Hello all. I'm about to bombard you with a few noob questions that I'm really hoping someone could help me out with.
I'm currently using a Galaxy S2, but after reading a bit about custom ROMs and the ability to possibly increase battery life among other features, I have decided to delve a bit deeper. I do have a few questions though.
- What is the difference between rooting and using a custom ROM?
- Do I need a specific Kernel version or build number in order to use a custom ROM on my Galaxy s2 or does none of that matter when installing a new ROM?
- It is to my understanding that custom ROMs cannot use Kies. So, in the event that Android 4.0 comes out, will I have any problems being able to get it onto my phone with a custom ROM? Will it cause any interferences between the ROM and the new operating system?
I'm very interested in trying this out, however with the firmware I am currently running, there is no replacement to be found. In the event that I want to revert back to factory, it probably will not be possible to find this specific firmware that I am using (already searched).
Thanks a ton in advance for the help
Rooting gives you access to aspects and features on the phone that you otherwise couldn't get to. Installing a custom ROM wipes out the software on your phone and replaces it with software someone other than the OEMs developed.
You need to unlock your bootloader in order to install a custom ROM, and the process for this differs from phone to phone. Other than the different steps, it doesn't really matter what your phone has to start out with.
I don't know anything about Kies.
Honestly, I would highly recommend rooting your phone... just make sure you maek a backup as soon as you get root access (but before you install a custom ROM) and you're good to go!
roboedar said:
Hello all. I'm about to bombard you with a few noob questions that I'm really hoping someone could help me out with.
I'm currently using a Galaxy S2, but after reading a bit about custom ROMs and the ability to possibly increase battery life among other features, I have decided to delve a bit deeper. I do have a few questions though.
- What is the difference between rooting and using a custom ROM?
- Do I need a specific Kernel version or build number in order to use a custom ROM on my Galaxy s2 or does none of that matter when installing a new ROM?
- It is to my understanding that custom ROMs cannot use Kies. So, in the event that Android 4.0 comes out, will I have any problems being able to get it onto my phone with a custom ROM? Will it cause any interferences between the ROM and the new operating system?
I'm very interested in trying this out, however with the firmware I am currently running, there is no replacement to be found. In the event that I want to revert back to factory, it probably will not be possible to find this specific firmware that I am using (already searched).
Thanks a ton in advance for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's probably a for for the GS2, where you can find details for your phone. Some methods of rooting on some devices do require a specific version of firmware. Give or take carrier issues I heard the GS2's were getting ICS in an update...
The main reasons to root your phone are to do things you can't do without root. For example using a VNC server you typically requires root, but it allows connecting to your phone via VNC. Custom ROMs are usually rooted; installing a custom ROM doesn't always need root (e.g. nvflash) but it helps eventually.
No idea what Kies is and I'm to cold to Google it. If it's in the market, check it in a browser to see what versions they support.
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Moving to Q&A
Hello,
I just got a Droid Razr M off ebay and found it came with the OTA installed that permanently locks the bootloader... I was hoping to be able to run Cyanogenmod on it but there don't seem to be any current ROM's that are able to run on the stock motorola Kernel (i'm assuming this is the problem?)
I'm basically totally new to modding ROM's and android at this level, but I would be interested in trying to port Cyanogenmod for use with the stock kernel and then installing it through safestrap... I do have some experience with linux and programming so I may be able to get this to work. Anyone know any starting places or if this is an impossible project? Is this even possible? I've heard that Cyanodenmod requires an unlocked bootloader, but then I found an old CM rom that works with the stock kernel. If this is possible, will certain functionality be disabled or what will result from a not-fully-compatible kernel?
Any help or advice is appreciated!
I rooted a while back and have been using Eclipse as my daily driver ever since. I don't have the time to flash roms all the time anymore, I just need something that works. I have been having major problems lately and need to install a new rom, and I can't seem to find any information on NC5 compatible roms. I know there were only certain that were compatible a while back, I'm just wondering if there is an updated list or where I can go to get the most recent and stable rom.
If you happen to have a guide for flashing said rom on safestrap that would be appreciated too , although I'm about to go searching for that. Thanks!
I am fairly new to the whole ROM thing on this device. I have experience with older phones and am just getting back into this recently. That being said...
Current state is: Bootloader unlocked, currently running stock 4.4.4, Sense 6.0, Kernel 3.4.0-g931e842, Build 3.42.502.1 CL441323; ROM applied via RUU. (RUU_M8_[email protected]41216A_40.34.C35006.02_F_release_407726_signed_2)
Bottom line is that since I have attempted to root and flash ROMs I have had issues with making and/or receiving calls, or no SIM recognized at all, requiring S-off/firmware upgrades, etc.
I am looking for a stable build ROM which is compatible with the 4.4.4 firmware on my device which can be applied without obtaining s-off. Main goal is to be able to personalize the UI and to run a faster, debloated ROM.
Tried first using Renovate 5.0... could not receive calls on that one.
Removed. back to stock.
Next I found a Lollipop 5.0.1 ROM (HTC_One_M8_Lollipop_5.0.1LRX22C) which did not appear to require firmware updates... seemed to work great... except that I could not receive calls...
Removed... back to stock.
Next, I used ViperOneM8 and really liked it, but had to abandon once I was told by people that they were still getting sent straight to voice mail.
I did get some calls, so I tested having some people call me and it seemed fine... well turned out that during those tests I was on the 3G network... Once again, troubleshot down to the fact that anytime I was on 4G network I could not receive calls. Having had no way to change my network selection in this ROM (error was displayed when I attempted this). Contacted their support to confirm my issue. They are aware, no resolution available.
