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[Q] Nexus 5 fully wiped (system, data...), bootloader Locked

Dear all,
I am new on Android, the Nexus 5 is my first android device. I freshly come from a 5 years old iPhone 3G.
2 Weeks ago I unlocked the bootloader of my device and rooted it following the tutorials provided by the XDA community without any problem.
Today, I saw that the OTA to upgrade from the Android version 4.4 to the version 4.4.2 was available directly from the device.
Since I did not want this update to be a problem with my rooted device, I downloaded the following apps: BootUnlocker for Nexus Devices and OTA RootKeeper (I do realize using RootKeeper was stupid since anyway the last update was released on July 25, 3 months before KitKat...). But anyway, this is what I did. I used those apps to Lock my Bootloader and unRoot my phone, thinking that this will reduce the chances of potential conflict with the OTA update.
Afterward, I downloaded and tried to instal the OTA directly from the Nexus 5. It ends up that I got stuck on the recovery menu. It was then impossible to get back on android and I did not know what to do.
This is where I did something totally crazy. Usually I spend time reading tutorials and finding information before doing anything that I do not fully understand. But at this stage I simply thought that the update could not properly instal due to the root. So I went on Advanced Wipe, I ticked all the options (data, system, Cash, Dalvik... all of them), and wiped the device.
As a result, my Nexus 5 has currently a Locked Bootloader and no OS installed. This means that I cannot activate the developer menu (no OS) to tick the option USB debugging. Thus, I cannot unlock my bootloader and in consequence I cannot instal the factory image and get back to stock.
Please, If you can give me some advice, explain me how can I unlock the bootloader in these conditions. Let me know... I really don't know what to do now.
PS: sorry my english is not perfect but I do hope you clearly understand my problem.

Yoyo-san said:
Dear all,
I am new on Android, the Nexus 5 is my first android device. I freshly come from a 5 years old iPhone 3G.
2 Weeks ago I unlocked the bootloader of my device and rooted it following the tutorials provided by the XDA community without any problem.
Today, I saw that the OTA to upgrade from the Android version 4.4 to the version 4.4.2 was available directly from the device.
Since I did not want this update to be a problem with my rooted device, I downloaded the following apps: BootUnlocker for Nexus Devices and OTA RootKeeper (I do realize using RootKeeper was stupid since anyway the last update was released on July 25, 3 months before KitKat...). But anyway, this is what I did. I used those apps to Lock my Bootloader and unRoot my phone, thinking that this will reduce the chances of potential conflict with the OTA update.
Afterward, I downloaded and tried to instal the OTA directly from the Nexus 5. It ends up that I got stuck on the recovery menu. It was then impossible to get back on android and I did not know what to do.
This is where I did something totally crazy. Usually I spend time reading tutorials and finding information before doing anything that I do not fully understand. But at this stage I simply thought that the update could not properly instal due to the root. So I went on Advanced Wipe, I ticked all the options (data, system, Cash, Dalvik... all of them), and wiped the device.
As a result, my Nexus 5 has currently a Locked Bootloader and no OS installed. This means that I cannot activate the developer menu (no OS) to tick the option USB debugging. Thus, I cannot unlock my bootloader and in consequence I cannot instal the factory image and get back to stock.
Please, If you can give me some advice, explain me how can I unlock the bootloader in these conditions. Let me know... I really don't know what to do now.
PS: sorry my english is not perfect but I do hope you clearly understand my problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got it all wrong. You do not need USB debugging to unlock bootloader. to unlock bootloader you must use FASTBOOT commands, which means you MUST be in the bootloader itself. USB debugging ONLY works in android.

rootSU said:
You've got it all wrong. You do not need USB debugging to unlock bootloader. to unlock bootloader you must use FASTBOOT commands, which means you MUST be in the bootloader itself. USB debugging ONLY works in android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear RootSU,
So this means that I am not stuck at all and that I am simply limited by my current knowledge about android?
If this is the case, then "alleluia"! I will document myself to be able to fix this thing.

