Hi,
I was just wondering if it is absolutely REQUIRED to unlock the bootloader to flash a rom on the nexus s and why? Can I use Clockwork recovery image without unlocking the bootloader?
Thanks!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1060974
Thanks,
but what are the advantages of unlocking the bootloader instead of using some other exploit like this?
Thanks!
Unlocking the bootloader deletes all user data on your device and resets it to factory defaults.
Hi,
But what is the advantage of losing that data and unlocking the bootloader than using the exploits?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
None that I can tell. If you stay on stock rom, I would consider it an advantage NOT to lose all data and settings.
If you want a different rom like cyanogenmod, then you will likely have to wipe your device anyway to avoid random problems. Then you can unlock the bootloader, too, while you are at it, because you have to backup everything (you don't want to lose) anyway.
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash stuff directly on the phone from your computer, things like a custom recovery, radio image, fully stock roms and so on.
This in turn allows you to root of flash another rom.
Otherwise, rooting without unlocking probably entails exploiting a security flaw of your device, something I'm not too uncomfortable with.
Before 2.3.2 though you could boot a custom recovery from a file on your computer without unlocking. This was fixed as it was a big privacy and security issue...
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
So does that mean if I don't unlock the bootloader, I can't use Clockwork mod and flash a rom like cyanogenmod?
Not exactly. You can gain temporary root and install clockwork recovery by means of various exploits of security holes.
You can then use that to install any rom you like.
So pretty much unlocking the bootloader is the easy and safer route.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Exactly. Since you should backup your data anyway before you tinker with your rom, you might do it anyway.
You can lock the bootloader after you finish flash a new ROM
Yeah, but with clockwork mod you can run a nandroid with or without an unlocked bootloader, so what's the point?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
patrixl said:
Before 2.3.2 though you could boot a custom recovery from a file on your computer without unlocking. This was fixed as it was a big privacy and security issue...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everybody with an USB cable has full root access to any Nexus S running CM7 (using CWMs ADB capability) and nobody seems to care?
1st: You don't need CWM for CM7, AFAIK.
2nd: The same is true for any NexusS with unlocked bootloader.
3rd: The attacker could also use the gingerbreak exploit or similar to gain root access and neither a locked bootloader nor stock recovery will protect you.
It is the same as with your computer. Someone who has physical access to the machine usually can do anything he wants.
The solution is quite simple too: don't give anyone unsupervised access to your phone. That includes of course not losing it...
So its safer to unlock it?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Yes and no. It depends on what kind of security you mean, too. The unlockable bootloader is a feature. Using it is the standard way to go.
An exploit could install keyloggers or spyware or whatever without you knowing.
However, an custom rom from somewhere could have keyloggers or spyware preinstalled, too.
Basically you have to decide yourself, how much risk you are willing to take.
I still can't get the advantages of unlocking it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I mean, can you flash clockwork mod with a locked bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Only with certain versions of the bootloader, not all. It was a security hole like others have mentioned. It was later fixed.
Related
I've seen many different rooting methods for the nexus s but unfortunately they don't allow rooting without unlocking the bootloader like the samsung vibrant allows is there anyway I can root my phone without unlocking the bootloader?
why I don't want to unloack the boot loader because I'm fine with the stock ROM on my nexus s. I was really into installing ROMs and things with my Vibrant but the Nexus S feels really complete so I feel like I don't need to unlock my boot loader
Also for the first time I have decent signal in my house after switiching from my blackberry to android so I don't wanna change my baseband and my battery life is good too so I don't want to mess with the kernel
Really? You posted in the same incorrect forum twice with the same question cut and pasted. Nice work!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
You know you can re-lock the bootloader with a fastboot command, right? And the little open lock goes away.
i'm sorry i accidentally reposted i pmed the moderator right away because i didn't know how to delete the post and this is the right section its a question...
i just have one question i can relock right but if i do unlock the bootloader will it change my kernel or baseband settings? i really couldn't care about the warranty and such
it's like opening the door....if you do nothing inside, nothing will happen
yes i get that but i can't flash back to the original recovery as of now and so no changes to the kernel and baseband alright thanks!!
also is there some sort of a "ODIN" availabale for nexus s because thats what I used to always flash my samsung vibrant back to stock. will OTA updates be affected if I root and unlock the bootloader?
anishs said:
also is there some sort of a "ODIN" availabale for nexus s because thats what I used to always flash my samsung vibrant back to stock. will OTA updates be affected if I root and unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use Odin with Nexus S, but consider it the last resort because normally you can do everything via adb and fastboot -- that's the advantage of having a Google phone.
