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[Q] This device is unlocked asus

Hi all, new to the site.. I have been trying to find sites on google to help me understand better about unlocked tablets.
I recently bought an Asus TF300T transformer pad on ebay, the seller told me everything was in excellent condition except when the machine is powering up, there is a message in the corner that says ' Device is unlocked'. I started researching on this a little and Ive found that the asus tablet has its bootloader unlocked, and it leads to rooting.
I really have no desire to root, this will be a present to someone i care about. Unfortunately i cannot return the item as the seller has stated nonreturns are available. So my question is, if i happen to leave the bootloader unlocked, but not root at all, is there any longtime problem that will occur? Im worried about not being able to update to the latest software. Hope Im in the right place asking this question.

Yamato Cannon said:
Hi all, new to the site.. I have been trying to find sites on google to help me understand better about unlocked tablets.
I recently bought an Asus TF300T transformer pad on ebay, the seller told me everything was in excellent condition except when the machine is powering up, there is a message in the corner that says ' Device is unlocked'. I started researching on this a little and Ive found that the asus tablet has its bootloader unlocked, and it leads to rooting.
I really have no desire to root, this will be a present to someone i care about. Unfortunately i cannot return the item as the seller has stated nonreturns are available. So my question is, if i happen to leave the bootloader unlocked, but not root at all, is there any longtime problem that will occur? Im worried about not being able to update to the latest software. Hope Im in the right place asking this question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, there is no long term issue with unlocked device. The pros: you can install custom rom/kernel to make your device runs faster. Cons, you will have to manually upgrade your firmware, the OTA update is no longer works for unlocked device. In short unlock without rooting or unlock with rooting have NO EFFECT on your device,

buhohitr said:
Ok, there is no long term issue with unlocked device. The pros: you can install custom rom/kernel to make your device runs faster. Cons, you will have to manually upgrade your firmware, the OTA update is no longer works for unlocked device. In short unlock without rooting or unlock with rooting have NO EFFECT on your device,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi buhohitr, thanks for giving me that answer. I also forgot to put this down but can the tablet, being unlocked that is without roooting, can it still download apps from google store without any problems? and will the apps run just as it would on a locked tablet? Thank you again for your previous answer, appreciate it.

As the other guys said, the only things that change are the lack of OTA updates, the manufacturers warranty is void due to the unlocking, and that the user can (whenever they feel like it) install a custom ROM.
Everything else remains exactly the same, like being able to use/download apps and stuff.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.

SteveG12543 said:
As the other guys said, the only things that change are the lack of OTA updates, the manufacturers warranty is void due to the unlocking, and that the user can (whenever they feel like it) install a custom ROM.
Everything else remains exactly the same, like being able to use/download apps and stuff.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you SteveG and Buhohitr, sorry if this was posted in the wrong section.

Guide for former HTC Owners?

So I'm a long time HTC owner and my sister just got an S5 I plan to root tonight.
I'm also thinking of returning my M8 for an S5 after I check out my sisters. But I'm not sure I want to give up the M8 speakers.
Anyway I'm curious for others with experience from both sides about some terminology HTC vs Samsung.
1) Do "leaked" RUU's exist. These are official "Kits" that will basically put a phone back to factory (Firmware, Root Status, Recovery) etc.
It will do everything except remove S-OFF (see below). They are handy to have for warranty work and you botched something.
Often cleanly built ROM's are built from a base RUU rather than a "Dump".
2) Does anything like S-OFF exist. HTC phones can be typically exploited such that you have "S-OFF". This basically means you can install any firmware (radio etc.) beyond Android, Recovery.
3) Once rooted, will you get OTA updates? Will and OTA remove root? Could you loose root access through an OTA update?
With S-OFF none of this matters.
4) Without S-OFF it can be awkward to update the Kernels sometimes. Can the Kernels be easily updated with "Just" Root.
5) Does the phone display "Tampered" or "Unlocked" once rooted. If so how easy is it to remove that and get it back to factory after being rooted.

