[BOOT LOADER] Milestone Bootloader 90.78ch - Motorola Milestone Android Development

INSTRUCTIONS:
Download the 90.78ch Boot Loader from here. Boot Loaders lower than the version you currently have (eg. attempting to flash 90.73 on a bootloader 90.78 milestone CAN brick, and I think you can flash back to the stock 90.78 bootloader after flashing this one, untested). Unpack to safe location.
Install RSD Lite & Drivers (mentioned in another thread). Choose the SBF with 90.78ch boot loader in it in the RSD Lite window.
Reboot in bootloader mode, via Holding Up while turning milestone on (you'll get screen like BOOT LOADER 90.78ch READY TO PROGRAM, BLAH BLAH).
Start the update from RSD Lite. When it reboots the phone, hold up on the Dpad to re-enter boot loader mode, or else it will succeed (and you won't get a brick) but RSD Lite will say fail. To exit boot loader, press Power for about three seconds, and then turn it back on again.
DO NOT REMOVE USB CABLE WHILE THE SCREEN SAYS "SW UPDATE IN PROGRESS". IF ON A LAPTOP, CONNECT CHARGER. IF THE BOOT LOADER FAILS TO FLASH, YOU WILL HAVE A BRICK.
If all goes well, Boot loader should say 90.78ch. You're running the latest bootloader, originally from the XT702 (Sholes Tablet?)
WARNINGS:
I am not responsible if you blow up your Milestone or it randomly starts swearing at you for flashing a dodgy boot loader or your girlfriend hates you after flashing the boot loader. You are on your own. Read the instructions carefully. I also will not offer support if you just say "Doesn't work". Tell me what didn't work eg. "Got stuck at 53% upload, then said fail" or "BSOD while Flashing!"
Enjoy the latest boot loader.

Is there any reason to flash this "new" bootloader?
Is this one not locked?
I am not sure I get it.

It's still locked, but it's the same one that the XT702 device uses. That would mean if the bootloader on that device is hacked, the hack could be useful for us people with Bootloader 90.78ch installed.
EDIT: I have a hunch that the "ch" part just means a Chinese version of the boot loader, which might mean some slight code mods...

nice work, thank's!

Coburn64 said:
EDIT: I have a hunch that the "ch" part just means a Chinese version of the boot loader, which might mean some slight code mods...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually "ch" is the country code for switzerland

what are the benefits?

Coburn, I see the logic in what you are doing. It is a pretty good idea.
However, I believe that the XT702 is not exactly a popular phone, thus the chances of its booloader being hacked are even fewer.
By contrast, if you were able to flash a Droid X bootloader on our milestone....now THAT would be something.
However, I am assuming that is not possible due to the fact it is a CDMA [Verizon] phone.

Absolutely no reason to do that for now,only if you want to see how easy is to brick a perfectly good device.i seriously doubt that ANY bootloader wiil be totaly bypassed (unlock is out of the question).
Sent from my Milestone

I did it!
yesterday, I loaded the new bootloader to my device without any issues, I came from 90.73, the phone since yesterday it´s working normally.
now that´s make me wonder if it´s possible modify the droid´s bootloader and try to port it to the Milestone, of course I don´t know which are the current methods used to try to hack the Milestone´s bootloader or even if someone tried that before, but thinking about the fact that both devices are very similars in hardware, I think it could be done!
if my last comment it´s outdated please forget it!
PS: sorry for my bad English!

So I suppose there is more chance the latest bootloader from motorola would be hacked then an older version ? takin into consideration its not possible to downgrade atm one could only think how great of an idea it would be to install this ,<insert sarcasm>

Coburn64 said:
That would mean if the bootloader on that device is hacked, the hack could be useful for us people with Bootloader 90.78ch installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
long time that no talk about this project..
I have a question, this process only will work with the hack of liberation the Milestone XT702 or to with a bootloader of XT702 for install in Motola Milestone?
if exist a ROM of XT702 able make swape will serve for Milestone?

