How to process system reset? - Google Pixel 4a Questions & Answers

Hello, i ordered my pixel 4a from google shop without sim-card or carrier lock.
Now i want to reset my phone (download and flash firmware) but it dont work.
I tried it with "https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/" website but the problem is that it tells me always that the carrier i selected is not the same on my device!????
(selected "other" country and "other" carrier, but it doesnt matter if i select my country and one of the two aviable carriers, it gets me always the error massage)
What is the problem?
(bootloader is locked and i had an prepaid sim recently used in that phone)

Try doing the first and second step in this guide:
[GUIDE] UNLOCKING, DOWNGRADING TO A10, TWRP, ROOT
Hello, I'm posting this guide for those (like me) who can't do without TWRP on their device. I'm providing only a step-by-step explanation. Credits to @nikamura for his kernel and TWRP...
forum.xda-developers.com
It will get you to android 10. Then you can do the OTA to android 11.

I dont want to unlock my bootloader! (no offense)
On my old xperia device I was able with xperia companion to download and flash the firmware without problems.
Is unlocking the bl neccessary? hope not

You can unlock it, do the reset, then relock the bootloader - it's a simple switch in the developer options to lock/unlock the bootloader.
It's called "OEM Unlocking"- you can turn it on (unlock) or turn it off (lock bootloader)

I know, but I want just to reflash the original image, why it should be neccessary to unlock it for that?
I thought it just need to be unlocked for things like developer previews or custom roms not for official stock roms.

steve233 said:
I know, but I want just to reflash the original image, why it should be neccessary to unlock it for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Part of flashing an image to a phone is to also flash the "boot" image, so the bootloader needs to be unlock.

Thats a good point, but i dont think that it is the problem.
The error massage says that the carrier of my device and the carrier i selected in "flash tool" is not the same, so i cant proceed.
I guess it would say something related to bootloader while i select my device if thats the problem.

Well, I have no idea about that https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com website - it does not seem like an official google website because I doubt google would add "with" to it's domain name.
So, I would try downloading the official images using the link in the SECOND step of the guide I listed above - because that is an official image from google directly.

Flashing a factory image is only for when you've had an unlocked bootloader and been running custom ROMs or whatever.
You can factory reset the phone without flashing it.
Just go to settings -> system -> advanced -> reset.

JohnC said:
Well, I have no idea about that https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com website - it does not seem like an official google website because I doubt google would add "with" to it's domain name.
So, I would try downloading the official images using the link in the SECOND step of the guide I listed above - because that is an official image from google directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is an official google website as far I can tell, you can see it here google website but I was sceptical too at the beginning.
a1291762 said:
Flashing a factory image is only for when you've had an unlocked bootloader and been running custom ROMs or whatever.
You can factory reset the phone without flashing it.
Just go to settings -> system -> advanced -> reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure but my question was about reflashing stock image (no offense).
I figured it out the problem was that I havent removed my google account before connecting to "pixelrepair".
After that I was able to select carrier and proceed.
But after that step it now shows "checking for problems" on repair software and on phone it says "waiting for command" until it quits after few minutes.
Anyone an idea why its not working?
(btw the flashtool and instruction never mention to unlock the bootloader so I guess its not neccessary)

