Related
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simplest way is to use RSD Lite to send your device back to stock 4.1.2 -- then you can use the recently posted root method to gain root back. It should take < 15 minutes to do, most of that spent flashing with RSDLite. It'll actually take longer to download all the ADB drivers, Moto drivers, etc -- if you don't have them already.
triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats up,
Cpudan80 is right, your best bet is to flash stock 4.1.2, and to reroot. And it does take about 15 minutes if you don't already have drivers and stuff, but I can help you out, by linking you to my utility, which essentially does the heavy lifting of finding all of the programs and stuff, and puts it together into one convenient package.
Find it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2241788
Cpudan80 said:
Simplest way is to use RSD Lite to send your device back to stock 4.1.2 -- then you can use the recently posted root method to gain root back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mr.Parkinson said:
Cpudan80 is right, your best bet is to flash stock 4.1.2, and to reroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies! Would you link me to that root method, Cpudan80? All of the root methods I've been able to find say that you must flash 4.0 or CWM first in order to root, then protect root and upgrade to JB again. Is there a new better way which doesn't require downgrading?
triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
Thanks for the replies! Would you link me to that root method, Cpudan80? All of the root methods I've been able to find say that you must flash 4.0 or CWM first in order to root, then protect root and upgrade to JB again. Is there a new better way which doesn't require downgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread on here somewhere -- but here's the thread I followed (after using RSDLite to go back to clean 4.1.2). No hard steps at all, just run a bat file - press enter and viola - you're rooted.
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/15208-root-motochopper-yet-another-android-root-exploit/
Cpudan80 said:
There's a thread on here somewhere -- but here's the thread I followed (after using RSDLite to go back to clean 4.1.2). No hard steps at all, just run a bat file - press enter and viola - you're rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing, thanks! I had seen that exploit at one point when I was considering getting an earlier RAZR version and was looking into how easy it was to root it. I thought that exploit didn't work with the XT925 since there was no link to it in the forum (and searches only revealed many tales of failed root attempts and downgrades). Thanks again!
Everyone got their own reasons.. I'm still new to the Nexus 5 and running stock without root. What do you think? Does rooting really has that many benefits on the Nexus 5?
Yes. Yes you should
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
IVS IVRIS said:
Does rooting really has that many benefits on the Nexus 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Only root will not do anything more, it's what you plan to do once rooted that can have benefits...
abaaaabbbb63 said:
The advantages of rooting
-De-bloat your phone. Uninstall any unwanted system apps.
-More control over how the CPU acts. This can increase performance or battery life, depends on how you configure it.
-More control over power consumption. This implies undervolting your CPU, giving it less power, so it consumes less.
-More control over how apps start up. Prevent apps from starting up when they don't need to.
-Change your Baseband (Radio). Try different radio versions, with the purpose of reducing battery drain or improving your signal strength.
-Flash custom ROMs. Bored of the stock ROM and look? Browse through the hundreds of custom ROMs provided by this community, each having different features and looks.
-Backups. The ability to completely backup your phone, and fully restoring it to the time of the backup. This is done with a Nandroid Backup (we'll talk about this later)
-Mods and Inovations. Use many mods, fixes, tweaks or features created by the community!
-Custom Kernels. As a Nexus device, the Nexus 5 will have tons of kernels with different features, supporting better performance, or battery life! To see what a kernel is, keep reading.
-Run apps that need Root Permission. These apps can be very useful, like Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, Terminal Emulator and many others!
The disadvantages of rooting
-Rooting will void your warranty (Although reverting root is very easy)
-The process a bit dangerous. Something could (99.9% probably not, but still) go wrong, and end up bricking your phone. So, yes, the process is 0.1% risky. You can end up deleting everything on your phone. You'll have to handle this process gently and with care.
-You will be able to do a lot more mistakes. These may cause damage to your phone (But hey, that's why we have these kind of threads, eh?)
-No more over the air official updates. You'll have to update your phone manually, through your recovery. (Which isn't that hard)
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From this useful thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/faq-to-android-read-post-root-t2508292...