Related

[Q] Unlock bootloader on XT926 rooted after JB OTA update 9.30.1

I've successfully rooted my Droid RAZR MAXX HD with stock firmware version 9.30.1, but I can't seem to figure out how to unlock the bootloader.
The one catch with my phone being rooted is that it always ends up in fastboot when it boots. A simple
Code:
fastboot continue
fixes the problem, but I was wanting to flash CWM Recovery to install CM.
I have a working su/Superuser.apk, but I can't seem to fix the bootloader dilemma.
The last software version with an unlockable bootloader is 9.16.6.XT926. Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Jhall8 said:
The last software version with an unlockable bootloader is 9.16.6.XT926. Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... I also have another wonderful problem: my phone consistently gets into fastboot mode upon startup, with my current workaround of doing fastboot continue. Is there any way to fix my currently locked bootloader?
impinball said:
Okay... I also have another wonderful problem: my phone consistently gets into fastboot mode upon startup, with my current workaround of doing fastboot continue. Is there any way to fix my currently locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As Jhal said, you can't "fix" your bootloader, it's locked since you're on the newest OTA and it can't be unlocked. With that being said, your phone is not booting into fastboot because you're rooted. It's booting into FB because you tried to flash something that didn't work. What other things have you done or attempted to do, besides rooting? This will help us help you, the info you provided is pretty vague.
RikRong said:
As Jhal said, you can't "fix" your bootloader, it's locked since you're on the newest OTA and it can't be unlocked. With that being said, your phone is not booting into fastboot because you're rooted. It's booting into FB because you tried to flash something that didn't work. What other things have you done or attempted to do, besides rooting? This will help us help you, the info you provided is pretty vague.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done absolutely nothing beyond rooting it, installing Superuser & SuperSU (both through a script I can attach, but I'm on the wrong computer), and backed up a slew of apps.
This first begun when I modified the script to fix a bug in it (ash in JB 4.2 doesn't have a -f switch in rm, and the script had a 'rm -f'). If that bug didn't exist, then it would've still happened the first of several times (I attempted it about 4-5 times, but only the last caused this). The rm -f was actually doing effectively (with successful root privileges) 'rm -f /system/install-script-2.sh', but the script actually had another script to be put into it at the location /system/install-script.sh.
???
Start by detailing steps in your 2nd paragraph.
Your boot is locked if it was never unlocked before you upgraded to ...79 or later
what a coincidence i just got a xt926 and im at the same spot.. 9.30.1 rooted but locked ... iguess we're screwed huh
impinball said:
I've successfully rooted my Droid RAZR MAXX HD with stock firmware version 9.30.1, but I can't seem to figure out how to unlock the bootloader.
The one catch with my phone being rooted is that it always ends up in fastboot when it boots. A simple
Code:
fastboot continue
fixes the problem, but I was wanting to flash CWM Recovery to install CM.
I have a working su/Superuser.apk, but I can't seem to fix the bootloader dilemma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you either flashed a fastboot or used a tool that used the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_set" which causes the phone to boot directly into fastboot mode. It can usually be fixed with the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_clear".
skeevydude said:
Looks like you either flashed a fastboot or used a tool that used the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_set" which causes the phone to boot directly into fastboot mode. It can usually be fixed with the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_clear".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work. It is still booting there on its own upon start-up.
Also, I will mention that I did commit an act of stupidity: trying to flash against a bootloader that I couldn't verify was unlocked yet. I stupidly ran the command when I wasn't even 50% sure that it was unlocked yet (and is likely the cause of all my problems):
Code:
fastboot flash recovery <cwm-file>.zip
I'm trying my hardest to avoid sending this to Motorola just for them to charge me for the replacement, saying I've voided any warranty that exists with the phone. I have the original firmware to flash just in case, but I don't have the Motorola fastboot (for the dev editions).
impinball said:
Didn't work. It is still booting there on its own upon start-up.
Also, I will mention that I did commit an act of stupidity: trying to flash against a bootloader that I couldn't verify was unlocked yet. I stupidly ran the command when I wasn't even 50% sure that it was unlocked yet (and is likely the cause of all my problems):
Code:
fastboot flash recovery <cwm-file>.zip
I'm trying my hardest to avoid sending this to Motorola just for them to charge me for the replacement, saying I've voided any warranty that exists with the phone. I have the original firmware to flash just in case, but I don't have the Motorola fastboot (for the dev editions).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, there is no Dev Edition Fastboot....the closest would be Bell ICS since Bell shipped unlocked/unlockable Atrix HD's.
You don't flash zip files with fastboot flash.....Why is this becoming an issue these days?* The kernel is "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
*just thinking out loud
