I have just gotten myself a SG2, my first Android device.
I probably wouldn't want to root, at least so early, if it weren't for Root Call Blocker Pro which I want/need to install.
So I wanted to ask a couple of related questions:
1. Is there a way of rooting without losing all the apps + settings? If not, can you recommend a could backup app?
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
3. Will I be able to apply the official SG2 updates from Samsung after rooting? (OK, so that was three questions....)
Thanks!
hduty said:
I have just gotten myself a SG2, my first Android device.
I probably wouldn't want to root, at least so early, if it weren't for Root Call Blocker Pro which I want/need to install.
So I wanted to ask a couple of related questions:
1. Is there a way of rooting without losing all the apps + settings?
Should not wipe
If not, can you recommend a could backup app?
Titanium backup Pro.
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
Root + CWM the one the majority use .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
3. Will I be able to apply the official SG2 updates from Samsung after rooting? (OK, so that was three questions....)
Possible usually .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hduty said:
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what you need - failsafe
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126522
Hi everyone. I also have a question regarding stock rom. I know that you'll say I am an idiot but stock rom is deodexed, right?
Sent from my GT-I9100
Thanks for the replies!
@B3311
Now THAT is detailed!
A follow up question though:
Exactly how does this rooting work under the hood? Why do we need to look for a compatible file that we then use to replace.... what?
Octavius69 said:
Hi everyone. I also have a question regarding stock rom. I know that you'll say I am an idiot but stock rom is deodexed, right?
Sent from my GT-I9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom directly from samsung is odexed.
hduty said:
Thanks for the replies!
@B3311
Now THAT is detailed!
A follow up question though:
Exactly how does this rooting work under the hood? Why do we need to look for a compatible file that we then use to replace.... what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting using CF-root replaces the phones kernel (core of the OS) with a modified one, with clockworkmod recovery (nandroid backup, etc), it also includes insecure adb (adb that can run as root not just standard user) and copy's the superuser apk to the system dir and sets permissions.
This is all done via a special initramfs attached to an otherwise stock kernel.
why would you want to root and then use OTA stock roms?
If you find you can't get OTA stock updates after a root (i.e. if Samsung decide to utilise some mad kernel reset counter ban hammer) then simply check XDA where I guarantee the OTA stcks will appear pretty quickly!
Things to consider:
1. Rooting is very very good for numerous reasons that can be found everywhere on XDA - and google.
2. You can replace the kernel for root but continue to use stock rom (and use a jig to replace the reset counters) for pretty much stock functionality.
3. If you root and don't like what you get (i.e. you're mental) then it is just as easy to replace all factory rom/kernel information (which are always available in the original development thread) but you should invest in a jig (from ebay) so you can reset the counters (you can do this via software but I find a jig far simpler).
What JJEgan said.
Rooting won't lose your apps. Titanium Backup Pro is the best way to go.
Install Kies, exit Kies, open Odin, phone in download mode + plug it in, don't touch any of the Odin settings, load "PDA" with chainfire's kernel -> go!
It's really straightforward, but it can be a little nerve wracking the first time.
Thanks a lot guys!
I just rooted, and it "only" took me about 15 min including the downloading of the various files (still way more though than the 30 sec. it should take according to the Chainfire post!! ).
@m4rshall's summary made it clear that the steps are really very few and simple, because when you read the other posts, it seems like a much more complex process due to their size, though they are absolutely necessary to get all the details.
Some follow up questions:
1. What would I need to do if I wanted to the original, factory state?
Not that I'm planning to, but in case I notice some issue that makes me decide to go back (I read in that loooong thread that some people noticed slower connections after rooting??)?
2. From what I've gathered, the yellow exclamation mark at boot is purely "cosmetic" and does not effect in any way at all the performance of the device. Correct?
3. The USB jig: exactly what does it do?? How does it do its magic?? How is it different from a normal cable? Are they only used for Android rooting?
Thanks again!
hduty said:
Thanks a lot guys!