Yoyo-san said:
So this means that I am not stuck at all and that I am simply limited by my current knowledge about android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much
You should be able to unlock the bootloader as you did before.

Boot phone to fastboot mode, download fastboot and adb kit to you computer... it can be found here on forums easy, and in comand line to unlock bootloader you need type "fastboot oem unlock".
More complete guide you can find here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507905 =)

rootSU said:
Pretty much
You should be able to unlock the bootloader as you did before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's ok now!
As you said, I could unlock the Bootloader the same way I did before. Then I install the factory image 4.4.2, which I rooted directly.
Thanks a lot RootSu, you've shown me my mistakes and put me on the way to fix my problem.
Thanks also for your concern Biggreen. =)
Problem solved!

rootSU said:
You've got it all wrong. You do not need USB debugging to unlock bootloader. to unlock bootloader you must use FASTBOOT commands, which means you MUST be in the bootloader itself. USB debugging ONLY works in android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear RootSU,
One more question, could you explain me why I got stuck into the recovery menu when I first tried to update via the OTA? Will I get the same kind of problem when I'll update with the v4.4.3 in the future?
Thanks

Yoyo-san said:
Dear RootSU,
One more question, could you explain me why I got stuck into the recovery menu when I first tried to update via the OTA? Will I get the same kind of problem when I'll update with the v4.4.3 in the future?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure on the extact reason. OTA itself will not install with a custom recovery. You have to download the OTA and boot to recovery then manually flash.
There is a good "OTA Helpdesk" sticky thread in general you should read as theres lots of advice there

hi there...i've got the same problem... i wiped everythink and now i'm not able to switch on my phone....i just want to get out of this somehow...i'm very much new to this and i just want to get my stock android back that's it...somebody please help....

Do you see the battery icon when you connect the phone to a charger? Does the LED turn red when you connect the phone to a charger? Maybe leave the phone connected for a couple of hours and then try to power on?

Should I root my MOTO G 2015? To get more storage?

Hello everyone! I didn't want to root my new MOTO G 2015 but I need more storage if I want to install more app's, I saw with root permissions we can transfer full sized app's to the sd, is it true? and how? I've seen already a guide how to root moto g 2015, but know I want to know how to transfer full sized app's to the SD and then i'll decide if I want to root or not.
Do you think I should root? It will be better If i want more storage?
Is it safe? The Lollipop will be automatically installed after the root? I have no need on install other Android OS.
Thank you!

Hey! I can see that you are new here, but rooting your phone isnt gonna delete anything of your data if you search on this forum for Link2sd than you will find a tuturial for how to do that. But if you dont understand any of the words "Brick" or "fastboot" you should do some research first.
success!

HelpMeruth said:
Hey! I can see that you are new here, but rooting your phone isnt gonna delete anything of your data if you search on this forum for Link2sd than you will find a tuturial for how to do that. But if you dont understand any of the words "Brick" or "fastboot" you should do some research first.
success!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello HelpMeruth! And thank you for replying my question!
Here's what I already searched this is , i've got alot of information already but the information I got says my phone will be formatted I think. Brick I remember that word a long time ago when the PSP Scene I know it's not android but I remember it, it's like having a non funcional phone, bricked.
Here's the guide I saw: (I can't post links, if you can search on the youtube : "Moto G 3rd Gen(2015) - How to Root - Unlock Bootloader & Custom Recovery") and tell me if that guide will not brick or format my moto g 3
Any chance of getting bricked? It will remove my SIM Service? I have the phone just for a week and the warranty it's 2 here's, If I root the warranty goes out, is it worth rooting?
Thanks for the reply sir and yes i'm really new in the android scene, just came from the iOS one, got mad at iOS

I can confirm that your phone will not be formatted
The word brick means that your phone wont start up.
Its a gamble for everyone to root, so when you are gonna do it try just booting Twrp. That is the safest way to test it.
But strart with unlocking your bootloader thats already a big step for rooting (unlocking bootloader will format your data!)
If you got any questions send me message!
Its your choise to root or not