Related

[HELP] No keyboard only Google Voice

after I reset my phone i want to type the wifi password and i don't have keyboard only google voice, and i can' go into settings because it's like first boot, and i have bootloader locked and frp locked in fastboot, and because is not enough i have and google frp.. how can i solve this?
C0oL3r said:
after I reset my phone i want to type the wifi password and i don't have keyboard only google voice, and i can' go into settings because it's like first boot, and i have bootloader locked and frp locked in fastboot, and because is not enough i have and google frp.. how can i solve this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power of the phone. Now press power button and volume down simultaneously. It will boot to erecovery then select the first option.
You're missing a data_hw_XX.zip package for your region. Not a big deal. It happened to me when I didn't understand how to flash software to our phone and once when updating through FirmwareFinder. Give us more details regarding your phone (which region is it) and how this happened and we'll help you.
C0oL3r said:
after I reset my phone i want to type the wifi password and i don't have keyboard only google voice, and i can' go into settings because it's like first boot, and i have bootloader locked and frp locked in fastboot, and because is not enough i have and google frp.. how can i solve this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have many options:
factory reset again (which may not solve tthe issue)
or
unlock bootloader> install twrp> install any 3rd party keyboards zip (search in the xda, you might get any)
or
try to connect your phone to pc and check if adb is working, if yes, follow the procedure:
1. download any 3rd party keyboard app and rename it as keyboard.apk and place it inside sdktools folder
2.open command window and type the following command
Code:
adb install keyboard.apk
now reboot your phone and try , you might have your keyboard
(ask me if you have any doubt regarding this procedure)
or
you can even do a complete firmware flash of update.app through dload method (easiestt of all the above methods, but you will lose all the data inside your internal storage)
I solved, i reinstalled b131 firmware and keyboard appears, i bypassed google verification and i make the updates, now it s working good, thx all.
Can you help me to unlock bootloader without appear me FRP Lock and the Enable OEM Unlock to appear grey again?
Rommco05 said:
:good: frd-l14?? I think this very good LastStandingDroid described, right after send u zip witch turn back phone (old thread u remember)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have frd-l09, i remember but in don t see his message because i have not looked in that thread. And how i enter in telegram chat?
Rommco05 said:
omg sorry my friend... coolest35 and COoL3r is little bit a same
I don't use telegram, so I will chcek it this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, ok, no problem my friend
Well bro, i saw oem unlock is greyed out only when u unlock the bootloader.
Same Issue
sysak said:
You're missing a data_hw_XX.zip package for your region. Not a big deal. It happened to me when I didn't understand how to flash software to our phone and once when updating through FirmwareFinder. Give us more details regarding your phone (which region is it) and how this happened and we'll help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm hoping someone will advise me. My Honor 8 FRD-L04 is soft bricked. I did or tried to do a factory reset, had originally TWRP, the bootloader is in Relocked status, not unlocked like I want it, I did the dload process with the only thing that would load which was the Rollback from Huawei, now I can't input information on the setup screens because all I get is the stupid Google Voice. PLEASE HELP ME.
UPDATE: Never mind I fixed it. I'm not really for sure how either but I think it mainly was just persistence.

Any information on Root?

