HTC unlocker or the XDA method? - HTC Sensation

Since purchasing my Sensation 4G I have been eagerly reading these forums. Of particular interest to me have been the unlocking and flashing threads. I have been toying with the idea of doing so with my device, but since I heard HTC was going to release the official unlocker I have held off to compare the two. Now that both methods are available I am looking for some objective (key word!) advice.
1) Functional, is there any difference in capabilities after unlocking in using one method vs the other? If so please explain. (for instance, does one method allow you to do X and the other does not)
2) After unlocking via the HTC method, how does the process of flashing ROMs differ?
3) Assuming HTC does release official ROMs as it appears they will, can they only be flashed onto a phone that has been officially unlocked?

1. Yes there is a difference. The revolutionary hboot is better as it has extended fastboot commands.
2. You would still need root and a custom recovery.
3. Nope, official roms work fine as long as cid's match or you set up super cid.

Behold_this said:
1. Yes there is a difference. The revolutionary hboot is better as it has extended fastboot commands.
2. You would still need root and a custom recovery.
3. Nope, official roms work fine as long as cid's match or you set up super cid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is good information. I mistakenly believed that the HTC unlocker gave the user root.

Nope it doesn't give root. Actually you don't even need root to flash a rom, custom or otherwise. You just need a custom recovery installed (can be done through bootloader). Most custom roms come rooted.

Keep in mind that the official HTC way of unlocking the bootloader will void your warranty, whereas with the revolutionary method, you can reverse that and reapply S-ON (I don't know about reversing the HTC way).
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e

The AT&T way.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

BUT seriously the xda way cause it can be reversed
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

xda way. Definitely.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA Premium App

Fastboot oem lock
above command will lock the bootloader

Of course Revolutionary is much better

theres two sides
xda is better, but if you are a noob and dont know what your doing and might brick ,htc way is for you because if you so happen to pull the cord while unlocking atleast you can call them and get it fix maybe.

Does Revolutionary work on 2.3.4 updated Sensations?

HTC Way - Give HTC my personal and phone information and void my warranty.
XDA Way - Give HTC nothing, unlock via a reversible method. And if I have a hardware issue not related to unlocking, I can reverse the unlock and still utilize my device warranty.
XDA Way FTW !
Given how anal HTC has become over this matter. (I could care less their reasons, so please spare me any soap box moments over why HTC does things their way.) That is why the Sensation my be my last HTC device. Some other OEMs are less anal about 3rd party developers unlocking a device. So post-Sensation I'll probably get something that is more developer friendly.

bcpk said:
Does Revolutionary work on 2.3.4 updated Sensations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App

XDA method of course

daman215 said:
xda is better, but if you are a noob and dont know what your doing and might brick ,htc way is for you because if you so happen to pull the cord while unlocking atleast you can call them and get it fix maybe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure they wouldn't fix it. Due to signing in and getting your device unlocked for HTC, voids your warranty. So more than likely they will count it as damage done by user and not really care that your phone isn't working.
But, if I'm incorrect, just tell me so.

There is a common misconception on this forum that using the HTC method voids your warranty, and I wanted to bring this to everyone's attention. According to HTC (link below), you only void your warranty IF you brick your phone. If you think about it, that kind of makes sense anyway. Does that change anyones mind about which method is better?
"What does this mean for me?
Unlocking the bootloader means that you now have the ability to customize software on your device. Please note that changing your bootloader can cause significant issues with your device and once you have unlocked your device, you have agreed to the disclaimer that states a change in warranty status such that in the event you render your device unusable, you are responsible for the recovery of your device, whether by repair or by other means."
http://www.htcdev.com/bootloader/faq

Which reads as "your warranty is not void as long as you don't have to use it".

