Database Info

[Q] Commitment issues - Custom ROMs without Unlocked Bootloader

Hi guys,
Longtime iPhone user here, looking to defect. After being inspired by a poster over at The Verge, I embarked on a 30 day trial of a One X yesterday. I've been wanting a nice big screen for a while, and the One X is just all kinds of hot.
Anyhow, I'm still on the fence with a straight up stock device. I suspect I might change my tune with a custom ROM, but I'm now under the impression that a custom ROM is not possible without first unlocking the bootloader. Is this a correct statement? Things have been changing so much over the last week or two with the One X, I'm having a hard time deciphering a clear answer to this.
I'm comfortable with rooting (did this last night) and perfectly comfortable with the process of unlocking the bootloader. But the unlocking scares me a bit, as it doesn't appear to be completely reversible. This doesn't jive to well with my "30 day trial" plans if I decide to return the phone. Seems best I can do is get it back to a "Re-locked" status, which I'm thinking might not be ideal if I decide to return the phone. Who knows, AT&T may not care (or even check), but I wouldn't be surprised if they did.
Bottom line, I want to dip my toe into the custom ROM pool, but without having to commit to an unlocked bootloader. Possible?

Pretty sure it's not possible, but im not 100%. You need a custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) to flash roms and in order to replace the stock recovery I'm pretty sure you need to be bootloader unlocked.

Stiggosaurus said:
Hi guys,
Longtime iPhone user here, looking to defect. After being inspired by a poster over at The Verge, I embarked on a 30 day trial of a One X yesterday. I've been wanting a nice big screen for a while, and the One X is just all kinds of hot.
Anyhow, I'm still on the fence with a straight up stock device. I suspect I might change my tune with a custom ROM, but I'm now under the impression that a custom ROM is not possible without first unlocking the bootloader. Is this a correct statement? Things have been changing so much over the last week or two with the One X, I'm having a hard time deciphering a clear answer to this.
I'm comfortable with rooting (did this last night) and perfectly comfortable with the process of unlocking the bootloader. But the unlocking scares me a bit, as it doesn't appear to be completely reversible. This doesn't jive to well with my "30 day trial" plans if I decide to return the phone. Seems best I can do is get it back to a "Re-locked" status, which I'm thinking might not be ideal if I decide to return the phone. Who knows, AT&T may not care (or even check), but I wouldn't be surprised if they did.
Bottom line, I want to dip my toe into the custom ROM pool, but without having to commit to an unlocked bootloader. Possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct you will need to unlock the downloader. But if you check your bootloader right now, it already says tampered due to rooting. In my experience at&t wont check the status, but more to the point you can unlock the bootloader being it already shows the tampered flag.
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

kleeman7 said:
Correct you will need to unlock the downloader. But if you check your bootloader right now, it already says tampered due to rooting. In my experience at&t wont check the status, but more to the point you can unlock the bootloader being it already shows the tampered flag.
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does show tampered but when run an RUU that goes away.
@OP- Odds are the rep at the AT&T store isn't going to know to check the bootloader to see if it's been unlocked. I'm fairly confident that once you unlock and try out some custom ROMs (CleanROM SE is my recommendation), you won't be going back to iOS any time soon.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Plus, with fastboot on, it's "harder" to get to bootloader.
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

kleeman7 said:
Correct you will need to unlock the downloader. But if you check your bootloader right now, it already says tampered due to rooting. In my experience at&t wont check the status, but more to the point you can unlock the bootloader being it already shows the tampered flag.
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but I got the tampered flag to clear last night by flashing the stock RUU back. That did freak me out last night when I noticed it though, and it's the only reason I went back to complete stock last night just to make sure I wasn't already screwed.

_MetalHead_ said:
It does show tampered but when run an RUU that goes away.
@OP- Odds are the rep at the AT&T store isn't going to know to check the bootloader to see if it's been unlocked. I'm fairly confident that once you unlock and try out some custom ROMs (CleanROM SE is my recommendation), you won't be going back to iOS any time soon.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kleeman7 said:
Plus, with fastboot on, it's "harder" to get to bootloader.
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting! This probably explains why I haven't been able to get into the bootloader for the last 10 minutes! That did the trick though, so thanks for that.
But seriously, I sure wasn't able to get into the bootloader with fastboot enabled. Knowing that, I feel a little more comfortable just going ahead and unlocking now.

