Hi.
I got my prime a few days ago and would like it rooted so that I can use more of my favourite apps.
I've read lots of posts on the topic but they are written by members who have been following the development of unlocking/rooting methods and they reference too many conditions/methods/techniques that I'm not sure about because I'm a noob to the prime and ICS scene.
I am aware that I can unlock my prime's bootloader but I had my fingers burned doing this with my Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc; it left me unable to use OTA updates and I could have rooted without it (which was all I wanted).
So, can I root my Prime without unlocking the bootloader?
And just to complicate things a little more I'm using ICS 9.4.2.21...
If there is already a detailed guide to this then my apologies, I couldn't find it so please point me that way. If there isn't one maybe someone would be kind enough to fill me in on the basics and bring me up to speed on the current state of play?
Thanks for any help in advance
Yes, you are correct. Unlocking the Prime WOULD VOID THE WARRENTY, and you would also not be able to use the OTA updates.
Rooting WILL BE possible (hopefully). We used to be able to root the older versions, but ASUS "plugged" the exploit. We have to wait till they find a new exploit and then we will be able to root the prime....If it works like the earlier mods, you will need to use Voodo Rootkeeper after rooting, because the next update will probably get rid of the root and will need that app to re-establlish the root.
You will be able to use Ota updates after rooting, as long as you don't change any of the "delivered" files...If you change some, you will need to restore the originals before updating.....or the update will fail.
Bob
thintin said:
Hi.
I got my prime a few days ago and would like it rooted so that I can use more of my favourite apps.
I've read lots of posts on the topic but they are written by members who have been following the development of unlocking/rooting methods and they reference too many conditions/methods/techniques that I'm not sure about because I'm a noob to the prime and ICS scene.
I am aware that I can unlock my prime's bootloader but I had my fingers burned doing this with my Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc; it left me unable to use OTA updates and I could have rooted without it (which was all I wanted).
So, can I root my Prime without unlocking the bootloader?
And just to complicate things a little more I'm using ICS 9.4.2.21...
If there is already a detailed guide to this then my apologies, I couldn't find it so please point me that way. If there isn't one maybe someone would be kind enough to fill me in on the basics and bring me up to speed on the current state of play?
Thanks for any help in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It is possible to root a Prime without unlocking it's bootloader, if it's running any version other than the .21 (The one you have).
I rooted my Prime when I got it (Honeycomb came preinstalled), and now I'm running ICS .21 version, bootloader locked and I'm rooted.
But sadly, for your situation, there isn't any way to achieve root without unlocking the bootloader.
If you unlock your bootloader, you can't take OTA's (As far as I've heard, as it results in hardbricks and failures).
If you want to have root at the moment, you will have to unlock your bootloader using ASUS's official tool, and then flash CWM, and flash a ROM that is pre-rooted, which will then also give you root.
- Moon
Bugger! But thanks guys, I guess I'll just have to be patient. One of the main reasons I root is to use ad blocking apps. Does anyone know of an add blocker that doesn't need root access?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA
thintin said:
Bugger! But thanks guys, I guess I'll just have to be patient. One of the main reasons I root is to use ad blocking apps. Does anyone know of an add blocker that doesn't need root access?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As root blocking apps access the hosts file within the root directory it's nigh impossible to block ads without access, For website ad blocking you can use chrome or firefox addons
Related
I have an opinion question
These are my wants
I want the ability to disable Sense UI should I get tired of it.
I want to be able to use wireless tethering
I want to stay mostly stock otherwise and maintain absolute stability
I'm not new to flashing I have an at*t captivate that I've flashed hundreds of times
but this device just doesn't seem to need it as badly.
My main question is this, based on the current root method is their a possibility of the upcoming gingerbread update killing the root method? and bootloader unlock. I'm somewhat inclined to wait until gingerbread comes out before rooting the phone since it's coming soon, but I don't want to wait to long and lose the ability to root / install custom roms if I want.
do it and get it over with...there's no downside. everything you want can be attained with root..
when gingerbread comes ota it will be available for root users the same day anyhow.
movielover76 said:
I have an opinion question
These are my wants
I want the ability to disable Sense UI should I get tired of it.
I want to be able to use wireless tethering
I want to stay mostly stock otherwise and maintain absolute stability
I'm not new to flashing I have an at*t captivate that I've flashed hundreds of times
but this device just doesn't seem to need it as badly.
