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I went out and traded up to a Razr Maxx HD only to come home to find out that the moto site wont unlock the bootloader. F-you verizon! My big question of the day is... Is there anyone out there willing to try to crack the razr maxx hd bootloader? I would, but I'm a machinist. I dont get it completely, I followed through an article here on the V-SGSIII, loved it, I get the jist of it. Maybe I should've got into computers but instead when I was young, I went to work at a shipyard and became a machinist.
Ha, you and me both. Instead of reading up on computers and IT in college, I stuck with my degree of choice and spent my time boning broads. Even given our bootloader issue now I wouldn't change a thing
Anyways, do a search for Safestrap V3.05.16 (newest version). It's sort of a work-around the Verizon bootloader. Doesn't unlock it, but I think it pretty much does the same thing as though it was unlocked. There are a few threads, with the .zip file and instructions.
Thanks, yeah I did that right after walking in the door from buying it. Got root, safestrap so I'm good to go. I'll keep it but wednesday I'm upgrading the thunderbolt to a DNA, that ones looking pretty badass...thanks for your reply
LifeAsADroid said:
Ha, you and me both. Instead of reading up on computers and IT in college, I stuck with my degree of choice and spent my time boning broads. Even given our bootloader issue now I wouldn't change a thing
Anyways, do a search for Safestrap V3.05.16 (newest version). It's sort of a work-around the Verizon bootloader. Doesn't unlock it, but I think it pretty much does the same thing as though it was unlocked. There are a few threads, with the .zip file and instructions.
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The only problem is we don't have the ability to flash kernels, radios, or other system images. And without an unlocked bootloader, this phone is unlikely to attract more developers.
I got my Razr Maxx HD about a week ago and I'm still happy with it, but I wish there was a way to unlock the bootloader so I could have the same level of control I had on my Incredible.
I tried the bootloader unlock today and didn't work. I then called Motorola to ask if it is possible to do it and they said "no, not now. Possibly in the future" In response, I said this phone would be a top device if the phone was unlcoked and came with AOSP's latest. But I will have to send back to Verizon for something else. It upsets me that this device is ruined by VZ/Moto locking the bootloader.
trebills said:
I tried the bootloader unlock today and didn't work. I then called Motorola to ask if it is possible to do it and they said "no, not now. Possibly in the future" In response, I said this phone would be a top device if the phone was unlcoked and came with AOSP's latest. But I will have to send back to Verizon for something else. It upsets me that this device is ruined by VZ/Moto locking the bootloader.
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Verizon's attitude regarding "unlocked bootloaders" sucks.
Here's the deal. If one is expected to pay full price for an "unlockable" device, then can one get discount on the monthly cost that adds up to the subsidy cost over the term of the contract. In other words, if the subsidy is $360, then give me a $15 discount on my monthly bill if I pay the full price for a device (or I bring my own device!)
I have a MAXX Developer Edition that suddenly dropped dead a couple weeks ago. Off it went to Motorola for warranty repair.
Now they say they don't have parts to fix it, have no idea when parts will be available nor replacements. They are offering me $$ back or another model (presumably with appropriate compensation, it'll be a couple days before I will have a chance to call them to talk about it). I don't have a sense whether waiting for a batch of parts to be manufactured will do me any good, since the dev edition has apparently been out of stock for some time.
I really liked the Maxx because of the big battery, but I also really want a phone I can root. I am one of those who is not comfortable with the mystery overseas unlocking service, so that option is out.
Anyone have any suggestions? I'm considering waiting for the Galaxy S5 to come out, but I'm not fond of the huge amount of crapware Samsung loads on their phones, not to mention what Verizon loads on. Plus the rumors of the limitations on using an sd card on the S5 to begin with.
Thanks for suggestions,
ken
They're still listing the Dev Edition for sale and they don't have parts to fix yours? Call me crazy but that's a load of malarkey if I've ever heard one - but then again, this is Motorola we're talking about, I suppose. I'm staring at the order page right this second in another tab... just put it in a cart... just verified it's in stock and ready to go.
I think you should call/contact Motorola and as soon as you get the first person on the phone, immediately say "I want to speak to a Supervisor," and when that person gets on the phone say "I want to speak to your Supervisor or Manager..." and don't back down till you get the third person and then lay it out for them:
If it's a legitimate warranty repair (I'm guessing that it is since you sent it back to 'em or dropped it off for the job) and they're lacking parts, they need to replace the entire phone, period.
