Questions.... - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Is this phone supposed to wipe everything once OEM unlock is achieved?
Why would it wipe?
Why would it wipe the SD Card partition?
Asides from the /System & /Data partitions, has anyone had USB issues?
The reason this is in the development section is because it all has to do with modifications made to the stock android OS.

Wrong section.

Anderdroid said:
Wrong section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you figure? You have to be connected via fastboot to make these alterations, so this could be an issue for some diving into modding/developing on this device.

Egh. I guess it's okay here. Didn't realize there wasn't a Questions & Answers section in Nexus S section like the Vibrant one has. So I guess it's fine for now
It just wipes for security issues. It tells you before it wipes, and it gives a reason but I forget what it says. Go try to do it and it'll warn you before it happens.

b16a2smith said:
Is this phone supposed to wipe everything once OEM unlock is achieved?
Why would it wipe?
Why would it wipe the SD Card partition?
Asides from the /System & /Data partitions, has anyone had USB issues?
The reason this is in the development section is because it all has to do with modifications made to the stock android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's to protect your data from theft. If unlock didn't wipe data, somebody who obtained possession of your phone could unlock it, the kernel or system image with something that allowed them to copy anything off of your phone. They also could install pretty much anything without you easily noticing that the phone was tampered with.

USB PROBLEMS. My phone now after unlocking and rooting it will NOT enter mass storage mode. I plug it in and the android pops up,I hit "enter mass.." and it appears to connect but it then just closes that screen. Every 3rd time or so trying it blue screens my computer and forces my PC to restart. I've have the galaxy and n1 and have never experienced problems such as these. Any ideas? Reinstall drivers? Master reset of my phone?

swetland said:
It's to protect your data from theft. If unlock didn't wipe data, somebody who obtained possession of your phone could unlock it, the kernel or system image with something that allowed them to copy anything off of your phone. They also could install pretty much anything without you easily noticing that the phone was tampered with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some protection that don't exist at all with Samsung & Odin.
With a Galaxy S you can basically flash anything as long as you have physical access, and steal all the data you want.
This wipe is an inconvenience for unaware end-user using fastboot, but it's also necessary for the security model to worth something
Good choice!

seriouslyjeff said:
USB PROBLEMS. My phone now after unlocking and rooting it will NOT enter mass storage mode. I plug it in and the android pops up,I hit "enter mass.." and it appears to connect but it then just closes that screen. Every 3rd time or so trying it blue screens my computer and forces my PC to restart. I've have the galaxy and n1 and have never experienced problems such as these. Any ideas? Reinstall drivers? Master reset of my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro you might need to replace the device, on twitter me (@b16a2smith) and (@gbhil) had loose usb ports on the devices, it might be a bad batch, just letting you know.

Related

[Q] accidentally formatted Internal Storage - No OS installed!

