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[Q] "New" phone from ebay (villec2) that will not update. Unlocked/Rooted?

Hi
This is my first post here, and I'm hoping somebody could help me with some questions I have.
I have recently bought a "new" HTC one s on ebay, which may seem to have been a bad idea. I have later discovered that it is not a z520e (snapdragon s4), but the cheaper z560e (snapdragon s3) version, or villec2 running android 4.0.3.
Anyway, I have tried to upgrade the phone to the latest android version, using the built in phone function. However, this did not work and I got an error message telling: "We have determined that your phone may be running modified version of its system software...". In other words, I have the feeling that the phone is tampered with. Maybe the seller have unlocked in a way that makes it impossible to upgrade. Is there anything I can do to check this? And is there anything i can do to upgrade to android 4.1.1. ? I have tried a factory restore (phone function) with no luck. Or is the update only available to Asia?
Any information is very appreciated. I would like to know what the seller have done with this phone, information which I can use against the seller. Thanks!

staldor said:
Hi
This is my first post here, and I'm hoping somebody could help me with some questions I have.
I have recently bought a "new" HTC one s on ebay, which may seem to have been a bad idea. I have later discovered that it is not a z520e (snapdragon s4), but the cheaper z560e (snapdragon s3) version, or villec2 running android 4.0.3.
Anyway, I have tried to upgrade the phone to the latest android version, using the built in phone function. However, this did not work and I got an error message telling: "We have determined that your phone may be running modified version of its system software...". In other words, I have the feeling that the phone is tampered with. Maybe the seller have unlocked in a way that makes it impossible to upgrade. Is there anything I can do to check this? And is there anything i can do to upgrade to android 4.1.1. ? I have tried a factory restore (phone function) with no luck. Or is the update only available to Asia?
Any information is very appreciated. I would like to know what the seller have done with this phone, information which I can use against the seller. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When the phone is off, press and hold volume down then press power button (don't hold).
This will let you enter bootloader.
Top of the screen if it says unlocked, that is why you cannot update.
I'm guessing you do not know about fastboot commands/ adb commands and are not interested in learning to root and load custom ROMs to your phone.
But if it is unlocked and you want to relock it you just need to type in a command prompt: fastboot oem lock
that is assuming that the stock recovery hasn't been changed. (which isn't hard to flash)
In this guide you would want to download that fastboot.rar file
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2175411

As this is a question, I've moved this thread to the Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting section.
In future, please remember to ask any questions in this section rather than in General.
Thanks
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

tivofool said:
When the phone is off, press and hold volume down then press power button (don't hold).
This will let you enter bootloader.
Top of the screen if it says unlocked, that is why you cannot update.
I'm guessing you do not know about fastboot commands/ adb commands and are not interested in learning to root and load custom ROMs to your phone.
But if it is unlocked and you want to relock it you just need to type in a command prompt: fastboot oem lock
that is assuming that the stock recovery hasn't been changed. (which isn't hard to flash)
In this guide you would want to download that fastboot.rar file
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2175411
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, sorry for the posting in the wrong category.
You have right that i have no experience rooting android phones. However, i managed to jailbrake an iPhone 1st gen in the old days.. Anyway, my main concern is to try to find out what this phone is running, and if I should send it back or not. I paid 260 usd, so I would like the phone to be ok/not too much tampered version.
I got into fastboot / Hboot, and it says unlocked. What does unlocked actually means? I also got some red text when i started the phone afterwords telling that it was some non officially software that were not allowed to be distributet (went a bit fast).
I guess this is the reason why I cant update. Is there some more information I can take out of this Hboot? (I tried to find a hboot guide.) Any ideas why the seller sold me an unlocked phone? And is there something i should make sure of before I decide to keep the phone? I might send it back if there is some tampered things here.
Thanks again for you feedback!

staldor said:
First of all, sorry for the posting in the wrong category.
You have right that i have no experience rooting android phones. However, i managed to jailbrake an iPhone 1st gen in the old days.. Anyway, my main concern is to try to find out what this phone is running, and if I should send it back or not. I paid 260 usd, so I would like the phone to be ok/not too much tampered version.
I got into fastboot / Hboot, and it says unlocked. What does unlocked actually means? I also got some red text when i started the phone afterwords telling that it was some non officially software that were not allowed to be distributet (went a bit fast).
I guess this is the reason why I cant update. Is there some more information I can take out of this Hboot? (I tried to find a hboot guide.) Any ideas why the seller sold me an unlocked phone? And is there something i should make sure of before I decide to keep the phone? I might send it back if there is some tampered things here.
Thanks again for you feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC allows to unlock the bootloader from their website. You are sent an unlock bin code. Unlocked means you can root the phone, you can put on a custom recovery to make backups of your phone and put custom ROMs on it.
If yours said unlocked, and right below that if it did not say tampered, then i believe you still have the stock recovery.
you just need to download fastboot files to your pc then you can lock your bootloader.
you go back into bootloader and plug your phone into computer (phone will change from fastboot to fastboot usb)
from your fastboot folder you hold down shift and right click the mouse, choose the option to open a command prompt.
from there you just type
fastboot oem lock

tivofool said:
HTC allows to unlock the bootloader from their website. You are sent an unlock bin code. Unlocked means you can root the phone, you can put on a custom recovery to make backups of your phone and put custom ROMs on it.
If yours said unlocked, and right below that if it did not say tampered, then i believe you still have the stock recovery.
you just need to download fastboot files to your pc then you can lock your bootloader.
you go back into bootloader and plug your phone into computer (phone will change from fastboot to fastboot usb)
from your fastboot folder you hold down shift and right click the mouse, choose the option to open a command prompt.
from there you just type
fastboot oem lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply!
Yes, i cannot see any "tampered" below the *** unlcoked *** line in HBOOT.
I tried the recovery in the HBOOT but got a red triangle. I guess i need to to this from an PC (I have macbook at home, or do I need the Andorid SDK on my computer maye..), and download the right android image etc. I also guess the factory reset will not help me either (probably the same function I can choose from the settings menu in android.).
Now my question is if I should try to change it to a z520e. I guess i will get some more battery life with the snapdragon s4. But not sure how much, and if its worth the hassles with return shipping etc.
Anyways, thank you very much for the information!

