Difference between unlocking bootloader and rooting - General Questions and Answers

Does unlocking the bootloader give you root?
And in which instances can you flash a custom recovery or customs ROMs?

Rooting means you can install apps that require root access (like titanium backup or setcpu). Unlocked bootloader means you can load any rom, kernel, etc that you like. Unlocked bootloader is usually acquired after rooting.

I'm not sure I totally understand the first reply, so here is my take on it.
Rooting will let you install apps that require root as already stated, but rooting will let you install custom ROMs and do just about any tweak you want. I finally did unlock my bootloader, but the only benefit I gained was being able to change the flash screen, which is the first screen you see when the phone powers on.
I have read that it's harder to brick your phone with a s=off bootloader too.

It is not harder to brick your phone with an unlocked bootloader, just easier to recover from a soft-brick. An unlocked bootloader will allow you to flash using fastboot. So in the case of a corrupt recovery, or something along those lines, you are able to flash it using your computer. It basically allows you to flash different parts of an image separately.

lowandbehold said:
It is not harder to brick your phone with an unlocked bootloader, just easier to recover from a soft-brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much what I meant, I just didn't say it right. Thanks for clearing it up.

How to find my phones' bootloader is locked or not? Because i already flashed different custom ROMs and using it.
Regards,
Cjey

If you are rooted with a custom recovery, your bootloader is unlocked.

lowandbehold said:
If you are rooted with a custom recovery, your bootloader is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy,
I want to know that what if i flash ROM for locked bootloaders?

Honestly, I didn't know you can root your phone till today I read a few posts here. So thank you all guys for the input

slight confusion over rooted
i had the .67 generic uk firmware, i downloaded the central europe .73 firmware and used flashtool to flash the ftf file,
all worked fine once i installed the drivers on flash tool,
my confusion is...... alot of people are saying there phone is rooted/bootloader unlocked, am i rite in thinking my phone is rooted and not unlocked,
others have also said they have flashed the .img to the phone which i havent done, is there something ive done wrong ?

Related

[Q] How often do I have to unlock bootloader?

Hi, I have already rooted and unlocked my bootloader then proceeded to flash a custom ROM. I want to try out a different ROM so do I have to re-do the whole root and unlock bootloader process ? I know its just flash one simple zip file in recovery but the reason I ask is my phone got soft bricked last time around.
dannyboy951 said:
Hi, I have already rooted and unlocked my bootloader then proceeded to flash a custom ROM. I want to try out a different ROM so do I have to re-do the whole root and unlock bootloader process ? I know its just flash one simple zip file in recovery but the reason I ask is my phone got soft bricked last time around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once it's unlocked you don't need to do it again unless you intentionally re-lock it or get a new phone.
Also be careful if you somehow get vzw OTA pushed to your phone (sometimes happens without you knowing it) it will lock your bootloader again and when you go to flash it will say something about taking your phone to verizon. Don't panic as most people do all you have to do is unlock again and everything will be fine

[Q] Flashing .zips

Hi everyone!
I have a problem and I need your help. I'm using AVD Rom but I have locked bootloader ("Unlock bootloader allowed: no"). But I need help with flashing .zips. I was trying to do it via Flash Gordon but this application doesn't work properly for me and one time it caused bootloop in my phone. I wanted to flash Pure Performances™ but I don't know how. Does anyone know any program like Flash Gordon but more stable?
Thanks for help in advance
cahir1495 said:
Hi everyone!
I have a problem and I need your help. I'm using AVD Rom but I have locked bootloader ("Unlock bootloader allowed: no"). But I need help with flashing .zips. I was trying to do it via Flash Gordon but this application doesn't work properly for me and one time it caused bootloop in my phone. I wanted to flash Pure Performances™ but I don't know how. Does anyone know any program like Flash Gordon but more stable?
Thanks for help in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are restrictions on CUSTOM ROMS which require UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER. However, some ROMS can even work on LOCKED BOOTLOADER. So every time you flash your ROM with locked bootloader, you will end up bootlooped. Sometimes, the ROM would work but some extra modifications wouldnot work (as they require further freedom which only unlocked bootloader can provide)/ Thus flashing Zips made for UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER will also result in bootloops.
The best way would be to check out which ROMS support locked bootloaders or if someone from your community comes out with a hack to UNLOCK your bootloader when you are not allowed.
Hnk1 said:
There are restrictions on CUSTOM ROMS which require UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER. However, some ROMS can even work on LOCKED BOOTLOADER. So every time you flash your ROM with locked bootloader, you will end up bootlooped. Sometimes, the ROM would work but some extra modifications wouldnot work (as they require further freedom which only unlocked bootloader can provide)/ Thus flashing Zips made for UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER will also result in bootloops.
The best way would be to check out which ROMS support locked bootloaders or if someone from your community comes out with a hack to UNLOCK your bootloader when you are not allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand but most of zips caused bootloop if i flashed them via flash gordon. And I've read that Pure Performances modification doesn't need unlocked bootloader

[Q] Any other method to root without unlocking the bootloader..??