My main question is this, based on the current root method is their a possibility of the upcoming gingerbread update killing the root method? and bootloader unlock. I'm somewhat inclined to wait until gingerbread comes out before rooting the phone since it's coming soon, but I don't want to wait to long and lose the ability to root / install custom roms if I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say go ahead and root. The biggest benefit to me is uninstalling Verizon's bloatware. Plus, CM7 will be rolling out for the TB eventually. In the meantime, Das Bamf can fill in; there's a de-Sense script if you get tired of Sense. Anyways, I don't think the GB update will really make a huge difference; at least not if it's masked by Sense anyway. (Sorry, my bias against the HTC "People" app is shining through —the number one thing I have against Sense.)
+1 for root now
Sent from my Perfect Storm 1.2 Tbolt
"People" app is the worst but google gesture search has eliminated my need for it. at least i never have to see it now.
Rooted
Don't know why I even asked lol
I knew I'd do it eventually , rooted and installed the basic debloat rom
phone almost feels lighter, and I'm conforted seeing clockwork recovery flash a rom
lol
def root!
i see you've already done the deed, but most likely tbolt gingerbread will be available here for rooted users before it goes ota
If you root using the Permroot Bootloader guide in the development thread can you then use the unroot guide here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1009423
to remove the permRoot? Just curious because I am going was thinking of Perm rooting a coworkers phone but since it is a business paid phone I need to be able to unroot it if it ever had to be sent in for repair or an upgrade.
I rooted my phone for the first time and i saw an immediate increase in battery life when using the undervolted kernels so
+1 for rooting.
Hello, I have just preordered my Xperia active from a local salesperson, but from what i see in the development threads, its nothing like HTC phones when it comes to rooting.
In HTC phones all you had to do is, unlock the bootloader with an update.zip file, root it, and then you're free to do whatever you wanna do from CWM.
I really havent understood how the procedure goes in Xperia phones, nor is there a comprehensive guide towards rooting the phone.
So could someone explain in simple steps what i need to do to root the phone? Or even is it worth rooting it since its so new and the development is more or less... inexistant? The only real custom rom I see so far for the mini mini pro and active is the FXP one which is in beta stages AFAIK.
Also about unlocking the bootloader. Losing DRM and TrackID is what makes them know that you have unlocked it therefore you lose your warranty?
Please enlighten me
Comprehensive Xperia Rooting Guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034087
For the active... there doesn't appear to be much, but if you have 'OCD' like me and like the absolute control... it's worth it. But to each his/her own preferences
Once you unlock, DRM is permanently gone, no more TrackID.
I'm not sure about warranty regulations but there is a way to re-lock the boot loader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Hope this helps.
EDIT There's also a way to unlock the bootloader and not lose DRM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285285
But there's no current way to relock it if you use that route.
Thanks a lot for your detailed reply.
Although i still got questions regarding custom ROM's. I saw someone mentioning a insecure kernel, and using it before flashing a new ROM. Kernels in HTC devices are simply there for you to find out which one is best for your country and ROM. Is it the other way around here?
Yes i do want the best out of my device, but voiding warranty for something that isnt yet "ready".... It kinda puts me off.
hi dumraden,
The days with simply zip unlocking are gone either on HTC. The HTC Desire S of a friend of mine was locked. They call it S: on ..unlocked was S: off
I could not keep joking about who was so silly to convert his Desire S back to a Desire.. sorry for that
The step with the insecure kernel is to flash a stock rom where we know a method to use an exploit on it. Sony prevents unsigned firmware from beeing flashed to their devices (compare ps3 or PSP). Thus we need to make use of an exploit to get access to the device to make rooting possible. As root we are the master of desaster and can do what ever we want.
Warranty? Okay, there is a possibility to relock the bootloader in case you'll run in the case of needing warranty. Otherwise there are ways to make it that unsuable that even the support cannot wake it up thus find no real reason for the error.
This is not an FXP ROM, it is cyanogenmod ported by Team freeXperia and mainly released by FXP. It is almost ready. The smartkeyboard and camera did not work on my selfcompiled one on friday. FXP claimed camera would work. Could be my fault.. who cares. They'll get it fixed.. I think soon.
Yea i am a prior HTC user, have my Desire Z getting fixed as we talk ( i hope so at least ).
So basically the insecure kernel works as an exploit for us to install custom roms on the phones. Cool thanks for the heads up.
Wasnt FXP working with cyanogen to build a kernel from scratch in order for us not to have to go through the hassle of using a modded stock kernel for the Custom ROM's? As far as i can tell this is a breakthrough for Xperia phones since we will be able to have an AOSP base in order to build from there up. Right?
I have the same rooting problem. I use superOnClick and gingerbreak but didn't work.
I'm new to android so that keep searching and reading xda..
Then I start using android sdk & fastboot and adb mode said in one of the topics, but fastboot didn't work even though bootloader is unlocked.
