Is it worth rooting / flashing the Mate 9? - Huawei Mate 9 Questions & Answers

I love this phone and have had it for more than 2 years now, and have no plans of upgrading and will use it until it breaks down. Since I don't expect any updates any more, I was wondering if its worth rooting and flashing an Android 10 ROM (any recommendations?) this phone, especially since I want to use the Google camera that only works with Android 10. But as I read the guides and threads here, it seems rooting is more complicated than other phones.
So, is it worth it?

tukmulin said:
I love this phone and have had it for more than 2 years now, and have no plans of upgrading and will use it until it breaks down. Since I don't expect any updates any more, I was wondering if its worth rooting and flashing an Android 10 ROM (any recommendations?) this phone, especially since I want to use the Google camera that only works with Android 10. But as I read the guides and threads here, it seems rooting is more complicated than other phones.
So, is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To flash a custom ROM you don't need root but unlocked Bootloader.
If you didn't obtain BL code when it was easy and free or cheap, that is now complicated and expensive (although still possible)- look at some other threads where people asked about flashing and it always comes down to the question about unlocking Bootloader

zgfg said:
To flash a custom ROM you don't need root but unlocked Bootloader.
If you didn't obtain BL code when it was easy and free or cheap, that is now complicated and expensive (although still possible)- look at some other threads where people asked about flashing and it always comes down to the question about unlocking Bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. Thank you. Looks like I'm stuck with stock then. Thank you! It doesn't make sense to me to root if I can't flash anyway since I won't be able to get Android 10. The phone has excellent battery life and I have no complaints about speed. Unless there are benefits to just rooting that I don't know about?

tukmulin said:
I see. Thank you. Looks like I'm stuck with stock then. Thank you! It doesn't make sense to me to root if I can't flash anyway since I won't be able to get Android 10. The phone has excellent battery life and I have no complaints about speed. Unless there are benefits to just rooting that I don't know about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I miss, but you didn't mention the most important fact - what is your EMUI version.
Supposing you are on 9.1 or 9.0 since you are asing about Android Q....
For rooting you must also flash (e.g. Recovery-Ramdisk patched by Magisk to get root, on EMUI 9), so it again comes down to the same problem about obtaining the Bootloader code (locked Bootloader prevents Fastboot from flashing) - to get a picture why is it complicated to obtain the BL code, please read like:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/help/mate-9-reached-dead-t3978105/post80497731
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/help/hi-to-downgrade-firmware-versions-gpu-t3917826
However, you can still do useful modding without TWRP, root, custom ROMs - that is, without the need to unlock Bootloader, see:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/help/modding-removing-bloatware-blocking-ads-t3971297

zgfg said:
Did I miss, but you didn't mention the most important fact - what is your EMUI version.
Supposing you are on 9.1 or 9.0 since you are asing about Android Q....
For rooting you must also flash (e.g. Recovery-Ramdisk patched by Magisk to get root, on EMUI 9), so it again comes down to the same problem about obtaining the Bootloader code (locked Bootloader prevents Fastboot from flashing) - to get a picture why is it complicated to obtain the BL code, please read like:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/help/mate-9-reached-dead-t3978105/post80497731
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/help/hi-to-downgrade-firmware-versions-gpu-t3917826
However, you can still do useful modding without TWRP, root, custom ROMs - that is, without the need to unlock Bootloader, see:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/help/modding-removing-bloatware-blocking-ads-t3971297
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Will look them up. Thank you so much! These are invaluable resources.

Related

[Video Guide] How To Root Galaxy S4 I337 / I337m Easy & User Friendly

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.

[Q] Is it possible to unroot or un-unlock the device?

