r/Android • u/AutoModerator • Oct 22 '14
Why and how should I root my phone?
It seems like everyday you see some cool new feature that's only available for rooted users. "I wonder how awesome Xposed really is?" "Are custom ROMs really that great?" For many new users, rooting and unlocking the bootloader seems like a daunting task. But it doesn't have to be - there are many resources out there for you to find.
Leave a comment below describing why you think others should root their phone. Tell us how you did it, and what resources you used. Was it XDA? A toolkit? Something else?
Also tell us about any precautions you should take before rooting. Are there any risks? How did you backup your data?
If you took it a step further and you use a custom ROM or kernel, what do you think? Is it worth it? How did you learn what you needed to know before installing it?
Please note that this thread will be archived in the wiki and linked in the sidebar. Any off-topic or unhelpful comment will be removed.
Suggestions and comments on how to improve this thread are always welcome!
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u/jasonumd Oct 22 '14
I root for free tethering on my Verizon unlimited data plan.
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u/dabear04 Oct 22 '14
Stupid question but what do you use to tether? I'm rooted on Verizon and would love to do this but I used to use an app way back when but I can't find any that work. Do you just use the one in settings? Do I have to disable something so that Verizon doesn't charge me for it?
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u/l1vewire Oct 22 '14
It really blows my mind that you have to pay to use a functionality built into your devices already In the US.
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u/lZnGl Oct 22 '14
Using the tethering built into settings works just fine for me. I rack up a minimum of 30 gigs a month and have never run into any trouble.
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Oct 22 '14
I would like to know too
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u/lZnGl Oct 22 '14
Using the tethering built into settings works just fine for me. I rack up a minimum of 30 gigs a month and have never run into any trouble.
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0
Oct 22 '14
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u/PlayStoreLinks__Bot Oct 22 '14
FoxFi (WiFi Tether w/o Root) - Price: Free - Rating: 78/100 - Search for "Foxfi" on the Play Store
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Oct 22 '14
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u/dabear04 Oct 22 '14
Yeah that's what I used way back when. Unfortunately its not an option on Verizon
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u/Zeppelin2k Oct 22 '14
Question about rooting on Verizon... I'm getting a new phone (S5?) and people have said to be careful of the 'locked bootloader' on Verizon. What exactly does this mean? I assumed it meant I can't root the phone, but apparentlt it's still possible? The main reason I'd root is to use a couple apps that require it, and to uninstall samsung/verizon bloarware.
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u/Axmirza2 Oct 22 '14
You can root the vzw s5, I did it for my brother and used an uninstaller app to remove the bloatware.
An unlocked bootloader is necessary to install a custom recovery and/or custom rom.
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u/Zeppelin2k Oct 22 '14
Got it, thanks. In other words, I can use the apps that require root permissions (and remove bloat), but I can't update to 5.0 early with a rom / remove touchwiz with a custom ui?
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u/drmacinyasha Oct 22 '14
Also tell us about any precautions you should take before rooting.
Backup, backup, backup! Just because you backed up an app, does not mean it was backed up. As anyone on r/sysadmin or r/TalesFromTechSupport can tell you, your backup system is worthless if restores are not tested.
Not too long ago when the 4.4.4 system image for the Nexus 7 2013 LTE was released, I ended up wasting the better part of a night trying to restore my apps after the TWRP backup I had made failed. TWRP could not extract files from the backup archive and would immediately give up after running into one of these corrupt files, making the backup worthless.
Backup with your recovery, backup with Titanium Backup, and make sure to verify MD5/SHA sums (HashCheck for Windows makes this very easy!) whenever possible.
Also, to make restoring easier, beat app developers with a clue-by-four to start using cloud backups for their apps and their settings, and if possible have them use Google(+) account sign-in to replace/work alongside their legacy username/password sign-in system (DI.fm and its sister sites RadioTunes (SKY.fm), and Jazz/Rock/Fresca Radio are perfect examples of doing this right). One less sign-in, and one app that takes care of its own backups, means it's much easier and friendlier to users; we should be phasing out Titanium Backup, Helium, and similar apps by now, not depending on them more and more.
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u/just_the_tech Oct 22 '14 edited Oct 22 '14
your backup system is worthless if restores are not tested.
Agreed, but how would one test this on a phone?
Edit: by that, I mean, how would you know your restore worked unless you wiped the phone and tried to restore? All I can think is to try with an older phone you have lying around.