MY HTC ONE X AT&T has this screen and wont start up

please help me. i dont know what to do with this cell... anyhow i managed to get it into this screen...
it would keep restarting after displaying htc quietly brilliant.
i have no idea what was done to this cell as i got it lying around in my closet.

What do you mean you got it lying around in my closet? You don't know what you did to it in the past?
Sent from my Evita

no actually my cousin might have screwed up my cell and kept it back...
timmaaa said:
What do you mean you got it lying around in my closet? You don't know what you did to it in the past?
Sent from my Evita
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well I think the first thing you should do is talk to your cousin and find out exactly what he did to the device, then you can report back here.
Sent from my Evita

is there any other way through which we can come to know what can be done??? such as an odin thing which i used to do in my samsung note 1 or 3???
timmaaa said:
Well I think the first thing you should do is talk to your cousin and find out exactly what he did to the device, then you can report back here.
Sent from my Evita
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

To know what needs to be done I need to know the history of the device. Odin is Samsung only, there is no HTC equivalent. Who got the phone to this point, you or your cousin? You need to find out what he's done.
Sent from my Evita

Well, one problem is that the screen is cracked.
Seriously though, the phone for some reason or other cannot load into the OS, and is stuck in bootloader. Other than that, not much else can be determined if you don't know the history of what was done.
pvirus86 said:
is there any other way through which we can come to know what can be done??? such as an odin thing which i used to do in my samsung note 1 or 3???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You need to know the history of the device. There is an HTC-specific recovery utility. But running it on a device with unknown history can brick the phone permanently. Particularly since the device is definitely tampered (as shown on the first line of the screen).
Also, the phone's IMEI is personal information, and should not be posted on the internet. You should edit the photo to hide the IMEI.

Unlock your bootloader. Sometimes if you have custom installed or fragments of a custom ROM on the device it will boot directly into your bootloader. After unlocking your bootloader you can install a recovery image and sideload a ROM.

yes i asked my brother and he is saying he doesnt remember what he had done to it... if anyone can show me a way to do something ill try it... or else should i take it to some shop to get it fixed.... which would cost me... but first i wanted to get my hands over d expert advise of u all

Return the phone to stock and never let your brother touch any electronic device of yours again.
Sent from my Evita

but can you let me know to revert it to stock. and will i have to do it from windows 7 or my mac os wud work???

pvirus86 said:
but can you let me know to revert it to stock. and will i have to do it from windows 7 or my mac os wud work???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone is in a dangerous state.. Running the RUU in this state could brick the phone (make it permanantly unusable without a jtag). Though typically that is how one would return a phone to stock.. to be honest, the safest thing to do would be to unlock the bootloader, flash a rom, S-OFF and then return it to stock. If these seem like foreign terms to you, you have a lot of reading to do. Your phone is in a tough spot right now ESPECIALLY not knowing the history regarding what was done. You would need the bootloader unlock token to reunlock that phone if you don't have it, there's very little chance of safely returning that phone to stock.

pvirus86 said:
yes i asked my brother and he is saying he doesnt remember what he had done to it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brother or cousin, or both? It seems you don't even know who has been messing with your phone. And the person(s) messing with it don't have a clue what they are doing. So its no wonder the phone is in the state it is.
Agree with above that RUU is risky. Better to s-off the phone first.

Thank u all for the prompt replies, I have played with Samsung but not with HTC. But I can try to unlock the bootloader n turn d s-off. Can I get an step guide for HTC. The thing was I have many cellphone that I buy and use it very rarely. Majority I use is my note 3.

pvirus86 said:
Thank u all for the prompt replies, I have played with Samsung but not with HTC. But I can try to unlock the bootloader not turn d s-off. Can I get an step guide for HTC. The thing was I have many cellphone that I buy and use it very rarely. Majority I use is my note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are detailed instructions available at htcdev for unlocking your bootloader. Once you've done that you need to flash a custom recovery, then you can flash root, then you can get s-off. Check my How-To Guide For Beginners thread, the link is in my signature.
Sent from my Evita

pvirus86 said:
Thank u all for the prompt replies, I have played with Samsung but not with HTC. But I can try to unlock the bootloader n turn d s-off. Can I get an step guide for HTC. The thing was I have many cellphone that I buy and use it very rarely. Majority I use is my note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every device manufaccturer/model has different root methods. If you want to root the phone, you have to put the time in to learn the correct process. There is no shortcut. You won't find a step-by-step guide for the entire process, because of the different carrier version and firmware updates (root method, etc. differs for each). But all the resources you need are sticky at the top of either this Q&A forum section, or General section.

hi i tried to get to unlock the bootloader from the HTCDEV site. first of all the HTC ONE X wasnt on the list so i selected other supported devices
then followed the steps and got the following error
Error Code: 160.
Error Reason: MID Not Allowed.
now what does this mean??