1. What would I need to do if I wanted to the original, factory state?
flash your original rom via odin
Not that I'm planning to, but in case I notice some issue that makes me decide to go back (I read in that loooong thread that some people noticed slower connections after rooting??)?
nonsense
2. From what I've gathered, the yellow exclamation mark at boot is purely "cosmetic" and does not effect in any way at all the performance of the device. Correct?
Yes USB jig will remove it
3. The USB jig: exactly what does it do?? How does it do its magic?? How is it different from a normal cable? Are they only used for Android rooting?
Nothing to do with rooting it was developed to recover from failed download mode .
Details are
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068522
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JJEgan!
One last question: I already figured out that superuser lists all apps that have root access. But what does CWM do?
hduty said:
Thanks JJEgan!
One last question: I already figured out that superuser lists all apps that have root access. But what does CWM do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clockworkmod recovery is a replacement recovery, it allows you to preform full device snapshot backups, to allow you to restore your phone to any point in time.
Allows you to flash CWM compatible zips.
Mount your SD to a computer while in recovery to copy things to it.
Related
Although I've flashed non-phone devices in the past (routers, PAP2, Ipod classic, etc.) This is the first time I'm going to be flashing a SmartPhone that I've ordered which I should be getting very soon.
I ordered a Samsung Galaxy S II and have been crawling the forum trying to learn all I can before I try rooting and unlocking my phone when I get it. But I'm having trouble deciding on a few things.
Hopefully my question can become a guide for other new people who are just starting off like me.
Rooting:
To begin, I'm trying to figure out what's best for rooting.
I've looked at a few different methods..
Chainfire's direct method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
lyriquidperfection's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
CLShortFuse's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
LitePro's ROM and Root method all-in-one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274
All of these have their own merits. But I'm trying to figure out the best approach for myself.
Although Lightn'ing (LitePro's) looks interesting and I may try that ROM later, for now I want to avoid changing the ROM till I know I like the phone. So I'm looking at the first three choices.
The one that I think I would be able to do easiest is either lyriquidperfection's or CLShortFuse's methods as they both are one-click solutions and I just need to grab the right kernels.
I don't know if there's any reason I would want to go with Chainfire's instead of the two previously mentioned. If there is please let me know.
I asked this question on the respective threads but as of posting haven't gotten an answer of if there's any reason to flash the original kernel back after rooting and if I keep root if I flash it back.
I also don't know much about the use of Jigs to avoid the flash counter going up. Is there any reason I need to worry about the flash counter going up? Is there a limit on number of flashes on a phone?
Unlocking:
For unlocking I looked at:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1092451
However it seems for my specific phone (Virgin/Bell) we use this method as posted in the same thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16482293#post16482293
This seems pretty much straight-forward. I just got to root the phone then get and run the app mentioned. Phone will crash/reboot and then no SIM lock.
If there's anything that seems wrong with this let me know please.
Other stuff:
At some stage here I want to be able to back up the stuff on the phone and get other typical tools.
I keep hearing about ClockWorkMod constantly and it seems to be a tool for backing up the phone data and making it easier to flash stuff in without use of ODIN.
I haven't found clear documentation on how I would do this on the SGII specifically.
I also here Titanium backup (sp?) is also a good idea to install at some point.
Is there other apps or otherwise I should be looking into before I start this journey into the wonderful world of hacked smartphones?
-This is a place marker for me making amendments so that later this may be more or less a guide for other beginners-
Dav_Edward said:
Although I've flashed non-phone devices in the past (routers, PAP2, Ipod classic, etc.) This is the first time I'm going to be flashing a SmartPhone that I've ordered which I should be getting very soon.
I ordered a Samsung Galaxy S II and have been crawling the forum trying to learn all I can before I try rooting and unlocking my phone when I get it. But I'm having trouble deciding on a few things.
Hopefully my question can become a guide for other new people who are just starting off like me.
Rooting:
To begin, I'm trying to figure out what's best for rooting.
I've looked at a few different methods..
Chainfire's direct method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
lyriquidperfection's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
CLShortFuse's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
LitePro's ROM and Root method all-in-one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274
All of these have their own merits. But I'm trying to figure out the best approach for myself.
Chainfires simplest method less problems for most .
