Root [AT&T] How to root without flashing (without erasing everything)

[tim_246]

I have an HTC One X running android version 4.1.1. Basically I just want to install apps that require a rooted device. Can I do this without flashing? I've looked at other forums about rooting without flashing but nothing is really up to date or very clear. I hear the term "unlock the boot loader" is this what "rooting" refers to? So if I watch one of the many YouTube instructional videos on rooting can I just stop after I unlock the boot loader? Or would I need to go through a different process to root without flashing? Or does unlocking the boot loader have nothing to do with the term root (honestly I really don't know what rooting does to the phone so if anyone wants to give a basic definition would be great but it's not why I'm here)? One last thing, can I still update my OS after rooted?

All-in-all I want to install apps that require a rooted device but I do not want to reset my phone. Thanks all you wonderful people!

 

[El Presidente]

Hi Tim, welcome to AF.

Which version of the One X do you have? The Tegra 3 or the Snapdragon 4?

In very basic terms, root is the equivalent of Admin access on your PC. It's a little complicated to obtain if you're new to the concept, but I'm very pro root so I think it's worth it. I'll give you a few links that go into a little bit more depth once I get to a PC. A friend of mine and fellow mod describes rooting as hours of confusion, but years of rewards.

To root the One X, you need to unlock the bootloader so you can install a custom recovery image, (recovery is a sort of mini OS which allows you to load stuff like alternative ROM's, themes etc) and use that to install the files required for root. The bootloader unlock is what wipes the device, but you can use an app like Carbon backup to back stuff up before hand.

And no, you can't update your system once rooted. At the very least you'll break root, at worst, you'll render the device unusable. You can install alternative ROM's though.

 

[tim_246]

Hey, sorry about that I have the Snapdragon 4 (At&T version). I was unaware I could backup and restore after a root. However does this only backup individual apps/etc? If I was to do a backup then restore after rooting can I get all apps, contacts, texts, settings, etc back in a few clicks? What type of backup are u refering to? Thanks!

 

[El Presidente]

There are apps that will back up texts, some settings can be backed up to your Gmail account, as can your contacts.

I've never used Carbon, I know it does apps, not sure about what else, sorry. .

What apps are you looking at running once rooted btw?

 

[geewhiz]

I use Titanium Backup Pro for backing up all my apps along with their data.

And I've been using MyBackup Root for forever to backup Data like call log, bookmarks, sms, mms, alarms, dictionary, and calendar. You can use it to backup your contacts, but I let google handle that.

Just a heads up, be mindful when it comes to backing up system settings as it could cause conflicts between different roms.