Root On Nexus 5. Is It Worth?

[AndroidDario]

First of all, I have never deeply understood the benefits of rooting. Hope you can clarify it.
Secondly, I have no idea how to root a Nexus device, what program should I use and what should I do?
Last but not least, what can/should I do once my Nexus is rooted? Thanks for your help and comments.

 

[Crashdamage]

After years of helping new rooters, this is my advice to those considering rooting for the first time...

First, you need to determine if you must root the phone to accomplish a particular thing you need or want to do. Or, if not then maybe you just want to experiment. Nothing wrong with that, but there's some things you should know and consider first to avoid unnecessary grief.

Rooting grants full administrator permissions to the user, rather than limited user permissions. The good is that this allows you to do basically anything to any files on the device. It allows full control of everything on the device. The bad is that it also means you have full permission to muck up anything on the device. It also reduces the security of the phone somewhat.

I used to root every phone I had. But I no longer root my daily driver phone that I cannot do without. As hardware and software has improved the need to root has declined. Now I do not recommend rooting unless you have a specific need or just want to experiment on a spare device.

If you decide you really do need and want to root, first do a LOT of reading. See if there's a subforum here for your phone. You should check out the XDA Developer forum for information too, but be sure to read first and post later there as it's not a very n00b-friendly site. And as always, for questions this forum and Google search are your friends.

There is some chance a mistake could 'brick' your phone (make it unusable). Make sure you understand why you're rooting, the exact procedures required and all the terminology. And it's absolutely critical to have a recovery plan and backups in case things go bad.

DO NOT try to install a ROM that is intended for any phone except your exact model! If you have questions post back here before proceeding and someone will help.

Don't forget to do backups! Read about nandroid backup.

Until you are confident that you have everything above ready and understood, you're not yet ready to root.


Android since v1.0. Linux user since 2001.

 

[AndroidDario]

After years of helping new rooters, this is my advice to those considering rooting for the first time...

First, you need to determine if you must root the phone to accomplish a particular thing you need or want to do. Or, if not then maybe you just want to experiment. Nothing wrong with that, but there's some things you should know and consider first to avoid unnecessary grief.

Rooting grants full administrator permissions to the user, rather than limited user permissions. The good is that this allows you to do basically anything to any files on the device. It allows full control of everything on the device. The bad is that it also means you have full permission to muck up anything on the device. It also reduces the security of the phone somewhat.

I used to root every phone I had. But I no longer root my daily driver phone that I cannot do without. As hardware and software has improved the need to root has declined. Now I do not recommend rooting unless you have a specific need or just want to experiment on a spare device.

If you decide you really do need and want to root, first do a LOT of reading. See if there's a subforum here for your phone. You should check out the XDA Developer forum for information too, but be sure to read first and post later there as it's not a very n00b-friendly site. And as always, for questions this forum and Google search are your friends.

There is some chance a mistake could 'brick' your phone (make it unusable). Make sure you understand why you're rooting, the exact procedures required and all the terminology. And it's absolutely critical to have a recovery plan and backups in case things go bad.

DO NOT try to install a ROM that is intended for any phone except your exact model! If you have questions post back here before proceeding and someone will help.

Don't forget to do backups! Read about nandroid backup.

Until you are confident that you have everything above ready and understood, you're not yet ready to root.


Android since v1.0. Linux user since 2001.

Thank you so much.
I really appreciated your words.
I will start reading and studying. The main reason I would like to root is the chance to set a profile in Tasker that switches off Data during the night. It could also be a good chance to understand a little more about Android and its freedom.
But after reading your post, I know you're right. Need to read specific posts about rooting.
Again, thank you.

 

[Crashdamage]

I haven't used Tasker in a long time, but I don't think it requires root to switch data on/off for you.

Android since v1.0. Linux user since 2001.

 

[AndroidDario]

I haven't used Tasker in a long time, but I don't think it requires root to switch data on/off for you.

Android since v1.0. Linux user since 2001.

Are you using Android since its first release? What do you think about it, if you go back in time?

 

[Crashdamage]

Yes. I preordered the original HTC G1 (aka Dream) in black within minutes of it being available. I got one of the very early ones. It ran v1.0. T-Mobile exclusively back then.

I still have it and last time I turned it on about a year ago it still worked. I put it back to stock, unrooted condition about 3 years ago. A couple of nicks on it but still in good overall condition.

And what do I think of Android then vs now? It's come a long, long way. It's like Windows 3.1 vs Windows 7 Pro.

Anything in particular you want to know?

Android since v1.0. Linux user since 2001.

 

[karimpas7]

For lollipop you will need root access to turn off/on data, I have a profile on on my tasker and you must also use a plugin apk. For root another benefit is that you can decline or allow apk permissions( that is the main reason I'm rooting my phone). Also one advice do not root your phone by any programme for two reasons, first something can go wrong and 2nd you can learn much more by typing a few commands in a terminal. As they said from XDA forum you can learn a lot. This is a guide if something goes wrong as rooting is simple http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/tutorial-how-to-flash-factory-image-t2513701

 

[bratt4316]

I have a nexus 5 not yet rooted with dirty unicorns 12 oreo installed and latest twrp 3210.and i want to root .guide to rooting it using magisk is much appreciated.tnx