My main reason for posting this is to be able to have a post to link to when these questions such as these are asked, which seems to be quite frequently. I'll try to add to it as needed.
1. What exactly is “Rooting”?
Gaining “root” access, or “rooting” your phone means that you are gaining full access to the entire system. You need root access to run certain apps, install custom ROMs and kernels; as well as remove apps, such as Verizon bloatware, that you otherwise could not.
One other big advantage to having root access to your device is that you can install and run apps like Titanium and MyBackup to completely backup your data and settings, making switching ROMs (and/or recovering from crashes) easier than ever.
Think of it as being similar to logging onto a Windows computer using the "Administrator" account.
2. Should I root my Thunderbolt?
If you truly want to harness the full potential of your device, then yes…however, if you’re not really sure and are asking yourself this question, the answer may very well be “no”. While rooting your phone does open up a vast world of customization and features, it does require a little more effort on your part to keep up with your own updates, flash your own ROMs, manage your own backups, etc. If you’re like me and consider stuff like this interesting and fun, then rooting is may be for you. If you just want a device that works great all the time and not have to ever deal with the operating system, then it probably is not.
For example, rooting your phone allows you remove the “bloatware” carriers put on it, but if that’s the ONLY reason you’re thinking of rooting… you may be better off just living with the bloatware.
3. They say rooting your phone voids your warranty, should I be concerned about that?
Sure you should. The thing is, rooting your device isn’t “illegal”, and you won’t get in any trouble by doing it, but neither your carrier nor the phone manufacturer should really be expected to provide support for your device if you choose to take matters into your own hands and install different operating systems and such. While not a common occurrence, there’s always a risk you could brick your phone in way that it is impossible to unroot, leaving you with a device that Verizon won’t replace. While it really wasn’t a hard decision for me, it definitely isn’t something that should be taken lightly either.
4. I really want to root, but the instructions seem complicated and I don’t want to wipe all my data…should I wait for a “1-click” root method?
You may be waiting forever. The Thunderbolt shipped with a locked bootloader, so it’s virtually impossible to root using a “1-click” method that some other devices (that do not have locked bootloaders) are able to do at this time. The methods described in the sticky posts are very detailed and very easy to follow as long as you have patience. If you decide to root, read over the instructions from beginning to end before you even start so that you have an understanding of the full process before you begin, then, go through each step slowly and carefully as you proceed to root your phone.
As far as your data is concerned, just be sure to backup and sync what you’re able to (email, contacts, calendar, etc). Unfortunately, there’s no real way save some things (like app data) until your phone is rooted, which is a bit of a catch 22…but it is possible to minimize the amount of data you’ll actually be losing while going through with the root process.
The reason your data is wiped during the process is because in order to unlock the bootloader, the root process actually consists of flashing a much older OS version on your phone, then using a known exploit to unlock the bootloader, then re-flashing a new OS version that already has root access built in. In other words, the root process actually consists of not 1, but 2 OS re-installs, which essentially puts you in the same state of doing a factory reset.
UPDATE: It seems many folks are having success using the new "Revolutionary" root method. I have not used it, so I can personally comment on how well it works, but results seem promising. One other advantage is that it does not wipe all your data. You can check it out here: Revolutionary | Video
This method has also been confirmed to work with the latest (2.11.605.3) Gingerbread update
5. When my data is wiped, does that include my SD card contents?
No, the wipe only includes the phone's internal storage, anything on the SD card should remain intact.
6. I read on the forums that a new update is scheduled to be released in a few days for the Thunderbolt, should I wait and root after the update so I can make sure that I have it?
Nope. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter. As explained above, the root process completely flashes a new OS over whatever you’re currently running. The current auto-root method, for example, will leave you with a rooted version of stock MR1 once finished -- regardless of what you started with.
UPDATE: While it is true that using the Revolutionary method will not wipe your data or flash a new OS, I still stand behind my original statement that waiting for an official update prior to rooting is NOT necessary, if not counter-productive. After you root, even if you want to remain on stock OS, you can always install the update manually yourself. Trust me, waiting for an official Verizon release = waiting for very outdated software you could have had weeks ago.