Root + CWM .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I also don't know much about the use of Jigs to avoid the flash counter going up. Is there any reason I need to worry about the flash counter going up? Is there a limit on number of flashes on a phone?
Zero as Samsung will invalidate warranty for custom roms or rooted phones .
Other stuff:
At some stage here I want to be able to back up the stuff on the phone and get other typical tools.
I keep hearing about ClockWorkMod constantly and it seems to be a tool for backing up the phone data and making it easier to flash stuff in without use of ODIN.
I haven't found clear documentation on how I would do this on the SGII specifically.
Their is no documentation its probably written up in the FAQ or Wip but is a relativity simple tool anyway .Backup restore phones rom install custom rom wipe data factory reset reset battery stats to zero .
FAQ
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065995
Wip
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
I also here Titanium backup (sp?) is also a good idea to install at some point.
On a rooted phone Titanium pro allows you to back up your apps and also to freeze apps .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thorough stuff, props to you sir - you know search so you'll get your first thanks...
I would advice you to go with Chainfire's method. It's the easiest and most versatile method IMO. Definitely the best for beginners because you keep your stock ROM yet still are rooted and get Clockwork Mod.
The installed CWM (Clockwork Mod) Manager app with Chainfire's work is an easy way to see what it does - basically you can backup and restore your whole system/device, plus flash custom ROM/kernels/themes etc. Look into the flashing part later - baby steps are good here!
Titanium Backup is an excellent backup app for backing up/restoring apps and data, as opposed to the whole system. Buy the Pro version, definitely worth it.
I also like My Backup (also on Market), excellent for backing up contacts/SMS/MMS. The free version is a 30 day trial.
Can't help with unlocking, never needed to - sure others can help.
Good luck
Edit - JJ beat me too it, hadn't seen his post. Must type faster...
@JJEgan & @B3311, thanks for the useful information.
I was going to try those one-click methods because I thought those were the more newbie friendly methods. Thanks for the information to try using Chainfire's instead.
I will try using Chainfire's method instead with your advice when I get the phone. Having the tools like his CWM hopefully will make things easier.
I am a bit concerned though about his mention that Rom Loader won't work with his version of the build. I'd still like the ability to use custom roms down the road once I learn how to properly back up the phone so I can experiment with various roms till I find the one I like most.
Any advice about using rom loader or other possible difficulties using Chainfire's kernel?
Dav_Edward said:
@JJEgan & @B3311, thanks for the useful information.
I was going to try those one-click methods because I thought those were the more newbie friendly methods. Thanks for the information to try using Chainfire's instead.
I will try using Chainfire's method instead with your advice when I get the phone. Having the tools like his CWM hopefully will make things easier.
I am a bit concerned though about his mention that Rom Loader won't work with his version of the build. I'd still like the ability to use custom roms down the road once I learn how to properly back up the phone so I can experiment with various roms till I find the one I like most.
Any advice about using rom loader or other possible difficulties using Chainfire's kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most just put custom rom on sd card and flash via CWM .
Sorry no nothing about Rom Loader .
jje
I would also advice using CF-Root. I was scared of rooting my phone, but after using CF-Root, I don’t know why I was so scared. The process took a little over 30 seconds (I need practice). To me at lease I think it’s the easiest method, you just need to make sure to download the right kernel.
EDIT:
Get a UBS jig, After rooting, I had the "yellow triangle" I turned off phone, removed battery, inserted jig, put back battery, entered download mode, restarted phone and no more "yellow triangle"
Hello!
Well, I got my S3 since a week ago, from my local carrier, and what so GREAT phone!!!... but, well as with my previous phones I woulkd like to install something more good custom Rom...
However, I bought my previous phones second hand, so, I was never minded about save the original firmware, since I didnt had a warranty to care about... but my S3 is new on a 2 year plan and I had a minimun 1 year warranty to care, so if I root or install a custom rom without have a backup of my exact local firmware version to reflash I would not have warranty ( and by this same reason no other carrier/country firmware would work as backup for my S3...)
