Question from a newb re rooting

[torndownunit]

Hi guys. I am a lot going time iPhone users who just switched to the s4. I like the phone... But I prefer the os version on my nexus 7. So I am interested in rooting. Is there anything carrier specific I need to know? I am on Rogers in Canada.

Also, I see so many methods out there... What would you recommend for a newb a little scared of the process? Is there a method that's easiest/safest?

As far as ease of updates etc, it just using the basic google edition of android best?

Thanks a ton for any help. I am. Enjoying the forum.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Hi guys. I am a lot going time iPhone users who just switched to the s4. I like the phone... But I prefer the os version on my nexus 7. So I am interested in rooting. Is there anything carrier specific I need to know? I am on Rogers in Canada.

Also, I see so many methods out there... What would you recommend for a newb a little scared of the process? Is there a method that's easiest/safest?

As far as ease of updates etc, it just using the basic google edition of android best?

Thanks a ton for any help. I am. Enjoying the forum.

Well, once you root, you no longer get OTA Updates. Updating will be up to you.

As far as learning to root your device, try searching something like 'root S4 Rogers' on YouTube. Watch as many videos as you can find, take notes, and compare them. If they all pretty much agree on files and procedures then it should be fine.

Above all, if you have any questions ask!

Tips: Follow guides that outright say they are for your device. Make sure files match your device.

Again, if you have any questions, don't do anything, consult someone here first.

Happy rooting!!!

 

[torndownunit]

Ok, I had to put this on hold for a bit but I am looking into it again. From looking around it seems that CF Auto Root is likely the easiest option. [SGH-I337M] CF-Auto-Root [CANADIAN MODELS ONLY] - xda-developers

What I am not sure about is how I proceed with installing ROMS as this tutorial stops at rooting. Can anyone suggest a really straight forward way to do this or a good tutorial?

Also, what is the best method to backup the phone? Is there a way to back up and import things like text messages to the phone after root?

 

[Realsis77]

Hi there. You ALWAYS want to do a backup BEFORE you flash any rom this way if there is any issues or problems with your flash you always have your backup you can restore from. A complete system backup is called a nandroid backup. You can do a nandroid backup by going into your custom recovery that you should have installed after rooting. The recovery I perfer is called clockwork mod touch recovery but basically all recoveries work about the same way.so you would go into your recovery by removing battery then put battery back in then by pressing volume up power and home at the same time and hold until you see the blue writing in the upper left corner let up on buttons when you see that. Then scroll to backup and press backkup. Let it do its thing then you have your backup. You backup the roms this same way. As for flashing a rom first download the rom to the root of your sd card from your computer via usb or micro card reader either way. Then reboot into your recovery. Then wipe data factory reset this wipes ALL your data you no longer have a rom on your system. Then wipe cash and dalvik cash. Now your ready to install your new rom.you press install depending on your recovery you might need to press install zip from external sd card. Then it will show your files on your sd card scroll down until you find your rom. Then press on the rom you want to install. It will ask do you want to install again press yes then the recovery will go about flashing your new rom. When its finished loading go to reboot now. Reboot your phone. Usually roms after flash can take several minutes to open up so don't bother the phone let it open. Once it opens set up your new rom. That's all they're is too it. If by chance there is a problem with the rom or flash you will have to go into recovery and wipe again then press install backup or depending on recovery restore backup. Then install backup and you should be just fine. After the backup installs reboot. It will be restored. Hope this helps explain the process. Remember always do your nandroid backup before you flash. It can save you a lot of trouble. Very important.