Trekest said:
Which reads as "your warranty is not void as long as you don't have to use it".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, but do you realistically expect them to honor your warranty if you brick it by any method (official or otherwise)? I dont think they really care what you did to kill the phone, I am willing to bet they wont replace it in either case.

ironeagle said:
Fastboot oem lock
above command will lock the bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that command really work? I thought getting S-ON was a lot more complicated than that.

Related

[Q] To S-Off and back

oi.
Have found 2 topics on my matter, but none offer a reasonable explanation, so I'm going to ask again in hope of getting one.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1084683
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=491350
The later one is only for some G1, so I guess it'd brick my phone, which I do not really feel doing.
So basically my question is:
1. After using Revolutionary to get s-off, will I EVER be able to get back to stock, i.e. S-ON, firmware?
2. Also, if I would use Revolutionary and HTC decides to push out an unlocked bootrom, can I switch to that one afterwards?
3. If the above is true, would some well-experienced user post a guide how to gain factory-like phone ?
This one talks about s-off and s-on. Not sure about switching bootloaders though.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192565
Just run an RUU to undo it.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
In that thread are people saying that ruu does not restore warranty i'll wait for htc to officially unlock the device then
Thanks for the insight
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

HTC unlocker or revolutionary unlocker?

HTC is releasing their own version of the unlocker. I'm a bit confused of the difference between the two. Which will be better?
www.anandtech.com/show/4573/htc-announces-webbased-bootloader-unlock-tool-for-htc-sensation
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
Revolutionary is better for sure. Do you want to give HTC record of your unlock and grounds to automatically deny your warranty claim for clear hardware issues? I sure don't. I'd rather they have no idea that I'm unlocked.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
moto211 said:
Revolutionary is better for sure. Do you want to give HTC record of your unlock and grounds to automatically deny your warranty claim for clear hardware issues? I sure don't. I'd rather they have no idea that I'm unlocked.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Revolutionary have the ability to relock the bootloader? Because once you unlock it your warranty is void no matter what. So this would be a major factor in determining which way to go. I would like to know as I just purchased my sensation yesterday.
Now on a side note I rooted my N1 just after it released. It had some hardware issues I sent it in under warranty and had no issues concerning the warranty and being unlocked. I would like to see what parts of the warranty void upon unlocking via HTCs method. If someone can post a link I would be interested to read up on this.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
I would say Revolutionary!
hTC updates - take ages..by the time they come out with any essentials updates, i had changed to another device.
Revolutionary - almost every single day. They listen to our feedbacks n always trying to improve for the community...
Therefore, Revolutionary FTW!
Sent from my hTC Z710e Washing Machine using XDA Premium App
I agree with everyone the revolution is better in every way.
Plus if it gets bricked for HTC its voided and they KNOW it
but for revolution they wont know so if its bricked just drown it or back over it and its unvoided
SpeakEZ said:
Does Revolutionary have the ability to relock the bootloader? Because once you unlock it your warranty is void no matter what. So this would be a major factor in determining which way to go. I would like to know as I just purchased my sensation yesterday.
Now on a side note I rooted my N1 just after it released. It had some hardware issues I sent it in under warranty and had no issues concerning the warranty and being unlocked. I would like to see what parts of the warranty void upon unlocking via HTCs method. If someone can post a link I would be interested to read up on this.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While Revolutionary doesn't per se, you can do it by simply flashing your stock ROM and switch secuflag back to 3 which will relock you to S-On. Details are in this sticky, oh and the cool thing is if you flash the stock RUU back your bootloader just says PVT Ship S-Off so it looks as if you got your Sensation that way haha
That is exactly what I did. s-off my device via revolutionary method then rooted and super CID. I then re-flashed stock ruu back and now I have stock s-off but with super CID. I'll probably changed it back to Asian CID just for software updates. If that is how software updates check for proper version updates.

Can you please explain the status on rooting (s-on/s-off etc.)?

