So When we root our phone are phone is automatically S-Off right?
and S-Off means the phone is unlocked and we can use it on other networks ?
Just want to clear everything up. I thought I needed to buy an unlock code for it to be unlocked but I just read that S-Off means its sim unlocked
The "S" in S-off stands for security, a stock bootloader comes S-on or security on. This is to make the device to where you can only install what is considered authorized software, or to be more specific, software that the OEM or the carriers release for the device. Now when you S-off your de ice you unlock it so that you can flash other software other than just the OEM's or carrier's software, this kind of software is refered to as custom software. This type of software includes custom recoveries, custom ROMs, and sometimes custom bootloaders.
Now to unlock your device so that you can use it with another carrier is referee to as SIM unlocking the device. And yes to SIM unlock your device you need a unlock code. You can generally get theses codes from the original carrier you purchased the device from or from different websites that charge for the code.
Rooting your device is something that allows you full control of your device and also allows you to use your device to it's full potential. It allows your ROM to have direct communication with the Linux kernel it is running on top of, which gives your device much more functionality. Certain bloatware apps have limited root access bit the ROM itself does not when the device is running stock software.
So I hope you have a little better understanding now of the three. I also hope this answered your question. Cheers.
T-Macgnolia said:
The "S" in S-off stands for security, a stock bootloader comes S-on or security on. This is to make the device to where you can only install what is considered authorized software, or to be more specific, software that the OEM or the carriers release for the device. Now when you S-off your de ice you unlock it so that you can flash other software other than just the OEM's or carrier's software, this kind of software is refered to as custom software. This type of software includes custom recoveries, custom ROMs, and sometimes custom bootloaders.
Now to unlock your device so that you can use it with another carrier is referee to as SIM unlocking the device. And yes to SIM unlock your device you need a unlock code. You can generally get theses codes from the original carrier you purchased the device from or from different websites that charge for the code.
Rooting your device is something that allows you full control of your device and also allows you to use your device to it's full potential. It allows your ROM to have direct communication with the Linux kernel it is running on top of, which gives your device much more functionality. Certain bloatware apps have limited root access bit the ROM itself does not when the device is running stock software.
So I hope you have a little better understanding now of the three. I also hope this answered your question. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While, I knew this already, that was a great explanation and you've been thanked for it.
maybe this can help you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232107
Related
i recently bought the m8 from verizon, upon purchase it was activated with a verizon simcard and after a few days i went overseas. now i am using it outside of the US with a non verizon simcard. i have a few issues with it:
1. cant use the phone as a wireless hot spot or tether its internet connection via USB-error message saying that i have a non verizon sim installed
2. cant get rid of all the verizon bloatware or any other bloatware
3. cant root - i came from galaxy s2 which was the easiest thing to root ever
4. every time i reboot the phone it alerts me that i inserted a non verizon simcard (is there any chance that the phone will lock up because of that??)
5. what is s-off?????
thank you very much for any help!!
In order to gain perm root use sunshine to unlock bootloader and then install custom recovery. Then flash SU. After that you can edit the default.XML to make necessary changes or you could flash a ROM with all the needed hacks installed. Already. Sunshine will cost 25 bucks but well worth the investment. There are a tin of discussions here on how to achieve the results you are trying to attain as well as step by step instructions.
udiperets said:
i recently bought the m8 from verizon, upon purchase it was activated with a verizon simcard and after a few days i went overseas. now i am using it outside of the US with a non verizon simcard. i have a few issues with it:
1. cant use the phone as a wireless hot spot or tether its internet connection via USB-error message saying that i have a non verizon sim installed
2. cant get rid of all the verizon bloatware or any other bloatware
3. cant root - i came from galaxy s2 which was the easiest thing to root ever
4. every time i reboot the phone it alerts me that i inserted a non verizon simcard (is there any chance that the phone will lock up because of that??)
5. what is s-off?????
thank you very much for any help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5. what is s-off?????, this is the most import question in your list as it is the key to making your device as flexible as you would like it to be. This may not be the technical definition but I will give you the gist.
S in S-off basically stands for Security. The device has a mechanism coded in to it that is meant to prevent users from doing irreparable damage to the phones operating system. Removing the security when the phone is "S-off'ed" so to speak, allows end users to make any and all manner of change to the phones software. HTC has aggreed to exclude the Verizon version of the M8 from their developers access platform. Other M8's can have their bootloaders unlocked throught the HTCdev website. Bootloader unlock allows rooting, and roms to be flashed, with some limitations, and more hassles and annoyances then straight S-off. S-off gives you total control, and ease of use at the expense of possibly turning your phone into a brick. But if you look through the forums, you will not find very many people complaining about ruining their phones. If you use caution, read everything thoroughly, and ask questions, you will be safe. Once you are S-Off you can either run a custom rom, or learn what to change in the stock rom to enable features as you see fit.