EDIT: Just realized that this was the RAZR HD forums.....just replying to quoted posts this morning....Not sure about RAZR HD Dev Edition fastboots....
Jhall8 said:
The last software version with an unlockable bootloader is 9.16.6.XT926. Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The shame is, I never cared about unlocking the bootloader, as I prefer to stick to OTA's, but I do require root. So that's all I've ever done. I'm successfully rooted with the locked bootloader on 9.30.1, but it seems (at least as far as I've read on here) that I'm stuck there as I can't go anywhere else and maintain root. Would love kitkat, but root is essential.
Um, you can unlock the bootloader and still stick to OTAs.
Being able to root at any time and use custom recovery is reason enough for me.
killrhythm09 said:
Um, you can unlock the bootloader and still stick to OTAs.
Being able to root at any time and use custom recovery is reason enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I in no way implied I was AVOIDING unlocking due to the desire to stay on OTA's - just that I had no reason to pursue unlocking. This is the first android device I've had that ended up with a sunset where you couldn't unlock it at pretty much any point, so i never had a fear of taking the OTA and losing something in the process. If i had expected that, I certainly would have unlocked prior to 9.30.1 being installed. I honestly have yet to figure out why they don't release a program that would allow unlocking the devices - I'm not sure the manufacture's fear of unlocked bootloaders and root, as any program they release would be loaded with disclaimers - and frankly, it would allow easy restorations to ANY firmware version by service staff at verizon/at&t.
crazifuzzy said:
I in no way implied I was AVOIDING unlocking due to the desire to stay on OTA's - just that I had no reason to pursue unlocking. This is the first android device I've had that ended up with a sunset where you couldn't unlock it at pretty much any point, so i never had a fear of taking the OTA and losing something in the process. If i had expected that, I certainly would have unlocked prior to 9.30.1 being installed. I honestly have yet to figure out why they don't release a program that would allow unlocking the devices - I'm not sure the manufacture's fear of unlocked bootloaders and root, as any program they release would be loaded with disclaimers - and frankly, it would allow easy restorations to ANY firmware version by service staff at verizon/at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talk to Verizon. They're the ones preventing the bootloader from being unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
iBolski said:
Talk to Verizon. They're the ones preventing the bootloader from being unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. It's no coincidence that the xt925 can be unlocked through Motorola. Carriers are always the problem here in the US.
crazifuzzy said:
I in no way implied I was AVOIDING unlocking due to the desire to stay on OTA's - just that I had no reason to pursue unlocking. This is the first android device I've had that ended up with a sunset where you couldn't unlock it at pretty much any point, so i never had a fear of taking the OTA and losing something in the process. If i had expected that, I certainly would have unlocked prior to 9.30.1 being installed. I honestly have yet to figure out why they don't release a program that would allow unlocking the devices - I'm not sure the manufacture's fear of unlocked bootloaders and root, as any program they release would be loaded with disclaimers - and frankly, it would allow easy restorations to ANY firmware version by service staff at verizon/at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in actual reality, the XT926 was never meant to be unlocked. It was only unlockable via an exploit, just like obtaining root for locked devices is an exploit in the security of the OS/device.
So, there never really was a "sunset" for unlocking this device as it wasn't meant to be. Only after the exploit was found did a patch come out to stop that exploit from being utilized on any remaining unlocked phones, current or future.
So, when there is an exploit to unlock a device, your best bet is to take advantage of it immediately.
When I got my RAZR HD, it was as a warranty replacement for my OG RAZR MAXX. When I fired it up, it stated there was an OTA available. I immediately told it no and then went straight to the forums here and on another site to investigate what my options were. When I found out that there was the possibility of my unlocking the bootloader, I immediately went to where the tool was and downloaded it. I then proceeded to read and then ask questions on if my phone couldn't unlock, would it hurt it. SamuriHL helped me out a great deal and that is how I found all his tools and how much help he provides. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have discovered that I could unlock my bootloader.
Usually, I investigate the phone I'm interested in to see if:
1. Can the bootloader be unlocked (or is it already unlocked)?
2. Is there a known root exploit IF the bootloader cannot be unlocked?
3. What are the ROM options (safestrap, cwm, twrp recovery)?
It's definitely something I normally would look into, but I didn't know that I was going to receive the RAZR HD. Once I discovered the possibility of unlocking the bootloader, I was hoping beyond all hope that it could happen and it did. How I received a replacement phone that wasn't patched to the latest OTA was beyond me, but that is the reason I refused the OTA when I first fired up the phone. I had already read about other "horrors" of people taking an OTA and then finding they couldn't root or do other things with their phones.
Lesson learned is, NEVER take an OTA until you've fully researched what it does and what it might prevent.