So, I would like to ask if may be possible some help (for noob level, please, since I am somewhat new in Samsung issues ) , in order to what could be a good method make a full local backup of my phone,so since it is no root by now, and I wonder and suppose that if I root, if may be possible that the backup may save the rooted status of my phone and in case of a restore the root status may show that the phone was tweaked...
Thanks in advance for kind attention and help.
Best regards!
Read the forum stickies. Also use the search function to search for "help a noob" as this thread already exist.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
SlimJ87D said:
Read the forum stickies. Also use the search function to search for "help a noob" as this thread already exist.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, thanks for take time to read and post, and please dont take me wrong, but, IMO is the type of answer that I often see in other post/forums and IMO barely usefull, but anyway it put me on seaching again, and so, I realize that before I post this thread, I was lost in others posts that didnt have the exactly info, so, Thanks again for take time to answer.
Anyway, I am reading by now, but if may be useful for another noob, seems that Ktools may be the utility for the backup.
Best regards to all!
ok. ill try to help as much as i can besides asking you to search.
1st. you must get rooted using chainfires method. you find the thread under original android development.
2nd. once you have rooted and followed those instructions, you will end with an CWM application in the phone.
3rd. open CWM choose boot to recovery mode.
4th. from there choose backup and restore. then backup. once done your backup will be done and stored in your sd card.
if you are going to restore this phone due to some errors in flashing roms or problems on phone after flashing new stuff its fine.
but if you are talking about warranty claims, you cant do a restore. you need to make sure custom binary counter is already at 0 by using triangleaway from chainfire, then flash a stock firmware using odin , then send for warranty claim.
I got one question that no has been able to answer.
I'm using stock touchwiz launcher that came with the phone. If I backup with titanium, how do I restore my home screen layout?
I can restore all the apps but the home screen layout doesnt restore.
uf21 said:
I got one question that no has been able to answer.
I'm using stock touchwiz launcher that came with the phone. If I backup with titanium, how do I restore my home screen layout?
I can restore all the apps but the home screen layout doesnt restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot save the layout unfortunately. If you use other 3rd party launchers, they usually have the Back up option..
Surfy89 said:
You cannot save the layout unfortunately. If you use other 3rd party launchers, they usually have the Back up option..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say not to restore system data with titanium. Though I seen that touchwiz is backed up in system data. If I restore the touchwiz backup, will that restore my homescreen layout?
uf21 said:
They say not to restore system data with titanium. Though I seen that touchwiz is backed up in system data. If I restore the touchwiz backup, will that restore my homescreen layout?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possible but as advised TB restore system your risk .
CWM will not back up you original firmware in full as you now have Rooted phone backed up and you will need to reflash stock kernel .
Simpler to download your original firmware and flash via Odin .
Firmware found in the stock rom threads or via CHECKFUS >
jje
ad_ek said:
ok. ill try to help as much as i can besides asking you to search.
1st. you must get rooted using chainfires method. you find the thread under original android development.
2nd. once you have rooted and followed those instructions, you will end with an CWM application in the phone.
3rd. open CWM choose boot to recovery mode.
4th. from there choose backup and restore. then backup. once done your backup will be done and stored in your sd card.
if you are going to restore this phone due to some errors in flashing roms or problems on phone after flashing new stuff its fine.
but if you are talking about warranty claims, you cant do a restore. you need to make sure custom binary counter is already at 0 by using triangleaway from chainfire, then flash a stock firmware using odin , then send for warranty claim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ad_ek!
Well, That's is for sure a polite and really usefull answer! I really appreciate that.
So, Thank You very much for Your help, and your instructions are very clear to my purposes, and by the way, I will search by my own for more info about the steps and resources that You mention, but in fact is a very concise HowTo to follow.
In special I would like to try to study in detail the info on You last comment, about setting binary counter to 0 with triangleaway since until today I didnt know before about triangleaway resource...so, since this detail seems the most important for my purposse, if I would like to have a lifeguard, that may allow recover my carrier stock rom, to a minimun level, that I may have a chance, that may, at least, allow to try a warranty claim if I may need it in the next 2 years...so, wonderfull your help.