That means you have the original CID still, which means you should be able to run the 3.18 RUU without any problems. Check your CID by issuing this fastboot command:
Code:
fastboot oem readcid
Sent from my Evita

yes i had issued this command after finding it in one of the websites and this was the result which i got
cid: CWS__001
or cid: c??__001
i forgot the exact two letter after C. i think it was CWS

You have the original at&t CID. That means you can run the 3.18 RUU without having to unlock the bootloader and get s-off first.
Sent from my Evita

the s off via java card info thread

disclaimer!
*this thread is not intending to promote the sale of any particular service or cell phone reseller.
*this thread is intended to provide info only. any questions,please ask,some i may add to the FAQ.
*please abide by all forum rules in posting so this thread can remain open
this method uses an official htc java card to turn off the phones security data. the card exists as a legitimate tool for cell phone shops and re-sellers,primarily for the purpose of removing the phones simlock.
since this method of s off is somewhat unusual,this thread is intended to help support folks that are unsure of the differences and similarities. use this info at your own risk.
in this first post,i thot a few FAQs needed to be put in one place,as they are being asked over and over again in the thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: what is s off?what does it do for me?
A: in a nutshell,s-off=security off. it removes all security checks and allows access to all partitions of the phone this means you can:
-change hboot
-change splash inage
-change radios
-flash unsigned files
-go backwards in firmware versions
-other things that maybe ill add later
Q: is this java card process legit??
A:yes,it is. as mentioned above,the java card is a legitimate tool used by some large cell phone repair shops and re-sellers.
Q: how does this work?
A:the java card is plugged into a USB On The Go cable,and plugged into the phone. the java card contains htc-signed diagnostic files wich are used to clear security data. when the phone is booted to hboot with the java card plugged in,it finds the diagnostic file and jumps to a mode where the user can clear "s58" data. this removes any simlock,changes the CID to a generic "supercid",and most importantly,turns off the phones radio secure flag. hooray!
this video of an htc one x will give you a good idea what the process looks like:
HTC One X S-OFF
Q: what exactly is a java card?
A: simply,a java card is an sd card with a microprocessor in it. if someone wishes to provide a more detailed definition,id be happy to put it here.
Q: can we clone the java card so everyone can have s off?
A: yes. but its complicated,and the card to begin with is expensive. there have been some technical discussions about this,but the simple answer is that it is not easy,or practical to clone the java card.
Q: why do i have to pay for this?? shouldnt s off be free?
A: if you have a prollem paying for this service,you are welcome to purchase your own java card and offer the service for free. as has been stated,the java card is expensive- upwards of $1000 depending how may credits are included.
further,even if a software exploit was available,it is good custom to donate to the devs who brought you the tool. remember,no one here owes you custom roms,s-off,etc. support your devs and what they bring you.
Q: is the card good forever?
A: NO! the java card has a limited number of uses.
Q: how do i use this service?
A: you will need to track down a phone shop or reseller that has a card. these are not common,but are available in most countries with some searching.
Q: if im allready unlocked,should i still get s off?
A: in my opinion,yes. wether done via a java card or software exploit,s off is better. it allows more options to recover soft-bricked devices,and allows access to all partitions. an s on phone is still doing plenty of security checks. it also allows a permantly installed recovery to install the boot image. the downside is that your phone WILL let you brick it if your not careful. know what your flashing and why. double check md5 sums to verify the integrity of your downloads. a corrupt bootloader ot radio can damage your phone,potentially unrecoverably. if you just asked "what is an md5sum?" stop and google it now. there are numerous md5summers avaialable for free on the vast interweb,download one and start using it.
Q: if im allready unlocked and running a custom rom and recovery,do i need to take any precautions?
A: yes. the diag file is designed to work on stock software and firmware. i would strongly recomend to:
-restore a bone stock nandroid,or flash a bone stock rom
-reflash your stock recovery
-reflash your stock boot image if you were running a custom kernel
-select 'factory reset' option from hboot
Q: will this wipe my phone?
A: yes it will. so back up your sd card to the pc,and be prepaired to have to re-set everything up when you get it back.
Q: does my phone need to be active?
A: no it does not.
Q: does my sim card need to be present?
A: no it does not.
Q: how do i activate a spare phone while mine is away?
A:it depends on the phone. if you have a gsm phone,or a 4g vzw phone,you can simply swap over your active sim. if the sim is larger in the spare phone,adapters do exist for extremely cheap on ebay and amazon. alternately,you can call vzw,sprint,or your other cdma carriers, or go to their website to activate an older 3g device.
Q: how do i activate my phone when it comes back?
A: like you normally would. s off by itself does not change anything about the phone or how it oporates. its what you do afterward/modify that can have an impact on "normal" operation. so if you moved your sim into another phone,just move it back. if you mailed your phone directly to a reseller with the protective film still on it,then take everything out of the box and activate just like you would if it had just come from htc or your carrier.
Q: if my phone was carrier blocked by htc dev,will i be able to unlock the bootloader if my phone is s off?
A: yes. when the phone comes back,it will have "supercid". this ignores the mid(model id) check that htcdev does on the phone,and will let you get a token and unlock.
Q: are there advantages to unlocking the bootloader?
A: you have a couple extra fastboot commands you can use:
fastboot flash partition imagename.img
and
fastboot boot imagename.img
these commands are useful to install recovery,and boot images into phone memory. with fastboot bootfor example,you can temporarily launch recovery on the phone to flash su if you dont want to permantly install it.
Q: so do i NEED to unlock the bootloader to install recovery?
A: no,you do not. you can install recoveries and all other partitions as zip files. more info on that later.
Q: does superCID give you any benefits?
A: in a word,maybe. on a gsm device where you have multiple carrier and regional firmwares that will work,supercid is of value. with a device on vzw sprint,or other cdma carriers using specific firmware,you can only use those specific ruus anyway. further,accepting an OTA with supercid could leave you unrecoverably bricked,plus it may interfer some some verizon functions(i remember inc 4g users having issue,but the details escape me)
IMO,after unlocking your bootloader,if you choose to do so,you should change your CID back to stock VZW__001 (thats 2 underscores- cid is always 8 digits),HTC__001(again 2 underscores) or whatever it happened to be.
Q: is my cid unique to my particulare phone?
A: no,it is not. it is unique to a carrier or region. all verizon phones ever made have a cid of VZW__001
Q: how do i change my cid back to stock?
A: with this fastboot command:
fastboot oem writecid xxxxxxxx
Q: why is my cid always present on the hboot screen?
A: i dont know htc's logic,but this is simply what the phone does while its s off. it will display whatever your cid is,and is not dependent of your bootloader being locked or unlocked.
Q: what about the TAMPERED and unlocked/relocked badges?
A: if your phone was unlocked when you sent it in, youll get it back factory fresh locked. the tampered badge,i am unsure of at this time,and will update as more info is obtained.
if you sent in a brand new phone,it obviously wont be different(with exception of s off)
one of the big advantages of s off,is that the tampered flag is not triggered by adding a custom recovery or kernel,and since s off removes the various write protections that exist,it is posible to reset either flag. more info on the lock status flag here
Q: will an OTA change my s-off or lock status?
A: it is possible. altho,it is highly unlikely since turning the radio secure flags on via an OTA would also do so on legitimate pre-release test phones.
however...
it really is not reccomended that you try and take an OTA while rooted. a custom recovery is unable to install HTC's OTA pacakage,and attempting to do so ca jam you up horribly. taking an OTA with bloat and system files remove will typicaly result in failure,and taking an OTA with supercid could lead to a processor "do not boot" mode,wich is very effectively a hard brick only recoverable via jtag. or a new device.
the best way to update a rooted device is to update the rom with a recovery-flashable zip file,and the firmware extracted from the OTA package. this will update you just like taking the OTA. there is nothing magical about over the air updates. please,just do it manually. leave the OTAs for the stock crowd.
last and not least!
Q:what do i do once i get back my stock,s-off phone?
A: please see post 2

