Which T-Mobile 5g phones are best for rooting. - General Questions and Answers

Hi guys, I am hoping I can get some help since I am needing to get a 5g phone on T-Mobile and root it to tether with. And since I am adding a line, I could take advantage of their half-off deals, but I need to know if there are any 5g phones on T-Mobile that will let me root it while it is technically still locked to their service. I know when I rooted a phone earlier this year it was just assumed that it needed to be carrier unlocked first, so it's hard to go look at individual phone forums and see if their unlock methods would work for me or not. Is it possible for any of their offerings to be rooted while still be locked to the carrier?
Thanks in advanced.

One of the phones T-Mobile sells with 5G is the OnePlus 8...

Nate Rules said:
Hi guys, I am hoping I can get some help since I am needing to get a 5g phone on T-Mobile and root it to tether with. And since I am adding a line, I could take advantage of their half-off deals, but I need to know if there are any 5g phones on T-Mobile that will let me root it while it is technically still locked to their service. I know when I rooted a phone earlier this year it was just assumed that it needed to be carrier unlocked first, so it's hard to go look at individual phone forums and see if their unlock methods would work for me or not. Is it possible for any of their offerings to be rooted while still be locked to the carrier?
Thanks in advanced.
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All that really matters is if the device has an unlocked bootloader or, at least, a bootloader that can, in fact, be unlocked using a known/proven method for that exact device.
Devices that have an unlocked/unlockable bootloader can easily root using the Magisk method and/or TWRP, but, not all devices have TWRP available to them. But, the Magisk method works for most devices, provided that they have an unlocked bootloader.
Yes, it can be locked to a carrier and still be rooted. When you see guides discussing unlocking a device in order to root the device, they are not referring to carrier unlocking the device in order to root, they are referring to unlocking the bootloader, which must be done in order to make modifications(such as rooting) to the system software.
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Related

Will the VZW G5 be rooted and/or BL unlocked?

I sure hope so. I can't have a phone without root. Unfortunately I'm stuck with verizon....
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I assume it will be exactly the same as G4 in terms of root/BL.
How can we know now though? Too early to know.
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tabp0le said:
I assume it will be exactly the same as G4 in terms of root/BL.
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which was what.. seems like some G4s have root
jaladhjin said:
which was what.. seems like some G4s have root
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately only the intl variants and tmobile have unlocked bootloader which is required for root in android 6.0+
Have you guys heard the Unlocked LG G5 has all Major USA Bands?
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/03/18/unlocked-lg-g5-gsm-cdma/
any update on bootloader
krazie1 said:
Have you guys heard the Unlocked LG G5 has all Major USA Bands?
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/03/18/unlocked-lg-g5-gsm-cdma/
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Click to collapse
The discussion is about an unlocked bootloader, not an unlocked carrier situation.
If an unlocked boot loader version existed, it would be called a developer version and it wouldn't be likely to be picked up in large enough numbers to see much real public development.
Basically, it will most likely be MONTHS before you see a leak or hack to unlock the boot loader if EVER. It will be a long time before you even see root if the G4 and V10 (just got root very recently) are anything to go by.
Since mobile device payments have become all the rage, carriers and device manufactures are extra motivated to lock down their devices. The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge (same processor as the G5) are so locked down (even on T-mobile) using Qualcomms secure boot methods that it does a check to verify the main partition before it loads the contents to memory meaning a root can only be done temporarily (live rooted) if an exploit is ever found and will have to be rerooted every reboot. Android developers are going to have to struggle with qualcomm devices especially to develop into the the future.
manaox2 said:
The discussion is about an unlocked bootloader, not an unlocked carrier situation.
If an unlocked boot loader version existed, it would be called a developer version and it wouldn't be likely to be picked up in large enough numbers to see much real public development.
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If the G5 is carrier unlocked, then wouldn't we simply be able to purchase a T-Mobile variant, get it unlocked, and then use it with a Verizon Sim?
dtroup64 said:
If the G5 is carrier unlocked, then wouldn't we simply be able to purchase a T-Mobile variant, get it unlocked, and then use it with a Verizon Sim?
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As long as you don't mind paying full price or carrying a second contract and T-Mobile agrees to unlock it. Hopefully development would still be decent with just the t-mobile variant.
dtroup64 said:
If the G5 is carrier unlocked, then wouldn't we simply be able to purchase a T-Mobile variant, get it unlocked, and then use it with a Verizon Sim?
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Unfortunately Verizon is very strict on what devices can be activated with one of their SIMs. Most likely they would block a Tmobile or international variant on their network. This is the case with the G4 already.
We got root on the V10, not an unlocked bootloader though (yet). Here's to hoping we can get at least root on the G5 in the same manner...need those magic TOT files!
thedrizzle said:
We got root on the V10, not an unlocked bootloader though (yet). Here's to hoping we can get at least root on the G5 in the same manner...need those magic TOT files!
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Click to collapse
We will need more than the TOT file to root the G5. Starting with Android 6.0, Google made changes so that root requires a modified kernel. Changes to system.img will not be enough. Since this involves tampering with the boot.img, the locked bootloader will prevent the phone from booting at all.
Here's hoping we don't have a repeat of the G4 or V10 when it comes to locked bootloaders.
Should I not update my device to keep it as developer friendly as possible (I am preordering it)
manaox2 said:
As long as you don't mind paying full price or carrying a second contract and T-Mobile agrees to unlock it. Hopefully development would still be decent with just the t-mobile variant.
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Or not having 3g CDMA where there's no LTE.
Anyone working on a root method yet?
This is bull crap why does tmo get a unlocked bl and not everyone else?
Why are people so afraid of it? Just let us enter our serial and we download a program. We void our warranty but how bout you let us take thst risk!?
Sorry Bad post!!
soundgirl101 said:
:crying::crying:None of LG G5 variants have an unlockable bootloader!! This is due primarily to Google agreements with various credit card providers for Android "Tap and Pay" feature to be used!! Other variants, like T-Mobile, will have an "OEM Unlock" feature in developer options!! This will "carrier unlock" the carrier restriction so the phone can go to different "lesser or smaller" cell providers!! Verizon for example has a strict policy on activation of mobile devices on their network!! A non-Verizon G5 will not activate on their network at this time!! With all the security measures, LG's custom locked bootloader with kernel verify, rooting will be unlikely!!:crying::crying: While a "recovery" is available, without root permissions to flash or push the image, it's just a file on the computer!!
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There are guys in the T-Mobile forum who have successfully unlocked their bootloader . I just picked up the g5 today. It's working well so far . how good is LG with updates ?
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soundgirl101 said:
:crying::crying:None of LG G5 variants have an unlockable bootloader!! This is due primarily to Google agreements with various credit card providers for Android "Tap and Pay" feature to be used!! Other variants, like T-Mobile, will have an "OEM Unlock" feature in developer options!! This will "carrier unlock" the carrier restriction so the phone can go to different "lesser or smaller" cell providers!! Verizon for example has a strict policy on activation of mobile devices on their network!! A non-Verizon G5 will not activate on their network at this time!! With all the security measures, LG's custom locked bootloader with kernel verify, rooting will be unlikely!!:crying::crying: While a "recovery" is available, without root permissions to flash or push the image, it's just a file on the computer!!
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That is NOT what the OEM Unlock function does at all.
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Bootloader unlock for Moto z3