Rooted my N5 yesterday and it was working fine. Then today, I was trying to flash the Camera app from Jinshu when I got stuck on the dancing circles screen... went back into TWRP recovery and, I think, accidentally flashed the entire internal storage...
I can still get into TWRP, but when I click reboot > system , I get a warning message "No OS Installed! Are you sure you wish to reboot?" :crying:
I am using a Mac and have the SDK etc. installed, but I don't even see the device as a USB device in order to try and figure out how to get the system files back on the device.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
A
You've got a few options...forgive me if you've tried any of these already...I'm just offering ideas for you to find one that works for you...
1) restore a nandroid backup if you have one
or
2) ADB sideload a zip for one of the roms in the development sections
or
3) ADB push then flash a zip from the development sections
or
4) Flash the factory images using fastboot
DaMonster said:
Rooted my N5 yesterday and it was working fine. Then today, I was trying to flash the Camera app from Jinshu when I got stuck on the dancing circles screen... went back into TWRP recovery and, I think, accidentally flashed the entire internal storage...
I can still get into TWRP, but when I click reboot > system , I get a warning message "No OS Installed! Are you sure you wish to reboot?" :crying:
I am using a Mac and have the SDK etc. installed, but I don't even see the device as a USB device in order to try and figure out how to get the system files back on the device.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download this ROM (Odex)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507861
Boot in TWRP, and either use adb sideload:
./adb sideload path_to_hammerhead_KRT16M_odex_signed.zip
or use adb push
./adb push path_to_hammerhead_KRT16M_odex_signed.zip /data/media/0
Then proceed with flashing it from recovery.
Yep, you have plenty of options so don't panic. Personally, I'd use this as an opportunity to teach yourself how to setup and use ADB and Fastboot commands to flash factory images. Once you teach yourself how to do this properly you will no longer get overly concerned when another situation like this inevitably occurs. This will be a learning experience that you will benefit from later on.
If you are on a Mac, follow THIS GUIDE to properly setup ADB/Fastboot for use. Then use THIS GUIDE to learn how to properly flash a factory image.
Thanks for your quick responses guys...
While I was searching, I found this site: liciousroms dot com slash nexus5_restore.html (sorry, cannot post URLs just yet!)
I was able to get the stock .img files from the download package for system, recovery and boot, and as you guys pointed out, learned the utility of fastboot to get the images onto the device
Recovered, booted, and just getting back in business.
Thanks so much !!!
- A
For other folks that will run into this problem, note that TWRP 2.6.3.1 supports USB OTG. You can load a ROM into an sd card, plug it into the USB OTG cable and then into the phone and TWRP will mount it.
DaMonster said:
Thanks for your quick responses guys...
While I was searching, I found this site: liciousroms dot com slash nexus5_restore.html (sorry, cannot post URLs just yet!)
I was able to get the stock .img files from the download package for system, recovery and boot, and as you guys pointed out, learned the utility of fastboot to get the images onto the device
Recovered, booted, and just getting back in business.
Thanks so much !!!
- A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few things:
1) I wouldn't download stock images from any websites other than official. People could bake in all kinds of stuff. There's no need for other sites to re-host official stock images, so there's usually a reason why they would.
2) I mean no offense by this, but if you're unsure enough in what you're doing to accidentally format the entire internal storage then you should do a lot more research before attempting this stuff. This is reversible, your next accident might not be. I don't ordinarily assume, but judging by your username and the accident you've committed I'd assume you're fairly young...so blowing another $400 on a new device because you bricked this one from a mistake is probably a big deal. Take some time and understand, completely, what you're doing.
3) That being said, Nexus devices are made to be open. They're made for people to modify and have fun with. Explore and experiment all you want, just make sure to have a good NANDROID backup before you do.
hotleadsingerguy said:
1) I wouldn't download stock images from any websites other than official. People could bake in all kinds of stuff. There's no need for other sites to re-host official stock images, so there's usually a reason why they would.
3) That being said, Nexus devices are made to be open. They're made for people to modify and have fun with. Explore and experiment all you want, just make sure to have a good NANDROID backup before you do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. I'll reflash to the openrecovery-twrp-xxx version shortly anyway, but the point is valid and I'll make sure to have an official image and regular NANDROID backups handy for future experiments
hotleadsingerguy said:
2) I mean no offense by this, but if you're unsure enough in what you're doing to accidentally format the entire internal storage then you should do a lot more research before attempting this stuff. This is reversible, your next accident might not be. I don't ordinarily assume, but judging by your username and the accident you've committed I'd assume you're fairly young...so blowing another $400 on a new device because you bricked this one from a mistake is probably a big deal. Take some time and understand, completely, what you're doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None taken. I'm not really young, just new to Android/ tinkering. In any case, blowing $400 on a device is still a big deal and I want to avoid that like a plague Alas, youth has no monopoly on stupid.
zerogun said:
For other folks that will run into this problem, note that TWRP 2.6.3.1 supports USB OTG. You can load a ROM into an sd card, plug it into the USB OTG cable and then into the phone and TWRP will mount it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I have a USB-OTG cable on order (for a different purpose), and this is good for future reference.
DaMonster said:
Thanks for the info. I have a USB-OTG cable on order (for a different purpose), and this is good for future reference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay guys, im in serious trouble too. ADB sideload does not seem to work for me.
ADB devices is resulting into finding my device but sideload is not working... What to do now?
J_Dutch said:
Okay guys, im in serious trouble too. ADB sideload does not seem to work for me.
ADB devices is resulting into finding my device but sideload is not working... What to do now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use "adb push" to copy a zip from your PC to your phone.
The command would be like this:
adb push path/to/zip data/media/0
same issue
I am in the same boat as this guy. tried to load the sideloader via twrp but i get a...
E: unable to mount ;/usb-otg'
then it attempts to load it but it has been doing so for the last 15mins
minerva330 said:
I am in the same boat as this guy. tried to load the sideloader via twrp but i get a...
E: unable to mount ;/usb-otg'
then it attempts to load it but it has been doing so for the last 15mins
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just restore a nandroid in twrp
still a noob
jd1639 said:
Just restore a nandroid in twrp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse my ignorance: but should I back all the partitions? Also, if the system has been wiped, what's the point?
minerva330 said:
Excuse my ignorance: but should I back all the partitions? Also, if the system has been wiped, what's the point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't worry about backing up at this point
still a noob
jd1639 said:
I wouldn't worry about backing up at this point
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I misunderstood your previous statement.
I have no back-up to restore (don't even get me started, I am quite ashamed)
minerva330 said:
Sorry, I misunderstood your previous statement.
I have no back-up to restore (don't even get me started, I am quite ashamed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, your kidding me. You have a custom recovery and no backup. It would have made your life so easy. Now you'll have to flash the factory image
truly ashamed
jd1639 said:
Dude, your kidding me. You have a custom recovery and no backup. It would have made your life so easy. Now you'll have to flash the factory image
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know...that one time I don't (not one of my better moments). It's a new phone. I have done this a hundred times before
I have the factory image on my computer but I can't get it to push to my phone. My ADB driver are installed but my phone wont mount from the USB in TWRP.
minerva330 said:
I know...that one time I don't (not one of my better moments). It's a new phone. I have done this a hundred times before
I have the factory image on my computer but I can't get it to push to my phone. My ADB driver are installed but my phone wont mount from the USB in TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into boot loader and use the flash-all.bat that's inside the factory image. Unzip it using 7-zip. You'll see it in there. Boot into bootloader, plug your usb cable in and run the bat file
Edit, you'll lose everything on your phone
jd1639 said:
Boot into boot loader and use the flash-all.bat that's inside the factory image. Unzip it using 7-zip. You'll see it in there. Boot into bootloader, plug your usb cable in and run the bat file
Edit, you'll lose everything on your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I unzip a file from the factory image on my phone if it is on desktop? Am I missing something (thanks for tolerating this)?
At this point I could care less about loosing any apps, data, or pics,

