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Hey folks. It's me again :victory: So I've got another super easy video guide on how to root your shiny new Samsung Galaxy S4 I337 or I337m.
This guide is using djrbliss's Motochopper tool. This tool has made it easier than ever to root a device! So BIG thanks goes out to him!
Links to everything can be found in the video description.
Enjoy
Here is a couple of more. I figure its better to keep them all in one place so people can decide which guide they want to use.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257039
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257058
I think there might be a couple more out there but this should help people to answer any possible question about rooting that they could ever have.
If you have the AT&T OTA (MF3) for the SGH-I337 S4, the method in the OP does not work. Here is a method for rooting MF3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
For Canadian MG1 Firmware, try CF Auto-Root download for the SGH-I337M:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800
Just sold my Rogers S2 LTE because I upgraded to the S4. My quick question, if I ROOT and retain the original Samsung Recovery will I be able to still get and do official firmware upgrades? This is the only thing stopping me from going forward with rooting.
You can still get updates, but you will loose your root access with each update.
thanks: im now rooted and sim unlocked for free!
Slade8525 said:
thanks: im now rooted and sim unlocked for free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, how did you sim unlock it for free, do you mind sharing?
yeah sure!
similar method worked for my GS III; havent tested the GS IV with different sim just yet but GF's old GS III is working just fine for her sister in Canada (Bell i think). GF found it actually, and did it to hers 1st. ill know if it works when we leave for work in Montreal next week or if i bum a t-mobile cell from a friend.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683
Stoneyguy said:
You can still get updates, but you will loose your root access with each update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WRONG, I am unable to update my device, it says that my phone has been modified, and yes, I have rooted it with this video.
Whenever I try this method, when it goes to push the exploit, it says error multiple devices or something. when I only have the S4 plugged in. Followed step by step.
Dragosmp said:
WRONG, I am unable to update my device, it says that my phone has been modified, and yes, I have rooted it with this video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is rooted and still shows official in phone status. There is a post on how to regain that status while still maintaining your root.
Stoneyguy said:
My phone is rooted and still shows official in phone status. There is a post on how to regain that status while still maintaining your root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post a link to where it shows how to regain the status will maintaining the root?
rsarwar said:
Could you post a link to where it shows how to regain the status will maintaining the root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link has already been posted on the first page.
thanks worked great just rooted min in 5 min
Safe to root?
Excuse my ignorance, but on another thread it was suggested that in the absence of recovery and a backup image rooting might be premature. Is the general consensus now that it is safe to root? There seems to be some backup images around thought I don't know if they have been tested, and I haven't heard about recovery.
sblevine
Newbie here... couple of questions
I have the same concern as the member above... is it already possible to restore the phone if something goes bad? Is there instructions anywhere around this forum? where?
Also, once you root the phone you can proceed to download a ROM and install it... when a new ROM version is available and I download and install it, do I lose the root?
What is the best (if more than one is already available) for the ATT S4?
Thank you all and sorry for the "newbieness"....
Cheers:good:
speed2001 said:
I have the same concern as the member above... is it already possible to restore the phone if something goes bad? Is there instructions anywhere around this forum? where?
Also, once you root the phone you can proceed to download a ROM and install it... when a new ROM version is available and I download and install it, do I lose the root?
What is the best (if more than one is already available) for the ATT S4?
Thank you all and sorry for the "newbieness"....
Cheers:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Relys said:
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks for the reply. I was under the impression that the bootloader was already exploited. Pure BS those protections that always end up broken like the IOS ones. What I would like is to have the S4 as factory released and load a good ROM without any problems and no bloatware. If not for the warranty I would buy an unlocked phone elsewhere.
Well, let's wait for the exploit next week. I don't want to brick my phone and not able to restore it. I will keep checking back.
Cheers and thanks again
Speed
Relys said:
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the bold above, I am honestly not that interested in the Custom ROMS right now, only rooting and with this method it does not install any custom recovery, right? As well, if I root via this method will I be able to still do the OTA updates since Samsung recovery is untouched? I know and understand that I will likely loose root, but I can always re-root, right?
I am itching to root and this is the only thing stopping me as there seems to be much confusion about this.
BTW I am on Rogers (Canada) i337M if it makes a difference
rsarwar said:
Regarding the bold above, I am honestly not that interested in the Custom ROMS right now, only rooting and with this method it does not install any custom recovery, right? As well, if I root via this method will I be able to still do the OTA updates since Samsung recovery is untouched? I know and understand that I will likely loose root, but I can always re-root, right?
