Database Develop

Upcoming root/Backup TA w/o loosing functions?

Hey there,
yesterday I bricked my Xcompact (never come back option).
Now I can choose between a Xc and a new XZ1c.
Root and DRM is very important for me and I do not want to miss it.
Do you think, there´s a fully functional Root-/DRM (TA) Workaround upcomming in the near future or is it unlikely?
Kind Regards,
Chris

dhchris said:
Hey there,
yesterday I bricked my Xcompact (never come back option).
Now I can choose between a Xc and a new XZ1c.
Root and DRM is very important for me and I do not want to miss it.
Do you think, there´s a fully functional Root-/DRM (TA) Workaround upcomming in the near future or is it unlikely?
Kind Regards,
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore DRM function with a "bypass" patch once you have root and lost your keys... but if you "unroot" you wont have the DRM functions
Full DRM keys backup as old days seems impossible with current Sony security, I believe

dhchris said:
Do you think, there´s a fully functional Root-/DRM (TA) Workaround upcomming in the near future or is it unlikely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned above, there is no way back from deleting your TA partition. There are several threads on this forum regarding using a DRM 'fix', but it looks pretty tricky to set up.
But, help is at hand. The developer sToRm// is about to release a 'one stop shop' fix for all types of Sony. So follow his Sony Xperia XZ Premium TWRP + KERNEL + ROOT + DRM fix/restore thread and this will be the easy solution.
LineageOS is also gaining traction and reading the comments is almost at a daily driver level.

There's a fix released.
I trully don't understand why Sony spends so much time with this DRM stuff when their camera isn't all that good. It's just sad.
Official link: https://www.xperifix.com/
sToRm// said:
To all XZ1 and XZ1 Compact users:
XperiFIX now supports your devices! You can download the current version (fixed) again, install and run it.
https://www.xperifix.com/download/xperifix-latest/
Please report if it works for you!
Original thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/xz...hack-mod-sony-xperia-xz-premium-twrp-t3695171
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Is it actually worth rooting this phone? I only see 1-2 custom roms, no camera mods, basically no mods in general.
Apart from adblock and getting rid of bloatware (which you can disable), what's the real advantage of voiding the warranty?
Just to be clear, I usually root all my android devices, maybe what I'm missing for the XZ1c are mods and roms..

charliebigpot said:
Is it actually worth rooting this phone? I only see 1-2 custom roms, no camera mods, basically no mods in general.
Apart from adblock and getting rid of bloatware (which you can disable), what's the real advantage of voiding the warranty?
Just to be clear, I usually root all my android devices, maybe what I'm missing for the XZ1c are mods and roms..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... for me, one of the main reasons is to install Xposed and then X Messenger Privacy Premium
Since the device only has 32GB, installing [Magisk Module] Magic Folder Binder in order to expand the internal storage transparently as I explained in this reply
There's also other goodies with Magisk such as ENABLE DOZE on Google Play Services or Greenify4Magisk.
For exposed depending how comfortable you're with the idea of ripping off YouTube Red you have YouTube background playback
All in all, there isn't any direct mods to Xperia Roms, but the ones that come with Xposed/Magisk.

luminoso said:
Well... for me, one of the main reasons is to install Xposed and then X Messenger Privacy Premium
Since the device only has 32GB, installing [Magisk Module] Magic Folder Binder in order to expand the internal storage transparently as I explained in this reply
There's also other goodies with Magisk such as ENABLE DOZE on Google Play Services or Greenify4Magisk.
For exposed depending how comfortable you're with the idea of ripping off YouTube Red you have YouTube background playback
All in all, there isn't any direct mods to Xperia Roms, but the ones that come with Xposed/Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got and set up my XZ1 - jeez, I take it all back, can't stand all the apps that are already installed, I'll root for sure.
Btw, thanks for the links!

charliebigpot said:
Just got and set up my XZ1 - jeez, I take it all back, can't stand all the apps that are already installed, I'll root for sure.
Btw, thanks for the links!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your biggest reason for root is only because of the preinstalled apps, then might I suggest you take a look at this thread. Unless you have other pressing root uses, in my opinion it's not worth voiding your warranty just to get rid of a couple of apps which can be done without root.
Don't know what Android devices you've previously owned, but in case you weren't aware, with Sony phones you permanently lose your unique DRM keys once you unlock your bootloader with no way of getting them back.
Basically, your warranty would be irreversibly voided, doesn't matter if you relock your bootloader, clean flash stock firmware or whatever.
Currently there exists no method of backing up and restoring those keys, which is likely one of the main reasons for the lack of custom developments for this phone.
Could be a different scene once phones begin to age past their warranty period and people no longer have any other reason to hang on to those keys, but for now, I'd still recommend to hold off rooting.