Want to buy this phone. Need it rooted to do a couple things. Has anybody gotten TWRP and root on it yet?
You can root it by first unlock the bootloader then install magisk via patch boot image method.
How should I get the boot image to actually use that method?
You can download the firmware here: https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/foles/official/RETUS/
Inside zips, find boot.img
Does anyone know anything about custom recovery TWRP yet that's what I'm looking for
there is no custom recovery
ahalol said:
You can root it by first unlock the bootloader then install magisk via patch boot image method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the way to unlock the bootloader? I don't believe Motorola officially released it for the phone yet. Have you rooted this phone?
Thereplierbro said:
What is the way to unlock the bootloader? I don't believe Motorola officially released it for the phone yet. Have you rooted this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official unlock from Motorola is available, as long as you aren't referring to the Verizon version.
wraith1932 said:
Official unlock from Motorola is available, as long as you aren't referring to the Verizon version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the Verizon one have a greyed out "OEM Bootloader unlock"
Because I bought one off offer up that had the button available but it was purchased from Verizon
Also I asked Motorola for the unlock website an they said they haven't released it yet for Moto z4
Can't say for sure myself, I got the carrier unlocked version. But I believe that button in the options is there no matter what, I remember it on my original Z Force Droid (Verizon only version, no bootloader unlock, official or not).
I would bet that, if it was bought at Verizon, then there won't be a bootloader unlock available - ever.
Dunno what that last part is supposed to mean... Never saw a device-specific Moto Bootloader Unlock page, going all the way back to the original Moto X. There's the page explaining the unlock process, a disclaimer ("anything you do from here isn't our fault, or responsibility to fix" basically), and a link to the next step (with a "log in to Moto" in between). After login, it brings you to instructions to get a code to put in, and the button to check if the device is eligible for unlocking the bootloader.
I would include a link to the first page if I could. Almost there, just one more post...
wraith1932 said:
Official unlock from Motorola is available, as long as you aren't referring to the Verizon version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wraith1932 said:
Can't say for sure myself, I got the carrier unlocked version. But I believe that button in the options is there no matter what, I remember it on my original Z Force Droid (Verizon only version, no bootloader unlock, official or not).
I would bet that, if it was bought at Verizon, then there won't be a bootloader unlock available - ever.
Dunno what that last part is supposed to mean... Never saw a device-specific Moto Bootloader Unlock page, going all the way back to the original Moto X. There's the page explaining the unlock process, a disclaimer ("anything you do from here isn't our fault, or responsibility to fix" basically), and a link to the next step (with a "log in to Moto" in between). After login, it brings you to instructions to get a code to put in, and the button to check if the device is eligible for unlocking the bootloader.
I would include a link to the first page if I could. Almost there, just one more post...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All other phones, if the button is not greyed out and you can press the option (and it asked for your password) then it's unlockable. I know because I got a few freaking pixel phones with non usable Bootloader. Wasted about $1,000 looking for a cellphone to use with Sprint that I can root. Every one of them is Verizon.
https://support.motorola.com/us/en/solution/ms87215
DM Verity disabled too?
What about DM verity? Has anyone figured out how to disable that? I need to add a couple of lines to the build.prop file, but can't seem to change the write permissions even with root; any edits made directly on the phone using an editor with root permissions, don't persist after a system reboot. Edits made to the build.prop file externally, and pushed pre-boot via ADB, result in boot loop due to DM verity failing.
(For clarity, I do not have this phone, yet, I have a Z2 Play, but I faced these challenges with that device too)
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
What about DM verity? Has anyone figured out how to disable that? I need to add a couple of lines to the build.prop file, but can't seem to change the write permissions even with root; any edits made directly on the phone using an editor with root permissions, don't persist after a system reboot. Edits made to the build.prop file externally, and pushed pre-boot via ADB, result in boot loop due to DM verity failing.
(For clarity, I do not have this phone, yet, I have a Z2 Play, but I faced these challenges with that device too)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope a real dev jumps on board to this cellphone. It's pretty decent for what it is honestly
Thereplierbro said:
I hope a real dev jumps on board to this cellphone. It's pretty decent for what it is honestly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of my main reasons for waiting to get one
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
One of my main reasons for waiting to get one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's basically useless until then
Could I get a little guidance on how to patch and flash the boot image? I have ADB/Fastboot setup as well as the XT1980-4 firmware downloaded.
Do I just place the boot.img file on my phone, patch it in Magisk Manager, and flash with fastboot? Anything I need to be careful of?
Also, how should I go about backups here? I've only messed with this stuff when I had a Galaxy S4, everything was super simple with easy bootloader unlock and custom recovery.
battleof3 said:
Could I get a little guidance on how to patch and flash the boot image? I have ADB/Fastboot setup as well as the XT1980-4 firmware downloaded.
Do I just place the boot.img file on my phone, patch it in Magisk Manager, and flash with fastboot? Anything I need to be careful of?
Also, how should I go about backups here? I've only messed with this stuff when I had a Galaxy S4, everything was super simple with easy bootloader unlock and custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you said was correct. That's how you patch and flash. Nothing particular to be careful. The only thing would be in order to receive future OTA, you should not modify you /system and /vendor partition during your use of the phone.
ahalol said:
What you said was correct. That's how you patch and flash. Nothing particular to be careful. The only thing would be in order to receive future OTA, you should not modify you /system and /vendor partition during your use of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dug a little deeper and bootloader is locked tight, no flashing for me. Returning and buying a secondhand LG V30 for cheap. It's unfortunate that carriers love their walled gardens.
See, this is why I was asking about DM Verity. You need to disable that first before flashing anything via ADB/Fastboot.
With DM Verity on, at system startup, the device generates a hash of the /system and /root directories. If the hash does not match the one from the factory, due to changes pushed via ADB or Fastboot or patching other system files with something different, the system reboots, again and again.
I had this same issue with my Z2 Play, which is why I brought it up here.
Rooting these devices is useless, unless you also disable DM Verity.
I tried to follow this method and ended up flashing the wrong boot image (I did go to the right software variant but it was outdated) so i had to go through and try all the images they had and none of them worked so i had to look elsewhere.
After some digging i found a VERY handy tool made by lenovo themselves that lets you update and recover the firmware.
If you use the rescue option and enter your phones info (it seems to verify your phones info so you can only download for devices you have) and it'll download the latest zip for you so you can get the boot image.
Here's the link to the smart assistant
TL;DR Open smart assistant, click flash, click "Go rescue", Click "Moto Phone", enter your phone's info (make sure your phone is connected in fastboot mode), click the download icon next to the file name.
Make sure you DO NOT click the rescue button when the download is finished as that will factory reset your phone, just copy the zip or boot image and close it