**NOTICE: While at the time of this post, it is not yet released, it has been brought to our attention that installing future OTA updates or RUUs (Gingerbread) will prevent you from gaining root and s-off on your device...at least until a new exploit can be found. If you want to root, do it now and make sure you don't install any official GB updates** Twitter
(See the update to question #4 above)
7. Ok, but when the update gets released I’ll still be able to install it, right?
The best answer to this question is “no”. When you root, you’re essentially forgoing Verizon’s “official” update support and taking matters into your own hands (see #3 above). Installing an official update on a rooted phone (assuming you are actually given the option) can do very bad things, such causing you to lose root and even possibly turning your phone into a brick. Fear not, however, as the development community for the Thunderbolt is VERY large. In fact, you’re gonna get a lot more support from the dev community than you ever will from Verizon when it comes to updates and features and new ROMs. Chances are, if Verizon has released an update that adds features or fixes bugs, those items have already been released on custom ROMs that are readily available for download and ready to be flashed. In other words, once you root, IGNORE the official updates -- you’re probably already running better software than that which the official update is fixing the first place.
If you’d really rather just install Verizon’s OTA updates, you may need to go re-visit question #2 again.
8. Got it, OK, I’ve decided to root, anything else I should know before I begin?
My best advice is to read through the “Rooting, ROMs, and Hacks” forum posts here. You’ll get a good insight into not just what you can do with a rooted phone, but good advice on what not to do, and HOW to do a lot of different things. Most importantly, if you’re unsure of something, just ask us here.
To begin, here are some “must reads” for the root newbie:
CyberWarrior’s guide to installing ROMs:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/th...-backup-restore-install-roms-thunderbolt.html
My own guide on backing up Apps and Data when installing new ROMs:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/th...store-apps-data-when-installing-new-roms.html
Looking for ROMs?
Team BAMF has their own forum site:
Team BAMF Forums
XDA has an extensive list:
The Official Thunderbolt ROMs & Kernels Listing v2.5 (Updated 7/14 12:35 AM CST) - xda-developers
Note: I did see that an FAQ similar to this was already started, but I figured I wasn't stepping on anyone's toes by posting this as it has obviously not been maintained in a quite a while.
1. What exactly is “Rooting”?
Gaining “root” access, or “rooting” your phone means that you are gaining full access to the entire system. You need root access to run certain apps, install custom ROMs and kernels; as well as remove apps, such as Verizon bloatware, that you otherwise could not.
One other big advantage to having root access to your device is that you can install and run apps like Titanium and MyBackup to completely backup your data and settings, making switching ROMs (and/or recovering from crashes) easier than ever.
Think of it as being similar to logging onto a Windows computer using the "Administrator" account.
2. Should I root my Thunderbolt?
If you truly want to harness the full potential of your device, then yes…however, if you’re not really sure and are asking yourself this question, the answer may very well be “no”. While rooting your phone does open up a vast world of customization and features, it does require a little more effort on your part to keep up with your own updates, flash your own ROMs, manage your own backups, etc. If you’re like me and consider stuff like this interesting and fun, then rooting is may be for you. If you just want a device that works great all the time and not have to ever deal with the operating system, then it probably is not.
For example, rooting your phone allows you remove the “bloatware” carriers put on it, but if that’s the ONLY reason you’re thinking of rooting… you may be better off just living with the bloatware.
3. They say rooting your phone voids your warranty, should I be concerned about that?
Sure you should. The thing is, rooting your device isn’t “illegal”, and you won’t get in any trouble by doing it, but neither your carrier nor the phone manufacturer should really be expected to provide support for your device if you choose to take matters into your own hands and install different operating systems and such. While not a common occurrence, there’s always a risk you could brick your phone in way that it is impossible to unroot, leaving you with a device that Verizon won’t replace. While it really wasn’t a hard decision for me, it definitely isn’t something that should be taken lightly either.
4. I really want to root, but the instructions seem complicated and I don’t want to wipe all my data…should I wait for a “1-click” root method?