What is a bootloader(tell me in simplest way)....Is unlocking the bootloader really required...? If not then please post another method for root......
ak_wolf007 said:
What is a bootloader(tell me in simplest way)....Is unlocking the bootloader really required...? If not then please post another method for root......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
watch this video to unlock it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIdJg7KNH3A
and a bootloader allows you to flash kernels/recovers/ and other custom things but only if it is unlocked.
with custom recovery you can install roms,make full system backup,and other things.
a custom kernel wil allow you to overclock cpu/gpu and more.
a custom recovery can be used to flash root.update zip.
but after unlocking bootloader you void your warranty . and your device got hard reset(factory reset)
it can be only unlocked if it is allowed to be unlocked.
android-vinay said:
and a bootloader allows you to flash kernels/recovers/ and other custom things but only if it is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not entirely true, at least to all devices. I have a Moto Defy which also has a locked bootloader, no way to unlock, running KK CM11. Developer @pedrodh has managed to create an app called "2ndinit" (1) which allows a second kernel to boot on top of the locked one, allowing to flash new builds despite the locked bootloader. Because of this, Defy is known as unbricable. Similar approach could be used on E3 if some devel take a look into this.
(1) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032212
Regards,
mmerlone said:
Not entirely true, at least to all devices. I have a Moto Defy which also has a locked bootloader, no way to unlock, running KK CM11. Developer @pedrodh has managed to create an app called "2ndinit" (1) which allows a second kernel to boot on top of the locked one, allowing to flash new builds despite the locked bootloader. Because of this, Defy is known as unbricable. Similar approach could be used on E3 if some devel take a look into this.
(1) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032212
Regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this required root.
for now you need to unlockbootloader to root xperia.
root ur device without unlocking
vinay said:
this required root.
for now you need to unlockbootloader to root xperia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just use kingoroot or kingroot to root ur device no need to unlock boot loader for running those you will have root access but can't do the flashing part

