Galaxy Nexus tool for root, custom recovery, bootloader unlock, etc.

If you’re holding a Galaxy Nexus in your hand and still wondering what it feels like to take full control of the device by performing certain modifications, then you’re on the right page. With the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit by XDA Developers recognized member mskip, you no longer need to exert too much effort, as the toolkit simplifies the hacking process of your phone. The toolkit automatically unlocks the bootloader, installs ClockworkMod Recovery, and performs many other dev functions with just one click.

There are lots of things the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit can do. For instance, you can download Google stock images directly via the toolkit, push files from your PC to your phone, or backup/ restore a single package or all apps, user data, and internal storage. These, together with more benefits of the toolkit, when successfully installed shall give you benefits you never had when you first started.

In this guide, learn how to set up and use the Galaxy Nexus tool for root, custom recovery, bootloader unlock, etc.

Warning

• The instructions can be used both for GSM and LTE variants of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information on this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info of this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.
• Be reminded that rooting your phone may void your warranty.

Requirements

• LTE or GSM variant of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• A Windows PC
• Close/Disable system tools such as antivirus software, firewall programs, and  Samsung Kies to prevent interruptions during the process. According to the tool’s developer, some executable files in the toolkit are not digitally signed and may trigger antivirus or security software to detect them as potentially harmful. They’re not, of course.
• Download the GNex Toolkit 7.8 (Galaxy Nexus ToolKit v7.8.0.exe, md5sum: f44f80747467aa63bf5d13ad320c7d62) to your computer.
• Download and install USB drivers to your computer. You can install the USB drivers via the toolkit or install if manually from the following links:
  • Download the USB drivers for 32-bit Windows 7/Vista/XP or 64-bit Windows 7/Vistaand follow the on-screen instructions.
  • For the Verizon variant, install the Verizon USB drivers(Verizon_Wireless_I515_Galaxy_Nexus_USB_Driver_v1.4.6.0.exe, 23.15 MB) to your computer.
  • For the Sprint variant, install the Sprint USB drivers(Sprint_L700_Galaxy_Nexus_USB_Driver_v1.4.6.0.exe, 23.15 MB) to your computer.
• Check your phone’s battery and make sure that it’s 75% charged before you perform the process to avoid disruptions.
• Enable USB Debugging by going to Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging.
• Backup all personal data on  your phone to make sure you have a copy of your data. (eg., contacts, SMS, MMS, WI-Fi passwords and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases some data.

Instructions

Making the ADB/Fastboot driver work

1. After the drivers have been installed, disconnect the USB cable and shut down your phone.
2. Place your phone in Fastboot Mode by simultaneously holding down the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons with the Power button.
3. Go to the Control Panel of your PC and open Device Manager. This will allow you to see whether or not your Fastboot driver has been installed, or so you can manually install it.
4. Connect your phone to the computer via USB cable. A new item called  Android 1.0 will appear on the list, and the driver should install automatically. Once installed, a new section in the Device Manager called “Android Phone” will appear.
5. If the driver doesn’t install automatically, double-click on the Android 1.0 item in Device Manager.  Click on the driver tab and select Update Driver. Select Browse My Computerfollowed by Let Me Pick From a List. If no items appear, untick “Show compatible hardware,” and find and select the Android ADB driver or Samsung ADB Driver.

Using Galaxy Nexus ToolKit 7.0

1. Download the Galaxy Nexus ToolKit package and install it on your PC. If you already have the driver files, and are just updating the toolkit, you may now untick the drivers.
2. Once the toolkit is installed, place your phone in Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to the computer via USB cable and launch the toolkit.
4. The toolkit will prompt you to select which phone model and build you have (GSM or LTE). Provide the right information to set up the main menu.
5. Your main menu shall then display “Fastboot Mode” and “ADB Mode”. If you installed the drivers correctly, you will see your phone’s serial number under the mode you are in.
6. Type in the number of your desired option and press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Congratulations! The Galaxy Nexus ToolKit is now ready for you to use. You’re finally well-equipped with all the tools for your hacking needs.