[Q] I knew this day would come...Son's TF300 won't boot

I knew this day would come, I've traded PC trouble shooting for tablet troubleshooting. My son's tf300 gets to the screen where circles/dots go round and round and never gets any further. I am trying to learn everything I can and try everything I can before doing the wipe and starting over...as he has pictures and videos he'd like to save, and of course the all important saved game/app data...LOL. Anyway I'm new to tablets relatively speaking, but I've tried the volume down, and power button for doing a cold boot, same result. I've tried going to the recovery option just to see what that was about, and all I get is a flash of a screen saying something like updating android version or something like that and then the dead android with the usual red triangle and eventually the device will restart itself. I should that to him and told him he killed the android which gave me a puzzled look and then a smile...Anyway, you can't turn off the device nohow noway, except letting the battery drain completely.
I've been reading a little and learning about roots, backups, recoveries, etc... trying to come up with a plan of attack but feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Any advice here? and Can I access via PC to USB to device and just pull off his pics and videos to copy back over to the device after a wipe?
Problem started...I think when he ran the power dead completely and then had to restart...nor sure though... memories of a child are sketchy at best.
Feedback
chromegsx said:
I knew this day would come, I've traded PC trouble shooting for tablet troubleshooting. My son's tf300 gets to the screen where circles/dots go round and round and never gets any further. I am trying to learn everything I can and try everything I can before doing the wipe and starting over...as he has pictures and videos he'd like to save, and of course the all important saved game/app data...LOL. Anyway I'm new to tablets relatively speaking, but I've tried the volume down, and power button for doing a cold boot, same result. I've tried going to the recovery option just to see what that was about, and all I get is a flash of a screen saying something like updating android version or something like that and then the dead android with the usual red triangle and eventually the device will restart itself. I should that to him and told him he killed the android which gave me a puzzled look and then a smile...Anyway, you can't turn off the device nohow noway, except letting the battery drain completely.
I've been reading a little and learning about roots, backups, recoveries, etc... trying to come up with a plan of attack but feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Any advice here? and Can I access via PC to USB to device and just pull off his pics and videos to copy back over to the device after a wipe?
Problem started...I think when he ran the power dead completely and then had to restart...nor sure though... memories of a child are sketchy at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a solution, but your not going to like it, all data will be lost....:crying:
1. Download the latest version of Android for your tablet. Make sure you download the correct SKU version.
A. To find the SKU, go into settings, About tablet, and look for your Build Number, There are two letters (such as US,WW, TW, etc.) that is your SKU. When downloading the zip from ASUS', you must download the correct SKU zip.
2. Decompress downloaded .zip file (it will be another .zip)
3. Rename it to:
A. For the TF700 and TF300: EP201_768_SDUPDATE.zip
B. For the TF101: E101_SDUPDATE.zip
4. Make sure your MicroSD card is formatted Fat32. It must be Fat32 Format or it will not work.
5. Copy the file to (the root directory of) your MicroSD
6. Insert the MicroSD into the tablet
7. Shutdown (power off) the tablet
8. Power it on by pressing and holding VOLUME DOWN and POWER buttons simultaneously
9. When you see white text in the top left corner of the screen, release the buttons ^^ and press VOLUME UP button (on RCK, this is your recovery which should already be selected) until you see Android logo and process bar
10. Give the update process 5-10 minutes. It should not take longer than that. If it happens to run for more than 45 minutes to an hour, force shut down the tablet and see if it boots. If it does not, try rerunning steps 7-9.
Let me know if you need any help along the way.... Thx as always lj
lj50036 said:
I have a solution, but your not going to like it, all data will be lost....:crying:
...
Let me know if you need any help along the way.... Thx as always lj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the RCK thing doesn't do anything unless you have SD card in to do something that's on the card?
And there's no way to access what's on the device without getting it booted all the way?
Sounds like your saving me and my son from updating from his original Android version after a wipe...Thanks
SKU
chromegsx said:
So the RCK thing doesn't do anything unless you have SD card in to do something that's on the card?
And there's no way to access what's on the device without getting it booted all the way?
Sounds like your saving me and my son from updating from his original Android version after a wipe...Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the tablet having a locked bootloader... You can only flash signed zip files...From the SDcard
When your on that screen with the RCK.. NEVER select the WIPE DATA.. Bad things will happen...
Also when your in the RCK screen.. That is called the bootloader screen....So you know if some one refers to it by its name.....
Also that is were you can find your SKU on the bootloader screen upper left in white letters... WW, US, TW ............... Make sure you get the right SKU from asus for your 300....
lj50036 said:
Yes the tablet having a locked bootloader... You can only flash signed zip files...From the SDcard
When your on that screen with the RCK.. NEVER select the WIPE DATA.. Bad things will happen...
Also when your in the RCK screen.. That is called the bootloader screen....So you know if some one refers to it by its name.....
Also that is were you can find your SKU on the bootloader screen upper left in white letters... WW, US, TW ............... Make sure you get the right SKU from asus for your 300....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey congrats on Recognized Contributor!
Happy
cmendonc2 said:
Hey congrats on Recognized Contributor!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am happy about it.. Still so much to learn... Im not trying to let it go to my head...LOL:silly:
lj50036 said:
... NEVER select the WIPE DATA.. Bad things will happen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know it's related only to custom recovery and if You have stock one it should work. Or I'm wrong?
Data Wipe
Graiden05 said:
As far as I know it's related only to custom recovery and if You have stock one it should work. Or I'm wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that is correct. I just like to move people away from even thinking its an option, as I have had people with stock everything and the Wipe Data
icon has even given them trouble, its just not worth touching....LOL...Thx as always lj
lj50036 said:
Yes that is correct. I just like to move people away from even thinking its an option, as I have had people with stock everything and the Wipe Data
icon has even given them trouble, its just not worth touching....LOL...Thx as always lj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep when I first got my tablet i was so scared about going into that menu because I learned that it was only 3-4 clicks away from a brick.
lj50036 said:
Yes the tablet having a locked bootloader... You can only flash signed zip files...From the SDcard
When your on that screen with the RCK.. NEVER select the WIPE DATA.. Bad things will happen...
Also when your in the RCK screen.. That is called the bootloader screen....So you know if some one refers to it by its name.....
Also that is were you can find your SKU on the bootloader screen upper left in white letters... WW, US, TW ............... Make sure you get the right SKU from asus for your 300....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiousity...Isn't doing these steps more or less just upgrading the firmware? Like getting an update from ASUS? If so, why will it lose all the data?
I haven't mustered up the courage yet to do this yet... actually it's more like getting the time to do it.
Feedback
chromegsx said:
Out of curiousity...Isn't doing these steps more or less just upgrading the firmware? Like getting an update from ASUS? If so, why will it lose all the data?
I haven't mustered up the courage yet to do this yet... actually it's more like getting the time to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is correct..but its not a ota.... So the process will wipe all data....Thx always lj
You could try using ADB to try and pull your files. I faced a similar problem and was able to pull some of my files:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2253834
Sent from my R800i using xda-developers app.
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
UndisputedGuy said:
You could try using ADB to try and pull your files. I faced a similar problem and was able to pull some of my files:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2253834
Sent from my R800i using xda-developers app.
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read your link. I have adb downloaded and cannot get it to list my device. I cannot see my device in device manager like you though.
chromegsx said:
Read your link. I have adb downloaded and cannot get it to list my device. I cannot see my device in device manager like you though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try installing the universal naked drivers.
cmendonc2 said:
Try installing the universal naked drivers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same result. Still nothing in Device manager.
chromegsx said:
Read your link. I have adb downloaded and cannot get it to list my device. I cannot see my device in device manager like you though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies, I'm very rusty with this stuff now. If flashing a .blob file doesn't wipe data (I can't remember whether it does or not), perhaps you could try doing that if you're able to get into recovery?
Call me, Beep me, If you wanna reach me.
UndisputedGuy said:
Apologies, I'm very rusty with this stuff now. If flashing a .blob file doesn't wipe data (I can't remember whether it does or not), perhaps you could try doing that if you're able to get into recovery?
Call me, Beep me, If you wanna reach me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just gave in and did the flash procedure. Looked like it went well, now I'm watching the circles for round again for the last 10 minutes.
chromegsx said:
I just gave in and did the flash procedure. Looked like it went well, now I'm watching the circles for round again for the last 10 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to follow up on this...lj50036 is top noctch helper here. going above and beyond does not even come close to explaining what he has tried to do for me. Ultimately it was after we hit a brick wall, that I suggested flashing back to an earlier version that finally worked. I'm not convinced flashing to the latest version (like I first tried) would not work, as I didn't personally create/rename the SD card to do the flash. but re-flashing the original firmware got the tablet to boot finally. Of course all was lost other than what had been automatically backed up via google servers. Pictures/videos back to exactly one year from when the pad stopped booting were recovered. Everything before a year was gone. No game data or installs were saved. I thought maybe it had to do with a space issue, but after re-installing every app my son had before and about 1GB worth of pics/videos restored, there is still 16GB left, I doubt game/user data would have consumed that much...so I still have no idea what might have cause the pad to stop booting. Other than it was trying to do something important when he ran the battery dead. So at this point I'm having my son clean out unwanted apps, and we are going to unlock and root after a proper backup is done. Thank you to all that have had input on my dilemma. I've learned a ton.

