[Q] How dangerous is rooting/flashing on this phone? - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys, after waiting all day, the courier finally dropped off my awesome S3, then I had to run to the local Optus shop to have my simcard snipped, I'm loving the phone..... But I'm not the biggest fan of touchwiz, have no need for the bloaty apps, and it seems slower than it should be considering the specs, so I'm itching to root this baby and install an AOSP or AOKP rom. But I'm still undecided whether or not I want to keep this, or sell it and get the Nexus 4, so I really really can't afford to brick this phone, it's a very expensive piece of hardware and I just got it. So realistically and honestly, how dangerous is rooting/flashing on this phone? I do have rooting and flashing experience on multiple phones, and also have bricking experience on multiple phones. From my understanding because of "Download mode" the chances of hard bricking are pretty low and getting out of a softboot is pretty easy, I've heard some things about people losing IMEI numbers, how can I avoid that?

JDogg1329 said:
Hi guys, after waiting all day, the courier finally dropped off my awesome S3, then I had to run to the local Optus shop to have my simcard snipped, I'm loving the phone..... But I'm not the biggest fan of touchwiz, have no need for the bloaty apps, and it seems slower than it should be considering the specs, so I'm itching to root this baby and install an AOSP or AOKP rom. But I'm still undecided whether or not I want to keep this, or sell it and get the Nexus 4, so I really really can't afford to brick this phone, it's a very expensive piece of hardware and I just got it. So realistically and honestly, how dangerous is rooting/flashing on this phone? I do have rooting and flashing experience on multiple phones, and also have bricking experience on multiple phones. From my understanding because of "Download mode" the chances of hard bricking are pretty low and getting out of a softboot is pretty easy, I've heard some things about people losing IMEI numbers, how can I avoid that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very dangerous if you do not know what you're doing. Very simple if you take the time to read and follow instructions. I'm not a technical guy or that good with computers but I spent a lot of time reading and finally decided to take a stab at rooting. My S3 is the 4th phone i rooted.

swift2fly said:
very dangerous if you do not know what you're doing. Very simple if you take the time to read and follow instructions. I'm not a technical guy or that good with computers but I spent a lot of time reading and finally decided to take a stab at rooting. My S3 is the 4th phone i rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what I'm doing in general, never rooted an S3 specifically, have rooted a Desire Z, Atrix 2, and Galaxy S. So I've been around the block a few times when it comes to rooting and flashing, I had 3 Desire Z's with bad EMMC chips, they bricked even without me flashing anything, the first one had no warranty so I had to buy another out of pocket that's why I'm so paranoid. I might just keep it stock for another week or two, do some more reading, then when I finally flash a silky smooth bloatless rom I can enjoy it even more.

JDogg1329 said:
I know what I'm doing in general, never rooted an S3 specifically, have rooted a Desire Z, Atrix 2, and Galaxy S. So I've been around the block a few times when it comes to rooting and flashing, I had 3 Desire Z's with bad EMMC chips, they bricked even without me flashing anything, the first one had no warranty so I had to buy another out of pocket that's why I'm so paranoid. I might just keep it stock for another week or two, do some more reading, then when I finally flash a silky smooth bloatless rom I can enjoy it even more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in that case it's very simple. I rooted 3 S3s using the same process and all were a success. I didn't bother to wait to root my phone. My wife bought me this phone for my bday and the same day I opened the box was the same day I rooted it. I hate touchwiz and i hate bloat.

swift2fly said:
in that case it's very simple. I rooted 3 S3s using the same process and all were a success. I didn't bother to wait to root my phone. My wife bought me this phone for my bday and the same day I opened the box was the same day I rooted it. I hate touchwiz and i hate bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What methods do you recommend since you've done it 3 times already?

JDogg1329 said:
What methods do you recommend since you've done it 3 times already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CF-Root
Sent from my GT-I9300

Hally79 said:
CF-Root
Sent from my GT-I9300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my reading I've gathered that there is CF-Root and then the S3 Toolkit. For CF-Root do you recommend the auto one or the latest supported cf-root.