I just bought the Verizon Moto Z3 today from Verizon solely with the purpose of rooting this phone so that it could be my dedicated computer/phone for my car computer screen. Trying to figure this out is making me come to a conclusion that this can't be unlocked? Is that true? Is there a way around this so that I can root this phone or did I just sign up for a 2 year contract with a POS that i have no use for now?
I have read that the Verizon makes all phones they have not unlockable. Should have read that too before buying maybe?
phelix208 said:
I just bought the Verizon Moto Z3 today from Verizon solely with the purpose of rooting this phone so that it could be my dedicated computer/phone for my car computer screen. Trying to figure this out is making me come to a conclusion that this can't be unlocked? Is that true? Is there a way around this so that I can root this phone or did I just sign up for a 2 year contract with a POS that i have no use for now?
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Click to collapse
El Hombre Principal said:
I have read that the Verizon makes all phones they have not unlockable. Should have read that too before buying maybe?
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Verizon is notorious for locking the bootloader on all of their devices. If you want a device that can be rooted and/or flash custom ROMs, then, from now on, you just need to stay away from anything offered by Verizon, regardless of how long you've had service with them or how pleased you are with their service and devices.
They can't be rooted by flashing TWRP and/or SuperSU or Magisk, they can only be rooted by using one of the many different universal rooting apps or universal rooting programs on PC, and that is only IF one of them has an exploit that works, if these universal tools won't work, you're out of luck.
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So buying an unlocked phone that is combatable with Verizon is the way to go or are you saying leave Verizon because not that is combatable with their system is rootable.
DocNomad said:
So buying an unlocked phone that is combatable with Verizon is the way to go or are you saying leave Verizon because not that is combatable with their system is rootable.
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Click to collapse
Using a device from somewhere else that is unlocked and has root and custom ROMs available for it and is also compatible with the Verizon network is the way to go.
Do some searches for unlocked devices that you might be interested in, make a note of the specific model number. Then, do some searches with those model numbers to see if they have root and custom development available, like this:
"How to root (the specific model number)"
And
"TWRP for (the specific model number)"
***IMPORTANT NOTE***
The device absolutely must have an unlocked bootloader or at least can be unlocked by some known method for that specific device model number, otherwise, you won't be able to use TWRP or custom ROMs but you "might" still be able to have root, just not custom recovery or custom ROMs, so you'll have to go a little deeper with your searches to verify bootloader status on the chosen device.
And
"Custom ROMs for (the specific model number)"
Those search terms should find whatever is available, if available for those model numbers.
Then, go to Verizon's website to check if the devices are compatible with the Verizon network.
Basically:
1) find a device you're interested in that is unlocked and note its model number and verify the bootloader status for the device.
2) search to see if there is root and custom development for that model.
3) verify it is compatible with Verizon network.
Find something that satisfies those criteria, then you can activate the device on Verizom when you get it then root and or flash the device after you get it successfully activated on the Verizon network. Then you should be good to go to use the device with Verizon and continue using/updating the custom software and/or customize/modify the device. Just be sure that anything you use is for the specific model number of your device. Using stuff that is not for your specific model number will almost certainly lead to a bricked device.
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Sprint one plus 7pro oem/root question