HELP My Razr is bricked (?), can I unlock the bootloader and unbrick it?

Hello, I'm kind of a noob on these things but here we go:
My Razr is stuck on the red Motorola logo (the boot animation when you turn on the phone) I believe this is what you call "bricked" (?).
I found out some methods here about downloading an XML file and replacing it but where can I find this file? And where do I need to replace it, it is on the firmware file, right? I wanted to get a USA firmware because in my country (Mexico) the KitKat update hasn't been liberated for us and I want to be able to update it.
A friend told me that if I put a firmware from USA it would ask me to update but to do this I need to unlock the bootloader.
I saw a tutorial on unlocking it with Motopocalypse but to do this I need to put the phone on Debugging Mode and I can't do that since my phone is bricked.
Is there a way to unbrick my phone and being able to install KitKat?
If not, of course my priority is to just unbrick it asap regardless if it is with KitKat or JB :/
Thank you so much in advance.
First, you need to tell us exactly what you did that "bricked" it. And I say "bricked" because if you can get to the Motorola logo, it probably isn't really bricked.
Either way, your friend's advice sounds like a bad idea to me. The US firmware is meant for the xt926, which uses Verizon's network. You should either wait for firmware to be released in your region or use a custom ROM (something you can do if you end up unlocking the bootloader).
Do the same: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=57063750 doesn't care if your device is "bricked"
killrhythm09 said:
First, you need to tell us exactly what you did that "bricked" it. And I say "bricked" because if you can get to the Motorola logo, it probably isn't really bricked.
Either way, your friend's advice sounds like a bad idea to me. The US firmware is meant for the xt926, which uses Verizon's network. You should either wait for firmware to be released in your region or use a custom ROM (something you can do if you end up unlocking the bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I turn it on it is stuck on the red Motorola logo, it goes like that for hours until battery is dead.
I can go into the bootloader options (when you press vol +/- and power) and I have tried wiping all the data to factory settings but the result is the same.
Sorry if I'm using the wrong terminology.
DorianX said:
Do the same: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=57063750 doesn't care if your device is "bricked"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I do that even if I have never unlocked my bootloader?
Update:
I tried flashing with my carrier firmware and deleting the proper lines on the .xml file, then opened with RSD but it shows:
"Failed flashing process 14/21 flash boot "boot_signed" -> Phone returned FAIL"
And on the Fastboot manu on the phone it shows:
"Partition (boot) Security Version Downgraded"
"preflash validation failed for boot"
Please help me
mauber said:
Can I do that even if I have never unlocked my bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you never upgraded to KK you don't need to have unlocked bootloader, but why don't you unlock your bootloader? I see only benefits with.
DorianX said:
If you never upgraded to KK you don't need to have unlocked bootloader, but why don't you unlock your bootloader? I see only benefits with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is not that I don't want to, it is that I can't. I'm having trouble flashing the firmware.
Just follow the tutorial http://www.grupoandroid.com/topic/71673-instalar-un-firmware-por-fastboot-en-imágenes/ and use Claro Puerto Rico firmware, then take the OTA
DorianX said:
Just follow the tutorial http://www.grupoandroid.com/topic/71673-instalar-un-firmware-por-fastboot-en-imágenes/ and use Claro Puerto Rico firmware, then take the OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did but it got stuck on the "boot_signed" step (RSD lite), deleting that line on the XML file and then it showed the "system_signed" step error, deleted that line on the XML and it apparently flashed successfully but the phone is back to where it was before, stuck on the red Motorola logo boot animation.

