What is the point of rooting if its an unlocked bootloader?

[Nodnarb1028]

Hi guys. Im new to rooting (been jailbreaking since it was command line) and the only available root for my GS4 still has a locked bootloader. So my question is why even root when its locked? What can you even still do? This may seem very basic, but I've only had my phone for 2 weeks.
Thank you!

Verizon Galaxy S4 - VRUAME7

 

[Golfdriver97]

Hi guys. Im new to rooting (been jailbreaking since it was command line) and the only available root for my GS4 still has a locked bootloader. So my question is why even root when its locked? What can you even still do? This may seem very basic, but I've only had my phone for 2 weeks.
Thank you!

Verizon Galaxy S4 - VRUAME7

Welcome to the forums.
Rooting gives access to apps that allow you to do things you couldn't do otherwise. Like Titanium Backup allows you to back up your app data, and that is a root required app.

 

[Nodnarb1028]

I previously had a rooted nexus 7. So basically you are saying everything is normal, but no custom roms?

Verizon Galaxy S4 - VRUAME7

 

[Golfdriver97]

I previously had a rooted nexus 7. So basically you are saying everything is normal, but no custom roms?

Verizon Galaxy S4 - VRUAME7

Typically you need to root in order to flash a custom recovery, in order to flash ROMs. Depending on the device, the boot loader may need to be unlocked as well.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

 

[CR6]

Along with being able to download a ton of "root only" apps, one of my favorite benefits to rooting is the ability to block pesky ads.
Then of course custom ROMS..... :thumbup:

tap'n

 

[penningtonsm]

Free tethering apps require root. Huge reason just right their.

Sent from my LG-E980 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[CR6]

Very true! :thumbup: Although they seem to be going the way of the dodo bird, as most of your newer ROMS just hack the stock hotspot app.

tap'n

 

[Rise Against]

If my phone's bootloader is unlocked do I still need to root to install a custom recovery?

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Golfdriver97]

If my phone's bootloader is unlocked do I still need to root to install a custom recovery?

Posted via Android Central App

Depends. Some phones need root to allow custom recoveries to be flashed.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

 

[Rise Against]

Depends. Some phones need root to allow custom recoveries to be flashed.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

Well I have the TMobile S4. Some roms say they include root. What does that mean?

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Golfdriver97]

Well I have the TMobile S4. Some roms say they include root. What does that mean?

Posted via Android Central App

The ROM is already rooted. Once you flash it, you will be rooted. So all you need is a custom recovery.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

 

[Rise Against]

The ROM is already rooted. Once you flash it, you will be rooted. So all you need is a custom recovery.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

Ok, so can I just flash TWRP on my s4? And if I am already rooted would I still flash the rom like a normal rom?

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Golfdriver97]

Ok, so can I just flash TWRP on my s4? And if I am already rooted would I still flash the rom like a normal rom?

Posted via Android Central App

As far as I know, yes. Which ROM?

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

 

[Rise Against]

As far as I know, yes. Which ROM?

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

Infamous S4 rom. Saw a video that said root was included

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Golfdriver97]

Infamous S4 rom. Saw a video that said root was included

Posted via Android Central App

I more asked out of curiosity. Most, if not all custom ROMs are rooted.
Give it a shot. Just make a Nandroid before flashing the new ROM.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

 

[Rise Against]

I more asked out of curiosity. Most, if not all custom ROMs are rooted.
Give it a shot. Just make a Nandroid before flashing the new ROM.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

I thought ROMs needed root first? Ok thanks, so the TMo S4 doesn't need root for twrp?

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Golfdriver97]

I thought ROMs needed root first? Ok thanks, so the TMo S4 doesn't need root for twrp?

Posted via Android Central App

I think that is changing. Depends on the phone and carrier. Definitely custom recovery.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

 

[Rise Against]

I think that is changing. Depends on the phone and carrier. Definitely custom recovery.

From a Sprint Moto X using AC forums app

Alright, I think I'm just going to flash it like when I flashed CyanogenMod. Root > Custom Recovery > Custom ROM Had to unroot and send back when my screen cracked

Posted via Android Central App

 

[iHackPro]

To flash a custom ROM you need root access..... here's a guide for ya.

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/how-to-root-the-t-mobile-samsung-galaxy-s-4-xda-developer-tv/

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

 

[Rise Against]

One more question, are custom recoveries carrier and phone specific?

Posted via Android Central App