Thanks also to the others that are posting about this thread and best regards to all.
xaser66 said:
Hi ad_ek!
Well, That's is for sure a polite and really usefull answer! I really appreciate that.
So, Thank You very much for Your help, and your instructions are very clear to my purposes, and by the way, I will search by my own for more info about the steps and resources that You mention, but in fact is a very concise HowTo to follow.
In special I would like to try to study in detail the info on You last comment, about setting binary counter to 0 with triangleaway since until today I didnt know before about triangleaway resource...so, since this detail seems the most important for my purposse, if I would like to have a lifeguard, that may allow recover my carrier stock rom, to a minimun level, that I may have a chance, that may, at least, allow to try a warranty claim if I may need it in the next 2 years...so, wonderfull your help.
Thanks also to the others that are posting about this thread and best regards to all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no worries bro. what are forums for.
to learn more about triangle away. use this link -> TriangleAway v1.70
to learn more about rooting using chainfires method use this link -> [03.07.2012] CF-Root 6.4 - SuperSU+CWM5.5+CWMManager
i would really appreciate it, if you could hit the thanks button on the under left side of my post if i helped. have a good day mate
ad_ek said:
no worries bro. what are forums for.
to learn more about triangle away. use this link -> TriangleAway v1.70
to learn more about rooting using chainfires method use this link -> [03.07.2012] CF-Root 6.4 - SuperSU+CWM5.5+CWMManager
i would really appreciate it, if you could hit the thanks button on the under left side of my post if i helped. have a good day mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excelent! Really good links!... so, Thanks again and for sure I hit button so for Your kind posts!
Best regards to all!
Hi there, I have been reading around on this forum for some time now but this is my first post and I have a few questions about rooting my UK version of the Galaxy S3.
Just to clarify, I am NOT asking how to root a phone, I already know exactly how to do this and the risks involved etc etc, I just want to know a couple of things about what happens after the root.
1. When a nandroid backup is performed after the phone is rooted, is ROM that is backed up COMPLETELY standard or does it have some remains of the root included? i.e. if I wanted to go back to my stock ROM, will it be exactly as it was or will the phone still have some remains of the root in the backup?
2. Does rooting on its own increase the flash counter? I know flashing a new ROM does, but am unsure whether rooting on its own does this (and yes, I am already aware of TriangleAway )
3. In referance to question 1, does reflashing a completely stock ROM remove the root access? (just in case it has to go back for repairs etc).
4. After rooting does anything change with the stock functions of the phone? e.g. will play store still work ok, will apps still update officially through play store etc. Adding to this, will flashing a custom ROM disable these functions? (the ROM I am possibly looking to install is CM)
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help, I understand a couple of these may be stupid questions but I've searched for a long time and as this will be my first root I just want to be absolutely sure what the process involves
paul911 said:
Hi there, I have been reading around on this forum for some time now but this is my first post and I have a few questions about rooting my UK version of the Galaxy S3.
Just to clarify, I am NOT asking how to root a phone, I already know exactly how to do this and the risks involved etc etc, I just want to know a couple of things about what happens after the root.
1. When a nandroid backup is performed after the phone is rooted, is ROM that is backed up COMPLETELY standard or does it have some remains of the root included? i.e. if I wanted to go back to my stock ROM, will it be exactly as it was or will the phone still have some remains of the root in the backup?
2. Does rooting on its own increase the flash counter? I know flashing a new ROM does, but am unsure whether rooting on its own does this (and yes, I am already aware of TriangleAway )
3. In referance to question 1, does reflashing a completely stock ROM remove the root access? (just in case it has to go back for repairs etc).
4. After rooting does anything change with the stock functions of the phone? e.g. will play store still work ok, will apps still update officially through play store etc. Adding to this, will flashing a custom ROM disable these functions? (the ROM I am possibly looking to install is CM)
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help, I understand a couple of these may be stupid questions but I've searched for a long time and as this will be my first root I just want to be absolutely sure what the process involves
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Whe you perform a nandroid backup..everything gets backedup..if you are on a rooted rom when doing a backup (you have to be rooted to do this) your rom will have the root when you install the backup again... to remove the root you will have to unroot your device using means given in various thread...you might have to install a stock firmware in download mode using Odin..even the stock ROM you flash via recovery will have root
2. Any action performed in the download mode will increase your flash counter..rooting is done in download mode via Odin so it increases your flash counter..custom roms are flashed in recovery so they dont increase your flash counter..