Help locked out of recovery

I was literally flashing something ten minutes before and then I tried going back to recovery and there were no directory so I then rebooted it says I need a password... But I never one made a password, I didn't even know there was passwords for recovery
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Never mind... Just kept rebooting then eventually the problem was gone... How can I set a password for bootloader and recovery... Just wondering if it's even possible
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
You can't set a password for either (well, not to my knowledge!)
Even with a password we can fastboot flash new images.
Team Win explains this on their website.
Primokorn said:
Even with a password we can fastboot flash new images.
Team Win explains this on their website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no.. Actually we can lock the bootloader so fastboot flash wont work.... All we need is for the recovery password to block the following to secure your data (on the nexus 5):
Mount of external (OTG) media
adb access
file manager capabilities
This would mean you can still boot into recovery and flash / backup (although not to removable media) until you went into a security menu to "unlock recovery". This would even mean that your automated jobs can still occur without having to face a "boot password". The password could be stored on /sdcard in clear test and there could be an option to delete the password incase you forgot it in this same recovery menu, which also wipes the device.
recovery is the only weak point of my device.
Sure, Samsung's Odin will get round this password on their devices as the BL is not locked but any device with a locked bootloader (locakbale bootloader) will benefit.
Another caveat is that this is not to prevent the device being wiped.... unlocking the bootloader will wipe the device, and this is what I want. I don't care about getting the phone back as much as I would care about securing my data. Its all backed up. Nothing is lost. I just might not want someone else getting access to it.
Although this is beyond the extent of my knowledge to achieve, I don't think it would be hard for anyone who knows what they're doing with code.
rootSU said:
Yes and no.. Actually we can lock the bootloader so fastboot flash wont work.... All we need is for the recovery password to block the following to secure your data (on the nexus 5):
Mount of external (OTG) media
adb access
file manager capabilities
This would mean you can still boot into recovery and flash / backup (although not to removable media) until you went into a security menu to "unlock recovery". This would even mean that your automated jobs can still occur without having to face a "boot password". The password could be stored on /sdcard in clear test and there could be an option to delete the password incase you forgot it in this same recovery menu, which also wipes the device.
recovery is the only weak point of my device.
Sure, Samsung's Odin will get round this password on their devices as the BL is not locked but any device with a locked bootloader (locakbale bootloader) will benefit.
Another caveat is that this is not to prevent the device being wiped.... unlocking the bootloader will wipe the device, and this is what I want. I don't care about getting the phone back as much as I would care about securing my data. Its all backed up. Nothing is lost. I just might not want someone else getting access to it.
Although this is beyond the extent of my knowledge to achieve, I don't think it would be hard for anyone who knows what they're doing with code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do u mean that you always have a locked BL?
Thanks for your feedback but one thing remains the same IMHO. Of course we can lock the BL but a thief can unlock it then flash factory images. No more custom recovery, passwords...
I'm not talking about the user data but to be able for a thieft to use a device even with locked stuff.
Primokorn said:
Do u mean that you always have a locked BL?
Thanks for your feedback but one thing remains the same IMHO. Of course we can lock the BL but a thief can unlock it then flash factory images. No more custom recovery, passwords...
I'm not talking about the user data but to be able for a thieft to use a device even with locked stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just talking about data security. That is my only concern. Devices are replaceable. Unlock bootloader, data wiped. fine!
Oh thanks everyone, I just wouldn't want a theif to use a phone they don't deserve, pretty much the only security on my phone to not go to bootloader is for no power menu on my lockscreen but you could probably use adb to get through
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
That's what imei blocking is for
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Q] Considering rooting the Nexus 5

