Related
I've rooted my GT 10.1 but I have two questions that I can't find the answer.
1. Has anyone discovered how to unroot back to stock?
2. If rooted, will I be able to get the OTA of touchwiz by checking for updates under settings?
PS I flashed the TouchWiz UX found in this forum. Got to say it is really nice and I can't wait to get the version from Sammy. I then restored a backup using Rom Manager and restored fine except when checking for software updates. It used to say no update available, but today it says failed to connect to servers. Anyone else getting this error?
I guess that is actually 3 questions.
Thanks
1. Unrooting is pretty simple. Just flash the 3.1 OTA in the dev forum, after doing a full wipe. If you feel the need to go back to full stock, you'll also want to nvflash back to the original retail recovery, which you undoubtedly saved when you first rooted.
2. No one knows yet, but rest assured, within a day (less probably) of the update being released, it'll be available here as a rooted flashable ROM. If you learn one thing from your time on XDA, it should be "never accept an OTA update." Let the devs pull it apart and repackage it in a nice root-safe download.
Undoubtedly! (I wish) I wasn't planning to root but while playing with Odin, I thought I was locked at the downloading screen while testing odin. (Didn't hold down the power button long enough to shut off tab) I thought my only solution was to continue and root. No problems rooting, it was easy. I just wanted to make sure I get the TouchWiz update. Now I learned my lesson I will never do an OTA update.
Glad you told me that, otherwise I probably would have screwed up my GT. I don't know how I missed the post about backing up the stock image first. I try to read a lot of posts (heck I even use the search box) before trying something new. Anyway, I'm sure it is posted in the forums somewhere if I need to find it.
Thanks!
pmsrefugee said:
Glad you told me that, otherwise I probably would have screwed up my GT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not so much that you'll screw up your device by accepting an OTA, but rather that you might lose root and/or your custom recovery (perhaps permanently). Nevertheless, there are some cases of OTAs screwing up devices when accepted over non-stock installs, so IMHO its always best to wait for a flashable ROM.
pmsrefugee said:
I don't know how I missed the post about backing up the stock image first. I try to read a lot of posts (heck I even use the search box) before trying something new. Anyway, I'm sure it is posted in the forums somewhere if I need to find it.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I believe the stock retail recovery is posted in the CWM recovery download package here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130574. You'll note that Step 3 is where you were advised to backup your original stock recovery, although the step is (correctly) noted as optional. No big deal, in any event. Glad I could help.
Hey guys,
Bit of an Android noob here but I am quite tech savvy. I am gonna root my Prime and install Androwook on it but first I would just like to go over some things. I have had a look around at a lot of guides and that and have figured to do this I need to unlock the bootloader using ASUS' own app fro their support, then I need to install CWM on it through the unlocked bootloader and then I can backup and install new ROMS. But which point is the root, I can't seem to find a clear answer or is it a whole new step all together? And also could you please guide me if this is completely wrong because I am paranoid about my Prime and would hate to end up with it bricked. Sorry if this is sort of in the wrong area or a bit of a repeated question, just paranoid!
Thanks,
I saw your post completely randomly, but I think I have your answer. Rooting your device can be done at any point by either unlockroot.com or DoomLord's toolkit somewhere on the site. It has no effect on installing roms/unlocking bootloaders. It simply gives you more control over a device. I hope I understood your question and helped. Good luck
Sent from my Sony Xperia Neo using xda app-developers app
Ok, thanks, that clears a lot up. I will check that out. I didn't know it was that easy. Could I also ask, which part of the process risks the device been bricked?
mdemons12 said:
Ok, thanks, that clears a lot up. I will check that out. I didn't know it was that easy. Could I also ask, which part of the process risks the device been bricked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well unlocking the bootloader SHOULD be safe if yu're unlocking by offficial means. What can damage your device is flashing the wrong files. So be REALLY careful with what you flash on your device and always double-check the tutorials in the given thread
if i remember correctly, they said you need root was to install cwm onto your system
the rooting process is very easy anyways
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1706588
for the unlocking use the asus official one (This will void ALL warranties so if you brick your prime, well then GG)
and as above post says, most things should be very save so long as you follow to the dot.