I'd be all over 'em like stink on you-know-what and I wouldn't get off it till they shipped me the replacement overnight just for the trouble they've already caused with the BS excuse.
But that's just me... <hint, hint>
If moto gives you the run around and says it's still out of stock but you still want the maxx unlocked you have one choice. Get them to send you a regular maxx and use the China boot loader unlock for 40 bucks.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------
The only downside is no warranty using this method
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
bigv5150 said:
If moto gives you the run around and says it's still out of stock but you still want the maxx unlocked you have one choice. Get them to send you a regular maxx and use the China boot loader unlock for 40 bucks.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------
The only downside is no warranty using this method
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
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I have a dev edition and there really isn't a full warranty to begin with. Moto told me that if you unlock the bootloader you have the warranty, but if you root you don't. As if people aren't going to root their unlocked phone.
Really didn't know that. If you decide to go this route I would see how much a maxx is now off contract. If they are replacing a dev with a regular maxx I wouldn't pay the dev price.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
What a load of crap, unless they can no longer repair stock Droid Maxxes, too. The parts in the developer edition are exactly the same as the stock Droid Maxx, except the printing on the back that says it's a developer edition.
The developer edition was back in stock on their web site yesterday. It's still there now. http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all...r-Edition/m-Droid-Maxx-Developer-Edition.html
I'll try to give them a call tomorrow, and see what they say. If the DE is truly in stock again to order new, they have no excuse not to cough one up.
I'll post whatever response I get.
p.s. Yes I was perfectly aware about the China Connection. As I mentioned in my OP, I don't feel comfortable going that route. I am aware IMEIs in stock at retailers are not kept secure, but I see no sense in just handing it to persons unknown (I mean, why don't I see anyone posting their IMEIs on this public board if it's such a nonissue?). To each his own, everybody has their own risk calculus. I'm certainly not griping at anyone making a different choice.
Also, I coughed up the $$ for DE so I could muck with my phone without losing the warranty. That's important to me too - though that calculation will change if Moto gives me a runaround when I actually try to use it!
p.p.s. theycallmerayj: I am skeptical that the person who told you that has a clue. Certainly there is nothing in writing saying that, and Moto went through the bother to include a very explicit warning sheet about unlocking in the phone's box (on top of the phone, no way to miss it). Likewise in their unlocking pages, they go through a lot of words warning that unlocking will void warranty except for DE phones, but not a single byte spent mentioning rooting. *shrug* Besides, unlocking is kinda a weird thing to do if it isn't immediately followed by rooting or flashing an alternate image ...
I saw you were uncomfortable with the Chinese method I was just stating it is your ONLY choice if they don't have the dev phone and you really want an unlocked boot loader. Guess you have to weigh your immediate need vs. being uncomfortable.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
the developer edition it s again on stock
check here
http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all...r-Edition/m-Droid-Maxx-Developer-Edition.html
OK I spoke to the second-tier support folks. They are indeed unable to get parts or do anything with my unit. Nor can they just send me a new one from stock. They are unable to access that stream of hardware. Go figure.
However what they did offer was if I ordered a new one from the Moto website, and send them proof-of-purchase, they would fully reimburse me. So it's essentially the same thing as a replacement, just done the hard way.
My guess is warranty support is handled by a third-party contractor, not by Motorola themselves. That could explain the inability to access the stock of new units. I'm further guessing they could only replace units with refurbished ones but the DE has not had enough volume for there to be refurb units available.
Well, a new unit is ordered, I'm now waiting with bated breath for the 7-day waiting period (whatever they call the shipping latency they mention on their website).
So my post title "Dev edition is no more" has been shown to be wrong. I like being wrong.
kenryan said:
So my post title "Dev edition is no more" has been shown to be wrong. I like being wrong.
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Well, it was out of stock for weeks, and wasn't even listed under developer phones to backorder, so it sure seemed like the dev edition was no more. I just stumbled onto the listing the other day.
kenryan said:
OK I spoke to the second-tier support folks. They are indeed unable to get parts or do anything with my unit. Nor can they just send me a new one from stock. They are unable to access that stream of hardware. Go figure.
However what they did offer was if I ordered a new one from the Moto website, and send them proof-of-purchase, they would fully reimburse me. So it's essentially the same thing as a replacement, just done the hard way.
My guess is warranty support is handled by a third-party contractor, not by Motorola themselves. That could explain the inability to access the stock of new units. I'm further guessing they could only replace units with refurbished ones but the DE has not had enough volume for there to be refurb units available.