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u/laccro Oct 22 '14
I've heard stories of Custom Recovery's backups not working many times. But I've backed up and restored on three different devices no less than 100x with CWM and never had a hiccup.
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u/jem0208 Oct 23 '14
What's the best way of going about backing up my phone?
Most of the guides I've looked up seem to require root access, which is annoying considering I want to do this to get root access...
I've got a Moto G btw which doesn't have the option for removable storage unfortunately.
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u/drmacinyasha Oct 23 '14
Your best bet is probably Helium, which uses ADB backups. Just make sure to save your backups to a cloud storage provider, as copying from the USB storage doesn't work when you go to restore.
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u/jem0208 Oct 23 '14 edited Oct 23 '14
Ah, cloud storage is a bit of a pain. I have very poor internet so uploading anything above a few mbs takes forever.
I think 33 kb/s is my limit for upload.
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Oct 23 '14
Also, to make restoring easier, beat app developers with a clue-by-four to start using cloud backups for their apps and their settings
I agree with you, but I get a little uneasy with where the data might be stored. Do you know if devs have the option to save to Google servers similar to Settings > Accounts > Backup and Reset > Back up my Data? I'm not 100% sure what Google is automatically saving for each app that is not their own.
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u/gtlgdp Oct 22 '14
I really want to root my M8 so I can have full stock android L but I know nothing about this or where to begin which makes me think that I shouldn't even bother.
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u/malev1 Oct 22 '14
Rooted my M8 recently and got the GPe edition ROM for it. The phone, originally, was fast and now it is just beyond comprehension.
If you want to root, follow these steps: http://theunlockr.com/2014/04/19/root-htc-one-m8-all-in-one-toolkit-method-video/ (I used this and can say that it worked, clear instructions and good method)
If you want to go onto a ROM, I'd recommend just unlocking the boot loader and installing a custom recovery and then flashing the ROM (seeing as it is most likely rooted).
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u/Linkynet Oct 22 '14
I went this route with my M8 and I'll never look back! I can't wait to get Lollipop in "Late November/December" :D
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Oct 22 '14
Would you recommend me rooting my m8. I do want to get lollipop.
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u/malev1 Oct 23 '14
If you want lollipop, then yeah go for it. Seeing as with root, you'll open up a lot of new possibilities which you didn't have before.
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Oct 22 '14
If only we didn't have to pay 25 bucks for S-OFF
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u/XirXes Oct 22 '14
Sunshine S-off is worth to me whatever they'll charge me. Its not a simple undertaking to achieve S-off and I'm happy to reward them for it. My T-Mobile M8 is fully converted to GPe and has taken ota updates from Google. With Xposed this is the best software I've ever ran on a phone. It cured my ORD.
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u/cheastyxd Oct 22 '14
Will this work for the M7 too? I want to root my phone for the pure Android experience but it seems daunting & I'm afraid of bricking it.
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u/malev1 Oct 22 '14
The guy who made the software for the M8, also made it for the M7. However, I can't seem to get access to the link.
His name is Hasoon2000 and if you just Google search that, you'll be able to get onto his website pretty quickly.
If that doesn't work out for you, I'd recommend doing a little bit of research. YouTube is really the best place for this kind of thing because not only do you get a tutorial, you also get download links. That always helps reduce the risk (even though it is small) of bricking.
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u/czerilla Oct 22 '14
With GPe you still loose access to the Sense apps like FmRadio, right?
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u/malev1 Oct 22 '14
Yeah, seeing as it is the stock version of android however there are some things that are moved across, like boom sound, motion gestures, etc.
And obviously, with the diversity of android, I'd think that even though you lose it, you could probably get the app back with a bit of searching.
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u/IndianNinja1699 Oct 23 '14
Is there a way I can root my M8 without having to factory reset it also? This is my only concern in rooting my pretty new phone
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Oct 23 '14
Does the camera include all the features as it does with the sense UI or is it pretty stock?
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Oct 22 '14
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u/malev1 Oct 22 '14
I wouldn't really have known because I used sense for about a day and then decided to go for the GPe ROM.
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u/youareseeingthings Oct 22 '14
The beauty of android is there isn't anything you can't just Google. If you know the terminology, you can research it and find plenty of info and multiple ways to get what you're looming for.
On the other hand I think Google Launcher was made for people like you. My assumption is it'll get an update with L as well.