when it says DO NOT POWER THE SYSTEM DOWN, just follow what it says and don't power things down, you should be fine
download things that are for you ONLY don't go to other threads trying to install iOS onto your prime (not that its possible.... that i know of)
just read it make sure you understand you won't brick anything~
Yes well I plan on putting the Androwook rom on which seems pretty darn stable. If ASUS comes out with a JB rom for the Prime and I was on the Androwook ROM, would it still be possible to update?
mdemons12 said:
Yes well I plan on putting the Androwook rom on which seems pretty darn stable. If ASUS comes out with a JB rom for the Prime and I was on the Androwook ROM, would it still be possible to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes the devs will be able to put jelly bean on the prime if we get the official update :fingers-crossed:
mdemons12 said:
Yes well I plan on putting the Androwook rom on which seems pretty darn stable. If ASUS comes out with a JB rom for the Prime and I was on the Androwook ROM, would it still be possible to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is worth noting that you probably don't need to go through the root process if you are installing a custom ROM. Many (most?) custom roms grant super-user permissions by default.
well it does say in the requirements of Androwook that it requires a root.
one suggestion though, use TWRP as your recovery mode. quite handy...
mdemons12 said:
well it does say in the requirements of Androwook that it requires a root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason you root your device is to gain superuser permissions. Most OEM versions of Android don't give you SU permissions because it is possible you could mess up your device by deleting systems files or changing hidden settings. However most custom ROMs give you superuser permissions by default.
After unlocking your Prime, I would recommend installing TWRP using the fastboot method, so that you don't need to install root first. Then you can backup your stock and flash AndroWook from TWRP. AndroWook is already rooted, so you won't need to worry about adding extra steps for root.
~Azrael's Kiss~
OK, thanks for the replies. I think I will wait a little and test the device for any major problems before I root and unlock because I don't want to have to send it back for an RMA.
So from what I have read around I need to:
1. Unlock bootloader using the ASUS tool
2. Install CWM or similar and backup my current ROM although I have seen trouble with installing 2.1 with CWM so I think I might use TWRP
3. Install Androwook 2.1 and from what I have read skip some things like bravia engine, sd wipe sqlite vacuum and add sio io scheduler.
There seem to be so many options with the installer which makes it a bit confusing but first up I think I will use the 1.6GHz Kernel or something and keep it mainly stock.
Alright so there are a few users who are locked on Jelly Bean and are wanting to take the dive of unlocking and installing a custom rom. So I figured I'd put together this little guide to hopefully help y'all out.
I am not responsible for any damage you do to your device. Following this is your choice.This will void your Asus warranty and you assume all responsibility from here on out.
As long as you follow all directions in this guide your device will not be bricked. It will be unleashed to this beast of a tablets max power
Before you continue make sure you:
1. Have the drivers for your device installed on your computer
2. Have made the upgrade to Jelly Bean
3. Have the USB cable for your Prime
4. Have nerves of steel and the ability to read all and follow instructions in this guide.
Useful Information for total beginners: Some people using this guide may not even entirely understand what they are undertaking. This is not acceptable so it's time for some education. Android is a Linux based operating system (in it's self, not direly important information but it's nice background knowledge) which means that there are certain permissions to users. Having "root" permission is like being an "Administrator" on Windows systems. All devices come without "root" permissions as the total new users can do irreparable damage to their device. This is different than unlocking your boot loader. Unlocking your boot loader (in the Transformer Prime's case) is the act of saying to Asus "I willingly give up my devices warranty in exchange for the ability to totally control my device so I can flash custom software". Unlocking does not automatically give a device root permissions. This can only be obtained through an exploit or by flashing the proper thing after unlocking. Since I'm not perfect at wording (and it's best to educate yourself as much as possible on the subject) there is more info here:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...top-5-benefits-of-rooting-your-android-phone/
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/ga...53-explain-unlocking-boot-loader-rooting.html
Step 1 Download the Unlock tool here: http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad_Transformer_Prime_TF201/#download (navigate to Downloads, then select the OS as Android, then scroll to utilities and expand the menu. Find the unlock tool and download that. Don't worry about the "For ICS only" disclaimer. This has been confirmed working on Jelly Bean). Install this app on your Prime and run it. Connect to a network before doing so and follow all on-screen directions.
Step 2. By this point the unlock tool has done it's job and when you boot your Prime now has a nice "Your device is unlocked" message in the upper left corner of the screen. The next step is to flash a custom recovery image (TeamWin Recovery Project(TWRP) in this guides case). This may sound complicated but there are multiple easy ways to do this.