So I have a black Nexus 5 with a capacity of 16GB. The device is only about 4 months old, so I still have it covered with warranty until June 2016. The device is as good as new and I'm very happy with it because everything is so fast and smooth.
Recently I've been thinking about rooting the device for maybe some little extras. For example, I have GTA SA installed but I would like to play it with the Cleo mod to have a little bit more fun. Or maybe I'll install some kind of adblocker so I could enjoy my brand new phone without the annoying gold diggers. Or perhaps I want to hide some apps from my app drawer so it would look neat and organised. Or I would like to install an apk that isn't available for non-rooted devices. Or in case I want to see the battery percentage next to the time display or anything like that.
As you can see I would only want to root it for rather small reasons. I definitely don't want to overclock anything because it already meets my criteria for speed, nor do I want to install any custom ROMs because I really like the pure android experience. So I have a few questions because I'm a total noob at the field of tweaking android:
Is my current data going to be wiped if I would want to root it?
I'm aware of the upcoming Android L release, so would I be able to update it right away (remember, I'm not going to use any custom ROMs) or would I have to unroot and reset everything first?
In case something goes wrong and I want to use my warranty, could any traces be found after I would have unrooted the device? (because rooting voids your warranty, right?)
What would be the top reasons to root the Nexus 5? For example, any features the device should've had but unfortunately hasn't.
And is it actually 100% safe...?
So regarding to the last question... A friend of mine has a rooted Moto G, he made me familiar with rooting and it's probably thanks to him that I'm considering it. Everything was going well but there were a few times that he woke up and his phone wasn't worth more than a brick. Apparently, it was because of some ROM he installed. This probably won't affect me in any way because like I said, I'm not going to install any custom ROMs, but my friend expected everything to be normal while it wasn't. He probably did everything like it should be done but then he suddenly woke up with a brick next to his head. So apparently, even if you do everything exactly like they tell you to do it, there's still a slight chance that it's going to end up badly, right?
So basically, I'm considering rooting my device but I'm still not sure what I would have to do because there are lots of tutorials and everything is quite confusing and I have some questions. All the help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
root/unlockbootloader/install twrp&busybox no data loss
root/unlockbootloader/install twrp&busybox no data loss without P.C, okay here we go mod's remove if you think it's not helping. download towelroot by geohot,now the rest from playstore, es file exploer,super su,busybox,reboot app,nexus unlock bootloader,
make sure you have security unknowen sources ticked and verify apps unticked.
download towelroot from chrome with es file exploer open and install hit make it rain tab, next install busybox,next install super su app.unlockbootloader with in the app.,install twrp and auto install recovery for hammerhead from twrp, now you should have full root after reboot.super user and busybox unlocked bootloader and twrp installed, and you know what the reboot app is for . no data loss and without a P.C, or you could use fastboot install just look in Q&A, kind regard's joe hope this help's.
Spaceblow said:
Is my current data going to be wiped if I would want to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep; when you unlock bootloader of your device (before root), all of data will be wiped.
Spaceblow said:
I'm aware of the upcoming Android L release, so would I be able to update it right away (remember, I'm not going to use any custom ROMs) or would I have to unroot and reset everything first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. When you upgrade to Android L, it might be overwrite existing system clearly.
Spaceblow said:
In case something goes wrong and I want to use my warranty, could any traces be found after I would have unrooted the device? (because rooting voids your warranty, right?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are using Google Nexus. Just revert with Nexus Factory Image.
http://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
Spaceblow said:
What would be the top reasons to root the Nexus 5? For example, any features the device should've had but unfortunately hasn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case, to connect NTFS filesystem.
Spaceblow said:
And is it actually 100% safe...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, but it's at your own risk.
Jongmin Kim said:
Yep; when you unlock your device (before root), all of data will be wiped.
Nope. When you upgrade to Android L, it might be overwrite existing system clearly.
No. We are using Google Nexus. Just revert with Nexus Factory Image.
http://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
In my case, to connect NTFS filesystem.
Maybe, but it's at your own risk.
English is too difficult... I'm trying to understand right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root and then unlock bootloader with the app from playstore. has to be this way. regard's p.s no data wiped ,
Spaceblow said:
So I have a black Nexus 5 with a capacity of 16GB. The device is only about 4 months old, so I still have it covered with warranty until June 2016. The device is as good as new and I'm very happy with it because everything is so fast and smooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all:
Lethargy said:
I think OP got his question reversed. Should be:
"Why buy a Nexus 5 if you're not going to root?"
:angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spaceblow said:
So I have a few questions because I'm a total noob at the field of tweaking android:
Is my current data going to be wiped if I would want to root it?
I'm aware of the upcoming Android L release, so would I be able to update it right away (remember, I'm not going to use any custom ROMs) or would I have to unroot and reset everything first?
In case something goes wrong and I want to use my warranty, could any traces be found after I would have unrooted the device? (because rooting voids your warranty, right?)
What would be the top reasons to root the Nexus 5? For example, any features the device should've had but unfortunately hasn't.
And is it actually 100% safe...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Unlocking the bootloader is what wipes the data partition, not root access.
2. Don't bother with OTAs to update, they're too much of a bother to try to get to work, when you can just flash factory images/zip, most likely before you even get the OTA pushed to you.
3. Depends where you bought it from. If you got it off the Play Store, then Google does not care about the software you have on your device as long as it's a legitimate manufacturing fault covered by the warranty. You can RMA to Google with a custom ROM and kernel if you wanted to. If you bought it from elsewhere, You'll have to send it to LG for repair. It's possible to reflash factory images and reset the tamper flag, there isn't anything else on the Nexus 5 that will tell LG anything. The easiest way is using LG Flashtool, which can be found in the first link of my signature. If your device is completely dead however, it doesn't matter since LG wouldn't be able to boot it up.
