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Hey everyone!
I'm new to Android, and am a proud owner of a new Galaxy S II!
I love the phone, but with me being a techy type and gadgety type I've obviously heard a lot about rooting devices and so on.
I've heard a lot of perhaps dubious information about how rooting and removing the Samsung Hubs improves battery life, as well as removing the O2 branding I have on my phone. I'm interested in this but have some questions.
Firstly, are my assumptions above correct? Will I be able to improve battery life? Will rooting remove the branding?
Secondly, does rooting essentially erase the device - will I lose contacts, messages, settings and so on?
Next, does rooting void my Samsung warranty, and does it void my insurance?
I have one other question - in my Settings > About Phone menu, the kernel version is listed as:
2.6.35.7-I9100XWKDD-CL161513
root AT DELL103 #2
What is the last line there mean, the "root AT DELL103 #2" mean? Am I already rooted?
I'm sure these questions seem silly to some, and I'm sorry if these have been answered before. I'm very grateful for any advice from the more experienced Android users.
Happy to be joining you!
Congrats on the new phone! I'm jealous, I live in the US and we are still waiting for the SGSII. Anyway, I can't answer all your questions but I will answer what I know to be true. As far as battery life is concerned, once you root, you will need an app like Titanium Backup from the market to "Freeze" the media hub and other bloatware you don't want. Doing this will stop those programs from running all the time, which will definatly help conserve some juice. Rooting will void warranty, but if you run into any issues which will require you to warranty your phone, you can very easily put it back to stock with Odin. Odin is a tool that allows you to flash factory files and return you back to stock. Rooting will not erase you phone, it will just install an app called "Superuser" which will give you the extra privileges needed to run Titanium Backup and to do other fun stuff. And lastly, your phone is not rooted already, this is just what the Kernel is named. As far as the O2 branding removal, someone else will have to answer that for you, considering we don't have O2 here, sorry. Hopefully this helps in some way. Good luck and welcome to the community!
SGS Fascinate
Evil Fascination ROM
JT's Kernel
ED01 Radio
Rooting:
- won't improve your battery life
- won't delete any of your settings/apps/contacts/messages (or any other data)
- It will void your warranty (you can always reflash the stock firmware to get it back)
- Your Insurance is likely still valid (check with your insurance provider for conformation)
- Your aren't already rooted, mine said that as well, I don't know what it means
- Rooting won't debrand your phone, to do that you'll need to flash a generic firmware (available from one of the SGS2 dev threads on XDA)
I hope that helps you
Matt, the man himself with the amazing guide is here
101matt101 said:
Rooting:
- won't improve your battery life
- won't delete any of your settings/apps/contacts/messages (or any other data)
- It will void your warranty (you can always reflash the stock firmware to get it back)
- Your Insurance is likely still valid (check with your insurance provider for conformation)
- Your aren't already rooted, mine said that as well, I don't know what it means
- Rooting won't debrand your phone, to do that you'll need to flash a generic firmware (available from one of the SGS2 dev threads on XDA)
I hope that helps you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does help, on the battery life bit though, surely removing / freezing Samsung crap will improve it a bit? Or is the impact negligible?
If not, then is there much other point to rooting?
gyaku_zuki said:
It does help, on the battery life bit though, surely removing / freezing Samsung crap will improve it a bit? Or is the impact negligible?
If not, then is there much other point to rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've made a load of YouTube videos on a) how to root and b) the +/- of rooting. Just search "mattj101101" in YouTube. They explain it far better than I can here. As for battery life, I've noticed no difference after rooting + or -
I recommend subscribing to him also.
Looks like I'm not the only one with the same questions. I do have another question though: after you root the device, can you still use KIES to upgrade to newer firmware or do you have to flash?
Tremium said:
Looks like I'm not the only one with the same questions. I do have another question though: after you root the device, can you still use KIES to upgrade to newer firmware or do you have to flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if this is a blanket answer, but my Kies now says it can't update but since Kies nearly bricked my phone updating to XWKE1, I'm not to bothered, it's a s**t piece of software, Odin is much faster/more stable. I recommend using it.
Thanks guys - I think I'm gonna hold off on rooting until the process for SGSII is more established. Don't want to risk wrecking it just yet! In the meantime I've just taken to ending the Social Hub service.
