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 BASICS – Rooting, Custom Recovery, Bootloader, Kernel,

21 etc…
Mar 11, 2018

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/)

Lollipop Mar 11, 2018

(members/sridhar-
ananthanarayanan.1071663/)
For detailed understanding, use a search engine. I will cover the basics only here. Will be happy
to answer questions and clarify doubts.
Home (/) General 
Android Partitions

Boot Partition – the partition that stores the device kernel, ramdisk, rmware (modem), EFS
(this contains your device IMEI, WiFi Mac address, Bluetooth Mac address, Network
information, etc.).

Recovery – the partition that allows you to ash custom ROMs, kernels, etc.

System – the partition where the OS (ROM) and system apps are installed.

Data – the partition where all user apps are installed and their data stored.

Cache – the partition that holds temporary app data.

Internal Storage – the partition that saves user les like documents, pictures, videos, music,
downloads, etc.

The free space that you see in any device just out of the box is your internal storage. The
difference (stated capacity minus free space) is occupied by the other partitions listed above.

What is a kernel?

A kernel is an intermediary that tells the device/ OS what to do for a speci c user action.

For example:

if you press the volume up key, the kernel tells the OS to increase the volume.

If you press the power button, the kernel decides what to do for each key combination:

boot to system if you press the power button only

boot to recovery if you press and hold power + volume down button

boot to Download mode if you press power + volume up button

Similarly, every touch-based action that we do on the screen gets an appropriate response
from the OS/ device because the kernel tells the OS/ device what to do.
In simple terms, you are directly interacting with the kernel, and the kernel in turn conveys user
action toHome
the OS/
(/) device. The kernel
General controls the hardware. The user as well as all applications
communicate directly with the Kernel, which in turn passes on the instructions to the OS/
hardware.

You –> Kernel –> System or Recovery or Download mode

What is bootloader?

The boot partition where the Kernel, Modem, etc. resides.

Why is bootloader locked?

Bootloader is locked to protect your data. If someone tries to bypass inbuilt security and tries
installing something before booting to the system, the very 1st step is to unlock the bootloader.
And when bootloader is unlocked, all data is wiped, and this secures your data from being
accessedHome
by someone
(/) without authorization.
General 

Unlocking the bootloader opens the door to other partitions like recovery, which in turn is
what we need to ash ROMs, Frameworks, Mods, etc.

Once you unlock the bootloader, keep it unlocked. It is easier to x problems on a device with
an unlocked bootloader. Lock the bootloader ONLY if you want to go back to 100% stock
(stock ROM, stock Kernel, stock Recovery, stock EVERYTHING!), and locking should be the
very last step to return to stock.

Except for warranty claim, or reselling the device, there are hardly any bene ts of re-locking
the bootloader.

Why install a custom recovery?

1. To take a Nandroid backup. In other words, a complete system image.

2. To install non-stock software like Custom ROMs, X-posed Framework, etc. With custom
ROMs, you can have access to latest Android versions not supported by phone manufacturer

3. To root your device (unlocking the bootloader or installing a custom recovery or a custom
ROM does NOT root your device. It only prepares your system to be rooted)

Best Custom Recovery (as of 2018) –TWRP, found here (https://twrp.me).

The very rst thing to do after installing a custom recovery is to take a Nandroid Backup
(explained in the end) and keep it safe. This will be extremely handy later if something goes
wrong.

What is root?

Rooting is gaining administrative access to your device. This involves breaking the security
“wall” that is built into the OS for your own security.

Steps to root:

1. Unlock the bootloader

2. Install a custom recovery (to install custom ROMs, mods, etc.)
3. Root (your device is NOT rooted at steps 1 or 2)
Advantages
Homeand
(/) Disadvantages
General ofRooting

ADVANTAGES

1. AdAway - block ads by modifying hosts le and not routing traf c via a VPN
2. Firewall - control app access to internet without creating a VPN connection
3. Use dedicated VPN service while keeping ads away and rewall working
4. Titanium Backup
• backup & restore apps and data completely
• freeze apps from running in the background
• disable system apps & bloatware
• prevent an app from being updated (example, YouTube AdAway)

5. Viper - amazing sound (be careful, can damage hardware)

6. Schedule automatic restart of device
7. YouTube AdAway - block YouTube ads
8. Greenify can hibernate apps automatically.
9. Others root apps/ mods.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Potential Security vulnerabilities

2. Some apps (like banking apps) may not work
3. Loss of manufacturer warranty
4. Potential to "brick" the device

What is a Nandroid Backup?