Should I root or not? That is the question.

I have always rooted all my previous android phones, but had not had a big need for it on XZ1c.
Partly because its actually quite tough, and partly because you can never return to "untouched state" if you want. Wou WILL loose permenentaly you android key provisioning. (introduced in android Oreo).
However now I am in doubt if I should root or not. Mainly because its just nice do have full control of your phone. And also because I like to play/geek with my phone.
Can someone help me make up my decision. So far this is the list I can come up with.
You are very velcome to add points which can help me, and probably many others take a decision, as this product is now nearly 2 years old.
Pros:
* Remove ads in app. Already use Opera to remove ads in browsing.
* Use external SD for app data, as 32GB is very limited. Link2SD working still in Pie? Or somethink better has come up?
* Add option to call recording
* Customize pie clock location - > put back to right side
* You will be able to make FULL backups with ie. Titanium. Although after Android 6.0 this is becoming more and more useless.
* Remove unneeded bloat.
* Perhaps being able to get better battery consumption. Not really proven though, as stock is getting better and better.
*..
*..
* Systemwide night mode (is this still possible in pie, where you can dimmer the navigation keys)
Cons:
* You will physically alter the phone, and cannot return to 100% stock -> loss of andorid Key Attest Provisioning. Cannot relock bootloader etc. etc.
* You will not be able to use Google Pay. And this feature will be lost forever, as this is using key attest provisioning.
* You will not be able to use Over-the-air updates from Sony, which means you will not automatically have the newest security updates to phone.
* You need to strugle with banking apps and streaming apps checking for root. So you have to trick them with magisk hide etc.. Cat and mouse all the time, as they might become better in detecting root.
* You will and spend alot of time, and need to spend more and more time on your phone, to keep up-to-date with latest xda development.
* ..
* ..
*..
*..

I'm not sure if this will change in the future or not, but for me, Google Pay and my banking apps (Chase, BofA) are currently working on my rooted XZ1C. I didn't do anything special other than installing Magisk.

You can use magiskhideprop to use Google pay and alike.
You might also need to use the avaliable hide options from magisk manager though.

Removing bloatware for sure gives the battery 5+ extra hours of use.
For me that was the main reason.
Oreo had a few hours more though is what i notice compared to Pie.

TGN said:
Removing bloatware for sure gives the battery 5+ extra hours of use.
For me that was the main reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can remove bloatware using adb without root.

mcmanuf said:
Can someone help me make up my decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the looks of it, you’ve done a pretty good job of reasearching the points for and against, I don’t think asking the question here will bring you any new instights.
In the past, rooting unlocked the phone to lots of new ‘features’, customising and battery saving apps. But that’s long gone now, you can customise without rooting and the modern stock build is so good with battery saving that tampering with it’s clock features or running proccesses using power saving apps more often produces worse battery not better. Add to that the ability to reomve all the unwated apps you want with some prudent ADB commands, makes rooting seems like a lot of work, for not much gain. There seems to be some sort of urban legend that everything works better on a rooted phone, but I think quite often the battery performance is the same or worse.
I’m sure it’s fashinonable to say that your phone is rooted, but locking yourself out of regular security updates, having to initiate a whole update squence of flashing this file, then that file, then that file, every time there’s a firmware update is very draining and I’m sure you’ll give up after not very long (I gave up with .20 on Oreo). There’s so many more things that can wrong with a rooted phone, even if you do follow the herd and always have the latest latest build on your phone.
I’d say don’t do it and invest some time in learing how to get what you want with ADB.