From what I have read, the answer is no but I have some more questions so I guess Id ask anyway.
Transformer was very expensive and I have more than a year of warranty left. On the other hand I would very much like some of the features that require root. What action is possible to roll back? Unlocking, rooting or flashing a custom rom? I need to unlock the device before I can root it right?
I would use a number of features that rooting allows, but my main desire is to be able to use keyboard dock and mouse or even a gamepad as game controllers. Only program that can do that (joy2touch) requires root. But if I had root I guess I would try Cyanogenmod too because I can only see people praising it for how greatly it improves experience.
Also, there is lots of information around here but its still not dumb enough for someone who just wants to root a device but has no idea where to start (its pretty confusing). So sorry in advance for possibly asking obvious questions.
3DeX said:
From what I have read, the answer is no but I have some more questions so I guess Id ask anyway.
Transformer was very expensive and I have more than a year of warranty left. On the other hand I would very much like some of the features that require root. What action is possible to roll back? Unlocking, rooting or flashing a custom rom? I need to unlock the device before I can root it right?
I would use a number of features that rooting allows, but my main desire is to be able to use keyboard dock and mouse or even a gamepad as game controllers. Only program that can do that (joy2touch) requires root. But if I had root I guess I would try Cyanogenmod too because I can only see people praising it for how greatly it improves experience.
Also, there is lots of information around here but its still not dumb enough for someone who just wants to root a device but has no idea where to start (its pretty confusing). So sorry in advance for possibly asking obvious questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want root to use joy2touch, then your warranty is still good. If you unlock your device, then your warranty is voided... you can find more information about unlock and root here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1833212
Good luck..:fingers-crossed:
Yes but, there is rooting for either unlocked devices or devices running ICS or lower. And whatever rooting for JB I found (im running newest OTA) is only for unlocked devices as well. As I understand it, rooting does not void the warranty but unlocking does? Does that mean im screwed? I dont even know the difference between unlocking and rooting...
3DeX said:
Yes but, there is rooting for either unlocked devices or devices running ICS or lower. And whatever rooting for JB I found (im running newest OTA) is only for unlocked devices as well. As I understand it, rooting does not void the warranty but unlocking does? Does that mean im screwed? I dont even know the difference between unlocking and rooting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A rooting is allowed you to access your system files so you can modify them as will. A unlocking is allowed you to install custom rom and recovery. Someone else may have a better explaination for you.
No, you still can root your device if you have a bootloader .8 or earlier. If you have the latest bootloader, you can downgrade and root it..
LetMeKnow said:
No, you still can root your device if you have a bootloader .8 or earlier. If you have the latest bootloader, you can downgrade and root it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting exploits a bug in the kernel, not in the bootloader, so it's the ROM/kernel build 10.6.1.14.8, not the bootloader build. But it's always the same on locked devices anyway.
Uhm... you are confusing me even more. So is there a rooting guide that doesnt involve unlocking, can be reverted or doesnt void warranty, and works with newest stock OTA?
To my knowledge I dont have any kind of bootloader.
_that said:
Rooting exploits a bug in the kernel, not in the bootloader, so it's the ROM/kernel build 10.6.1.14.8, not the bootloader build. But it's always the same on locked devices anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks _that. What I meant is the latest firmware from Asus.
@3DeX
1. Download the Asus firmware 10.6.1.14.8
2. Backup your personal data and everything that you like to keep to your computer or your external SD.
3. Make sure that your battery is full so it is not shutdown during the installing process..
4. Unzip it once because there is another zip file insde it.
5. Copy the second zip file to the root directory of your internal SD.
6. Reboot your tablet.
7. After reboot, you will see the downgrade notification in the lower right corner.
8. Click on the downgrade notification and follow the instructions.
9. During the installing process, Do not try to turn it off. It will reboot by itself when the installation is completed. It may take 2 to 3 minutes..
10. Use motochopper to root your device.
Good luck..

Bounty for unlocking bootloader for vs990 (progress has been made)