My wife has a Mytouch 4G slide that has never been rooted and has all the latest updates from T-Mobile. I keep reading conflicting information with regard to whether this is a problem (the whole s-off/s-on thing).
I was thinking of trying out one of the Ice Cream Sandwich Roms. Can I root her phone? Should I root her phone? Is there a link with good current information?
just to sum it up:
with the latest OTA you cannot achieve s-off (yet), however, you can unlock the bootloader and then root and flash recovery and roms using the official htcdev unlocking method (which apparently voids your warranty instantly)
Braccoz said:
just to sum it up:
with the latest OTA you cannot achieve s-off (yet), however, you can unlock the bootloader and then root and flash recovery and roms using the official htcdev unlocking method (which apparently voids your warranty instantly)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
The unlocker is currently broken for (most) people.
It only voids your warranty if any damage results from anything you flash. Flash an OC kernel and burn up your phone, not their fault. Keyboard falls apart due to use, their fault.
The confusion continues - is there not a "root your mytouch 4g slide wiki" with current information?
qwerty3656 said:
The confusion continues - is there not a "root your mytouch 4g slide wiki" with current information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is, but in a sense that info is not 100% current.... those tools won't work if her phone is S-ON with HBOOT 1.45.0013(software version 1.55.531.3).
keep an eye out tho for news on another update that is supposed to make the official HTC unlocker tool work by the end of the month
I wanna get my hands on another to see if I can duplicate the 2 I unlocked
rooted 1.55.531.3 with clockwork recovery and SU
This is a great question seeing how my mt4gs will be here tomorrow lol.
I'm coming from an htc g2 and have been free from security for awhile! I really want an aosp rom (not a big fan of sense) so this should be interesting!
Been reading up for the last couple of days and the dev support seems a little lacking, but the g2 started to slow as well, though there were plenty of stable roms.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
mrbmg said:
This is a great question seeing how my mt4gs will be here tomorrow lol.
I'm coming from an htc g2 and have been free from security for awhile! I really want an aosp rom (not a big fan of sense) so this should be interesting!
Been reading up for the last couple of days and the dev support seems a little lacking, but the g2 started to slow as well, though there were plenty of stable roms.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read, HTC is aware of the Unlocker not properly unlocking the MT4GS. All we can do now is wait since Revolutionary hasn't figured out a method to replace the 1.45.0013 HBOOT yet.
Limewirelord said:
... All we can do now is wait since Revolutionary hasn't figured out a method to replace the 1.45.0013 HBOOT yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree, we should be looking for a way to get current s-on devices either s-off (preferably) or at least unlocked.
Sent from my Bulletproof_Doubleshot using xda premium
yogi2010 said:
there is, but in a sense that info is not 100% current.... those tools won't work if her phone is S-ON with HBOOT 1.45.0013(software version 1.55.531.3).
keep an eye out tho for news on another update that is supposed to make the official HTC unlocker tool work by the end of the month
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just got a warranty exchange and my HBOOT version is 1.44.007, so I should be good to do S-off correct?
BiggJurk said:
So I just got a warranty exchange and my HBOOT version is 1.44.007, so I should be good to do S-off correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, you're good to get S-OFF.
jonnycat26 said:
It only voids your warranty if any damage results from anything you flash. Flash an OC kernel and burn up your phone, not their fault. Keyboard falls apart due to use, their fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't matter if it's a hardware or software issue. If you mod your phone in any way, the warranty is void, unless you revert back to stock. Even if it's just a software mod, like a custom rom or kernel.
Lucky!
rooted 1.55.531.3 with clockwork recovery and SU
gtmaster303 said:
Doesn't matter if it's a hardware or software issue. If you mod your phone in any way, the warranty is void, unless you revert back to stock. Even if it's just a software mod, like a custom rom or kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. Read HTC's unlock disclaimer. It will only void the warranty if It's damage you caused by flashing something. Normal hardware issues are still covered as the original warranty would do.
And I got the phone... It came with the 1.55
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
mrbmg said:
This is a great question seeing how my mt4gs will be here tomorrow lol.
I'm coming from an htc g2 and have been free from security for awhile! I really want an aosp rom (not a big fan of sense) so this should be interesting!
Been reading up for the last couple of days and the dev support seems a little lacking, but the g2 started to slow as well, though there were plenty of stable roms.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am actually in the same exact boat as you... Needed more power out my G2, so I upgraded to the 4G Slide
Mine will be coming in sometime next week, directly from HTC. Fairly excited. I had to send it in for warranty repair.
---------- Post added at 06:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:41 PM ----------
mrbmg said:
And I got the phone... It came with the 1.55
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will HTC change my phone version because I sent it in for warranty repair? Didn't even know what version it had before I sent it in, because the phone wouldn't power on.
You wouldn't think they would. But then again they might try and get it all the way up tp date before sending it back out. Good question.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
mrbmg said:
You wouldn't think they would. But then again they might try and get it all the way up tp date before sending it back out. Good question.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say that any devices that come to them will be shipped out again with the most recent software on them.
I recently had to send one of mine in, it came back as it was when I sent it out - but the current OTA is on pause so that may be why.
I think at this stage it would be a dice roll...
Blue6IX said:
They say that any devices that come to them will be shipped out again with the most recent software on them.
I recently had to send one of mine in, it came back as it was when I sent it out - but the current OTA is on pause so that may be why.
I think at this stage it would be a dice roll...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's better to send it in sooner, rather than later.
Besides, my device wouldn't turn on at all anyway, so I didn't really have a choice.
Hoping they don't update it though.
Is there any way I can call them and tell to not update it, if possible?