HelpMeruth said:
I can confirm that your phone will not be formatted
The word brick means that your phone wont start up.
Its a gamble for everyone to root, so when you are gonna do it try just booting Twrp. That is the safest way to test it.
But strart with unlocking your bootloader thats already a big step for rooting (unlocking bootloader will format your data!)
If you got any questions send me message!
Its your choise to root or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do NOT need to unlock bootloader in order to root.
You DO need to unlock your bootloader for TWRP, unless booted temporarily.
Sent from my MotoG3

christopherrrg said:
You do NOT need to unlock bootloader in order to root.
You DO need to unlock your bootloader for TWRP, unless booted temporarily.
Sent from my MotoG3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? you have to unlock the bootloader in order to boot/flash twrp.
and with twrp you can root, how do you root with locked bootloader?

HelpMeruth said:
What? you have to unlock the bootloader in order to boot/flash twrp.
and with twrp you can root, how do you root with locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root toolkit
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62922929
Sent from my MotoG3

christopherrrg said:
Root toolkit
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62922929
Sent from my MotoG3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldnt be able to root with a locked bootloader, i quote: 'A locked bootloader locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader.' found on this site https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-main-differences-between-Rooting-and-Unlocking-Bootloader
that tool just has a build in fastboot/adb and automate things for you.
(sorry for my bad english)

HelpMeruth said:
You shouldnt be able to root with a locked bootloader, i quote: 'A locked bootloader locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader.' found on this site https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-main-differences-between-Rooting-and-Unlocking-Bootloader
that tool just has a build in fastboot/adb and automate things for you.
(sorry for my bad english)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah after doing some research motorola devices seem to have that in place. I was speaking generally from a vanilla aosp aspect. Good find.
Sent from my MotoG3

Btw, If I install CyanogenMod it will reset my moto g firmware? Or install another firmware version? Thanks

M05K said:
Btw, If I install CyanogenMod it will reset my moto g firmware? Or install another firmware version? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing cyanogenmod will still keep you on 5.1.1 your device will just be modified (custom tweaks etc..) so if you have to unlock your bootloader it will void any warranties you have. If you don't have one or don't care just make sure to read carefully as you sound relatively new to CM and you don't want to brick your device.
Sent from my MotoG3

christopherrrg said:
Installing cyanogenmod will still keep you on 5.1.1 your device will just be modified (custom tweaks etc..) so if you have to unlock your bootloader it will void any warranties you have. If you don't have one or don't care just make sure to read carefully as you sound relatively new to CM and you don't want to brick your device.
Sent from my MotoG3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will be modified to cyanogenmod firmware right? So the firmware updates from MOTO G 3 I had installed will go resetted to the cyanogenmod firmware right?

M05K said:
Yes it will be modified to cyanogenmod firmware right? So the firmware updates from MOTO G 3 I had installed will go resetted to the cyanogenmod firmware right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
Cm12.1 is just 5.1.1 that's why I said it would.
You may see custom aosp 6.0 ROMs before any real factory builds.
Sent from my MotoG3

Pixel, go back to stock

Hi all
I unlocked my bootloader the other day and proceeded to root my device and have a play around. But since then I ve wanted to return to stock firmware and perhaps relock my bootloader.
Could someone kindly list the steps need to revert back to how the phone arrived in the box?
Many thanks in advance

Someone may need to confirm but the easiest way to do that would be download the latest stock firm ware and use the flash-all script. Then re lock the bootloader.

Yah those are the steps. Google "pixel factory images" and follow all directions.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs

Flash all script never seems to work, I always have to do it manually

C1S12OB said:
Hi all
I unlocked my bootloader the other day and proceeded to root my device and have a play around. But since then I ve wanted to return to stock firmware and perhaps relock my bootloader.
Could someone kindly list the steps need to revert back to how the phone arrived in the box?
Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a Verizon model?? If so don't lock the bootloader

Unlock Bootloader BEFORE I take 9.0 Update?