SOURCESXDA DEVELOPERS FORUM

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Tweak your Android phone

Improve overall performance, prolong battery life

FOR ROOTED PHONES ONLY!

Contents:

1. build.prop
2. sysctl.conf
3. init.d
4. V6 supercharge
5. APK optimisation
6. odexing
7. stock camera high quality video rec&100% jpeg quality
8. misc.
9. FUGU tweaks
10. tweaks package


!WARNING!

BEFORE you start modifying/tweaking any system files, make a BACKUP!

In that case you're save and you have the option to restore the system if you mess something up!

1. build.prop

For editing build.prop you'll need a file explorer like Root Explorer which is a paid app, or you can use any root enabled file explorer.
Solid Explorer is a really good one!
build.prop is located in /system.

You can also use Android Commander to pull the file to your PC, edit it, then push it back to the phone.


Here's a collection of build.prop tweaks which should improve performance:

NOTE: I've commented values (#) which I'm not really sure about what they do exactly. Or I find they are optional.
Test them yourself if you want. remove # in front of line, if you want to enable it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# MEDIA TWEAKS-----------------

media.stagefright.enable-player=true
media.stagefright.enable-meta=true
media.stagefright.enable-scan=true
media.stagefright.enable-http=true
media.stagefright.enable-rtsp=true
media.stagefright.enable-record=true

# photo/video quality
ro.media.enc.jpeg.quality=100
ro.media.enc.hprof.vid.bps=8000000 #control video bitrate (stock cam app only)


# MISCELLANEOUS TWEAKS-----------------

wifi.supplicant_scan_interval=180
#If you don’t keep Wi-Fi active, lowering the value below the default of 90 seems to make Wi-Fi connect faster after being turned on. But it will consume more power if turning Wi-Fi off has been forgotten when not in range of a known network.

windowsmgr.max_events_per_sec=90 #This number equates to the refresh rate * 1.5 Android maxes at 60fps. Max value is already set to 90.

# faster Scrolling
ro.max.fling_velocity=12000 
ro.min.fling_velocity=8000

# improve voice call clarity
ro.ril.enable.amr.wideband=1

# disable error checking
ro.kernel.android.checkjni=0
ro.kernel.checkjni=0

# disable logcat
logcat.live=disable

# faster youtube?
ro.ril.hep=0

# Faster boot
persist.sys.shutdown.mode=hibernate

# disable animation for faster startup
#debug.sf.nobootanimation=1

# does not need to be on if not a dev
persist.android.strictmode=0

# disable USB debugging icon from status bar
persist.adb.notify=0



#HARDWARE RELATED TWEAKS-----------------

# Render graphics with GPU&CPU
#debug.composition.type=CPU
#debug.composition.type=GPU

# Qualcomm display settings 
debug.qctwa.statusbar=1
debug.qctwa.preservebuf=1
com.qc.hardware=true


# BATTERY SAVING-----------------
ro.ril.disable.power.collapse=1
ro.mot.eri.losalert.delay=1000 #smooths out network disconnects. breakes tethering in CM7.
ro.config.nocheckin=1 #disable sending usage data to google

# sleep modes
pm.sleep_mode=2
#usage:
#pm.sleep_mode=0 -> collapse suspend
#pm.sleep_mode=1 -> collapse (will totally power off the cpu)
#pm.sleep_mode=2 -> sleep (cpu is still on, but put into low power mode (registers are still saved)
#pm.sleep_mode=3 -> slow Clock and Wait for Interrupt (lowered frequency and voltage)
#pm.sleep_mode=4 -> wait for interrupt (no change in cpu clock or voltage)


# DALVIK TWEAKS
dalvik.vm.execution-mode=int:jit #Dalvik just-in-time compiler
dalvik.vm.verify-bytecode = false
dalvik.vm.dexopt-flags=v=n,o=a,u=y #first remove the existing dalvik.vm.dexopt-flags line before putting this one!