On a side note, has anyone had a problem playing DRM-free files but the device complaining that "the device is not authorised to play this divx-vod content"? I have completed the VOD registration process but no luck. This is video that was taken on a compact camera, and plays fine on anything else.
Thanks again.
See divx .com and or a post in the FAQs
DRM content via divx register your device to play.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065995
jje
101matt101 said:
I've made a load of YouTube videos on a) how to root and b) the +/- of rooting. Just search "mattj101101" in YouTube. They explain it far better than I can here. As for battery life, I've noticed no difference after rooting + or -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Followed all your youtube vids, brilliant, I couldnt have rooted without seeing how its done.
Have rooted my previous Nexus One and flashed CM nightlies but Samsung is totally different. The terminology in the rooting post is confusing for someone new to this.
Thanks for your help.
For anyone wanting to root, follow 101matt101 vids on youtube as it is as easy as 1 2 3
greigster said:
Followed all your youtube vids, brilliant, I couldnt have rooted without seeing how its done.
Have rooted my previous Nexus One and flashed CM nightlies but Samsung is totally different. The terminology in the rooting post is confusing for someone new to this.
Thanks for your help.
For anyone wanting to root, follow 101matt101 vids on youtube as it is as easy as 1 2 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean, I had an HTC Desire and using Unrevoked to root and CWM to flash new rooms/updates is totally different to flashing via Odin.
Hi guys,
I plan to buy on June 14th the Galaxy S2 on Bell Canada network, it will replace my Pre2.
I was wondering if you can recommend me a specific ROM that will get rid of TouchWiz and allow me to run Gingerbread stock. I'm not familiar at all with Android, as I never use it before. That is the main reason why I rather ask the question here instead of searching, as I would not know what to search for.
A little about myself: I'm a Linux head (Redhat advanced + Ubuntu).
Thank you for your your help.
If you realy want to delete touch wiz, you'll have to root your phone otherwise you can't get rid of touch wiz, however you can run a different launcher and having touch wiz on your phone.
Hi Viletung. In WebOS, it takes me about 30 seconds to root the phone.
Yet that retains all the phone settings unchanged, while allowing me to install packages, manipulate data, etc. Is it the same thing with SGS2?
I guess my question is: is it recommended to root the phone? I'm curious if most of Android users root their phone. I know I rooted my Palm Pre/Pre2 phones 5min after I got them. I read on the Internet that certain ROM's are built on stock Gingerbread (without TouchWiz), allowing the phone to save on battery and run much smoother with less used resources. Obviously, if you install a new ROM it will void the warranty.
I'm at a point where I'm learning the basics, so any advice is appreciated.
Hello!
I've installed Lite'ning rom 1.5, which has root access. And to flash it takes about one minute!
When I got this phone, I knew it was possible to root my phone, but I was scared that I would screw something up and break the device.
Now, it's about one month after I got this phone and I must say after rooting the device, deleting some standard Samsung **** (Social Hubs etc..), my SGSII isn't draining battery as it used to do before I deleted some stuff. (Including TouchWiz)
But I have also a JIG, to reset the custom kernel counter, just incase I need my warranty back.
So my final conclusion is; I can't life without root! I like to edit the system icons (battery-, wifi icon and much more).
If you have any questions, I'll try to help you
Rooting, yes do it. It's easy, does no harm, and opens up neat options.
Just get Villainrom which is updated to version 2.0. It's built on android 2.3.4, fixing the 2.3.3 battery drain bug (which occured on all phones running 2.3.3).
If you want your stock gingerbread experience, there is a rom out there which tries to replicate this, but I recommend using a 'better' rom with a custom launcher mimicking Gingerbread. Since there's not a lot of difference than just a different launcher (home-menu).
Most dont root but most are not on XDA and dont know anything bar stock . I would guess most XDA users root .
I'm at a point where I'm learning the basics, so any advice is appreciated.
To a certain extent its been a learning curve for the devs as SGS 2 is different to SGS1 .Expect even more development as the days go by .
jje
Thanks a lot guys for the info.
prodygee said:
Rooting, yes do it. It's easy, does no harm, and opens up neat options.
Just get Villainrom which is updated to version 2.0. It's built on android 2.3.4, fixing the 2.3.3 battery drain bug (which occured on all phones running 2.3.3).