once you have recieved your stock,s off device back,your basic steps are:
1)change CID/MID back to stock
2)install a recovery
3)install a rom or root access
you have 2 options to install recovery:
1)unlock the bootloader and use fastboot commands
2)leave the bootloader locked,and flash a recovery as a zip file in RUU mode
either way works. i personally always keep my bootloader unlocked so i can use fastboot commands,but that is a personal preference.
to "root by recovery" is not a new concept. once there are no write protections,its easy to install a custom recovery,and use that recovery to either insert the superuser files into the stock rom,or replace the rom entirely.
1) change cid back to stock
this is actually very easy. simply put the phone in fastboot,change to fastboot directory,and enter in a cmd window:
fastboot oem writecid xxxxxxxx
in the case of vzw:
fastboot oem writecid VZW__001
yes,those must be capital letters,and there are 2 underscores.
2) install a recovery
via one of these 2 methods:
1)unlock the bootloader
your phone has come back from sonic with "supercid",wich will allow you to unlock the bootloader natuarally via the htcdev website. see this post for a bit more info on that.
unlocking the bootloader is fairly straightforward,just make sure you use a vzw one specific image. download from one of the following threads:
*links provided when available
the image is easily installed via an unlocked bootloader with the following command:
fastboot flash recovery imagename.img
for example,recovery named CW_touch_recovery:
fastboot flash recovery CW_touch_recovery.img
the image must be in your fastboot working directory.
if you need more specific help with unlock/recovery flashing you can use this guide.
2) keep locked bootloader
the bootloader can stay locked for this method. you can in fact use this to install a new image to any partition,as long as the image is packed up in a proper file.
this assumes a working adb/fastboot and drivers installed. if you dont have these things,you can use this guide from above,downloading the files in post 1,and following the set up adb and prepair to root part in step 2.
once you have adb and fastboot working,download one of the following recovery zip files. do NOT unzip or extract.
*links provided when available
your zip file is flashed in the following manner:
if youre working with a booted,operational phone,you can flsh the file in the following manner:
-open a cmd window
-change to adb/fastboot directory
cd c:\foldername
(cd c:\mini-adb if youve used any of my guides )
-place the zip file you want to flash into adb/fastboot directory
-enable usb debug,disable fastboot,plug in phone
-check for connectivity
adb devices (should return serial number)
-boot to fastboot
adb reboot bootloader
-check for connectivity again
fastboot devices
-flash the file
fastboot erase cache
fastboto oem rebootRUU (will put you in ruu mode,black screen silver htc letters)
fastboot flash zip zipfilename.zip (will send and flash the file. dont interupt it while the cmd window shows its writinging,and the green status bar is moving on the phone screen)
*sometimes a file will fail with a pre-update error. this is normal,just enter again:
fastboot flash zip zipfilename.zip
and this time it will finish
-when you get "finished" and "OK"
fastboot reboot-bootloader (takes you back to fastboot)
-reboot back to the OS
fastbooot reboot
you can use this if you dont have an operational phone as well. you just need to manually put the phone in fastboot(select from hboot menu) then skip the "adb" commands and start with fastboot devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3) install a rom or root access
this is a simple matter of using recovery to either flash superuser,or flash a new rom. in either case,MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR STOCK UNROOTED ROM!
flash superuser just as you would a rom,after a cache/dalvik wipe. theres tons of info out there on using recovery,so im not going in to great detail on that here.
i dont have this device(well,i dont have the vzw version) so dont ask me whats the best rom to flash. browse the development and original development sections and pick a couple out to try.
if you wish to just run rooted stock,i perosnally prefer superSU to other versions of superuser. you can download it from this thread
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
optional:
if you sent in your phone with a custom recovery installed,and it still is displaying the tampered banner,see this thread to remove it:
*link provided when available
if you want to lock,or unlock your bootloader without messing with htcdev,see this thread for those directions:
*link provided when available
if you want to restore your supermid from 0P6B2**** back to stock ,see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51677666
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
*work in progress. there will likely be some revisions,but i wanted to get something up for the folks whose devices are coming back