How To Guide [ROOT][GAPPS] Root and install GApps on stock Edge S/Chinese version

So you got the Edge S and want GApps? Basically you unlock your bootloader, root with Magisk, then install MagiskGApps.
DISCLAIMER: UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER MAY VOID YOUR WARRANTY, AND DOING ALL THESE THINGS IN THIS GUIDE MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE/BRICKING YOUR PHONE. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING YOU DO TO YOUR PHONE. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
1. Unlock the bootloader: that should be doable with their global bootloader unlock website here.
2. Download Lenovo Motoroa Smart Assistant (Rescue and Smart Assistant), and follow its instructions to "rescue" your device. It will lead you to boot into bootloader mode and download the firmware. Find the firmware file via the LMSA's downloads (should have a "show folder" button). You'll need the boot.img file for Magisk.
3. Download Magisk, then follow its instructions. You'll have to copy the boot.img to your device, then use Magisk to patch the boot file, then copy the modified one to your PC.
4. You'll need fastboot. If you don't have it already, you can download the Android SDK platform tools here. Then go into the folder, Shift+Right Click the folder, then "Open Command Prompt" or "Open PowerShell," you should have something close to one of those two. Copy your Magisk modified .img file to that folder, then you'll want to input:
fastboot flash boot [modified .img file]
Once that completes, you should see in large text, "Start" on your phone next to the power button. Press the power button, and it should boot, and you should have root now.
5. Download MagiskGApps to your phone, open Magisk on your phone, click the button that looks like a puzzle piece at the bottom of the screen, "Modules." Click "Install from storage," locate the MagiskGApps file, and install it. After that it will ask you to restart your phone, do that, then you'll just have to be patient as it takes time once its restarted to load everything. You also may need to update some or all of the apps, then you should be able to use the notification to finish setting up the phone with Google Setup.
Thanks to Motorola for making it easy to unlock their bootloaders
Thanks to the whole Magisk team for making an easy, awesome root (and more!)
Thanks to Wacko1805 (and team?) for making MagiskGApps. This is really awesome.
unlock the BL and get root is will make some apps fingerprint and face ID fail?
kimker said:
unlock the BL and get root is will make some apps fingerprint and face ID fail?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magisk has a "Magisk Hide" which will allow it to pass SafetyNet, and most things which check on device security will think the device is secure. But unlocking BL and rooting does make the device less secure, and therefore incurs its own risks apart from bricking or damaging the device.
HopelesRomantc91 said:
Magisk has a "Magisk Hide" which will allow it to pass SafetyNet, and most things which check on device security will think the device is secure. But unlocking BL and rooting does make the device less secure, and therefore incurs its own risks apart from bricking or damaging the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i knew the unlock and root will take risk.. but not sure is Payment business apps using fingerprint will work normal.
kimker said:
yes, i knew the unlock and root will take risk.. but not sure is Payment business apps using fingerprint will work normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Pay works. But according to the Motorola website you should be able to relock the bootloader if yours doesn't work. But there's never any guarantee. If you need your device secure, recommend don't unlock bl or root, or wait to see if there's a root option without bootloader unlock that can be easily undone.
HopelesRomantc91 said:
Google Pay works. But according to the Motorola website you should be able to relock the bootloader if yours doesn't work. But there's never any guarantee. If you need your device secure, recommend don't unlock bl or root, or wait to see if there's a root option without bootloader unlock that can be easily undone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw that someone’s edge s had unlocked the BL and Flash G100 firmware and everything worked normally, and then tried to lock the BL again, but it was unsuccessful and the system could not start. The flashing tool does not recognize the machine.
kimker said:
I saw that someone’s edge s had unlocked the BL and Flash G100 firmware and everything worked normally, and then tried to lock the BL again, but it was unsuccessful and the system could not start. The flashing tool does not recognize the machine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not good. Hopefully they can restore it back somehow. With this guide to unlock and flash gapps why would you need to flash G100 though? This seems to be itright now without one of rom developer's releases to get root & apps. For me this is all i would look for. Titanium backup on it and restore.. done until PE rom comes out.
kimker said:
I saw that someone’s edge s had unlocked the BL and Flash G100 firmware and everything worked normally, and then tried to lock the BL again, but it was unsuccessful and the system could not start. The flashing tool does not recognize the machine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think yes, if you flash different firmware, locking the BL would likely cause problems. It's very difficult to do anything w/o unlocked bootloader, except sometimes rooting is doable. That's pretty much the behavior I expect. If they come to this subforum, we might be able to help.
