How do I prepare my phone for roms? - AT&T, Rogers HTC One X, Telstra One XL

I need to root, unlock, and install CWM right? How exactly do I do this? I tried to locate a how to without any luck.

The dev section is filled with all the info you need to know.
Also, not trying to be a **** but saying you searched when it is obvious that you didn't will get you nowhere.

OK I've read some more and had a couple more questions...
I noticed that the roms I've looked at don't require an unlocked phone. What's the point of unlocking the phone then? Can I just root and install CWM?
Some roms say "needs the 1.85 base." What does this mean and how do I get it before flashing a rom?
Thanks!

johnl199 said:
OK I've read some more and had a couple more questions...
I noticed that the roms I've looked at don't require an unlocked phone. What's the point of unlocking the phone then? Can I just root and install CWM?
Some roms say "needs the 1.85 base." What does this mean and how do I get it before flashing a rom?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the roms, prior to the unlock discovery, were executable as an RUU. All the updated versions require recovery which you need the bootloader unlocked to get in to. It's a painless process and there's even a 1-Click script method for those who dont want to take chances.

Will I be able to get the phone back to COMPLETELY stock should I decide to sell it in the future?

From what I know it will say relocked or tampered but maybe I'm wrong
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

After unlocking your phone, there will be no way to get back to 100% stock unless we can get S-OFF (which hopefully may be in the near future due to a few devices already being S-OFF).
However, you can root your device and not unlock it (1.82 and prior as of now) and still be able to revert to 100% stock as if it came right out of the box.
Most of the ROMs currently do not require an unlocked bootloader.
However, this will definitely change as we begin to see custom kernels (hopefully soon with the release of the source by HTC Dev) and more complex ROMs (such as those based on AOSP, such as CM9 and AOKP).
So in short, you can still use most of the ROMs in the dev section. Just be aware however that if you do not unlock then you cannot install CWM (limiting the number of ROM options) and also if you update past 1.82.502.3 then you cannot root (at this time, other root exploits are being explored).

Is unlocking your bootloader the same as carrier unlocking your phone?
Does this mean that say, AT&T phones could be used on Tmobile?

lamenramen said:
Is unlocking your bootloader the same as carrier unlocking your phone?
Does this mean that say, AT&T phones could be used on Tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You are thinking of SIM unlock.
Bootloader unlock lets you load custom ROMs and change recovery, that's all.

