Database Info

S-Off?

So When we root our phone are phone is automatically S-Off right?
and S-Off means the phone is unlocked and we can use it on other networks ?
Just want to clear everything up. I thought I needed to buy an unlock code for it to be unlocked but I just read that S-Off means its sim unlocked

The "S" in S-off stands for security, a stock bootloader comes S-on or security on. This is to make the device to where you can only install what is considered authorized software, or to be more specific, software that the OEM or the carriers release for the device. Now when you S-off your de ice you unlock it so that you can flash other software other than just the OEM's or carrier's software, this kind of software is refered to as custom software. This type of software includes custom recoveries, custom ROMs, and sometimes custom bootloaders.
Now to unlock your device so that you can use it with another carrier is referee to as SIM unlocking the device. And yes to SIM unlock your device you need a unlock code. You can generally get theses codes from the original carrier you purchased the device from or from different websites that charge for the code.
Rooting your device is something that allows you full control of your device and also allows you to use your device to it's full potential. It allows your ROM to have direct communication with the Linux kernel it is running on top of, which gives your device much more functionality. Certain bloatware apps have limited root access bit the ROM itself does not when the device is running stock software.
So I hope you have a little better understanding now of the three. I also hope this answered your question. Cheers.

T-Macgnolia said:
The "S" in S-off stands for security, a stock bootloader comes S-on or security on. This is to make the device to where you can only install what is considered authorized software, or to be more specific, software that the OEM or the carriers release for the device. Now when you S-off your de ice you unlock it so that you can flash other software other than just the OEM's or carrier's software, this kind of software is refered to as custom software. This type of software includes custom recoveries, custom ROMs, and sometimes custom bootloaders.
Now to unlock your device so that you can use it with another carrier is referee to as SIM unlocking the device. And yes to SIM unlock your device you need a unlock code. You can generally get theses codes from the original carrier you purchased the device from or from different websites that charge for the code.
Rooting your device is something that allows you full control of your device and also allows you to use your device to it's full potential. It allows your ROM to have direct communication with the Linux kernel it is running on top of, which gives your device much more functionality. Certain bloatware apps have limited root access bit the ROM itself does not when the device is running stock software.
So I hope you have a little better understanding now of the three. I also hope this answered your question. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While, I knew this already, that was a great explanation and you've been thanked for it.

maybe this can help you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232107

[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?

Snapdragon 835 Root Idea

I don't fully understand the process of unlocking a bootloader on a phone, but what makes a Samsung phone so difficult to unlock? For instance could we unlock this phone using the same method as went use on other phone with a Snapdragon 835 processor?

State.of.mind said:
I don't fully understand the process of unlocking a bootloader on a phone, but what makes a Samsung phone so difficult to unlock? For instance could we unlock this phone using the same method as went use on other phone with a Snapdragon 835 processor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not difficult to unlock, it's impossible to unlock. The team of guys who achieved root access on an SD835 S8 used a root exploit to get root on the phone, the bootloader is still locked and they won't be able to flash anything that isn't signed by Samsung.
As for your second question, ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Each OEM has a different way of unlocking their devices bootloaders.
Sony and HTC email you an unlock code after you submit your IMEI for bootloader unlocking, only with that code you can unlock your device.
Samsung phones (on applicable devices like Exynos ones), simply have a switch in developer options for OEM Unlock, just like Google's Pixel and Nexus devices, once that option is enabled, consider the bootloader 'unlocked', and you should be able to flash whatever you want, regardless of whether it's signed by Samsung or developed by some guy in his moms basement.
TL;DR:
No.

murtaza02 said:
It's not difficult to unlock, it's impossible to unlock. The team of guys who achieved root access on an SD835 S8 used a root exploit to get root on the phone, the bootloader is still locked and they won't be able to flash anything that isn't signed by Samsung.
As for your second question, ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Each OEM has a different way of unlocking their devices bootloaders.
Sony and HTC email you an unlock code after you submit your IMEI for bootloader unlocking, only with that code you can unlock your device.
Samsung phones (on applicable devices like Exynos ones), simply have a switch in developer options for OEM Unlock, just like Google's Pixel and Nexus devices, once that option is enabled, consider the bootloader 'unlocked', and you should be able to flash whatever you want, regardless of whether it's signed by Samsung or developed by some guy in his moms basement.
TL;DR:
No.
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Click to collapse
If you're using a phone with an unlocked boot loader could you in theory switch between operating systems? For instance could I flash a rom to run Lollipop on one slot and on another slot run Nougat?

State.of.mind said:
If you're using a phone with an unlocked boot loader could you in theory switch between operating systems? For instance could I flash a rom to run Lollipop on one slot and on another slot run Nougat?
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Click to collapse
Most phones don't have 'slots'. It's not a common thing yet.
The Google Pixel and Moto Z2 are the only ones that come to mind that have A/B partitions for seamless OS updates and in theory (on a Pixel), one should be able to flash Nougat on Slot A and Android O on Slot B, however I wouldn't recommend it at all, I always like having the same sh*t on both slots.
Also, Lollipop and Nougat are too far apart and there is no device in existence that has its OEM ROM based on LP and N. So no you wouldn't be able to.

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.

BL unlocking/custom ROM Question: What is permanently lost if I do that?

Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!

dark_prince said:
Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.

SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.

dark_prince said:
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)

SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am from Pakistan so it's gonna cost me double the actual price to pay customs taxes and get it cleared for use in-country. Our country has a rule about only the devices which are approved after paying hefty taxes, are permitted on Pakistan's cellular operators.

This was discussed before, in short you seem to lose out certain manufacturer keys and your phone remembers you have unlocked its bootloader before. As for functionality, iirc they seem to come back after relocking.
More info: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/closed-delete.4177209/post-87242833