How to restore status code to 0 from status code 2

Plzzz help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you can't
K.V.K said:
Plzzz help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well my friend sry but you can't restore this code
most of devices like samsung,motorola etc they have.... lets say a key for the bootloader(is the door) and this key if you root your device
breaks and the half key stays inside the door hole to reminds you that the key is broken(the devicesis root/unlockbootloader).
so if you root any motorola device the code state goes
automatically 2 and stays like this,you can flash again the stock rom and relock the bootloader sure
but the code stays 2 for ever.
i hope to help you
moto g XT1541 stock rom 6.0.1 lockbootloader
bromoxitos said:
well my friend sry but you can't restore this code
most of devices like samsung,motorola etc they have.... lets say a key for the bootloader(is the door) and this key if you root your device
breaks and the half key stays inside the door hole to reminds you that the key is broken(the devicesis root/unlockbootloader).
so if you root any motorola device the code state goes
automatically 2 and stays like this,you can flash again the stock rom and relock the bootloader sure
but the code stays 2 for ever.
i hope to help you
moto g XT1541 stock rom 6.0.1 lockbootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not exactly sure what you are saying, but I think the jist of it is how do you relock the bootloader... the answer is you cannot, once it is unlocked it will always report as unlocked, even if you reflash stock and find a way to relock the device.
When you unlocked your device, it was plainly stated in the disclosure on the website that once the bootloader is unlocked, it is irreversible.
yeap
acejavelin said:
I'm not exactly sure what you are saying, but I think the jist of it is how do you relock the bootloader... the answer is you cannot, once it is unlocked it will always report as unlocked, even if you reflash stock and find a way to relock the device.
When you unlocked your device, it was plainly stated in the disclosure on the website that once the bootloader is unlocked, it is irreversible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YEAAA we say the same think,but i use an othey way to say it.
i say in the end you can relock the bootloader (more or less) when i say this i mean that you put some partitions back in boot loader
so when you flash the stock rom you can take any ota update,but the main bootloader is unlock always.
i know that form my old moto g2gen, moto x2013!!!
bromoxitos said:
YEAAA we say the same think,but i use an othey way to say it.
i say in the end you can relock the bootloader (more or less) when i say this i mean that you put some partitions back in boot loader
so when you flash the stock rom you can take any ota update,but the main bootloader is unlock always.
i know that form my old moto g2gen, moto x2013!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could relock the bootloader on older Motos, but not anymore... Actually, it can be relocked but it will never report as locked or relocked, it will always be reported as unlocked. I don't how to be more plain in describing this.
And yes, you can take an OTA when unlocked, as long as you have a stock ROM and recovery and your bootloader is the correct version for your ROM. If your bootload and ROM are out of sync (ie. you have a Marshmallow bootloader and a Lollipop ROM), if your bootloader and ROM are out of sync, you could potentially get into a hard bricked situation.
ohh!!
acejavelin said:
You could relock the bootloader on older Motos, but not anymore... Actually, it can be relocked but it will never report as locked or relocked, it will always be reported as unlocked. I don't how to be more plain in describing this.
And yes, you can take an OTA when unlocked, as long as you have a stock ROM and recovery and your bootloader is the correct version for your ROM. If your bootload and ROM are out of sync (ie. you have a Marshmallow bootloader and a Lollipop ROM), if your bootloader and ROM are out of sync, you could potentially get into a hard bricked situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not any more? damn....yea we say the same think,sry for my english,yea i khow what you talking about i brick my moto x like this!!! any way.
ty for the new info about bootloader.
you was 100%
were you a clear,thanks a lot,and i hope to help him
Once I sent my hard bricked phone to Motorola. I had unlocked the bootloader and done the stupid mistake of sideloading an older version and upgrading to a newer, but still older version. When it came back, it said it was Status Code 0.
Wonder how they did it.
yagyaxt1068 said:
Once I sent my hard bricked phone to Motorola. I had unlocked the bootloader and done the stupid mistake of sideloading an older version and upgrading to a newer, but still older version. When it came back, it said it was Status Code 0.
Wonder how they did it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They flash the eMMC chip (internal storage chip) directly... If you could get the right image you could possibly do it yourself with a few hundred to thousand dollar investment in a proper JTAG flashing unit.
Key would be getting the right Image, this would be far more than just a normal stock fastboot image, and is probably generated on the fly per device due to differences in serial number, IMEI, etc. These types of images don't get leaked out.
acejavelin said:
I'm not exactly sure what you are saying, but I think the jist of it is how do you relock the bootloader... the answer is you cannot, once it is unlocked it will always report as unlocked, even if you reflash stock and find a way to relock the device.
When you unlocked your device, it was plainly stated in the disclosure on the website that once the bootloader is unlocked, it is irreversible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so what if you have never root unlocked, did nothing but use as intended to be.. never trying to do anything to it. wtf would i have a code 2 status then? care to sum that up for me.. cause 100% my situation.
wiytboi said:
ok so what if you have never root unlocked, did nothing but use as intended to be.. never trying to do anything to it. wtf would i have a code 2 status then? care to sum that up for me.. cause 100% my situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You unlocked the bootloader... It doesn't matter if you actually changed anything else or not. Once it's been done, this status code can never go back to 0. If the status code is 2 and you didn't unlock the bootloader, then someone else did.
acejavelin said:
You unlocked the bootloader... It doesn't matter if you actually changed anything else or not. Once it's been done, this status code can never go back to 0. If the status code is 2 and you didn't unlock the bootloader, then someone else did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I didn't.. I don't even know how to.. I just found out about recovery mode.. Wait wait before i say that.. How do you unlock boot loader? Turning developer mode on? Going to recovery menu? I've never hard reset it.. Just soft or doing new device. You said it could work fine for a while then shirt out? Like guy I bought from did and then I bought used for couple years and then went tits up?
wiytboi said:
No I didn't.. I don't even know how to.. I just found out about recovery mode.. Wait wait before i say that.. How do you unlock boot loader? Turning developer mode on? Going to recovery menu? I've never hard reset it.. Just soft or doing new device. You said it could work fine for a while then shirt out? Like guy I bought from did and then I bought used for couple years and then went tits up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You unlock the bootloader with a series of steps that includes submitting a code to Motorola and getting an unlock code back... Performing it forces a factory reset as well. It's not something you can do by accident.
The issue with Status Code 2 was that an official update could have detected that and refused to update properly or done something worse... That never happened.
If everything is working fine, the status being 2 isn't important, it just means the previous owners had unlocked the bootloader and likely rooted or otherwise modified the phone.