Related

Avoid losing root if ATT forces 2.20 OTA update

I have an AT&T HOX. Came stock with 1.85.
I rooted it using the "redbend" method described here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709296)
(More or less, the pulling SIM card business wasn't part of the steps when I used it, but the root was successful).
I am using SuperSU to manage root access by apps.
I have not done anything beyond that.
Now, I understand, at some point, AT&T is going to force a 2.20 update on me.
My primary concern is to avoid losing root.
(I have enabled the "preserve root across OTA" in SuperSU, but not sure if its effective or not)
I've looked at the howto's for SuperCID, unlocking the bootloader, etc, and I'm not sure which I NEED, and which are optional, and/or what the pros/cons are of each...
I'd like to stay as close to "stock" as possible, but I want to ensure that I can keep root.
I'm still within my AT&T contract, and would really prefer to avoid bricking the phone.
I'm wondering what the recommendations are as to the minimum steps I should take to keep root in the event the OTA is forced on me?
Can I pre-empty the OTA by installing this? ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812459 )
If so, what is the safest method for installing it?
FWIW, I am a linux user, and I am comfortable with adb as well as the command line on the phone itself.
I have no windows systems, so any special tools I'd need other than adb I'd have to find a linux version.
I don't need "one click" methods, in fact I'd prefer to see/perform the individual steps and understand what they are doing.
unlock your bootloader using this method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1672284 if you don't you wont get root again afterwards.
Dont have to unlock to flash roms?
This document,
http://onexroot.com/one-x-root/root-any-htc-one-x-windowsmaclinuxattinternationalone-click-method/
Near the very bottom, suggests:
For AT&T HTC One XL and alike, if you want to install custom ROMs, you don’t have to unlock your bootloader but simply flash custom recovery in fastboot.
Is this accurate?
My ATT HOX is currently rooted, and I now have SuperCID. I assumed I would need to unlock my bootloader, but I havent done that yet.
Can I install this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.s0up.goomanager
and then use it to install the "Stock Rooted AT&T 2.20.502.7" here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812459
And if I do that, will this avoid AT&T OTA'ing me?
On a relatated note, would the SuperCID survive the OTA, allowing me to unlock the bootloader afterward, even if I hadnt done so already?
Megadave123 said:
This document,
http://onexroot.com/one-x-root/root-any-htc-one-x-windowsmaclinuxattinternationalone-click-method/
Near the very bottom, suggests:
For AT&T HTC One XL and alike, if you want to install custom ROMs, you don’t have to unlock your bootloader but simply flash custom recovery in fastboot.
Is this accurate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely false. You cannot install custom recovery without unlocked bootloader. For the safety of your device, I'd suggest sticking with XDA, and not Googling random websites. That website obviously has incorrect information.
Megadave123 said:
and then use it to install the "Stock Rooted AT&T 2.20.502.7" here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812459
And if I do that, will this avoid AT&T OTA'ing me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T isn't going to "OTA" you by force. You have to accept the download, then accept the installation. Cancelling either of those will prevent the OTA from being installed.
If you want to update to the stock 2.20 firmware without running the OTA or RUU (and therefore keep the ability to flash kernels and radios), than yes, the ROM you linked is the method I would suggest. But you would need to unlock the bootloader, then install TWRP before you can flash the rooted 2.20. Also keep in mind there are newer (than 2.20) firmwares already posted in Development (2.23, 2.29, etc.) in similar pre-rooted form. Not to mention custom ROMs based on 2.20 or newer.
Megadave123 said:
On a relatated note, would the SuperCID survive the OTA, allowing me to unlock the bootloader afterward, even if I hadnt done so already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SuperCID survives OTA. But the 2.20 OTA has a new hboot, which fixes the hole by which kernels and radios can be flashed from recovery, so my recommendation would be not to install the OTA.
redpoint73 said:
Completely false. You cannot install custom recovery without unlocked bootloader. For the safety of your device, I'd suggest sticking with XDA, and not Googling random websites. That website obviously has incorrect information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, I didnt google that site. It was linked to from an XDA post. I't didnt seem right to me, which is why I asked here
AT&T isn't going to "OTA" you by force. You have to accept the download, then accept the installation. Cancelling either of those will prevent the OTA from being installed.
If you want to update to the stock 2.20 firmware without running the OTA or RUU (and therefore keep the ability to flash kernels and radios), than yes, the ROM you linked is the method I would suggest. But you would need to unlock the bootloader, then install TWRP before you can flash the rooted 2.20. Also keep in mind there are newer (than 2.20) firmwares already posted in Development (2.23, 2.29, etc.) in similar pre-rooted form. Not to mention custom ROMs based on 2.20 or newer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that is VERY good to hear.
BTW, thank you very much. I read somewhere that ATT could/might force the OTA, and I've been worried about losing root ever since, but not quite ready to (presumably) completely void my warranty with a bootloader unlock.
Megadave123 said:
BTW, thank you very much. I read somewhere that ATT could/might force the OTA, and I've been worried about losing root ever since, but not quite ready to (presumably) completely void my warranty with a bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think bypassing the user acceptance dialogues for the OTA install would be a violation of how Android fundamentally works. It would be a serious security issue, as it might allow rogue software to be installed on your device without your interaction. I seriously doubt AT&T would institute such a thing.
The user confirmation of the OTA might be a liability thing, too. If the performance of the device is adversely affected by the OTA (happens to some people) and the OTA was forced by AT&T without the owner having a choice, it would seem to me that AT&T has to accept the responsibility. People can claim its AT&T's fault, and demand a replacement device (since AT&T technically installed the software remotely). By making you confirm the OTA installation (and giving you the chance to opt out), you pretty much are volunteering to install the software and accept the consequences.
In theory, unlocking the bootloader voids you warranty. But more than a few folks on here have gotten warranty replacements from AT&T (after unlocking the bootloader), without issue. Sometimes in-store (within the first 30 days) without them even checking for the bootloader unlock. No guarantee that this will always be the case. But just throwing it out there. Its still up to you whether unlocking the BL is worth the risk in your own case.
I dont remember but isnt hoxl supported by goomanager? As long as your rooted you can install a recovery from it with a locked bootloader. I always reccomend unlocking but im pretty sure its not a total necessity to get twrp recovery
18th.abn said:
I dont remember but isnt hoxl supported by goomanager? As long as your rooted you can install a recovery from it with a locked bootloader. I always reccomend unlocking but im pretty sure its not a total necessity to get twrp recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hoxl is officially supported by twrp and can be downloaded from goomanager. I do not know if you can install a custom recovery without an unlocked bootloader. I would be interested to know if this can be done as well.
Sent from my Nocturnalized One XL using Forum Runner
when you try to push a recovery via fastboot with a locked bootloader it will fail due to invalid signature I don't see how goomanager would be any different.
Is there any harm in trying it?
If I install "goo manager", and let it do its thing, and the locked bootloader prevents it from doing so, there wont be any other side effects, will there?
If I come off as a complete noob at this - its because I am..
This is my first Android phone, and I *really* want to avoid bricking it, so I want to make sure I understand as much as possible before I go
trying to do anything to it.
Also I'm still wary of unlocking, mainly because of the whole "will erase your phone" bit.
I'm not yet fully comfortable that I know how/what to fully backup all of "my" data on the phone so as to facilitate easily putting it all back.
I'll answer some q's here.
1.) you cannot flash a custom recovery from hboot with a locked bootloader
2.) you CAN dd a custom recovery with a locked bootloader. However your device will be soft-bricked.
3.) you CAN install custom ROM's via dd right from android. This is how we did it back "in the day".
4.) you "might" be able to get away with dd'ing a custom kernel with locked BL, not not sure. In fact, I'd bet it will softbrick now that I think about it.
Anyways, the SAFEST way to do it is via unlocking the bootloader and installing your roms from custom recovery.
gunnyman said:
when you try to push a recovery via fastboot with a locked bootloader it will fail due to invalid signature I don't see how goomanager would be any different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beaups pretty much already answered it. But this guy tried installing TWRP thru goomanager with a locked bootloader, and confirmed it doesn't work: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31220704#post31220704