mcmanuf said:
Cons:
* You need to strugle with banking apps and streaming apps checking for root. So you have to trick them with magisk hide etc.. Cat and mouse all the time, as they might become better in detecting root.
*..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you that this point is 100% true. I have 3 banks. All do not work with vanilla root, but 2 of them can work if using Magisk hide. However the 3rd app (ABSA Bank south africa) cannot work no matter what... Not sure how they check, your magisk can but fully secure, pass safety net, pass cts, pass google play certification - and it will still detect root. Reading on the south african forums regarding this, nobody has been able to figure how to get this working on a rooted phone. I actually went to the bank and closed my account because of this... but this situation is surely only going to get worse.
And there is no system wide dark theme in XZ1c's Pie.
Regards,
Dean

TheVan28 said:
You can remove bloatware using adb without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is interesting, any chance you could point me in the right direction?

l33boy said:
This is interesting, any chance you could point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice XDA article here
and something more specific to our XZ1c here
You might need Sony drivers

TheVan28 said:
You can remove bloatware using adb without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For my device, the recommended way left a few services active (Amazon Shopping), could not find data anywhere though with root explorer.
When using the Debloater module in Magisk (recommended by @andacro i saw that there were more ''leftovers'' from other removed apps as well which i previously uninstalled through the adb -uninstall method.
For my device, the Debloater module was the more complete method to get everything clean.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...z1-compact-t3815157/post79558539#post79558539

A Couple of Questions Before Buying

Currently have a ONEPLUS 3T running Resurrection Remix ROM, which is great.
I guess the P30 hasn't had any development in this area? I was reading in the rom section and it seems even unlocking the bootloader is tricky, let alone loading a custom rom.
Is this something that will come later?
It's my first time thinking about buying a relatively new phone so not sure of the time line of things like this.
Cheers!

anotherxdauser said:
Is this something that will come later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei stopped giving official bootloader unlock codes, which means no TWRP or custom ROM/ Kernels. There are unofficial unlock codes, but they are pricey, may not be available all the time, etc.
But if you're looking to buy a P30 Pro, it shouldn't be for its custom ROM scene or mod capabilities. It should be for its camera. Period. There is a very good reason it's being held so high in all reviews for its camera prowess, you won't be getting tried of admiring what the camera can do, and the built-in image editor can enhance on - be it night, wide or zoom.
To its credit, EMUI does have a few features like very good theme support, a Network speed indicator, the gesture navigation and floating navigation dock are nifty, etc. You can install Netguard for firewall and Ad blocking through hosts, disable or uninstall system apps (bloatware) through ADB, try out custom launchers if you do not like EMUI launcher, and so on - in other words, its not too bad that the phone cannot be officially unlocked.
But if custom ROM/ recovery are more important, you should look at One Plus 7/ Pro, maybe. You'll not have similar kind of a development for this phone. Look up the custom section for, say, Mate 20 Pro to understand the kind of progress you can expect

Thanks
Have been thinking yesterday whether I need root or not.
I don't understand ADB, so try and avoid using it.
This is where a custom recovery excells - I can just load the zip and flash it on to the phone from the phone. But a lot of the time, this is to do with custom roms.
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I have Solid Explorer, which has a root mode, but I rarely use this and it's more for finding files around the phone than anything else.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Titanium Backup - but I only use this when upgrading the ROM.
Bouncer is another app I have recently installed. It does have a root mode, but is optional.
I can still sideload apps without root, so don't need it there either.
So it doesn't look like I need root.
Perhaps I only had it to install a custom ROM, but I'm not one of those people who installs a new one every week. I barely update the one I have because it's a fair bit of hassle! I think the only thing I am worried about is after Android 9 and whether there will be a timely update to 10. But then the changes I have seen since abut 3 or 4 versions of Android have been very minimal at best.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Sorry for all the questions.
Does worry me a little that Huawei don't allow people to fully control their phones - the cynic in me makes me think it's because they're spying, so don't want people to run any other software but theirs! Ha ha.
I may have an opportunity to buy the phone for about £400 less than what Amazon are selling it (Amazon: £899, eBay: ~£500, one I was looking at on ebay: £500 with best offer).