3. Read point 1 again
4.The functions present after installing a custom ROM depends upon the ROM..read the OP before flashing (ALWAYS)..but if you are not flashing a test ROM..you will get all the fuctions.. in CM9/10 you will get all the google options..you will loose Samsung specific functions..Smart Stay, Smart Beam etc.
Hope it helped...
Thanks for your reply, that helped a lot
Just one more thing in response to your answer about my 1st question - I am currently on the Three network and it comes with a couple of things as standard in the ROM, so is there any way to backup the ROM without being rooted, just in case it has to go back to Three for repair? Or is there somewhere where I can download a completely stock Three branded ROM to keep safe in case I need it in the future?
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Google search this mate
Yes there is a Rom to download
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 03:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:15 PM ----------
If u Google search... and put xda at the end. Utility will normally redirect you to an appropriate thread. Leaving the need to post a new topic obsolete
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
paul911 said:
Thanks for your reply, that helped a lot
Just one more thing in response to your answer about my 1st question - I am currently on the Three network and it comes with a couple of things as standard in the ROM, so is there any way to backup the ROM without being rooted, just in case it has to go back to Three for repair? Or is there somewhere where I can download a completely stock Three branded ROM to keep safe in case I need it in the future?
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cut and Paste Basics
ROM GUIDE and stock rom thread on General or use CHECKFUS to download .
jje
Thanks for replies
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Well it's regarding rooting.
I heard it opens up a world of opportunity with your smartphone, and some apps I really want are only available vain rooted phones. I have the Samsung galaxy s3 international version. It was originally from Australia if that matters at all. It is on 4.0.4. Anyways, being a noob to android more or less, and being a bit apprehensive (because I have no warranty and I cannot obtain another phone easily) I was wondering basically how risky it is to brick your phone in a) the process of rooting your phone. Is it common? If it does get bricked is it reversable by a restore or simply gone? Also after rooting, is there any upkeep or management I need to do to make sure my rooted phone does not screw up? And lastly. What is the safest and easiest way to root the international quad core gs3 on ics. Thank you to everyone for your time
mysticgorilla said:
Well it's regarding rooting.
I heard it opens up a world of opportunity with your smartphone, and some apps I really want are only available vain rooted phones. I have the Samsung galaxy s3 international version. It was originally from Australia if that matters at all. It is on 4.0.4. Anyways, being a noob to android more or less, and being a bit apprehensive (because I have no warranty and I cannot obtain another phone easily) I was wondering basically how risky it is to brick your phone in a) the process of rooting your phone. Is it common? If it does get bricked is it reversable by a restore or simply gone? Also after rooting, is there any upkeep or management I need to do to make sure my rooted phone does not screw up? And lastly. What is the safest and easiest way to root the international quad core gs3 on ics. Thank you to everyone for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, most you could pick up be reading a bit, everything is already explained around here but since i was in your shoes very recently:
- there's always a risk. You need to be aware of that. That said, most cases that actually go wrong it's usually user's fault who failed to follow instructions closely. So read them. And read some more. And then read again just to make sure. And then i'd read again.
I used this very recent method from chainfire (salute and donate to the man if you like and can, he deserves it) to root my 4.0.4 international GT-I9300 S3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957273
Triangled away next and everything worked like a charm. This preserves everything as stock as possible just adding root to your phone.
- from what i can tell, as long as you don't do anything that messes with the bootloader, you can always recover from a procedure gone wrong. Just disconnect, remove battery, insert and try again. Rebooting the computer or changing usb ports usually helps too (on odin).
