i finally rooted my phone, ive been hearing lots of stuff about rooting your phone being a great way to explore your phone.
1. what does it really do?
2. whats cool features can i do to the rooted phone?
3. what do i do now that im rooted?
(if i post this in the wrong section im sorry)
Unix based systems run files based on permissions. If you don't have permission, you can't do certain things. Rooting gives you root access i.e. gives you superuser permission i.e. you have access to system files.
Some apps require that level of access to change things. That's pretty much it.
are there any useful apps i should know about?
Titanium Backup lets you create backups of all applications and settings. The awesome thing is, rather than just download the game onto a new phone (or a restored old one) and start over, you can install on multiple phones, bringing the applications right back to where you started.
This is a must have application for anyone doing mods to their phone.
Umm... well I can think of others but those don't directly relate to the Atrix... there are screen shot apps,...
But you can install ROMs and kernels after routing as well.
Rooted/ROM Captivate (For Sale)
Rooted Atrix
[STICKY] [FAQ] Official Atrix "Ask A Dev" & FAQ Thread (Last Update: 05/31/2011)
Official Atrix "Ask A Dev" & FAQ Thread
So, there's a ton of misinformation and confusion going around about the Atrix. I'm gonna go through this section best I can and pick out questions that I think should be in here. If you have one you'd like added or have a question to ask, post here and I'll answer and update the first post with the results. I will do my best to provide links, explain as best I can, and keep things UP TO DATE (which is the most important thing). I hope that users will see this thread and use it to their advantage. There's a lot of info out there, and I know it can be confusing, so I want to give everyone a place they can come ask questions or read information they know will be up to date. Feel free to ask anything you wish to know and I'll do my best to answer
PLEASE try to keep the thread clean. Post questions, keep discussion at a minimum (if there's a relevant discussion thread, I will link it here), and be polite.
Without further ado, let's get started with the basics.Frequently Asked Question - Updated 05/31/2011
Q: "What is"/"How do I" root?
A: If you don't know what root is, chances are you don't need it. This is the basic of the basics of Android modification. Go ahead and do a little research first if you don't know what it is. You can root almost all Atrix devices using the method in this thread, just identify what device you have an follow the appropriate tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016060
If your device isn't supported by GladRoot, you can follow this guide by jug6ernaut: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046626
Q: What is a ROM/P-ROM?
A: This is one of the more tricky questions when it comes to the Atrix. Designgears set the standard by calling Adeo a ROM. This is loosely based in truth. When we refer to an Atrix ROM, what we are doing is basic Android customization. It could be themes, a few added features (reboot/recovery in power menu, sideloading, adding a tethering APN for certain carriers, etc), or just an automated install for a deodexed system. They are not true ROMs, but we'll take what we can get.
As of GladiAtrix3 beta, I changed the name of these mods to Pseudo-ROM, or P-ROM for short (yes, pronounced 'prom').
Q: What is an SBF? How do I flash it?
A: An SBF file is the Motorola base firmware. There are only a few SBF files available, and instructions (Thanks to seven2099) to use them can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13604217&postcount=2. The guide was written with the Bell Atrix in mind, but this process will work with any version provided you have the correct SBF for your device. This guide by kennethpenn contains links to a few of the SBFs for AT&T devices: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=991072
It should also be noted that these files are NOT community provided. They are leaked from Motorola, are are technically for internal Motorola use only. Do NOT ask where we get them, how we get them, or if we can make you a custom one. We cannot.
Q: What does "deodex" mean?
A: This guide has a pretty good explanation of what the difference between odexed and deodexed is: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
Q: What is sideloading?
A: Sideloading lets you install any applications, regardless of carrier or market restrictions. This is also sometimes called "Unknown sources." It can be enabled several different ways. Both the GladiAtrix (for 4.1.26, 4.1.52,, 4.1.57, and 4.1.83) and GingerBlur ROMs contain it. You can also enable it using the GladiAtrix Enabler.
Q: <app> in the market doesn't work! Help!
