Unlock & SU questions - N4

[mcman77]

Hey all,

Got some beginner questions with android and the nexus 4. Would appreciate any input.

So basically I'd like to unlock the phone (I know this will wipe it clean) and get SU access to try amend/tinker with some files and play around with the OS. I'd start small like amending a xml file to change the nav bar size for example and up the camera bitrate.

Then hopefully move onto something a little more advance like adding custom icons in the second notification screen.

*But I will be keeping stock kernal and rom

My questions:

1. Once unlocked and installed SU app will I be able to install android 4.2.1 OTA?

2. Will that relock my phone - again unlocking wiping the data?

3. Will that overwright any changes made to system files?

4. If I relock the bootloader after I made changes can I then keep SU access?

Not really looking to root custom roms as I don't have the time ATM and will keep the stock experience for a few months till I get use to it.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

Hey all,

Got some beginner questions with android and the nexus 4. Would appreciate any input.

So basically I'd like to unlock the phone (I know this will wipe it clean) and get SU access to try amend/tinker with some files and play around with the OS. I'd start small like amending a xml file to change the nav bar size for example and up the camera bitrate.

Then hopefully move onto something a little more advance like adding custom icons in the second notification screen.

*But I will be keeping stock kernal and rom

My questions:

1. Once unlocked and installed SU app will I be able to install android 4.2.1 OTA?

2. Will that relock my phone - again unlocking wiping the data?

3. Will that overwright any changes made to system files?

4. If I relock the bootloader after I made changes can I then keep SU access?

Not really looking to root custom roms as I don't have the time ATM and will keep the stock experience for a few months till I get use to it.

answer your questions.

1. yes you can. worse case is root might be loss but since the boot loader is unlock non issue and csan be regained no proublem.
2. no you will not but to unlock it again requires erasing it. see above about root.
3. no but if you unlock again...
4. yes it will keep su but a future update might make you lose root and you have no way to get it back with out unlocking your boot loader.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

1. yes you can. worse case is root might be loss but since the boot loader is unlock non issue and csan be regained no proublem.

This is not the case. The OP has mentioned that he will be changing system files and the update will detect changes have been made and will fail to install, unless he reverts the changes made to the system files.

 

[mcman77]

answer your questions.

1. yes you can. worse case is root might be loss but since the boot loader is unlock non issue and csan be regained no proublem.
2. no you will not but to unlock it again requires erasing it. see above about root.
3. no but if you unlock again...
4. yes it will keep su but a future update might make you lose root and you have no way to get it back with out unlocking your boot loader.

Alright thanks for your input, I guess I'll have to keep the device unlocked.

The only problem with keeping the bootloader unlocked is when someone steals your phone they'll have the potential of stealing the data too correct?

This is not the case. The OP has mentioned that he will be changing system files and the update will detect changes have been made and will fail to install, unless he reverts the changes made to the system files.

Yes I will (hopefully) do. Are there any work arounds with this? I see loads of people talking about clockworks mod recovery etc. etc. but still haven't got the just of it.

So if the new installation file doesn't match the old files ( modified files ) it will fail to install?

Also if I was to use apps that require root access, then install update would they then be deleted or just disabled?

 

[Rodimus Prime]

Alright thanks for your input, I guess I'll have to keep the device unlocked.

The only problem with keeping the bootloader unlocked is when someone steals your phone they'll have the potential of stealing the data too correct?

Lock or unlock bootloader is really not going to make it any easier to get access to your data. Honestly if understand the folder structure of android it is pretty easy to rip out anything saved to the device.
Now there are programs that do require root access that can wipe your device of data remotely.
The biggest issue you will have with an unlocked bootloader is your warranty is voided.

On my Galaxy nexus I have an unlock bootloader and clock work recovery installed on it and have for a while. Now my rom is stock, minus SU installed system level, and I got the OTA from 4.1 to 4.2 and the 4.2.1 updates.