mswlogo said:
So I'm a long time HTC owner and my sister just got an S5 I plan to root tonight.
I'm also thinking of returning my M8 for an S5 after I check out my sisters. But I'm not sure I want to give up the M8 speakers.
Anyway I'm curious for others with experience from both sides about some terminology HTC vs Samsung.
1) Do "leaked" RUU's exist. These are official "Kits" that will basically put a phone back to factory (Firmware, Root Status, Recovery) etc.
It will do everything except remove S-OFF (see below). They are handy to have for warranty work and you botched something.
Often cleanly built ROM's are built from a base RUU rather than a "Dump".
2) Does anything like S-OFF exist. HTC phones can be typically exploited such that you have "S-OFF". This basically means you can install any firmware (radio etc.) beyond Android, Recovery.
3) Once rooted, will you get OTA updates? Will and OTA remove root? Could you loose root access through an OTA update?
With S-OFF none of this matters.
4) Without S-OFF it can be awkward to update the Kernels sometimes. Can the Kernels be easily updated with "Just" Root.
5) Does the phone display "Tampered" or "Unlocked" once rooted. If so how easy is it to remove that and get it back to factory after being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will do my best....
1) Yes. Leaked do exist but are minimal for this phone at the moment. Samsung makes the current available for download right from them or is available in this forum. Just flash via Odin and will restore it to factory stock.
2) If I'm not mistaken the Sprint S5 bootloader is not locked. Therefore all you need to do is root and can flash away.
3) If you take an OTA while rooted you will lose root. However, it will not be possible to take the OTA successfully with a custom recovery installed. Best bet is to wait until someone modifies the OTA and re-packages for root users. Usually only takes a few days after official OTA is dropped.
4) Yes. Just a quick flash.
5) Yes. Status will change and cannot go back at this time once it is tripped. Can still go back to factory with stock recovery but status will still not be "Official".
Anyone please someone chime in and correct me on any of these if I am mistaken.

CCallahan said:
I will do my best....
1) Yes. Leaked do exist but are minimal for this phone at the moment. Samsung makes the current available for download right from them or is available in this forum. Just flash via Odin and will restore it to factory stock.
2) If I'm not mistaken the Sprint S5 bootloader is not locked. Therefore all you need to do is root and can flash away.
3) If you take an OTA while rooted you will lose root. However, it will not be possible to take the OTA successfully with a custom recovery installed. Best bet is to wait until someone modifies the OTA and re-packages for root users. Usually only takes a few days after official OTA is dropped.
4) Yes. Just a quick flash.
5) Yes. Status will change and cannot go back at this time once it is tripped. Can still go back to factory with stock recovery but status will still not be "Official".
Anyone please someone chime in and correct me on any of these if I am mistaken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Status will be official (in settings "About Phone"). Just when you boot into download mode, knox counter tripped will be shown (0x1).

lol i remember asking all these questions exactly in reverse when i went from the s3 to the one...thanks goodness i came for the s4

On a more superficial note, you can also get a more htc vibe by installing the blinkfeed app thats been ported over by gakugaku. More info here ->
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735764
Coming over to samsung after 6years with Htc was a little jarring, but this kinda softened the transition.

Thanks guys that was exactly what I needed. My sisters phone rooted just fine.
I did compare her phone to mine briefly and posted here about it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2749699
To sway me to the S5, I really wanted to like the S5 camera (at least as much), the Cell Reception and live with the speakers.
But that is proving really difficult.
The M8 has me very nervous of failing again especially when I keep seeing reports of owners having the same issue I did (lost 3G).

I think I'm trading my m8 to a guy straight across for the s5. I never had any problems with my s3 and the m8 has been a headache, but not for everyone. I know how you feel mswlogo.