[Q] Can i update my firmware to 2.20

Hi Guys
Sorry for asking the same old question again..
I just got my AT&t HTC One x from US shipped over to India by my cousin.
It is locked to AT&t and i am unable to use a local network sim in it
I know i need to root it and turn S-off in order to unlock it.
The phone is on Firmware 1.85? and i have tried the ways mentioned in xda to root it but i guess when i click "Check for updates" it doesn't work.
So my question is
Can i manually by connecting the phone to Computer,update firmware to 2.20 so that i can root it that way?
And is it possible to unlock the BOOTLOADER w/out rooting so that phone gets unlocked to other carriers?
please help me out guys i have tried everything to make it work.. thank you
Unlocking the bootloader/rooting/dancing in circles WILL NOT sim unlock the phone.
You will need to use an online sim unlocking service (usually about 20 bucks) to get the unlock code
Currently, S-Off has not been achieved for this phone. And as already mentioned, bootloader unlock will not get you SIM unlock, and no free hack/mod method currently exists. You either need to use a paid unlock service, or if your cousin is currently an AT&T account holder, he can ask AT&T for the SIM unlock code (he will need the IMEI number of the phone, and maybe other info).
If you want root and unlocked bootloader for other reasons (flashing custom ROMs and other mods) there is no reason to upgrade to 2.20. Root method exists for 1.85. You need to root, SuperCID, then unlock the bootloader. Then you can install a custom recovery and flash custom ROMs.
Upgrading to 2.20 is not recommended. The 2.20 RUU will upgrade your hboot, which plugs the holes by which kernels and radios can be flashed from recovery. You will have to flash the boot.img separately every time your flash a ROM. No benefit to updating to 2.20, and actually lose ability to do some things.
If you still want root and bootloader unlock, refer to my index for links to root methods, etc.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671237
And no, bootloader unlock is not possible without root (temp root in case of 2.20) on the AT&T One X.
area51avenger said:
Unlocking the bootloader/rooting/dancing in circles WILL NOT sim unlock the phone.
You will need to use an online sim unlocking service (usually about 20 bucks) to get the unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dancing in circles? ok got your point.
redpoint73 said:
Currently, S-Off has not been achieved for this phone. And as already mentioned, bootloader unlock will not get you SIM unlock, and no free hack/mod method currently exists. You either need to use a paid unlock service, or if your cousin is currently an AT&T account holder, he can ask AT&T for the SIM unlock code (he will need the IMEI number of the phone, and maybe other info).
If you want root and unlocked bootloader for other reasons (flashing custom ROMs and other mods) there is no reason to upgrade to 2.20. Root method exists for 1.85. You need to root, SuperCID, then unlock the bootloader. Then you can install a custom recovery and flash custom ROMs.
Upgrading to 2.20 is not recommended. The 2.20 RUU will upgrade your hboot, which plugs the holes by which kernels and radios can be flashed from recovery. You will have to flash the boot.img separately every time your flash a ROM. No benefit to updating to 2.20, and actually lose ability to do some things.
If you still want root and bootloader unlock, refer to my index for links to root methods, etc.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671237
And no, bootloader unlock is not possible without root (temp root in case of 2.20) on the AT&T One X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for a detailed answer. The reason i though it would unlock the sim was cause i had used other htc phones earlier and when you root them the S-off was achieved so thats why.. anyhow.. thank you for enlightening my dumb bum.
You're not dumb. Just ignorant. Now you have been enlightened. You still have a great phone, you just might have to pay a little bit so you can unlock and use it
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
area51avenger said:
You're not dumb. Just ignorant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The word "ignorant" has always sounded like a pejorative word to me. But I had to look up the definition, figuring maybe I don't really know the literal meaning of the word. Which turned out to be the case. One of the definitions of ignorant is "Lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something in particular" which seems to exactly fit this situation. I guess I gave myself the English lesson for the day!
Every phone is different, and HTC in particular is always changing around their security measures. So the OP is not dumb in any way, but was just missing some particular pieces of information.