Option 1: Go to the TeamWin website and download the needed files as directed on the page and follow the instructions on the website to flash TWRP. (http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/93)
Option 2 (easy option): This option flashes TWRP running a file from your Windows computer. The file attached at the bottom of this guide needs to be downloaded and unzipped to your desktop. Once this is done you power of your Prime and turn it back on while holding the volume down button. Once the tab vibrates release the power button but continue to hold the volume down button.
Once this has been done you will see 4 icons pop up. One is the USB symbol. Navigate to that by pressing the Volume Down button until the icon is highlighted and press volume up to select it (the menu will say use Volume Up to navigate but this is incorrect). This will put your device into fastboot mode. Connect your Prime to your computer via the USB cable and open the folder you extracted earlier. Run the Windows Batch File. This will automatically flash the TeamWin Recovery image for the Jelly Bean bootloader.
Now that you have unlocked and have a custom recovery installed you can begin the flashing. To get into your recovery all you do is power up while holding volume down and select the RCK icon. This boots the recovery image and you'll be able to flash, back up, and restore roms. All threads will have a guide on how to flash the rom in the thread so I won't go into detail. I do suggest however, using a microSDcard to store downloaded roms for flashing as it is safer than internal storage. If you are looking to back up your apps then there's this amazing app called Titanium Backup on the Android Market. It's very powerful and can backup your apps as well as user data.
HELP! Something went wrong and I need help: As with all processes there can be issues that arise. Some are common and others are individual. Let's address some common problems for all you who are still nervous about this:
1. Everything seemed to go fine but my Prime won't boot into TWRP
SOLUTION: This problem comes up for a few reasons and is pretty common. A lot of time it's simply a bad download or you have the wrong files. Check the files you have and make sure they are the right ones. If so then download them again. Sometimes a download just gets corrupted. If neither of these solutions worked either try another method of installing TWRP outlined on their website or post here and either I or another helpful person will do everything possible to help
2. When I tried to flash a custom ROM it won't boot:
SOLUTION: Usually this is an issue specific to the ROM you are flashing. The basic list of problems to eliminate are:
1.Ensure you have a good download
2.Ensure you have the proper boot loader for the ROM (i.e. JB boot loader for Jelly Bean ROMs
3. Try reflashing the rom. Sometimes something just doesn't work and the only way to fix it is to reflash
Vocab guide for totally new users:
Rom(s): Basically the operating system of your device.
TWRP: Team Win Recovery Project. Started by developers here at XDA and is a powerful recovery tool.
Brick/bricked device: Developer term for saying your device will no longer work due to software/roms and is basically a very, very expensive brick/paper weight.
FAQ: Q: My device is on Jelly Bean but the unlock tool will not work for me no matter what I do. What's wrong?
A: Asus has some issues as a company and certain people are completely unable to unlock their device no matter what. I suggest contacting Asus with your devices S/N and politely ask for an explanation and see if the issue can be resolved. Many users who have used the Asus RMA have still been unable to unlock afterwards.
Other useful links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pW05Jf87dg&list=UU7YzoWkkb6woYwCnbWLn3ZA&index=22&feature=plcp
Very comprehensive video guide with a full walkthrough to help all with this process. And of course all users can PM me with questions or ask them here.
SuperSU.zip attached is for those who want to root the stock rom. Any custom rom should already be rooted for you.
Good tutorial ..On your way to becoming a recognized contributer
Sent from my LG-P509 using Tapatalk 2
Unfortunately the unlocking tool doesn't work on my TFP, which currently is fully stock 10.4.2.17 and connected to network through wifi.
Tried rebooting, cold booting, waiting, cursing. Might try smashing it against a wall next.
Strange because I've read about many people confirming the tool working on JB. But no luck for me I guess.
DaLongTjeu said:
Unfortunately the unlocking tool doesn't work on my TFP, which currently is fully stock 10.4.2.17 and connected to network through wifi.
Tried rebooting, cold booting, waiting, cursing. Might try smashing it against a wall next.