Be careful with ebay. Cheapest isn't always best.

anotherxdauser said:
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdAway will need root (or magisk) - so that won't work. What you can do is use netguard and import the latest hosts created by AdAway (in another, rooted device). Read up about netguard, it's pretty good at what it does
Greenify has a non-root mode, but then the battery life in this phone is monstrous - I get about 2.5 days with 7 hrs of screen time and 1.5 hours of calling - my usage is pretty light though
Nova launcher does not need root for its primary functions - I haven't used it in a while so not sure what else it does that needs root
Nope - systemless/ magisk et all need bootloader unlocking, which ain't straightforward with this device...

Some good thoughts here.
If I can import a hosts file (link to tutorial?) that would be great.
Funny as I only use AdAway to block a banking app contacting its servers to report I'm rooted so I can still use the banking app. However, if I'm not rooted, I may not really require it any more.

Why root our phone nowadays?

Hi,
I used to root my phone but since I bought the S10 I found myself using Samsung Pay instead of using my cards all the time.
Before I used to root in order to have:
- Spotify mod, but now you can hack Spotify without root installing a modded version
- adaway but you can still use adhell
- YouTube vanced worked on non-root device
So do you think it's worth rooting the phone to maybe removing some bloating and add some minor customisations but lose Samsung Pay?

ValouSydney said:
Hi,
I used to root my phone but since I bought the S10 I found myself using Samsung Pay instead of using my cards all the time.
Before I used to root in order to have:
- Spotify mod, but now you can hack Spotify without root installing a modded version
- adaway but you can still use adhell
- YouTube vanced worked on non-root device
So do you think it's worth rooting the phone to maybe removing some bloating and add some minor customisations but lose Samsung Pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think yeah, debloating is the first thing to pushed me to root, but more reasons exist, like tweaks to systemui, backups, also this time i use it to be able to mock locations on pokemongo hehe.
The only thing stopping me to root my s10 was securefolder, because the warranty doesn't mind if you break,wet,loose the phone and since someone found a way to use it theres no other reason to not root for me

Chuytl said:
i think yeah, debloating is the first thing to pushed me to root, but more reasons exist, like tweaks to systemui, backups, also this time i use it to be able to mock locations on pokemongo hehe.
The only thing stopping me to root my s10 was securefolder, because the warranty doesn't mind if you break,wet,loose the phone and since someone found a way to use it theres no other reason to not root for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I DO NOT ROOT ANYMORE!
Debloating is NO LONGER an excuse either!! Infact the phones are SUPER EASY to remove ALL the bloatware from!!!
Just flash a stock "unlocked" firmware and boom, bloatfree.. you dont even need to sim unlock!!!
Modded Apks are good enough for me, and work fine on unrooted devices.
You maintain ALL features...
AND YOU KEEP YOUR WARRANTY INTACT!!!

Some apps only work with root. Root also gives you access to install a custom recovery which can be used to make nandroid backups of the phone. Something stock recovery can't do unless you use the flash fire app in which case you need root to use it.

psynetkilla said:
I DO NOT ROOT ANYMORE!
Debloating is NO LONGER an excuse either!! Infact the phones are SUPER EASY to remove ALL the bloatware from!!!
Just flash a stock "unlocked" firmware and boom, bloatfree.. you dont even need to sim unlock!!!
Modded Apks are good enough for me, and work fine on unrooted devices.
You maintain ALL features...
AND YOU KEEP YOUR WARRANTY INTACT!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if thats your choice thats ok...
warranty is not a deal with because probably I'll break my phone before any factory issue also a full debloated stock firmware?
im not telling you to root but for me is not a need is because i like to do it. manually debloting a rom, use of apps that need device admin without grant it, backups,kernel wireless and framework tweaks, ui customization and a lot of things you can do with root only

Couple of reasons why I have it rooted:
- Replace the ugly Samsung Emoji for any other (I use the legacy but updated blobs).
- Full disable Google if you care "a bit" about privacy.
- Remove Bixby and remap without accepting their contract.
- Full VPN, Android by default don't tether internet with VPN
In overall, rooting is needed if you want to own your device and care about privacy. People have more usage for rooting, but that's why I prefer rooting.

The main reasons I used to root were
-Install black theme. These days every manufacturer offers black themes and Google also offers black themes.
-Adaway for ads removal. There are many alternatives for non rooted devices.
-Viper 4 Android for superior sound. I bought an external DAC which is much better.
-Debloating. Nowdays we are able to remove most of the apps we don't want.
I like my rooted LG G4 a lot, but I need my S10 to use my bank apps without hassle, so I will probably never root it.