And there is also a lot of useful sticky's to read in the General section :good:
And I would say you will have a bunch of different replies, root or not, with a bunch of different reasons, not sure it will help you more in your choice, maybe even not at all...
And a poll for this, if you rely on a poll to know if YOU need root or not...
IVS IVRIS said:
Everyone got their own reasons..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then make up your own mind. We can make it for you.
Thanks guys, perhaps I should wait untill the new 4.4.3 is released and then root.. since I do not intend to install a custom recovery.
IVS IVRIS said:
Thanks guys, perhaps I should wait untill the new 4.4.3 is released and then root.. since I do not intend to install a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root gives you the ability to modify system. I would definitely recommend installing a recovery, if only to take a backup before you change things, then revert
rootSU said:
root gives you the ability to modify system. I would definitely recommend installing a recovery, if only to take a backup before you change things, then revert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Definitely!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Unless you have reason to root, you probably shouldn't. However, unlocking the bootloader (which is required to root) will wipe your device, so if you even THINK you may root someday, unlocking the bootloader is not a bad idea early on.
My recommendation: Unlock the device, but do not root until you have reason to root (such as installing an app that requires it).
Having said all that, most backup apps (well, good ones anyway) require root, so that alone may be the reason you need to root. Don't take my recommendation as a sign you shouldn't root. I simply mean that rooting for root's sake is pointless. Only root when you're actually going to do something with it (like make a backup).
I feel like there are 100 threads on this topic already
If you have to ask and take a survey, then I would not recommend it!
Standard XDA answer:
If you don't have your own strong reasons to root, then no, you probably don't need to root.
IVS IVRIS said:
Thanks guys, perhaps I should wait untill the new 4.4.3 is released and then root.. since I do not intend to install a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes its totally up to you, but remember one thing there is more advantages and positive points for you if you root it.It will modify your apps and power consumption as well.
Is this normal?
I've avoided Lollipop this while time because of all the storage crap, but it has too many features for the shield I can't go without.
I'd hate to have to reflash from scratch (for the 100th time), this thing wipes data like it's nothing.
Let me know if you guys have any insight.
Thanks.
Nevermind
Reflashed from scratch.
It almost makes no sense to mod this thing. You can't get OTAs.
Every time you flash you have to wipe.
I almost don't want to start modding again in fear that I'll lose a function and have to start over again...
Gootah said:
Reflashed from scratch.
It almost makes no sense to mod this thing. You can't get OTAs.
Every time you flash you have to wipe.
I almost don't want to start modding again in fear that I'll lose a function and have to start over again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know you can flash OTA's when rooted... So you don't have to wipe.
For example, let's say your rooted and on the latest 2.2.1. If 2.3 comes out, you just flash the 2.3 OTA in TWRP or CWM, and do NOT have to wipe data.
THIS link has all the OTA's, along with a bunch of other useful things.
FoxyDrew said:
You know you can flash the incremental OTA's... So you don't have to wipe.
For example, let's say your rooted and on the latest 2.2.1. If 2.3 comes out, you just flash the 2.2.1 - 2.3 incremental update in TWRP or CWM, and do NOT have to wipe data.
THIS link has all the incremental OTA's, along with a bunch of other useful things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mean to step on your toes @FoxyDrew, but I believe you meant full OTAs. Incremental OTAs check the device version and report the wrong thing (if rooted), however full OTAs don't give two sh!t$ on what your build number is lol. You are correct however in that OTAs of any nature do not wipe a thing besides your rooted status.
MidgetMob said:
Don't mean to step on your toes @FoxyDrew, but I believe you meant full OTAs. Incremental OTAs check the device version and report the wrong thing (if rooted), however full OTAs don't give two sh!t$ on what your build number is lol. You are correct however in that OTAs of any nature do not wipe a thing besides your rooted status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woops haha, was late when I posted that ;-;
BTW thanks for that thread, has saved my butt a few times and definitely helped when I was new to the tablet.