Use the cf root if you want root+ recovery, auto root for just root
It is very straight forward to do and safe as long as you read instructions
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
[03.07.2012] CF-Root 6.4 - SuperSU+CWM5.5+CWMManager

slaphead20 said:
Use the cf root if you want root+ recovery, auto root for just root
It is very straight forward to do and safe as long as you read instructions
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
[03.07.2012] CF-Root 6.4 - SuperSU+CWM5.5+CWMManager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers for the help and recommendation mate, seems like a nice and simple rooting method, it's pretty late and I need to be up early tonight so I best not do it right now and risk screwing something up due to sore eyes. If I do it tomorrow I'll update the thread with how I went .

JDogg1329 said:
What methods do you recommend since you've done it 3 times already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use mac and rooted all the phones on mac. this is the method i used:
http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-root/how-to-root-galaxy-s3-on-mac-osx/
very easy.

Easiest phone to root i've ever known.
Get the toolkit. That is literally it.
Follow the on screen instructions and download a custom rom for your model.
If you fail at this then your a doughnut.

Rooting FTW
Rooting is really good and it is not dangerous in my opinion. So you should go for it.

Related

In doubt if I should or not root my Nexus S... What could break down after I root it?

I bought it about 3 weeks ago, and everything has been working fine on it.
However, since root voids the warranty, I'm worried if something goes wrong hardware wise after the sucessful root.
So what could break down on it?
Rooting will not break your phone, unlocking the bootloader on the Nexus S is easy. And it you need to have it serviced/repaired, just unroot. Warranty unvoided.
The only way you'll break your phone is by not reading and researching what you're doing. Before modifying or flashing anything, always make a backup and know what you're doing (and why). Read thoroughly, and if there's something in the directions that you don't understand, research until you do.
It's highly unlikely that you'll experience hardware failure and not be able to unroot before taking it in.
On the other hand, don't root just because. Know why you're doing it and what you hope to achieve. Rooting because it seems like the "cool" thing to do is dumb. I'm not suggesting that you're doing that, just making a statement.
Sent from my Evo + MIUI using Tapatalk!
Here we go again (sorry ). Nothing can go wrong... if you follow all instructions carefully and correctly. Also not purposefully or foolishly flashing or installing something which you are not supposed to. Rooting... or Android in general is not for the weak hearted. Android was made to be customized and maxed out in performance (at least to me ). If you are going to use it, make good use of it. If you are still worried, just settle with how your device is or be brave and take control of your device.
Nexus s, unbrickable phone... what are you worrying on?
Accidentally sent from my Google Nexus S using XDA Premium
Thanks, I might root it then... Not sure if I will though, since I don't know what to expect after rooting in terms of what I'll be able to do.
KaiZ51 said:
Thanks, I might root it then... Not sure if I will though, since I don't know what to expect after rooting in terms of what I'll be able to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be able to do anything you want . This may help a bit: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/top-10-reasons-to-root-your-android-phone-2/ .
melvinchng said:
Nexus s, unbrickable phone... what are you worrying on?
Accidentally sent from my Google Nexus S using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
and amazing
you shouldnt worry about rooting since its very easy on nexus and also its kinda unbrickable and also by rooting u aint gonna damage any hardware.but jus keep in mind the bootloader hav it unloked frst and also aftr rooting u can try custom roms...

First time rooting, help :)