For OTA updates, I'm pretty sure it will not work because OTA update requires stock recovery but rooting requires you to flash a custom recovery.
suksit said:
Yes you can use Odin with Nexus S, but consider it the last resort because normally you can do everything via adb and fastboot -- that's the advantage of having a Google phone.
For OTA updates, I'm pretty sure it will not work because OTA update requires stock recovery but rooting requires you to flash a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for that reply it explained everything can you just tell me if flashing a custom recovery change my baseband or kernel that's all i need to know now
@anishs no
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
thanks to everyone for helping a noob with a nexus s
Anyone know of a non-destructive root method for ICS? My wife and I are swapping phones. Mine is rooted and all but hers isn't and I want to make a Titanium backup of all her stuff.
So far the only method I know of to root is via OEM unlock and flashing clockwork recovery. Then installing su via CWR. The OEM unlock erases everything.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I believe you can root it without unlocking the boot loader using SuperOneClick but I could be wrong. Either way worth a try
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Move the TitaniumBackup folder to your PC before starting. Don't forget your pictures folder too!
just copy your entire SDcard to your computer , and then after unlocked bootloader copy it back
Thanks guys, but that doesn't restore any apps or their data.
I'll try the superoneclick.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
you could try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1463564
seems to be new method wothout unlocking bootloader
cbstryker said:
Anyone know of a non-destructive root method for ICS? My wife and I are swapping phones. Mine is rooted and all but hers isn't and I want to make a Titanium backup of all her stuff.
So far the only method I know of to root is via OEM unlock and flashing clockwork recovery. Then installing su via CWR. The OEM unlock erases everything.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that you can unroot as needed, so I wouldn't consider rooting the S "destructive". There are instructions to be found easily that explain how to unroot your phone.
Sorry, I misunderstood what you meant -- disregard the above.
Can't you back up most stuff using MyBackup?
sninkychan said:
My understanding is that you can unroot as needed, so I wouldn't consider rooting the S "destructive". There are instructions to be found easily that explain how to unroot your phone.
Sorry, I misunderstood what you meant -- disregard the above.
Can't you back up most stuff using MyBackup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he means the wipe accompanying a bootloader unlock as being destructive.
- chris
use root toolbox its only 4 bucks so dont be cheap. then copy sdcard to computer , the root, copy sd card back and ur done
Ya, problem is that root toolbox requires root.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
cbstryker said:
Thanks guys, but that doesn't restore any apps or their data.
I'll try the superoneclick.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did superoneclick work for you? I'm also looking for a way to root my phone without wiping it with the possibility of unrooting it again after.
motomeup said:
Did superoneclick work for you? I'm also looking for a way to root my phone without wiping it with the possibility of unrooting it again after.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I found another program that works even better (imo). It's called RootUnlocker and it worked for both the Nexus S running 4.0.3 and the LG Optimus 2x running 2.2. However, it didn't work for my Acer a500 but there's currently no method to root 3.2 on it. You need to down grade first.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Edit: Correction, it's not called root unlocker, but rather Unlock Root (http://www.unlockroot.com).
I am running cm10 with CWM recovery. I am looking to make my phone secure in the case it gets stolen. Pretty much everything is accessible through the recovery what can be done about it? Can we put a password on the recovery? Can i go back to stock recovery using cm10?
I know there is no such thing as fool proof but i would atleast want it to be a little difficult for a thief to get into my phone.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
Have you tried looking at the encryption option? I think once enabled you will need a password even before getting into recovery.
Sent from my Nexus S
anshumandash said:
Have you tried looking at the encryption option? I think once enabled you will need a password even before getting into recovery.
Sent from my Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did.
It says it needs an hour to complete and that one cannot go back. Does it have any drawbacks to the user itself? Or is it just whenever you reboot the phone that it needs a password?