Unlocked Bootloader Now Available

The T-Mobile US MT4G was just added to the HTC Dev site!
http://www.htcdev.com/bootloader
I suppose this doesn't much affect those of us already running the engineering bootloader, but pretty cool nevertheless.
TeeJay3800 said:
The T-Mobile US MT4G was just added to the HTC Dev site!
http://www.htcdev.com/bootloader
I suppose this doesn't much affect those of us already running the engineering bootloader, but pretty cool nevertheless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow!
Yeah it doesn't really affect those with root... But it shows that HTC still remembers this "old" device
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
DON'T DO IT WHATEVER YOU DO!! It marks your devices warranty as voided and any ROM that doesn't run the same kernel as the ROM you have when you use this won't work. You will have to manually push the boot.img of any new kernel out there. I have to do it on my 3vo3d and it's a *****.
Nicgraner said:
DON'T DO IT WHATEVER YOU DO!! It marks your devices warranty as voided and any ROM that doesn't run the same kernel as the ROM you have when you use this won't work. You will have to manually push the boot.img of any new kernel out there. I have to do it on my 3vo3d and it's a *****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, great advice. Seems this thing is completely worthless then.
Nicgraner said:
DON'T DO IT WHATEVER YOU DO!! It marks your devices warranty as voided and any ROM that doesn't run the same kernel as the ROM you have when you use this won't work. You will have to manually push the boot.img of any new kernel out there. I have to do it on my 3vo3d and it's a *****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Yikes! Makes me wonder why people on other devices have been clamoring for unlocked bootloaders for so long.
TeeJay3800 said:
Really? Yikes! Makes me wonder why people on other devices have been clamoring for unlocked bootloaders for so long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean it's awesome HTC still recognizes our device but they make you go through way too much to do it. I'd rather stick with exploits. Thanks for the link anyway TeeJay
I wonder if a lot of people will still go through with this not knowing the limitations of HTC's unlocking method.
shekki said:
I wonder if a lot of people will still go through with this not knowing the limitations of HTC's unlocking method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guarantee that they will. Since there is a root exploit already there is really no reason to do this other than giving the manufacturer proof that you voided your warranty.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
eqjunkie829 said:
I guarantee that they will. Since there is a root exploit already there is really no reason to do this other than giving the manufacturer proof that you voided your warranty.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. That's about it. And I guarantee we will see millions of threads saying "help my phone won't turn on" because they have NO idea how to flash boot.img's
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Lol people are already asking about the unlocked bootloader. Check the Q & A.
Sent from my Infernalized Glacier!
-Team Inferno
Nicgraner said:
DON'T DO IT WHATEVER YOU DO!! It marks your devices warranty as voided and any ROM that doesn't run the same kernel as the ROM you have when you use this won't work. You will have to manually push the boot.img of any new kernel out there. I have to do it on my 3vo3d and it's a *****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't say its a ***** but just an added step. Though I will agree you guys will start getting a few threads of people not getting it to boot, because they think its as easy as flashing in cwr. Coming from the desirehd section, even after explaining it to people they can't grasp it.