Ok, so ive only had the phone a few days and it seems to get the most out of my phone i should root it, what id like to know is the easiest way without messing up my phone,
i know very little about rooting etc thats why ive been so hesitant but if someone could give me a basic run down on what to do without messing up my phone that would be nice.
my 64GB card should be here this morning so i may as well do it once ive got that in ?
thanks.
Mike_EVO said:
Ok, so ive only had the phone a few days and it seems to get the most out of my phone i should root it, what id like to know is the easiest way without messing up my phone,
i know very little about rooting etc thats why ive been so hesitant but if someone could give me a basic run down on what to do without messing up my phone that would be nice.
my 64GB card should be here this morning so i may as well do it once ive got that in ?
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at the sticky threads here..
You can follow me on Twitter - @NotSo1nter3stin
Mike_EVO said:
Ok, so ive only had the phone a few days and it seems to get the most out of my phone i should root it, what id like to know is the easiest way without messing up my phone,
i know very little about rooting etc thats why ive been so hesitant but if someone could give me a basic run down on what to do without messing up my phone that would be nice.
my 64GB card should be here this morning so i may as well do it once ive got that in ?
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mike - I have PM'd you some help. Note I am unclear if you are GSM/cdma and whether you have updated with OTA to ICS from GB.
Good luck.
I need Help
Bandee2 said:
Mike - I have PM'd you some help. Note I am unclear if you are GSM/cdma and whether you have updated with OTA to ICS from GB.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you help me too i just converted from IOS to Android and im not happy with the Stock OS.Ive tried everything and even the HTCdev.Btw its CDMA
Hi Mike, Welcome to the thread.
As a new rooter to the 3d and a long time rooter of the EVO (original) I have to say I'm finding that this is much more intimidating than it really is.
Check out this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1813818
It was a very well thought out thread and worked smoothly. The hardest part was the wire trick and I'll be honest the most intimidating. It took me 5x before I got the timing correct with how quickly I touched the ground. Outside of that it was simple.
It's true the EVO 3d is somewhat of a pickle when it comes to gaining s-off. Just a bunch of tedious steps. But its all worth it once you gain it. At least you won't have to deal with the headache of unlocked s-on.
Jsparta26 said:
It's true the EVO 3d is somewhat of a pickle when it comes to gaining s-off. Just a bunch of tedious steps. But its all worth it once you gain it. At least you won't have to deal with the headache of unlocked s-on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am unlocked S-on and use EXT4 Touch recovery with "smart flash" It seems to work just as if you are s-off...
I mainly deal with Samsung phones as I own an S2, I was looking into rooting my fiancee's Evo 3D to run an app to unlock contact photos for handcent, but it does seem pretty tedious to root them from the searching I've done here, unlike Odin in the Samsung world. Is there a particularly painless way to root the 3D but preserve data? Cause I doubt she'll want me to wipe it just for that, heh.
deltax20a said:
I mainly deal with Samsung phones as I own an S2, I was looking into rooting my fiancee's Evo 3D to run an app to unlock contact photos for handcent, but it does seem pretty tedious to root them from the searching I've done here, unlike Odin in the Samsung world. Is there a particularly painless way to root the 3D but preserve data? Cause I doubt she'll want me to wipe it just for that, heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately there isn't, since you have to either HTC unlock the bootloader, which resets the phone, or flash an RUU (stock ROM) to go straight to S-OFF. Since you are not starting with root, you might want to try MyBackup from the Play Store which doesn't require root for the basic backup to save as much as you can, then root (and optionally S-OFF) and restore from the backup on the SD card.
I've recently opened a thread in the General Forum to make it easier for Sprint users to get root, and optionally S-OFF, but there's no such thing as a one click root for the Evo 3D. I tried one that was posted in the General Forum a couple of weeks ago but it didn't work on our device.
ramjet73

[Q] Help! I bricked my Verizon Note 2! (SCH-I605)