[UNLOCK] Bootloader Unlock Package

Introduction
This is the bootloader unlock from ZTE. It was provided to me in private email by a ZTE engineer.
Warning
This package is for the USA version of the Axon 7 Mini (tulip) running 7.1.1 b14 firmware. If you are running any other device or firmware version, it may not work.
Note
After some testing, it appears that the Axon 7 Mini is not locked in any way. In other words, apparently neither this package nor tuliptool's unlock are required to flash custom ROMs. The only apparent advantage to flashing this is to get access to fastboot, which provides a way to flash a custom boot and recovery (among other things).
Flashing Instructions
Place axon_mini_unlock.zip on the root of your sdcard.
Reboot into recovery.
Select "Apply update from SD card".
Select axon_mini_unlock.zip.
Usage Instructions
After the package is flashed, you may boot into the bootloader:
adb reboot bootloader
Once in the bootloader, you will see an on-screen menu. Additionally, you may access the typical fastboot commands:
fastboot oem device-info
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash ...
... etc ...
Download
axon_mini_unlock.zip
md5: ea8f1a21c8a46b3045d00f17a37fe359
So, after this is done, I can flash TWRP through fastboot and tuliptool is no longer necessary, correct?
Yes, that is correct.
JoeGatto said:
So, after this is done, I can flash TWRP through fastboot and tuliptool is no longer necessary, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This package is for the USA version of the Axon 7 Mini (tulip) running 7.1.1 b14 firmware. If you are running any other device or firmware version, it may not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this something your contact mentioned or something that you believe based on your experience?
Any harm in trying it on verdandi/other versions without any risk of bricking?
After some testing, it appears that the Axon 7 Mini is not locked in any way. In other words, apparently neither this package nor tuliptool are required to flash custom ROMs. The only apparent advantage to flashing this is to get access to fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any way to confirm this is also the case with other versions as well?
Thanks TDM.... you're going to have a lot of Canadians asking about verdandi as it is quite cheap here at the moment. Better get those questions out of the way early. The source is released, same kernel version as the U.S. one with some small differences with drivers (from what I can see) and I am sure that if people know that custom roms are possible on that version (not bootloader locked forever) it would be appreciated.
trpn111 said:
Is this something your contact mentioned or something that you believe based on your experience?
Any harm in trying it on verdandi/other versions without any risk of bricking?
Any way to confirm this is also the case with other versions as well?
Thanks TDM.... you're going to have a lot of Canadians asking about verdandi as it is quite cheap here at the moment. Better get those questions out of the way early. The source is released, same kernel version as the U.S. one with some small differences with drivers (from what I can see) and I am sure that if people know that custom roms are possible on that version (not bootloader locked forever) it would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah...verdandi is stuck on Marshmellow. But since it has different hardware it could brick if this is tried.
The ZTE engineer is USA based, he is not on the China development team (read: probably a support engineer). He said: "I attached the unlock update zip package, please try it. It is based on B14 build."
Sorry, that's all I have to go by for "official" information.
I do not want to be responsible for anyone bricking their device, so I cannot claim that this bootloader will work with anything other than a tulip device running 7.1.1 b14.
If you want to try and report back, I'm sure others will appreciate it. But I can't be responsible for the results.
trpn111 said:
Is this something your contact mentioned or something that you believe based on your experience?
Any harm in trying it on verdandi/other versions without any risk of bricking?
Any way to confirm this is also the case with other versions as well?
Thanks TDM.... you're going to have a lot of Canadians asking about verdandi as it is quite cheap here at the moment. Better get those questions out of the way early. The source is released, same kernel version as the U.S. one with some small differences with drivers (from what I can see) and I am sure that if people know that custom roms are possible on that version (not bootloader locked forever) it would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, and here is some more information to help you decide...
The volume key combo to enter EDL is handled by aboot (bootloader, eg. the thing we are flashing). This means even if you aren't currently able to use the key combo, you should be able to use it with the new aboot here. And if you can get to EDL, you can never really brick the device.
The volume key combo is detected very early in the aboot code. Like, first thing after basic platform init. So even if this isn't compatible with your device, it's likely we could restore the old aboot (assuming you back it up first, of course).
I'm convinced that the tulip is not locked based on my investigation today. So I have no idea if this aboot is properly signed. If your device is locked and this aboot is not signed properly, the lower boot loader won't load it. I'm not quite sure if that kicks you into EDL or not.
Not sure if that makes the decision easier or harder...
How did you come to the conclusion that tulip is not locked to begin with? If we don't need tuliptool or this aboot, how can I check verdandi if the device is the same 'locked but not really locked' state?
I will have a read about backing up aboot and see what I come up with concerning getting into edl.
So here's the deal...
I initially assumed the bootloader was locked because... well... it's supposed to be. So I found the place in aboot code where it checks the lock flag in the devinfo partition. I used the firehose to write unlocked to that flag. Then I built TWRP, flashed it and it booted. So I assumed everything was working just as I expected.
Today, I flashed the aboot with fastboot support and ran "fastboot oem device-info". It said that my device was locked. So I went to look and, sure enough, my devinfo partition flag was still set. Hmm, that's odd.
So I wrote locked back to the flag. TWRP still booted. Now things are looking pretty suspicious.
But maybe the new aboot doesn't even support locking? So I flashed the original b14 version of aboot and TWRP still booted.
That's pretty hard evidence that aboot is ignoring the lock flag. I don't know what they did -- whether they just removed the code that reads the lock flag or introduced a bug or what.
This does not necessarily mean that the lower layers are unlocked. That is, the lower boot loader may still required a properly signed aboot. I don't know, and I'm not ready to brick my device trying to find out.
trpn111 said:
How did you come to the conclusion that tulip is not locked to begin with? If we don't need tuliptool or this aboot, how can I check verdandi if the device is the same 'locked but not really locked' state?
I will have a read about backing up aboot and see what I come up with concerning getting into edl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... Looks like this package incompatible with ZTE/P852A11/tulip.
Got error while trying to flash it by stock recovery. Error message says that it is for A12 version of tulip.
Ah, yes, you have the euro model. See the "calling all mini owners" thread, posts #76 and #77.
maestromony said:
Hmm... Looks like this package incompatible with ZTE/P852A11/tulip.
Got error while trying to flash it by stock recovery. Error message says that it is for A12 version of tulip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i get a message saying "cant update from sd card?"
yeshivabachur said:
i get a message saying "cant update from sd card?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure battery level is at least 30% before applying any update. It's a standard protection feature.
JoeGatto said:
Make sure battery level is at least 30% before applying any update. It's a standard protection feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My battery was 80%+ mine still said can't update from sdcard
Aries2010 said:
My battery was 80%+ mine still said can't update from sdcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try turning on the OEM unlock setting in developer settings.
JoeGatto said:
Try turning on the OEM unlock setting in developer settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much that worked I appreciate the it . Now I have one more question I have been searching for a way to root stock rom but I can't find any instructions on it. Could you walk me through it or post a link for me if possible? I have the USA mini 7 with B14 firmware
Aries2010 said:
Thank you so much that worked I appreciate the it . Now I have one more question I have been searching for a way to root stock rom but I can't find any instructions on it. Could you walk me through it or post a link for me if possible? I have the USA mini 7 with B14 firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting the stock ROM will require that you remove verity, so that the OS won't refuse to boot once you've made any changes to the system partition. You'll need to use tuliptool to flash a new boot image, which you can find in this section of the forum. Then, you could either install TWRP through fastboot or using tuliptool.
JoeGatto said:
Rooting the stock ROM will require that you remove verity, so that the OS won't refuse to boot once you've made any changes to the system partition. You'll need to use tuliptool to flash a new boot image, which you can find in this section of the forum. Then, you could either install TWRP through fastboot or using tuliptool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir I appreciate it I shall try it tomorrow.
here's a stupid question.... I have only dealt with Samsung devices so, I have trouble understanding any other kind of process that is not Samsung. If a new update comes out while my device is bootloader unlocked can i update it? or will it brick my device?
The "standard" (not Samsung) method of updating via OTA is to ship:
1. Full images of any firmware partitions (rpm, tz, aboot, etc.)
2. Full image of boot.
3. A delta (patch) to system.
Also note that custom recoveries generally do not work with vendor OTA's.
This means that if you wish to apply an OTA, you must first have stock recovery and a completely pristine, unmodified system partition. The rest doesn't matter.
yeshivabachur said:
here's a stupid question.... I have only dealt with Samsung devices so, I have trouble understanding any other kind of process that is not Samsung. If a new update comes out while my device is bootloader unlocked can i update it? or will it brick my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