I returned a ROM'd up HOX to at&t and they didn't even turn on the screen. You'll be good, they don't ask questions if you're in your 30 days.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

I'm now rooted, bootloader unlocked, and running CleanROM SE 3.0. Thanks for the info everyone, really appreciate it! Now we'll see how the next 30 days goes...
Any other tips/suggestions/ideas for things I should do for an iOS switcher?

Awesome! You're going to love that ROM. Aside from downloading Titanium Backup to keep all your crap backed up should you decide to switch ROMs, I'd say just play around with what you've got for now. I spent 4 months on an iPhone 4S and loved it, but as soon as I got back to Android with my HOX, I haven't missed a minute of my iOS experience. If you get frustrated with anything, just chock it up to learning a new OS and don't be discouraged. I think by the end of your 30 days you will find that Android is actually MORE intuitive and user friendly than iOS, and you won't have to jump through so many hoops to accomplish simple tasks. You are going to love it. Welcome to the wonderful world of Android

_MetalHead_ said:
It does show tampered but when run an RUU that goes away.
@OP- Odds are the rep at the AT&T store isn't going to know to check the bootloader to see if it's been unlocked. I'm fairly confident that once you unlock and try out some custom ROMs (CleanROM SE is my recommendation), you won't be going back to iOS any time soon.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They've never checked any phone I've returned that was bootloader unlocked or rooted. I do try to go back to as close to stock as possible tho.
Sent from my HTC One XL using XDA

SkizzMcNizz said:
They've never checked any phone I've returned that was bootloader unlocked or rooted. I do try to go back to as close to stock as possible tho.
Sent from my HTC One XL using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I've returned 2 with relocked bootloaders and they didn't check either phone.

I was on an iphone for 2 1/2 years before taking the plunge into android with the HOX...to be honest I don't miss iOS one bit. I've found that everything I can do with android and this phone stock, I needed a jailbroken iphone to accomplish...
Only reason I rooted and unlocked my HOX was because I'm a "tinkerer" and love customization and the ability to do whatever I want to my device. I haven't flashed any ROM's yet, mainly because I'm still learning this stuff but I'm sure it won't be long..

Non-Rooted vs. Rooted

Hi, the Nexus 5 is going to be my first phone(I finally have enough money to afford it and the plan. Thank you Google and T-mobile :'D ) and android device, so I want to be very careful with it. I was wondering if rooting the phone can cause it to lose performance or any other cons like that. My jailbroken ipod touch 4g is extremely slow right now, but it's also a ancient device. I know there's a small chance of bricking the phone if I make a mistake, but i've jailbroken my ipod touch and modded a few things, so I feel comfortable with that. And my nexus 5 comes in on monday, but my sim doesn't come in til wednesday. Should I root it as soon as I get it?

Check this out
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...top-5-benefits-of-rooting-your-android-phone/
Kind of a old article but it explains it all. Most of us if not all of us root our devices . I don't feel its necessary I just like tweaking my devices . I'd say just run stock if then you get to a point where you feel the need to root then do so
This also should have been in the q&a section
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Number one reason to root your phone: Ad-blocking hosts file!

depending on what apps you run, you might not even need root. on my current phone, the only reason i have root is for adblock apps like adaway or greenify to improve battery life. otherwise i don't feel like there is a need to root it in a hurry.

Thanks guys. That link was really helpful. I think i'll root it once I get it, but if I do decide to wait to root, will it delete all my data?

I haven't rooted my work Galaxy S4, or my 2013 Nexus 7 and I honestly don't feel any reason I need to now.
Android has gotten to the point that things really run well and I don't find much customizing I need to do. I need something stable and that just works.
I've rooted all the other phones before Evo, Evo 3d, Evo LTE, Galaxy Note 2.
I don't believe in the ad blocking apps since these are usually on apps I like that developers give for free and I feel they need to make their money.
My only hurdle was moving my Google Authenticator app data to a new phone, but once I found out how to pull the keys off of one of my rooted phones it was easy to input them on my non rooted phones.