I was reading through and people say the OEM was locked. Has anyone found a work around to this I want to get this phone for the mod friendliness however if the OEM unlocking is locked it would be impossible. Any work around? I really want to have access to hotspot with no issues
Not currently. I don't have the phone yet, ordered Friday probably won't be getting it til Monday. If it seems impossible to root, I'll trade it in for the note 10+.
Unfortunately not. You either have to meet Sprints requirements for them to unlock it (phone paid in full and active for 60 days or more on their network) or we have to wait and see if an amazing devs can help us out.
Wait does that mean that sprint will actually unlock the phone for you? If they do, is root possible or would someone still have to develop something for it?
dakoellis said:
Wait does that mean that sprint will actually unlock the phone for you? If they do, is root possible or would someone still have to develop something for it?
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Pretty sure the post about Sprint unlocking the device is confusing SIM unlock with bootloader unlock. Which of course are 2 very different things. I've never heard of carriers having anything to do with unlocking the bootloader. But unlocking the SIM, yes (they have to by law now).
Otherwise, the requirements stated would not be that hard to meet, and plenty of folks would already be unlocking their Sprint 7 Pro bootloaders.
Unlocking the bootloader is the main barrier to root. I don't see why (with an unlocked bootloader) you couldn't just root with one of the existing methods (flash patched boot img with fastboot, or boot TWRP and flash Magisk) and no real development would be needed. But it's that locked bootloader that is the kicker!
So is there any no root workaround for use of the native hotspot on the sprint version of this device?
Or would we just have to use an app?

Willing to Pay for bootloader unlock, if possible.

I was under the impression the device I ordered off ebay could be bootloader unlocked (apparently verizon pixel 3a), but can't seem to figure it out myself, and i'm starting to think its not possible. If anyone can unlock the bootloader, I am willing to pay.. If not.. :RIP: :crying: Hopefully this doesn't violate the rules, didn't see any.
Unlocking the bootloader on Pixel phones is pretty easy. You can use the guide here to unlock the bootloader.
You will need to use ADB. If you are not familiar with ADB, you can use the guide found here.
I'm assuming that you want to unlock the bootloader so that you can root your Pixel. I used this guide.
I reread your post and noticed that you bought a Pixel that is carrier locked to Verizon. Usually, unlocking the bootloader of a Verizon phone is either not possible or difficult. The information that I gave you is for carrier unlocked Pixels. I haven't had a carrier locked phone in many years so my memory of what is possible is probably a bit fuzzy.
desertcat said:
Unlocking the bootloader on Pixel phones is pretty easy. You can use the guide here to unlock the bootloader.
You will need to use ADB. If you are not familiar with ADB, you can use the guide found here.
I'm assuming that you want to unlock the bootloader so that you can root your Pixel. I used this guide.
I reread your post and noticed that you bought a Pixel that is carrier locked to Verizon. Usually, unlocking the bootloader of a Verizon phone is either not possible or difficult. The information that I gave you is for carrier unlocked Pixels. I haven't had a carrier locked phone in many years so my memory of what is possible is probably a bit fuzzy.
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The phone is not carrier locked, but it was a verizon phone previously. Thanks for the links, and basically my problem I run into is the Greyed out unlock option in developer settings.
Have you tried doing a factory reset and then allow the phone to update over wi-fi?
TurboGSXpixel said:
The phone is not carrier locked, but it was a verizon phone previously. Thanks for the links, and basically my problem I run into is the Greyed out unlock option in developer settings.
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Click to collapse
Remove the sim card, do a factory reset, and then go through the setup without the SIM installed. This should allow the OEM unlock to be toggled. Its worked for multiple other people.
Did you switch from Verizon to Tmobile? It appears from what I'm reading that TMO sims are downloading carrier specific settings/options which block the unlock switch.
Regardless of whether you use tmobile or not, the above method *should* allow you to unlock.