If you want your stock gingerbread experience, there is a rom out there which tries to replicate this, but I recommend using a 'better' rom with a custom launcher mimicking Gingerbread. Since there's not a lot of difference than just a different launcher (home-menu).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I want to have the latest version of Android, I don't really care about Gingerbread. How do updates work on Android (i.e. updating to Ice Cream Sandwich eventually)? On WebOS, updates are done automatically from your carrier or Palm/HP (if you had an unlocked phone like myself). Even if I rooted my phone, I would be able to update the phone firmware with a simple download and retain the rooted aspect of the phone.
About rooting, what did you used? I'm looking at Odin and SuperOneClick... is there something better/safer? One more time, thank you.
Official updates via Kies over PC only .
Rooting is usually lost on update .
Rooting via Chainfire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
jje
yqed said:
I was wondering if you can recommend me a specific ROM that will get rid of TouchWiz and allow me to run Gingerbread stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you use it for a least a few seconds before ditching it, there's no aosp gingerbread anyway so you're stuck with it until cm7 comes along.
I want to root the phone and replace the ROM mainly because I heard that TouchWiz is running on top of current OS. I could disable TouchWiz, indeed. The issue is: I do not know how upgrades are performed into phone. From the above posts, I have to do it myself is not an automated download/install like WebOS does it.
So, if a new Android version is released, I have to download it myself? For example, my phone comes with 2.3.3 installed but 2.3.4 is released already. Will my phone ask me to download the latest version automatically upon release? I presume not, I have to download and install it myself. Using logic, that is done by either installing a ROM or getting the upgrade from mobile provider.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
yqed said:
So, if a new Android version is released, I have to download it myself? For example, my phone comes with 2.3.3 installed but 2.3.4 is released already. Will my phone ask me to download the latest version automatically upon release? I presume not, I have to download and install it myself. Using logic, that is done by either installing a ROM or getting the upgrade from mobile provider.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct, and is one of the main reasons people root their Androids so that when a new version comes out we can download it straight away and don't have to wait for the carrier to officially release it, which usually takes a lot longer than it does for the devs here to put something together. E.g. there are a few ROMs already in the dev forum based on 2.3.4, but there is not yet any official update.
Thanks guys much appreciated. I will probably have more questions, once I have the phone on hand.
yqed said:
I want to root the phone and replace the ROM mainly because I heard that TouchWiz is running on top of current OS. I could disable TouchWiz, indeed. The issue is: I do not know how upgrades are performed into phone. From the above posts, I have to do it myself is not an automated download/install like WebOS does it.
So, if a new Android version is released, I have to download it myself? For example, my phone comes with 2.3.3 installed but 2.3.4 is released already. Will my phone ask me to download the latest version automatically upon release? I presume not, I have to download and install it myself. Using logic, that is done by either installing a ROM or getting the upgrade from mobile provider.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android phones get new updates over the air when available, just like web os. Only Samsung does their own thing which is different on the sgs2 than on normal android devices. .
Which is, providing updates through an unnecessary software suite called KIES. You won't see an update available message on your phone.
yqed said:
Hi guys,
I plan to buy on June 14th the Galaxy S2 on Bell Canada network, it will replace my Pre2.
I was wondering if you can recommend me a specific ROM that will get rid of TouchWiz and allow me to run Gingerbread stock. I'm not familiar at all with Android, as I never use it before. That is the main reason why I rather ask the question here instead of searching, as I would not know what to search for.
A little about myself: I'm a Linux head (Redhat advanced + Ubuntu).
Thank you for your your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install a launcher fromthe Android Store. There's plenty of good ones like LauncherPro, GX Launcher, 7 launcher. Their all relatively good and fully functional.
OK, I got the phone (16GB model) today from FutureShop and played with it a bit. It is a great phone indeed...
Phone Info (might be useful for devs)
Network: Bell Canada
Model: GT-I9100M
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband Version: I9100MUGKG2
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100MUGKG2-CL371789 [email protected] #2
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.UGKG2
Now, on with the usual:
Bell bundled the phone with several crap apps like Self Serve, TeleNav GPS (how stupid is that on an Android), Remote PVR, etc.
I will follow your advice and use the phone for now as is, without any fancy stuff done to it (like a new ROM). I would like to get rid of the Bell proprietary apps (physical delete), let me know if is possible. I guess if the phone is rooted it should be easy, the trick is to know how to delete the apps from the phone.