You may be waiting forever. The Thunderbolt shipped with a locked bootloader, so it’s virtually impossible to root using a “1-click” method that some other devices (that do not have locked bootloaders) are able to do at this time. The methods described in the sticky posts are very detailed and very easy to follow as long as you have patience. If you decide to root, read over the instructions from beginning to end before you even start so that you have an understanding of the full process before you begin, then, go through each step slowly and carefully as you proceed to root your phone.
As far as your data is concerned, just be sure to backup and sync what you’re able to (email, contacts, calendar, etc). Unfortunately, there’s no real way save some things (like app data) until your phone is rooted, which is a bit of a catch 22…but it is possible to minimize the amount of data you’ll actually be losing while going through with the root process.
The reason your data is wiped during the process is because in order to unlock the bootloader, the root process actually consists of flashing a much older OS version on your phone, then using a known exploit to unlock the bootloader, then re-flashing a new OS version that already has root access built in. In other words, the root process actually consists of not 1, but 2 OS re-installs, which essentially puts you in the same state of doing a factory reset.
UPDATE: It seems many folks are having success using the new "Revolutionary" root method. I have not used it, so I can personally comment on how well it works, but results seem promising. One other advantage is that it does not wipe all your data. You can check it out here: Revolutionary | Video
This method has also been confirmed to work with the latest (2.11.605.3) Gingerbread update
5. When my data is wiped, does that include my SD card contents?
No, the wipe only includes the phone's internal storage, anything on the SD card should remain intact.
6. I read on the forums that a new update is scheduled to be released in a few days for the Thunderbolt, should I wait and root after the update so I can make sure that I have it?
Nope. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter. As explained above, the root process completely flashes a new OS over whatever you’re currently running. The current auto-root method, for example, will leave you with a rooted version of stock MR1 once finished -- regardless of what you started with.
UPDATE: While it is true that using the Revolutionary method will not wipe your data or flash a new OS, I still stand behind my original statement that waiting for an official update prior to rooting is NOT necessary, if not counter-productive. After you root, even if you want to remain on stock OS, you can always install the update manually yourself. Trust me, waiting for an official Verizon release = waiting for very outdated software you could have had weeks ago.
(See the update to question #4 above)
7. Ok, but when the update gets released I’ll still be able to install it, right?
The best answer to this question is “no”. When you root, you’re essentially forgoing Verizon’s “official” update support and taking matters into your own hands (see #3 above). Installing an official update on a rooted phone (assuming you are actually given the option) can do very bad things, such causing you to lose root and even possibly turning your phone into a brick. Fear not, however, as the development community for the Thunderbolt is VERY large. In fact, you’re gonna get a lot more support from the dev community than you ever will from Verizon when it comes to updates and features and new ROMs. Chances are, if Verizon has released an update that adds features or fixes bugs, those items have already been released on custom ROMs that are readily available for download and ready to be flashed. In other words, once you root, IGNORE the official updates -- you’re probably already running better software than that which the official update is fixing the first place.
If you’d really rather just install Verizon’s OTA updates, you may need to go re-visit question #2 again.
8. Got it, OK, I’ve decided to root, anything else I should know before I begin?
My best advice is to read through the “Rooting, ROMs, and Hacks” forum posts here. You’ll get a good insight into not just what you can do with a rooted phone, but good advice on what not to do, and HOW to do a lot of different things. Most importantly, if you’re unsure of something, just ask us here.
To begin, here are some “must reads” for the root newbie:
CyberWarrior’s guide to installing ROMs:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/th...-backup-restore-install-roms-thunderbolt.html
My own guide on backing up Apps and Data when installing new ROMs:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/th...store-apps-data-when-installing-new-roms.html
Looking for ROMs?
Team BAMF has their own forum site:
Team BAMF Forums
XDA has an extensive list:
The Official Thunderbolt ROMs & Kernels Listing v2.5 (Updated 7/14 12:35 AM CST) - xda-developers
Note: I did see that an FAQ similar to this was already started, but I figured I wasn't stepping on anyone's toes by posting this as it has obviously not been maintained in a quite a while.
Last edited:
keeping at the top 
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