A: There are several applications still that have not been updated to support the Atrix. It uses a lot of new hardware, and does things a little differently. Before jumping on and making a thread saying Motorola sucks for your app not working, contact the developer first and ask them to update.
User Submitted Questions - Updated 04/27/2011
Q: Is there a way to install an apk without finding it and tapping on it? Maybe through terminal emulator and if so what would the command lines be? (submitted by drock212)
A: Yes! You can install applications through ADB on your PC with the command 'adb install <app>.apk' where <app> is the filename of the app you want to install. You can also use a file manager, or as [email protected] mentioned, the Android Market website. Finally, there is a command line that you can use to install: pm install <app>.apk
Q: I have a Bell Atrix (unlocked to work with Rogers). Are there any precautions I need to keep in mind when flashing ROMs, installing the new 1.5.7 update and rooting it all using the At&t files in the Dev forum? (submitted by TareX)
A: Absolutely. As far as I know, you cannot flash any of the AT&T firmwares on a Bell Atrix. This will cause a brick and you will be unable to recover since there isn't a Bell firmware SBF available right now. If anyone has been brave enough to try and flash a Bell Atrix with AT&T firmware and has SUCCEEDED, please let me know.
Q: The atrix has 1GB of ram. Is all of that memory used on the phone or is it like what was rumored and some of it is reserved for the webtop? (submitted by RacecarBMW)
A: The webtop shares memory with the phone side. There is about 800mb free for use by both, with roughly 200mb reserved for system processes.
Q: Are more ROMs in the works? (submitted by danboard)
A: I've been working hard at getting GladiAtrix 2 to a point where I feel comfortable releasing it in CWM format. Unfortunately, I can't speak for other developers. The tools available for the Atrix are relatively limited, and we don't have a very strong base of talented people like other Motorola phones do. I'm pretty proud of what we've managed to accomplish even with such a small userbase.
Q: Can I use my phone on a carrier other than AT&T or Bell? (submitted via PM by [email protected])
A: You can, but you need to make sure that the carrier you want to use the phone on supports the same frequencies as AT&T/Bell. There are a few different ways you can get the phone unlocked. The easiest, and honestly best, way to do it is to call the carrier and ask them for an unlock code. If you're persistent and polite enough, make your case as to why you need the phone unlocked, there's a good chance they'll accommodate. Getting mad and upset rarely works. You can also get an unlock code through several different online sites. This thread talks about sites with unlock codes, and gives you a good idea which to trust. General consensus seems to be that cellunlock.net worked for most users and has a 20$ rebate coupon code: android50
Q: Can I use the Webtop without a dock? (submitted via PM by [email protected])
A: You sure can. It requires modifications to the system files, so if you don't fee comfortable making permanent changes to your phone's OS, you shouldn't be doing this. This thread has a very detailed explanation on how to get it working on your phone, but make sure you match up the proper firmware version or can potentially brick your phone.[/B]
Q: Is there a way to install a full version of linux on the Webtop? (submitted via PM by [email protected])
A: There is a project running to unlock the Webtop OS and allow you full access to install anything you wish. You can read about the progress here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000316
Q: I don't use the webtop. Is there any way to remove it completely to regain the space on the phone? (submitted by Girgizzlemuf)
A: Unfortunately, you cannot. The Webtop is directly integrated into the Android OS, so removing it would render your phone inoperable. I'm unsure if an unlocked bootloader will allow it to be removed either, as the entire build of Android running on the Atrix was built around the Webtop.
Q: Do I need to unlock before rooting, or are the two completely independent from eachother? (submitted by dropshipinc)
A: Unlocking and rooting are not tied together. You can root without unlock, and you an unlock without root. Unlocking is, in most cases, referring to the ability to use the phone on any carrier. This is called SIM unlocking. Rooting gives you root access to your device. On the Atrix, you cannot unlock your phone by having root. Some devices this is the case, but the Atrix is not one of them.