Not any real important reasons that usually can't be done some other way, sometimes because their friends are doing it.

Tel864 said:
Not any real important reasons that usually can't be done some other way, sometimes because their friends are doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is cool, only cool kids root :good:

I root my phone just because I want to have the freedom to do what I want.
I like to modify config files for apps (whatsapp for example - better photo quality, larger videos and so on).
Adhell isn't working anymore and non-root adblockers including AdGuard DNS are either sucking battery or you need to disable it often to enter websites. You can't add filters to the DNS. Adaway works great on root.
Also Substratum or similar is great and I like the Swift Black theme.
For me it's more the principe. Before I switched to Android I used to have jailbroken iPhones, only - and I loved the freedom.
But since my warranty's void and my USB port got destroyed by fake moisture I'm thinking about to suppress my thoughts of "Android freedom" - the repair shop wanted 400€ for switching the mainboard. I let them send my S10 back and now VaultKeeper prevents booting...and without USB I don't have any chance to use the phone.
So, rooting is great but if your device got damaged it gets expensive.
It's annoying that the phone brands are working so hard to prevent rooting without any logical reason...VaulKeeper and KNOX are just two examples just by Samsung. Huawei, for example, disabled the unlocking of their devices completely, this was the reason for me to switch to Samsung.

Question To Unlock bootloader or not?

My Pixel 3 is having power button/battery-life issues, so I took advantage of the inflated Google trade-in values and pre-ordered the 7 (ugh, hope it goes better than the 6 launch, especially since with my trade-in I'll be stuck if I have issues).
My Pixel and Pixel 3, I unlocked the bootloader and rooted, but with the Pixel 3, seemed like I was spending more and more time trying to read and make sure that I was going to be able to get the updates installed and re-root with Magisk, and still be able to pass SafetyNet and Play store certification with a different kernel, such that I was skipping updates because I just didn't have time.
My main reason for rooting these days was to use AdAway and to freeze apps that I wasn't using regularly (like Uber, Lyft, store apps needed to get coupons but rarely used which I didn't want waking up and siphoning data in the background) with Titanium Backup. And to migrate a few apps and app data using Titanium Backup (though I think most apps/data transferred successfully using the Pixel transfer wizard when I went Pixel->Pixel 3?- can't remember the last time I had to do this, after 3 years on the P3)
When setting up the P7, I'm thinking about not unlocking the bootloader and just trying to use an adblock DNS, but wonder if anyone else is having similar thoughts? Have you been able to backup/restore apps and app data when necessary using ADB or Helium? Do you freeze apps or just uninstall ?
If I have forgotten some other reason why I really needed to be rooted with unlocked BL, do you think I'll be able to take an ADB backup, unlock BL and wipe and restore all apps/data?
Would be interested to know what everyone else is planning on doing...

Nateg900t said:
My Pixel 3 is having power button/battery-life issues, so I took advantage of the inflated Google trade-in values and pre-ordered the 7 (ugh, hope it goes better than the 6 launch, especially since with my trade-in I'll be stuck if I have issues).
My Pixel and Pixel 3, I unlocked the bootloader and rooted, but with the Pixel 3, seemed like I was spending more and more time trying to read and make sure that I was going to be able to get the updates installed and re-root with Magisk, and still be able to pass SafetyNet and Play store certification with a different kernel, such that I was skipping updates because I just didn't have time.
My main reason for rooting these days was to use AdAway and to freeze apps that I wasn't using regularly (like Uber, Lyft, store apps needed to get coupons but rarely used which I didn't want waking up and siphoning data in the background) with Titanium Backup. And to migrate a few apps and app data using Titanium Backup (though I think most apps/data transferred successfully using the Pixel transfer wizard when I went Pixel->Pixel 3?- can't remember the last time I had to do this, after 3 years on the P3)
When setting up the P7, I'm thinking about not unlocking the bootloader and just trying to use an adblock DNS, but wonder if anyone else is having similar thoughts? Have you been able to backup/restore apps and app data when necessary using ADB or Helium? Do you freeze apps or just uninstall ?
If I have forgotten some other reason why I really needed to be rooted with unlocked BL, do you think I'll be able to take an ADB backup, unlock BL and wipe and restore all apps/data?
Would be interested to know what everyone else is planning on doing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The very first thing I will do is unlock the bootloader and root. Not really a hassle for me and I don't use banking apps.