Once S-off'ed, install TWRP (Custom Recover). I would then flash SuperSU zip file to get root. After that you flash the tether fix, or flash a rom with stock hotspot, fix your APN settings to work with your simcard, and every thing else.
Links are to Devs download sites read and follow their directions. I'm using all of the following on my M8, thats all I can say.
Sunshine Dev Site for S-off: http://theroot.ninja/
TWRP custom recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/development/twrp-blank-os-fix-t2879306
superSU.zip dev site for root: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Titanium Backup in the Play Store can remove Verizon Bloat once the phone is S-off and Write Protection removed, you will learn as you go.
mc_365 said:
5. what is s-off?????, this is the most import question in your list as it is the key to making your device as flexible as you would like it to be. This may not be the technical definition but I will give you the gist.
S in S-off basically stands for Security. The device has a mechanism coded in to it that is meant to prevent users from doing irreparable damage to the phones operating system. Removing the security when the phone is "S-off'ed" so to speak, allows end users to make any and all manner of change to the phones software. HTC has aggreed to exclude the Verizon version of the M8 from their developers access platform. Other M8's can have their bootloaders unlocked throught the HTCdev website. Bootloader unlock allows rooting, and roms to be flashed, with some limitations, and more hassles and annoyances then straight S-off. S-off gives you total control, and ease of use at the expense of possibly turning your phone into a brick. But if you look through the forums, you will not find very many people complaining about ruining their phones. If you use caution, read everything thoroughly, and ask questions, you will be safe. Once you are S-Off you can either run a custom rom, or learn what to change in the stock rom to enable features as you see fit.
Once S-off'ed, install TWRP (Custom Recover). I would then flash SuperSU zip file to get root. After that you flash the tether fix, or flash a rom with stock hotspot, fix your APN settings to work with your simcard, and every thing else.
Links are to Devs download sites read and follow their directions. I'm using all of the following on my M8, thats all I can say.
Sunshine Dev Site for S-off: http://theroot.ninja/
TWRP custom recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/development/twrp-blank-os-fix-t2879306
superSU.zip dev site for root: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Titanium Backup in the Play Store can remove Verizon Bloat once the phone is S-off and Write Protection removed, you will learn as you go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I do the s-off with sunshine, pay 25$ and later on will need to format the phone back to factory settings, will I need to pay again to s-off it a second time?
udiperets said:
If I do the s-off with sunshine, pay 25$ and later on will need to format the phone back to factory settings, will I need to pay again to s-off it a second time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the S-Off is permanent unless you deliberately put S-On. In addition the the license is for the life of that device.
The non-verizon sim is annoying but has no effect on the phone whatsoever (been using my M8 in Afghanistan with a Roshan SIM for the past 5 months)
4. every time i reboot the phone it alerts me that i inserted a non verizon simcard (is there any chance that the phone will lock up because of that??)
No, it's a "global" phone. It's the notification they have show up for roaming and non-verion SIMs. I don't live in the US and use my Verizon m8 everyday without a Verizon sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to get the notification for the hotspot as well, but my hotspot still worked fine despite their warning. I'm rooted and s-off though so that might make a difference.
The answer to all you other questions can be easily found in like two seconds on here, such as how to root it. I don't think you even bothered to read the top stickied threads. Once you're rooted you can remove all the Verizon stuff, switch to a ROM that has it removed, or use ROM cleaner to get rid of it in a Verizon based ROM.
Some people may have doubt about what is unlocking the phone. At first I mistakenly assume that Unlock is refer to unlock the phone screen. It's very clear now that it is not true.
Q: So what is unlocking the Phone?
A: There is a lock inside the phone that stop people from using the third-party system or what we said custom ROM. (Although many phones are using the Android OS, the system in different brands are not exactly the same. In order to keep the unified feelings of their brands, the manufacturers prevent users from using custom ROM. That’s why they set the lock. )
Q: What is the use of unlock?
A: You can use custom ROM after unlock.
Q: Will it brick the phone if unlock failed?
A: Unlock failed has no effect on the phone. If there are some problems during the unlocking process, just take out the battery and restart your phone.
All of these statements are based on personal experience, if wrong, please specify, thank you for your read.
Purpose of unlocking the phone is to use it on another network
markdc said:
Purpose of unlocking the phone is to use it on another network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good:Thank you for your add
Most of the time when it's unlock you can use it with many different carriers check GSM and non GSM carriers, Carriers like verizon, sprint have there own bootloader (Brand Image upon starting) and a secure stock rom. So it somewhat difficult to root there devices, Like my verizon S6 I've been waiting since the OTA update.