I'm confused, waiting for help
Sent from my ST15i using XDA App
Its all here. Read some posts
Hello fellow transformer prime users,
I have been looking over many threads on how to update to JellyBean and have not come to the decision of whether I should update at the current moment or wait. The reason I feel uncomfortable with updating is that I soft bricked my prime when I did the .21 to .28 update, all due to my human error of not triple checking over myself. Thankfully I have superior knowledge of the android system because I have been using Android since the G1 days (yup I am not a noob, but neither am I an expert in these things, you can say that I am an intermediate power user). Fortunately I was able to unbrick using multiple methods and abd tricks that I found on these threads, and I truly thank everyone of the big guys out there for helping out though my difficult time. Although I had alot of fun in that ordeal, I surely DO NOT WANT TO GO OVER THAT HARDSHIP AGAIN (sorry but I have been emotionally scared for life).
Although it may seem that this post is question oriented I would like to note that it is mostly a plead for an update method suited for my particular setup.
On to the details:
At the current moment my prime is being used as a daily driver. It is my college life all bundled in to one awesome device.
Android version 4.0.3 ICS
It is rooted
it has IML74. US_epad-9.4.2.28.2-20120529 build
stock to the root <----get it.... its a joke
It has latest superuser
it has been backed up
Voodoo OTA root keeper shows 100%
The device is NOT UNLOCKED, it does not say that it is unlocked on start-up, ITS LOCKED
It has CWM 5.5.0.4
My first method of rooting was done though vipermods exploits
Last time I updated I just flashed the proper/suitable stock .28 build that I have now through CWM
At the current moment everything works wonderfully and I love this device.BUT I am afraid of bricking it...I have had bad dreams....BAD BAD NIGHTMARES....
So the question is...I mean comment...(sorry if this does not belong on here)...
What would be a best update method for my current setup
I thank all that help me out and apologize to the forum members and admins if this does not belong here...
I have made a video showing you my current setup youtu.be (sorry, delete this stuff, sorry) /xCQP6O1NpAY , thank you and I hope to soon be playing around with JB
I will also make a video of my update process so others with the same issue can follow my methods.
Thank you,
SpeedV
More info
SpeedV said:
Hello fellow transformer prime users,
I have been looking over many threads on how to update to JellyBean and have not come to the decision of whether I should update at the current moment or wait. The reason I feel uncomfortable with updating is that I soft bricked my prime when I did the .21 to .28 update, all due to my human error of not triple checking over myself. Thankfully I have superior knowledge of the android system because I have been using Android since the G1 days (yup I am not a noob, but neither am I an expert in these things, you can say that I am an intermediate power user). Fortunately I was able to unbrick using multiple methods and abd tricks that I found on these threads, and I truly thank everyone of the big guys out there for helping out though my difficult time. Although I had alot of fun in that ordeal, I surely DO NOT WANT TO GO OVER THAT HARDSHIP AGAIN (sorry but I have been emotionally scared for life).
Although it may seem that this post is question oriented I would like to note that it is mostly a plead for an update method suited for my particular setup.
On to the details:
At the current moment my prime is being used as a daily driver. It is my college life all bundled in to one awesome device.
Android version 4.0.3 ICS
It is rooted
it has IML74. US_epad-9.4.2.28.2-20120529 build
stock to the root <----get it.... its a joke
It has latest superuser
it has been backed up
Voodoo OTA root keeper shows 100%
The device is NOT UNLOCKED, it does not say that it is unlocked on start-up, ITS LOCKED
It has CWM 5.5.0.4
My first method of rooting was done though vipermods exploits
Last time I updated I just flashed the proper/suitable stock .28 build that I have now through CWM
At the current moment everything works wonderfully and I love this device.BUT I am afraid of bricking it...I have had bad dreams....BAD BAD NIGHTMARES....
So the question is...I mean comment...(sorry if this does not belong on here)...
What would be a best update method for my current setup
I thank all that help me out and apologize to the forum members and admins if this does not belong here...
I have made a video showing you my current setup youtu.be (sorry, delete this stuff, sorry) /xCQP6O1NpAY , thank you and I hope to soon be playing around with JB
I will also make a video of my update process so others with the same issue can follow my methods.
Thank you,
SpeedV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More info....
Before my .28 update with sparky's rom i had the .21 vipermod exploit....i had flashed cwm and updated my rom from the previous .18, and even before that i had root through vipermods initial root method.
I know my bootloader is locked, but how than is it posible for me to flash roms for unlocked bootloaders. The sparky rom that i flashed is supposedly for unlocked bootloaders.
