Help Non-noob needs noob help

wmaudio · Feb 1, 2012

First let me say that the devs and helpers on this site are freaking amazing.

I'm confused about a few things so I have a few nooby questions to ask. Flame me if it makes you feel better, but please include the answers.

1. What is the difference between unlock and root?

2. I received the OTA update today (Settings / About Phone / Software Info / Software Number shows 2.01.605.11) and now the CleanTOOL 2.1.1 won't work. Why and how can I fix this?

3. My ultimate goal is to run ICS rooted and unlocked, with bloatware removed and as much functionality working as possible. I don't care about anything flashy, I just want ICS (and face unlock if possible). Since I have found that I shouldn't restore app settings when going from GB to ICS, my plan was to backup internal storage to my PC, sync with AppBrain, unlock, root, install one of the custom ICS ROMs and restore apps using AppBrain. What steps do I need to take and where are the noobish instructions?

4. After taking steps in question #3 above, will it be possible to return to factory in the event I need to return the phone?

Thanks in advance for any help anyone has to offer. VIVA ANDROID!

Unforgiven · Feb 1, 2012

wmaudio said:
First let me say that the devs and helpers on this site are freaking amazing.

I'm confused about a few things so I have a few nooby questions to ask. Flame me if it makes you feel better, but please include the answers.

1. What is the difference between unlock and root?

2. I received the OTA update today (Settings / About Phone / Software Info / Software Number shows 2.01.605.11) and now the CleanTOOL 2.1.1 won't work. Why and how can I fix this?

3. My ultimate goal is to run ICS rooted and unlocked, with bloatware removed and as much functionality working as possible. I don't care about anything flashy, I just want ICS (and face unlock if possible). Since I have found that I shouldn't restore app settings when going from GB to ICS, my plan was to backup internal storage to my PC, sync with AppBrain, unlock, root, install one of the custom ICS ROMs and restore apps using AppBrain. What steps do I need to take and where are the noobish instructions?

4. After taking steps in question #3 above, will it be possible to return to factory in the event I need to return the phone?

Thanks in advance for any help anyone has to offer. VIVA ANDROID!

Welcome to Android Forums

! I'll try to answer you questions or point you in the right direction.

1. Root gives you superuser rights (administrator) to your phone allowing you to change settings and file properties that you otherwise wouldn't be able to. This allows you to do things like remove carrier bloatware. Unlocking refers to unlocking the bootloader which allows you to install different kernels (not sure if it allows other stuff, but I know this is the biggie). Kernels installation allows you to over/under clock your CPU and may allow for a higher performance phone that uses less battery.
2. Someone familiar with your phone will have to answer that one

3. Visit the all things root subforum for your phone to learn all about this.
4. For HTC, I believe this depends on if you unlock the bootloader. Rooting the phone or unlocking the bootloader usually (I think always) voids the warranty. If you only root I believe you can get back to stock and no one can tell you were previously rooted. Unlocking the bootloader for HTC devices that aren't a Nexus device requires you to tell HTC you are unlocking it, therefor definitely voiding your warranty. Again, refer to the all thing root area for your phone for information regarding how to do this.

I hope I helped, and welcome aboard.

VTENGR · Feb 2, 2012

pupkact said:
Welcome to Android Forums! I'll try to answer you questions or point you in the right direction.

1. Root gives you superuser rights (administrator) to your phone allowing you to change settings and file properties that you otherwise wouldn't be able to. This allows you to do things like remove carrier bloatware. Unlocking refers to unlocking the bootloader which allows you to install different kernels (not sure if it allows other stuff, but I know this is the biggie). Kernels installation allows you to over/under clock your CPU and may allow for a higher performance phone that uses less battery.
2. Someone familiar with your phone will have to answer that one
3. Visit the all things root subforum for your phone to learn all about this.
4. For HTC, I believe this depends on if you unlock the bootloader. Rooting the phone or unlocking the bootloader usually (I think always) voids the warranty. If you only root I believe you can get back to stock and no one can tell you were previously rooted. Unlocking the bootloader for HTC devices that aren't a Nexus device requires you to tell HTC you are unlocking it, therefor definitely voiding your warranty. Again, refer to the all thing root area for your phone for information regarding how to do this.