- after rooting successfully, the very first thing you should do is backup your /efs folder. This is easy, just pick up root explorer or some other file manager that allows exploring you root (/), go up in your folders until you get to / look for the efs folder and just copy it (NOT MOVE) elsewhere (sd card, external sd, your computer preferably, whatever, just have that safe). This will come in handy in case you lose your imei at some point. Just restore this folder's contents and you're good to go. If that happens and you don't have a backup, it's a f'ing pain you can do well without.
- anything else root related is just common sense. Since you have the potential to screw up your entire phone with root permissions (this is why you don't have them in the first place), if an app pops up asking for root permissions, be sure what it is before allowing. If you're not sure, you can always deny first and allow later in the superuser app.
- you can also look into backing up with nandroid. You can think of this as an image of your entire phone. With this you can restore your phone to the same state it was when you did it. Useful when something went wrong and your phone doesn't boot anymore or you just wanted to try new roms with the option of coming back to what you had before. Not sure how you do it on the S3 still, but it usually requires a modified recovery like CWM. The method to root above doesn't install one though, it preserves what you had. Check this instead if you're interested:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Cheers dude, i'm sure everything will go well for you too.
Chance of a brick about .0001 % rising to 100% for those that are to lazy to read follow instructions .
BASICS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1927113
jje
Thankyou very much to everyone who has read and replied to this. 3 more minor questions. Is there a way to first update my phone to jellybean 4.1 via Odin or something like that? Or is this possible after root, because I don't want to stay on ics. Also what exactly happens if I update while rooted. Does it wipe or unroot my phone or the like? Also should my phone be in use debugging, and lastly what does it mean to unlock my bootloaders? That was more than 3 questions sorry thanks again
mysticgorilla said:
Thankyou very much to everyone who has read and replied to this. 3 more minor questions. Is there a way to first update my phone to jellybean 4.1 via Odin or something like that? Or is this possible after root, because I don't want to stay on ics. Also what exactly happens if I update while rooted. Does it wipe or unroot my phone or the like? Also should my phone be in use debugging, and lastly what does it mean to unlock my bootloaders? That was more than 3 questions sorry thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You don't need to root to update to JB.
Just download any ROM you want from http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300 (I recommend the UK unbranded ROM, BTU) then use Odin3 to flash it to your devices. Search the forums for specific instructions on this procedure. I'll just tell that it takes no more than 2-3 minutes.
2) If you're going to root, I suggest you do it beforehand, by flashing a kernel like Siyah (in ICS), and then proceed to flashing the stock JB ROM, HOWEVER, instead of using Odin3, you will use MobileOdion (available from Play Store), because that way you'll have a fully rooted and stock device.
3) Using step 2 above, it will not wipe not unroot your phone. It is safe and retains all your settings. That is the beauty of MobileOdin. There is a free version.
If you root and THEN install via Odin (PC), then you'll lose root, but not your settings.
In either case, you only wipe the device IF YOU WANT TO.
So, the best option is to:
a) Install SiyahKernel using Odin3 (PC)
b) Download the JB BTU ROM from http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300
c) Extract the .md5 from the ZIP file and move it to the device's ext. sd card
d) Install MobileOdin in the device
e) Use MobileOdin to flash the .md5 you moved to it in step (c)
f) install TriangleAway (download from XDA) and run it to reset binary counter (which got incremented in step [a] )
Results: rooted, JB, stock, all settins retained, no binary counter increment
Simonetti2011 I have been searching the internet here in New Zealand and that has been the best answer I have found so far!
I do have a slight question thought. I live in New Zealand and have the GT-I9300T model of the GS3 and I'm wanting to install the international unbranded rom for that I can get updates faster (here in NZ it takes months and months to get updates)
I downloaded the International UK unbranded firmware 4.0.4 and was going to flash that rom onto my phone then upgrade to jelly bean via kies but have since relised I should just download the jellybean UK firmware straight away. Do you by any chance havea link to the firmware that I would need, I noticed there were a few different versions.
Also about the CSC, would I need to do any changes?
Many many thanks in advance, Sorry for hijacking this thread, just figured I was on the same pages as the OP
prawln said:
Simonetti2011 I have been searching the internet here in New Zealand and that has been the best answer I have found so far!
