I am just jumping into the android moding world, and I just can't seem to find clarification on a particular issue. It seems that most phones are rootable but many have a locked bootloader. From what I can glean through reading many posts here and searching the web, the geekish options that you give up on a phone with a locked bootloader is the ability to flash the ROM. However, this is contradicted by examples here on this site of ROMs for phones with locked bootloaders. (Moto Atrix for example.) Is it that custom ROMs can only go so far with rooting alone, like the inability to replace the kernel? What exactly do you give up by only achieving root with a locked bootloader vs a rooted phone with an unlocked bootloader? Is it ROM related at all?
notmuchpastnothing said:
I am just jumping into the android moding world, and I just can't seem to find clarification on a particular issue. It seems that most phones are rootable but many have a locked bootloader. From what I can glean through reading many posts here and searching the web, the geekish options that you give up on a phone with a locked bootloader is the ability to flash the ROM. However, this is contradicted by examples here on this site of ROMs for phones with locked bootloaders. (Moto Atrix for example.) Is it that custom ROMs can only go so far with rooting alone, like the inability to replace the kernel? What exactly do you give up by only achieving root with a locked bootloader vs a rooted phone with an unlocked bootloader? Is it ROM related at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash a custom rom without root. Root is needed to write to system partition etc.
But you can get root without a custom rom.
A locked bootloader means you will have to stay on stock rom. Means no custom kernels, no custom firmware.
Someone correct me if im wrong.
still confused
As mentioned there seem to be custom ROMs for for phones with a locked bootloader. The new Motorola Atrix is an example. While there is complaining that the bootloader is locked there are custom ROMs (2, I believe, so far) available from members of this forum. What is it that can't be done with a locked bootloader?
I'm still confused, but I appreciate the reply.
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
Nope, can't root w/o unlocking bootloader anymore.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
If it means anything, u can re-lock the bootloader just as easily as u can unlock it.
Also, u can unlock and root without messing with baseband or kernel.
Sent from my Nexus S
anishs said:
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to change any of those things with an unlocked boot loader. Unlocking the boot loader does only one thing, unlock the boot loader. It doesn't need a custom rom. You don't even have to install a custom recovery if you don't want to.
All stock OTAs will continue to work as well - it will just allow you to load a custom recovery and the su binary if you please, with the ability to relock at any point in the future if desired.
One of the features of the nexus line of phones (and upcoming unlockable boot loaders) is that you aren't reliant on finding an exploit to elevate privileges in order to gain root access - you simply unlock the boot loader and you are free to do as you please (or not do if you choose).
Have a look here
This method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1479831
worked perfectly on my i9023 running stock ICS.
hi.
ive been hearing about unlocked bootloaders lately. Don't know anything about it.
So... what is it exactly? And is out G2x have an open bootloader?
Thanks
When the boot-loader is locked you you have limitations to what you can flash. You can't overclock to my understanding, and you can't have ROM's like CM7 flashed onto it.
G2x doesn't have a locked bootloader. But phones that do are usually Verizon's Droid line. HTC used to lock them down, but have recently changed their minds.
LG's corporate policy is to NEVER lock the bootloader. If you buy an LG phone the bootloader is unlocked, period. If you want to flash anything other than an official update you must have an unlocked bootloader. Phones with locked bootloaders don't allow you to flash custom recovery and roms. There are ways around a locked bootloader to flash custom roms, but that discussion is beyond the scope of this thread. If you want to guarantee an unlocked bootloader stick with LG phones.
I need to root, unlock, and install CWM right? How exactly do I do this? I tried to locate a how to without any luck.
The dev section is filled with all the info you need to know.
Also, not trying to be a **** but saying you searched when it is obvious that you didn't will get you nowhere.
OK I've read some more and had a couple more questions...
I noticed that the roms I've looked at don't require an unlocked phone. What's the point of unlocking the phone then? Can I just root and install CWM?
Some roms say "needs the 1.85 base." What does this mean and how do I get it before flashing a rom?
Thanks!
johnl199 said:
OK I've read some more and had a couple more questions...
I noticed that the roms I've looked at don't require an unlocked phone. What's the point of unlocking the phone then? Can I just root and install CWM?
Some roms say "needs the 1.85 base." What does this mean and how do I get it before flashing a rom?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the roms, prior to the unlock discovery, were executable as an RUU. All the updated versions require recovery which you need the bootloader unlocked to get in to. It's a painless process and there's even a 1-Click script method for those who dont want to take chances.
Will I be able to get the phone back to COMPLETELY stock should I decide to sell it in the future?
From what I know it will say relocked or tampered but maybe I'm wrong
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
After unlocking your phone, there will be no way to get back to 100% stock unless we can get S-OFF (which hopefully may be in the near future due to a few devices already being S-OFF).
However, you can root your device and not unlock it (1.82 and prior as of now) and still be able to revert to 100% stock as if it came right out of the box.
Most of the ROMs currently do not require an unlocked bootloader.