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u/chuckquizmo Oct 22 '14
Do you know if it's possible to root the Verizon M8? I'm dying to but heard its hard
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u/feature_not_bug Oct 23 '14
It's not hard at all. It's surprisingly easy for an HTC phone. Here is the guide I used.
Most HTC phones I have had have taken me the better part of a day to root and get functioning right, but this one took maybe 20 minutes from stock to running CM11.
I'd be glad to answer any specific questions, if you have any.
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u/chuckquizmo Oct 23 '14
Woah! Thanks a ton, I'll be trying this out later. I don't know why I kept hearing people say how much of a pain it is.
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u/Austanyo Oct 23 '14
I had recently tried to use weaksauce but the method that I had used was unsuccessful. My thought was that maybe Verizon had patched it with the 4.4.3 update. Is there any truth to this? Anyway, this guide appears to be more in-depth, so I'll give it a shot tomorrow.
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u/chuckquizmo Oct 23 '14
I am trying this out, and actually have one question right off the bat... In the guide it says "This guide will work on software version 1.55.605.2." I updated my software a few days ago, and am now on This guide will work on software version 1.55.605.2_R. Will this cause major issues?
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u/feature_not_bug Oct 23 '14
I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to this. I used this method back in like May, myself. I do have a buddy that I recommended that thread to last week, and he was able to successfully root his M8. I don't know what software version he was on though.
Did you wind up trying it out?
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u/xQcKx Oct 22 '14
Start here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general,
Figure out how to root,
Then look for roms such as Cyanogen to start with.
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Oct 22 '14
I've been through it with about 5 other phones. I recently rooted and installed 4 or 5 ROMs on my new m8 and after playing with them decided this is by far the best. Here's what i did. Scroll down. Follow the directions. Enjoy your freedom.
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u/Papaijaa Apr 07 '15
I'm thinking about rooting my S4+ (i9506) running with lollipop 5.0.1
If I've understood right, by rooting I'm able to get rid of all the malware but still able to use the current design and camera app etc.
http://androidxda.com/root-samsung-galaxy-s4-lte-gt-i9506
I was looking these instructions which seemed surprisingly simple but I'm having a different built id (LRX22C.I9506XXUDOC5) and I don't get the instructions given...
Can somebody help me?
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u/FionaSarah Oct 22 '14
I really, really want to root my S4. I am sick to the back teeth of Touchwiz. It's on contract though, so if I killed it I'll still be paying for it for some time. What can go wrong and how do I stop it from happening?
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u/_Rowdy Oct 22 '14
Try towelroot as mentioned above
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Oct 22 '14
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u/vicariouscheese Oct 23 '14
XDA forums. If you took the newest update towelroot doesn't work. You can Odin back to nc5 and stay there, or do a silly upgrade method that keeps root in the process.
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Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
Go ahead. Samsung phones are pretty damn hard to brick. 99% of the time its a softbrick which can be easily fixed. Root with Chainfire's CF-Auto-Root. If you want to flash custom ROMS you need to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. To do this after rooting install GooManager and follow these directions. Although I heard with the newer towelroot method you just install the APK and it roots automatically and doesn't trip knox. I wouldn't know since I got and rooted my GS4 the month it came out. Never take OTA updates just flash the rooted knox free stock firmware or one of the many custom Roms.
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Oct 22 '14
An s4 is really easy to root, I think you will be fine!
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u/bag_of_oatmeal Oct 23 '14
Verizon? Verizon is a pain, and even though rooting isn't bad, there is nothing I have found for custom roms if you aren't on a very specific software package.
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u/vicariouscheese Oct 23 '14
Hyperdrive is really good for a touchwiz ROM. I'm going to be testing out stock 4.4.4 Roms that people are saying they got to work through safestrap
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u/bag_of_oatmeal Oct 23 '14
I rooted using towel root a while ago. But I haven't been able to find anything for flashing a custom rom.
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u/vicariouscheese Oct 23 '14
It's very easy! Go to XDA forums and look up your phone with your carrier. For example I go to the Verizon galaxy s4 section. There you have rooting and flashing at your fingertips.
Also there no way to kill your s4, you might soft brick it which is annoying but completely fixable.
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u/Quiteblock Oct 22 '14
I know this doesnt really answer your question.. but maybe use a launcher from the play store like nova or somin..
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u/FionaSarah Oct 22 '14
I do use a separate launcher and stuff as much as possible but the overall sluggishness of the system really gets me down. Borrowing a years older HTC was a real eye opener.