Q: Will installing a rom prevent OTA updates? If so, can they be easily removed so that we can install OTA updates? (submitted by ratkid2271)
A: Installing any of the currently available ROMs will prevent the phone from applying an OTA update. You should still be able to download them, but the installation will fail. As for uninstalling, you should be making a nandroid backup of your phone with CWM before installing any of them. A simple restore of that backup will prep you for an OTA update.
Special Thanks
Thanks to: drock212, TareX, RacecarBMW, danboard, [email protected], Girgizzlemuf, ratkid2271, and dropshipinc for their submissions.
Is there a way to install an apk without finding it and tapping on it? Maybe through terminal emulator and if so what would the command lines be?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
It is possible through site of Android Market. Just log-in and you can search and install any app on your phone
That's the problem market doesn't work. I have the apk on an sd card but phone I need to install apk on does not have a file explorer.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
So propably you need to enable sideloading and apply root then instal this .pak or just use the adb tool (search for "instal apk adb")
drock212,
The Atrix has a default file manager in the app menu called "Files". Once opened, just navigate to "SD card" and click the .apk.
-Opish
Yeah lol the issue isn't with my Atrix its for another phone that im trying to port stuff from my Atrix to it but the other phone is all messed up and the market wont connect and it has no file explorer lol
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I have a Bell Atrix (unlocked to work with Rogers). Are there any precautions I need to keep in mind when flashing ROMs, installing the new 1.5.7 update and rooting it all using the At&t files in the Dev forum?
I bought it off ebay so if I brick it, it's over.
The atrix has 1GB of ram. Is all of that memory used on the phone or is it like what was rumored and some of it is reserved for the webtop?
drock212 said:
That's the problem market doesn't work. I have the apk on an sd card but phone I need to install apk on does not have a file explorer.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a file explorer on the phone, it's called "Files"
Please take the discussion to a new thread. I understand you're trying to help, but send a PM. This is Q&A only. Thanks. Updating first post with answers to the questions shortly.
Are more ROMs in the work? Correct me if I m wrong (as I don't know all that much about what the bootloader limits) but since we now have a CWM of sorts, we're able to pretty much change most parts of the android OS excluding the kernel and radio.
In this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12710040&postcount=6
Kenneth stated that the Milestone had more tools and devs than the atrix to get custom roms like miui to work; the dev part I can understand but which tools exactly was he referring to? A few of the things I could think of were the script mods that were available in the open recovery for the milestone but I believe the Atrix already have these features (just not in the CWM).
So I m just wondering is the Atrix at a point where devs are able to mod it as much as the milestone? or is there still quite a ways to go?
Updated first post! Check it for your answers.
So I understand the awesomeness that is the webtop. However, I have no use for it other than to say 'HAY i got a netbook in my phone wanna see??'
Having said that... is there a way to *remove* the webtop entirely, or is this something we are going to have to wait for in the form of a custom rom / unlocked bootloader?
Girgizzlemuf said:
So I understand the awesomeness that is the webtop. However, I have no use for it other than to say 'HAY i got a netbook in my phone wanna see??'
Having said that... is there a way to *remove* the webtop entirely, or is this something we are going to have to wait for in the form of a custom rom / unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, you cannot. The Webtop is directly integrated into the Android OS, so removing it would render your phone inoperable. I'm unsure if an unlocked bootloader will allow it to be removed either, as the entire build of Android running on the Atrix was built around the Webtop.
I've accidentally partitioned my internal SD storage rendering my phone useless. Had to flash and tried all three AT&T SBF files to no avail. Bottom inch of my touch screen is horrendously off.
Anyway to get this back to the OEM settings? Flashing is no help and I'm getting daemon errors in ADB when I try manually formatting and partitioning it. Any way I could commission you to write a script? Talking to a couple others with this problem too. You'd be a hero!