Strange because I've read about many people confirming the tool working on JB. But no luck for me I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlock tool doesn't work for about half the people on this forum. There is a separate thread about the whole unlock tool issue. Its useless. Asus refuses to do anything about it. They suggested RMA for some people to fix the unlock issue but when the tablet was returned, it was still locked. Take a look at the thread.
applesuckz said:
The unlock tool doesn't work for about half the people on this forum. There is a separate thread about the whole unlock tool issue. Its useless. Asus refuses to do anything about it. They suggested RMA for some people to fix the unlock issue but when the tablet was returned, it was still locked. Take a look at the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know. There are several threads concerning the unlock tool. My TFP went RMA 2 times, I was unable to unlock after both RMA's. I had root in ICS, but completely lost it after the JB OTA. I was hoping the recent OTA update would change something about the unlocking problems everyone's having, but for me it didn't change a thing.
The OP would be wise not to state that "Don't worry about the "For ICS only" disclaimer. This has been confirmed working on Jelly Bean". For it has be confirmed working on JB by a few user; many of us are unable to unlock even after the latest OTA.
Nothing works for me: reboot, cold boot, factory reset.
I desperately want to installl a custom rom on my TFP to see if that unleashes it's full potential. Right now I own a HTC One X+, which has the same cpu as the TFP but it's many times faster, smoother and less annoying. I still believe the TFP has the potential to be what it was intended to be, but ASUS software isn't going to do that for us.
DaLongTjeu said:
I know. There are several threads concerning the unlock tool. My TFP went RMA 2 times, I was unable to unlock after both RMA's. I had root in ICS, but completely lost it after the JB OTA. I was hoping the recent OTA update would change something about the unlocking problems everyone's having, but for me it didn't change a thing.
The OP would be wise not to state that "Don't worry about the "For ICS only" disclaimer. This has been confirmed working on Jelly Bean". For it has be confirmed working on JB by a few user; many of us are unable to unlock even after the latest OTA.
Nothing works for me: reboot, cold boot, factory reset.
I desperately want to installl a custom rom on my TFP to see if that unleashes it's full potential. Right now I own a HTC One X+, which has the same cpu as the TFP but it's many times faster, smoother and less annoying. I still believe the TFP has the potential to be what it was intended to be, but ASUS software isn't going to do that for us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is not Jelly Bean. The issue is sometimes the servers Asus uses to cross check your serial numbers loses some peoples S/N's. Without a registered S/N the unlock tool will not work. This is the fault of Asus and has been discussed many times. Developers have even decompiled the unlock tool and tried to reverse engineer it to solve this issue to no avail. Please, feel free to do some research if you doubt my answers. Many have spent hours doing so to only find out what they've been told.
McJesus15 said:
The issue is not Jelly Bean. The issue is sometimes the servers Asus uses to cross check your serial numbers loses some peoples S/N's. Without a registered S/N the unlock tool will not work. This is the fault of Asus and has been discussed many times. Developers have even decompiled the unlock tool and tried to reverse engineer it to solve this issue to no avail. Please, feel free to do some research if you doubt my answers. Many have spent hours doing so to only find out what they've been told.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't doubt your answer, I had never heard about any server-related issues though. Lots of people reported that their Prime's somehow had forgotten their serial numbers, but mine still has it's serial number. Also I registered my S/N online and it's still there, but I don't think that's related in any way. I RMA'd twice, I'm able to get OTA fm updates (possibly a clue that there are no server-side issues with my S/N), but now I'm unable to unlock.
Your guide is great and I really hope it helps many users unlock their Primes so they can get rid of the stock rom and flash a proper one onto their devices. You might want to insert a note though, that even though the unlock tool has been confirmed to work on some JB-primes there's still a chance it won't work (whatever the reason is).
OK let's stop squabbling about semantics here. Fact of the matter is that whoever's able to unlock at this point is quite lucky. The rest of us will just have to wait until ASUS fixes the issues or some whizzkid with too much time on his hands does.
You are a Gem, this finally made the process so much clearer
Shizbazki said:
You are a Gem, this finally made the process so much clearer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you feel free to hit the thanks button
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
Hi. I did all the steps you mentioned. In flashing TWRP I chose the 2nd option and everything went great.
The problem appears when I want to go to my recovery (power up holding volume down and then RCK) I get the droid with exclamation mark and nothing happens. Flashing recovery was succesful and I dont have an idea what could went wrong. I'm bit a new user of TF201 so would be grateful if You can help me
EDIT: Ah, I saw now that recovery is not flashing properly, saying sth like InvalidState.
EDIT 2: Ok I handled it myself, thanks again for the guide it was very useful!
Flashed Androwook this morning. Thanks for the painless guide.
