Database Info

[Q] Questions about unlocking, rooting and modems.

I'm sorry if this questions have been asked before. I read through many pages on the Q&A section of this phone and didn't come with clear answers to my questions.
This is the first time I will attempt to unlock, root and flash a ROM on an Android phone.
First of all, I've read and I still don't know if I can flash a custom ROM, or one of those Brazil/Orange JB images available and be able to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers. Jelly Bean hasn't been released to this phone here in Mexico yet.
1.- I don't mind unlocking the bootloader with Motorola solution. Is this the best way to unlock it?
2.- Flashing a custom ROM or a stock one makes the phone unlocked so I can use it with different carriers?. If the answer is yes, what ROM do you recommend. Are those Brazil/Orange images good for any user or its better to stick with third-party ROMs?
3.- If the answer to number 2 is NO, what should I do in order to unlock the phone? I need to be able to use in Mexico (the phone if from Telcel) and also use it on the United States (with AT&T). I've read about modem files that had to do with carriers but I'm not sure if I need special files to unlock this phone? If this is needed, where do I start or where do I find this files?
4.- If there is something else I need to know (and I didn't asked here) about unlocking the phone and flashing a stock or third-party ROM and have it unlocked to work with other carriers, please let me know by replying.
What are you guys using to backup the factory image? I haven't fiddled with Android for a while after flashing a Kindle Fire many times. I got a Nexus 7 and I haven't needed to root, unlock or try third party ROMs. The last time I used TWRP to backup the image of the Kindle Fire I think.
Thanks in advance

ajua said:
I'm sorry if this questions have been asked before. I read through many pages on the Q&A section of this phone and didn't come with clear answers to my questions.
This is the first time I will attempt to unlock, root and flash a ROM on an Android phone.
First of all, I've read and I still don't know if I can flash a custom ROM, or one of those Brazil/Orange JB images available and be able to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers. Jelly Bean hasn't been released to this phone here in Mexico yet.
1.- I don't mind unlocking the bootloader with Motorola solution. Is this the best way to unlock it?
2.- Flashing a custom ROM or a stock one makes the phone unlocked so I can use it with different carriers?. If the answer is yes, what ROM do you recommend. Are those Brazil/Orange images good for any user or its better to stick with third-party ROMs?
3.- If the answer to number 2 is NO, what should I do in order to unlock the phone? I need to be able to use in Mexico (the phone if from Telcel) and also use it on the United States (with AT&T). I've read about modem files that had to do with carriers but I'm not sure if I need special files to unlock this phone? If this is needed, where do I start or where do I find this files?
4.- If there is something else I need to know (and I didn't asked here) about unlocking the phone and flashing a stock or third-party ROM and have it unlocked to work with other carriers, please let me know by replying.
What are you guys using to backup the factory image? I haven't fiddled with Android for a while after flashing a Kindle Fire many times. I got a Nexus 7 and I haven't needed to root, unlock or try third party ROMs. The last time I used TWRP to backup the image of the Kindle Fire I think.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking BL doesn't change the unlocked status of the phone for carriers. If you want to unlock it to use with different carriers you'll have to pay the unlock fee to whoever you choose to unlock with.
1. Answered above.
2. Custom ROMs or ROMs from different carriers won't unlock the carrier.
3. I believe there is some sort of file modification to have it unlocked. Not sure what you have to do but if I remember correctly its risky and affects IMEI.
Sent from my RAZR HD XT925

saloums7 said:
Unlocking BL doesn't change the unlocked status of the phone for carriers. If you want to unlock it to use with different carriers you'll have to pay the unlock fee to whoever you choose to unlock with.
1. Answered above.
2. Custom ROMs or ROMs from different carriers won't unlock the carrier.
3. I believe there is some sort of file modification to have it unlocked. Not sure what you have to do but if I remember correctly its risky and affects IMEI.
Sent from my RAZR HD XT925
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the bootloader won't change the locked status. As this is the first time flashing a phone, not a tablet, I thought that using a custom ROM or one from different carrier would work for this.
I've tried other SIMs on the phone (it's my sister's, not mine) but the phone didn't asks for a code when a SIM from a different carrier is inserted. I haven't bought any code because of this.
Anyone has a suggestion on what to do to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers?