# DEACTIVATED LINES-----------------

# should improve responsiveness through Hardware Rendering (maybe consumes more battery when on?)
#debug.sf.hw=1
#persist.sys.ui.hw=1
#debug.egl.profiler=1
#debug.egl.hw=1

# minimize the time Android waits until it rings on a call (not really necessary if you're not experiencing problems)
#ro.telephony.call_ring.delay=0

# proximity sensor delay (not really necessary if you don't experience black screen issue after cal)
#mot.proximity.delay=25
#ro.lge.proximity.delay=25

# disable error reporting. may possibly breake some apps.
#profiler.force_disable_err_rpt=1
#profiler.force_disable_ulog=1

# locks launcher in memory (not recommended on low RAM devices)
#ro.HOME_APP_ADJ=1
---------------------------------------END---------------------------------------------


build.prop tweaks listings with explanation:
Improving performance of your Android device through optimizing Build.Prop settings | Niranjan Thilak
Examining build.prop tweaks for Android ICS: A comprehensive guide (Part 1) | Jeff Mixon


2. sysctl.conf

sysctl.conf improve battery:
[MOD] Improve your battery life - xda-developers

sysctl.conf Data speed increase (wifi/3g/4g)
Data speed increase (wifi/3g/4g) - xda-developers


3. init.d

Enable init.d for STOCK ROM:
[Script] init.d for STOCK ROM - xda-developers

Some init.d tweaks/scripts:
Loopy Smoothness Tweak: [Script]Loopy Smoothness Tweak[TUT] - xda-developers

Smurfed Out script: [SCRIPT/TWEAKS] [Team D.I.R.T.] Smurfed Out V 6.6 (ultimate build.prop/init.d) 4-21 - xda-developers

Adrenaline™ Engine:[CWM][SCRIPTS][TWEAKS] Adrenaline™ Engine | STOCK 4.2 | CM 4.2b | 4/6 - xda-developers

ZV6:[MOD][ALL ROMS][TweakZV6] Init.d best tweaks[Flashable] Increase your performance ) - xda-developers

Thunderbolt!: [SCRIPTS][TWEAKS] ThunderBolt! v2.7.7 - 8/1/12 [Better Battery Life & Performance!] - xda-developers



4. V6 Supercharging

][Script-U9RC8.2]Be A Super User! Use The -=V6 SuperCharger=- Lag, Redraw & RAM Fixer! - xda-developers

1.] Download V6 supercharger and place it on your SDcard. Optionally you can rename it to a simple name like V6.
2.] Download&install script manager from google play.
3.] open script manager and grant it root privileges.
4.] Load downloaded script by selecting it, tap superuser (SU) icon (it will turn green)
5.] Tap 'run' in upper left corner
6.] touch the screen to open keyboard.
7.] it will ask to set scrolling speed, select 1 or 2 or 3 and then enter. Or select 0 for instant display.
8.] let it run until it stops scrolling. It will then ask you "Please Enter Option [1-30]:"
9.] Choose 10 for automatic calculation of settings (V6 cust-oomizer), or choose for yourself. My personal choice is 5 [Multitask]
10.] let it do it's thing... after it's finished it'll ask you if you want to super clean&reboot, do it.


To verify if the script has been installed, run it again after reboot.
If all is gods, you should get "Launcher is HARD TO KILL! ie. SUPERCHARGED" and "SuperCharger Level: 100% SuperCharged!"




5. APK Optimisation

][DEVS] Optimize all APKs automatically, Reduce memory footprint! [Now with Zipalign] - xda-developers

What it does: Makes APK's smaller by compressing PNG files in it. You gain a bit more space on internal storage, and smaller memory footprint!

Download this file http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=233101&d=1254347893 and extract it somewhere. Preferably to your desktop. The folder is named apkopt by default.

Open your ROM's zip. Open system and extract app folder to desktop.
Select all APK's inside app folder and copy/move them to apkopt folder.
Press win+r which opens run, type cm which opens command prompt.
now navigate to whereveryour apkopt folder is and type "apkopt_all".
The process will start, and it will take some time to finish.
It will create two new folders, "optimized" & "original".
Your optimized APK's are obviously in the optimized folder.
You can compare how much in size they've shrinked, for some ROM's you can gain as much as 20Mb!