Annoyed that nvflash isn't supported on Jelly Bean though. Now that I've flashed, can I get it?
GS_Dan said:
Flashed Androwook this morning. Thanks for the painless guide.
Annoyed that nvflash isn't supported on Jelly Bean though. Now that I've flashed, can I get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nvflash is only available to users who did it while on ICS.
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
McJesus15 said:
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, I'm unlocked and TWRPed, but what I would really like is root on my stock before flashing AW. So I can install and use TB for the apps...? (I'm on most current updated stock.)
BTW, your lil guide is stupendous. Stupid easy and took minutes. TYVM! I have only vaguely been following the TP forums, stock was fine enough for me, until recently. Was bored of flashing my phone and got the itch today to try something new with the TP. Did a backup, and ready to try some Wookie! Just that lil app issue, cause I'm lazy.
EDIT: correct me if I'm wrong, but after a bit of research (go figure!) it would appear that both Sparky and debugfs won't work on JB/most current stock? Tough sh** for me?
kingdazy said:
well, I'm unlocked and TWRPed, but what I would really like is root on my stock before flashing AW. So I can install and use TB for the apps...? (I'm on most current updated stock.)
BTW, your lil guide is stupendous. Stupid easy and took minutes. TYVM! I have only vaguely been following the TP forums, stock was fine enough for me, until recently. Was bored of flashing my phone and got the itch today to try something new with the TP. Did a backup, and ready to try some Wookie! Just that lil app issue, cause I'm lazy.
EDIT: correct me if I'm wrong, but after a bit of research (go figure!) it would appear that both Sparky and debugfs won't work on JB/most current stock? Tough sh** for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once unlocked you can root with a flashable zip. Can't link to one but they're easy to find here on the TFP forum
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
So this would be su.zip (or whatever it's called), and have the following structure?
su.zip
META-INF/
CERT.RSA
CERT.SF
MANIFEST.MF
COM/
GOOGLE/
ANDROID/
update-binary
updater-script
system/
app/
Superuser.apk
bin/
su
I just want to confirm if the file I found is correct or not. Does it need to be for a specific tablet/system? If it was just the app folder and the su binary I wouldn't ask, but the inclusion of metadata has me concerned as I can't seem to find one for the prime specifically.
EDIT: Yup, that's it. I stuck it on the internal storage, went into TWRP, choose "install", navigated to the zip, and it went without a hitch (installed the su binary and superuser app, effectively rooting the system).
Overall, this a good process for people that just want to root without all the hassle of replacing the whole OS.
the unlock tool failed to unlock on my tab... i think its because i did an RMA and asus changed the board inside the device..
GS_Dan said:
Flashed Androwook this morning. Thanks for the painless guide.
Annoyed that nvflash isn't supported on Jelly Bean though. Now that I've flashed, can I get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you think of androwook? Is much better than stock JB?
BashYaBro said:
the unlock tool failed to unlock on my tab... i think its because i did an RMA and asus changed the board inside the device..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try contacting Asus.
sauliiin said:
What do you think of androwook? Is much better than stock JB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Androwook 1.4 turns the prime into the tab it should be. Out scores stock by a lot on benchmarks
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
sauliiin said:
What do you think of androwook? Is much better than stock JB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very fast, responsive. With the exception of the broken search (there is a fix), and a few other minor issues, I would not hesitate to flash it. Ver 1.5 is right around the corner with several things fixed, and apparently there will be a flashable update from 1.4.
mrwookie6379 said:
Just to give you guys a heads up I will be releasing v1.5 fairly soon to take advantage of the new update that is out but before anyone groans about only having just flashed v1.4 I will release it as an update to those already on v1.4 but also as a full ROM for those who want to skip v1.4 and go straight to v1.5.
Beta 1 for v1.5 was created this PM and is being uploaded for testing now so watch this space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome.
kingdazy said:
Very fast, responsive. With the exception of the broken search (there is a fix), and a few other minor issues, I would not hesitate to flash it. Ver 1.5 is right around the corner with several things fixed, and apparently there will be a flashable update from 1.4.
Awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really ansious about flashing androwook... Just have to found some time!! Thinking about doing it this weekend!
Well.... So do you think really worths the upgrade to Androwwok? I saw that the search bug has a fix, but are there too many other bugs?
And, the performance, is really much better?