Removed... back to stock.
So my question is, are there any options OTHER THAN paying $25 to use Sunshine to get S-off, upgrade firmware? I am not a developer and I love my M8. I know there are people here who know exactly what I need and understand what I am looking for. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
GA_Android said:
Next I found a Lollipop 5.0.1 ROM (HTC_One_M8_Lollipop_5.0.1LRX22C) which did not appear to require firmware updates... seemed to work great... except that I could not receive calls...
Removed... back to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't tell what ROM your are talking about based on that description. Possibly GPE stock rooted?
What I can tell you, is that most any Lollipop Sense ROM will have issues when used alongside 4.4.4 firmware.
Sense 4.4.4 ROMs will play well with your firmware, as will a number of 4.4.4 and 5.0 GPE and AOSP ROMs (that specifically state they support 4.4.4 firmware). However, when it comes to AT&T, there is more at play then whether the ROM corresponds to the firmware. That other complication is that AT&T does some annoyingly unique things with their network. In the past, this has included changes to build.prop and even the signal icons, which sometimes caused "international" custom ROMs to have some issues. And now you see that their HD Voice (Voice over LTE) is messing with some custom ROMs. As the other thread you posted in mentioned "blame AT&T".
Running an AT&T base 4.4.4 ROM is your best bet for trouble-free use on AT&T's network. WNC's ROM might fit the bill for what you want (debloated) and is often where I send folks that want a bug-free experience on AT&T (while retaining some AT&T specific features). The 3.28 version ROM is what you should try: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/development/att-4-4-3-2-22-1540-3-debloated-sense-6-t2837365
There are other ROMs that might work for you. But the above is my suggestion, at least as a start.
redpoint73 said:
I can't tell what ROM your are talking about based on that description. Possibly GPE stock rooted?
What I can tell you, is that most any Lollipop Sense ROM will have issues when used alongside 4.4.4 firmware.
Sense 4.4.4 ROMs will play well with your firmware, as will a number of 4.4.4 and 5.0 GPE and AOSP ROMs (that specifically state they support 4.4.4 firmware). However, when it comes to AT&T, there is more at play then whether the ROM corresponds to the firmware. That other complication is that AT&T does some annoyingly unique things with their network. In the past, this has included changes to build.prop and even the signal icons, which sometimes caused "international" custom ROMs to have some issues. And now you see that their HD Voice (Voice over LTE) is messing with some custom ROMs. As the other thread you posted in mentioned "blame AT&T".
Running an AT&T base 4.4.4 ROM is your best bet for trouble-free use on AT&T's network. WNC's ROM might fit the bill for what you want (debloated) and is often where I send folks that want a bug-free experience on AT&T (while retaining some AT&T specific features). The 3.28 version ROM is what you should try: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/development/att-4-4-3-2-22-1540-3-debloated-sense-6-t2837365
There are other ROMs that might work for you. But the above is my suggestion, at least as a start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. It is a GPE stock rooted Lollipop ROM. It works just fine as long as I have 3G selected as my network, but it is just not as much flash as I wanted.
I am going to give the one you sited here a look and maybe give it a try. I appreciate your taking the time to reply. It was helpful and informative.
Erring on the Side of Caution
I'm in a similar quandry as the OP. I have lots of experience flashing ROMS on my older phones but trying to keep up with all the changes since getting my M8 has me confused.
Here's my current setup. I'm running Skydragon after trying the last 4.4 milestone of Liquidsmooth. I like both, but am interested in keeping up with the Lollipop guild.
I have Sunshine installed but when I ran it I found out I need to remove or disable Xposed Installer to continue. I'll deal with that by disabling it.
UPDATE: Well, that didn't work. Xposed was installed with the ROM and there's no option to uninstall it.
My biggest concern is updating the firmware. From my bootloader info, I'm assuming that I'm way behind on the latest firmware, but after reading so many threads about updating, my head is swimming.
If I need to update, I just want to make sure that I don't brick my phone.
CanuckinPA said:
I have Sunshine installed but when I ran it I found out I need to remove or disable Xposed Installer to continue. I'll deal with that by disabling it.
UPDATE: Well, that didn't work. Xposed was installed with the ROM and there's no option to uninstall it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return to stock ROM and stock recovery, for optimal configuration for sunshine to work. RUU is probably the easiest way to get back to stock. Backup your personal data, than relock bootloader to run RUU.
CanuckinPA said:
My biggest concern is updating the firmware. From my bootloader info, I'm assuming that I'm way behind on the latest firmware, but after reading so many threads about updating, my head is swimming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, based on your hboot number, your firmware is about as old as it gets (Android 4.4.2).
You can RUU to 4.4.4 firmware without s-off; and Lollipop Skydragon GPE should work fine with 4.4.4 firmware.
You can of course still s-off and update to Lollipop firmware. But you need to use some other firmware besides AT&T (such as Dev Edition, Euro, etc.), since they haven't released a Lollipop update (and therefore no firmware).
Hey guys, I recently won a contest in which the prize was the Sprint version of this phone (LS990) and I would like to give it a try, but I've never used these CDMA/GSM phones before. I plan initially to give LG stock software a try to see what it's like (I'm a Nexus user most of the time), but eventually I'll probably settle on an AOSP based ROM (or as close as I can get). I was wondering if anyone could tell me in a broad sense what I would have to do to get it SIM/GSM unlocked and running properly on both a stock based (or stock ROM even) and an AOSP based ROM.
EDIT: What steps should I take in order to root? There's no CF-Auto-Root for this device. Is the only way to install TWRP using the BUMP method?