[Video Guide] How To Root Galaxy S4 I337 / I337m Easy & User Friendly

Hey folks. It's me again :victory: So I've got another super easy video guide on how to root your shiny new Samsung Galaxy S4 I337 or I337m.
This guide is using djrbliss's Motochopper tool. This tool has made it easier than ever to root a device! So BIG thanks goes out to him!
Links to everything can be found in the video description.
Enjoy

Here is a couple of more. I figure its better to keep them all in one place so people can decide which guide they want to use.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257039
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257058
I think there might be a couple more out there but this should help people to answer any possible question about rooting that they could ever have.
If you have the AT&T OTA (MF3) for the SGH-I337 S4, the method in the OP does not work. Here is a method for rooting MF3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
For Canadian MG1 Firmware, try CF Auto-Root download for the SGH-I337M:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800

Just sold my Rogers S2 LTE because I upgraded to the S4. My quick question, if I ROOT and retain the original Samsung Recovery will I be able to still get and do official firmware upgrades? This is the only thing stopping me from going forward with rooting.

You can still get updates, but you will loose your root access with each update.

thanks: im now rooted and sim unlocked for free!

Slade8525 said:
thanks: im now rooted and sim unlocked for free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, how did you sim unlock it for free, do you mind sharing?

yeah sure!
similar method worked for my GS III; havent tested the GS IV with different sim just yet but GF's old GS III is working just fine for her sister in Canada (Bell i think). GF found it actually, and did it to hers 1st. ill know if it works when we leave for work in Montreal next week or if i bum a t-mobile cell from a friend.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683

Stoneyguy said:
You can still get updates, but you will loose your root access with each update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WRONG, I am unable to update my device, it says that my phone has been modified, and yes, I have rooted it with this video.

Whenever I try this method, when it goes to push the exploit, it says error multiple devices or something. when I only have the S4 plugged in. Followed step by step.

Dragosmp said:
WRONG, I am unable to update my device, it says that my phone has been modified, and yes, I have rooted it with this video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is rooted and still shows official in phone status. There is a post on how to regain that status while still maintaining your root.

Stoneyguy said:
My phone is rooted and still shows official in phone status. There is a post on how to regain that status while still maintaining your root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post a link to where it shows how to regain the status will maintaining the root?

rsarwar said:
Could you post a link to where it shows how to regain the status will maintaining the root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link has already been posted on the first page.

thanks worked great just rooted min in 5 min

Safe to root?
Excuse my ignorance, but on another thread it was suggested that in the absence of recovery and a backup image rooting might be premature. Is the general consensus now that it is safe to root? There seems to be some backup images around thought I don't know if they have been tested, and I haven't heard about recovery.
sblevine

Newbie here... couple of questions
I have the same concern as the member above... is it already possible to restore the phone if something goes bad? Is there instructions anywhere around this forum? where?
Also, once you root the phone you can proceed to download a ROM and install it... when a new ROM version is available and I download and install it, do I lose the root?
What is the best (if more than one is already available) for the ATT S4?
Thank you all and sorry for the "newbieness"....
Cheers:good:

speed2001 said:
I have the same concern as the member above... is it already possible to restore the phone if something goes bad? Is there instructions anywhere around this forum? where?
Also, once you root the phone you can proceed to download a ROM and install it... when a new ROM version is available and I download and install it, do I lose the root?
What is the best (if more than one is already available) for the ATT S4?
Thank you all and sorry for the "newbieness"....
Cheers:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.