4. Root access is simply root access. You get access to /system, and therefore can use root apps and other modifications.
5. The root process itself is pretty much 100% safe. The Nexus 5 is really, really hard to brick, unless you flash something that isn't meant for your device or something similar, so user error is the only risk in the process. Software-wise, of course root access comes at some form of a security risk. Just be sure of what apps you're granting root access to and you should have no problem.
Spaceblow said:
So regarding to the last question... A friend of mine has a rooted Moto G, he made me familiar with rooting and it's probably thanks to him that I'm considering it. Everything was going well but there were a few times that he woke up and his phone wasn't worth more than a brick. Apparently, it was because of some ROM he installed. This probably won't affect me in any way because like I said, I'm not going to install any custom ROMs, but my friend expected everything to be normal while it wasn't. He probably did everything like it should be done but then he suddenly woke up with a brick next to his head. So apparently, even if you do everything exactly like they tell you to do it, there's still a slight chance that it's going to end up badly, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely user error, or simply because a Moto device could be locked down more (which also makes it riskier and harder to restore) and not as easy to develop for. The Nexus 5 is one of the hardest devices to brick (again, excluding user error), and if you have any issues it would either be user error or a bug in the ROM/kernel.
Spaceblow said:
So basically, I'm considering rooting my device but I'm still not sure what I would have to do because there are lots of tutorials and everything is quite confusing and I have some questions. All the help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the first link of my signature and read some threads before proceeding blindly.
There are ways to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader and without a PC as mentioned above, but it's recommended to do it the traditional way by backing up your internal storage to a PC first and using fastboot. Those methods are useful for other devices that are more locked down. This is a Nexus device, it's better to do it properly.
Lethargy said:
First of all:
1. Unlocking the bootloader is what wipes the data partition, not root access.
2. Don't bother with OTAs to update, they're too much of a bother to try to get to work, when you can just flash factory images/zip, most likely before you even get the OTA pushed to you.
3. Depends where you bought it from. If you got it off the Play Store, then Google does not care about the software you have on your device as long as it's a legitimate manufacturing fault covered by the warranty. You can RMA to Google with a custom ROM and kernel if you wanted to. If you bought it from elsewhere, You'll have to send it to LG for repair. It's possible to reflash factory images and reset the tamper flag, there isn't anything else on the Nexus 5 that will tell LG anything. The easiest way is using LG Flashtool, which can be found in the first link of my signature. If your device is completely dead however, it doesn't matter since LG wouldn't be able to boot it up.
4. Root access is simply root access. You get access to /system, and therefore can use root apps and other modifications.
5. The root process itself is pretty much 100% safe. The Nexus 5 is really, really hard to brick, unless you flash something that isn't meant for your device or something similar, so user error is the only risk in the process. Software-wise, of course root access comes at some form of a security risk. Just be sure of what apps you're granting root access to and you should have no problem.
Most likely user error, or simply because a Moto device could be locked down more (which also makes it riskier and harder to restore). The Nexus 5 is one of the hardest devices to brick (again, excluding user error), and if you have any issues it would either be user error or a bug in the ROM/kernel.
Check out the first link of my signature and read some threads before proceeding blindly.
There are ways to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader and without a PC as mentioned above, but it's recommended to do it the traditional way by backing up your internal storage to a PC first and using fastboot. Those methods are useful for other devices that are more locked down. This is a Nexus device, it's better to do it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol yeah i have to agree with you, but i find this help's when on the go,
joecool666 said:
lol yeah i have to agree with you, but i find this help's when on the go,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have access to a PC, or you're using a locked-down Samsung/HTC/Moto/Sony/whatever device, then sure, go ahead and use the exploit methods.
But if you do have access to a PC, and it's a Nexus device, just do it properly, it'll cause fewer possible issues.
Lethargy said:
If you don't have access to a PC, or you're using a locked-down Samsung/HTC/Moto/Sony/whatever device, then sure, go ahead and use the exploit methods.
But if you do have access to a PC, and it's a Nexus device, just do it properly, it'll cause fewer possible issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do use my p.c and lg flashtool and fastboot.just incase lol.and it is the better way of doing it, p.s when OTG rooting don't forget to bring the XDA app.
joecool666 said:
root and then unlock bootloader with the app from playstore. has to be this way. regard's p.s no data wiped ,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean Towelroot? I'm also considering this option because it would be nice to keep all my data.
Lethargy said:
First of all:
1. Unlocking the bootloader is what wipes the data partition, not root access.
2. Don't bother with OTAs to update, they're too much of a bother to try to get to work, when you can just flash factory images/zip, most likely before you even get the OTA pushed to you.
3. Depends where you bought it from. If you got it off the Play Store, then Google does not care about the software you have on your device as long as it's a legitimate manufacturing fault covered by the warranty. You can RMA to Google with a custom ROM and kernel if you wanted to. If you bought it from elsewhere, You'll have to send it to LG for repair. It's possible to reflash factory images and reset the tamper flag, there isn't anything else on the Nexus 5 that will tell LG anything. The easiest way is using LG Flashtool, which can be found in the first link of my signature. If your device is completely dead however, it doesn't matter since LG wouldn't be able to boot it up.
4. Root access is simply root access. You get access to /system, and therefore can use root apps and other modifications.
5. The root process itself is pretty much 100% safe. The Nexus 5 is really, really hard to brick, unless you flash something that isn't meant for your device or something similar, so user error is the only risk in the process. Software-wise, of course root access comes at some form of a security risk. Just be sure of what apps you're granting root access to and you should have no problem.
Most likely user error, or simply because a Moto device could be locked down more (which also makes it riskier and harder to restore) and not as easy to develop for. The Nexus 5 is one of the hardest devices to brick (again, excluding user error), and if you have any issues it would either be user error or a bug in the ROM/kernel.
Check out the first link of my signature and read some threads before proceeding blindly.
