What's the expected situation regarding bootloader unlocking, rooting, custom ROMs, etc? I have not used Samsung in recent years, so if someone could give me the breakdown I'd appreciate it. I purchased the unlocked version.
Hello,
Just received my ZFlip today, and rooted using this comment:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82395043&postcount=25
However please note this appears to disable magisk-hide (only patching boot), and prevents apps like pay and netflix from working or being compatible. The full guide in OP ends-up in boot-loop.
Related
Hi,
I've spent the last couple of hours reading through all the info in this forum but it's so confusing and imprecise I'm still completely clueless.
Could please some do-gooder soul here fill the gap and summarize the specific concepts in one place? Such as:
* What exactly is enabled by unlocking the bootloader and what are the device differences (e.g. many ppl. talk about dev editions in general but that only exists of the Maxx)
* Is there a method already to unlock the bootloader for a Droid Ultra, or is it in the works
* Is unlocking the bootloader related to rooting the phone, or are they completely independent of each other
* What kind of "write protection" is there on these phones and how is it related to being rooted or not (e.g. is a root not enough to write the system partition?)
* What of the above is required to be able to flash a new ROM
* What of the above is required to be able to install a customized theme
* Some quick info on different software accessories (safestrap, rsdlite etc.)
I'm by no means a newbie to phones or computers, I'm a developer myself (not on Android tho) with 20+ years of experience. So I'm not after a "phones for dummies" guide, I'd just like to understand exactly what's going on before touching my not-so-cheap phone.
Thanks a lot in advance for taking the patience.
Surmoka said:
Hi,
I've spent the last couple of hours reading through all the info in this forum but it's so confusing and imprecise I'm still completely clueless.
Could please some do-gooder soul here fill the gap and summarize the specific concepts in one place? Such as:
Thanks a lot in advance for taking the patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) What exactly is enabled by unlocking the bootloader and what are the device differences (e.g. many ppl. talk about dev editions in general but that only exists of the Maxx)?
2) Is there a method already to unlock the bootloader for a Droid Ultra, or is it in the works?
Locked is the consumer ed. Recovery & boot (kernel) are not modified w/o a Moto signed update.
SS recovery allows flashing of custom system partitions as well as backing up your system & data.
Unlocked is a Dev ed. or an unauthorized unlock (China MM or Sunshine-Devs-coming soon )
Once you are unlocked the method does not matter except as to warranty.
3) Is unlocking the bootloader related to rooting the phone, or are they completely independent of each other?
Unlocked is always able to flash root SU from custom recovery.
Locked BLs need root exploits for 4.4 & below.
see Droid orig Dev section. There is no root exploit for 444.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54358692&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49260947&postcount=1
4) What kind of "write protection" is there on these phones and how is it related to being rooted or not (e.g. is a root not enough to write the system partition?)?
Unlocked BLs have no WP by default, no action needed, once rooted.
Locked BLs need to turn WP off. See the Dev section.
5) What of the above is required to be able to flash a new ROM?
On the Droid line there are not any custom roms that have the touchless & active dsp.
Unlocked BLs are the only ones that run a true custom rom/kernel.
Edit: on the first & 2nd generation 8960s custom ROMs have always had issues. Rooted stock is best- ad blocking, Xposed & some apps that need root is all you need. Custom may be faster but never better.
6) What of the above is required to be able to install a customized theme
I do not Theme!
7) Some quick info on different software accessories (safestrap, rsdlite etc.)
Rsd http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/guide-moto-x-return-to-100-stock-using-t2446515
Xposed Framework http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401
Hashcode on SafeStrap :http://blog.hash-of-codes.com/how-to-safestrap/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55452213&postcount=4
My page of links http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51600873&postcount=2
Xt907 links http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45548210#post45548210
A guide of mine for SS on a Razr M, not much has changed for the Ultra. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45541404#post45541404
Never downgrade your firmware! http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/how-to-resurrecting-bricked-moto-x-t2629057
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55491148&postcount=10
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55504019&postcount=12
Useful
http://waynekent.com/page6.html
http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX.htm
If it works on the X it should work on the Ultra. There are some exceptions, Roms mostly & any UI framework-system mods, Always backup first.
I am locked & unrooted on a Maxx now. I had an X Dev Ed- http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/fyi-dim-screen-moto-white-glove-t2753559
Thanks, this is a really good collection of info to get started.
Maybe this could be made into a sticky post as an introductionary guide.
I can help you out with #6 regarding Themimg
With the release of xposed framework, and modules for that framework like Gravity Box. Theming as it is usually thought of has been more of a thing of the past. Gravity box and xposed allow you to accomplish many of the traditional theming items that either required a custom rom or manually editing APKs in one simple GUI. Gravity Box and Xposed Framework both require Root in order to function.