Nice OP Ririal Thanks for being oh so helpful and contributing to the Atrix! Keep up the good work! I wish I can play with your ROMs Hoping that the Bell's SBF will be leaked one of these days (yes I know...wistful thinking...)
bongd said:
I've accidentally partitioned my internal SD storage rendering my phone useless. Had to flash and tried all three AT&T SBF files to no avail. Bottom inch of my touch screen is horrendously off.
Anyway to get this back to the OEM settings? Flashing is no help and I'm getting daemon errors in ADB when I try manually formatting and partitioning it. Any way I could commission you to write a script? Talking to a couple others with this problem too. You'd be a hero!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what you all changed, but this is something that should not have been messed with. Especially with a locked bootloader, you should NOT be repartitioning your device. I would assume that flashing the SBF would fix this, but again, as I'm not sure what you all did I don't really know for sure.
Ririal said:
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what you all changed, but this is something that should not have been messed with. Especially with a locked bootloader, you should NOT be repartitioning your device. I would assume that flashing the SBF would fix this, but again, as I'm not sure what you all did I don't really know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I know it was erroneous but it was late at night and my contacts were all gunky. I clicked on the wrong thing and the way I was holding my device I had already gotten too far into the menu by clicking too fast
Internal SD was partitioned. Flashing didn't help. Was hoping you may know but that's okay... I'll keep trying.
bongd said:
Thanks. I know it was erroneous but it was late at night and my contacts were all gunky. I clicked on the wrong thing and the way I was holding my device I had already gotten too far into the menu by clicking too fast
Internal SD was partitioned. Flashing didn't help. Was hoping you may know but that's okay... I'll keep trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I wish I could be of more help If you do find out a way to fix it, be sure to let me know or post here, I'll add it up to the FAQ just in case anyone else makes the same mistake. Hope you get it sorted out!
I recently bought a NT for my wife and she doesn't want me rooting it while it's still under warranty. Given that I'm new to Android, in general, and to the NT in particular, and I've never rooted anything, and the fact that it's her NT, not mine, I really can't argue with her.
But I hate how B&N has locked it down and, with the recent OTA 1.4.1 push, blocked sideloading. Everything I've read has said that 1) either I need to root it or 2) I need to have enabled app install from unknown sources while 1.4.0 was on the NT in order to get around the 1.4.1 sideloading block.
Neither apply in this case.
So my questions are:
1) Is there any alternative?
2) Is it possible to download an app (.apk) onto my computer and change some setting in it that would make it appear that it's from B&N?
3) Or, is it possible to put the app on my computer and make the NT think my computer is the B&N app store?
4) If none of these, would it be possible to build an app that the NT will install because it thinks it's from B&N, but it's really nothing more than an "app wrapper" that stores the desired apk within it?
Sorry if the questions are obvious....I'm still learning.
Hello @FESDude welcome to the forum , you may want to try this:
http://liliputing.com/2011/12/sideload-apps-on-a-nook-tablet-with-os-1-4-1-no-root-required.html.
Let us know how you do with that.
Veronica
Hello,
As crazy as this sounds, is there an SD card image that is bootable similar to CM7 that isn't rooted? I want to use my Nook as a tablet for work but the IT department has an application that verifies that the device isn't rooted before you can get corporate mail. If there isn't an image, does anyone know if there is a way to reset the status on the Nook so that it doesn't show that it's been rooted?
Since I've started using my Nook booted off of the card I can't think of more than a couple times that I've needed root access. And each of those times I could just as easily moved to a different load/card. Being able to power down and swap cards is pretty snazzy. I received my nook as a holiday gift and I've loved running it off the card. I haven't loaded CM7 or anything else into internal memory because I like having the ability to revert back to B&N build if I need to.
My current setup is a Nook Tablet 16Gb running CM7 from SD card.
Mod version CyanogenMod-7.2.0-RC0-acclaim-Team-B
Android version: 2.3.7
Thanks in advance for any help.
Well you could always just boot into your internal ROM and use that at work. The root access you have only is available on your SD ROM so there's no real way for them to tell if you've ever had root access.
Although I don't know how they check in the first place, so that might be a little out of place for me to say.