To me the biggest con, is needing to push the boot.img but that's because I tend to flash roms on the go. Xda method of soff is still the best but i think its a good idea for those devices that dont curently have an soff method.
My mom has a mytouch 4g so I'm thinking of giving this a shot to play around with. Her warranty was void a long time ago(replaced screen,water/coffee damage). It will be fun trying out your roms in this neck of the woods
well what exactly does unlocking bootloader do?? pros and cons??.. sorry i'm new to this stuff...
Nicgraner said:
DON'T DO IT WHATEVER YOU DO!! It marks your devices warranty as voided and any ROM that doesn't run the same kernel as the ROM you have when you use this won't work. You will have to manually push the boot.img of any new kernel out there. I have to do it on my 3vo3d and it's a *****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once unlocked, can't we just flash eng. bootloader and get rid of this issue?
Just asking... I'm already rooted and I have a Panache anyway
Sent from my HTC Panache / Darkside CM7.2 using xda premium.
SprigganMaster said:
Once unlocked, can't we just flash eng. bootloader and get rid of this issue?
Just asking... I'm already rooted and I have a Panache anyway
Sent from my HTC Panache / Darkside CM7.2 using xda premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand, it only unlocks certain parts of the phone. I doubt it will work as the phone stays son. Only thing that we fan flash is cwr, and roms.
Based on prior post, it feels like its more work to use htc method. I completely agree with everybody else, dont use this method to unlock unless you cannot operate technology(at which point u shouldnt root). I have replaced my phone 3 times under warrenty, its a good phone but has some defects...this basically gives htc proof that we voided their warrenty....however, could we tweak the program so it does waht WE want. I dont know anything about programming but couldnt we have it so that it unlocks the bootloader and autoflashes eng? Then tweak it so that it doesnt send its reports back to htc?
not worth it. we have to do this on the amaze to get root and once its unlocked it cant be relocked without a big fat "RELOCKED" in hboot. as far as warranty goes, htc will still cover you in the event of hardware malfunction, but not if they determine its related to software. thats the word at least...

[Q] Worries about rooting

Hi
I want to root me device.
I have ICS hboot 1.27.
I can go with htcdev bootloader unlock, the only thing that Im worried about is warranty. If the device will have a hardware defact, htc will repair it under warranty?
I can also go with the wire trick and s-off, but Im worried about the whole process.
Please advise.
Best regards
Uri
Once you unlock the bootloader with htcdev you will lose waranty.
About the wire trick a lot of people have done it successfully
But you can always return your device into completely situation by using ruu.exe for waranty purposes
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
Go slow and take it step by step...you'll be fine. After a year or so, I have never had much faith in my warranty anyway.
Hi
Do u mean the method of the wire-trick with no htcdev?
TNX
Uri
Hi, I just wanted to say I think you will be very happy once your device is rooted and have a custom rom. It made such a great difference in my device! Before rooting I was getting a lot of freezing and reboots, after rooting that's all gone. It keeps my device fresh and alive not to mention all the customization that you will be able to do with s off and rooting! Don't worry take it slow, follow there guides and you will be good to go. Best wishes
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium

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