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u/i_forgot_me_password Oct 22 '14
I recently had to reset my phone and the phone was so smooth after that. Maybe try to back up the things you really need to keep and reset it?
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Oct 22 '14
Why doesn't Android come with root functionality though? Why does one have to go through the process of unlocking the bootloader, then rooting it, then kernel, ROM, governor, this that, yada yada? Android is already quite an open OS compared to others, why does it need to be further rooted, why can't phones, or Android, be pre-rooted?
I'm extremely curious about it.
Also, does unlocking the bootloader but not rooting it mean I can install CyanogedMOD, Paranoid Android, etc on it? I've just never heard of anyone say they have an unrooted phone with these ROMs. What kind of functionality does unlocking the bootloader provide then?
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u/pocketbandit Oct 22 '14
Rooting allows you to:
Delete Carrier/Vendor bloatware from your device (permanently)
Install a firewall that blocks unwanted network traffic (works wonders on ads).
Modify the system in non standard ways (nightmare for support hotlines)
Actually be the owner of your device (nightmare for Hollywood. DRM can't work when the user is in total control).
Bypass artificial restrictions that exist to sell you premium services (e.g. tethering).
The reason why you don't have root by default is simply that a lot of parties don't want you to be in control of your device. Not being in control is what makes them money - your money.
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u/AppMeAnythingDev Oct 22 '14
Why doesn't Android come with root functionality though? Why does one have to go through the process of unlocking the bootloader, then rooting it, then kernel, ROM, governor, this that, yada yada? Android is already quite an open OS compared to others, why does it need to be further rooted, why can't phones, or Android, be pre-rooted?
Because most people are way to stupid to use their phone and always, alway click yes. Root means you can break anything, even make your phone unusable so 99% of the people that use smartphones should never be given the possibilty to gain root access.
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u/wbmrdp Oct 22 '14
There is already the hidden, obscure method for unlocking developer options (tapping a specific field in a specific window a number of times), and only savvy people will enable it. I don't see why something similar wouldn't work for establishing root.
Possibly to deter semi-enthusiasts who know just enough to ruin things... now that I think of it.
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u/AppMeAnythingDev Oct 22 '14
Because you can't make a useless brick out of your device using the dev options but you can if you root
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u/enderwig Oct 22 '14
Old tech saying: there is no one more dangerous than someone that thinks they know what they are doing.
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u/PaintDrinkingPete Oct 22 '14
Why doesn't Android come with root functionality though? Why does one have to go through the process of unlocking the bootloader, then rooting it, then kernel, ROM, governor, this that, yada yada? Android is already quite an open OS compared to others, why does it need to be further rooted, why can't phones, or Android, be pre-rooted?
It would be very bad practice, to be honest. Android already ships with adequate permissions for most users to do what the OS is intended for. Root access isn't just about having the ability to use the well known uses for it, but pretty much opens up the entire OS, allowing you to essentially change (and fuck up) just about anything you'd want.
On top of that, apps could utilize that access to do some seriously sinister stuff (because certainly not everyone reads every required permissions!). Luckily we have devs who write the SuperSU (et al) apps for those that are rooted, so that you can grant/deny root access whenever it is called upon, otherwise a LOT more rooted users would probably have bricked phones and/or malware would be rampant.
It's also very true that as Android has evolved, it has added features that at one time required root access. It's always about "locking you out".
On pretty much any Nexus device, gaining root is pretty easy, but the entire process of having to unlock the bootloader first helps to ensure that only folks who know what they are doing and accept the risks are doing so.
Also, does unlocking the bootloader but not rooting it mean I can install CyanogedMOD, Paranoid Android, etc on it? I've just never heard of anyone say they have an unrooted phone with these ROMs. What kind of functionality does unlocking the bootloader provide then?
First of all, yes, in order to install a custom ROM all you would technically need is unlocked bootloader, and in most cases a custom recovery. The reason never you hear about people running CM, PA, or other custom ROMs without root is because root is builtin to those ROMs. Root isn't "inherited" from your existing settings, but rather the ROM devs add that capability...so you'd have to literally remove root access after installing the ROM if that's what you wanted to do (and why would you want to do that?)
EDIT: typo correction
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Oct 22 '14
Thanks for the explanation. I deeply appreciate it.
I'm planning to get the Z3C in December. Heard about the DRM issues while rooting. Looks like I'll be sticking to stock.
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u/RyanSammy Oct 22 '14
Why does one have to go through the process of unlocking the bootloader, then rooting it, then kernel, ROM, governor, this that, yada yada?