I have not yet unlocked my bootloader or Rooted my device. Although I plan on rooting my device. I've seen a thread about *Remember to unlock your bootloader*
Is it a good idea to do my oem unlock BEFORE updating to P?
ALSO:
if I want to try a custom 8.1 rom, can I still do this AFTER upgrading my system to 9.0?
Thanks

With unlocked bootloader you can do pretty anything. I think yes, you can downgrade, but you have to wipe as usual.
Also remember that unlocking bootloader involves total wipe.

Mal_toofy said:
I have not yet unlocked my bootloader or Rooted my device. Although I plan on rooting my device. I've seen a thread about *Remember to unlock your bootloader*
Is it a good idea to do my oem unlock BEFORE updating to P?
ALSO:
if I want to try a custom 8.1 rom, can I still do this AFTER upgrading my system to 9.0?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock it as soon as possible, you can never know if Google decides to push a serverside patch to fix it or etc.

Thanks for that. Been a while since I played with Android

TENN3R said:
With unlocked bootloader you can do pretty anything. I think yes, you can downgrade, but you have to wipe as usual.
Also remember that unlocking bootloader involves total wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mal_toofy said:
I have not yet unlocked my bootloader or Rooted my device. Although I plan on rooting my device. I've seen a thread about *Remember to unlock your bootloader*
Is it a good idea to do my oem unlock BEFORE updating to P?
ALSO:
if I want to try a custom 8.1 rom, can I still do this AFTER upgrading my system to 9.0?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You DO NOT have to do a total wipe.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/guide-pixel-xl-android-8-1oreo-unlock-t3715279
(it's for the XL - same except for different dloads)
You have 2 slots, and you'll be flashing only one at a time, so the other one will remain the same. TWRP does ask if you want to flash boot.img to both slots when you do so you should just choose the one unless the new boot.img file is the same as the old (haven't checked into it but I wouldn't bet they're the same.) Also, the data and settings in /sdcard/android will change over time so when/if you go to the old android on the other slot, some of the settings are whacked - that's been my experience the couple of times I've done it. I don't know if 9 does anything different in /sdcard/android (probably not) but that could create some problems.
I dirty flashed 9 over 8.1 in one of my slots - I could switch to the other to see what's what? So could you and report back?

Haven't done anything yet.. been going back and forth with Assurant/ project fi for a damn replacement since I haven't been able to make calls or use my headphone jack.. and not sure if I should bother unlocking right now..
I was hoping the 9.0 update might fix my issues. But, from what I've read, it's a hardware problem..

Mal_toofy said:
Haven't done anything yet.. been going back and forth with Assurant/ project fi for a damn replacement since I haven't been able to make calls or use my headphone jack.. and not sure if I should bother unlocking right now..
I was hoping the 9.0 update might fix my issues. But, from what I've read, it's a hardware problem..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone else suggested it was a permissions issue:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pi...ound-issue-t3664785/post77386591#post77386591

Question Re-lock bootloader after root?

Hi folks,
I've managed to stumble my way through using pixel flasher to update my P7Pro to the latest fw with root. Only need root so I can record calls, should I lock the bootloader now I'm done?
Also how do I update in future please without having to wipe, use pixel flasher and patch as I've just done?
I like to think I'm quite tech savvy but the guides for the P7Pro have gone over my head :/

Connorsdad said:
Hi folks,
I've managed to stumble my way through using pixel flasher to update my P7Pro to the latest fw with root. Only need root so I can record calls, should I lock the bootloader now I'm done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not unless you want to brick your device. You need to be completely stock before relocking your bootloader (unless using avbroot, but you should have a deep understanding about how it works beforehand).
Connorsdad said:
Also how do I update in future please without having to wipe, use pixel flasher and patch as I've just done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel Flasher will work fine for updating.

Lughnasadh said:
Not unless you want to brick your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh, learn something new every day I guess...