I am itching to root and this is the only thing stopping me as there seems to be much confusion about this.
BTW I am on Rogers (Canada) i337M if it makes a difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been a bit confused as well despite reading hundreds of posts and watching referenced videos (I've also been hesitant to ask questions given the culture of this board). Here is what I hope is accurate, please correct where I am wrong:
We can root I337 now.
Doing a simple root now is reversible, ie, can be un-rooted.
The bootloader unlock is needed primarily for custom roms.
If one does not desire a custom rom, there is no reason to wait to root.
And, a few questions:
Does rooting wipe out apps, settings, and/or data?
Will an AT&T android system update remove the root?
If so, can we just root again?
Thank you for clarifications. I'm sure there are many that are not posting with some of these questions. I will be glad to put together a noobie's guide if I can get a handle on all of this. It is all out there somewhere, but very fragmented, and often one post is contradicted by another.
zekeblue said:
I've been a bit confused as well despite reading hundreds of posts and watching referenced videos (I've also been hesitant to ask questions given the culture of this board). Here is what I hope is accurate, please correct where I am wrong:
We can root I337 now.
Doing a simple root now is reversible, ie, can be un-rooted.
The bootloader unlock is needed primarily for custom roms.
If one does not desire a custom rom, there is no reason to wait to root.
And, a few questions:
Does rooting wipe out apps, settings, and/or data?
Will an AT&T android system update remove the root?
If so, can we just root again?
Thank you for clarifications. I'm sure there are many that are not posting with some of these questions. I will be glad to put together a noobie's guide if I can get a handle on all of this. It is all out there somewhere, but very fragmented, and often one post is contradicted by another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your assumptions are correct:
1. Yep.
2. Yes, you can delete busybox and su in your system directory to get your phone switch your phone from "Custom" to "Official" status. If you install SuperSu and remove Superuser you can have root while keeping "Official" status.
3. Correct.
4. If you **** up while messing around with root you can recover to stock ROM via Odin or Kies. There is no reason to wait for root.
To answer your questions.
1. No, nothing changes. You just enable superuser privileges.
2. Typically yes. Don't accept OTA's until your know they're safe.
3. It depends if they patch the exploit or not.
Hey all, just got my pixel. Wanna stay on stock, but maybe root? I want to get my hotspot enabled, so do I need to root to do this? I'm on sprint. Any guidance! Thank you!
If you don't or can't get hotspot enable you may have to root to get it. Plenty of info on how.
FYI
Since you are on Sprint I'm going to guess you bought directly from Google. To my knowledge you can disregard any convos about updates locking you down. That only seems to affect devices bought through Verizon.
FernBch said:
If you don't or can't get hotspot enable you may have to root to get it. Plenty of info on how.
FYI
Since you are on Sprint I'm going to guess you bought directly from Google. To my knowledge you can disregard any convos about updates locking you down. That only seems to affect devices bought through Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sprint and bought directly from play store.
Guess I'll start with this tool eH?
forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/development/tool-skipsoft-android--google-t3482761
Problem is, I already updated via OTA to latest version. Am I screwed?
Screwed?? If you mean BL locked, no. I have the Verizon branded variant but unlocked, rooted, and flashed SU. When I saw NMF26Q was available from Google I downloaded it, installed via flash-all from fastboot, then rerooted and flashed SU again no problem.
chugger93 said:
Hey all, just got my pixel. Wanna stay on stock, but maybe root? I want to get my hotspot enabled, so do I need to root to do this? I'm on sprint. Any guidance! Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please look at OP install instructions in this thread.
Please look at OP install instruction in TWRP thread.
I guess you aren't on Telus in Canada or your hotspot would work. When you give no information, too hard to help. But I read this forum so even though I don't have Sprint or Verizon as my provider, I know there are many threads about turning hotspot on for unlimited data plans. Guidance: read those threads too!
Then ask for specific guidance. I don't want to reread for 25 min to find and copy and paste to spoonfeed when you should read. Much nicer to fill in a few missing spots than hold your hand not having a clue of your technical knowledge and skills.
Happy holidays.
Specific guidance: update SDK tools before you start!