Both my phone and tablet are rooted and it only took about 10 minutes for each so it really doesn't have to be that complicated.
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Oct 22 '14
You can run custom ROMs without root, but I dunno why you would...
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Oct 22 '14
Paranoid Android has this Tinted Status bar thing, which I find to be fascinating. Would that work without root?
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u/soshi_reborn Oct 22 '14
As usual went to my device's forum section on XDA and quickly found the needed information on unlocking and rooting the device. Kept the stock rom but now it's debloated, snappier with longer battery life due to custom kernel. My top 3 apps require root - Xposed, Viper4android and CF.lumen.
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Oct 22 '14
what kernel do you use? I tried phantom kernel but it uses up my battery, currently on faux
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u/ladfrombrad Oct 22 '14
Not so much rooting (but it's a means to an end) but for all the HTC users around here curious what S-On/Off means this users comment from the other day is pretty much spot on
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u/Zentaurion Oct 22 '14
My banking app says it won't work on rooted phones. Is there any way round this?
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u/Wiltron Oct 22 '14
It should just be a notice, and allow you to continue. Mine did that as well, but still worked fine..
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Oct 22 '14
My carrier has a WiFi calling app. I'm running art so can't use exposed.
How else can I get around root?
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u/m1ndwipe Oct 22 '14
Probably not, no. Rootcloak works in a small number of cases.
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Oct 23 '14
RootCloak works for both my banking app and to allow me to use the ISIS/Softcard tap to pay.
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u/iwasinthepool Oct 22 '14
Get a new bank. My Ally app works on my rooted devices, and I probably get better interest than you anyway.
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Oct 22 '14
Noob question: I have an Galaxy S2 that's on it's last leg. I was waiting for the Nexus 6 but that price tag can get bent. Now waiting for the 5 (currently out of stock).
Would rooting and putting a custom ROM on this dinosaur breathe new live into her?
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u/esseinvictus Oct 22 '14
Do it. I have a Galaxy S2 rooted for the Xposed framework and running on CM10.1. (Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2) I have no plans of changing my phone anytime soon as it's still running great and I plan to upgrade to CM11 (KitKat) M12 snapshot as soon as it's released. My philosophy is that I will continue to use my current phone as long as there is a reliable daily driver out there, even if it means I have to root it to get it working.
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u/Jbluna Oct 23 '14 edited Oct 23 '14
My single core 1/2 a gig of ram Epic 4g went through update hell and back since Froyo and it runs KitKat through cm11 relativity well considering it's age. You should be just fine.
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u/MagicPistol Oct 23 '14
Cuz Touchwiz for my Galaxy S4 is a bloated POS that really slows down the phone.
I've always rooted my phones and love vanilla android, but sometimes the roms were unstable. My last phone was an unlocked Optimus G(like a Nexus 4) and I managed to install Cyanogenmod 11. It was a decent phone, but the camera sucked and I could never get LTE to work on tmobile, even though it had all the supported bands.
So I bought a cheap, used S4 a few months ago. I thought I would never have to bother with rooting again, since this was a T-mobile phone with full LTE, a nice camera, and powerful specs with lots of nice features.
But holy shit, Touchwiz sucks. The phone was laggy even though it has a quad core processor and 2 gigs of ram. I disabled all the samsung apps I could, but still kept getting notifications for knox security. I tried to show something on google maps to a friend once, and panning around the map was embarrassingly choppy. Switching between apps was sloooow.
So I rooted it just a few days ago and installed a Google Play edition rom. The phone feels 5 times faster and smoother. I can seamlessly switch between apps like play music, hangouts, and reddit sync, without any of the stutter and delay that I noticed in touchwiz.
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u/vicariouscheese Oct 23 '14
Trying to get nontouchwiz Roms to work on my Verizon s4... Hopefully I can get one stable enough to be a daily driver
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u/speel Oct 22 '14
Penetration testing.
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Oct 23 '14
What do you use?
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u/speel Oct 24 '14
https://www.zimperium.com/zanti-mobile-penetration-testing
Dsploit and ssl strip and other various tools.
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u/zombiesnare Oct 22 '14
I wanna throw a tip out there for everyone before they root anything: Know how to unroot. Understand the process and what you need to download or backup. Rooting is pretty reliable nowadays, but things can still go very wrong, so knowing haw to fix it makes your life faaaaar easier
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u/LoASWE Oct 22 '14
I don't have my phone rooted, and don't plan on rooting it either. I just don't feel like I need it, and I already love vanilla android or however you call it.