Great. I, like a dumbass, decided to try and root my new phone without a backup plan. I have had no luck using the XDA video, and now I'm stuck with the "Please select recovery mode in Kies" screen. Kies doesn't recognize it, and I have no way to restore the stock ROM. Is my only option to wait until a stock firmware ROM is released, like it was for sprint?
Based on the information we're currently provided with, I think it'd be safe to say you're screwed for now. Why you would even try to root a device that doesn't currently have any rooting methods is beyond me. You should definitely read up before you try anything you're not sure of.
The only other option you'd have at this point is taking the phone into Verizon, showing them the screen and telling them that this is how it has looked since it came out of the box. Although it's a lie, and you bricked it out of your own neglect, the reps can't really turn you away.
Can you return it?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
I did some research, and nobody had any negative things to say about the rooting process, especially with all the videos and forums on it. I searched for how to root the Samsung note 2, versus the model number, which is different for different carriers.
MedicMillan said:
I did some research, and nobody had any negative things to say about the rooting process, especially with all the videos and forums on it. I searched for how to root the Samsung note 2, versus the model number, which is different for different carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every carrier is different. You must be new here.
I am new. I have rooted phones before, but never had this problem. Would it be an option to install a custom rom like Cyanogen until there is a public release of the stock firmware?
MedicMillan said:
I am new. I have rooted phones before, but never had this problem. Would it be an option to install a custom rom like Cyanogen until there is a public release of the stock firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to wait until the boot loader is unlocked to flash a rom, only way I can think of.
MedicMillan said:
I am new. I have rooted phones before, but never had this problem. Would it be an option to install a custom rom like Cyanogen until there is a public release of the stock firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point in time, you can't flash anything, you can't root, and there are no recovery images to return to stock with. You either have to wait it out, or try to exchange it at Verizon.
You can exchange, they will not know the difference
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Just take it to Verizon play dumb and get it replaced. It's within the 14 days so it will be swapped on the spot. They wont/don't care what's wrong with it.
The suggestion of just return it to the store, they won't notice, is a really **** move and I'm not saying that in defense of Verizon. I'm saying it that it is things like that that in the end cause more harm to the end user than good. They up costs and add charges, create obscene policies, etc. It may not negatively impact you immediately, but when multiple people do this all over the country it adds up.
DaRkL3AD3R said:
The suggestion of just return it to the store, they won't notice, is a really **** move and I'm not saying that in defense of Verizon. I'm saying it that it is things like that that in the end cause more harm to the end user than good. They up costs and add charges, create obscene policies, etc. It may not negatively impact you immediately, but when multiple people do this all over the country it adds up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say I agree 100%. If people just used common sense, or read up a bit, situations like these could be entirely avoided.
MedicMillan said:
Great. I, like a dumbass, decided to try and root my new phone without a backup plan. I have had no luck using the XDA video, and now I'm stuck with the "Please select recovery mode in Kies" screen. Kies doesn't recognize it, and I have no way to restore the stock ROM. Is my only option to wait until a stock firmware ROM is released, like it was for sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the development section. There is a leaked ODIN .tar file that you can flash. It is a prerelease, but at least you will have a functioning phone until a proper root/unlock solution is found.
bork.it.consulting said:
Check the development section. There is a leaked ODIN .tar file that you can flash. It is a prerelease, but at least you will have a functioning phone until a proper root/unlock solution is found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Odin file fails. It will not flash. Someone was trying to flash it last night with the same screen you are on.
just odin the stock image in the dev section and you will be back up and running...do not I repeat do not anybody try any root methods for the other gn2 variants!
http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SCH-I605
if it fails then your screwed until the latest odin image is release, which im sure wont be too long.
Nit3mare said:
I have to say I agree 100%. If people just used common sense, or read up a bit, situations like these could be entirely avoided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying that everyone should go flash happy, attempt to root without knowing what they are doing destroy their phones and take them back to Verizon then rinse and repeat the process. But there have to be a few that are a tempting to get root for everyone else there is bound to be some hard bricks. Should they be out 700, and that's kinda harsh.
Check out this link for a fixed brick....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34862234#post34862234
mrlaigle said:
I'm not saying that everyone should go flash happy, attempt to root without knowing what they are doing destroy their phones and take them back to Verizon then rinse and repeat the process. But there have to be a few that are a tempting to get root for everyone else there is bound to be some hard bricks. Should they be out 700, and that's kinda harsh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But with a little reading in the correct forum, people could avoid owning a $700 paperweight. It's really not that difficult, and any issues that arise from lack of research are due to their own ignorance. I can't feel sympathy for anyone who flashes blindly.
Nit3mare said:
But with a little reading in the correct forum, people could avoid owning a $700 paperweight. It's really not that difficult, and any issues that arise from lack of research are due to their own ignorance. I can't feel sympathy for anyone who flashes blindly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not disagreeing with you. If you do not know what you are doing or if this is your first time you shouldn't be attempting to root an un rooted device. But there will always be those guinea pigs...
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
This is exactly the reason why everyone else who follows commense is punished with locked bootloader.

How should I prevent bricks?