The rooting process, as I understand it, installs the su binary (Linux) and the su apk (Android app). That's it!

Gregthorntree0 said:
Thanks guys. That link was really helpful. I think i'll root it once I get it, but if I do decide to wait to root, will it delete all my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting won't wipe your data, unlocking your boot loader will. You should unlock that first if you're even considering modding your phone in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

lwfb said:
Rooting won't wipe your data, unlocking your boot loader will. You should unlock that first if you're even considering modding your phone in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reminding me about unlocking of Nexus devices. I don't plan on rooting the Nexus 5 when it arrives but I'll definitely unlock it in case I want to root it.

Few questions on this
(1) Will rooting stop/delay the automatic android update from google?
(2) After unlocking a bootloader is it possible to lock it back? In another sense, is it obvious that the phone's bootloader is unlocked? I rmb unlocking the bootloader of my motorola razr and the start screen comes with a "This phone's bootloader has been unlocked" sign.
(3) Will rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader void the warranty?

AFAIK 1 - no. 2 - yes, it is obvious, but you can lock it again. 3 - yes.
Mind you, I don't have a N5 (currently N4) yet and it depends on the phone.

[Q] Droid Ultra/Maxx - Is there a way to root my device and unlock the bootloader?

Hello all!
I am using the Droid Ultra forum because I can't find or there doesn't seem to be one specifically for the Maxx. I assume they are they same phone but one just has a better battery.
I recently bought my new Droid Maxx using an upgrade. When it arrived, I tried using FoxFi for wifi tethering since LTE is faster than my house internet. I found out it won't work since I have the 4.4. To anybody that is curious, 4.4 came with my phone, I didn't use the OTA update.
After looking around on the internet, I am unable to find a guide that can root my phone. Has anybody made a bootstrap?
I am wondering if there is a way to root my phone with the 4.4 kitkat, whether 4.4 root method is still in development, or people have given up on trying to root it.
Something else. I tried to root my device with two programs, each have failed in the process. Kingo and OneClickRoot.

There is no working root for Android 4.4 on the Ultra/MAXX/Mini, you're stuck like everyone else.
There was "a Chinese guy" doing bootloader unlocks for ~$40 in the recent past few weeks but he/she/it has since stopped doing so (probably unable to access Motorola's database anymore or simply got caught doing it, who knows).
So again, you're stuck with stock 4.4 like everyone else is. The info is all over this subforum...

br0adband said:
There is no working root for Android 4.4 on the Ultra/MAXX/Mini, you're stuck like everyone else.
There was "a Chinese guy" doing bootloader unlocks for ~$40 in the recent past few weeks but he/she/it has since stopped doing so (probably unable to access Motorola's database anymore or simply got caught doing it, who knows).
So again, you're stuck with stock 4.4 like everyone else is. The info is all over this subforum...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that is quite unfortunate. I just needed to get caught up in the news. Thanks and I hope to see some root hacks soon.

Garret27 said:
Ah, that is quite unfortunate. I just needed to get caught up in the news. Thanks and I hope to see some root hacks soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try easy tether pro

I've been thinking. I was reading the forums quite abit recently. The Chinese guy might of had access to the Motorola database with the IMEI or he might have developed a serial-cracker. I remember using keygens to unlock copies of Microsoft Office along time ago. This guy might have done the same but kept it for himself to make a profit. I am wondering if we might see a keygen that uses a person's IMIE.
Just an idea I had.
Sent from my XT1080 using xda app-developers app

So for the sake of getting a more informed is this piece of crap ultra worth keeping in the hope of a root solution in the near future, or is anybody really even working on one?