[Q] Tampered, Locked. Unable to RUU.

I rooted my 1.85 device via the one click method.
I want to stay with a stock ROM, but need to get to 2.20 because the multi tasking on 1.85 is so bad. 2.20 update OTA fails. I tried to RUU to 2.20 but continually receive a low battery error (error 120 I believe) even with 100% battery level
My device currently shows Tampered & Locked.
Any advice?
**EDIT**
When I run Root Checker it shows that my device is rooted.
Trust me, you don't want to update to 2.20. Stay on 1.85, flashing roms is much easier on it. If you really do not like the multitasking I'm sure there are some roms that can fix/make it better
utkaar099 said:
Trust me, you don't want to update to 2.20. Stay on 1.85, flashing roms is much easier on it. If you really do not like the multitasking I'm sure there are some roms that can fix/make it better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm okay with installing a new ROM, but I'm concerned that the status of my phone (showing locked/tampered) will create issues when I go to unlock the bootloader.
When you unlock the bootloader you lose all your data, it sounds bad at first but in the end it's worth it
utkaar099 said:
When you unlock the bootloader you lose all your data, it sounds bad at first but in the end it's worth it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm comfortable losing all my data, as I'm a long time rooter of devices (since the G1 in fact). What I'm worried about is the state my phone is in (showing locked/tampered) and how that might impact my attempt to unlock the bootloader.
Thoughts?
pfaudere said:
What I'm worried about is the state my phone is in (showing locked/tampered) and how that might impact my attempt to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore it. "Tampered" just means you're rooted; "Locked" means your bootloader is locked. When you unlock it, it will read "Unlocked." It has no effect on anything; it's just a flag for the service people to know what they've got, not that they appear to care about it based on the number of people who have returned unlocked phones without any trouble.

Root/ROM/Unlock

I am thinking of getting an S6 and i wanted a rootable phone. i see a root method available but no bootloader unlock and yet i see ROMs available. how does this work. i thought bootloader needed to be unlocked in order to do custom ROMs. Or is htere a verizon bootloader unlock available i could not find?
johnbravado said:
I am thinking of getting an S6 and i wanted a rootable phone. i see a root method available but no bootloader unlock and yet i see ROMs available. how does this work. i thought bootloader needed to be unlocked in order to do custom ROMs. Or is htere a verizon bootloader unlock available i could not find?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not and 99% chance there will never be a bootloader unlock. Root method no longer works in later versions of android. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked with a custom recovery.
I apologize for not diligently searching as I should, I came across this asking the same more or less as I was.... I have one sitting on lrx22g.g920vvru1a0c3 which if I read the root method correctly I can root... At that point you say that the boot loader doesn't need to be unlocked so I can ( mfastboot flash recover xxxx.IMG ) on a locked boot loader? Or use rashr ? And after which we can ROM it?... Could I then theme it as well? I am coming for Motorola's all I've ever had/used/touched ever.... Running stock do I need to deodex it to be able to theme it? Do we have firmware out there n a tool (like Moto's rsd lite/ house of moto) to flash it with? With unlimited data is there a mobile hotspot mod/hack use utilize the baked I hotspot app? Can I still pull system apps theme um zip um and flash up.... Not having the Sim card yet I can really play with it as I wish to ... I just powered it on and its asking for an update... So I figured it'd try to root it now as there's no unlock for it..... Thank you kindly for your time and information
OE2 is the latest firmware that is rootable. Once rooted, you can flash a custom recovery and load roms through that.
There is a rooted S6 available for sale on swappa right now, just so you know