I have taken a recent interest in making roms, specifically ports for the note 2. Currently I only have one note 2 so what should I do in order to test my roms without bricking my phone?
Ps: If anyone knows of a good beginners guide for building roms that would be great but it is not my concern.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2
Leave it stock.
Best way? Read the OP/Intructions carefully. That's all. You will never brick your phone if you read the instructions. Also, if you feel uncomfortable doing something with your phone that may result in a brick, don't perform it. But there's always a way to unbrick a phone and you have a community that has your back so you're set for any bricking
Provided you're only flashing test roms and not kernels, it's pretty much impossible to brick. Just make sure you have a backup!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
BennyJr said:
Leave it stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was thinking also.
I used to play around with building ROMs back in my Windows phone days (I don't have time to do that anymore) but I always kept a spare phone around for "bricking" purposes.
I don't think I would want to use my only phone as a test dummy for new ROMs (especially if you aren't REALLY experienced at it)
I think I'm going to try with my old samsung fascinate, It would be less of a hassle if I broke that phone.
Thanks guys.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2
Don't be stupid. The only way to really brick a phone anymore is if you're being dumb and doing stuff beyond your knowledge. Knowing what you're flashing and making sure it is compatible with your phone will help. Also, don't flash anything in Odin unless you're restoring to stock (or unlocking).

New tf201 owner question

Hello Community,
I bought a prime today due to my screen was accidentally broken on my other 10" tablet that was a Tegra 2 device. It was going to cost almost $200 to replace the glass myself and I found and paid $200 for my 32 GB Prime. From what I've read this tablet has a lot of potential once rooted and custom rom installed.
The tablet has 4.1.1 and today when I logged on it updated to the latest firmware.
The question I have is, does it matter whether I leave the bootloader locked or is it better to unlock when installing a custom rom. I don't care about warranty.
I'm looking at energy or wooki rooms to install. This is the first android device I've owned that I had to do something with the bootloader. What I don't want to do is do something that is not needed and brick it. I've read about the motochopper method and then I read a different method that goes through the unlocking process. I just need some feedback on what is better choice?
This is the guide I think is the one to follow→ http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2147972. Is this the best method?
Thanks for any suggestions. I always try to ask the members before I start just to make sure i'm on the correct path.
Btw, what is the deal with only one speaker. I know I read about it before I bought it, I thought it was just a misprint. The volume is not loud enough on most tablets with 2 speakers let alone one. bang head on wall.... Are there any good sound mods available to flash?
I always hate the first time I time I root a new device and feel like a noob all over again. The last device I rooted was my Galaxy S3, that took all of 5 minutes to do everything. I found out I liked scripts.
Thanks again..
Todd
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium
tmjohnsonfse said:
Hello Community,
I bought a prime today due to my screen was accidentally broken on my other 10" tablet that was a Tegra 2 device. It was going to cost almost $200 to replace the glass myself and I found and paid $200 for my 32 GB Prime. From what I've read this tablet has a lot of potential once rooted and custom rom installed.
The tablet has 4.1.1 and today when I logged on it updated to the latest firmware.
The question I have is, does it matter whether I leave the bootloader locked or is it better to unlock when installing a custom rom. I don't care about warranty.
I'm looking at energy or wooki rooms to install. This is the first android device I've owned that I had to do something with the bootloader. What I don't want to do is do something that is not needed and brick it. I've read about the motochopper method and then I read a different method that goes through the unlocking process. I just need some feedback on what is better choice?
This is the guide I think is the one to follow→ http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2147972. Is this the best method?
Thanks for any suggestions. I always try to ask the members before I start just to make sure i'm on the correct path.
Btw, what is the deal with only one speaker. I know I read about it before I bought it, I thought it was just a misprint. The volume is not loud enough on most tablets with 2 speakers let alone one. bang head on wall.... Are there any good sound mods available to flash?
I always hate the first time I time I root a new device and feel like a noob all over again. The last device I rooted was my Galaxy S3, that took all of 5 minutes to do everything. I found out I liked scripts.
Thanks again..
Todd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot install a custom rom without unlocking.
Rooting does what it says. It gives the tablet root privelages (su) but that does not allow you to install a custom recovery that will allow you to install a custom rom.
Thanks that is what I needed to know. On my other devices I didn't worry about unlocking the boot loader. But, now i know that it needs to be unlocked.
Thanks.
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium

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