This has been asked a few times and went unanswered. I'm posting it with the answer so the next person who wonders can find it. (Or, since no one seems to search, at least we'll have something to point to.)
Background: I was uncertain myself, so searched and found answers like, absolutely not; definitely yes; probably; no, but... ; yes, but...; depends on device; etc. Now really uncertain, I asked the experts on the main xda help thread where one person said no and the other yes(!). Well, that was a misunderstanding and they were soon on the same page.
So, does factory reset wipe out root?
NO. Factory reset doesn't wipe out root. A reset clears /data, not /system, and /system is where the exploit and the SuperSU (or Kingrooter) binaries are.
However, the SuperSU/Kingrooter app may be in /data where it will get wiped. ("May be" because SuperSU, anyway, gives you the option to move it to /system.) The app updates the binaries and manages su, controlling which apps get superuser access to the device, so until it's installed any app can obtain su access. For this reason, the first thing to do after a factory reset is to install and run the SuperSU app.
[EDIT 2015-08-05] Although Factory reset doesn't hurt root, some people (on OS 4.5.4, anyway) are going into bootloop by doing a reset from the device, (not from TWRP). Pure speculation, but this may be because OTA is blocked. Just a heads up.
References: Posts 26583 through 26590 at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257421&page=2659. See also part 6 here: https://su.chainfire.eu/
Related
Sorry new to Android and am learning so please be gentle....I rooted my Razr Maxx and once I finished I installed some apps and made sure I had root access. I read that it was a good idea that I due a factory reset so I did....after the reset was complete. I noticed the icon SuperUser was now missing. Do I need that Icon? Was there any additional settings I could access via it. If so, how do I get it back?? thanks.
When you make a factory reset, all the user apps (that means all the aplications installed in the /data partition, the apps that the user has installed and wheren't there when you bought the phone) and all the personal configurations of the system are erased. A factory reset leaves your phone just as the way it was when you first turned on. So, if your SuperUser.apk was installed in the data partition it sure will be gone. That app is needed to administrate which aplications get elevated acces to some system resources, so if it's not there it is like you have no root access. Some scripts used to root the phone push the superuser.apk to the System/app folder instead of data/app, so it's not deleted by a factory reset, but this is not your case as it seems... You could donwload the superuser app from google play, but I dont recommend it as I tried it once and it didn't work. I think you should try repeating the whole root proccess, and not making a factory reset after it, it was never necessary for me. Good luck!
danygarss said:
When you make a factory reset, all the user apps (that means all the aplications installed in the /data partition, the apps that the user has installed and wheren't there when you bought the phone) and all the personal configurations of the system are erased. A factory reset leaves your phone just as the way it was when you first turned on. So, if your SuperUser.apk was installed in the data partition it sure will be gone. That app is needed to administrate which aplications get elevated acces to some system resources, so if it's not there it is like you have no root access. Some scripts used to root the phone push the superuser.apk to the System/app folder instead of data/app, so it's not deleted by a factory reset, but this is not your case as it seems... You could donwload the superuser app from google play, but I dont recommend it as I tried it once and it didn't work. I think you should try repeating the whole root proccess, and not making a factory reset after it, it was never necessary for me. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I do a factory reset or can I just to the entire root process again now?
slawcop` said:
Should I do a factory reset or can I just to the entire root process again now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do the entire rooting process again. If you do factory reset you will loose again your superuser.apk
You should be able to download the superuser app as the phone is still rooted. Try superSU, that's the SU app that installed when I rooted (eternity project easy root)
I did the same thing by mistake once & just downloaded the app & it worked like a charm.
Sent from my DROID SPYDER using xda premium
Hello,
In my question, What EXACTLY happens during a factory reset, the emphasis is, obviously, on "exactly". I will explain why I need to know this - the research I've done has failed to answer my question.
Carrier-phones come with a bunch of pre-installed apps. Of all possible scenarios, Japanese smartphones, and particularly Sharp smartphones, are the worst case. They are very difficult to root, very finicky phones that seem to go into a boot loop whenever you do something to them that you're not supposed to - all the more challenging
If we manage to root a Sharp phone, the first thing we do is freeze some of the Docomo or Softbank pre-installed apps that take up precious memory. We know that if we want to do a factory reset, we must first un-freeze all those apps, or we risk going into a boot loop, and having to ship the phone back to Japan to get repaired (for those of use who don't live in Japan).
Now, the million dollar question is, what happens if we delete/uninstall those system apps? And here I am asking about the general case, hoping that Sharp haven't invented some twisted scheme here too.