Thanks for replying guys.
The base of what I'm saying is that this is the most temperamental device I've ever had to maintain.
Even more so than my S4 with it's random kernel rejections (WiFi sometime doesn't work when swapping ROMs).
Another issues I have is pulling the OTAs. I hate waiting from a random contributor to post the link to the full OTA FOR me.
Then I have to worry about whether there's a root method for it afterward, so frustrating.
Seriously considering just going CM12+Limelight.
FoxyDrew said:
Woops haha, was late when I posted that ;-;
BTW thanks for that thread, has saved my butt a few times and definitely helped when I was new to the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea man, no worries. That's what the thread is for haha
Gootah said:
Thanks for replying guys.
The base of what I'm saying is that this is the most temperamental device I've ever had to maintain.
Even more so than my S4 with it's random kernel rejections (WiFi sometime doesn't work when swapping ROMs).
Another issues I have is pulling the OTAs. I hate waiting from a random contributor to post the link to the full OTA FOR me.
Then I have to worry about whether there's a root method for it afterward, so frustrating.
Seriously considering just going CM12+Limelight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your complaints with this device. It's been buggy since release day, however I will say that the amount of hiccups per week has gone down to maybe 1 or 2 with 5.0.1.
Regarding OTAs - the thread that FoxyDrew posted (the thread that I maintain) will always have new OTAs and recovery images posted within a day. I'd recommend subscribing to that thread so you know when I post the new OTAs/recovery images. That is, as long as you're fine with waiting up to a day for the update. If not, maybe CM12 is right for you.
As for the root method, rooting has been as simple as flashing a zip file from recovery. It's been like that for quite awhile now. As long as there isn't some major change to the software, it should continue to be that simple for the lifespan of this device.
Hey man, custom ROMs may be the thing for you if you really hate stock android on this tablet. Give it a try and see what you like the best. Just know that there are solutions to almost every problem that you have stated, you just gotta dig around a little bit. If you do end up sticking with the stock ROM, be sure to bookmark that thread as it will make your life a hell of a lot easier
Gootah said:
Thanks for replying guys.
The base of what I'm saying is that this is the most temperamental device I've ever had to maintain.
Even more so than my S4 with it's random kernel rejections (WiFi sometime doesn't work when swapping ROMs).
Another issues I have is pulling the OTAs. I hate waiting from a random contributor to post the link to the full OTA FOR me.
Then I have to worry about whether there's a root method for it afterward, so frustrating.
Seriously considering just going CM12+Limelight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally run CM12.1. Best thing ever for this tablet in my opinion. Fixed the sluggishness of Lollipop that people had, and only con is lack of some Nvidia features, although Nvidia Hub and Grid Gaming still work just fine along with other things (the lack of the button mapper sucks most for me). Anyways before I start sounding like I'm being paid to promote CM, I recommend you make a nandroid, try it, and then if you hate it just flash back.
FoxyDrew said:
I personally run CM12.1. Best thing ever for this tablet in my opinion. Fixed the sluggishness of Lollipop that people had, and only con is lack of some Nvidia features, although Nvidia Hub and Grid Gaming still work just fine along with other things (the lack of the button mapper sucks most for me). Anyways before I start sounding like I'm being paid to promote CM, I recommend you make a nandroid, try it, and then if you hate it just flash back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MidgetMob said:
Yea man, no worries. That's what the thread is for haha
I understand your complaints with this device. It's been buggy since release day, however I will say that the amount of hiccups per week has gone down to maybe 1 or 2 with 5.0.1.
Regarding OTAs - the thread that FoxyDrew posted (the thread that I maintain) will always have new OTAs and recovery images posted within a day. I'd recommend subscribing to that thread so you know when I post the new OTAs/recovery images. That is, as long as you're fine with waiting up to a day for the update. If not, maybe CM12 is right for you.