It is a complete backup of various partitions in your device. It is a good idea to check (select) the
following partitions in a Nandroid backup:

System

Data

EFS – most important

Boot – most important

Recovery

Home (/) General 

Not required or safe to exclude from a Nandroid backup:

System Image (often the largest partition)

Cache

Always a good practice to take a Nandroid Backup before ashing anything.

A Nandroid backup does NOT backup user les like documents, pictures, videos, music,
downloads, etc. You must back them up separately.

What is Bricking?

Do remember that Kernels, ROMs, Custom Recoveries, etc. are all device speci c. They are
speci c down to the component level. For example, devices like Samsung agships that ship
with Qualcomm processor in the USA and Exynos processor in other markets will require
different custom ROMs, Recoveries, etc. Using the right les for ashing is extremely
important to avoid bricking your device.

What is Bricking?

Bricking is when your device fails to boot (and is as good as a brick). There are 3 types of
bricking:

Soft brick - device starts but is stuck at boot animation. This is caused by ashing an
incompatible le. Easy to x.

Hard brick - device doesn't respond at all. It can be xed using "unbrick" tools and methods.

Permanent brick - congratulations, your device is now a brick. You can't x it.
Last edited: Sep 20, 2018

#1 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/)

Dhiren Velari (members/dhiren-velari.961189/), Blue-agila (members/blue-agila.653167/), Zen_monkey

(members/zen_monkey.896690/) and 18 others (posts/17958507/likes) like this.

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/)

Lollipop Mar 11, 2018
(members/sridhar-

th 1071663/)
 ananthanarayanan.1071663/)
Modifying your device is a risky affair. Do them at your own risk. I'm not responsible for what
you do with your device.
Home (/) General 

Last edited: Mar 11, 2018

#2 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17958650)

GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/) likes this.

Loveit (members/loveit.735372/)
KitKat Mar 11, 2018

(members/loveit.735372/)
Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said: ↑ (goto/post?id=17958650#post-17958650)

Modifying your device is a risky affair. Do them at your own risk. I'm not responsible for what you do with your device.

Hold on, I hold you responsible for what I do to my device .

I'm about to install some nasty malware on my phone and will sue you .

#3 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961594)

Rusty NZ (members/rusty-nz.639474/), GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/), Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-

ananthanarayanan.1071663/) and 1 other person (posts/17961594/likes) like this.

Lancelot_69 (members/lancelot_69.351926/)
Lollipop Mar 11, 2018

(members/lancelot_69.351926/)
Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said: ↑ (goto/post?id=17958650#post-17958650)

Modifying your device is a risky affair. Do them at your own risk. I'm not responsible for what you do with your device.

Sorry to inform you but between 8:52 when you rst posted and 9:11 when you posted your
warning I have damaged my phone with your instructions! My lawyer will contact you shortly!!

Good guide though.

#4 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961619)

idkwhoiam322 (members/idkwhoiam322.1236906/), Rusty NZ (members/rusty-nz.639474/), GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/)

and 4 others (posts/17961619/likes) like this.
 Ash645 (members/ash645.1291013/)
Home (/)KitKat General
Mar 12, 2018 

(members/ash645.1291013/)
Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said: ↑ (goto/post?id=17958650#post-17958650)

Modifying your device is a risky affair. Do them at your own risk. I'm not responsible for what you do with your device.

uh oh...too late for that!

on a serious note, this should be your rst ever line of the post! XD

good one though!

#5 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961858)

GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/), Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/), Nick 59

(members/nick-59.1322074/) and 1 other person (posts/17961858/likes) like this.

Nick 59 (members/nick-59.1322074/)
Marshmallow Mar 12, 2018

(members/nick-
Great post, thank you!
59.1322074/)
I've added this to bookmarks and will be directing people here when necessary. An excellent
summary and easily digestable too. Good job.

#6 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961881)

Saketh Chandra.B (members/saketh-chandra-b.1766635/), GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/), Sridhar Ananthanarayanan

(members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/) and 1 other person (posts/17961881/likes) like this.

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/)

Lollipop Mar 12, 2018
(members/sridhar-

ananthanarayanan.1071663/)
 Ash645 said: ↑ (goto/post?id=17961858#post-17961858)

uh oh...too late for that!

Home (/) General 
on a serious note, this should be your rst ever line of the post! XD

good one though!

the post only explains the terminology and concepts.

doesn't ask anyone to do anything (apart from learning though). thinking about it, the
disclaimer isn't actually required.

#7 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961936)

GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/) and Ash645 (members/ash645.1291013/) like this.

BobbyV8_ (members/bobbyv8_.1018380/)
The Showcase Reviewer Mar 12, 2018

(members/bobbyv8_.1018380/)
Good one Sridhar (https://forums.oneplus.com/members/1071663/). You have just laid the
base to apocalypse if this thread really trends.