When we do a factory reset, how does the phone know what was - and what is supposed to be - in the /system/apps folder? Hence: What EXACTLY happens during a factory reset?
Does the phone look up a file which contains a list of all those pre-installed app, and verify the contents of the /system/app folder against it --- and if something is missing, it gets stuck during reboot? Or does it simply delete the contents of the /data folder, without paying attention to /system/app? And why does it go into a boot loop, if a system app was frozen?
In the end, I don't simply want to freeze some apps, I want to get rid of them completely --- you can't imagine the load of BS that Japanese carriers cram into their phones (a built-in Rakuten auctions app, a McDonald's app, a BeeTV app??? and so on and so forth) --- but I want to make sure the phone isn't checking what's supposed to be in /system/app.
---------------------
In the case of my 005SH, the rootkit came with a recovery that helps me "resurrect" the phone from a boot loop - and that has happened twice after a factory reset so far - I deleted some seemingly insignificant app, and Titanium Backup failed to restore it for some reason, so it's now gone forever. But not every rootkit comes with a proper recovery...
cheeseus said:
Now, the million dollar question is, what happens if we delete/uninstall those system apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some system apps are important for the device to run properly and some are just bloatware that can be deleted without harm (e.g, Youtube, ChatOn.. etc). There are several app lists in the forum of safe app to remove (this is one).
But I advice you not to play with system apps if you don't know which app is safe to remove.
cheeseus said:
When we do a factory reset, how does the phone know what was - and what is supposed to be - in the /system/apps folder? Hence: What EXACTLY happens during a factory reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All app in system partition will be restored as if it was first time to be run, although all of your installed app, contacts, sms, WiFi access and data will be deleted
majdinj said:
Some system apps are important for the device to run properly and some are just bloatware that can be deleted without harm (e.g, Youtube, ChatOn.. etc). There are several app lists in the forum of safe app to remove (this is one).
But I advice you not to play with system apps if you don't know which app is safe to remove.
All app in system partition will be restored as if it was first time to be run, although all of your installed app, contacts, sms, WiFi access and data will be deleted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but this does not answer my question. I know perfectly well which apps are bloatware and which are essential. I will restate my question:
Is there some register or list, which the phone checks during factory reset, and which says what apps were originally installed in /system/app? That is, will the phone "know" that I have removed some of the original apps?
cheeseus said:
Thanks but this does not answer my question. I know perfectly well which apps are bloatware and which are essential. I will restate my question:
Is there some register or list, which the phone checks during factory reset, and which says what apps were originally installed in /system/app? That is, will the phone "know" that I have removed some of the original apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I mentioned, factory reset will delete all data apps that can be found in data partition not those found in system partition.. If it happens some of original apps are installed in data partition, then they will be deleted (unless if they are found in preload partition!!).. I can't be clear more than this..
majdinj said:
As I mentioned, factory reset will delete all data apps that can be found in data partition not those found in system partition.. If it happens some of original apps are installed in data partition, then they will be deleted (unless if they are found in preload partition!!).. I can't be clear more than this..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really, read my question carefully, please, not just the title of the thread. You are talking about something very different.
It is known that on Japanese Sharp phones, if you uninstall and remove completely some of the apps that are installed by the manufacturer or the carrier in /system/app, when you do a factory reset, the phone may - or even will - go into a boot loop (will be bricked). This has nothing to do with apps that are installed in /data.
Is it possible that Sharp have added an extra "security" mechanism to their phones to prevent users from removing pre-installed apps (similar to their MIYABI LSM lock)? I want to know how to find this security mechanism, if it exists, and - hopefully, how to cheat it.
How does the phone know what apps are supposed to be in /system/app, and if it doesn't find them when rebooting after a factory reset, why does it go into a boot loop?
I've backed up all my contacts, SMS, etc, everything except apps and app data.
I'm gonna upgrade to JB but first I need to root to backup my app data.
If I follow method 3 on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285894
Will it delete all my app data?
If it will, should I just use Samsung Kies to upgrade the firmware to JB?
Thanks
Rooting will not change or delete any apps or data. Rooting simply gives you access to the root of your phone, allowing more control over your phone. personally, I recommend framaroot, a one-click app to root the i777 (and many other phones).
Once you're rooted, I would recommend getting titanium backup, which would allow you to:
backup all of your apps and their data.
backup sms & mms & wifi data & ...
get rid of system apps that you don't want or need.
...and a host of other awesome items.
I don't know whether how updating to JB through kies will affect your app or system data, but I'm fairly certain that it won't keep much of it.