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent? or can I now relock bootloader since I'm rooted?
chugger93 said:
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just means your bootloader is unlocked and isn't anything to be worried about. As long as your bootloader is unlocked it will show.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
chugger93 said:
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
joetheshmo said:
It just means your bootloader is unlocked and isn't anything to be worried about. As long as your bootloader is unlocked it will show.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to worry about. I just ignore it.
joetheshmo said:
It just means your bootloader is unlocked and isn't anything to be worried about. As long as your bootloader is unlocked it will show.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's Verizon's equivalence of "Sorry sucka, you're on your own!"
chugger93 said:
so I managed to unlock and run the fastboot command to push SuperSU to my new pixel. All seems good so far...but when I restart my device I get a "your device software cant be checked for corruption" message. What is that all about? Assuming from unlocking the bootloader. Is this permanent? or can I now relock bootloader since I'm rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not relock your bootloader unless you are fully 100% stock or you run the risk of bricking your phone
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
joetheshmo said:
Do not relock your bootloader unless you are fully 100% stock or you run the risk of bricking your phone
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. Ya havnt used a ROM or anything, do not plan on it. So for now I'm stock. So I can relock it though, get rid of that message but still maintain SuperSU/root right?
My only goal is to get hotspot working (sprint)
chugger93 said:
That makes sense. Ya havnt used a ROM or anything, do not plan on it. So for now I'm stock. So I can relock it though, get rid of that message but still maintain SuperSU/root right?
My only goal is to get hotspot working (sprint)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're rooted and have done the tether hack you're no longer stock. Don't lock the bootloader unless you are COMPLETELY stock.
robocuff said:
If you're rooted and have done the tether hack you're no longer stock. Don't lock the bootloader unless you are COMPLETELY stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which tether hack? This one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/themes/mod-tethermod-systemless-install-guide-t3501448
If so, I have not done any tether hack yet....still reading since there are multiple ways to do it. (sprint variant/google play store)
chugger93 said:
That makes sense. Ya havnt used a ROM or anything, do not plan on it. So for now I'm stock. So I can relock it though, get rid of that message but still maintain SuperSU/root right?
My only goal is to get hotspot working (sprint)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, having SuperSU means you are no longer stock. You need all stock images to lock bootloader.
If you need a locked bootloader for Android Pay or some other apps. Install one of the customer kernels, they hide it. You still need to remove SuperSU though. From what I've seen its a bit harder to hide that for now. So you can root, make change for hotspot and remove root.
Otherwise nothing hurts to have your bootloader unlocked. It gives you more options if anything ever goes wrong. You need unlocked bootloader to even load Google factory images.
PS. I'd recommend Franco kernel as it imporoves battery life.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
chugger93 said:
Hey all, just got my pixel. Wanna stay on stock, but maybe root? I want to get my hotspot enabled, so do I need to root to do this? I'm on sprint. Any guidance! Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't have to root to have hotspot enabled, it's a build-in function. Simply set it up in “wireless & networks” and you are ready to go:laugh:
eos9d said:
No you don't have to root to have hotspot enabled, it's a build-in function. Simply set it up in �wireless & networks� and you are ready to go[emoji23]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on his plan, he may not have that option. Many do not, hence still need the tether hack.
hi! so i just bought my rog phone 5, coming from xperia z (yeah i know). so based on my experience using xperia phone, rooting doesnt require unlocked bootloader, right? or did i just forget it coz im using custom roms?
im just not ready to unlock the bootloader and I WANT ROOT. theres so many ads
kal27 said:
hi! so i just bought my rog phone 5, coming from xperia z (yeah i know). so based on my experience using xperia phone, rooting doesnt require unlocked bootloader, right? or did i just forget it coz im using custom roms?
im just not ready to unlock the bootloader and I WANT ROOT. theres so many ads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, unlocking bl is a prerequisite for rooting. Or else, the device wouldn't be able to execute 'fastboot flash' or 'fastboot boot' adb commands.
As for the ad issue, try 'dns.adguard.com' w/o quotes as private dns address (dns over tls).
because you need to modify the boot partition by flashing the patched boot. hence it has to be unlocked. otherwise you will not be able to flash the patched boot.
as simple as this.
By default, the bootloader only supports official signed images from the manufacturer. Since no engineering bootloader is available and we don't have the signing tools, the next best thing is to disable the restriction.
thanks everyone! this sure cleared things up. anyway is there a available custom rom? like cyanogenmod for phone 5?
kal27 said:
thanks everyone! this sure cleared things up. anyway is there a available custom rom? like cyanogenmod for phone 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still needs a proper device profile for that stuff
Hi, i am looking more styles for EdgeLighting. before, we could use EdgeLighting+ but now its not working on android 12.
there is an app called muviz edge that contains excellent styles but app does not work properly. so i am looking for a better app for replacing edgelighting+ with beautiful styles.
can we install S21 or something else edge lighting app on our A51?
do you have any recommended app?