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u/_Rowdy Oct 22 '14
For nexus devices, yeah no worries, but most manufacturers and carriers add their own apps to the base system causing lag, poor battery life and generally poor usage
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u/DaMountainDwarf Oct 22 '14
Even on the Nexus 5 with Tmobile I had to root in order to tether for free. Tmobile added this device tag thing to outgoing web requests so it would always redirect you to their tethering purchase site!
Had to root to disable this particular parameter from a database file.
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u/_Rowdy Oct 22 '14
Some reasons for rooting:
Use custom kernels, bootloaders and roms
Access to base filesystem
Remove bloat apps from the manufacturer and carrier
Ability to use root apps like titanium backup, app ops X, Adblock etc
pair ps3 controllers for a better gaming experience
Give additional functionality or take it away
More as I think of them.
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u/ianandomylous Oct 22 '14
Use custom kernels, bootloaders and roms
Just want to add that this has nothing to do with root. Root does not mean your bootloader is unlocked.
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u/PianoCube93 Oct 22 '14
I've seen people say that you should get titanium backup before rooting. And you should root in order to be able to to use titanium backup.
...wat?
What's the best way to do a backup before rooting? I'm confused.
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u/PervyPanda Oct 23 '14
Helium Backup.
Usually one needs to unlock the bootloader for rooting, so all the data gets wiped ( pictures, music etc). You can backup your apps using Helium Backup, it doesn't need root. And then do the whole rooting procedure
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u/pur3str232 Oct 22 '14
I have a question, I had a note 2 and had adfree on it and it worked fine, now on my s5 ads appear on Chrome while using adfree or adblock plus, how could I fix this?
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u/runout Oct 22 '14
You might have "Reduce Data usage" on. Its in Settings under bandwidth management.
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u/Cubbance Oct 23 '14
I feel like a retard for even asking, but what are kernels, bootloaders, and roms? I see a lot of information in this thread, but I don't know what the majority of it means. I'm not stupid, really, but I haven't had a lot of experience with these things. And every time I ask people, they just snidely say that I shouldn't be rooting my device.
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u/AardvarkBarber Oct 22 '14
I rooted my S4 because I wanted to install the GPE rom on my phone instead of touchwiz.
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u/fledermausman Oct 22 '14
Absolute newby here. I just ordered a Moto X, coming from Windows phone Nokia Lumia 920 and before that an iPhone 4. Can anyone direct me on a good guide or an overview on what to expect and what precautions to take about Android?
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u/Manadare Oct 22 '14
When you install apps, Google lets you know what permissions this app asks. Look at these permisssions before installing and ask yourself if you want to permit these. For instance a flashlight app doesn't need access to your contact, so beware and don't install it. Look for another one.
Don't pirate apps for you may be installing a malware in the process, stay on the playstore if you don't feel safe. There are alternatives like F-droid that are safe but it may be a bit complicated to explain how to deal with it here.
Lastly try yo keep your phone updated and everything should be fine.
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Oct 23 '14
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u/edgebigfan Oct 23 '14
I'm not some android power user, but i can answer your questions.
There is a big difference between custom roms and rooting. Rooting gains you privileges like removing bloatware, installing custom roms and a lot of other stuff.
Yes if you have root, you can remove any app on your phone. I don't know about the benefits of a new/better kernel.
You can tell if a rom is trustwothy just by reading te comments on the xda thread for that rom. The developer of the ROM usually writes in the description of the ROM what it includes and its bugs.
It isn't dangerous if you use you phone with your head(e.g. you don't install any app that says it "BOOSTS YOUR PHONE 11000%!!11")
I don't think so.
Hope i helped.
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Oct 22 '14
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u/_Rowdy Oct 22 '14
To give context, towelroot is a one step method of rooting Samsung phones (including S5). I may have it wrong, it may work on more manufacturers too. Basically, download towelroot by visiting towelroot.com and clicking the lambda, install it and follow the very easy instructions.
As far as we have seen so far, towelroot cannot do any damage, whether it works or not
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u/Zonten77 Oct 22 '14 edited Oct 22 '14
For me its mainly due to two apps.
greenify- lets me hibernate apps ( not just closing!) permanently . So that i don't have to worry about certain apps always running in the background draining battery.
Xprivacy- lets me deny apps access to my contacts, location, messages, call log etc. it never broke my apps.