As for the root method, rooting has been as simple as flashing a zip file from recovery. It's been like that for quite awhile now. As long as there isn't some major change to the software, it should continue to be that simple for the lifespan of this device.
Hey man, custom ROMs may be the thing for you if you really hate stock android on this tablet. Give it a try and see what you like the best. Just know that there are solutions to almost every problem that you have stated, you just gotta dig around a little bit. If you do end up sticking with the stock ROM, be sure to bookmark that thread as it will make your life a hell of a lot easier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Collectively you guys have outlined why this is a complicated decision. The button mapper gives my life meaning!
And I bought it for the Nvidia apps!
I think I'll just come to terms with the fact that this device just requires more time than most.
Maybe I'll commit to doing nandroid>clean flash/recovery flash via thread mentioned above>restore data if necessary.
I can never get a clean flash out of this device. I flashed 4.0->5.0, got a black screen.
Flashed 5.0->5.0.1, internal storage not working.
The only thing thas has been working is full clean flash via Fastboot and as far as root, finding the right ZIP I guess.
The one from Chainfire's site never works for me, but some on the forums do.
Hi All.
I've got a OP 7 Pro which for the most part, am loving it, except the camera (Messing with GCam ports atm).
I usually root my handsets for the usual de-bloat / custom rom reasons. The last OnePlus I had, I rooted and installed TWRP. Didn't have much success with custom roms so ended up running pretty much stock (but could no longer update OTA for some reason). Since OP don't put loads of bloatware on, I din't mind so much, although I do like to mess around. I really want to be able to do full nand backup which requires unlocked bootloader = all data gone. I can handle reinstalling apps etc but loosing Google Authenticator is a pain in he ass. Do you guys think it is worth rooting at all? Is there a full backup technique that doesn't rquire unlocking bootloader / loosing current data?
I'm not particualrtly hopeful but any suggestions would be appreciaed.
Thanks.
Answered numerous times already. Please use the search box. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/help/worth-rooting-days-gain-t3937894
Root is a good way to start the new year on XDA! ??
Love root!!!
Short answer, yes
I have lived fine without rooting for years.
Have not bricked my device once since I stopped rooting, but why ask here ? People come here just to root devices, try ROMs, Kernels, Mods ....... This place is biased and they will tell you rooting in great everytime
hallo dare said:
Answered numerous times already. Please use the search box. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/help/worth-rooting-days-gain-t3937894
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the thread you linked to. Nowhere do I see it discussing:
What all will be LOST by rooting besides Netflix 720P. (ie google pay etc and yes I know magisk has a "hide" feature but it fails on several common apps)
How the root can be accomplished without losing data or with a method to restore data lost from bootloader unlock.
Both questions were asked by the op in the original post.
Would like to know this too. I haven't rooted a device for many years, because I need the use of banking apps and Google Pay is my main (sometimes only) method of payment.
How reliable is custom kernels from hiding root?
famewolf said:
I read the thread you linked to. Nowhere do I see it discussing:
What all will be LOST by rooting besides Netflix 720P. (ie google pay etc and yes I know magisk has a "hide" feature but it fails on several common apps)
How the root can be accomplished without losing data or with a method to restore data lost from bootloader unlock.
Both questions were asked by the op in the original post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my OnePlus 7 Pro rooted just following the guides on here and my phone still has functioning Google Pay and full quality Netflix.
Pokemon Go was trickier to get it to not recognize the root, I had to setup Magisk Manager a specific way besides just hiding root from the app but other than that everything works great.
QuintonAjStevens said:
I have my OnePlus 7 Pro rooted just following the guides on here and my phone still has functioning Google Pay and full quality Netflix.
Pokemon Go was trickier to get it to not recognize the root, I had to setup Magisk Manager a specific way besides just hiding root from the app but other than that everything works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How u have hd quality on netflix?This is not possible because when u unlock bootloaded u lose drm for hd.
johnnyman25 said:
How u have hd quality on netflix?This is not possible because when u unlock bootloaded u lose drm for hd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoops. Didn't realize this was such a big problem. I assumed it was in full quality as I only tested it, but don't regularly use Netflix on my phone. After digging into the app it says I have Widevine L3 and can use only SD with no HDR.
I will take delivery of a new Pixel 3a later this week. I will thoroughly read through “How to root the Pixel 3a with or without twrp & take OTA updates once rooted” and “How to Root Your Pixel 3a and Install Magisk (on Pie & Q) with or without TWRP”. But before unlocking bootloader and rooting should I accept all updates first during the initial setup?
MrTooPhone said:
I will take delivery of a new Pixel 3a later this week. I will thoroughly read through “How to root the Pixel 3a with or without twrp & take OTA updates once rooted” and “How to Root Your Pixel 3a and Install Magisk (on Pie & Q) with or without TWRP”. But before unlocking bootloader and rooting should I accept all updates first during the initial setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
bejunk said:
Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. The little reading I have done so far, it sounds like you can not flash or boot TWRP in Android 10. Won't all the updates take me to 10? I will want to back up my ROMs.
MrTooPhone said:
Thanks. The little reading I have done so far, it sounds like you can not flash or boot TWRP in Android 10. Won't all the updates take me to 10? I will want to back up my ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, i forgot as i dont use TWRP anymore.
Yes TWRP only works on Android 9.
However you can't install it like in the past time. You can only boot it via fastboot. You need to do this everytime you want to use TWRP. However when i tried it in past times it did not work well afaik, a full backup did not work at all.
So yeah try it with Android 9 first.
But with all the google backups nowadays i dont have the need for a nandroid (twrp backup)...
Especially as you can just reflash the stock image with deleting /data.
Here is the main thread, i think it will be more helpfull than i am https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3a/development/twrp-3-3-1-pixel-3a-t3943413
The very first thing to do is minimal setup so you can enable developer settings and allow bootloader unlocking. That's a sticky setting, so then you can update, factory reset, etc. before actually unlocking the bootloader and rooting. Especially important if you're US/Verizon (don't put your SIM in until bootloader unlocking is enabled).
mike.s said:
The very first thing to do is minimal setup so you can enable developer settings and allow bootloader unlocking. That's a sticky setting, so then you can update, factory reset, etc. before actually unlocking the bootloader and rooting. Especially important if you're US/Verizon (don't put your SIM in until bootloader unlocking is enabled).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. So I read the two rooting threads I referenced above. I have always used TWRP in the past, but seeing it not supported in Android 10, I am considering skipping that. Do you think TWRP will support Android 10 in the future? I am a little nervous making changes without a backup. My plan would be to stick with a rooted stock at first than consider migrating to a custom ROM. Any recommendations are appreciated. Phone will be delivered tomorrow.
bejunk said:
But with all the google backups nowadays i dont have the need for a nandroid (twrp backup)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure what you mean by "google backups nowadays". Is it the availability of stock ROMs?
MrTooPhone said:
I am not sure what you mean by "google backups nowadays". Is it the availability of stock ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No , I think most people use a TWRP backup because it restores you to a specifiic point with all your apps, user settings and your data in those apps.
Thats why i used it in the past times. Setiing up a phone in the past could be really time consuming and frustrating.
But nowadays, if you use the google backup (in Settings > System > Backup) (and the whatsapp one for messages - thtas the only messenger i use, but every other popular messager has a backup feature now) setting up the phone takes maybe 10 mins when i flash the factory image, it even gets my homescreen layout and my wallpaper back, also my settings. Apps which support that also keep their settings.
In the past i allways had a custom rom, because stock rom sucked. But with the Pixel theres no reason for me to use a custom rom anymore.
About root, i rooted my phone since i first used android, ca. 2010. But now I really dont need it anymore, so i just keep things stock.
---------- Post added at 16:03 ---------- Previous post was at 15:50 ----------
MrTooPhone said:
Thanks. So I read the two rooting threads I referenced above. I have always used TWRP in the past, but seeing it not supported in Android 10, I am considering skipping that. Do you think TWRP will support Android 10 in the future? I am a little nervous making changes without a backup. My plan would be to stick with a rooted stock at first than consider migrating to a custom ROM. Any recommendations are appreciated. Phone will be delivered tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think TWRP will be supported in the futur on A10. Google locked up /system and some other partitions the TWRP team needs to find new solutions but there id not much hope.
Did you buy your phone unlocked? If yes, the worst part you should be worried about is losing you app data from some apps. You cant really brick your phone. In the worst case you just need to flash a factory image.
You should know that rooting your phone will probably break google pay and banking apps. May i ask what did you want use root for?
I dunno, I really like Lineage OS, but it just feels like a downgraded stock rom.. (I used it before all the time on all phones before getting a pixel).
Also, for every update (monthly) you need to patch your boot.img, flash it, and the apply the update. Its some work which i dont think is worth it anymore.
bejunk said:
May i ask what did you want use root for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply. I am coming from a MotoG3 (rooted stock), a 2015 era phone. So a lot has changed. I really have not seen a mid range phone I really liked, so I jumped on the P3a when I heard the news they were being discontinued.
I use root mainly for Adfree, SD-Maid, and Titanium Backup. I used to use Cerberus until the developer reneged on a lifetime subscription. I don't mess with the system apps much, but I do keep a few apps frozen except for the times when I seldom need them.
Magisk is the best way to root your phone as it still passes the SafetyNet check and google pay and banking apps continue to work. There is an excellent thread here on how to do it.
[Guide] How to root the Pixel 3a with or without twrp & take OTA updates once rooted
Every month, I "uninstall" magisk (which really just restores the original boot files) and sideload the latest update, then I install the magisk-patched boot.img and my phone is rooted again.
To be honest, I don't miss twrp at all. adb and fastboot are all that's needed. The backup in android 10 is perfectly sufficient.
This phone is practically impossible to brick. I love my Pixel 3a, except for the one problem I had when the bottom speaker died and I had to have it repaired under warranty at the local ubreakifix in less than an hour.
MrTooPhone said:
Thanks for the detailed reply. I am coming from a MotoG3 (rooted stock), a 2015 era phone. So a lot has changed. I really have not seen a mid range phone I really liked, so I jumped on the P3a when I heard the news they were being discontinued.
I use root mainly for Adfree, SD-Maid, and Titanium Backup. I used to use Cerberus until the developer reneged on a lifetime subscription. I don't mess with the system apps much, but I do keep a few apps frozen except for the times when I seldom need them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I had that phone too It was pretty good for its time. I even replaced the screen once, but its really complicated on that phone... To your needs:
Adfree: you can setup a custom DNS server (i think it was adguards one) in the settings menu which will block all ads, so no real need anymore for adaway or root for this. Just google a bit.
Titanium backup: I does not work so well is what i heard and like said nowadays most apps backup over Google backup. With Android11 it will get even harder as /data partition is even more protected now. Not really worth it imho.
Froze system apps: Pixel Android is really barebones. The few apps which i dont need (like Google Music/Video PixelBuds app etc) you can just disable them in the settings. This will freeze them, its like uninstalling them, they wont show up at all.
SD Maid is great but only rooting it for using it, is not worth it. You can clear the cache of the apps which hoard a lot of data by yourself. Also, when you uninatll an app, it asks you if you want to delete your userdata as well. The phone takes care of the rest.
Cerberus: If you keep your bootloader locked, when your phone gets stolen, nobody can access your phone. Even if they reflash it, on first boot it will ask to login to the gmail last time set up. Theres no workaroud. Google aslo has a find my device thingy, wher you can track or delete your device remotly.
I would suggest to use your phone unrooted for some time, and if you really need to root it for something, you can still do it.
Welcome to team Pixel, mate!
(sorry my grammer im to lazy to double check it...)
@bejunk Just a not to say thanks again. I took your advice and did not root. However, I did flash with GrapheneOS and then re-locked the bootloader. Time will tell if I like it.