Yes, I know rooting my device will not delete apps or apps data, but that't not exactly what I thought I was asking.
I linked to a specific method(method 3) in a thread(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285894) which says that I would need to flash binaries to version UCKH7 in order to root because UKK6 cannot be rooted by SuperOneClick. So basically by asking about rooting my UKK6, I thought I implied that I would be flashing binaries.
So really what I'm asking is if flashing binaries will delete my apps/app data.
But, I noticed you suggested I use framaroot, that looks like a new development but I have version UKK6 where there seems to be problems, will it work with my UKK6?
ProbableDesigner said:
Yes, I know rooting my device will not delete apps or apps data, but that't not exactly what I thought I was asking.
I linked to a specific method(method 3) in a thread(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285894) which says that I would need to flash binaries to version UCKH7 in order to root because UKK6 cannot be rooted by SuperOneClick. So basically by asking about rooting my UKK6, I thought I implied that I would be flashing binaries.
So really what I'm asking is if flashing binaries will delete my apps/app data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a dirty flash MIGHT retain your apps and data and still boot, but IMO dirty flashing isn't worth the trouble down the road.
When flashing firmware, it is good practice to start from a clean slate (wipe data/factory reset), which means intentionally clearing the data that it seems you're trying to preserve. I have recently learned that some custom roms even contain their own scripts to conduct additional housecleaning to ensure a bug-free install. To avoid the permanent loss of your data, I suggest using titanium backup to save all user apps and their data, wifi data, sms & mms, (and more) and then safely restore them onto the new rom.
ProbableDesigner said:
But, I noticed you suggested I use framaroot, that looks like a new development but I have version UKK6 where there seems to be problems, will it work with my UKK6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I trust the framaroot compatibility list, which includes the sgh-i777. I have not used framaroot with uckk6 to verify whether it works or not.
@ProbableDesigner,
The rule of thumb is always perform a wipe data/factory reset when changing base. So, flashing UCKH7 over UCKK6 would require a wipe.
You're correct, framaroot was not around when that guide was written. I'm pretty sure I remember someone saying it worked for them on UCKK6. But if it doesn't work, it will not do any damage, so I would suggest try it first and see.
Oh I see, Ok, thank you cyril279 and creepyncrawly. I did not know that you should wipe before flashing.
Also, wow, I did not expect a response from you creepyncrawly I thought you would have disappeared from the forums since you posted the guide so long ago, but it's good you responded since you created the guide, it helps put my mind at ease.
I'll try framaroot and see if it works, thanks again.
if i want to do a factory reset because of unacceptable lags, would i lose the root?
should i do survival mode on supersu or other thing to make sure the root would still be there?
anerco said:
if i want to do a factory reset because of unacceptable lags, would i lose the root?
should i do survival mode on supersu or other thing to make sure the root would still be there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe as long as you have Superuser or SuperSU installed properly into the System directory and su within bin or xbin, you should be fine. Factory Resets wipe the Data partition, your settings and any Apps that you downloaded from the market. If you have SuperSu installed, you can check within its settings to see whether it is installed within System or not. If not, it might not be a bad idea to move it over. I have a Dev S4, so this isn't an issue for me, but everytime I have factory reset Root has been saved (Supersu is in System in my case) - the only thing I lost were any updates to Supersu after the Factory reset. Once you set up your gmail account, it should update SuperSu from the play store like normal.
You may also want to check out the app "fast reboot", "seeder" - which is found on XDA and a good cache cleaner. I use Sartory's "Cache Cleaner Legacy"
Actually Seeder really helping the lags. thank you for the information. i would try a factory reset my SU files are installed in the system.
Hey guys,
So I got the g3 back in Aug. And rooted with one of the early methods.
I stopped keeping up to date with updates but now my phones running a little slow so I figured I'd see what updates I should apply or what the best route would be to go.
Currently I am on 4.4.2 build kvt49l.
I do not remember what I used to root but I believe I'm stock Rom without custom recovery and only root.
I'm okay without going custom recovery, unless it's super easy to obtain, I just enjoy having root for a number of reasons.
Thanks for the info guys.
derik123derik123 said:
Hey guys,
So I got the g3 back in Aug. And rooted with one of the early methods.
I stopped keeping up to date with updates but now my phones running a little slow so I figured I'd see what updates I should apply or what the best route would be to go.
Currently I am on 4.4.2 build kvt49l.
I do not remember what I used to root but I believe I'm stock Rom without custom recovery and only root.