Funny thing is, your phone already has all the edge lighting effects built in, the only problem is that there is a specific file called floating_feature that's missing one text line that would make all those extra edge lighting effects appear
So to answer your question, to get more styles for edge lighting you need to root your phone and edit the following file:
system/etc/floating_feature.xml
And add the following line inside the features:
<SEC_FLOATING_FEATURE_SYSTEMUI_CONFIG_EDGELIGHTING_FRAME_EFFECT>frame_effect</SEC_FLOATING_FEATURE_SYSTEMUI_CONFIG_EDGELIGHTING_FRAME_EFFECT>
Save, reboot and your phone should now have all the effects available that Samsung enables on their flagship phones.
And before you ask, no, there is no way to do this without root.
Tnx, but with root, secure folder will be disabled. and i cant root my phone.
in android 10 We could install edgelighting+ that installs additional styles. (without root).
so Did EdgeLighting+ somehow edit this file?
mahdi72 said:
Tnx, but with root, secure folder will be disabled. and i cant root my phone.
in android 10 We could install edgelighting+ that installs additional styles. (without root).
so Did EdgeLighting+ somehow edit this file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no clue. But as you said, edge lighting+ no longer works so on newer Android versions, rooting is your only choice.
ShaDisNX255 said:
I have no clue. But as you said, edge lighting+ no longer works so on newer Android versions, rooting is your only choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i Edit Stock Rom in Linux (add Floating_Feature, remove apps, add new apps) and flash it in my A51 phone?
Do I need root to install this modified rom?
mahdi72 said:
Can i Edit Stock Rom in Linux (add Floating_Feature, remove apps, add new apps) and flash it in my A51 phone?
Do I need root to install this modified rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to root, yes. Since you will edit it, it will lose Samsung's trusted signature and will therefore count as a custom ROM
ShaDisNX255 said:
You will need to root, yes. Since you will edit it, it will lose Samsung's trusted signature and will therefore count as a custom ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I have researched, it does not seem to require root, but we have to open the bootloader or OEM Option in Developer Mode.
People are also talking about a tool called Odin Patched, which can bypass some verifications.
Is it possible to flash only the edited CSC file with this tool? Sorry to take up your time
mahdi72 said:
As far as I have researched, it does not seem to require root, but we have to open the bootloader or OEM Option in Developer Mode.
People are also talking about a tool called Odin Patched, which can bypass some verifications.
Is it possible to flash only the edited CSC file with this tool? Sorry to take up your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey no worries, XDA is meant for a place to learn and I'm happy to try and help/educate in any way I can.
Opening the bootloader is step 1 in getting root access. You may think that root is the equivalent of installing Magisk and that's what root is but it's a lot more than that. By installing something custom you've in some way obtained root access by editing your stock ROM.
But anyway, going back to your original question/answer, the patched Odin can only bypass some verifications on Odin's side but it can't bypass the verification that the phone does itself. The patched Odin is mainly for installing U firmware on U1 variants and vice-versa, something that you can't do on the original Odin. It can't really bypass checking the validity of Samsung's signature on stock firmware. Even if it could bypass that check, the phone also checks the firmware it's being installed so it will detect it as a custom fw file
So, long story short, if you edit stock FW with any tool it will break Samsung's trusted signature and both phone and Odin will pick it up as a custom firmware (i.e. custom ROM) and you will only be able to install it by unlocking the bootloader. Flashing anything custom will break/trip Knox and it will be broken forever
Let me know if you have any more questions I can help you with.
ShaDisNX255 said:
Hey no worries, XDA is meant for a place to learn and I'm happy to try and help/educate in any way I can.
Opening the bootloader is step 1 in getting root access. You may think that root is the equivalent of installing Magisk and that's what root is but it's a lot more than that. By installing something custom you've in some way obtained root access by editing your stock ROM.
But anyway, going back to your original question/answer, the patched Odin can only bypass some verifications on Odin's side but it can't bypass the verification that the phone does itself. The patched Odin is mainly for installing U firmware on U1 variants and vice-versa, something that you can't do on the original Odin. It can't really bypass checking the validity of Samsung's signature on stock firmware. Even if it could bypass that check, the phone also checks the firmware it's being installed so it will detect it as a custom fw file
So, long story short, if you edit stock FW with any tool it will break Samsung's trusted signature and both phone and Odin will pick it up as a custom firmware (i.e. custom ROM) and you will only be able to install it by unlocking the bootloader. Flashing anything custom will break/trip Knox and it will be broken forever
Let me know if you have any more questions I can help you with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, now many things are clear.
I want to know if unlocking the bootloader is worth it?