-AndroidPhreak.com
Hello,
I've been reading this forum to try and understand the processes related to modifying the U11. I purchased the Dual SIM variant so I could use it both at home in the USA and while traveling abroad.
While reading I came across some terms I don't understand. Could someone please explain them to me?
OCN
RUU
S-ON and S-OFF
CID, SuperCID, and MID
hboot and aboot
zip-aligned
odex and deodex
I also have a couple questions. Other phones prevent unlocking bootloader, but I didn't see mention of that for this phone. Are all variants unlocked from the factory? If not, is there a standard process to unlock the bootloader?
Similar to the bootloader, is getting root on this phone difficult?
Other phones, when updated, cannot be rolled back. Is there anti-rollback for the firmware of the phone or modem/radio?
One of the custom ROM threads states that "Oreo firmware is mandatory". Would I need to flash 2.33.401.10 while within recovery? Or would I flash it in ADB download mode?
I will be using the phone on T-Mobile in the USA for the most part. Is VoLTE and WiFi calling available in any custom ROM? I have these services enabled on my T-Mo account.
SidneyD said:
Hello,
I've been reading this forum to try and understand the processes related to modifying the U11. I purchased the Dual SIM variant so I could use it both at home in the USA and while traveling abroad.
While reading I came across some terms I don't understand. Could someone please explain them to me?
OCN
RUU
S-ON and S-OFF
CID, SuperCID, and MID
hboot and aboot
zip-aligned
odex and deodex
I also have a couple questions. Other phones prevent unlocking bootloader, but I didn't see mention of that for this phone. Are all variants unlocked from the factory? If not, is there a standard process to unlock the bootloader?
Similar to the bootloader, is getting root on this phone difficult?
Other phones, when updated, cannot be rolled back. Is there anti-rollback for the firmware of the phone or modem/radio?
One of the custom ROM threads states that "Oreo firmware is mandatory". Would I need to flash 2.33.401.10 while within recovery? Or would I flash it in ADB download mode?
I will be using the phone on T-Mobile in the USA for the most part. Is VoLTE and WiFi calling available in any custom ROM? I have these services enabled on my T-Mo account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google & XDA search functions are your friends regarding the terminologies/ guidance you need.
Also, try the helpful links via this XDA page: https://forum.xda-developers.com/u11/how-to/collection-htcu-u11-ruu-firmware-t3612048
And this guide: https://www.theandroidsoul.com/htc-u11-root-twrp-recovery-and-bootloader-unlock/
Regarding unlocking the Bootloader, try: https://www.htcdev.com/bootloader/
(Depending on where you have purchased your handset from, it may or may not be 'Factory unlocked').
You can flash via Custom recovery or via ADB mode.
Check the specific custom ROM's info re. VoLTE/ WiFi calling (which is carrier dependent).
Some direct answers. Use the search function next time though
OCN - the U11's codename. Short for Ocean.
RUU - ROM Update utiltity. HTC specific full device imaging utility for returning to factory firmware. It's usually difficult to find a copy for certain variants though.
S-On/Off - HTC specific Bootloader level security. In S-On mode the flashing of certain partitions is restricted to officially signed images even if the bootloader is unlocked. These are mostly firmware partitions which most people wouldn't care to flash with anything else anyway, so unless you have a specific use case you're good with S-On for now
CID/MID - designators for different region and carrier variants. The SuperCID is a testing CID used by HTC engineers (111something. I forgot exactly) which has no restrictions.
hboot - HTC bootloader. Its the first binary that runs and loads the kernel. Resides on one of the partitions locked behind S-On. Not worth modifying on the U11 last I heard.
Zip-aligned - technique of packing APKs which optimizes read performance from storage. Not HTC specific
De/Odex - Dalvik bytecode from system apps often gets precompiled into Odex files for performance reasons but this makes them a bit hard to modify so reincorporating them into the system APKs is common practice (Deodexing). Also not HTC specific
There is an unlocking process (doesn't come unlocked) but not all variants are necessarily unlockable.
Getting root isn't particularly difficult once TWRP is installed
There is some sort of rollback protection but it seems overridable with certain flashing methods (The "SD Card method")
When a ROM claims that Oreo firmware is mandatory it means the modem/radio etc. You'll need to OTA or RUU to an official Oreo ROM.
Carrier services depend rather heavily on the particular ROM, carrier and even signal bands on the hardware so no guarantees can be made.