Good afternoon people of XDA,
Today is the dawn of a new day. A day where we begin the road to unlocking the bootloader to something that many believe is unlockable. Me and a few other users are starting a bounty to bring the incentive to life for all active developers. You can find my previous thread here. Now, when I say progress has been made, I mean that we have gotten into fastboot, we have donation incentives and we already have root so our tools are there we just have to find the exploit. Every day people are finding new exploits furthering our cause into reaching our goal. Now to the developers who want to pursue this, I've very much so tried to get active commands in fastboot but basically its just a dead fastboot for right now. The board on this phone and technologies behind it are so similar to its predecessors that somethings got to give. If you are interested in this cause, i.e. donating or deving on it, please contact me here, or email me at [email protected]
This is in our grasps friends. Spread the word, grab your fellow developers and lets get this thing to be a free wad of cash for whoever can bust it. Lets do this.
Attached is the spreadsheet for the current donations.
this kind of things never work...i mean, you make a donation and the people or the persons behind the scenes when getting high values like 400-500$ then buy a new phone and move on letting the desired phone to get development in the trash!!
Noooo, people should see, if a year old phone never came to life in development in the first 6-8 months then the development for it is dead and if you like to custumize the phone and flash things you need to move to a more flashable-friend device!
I have to agree with this. The Tmobile version has unlocked bootloader yet barely no development. What would make me that unlocking VS990 bootloader would all of a sudden spur development.
beavis5706 said:
I have to agree with this. The Tmobile version has unlocked bootloader yet barely no development. What would make me that unlocking VS990 bootloader would all of a sudden spur development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally (and I think many other users) don't really need cooked roms. With gravity box, xposed and some other apps, I can "cook" my own rom (and believe me, it won't be that hard). All we need is a method for rooting. Using an android without rooting is even worse than an iphone without jailbreaking since iphones are undoubtedly smoother
presariohg said:
I personally (and I think many other users) don't really need cooked roms. With gravity box, xposed and some other apps, I can "cook" my own rom (and believe me, it won't be that hard). All we need is a method for rooting. Using an android without rooting is even worse than an iphone without jailbreaking since iphones are undoubtedly smoother
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, a rooting method for version above MM is the most importing thing for us rather than flashing custom rom. However, system-less root is need to root MM or above and this is required modifying boot.img, therefore, bootloader unlocking is need. Unless, we have found a way to sign the modified boot.img to deceive the offical bootloader.
ivangundampc said:
Indeed, a rooting method for version above MM is the most importing thing for us rather than flashing custom rom. However, system-less root is need to root MM or above and this is required modifying boot.img, therefore, bootloader unlocking is need. Unless, we have found a way to sign the modified boot.img to deceive the offical bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you mean by "unless"? Have you found an evidence that MM bootloader is unlockable or not?..
presariohg said:
What did you mean by "unless"? Have you found an evidence that MM bootloader is unlockable or not?..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean even if the bootloader is not unlockable, somethings can be done to let us perform the same things just like bootloader is unlocked.
For example, some dev in G2 and G3 have released a tool called "Bump!" before that can sign any third party image and let it able to be run on offical locked LG bootloader.
source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/orig-development/bump-sign-unlock-boot-images-lg-phones-t2935275
But of course, since LG have fixed the bug, we can no longer do the same tricks now.
In China, there is name ???he has lg tool, this tool can unpack repack kdz tot, add root in tot.
This is weibo id http://m.weibo.cn/u/1684239753
Need help
andy_zhang said:
In China, there is name ???he has lg tool, this tool can unpack repack kdz tot, add root in tot.
This is weibo id
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, So I've been working to be able to get root, so far I have added root to the system.img and that's all done, I need this tool to be able to repack. Can anyone, or you, contact him and get this tool? This would be so helpful for me to get root and release it!!!!
abine45 said:
Hey, So I've been working to be able to get root, so far I have added root to the system.img and that's all done, I need this tool to be able to repack. Can anyone, or you, contact him and get this tool? This would be so helpful for me to get root and release it!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version of Android you are going to add root? I wonder that you cannot simply add root in /system after Android 6.0.
ivangundampc said:
What version of Android you are going to add root? I wonder that you cannot simply add root in /system after Android 6.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying different things but still i need to figure out how to repack a tot to find out what's going to work!! Does anybody know how to get that application?
abine45 said:
I'm trying different things but still i need to figure out how to repack a tot to find out what's going to work!! Does anybody know how to get that application?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For MM, unless you've found a way to get the SELinux context needed, repacking the system image will not work.
anyone having any luck with rooting MM?
I think at this point what we really need is a small set of testers who have a good insurance policy on their phones and are willing to risk bricking their phones. We've got the outline of a method which looks viable, but the details haven't been worked out and is hence likely to produce a few bricks before we get it working.
Sorry for dropping of the face of the planet for the past two months. In testing with my device it ended up being FUBAR after wiping my aboot completely and with that the phone would not boot to anything but a black screen. I sent it into LG and after some time they finally just replaced my motherboard. But the absolute sad part is that they have me upgraded to 6.0 which absolutely is crushing my world. SO until further notice I will not be testing the unlocking of the bootloader anymore but I will make efforts here in a few weeks to start work on rooting the device. @alvislee[email protected]

Rooting (only) Honor View 10

Looking for some advice........I've just bought an Honor View 10 and I want to root it (just to use Apps that require root access), i.e. I don't need to flash any images etc as I'm not installing a new ROM
Is this possible straight out of the box? i.e Phone still has a locked Bootloader
If so, is there a guide somewhere on how to do this? ......Cheers!
You should really do some research before asking. Your answers are out there, just look for them.
riverbird69 said:
Looking for some advice........I've just bought an Honor View 10 and I want to root it (just to use Apps that require root access), i.e. I don't need to flash any images etc as I'm not installing a new ROM
Is this possible straight out of the box? i.e Phone still has a locked Bootloader
If so, is there a guide somewhere on how to do this? ......Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You REALLY shouldn't have bought any Huawei/Honor device since they no longer give out bootloader unlock codes.
The only way to unlock now is through paid services, so if you still can I suggest you return it and get a phone from another manufaturer like OnePlus or Xiaomi
I know other phones are easier to root since Honor/Huawei aren't giving out Bootloader codes anymore, but that didn't really answer my question though......Is it possible to just root the phone without a Bootloader Code (just root, no flashing)..
riverbird69 said:
I know other phones are easier to root since Honor/Huawei aren't giving out Bootloader codes anymore, but that didn't really answer my question though......Is it possible to just root the phone without a Bootloader Code (just root, no flashing)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it is not possible. The bootloader code is needed to root/flash. You can like the previous person, spend some cash to get the bootloader code. Hope that helps?
Thanks for the reply, was hoping for a different answer though! Cheers...
riverbird69 said:
Thanks for the reply, was hoping for a different answer though! Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, wish the answer was different. Still without root this phone is amazing

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.
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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 :/
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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.

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