Warranty with T-Mobile

So I have received a "Certified Pre-Owned" Nexus 5 from T-Mobile just a couple days ago. Within the first few hours, I rooted it. At this point I could no longer install (but still received) OTAs, and IIRC that is because the system partition has been altered. I eventually did unroot, but I still could not install OTAs. Now, there is a hardware issue with the phone: it will not vibrate properly anymore. And I have tried those solutions like pressing on the back. So will need to return this phone for a replacement or repair. I have read somewhere that T-Mobile runs a diagnostic tool to check the phone software. My phone is not rooted, and I have not unlocked it or altered the ROM in any way, but will T-Mobile know that my system partition is different? Am I still covered under warranty?

You could just flash the latest entire factory image and relock the bootloader - not sure how Tmobile would be able to tell anything different especially since the nexus 5 isn't a carrier locked device.

janjanrex said:
You could just flash the latest entire factory image and relock the bootloader - not sure how Tmobile would be able to tell anything different especially since the nexus 5 isn't a carrier locked device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't plan to unlock my bootloader at all for a while. I unrooted with KingRoot, and now my phone is identical to stock except for a couple of files in the system partition that are traces of the root. I know this because OTA installations will result in an error. But that is the only thing that differs from a stock device. Will T-Mobile be able to access the system partition or somehow force an OTA upon it and find that it was once rooted? This is what I fear. What exactly does T-Mobile do when it receives the phone to make sure it had warranty?

Actually, what I would like to know for my peace of mind is...
Is there any way that T-Mobile can find out that I rooted?

janjanrex said:
You could just flash the latest entire factory image and relock the bootloader - not sure how Tmobile would be able to tell anything different especially since the nexus 5 isn't a carrier locked device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the Nexus Root Toolkit to unlock, flash stock, unroot, lock, set tamper to false, etc. I can install OTAs now, and there is no way that I can think that my phone can be seen as altered. Just to confirm:
Is there any way now that T-Mobile will know that I did anything?

Question: Will flashing stock and relocking the bootloader get my warranty back?

I can't seem to find the answer to this question anywhere on the moto g forum, so that means I'll have to ask you guys myself.
I purchased this device after having an s3 mini. On the s3 mini I was able to install the TWRP recovery and some custom roms like cyanogenmod. But if anything would go wrong I would just flash the stock rom and bring it over to the store for repairs.
But after looking on this forum, it seems that whenever you unlock the bootloader on the moto g3 your warranty is permanently voided. So here's my question:
If I unlock the bootloader and flash TWRP, cyanogenmod, etc. and my device breaks. Would flashing stock and relocking the bootloader get my warranty back? ( i don't know if it makes any difference but i live in the Netherlands )
I hope you guys will be able to help me answer this question because i really want to root my device and get cyanogenmod on it.

Warranty is legally void the moment you submit the unlock code to Motorola. They will update their database with your unlock code and provide you the unlock key.
So relocking bootloader or flashing stock rom won't restore your warranty legally. But if lucky, the motocare engineer might proceed to repair your phone by seeing stock rom on board. So keep stock while visiting motocare. But legally it doesn't renew your warranty.

The answer is simple and easy to find... No, once you accept Motorola's T&C for unlocking the bootloader, which are crystal clear if you even glance at them, and receive your unlock token your warranty is void, period. You don't even have to actually unlock the bootloader, just accepting the T&C is enough. At this point your serial number/IMEI are flagged as warranty void in Motorola's database. The actual state of your device doesn't even matter.
BTW, technically what you did with your S3 should have voided the warranty, but depending on who handled the warranty (carrier or Samsung) and their thoroughness, many got through anyway. To the best of my knowledge the only devices you can modify significantly and not void the warranty are Nexus devices.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

acejavelin said:
The answer is simple and easy to find... No, once you accept Motorola's T&C for unlocking the bootloader, which are crystal clear if you even glance at them, and receive your unlock token your warranty is void, period. You don't even have to actually unlock the bootloader, just accepting the T&C is enough. At this point your serial number/IMEI are flagged as warranty void in Motorola's database. The actual state of your device doesn't even matter.
BTW, technically what you did with your S3 should have voided the warranty, but depending on who handled the warranty (carrier or Samsung) and their thoroughness, many got through anyway. To the best of my knowledge the only devices you can modify significantly and not void the warranty are Nexus devices.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already been to the motorola site for unlocking the bootloader before (xda won't let me post the URL) and I have followed the instructions up until step 6: "Check if your device can be unlocked by pasting this string in the field below, and clicking “Can my device be unlocked?”
After that I did NOT click the "REQUEST UNLOCK KEY" button. Is my warranty voided because of following the steps up until step 6?
(because if it is voided, I might as well just root it already)