If I not mistaken this is what you're looking for.
Nikkie
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21275927
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda app-developers app
Thank you for the advice.
Solar.Plexus: regrettably that is the crux of the issue. The company uses an app that is on the Google Play store for checking the device and the B&N internal rom doesn't have access to that. The card has access to the Play store but is rooted. It's like a rock and a hard place.
NikkieL: That is pretty much what I have already. I was wondering if there was an image that was complete but wasn't rooted.
Thanks again.
taferguson said:
Thank you for the advice.
Solar.Plexus: regrettably that is the crux of the issue. The company uses an app that is on the Google Play store for checking the device and the B&N internal rom doesn't have access to that. The card has access to the Play store but is rooted. It's like a rock and a hard place.
NikkieL: That is pretty much what I have already. I was wondering if there was an image that was complete but wasn't rooted.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I understand now. You need access to Google Play, but you can't have root.
I don't know if you can unroot a CyanogenMod ROM or not. Haha honestly, this is the only time I've ever seen this requested. Maybe if you remove some binaries and SuperUser completely, but I'm not so sure.
Try the app "voodoo rootkeeper"
Cubanluke88: That worked. I was able to get through the health check of my device. The "UN-Root" button worked like a charm.
I'd just like to provide some info on how this all works.
So the stock OS on the Nook is like most Android devices in that the end user does not have "root access." We have a few tools to allow users to gain root access on the stock OS.
Now, we also have a handful of custom versions of Android (roms). They all, as far as I know, come with root access. This means that upon installing them, whether to internal or booting from an sdcard, you will have root access, i.e. full access to the rom's file system. Developers could, if they so chose, create roms that did not have root access. In fact, back in March, the official CM team added the options in developer options, allowing users to disable root altogether, enable it for Android Debug Bridge mode (ADB) only, enable it for apps only or enable it for both (though I think this is only for CM9 and beyond).
Essentially the OP was asking for a way to have a custom rom (CM7) without root access. The app I suggested disables root access and allows you to toggle it back on when you need it. Its fantastic for stock versions. As many have found out, taking official updates usually removes root access. Voodoo Rootkeeper allows your device to preserve the apps/exploit essential for root access and to restore it when you need it.
^^^ That is the kind of post that helps newbies, like me, learn the ins and outs. Thank you.:good:
Fact: 99% of mobile viruses are for Android.
In general it is never wise in a *nix environment to be root.
See this: http://www.howtogeek.com/132115/the-case-against-root-why-android-devices-dont-come-rooted/
So if I have an older Android device (the Defy+ in particular) I have the option of either root it and try the later CyanogenMod or not to root and stay with Gingerbread forever?
Is there a way that after I installed Cyanogenmod I somehow de-root or un-root the device for safety? I am not that technical; I guess it's not possible; so it remains more like a philosophical question. Not only about the Defy+ in particular but in general.
Un-rooting can depend on the device and the method used to root it.
Of course, you could always just delete your superuser app, or use an app encrypter to require a password to use it. I wouldn't bother though. The benefits of root are too good to pass up if you've already taken that leap. Back-ups, ad blocking, Xposed tweaks, etc.
Doing stupid stuff with a rooted phone can certainly ruin it. The solution is not to do stupid stuff. The best way to keep your device safe is to just use your head. If you want to clean up bloatware, use Clean Master or a similar app that lets you know whether uninstalling something will affect your phone. Only side-load apps from sources you (and other people) trust. Do you research before doing anything that cause a problem. If you don't know, ask here.
That "Fact" you have is absolutely pulled straight out of someone's @$$. Viruses - no. Malware - yes. Don't install shady apps from unknown developers and "99%" of the problems won't even be an issue. And you can run a custom rom without root, such as Cyanogenmod. All root is is enabling admin access of your phone. You can even enable and disable as needed. When you have a superuser app, it controls the root permissions of the phone and you have the option of denying root, allowing root once, to request in a certain time frame, or to run it always.