HopelesRomantc91 said:
I would think yes, if you flash different firmware, locking the BL would likely cause problems. It's very difficult to do anything w/o unlocked bootloader, except sometimes rooting is doable. That's pretty much the behavior I expect. If they come to this subforum, we might be able to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you. They did not ask for help. It seems that the lock BL is a self-verification switch, and then performs a verification system integrity.
HopelesRomantc91 said:
I would think yes, if you flash different firmware, locking the BL would likely cause problems. It's very difficult to do anything w/o unlocked bootloader, except sometimes rooting is doable. That's pretty much the behavior I expect. If they come to this subforum, we might be able to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious,If you unlock and flash other firmware and then flash back to the original firmware, can it be locked again?
Mine doesn't let me unlock its BL. I've got unlock code from moto and did a factory reset with SIM card in slot 1. After enabling developer mode and debugging the switch still is greyed out. So no chance to unlock it.
Has anyone got an idea what to try now?
Moto support answered yesterday to my request but also no solution since I told them that it doesn't work
Device is not branded. I got it from Amazon so no provider branding.
If this won't be able to be unlocked and rooted I'll have to return it and switch to a Google Pixel.
kischde said:
Mine doesn't let me unlock its BL. I've got unlock code from moto and did a factory reset with SIM card in slot 1. After enabling developer mode and debugging the switch still is greyed out. So no chance to unlock it.
Has anyone got an idea what to try now?
Moto support answered yesterday to my request but also no solution since I told them that it doesn't work
Device is not branded. I got it from Amazon so no provider branding.
If this won't be able to be unlocked and rooted I'll have to return it and switch to a Google Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue, you need to factory reset WITH your sim card in the phone, this will let you open the OEM unlock slide thing in the dev mode.
Then once its done you can fastboot and unlock the bootloader.
I did so, maybe I explained not so well. SIM was inserted and then I did factory reset by starting it from settings. After restart it's still the same - switch / unlock slider greyed out.
kischde said:
I did so, maybe I explained not so well. SIM was inserted and then I did factory reset by starting it from settings. After restart it's still the same - switch / unlock slider greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my OG Pixel XL, I had to wait 7 days for the slider to become normal. By the time I got around to do it on the Edge S it was about the same time.... could be related
Now as you said that I remember that thingy with another device. Maybe a Xiaomi I think... With that I had to wait several days until the unlock code was delivered.
But there was a message, too, when trying to get it sooner, which said you needed to wait some more time.
Not sure if it's the the same for Moto devices? Then again, when thinking that you experienced the same with a Pixel, too...
Did anyone else make such an experience with his/her g100?
kischde said:
Now as you said that I remember that thingy with another device. Maybe a Xiaomi I think... With that I had to wait several days until the unlock code was delivered.
But there was a message, too, when trying to get it sooner, which said you needed to wait some more time.
Not sure if it's the the same for Moto devices? Then again, when thinking that you experienced the same with a Pixel, too...
Did anyone else make such an experience with his/her g100?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure your on the latest OTA, Lenovo made a mistake on previous versions with the OEM Unlocking function not being enabled. They fixed it in latest ota.
RSA tool said the file I uploaded yesterday is the latest one available (and it's exactly the same as the installed version).
The device was released just a few days ago in Europe. Perhaps they fixed the unlock switch in other regions and still need to fix it in Europe..
Will wait until weekend if they come up with a solution. If not I'm afraid I have to return the device as I need it personally AND professionally, too - I'm field agent, so.... :/
HopelesRomantc91 said:
I would think yes, if you flash different firmware, locking the BL would likely cause problems. It's very difficult to do anything w/o unlocked bootloader, except sometimes rooting is doable. That's pretty much the behavior I expect. If they come to this subforum, we might be able to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The poor guy whose phone turned bricks went to the after-sales department of moto, and the answer was that he needed to replace the phone motherboard. .
kimker said:
The poor guy whose phone turned bricks went to the after-sales department of moto, and the answer was that he needed to replace the phone motherboard. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch...
kimker said:
I'm curious,If you unlock and flash other firmware and then flash back to the original firmware, can it be locked again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume so, but I don't really know why anyone would want to relock.