Gambler_3 said:
I am running cm10 with CWM recovery. I am looking to make my phone secure in the case it gets stolen. Pretty much everything is accessible through the recovery what can be done about it? Can we put a password on the recovery? Can i go back to stock recovery using cm10?
I know there is no such thing as fool proof but i would atleast want it to be a little difficult for a thief to get into my phone.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put pin, password or pattern and relock bootloader. That's the only real secure way. With an unlocked bootloader there's always a way.
polobunny said:
Put pin, password or pattern and relock bootloader. That's the only real secure way. With an unlocked bootloader there's always a way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have already put pattern but locking the bootloader seems too much no? Is it even possible with CM10?
And I keep USB debugging off so no one can use adb.
Gambler_3 said:
Have already put pattern but locking the bootloader seems too much no? Is it even possible with CM10?
And I keep USB debugging off so no one can use adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you keep the bootloader locked if you got a custom recovery, it is not safe. The only way to make it real safe is to flash stock recovery, lock bootloader and then put a pin or pattern password.
Gambler_3 said:
Have already put pattern but locking the bootloader seems too much no? Is it even possible with CM10?
And I keep USB debugging off so no one can use adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too much? It takes someone knowledgeable 5 minutes to destroy a password, pattern lock or pin if the bootloader isn't locked.
Say you flash back to stock recovery. That's fine, but with an unlocked bootloader I can flash back to a custom recovery, get full adb access, mount your SD card, peruse your stuff, remove the lock and boot the phone if I want to. If you lock the bootloader, I can't flash a custom recovery.
The downside is pretty evident. With a locked bootloader + a stock recovery, you can't update your custom ROM, not without unlocking the bootloader. And if you do that, you wipe your stuff.
I'm with polo on this. Like he said, someone with a minimal amount of skills can do whatever. If your phone gets stolen, the phone would get blacklisted and if it's gsm it might work on another carrier. If you had lookout, you can find the phone through gps on their site and remotely wipe it.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app
Thanks alot guys. Okay i know how to lock the bootloader but can someone tell me how i flash back stock recovery? As in where to find the file?
I know the not being able to flash anything without reset is the bummer but i will still be able to update the cm rom through ota right?
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
Gambler_3 said:
Thanks alot guys. Okay i know how to lock the bootloader but can someone tell me how i flash back stock recovery? As in where to find the file?
I know the not being able to flash anything without reset is the bummer but i will still be able to update the cm rom through ota right?
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your better off not doing it, is just to much hassle for what? A thief doesn't care about your data so it doesn't matter to them about passwords etc. They'll just wipe the phone and sell it.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Cerberus App
How about installing the Cerberus app, you can do a remote format/wipe
NIMBAH said:
Your better off not doing it, is just to much hassle for what? A thief doesn't care about your data so it doesn't matter to them about passwords etc. They'll just wipe the phone and sell it.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you guys are right I might be taking this too seriously. I dont keep any confidential pictures on my phone and I unlinked my google account from my phone with a simple change of password from the desktop just to check if it really works. So all my accounts will be protected. Whatsapp will be taken care of by blocking the sim.
Thanks anyways everyone.
NIMBAH said:
Your better off not doing it, is just to much hassle for what? A thief doesn't care about your data so it doesn't matter to them about passwords etc. They'll just wipe the phone and sell it.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends what kind of data you have. It's not about the thief and if that person cares about your data. It's about if YOU care about your data. Some people have critical information on work projects or similar on their phone, and the worst thing that could happen is for that information to get published/shared.
Personally, I keep nothing too important on my phone, I have a remote wipe installed, pattern lock, but my bootloader is unlocked and i have a custom recovery. It's good enough for my needs, but I understand it's not the ultimate security either.
Ultimate solution I've found. I have a small amount of c4 inside the battery compartment linked to my unlock code. Wrong code.... BOOM!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app
n2d551 said:
Ultimate solution I've found. I have a small amount of c4 inside the battery compartment linked to my unlock code. Wrong code.... BOOM!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer thermite.
polobunny said:
Depends what kind of data you have. It's not about the thief and if that person cares about your data. It's about if YOU care about your data. Some people have critical information on work projects or similar on their phone, and the worst thing that could happen is for that information to get published/shared.