Relys said:
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks for the reply. I was under the impression that the bootloader was already exploited. Pure BS those protections that always end up broken like the IOS ones. What I would like is to have the S4 as factory released and load a good ROM without any problems and no bloatware. If not for the warranty I would buy an unlocked phone elsewhere.
Well, let's wait for the exploit next week. I don't want to brick my phone and not able to restore it. I will keep checking back.
Cheers and thanks again
Speed

Relys said:
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the bold above, I am honestly not that interested in the Custom ROMS right now, only rooting and with this method it does not install any custom recovery, right? As well, if I root via this method will I be able to still do the OTA updates since Samsung recovery is untouched? I know and understand that I will likely loose root, but I can always re-root, right?
I am itching to root and this is the only thing stopping me as there seems to be much confusion about this.
BTW I am on Rogers (Canada) i337M if it makes a difference

rsarwar said:
Regarding the bold above, I am honestly not that interested in the Custom ROMS right now, only rooting and with this method it does not install any custom recovery, right? As well, if I root via this method will I be able to still do the OTA updates since Samsung recovery is untouched? I know and understand that I will likely loose root, but I can always re-root, right?
I am itching to root and this is the only thing stopping me as there seems to be much confusion about this.
BTW I am on Rogers (Canada) i337M if it makes a difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been a bit confused as well despite reading hundreds of posts and watching referenced videos (I've also been hesitant to ask questions given the culture of this board). Here is what I hope is accurate, please correct where I am wrong:
We can root I337 now.
Doing a simple root now is reversible, ie, can be un-rooted.
The bootloader unlock is needed primarily for custom roms.
If one does not desire a custom rom, there is no reason to wait to root.
And, a few questions:
Does rooting wipe out apps, settings, and/or data?
Will an AT&T android system update remove the root?
If so, can we just root again?
Thank you for clarifications. I'm sure there are many that are not posting with some of these questions. I will be glad to put together a noobie's guide if I can get a handle on all of this. It is all out there somewhere, but very fragmented, and often one post is contradicted by another.

zekeblue said:
I've been a bit confused as well despite reading hundreds of posts and watching referenced videos (I've also been hesitant to ask questions given the culture of this board). Here is what I hope is accurate, please correct where I am wrong:
We can root I337 now.
Doing a simple root now is reversible, ie, can be un-rooted.
The bootloader unlock is needed primarily for custom roms.
If one does not desire a custom rom, there is no reason to wait to root.
And, a few questions:
Does rooting wipe out apps, settings, and/or data?
Will an AT&T android system update remove the root?
If so, can we just root again?
Thank you for clarifications. I'm sure there are many that are not posting with some of these questions. I will be glad to put together a noobie's guide if I can get a handle on all of this. It is all out there somewhere, but very fragmented, and often one post is contradicted by another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your assumptions are correct:
1. Yep.
2. Yes, you can delete busybox and su in your system directory to get your phone switch your phone from "Custom" to "Official" status. If you install SuperSu and remove Superuser you can have root while keeping "Official" status.
3. Correct.
4. If you **** up while messing around with root you can recover to stock ROM via Odin or Kies. There is no reason to wait for root.
To answer your questions.
1. No, nothing changes. You just enable superuser privileges.
2. Typically yes. Don't accept OTA's until your know they're safe.
3. It depends if they patch the exploit or not.

[Q] Installing Xposed Framework

I have the D6603 model, running with Sony's latest software version of Kitkat. I have not rooted my phone for fear of losing the phone's camera quality, however I've read that this was recently fixed.
How can I root my phone and install Xposed on it? I see lots of guides for installing roms, however I'm not sure which guide out there is safe to follow for someone who's new to rooting phones. I don't want a custom rom on my phone, I just want Xposed available, and don't want to ruin the camera.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3017056
Just follow the instructions carefully. If you don't understand something Google it or post it here.
The camera quality problem is due to DRM keys (they are like license keys), but they only get lost if you unlock your bootloader, not by rooting, installing a recovery or flashing stock based ROMs.