Upto this point, what I understand is that the OEMs hold keys that they use to sign the binaries as trusted such that only what they sign will be accepted and rest others will be rejected. Well, some devices I see can simply unlock using fastboot flashing unlock command when OEM Unlocking option is turned on in developers mode, however, some devices such as the ones from Xiaomi require their own special software to unlock the bootloader which they say is to prevent attackers from stealing the phone data. Well, one can easily flash firmware from Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader. How do they do that? Does their proprietay software use some kind of keys that sign the firmware files? If so, do you know if it would be possible to replace the keys they use to sign.
Android's user data at any time can get stolen by hackers: here it doesn't matter whether device's bootloader is locked or unlocked.
Most of the Android devices comes to the market with a locked bootloader. Locking the bootloader is actually a kind of encryption of the Android system files. OEMs / carriers do so to keep the OS unaltered by the users. And this for good reasons, IMO. One have to respect
that their devices will be restricted to running software ROMs provided only by them.
To re-flash a phone's Stock ROM phone's bootloader must not be unlocked, because the OS is the original one , means not altered in any way by user.
Hello guys, This is my first thread on XDA forum.
I just bought Xiaomi device (Poco X3 Pro Global) a few days ago.
So this is my first time to try custom rom, I searched what I'm trying to do, I'd like to make sure whether what I understand is correct or not since I'm totally new on custom rom.
the sources I mainly referred to:
source1
source2
Basic assumption:
1. Only flash custom rom without rooting
2. All unlocking bootloader and flashing custom rom process done perfectly, and all resouces (recovery, rom, ADB tool etc...) used during process are 100% clean and genuine.
3. No cold boot attack (source2) happens on me.
Q1. source1 is really helpful, but it's from 2012, is this still valid today?
Q2. source1 is posted on Galaxy Nexus forum, but is this applied to all android based devices, right?
Q3. This threat model assumes attacker has physical access to device, then I guess unlocking bootloader itself is 100% totally irrelevant to software level security risks like malware or OS vulnerability, is this right? (assuming no rooting and 100% genuine rom and resources)
Q4. From source1 you can choose between [device encryption] and [relocking bootloader] to protect security, which methods do you recommend using?
I feel I'm much more inclined to try device encryption method since I don't know if it's possible to relock bootloader safely after migrating from Global stock rom to xiaomi.eu rom. (Can anyone confirm this?) I fear it become bricked during relocking process.
Q5. So if I set device encryption with strong password and turn off USB debugging mode, I need not too worrysome?
Are there any other points in terms of security to bear in mind if you use device with unlocked bootloader?
Thank you for reading my thread
[INFO] Understanding the risks of having an unlocked bootloader
While unlocking the bootloader on a Galaxy Nexus unleashes the full potential of the bootloader, it also poses a security risk. Even with your lockscreen protected with a pattern/PIN/password, not having flashed a custom recovery, having an...
forum.xda-developers.com
jwoegerbauer said:
[INFO] Understanding the risks of having an unlocked bootloader
While unlocking the bootloader on a Galaxy Nexus unleashes the full potential of the bootloader, it also poses a security risk. Even with your lockscreen protected with a pattern/PIN/password, not having flashed a custom recovery, having an...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's what I linked in thread (source1)
Only a side-remark:
An Android Smartphone bootloader is processor-specific and every OEM has its own version of bootloader specific for the hardware present in its environment.
It's the primary task of every bootloader to verify the Android OS to be loaded is genuine means signed by OEM to ensure the Android OS ( it's by nature a Custom ROM ) works flawlessly as it can be expected by user. People who use a phone as a tool and not as a toy probably never come up with the idea to unlock the bootloader because they know about the strengths and weaknesses of the phone when they bought it, they can expect that OEM did their best with regards to a phone's performance - OEMs are certainly not dumber than generally claimed by the modder / hacker scene.
My POV: Unlocking a phone's bootloader is an unnecessary action at all. If people do so they indirectly admit that they have purchased a phone that does not meet their expectations - they have made a wrong purchase.
Thanks for comment.
I understand your POV.
I realized later Global rom can't do call recording, that's the main reason why I try to flash xiaomi.eu rom and other optimazations are second reason.
And this phone will be my main phone so I wanted to make sure about security risk before I will change rom.
cromcromc said:
Thanks for comment.
I understand your POV.
I realized later Global rom can't do call recording, that's the main reason why I try to flash xiaomi.eu rom and other optimazations are second reason.
And this phone will be my main phone so I wanted to make sure about security risk before I will change rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having an unlocked bootloader doesn't need to be a risk whatsover as long as you're not flashing untrusted ROMS and other components to the device and critically control anything being flashed to the device. If you're flashing a signed ROM from the manufacturer as it sounds like is your plan, there is nothing to worry about. You can even lock the BL again after flashing & optimizing if you absolutely wish to although usually not recommended.