However, this will definitely change as we begin to see custom kernels (hopefully soon with the release of the source by HTC Dev) and more complex ROMs (such as those based on AOSP, such as CM9 and AOKP).
So in short, you can still use most of the ROMs in the dev section. Just be aware however that if you do not unlock then you cannot install CWM (limiting the number of ROM options) and also if you update past 1.82.502.3 then you cannot root (at this time, other root exploits are being explored).
Is unlocking your bootloader the same as carrier unlocking your phone?
Does this mean that say, AT&T phones could be used on Tmobile?
lamenramen said:
Is unlocking your bootloader the same as carrier unlocking your phone?
Does this mean that say, AT&T phones could be used on Tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You are thinking of SIM unlock.
Bootloader unlock lets you load custom ROMs and change recovery, that's all.
I've successfully rooted my Droid RAZR MAXX HD with stock firmware version 9.30.1, but I can't seem to figure out how to unlock the bootloader.
The one catch with my phone being rooted is that it always ends up in fastboot when it boots. A simple
Code:
fastboot continue
fixes the problem, but I was wanting to flash CWM Recovery to install CM.
I have a working su/Superuser.apk, but I can't seem to fix the bootloader dilemma.
The last software version with an unlockable bootloader is 9.16.6.XT926. Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Jhall8 said:
The last software version with an unlockable bootloader is 9.16.6.XT926. Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... I also have another wonderful problem: my phone consistently gets into fastboot mode upon startup, with my current workaround of doing fastboot continue. Is there any way to fix my currently locked bootloader?
impinball said:
Okay... I also have another wonderful problem: my phone consistently gets into fastboot mode upon startup, with my current workaround of doing fastboot continue. Is there any way to fix my currently locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As Jhal said, you can't "fix" your bootloader, it's locked since you're on the newest OTA and it can't be unlocked. With that being said, your phone is not booting into fastboot because you're rooted. It's booting into FB because you tried to flash something that didn't work. What other things have you done or attempted to do, besides rooting? This will help us help you, the info you provided is pretty vague.
RikRong said:
As Jhal said, you can't "fix" your bootloader, it's locked since you're on the newest OTA and it can't be unlocked. With that being said, your phone is not booting into fastboot because you're rooted. It's booting into FB because you tried to flash something that didn't work. What other things have you done or attempted to do, besides rooting? This will help us help you, the info you provided is pretty vague.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done absolutely nothing beyond rooting it, installing Superuser & SuperSU (both through a script I can attach, but I'm on the wrong computer), and backed up a slew of apps.
This first begun when I modified the script to fix a bug in it (ash in JB 4.2 doesn't have a -f switch in rm, and the script had a 'rm -f'). If that bug didn't exist, then it would've still happened the first of several times (I attempted it about 4-5 times, but only the last caused this). The rm -f was actually doing effectively (with successful root privileges) 'rm -f /system/install-script-2.sh', but the script actually had another script to be put into it at the location /system/install-script.sh.
???
Start by detailing steps in your 2nd paragraph.
Your boot is locked if it was never unlocked before you upgraded to ...79 or later
what a coincidence i just got a xt926 and im at the same spot.. 9.30.1 rooted but locked ... iguess we're screwed huh
impinball said:
I've successfully rooted my Droid RAZR MAXX HD with stock firmware version 9.30.1, but I can't seem to figure out how to unlock the bootloader.
The one catch with my phone being rooted is that it always ends up in fastboot when it boots. A simple
Code:
fastboot continue
fixes the problem, but I was wanting to flash CWM Recovery to install CM.
I have a working su/Superuser.apk, but I can't seem to fix the bootloader dilemma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you either flashed a fastboot or used a tool that used the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_set" which causes the phone to boot directly into fastboot mode. It can usually be fixed with the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_clear".
skeevydude said:
Looks like you either flashed a fastboot or used a tool that used the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_set" which causes the phone to boot directly into fastboot mode. It can usually be fixed with the command "fastboot oem fb_mode_clear".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work. It is still booting there on its own upon start-up.
Also, I will mention that I did commit an act of stupidity: trying to flash against a bootloader that I couldn't verify was unlocked yet. I stupidly ran the command when I wasn't even 50% sure that it was unlocked yet (and is likely the cause of all my problems):
Code:
fastboot flash recovery <cwm-file>.zip
I'm trying my hardest to avoid sending this to Motorola just for them to charge me for the replacement, saying I've voided any warranty that exists with the phone. I have the original firmware to flash just in case, but I don't have the Motorola fastboot (for the dev editions).
impinball said:
Didn't work. It is still booting there on its own upon start-up.
Also, I will mention that I did commit an act of stupidity: trying to flash against a bootloader that I couldn't verify was unlocked yet. I stupidly ran the command when I wasn't even 50% sure that it was unlocked yet (and is likely the cause of all my problems):
Code:
fastboot flash recovery <cwm-file>.zip
I'm trying my hardest to avoid sending this to Motorola just for them to charge me for the replacement, saying I've voided any warranty that exists with the phone. I have the original firmware to flash just in case, but I don't have the Motorola fastboot (for the dev editions).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, there is no Dev Edition Fastboot....the closest would be Bell ICS since Bell shipped unlocked/unlockable Atrix HD's.