There is a difference between rooting your device and unlocking the bootloader. Rooting your device will NOT affect your DRM keys, which is the cause for losing camera quality (among other things).
There's plenty of guides providing step-by-step instructions explaining how to root the Z3 without unlocking the bootloader (keeping the DRM keys and your camera, safe).
Installing XPosed framework only requires root.

Hobbes2099 said:
There is a difference between rooting your device and unlocking the bootloader. Rooting your device will NOT affect your DRM keys, which is the cause for losing camera quality (among other things).
There's plenty of guides providing step-by-step instructions explaining how to root the Z3 without unlocking the bootloader (keeping the DRM keys and your camera, safe).
Installing XPosed framework only requires root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you reply on this thread? I already answered the OP's questions (even provided a link, you didn't).
This thread is nearly 10 days old and the OP didn't reply to my answer so there's no necessity for you to do this ....

The OP has (or had) root and unlocking the bootloader mixed up. We've all been there, unsure about specific topics, hesitant about what to do.
Why? What's the big deal?

[Q] New to the Android world, i have afew questions for your

I'm totally new to the Android world and i spent many hours to read this forum to learn as much as possible about my device and what i can do with it. But now, i need your help on a few things.
KitKat vs Lollipop, does it make sense to upgrade to Lollipop now or should i wait? Is there any major know bugs?
Since that i only have a 8gb device, i would like to clean the apps as much as possible. There's many apps that i don't need but they can't be uninstalled. For example, all the Motorola apps (is there something that we really need from them?), a few google apps like Google+, Google Play Films, Hangouts, etc that i will never use.
I want a stable ROM that i don't need to patch every day to solves problems. When i read about CM12 for Moto G, i see people that have problems here and there and wait for the next daily build to give it a try. I don't want to play that game!
If i install a custom rom, i guest that future updates will not come from Motorola. How the updates work afterward?
It's ok if i must have my device rooted
I have read about stock lollipop optimized version by lost101 but it don't think that the versions currently available will work for me. I'm in Canada and the versions that i see is Brazil or Asia.
thank you for you help!

You have the xt1032? Is there any warranty left? If there is no warranty, I recommend unlocking the bootloader before doing anything. It is easier to restore a bricked phone if you have an unlocked bootloader.
If you intend to stay on stock, you need some of the Motorola apps in order to install OTA updates.

Well what I will say is. I'm in the uk using lost101s BR optimized and I'm very pleased with it.

audit13 said:
You have the xt1032? Is there any warranty left? If there is no warranty, I recommend unlocking the bootloader before doing anything. It is easier to restore a bricked phone if you have an unlocked bootloader.
If you intend to stay on stock, you need some of the Motorola apps in order to install OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is new but i don't care about the warranty. I've read that i can unlock the bootloader with the Motorola tutorial. I must be honest, i'm a little bit lost. I don't fully understand the difference between "unlocking bootloader" and "phone rooted"!
and yes the model i have is XT1032

skoub2 said:
The phone is new but i don't care about the warranty. I've read that i can unlock the bootloader with the Motorola tutorial. I must be honest, i'm a little bit lost. I don't fully understand the difference between "unlocking bootloader" and "phone rooted"!
and yes the model i have is XT1032
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must unlock boot loader first then flash a custom recovery (manually or there is a tool in the development section) then rooting next.

Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install non-Motorola software. With a locked bootloader, the only software that can be loaded on your phone would have to be digitally signed by Motorola.
Rooting gives you administrative access to the system files.
You may not need an unlocked bootloader to get root and you do not need root to unlock a bootloader.
Start here to get the bootloader unlock code: https://accounts.motorola.com/ssoau...ct/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-b

I tried to install TWRP (any version available) but it take like 1 minutes to show the home screen and im not able to "swipe to unlock". So i have installed Philz recovery and then installed lost101 Retail Brazil 5.0.2 Stock ROM (Optimized) v1.1a. I'm playing with it right now and so far so good.

Risks of having an unlocked bootloader

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.