I do have a slight question thought. I live in New Zealand and have the GT-I9300T model of the GS3 and I'm wanting to install the international unbranded rom for that I can get updates faster (here in NZ it takes months and months to get updates)
I downloaded the International UK unbranded firmware 4.0.4 and was going to flash that rom onto my phone then upgrade to jelly bean via kies but have since relised I should just download the jellybean UK firmware straight away. Do you by any chance havea link to the firmware that I would need, I noticed there were a few different versions.
Also about the CSC, would I need to do any changes?
Many many thanks in advance, Sorry for hijacking this thread, just figured I was on the same pages as the OP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
The 9300T and the 9300 are NOT the same device, therefore they use different firmware (ROM). The ROMs for the 9300T are here: http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300T
I don't think there is a 9300T ROM for the UK, since the model released there is the 9300 (non-T).
It seems that either Samsung-updates hasn't indexed any ROMs for your model or they haven't been released.
About CSC: just don't worry about it... download and flash any ROM you want for your specific model and don't worry. If you don't like it, just download and flash another one.
Thanks heaps for that!
I actually just tried the UK unbranded rom that was for the i9300 on my i9300T and suprisingly everything seems to work ok so far (phone calls, txting, 3g etc)
Thankyou to everyone!
Thank you for your responses to my post regarding rooting my s3. They were very helpful. i succesfully rooted via chainfire cf auto root for the I9300 model without problem. Just one last question, I have been searching around a bit and some people are saying that flashing the jellybean firmware via odin, is not a perfect copy.. i mean some say they have been experiencing very minor problems here and there. So, if i update to the uk firmware on jelly bean via odin or mobile odin, and i experience some problems, can i still get the official ota update or jellybean 4.1 via kies when it is released? Thanks again for your help. Im pretty new to this android stuff
Hi, I just got an i9300 used at a great price, but after some reading I'm overwhelmed at the amount of guides for it and information. Right now it's on the official stock ROM (latest firmware). I want to restore it to factory settings (it still has some of the previous owner's customizations), and root it so I can remove the useless apps like ChatON.
If I'm using Kies and Odin, would I need to back up the EFS data? Also, if I root, I would have to flash again via Odin? Is there any possibility of devices becoming bricked due to using Odin?
I just want to use the stock ROM with root.
I'm upgrading from an Xperia U, but this phone seems a lot more complicated. With the U I could use flashtool without a care.
I appreciate any help I can get.
iPoo said:
Hi, I just got an i9300 used at a great price, but after some reading I'm overwhelmed at the amount of guides for it and information. Right now it's on the official stock ROM (latest firmware). I want to restore it to factory settings (it still has some of the previous owner's customizations), and root it so I can remove the useless apps like ChatON.
If I'm using Kies and Odin, would I need to back up the EFS data? Also, if I root, I would have to flash again via Odin? Is there any possibility of devices becoming bricked due to using Odin?
I just want to use the stock ROM with root.
I'm upgrading from an Xperia U, but this phone seems a lot more complicated. With the U I could use flashtool without a care.
I appreciate any help I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) ALWAYS backup EFS, doesn't matter what rom or tool you use to root
(2) There is always a chance of bricking a phone, nothing is 100%
(3) Read this and this
(4) After rading, you should be able to answer your questions by yourself, if not dont root or flash.
chrismast said:
(1) ALWAYS backup EFS, doesn't matter what rom or tool you use to root
(2) There is always a chance of bricking a phone, nothing is 100%
(3) Read this and this
(4) After rading, you should be able to answer your questions by yourself, if not dont root or flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I understand it a lot better now. I've been reading repetitively. I used kTool to back up the EFS which saved it in two formats (IMG and TAR), I suppose this is good enough or should I use the other tools? I went with kTool because it seemed to be the easiest.
I've rooted and removed bloatware, and I understand when Samsung releases new updates, I would need to flash via Odin and re-root, right?
iPoo said:
I understand when Samsung releases new updates, I would need to flash via Odin and re-root, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
General > Sticky roll-up thread (The second link Chrismast gave you) > Understanding the basics before rooting. Your answer is there.