You don't flash zip files with fastboot flash.....Why is this becoming an issue these days?* The kernel is "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
*just thinking out loud
EDIT: Just realized that this was the RAZR HD forums.....just replying to quoted posts this morning....Not sure about RAZR HD Dev Edition fastboots....
Jhall8 said:
The last software version with an unlockable bootloader is 9.16.6.XT926. Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The shame is, I never cared about unlocking the bootloader, as I prefer to stick to OTA's, but I do require root. So that's all I've ever done. I'm successfully rooted with the locked bootloader on 9.30.1, but it seems (at least as far as I've read on here) that I'm stuck there as I can't go anywhere else and maintain root. Would love kitkat, but root is essential.
Um, you can unlock the bootloader and still stick to OTAs.
Being able to root at any time and use custom recovery is reason enough for me.
killrhythm09 said:
Um, you can unlock the bootloader and still stick to OTAs.
Being able to root at any time and use custom recovery is reason enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I in no way implied I was AVOIDING unlocking due to the desire to stay on OTA's - just that I had no reason to pursue unlocking. This is the first android device I've had that ended up with a sunset where you couldn't unlock it at pretty much any point, so i never had a fear of taking the OTA and losing something in the process. If i had expected that, I certainly would have unlocked prior to 9.30.1 being installed. I honestly have yet to figure out why they don't release a program that would allow unlocking the devices - I'm not sure the manufacture's fear of unlocked bootloaders and root, as any program they release would be loaded with disclaimers - and frankly, it would allow easy restorations to ANY firmware version by service staff at verizon/at&t.
crazifuzzy said:
I in no way implied I was AVOIDING unlocking due to the desire to stay on OTA's - just that I had no reason to pursue unlocking. This is the first android device I've had that ended up with a sunset where you couldn't unlock it at pretty much any point, so i never had a fear of taking the OTA and losing something in the process. If i had expected that, I certainly would have unlocked prior to 9.30.1 being installed. I honestly have yet to figure out why they don't release a program that would allow unlocking the devices - I'm not sure the manufacture's fear of unlocked bootloaders and root, as any program they release would be loaded with disclaimers - and frankly, it would allow easy restorations to ANY firmware version by service staff at verizon/at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talk to Verizon. They're the ones preventing the bootloader from being unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
iBolski said:
Talk to Verizon. They're the ones preventing the bootloader from being unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. It's no coincidence that the xt925 can be unlocked through Motorola. Carriers are always the problem here in the US.
crazifuzzy said:
I in no way implied I was AVOIDING unlocking due to the desire to stay on OTA's - just that I had no reason to pursue unlocking. This is the first android device I've had that ended up with a sunset where you couldn't unlock it at pretty much any point, so i never had a fear of taking the OTA and losing something in the process. If i had expected that, I certainly would have unlocked prior to 9.30.1 being installed. I honestly have yet to figure out why they don't release a program that would allow unlocking the devices - I'm not sure the manufacture's fear of unlocked bootloaders and root, as any program they release would be loaded with disclaimers - and frankly, it would allow easy restorations to ANY firmware version by service staff at verizon/at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in actual reality, the XT926 was never meant to be unlocked. It was only unlockable via an exploit, just like obtaining root for locked devices is an exploit in the security of the OS/device.
So, there never really was a "sunset" for unlocking this device as it wasn't meant to be. Only after the exploit was found did a patch come out to stop that exploit from being utilized on any remaining unlocked phones, current or future.
So, when there is an exploit to unlock a device, your best bet is to take advantage of it immediately.
When I got my RAZR HD, it was as a warranty replacement for my OG RAZR MAXX. When I fired it up, it stated there was an OTA available. I immediately told it no and then went straight to the forums here and on another site to investigate what my options were. When I found out that there was the possibility of my unlocking the bootloader, I immediately went to where the tool was and downloaded it. I then proceeded to read and then ask questions on if my phone couldn't unlock, would it hurt it. SamuriHL helped me out a great deal and that is how I found all his tools and how much help he provides. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have discovered that I could unlock my bootloader.
Usually, I investigate the phone I'm interested in to see if:
1. Can the bootloader be unlocked (or is it already unlocked)?
2. Is there a known root exploit IF the bootloader cannot be unlocked?
3. What are the ROM options (safestrap, cwm, twrp recovery)?
It's definitely something I normally would look into, but I didn't know that I was going to receive the RAZR HD. Once I discovered the possibility of unlocking the bootloader, I was hoping beyond all hope that it could happen and it did. How I received a replacement phone that wasn't patched to the latest OTA was beyond me, but that is the reason I refused the OTA when I first fired up the phone. I had already read about other "horrors" of people taking an OTA and then finding they couldn't root or do other things with their phones.
Lesson learned is, NEVER take an OTA until you've fully researched what it does and what it might prevent.