I hope I helped, and welcome aboard.

My understanding for the Rezound is that you must unlock the boot loader and install a custom recovery before you can permanently root your phone. You can do a temporary root without having to unlock it, but that root seems to last a very short time (like 5 -10 minutes short).

As far as resetting the phone to factory defaults, you can, but your phone will show "Re-Locked" for the boot loader, so if the technician looking at your phone is savvy enough to check this, you will not be able to claim your warranty for the phone. Several posters on XDA have had success returning a "re-locked" phone, but its really a risk you have to be comfortable taking.

Colchicine · Feb 2, 2012

VTENGR said:
You can do a temporary root without having to unlock it, but that root seems to last a very short time (like 5 -10 minutes short).

I used temp root and it stayed rooted for over a week before it restarted for the OTA update. Haven't tried it since.

VTENGR · Feb 2, 2012

Colchicine said:
I used temp root and it stayed rooted for over a week before it restarted for the OTA update. Haven't tried it since.

Are you sure you were still rooted? Using super user or RootExlorer regularly? B/c that's the longest I've heard anyone staying temp rooted.

Typically, from what I've read over at XDA and my own personal experience, the temp root last just long enough to do a Titanium backup and maybe "freeze" some bloatware - you can't delete bloatware unless you do a perm root.

Colchicine · Feb 2, 2012

I just checked the dates on the back ups I did with Titanium. So I temp-rooted the last time to run a back up. That was on Jan 16. TWO weeks later on Jan 30 is when I installed the OTA update. While it was downloading, I had an OH ISHT moment and realized I hadn't backed up my apps and was able to do it then.

I believe I used Nils' version. It wasn't always reliable so I sometimes had to use the other one (I don't recall the name).

answerman · Feb 2, 2012

As I understand it (I'm unlocked and permanent rooted for the record) the temp root basically lasts until you reboot the phone. So it could be minutes, hours, days...

You mentioned the Face Unlock feature of ICS. I've played with it on my Rezound running ICS, and to me (ok, maybe I don't get it) it seems kind of pointless with Sense, since you still have to pull the ring to unlock your phone before it even gets to the facial recognition part. So now you have a two step process to unlock instead of one step.

Unforgiven · Feb 2, 2012

answerman said:
As I understand it (I'm unlocked and permanent rooted for the record) the temp root basically lasts until you reboot the phone. So it could be minutes, hours, days...

You mentioned the Face Unlock feature of ICS. I've played with it on my Rezound running ICS, and to me (ok, maybe I don't get it) it seems kind of pointless with Sense, since you still have to pull the ring to unlock your phone before it even gets to the facial recognition part. So now you have a two step process to unlock instead of one step.

I have the GNex and the face unlock is really a gimmick

. You can use a photo to unlock the phone.

wmaudio · Feb 2, 2012

The face-lock feature is for protecting data so it replaces the PIN or pattern one would use for that. That sucks about the picture though, but still fun at parties.

I am now HTCDev unlocked, flashed AmonRa and perm rooted. Happy camper here. About to flash an ICS ROM...now which one to choose...

Unforgiven · Feb 2, 2012

wmaudio said:
The face-lock feature is for protecting data so it replaces the PIN or pattern one would use for that. That sucks about the picture though, but still fun at parties.

I am now HTCDev unlocked, flashed AmonRa and perm rooted. Happy camper here. About to flash an ICS ROM...now which one to choose...

I agree about fun at parties

. Now that you are rooted and romming the fun has just begun. just make sure to do a nandroid backup before you flash a new ROM.

Help Non-noob needs noob help

Lurker

...eschew obfuscation...

Well-Known Member

Android Expert

Well-Known Member

Android Expert

Android Enthusiast

...eschew obfuscation...

Lurker

...eschew obfuscation...

BEST TECH IN 2023

Smartphones

Best Android Phones

Upcoming

Best iPhones

Upcoming

Tablets

Best Tablets

Upcoming

Laptops

Best Laptops

Upcoming

Televisions

Best TVs

Upcoming

Game Consoles

Best Game Consoles

Upcoming

Wearables

Best Wearables

Upcoming

Smart Home

Smart Home Tech

Upcoming

Similar threads