Well, a new unit is ordered, I'm now waiting with bated breath for the 7-day waiting period (whatever they call the shipping latency they mention on their website).
So my post title "Dev edition is no more" has been shown to be wrong. I like being wrong.
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Click to collapse
I can appreciate everything you said there, but as noted, the Dev Edition and the regular consumer model of the Droid MAXX are the exact same phones - there is no difference at all in terms of the hardware, none of it, the difference lies in having the unlocked bootloader from the factory in the Dev Edition and a locked one in the consumer model. Sounds like the people you've talked to are just coming up with excuse after excuse to not do what they're legally obligated to do: fix the damned phone or replace it, and now with that convoluted mess of a solution - "Buy a new one, we'll pay you back..." - there's just something not quite right going on there.
Seems like Motorola is still doing the same old crap that infuriated me a few years ago when they pulled the "screw you" thing with the original Atrix and Photon in terms of ICS updates: they just love doing things that piss off their customers it seems. Only reason I have a Droid MAXX at this moment is because it was completely free, I traded a donated laptop for it so it didn't cost me a cent out of pocket - I made a promise to myself that I'd never actually purchase Motorola hardware again so at least I haven't broken that yet.
I can't comprehend why Motorola would make such ridiculous claims over "parts" and the Dev Edition warranty repair you're rightly allowed to have access to - personally I would have just paid some local shop to fix the microUSB port issue (given THEY would be able to get the part(s) needed, of course, and with the popularity of Droid hardware and the fact that the Droid MAXX and Droid Ultra use effectively the same hardware in that respect) and then paid to do that Chinese unlock and seen what happened.
Regardless, good luck with the final resolution, I hope it all works out and you're back up and running with a Dev Edition soon.
I know everyone is going to want to install Oreo the minute it drops. Don't. At least until I have a chance to look at it.
This only applies if you have root currently, or ever want to root.
There is a chance that LG could make changes that break compatibility with the engineering aboot, and close all the holes in lafd.
I have nothing that indicates that will happen, but the fact that it IS a possibility means caution should be taken.
At least by me posting this, you can't say you weren't warned
-- Brian
I hate bumping posts, but I think this really needs to be drilled into everyone's heads.
If you just go blindly flashing Oreo, there is a good chance you will brick your phone if you are rooted with the engineering aboot.
-- Brian
If that turns out to be the case what is the solution? I know you said you were able to modify the persist partition to run unsigned firmware on the stock h910 bootloader, but if i remember correctly it was a bit dicey. Without the debug aboot we are in a bad way. I know you're busy with lafsploit just seeing if you had any initial ideas if things turn out for the worst.
I have already started the next project -- unlocking the bootloader without the engineering aboot.
Now that we can write to /dev/block/sda without root, we can update persist and persistent -- that is where aboot gets the "I am unlocked" from.
So, it is just a matter of figuring out exactly what to write and where, and no more engineering aboot is needed.
This is going to require dumps of persist and persistent from multiple devices -- of course the H918 in both locked and unlocked states.
Since I have an H918, I will be able to take care of those dumps, but even though I have an H910 as well, I can't have both of my phones out of commision (it will require factory resetting the phone so it is in a known state).
I have started a thread about this somewhere. I am going to dig it up and post some new information.
If this can be cracked, then it will allow ANY LG phone to be bootloader unlocked that still uses aboot and not the encrypted abl (The V30 would be an example of abl). I am not ruling out that I MAY be able to solve it on the V30 as well, but it would be a LOT harder without being able to decompile aboot.
My goal is to unlock as many LG phones as I possibly can. Yes, LG has pi**ed me off this much
The SD845 will put an end to this. Even though the chip isn't out yet, I have read all the specs, and while I won't say that it will be impossible to root a locked down SD845 phone, I sure won't be wasting my time doing it. Qualcomm has truly come up with some amazing security with the SD845.
-- Brian
runningnak3d said:
I have already started the next project -- unlocking the bootloader without the engineering aboot.
Now that we can write to /dev/block/sda without root, we can update persist and persistent -- that is where aboot gets the "I am unlocked" from.
So, it is just a matter of figuring out exactly what to write and where, and no more engineering aboot is needed.
This is going to require dumps of persist and persistent from multiple devices -- of course the H918 in both locked and unlocked states.
Since I have an H918, I will be able to take care of those dumps, but even though I have an H910 as well, I can't have both of my phones out of commision (it will require factory resetting the phone so it is in a known state).