There are ways to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader and without a PC as mentioned above, but it's recommended to do it the traditional way by backing up your internal storage to a PC first and using fastboot. Those methods are useful for other devices that are more locked down. This is a Nexus device, it's better to do it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is some great information, thank you very much! So in case I would want to do it manually, this thread has everything I need (in combination with the 15 seconds ADB Installer)?
Spaceblow said:
This is some great information, thank you very much! So in case I would want to do it manually, this thread has everything I need (in combination with the 15 seconds ADB Installer)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. :good: I also recommend using TWRP instead of CWM as your recovery. PhilZ Touch is also another good alternative, but it is no longer maintained and probably won't work for Lollipop's default encryption.
Latest SuperSU is located here, flashable in a custom recovery.
Lethargy said:
Yep. :good: I also recommend using TWRP instead of CWM as your recovery. PhilZ Touch is also another good alternative, but it is no longer maintained and probably won't work for Lollipop's default encryption.
Latest SuperSU is located here, flashable in a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for helping me but I used Towelroot and it works flawlessly!
Spaceblow said:
Thanks for helping me but I used Towelroot and it works flawlessly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. :good:
Even though you now have root access, I recommend using Bootunlocker or whatever app to unlock the bootloader from within Android (which doesn't wipe), then flashing a custom recovery with fastboot while in the bootloader anyways.
Why?
If something goes wrong and your phone doesn't boot, you'll have no choice but to unlock the bootloader WITH a wipe using fastboot, then flash a custom recovery or reflash factory images, unless you've done the above, in which case you can dirty-flash (no wipe) a stock ROM zip downloadable here. :angel:
back up
Spaceblow said:
Thanks for helping me but I used Towelroot and it works flawlessly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
make sure you make a back up back up most important,regard's joe
To be clear, the *whole* phone including your sdcard partition will be wiped so make sure you back up before unlocking your bootloader. I would use an app like ES File Explorer and copy all your files to Dropbox or Google Drive if you dont have a computer but you'll need a computer anyway.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
MrObvious said:
To be clear, the *whole* phone including your sdcard partition will be wiped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we want to be clear, we should also be accurate. The *whole* phone is not wiped. The /data partition is wiped, which includes /data/app (where user apps are stored) /data/data (where user settings and app data is stored) and /data/media (where /sdcard data is stored)
Lethargy said:
Cool. :good:
Even though you now have root access, I recommend using Bootunlocker or whatever app to unlock the bootloader from within Android (which doesn't wipe), then flashing a custom recovery with fastboot while in the bootloader anyways.
Why?
If something goes wrong and your phone doesn't boot, you'll have no choice but to unlock the bootloader WITH a wipe using fastboot, then flash a custom recovery or reflash factory images, unless you've done the above, in which case you can dirty-flash (no wipe) a stock ROM zip downloadable here. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip but then I'll be unable to receive OTA updates unless I restore everything, including everything being wiped, right?
joecool666 said:
make sure you make a back up back up most important,regard's joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By using Titanium Backup?
Spaceblow said:
Thanks for the tip but then I'll be unable to receive OTA updates unless I restore everything, including everything being wiped, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All guides and info threads are in my signature. One such INFO thread is OTA help-desk, which explains that you can receive OTA with custom recovery, however there are extra steps.
However, please let me explain 1 thing. OTA is the ultimate noob move. Only root-noobs receive OTA updates. They are the most inconvenient method of updating your OS if you are rooted. Long before you even receive the OTA update, there will be a pre-rooted flashable.zip that can be flashed via recovery.
noobs will often say "but..but..but I wont have to wipe if I accept an OTA"... Little do they know... Even after an official OTA, things screw up. Whenever an OS is upgraded, a wipe is highly recommended as OTA's are imperfect and data between apps and settings conflicts between versions.
OTA is a fools errand if you're rooted. Now you're rooted, leave OTA to the unrooted and learn to manage your rooted device properly. All the info you could ever need is available in my signature as previously mentioned.
Spaceblow said:
Thanks for the tip but then I'll be unable to receive OTA updates unless I restore everything, including everything being wiped, right?
By using Titanium Backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or helium back up
Owning a Nexus makes fastboot your best friend, especially if you have issues.
Read up on adb/fastboot and forget OTA's. Nothing like a clean fresh install of a new version. And there's many options to save /backup your data and important files.
Without learning fastboot and adb.... Simple fix issues can become major headaches.
Don't be intimidated. Read, learn, then do. ?
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------
@rootSU has everything you need in his sticky roll up thread.
rootSU said:
All guides and info threads are in my signature. One such INFO thread is OTA help-desk, which explains that you can receive OTA with custom recovery, however there are extra steps.
However, please let me explain 1 thing. OTA is the ultimate noob move. Only root-noobs receive OTA updates. They are the most inconvenient method of updating your OS if you are rooted. Long before you even receive the OTA update, there will be a pre-rooted flashable.zip that can be flashed via recovery.
noobs will often say "but..but..but I wont have to wipe if I accept an OTA"... Little do they know... Even after an official OTA, things screw up. Whenever an OS is upgraded, a wipe is highly recommended as OTA's are imperfect and data between apps and settings conflicts between versions.
OTA is a fools errand if you're rooted. Now you're rooted, leave OTA to the unrooted and learn to manage your rooted device properly. All the info you could ever need is available in my signature as previously mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you convinced me to take my N5 to a step further.
So I already Towelrooted my phone which gave me root access and an untouched bootloader and recovery. My next step would be to backup every app and all data to be sure in case something goes wrong, this would be done by using Titanium Backup. Then I should be unlocking the bootloader by simply using BootUnlocker for Nexus Devices so I wouldn't get my data wiped (I know I would be able to restore it with my backup but I rather do it a bit faster and less complex). When I did that, I have to head over to this thread and flash TWRP by following the instructions at "2. Installing a Custom Recovery".
So after all these steps my phone would have no limitations and it would be as unlocked as for example your Nexus 5, right?