I am sooooo confused....i dont want to brick my prime again.
More and more info.....
HOW I BRICKED IT BEFORE:
so i was on .21 and wanted to update to latest .28 build
I manually downloaded the stock.28 rom from asus website
I updated through icon on bottom right hand area...you know
All was going well then boooooom i got soft bricked with a bootloop
Did the popular unbrick method through abd then i found sparkys rom.
Flashed sparkys rom through cwm (i uploaded the rom through this abd command file mover thing i found on another xda forum whiles in cwm)
Flashed and installed perfectly
Ok now what should i do....unlock my device and twrp recovery it or whatever its called and then go from there?
Or just wait....i dont know where to start...and frankly i am very displeased with the amount of clarity out of the top guides out there....and all i see is a plethora of bricked devices...sad face...
Ok once again Thank You for your time and efforts.
SpeedV
Hey, could you please give some more information and links about the cwm you used and which popular adb unbrick method?
Weired issue...i heard about perfectly unlocked primes, about primes with locked bootloader "forever" (like my device), but never heard anything about an invisible unlock after softbrick...
Maybe somebody can figure out where "the magic" happened...
Grz
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
sigh
beckzz said:
Hey, could you please give some more information and links about the cwm you used and which popular adb unbrick method?
Weired issue...i heard about perfectly unlocked primes, about primes with locked bootloader "forever" (like my device), but never heard anything about an invisible unlock after softbrick...
Maybe somebody can figure out where "the magic" happened...
Grz
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just replied to you but my post did not go through....i spend a good hour finding stuff out for an answer....and now all gone....
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
ok simple answer: I unlocked device...I think through a vipermod primetime release that had it...i think v4 unlock tool don't remember
was on .11 then on .18 then to .21 now on .28
did root with vipermod, and installed cwm in .18 or .21 dont remember
got bricked when i manually updated to .28 from download from asus site
think that there is a method of binging back primes that are bricked
using quick abd pusher...thats what i used in cwm to get sparky's rom on prime and flashed
now working
I really dont give a damn anymore...I hate xda forums right now soooooo bad. I just wasted 1 HOUR, or even more 1+ hours with a perfect reply and all gone because of the stupid forum....
sorry man
I'm done
The short story (MODS please move this to correct forum if required)
How do I:
Unlock the bootloader
Root the TF201
Install CWM or TWRP
Install a custom ROM
I have a TF201 on JB 4.1.1 build no: 10.4.2.15
It has never been rooted or bootload unlocked
The Long Story
Hi all
I am sure the above question has been asked about a thousand times but here goes (MODS move this thread to correct thread if in the wrong place)
I have owned an Asus TF201 since about March, bought brand new from ebuyer.com, as i was new to android back then i didn't dare root it or unlock the bootloader in case i voided my warranty etc.
Since then my Prime has received all its updates via OTA and the current build is 10.4.2.15 on JB 4.1.1, it has never been rooted or bootload unlocked, it is in pristine unmodified condition.
In the mean time i got a Samsung Galaxy S3 and having played around with that got brave, i rooted it using CF Root method which automatically installed CMW Recovery and then proceeded to flash the Wanamlite ROM and have been happy with it since.
I am now looking to install a custom ROM on my PRIME it but have come across the fact that its not as easy or straight forward as the S3
Firstly, as its never been bootloader unlocked, rooted or modified in anyway shape or form it might be a bit tougher.
I have stumbled upon the fact that to install a custom rom, i need TWRP or CWM (or both (not sure)) installed which needs it to be rooted and in order to root i need to unlock the bootloader.
I have googled high and low on XDA, youtube and while they all point to an official Asus Bootloader unlocker, the Asus website claims that this is for ICS only (i'm on JB now in case you missed it), also a lot of the info out there is out of date since Asus has made changes.
So my question is as follows:
How do i unlock the bootloader? Everyone keeps mentioning an official Asus unlocker but its says for ICS ONLY and how do i run it
How do i root? - is there something like CF Root which was for the SGS3
Once i have the above do i then use TWRP or CWM or both to install a custom ROM?
I am aware that unlocking the bootloader voids warranty, i am aware that installing a custom ROM increases the binary counter, i am ware that bricking is possible (but lets try and minimize that), i am aware of those as i was warned about them from general research on wanting to do this and from modifying my S3.
Basically to use a custom rom on this device you download the unlocker tool from Asus (Says ICS only but works on JB, know from experience. Did it myself). It is an application and all you do is connect to the internet and run it. Once unlocked you can flash TWRP/root your device. Use either the guide on their website or go on youtube and look at some videos. There are step by step guides that show it all on video. Once you have TWRP you can head over to the dev section for the TF201 and download one of the custom roms (Hairybean 1.4 is supposed to drop soon, I'd suggest that one) and use the in-thread guide to flash it.