How To Guide WARNING: Read BEFORE Locking Bootloader

DO NOT LOCK THE BOOTLOADER WHILE ROOTED!
When locking the bootloader while rooted, the boot image will fail verification and the system will fail to boot. You cannot flash a stock boot image with a locked bootloader.
Locking the bootloader will not fix most issues. It will allow you to use apps that check for an unlocked bootloader without the need for any additional modification. That is the ONLY benefit.
If you still want to lock your bootloader, make sure you can say yes to each of the following:
1. Have you restored the stock boot.img / vendor_boot.img and the phone functions normally?
Spoiler: Restore Stock Boot
Boot / DTBO Images [Root / Stock] - 5 / Pro / Ultimate (NOT S)
These images are NOT built from source. These are the stock images from the firmware provided by Asus that are extracted with payload dumper and uploaded without modification. 18.0840.2202.231 18.0840.2201.226 18.0840.2112.211...
forum.xda-developers.com
Follow the instructions in the thread above.
Use only the boot and vendor_boot images.
Do NOT flash any images that end with "-magisk.img"
2. Have you made a backup of everything you do not want to lose when wiping the phone?
Spoiler: Make a Backup
The sdcard is part of the internal storage and is cleared by a factory reset
Copy everything you want to keep to a computer or USB-C storage device
Apps and settings can be backed up by enabling the Google Backup option
Open Settings
Select Google
Select Backup
Select Back up now
Wait for the backup to complete
3. Have you flashed raw firmware and made sure the phone and updates function normally?
Spoiler: Flash Raw Firmware
RAW Firmware Collection and Guide
All fastboot / adb commands require using the side USB-C port https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download Make sure you have fastboot installed Add platform tools to PATH (post 2) Make a backup of anything...
forum.xda-developers.com
Follow the instructions in the thread above.
If you perform a wipe, you may skip step 4.
4. Have you performed a factory reset and made sure the phone functions normally?
Spoiler: Factory Reset
Open Settings
Select System
Select Reset options
Select Erase all data (factory reset)
Follow the instructions
Once you have verified all of the above requirements, you are now ready to lock the bootloader.
Spoiler: Lock Bootloader
From the bootloader (volume up + power):
Code:
fastboot oem asus-csc_lk
Reserved for QA information
I don't want to spread false information here, but here is a question post I created recently with two replies showing me contacting the help center (two different agents) confirming that I can use the app more than once to unlock the device's bootloader: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...nlock-relock-for-asus-rog-phone-5-5s.4367047/ . @Andrologic also confirms the case there for global (EU) version. I have a feeling that for the Tencent version it is because the sellers lock it on a wrong official ROM, or wrong ROM in general, e.g. global ROM, and therefore it confuses the unlock app. I am surprised the device did not even get hard bricked from locking on not the original ROM. By the way, I have contacted the help center of the US store, but I have a feeling it should work on the global (EU) version as well.
falhumai96 said:
I don't want to spread false information here, but here is a question post I created recently with two replies showing me contacting the help center (two different agents) confirming that I can use the app more than once to unlock the device's bootloader: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...nlock-relock-for-asus-rog-phone-5-5s.4367047/ . @Andrologic also confirms the case there for global (EU) version. I have a feeling that for the Tencent version it is because the sellers lock it on a wrong official ROM, or wrong ROM in general, e.g. global ROM, and therefore it confuses the unlock app. I am surprised the device did not even get hard bricked from locking on not the original ROM. By the way, I have contacted the help center of the US store, but I have a feeling it should work on the global (EU) version as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on new information, it does seem possible to repair the issues caused by converting.
That said, this guide is still quite relevant. After all, most of the issues people were having were caused by unlocking the bootloader, converting, rooting, and locking the bootloader. The warning for possibility of not being able to unlock have been removed, but the info about restoring to stock before locking has been left.
I send mine in for a motherboard repair I was rooted and everything I unrooted installed stock firmware and locked the bootloader again once I got the phone back I unlocked the bootloader once again and I am rooted again
chairman011 said:
I send mine in for a motherboard repair I was rooted and everything I unrooted installed stock firmware and locked the bootloader again once I got the phone back I unlocked the bootloader once again and I am rooted again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@chairman011 what variant of the phone it is (e.g. CN or WW or US, ...etc.)? Also, when they returned it to you and you were able to unlock it again, was it on the original firmware (or any version in its lineage (i.e. not a ROM that's not original))?
If by using ASUS unlock utility one was able to oneself unlock the boot-loader once, then is it safe to say that (after relocking it) it'd be possible to unlock it again?
nexusnerdgeek said:
If by using ASUS unlock utility one was able to oneself unlock the boot-loader once, then is it safe to say that (after relocking it) it'd be possible to unlock it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people have reported that you can't unlock the bootloader again after relocking, using the official "Unlock Device App", but I suspect it is an OS mismatch. This issue has only been observed on Tencent (CN) version with global ROM. Have anyone been able to unlock->relock->unlock on the same version of the phone, but not relocking while on the global ROM (i.e. relocking while on stock CN ROM)?
I am surprised the phone did not hard brick. Usually, and this is a general case in almost all Android phones with bootloader unlock capability, when you relock on a different ROM your phone hard bricks. Always restore to original ROM before relocking. Can people with Tencent (CN) phones with global ROM and locked bootloader flash the original CN ROM without unlocking the bootloader? If so, can you test the "Unlock Device App" to see if it works while on the CN (official) ROM? I gotta a feeling it might work in that situation.
falhumai96 said:
Some people have reported that you can't unlock the bootloader again after relocking, using the official "Unlock Device App", but I suspect it is an OS mismatch. This issue has only been observed on Tencent (CN) version with global ROM. Have anyone been able to unlock->relock->unlock on the same version of the phone, but not relocking while on the global ROM (i.e. relocking while on stock CN ROM)?
I am surprised the phone did not hard brick. Usually, and this is a general case in almost all Android phones with bootloader unlock capability, when you relock on a different ROM your phone hard bricks. Always restore to original ROM before relocking. Can people with Tencent (CN) phones with global ROM and locked bootloader flash the original CN ROM without unlocking the bootloader? If so, can you test the "Unlock Device App" to see if it works while on the CN (official) ROM? I gotta a feeling it might work in that situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an identification mismatch. It's similar to when you throw your SIM card in a different phone and your carrier lists you as having a different phone. Based on the information that has been discovered, it would appear that CN to WW conversions were wiping out the stuff that makes your device your device.
twistedumbrella said:
It's an identification mismatch. It's similar to when you throw your SIM card in a different phone and your carrier lists you as having a different phone. Based on the information that has been discovered, it would appear that CN to WW conversions were wiping out the stuff that makes your device your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, basically the bootloader unlock for tencent devices will always locked unless asus uodate their unlock app or has their been another way around it yet?
The unlock app should unlock the bootloader at least once. Unlocking it a second time has mixed results.
Hi there, can you guys help me? I'm one of those unlucky ones who got my phone corrupted and won't boot anymore due to the boot loader. is there a way to fix this?? I've got an ROG phone 5s 16/512 on android12.
Hope you guys can help me! I know you guys have amazing brain cells than me when it comes to these things lol