I have no problem with the warranty, I have the phone for more than 2 years and Samsung has no after sales service in our country. But for me, the use of banking app, Secure Folder, Samsung Pass are very important.
Is there a way to make all these apps work without problems by unlocking the bootloader?
Surely the OTA updates will also fail with this work, right?
can i unlock bootloader, flash edited files and relock bootloader?
mahdi72 said:
But for me, the use of banking app, Secure Folder, Samsung Pass are very important.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some banking apps are harder to trick than others. I have no problems hiding root from my banking app but I've seen others struggle to hide from theirs, can't really comment on it. Secure Folder has a fix in Android 12 so it should be able to be fixed. Samsung Pass is something that still has no fix as far as I know so if you decide to root/blow knox fuse, this will never work again even if you lock your bootloader again. I've made my change to Google Pass which works with root so Samsung Pass isn't important to me anymore.
mahdi72 said:
Surely the OTA updates will also fail with this work, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct, OTA updates stop working when you unlock your bootloader but if you re-lock your bootloader, you may get OTA updates again.
mahdi72 said:
can i unlock bootloader, flash edited files and relock bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, this will lock your phone. Once you edit anything with root or install a custom fw (rom) then it will always count as custom for the phone. If you lock your bootloader while you have custom fw installed, your phone will be stuck in download mode telling you that your phone has custom fw and will refuse to boot until you flash stock fw.
Thank you very much for your very detailed explanation
So, for this part, I need Magisk, which probably Hide all banking apps in Iran
ShaDisNX255 said:
Some banking apps are harder to trick than others. I have no problems hiding root from my banking app but I've seen others struggle to hide from theirs, can't really comment on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to your explanation, This is my decision: I can unlock the bootloader and flash the modified ROM (I can apply the necessary fixes for Secure Folder and other changes to the ROM (Can i?)). The only thing I miss is the Samsung Pass feature, which I can replace with Google Pass, OTA updates can be ignored and do not have much priority for me.
The only important thing is the banking apps.
When the bootloader is unlocked, is the root status rooted or un-rooted? Because I feel that some banking apps only check root access and have nothing to do with bootloader (At least in Iran).
If the root status has not changed after Unlocking the bootloader (I think the root status changes after installing Magisk or SU) I think that I can do the above steps and reach my goal
mahdi72 said:
This is my decision: I can unlock the bootloader and flash the modified ROM (I can apply the necessary fixes for Secure Folder and other changes to the ROM (Can i?))
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can, yeah.
mahdi72 said:
When the bootloader is unlocked, is the root status rooted or un-rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With unlock bootloader alone it's still un-rooted
mahdi72 said:
When the bootloader is unlocked, is the root status rooted or un-rooted? Because I feel that some banking apps only check root access and have nothing to do with bootloader (At least in Iran).
If the root status has not changed after Unlocking the bootloader (I think the root status changes after installing Magisk or SU) I think that I can do the above steps and reach my goal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is where it can get a little tricky and depends on each app because it's not a standard. If your banking app checks if your bootloader is unlocked then you pretty much need Magisk to hide your bootloader unlocked. Without Magisk, any app will be able to check that you have an unlocked bootloader
If your bank app checks to see if you have Magisk only then you can certainly avoid having to flash Magisk if you're not going to use it anyway
If your bank apps checks safetynet then you will again need to flash Magisk and flash a patch to pass safetynet tests
Again, it's not a standard so it all depends on the bank app in question. You can certainly try to unlock your bootloader and stay in stock and check if your bank apps detects your unlocked bootloader. Just unlocking bootloader shouldn't blow knox yet.
ShaDisNX255 said:
You can, yeah.
With unlock bootloader alone it's still un-rooted
This is where it can get a little tricky and depends on each app because it's not a standard. If your banking app checks if your bootloader is unlocked then you pretty much need Magisk to hide your bootloader unlocked. Without Magisk, any app will be able to check that you have an unlocked bootloader
If your bank app checks to see if you have Magisk only then you can certainly avoid having to flash Magisk if you're not going to use it anyway
If your bank apps checks safetynet then you will again need to flash Magisk and flash a patch to pass safetynet tests
Again, it's not a standard so it all depends on the bank app in question. You can certainly try to unlock your bootloader and stay in stock and check if your bank apps detects your unlocked bootloader. Just unlocking bootloader shouldn't blow knox yet.
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thank you so much Now everything became clear to me
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?
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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?
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Click to collapse
Pixel Flasher will work fine for updating.
Lughnasadh said:
Not unless you want to brick your device.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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*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?
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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.
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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!
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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)
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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.