To Root or Not to Root...that is the question?

Rukbat

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Feb 12, 2012
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And the answer is ...

Rooting allows you to access system files and run apps that require root. So you can freeze bloatware (freeze it first, then if freezing a particular app causes a problem you can unfreeze it, rather than having to reflash the ROM - if the phone works for a month, delete the frozen apps), and you can run things you couldn't run otherwise (like Xposed Installer, which has many modules you might want to run). If you're familiar with Linux, Google left out su, rooting puts it back, so you can su. (It works differently in Android, you don't su an app, you just su, then you're running # in the shell.)

The disadcantages are a) it voids the warranty on any phone but an HTC, and b) you can wipe out the entire phone with a single shell command, or mess the phone up in a lot of other ways if you play with things you don't understand. (Learning how Linux works isn't that difficult - millions of people run it.)

It also uses a tiny bit of storage - for the su file, for a busybox file (Google left out some commands, busybox brings them back) and the superuser app. (That's so that you have control over which app gets root. Otherwise a virus could gain root, steal all your stored logins and passwords and sent them to some hacker.) Not much space - su and busybox use about 1MB, SuperSU (the superuser app I use) uses 3MB.

My viewpoint is that if you have no need for rooting, don't. If you need to do something that needs rooting, don't be afraid to root, just be aware that you'll have to unroot if the phone needs warranty service. (There's a difference between "want" and "need". If you're out of storage, you need to get rid of bloatware. If you have 16GB free, you may want to get rid of it, you there's no need to.)
 

AndroidHabit

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Not really any negatives, just be aware that you are in full control and can mess things up.
I had no problem sending in my rooted phone to AT&T, to top it off I must have removed something critical during my weak attempt at removing my stuff from the phone before sending it in for overheating issues.
The phone then would boot and give a "android error" I forgot what it was but it wasn't good.
I got my replacement sent to me first and then I sent my bad one to them.
No security deposit needed and they extended my warranty and I also got a little over $100 credited.
It never hurts to ask or try things.
 

Anastasia

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Besides the overarching desire to educate myself, the only thing I'm interested in that I might need behind-the-scenes access is obtaining the pictures from MMS. I know there are apps that can save them to MicroSD...but is anything available that will put them in the Gallery?
 

vel7wil

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I have rooted my edge and there are a few advantages depending who you have ur service with. Verizon seems to have the most rooting roms and programs. I unrooted mine until if and when there is more development....if any.
 

anon(5719825)

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Feb 21, 2013
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I rooted my Note 4 just so that I could block ads with Adaway. I plan on doing the same thing with my Note Edge. I just wanted to wait a few days to make sure everything still worked OK.

I used CF Autoroot. It was the easiest thing I have ever used.
 

anon(5719825)

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I decided to try and root my Edge using CF Autoroot just like I did with with my Note 4 and it failed. I had to use Kies to do the recovery. Didn't lose much since I've only had the phone for two weeks. Tripped the Knox thing so now I have nothing to lose. And yes, I used the correct files for the Note Edge which are not the same as the Note 4.

I am gonna try again till I get it rooted.
 

anon(5719825)

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CF Autotroot failed again. Not sure what else to try. I believe I figured out what I forgot to do. Set USB debugging to on.

EDIT: Failed again. I give up.
 
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