Oh! and my rog is not the china version thanks
0v3rkill said:
Hi there, can you guys help me? I'm one of those unlucky ones who got my phone corrupted and won't boot anymore due to the boot loader. is there a way to fix this?? I've got an ROG phone 5s 16/512 on android12.
Hope you guys can help me! I know you guys have amazing brain cells than me when it comes to these things lol
Oh! and my rog is not the china version thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TYou should be able to RAW flash yourself out of it if a factory reset doesn't work. This does happen when re-locking the WW.
Andrologic said:
TYou should be able to RAW flash yourself out of it if a factory reset doesn't work. This does happen when re-locking the WW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there mate, thanks heaps for taking time.on my post. how do i do that? can you send me a link of the step by step guide? again thanks
0v3rkill said:
Hi there mate, thanks heaps for taking time.on my post. how do i do that? can you send me a link of the step by step guide? again thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Below post from the help guide (credits to the contributors) has links to RAW firmware packages. You just need any one of the WW packages. Download it and with your device in bootloader mode, run one of the .bat flash scripts that you'll find in the RAW package. The version doesn't matter, you can simply update to the latest firmware once you're back up.
RAW Firmware Collection and Guide
All fastboot / adb commands require using the side USB-C port https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download Make sure you have fastboot installed Add platform tools to PATH (post 2) Make a backup of anything...
forum.xda-developers.com
Andrologic said:
Below post from the help guide (credits to the contributors) has links to RAW firmware packages. You just need any one of the WW packages. Download it and with your device in bootloader mode, run one of the .bat flash scripts that you'll find in the RAW package. The version doesn't matter, you can simply update to the latest firmware once you're back up.
RAW Firmware Collection and Guide
All fastboot / adb commands require using the side USB-C port https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download Make sure you have fastboot installed Add platform tools to PATH (post 2) Make a backup of anything...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, I did follow and did the raw setup it did got me through the boot loop. However, its stuck on the system start up updating screen and stays in 0%.
Darn i thought im already dead! i didn't even know how i fixed it hahahaha! but its working now successfully downgraded to android 11 because its the only firmware i found and managed to make it work again combination of alot of research in google and here xda. working 100% imei two of them, finger print and sn are all intact. thanks guys
For these few reasons I have to give up root & lock the boot-loader: 1. Financial apps stop working from time to time causing much grief; 2. I've used root functionality precisely for nothing for a year I've had it; 3. It was getting all too complicated to keep up with it all.
(The original intention for unlocking/rooting was to get some sort of unofficial VoLTE and VoWiFi for the mobile operator of my choice; however, it didn't help. Then a newer firmware implemented VoLTE and VoWiFi! So my impatience, admittedly couldn't be known at that point in time, backfired.)
I've nothing to preserve on the phone, due to having a Moto G 5G backup phone. I only had it working with adb & fastboot in my Linux laptop (up to date Fedora 36). I had no working Windows laptop then. But I do now. However, adb on Windows says the device is "unauthorised" (as expected); fastboot in it doesn't list the device. So I might be limited to my Linux laptop only. The phone was previously working on the last A11 WW firmware fine.
I've tried to follow the steps from the original post of this thread. First one worked with vendor_boot, dtbo & boot images (used only 18.0840.2202.231 versions of them). Second N/A. With third step, flash_raw_and_wipe_data.sh fails by core dumping.
Right now, the phone boots to fastbootd & not further. Any help is much appreciated.
(I think I'm inching towards fully bricking this phone. I'm not there yet, but getting closer . It'd be nice to get it working again without root & with locked boot loader. Any help is much appreciated.)
This is where I'm at while executing step 3 of the initial guide in this post:
When powered on, in the usual boot loader unlocked warning page, it prompts for power key to be pressed to continue.
(Here if power switch is not pressed within 30 odd seconds, phone powers down automatically.)
Once power key is pressed, it lands in boot loader. Selecting Start, it goes back to boot loader. I think this is called a boot loop.
While in boot loader, selecting "Recovery mode", it progresses to "Android Recovery". Here selecting "Enter fastboot" appears to take it furthest in the booting process of landing at "Android Fastboot".
(The version info showed in Fastboot -- 18.0840.2202.231-0 -- matches with the last A11 update I downloaded from Asus website & had it installed late March this year.)
I don't think it can boot any further at the state that it's in now.
I think this is where it needs a raw firmware to be flashed. This step keeps core-dumping in my Linux laptop when trying to use WW_ZS673KS_18.0840.2106.83_M3.13.24.40-ASUS_1.1.92_Phone-user.raw file that was linked in the original post. This version appears to be quite old. Could the version mismatch between what the phone was running recently (18.0840.2202.231) and the raw file (18.0840.2106.83) cause the core-dump issue? IOW, would somebody have a link for 18.0840.2202.231 raw file please?
I couldn't use my work Windows laptop due to an issue I cannot overcome (installation of driver needed for the phone is somehow blocked in it). So, soon I'll try it from a personal Windows laptop of my neighbor. Let's see if it can progress any further with the help of Windows platform.
In the meantime, I can appreciate to be informed about any tips and tricks such as if this is something that the phone cannot be recovered from. Or even somebody highly skilled would like to help me to achieve a fully functional phone (with bootloader locked please) for a fair compensation. Please let me know. Thanks for any guidance.
nexusnerdgeek said:
This is where I'm at while executing step 3 of the initial guide in this post:
When powered on, in the usual boot loader unlocked warning page, it prompts for power key to be pressed to continue.
(Here if power switch is not pressed within 30 odd seconds, phone powers down automatically.)
Once power key is pressed, it lands in boot loader. Selecting Start, it goes back to boot loader. I think this is called a boot loop.
While in boot loader, selecting "Recovery mode", it progresses to "Android Recovery". Here selecting "Enter fastboot" appears to take it furthest in the booting process of landing at "Android Fastboot".
(The version info showed in Fastboot -- 18.0840.2202.231-0 -- matches with the last A11 update I downloaded from Asus website & had it installed late March this year.)
I don't think it can boot any further at the state that it's in now.
I think this is where it needs a raw firmware to be flashed. This step keeps core-dumping in my Linux laptop when trying to use WW_ZS673KS_18.0840.2106.83_M3.13.24.40-ASUS_1.1.92_Phone-user.raw file that was linked in the original post. This version appears to be quite old. Could the version mismatch between what the phone was running recently (18.0840.2202.231) and the raw file (18.0840.2106.83) cause the core-dump issue? IOW, would somebody have a link for 18.0840.2202.231 raw file please?
I couldn't use my work Windows laptop due to an issue I cannot overcome (installation of driver needed for the phone is somehow blocked in it). So, soon I'll try it from a personal Windows laptop of my neighbor. Let's see if it can progress any further with the help of Windows platform.
In the meantime, I can appreciate to be informed about any tips and tricks such as if this is something that the phone cannot be recovered from. Or even somebody highly skilled would like to help me to achieve a fully functional phone (with bootloader locked please) for a fair compensation. Please let me know. Thanks for any guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirm that you can send fastboot commands to the device. It's a prerequisite for flashing the original boot img back or doing a RAW flash if boot looped. That's the very first step you need sorted and confirmed. Sounds like you may not be in the right Fastboot mode. The RAW version doesn't matter too much as long as it's in line with your device version, you just need it to get back up and can upgrade normally to other versions.

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