from note4 which turned automatically. shouldnt have to explain why we want the data off. please can someone just answer the question?

Since everyone is slightly thick headed when it comes to not keeping on data I'll give you the real answer. With the update to lollipop google removed the ability of texting apps to do just this. Textra, handcent, and even the good ole aosp sms app could have this. For this option to work for any app that contains the setting you need to make that app a system app. Then it will work. Their is an app on the play store that moves to /system. It does require root
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

BlackHoleSlam said:
Since everyone is slightly thick headed when it comes to not keeping on data I'll give you the real answer. With the update to lollipop google removed the ability of texting apps to do just this. Textra, handcent, and even the good ole aosp sms app could have this. For this option to work for any app that contains the setting you need to make that app a system app. Then it will work. Their is an app on the play store that moves to /system. It does require root
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's so dumb that they removed app's access to toggle data. I'm trying to move Google Messenger to system in Titanium Backup. I'll let you know if everything works! Thanks for the tip!

chris23445 said:
It's so dumb that they removed app's access to toggle data. I'm trying to move Google Messenger to system in Titanium Backup. I'll let you know if everything works! Thanks for the tip!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe their words made the system more secure. Agreed though pain in the @ss. Heads up though. When backing up in titanium whatever you back up won't be a part of it. So if full wiping you will have to reimplement the messaging app as a system app.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

-deleted-

BlackHoleSlam said:
Since everyone is slightly thick headed when it comes to not keeping on data I'll give you the real answer. With the update to lollipop google removed the ability of texting apps to do just this. Textra, handcent, and even the good ole aosp sms app could have this. For this option to work for any app that contains the setting you need to make that app a system app. Then it will work. Their is an app on the play store that moves to /system. It does require root
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to be a pain, but I've been extremely busy and couldn't get the Google Messenger to become a system app. I tried Titanium Backup, and manually moving the app's lib files and nothing works. What is the play store app you are talking about? The only one I could find just moves system apps to user apps. Thanks in advance for all of your help!!

I downloaded the Link2SD app which successfully moved Google Messenger to a system app. The setting to turn data on is checked but it still does not work. Anyone have any other ideas? If not that's okay I'm just curious if someone else has this working.

So, I've been using this app and it works very well. You have to be rooted though. And I am running MM.
"Auto enable data" allows you to have ur data off at all times,, and when an MMS comes through it will turn on your data, download the MMS and when done it will turn off data.
"WIFI fix" will turn off WIFI if connected to a WIFI, and turn it on once data turns on and then off after it's done downloading an MMS.
Name is AwSMS. Get it on the Playstore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=project.awsms

Smart Settings on Verizon

I looked for smart settings on my Verizon unit and couldn't find it. Looks like Verizon removed it.
Here is how to get it back.
Download QuickShortcutmaker from the market
Open it and scroll down to smart settings.
Open the smart settings dropdown.
Now press the first smart settings drop down.
This will create a icon on your home screen.
That's it.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Awesome! Thanks for the tip!

Thank you for this suggestion. Most Smart Settings cannot be used without the My Places feature active, and that has apparently been disabled by Verizon as well. Any workaround suggestions?

Perhaps try Llama? It can be found in the Play Store

I would be very interested if one of the tmobile phone owners have an apk of my places, and could possibly post it.
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Attached are the APKs. One of the app itself, the other is the engine. Not sure if you need the engine or not though.

Appreciate you posting that, unfortunately it said that they are corrupted. Both files are only a handful of kilobytes each which cant be correct
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Those were pulled with titanium backup. Not exactly sure where it is in the system files for a direct pull.

Possible its under root folder then system then app folder. Im just not sure
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

I recommend MacroDroid. Much better than Smart Settings. Smart Settings is terrible by comparison. Verizon did you a favor.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Ill give that a shot, thank you, i assume it doesnt kill battery (i hope) lol
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

jspsuperman said:
Possible its under root folder then system then app folder. Im just not sure
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be more clear I checked /system/app and /system/priv-app. Nothing was named My Places or anything similar.

Vuciz said:
To be more clear I checked /system/app and /system/priv-app. Nothing was named My Places or anything similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for trying anyway [emoji106]
Sent from my VS995 using XDA-Developers mobile app

leyvatron said:
I looked for smart settings on my Verizon unit and couldn't find it. Looks like Verizon removed it.
Here is how to get it back.
Download QuickShortcutmaker from the market
Open it and scroll down to smart settings.
Open the smart settings dropdown.
Now press the first smart settings drop down.
This will create a icon on your home screen.
That's it.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this, waited 5 days but settings aren't turning on. This isn't working at all. Did it work for you?

minuett said:
Thank you for this suggestion. Most Smart Settings cannot be used without the My Places feature active, and that has apparently been disabled by Verizon as well. Any workaround suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately Verizon verified that they did indeed REMOVE My places functionality from their version, so no it will not auto-locate your home location after 5 days, either.
IMO, they are trying to force you to use more data. Most people turn their wifi off when they leave, and turn it back on when they come home - Smart setting will do just that. So, why would Big Red not want you to have it? Because when you have to do it manually, you'll forget to turn it back on when you get home... and when you do that, you'll use more data. my *theory*.

jraines1 said:
No, unfortunately Verizon verified that they did indeed REMOVE My places functionality from their version, so no it will not auto-locate your home location after 5 days, either.
IMO, they are trying to force you to use more data. Most people turn their wifi off when they leave, and turn it back on when they come home - Smart setting will do just that. So, why would Big Red not want you to have it? Because when you have to do it manually, you'll forget to turn it back on when you get home... and when you do that, you'll use more data. my *theory*.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or people will just leave WiFi on...because it doesn't use that much battery when not in use. This isn't a conspiracy to get people to use more data. Sounds like carriers have to pay for certain features on phones and Verizon didn't want to cash out for some less useful features. Plenty of other apps out there that can turn your WiFi on and off automatically.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

partylikeaninjastar said:
Or people will just leave WiFi on...because it doesn't use that much battery when not in use. This isn't a conspiracy to get people to use more data. Sounds like carriers have to pay for certain features on phones and Verizon didn't want to cash out for some less useful features. Plenty of other apps out there that can turn your WiFi on and off automatically.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... most people I know turn it off, but to each his own. But when that is intentionally disabled along with FM radio, along with Google In Apps Search shortcut (by which you must do an internet search first before just searching for something on your phone...) - a pattern seems to be emerging... but let's give Big Red the benefit of the doubt, right? Let's forget about the lawsuit about them asking Blackberry to disable bluetooth so you couldn't transfer files, or the similar lawsuit about the same kind of thing with Motorola...
No... Nothing to see here... Move along, people, move along...

Any luck with this?

Is there a root app that can do the same thing since My Places isn't working?

anon389389109 said:
Is there a root app that can do the same thing since My Places isn't working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are numerous apps that don't require root that will do what Smart Settings does and more.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk