Risks of Rooting? - 7" Kindle Fire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ok so, I bought this awesome device and Im waiting for it to be delivered. I know that rooting has awesome features and great things, but Im wondering if someone has experienced any kind of issue after rooting... I read somewhere here in the forum, that the Wifi on someone's tablet stopped working and he had to return it.. Sadly, I can't be returning stuff since I live out of the states and is not that easy... Hope someone can tell me ^^ Would love to have 3 or 4 answers for me to take my decision. Thanks in advance.
Jailuis

jailuis said:
Ok so, I bought this awesome device and Im waiting for it to be delivered. I know that rooting has awesome features and great things, but Im wondering if someone has experienced any kind of issue after rooting... I read somewhere here in the forum, that the Wifi on someone's tablet stopped working and he had to return it.. Sadly, I can't be returning stuff since I live out of the states and is not that easy... Hope someone can tell me ^^ Would love to have 3 or 4 answers for me to take my decision. Thanks in advance.
Jailuis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you follow instructions to a complete letter and make sure it's the correct rooting instructions for your version number, then all should be well but I do have to say that it's always done at your own risk. There's no way around that.
I have not read anyone else with rooting problems on here for the KFHD. The guy with the wifi post which I've read most likely got a dud. Mine was rooted and ran fine for me. I returned mine for other reasons.
Just be careful on what you do to your device. If you do something you shouldn't with your "extra privileges", it can be easy to brick your device. Especially when it's so young in development stages right now.

I received my fire a week ago. I intended to root it like I have all other android devices I own.
I have kept it stock and probably will for awhile. I just did not feel the need to root. I side loaded GMail and most other Google apps I wanted. I side loaded adw launcher and dolphin browser. So I feel no real reason to root since a few people have had problems.
Now when the boot loader gets unlocked and there is custom Roms now that is a different story.
Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

I rooted yesterday. Got go ex as default launcher, play store, dolphin, etc. No problems yet. Seems faster, if anything.

There aren't many risks with it other then the average (brick). Which can occur with any device. Just make sure you follow the steps correctly step by step, and make sure your adb drivers are installed correctly.

Pirub said:
I rooted yesterday. Got go ex as default launcher, play store, dolphin, etc. No problems yet. Seems faster, if anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About the only reason I'd root is for the play store
Sent from my Galaxy S3

You risk having a better running tablet
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

My devices are all rooted, for my Bionic, it's so that I can use AdFree, Titanium Backup and to run AirBubble, which let's AirPlay devices see the phone and ply music to it remotely (or to whatever speakers it's plugged in to! ) It doesn't have to be used for illegal stuff, it just unlocks your phone's administrator privileges so that those that know specific use cases which require lower level code can go ahead and run. If you can already do everything you want with your phone, you don't need to root it.

GeekSpeak411 said:
My devices are all rooted, for my Bionic, it's so that I can use AdFree, Titanium Backup and to run AirBubble, which let's AirPlay devices see the phone and ply music to it remotely (or to whatever speakers it's plugged in to! ) It doesn't have to be used for illegal stuff, it just unlocks your phone's administrator privileges so that those that know specific use cases which require lower level code can go ahead and run. If you can already do everything you want with your phone, you don't need to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is good for getting rid of bloatware too.

With rooting there is always a risk that you are going to screw something up. The easiest way to ensure that doesnt happen is to not root the device. But if you are going to anyway just don't do something you don't fully understand unless you are willing to take the risks.
For example if you do not know how to use adb then don't try at this time, play around with it on something else. If you still want root and don't know adb then use the automated root tool. All the hard stuff is done for you and there is no chance of inputting something wrong and causing problems. To avoid any conflicts with apps or settings reset the device to factory. Just one more step to take human error out of the equation.
After the device is rooted is when people tend to cause problems for themselves. IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS/DOES DON'T TOUCH IT!!! If you are messing around inside a file manager any folder outside the sdcard folder has the potential to cause problems so- IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS/DOES DON'T TOUCH IT!!!(unless you can afford the risk)
When making changes, research what you are trying to do extensively and don't rely on one source. What worked for one person will not always work for another, to many variables.
All in all just aire on the side of caution.

Thanks for all responses ^^ I've had other android devices and I had rooted them, but Im afraid with this one since I read about the wifi not working anymore... But thanks to all of you I might give it a shot. One last thing, I have 2 KFHD, do I have to install Adb for both?
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium

jailuis said:
Thanks for all responses ^^ I've had other android devices and I had rooted them, but Im afraid with this one since I read about the wifi not working anymore... But thanks to all of you I might give it a shot. One last thing, I have 2 KFHD, do I have to install Adb for both?
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the auto root tool without issues. I would think once you install adb on your Pc it should work for both. I had to also install the android sdk tool.
Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

no risk.just go ahead.toot it.lol

onemeila said:
With rooting there is always a risk that you are going to screw something up. The easiest way to ensure that doesnt happen is to not root the device. But if you are going to anyway just don't do something you don't fully understand unless you are willing to take the risks.
For example if you do not know how to use adb then don't try at this time, play around with it on something else. If you still want root and don't know adb then use the automated root tool. All the hard stuff is done for you and there is no chance of inputting something wrong and causing problems. To avoid any conflicts with apps or settings reset the device to factory. Just one more step to take human error out of the equation.
After the device is rooted is when people tend to cause problems for themselves. IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS/DOES DON'T TOUCH IT!!! If you are messing around inside a file manager any folder outside the sdcard folder has the potential to cause problems so- IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS/DOES DON'T TOUCH IT!!!(unless you can afford the risk)
When making changes, research what you are trying to do extensively and don't rely on one source. What worked for one person will not always work for another, to many variables.
All in all just aire on the side of caution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.

Related

[Q] Dangers of Rooting?

I'm about to get a Moto X on Tuesday. I wondered if there are any dangers of rooting the device? I am not interested (at least not right now) in running a custom ROM on it since it runs so close to AOSP anyway. But I would like to be able to use Titanium Backup with it and a few other things that require root.
I've read there are ways to do it, just not sure if they are safe or not.
As long as you can read and follow directions, there isn't anything to worry about.
Rooting your device void warranty and can brick your device if you don't follow the directions correctly or if you play with something you don't understand. But if you follow directions then you will be fine with nothing to worry about.
Sent from my XT1056 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I was in the same boat, wanting to use root only for TBU, Tasker, and the occasional wifi tether.
Don't be in a rush, the phone works pretty good in stock form. When you're ready, read the forums, follow directions, and you'll be fine. There are a couple threads devoted to the topic, I used Hashcode's TWRP method for unlocked bootloaders without problem (after unlocking which was a little bit of a PITA).
I'm no stranger to rooting and flashing roms. I'll admit to being intimidated a little by the Moto X forum posts since it seems that our phone is a little trickier than what I'm familiar with.
FWIW, battery life on this phone is awesome compared to my Gnex and it seemed to get even better when unlocked and rooted. Also, Xposed is awesome.
Good luck!
The real danger of rooting (other than voiding warranty, etc.) is potential user stupidity.
Root access still requires the user's permission. Whenever root access is requested by an app you will be prompted to grant access. If you get reputable apps from the play store this usually won't be an issue. If you are downloading APKs from less trustworthy sources all bets are off.
Malware often runs without root, and it's usually better this way because requesting root access without an obvious need is a big warning sign.
brian Marshall said:
The real danger of rooting (other than voiding warranty, etc.) is potential user stupidity.
Root access still requires the user's permission. Whenever root access is requested by an app you will be prompted to grant access. If you get reputable apps from the play store this usually won't be an issue. If you are downloading APKs from less trustworthy sources all bets are off.
Malware often runs without root, and it's usually better this way because requesting root access without an obvious need is a big warning sign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with this. Personally, I have rooted all of my previous phones (Droid 2, HTC Rezound) but have not done so for this one. With the speed in which updates are released, and the fact that the phone is basically stock Android, I haven't felt the need to root it.
Also, you might find this post by me interesting: How to backup and restore app data without Root. The only real root feature I typically used was for backing up, but Helium + ADB can do all of this for you.
DogzOfWar said:
I completely agree with this. Personally, I have rooted all of my previous phones (Droid 2, HTC Rezound) but have not done so for this one. With the speed in which updates are released, and the fact that the phone is basically stock Android, I haven't felt the need to root it.
Also, you might find this post by me interesting: How to backup and restore app data without Root. The only real root feature I typically used was for backing up, but Helium + ADB can do all of this for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I run LookOut for one but for another I never grant root access unless I specifically want it to DO something that requires it.
DogzOfWar said:
the phone is basically stock Android, I haven't felt the need to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Occasionally I'll think to my self that I'll get around to rooting it, but honestly I don't feel like I need to.
I kinda want to try out xposed, but there's almost zero motivation otherwise.
Thanks everyone for the replies, I appreciate it.

[Q] Bought a seemingly rooted phone on Swappa and I'm concerned...

OK, I'm going to start by saying I know pretty much nothing about rooting and I may come across as a paranoid conspiracy nut, but here goes.
I recently bought a Note 3 on Swappa. In the description, the seller said that he had removed all of the AT&T Bloatware, but the phone was not rooted. He also stated that a system reset would restore the AT&T apps. Well, the first thing I did was a system restore, but the AT&T apps were still gone. Not that I care about the apps really, but it seemed weird.
Today, I downloaded the "Root Checker" app on the Play Store and it told me that my phone was, in fact, rooted. I also downloaded SuperU and it verified that as well. I've also gotten Titanium Backup (Root) and it shows I'm rooted.
I posted a message on my sale page at Swappa mentioning this, but the seller is adamantly denying that the phone is rooted. He says they use their "own process" to remove the bloatware.
My question in all of this is is this: Is this something I should be concerned about? The seller seems less than honest about the phone being rooted. He is a "trusted seller" which is one reason I bought from him, but I'm super paranoid that there might be something on my phone that I'm unaware of. (a keylogging app, etc...) Is there any way to tell this? How do I go about truly returning my phone back to its original state? I system reset didn't unroot it.
Any advice from people out there much more knowledgeable than me about this?
EDIT: well, I took andygev35's advice and restored back to factory. However, I enjoyed playing around with the things that being rooted allowed, so I re-did it. A huge waste of time? Maybe, but at least I have some peace of mind over the whole thing now. Thanks to everyone!
If you're worried about anything unsavory that may be hidden on your phone, you could always restore back to factory condition using the guide and files in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2838117
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
andygev35 said:
If you're worried about anything unsavory that may be hidden on your phone, you could always restore back to factory condition using the guide and files in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2838117
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, and holy crap - just glancing at that it looks like a total pain in the ass. This is why I never bothered to root in the first place. Do you think I'm being too paranoid? Or is is worth doing all this?
It's actually quite simple. I know it may look overwhelming at first glance, but there's really nothing to it. Basically the easiest method is to use the all-in-one file. Just download that, put your phone in download mode, plug it into your computer, run the Odin program, place the all-in-one file in the AP slot in Odin and click start.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
andygev35 said:
It's actually quite simple. I know it may look overwhelming at first glance, but there's really nothing to it. Basically the easiest method is to use the all-in-one file. Just download that, put your phone in download mode, plug it into your computer, run the Odin program, place the all-in-one file in the AP slot in Odin and click start.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I may do this when I get home. Thanks.
Honestly though I do feel you're probably worrying over nothing.. But I'd go back to stock so you can obtain updates if you desire
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
mrkhigh said:
Honestly though I do feel you're probably worrying over nothing.. But I'd go back to stock so you can obtain updates if you desire
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it's probably nothing to worry about, but if he's anything like me, any doubt I have will always be there somewhere in the back of my mind nagging at me [emoji15]. Restoring wipes out any of that doubt.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Why wouldn't anyone want access to the root files in THEIR phone ???
You have root access to your PC or Mac, why would anyone want a provider to lock down their phone making things inaccessible.
You're not renting the phone, it's Yours (always try and have root access if possible).
google up moborobo and download it, its free and gives u full access to your phone, please download it and check it out -
You will love all the stuff you can do with a rooted N3 -
andygev35 said:
I agree it's probably nothing to worry about, but if he's anything like me, any doubt I have will always be there somewhere in the back of my mind nagging at me [emoji15]. Restoring wipes out any of that doubt.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess what bugs me the most is that the seller INSISTS that it wasn't rooted, when it clearly is. Its a "methinks he doth protest too much" situation. If he just owned up to it, I'd be less paranoid. If he can't be honest about the obvious, it makes me worry about the less obvious.
I've learned a little, and I'm kind of digging some of the options available now that I know its rooted. Considering spending this Saturday to restoring it back to "normal" and then maybe re-rooting it to have some of the things that I now realize I kind of want. I'm kind of worried I'm going to funk it up though... Jailbreaking seemed to be a much easier process, and harder to screw up.
Since we now have nc2 Odin files you are relatively safe in doing a restore.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
ThePorter said:
I guess what bugs me the most is that the seller INSISTS that it wasn't rooted, when it clearly is. Its a "methinks he doth protest too much" situation. If he just owned up to it, I'd be less paranoid. If he can't be honest about the obvious, it makes me worry about the less obvious.
I've learned a little, and I'm kind of digging some of the options available now that I know its rooted. Considering spending this Saturday to restoring it back to "normal" and then maybe re-rooting it to have some of the things that I now realize I kind of want. I'm kind of worried I'm going to funk it up though... Jailbreaking seemed to be a much easier process, and harder to screw up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too am a former Jailbreaker and am so glad I jumped the fence out of Apple's walled garden. I do have to say, at least Apple readily provides the latest firmware for their devices. I can't understand why AT&T won't let Sammy publish our Odin files. As @mrkhigh stated, we DO now have the Odin files (probably gained in some nefarious manner by a sympathizing Best Buy employee), so now you can safely let the experimenting begin without worry.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
I'm curious to find out if it is actually a clone... The HDC Galaxy Note 3 is a damn good clone of the real thing and it ships rooted. They are pretty cheap and can fool almost anyone... If it is a clone, he might have been selling it to make more than he spent and didn't know it's rooted.
If it's not, it is possible that he either bought it from someone else and didn't know that it is rooted, or it is a stolen device.
I would call AT&T and give them the IMEI number to check that. Do not mention root or anything like that, just ask them to check it to see if it's flagged.
graydiggy said:
I'm curious to find out if it is actually a clone... The HDC Galaxy Note 3 is a damn good clone of the real thing and it ships rooted. They are pretty cheap and can fool almost anyone... If it is a clone, he might have been selling it to make more than he spent and didn't know it's rooted.
If it's not, it is possible that he either bought it from someone else and didn't know that it is rooted, or it is a stolen device.
I would call AT&T and give them the IMEI number to check that. Do not mention root or anything like that, just ask them to check it to see if it's flagged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure it's a real AT&T - I took it to the store and had them check the IMHO when I had it activated. I finally just uprooted and flashed the 4.4.2 stock on it (I'm learning the terminology here so hope that's right) from the first post.
The guy is a trusted seller and has sold tons of phones in Swappa. He advertises on all the Samsung at&t phones that he removes the bloatware but does NOT root the phone. But, it was.
In the end, I'm happy with the phone. Seller was less than honest about his process and hopefully he didn't steal all my bank info, haha, but the phone works great.
You have to root to remove all bloatware...
---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 AM ----------
Good to know though. *cheers*
Yeah, I asked him about that and he said they "have their own process to remove bloatware" that does not require root".
Like I said, he was a little squirrely about it.
ThePorter said:
Yeah, I asked him about that and he said they "have their own process to remove bloatware" that does not require root".
Like I said, he was a little squirrely about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure its probably because he sells a lot of devices and didn't realize the one he sold had root.
Then when he talked to u he realized that u r uneducated about the subject so he thought he would bs u.
Of course one would have to have root access to remove root files.
I still don't understand why ur making such a big fuss?
If u don't feel like u lucked out, (like the rest of us do) just send the flipping thing back!
Did you download free moborobo?
Before he downloads that app... Excuse me... Complete PC suite.
Why do you think he needs it? I haven't seen anything on XDA about it, other than from you. And most everything I find on google/YouTube is Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
It seems you are trying to advert it to new users that are unknowing and willing to take advice from most anyone.
I can give 2 things right now that are the same thing and one of them does not require a full PC suite.
Oh... And they are well known on XDA to be safe to use.
graydiggy said:
Before he downloads that app... Excuse me... Complete PC suite.
Why do you think he needs it? I haven't seen anything on XDA about it, other than from you. And most everything I find on google/YouTube is Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
It seems you are trying to advert it to new users that are unknowing and willing to take advice from most anyone.
I can give 2 things right now that are the same thing and one of them does not require a full PC suite.
Oh... And they are well known on XDA to be safe to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right. I looked at it but it seems to be completely unnecessary.
Just a general reminder, use of unknown applications can be dangerous. Please use caution in downloading, using or recommending anything you don't know to be safe.
Stryke_the_Orc said:
Just a general reminder, use of unknown applications can be dangerous. Please use caution in downloading, using or recommending anything you don't know to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me but this is not an unknown app, it has been around for years and works wonderfully !!!
I have been using it since I got my N3 at thanksgiving and it works great, installs downloaded apk files in a snap, allows you easy navigation to your entire phone.Doesn't spam you. It just works great. I'm only recommending it because I have USED it for 9 months, (and you guys can't even google it?)
Since when do mods and forum gurus recommend staying away from something they have never used it, or even spent 10 secs researching ????
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=moborobo+review
I was only trying to help OP out. it is a great and FREE app for rooted devices, sorry for wasting ur time OP -
(ps - I found the software while trying to transfer my contacts and sms messages from my 4s to N3, which worked perfectly and easily, (after trying other stuff). It was after that I discovered how nice it manages everything)

[Q] Should I root or not

Ok so I just switched from an iPhone 6 plus to the note 4 and I love it but I keep seeing all the post about rooting and I don't know if it's for me I have jailbroken my iPhone before but I see so many different stuff like roms and am kind of lost and don't know where I would start and what to choose what's the difference between them and if it's even worth it any info and comments would be appreciated. Thanks
Dude, if you have a brain in your head. And a computer or laptop at home. WHAT are you waiting for??! Rooting and custom roms are always going to be my sht lol. Thus why when I get my laptop I am rooting right away. And start to learn to code android with a bunch of programs. Eventually i will bring out a rom myself. It's all about the love for the "sport". Only reason I haven't rooted is because the current computer I have sucks so bad, so slow. But once this taxes come in baby its on!
I haven't found the need to root just yet. If Lollipop releases before the official T-Mobile release, then may-be.
no... simple
But I still don't know why I should root and I I was going to root which one should I use and what does it mean when I see people are rooted and then they flash roms or something I don't want to brick my phone and will I still be able to jump because I hear that it will show that it's been rooted or something about Knox?
twe90kid said:
no... simple
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The need to root should come before doing it. If you don't know what you're doing it for then you don't need it.
bigpapa2001 said:
But I still don't know why I should root and I I was going to root which one should I use and what does it mean when I see people are rooted and then they flash roms or something I don't want to brick my phone and will I still be able to jump because I hear that it will show that it's been rooted or something about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on your questions, you have ALOT of reading up to do before you should even attempt to root..Its super easy, but until you know what you are doing, and how to recover in case something goes wrong, don't be in a hurry to do anything...
Start here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2903733
I'd recommend firekat for your first rom. I'm switching to some version of cm12 today, but you can work on that later when you are more comfortable with Odin and team win recovery.
I guess my main question is what can I do if I root that I can't do unrooted. I have unrooted a phone before thanks to this forum and the help users provided. I wouldn't do anything until I read and was sure of what I was doing but the curiosity has me thinking of doing it and as I read the post on these forums like everyone and their mother is rooted.
You won't brick. These phones are hard to brick. Just follow the instructions. They don't check if Knox is tripped to jump.
Ad blockers like adfree and adaway are big reasons for me. Makes it so you can use free apps without suffering through the ads. It's most important for me with free games and the CNN app:
You can see in that same picture cachemate. Using it and other cleaners requires root access.
Sd maid is another cleaner that needs root access to be fully functional. In the picture you can also see root browser which let's you see more of the phone than my files:
Titanium backup let's you remove the Tmobile bloat:
It requires root access.
Android_Monsters said:
You can see in that same picture cachemate. Using it and other cleaners requires root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should stop advertising root to him.. LOL
Free tethering.
Ok well so far the only thing I would do it for would be for the hotspot what else could I benefit from and thanks for all the comments and info
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Why would you say that?
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Why would you say that
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

Magisk Help Needed

As an IT professional, I truly hate looking like an idiot. And I'm pretty sure that's about to happen. But I'm sincerely at the end of my rope, and don't know what else to do.
I've been using my Nexus 6 for over a year and a half now, and I love it. I'm comfortable using WugFresh and recently flashed the 7.1.1 OTA using it. However, I also like using Android Pay, so I don't want to root. I do however want full Google Now integration in Action Launcher 3, now that it's available. I really, really want that.
So I looked into Magisk, and that seems to be the way to go. The problem is that the installation instructions seem inherently contradictory. First, they say you need to revert to stock (does that mean stock 7.1.1 or stock after FDR, btw?). But in the very next step, they tell you to flash Magicsk using TWRP. Huh? How is a custom recovery like TWRP considered stock? I just don't get it.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying my best here, so please don't flame. I used to be comfortable with rooting and ROMing back in the OG Droid days, but as I said, I enjoy Android Pay and my banking app, etc.
Thanks in advance for some clear, non-contradictory instructions.
unbesorgt said:
As an IT professional, I truly hate looking like an idiot. And I'm pretty sure that's about to happen. But I'm sincerely at the end of my rope, and don't know what else to do.
I've been using my Nexus 6 for over a year and a half now, and I love it. I'm comfortable using WugFresh and recently flashed the 7.1.1 OTA using it. However, I also like using Android Pay, so I don't want to root. I do however want full Google Now integration in Action Launcher 3, now that it's available. I really, really want that.
So I looked into Magisk, and that seems to be the way to go. The problem is that the installation instructions seem inherently contradictory. First, they say you need to revert to stock (does that mean stock 7.1.1 or stock after FDR, btw?). But in the very next step, they tell you to flash Magicsk using TWRP. Huh? How is a custom recovery like TWRP considered stock? I just don't get it.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying my best here, so please don't flame. I used to be comfortable with rooting and ROMing back in the OG Droid days, but as I said, I enjoy Android Pay and my banking app, etc.
Thanks in advance for some clear, non-contradictory instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first let me give you some advise. If those apps are important to you then get used to running stock. Google is tighting the grip more and more and very soon you will have to choose. Either having root or using many apps like banking apps and google pay. Cant blame them really.
Now When they say stock then mean bare stock. Full factory wipe (formatting all partitions. Yes you will lose data) then put TWRP on there and go from there.
On a side not. You do yourself a great dis-service by using the tool kit. Make me wonder about the IT professional statement, no true IT person would let something reprogram their equipment without knowing everything that is going on as it happens.
zelendel said:
Well first let me give you some advise. If those apps are important to you then get used to running stock. Google is tighting the grip more and more and very soon you will have to choose. Either having root or using many apps like banking apps and google pay. Cant blame them really..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kind of what I figured, and why I haven't rooted since my Droid Bionic.
zelendel said:
Now When they say stock then mean bare stock. Full factory wipe (formatting all partitions. Yes you will lose data) then put TWRP on there and go from there..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So in other words, the correct instructions should be:
1) Perform a Factory Data Reset
2) Flash TWRP
3) Flash Magisk using TWRP
zelendel said:
On a side not. You do yourself a great dis-service by using the tool kit. Make me wonder about the IT professional statement, no true IT person would let something reprogram their equipment without knowing everything that is going on as it happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So clearly you ignored my request not to flame. My IT job takes up enough of my time and mental resources that I have no problem using shortcuts like WugFresh as long as (a) I know how to do it manually if needed, and (b) I trust the utility. So tired of seeing this lazy insult. Not everyone has time to type out ADB commands all day long. But thanks for insinuating I'm not a "true IT person" because I prefer not to do so.
Now that I understand what is actually involved, I will just stay stock.
unbesorgt said:
Kind of what I figured, and why I haven't rooted since my Droid Bionic.
So in other words, the correct instructions should be:
1) Perform a Factory Data Reset
2) Flash TWRP
3) Flash Magisk using TWRP
So clearly you ignored my request not to flame. My IT job takes up enough of my time and mental resources that I have no problem using shortcuts like WugFresh as long as (a) I know how to do it manually if needed, and (b) I trust the utility. So tired of seeing this lazy insult. Not everyone has time to type out ADB commands all day long. But thanks for insinuating I'm not a "true IT person" because I prefer not to do so.
Now that I understand what is actually involved, I will just stay stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to do a factory reset. The installation instructions state you should restore your BOOT image to stock, nothing else. You can use a custom kernel though (I've been using Franco for some time) and there the recommendation is to flash it before Magisk.
So, in other words, skip step 1.
Edit: But of course, you'll need an unlocked bootloader and if you don't have that already your data will be wiped when unlocking. So... step 1 might be necessary... Oops.
unbesorgt said:
Kind of what I figured, and why I haven't rooted since my Droid Bionic.
So in other words, the correct instructions should be:
1) Perform a Factory Data Reset
2) Flash TWRP
3) Flash Magisk using TWRP
So clearly you ignored my request not to flame. My IT job takes up enough of my time and mental resources that I have no problem using shortcuts like WugFresh as long as (a) I know how to do it manually if needed, and (b) I trust the utility. So tired of seeing this lazy insult. Not everyone has time to type out ADB commands all day long. But thanks for insinuating I'm not a "true IT person" because I prefer not to do so.
Now that I understand what is actually involved, I will just stay stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And see that is where you not wanting to put the time in is starting to bite you. doing a facotry reset isnt really a full clean wipe. You have to format the partitions.
If you dont have the time then you really shouldnt be doing something that could easily leave you with a bricked device and with no one to blame but yourself as you didnt want to take the time to understand what you are doing.
As to what I said. It wasnt flaming it was simple blunt honesty. I know people are not used to that as everyone tries so hard to be PC and not hurt other peoples feelings. Well that is not how things work here. Here you will get honest answers. Might not be answers you like but that is not really something to worry about.
I wasnt insinuating anything. I cant tell you that most the older members of this site are in IT and have been for longer then smartphones have been around. The yare also the ones that tell people not to use them for the simple matter of not knowing how to fix things if something went wrong or even what went wrong at all.
zelendel said:
Well first let me give you some advise. If those apps are important to you then get used to running stock. Google is tighting the grip more and more and very soon you will have to choose. Either having root or using many apps like banking apps and google pay. Cant blame them really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sadly I think you are right about this. I have decided to remain stock 7.1.1. The thing I will never understand is why Google chose to make Google Now launcher integration dependent upon the launcher being a system app? I can already have that feature if I use the Google Now launcher which is part of the stock image, but for various aesthetic reasons I just can't stand it. I get that they want to sell Pixels, but honestly I can't stand the Pixel launcher either, due to the ugly icons, so even if I shelled out the price of a desktop computer for a phone that lacks wireless charging, stereo speakers, and water resistance, I still would be stuck not being able to have Google Now integration with my preferred Action Launcher 3. Why? Google's entire business model is based on people using their search engine and seeing their ads, so why on earth wouldn't they want as many people as possible to use Google Now? Plus I can already access it in multiple different ways, they just all suck because it doesn't stay resident in RAM, causing stuttering and delays. If they would just remove that stupid restriction then people like me wouldn't feel the need to root at all, thereby compromising the security of the device which is so important to them, and it would be a win-win all around. Google used to be smarter than this ... what the hell happened? /rant
Thank you Didgeridoohan for your polite and helpful reply. It is truly appreciated. Glad to know there are still kind people to be found on XDA.
My willingness to use ADB commands vs. a root toolkit had absolutely nothing to do with my question. But some people just can't resist any opportunity to display their smug superiority.
unbesorgt said:
Thank you Didgeridoohan for your polite and helpful reply. It is truly appreciated. Glad to know there are still kind people to be found on XDA.
My willingness to use ADB commands vs. a root toolkit had absolutely nothing to do with my question. But some people just can't resist any opportunity to display their smug superiority.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He wasn't flaming... Take 2 minutes to learn ADB and fastboot commands and don't rely on some gimmick toolkit. and it will go a long way. For an "it professional" or even anyone relatively familiar with computers this won't be a hard task. If you're messing with your phone you NEED to know how to do this. Don't cry foul when someone points this out.

Info overload : Please help me turn an SV98LN OS 5.4.0.0 into a NEXUS flavoured unit

Hi all, appreciate best practice is always to read posted guides but I'm getting kinda old and too many threads are only relevant at particular points in time when the 5th Gen Fire was newer. So basically I'm lost in conflicting info on the guides and need some direction.
Starting point is i) I've got 'basic' experience of rooting and flashing roms, so my PC has got ADB drivers etc. ii) I have a stock OS 5.4.0.0 5th Gen Fire which is my elderly mothers and the intention is to get the crap OS removed and make it a simple Nexus 7'like device.
Can somebody please give me some step-by-step advice. I'm at the point where the device is developer enabled and ABD enabled. But the guides I've seen are all based on old OS's so I fear the whatever I try next will just brick the unit.
Thx in advance
As of now, 5.3.2.1 - 5.4.0.0 can not be rooted, much less have the bootloader unlocked to install a custom ROM.
aww bummer
OK second question : How should I treat the term "As of now"? Do you think there is any likelihood of a 5.4.0.0 root solution happening soon? i.e. weeks or months?
If its not gonna be a while, then I might just install the non-root google-play stuff and just shift the bloaty stuff out of sight if I can.
ebod said:
aww bummer
OK second question : How should I treat the term "As of now"? Do you think there is any likelihood of a 5.4.0.0 root solution happening soon? i.e. weeks or months?
If its not gonna be a while, then I might just install the non-root google-play stuff and just shift the bloaty stuff out of sight if I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: The usual warning: I am not responsible for any damage done to your device. If using ANY of these guides, you're doing so at your own risk.
That's about your only option at the moment. You can use the guide here, which will install the appropriate google services needed. You can then use this guide to manually 'uninstall' system/Amazon applications (you aren't really uninstalling them, just disabling them). Or use the automatic tool here, which will uninstall a significant number of the Amazon 'bloatware' and install the Google services and a few other Google related apps.
I CANNOT STRESS THIS NOTE ENOUGH: Whether you uninstall apps manually or automatically, please be aware you have to replace the Amazon apps BEFORE you uninstall them. For example, if you want to use contacts, you should install the necessary Google Contact APKs, open 'Contacts' then uninstall Amazon contacts. DO NOT UNINSTALL the Amazon Contact Storage APK or no contact applications will function properly, if at all. There is a guide here where you can install Google Contacts and get a fun little surprise as a result of doing so.
A factory reset will bring back all system apps you uninstall whether you uninstall them manually or automatically. So if anything stops working or you uninstall something that broke something else, factory resetting will fix the tablet, but you'll have to start over.
If you want to use a custom launcher like Nova Launcher, you can read this post which will describe how to do so. In this post I explain how to disable Fire Launcher without breaking the home button. Please read the WHOLE post, including the very bottom where there's a link that describes a 'fix' for the recent apps button (square button) which has a fit when you uninstall Fire Launcher (even on rooted devices). Just tap on 'hide Fire Launcher BEFORE' at the bottom which will take you to a page where you can activate widgets. Read the very bottom and it will tell you how to 'fix' the recent apps button. When you swipe closed apps using the recent apps button, swiping the last one will kick you to the lock screen or black you out for a moment. The fix is kinda cheesy, but it is a fix. I use it on my HD 8.
In this post I describe what Amazon apps I did NOT uninstall. Note this list of apps will differ slightly from the ones installed on the HD 7, but not by very much. This list MIGHT allow you to use Gmail (which doesn't work on any tablet model) and a few other apps.
Very soon, I plan to make a thread with a detailed tutorial on how to do all of this, so it's in one single spot for everyone to find.
Jake1702_ said:
As of now, 5.3.2.1 - 5.4.0.0 can not be rooted, much less have the bootloader unlocked to install a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.
Davey126 said:
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Davey, yeah I'm not ultimately looking for a rooted device, I just want a clean Nexus'like rom with no bloated crap on it. As a plan-B I will follow the other guide notes that DragonFire kindly provided. But primarily if you are still staying I can get Flashfire to install a custom Nexus rom, then please can you guide me to the appropriate instructions to make Flashfire come to life.
I have Flashfire installed...but it just warns there are no permissions etc.
Thanks
ebod said:
Thanks Davey, yeah I'm not ultimately looking for a rooted device, I just want a clean Nexus'like rom with no bloated crap on it. As a plan-B I will follow the other guide notes that DragonFire kindly provided. But primarily if you are still staying I can get Flashfire to install a custom Nexus rom, then please can you guide me to the appropriate instructions to make Flashfire come to life.
I have Flashfire installed...but it just warns there are no permissions etc.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom ROM (ie: Nexus) can not be installed on this device without root. I do not foresee that happening anytime soon with the so you're stuck with FireOS for a bit. It's not a bad skin once you get used to it.
@DragonFire1024 provided a nice summary of the available tweaks and associated caveats. I suggest going slow; start with the Google Play Store and some light visual customizations. Save the all-or-nothing 'debloat script' until have have a better idea of what to keep.
Most importantly, enjoy your new device and don't fret over what could have been.
This list MIGHT allow you to use Gmail (which doesn't work on any tablet model) and a few other apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Davey126 said:
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know that. If that's the case, as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're lucky then. Many users have had issues with Gmail either force closing or not working at all. Hope the rest was somewhat helpful.
---------- Post added at 05:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 PM ----------
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
I did not know that. If that's the case, as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*IF* it becomes available. I've had my tablets almost a year, maybe a months or so under one. That's how long I've been waiting. Some have been waiting longer.
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially and for many months after the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.
Davey126 said:
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Initially (and for many months after) the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere where quite a few people had put a bug report in or something to that effect. A few days later there was an update to Gmail. That's about the time I installed it and it worked perfectly for me. I'm willing to bet Google did something that that made it possible to use again. Did Amazon do something to block is from using it? In my opinion, not likely. But what caused it? Not a clue. There is some speculation it had to do to with a permission, but that's only speculation. This is something we'll likely never get the answer to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jake1702_ said:
... as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get your hopes up. There's a reason securing root on Amazon and other manufacturer devices has become more difficult over the past 12-18 months. While I appreciate the euphemistic optimism shown by some the tightened security and legacy code cleanup initiated by Google is actually a good thing for the general Android user community. Of course, XDAers hate it (spare me the sermon on someone controlling *your* device) but they don't represent the much larger community that Amazon and other market driven companies are targeting. Business/capatolism 101.