It's a good phone that could be great (not as great as the MAXX 'cause of that battery life and no wireless charging) - I would say don't hold your breath for an unlock for the bootloader or even root nowadays, it's getting way too tough to root and bootloaders are pretty much... well, locked up I suppose. I don't know of any devs that are seriously working on the Droid devices anymore, it's kind of a crapshoot if you find one I guess.
IF I had gotten either of them before that "Chinese guy" stopped providing the bootloader unlock codes I may have developed a different opinion, but I missed that window of opportunity and so I decided holding onto those phones wasn't feasible given my requirements.
As I said in another post, I did like the MAXX and Mini when I owned them recently, but the fact that I wanted a bit more capability meaning root access because I use some apps that require it as well as the option of potentially using some customized ROM or doing customization that might require something like the Xposed framework means you're dead in the water with the Ultra/MAXX/Mini.
I sold both, picked up a Samsung Galaxy Express for $80 and it's unlocked (for T-Mobile, did that in 2 minutes), rooted and of course running CyanogenMod 11 aka Android 4.4.2 without a single issue so far except the camera FCs often but that's a well known bug that persists and likely will always be problematic (except on those new CyanogenMod phones I suppose since they're designed to run that OS 100% without problems).
The Ultra, the MAXX, and the Mini are damned nice devices if you like "pure stock" and pretty much zero chance of them ever being anything else - the fact that they're GSM unlocked from the factory is a plus, so is the wireless charging for the MAXX and Mini, but that's about it for me and not enough to keep them for the long haul.
Good luck...

Thank you very much for an honest opinion. Fortunately I just signed on with Verizon and received this phone only a couple of days ago and have the option of retuning it and canceling the service with only a minimal restocking fee to deal with. I guess I will have to exercise that option because root access to the device is critical for use at work.

SOSDD said:
Thank you very much for an honest opinion. Fortunately I just signed on with Verizon and received this phone only a couple of days ago and have the option of retuning it and canceling the service with only a minimal restocking fee to deal with. I guess I will have to exercise that option because root access to the device is critical for use at work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exchange for a gs5. It has root. As does the HTC one m8. The m8 looks well built. And the dot view case is sweet.
Sent from my unlocked consumer edition Motorola Droid Maxx xt1080m.

why is it impossible(almost) to root the VZW Moto G?

why is it impossible(almost) to root the VZW Moto G?
all the XDA threads that I read seemed to suggest that the reason is the locked bootloader. Motorola does not provide unlocking of the bootloader on the VZW Moto G.
however, is a locked bootloader really the reason?
I have easily rooted my current Samsung phones(Galaxy Note 2, S5, and Note 3) without touching the bootloader. Saferoot worked like a charm and each phone takes less than 2 minutes to root.
Why is it that Motorola phones need to have the bootloader unlocked in order to root?
Thanks!

I think Verizon is to be blamed here not Motorola Anyway if you stay on 4.4.2 there is a Nice and easy root exploit
No write access in system partition and has to be rerooted at every reboot but it something of a start
try it
And about using boot loader Well there excuse is security of laymen so that they can't be exploited
For advanced user who want root boot loader can be unlocked in 1 min
Sent from my XT1033 using Tapatalk

youphone said:
why is it impossible(almost) to root the VZW Moto G?
all the XDA threads that I read seemed to suggest that the reason is the locked bootloader. Motorola does not provide unlocking of the bootloader on the VZW Moto G.
however, is a locked bootloader really the reason?
I have easily rooted my current Samsung phones(Galaxy Note 2, S5, and Note 3) without touching the bootloader. Saferoot worked like a charm and each phone takes less than 2 minutes to root.
Why is it that Motorola phones need to have the bootloader unlocked in order to root?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is getting much more secure for one thing.
And since it is much closer to stock, without all the crappy add on apps, there is much less to attack.
And yes, Moto's bootloaders are very resilient.

sprockkets said:
Android is getting much more secure for one thing.
And since it is much closer to stock, without all the crappy add on apps, there is much less to attack.
And yes, Moto's bootloaders are very resilient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sometimes I wonder why I ditched iPhones and moved to Android phones.....
Google seems to be more and more anal these days, just like Apple, Inc.

youphone said:
sometimes I wonder why I ditched iPhones and moved to Android phones.....
Google seems to be more and more anal these days, just like Apple, Inc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha Well Google has to protect the non advanced users from Data theft and stuff
if root was so easy Imagine charging your phone in a Airport outlet and all your data Gets stolen immediately
or Content gets uploaded in ur name and your passwords compromised
Advanced users can handle it but they are like only 10% of the android buying demograph Google has to think about the other 90%
Sent from my XT1033 using Tapatalk

youphone said:
sometimes I wonder why I ditched iPhones and moved to Android phones.....
Google seems to be more and more anal these days, just like Apple, Inc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is damned either way.
Stupid Tim Cook quoted an idiot about android being a toxic hell stew. Even though that is far from the truth, let's not give idiots at apple any more ammunition than they have.
Just remember that Google with their nexus devices has always given you the ability to unlock. Apple and IIRC all windows phones will never let you do that.