Lughnasadh said:
The very first thing I will do is unlock the bootloader and root. Not really a hassle for me and I don't use banking apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are your biggest reasons to root? I don't mind just using banking websites, and I suppose I could do check deposits with a different device like an iPad... Back in the day was also using Xprivacy but now there is more control over app permissions too. Just trying to decide if there's still a reason to go through the hassle for my use cases.

Nateg900t said:
What are your biggest reasons to root? I don't mind just using banking websites, and I suppose I could do check deposits with a different device like an iPad... Back in the day was also using Xprivacy but now there is more control over app permissions too. Just trying to decide if there's still a reason to go through the hassle for my use cases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adaway root version
YouTube & YouTube Music Vanced
Substratum
Repainter
JamesDSP
Pixel Launcher Mod
Shortcutter app
Swift Backup
App Manager
To name a few..

Thanks, from your list Adaway root is the big pull for me.

Nateg900t said:
Thanks, from your list Adaway root is the big pull for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about a VPN with ad blocking? Kill two birds..Proton is awesome for me. Do a backup, save it then try without root for a bit. You can't stand it then root.

bobby janow said:
How about a VPN with ad blocking? Kill two birds..Proton is awesome for me. Do a backup, save it then try without root for a bit. You can't stand it then root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have thought about that- use a VPN to a VPS when traveling on wifi, and a VPN to access my home network, but don't like the idea of leaving it connected all the time (battery drain, keeping the radios active to keep the connection) or the idea of having to constantly connect/disconnect it when I want to use the phone. And I would have to create new profiles for adblock to use on mobile while maintaining no-adblock for other devices.
That's why DNS or Adaway hosts seems like the best options for me.
I think I might do your idea of starting without and see how it works. Just looking for any reports from others who have been able to successfully fully backup and restore apps/data to unlock the bootloader. If I have to setup everything from scratch, it's a larger barrier to doing the BL unlock later.

I unlock the bootloader right away so I can use the Android Flash Tool for quick updates via my work computer. I don't like waiting for OTA updates and the optimization process that follows. Root and AdAway is another benefit, also better theme possibilities.

Nateg900t said:
What are your biggest reasons to root? I don't mind just using banking websites, and I suppose I could do check deposits with a different device like an iPad... Back in the day was also using Xprivacy but now there is more control over app permissions too. Just trying to decide if there's still a reason to go through the hassle for my use cases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to root for the adblocking, but found setting the private dns to dns.adguard.com is just as effective. As for backups, I used Titanium Backup, but have found Google's backup is just as effective. For those apps not installed from the play store, I use swift backup running on top of Shizuku. For ad-free Youtube, you can find a modified youtube (vanced) apk, but as always, modified apks come with risks.

mruno said:
I used to root for the adblocking, but found setting the private dns to dns.adguard.com is just as effective. As for backups, I used Titanium Backup, but have found Google's backup is just as effective. For those apps not installed from the play store, I use swift backup running on top of Shizuku. For ad-free Youtube, you can find a modified youtube (vanced) apk, but as always, modified apks come with risks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your experience! Have been reading more about the private DNS options, just trying to figure out whether connecting to my OpenVPN profiles will override the phone settings and cause me to have to change server config settings in OpenVPN server (seems like OpenVPN will override if doing server push, and the iOS and Android OpenVPN clients don't listen to the pull-filter commands to ignore server config DNS which would be needed to allow non-adguard profile option with a client profile instead of running a second server instance on a different port). I'm probably just going to have to experiment and figure out some combination of settings that allows me to use adguard Private DNS when on mobile/wifi when not using VPN, and also adguard Private DNS when on my own VPN, with the option to use a non-adguard DNS profile if something isn't working/loading and I need to disable the adguard.
Was also reading about using Shizuku and Hail to freeze/disable apps without root, which is my other biggest use-case.
Have a family YoutubeMusic account that costs $2.50/month and includes no-ad Youtube, so thankfully don't have to worry about Youtube ads.

chopt51 said:
I unlock the bootloader right away so I can use the Android Flash Tool for quick updates via my work computer. I don't like waiting for OTA updates and the optimization process that follows. Root and AdAway is another benefit, also better theme possibilities.
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Do you play the game of trying to maintain Gpay compatibility and Play store certification to install Netflix and other apps, or that's just not something that matters for your use case?