Djurre2709 said:
I've already been to the motorola site for unlocking the bootloader before (xda won't let me post the URL) and I have followed the instructions up until step 6: "Check if your device can be unlocked by pasting this string in the field below, and clicking “Can my device be unlocked?”
After that I did NOT click the "REQUEST UNLOCK KEY" button. Is my warranty voided because of following the steps up until step 6?
(because if it is voided, I might as well just root it already)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not yet... I don't remember the step #, but Until you accept the T&C and request the unlock token, your warranty is good.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

acejavelin said:
No, not yet... I don't remember the step #, but Until you accept the T&C and request the unlock token, your warranty is good.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help!
I have desided to request the key, I'll be rooting my device very soon.

Djurre2709 said:
Thanks for the help!
I have desided to request the key, I'll be rooting my device very soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm facing the same problem as you. What made you choose to unlock it?
Envoyé de mon MotoG3 en utilisant Tapatalk

vinz244 said:
I'm facing the same problem as you. What made you choose to unlock it?
Envoyé de mon MotoG3 en utilisant Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided to root my device because on my other devices I use cyanogenmod as a daily driver. Because of this I'm used to the advantages it has, and the freedom you have over your device. I don't have my warranty anymore, but the fact that my s3 mini actually faced the same problems and I was able to get it repared by just flashing stock made me think that the risk isn't that big. Also the other dude said that by flashing stock the device might stil be repaired. So I decided to take the risk and root my device. After that I flashed cyanogenmod on it and now I use this as daily driver on my Moto G 2015 too.
So the chances are that eventhough my warranty is voided legally, they might stil fix my device if broken. Because of the fact that they did this with my other device once I thought it wouldn't do any harm to root this device too.
Some tips if you do decide to root your device;
go over to the FAQ tab on this forum to find yourself the link to the TWRP recovery. This is as far as I know the best custom recovery for the Moto G 2015.
Also on the beginning of the FAQ it says you need to find out what device you have (personally I've got the XT1541), look this up for your own case and do your research before you start unlocking the bootloader.
After you've unlocked the bootloader your device will be factory reset, so make sure you back up all your data.
When you have installed the TWRP, make sure to make a 'nandroid backup' from your stock rom in case you fail to install any other rom (might you intend to do so). Keep this nandroid backup stored on your computer too.
If you decide to install cyanogenmod (certainly as a beginner) I would recommend to install a snapshot instead of a nightly. Also don't install an unofficial except if your absolutely shure you want to do this.
For the original download page of cyanogenmod go to download.cyanogenmod.org and search for the device 'osprey'
When you install gapps I strongly suggest to install the nano package (the other packages didn't work for me)
Go to opengapps.org and select ARM - 5.1.1 (or 6.0 depending on the android version) - nano
Just a few tips for you ( unfortunately I had to find out some of these things the hard way, so that's why I thought I would leave them here for you )
Good luck with whatever you intend to do with your device and I hope my opinion and knowledge might help you to decide what you want to do with your device