I'm serious considering doing this, if only just so I can have full root. I understand that there won't be any developer support or roms until someone achieves a software exploit. But it would be nice to be able to flash full root.
One question though: I don't have much experience with HTC devices as I always used Samsung before but I'm tired of their locked bootloaders. Basically my question is, one method of s-off is as good as another right? S-off is s-off? And it won't effect my ability to get s-on again? Or use other people's methods for recovery/root and s-off/s-on right?

nicholi2789 said:
I'm serious considering doing this, if only just so I can have full root. I understand that there won't be any developer support or roms until someone achieves a software exploit. But it would be nice to be able to flash full root.
One question though: I don't have much experience with HTC devices as I always used Samsung before but I'm tired of their locked bootloaders. Basically my question is, one method of s-off is as good as another right? S-off is s-off? And it won't effect my ability to get s-on again? Or use other people's methods for recovery/root and s-off/s-on right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you are S-Off u are S-Off unless you really screw something up but I have NEVER had any issues and I have owned 4 HTC devices with S-Off via exploits. S-Off is where it's at! Period Will have mine early next week with a Java S-Off... :good: And, we will have a recovery soon enough for our variant so it's just a matter of time before you can flash full root from recovery and then you are good to go. We probably won't see much development until enough people or devs get S-Off or unlocked bootloader. Time will tell but it WILL happen.

shojus said:
Once you are S-Off u are S-Off unless you really screw something up but I have NEVER had any issues and I have owned 4 HTC devices with S-Off via exploits. S-Off is where it's at! Period Will have mine early next week with a Java S-Off... :good: And, we will have a recovery soon enough for our variant so it's just a matter of time before you can flash full root from recovery and then you are good to go. We probably won't see much development until enough people or devs get S-Off or unlocked bootloader. Time will tell but it WILL happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Yeah I've been reading up on S-OFF and all the things you can do to HTC devices since before I got the M8 and still had my S4. I just haven't done any of it yet. It really seems like S-OFF is the only way to go if you want to have complete device freedom. Never had to have anything special to flash radios on Sammy devices. Anyways, yeah I have full faith that we will get S-OFF via an exploit sooner or later. That's why I chose the M8. Because in the past, no matter what, HTC devices always have bootloader exploits it seems like, or at least some development.

This thread is on zero tolerance as of now and will be closed permanently with the next breach of forum rules.

NotATreoFan said:
This thread is on zero tolerance as of now and will be closed permanently with the next breach of forum rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

shojus said:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think they dont want a name given

it also might be the grey market that java cards are. 1/2 this FAQ is not factual, but what do I know? *wink*

dr_drache said:
it also might be the grey market that java cards are. 1/2 this FAQ is not factual, but what do I know? *wink*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is not factual? I'd be happy to correct anything that is not.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk

scotty1223 said:
What is not factual? I'd be happy to correct anything that is not.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, not to go too deep, javacards at the price you posted, are clones of real ones, sold on the grey market. not necessarily legal, using NDA covered files.

dr_drache said:
well, not to go too deep, javacards at the price you posted, are clones of real ones, sold on the grey market. not necessarily legal, using NDA covered files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That number was for a small credit card from the UK. It was supposed to be legit, but I obviously can't prove or verify it.
Thanks for the info
For the record, my main intention is to provide info about the mechanics. Not really trying provide cost or purchase info
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk

scotty1223 said:
That number was for a small credit card from the UK. It was supposed to be legit, but I obviously can't prove or verify it.
Thanks for the info
For the record, my main intention is to provide info about the mechanics. Not really trying provide cost or purchase info
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, how do I know if my phone was S-Off'd via a java card or Firewater? What is the difference? TIA

shojus said:
So, how do I know if my phone was S-Off'd via a java card or Firewater? What is the difference? TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it comes back supercid and supermid,then it was s offed via the java card. If cid and mid are correct you have no way of knowing for sure,since the cid and mid are easily restored
Sent from my HTC PG09410 using Tapatalk 2

scotty1223 said:
If it comes back supercid and supermid,then it was s offed via the java card. If cid and mid are correct you have no way of knowing for sure,since the cid and mid are easily restored
Sent from my HTC PG09410 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure but from pics I seen of exploit don't it throw the tampered flag? As last time I used java card that was not the case
I know that can be restored. I'm guessing he restored cid mid because there were people complaining that he should change this back if you use his services. Just a total guess
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

scotty1223 said:
If it comes back supercid and supermid,then it was s offed via the java card. If cid and mid are correct you have no way of knowing for sure,since the cid and mid are easily restored
Sent from my HTC PG09410 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my dilemma here... Mine came back yesterday with cid and mid correct.

