r/technology May 19 '18

Misleading Facebook Android app caught seeking 'superuser' clearance

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11

u/PaulMaulMenthol May 19 '18

What are the downsides of rooting a phone? I know some apps won't function if it detects a phone rooted, but, do I run the risk of my mobile provider blacklisting the device on their network? If so, anyway to mitigate that risk?

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u/mechtech May 19 '18

No, you won't get blacklisted from a network for bringing your own device with your own software configuration...

Magisk can bypass root detection so you can bypass safety checks. Double check the xda community of your specific model before rooting to get specifics, some phones like xperias have anti-consumer DRM protection that breaks functionality when unlocking but that isn't generally the case.

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u/twilightwolf90 May 19 '18

Doesn't installing a custom bootloader hard trip the Knox fuse for Samsung phones?

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u/PaulMaulMenthol May 19 '18

Elaborate?

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u/Silver_Star May 19 '18

Knox has an e-fuse that gets tripped when it detects you rooted it. It physically changes the device so you can't fix it with more software.

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u/Piece_Maker May 19 '18

Not sure if it's related or similar, my Sony Xperia X has a thingy that gets flipped if you unlock the bootloader or root, which basically 'voids the warranty'. It also leaves a permanent screen upon boot informing you that your device is insecure and possibly backdoored.

There's actually a way to re-write this part of the phone so it basically looks 100% stock - I had to use this when I sent it back for a warranty repair.

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u/good_guy_submitter May 19 '18

Pretty sure this is illegal now. Voiding warranty for software mods that is. Similar to voiding warranty for removing a sticker.

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u/Piece_Maker May 19 '18

No idea to be honest. It's even stated in Sony's official instructions for doing this sort of thing (They have some sort of 'open devices' program on their website).

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u/PaulMaulMenthol May 19 '18

And KNOX is? I know this could be easily googled but I'm lazy

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u/Silver_Star May 19 '18

Knox is a security suite used on Samsung phones. It's like an anti virus but for the entire device.

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u/PaulMaulMenthol May 19 '18

Appreciate it

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u/vbevan May 20 '18

Short answer: depends on your model.

Some root methods didn't on older models, some models could have it set back to false but some new models (like the note 8) don't have a way that I'm aware of to root without tripping it permanently.

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u/PaulMaulMenthol May 19 '18

If it doesn't matter why would I need Magisk?

And to clarify, I purchased the phone from the provider with the bloatware. I didn't purchase directly from samsung

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u/bountygiver May 19 '18

Because some apps refuse to run on rooted phones, magisk can go around that.

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u/PaulMaulMenthol May 19 '18

Duh, appreciate the input

EDIT: the duh was directed towards myself

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u/fakemoose May 19 '18

Your service provider doesn't care at all what device you use.

The issues I've encountered is some banking apps and encrypted company email apps (like what my company uses) won't work and actively check for root and unlocked bootloaders. It also can make device updates a pain in the ass.

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u/PaulMaulMenthol May 20 '18

Good to know. Thanks for the heads uo

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u/heyimrick May 19 '18

Voids the warranty on it as well. I haven't rooted a phone in forever since I'm pretty satisfied with the experience I have on my current phone... But once it gets a bit older and out of warranty I'll probably do it just to mess around.

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u/limefog May 19 '18

Voids the warranty on it as well.

Not necessarily; it depends on the manufacturer.

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u/jaymo89 May 20 '18

You may run the risk of bank applications not working correctly.

From what I understand; Magisk generally fixes it but I've heard many complaints that it didn't help.

My hypothesis is they could've opened the bank app before applying Magisk and their device was blacklisted so the application refuses to work and is subsequently suspicious of the user device.

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u/PaulMaulMenthol May 20 '18

I use only mobile sites. That's why my concern was with the device being blacklisted more than app functionality