I'm okay without going custom recovery, unless it's super easy to obtain, I just enjoy having root for a number of reasons.
Thanks for the info guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on the VS985 (Verizon model), only Stump root works.
But, first off, before doing anything, how many apps have you installed? What is the amount of free memory/storage on your phone? If you have way too many apps installed, that can cause the phone to become sluggish. I would suggest removing any apps you know longer use.
Also, you could boot into recovery and wipe the cache and dalvik. Not a factory data reset which wipes your phone, but just wipe the cache and dalvik cache.
I would do that first before taking the OTAs. If all you have done was root via Stump and have not "bumped" the phone with TWRP, you can go into SuperSU and tell it to maintain root across OTAs. Then, you can take the OTAs as they come in and you'll maintain root.
But, i doubt that will fix your sluggishness with the phone. As I stated, I would check to see how much free storage you have left (both on the internal memory as well as the main memory). Then, wipe dalvik and cache and try that as well.
iBolski said:
If you are on the VS985 (Verizon model), only Stump root works.
But, first off, before doing anything, how many apps have you installed? What is the amount of free memory/storage on your phone? If you have way too many apps installed, that can cause the phone to become sluggish. I would suggest removing any apps you know longer use.
Also, you could boot into recovery and wipe the cache and dalvik. Not a factory data reset which wipes your phone, but just wipe the cache and dalvik cache.
I would do that first before taking the OTAs. If all you have done was root via Stump and have not "bumped" the phone with TWRP, you can go into SuperSU and tell it to maintain root across OTAs. Then, you can take the OTAs as they come in and you'll maintain root.
But, i doubt that will fix your sluggishness with the phone. As I stated, I would check to see how much free storage you have left (both on the internal memory as well as the main memory). Then, wipe dalvik and cache and try that as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe I have that much installed.
I am having an issue with installing apps all of a sudden. I keep getting an error saying I don't have enough space, but I have plenty...?
My issue is with lag. Especially with the keyboard. I'm using the stock LG keyboard but if I attempt to type quickly it'll lag and cause me to mistype.
I'll try wiping the cache and what not and report back. Thanks for your input.
Edit: so I wiped the cache and the device is still laggy. Would tasker be causing it at all? Thanks again.
derik123derik123 said:
I don't believe I have that much installed.
I am having an issue with installing apps all of a sudden. I keep getting an error saying I don't have enough space, but I have plenty...?
My issue is with lag. Especially with the keyboard. I'm using the stock LG keyboard but if I attempt to type quickly it'll lag and cause me to mistype.
I'll try wiping the cache and what not and report back. Thanks for your input.
Edit: so I wiped the cache and the device is still laggy. Would tasker be causing it at all? Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had tasker before and removed it due to it causing lag. I don't know if it still does. I haven't installed it as I have no use for it.
You could try freezing it and see if that fixes it as opposed to uninstalling if you have a lot of settings created. That way, if the lag still persists, you know it wasn't tasker and you could just unfreeze it and not have to worry about setting it all up again from a clean install. Unless, of course, you use something like TiBu to back it up, then you could uninstall it and see.
iBolski said:
I have had tasker before and removed it due to it causing lag. I don't know if it still does. I haven't installed it as I have no use for it.
You could try freezing it and see if that fixes it as opposed to uninstalling if you have a lot of settings created. That way, if the lag still persists, you know it wasn't tasker and you could just unfreeze it and not have to worry about setting it all up again from a clean install. Unless, of course, you use something like TiBu to back it up, then you could uninstall it and see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the reply. I'll try that.
Any input on nit being able to install apps due to insufficient storage? Check out the picture in my other post. I feel like I have enough free space..?
derik123derik123 said:
Hey thanks for the reply. I'll try that.
Any input on nit being able to install apps due to insufficient storage? Check out the picture in my other post. I feel like I have enough free space..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other possible issue could be your cache or dalvik cache partitions, but I see you've already cleared those out, so I'm not sure why else you would be getting this.
Here is a link that has a lot of possible causes and solutions. Try these out and report back because I'm at a loss:
http://www.phonetipsandtricks.com/t...e-error-when-running-low-on-phone-storage-49/
iBolski said:
The other possible issue could be your cache or dalvik cache partitions, but I see you've already cleared those out, so I'm not sure why else you would be getting this.
Here is a link that has a lot of possible causes and solutions. Try these out and report back because I'm at a loss:
http://www.phonetipsandtricks.com/t...e-error-when-running-low-on-phone-storage-49/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ended up just getting custom recovery and rom thanks for your help