Advice on Rooting & a clean ROM for Verizon M8

Hi All,
I've had the M8 from Verizon for over a year. I bought this unlocked from the US but am using it in Europe (Denmark) with another service provider. However, as you know Verizon has its bloatware on it and various restrictions that do not let me use the wifi hotspot, USB tethering, etc. Apart from various nagging issues, the most annoying is that I haven't been able to upgrade the ROM (due to another Verizon restriction). And I'm still stuck with OS - 4.4.2.
The questions I need advice on:
1) I want to have a clean ROM and still have the facility to update my OS OTA every time google releases an upgrade.
2) I understand this requires root on my device. If so, what is the best root method for this device? There were a lot of methods around and I'm honestly confused.
I have attemted to root my last HTC One X and succeded after a while. But then when I tried tranferring the phone's data via the built in transfer data app..the phone froze and bricked itself in a way. As I had this device with me by then, I did not spend time to recover the One X, yet. Therefore, my apprehension to get a ROM that I will not need to worry about too much and it would be clean and let my phone function efficiently and without any nags.
Any and all advice will be appreciated!
Thank you.
rubendayal said:
Hi All,
I've had the M8 from Verizon for over a year. I bought this unlocked from the US but am using it in Europe (Denmark) with another service provider. However, as you know Verizon has its bloatware on it and various restrictions that do not let me use the wifi hotspot, USB tethering, etc. Apart from various nagging issues, the most annoying is that I haven't been able to upgrade the ROM (due to another Verizon restriction). And I'm still stuck with OS - 4.4.2.
The questions I need advice on:
1) I want to have a clean ROM and still have the facility to update my OS OTA every time google releases an upgrade.
2) I understand this requires root on my device. If so, what is the best root method for this device? There were a lot of methods around and I'm honestly confused.
I have attemted to root my last HTC One X and succeded after a while. But then when I tried tranferring the phone's data via the built in transfer data app..the phone froze and bricked itself in a way. As I had this device with me by then, I did not spend time to recover the One X, yet. Therefore, my apprehension to get a ROM that I will not need to worry about too much and it would be clean and let my phone function efficiently and without any nags.
Any and all advice will be appreciated!
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you S-OFF? check in bootloader. turn off device. hold volume down and power to enter bootloader and it will say S-ON or S-OFF.
If you are not S-OFF you the only way to get root is using Sunshine - http://theroot.ninja/ - it costs a very fair $25.
After that you can flash custom recovery and then flash ROMs that have tethering unlocked in the ROM.
you can also without root or anything and being S-ON flash the latest Verizon RUU and get your phone up to date instead of being on KK, we now have MM. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/general/official-ruu1-55-605-2-t2883845
andybones said:
are you S-OFF? check in bootloader. turn off device. hold volume down and power to enter bootloader and it will say S-ON or S-OFF.
If you are not S-OFF you the only way to get root is using Sunshine - http://theroot.ninja/ - it costs a very fair $25.
After that you can flash custom recovery and then flash ROMs that have tethering unlocked in the ROM.
you can also without root or anything and being S-ON flash the latest Verizon RUU and get your phone up to date instead of being on KK, we now have MM. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/general/official-ruu1-55-605-2-t2883845
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi andybones,
Thank you. Sorry for the delay.
The bootloader says S-On.
Do you suggest flashing a stock ROM? What about the bloatware and the restrictions from Verizon?
Secondly, will it be possible to get the OTA updates if I have a clean ROM? If so, any suggestions on a clean and efficient ROM that would get me the OTAs automatically and not have the hassle to flash new ROMs as quite simply I hate having to add my google and other account details keyed in each time I flash and have a new ROM.
Thank you for your reply.
rubendayal said:
Hi andybones,
Thank you. Sorry for the delay.
The bootloader says S-On.
Do you suggest flashing a stock ROM? What about the bloatware and the restrictions from Verizon?
Secondly, will it be possible to get the OTA updates if I have a clean ROM? If so, any suggestions on a clean and efficient ROM that would get me the OTAs automatically and not have the hassle to flash new ROMs as quite simply I hate having to add my google and other account details keyed in each time I flash and have a new ROM.
Thank you for your reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If s-on and locked you can't flash anything until you do sunshine
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
dottat said:
If s-on and locked you can't flash anything until you do sunshine
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Tapatalk,
Thanks.
I still haven't received a clear answer on if after completing the Sunshine, will it be possible to get the OTA updates if I have a clean ROM? If so, any suggestions on a clean and efficient ROM that would get me the OTAs automatically and not have the hassle to flash new ROMs as quite simply I hate having to add my google and other account details keyed in each time I flash and have a new ROM.

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