Personally, I keep nothing too important on my phone, I have a remote wipe installed, pattern lock, but my bootloader is unlocked and i have a custom recovery. It's good enough for my needs, but I understand it's not the ultimate security either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only really personal thing on my phone is my convo with my girlfriend but i am no celebrity so i am sure it won't be published.
And i have always been very particular about not keeping compromising photos or videos on my phone or pretty much anywhere. See them once on the big screen and then destroy the SD card if you know what i mean.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
install security software, i remember there was a Reddit thread
Install any secure app like lookout so that you can wipe remotely. Also, record your IMEI so that if your phone gets stolen, you can call your carrier and block it.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
Hi everyone,
First I want to thank to this awesome community for all their enthuisasm and work.
I have a T-Mobile HTC one S with stock rom, with the latest update from T-mobile. I was wondering if there is a way to root my device without unlocking the bootloader(I know how to do it first by unlocking the bootloader, which is very easy thanks to the all-in-one kit.)
I have found a method which used to work before: One-click root, but I couldn't make it work on my device.(It used to work on htc one S devices according to some other users).
Thanks for any help.
Short answer, no.
The best thing you can do is S-OFFing, so you can restore your LOCKED status in bootloader.
Thanks for the answer. I am not worried about the LOCKED status in bootloader, I just don't want to clear my storage and then reinstall everything.
When you say no, do you mean that there is no such method right now, or that it is not possible anymore?
Because it seems that it was possible last year.
AFAIK (and as you read yourself) that method isn't working anymore...
On the other side unlocking the bootloader will factory reset your phone...
Maybe the best thing you can do is backup your apps with Titanium backup, Carbon or something like that.
nor-ric said:
Short answer, no.
The best thing you can do is S-OFFing, so you can restore your LOCKED status in bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Btw if your s off and run a RUU the bootloader status will be Unlocked bit with no tampered sign . It won't shoe locked . Just done this process about 2 hours ago .no glory as bootloader status unlocked
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe I cannot ise titanium backup without root. But I will check what I can do with Carbon.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
With s-off you can reset your lock status flag, so that it will show LOCKED again. There's a guide about this , google for it.
Try to use Carbon (now renamed to helium), it's a very powerful app.
Can Ozan said:
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe I cannot ise titanium backup without root. But I will check what I can do with Carbon.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Helium without root, backed up almost all of my apps+user settings. Highly recommended.
Quick question, to receive OTA's again if I restore a Nandroid I need to relock the bootloader, correct?
MattDN93 said:
I used Helium without root, backed up almost all of my apps+user settings. Highly recommended.
Quick question, to receive OTA's again if I restore a Nandroid I need to relock the bootloader, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no relocking needed. You need to have a ROM that can receive the OTAs (like Zen ROM) and official recovery for the OTAs to install correctly.
Sent from my One S
Hey all.
I don't want to open another thread so, I'll just ask here for a bit of help.
I've unlocked the bootloader for a One S of a friend of mine, following the steps on the website (HTC dev). In the final window it says that everything is OK, the phone starts fine. The only issue is that some how I can't boot the phone in FASTBOOT moede (power button + Vol Down) to move on the rooting process. The phone just starts in normal mode, no mater what am I keeping pressed.
Can anybody tell me what should I do in order to be able to enter the fastboot mode?
Thank you.
So I have always rooted my phones in the past.
I rooted my Samsung Galaxy S2 because well, it needed KitKat and Samsung is lame...
Now I am faced with the decision to root or not to root. My N5 is awesome it has Full support and is the raw experience I want, rooting would let me have a little more fun in the way of mods and tweaks, but all the problems everyone seems to be having is kinda putting me off so I guess I just need help.
Also there is a difference between unlocking boot loader and rooting, does the unlocking void warranty?
All guides and info threads are linked in my signature and will answer almost all your questions
I'm not sure of all these "problems" you're referring to. Basically, idiots have the most problems. Normal people don't really have any
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk < Yes, I want you to know that I'm using a mobile client
rootSU said:
Basically, idiots have the most problems. Normal people don't really have any
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this. i have been rooted since day one and have ZERO problems.
I think this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54746284&postcount=8
Applies here too, what do you think, @rootSU?