Another question: How do I install the Samsung drivers, without installing the blotted KIES?
I looked for a clean package with SGS2 drivers only but I could not find anything... All I want is to go to Device Manager and point a directory.
I must admit that Android is a totally new experience, coming from WebOS. I'm pretty much lost, heh. I know I sound like a noob, so please forgive me if I ask some simple questions that I can get the answer with a search or just by reading the phone instructions (haven't had the time to read the documentation).
First Of all I would like to thank anyone who helps me in advance.
Just received my new galaxy s2 (around 30 minutes ago). Allready I want to root the device. Although i'm looking for a point in the right direction on the following.
a)the easiest guide to rooting
b)I'm after a stock (most up to date rom) if possible as my is currently filled with bloat ware (thanks to three UK). Coming from a Nexus s which was my first android phone I'm not used to this neither do I like it. So is the a way to flash a stock rom so the phone is like it would be if I brought it sim free and unlocked.
Currently not looking at any other gains, for the time being at least although im sure the flashing roms bug will catch me.
Old phone was a Nexus s as previously stated which was rooted with CWM installed.
Also I can't believe how busy these forums are! Makes the Nexus scene look dead!
easiest guide to rooting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
upto date stock rom
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17831528&postcount=60
Rooting means voiding warranty.
Wouldn't you want to try out the phone and stress test it a little under a valid warranty before you start messing with it?
I was under the impression I could just unroot the device?
Also that stock rom I was linked to will that get rid of the bloat ware?
stennett said:
I was under the impression I could just unroot the device?
Also that stock rom I was linked to will that get rid of the bloat ware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just unroot it, yes. Unfortunately, a lot of the "bloatware" is Samsung, not your carrier, so you're stuck with it (unless you read up on what you can safely get rid of). If you're looking at flashing an up-to-date firmware anyway, why not consider an AOSP ROM. It's the closest thing you'll get to a Nexus build and they're about as bare-bones as you can get!
If you are interested in that, here's a link for one...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1183063
There are others, but I can only speak about that one personally because that's the only AOSP one I used before I went MIUI.
stennett said:
I was under the impression I could just unroot the device?
Also that stock rom I was linked to will that get rid of the bloat ware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can unroot. But every time you flash an unofficial kernel(to root), you increase the custom binary counter. Samsung will know that you have been rooted before even if you reinstall the firmware and kernel. USB Jig's reset the counter, but don't upgrade to the latest firmware(KI3) that hasn't been modified to include the old bootloader. The new firmware fixes the USB Jig counter reset.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
Trust me it's is the best rooting guide for noobs. When I rooted my device that was the only guide I could trust, because it was a step by step guide. Read it carefully, if you got any problems you can pm me and I'll help you. If you post in the thread you'll get help also but you have to reach 10 post to post in that thread.
EDIT: I also found a video that shows the same method from the thread I gave you.
http://galaxys2root.com/galaxy-s2-root/how-to-root-galaxy-s2/
Just in case you need visual support. But you should read the thread carefully anyway.
Thanks for the link to the video, rooting looks really easy although I'm abit sceptical about rooting at the moment due to them knowing if you have previously rooted I thought they wouldn't be able to tell.
Also things look very complicated when compared to the nexus s the galaxy s2 seems to have hundreds of different codes, firmware versions ect.
All I'm after at the moment is just get rid of the Three branding and bloat ware.
A lot more reading ahead I think!
Been doing a little reading and I think the branding is the CSC? Can I just flash the XEU file for 2.3.4 (my current version) to get rid of three's branding? If so would this void my warranty?
stennett said:
Been doing a little reading and I think the branding is the CSC? Can I just flash the XEU file for 2.3.4 (my current version) to get rid of three's branding? If so would this void my warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung stock roms do not void Samsung warranty though they may or may not void Threes warranty .
Rooting or custom roms void warranty .
jje
I'm not to fussed about rooting at them moment I just want to change my csc and upgrade to 2.3.5 which I believe is the latest version. Doing this won't void my Samsung warranty? If so I'm going to have a go.
Also will flashing wipe any data?
Thanks in advance.
I read a few guides regarding rooting and I'm still sort confused by some aspects of it which still eludes me.