Create new folder called "app", and place all optimized APK's in it.
Open you ROM zip again, go to system and replace the app folder with the optimized one.

Now you can flash the ROM 




6. ROM odexing

][ODEX] on Any ROM - xda-developers

Odexing pros:
Faster boot, faster app loading, gain more space in internal storage.

deODEXED pros:
Modification of apk becomes easier
ROM is open to theme modifications

Further odex vs deodex info: xda-developers - View Single Post - [ODEX] on Any ROM

So, I think if you're not a ROM or theme maker, you should be good to go 


Download this file:
odex-cwm.zip and put it on your SDcard.
Reboot phone into recovery and flash zip. It's as simple as that 
WARNING! Make sure you make a nandroid backup before you flash it!




7. Camera mod

[MOD][ICS&GB][4/26/12]Camera HQ Mod: Extreme vs High (UPD: MDPI GB version updated) - xda-developers
ONLY for Sony stock camera app!



8. misc.

Collection of various tweaks on XDA:
Collect of tweaks, scripts, optimizations for Xperia Devices - xda-developers

Get more RAM and faster responses by disabling verify-bytecode!:
Get more RAM and faster responses by disabling verify-bytecode! - xda-developers



9. FUGU tweaks

This SHOULD improve responsiveness.
[MOD] FuguTweaks - xda-developers



10. Tweaks Package

It's a collection of various tweaks and tips.

Instructions&readme are included in the zip.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/61884099/tweaks.zipx

If you should experience problems with it, DL this older package: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/61884099/tweaks.zip


anyways, happy tweaking!

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How To Take Screen Shot in Galaxy S2 4.0.4 Stock ROM ?

On 4.0.4 ICS update Samsung changed Galaxy S2 screen capture key combination. The previous combo was Volume down (-) key and power button. The new method is also a two key combination. I feel its a bit faster than the previous combo.

Follow the simple steps to take screen shot in Galaxy S2 Stock 4.0.4 ROM.

Steps
1. Go to the screen you want to capture.
2. Simultaneously press and hold the Home Button + PowerButton for 2 seconds.



That's it. You will hear a capture sound and a Toast message. To get the captured image go to/sdcard/Pictures/Screenshots.

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How to take screenshot in Galaxy S plus

Taking screen shot in Samsung Galaxy S / S plus / ACE are same and simple method. i am used the same keys to take screen shot in three phones. We can can capture the screen using the combination of back and home soft keys.

Method 1:
1. Go to the screen which you desire to take Screenshot.
2. Press and hold the Back soft key.
3. Now press the Home button in the middle.

Method 2:
1. Go to the screen which you desire to take Screenshot.
2. Simultaneously Press the Back soft key and Home button in the middle.

That's it. You will hear a capture sound and a Toast message will appear as 'Screen captured. Saved as image file'. To get the captured image go to /mnt/sdcard/ScreenCapture.

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How To Root Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean 4.1.2 XXLSJ ?

We should thank to XDA senior member PhilZ for the zip package with a short time. The package contains root files , CWM6 and SuperSu.

Warning : Rooting will void phones Warrenty ! Rooting / Flashing may brick your phone ! We are not responsible for any damage do at your risk !

Note:
1. Backup Importent Data
2. Battery charge must be 60% or more

ROOT GALAXY S2 JELLY BEAN 4.1.2 XXLSJ USING ZIP PACKAGE

1. Download 4.1.2 XXLSJ Root zip package from here (v3.75)
2. Copy the downloaded zip package XXLSJ-ROOT-CWM6.zip to external SD card.
3. Switch off your phone and wait till vibrate.
4. Boot in to stock recovery ( Volume up + Home + Power )
5. In recovery select apply update from external storage.



6. Select copied zip file XXLSJ-ROOT-CWM6.zip


7. After installation ....select reboot system now...

That's it...Now you are successfully rooted Galaxy S2 4.1.2 XXLSJ.

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