[Q] Help with installing lollipop on unlocked phone

Hello !
I recently bought a used Z3 6603, and wanted to update it to lollipop.
But it seems it has a unlocked bootloader (according to service menu) and when i recieved it, it was factory reset, but some 3rd party apps were still installed.
One of them Super SU, so it was rooted.
I was told that i could update the firmware if i just used the Full Uninstall feature in Super Su, so i did that.
I still can't update using sony companion, becouse it knows the software is not the original one.
And i cant reinstall super su, its saying that there is no SU binary installed and the program cant install it.
I have flashed phones before, but it was really a long time ago, so im asking for some help to fix this.
Its running 4.4.4 build 23.0.1.A.5.77 and stock rom i think.
Please tell me what to do, and what info you might need !
I want to have the phone in lollipop, but everything stock, no root, no bootloader etc.
And somewhere I read something about DRM keys. Please help me with fixing that aswell thank you.
Regards ImmoralCore
ImmoralCore said:
Hello !
I recently bought a used Z3 6603, and wanted to update it to lollipop.
But it seems it has a unlocked bootloader (according to service menu) and when i recieved it, it was factory reset, but some 3rd party apps were still installed.
One of them Super SU, so it was rooted.
I was told that i could update the firmware if i just used the Full Uninstall feature in Super Su, so i did that.
I still can't update using sony companion, becouse it knows the software is not the original one.
And i cant reinstall super su, its saying that there is no SU binary installed and the program cant install it.
I have flashed phones before, but it was really a long time ago, so im asking for some help to fix this.
Its running 4.4.4 build 23.0.1.A.5.77 and stock rom i think.
Please tell me what to do, and what info you might need !
I want to have the phone in lollipop, but everything stock, no root, no bootloader etc.
And somewhere I read something about DRM keys. Please help me with fixing that aswell thank you.
Regards ImmoralCore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your DRM keys are lost forever.
TheTeslaCoil said:
Your DRM keys are lost forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so they are lost even if I use the first backup that was made by the person I bought it from ?
DRM=Hardcoded=Once unlocked, always DRM free, even if you use the recovery image ?
And the rest of the questions, what am I supposed to do to get stock lollipop?
In the matter of fact it does not matter if its unlocked or locked, I just want legit lollipop, with the possibility to update regularly. (But if root is possible at the same, it can still be rooted)
Thanks for your reply !
You need the TA backup. Not system backup.
And careful not to restore some other TA.
If the previous owner backed up TA, good. If not, no chance to recover them.
Download your specific firmware in ftf format and flash it with Flashtool.
Make a clean install.
You cannot recieve OTA with an unlocked bootloader, only if you relock, but there is no point in doing that if the DRM keys are lost.
So, from where you stand, keep it rooted and unlocked, because you can do much more with it : Custom ROM' s [at the moment stock is best]...custom kernels with recovery...mods...etc.
After you flash the ftf, flash via adb a custom kernel with recovery and from recovery flash SuperSU update, as a flashable zip, that will root the phone and install SuperSU.Search also for busybox flashable zip.
TheTeslaCoil said:
You need the TA backup. Not system backup.
And careful not to restore some other TA.
If the previous owner backed up TA, good. If not, no chance to recover them.
Download your specific firmware in ftf format and flash it with Flashtool.
Make a clean install.
You cannot recieve OTA with an unlocked bootloader, only if you relock, but there is no point in doing that if the DRM keys are lost.
So, from where you stand, keep it rooted and unlocked, because you can do much more with it : Custom ROM' s [at the moment stock is best]...custom kernels with recovery...mods...etc.
After you flash the ftf, flash via adb a custom kernel with recovery and from recovery flash SuperSU update, as a flashable zip, that will root the phone and install SuperSU.Search also for busybox flashable zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I will try that then, but if I use flashtool to update to lollipop, will I still be able to root easy, or should I reinstall 4.4.4 clean, then root, fix recovery kernel and everything, and then lollipop or what goes first?
Does flash/kernel etc affect the fact that it has an unlocked bootloader ? do i need to do anything with that, or do it stay unlocked?
ImmoralCore said:
Ok, I will try that then, but if I use flashtool to update to lollipop, will I still be able to root easy, or should I reinstall 4.4.4 clean, then root, fix recovery kernel and everything, and then lollipop or what goes first?
Does flash/kernel etc affect the fact that it has an unlocked bootloader ? do i need to do anything with that, or do it stay unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have unlocked the bootloader it is always a trivial matter to root.
Just flash an insecure kernel.
If one does not exist use [NUT]'s online kernel builder to make one with recovery incorporated in it. Its very straightforward and an automated process.
So, update using flashtool, flash your custom kernel, and you have root and recovery.
gregbradley said:
If you have unlocked the bootloader it is always a trivial matter to root.
Just flash an insecure kernel.
If one does not exist use [NUT]'s online kernel builder to make one with recovery incorporated in it. Its very straightforward and an automated process.
So, update using flashtool, flash your custom kernel, and you have root and recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Sorry for my noobish question, but define insecure kernel?
2. Did I get it right? I read about ppl downgrading their phones to 4.4.4 and then installing stuff. And for me it does not matter wich version it is, becouse the unlocked bootloader makes it easy to flash, even what version you are running?
ImmoralCore said:
1. Sorry for my noobish question, but define insecure kernel?
2. Did I get it right? I read about ppl downgrading their phones to 4.4.4 and then installing stuff. And for me it does not matter wich version it is, becouse the unlocked bootloader makes it easy to flash, even what version you are running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) a rooted kernel.
2) If you have unlocked there is no need to follow any of the locked bootloader guides, they are a waste of your time. One of the points point of unlocking the phone is to easily get root. You just flash a custom kernel to gain root.
If you have a locked bootloader then you have to go through all the fuss of downgrading etc etc.... but with an unlocked bootloader its so easy and straightforward
gregbradley said:
1) a rooted kernel.
2) If you have unlocked there is no need to follow any of the locked bootloader guides, they are a waste of your time. One of the points point of unlocking the phone is to easily get root. You just flash a custom kernel to gain root.
If you have a locked bootloader then you have to go through all the fuss of downgrading etc etc.... but with an unlocked bootloader its so easy and straightforward
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thank you very much for your answers both of you!
I understand everything much better, now its just some flashing to do, c ya ! :good:
ImmoralCore said:
Ok, thank you very much for your answers both of you!
I understand everything much better, now its just some flashing to do, c ya ! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck.

Locked bootloader, using twrp, xposed, magisk ect

So I've been looking into this, it seems it's possible to use flashify which allows you to flash .img files if your bootloader is locked and you have root you can flash twrp this way. Flashify can also make backup of stock recovery and install it, the reason i'm interested in this is security, as unlocked bootloaders have lots of risks.
Another post i was reading a person suggested, different manufacturers have different ways they implement locked bootloaders so some phones recovery might be protected and can't flash twrp while locked others may differ, I'm not sure. I currently have a Samsung S7 Edge, some people suggested issues around possible hard bricks, suggesting it's more likely to happen with a locked bootloader, then others saying fastboot wouldn't be able to recovery the device if installing a rom failed.
Someone pointed this out about my OEM unlock not been able to enable it to recover, tho odin doesn't require that to be turned on to flash back the stock firmware from download mode so that should fix that. I want to know the risks involved if flashify flashing twrp, kernels and roms while bootloader is locked is likely to work fine, i have seen posts of people who have done it most the comments seem like they could be assumptions best guesses around this type of thing. I can't find much on it.
What i'm thinking is find an exploit to get root, while locked flash twrp with flashify use twrp to flash xposed maybe? then restore stock recovery after flashing all the things i need, so if i loose the phone bootloader is locked and they don't have clear access to twrp, i think magisk is impossible as that modifys the boot which is the locked bootloader i believe so don't know which things magisk or others will or won't work.
Appreciate all reply's.
Thanks.

Categories

Resources