I have a UK T-mobile S2 which is brand new and while I adored this phone and happy I got this over the 4S. The one aspect I'm not too keen on was the amount of bloatware which this devices comes with.
So using this guide here:
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/how-to-root-your-samsung-galaxy-s2-50004972/
1. However, what kernel do I need for it? So many to choose from?
2.I like Touchwiz and I want to keep it however, is there a rom to get rid of all the bloatware that I don't need like T-mobile recommend apps. I'm not sure what rom I need or do I need something else?
3.Unrooting is possible since I may need to send it back to Samsung since there's a screen problem which isn't major but I don't want to send it straight back at the moment.
Thank you for your patience, and help.
just install the right one from here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
then use cwm app to make a back up of your current branded rom. Then either download titanium backup form market and use it to uninstall any apps you dont want on there or flash the non branded rom for t-mobile from here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928
Hello i know the title seems an awful lot like a dating website info but basically i have been researching androids and stuff for hours on ends and i do not understand the jargon!! i need some simple answers please
I have a Galaxy Ace and i hope someone can answer questions such as
what is rooting and what can it do?
what is updating firmware because i fink i should update to 2.3.5 but does this mean i cant root if i update?
what is custom ROMs and what can they do?
At what stage do i back up my phone e.g. before i root or after i root? before i update or after i update?
I will be very very grateful and plz dont direct me to other links because i have read hundreds of them and all of them explain in too much detail.
Thank You.
See here: http://droidlessons.com/what-is-rooting-on-android-the-advantages-and-disadvantages/ and here: http://www.androidauthority.com/roo...e-to-root-your-android-phone-or-tablet-10915/. Sorry , too long to explain.
Rooting is forcing the phone to allow you access to the internal files of the phone (like the root directory of a hard drive)
Once you have access to the root you can do things that neither android / your service provider wanted you to play with.
Change fonts, modify the teeny system images, allow programs to do (dangerous) system changes to your phone.
Changing the firmware is not something I've played with but, say your phone comes to you with version 1 on it, and version 2 is released in Japan. Well some of the cleverer out there pick and poke and make working versions and then put them up, sometime months before people like o2 orange vodafone have put them into testing / marketing / production / helplines etc.
I'm pretty sure that rooting can affect warranty.
Changing the firmware definately will.
IMO rooting was needed on my x10i before 2.3.3 came out as the Sony Ericsson stuff was eating battery life. Now, its massively sorted out. No need to root.
But I'm not much of a tinkerer
Sent from my X10i using Tapatalk
KelvinMead said:
I'm pretty sure that rooting can affect warranty.
Changing the firmware definately will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just rooting alone WILL void your warranty. No flashing of roms is required.
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------
anz2k8 said:
At what stage do i back up my phone e.g. before i root or after i root? before i update or after i update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You backup your device after you root but before you install a custom rom. To root your device, see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034145.
Warning: Do not attempt this until you fully understand the risks and you know exactly what you are doing.
thanx for da links and simple explanations
it helped me understand rooting alot more however custom ROM is still a grey area.. and when should i update to gingerbread.. before or after rooting?
i ask this because i'm seeing rooting similar as chipping a psp where you need the right official firmware before you chip it.. so i'm thinking i will need a certain firmware for a certain root.
also.. i was wondering which is the best overall firmware i should go to ; 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5? i am thinking the 2.3.5 as it is the latest but new doesn't always mean best as it could have untested bugs etc.
Thank You
anz2k8 said:
thanx for da links and simple explanations
it helped me understand rooting alot more however custom ROM is still a grey area.. and when should i update to gingerbread.. before or after rooting?
i ask this because i'm seeing rooting similar as chipping a psp where you need the right official firmware before you chip it.. so i'm thinking i will need a certain firmware for a certain root.
also.. i was wondering which is the best overall firmware i should go to ; 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5? i am thinking the 2.3.5 as it is the latest but new doesn't always mean best as it could have untested bugs etc.
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should update to Gingerbread after rooting (with a custom rom). Custom roms are simply roms made unofficially (not from manufacturers or service providers) by developers. You could update to 2.3.7 with this rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263292. After you root and install a custom recovery, then you can start flashing roms.
google is your friend..use him
he wont hurt u
I am also curious about the new updates, i suppose it all depends on if the rom you have can handle it? I'm using coredroid on my HTC Sensation