Cons of unlocking bootloader

Hi
Couldn't find any thread about it. So posting it
I red on official website that I might loose some functionalities "You may lose some key functions like telephone, radio, and audio playback.".
Can anyone put some light on what I might loose as per this? (I know data will be lost and etc but what about this line pls?
Nothing , they are just pretending . only ur warranty voids
Sent from my Moto G using Tapatalk
Sorry for posting thread in wrong section.
As far as I know you still get OTA updates as well, correct? Assuming unlocked bootloader and stock operating system.
jitin02 said:
Hi
Couldn't find any thread about it. So posting it
I red on official website that I might loose some functionalities "You may lose some key functions like telephone, radio, and audio playback.".
Can anyone put some light on what I might loose as per this? (I know data will be lost and etc but what about this line pls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No data is lost for unlocking bootloader.... Believe me i have unloacked it and flashed CM rom and its working better than before..
shashidhar941997 said:
No data is lost for unlocking bootloader.... Believe me i have unloacked it and flashed CM rom and its working better than before..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course data is lost... everything on the phone is wiped clean, it is impossible at present to unlock the G3 without wiping out all user data.
To the OP, you do not lose any functionality by unlocking alone, everything will work EXACTLY as before as long as the only thing you do is unlock... that being said, if you change anything, such as adding root access, flashing Xposed, installing a custom recovery, that changes the device so it could potentially cause an issue outside of Motorola's control or outside of their supported practices. For example, you will not be able to receive OTA updates if you have modified the /system partition, the OTA system will see that that the partition has been mounted R/W and will not offer further OTA's, but you can still sideload them manually. If you install a custom recovery and nothing else, you may be offered an OTA, but it will fail since it requires stock recovery.
Basically, if you are careful and willing to do a little research and go beyond the "stock" experience, you will have to do a few things manually, and unlocking is the beginning of that process. Unlocking just for the sake of doing it and not continuing is a waste of time.
acejavelin said:
Of course data is lost... everything on the phone is wiped clean, it is impossible at present to unlock the G3 without wiping out all user data.
To the OP, you do not lose any functionality by unlocking alone, everything will work EXACTLY as before as long as the only thing you do is unlock... that being said, if you change anything, such as adding root access, flashing Xposed, installing a custom recovery, that changes the device so it could potentially cause an issue outside of Motorola's control or outside of their supported practices. For example, you will not be able to receive OTA updates if you have modified the /system partition, the OTA system will see that that the partition has been mounted R/W and will not offer further OTA's, but you can still sideload them manually. If you install a custom recovery and nothing else, you may be offered an OTA, but it will fail since it requires stock recovery.
Basically, if you are careful and willing to do a little research and go beyond the "stock" experience, you will have to do a few things manually, and unlocking is the beginning of that process. Unlocking just for the sake of doing it and not continuing is a waste of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically it's like my oneplus one... The ota thing. Who cares .
And yes I was thinking of rooting, xposedify, twrp .......
Tks fr info ..... But another of my worry is locking bl. Acc. To what I red is you can't lock it properly. As my devic is 1 month old (not even 1) I don't want to risk it
jitin02 said:
So basically it's like my oneplus one... The ota thing. Who cares .
And yes I was thinking of rooting, xposedify, twrp .......
Tks fr info ..... But another of my worry is locking bl. Acc. To what I red is you can't lock it properly. As my devic is 1 month old (not even 1) I don't want to risk it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader cannot be relocked... there is a procedure to appear locked, but it you can never actually undo the unlock procedure... One thing to keep in mind is that when you unlock you lose your warranty, but it is not based on whether your device shows it's locked or not, the minute you accept the T&C on Motorola's site and get the unlock token, your warranty is gone, it doesn't even matter if you actually unlock the device or not.
acejavelin said:
The bootloader cannot be relocked... there is a procedure to appear locked, but it you can never actually undo the unlock procedure... One thing to keep in mind is that when you unlock you lose your warranty, but it is not based on whether your device shows it's locked or not, the minute you accept the T&C on Motorola's site and get the unlock token, your warranty is gone, it doesn't even matter if you actually unlock the device or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Them I m not unlocking. Lol
shashidhar941997 said:
No data is lost for unlocking bootloader.... Believe me i have unloacked it and flashed CM rom and its working better than before..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
better than before means do u notice quick battery darning i also unlocked nd CM 12.1 excluding battery it better than before
acejavelin said:
Of course data is lost... everything on the phone is wiped clean, it is impossible at present to unlock the G3 without wiping out all user data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the SD Card safe or should that be removed prior to unlocking bootloader?
MrTooPhone said:
Is the SD Card safe or should that be removed prior to unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would remove it if you want to keep it setup as is... It does a factory reset which will wipe the SD card.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:43 AM ----------
MrTooPhone said:
Is the SD Card safe or should that be removed prior to unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will wipe SD card.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
acejavelin said:
I would remove it if you want to keep it setup as is... It does a factory reset which will wipe the SD card.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:43 AM ----------
It will wipe SD card.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did not wipe mine. It only formats the internal partitions. Most phones you have to specify if you want the SD formatted as well.
quakeaz said:
It did not wipe mine. It only formats the internal partitions. Most phones you have to specify if you want the SD formatted as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader should wipe all user partitions, including SD card, the bootloader unlock factory reset is a complete wipe, unless something has changed. You don't get an option of what to erase when unlocking the bootloader.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
acejavelin said:
Unlocking the bootloader should wipe all user partitions, including SD card, the bootloader unlock factory reset is a complete wipe, unless something has changed. You don't get an option of what to erase when unlocking the bootloader.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know there's no option. I've just never seen a phone that wipes SD by default, including this one. Usually wiping user data consists of the /data partition. But if you're more comfortable pulling the SD out, better safe than sorry...
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
quakeaz said:
I know there's no option. I've just never seen a phone that wipes SD by default, including this one.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... For a normal factory reset I would agree, for bootloader unlock reset it should wipe it. What's the point of the security feature of wiping the device when bootloader unlock occurs if it leaves a major security hole by not wiping the SD card?
I can't speak from experience on this, I removed mine as a precautionary measure because back in the older HTC days of Gingerbread/Jellybean, there were a few cases where the SD card would be trashed when unlocking the bootloader.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Neither unlocking the bootloader nor a factory reset do ANYTHING LIKE wiping your phone. Neither would either make any sense at all.
You are not supposed be able to unlock the bootloader so what sort of software do you think could be included to detect or stop it happening? Samsung KNOX comes to mind but that ain't Moto.
Factory resets remove apps, call logs, contacts, and anything else on the internal SD. Stuff that is on the external SD is not affected, only the Data and the Cache partitions.
I unlocked my bootloader but that didn't prevent me from receiving the MM Ota update two days ago. So, unlocking void only your warranty, nothing else. It will for sure wipe your phone's data.
There are a number of reasons for unlocking Bootloader. Especially for those that cannot or do not want to return phone to manufacturer.
(1) Android can become corrupt at any time. It can happen randomly. Without an unlocked Bootloader, you may no longer be able to load Android or access your files. With a custom recovery - you still have ADB and root access to your files. Also in the event that factory firmware images do not work, you now have the option of flashing a custom ROM.
(2) Lost / accidentally deleted photos. Without an unlocked Bootloader and root access, your options are very limited. If you have root access, there are apps that can recover deleted photos. You also have the possibility of making a backup image of internal storage and transferring that to PC for use with Data recovery software.
(3) You need an unlocked Bootloader to flash a custom Kernel / ROM. These can provide better performance, improved battery-life, a greater range of features and in some cases, improved app compatibility.
(4) This one may be less of an issue, but worth considering. Having an unlocked Bootloader can get you out of a situation where phone is locked due to 'Device Protection.'
Related: http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...ne-you-might-trip-a-72-hour-security-lockout/​
lost101 said:
(4) This one may be less of an issue, but worth considering. Having an unlocked Bootloader can get you out of a situation where phone is locked due to 'Device Protection.'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though you also have to consider the other side of that medal.
With a locked bootloader and device protection active, the phone is useless to everyone except yourself.
If the phone is lost this *might* increase the chance that it's being returned to you.
And if it's stolen you at least have the satisfaction that the thief can only use it as a paperweight.
If the bootloader is unlocked, whoever found or stole the phone can overcome the device protection and can use or sell the phone...

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