I have started a thread about this somewhere. I am going to dig it up and post some new information.
If this can be cracked, then it will allow ANY LG phone to be bootloader unlocked that still uses aboot and not the encrypted abl (The V30 would be an example of abl). I am not ruling out that I MAY be able to solve it on the V30 as well, but it would be a LOT harder without being able to decompile aboot.
My goal is to unlock as many LG phones as I possibly can. Yes, LG has pi**ed me off this much
The SD845 will put an end to this. Even though the chip isn't out yet, I have read all the specs, and while I won't say that it will be impossible to root a locked down SD845 phone, I sure won't be wasting my time doing it. Qualcomm has truly come up with some amazing security with the SD845.
-- Brian
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Click to collapse
The SD845 is out with the S9 and I'm pretty sure a few other phones?
I forgot the S9 was out.
I'll have to grab one of their firmware files and see just how bad it is.
-- Brian
T-Mobile will only do a 'temporary unlock' on an S8+ my friend gave me, so I've got 30 days til they lock it again (oddly enough they say we can do this 5 times....can't make sense of that but ok!)
I want to carrier-unlock/crack this handset and it doesn't matter to me if I 'trip' the CPU by rooting to do this (I don't care about not getting updates, am not even intending to use data on this handset just talk/text), though I'm not sure rooting is even required as I've read on Reddit about newer firmwares that you can flash to that, once flashed, will make the handset carrier-free - I'm hoping against hope that that's true and that there's a simple/straight-forward way to just update it and crack the lock but am doubting that, *but* if I'm OK with 'breaking' the functionality of data-usage/updates to android/etc, is there *any* possible avenue for flashing/anything to crack that lock? So long as I can still call/text I'd be happy, am more than fine 'taking it off the network' so far as data is concerned and hoping that would make *some* approach worthwhile, so far my best bet is taking a chance with sites that sell codes to unlock but I've read of people doing this only for the phone to be re-locked (presumably the carrier catches-on, this is part of why I think just disabling data completely would be a smart move for me to get&keep the handset unlocked, and losing data capabilities isn't a real issue for me in the first place as there's wifi everywhere anyways!)
Thanks for any suggestions of what I could look into, I know the 'lock' is on the cpu (snapdragon/US-based/t-mobile) so harder to get around but just can't imagine it's un-crackable w/o a tech on their side helping me (ie those 'unlock unit' sites, which I'm imagining are run by people who work within the telecom infrastructure if they're able to do what they claim- still is hard to believe they'd be able to do that very long w/o being shut-down, it's not like they're working via bitcoin-only or something!)
New1Phone said:
T-Mobile will only do a 'temporary unlock' on an S8+ my friend gave me, so I've got 30 days til they lock it again (oddly enough they say we can do this 5 times....can't make sense of that but ok!)
I want to carrier-unlock/crack this handset and it doesn't matter to me if I 'trip' the CPU by rooting to do this (I don't care about not getting updates, am not even intending to use data on this handset just talk/text), though I'm not sure rooting is even required as I've read on Reddit about newer firmwares that you can flash to that, once flashed, will make the handset carrier-free - I'm hoping against hope that that's true and that there's a simple/straight-forward way to just update it and crack the lock but am doubting that, *but* if I'm OK with 'breaking' the functionality of data-usage/updates to android/etc, is there *any* possible avenue for flashing/anything to crack that lock? So long as I can still call/text I'd be happy, am more than fine 'taking it off the network' so far as data is concerned and hoping that would make *some* approach worthwhile, so far my best bet is taking a chance with sites that sell codes to unlock but I've read of people doing this only for the phone to be re-locked (presumably the carrier catches-on, this is part of why I think just disabling data completely would be a smart move for me to get&keep the handset unlocked, and losing data capabilities isn't a real issue for me in the first place as there's wifi everywhere anyways!)
Thanks for any suggestions of what I could look into, I know the 'lock' is on the cpu (snapdragon/US-based/t-mobile) so harder to get around but just can't imagine it's un-crackable w/o a tech on their side helping me (ie those 'unlock unit' sites, which I'm imagining are run by people who work within the telecom infrastructure if they're able to do what they claim- still is hard to believe they'd be able to do that very long w/o being shut-down, it's not like they're working via bitcoin-only or something!)
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You can't (really) root US phones. You should be able to put a U(niversal) rom on it, though.
You can have it unlocked via some service, leaving out the U rom.
Anyone know if the Canadian version (SM-A536W) has OEM Unlock?
