[Shield Tablet General] Trafalgar Square:
[SIZE=+3]Frequently Asked Questions[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]Nvidia Shield Tablet

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[SIZE=+1]This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please only post in this thread with feedback on how to improve this document. Do not post "Thank you" type responses. If you have additional questions or require more help, try to find an existing thread or create your own. Do not use this as a general help thread.

[/SIZE][SIZE=+1]Q1: Which versions are available from Nvidia Shield Tablet

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Wi-Fi and 16GB:

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LTE US and 32GB:

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All Bands and 32GB:

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- 2015 Shield Tablet K1 - Might want to list that as one of the models. WiFi 16 GB, no Stylus

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- Although never really released and as far as I am aware, only one OTA ROM exists for the LTE Voice+Data. I even tried flashing it once or twice without ever getting working phone functionality.
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[SIZE=+1]Q2: Is there a list for all ROMs, Kernels, Apps and Guides?[/SIZE]

[INDEX] Nvidia Shield Tablet - ROMs, Kernels, MODs, Recoveries, Themes [28 Feb 2016]
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[SIZE=+1]Q3: What does "flashing" my phone mean?

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Flashing a Tablet or phone means to override current ROM and Kernel.
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[SIZE=+1]Q4: Bootloader.. What is this?[/SIZE]

For an easy explanation of what a bootloader is, look HERE.
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[SIZE=+1]Q5: How do I flash a factory image?

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You can have a look into this thread, to lean how to flash a Marshmallow Factory-Image:

[UNOFFICIAL][Guide] Update Original Shield Tablet to Android M (6.0)
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[SIZE=+1]Q6: How do I root my device?[/SIZE]

Rooting of Nvidia Shield Tablet is very easy:

How to Root Nvidia Tablet on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
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[SIZE=+1]Q7: Can I install an OTA if I'm rooted/unencrypted?

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No, if you rooted your Nvidia Shield or unlocked the bootloader, you are not able to flash updates via OTA, because system has been modified.
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[SIZE=+1]Q8: How to kill the kill-switch?

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You can have a look into this beatiful guide by @bocdacutu:

Kill the kill switch - "ST - yy"
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[SIZE=+1]Q9: How can I install CyanogenMod or XPOSED Framework?

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[Complete Guide] SHIELD Tablet K1 Root, Custom Rom and Xposed Framework​

[SIZE=+1]Q10: I'm trying to search for something specific but I'm having trouble. How do I use XDA Search?[/SIZE]

XDA Forum Moderator @The_Merovingian has done a nice guide, how to use the search-feature:

HERE

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[SIZE=+1]Q11: What are fastboot and ADB and should I learn how to use them?

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With Fastboot and ADB you can flash the fone. The basic commands are very easy and fast to lean. There are some good guides here on XDA. The most android smartphones and tablets can be only flashed via Fastboot. Only Samsung wants you to use Odin.
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[SIZE=+1]Q12: What is a factory image?

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The factory images are directly provided by NVIDIA. You can return to the original state of you tablet with these FactoryImages. Look to Question 5 to lean, how to flash it.
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[SIZE=+1]Q13: What is a toolkit and should I use one?[/SIZE]

With a toolkit, you can easily flash your Nvidia Shield. It includes most of ADB and Fastboot Commands, that are used to flash the device.

[TOOL] WinDroid Toolkit | Unlock | Root | Flash | Install | Shield Tablet
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Some other helpful words:

ADB - "Android Debug Bridge" a system that can be accessed using a computer where you can manage the device from. You need the Android SDK to use it.

AOSP - "Android open source project" a project by Google Inc. to give android to developers and manufactures for free.

APK - "Android Package" an Android application

Bloatware - Software or 'apps' that you don't need, but come preinstalled to a device's /system partition, meaning that you cannot remove them unless the device has been rooted. Usually, these are apps are sponsored by a company and included by a carrier for profit

CDMA/GSM - A type of network communication between phones and carriers. GSM phones normally are included with SIM Cards that authorize them onto the network. CDMA have this authorization built in and do not need a sim card.

Custom recovery - A modified version of stock recoveries that allow you to do more things in the recovery mode.

Cyanogenmod (CM) - A free open-source project based on the AOSP. It is a modded version of the Android firmware

Dalvik-Cache - Holds all of the pre-compiled .dex files created from installed apps. These files are static and do not change unless the app is updated.

Deodexed - Where ODEX files are moved into the actual applications modded) version of the Android firmware.

Developer - A man or woman who has created (developed) software.

Firmware - a piece of software to make hardware function correctly. This can refer to Radio Firmware, but is normally used as another name for ROM.

Governor - A system embedded into the kernel to automatically change the current working CPU frequency depending on the workload. It would only go up to what it is overclocked (or underclocked) to, this is called the maximum frequency. It would not drop below the minimum frequency.

KANG - The process of creating a code based of someone else's code.

Kernel - An important part of all operating systems that handles the CPU and other vital components. A modded kernel may be used for overclocking.

Logcat - A logging system built into the ADB

Mod - A modification to a part of the phones software. It is also POSSIBLE to mod the phones hardware but is not recommended.

OTA - "Over the air" a term used to indicate software that was sent to phones directly through the internet to their phones.

Open-source - (not to be confussed with free) A peice of software that is free to edit, use, distribute and share with no charge.

Overclock - To exceed the default maximum CPU speed. This could make a phone more powerful but may cause damage. Although no damaged has been reported so far it could still drain battery life.

Radio Firmware - A type of software that allows correct communication with the radio and the operating system. A newer firmware would normally improve battery life and call quality. The radio firmware only applies to the CDMA/GSM radio.

Radio - (not to be confused with Radio Firmware) A piece of hardware that allows communication. There are 3 main radios in your phone. Bluetooth, WiFi and GSM/CDMA.

ROM -

1. A modified version of the Android operating system operating system.

2. Read Only Memory, a place where information is stored and can not be destroyed, modified or written to.

Stock - An unchanged version of something. Example: I just flashed stock sense.

Underclock - To change your phones maximum frequency to LOWER than the default to attempt to extend the phones lifespan and battery.

WIP - "Work In Progress"

Zipalligned - An archive alignment tool that provides important optimization to Android application (.apk) files. The purpose is to ensure that all uncompressed data starts with a particular alignment relative to the start of the file. Specifically, it causes all uncompressed data within the .apk, such as images or raw files, to be aligned on 4-byte boundaries. This allows all portions to be accessed directly with mmap() even if they contain binary data with alignment restrictions. The benefit is a reduction in the amount of RAM consumed when running the application.

INTL - International

Odex - Files that are collections of parts of an application that are optimized before booting. Doing so speeds up the boot process, as it preloads part of an application.

Recovery Mode - A special environment that you can boot into for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes

Thanks to @benjamingwynn for the glossary of terms

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This FAQ is part of a Recognized Contributor Group Initiative. Please look for a similar FAQ thread when visiting another device forum.

A special thanks to everyone who contributed to the production of this FAQ

This thread is an ongoing process. This will be a WIP for a period of time​