Thanks for the advices, +1 satisfied Ultra owner here, with unlocked bootloader and rooted phone. (Bloatware removed in approx. 2 minutes.)
I have the D6603 model, running with Sony's latest software version of Kitkat. I have not rooted my phone for fear of losing the phone's camera quality, however I've read that this was recently fixed.
How can I root my phone and install Xposed on it? I see lots of guides for installing roms, however I'm not sure which guide out there is safe to follow for someone who's new to rooting phones. I don't want a custom rom on my phone, I just want Xposed available, and don't want to ruin the camera.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3017056
Just follow the instructions carefully. If you don't understand something Google it or post it here.
The camera quality problem is due to DRM keys (they are like license keys), but they only get lost if you unlock your bootloader, not by rooting, installing a recovery or flashing stock based ROMs.
There is a difference between rooting your device and unlocking the bootloader. Rooting your device will NOT affect your DRM keys, which is the cause for losing camera quality (among other things).
There's plenty of guides providing step-by-step instructions explaining how to root the Z3 without unlocking the bootloader (keeping the DRM keys and your camera, safe).
Installing XPosed framework only requires root.
Hobbes2099 said:
There is a difference between rooting your device and unlocking the bootloader. Rooting your device will NOT affect your DRM keys, which is the cause for losing camera quality (among other things).
There's plenty of guides providing step-by-step instructions explaining how to root the Z3 without unlocking the bootloader (keeping the DRM keys and your camera, safe).
Installing XPosed framework only requires root.
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Click to collapse
Why did you reply on this thread? I already answered the OP's questions (even provided a link, you didn't).
This thread is nearly 10 days old and the OP didn't reply to my answer so there's no necessity for you to do this ....
The OP has (or had) root and unlocking the bootloader mixed up. We've all been there, unsure about specific topics, hesitant about what to do.
Why? What's the big deal?
Ok, finally after all this time, the AT&T branded Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (SM-T217A) can be properly rooted. I have been playing with it since that moment my binaries were finally updated properly. However, several questions remain since i am still learning this stuff.
First, since root it installed, i want to flash a custom recovery, but the problem is that the bootloader is locked, that being the issue that had it unrootable for so long. So a) is there a method using terminal emulator to unlock the bootloader so i can flash a recovery of my choosing or b) is there a way to flash the recovery that bypasses the bootloader.
Second, AT&T decided to make the genius move of also locking the Tab 3's (7.0 variant anyways) native phone and dialer app. The Tab 3 is able to function as a phone, but AT&T really made a mess by locking up, and over bloating the hell out of this device.
Third. I want to install the XFramework, but read that there can be issues with that and locked bootloaders. Help please, i really don't want to shoot brick my tablet. There are more questions, so ill just add to this thread later if anyone else can help me fix these issues
How did you root it ? Do you have instructions ? Also looking for answer to boot loader myself.
Thanks
Steve
Hello all!
Thanks for taking the time to click into this.
About me: I mostly see myself as a somewhat tech-savvy noob - I have rooted several devices in the past, flashed ROMs, etc.
New Device: OnePlus 8T T-Mobile Variant purchased from OnePlus.com
Condition: Brand New - never started the device
I would like to essentially imitate Calyx as described here.
=> install TWRP/Magisk + flash 'LineageOS for MicroG'
Questions:
1) Will I be able to unlock the bootloader given that this is the T-Mobile variant purchased from OnePlus?
2) Do I need to take additional steps because this phone is the T-Mobile variant?
3) basic question: I have never started the phone so it has no personal data - should I back up the current setup in case I need to return to OOS for any reason or can I track down the default OOS installation making that all unnecessary?
(I remember in the past default Samsung installations were easily tracked down and flashed using Odin).
4) Would you recommend any detailed instructions to go through the process of backup, installing custom recovery, accessing root privileges, flashing LineageOS for MicroG, etc?
(I feel like I am piecing parts together from different places and it's all not fitting together)
Thank you so much for reading this.... I feel like I'm going down several rabbit holes currently so any perspective or support is welcome!
It would be helpful to hear any thoughts from some more experienced peeps before I move ahead.
Thank you!
Currently, I am trying to get the SIM unlocked, then unlock the bootloader, and proceed with the plan above.
I am considering returning the phone and getting a different one that has more users on XDA to avoid having bizarre issues arise with the steps involved with the T-Mobile version of the 8T and being totally on my own.
doctadocta said:
Currently, I am trying to get the SIM unlocked, then unlock the bootloader, and proceed with the plan above.
I am considering returning the phone and getting a different one that has more users on XDA to avoid having bizarre issues arise with the steps involved with the T-Mobile version of the 8T and being totally on my own.
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Click to collapse
yeah I dont see much help for Tmo version and I faced lots of issues just trying to get a brand new one recognized by my computer.