My #1 tip to you is read. read, and read it again. Understand it all and then proceed. Asking questions before you flash is better than doing it wrong and posting in the thread saying you bricked your prime then the OP/devs have to help you through the unbrick process. Questions are almost always answered quickly and in a friendly manner. Hope I helped
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Istarth said:
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what i mean, all the information is fragmented all over, not just on XDA but also on other Android /TF201 forums, in some places its clearer in others a bit obscure or vague or worse out of date since them Asus c**ks keep changing stuff
The Galaxy S3 Dev forums are far clearer and have step by step guides on how to do this, personally i hate watching them youtube videos whilst they are trying to help and plus points for the effort they put in, a lot of the people doing it just waffle in them and i still prefer the old fashion of step by step guides.
I learned how to go from stock S3 to Wanamlite ROM all in one evening and it was quick and painless.
But thanks for your help regarding using the Asus official tool for ICS works for JB, might now try it tomorrow or the day after.
I started a guide thread.
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
Wow that guide would be awesome. I'm in the same situation as Shizbazki and I find it hard to get all the info to one and do it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998359
Link to my guide thread in the general forum. If anybody has any questions you can PM me or comment there and it'll likely be answered quickly. I'll gladly guide anyone through this process if they need other information.
NM. thanks, McJesus.
Has anyone seen it have tried this?
(ScreenShot)
Glitch15 said:
Has anyone seen it have tried this?
(ScreenShot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no root for 6.0 unless there is a bootloader unlock
If the method you see on srs is real im sure you see it here on xda that 6.0 is rootable
Untill then root is not possible on 6.0
If you are on 5.1 i do have a video that shows you how to root 5.1
LASERWOLF452 said:
There is no root for 6.0 unless there is a bootloader unlock
If the method you see on srs is real im sure you see it here on xda that 6.0 is rootable
Untill then root is not possible on 6.0
If you are on 5.1 i do have a video that shows you how to root 5.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is this being said? 5.1.1 on Verizon V10 got rooted without bootloader unlock.
Not that I have anything to offer here for root but it kind of seems no one is trying. This Phone has horrible developer support. Idk why since this is such a great phone.
5.1.1 rooted without bootloader unlock. All the way up until root was achieved for 5.1.1 people kept saying bootloader must be unlocked, which obviously wasn't true.
While he claims to have it working, it is not tested on marshmallow LG Verizon phones.
Glitch15 said:
Has anyone seen it have tried this?
(ScreenShot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ANTI VIRUS recognizes as a threat
beavis5706 said:
Why is this being said? 5.1.1 on Verizon V10 got rooted without bootloader unlock.
Not that I have anything to offer here for root but it kind of seems no one is trying. This Phone has horrible developer support. Idk why since this is such a great phone.
5.1.1 rooted without bootloader unlock. All the way up until root was achieved for 5.1.1 people kept saying bootloader must be unlocked, which obviously wasn't true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if i was a dev i can tell you, but all the post that talks about root and questions about root, downgrades etc. i subscribed to the post, thats the answer i see, maybe someone can put it into detail for you
all i know is they need the bootloader to be unlocked so it can be modified, without the bootloader being unlocked and you just root the system, it will just fail and this is true ive tried it on my G4
i tried upgrading my g4 and it got ito a bootloop and when i KDZ it it knows its been modified and no one knows why fter doing a factory reset unless you KDZ it,
if you want a downgrad, that is not possable but there was talk about it in another post but no one had gotten around it for the V10 cause they work, have a life and family
someone may step up and do the work, its all a matter of time, it may take 2 years like i heard 1 device they want rooted took 2 years before it got root
hacking, modifying bricking and waiting to get a replacement takes time and money for the research to be done with the time the dev has
Well unless there is something specifically different about MM 6.0 unlocked bootloader not needed for root. Every VS990 owner with 5.1.1 already knows this.
The same was said about Lollipop 5.1.1 in the months prior to root, that unlocked bootloader was needed for root. This obviously was not true since 5.1.1 was rooted without bootloader unlock.
OEM unlock for VZW lg10 vs990 MMallow
I got my unlock OEM dev options marked... Its super simple.... Just saying... Message me if interested. I'm super excited to finally start the rooting process, my first time ever. Some help would be sees him shpanx
seems that all the "developers" have disappeared as of late. Havent seen one even make a comment now that rooting requires a bit more of a challenge.