I'm thinking about purchasing this phone but I really want to be able to install a custom rom sometime in the future, I see that the US version has a locked bootloader even if purchasing a unlocked phone.
Here is a link to the actual phone on Amazon.ca
Thanks
I looked into the missing oem unlock a bunch today. Apparently, there's no real way to know for sure.
Even a more expensive recent Samsung phone had it get removed on an update and nothing would bring it back from an example I found (although that person didn't look into as I do below).
My A53 definitely doesn't have it and its flagged as what's known for it to be showing yet its not. UK may have it happen same as US. The chip used apparently doesn't matter. The guides for missing oem unlock out there all copied each other and they don't really know anything besides that it worked at times - it doesn't here.
Side point: I don't know if the following will work. Fastboot is disabled on my device (odin is used) so if patching recovery to enable fastboot is possible, it might help? I don't see how doing that would make oem unlock show up though so I feel like its not a complete picture, https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlock-the-bootloader-and-install-gsi-rom.4453961/ but the wipe part in theory might (some bring that up as a thing though noted it also doesn't seem to work for some as well). I'm not wiping my device as I'm not unlocking since I need the official rom so not testing it to find out.
Further side point: On opening developer options menu, it does checks for oem unlock to know if it should show, enable, or disable the setting preference. eg A53
Code:
OemUnlockPreferenceController: enableUnlock : 1 = /dev/block/persistent / 2 = 1
Apparently, that may also be tied to Google FRP eg https://github.com/shunf4/magisk-blockfrpwriting/blob/master/README.md and https://android.googlesource.com/platform/frameworks/base/+/master/services/core/java/com/android/server/oemlock/OemLockService.java line 229 etc. and also https://www.samsung.com/nz/support/mobile-devices/what-is-google-frp/ and its also tied to some other things.
Also, the build.prop isn't even listing ro.oem_unlock_supported for me. I would think it may have to be there ...compared to my last Samsung which does have that listed https://source.android.com/devices/bootloader/locking_unlocking (adb shell getprop ro.oem_unlock_supported)
Its possible that the unlock ability will show up randomly. Its possible that it never will. Its possible ones that have it right now will have it go missing after updates.
So is the way of Samsung today
S22 Ultra Exynos 2200 1TB doesn't support OEM Unlock?
I have ordered my S22 Ultra 1 TB storage ( SM-S908B) from Samsung website in UK. I have enabled the Developers mode in settings and now when i wanted to root my phone i can't believe it... my device doesn't have the OEM Unlock option in there...
forum.xda-developers.com
If its a requirement for you then it would be the better choice to choose another brand that's strong in allowing it. Samsung isn't. I don't know if its an accidental part of their security measures (difficult to deal with) or on purpose but its fickle with it.
Looks like its fickle anyway though with too much stuff needing to be checked and aligned with it showing in the first place because of Google. Google also didn't put in place any info to state why its disabled as the code decides lol. I love when devs do that /s.
That's everything I can find on the issue and my advice. I added all this info here as others can still see it and just used your post to let you know its iffy at best.
Thanks for all the info you posted!, I've been sorta outa the loop on what's been going on with Samsung and changes they have done.
My current device is an old Galaxy S2 T989D running my own custom rom from 2014 heh, I don't really use phone much for anything really just figured it might be a good time to upgrade to something newer and saw the A53 for a pretty good price for a mid range phone, has more than ample features for me - really only thinking that I might want run a custom rom sometime after they no longer give security updates etc.
I did come across this info today which does seem to give a pretty good explanation of how much has changed over the years with the OEM Unlock and unlocking the bootloader with Samsung devices.
Almite said:
I did come across this info today which does seem to give a pretty good explanation of how much has changed over the years with the OEM Unlock and unlocking the bootloader with Samsung devices.
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Yeah. What I typed above was based on that and a lot more. However even that link is not the full picture.
Example "Samsung Galaxy devices that are sold in the USA with a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC come with non-unlockable bootloaders (officially). And so, the OEM unlocking option does not exist on such devices."
The A53 I'm using has an exynos. So processor doesn't matter as oem unlock is missing with Samsung's exynos.
As well based on that quote you might see the country but CA, UK, etc can have it go missing or not found. There's no way to know for sure at all times.
Hence my post above. You just can't be sure if you can ever unlock or not. Unless someone finds a way that will do it and unless an update doesn't kill it. If you see it available then use it as it might go missing.
International models have the best chance though it seems but no one can guarantee what Samsung will do.