Djurre2709 said:
I decided to root my device because on my other devices I use cyanogenmod as a daily driver. Because of this I'm used to the advantages it has, and the freedom you have over your device. I don't have my warranty anymore, but the fact that my s3 mini actually faced the same problems and I was able to get it repared by just flashing stock made me think that the risk isn't that big. Also the other dude said that by flashing stock the device might stil be repaired. So I decided to take the risk and root my device. After that I flashed cyanogenmod on it and now I use this as daily driver on my Moto G 2015 too.
So the chances are that eventhough my warranty is voided legally, they might stil fix my device if broken. Because of the fact that they did this with my other device once I thought it wouldn't do any harm to root this device too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Sigh)... Of course they will fix your device, just not under warranty and not for free. I don't know how much clearer Motorola can be, if you accept the T&C and get the unlock token, your warranty is void. Period.
Your ESN & serial number are flagged in Motorola's database as no warranty, the actual state of the device is not relevant, they don't care, even if you never actually unlock or modify the device... This is not Samsung, LG, HTC, or any other company, this is Motorola and it's how they do it. They are very clear and don't try to hide it or fudge it, it just is and they make sure you know it.
But at the same time, the failure rate of the Moto G is extremely low, so your probably fine anyway.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

Djurre2709 said:
I decided to root my device because on my other devices I use cyanogenmod as a daily driver. Because of this I'm used to the advantages it has, and the freedom you have over your device. I don't have my warranty anymore, but the fact that my s3 mini actually faced the same problems and I was able to get it repared by just flashing stock made me think that the risk isn't that big. Also the other dude said that by flashing stock the device might stil be repaired. So I decided to take the risk and root my device. After that I flashed cyanogenmod on it and now I use this as daily driver on my Moto G 2015 too.
So the chances are that eventhough my warranty is voided legally, they might stil fix my device if broken. Because of the fact that they did this with my other device once I thought it wouldn't do any harm to root this device too.
Some tips if you do decide to root your device;
go over to the FAQ tab on this forum to find yourself the link to the TWRP recovery. This is as far as I know the best custom recovery for the Moto G 2015.
Also on the beginning of the FAQ it says you need to find out what device you have (personally I've got the XT1541), look this up for your own case and do your research before you start unlocking the bootloader.
After you've unlocked the bootloader your device will be factory reset, so make sure you back up all your data.
When you have installed the TWRP, make sure to make a 'nandroid backup' from your stock rom in case you fail to install any other rom (might you intend to do so). Keep this nandroid backup stored on your computer too.
If you decide to install cyanogenmod (certainly as a beginner) I would recommend to install a snapshot instead of a nightly. Also don't install an unofficial except if your absolutely shure you want to do this.
For the original download page of cyanogenmod go to download.cyanogenmod.org and search for the device 'osprey'
When you install gapps I strongly suggest to install the nano package (the other packages didn't work for me)
Go to opengapps.org and select ARM - 5.1.1 (or 6.0 depending on the android version) - nano
Just a few tips for you ( unfortunately I had to find out some of these things the hard way, so that's why I thought I would leave them here for you )
Good luck with whatever you intend to do with your device and I hope my opinion and knowledge might help you to decide what you want to do with your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I still need time to decide but interesting! My best experience with support is probable with Archos. I sent them my phone bricked 3 times because of bad flashed rom and they would send me a new one
Envoyé de mon MotoG3 en utilisant Tapatalk

Buying a used phone. Is the second-hand device trustworthy and safe to use?