Lughnasadh said:
Not unless you want to brick your device. You need to be completely stock before relocking your bootloader (unless using avbroot, but you should have a deep understanding about how it works beforehand).
Pixel Flasher will work fine for updating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks a lot for your reply, much appreciated.

never ever* lock bootloader on google devices. fastboot only works on unlocked bootloader and there is no alternative to fastboot.
* exception

alecxs said:
never ever lock bootloader on google devices. fastboot only works on unlocked bootloader and there is no alternative to fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you can't flash a factory image to fix a phone on your own when it's soft bricked. It might have to go to a shop for repairs.

Connorsdad said:
Hi folks,
I've managed to stumble my way through using pixel flasher to update my P7Pro to the latest fw with root. Only need root so I can record calls, should I lock the bootloader now I'm done?
Also how do I update in future please without having to wipe, use pixel flasher and patch as I've just done?
I like to think I'm quite tech savvy but the guides for the P7Pro have gone over my head :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, relocking the bootloader requires wiping the device -- much like unlocking does -- and if you're unwilling to set everything (including anything on your /sdcard internal storage, not to mention all apps and their settings & system settings) back up from scratch (as any good complete backups require root access), this might not be what you wish to do.
And, if you had managed to successfully relock the bootloader, you could simply run the in-system update (OTA) that would update without wiping -- or even manually applying OTA from the recovery.
But there are hardly any benefits in re-locking the bootloader (after unlocking it) -- even if one was to a paranoid degree of security; which is the only major reason to (I can point you to the discussions that had taken place on it here, if you wish). If you don't want to run into any issues, you could simply run the stock ROM without root and be hardly impacted by it; with the added benefit of having the option to advanced recovery options and/or rooting options open to you in the future if need be...
alecxs said:
never ever lock bootloader on google devices. fastboot only works on unlocked bootloader and there is no alternative to fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*it just occurs to me you meant to never lock bootloader because it limits options; not the risk of hard-bricking the device -- in which I wrote the following with that assumption. I'll leave the following comment as it is still sound advice, but I apologize in advanced that it doesn't quite relate to what you meant...
I mean, I feel doing Google's official Android Flash Tool is a safe enough method; it wouldn't do well if Google's own tool bricked their devices using their tool...at the very least the tool ensures that the stock factory firmware flashed matches the bootloader version and automates the fastboot commands so when re-locking the bootloader, it has the least potential to brick the device...

Exactly. there is no official flash tool from google, that's why I personally won't recommend to keep bootloader locked. If it's bricked with no working recovery mode, not even repair shop can fix it. all you can do is RMA to google get new device. no edl mode or anything else will help, fastboot is the official flashing method.
If you're referring to the "Android Flash Tool" that's no flash tool at all. I haven't tested it, but to me it looks like a WebUSB browser plugin. Reading the requirements it works with adb commands, usb-debugging and fully booted android is required. Therefore cannot unbrick devices.

Doesn't unlocking the bootloader break saftynet so then you have to root to use gpay?

iRhyiku said:
Doesn't unlocking the bootloader break saftynet so then you have to root to use gpay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll just chime in here because I have recently unlocked my bootloader but I haven't been able to root it yet and I haven't had any issues with safety net.

Trippyy Doee said:
I'll just chime in here because I have recently unlocked my bootloader but I haven't been able to root it yet and I haven't had any issues with safety net.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, I thought unlocking would break it. I'll have to unlock then for the extra safty!

iRhyiku said:
Interesting, I thought unlocking would break it. I'll have to unlock then for the extra safty!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's of course another aspect. Good point. If you rely on SafetyNet or it's successor Play integrity, do not unlock bootloader. AFAIR the latter one can't be cheated.

simplepinoi177 said:
But there are hardly any benefits in re-locking the bootloader (after unlocking it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some benefits like some banking apps, streaming apps and games beginning to work. So it really depends on what is important for the user. I don't like flashing random mods to make apps work on rooted/ bootloader unlocked devices, primarily banking apps.