Tigerstown said:
I'm not sure but from pics I seen of exploit don't it throw the tampered flag? As last time I used java card that was not the case
I know that can be restored. I'm guessing he restored cid mid because there were people complaining that he should change this back if you use his services. Just a total guess
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the java card will not throw the tampered flag. the exploit... i dont think so,but im not 100% sure.

shojus said:
That's my dilemma here... Mine came back yesterday with cid and mid correct and I am a tad skeptical.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would assume that he corrected the cid and mid in order to provide better service. sorry i cant think of any other ways to know for sure.

Me either but I will discuss this elsewhere . Thanks

scotty1223 said:
i would assume that he corrected the cid and mid in order to provide better service. sorry i cant think of any other ways to know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what he said to me he did.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Anyone know of a working root?

Just got a Nokia 3.1 to use a testing tool and other fun stuff, and therefore would like to root it. Does anyone of you know of a working root of the 3.1?

So this phone is a no go for root and custom roms I guess.

kaslopis said:
So this phone is a no go for root and custom roms I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you think so? Bootloader can be unlocked via Developer settings, and I think there is no special magic preventing this device from rooting.
I would try rooting it by flashing some SuperSU zips or something like that, but I didn't try it yet

Has anyone checked this out? I haven't purchased a Nokia 3.1 but am considering it. I went so far as to create a Nokia account and there is a bootloader unlock apk, as well as an unlock.key that can be downloaded, and there are clear instructions on the Nokia page itself.. Since I don't have the phone, I did not attempt to proceed. However, if the 3.1 qualifies (I don't see why it wouldn't) then getting root should be as easy as following Magisk instructions.
There is even a page for the open source releases.
If I were to get the 3.1, my main objective would likely be to just obtain root. Looks like it should be doable.
Edit - well over 100 views since I posted this but no one has tried to unlock and/or root. I thought that was the purpose of this thread.

Unfortunately that app always crashes

VidarPT said:
Unfortunately that app always crashes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is unfortunate! Perhaps, does activating Developer Options allow to select OEM Unlocking and USB Debuging, then running the Unlocking App? To run step 5 of 5 (see NOKIA INSTRUCTIONS below) you would need to have USB Debugging enabled anyway. Nowhere in the instructions is that mentioned.
FYI - Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings>About Phone and tap Build Number 7 times. Back out to access Developer Options.
Also, I do not have this phone but am interested in it. I cannot confirm if any of the advice I am giving will work, but it is what I would try.
NOKIA INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction
Firstly, we need to validate that the phone you would like to unlock is operated by you. There are a few steps to this, so we ask that you carefully follow all instructions. Let’s get started.
To participate, simply complete the following steps:
1. Please download the Nokia Bootloader Unlocker app. You can download the apk from this link and install the apk on your device. If you don’t understand how to install an apk on your device, please do not unlock the bootloader on your device. Doing so will void your phone's warranty and may cause irreparable damage.
2. Launch the Nokia Bootloader Unlocker app and fill your email information and click “Submit”.
3. The app will display a code. Please enter this in the form below along with your email address. Then press "Request to Unlock"
Your bootloader can now be unlocked. Follow the instructions below:
Step 1/5
Check the email you entered during registration. You should receive an email with a message as follows:
Hi, Thanks for requesting the unlocking bootloader. Please download your unlock key from the following link. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Download the unlock key and save it as “unlock.key”.
Step 2/5
Power off your device. Once powered off, press and hold the Volume Down button.
Step 3/5
While keeping the Volume Down button pressed, connect the device to the computer via USB cable. The device will boot into “Download mode”. If you have difficulty, try powering up normally, power off the device again and start back from Step 1.
Step 4/5
Download the following fastboot binary for your OS here.
Step 5/5
Open a command prompt:
Windows: Start > cmd
Mac: Applications > Utilities > Terminal.app
Linux: Terminal
Navigate to the directory where the previously downloaded unlock.key file is saved. Then enter the following commands:
fastboot flash unlock unlock.key
fastboot oem unlock
If successful, you should see the below message:
Unlock success!
Then reboot the device by entering the following command:
fastboot reboot
You are done!

It doesn't work either way. I tried with both those options enabled and disabled but the program always crashes. It's interesting to note that the app itself fails to install through chrome or "Files" app. Gives an error saying "Can't open app". I only managed to install it through ES File Explorer. Could it be because of I bought the phone on a Vodafone store? I can't find the original stock rom to flash, sadly.

VidarPT said:
It doesn't work either way. I tried with both those options enabled and disabled but the program always crashes. It's interesting to note that the app itself fails to install through chrome or "Files" app. Gives an error saying "Can't open app". I only managed to install it through ES File Explorer. Could it be because of I bought the phone on a Vodafone store? I can't find the original stock rom to flash, sadly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been researching this and have found that, as of this writing, only the Nokia 8 qualifies for bootloader unlocking. See here. The only thing holding me back from jumping on this Nokia 3.1 is the inability to unlock the bootloader (and maybe the lack of fingerprint sensor.) Hopefully it gets "approved soon".

Currently the oem unlock using the Nokia bootloader unlock only works for Nokia 8

is there a way to root the 3.1 yet successfully? im a noob at this stuff and don't want to screw my phone.

snarfydog said:
is there a way to root the 3.1 yet successfully? im a noob at this stuff and don't want to screw my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not until Nokia decides to allow users to unlock bootloader.