[Apologies for being a noob, I tried my best to do the homework]
I want to buy a used Pixel 2 (or Pixel 3). There is some general advice on the internet reminding to check:
(i) for physical damage
(ii) if ESN / IMEI has been blacklisted
(iii) if the device is compatible with a carrier (communication standard, uses SIM and not e-SIM, not carrier locked)
(iv) and warning that the device can break or become blacklisted after the purchase.
All of the above is associated with a risk, which is limited to the amount of money paid.
But my primary concern is the risk from using the second-hand device where privacy is critical (email, online banking, 2FA through SMS). How do I make sure the previous owner hasn't planted a backdoor? If I trust Google, what are the reasonable steps to ensure that the device hasn't been tampered with by someone else? In particular:
(1) How do I check on Pixel 2 that the firmware, bootloader, OS are the original ones?
(2) If the device had been bootloader unlocked and/or rooted, is it possible to restore the original images, re-lock the bootloader to be confident that no one (but Google) will spy on me?
(3) Is there anything I am missing?
(4) Which of these are probably different on Pixel 3 and should be asked on Pixel 3 forum?
I barely understand the difference between the bootlocker and the recovery, and I would appreciate clear answers very much.
Related:
- A related thread mentions telling apart Verizon and unlocked versions of Pixel 2:
Buying Pixel 2 on Craigslist any tips to avoid issues?
Hi, I would like to buy a used Pixel 2 off Craigslist and since I am not familiar with the Pixel 2 I hope you can help me make sure I don't get scammed. I know I need to check that the IMEI is not blacklisted (can run it through the swappa IMEI...
forum.xda-developers.com
- A similar question was asked about Galaxy Note 9. One senior member says "Hell, back in the day we could reset knox counters ... even checking knox isn't a full proof method". Another says "So rest assured if your Warranty Bit is not 0x1 a Custom Binary has never been flashed". I am confused, as there is no concensus.
Bought used. Security concerns?
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything...
forum.xda-developers.com
- Here someone says "Really easy to relock" about OnePlus 5. I wonder if the same is true for Pixels 2/3?
Risk of used phone with unlocked bootloader?
Hey guys this is probably a lame question... does any risk come with buying a phone with an unlocked boot loader? I bought an OnePlus 5 from ebay used in great shape. The seller advised the the phone was rooted with Android 10. When i start the...
forum.xda-developers.com

Reboot the phone, and see if the yellow exclamation mark comes up saying the bootloader was modified.
If you don't see that, it means the Pixel 2 bootloader was never unlocked and a custom ROM was never flashed to the device.
Since all Pixel 2 phones would be out of warranty now, the only way to ensure security is to flash a trusty ROM yourself.

kodina said:
Since all Pixel 2 phones would be out of warranty now, the only way to ensure security is to flash a trusty ROM yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you response, but I am not sure I understand the last bit. Do you mean I would have to flash a trusty ROM myself because there are no certified service centres that would accept the phone, as the warranty has expired? Or do you mean that there are no automatic updates or supported ROMs because of the end of life or something?

up!

wiltingenthusiasm said:
Thanks for you response, but I am not sure I understand the last bit. Do you mean I would have to flash a trusty ROM myself because there are no certified service centres that would accept the phone, as the warranty has expired? Or do you mean that there are no automatic updates or supported ROMs because of the end of life or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I mean even if the bootloader is locked, even if the original owner never flashed a custom ROM, the device (in theory) could still have had been rooted in the past, unknown apps installed, root removed and you would never know. Hoewever, this is all in theory, but it is possible, and only applies if you are paranoid about security.
Otherwise, reboot the phone, no bootlaoder warning = 99% safe to use.

kodina said:
No, I mean even if the bootloader is locked, even if the original owner never flashed a custom ROM, the device (in theory) could still have had been rooted in the past, unknown apps installed, root removed and you would never know. Hoewever, this is all in theory, but it is possible, and only applies if you are paranoid about security.
Otherwise, reboot the phone, no bootlaoder warning = 99% safe to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I see. And a factory reset would not help either, because it does not recover the OS from a reserve copy whose integrity can be ensured, but simply deletes all user data and extra apps, while keeping the rest, which could have been compromised via root access. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the factory reset via bootloader really gets the device to the "factory state". Is that correct?
[Many thanks for your explanation.]

wiltingenthusiasm said:
Oh, I see. And a factory reset would not help either, because it does not recover the OS from a reserve copy whose integrity can be ensured, but simply deletes all user data and extra apps, while keeping the rest, which could have been compromised via root access. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the factory reset via bootloader really gets the device to the "factory state". Is that correct?
[Many thanks for your explanation.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory, because I have not ready any news, articles, guides or forum threads where people are claiming they have done it.
So, the only option to ensure things are 1% safer, is to unlock the bootloader and flash a custom ROM yourself, trusting that the ROM dev didn't put anything weird in it. Though, as far as I checked, none of the OFFICIAL ROMs for Pixel 2 have a history of putting in something bad.
So, if you want 100% stability, use the default google ROM after a factory reset, but if you want """more""" security, unlock the bootloader and flash the ROM yourself.