Thansk for the answer, friend.
regards
Ok I need help i have just Unlocked my prime , and I have a lot of questions. First let me say Im aking because i have already researched so please no smart a$$ comments! I am on ICS .28
1) what do I do next?
2) do i need to root or do the roms give me root
3) do i need to do nv flash i looked at the instructions and im lost.
4) I dont have any other progrms so not sure what i need
5) do I install clockwork recovery mod or twrp does it matter?
I really need help to make my prime great , please help!!!!!!
jaisan72980 said:
Ok I need help i have just Unlocked my prime , and I have a lot of questions. First let me say Im aking because i have already researched so please no smart a$$ comments !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple advice: read more! The questions you ask are all very basic and have been answered in depth on this forum. It is really important you understand what you are doing before proceeding further since Asus in their wisdom have adopted a policy which makes their devices particularly easy to brick.
It is a very good thing you are on ICS so whether you find it difficult or not your first step must be to understand and implement NVFlash. This is your insurance policy and you really should go no further without it .
Why exactly did you unlock your Prime? What was the limitation or the roadblock that you ran into that unlocking solved?
Jgrimoldy said:
Why exactly did you unlock your Prime? What was the limitation or the roadblock that you ran into that unlocking solved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you miss this part "to make my prime great"?
whycali said:
did you miss this part "to make my prime great"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I saw that. I was a little curious about specifics. Among the countless threads of folks bricking their Primes, it's amusing to read a justification of "to make it great".
I partially unlocked in order to replace the stock ROM with one that didn't have a gimped download manager. The default download manager will give a fake error and then actively delete the file upon completing any .APK (yes, it judges on the extension) download from a website that doesn't give it specific headers, which is used to stop people from pirating apps via common file sharing sites (which are not set to give these headers)... but also stops a lot of normal android dev page downloads from working as well (for example emulator programs not available in the market).
Previously I needed to download things with Opera (which has it's own download manager and thus doesn't pass files to the stock one) in order to get around this anti-piracy code, but that's just a chore. After swapping ROMs, I haven't had that happen (though the ROM I swapped to forgot to remove similar protection on bluetooth files, which I'm going to report now as soon as I get 10 damn posts).
Also when I updated to Jelly Bean, I lost root (Voodoo root keeper was used but it failed, read around to see I'm not the only one that had the root backup wiped out when doing the official Jelly Bean upgrade), and so far unlocking in order to be able to flash custom updates is the only way to regain it.
Anyways the OP will want to install some recovery.flash thing like TWRP so they can flash their own files to the ROM, like the su binary, which is needed to root.
Warning: Potentially long post ahead with mini-intro/rant
Hi XDA! I'm a noob new user/newbie when it comes to rooting. I have some (little) experience with jailbreaking my iPhone previously (It turned out very well), when the guy I paid to do so practically bricked my old one (SHEESH, you can't count on other people to do these things, better do them yourself) but have not tackled rooting Android devices yet.
I have a 3rd gen Kindle Fire HDX 7" (Thor).
Don't get me wrong, I love my Kindle. It's been an awesome pal for the past two years, aside from the loose charging port, the lack of interesting stuff on the Amazon appstore, and the inability to change or customize YOUR device, I decided it was time to "get my feet wet". I've been coming back to these forums over the past few months, in hopes of finding a root for 4.5.5.2 but I'd always chicken out in fear of bricking it. Eventually, I learned that to root, I need to rollback to a certain firmware.
OKAY, so I've done a little reading here and there in the past two hours (or more) and have gathered the following information so far (if there's something worth clarifying or expounding, please do!):
Point 1: The steps are, in order: Rollback to 3.2.8, upgrade to 4.5.2, root, block OTA, install Safestrap v4, and (optional) flash custom ROM.
My options are CM11 and Nexus 4 as of the moment (from what I've seen on these forums, but CM11 has been discontinued[????] and there's a newer version of HDX Nexus ROM v4 called Fire Nexus ROM somewhere if I'm not mistaken)
Question: Which do you suggest? CM11 or Nexus 4? What are the pros and cons of each?
Point 2: I understand that I need to download everything in advance and store them in a unique folder so that it'd be easier for me later on.
Question: Do you recommend that I factory reset my Kindle before anything else and THEN download everything I need in preparation? Won't these downloads be deleted/removed if I rollback my device to 3.2.8? I'm planning on creating a backup of these files on my PC in case something goes wrong or missing.