Right. Root doesn't modify files that can cause an issue assuming you're doing it right. I'd highly recommend NOT using a toolkit and rooting yourself and unlocking the bootloader yourself, it assures nothing goes wrong and you get some experience.
rootSU's guide are a treasure trove of information, take a looksie.
unlocking the bootloader lets you flash a custom recovery to flash things, it has nothing to do with root. you can flash any roms or kernels you want, without root. all root does is give you permission to change system files. and you would flash the root zip in your new recovery once you unlock the bootloader.
simms22 said:
unlocking the bootloader lets you flash a custom recovery to flash things, it has nothing to do with root. you can flash any roms or kernels you want, without root. all root does is give you permission to change system files. and you would flash the root zip in your new recovery once you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So would unlocking the boot loader void the warranty?
Spectrys said:
So would unlocking the boot loader void the warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
depending on who you bought it from, yes and no. but anyways, you can lock the bootloader after as well, easily. generally, google will still except warrenty if the bootloader is unlocked for any hardware issue. other companies will void the warrenty, including LG. but again, it can be relocked
simms22 said:
depending on who you bought it from, yes and no. but anyways, you can lock the bootloader after as well, easily. generally, google will still except warrenty if the bootloader is unlocked for any hardware issue. other companies will void the warrenty, including LG. but again, it can be relocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So would unlocking allow me to do things like mods, such as rings and boot screens?
Sorry kinda new to boot loaders.
Spectrys said:
So would unlocking allow me to do things like mods, such as rings and boot screens?
Sorry kinda new to boot loaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup. anything that needs to be flashed will go through your custom recovery, which needs an unlocked boitloader to get flashed onto your device. then youll use that recovery to flash things, and make backups.
Spectrys said:
So would unlocking allow me to do things like mods, such as rings and boot screens?
Sorry kinda new to boot loaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader is a requirement in order to use a custom recovery. And most mods are installed by flashable zips in recovery. So yes kind of required.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Awesome! You guys are great I am going to unlock later today or tomorrow.
Now next question the ota updates will I be able to install those if I keep stock with an unlocked boot loader?
Spectrys said:
Awesome! You guys are great I am going to unlock later today or tomorrow.
Now next question the ota updates will I be able to install those if I keep stock with an unlocked boot loader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you click the link in my signature, theres a thread about ota. All guides and info is there. Every question you've asked today is answered there
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk < Yes, I want you to know that I'm using a mobile client
Pretty sure you told me that earlier, thanks.
Looking at it now.
Spectrys said:
Pretty sure you told me that earlier, thanks.
Looking at it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yepp. Loads of good stuff there
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk < Yes, I want you to know that I'm using a mobile client
sure
root is best thing to do . just root and install custom kernel
MohamedHusseinMohamed said:
root is best thing to do . just root and install custom kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you do not need root to install custom kernels
all you need root for is to change system files. well, that's all root does, is give you permission.
Spectrys said:
So I have always rooted my phones in the past.
I rooted my Samsung Galaxy S2 because well, it needed KitKat and Samsung is lame...
Now I am faced with the decision to root or not to root. My N5 is awesome it has Full support and is the raw experience I want, rooting would let me have a little more fun in the way of mods and tweaks, but all the problems everyone seems to be having is kinda putting me off so I guess I just need help.
Also there is a difference between unlocking boot loader and rooting, does the unlocking void warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to unlock the boot loader in order to root. Personally at this time I would not root because of android L around the corner. With rooting, you can longer receive ota's. Yes it fun to tweak but if I were in your position I wouldn't....
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dec1153 said:
With rooting, you can longer receive ota's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. You can receive OTA's if rooted (read the OTA help-desk thread) However, what's the big deal about OTA's?
1) You can get a rooted rom flashed based on the latest build BEFORE you get the OTA
2) Much less to go wrong that way than with OTA.
I think too many people put too much importance in OTA updates. Its a poor method of delivery and not even quick
rootSU said:
Not true. You can receive OTA's if rooted (read the OTA help-desk thread) However, what's the big deal about OTA's?
1) You can get a rooted rom flashed based on the latest build BEFORE you get the OTA
2) Much less to go wrong that way than with OTA.
I think too many people put too much importance in OTA updates. Its a poor method of delivery and not even quick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I think that if you don't know how to update manually and are completely reliant on OTAs, then you shouldn't have root access in the first place because you don't know what you're doing.