Is anybody close to unlocking the latest bootloaders, or is it unlikely?

I (very) recently got a Verizon Galaxy S6 and (stupidly) allowed the updates to run :silly:. I should have known better, as I went through the unlocking/rooting process with Verizon's S3. I could live with it for a bit if people think it will be unlocked in the near future (I'm on VRU4BOG9), but if there's a reason that it's unlikely that it will ever be unlocked, I can still return it and cancel my plan. I could just change carriers, but it's a little tricky because it involves my wife's phone/line, as well.
Does anyone have any information or opinions regarding this?
Thanks!

I'm with you in the same boat.
It was past the baseband even before i let the updates run.

I doubt there will be anything. This forum is pretty dead. No developers etc. I am going to look into getting a tmobile s6 and see if I can unlock, root and get it working on verizon. I think it can be done I've just not looked into it yet so not for sure.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Stagefright might allow root. I'm waiting to see.

redrol said:
Stagefright might allow root. I'm waiting to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stagefright doesn't run at root level.

dobbs3x said:
I doubt there will be anything. This forum is pretty dead. No developers etc. I am going to look into getting a tmobile s6 and see if I can unlock, root and get it working on verizon. I think it can be done I've just not looked into it yet so not for sure.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
t-mo has CDMA radio?
or you plan to run LTE only?
i would be interested to find out as well

It's unlikely.. as some of the recent dev posts have made clear samsung is the ultimate anti-developer company... as such most of the dev's that would normally work on this have moved on to other brands. It's also gotten to the point that it's almost impossible to actually unlock.. they almost always work around it rather than unlock it, and there are only so many of these workarounds out there.
It may get rooted again, but it will be very unlikely that the bootloader gets unlocked.. basically our only hope would be a leaked test bootloader thats already unlocked.. But I've only ever heard of this happening once.

Take it back while you can. Had my s6 rooted on 5.0.2 but there was no xposed support or xposed for it. If you enjoy rooting your phone the outlook is not good. Not much going on with this scene. After owning mine for just 2 months I sold mine on eBay and am headed towards a nexus. Not a bad phone but not good for flashing...I will do my research next time before getting a Samsung !

sulpher said:
It's unlikely.. as some of the recent dev posts have made clear samsung is the ultimate anti-developer company....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not Samsung, IT'S Verizon that's locking Us out.

rbeavers said:
It's not Samsung, IT'S Verizon that's locking Us out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Samsung that lets Verizon lock us out. They let companies throw their logo on it still so...

How about Chainfire
EXPERIMENT: Root without modifying /system (you can search for it here on XDA)
I hope it could actually work soon!

webwarr said:
How about Chainfire
EXPERIMENT: Root without modifying /system (you can search for it here on XDA)
I hope it could actually work soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it, no go

Got it...
That's sad
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app

Becoming less and less happy that I bought this phone. Especially on the payment plan. I may have to bite the bullet, pay it off and just sell it for whatever I can get. Sucks. I loved my fascinate, my S3, and my S4. Been using my Moto Maxx 2 more and more lately. THAT'S SAD.
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

Besides the Nexus what model phones are now dev friendly? I was looking at a G4 but apparently LG is just like Samsung with the nearly uncrackable locked bootloaders now.

s5 just got full bootloader unlock..

Is it Verizon or the Exynos chip that's holding back development on this device? ELI5
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

It's the customized software that samsung builds for Verizon that limits access to root and bootloader. Without having root privileges, you can not make any system changes let alone access it. The chip has nothing to do with this.

s5 just got bootloader unlock BUT the dev has not said he will release anything. It may never happen on this device. having said that the debloater is the key to a smooth device with good battery. If debloating is all you need, that can be done without root.
After debloating about 150 apps on my s6, I can get days and days on battery with minimal use.

This who ordeal with Samsung screwing us on the S6 is making me want to switch to a Nexus...