#8 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961942)

GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/) and Hydra Bob (members/hydra-bob.1299097/) like this.

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/)

Lollipop Mar 12, 2018
(members/sridhar-

ananthanarayanan.1071663/)
BobbyVK said: ↑ (goto/post?id=17961942#post-17961942)

Good one Sridhar (https://forums.oneplus.com/members/1071663/). You have just laid the base to apocalypse if this
thread really trends.

#9 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961945)

Ash645 (members/ash645.1291013/)
 KitKat Mar 12, 2018

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said: ↑ (goto/post?id=17961936#post-17961936)

Home (/) General 
(members/ash645.1291013/)
the post only explains the terminology and concepts.

doesn't ask anyone to do anything (apart from learning though). thinking about it, the disclaimer isn't
actually required.

hehe, which makes your rst comment obsolete..

but yes, you just made searching easier with this post.

#10 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17961959)

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/) and GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/) like this.

GopalB. (members/gopalb.1220797/)
Nougat Mar 12, 2018

(members/gopalb.1220797/)
Great work man!!!
I'm impressed...
Truly impressed...

#11 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17962014)

Ash645 (members/ash645.1291013/), Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/) and Nick 59

(members/nick-59.1322074/) like this.

Tobikage (members/tobikage.398511/)
Mar 12, 2018
 Nougat
Add another line to OP since we have had more stupid people appear on
the
Home (/)forum.
General 
(members/tobikage.398511/)
*Kernels , ROMs and Recoveries are device speci c and cannot be ashed on devices other
than ones they are meant for.

#12 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17962070)

idkwhoiam322 (members/idkwhoiam322.1236906/), Rusty NZ (members/rusty-nz.639474/), Nick 59 (members/nick-59.1322074/)

and 3 others (posts/17962070/likes) like this.

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/)

Lollipop Mar 12, 2018
(members/sridhar-

ananthanarayanan.1071663/)
Tobikage said: ↑ (goto/post?id=17962070#post-17962070)

Add another line to OP since we have had more stupid people appear on the forum.

*Kernels , ROMs and Recoveries are device speci c and cannot be ashed on devices other than ones they are meant for.

done. thanks.

#13 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17962169)

Tobikage (members/tobikage.398511/) likes this.

idkwhoiam322 (members/idkwhoiam322.1236906/)
Nougat Mar 12, 2018

(members/idkwhoiam322.1236906/)
Very informative post dude, it's going on my list

#14 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-17962231)

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/) and BeingIncog (members/beingincog.364879/) like this.

Dhiren Velari (members/dhiren-velari.961189/)

Gingerbread Sep 20, 2018

(members/dhiren-
l i 961189/)
 velari.961189/)
@Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (https://forums.oneplus.com/members/1071663/) Thanks for
pulling this together. This is written in a language that is easy to understand. Good job
Home (/) General 

#15 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-19159546)

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/) likes this.

syntek99 (members/syntek99.975591/)
Froyo Oct 15, 2018

(members/syntek99.975591/)
I was wondering what the pros and cons of rooting were... I could have asked on an unrelated
thread like so many others do, but I took 10 seconds to search, and found this... I appreciate the
detailed procedure and your time to post it... I've read that the OP3T can't receive the pie OS if
the phone is rooted... If true, I plan on getting the OP6T and will use this guide to root that...
Thanks again for this post... Peace

#16 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-19310046)

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/) likes this.

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan (members/sridhar-ananthanarayanan.1071663/)

Lollipop Oct 16, 2018
(members/sridhar-

ananthanarayanan.1071663/)
syntek99 said: ↑ (goto/post?id=19310046#post-19310046)

I was wondering what the pros and cons of rooting were... I could have asked on an unrelated thread like so many others
do, but I took 10 seconds to search, and found this... I appreciate the detailed procedure and your time to post it... I've
read that the OP3T can't receive the pie OS if the phone is rooted... If true, I plan on getting the OP6T and will use this
guide to root that... Thanks again for this post... Peace

the OP3T will receive Android P and you will be able to root it. no need to buy 6T just for that.

#17 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-19310290)

Saketh Chandra.B (members/saketh-chandra-b.1766635/)

Cupcake Jun 18, 2019

(members/saketh-
chandra-
b 1766635/)
 b.1766635/)
Thank you!,
For clearing a basic doubt about Rooting, Custom Recovery, Bootloader, Kernel, etc…
Great post.
Home (/) General 

#18 (threads/basics-rooting-custom-recovery-bootloader-kernel-etc.802355/#post-20443894)

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