Point 3: I saw something that said
It was only tested with 14.4.5.2, but should also work with 13.4.5.2.
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Question: What's the difference between 14.4.5.2 and 13.4.5.2? I haven't dug deep enough in the forums to know if there's an answer to the question, but I made this thread to clear up everything I'm unsure of.
Point 4: Before anything, I know I've got to understand the basics of ADB before even attempting any of this (like commands and such). In one of the threads, I saw this:
"Install minimal adb + fastboot......"
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Question: What's the difference between minimal adb versus the whole package/thing? Shouldn't it be better to just download or install the full thing (no matter how big the file/program/application is)? What are the pros and cons?
YES, I know I have to understand what USB debug means and/or how to enable it. (I bookmarked an article for further reading soon, but already have enabled the setting within my device).
Other things I've gathered so far:
-Always have a copy of ES File Explorer along with other important files.
Never perform a factory reset unless specifically advised to do so by someone experienced with HDX devices....
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-Use a Windows PC/laptop. I'm using a mac, which is basically useless for games and the like not ideal when rooting. (Tiny question. Do I really need to install Linux/Ubuntu even if I can use someone's Windows PC/lappy to root?
-To root successfully, I've got to enable mock locations from developer options (already did).
-Before installing/flashing custom ROMS, I need to make a backup of the stock ROM.
CONCERNS:
Known issues regarding safestrap include secondary slots which boot but the WiFi module doesn't load (Which means I have to flash Nexus v4 to the STOCK SLOT for now [?????] is there any workaround for this? Because from what I've read so far, tampering with the stock is a big NO-NO unless you know what you're doing or in this case, "...unless I know what I'm doing.".) Or at least any reassurance? A safe, fool-proof way of doing this without at least bricking my device (likely)?
That's all I've got so far. I've compiled everything the basic things I need to know in a notepad, from steps and instructions, to tuts and download links.
Apologies for my english, this is not my native language
Thanks to whoever can answer some of my questions! Cheers and good day :laugh:
Don't even think about using safestrap, it might as well be a death trap if u brick ur device ur screwed. The best thing u could do is downgrade to 3.2.8 https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/rollback-13-3-2-8-rollback-ota-captured-t3046204 unlock your bootloader https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/thor-unlocking-bootloader-firmware-t3463982 (maybe get a tech savvy friend to help u with that one) it looks hard but it's actually very simple the way he explains it makes it more difficult than it really is. And if you want a stable rom with good user customization I'd get cm11. Also u don't really have to upgrade to 4.5.2 everything works great starting out from 3.2.8
CocoBun said:
Don't even think about using safestrap, it might as well be a death trap if u brick ur device ur screwed. The best thing u could do is downgrade to 3.2.8 https://forum.xda-developers.com/ki...lback-13-3-2-8-rollback-ota-captured-t3046204 unlock your bootloader https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/thor-unlocking-bootloader-firmware-t3463982 (maybe get a tech savvy friend to help u with that one) it looks hard but it's actually very simple the way he explains it makes it more difficult than it really is. And if you want a stable rom with good user customization I'd get cm11. Also u don't really have to upgrade to 4.5.2 everything works great starting out from 3.2.8
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Agreed. Be sure to stay off the network while on 3.2.8; if the device takes an OTA update it WILL brick with no possible recovey. Use TowelRoot to root; quick/reliable on FireOS v3. No need to update to 4.5.2; doing so adds risk/complexity with no corresponding benefit.
KingOroot PC edition (yes KingORoot not Kingroot) will root 4.5.5.2 in less than a minute, used it very recently having previously rooted 4.5.5.1 with Kingroot. In both case unlock the bootloader flashed twrp and put nexus ROM on without issue
Mr McBoatface said:
KingOroot PC edition (yes KingORoot not Kingroot) will root 4.5.5.2 in less than a minute, used it very recently having previously rooted 4.5.5.1 with Kingroot. In both case unlock the bootloader flashed twrp and put nexus ROM on without issue
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Yes, kingOroot was previously identified as a potential root solution for 4.5.5.2. Sometimes it works...other times not. Kinda like KingRoot on the 5th gen Fire. When it fails the leftovers can be onerous to deal with on unrooted device. If root is secured I recommend immediately unlocking the bootloader following by a comprehensive wipe before flashing a custom ROM. KingOroot does not enjoy a stellar reputation.