What about the 3.1 plus. I've already unlocked OEM. I just started looking, thought I'd start here first.

XSHADOW3 said:
What about the 3.1 plus. I've already unlocked OEM. I just started looking, thought I'd start here first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter if you have enabled "OEM unlocking" option in Developer settings, currently Nokia doesn't allow unlocking of bootloader and thus rooting device, unless you are Nokia 8 user. You can try this, but it will crash almost for sure.

As far as I can tell, my bootloader is unlocked. I am a noob of course, but I have been researching this topic for a couple of months now. I could be mistaken in thinking "upload" mode is it, but I can't seem to figure out the difference. Otherwise, I don't know what to do next.

Nightseer said:
As far as I can tell, my bootloader is unlocked. I am a noob of course, but I have been researching this topic for a couple of months now. I could be mistaken in thinking "upload" mode is it, but I can't seem to figure out the difference. Otherwise, I don't know what to do next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please tell what did you do exactly?

MilesSeventh said:
Can you please tell what did you do exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get to "Upload" mode? Assuming it's the same for the 3.1 Plus-maybe I should have specified that-holding power button and volume up during startup will open "Upload" mode.
You can also use adb with the command "reboot bootloader." For that reason, I think it's the bootloader, but I could be wrong.
Sorry if I was a bit misleading and it is totally different on the Nokia 3.1, I was just some kinda hopeful to actually see people talk about it.

Let's get her done
Nightseer said:
To get to "Upload" mode? Assuming it's the same for the 3.1 Plus-maybe I should have specified that-holding power button and volume up during startup will open "Upload" mode.
You can also use adb with the command "reboot bootloader." For that reason, I think it's the bootloader, but I could be wrong.
Sorry if I was a bit misleading and it is totally different on the Nokia 3.1, I was just some kinda hopeful to actually see people talk about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not bringing any sizable programming skills to the table unless somebody wants to teach me real fast.
Hopefully, I bring tidings of great joy. So I got two these Nokia's and they're both locked. to the carrier, Cricket. I suspect they are at least unlawfully locked. . My understanding is you can't lock to used phone especially if it's been sold as a prepaid phone. I believe this falls under the reseller flex policy. I bought it off of eBay from a guy that sells nothing but phones and he's been extremely cagey about what he'll admit to, so I called the carrier. I literally waited an hour and a half on the phone because I am falling asleep and I was on a computer speaker phone so it kept on the time of the call. I only held that long because I had fallen asleep. Anyway since I'm not in a cricket or AT&T customer then don't plan to eitherbe they could care less about me it actually told me they didn't have any information on the phone after I gave them the IMEI number.
My guess is the fcc's not going to do much because it's a trump Administration. So I spent about 45 minutes on the phone with Nokia and well at least they're interesting I think Microsoft paid between 7 and 12 billion to acquire them I recently sold them off for like a box of jujyfruits. Anyway they're committed to customer service so I figure my predicament might give me an in there.
So those unlock codes that it was a link earlier in the post for that's just to unlock the bootloader, right? You know this is a pretty decent phone for a low-end guy I got the newer 3.1 C it's got Cricket's bootloader in bloatware on it,
takes up a ton of space.
I mean it probably won't happen but if Nokia ever goes public again - I think the acquiring companies. Their eye on the prize and they're going to kick some ass. So I'm all in on this let's get this done. If you want I can see what I can do about asking Nokia 4 whatever it's going to take just to keep me a satisfied customer since they know Cricket/ATT isn't following the Obama regs.

Oof... It would be beautiful if Nokia customer support could guide us onto rooting this phone.

its so simple to unlock oem on nokia 3.1 plus. no third app needed. after developer option on -> go to developer option setting -> there is toggle button to on/off developer option , just use that toggle to off it and on it -> press yes for on dev options -> and select oem unlock. that all

It is pretty straightforward once you have unlocked bootloader (not by Nokia). If you want, you can simply dump boot_a or boot_b with SPflash tool, patch in Magisk app, and reflash.
Otherwise you can use my TWRP (NO TOUCH, and has disabled dm-verity). Please note it's only working on build v3.180, updates not supported - as it was only needed for my project.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...m-kali-nethunter-nokia-3-1-android-9-t4157681

Anyone managed to root lg k51?

I can't find anything definitive about whether it's rootable or not

Same here i tried every root app possible and failed.

just unlock bootloader and flash twrp
after that flash latest magisk zip hope it will work

Bhanu8082 said:
just unlock bootloader and flash twrp
after that flash latest magisk zip hope it will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to flash TWRP: Booting into it is sufficient.

Bhanu8082 said:
just unlock bootloader and flash twrp
after that flash latest magisk zip hope it will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the bootloader?

sCriptKittY1987 said:
How did you unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
simple , go to about phone and try to find build number,
after you find build number tap on it until it says you are in developer mode
after that head on to developer option (it may be inside about phone section or above about phone section) turn on the option which says allow oem unlock. then,
just reboot to recovery mode either by pressing volume up or volume down key with power button.
after you enter recovery connect usb cable and open command prompt in pc and make sure that lg device drivers are installed on your pc also make sure you have adb and fastboot installed.
ok, after all this type command
adb devices
if any thing shows us then you have successfully connected your device.
after it type
adb reboot bootloader
then your mobile should restart and show fastboot mode in screen
type command
fastboot oem unlock
and done your bootloader is unlocked.

Bhanu8082 said:
just unlock bootloader and flash twrp
after that flash latest magisk zip hope it will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you find a tarp img for the LG k51?

sCriptKittY1987 said:
Where did you find a tarp img for the LG k51?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tarp image????? just follow the tutorial.