Nateg900t said:
Do you play the game of trying to maintain Gpay compatibility and Play store certification to install Netflix and other apps, or that's just not something that matters for your use case?
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I honestly don't have to worry about those instances. My use might be different than others.

I'm thinking about getting a Pixel 7 (non Pro), and if I get one I'll keep the BL locked I guess. Right now I got a Realme GT2 Pro, and it's locked running stock color OS. I got a virtual credit card and various banking apps, so I don't want to mess around anymore. For blocking unwanted stuff I use personalDNSfilter (got that running on my PC and my smartphone and it's great) and adblocking browsers. During the last years I used less custom ROMs and kernels, because I don't need that stuff anymore. It rather annoyed me testing ROMs and getting problems because of root.

Immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked. You can decide to go with root at any time it suits you after that without losing all your data -- can be as simple as fastboot'ing the modified boot image, and as temporary as its gone the next time you reboot.

96carboard said:
Immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked. You can decide to go with root at any time it suits you after that without losing all your data -- can be as simple as fastboot'ing the modified boot image, and as temporary as its gone the next time you reboot.
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I haven't unlocked for some time and when I did I didn't use GP or my banking apps. Does Pay and all banking apps work with an unlocked bootloader. Perhaps before telling someone to immediately unlock the bootloader you could inform them of the drawbacks as well as the benefits you provided. Maybe suggest a few articles on the security risks of an unlocked bootloader as a start. The person you are quoting has numerous financial apps on the device and is security conscience. Blanket statements of "immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked" can be shortsighted for some people.

bobby janow said:
I haven't unlocked for some time and when I did I didn't use GP or my banking apps. Does Pay and all banking apps work with an unlocked bootloader. Perhaps before telling someone to immediately unlock the bootloader you could inform them of the drawbacks as well as the benefits you provided. Maybe suggest a few articles on the security risks of an unlocked bootloader as a start. The person you are quoting has numerous financial apps on the device and is security conscience. Blanket statements of "immediately unlock the bootloader and leave it unlocked" can be shortsighted for some people.
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Everything will work perfectly with an unlocked bootloader. It will just give you an annoying warning screen briefly when powering on.
If you want to know about security risks, they're fairly small, and ONLY apply if your phone is handled physically by someone untrusted for an extended period of time, in which the only thing they could actually do is install a modified boot image. Under those circumstances, the device security has to be assumed compromised whether the bootloader is unlocked or not.
An unlocked bootloader will NOT allow a 3rd party to access data on the device, since it is encrypted and requires your security code to unlock.
Now, you can actually tell if they've rebooted the device, which they would HAVE to do in order to install a different boot image; the unlock screen (which they are NOT able to modify without resulting in boot failure) will tell you!
And I absolutely disagree that it is shortsighted to advise immediate unlocking. Nothing of real benefit comes from having a locked bootloader. Any sense of security you gain from it is smoke and mirrors. It can only be tampered with if someone has physical access, and if somebody has physical access, it has to be assumed compromised regardless of whether it is unlocked or not. If anything, your security is improved because it is now on your mind that it could potentially be tampered with, and you are reminded of it with the id10t warning every time it reboots.