Davey126 said:
Initially and for many months after the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might just have been the perfect period of time during when I had mine sitting and not being used. Guess I'm just lucky.
Davey126 said:
Don't get your hopes up. There's a reason securing root on Amazon and other manufacturer devices has become more difficult over the past 12-18 months. While I appreciate the euphemistic optimism shown by some the tightened security and legacy code cleanup initiated by Google is actually a good thing for the general Android user community. Of course, XDAers hate it (spare me the sermon on someone controlling *your* device) but they don't represent the much larger community that Amazon and other market driven companies are targeting. Business/capatolism 101.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definitely possible, just not enough people spending time on this device, they are all focused on more popular brands/devices.
Jake1702_ said:
Might just have been the perfect period of time during when I had mine sitting and not being used. Guess I'm just lucky.
It is definitely possible, just not enough people spending time on this device, they are all focused on more popular brands/devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This I will actually agree with. But to be honest, I really thought we'd have a good chance after Prime Day. I really thought we'd have gotten it then, but I still have hopes.
That being said, the tricks and hacks we've discovered over the last few months are pretty amazing. The method of 'uninstalling' I mentioned a few posts ago, was never intended nor expected to work on these tablets. It had sat on XDA for a couple days before I literally said out loud: "oh what the hell. I can't break anything." So gave it a shot and was incredibly surprised to see it really did disable Amazon Video.
With the tricks and hacks I also mentioned a few posts back, really does go a long way in terms of a custom ROM. Aside from the technical aspects and apps, in my opinion it's pretty much a custom systemless ROM. Though some may disagree with me very much.
Feel free to ask any question you like. We'll do our best to help.
DragonFire1024 said:
This I will actually agree with. But to be honest, I really thought we'd have a good chance after Prime Day. I really thought we'd have gotten it then, but I still have hopes.
That being said, the tricks and hacks we've discovered over the last few months are pretty amazing. The method of 'uninstalling' I mentioned a few posts ago, was never intended nor expected to work on these tablets. It had sat on XDA for a couple days before I literally said out loud: "oh what the hell. I can't break anything." So gave it a shot and was incredibly surprised to see it really did disable Amazon Video.
With the tricks and hacks I also mentioned a few posts back, really does go a long way in terms of a custom ROM. Aside from the technical aspects and apps, in my opinion it's pretty much a custom systemless ROM. Though some may disagree with me very much.
Feel free to ask any question you like. We'll do our best to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny how for months now this device still hasn't been rooted, yet a few days after the release of the Samsung Galaxy S8, it was already rooted. Simply, those devices have much more people willing to take time to find exploits for, whereas the Fire does not. It's a shame really.
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Jake1702_ said:
Funny how for months now this device still hasn't been rooted, yet a few days after the release of the Samsung Galaxy S8, it was already rooted. Simply, those devices have much more people willing to take time to find exploits for, whereas the Fire does not. It's a shame really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There just may not be any at the moment. Amazon has done a lot to this OS, so much so, I've seen posts where users don't even consider it an Android base anymore. Depending on what you read, I've seen other sites where some say its too butchered.
Also keep in mind when an exploit is found, some have been around for a very long time. So one may exist, but no one has either found it yet so no method exists or as you say, may not care enough to take the time to make a method. Every Android device is different. The OS is customized and programed to a manufacturers liking who also add their own customization, then is passed off to a service provider who further customizes it. In that period exploits are patched or simply don't work because what's exploited in certain devices, may not exist in other devices. The list and possibilities really could go on.
DragonFire1024 said:
There just may not be any at the moment. Amazon has done a lot to this OS, so much so, I've seen posts where users don't even consider it an Android base anymore. Depending on what you read, I've seen other sites where some say its too butchered.
Also keep in mind when an exploit is found, some have been around for a very long time. So one may exist, but no one has either found it yet so no method exists or as you say, may not care enough to take the time to make a method. Every Android device is different. The OS is customized and programed to a manufacturers liking who also add their own customization, then is passed off to a service provider who further customizes it. In that period exploits are patched or simply don't work because what's exploited in certain devices, may not exist in other devices. The list and possibilities really could go on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if it would be possible "break" the bootloader, so-to-speak, to a point where it "works" but is flawed, allowing the installation of a custom ROM.
Jake1702_ said:
I wonder if it would be possible "break" the bootloader, so-to-speak, to a point where it "works" but is flawed, allowing the installation of a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not likely. I have a list of things to try on my head. Some simple, some outrageous. Truth is this HD 8 has been through hell. I've reset it more times than I can count. I've nearly disected it and to be honest I'm absolutely amazed I haven't broken it yet. So I'm giving her a break from that right now.
With that said, I have an HD 7 that's rooted. I have an idea to try some things using it, that could work on non rooted 7 and up tablets, that would be totally systemless that could open up the possibilities to some things. I've been disecting the HD 7 for some ideas and plan to do some testing very soon. I'm the type that will immediately look at all settings and functions and then look through every file, folder and directory I'm able to, so we can do what many of us have already achieved. Keep an eye on me
DragonFire1024 said:
Not likely. I have a list of things to try on my head. Some simple, some outrageous. Truth is this HD 8 has been through hell. I've reset it more times than I can count. I've nearly disected it and to be honest I'm absolutely amazed I haven't broken it yet. So I'm giving her a break from that right now.
With that said, I have an HD 7 that's rooted. I have an idea to try some things using it, that could work on non rooted 7 and up tablets, that would be totally systemless that could open up the possibilities to some things. I've been disecting the HD 7 for some ideas and plan to do some testing very soon. I'm the type that will immediately look at all settings and functions and then look through every file, folder and directory I'm able to, so we can do what many of us have already achieved. Keep an eye on me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone were to go so deep to a point where they took it apart, maybe it would be possible to modify the bootloader by setting up a custom one.
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