I meant TWRP recovery . After you've unlocked the bootloader where did you get a custom recovery to flash for the LG k51. From what I saw on Team Wins website, there isn't one.

Bhanu8082 said:
simple , go to about phone and try to find build number,
after you find build number tap on it until it says you are in developer mode
after that head on to developer option (it may be inside about phone section or above about phone section) turn on the option which says allow oem unlock. then,
just reboot to recovery mode either by pressing volume up or volume down key with power button.
after you enter recovery connect usb cable and open command prompt in pc and make sure that lg device drivers are installed on your pc also make sure you have adb and fastboot installed.
ok, after all this type command
adb devices
if any thing shows us then you have successfully connected your device.
after it type
adb reboot bootloader
then your mobile should restart and show fastboot mode in screen
type command
fastboot oem unlock
and done your bootloader is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I typed fastboot oem unlock I get a reply saying <waiting for any device>

sCriptKittY1987 said:
When I typed fastboot oem unlock I get a reply saying <waiting for any device>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt that's going to work, but let me know if it does. Carriers and manufacturers use a variety of sophisticated security schemes like requiring lengthy codes that only they can provide, etc to purposely make it very difficult to unlock bootloaders. Tmobile gave me a K51 for free. They apparently feel the have to pay for it by spying on me. I bought a moto g7 plus unlocked for $117 directly from Moto and put Lineage on it, no gapps Would love to use thie k51 though if anyone figures it out because it's more waterproof and bigger battery.

mgsgta3 said:
I can't find anything definitive about whether it's rootable or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether device's bootloader is unlockable / device's Android is root-able or not you easily can find out by means of ABB:
Code:
adb shell "getprop ro.oem_unlock_supported"
If returned value is 1, then it's supported otherwise it's not.

sCriptKittY1987 said:
Where did you find a tarp img for the LG k51?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and let me guess my doofus luck im guessing no way to unlock it with out a P.C. like nuttin at all?

Absolutely no of the crap above works at all in any capacity especially sprint. Generic postings like hold volume down and power also doesn't work to go into fastboot so if you guys are following the advice of some of these guys don't because you'll drop more money on a new phone then you will unlocking it some variants verizon is one I think you have to call LG I know I spent 6 hrs on the phone with "tech support" aka "jokes with a screen to read from" to FINALLY get into touch with an engineer who told me the only way "NOW" to unlocked the bootloader is in his office which means it has to be depot to be unlocked which as of this moment lg is not doing that WILL change in the future that was 12/03/2020. Even running external adb with kali linux to hack it broke the bootloader and sends you into an infinite reboot loop

jwoegerbauer said:
Whether device's bootloader is unlockable / device's Android is root-able or not you easily can find out by means of ABB:
Code:
adb shell "getprop ro.oem_unlock_supported"
If returned value is 1, then it's supported otherwise it's not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This returns no value on a locked bootloader because even with Dev. Opt. Enables its still read only until bootloader is unlocked this is verified on two carriers k51's sprint and att. However it is unlockable we haven't found it and/or LG has not added this service to their site which is where you will get the info needed for the unlocked.

Oh my. You know you need to do all this from a computer, right? Can't do it in an Android terminal because fastboot commands are only valid in a phone's bootloader environment. And if you didnt know that then rooting and all of the dangers that come with it just isnt for you. But yes, it's rootable. So here you go anyway.
Reboot the phone to download mode.
Install LG's K51 usb drivers, and install adb and fastboot, on your computer.
Open a command prompt and type: fastboot oem unlock
If it does anything other than pat you on the back and tell you it's proud of you and how well you follow instructions, then go back and follow the effing instructions.
Otherwise, type: fastboot reboot.
Download magisk manager.
Do the magisk manager.
Use the LG flash tool on your computer to flash what you just did when you did the magisk manager.
And presto, you're rooted. Or I successfully left out enough info and you dont know how to use Google, leaving your device still not rooted. And thank god for that.

Ive been learning from xda for some time now. Bricked a few phones in my learning curve and tonight i had my first success with my g7, and wrighting this on my new k51. This is my first post and I think that was pretty rude of you to say. This is supposed to be a place to learn, share knowledge, and help those who are less educated. Not look down on people and say crap like that. If he wants to learn even if it takes a couple bricked phones to do it, let him. Either give him the proper procedures or dont say nothing at all. How long did it take you? How many phones? Its taking me quit a while but i am finaly getting somewhere. Keep with it guy. Dont let this dude, or any one else for that matter, bring you down.

Kenwoodquality69 said:
Ive been learning from xda for some time now. Bricked a few phones in my learning curve and tonight i had my first success with my g7, and wrighting this on my new k51. This is my first post and I think that was pretty rude of you to say. This is supposed to be a place to learn, share knowledge, and help those who are less educated. Not look down on people and say crap like that. If he wants to learn even if it takes a couple bricked phones to do it, let him. Either give him the proper procedures or dont say nothing at all. How long did it take you? How many phones? Its taking me quit a while but i am finaly getting somewhere. Keep with it guy. Dont let this dude, or any one else for that matter, bring you down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yo Ken,
So your K51 rooted?
If so, maybe you could provide a step by step?

I haven't done this yet but is it verified working? I did a google search came across the method to do the unlocking but it showed it was a failed project?

TexasPride said:
I haven't done this yet but is it verified working? I did a google search came across the method to do the unlocking but it showed it was a failed project?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O lord i hope this isnt true