Ejvyas said:
yeah I dont see much help for Tmo version and I faced lots of issues just trying to get a brand new one recognized by my computer.
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Click to collapse
whoa! that's helpful feedback. Thank you for posting!
Based on your comment, I am leaning towards returning the phone.
I think I learn best through examples and may need a little support.
I am now wondering how I can figure out which phones have the largest 'community' on XDA.
I have the T-Mobile variant. There's more support and options available so don't be discouraged.
Normally, you have to be SIM unlocked before you can do anything else, like bootloader unlocking. If the phone is being paid for or financed and you haven't been a long time customer you may or may not get it SIM unlocked.
That said, I got mine SIM unlocked after contacting the T-Mobile Tforce people on Facebook. Then I saw this thread on Rebranding the T-Mobile variant.
[GUIDE] Convert TMO to EU via MSM Tool, no SIM Unlock or Bootloader Unlock needed!
*** Use this at your very own risk. *** You will lose all data *** Backup your working modem and persist, just in case *** Read the entire post and follow the steps closely before asking for help. Post all error messages and steps you took...
forum.xda-developers.com
Following it I changed the T-Mobile firmware to the European firmware. If nothing else you get more recent updates and a local update feature (full OTA updates can be downloaded and installed locally). As a result of the conversion I was able to simply fastboot unlock the bootloader without need for waiting for a code from OnePlus. The phone is now bootloader unlocked and rooted with Magisk.
Note that according to the OP, SIM unlock is not necessary for the conversion but you'll still need to be SIM unlocked to be able to unlock the bootloader.
Now that I'm "free" I now have the itch for a custom ROM. Over the years all of my devices run either with microG or just UnifiedNlp but no Google. I feel the need to do the same here. Currently I just have most Google apps disabled and using FOSS apps in their place but still...
Besides LineageOS for microG, the 8T also has Carbon ROM and crDroid. They historically have always had signature spoofing support so I assume they still do with Android 11. That means microG can be used.
Check the guides and ROM/Kernel threads for more info.
I don't know if I can get to trying anything this week but I hope to. I work at a drive-in movie theater and with Spider-Man coming out this week I'll be quite busy.
marcdw said:
I have the T-Mobile variant. There's more support and options available so don't be discouraged.
Normally, you have to be SIM unlocked before you can do anything else, like bootloader unlocking. If the phone is being paid for or financed and you haven't been a long time customer you may or may not get it SIM unlocked.
That said, I got mine SIM unlocked after contacting the T-Mobile Tforce people on Facebook. Then I saw this thread on Rebranding the T-Mobile variant.
[GUIDE] Convert TMO to EU via MSM Tool, no SIM Unlock or Bootloader Unlock needed!
*** Use this at your very own risk. *** You will lose all data *** Backup your working modem and persist, just in case *** Read the entire post and follow the steps closely before asking for help. Post all error messages and steps you took...
forum.xda-developers.com
Following it I changed the T-Mobile firmware to the European firmware. If nothing else you get more recent updates and a local update feature (full OTA updates can be downloaded and installed locally). As a result of the conversion I was able to simply fastboot unlock the bootloader without need for waiting for a code from OnePlus. The phone is now bootloader unlocked and rooted with Magisk.
Note that according to the OP, SIM unlock is not necessary for the conversion but you'll still need to be SIM unlocked to be able to unlock the bootloader.
Now that I'm "free" I now have the itch for a custom ROM. Over the years all of my devices run either with microG or just UnifiedNlp but no Google. I feel the need to do the same here. Currently I just have most Google apps disabled and using FOSS apps in their place but still...
Besides LineageOS for microG, the 8T also has Carbon ROM and crDroid. They historically have always had signature spoofing support so I assume they still do with Android 11. That means microG can be used.
Check the guides and ROM/Kernel threads for more info.
I don't know if I can get to trying anything this week but I hope to. I work at a drive-in movie theater and with Spider-Man coming out this week I'll be quite busy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know how to fix this ?
"Automatic Detection of DDR failed"
Ejvyas said:
Do you know how to fix this ?
"Automatic Detection of DDR failed"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse the late reply.
No, not too versed on this device really. I searched for that error and got a lot of hits but didn't have the time to read up. Sorry.
Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!
dark_prince said:
Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.
SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.
dark_prince said:
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)
SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am from Pakistan so it's gonna cost me double the actual price to pay customs taxes and get it cleared for use in-country. Our country has a rule about only the devices which are approved after paying hefty taxes, are permitted on Pakistan's cellular operators.
This was discussed before, in short you seem to lose out certain manufacturer keys and your phone remembers you have unlocked its bootloader before. As for functionality, iirc they seem to come back after relocking.
More info: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/closed-delete.4177209/post-87242833