Possible to Downgrade From Android 11 to 10 on XT2113-2? If so, how?

I have a new XT2113-2 (TM) that is yet to be boot loader unlocked/rooted/etc. I don't want to do that until I am sure. I got this variant of the phone so I could unlock the bootloader, root, TWRP, etc and was afraid the "global" variant -3 might not work with USA 5G. The phone came with Android 11 installed (and has since auto-installed at least one security update). It shows the build as RZKS31.Q3-45-16-3-11 and the baseband ends with Kiev_TMO_CUST. I am using it on ATT (via Red Pocket) since TM service just sucks where I live. And I do get the 5G icon on it now.
But ideally, I want to get this to the original TM Android 10, which I think is shown here as the file XT2113-2_KIEV_TMO_10_QZKS30.Q4-40-95-6_subsidy-TMO_SPR_RSU_QCOM_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip as I hope it will undo some of the "security" crap Google has added to Android with each successive release.
So I need to be sure of the following:
1. Can I downgrade from 11 to 10?
2. Is there some reason to NOT use the firmware mentioned above? Should I use retail US (RETUS) instead? I am not sure the differences (it would be great if that would permit me to use this phone on Red Pocket Verizon but the IMEI now shows as incompatible on Verizon).
3. Must I unlock the boot loader to downgrade? I know I must to do other stuff and I have the unlock code on hand and ready to put it if needed. If I must unlock the boot loader to downgrade, will I have to re-unlock it afterwards? And, if so, will I have to go through the same process of getting a code or will the code I have now work?
4. How do I flash to do the downgrade? I have the Lenovo Rescue/Smart Assistant installed on my PC and was able to download the stock firmware (I assume it matches what is on there now) and stashed it aside. But is there some other tool needed?
5. Once I achieve downgrade, what is the best way to avoid having the thing auto-update to Android 11?
Thanks for your help with these questions.
If you are going to take this phone to AT&T, you will not get 5G if you unlock the bootloader. The NR band will be restricted. Downgrading from 11 to 10 generally doesn't work either.
I can't answer the rest of your questions.
RETIEF said:
If you are going to take this phone to AT&T, you will not get 5G if you unlock the bootloader. The NR band will be restricted. Downgrading from 11 to 10 generally doesn't work either.
I can't answer the rest of your questions.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for this response. I do have it on ATT (via Red Pocket) now and it does appear to get 5G now. I have not yet unlocked the bootloader, was thinking to do it, but considering that it would cause loss of 5G I think I will not and will just return the phone. Wow!
RETIEF said:
If you are going to take this phone to AT&T, you will not get 5G if you unlock the bootloader. The NR band will be restricted. Downgrading from 11 to 10 generally doesn't work either.
I can't answer the rest of your questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW - have you any references on this behavior? I am wondering if this is something that would affect ALL phones with unlocked boot loaders (like Pixel, OnePlus, etc). Thanks for the heads-up.
WARNING: ONLY DO THAT IF YOU ARE REALLY SURE AND DO BE CAREFULLY. I recommend you: do it not.
By downgrading to an older software, the bootloader in many cases can be destroyed, so your phone is completly bricked!
I write this from EXPERIENCE. My amazon fire is completed bricked, when i have flash a older SYSTEM. It can't turn on, no fastboot, no recovery!
whitedavidp said:
BTW - have you any references on this behavior? I am wondering if this is something that would affect ALL phones with unlocked boot loaders (like Pixel, OnePlus, etc). Thanks for the heads-up.
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Click to collapse
I suspect, but don't know, that all phones with unlocked bootloaders are blocked from 5g from AT&T. I know my kiev (RETUS) is.
RETIEF said:
I suspect, but don't know, that all phones with unlocked bootloaders are blocked from 5g from AT&T. I know my kiev (RETUS) is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yet another reason to dislike ATT, I guess. Sadly, in my area TM coverage stinks. And this phone will not work on Verizon (unclear why but they reject the IMEI). And getting the Verizon variant will preclude ever rooting the thing. So I really feel trapped!
Likewise
RETIEF said:
I suspect, but don't know, that all phones with unlocked bootloaders are blocked from 5g from AT&T. I know my kiev (RETUS) is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always figured it was this
English Community-Lenovo Community
as my IMEI SV on the Metro/TMO variant is 05 rather than 07. Never tested with a locked bootloader though.
whitedavidp said:
BTW - have you any references on this behavior? I am wondering if this is something that would affect ALL phones with unlocked boot loaders (like Pixel, OnePlus, etc). Thanks for the heads-up.
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Click to collapse
Bootloader unlocked Pixels work fine on ATT 5G, don't know about OnePlus.

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