96carboard said:
Everything will work perfectly with an unlocked bootloader. It will just give you an annoying warning screen briefly when powering on.
If you want to know about security risks, they're fairly small, and ONLY apply if your phone is handled physically by someone untrusted for an extended period of time, in which the only thing they could actually do is install a modified boot image. Under those circumstances, the device security has to be assumed compromised whether the bootloader is unlocked or not.
An unlocked bootloader will NOT allow a 3rd party to access data on the device, since it is encrypted and requires your security code to unlock.
Now, you can actually tell if they've rebooted the device, which they would HAVE to do in order to install a different boot image; the unlock screen (which they are NOT able to modify without resulting in boot failure) will tell you!
And I absolutely disagree that it is shortsighted to advise immediate unlocking. Nothing of real benefit comes from having a locked bootloader. Any sense of security you gain from it is smoke and mirrors. It can only be tampered with if someone has physical access, and if somebody has physical access, it has to be assumed compromised regardless of whether it is unlocked or not. If anything, your security is improved because it is now on your mind that it could potentially be tampered with, and you are reminded of it with the id10t warning every time it reboots.
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Everything will not work perfectly. Let's be honest here. Look it up, some banking apps work mine doesn't. Pay will work one day and not the next. And if your bank finds out your account was hacked and your phone is unlocked and/or bypasses bank security protocols who will pay for the missing funds when they find out?
A missing device can be booted into a custom recovery and adb commands will be available to take everything on your device bypassing any security you have. With a locked bootloader that is not possible. So if you know your phone can be compromised you feel more secure? That is ludicrous and really doesn't make sense. I mean talk about smoke and mirrors.
Now that being said there are a lot of folks in your camp that say you're living a pipe dream if you think the phone is more easily hacked or info stolen. I understand that argument entirely and it's possibly correct to a certain degree. But to summarily say immediately unlock your bootloader if you don't plan on rooting because.. well just in case, is really disingenuous to a great many individuals. At the very least look up some articles on why to keep your bootloader locked, especially for someone that hasn't done it in some time, if ever. The beauty of Android is the possibility if you so desire. Just be conscience of the advice you give. Many years ago Chainfire said in his blog that if you have an unlocked bootloader and have financial apps on your device you're asking for trouble and you might want to rethink that. (not in so many words) That weekend I locked my bootloader and never looked back. I haven't missed anything.. well other than flashing MVK kernel for my 6a. ;-) But then I'd need root and that brings a host of other issues.

Good points about unlocked BL. Every phone I've had with an unlocked bootloader, I also had root. If I have an unlocked bootloader but run a stock image, I see bobby and 96cardboard are offering different reports of whether that will result in apps like banking apps, Play Store certification, and GPay deciding that they won't allow normal functioning. Anyone else have recent experience on this?
If I can run stock with unlocked bootloader, then I might be more in the camp to have the unlocked BL but not root, at least initially. I like the idea that if somehow an update or some other Android bug borks the OS and/or boot partitions, I could potentially fastboot install a stock copy of the OS and have a chance of recovering my data, whereas with the locked bootloader, it seems the options are limited/none, correct (sorry, haven't had to try and recovery from that situation in the past, so maybe I just don't know/understand the tools available)? I just know from past experience that it seemed like an unlocked bootloader was required and also know that unlocking wipes all data in the process. Not sure if there's a reliable way to get a phone to back up user data to a computer via ADB that can be restored even when the OS isn't working, but also don't have experience trying to use ADB backup with a functioning phone (used to do nandroid backups and they saved my butt a time or two).

@Nateg900t You're not going to trash the os with an update. You might with root if you don't know what the new root process is. But why not just make a backup with an app or two and keep it offline. No adb needed. And copy your important pics too. But I do understand what possibilities there are with an unlocked bl.
What I sometimes do is make a full Google backup and an SMS, call log backup. Then I'll flip the OEM switch just in case I need to unlock. I actually have it flipped now because I'm on QPR1 b2. Now that can bork something. If I needed to wipe I could recover about 90+% within about 30 minutes. If you want to bl lock due to some app or something then a full wipe is needed. Oh how I miss nandroid backups.
Keep asking your questions all over and make an informed decision. Enjoy the device it's pretty awesome.

Ahh, good call on flipping the oem unlock switch.
What app are you using to make app backups? Helium? I don't do full Google backup because I don't pay for extra cloud storage. But I was going to try making the full adb backup and seeing if I can use that and restore my old pixel 3 (once it is transfered to the new 7, just before I wipe it for trade in... At that point it won't matter if the restore doesn't work and it will be nice to test and get the experience for backing up the 7 via adb..
For pics, already using an app that uploads pics to my NAS each night overnight.
Going to give private dns via adguard a try instead of adaway and with that and backup/restore capabilities, I think that will cover my root needs these days.