Bootloader is both locked and unlocked

Just to preface, I'm not a total noob when it comes to android, but I'm definitely not savvy or knowledgeable in any way either.
I purchased a Motorola p50 a while ago from a seller on Aliexpress, and when booting the phone I get a message saying that the bootloader is unlocked. Going into the developer settings shows the OEM unlock option is in the off position, greyed out and with a message saying that the bootloader is already unlocked. However, booting into fastboot and running 'fastboot oem lock' gives me an error message telling me to enable unlocking in the developer options... which I can't do, because it's greyed out. Running 'fastboot oem unlock' tells me that the bootloader is already unlocked. From what I can tell the phone is running the stock android 10 motorola ROM, and I would like to lock the bootloader so that I can use google pay, as the phone supports NFC.
According to settings, the model is "motorola one vision", the hardware version is PVT, the SKU is XT1970-5 and the software channel is 'retcn'
Any help on how I can lock the bootloader, or even just get google pay working would be greatly appreciated.
There exists many threads on xda about this issue and it all boils down to this: your Bootloader thinks you're running modified software, hence locking it will hard brick your device (at least there is a possibility). According to the above linked thread, here's what you can do to troubleshoot this (in order of what could work):
Factory reset your device from Settings. (Relocking will erase your data anyways, Backup is advised)
Flash The Stock Firmware and attempt the lock process again.
Flash Magisk and enable Magisk Hide (this one is dangerous, since a modified boot.img while relocking can hard brick your device as well, do it at your own risk!!!)
Pass Safetynet check by flashing latest Magisk canary, enabling Magisk Hide and flashing this Universal Safetynet fix.
Step 4 is what I would do if I were you, however, advising people on the internet to root in order to solve this problem is not very wise, hence it being the last step.
Alright, I might give the last one a go since I don't know what the stock firmware for the phone is supposed to be. Thanks a lot for your help
Update: after attempting to install magisk with little success, I eventually found a single russian article that solved the issues I was having with magisk. I installed that plugin you linked, and success! Google pay now works without issue. Your help is greatly appreciated

How To Guide WARNING: Read BEFORE Locking Bootloader

DO NOT LOCK THE BOOTLOADER WHILE ROOTED!
When locking the bootloader while rooted, the boot image will fail verification and the system will fail to boot. You cannot flash a stock boot image with a locked bootloader.
Locking the bootloader will not fix most issues. It will allow you to use apps that check for an unlocked bootloader without the need for any additional modification. That is the ONLY benefit.
If you still want to lock your bootloader, make sure you can say yes to each of the following:
1. Have you restored the stock boot.img / vendor_boot.img and the phone functions normally?
Spoiler: Restore Stock Boot
Boot / DTBO Images [Root / Stock] - 5 / Pro / Ultimate (NOT S)
These images are NOT built from source. These are the stock images from the firmware provided by Asus that are extracted with payload dumper and uploaded without modification. 18.0840.2202.231 18.0840.2201.226 18.0840.2112.211...
forum.xda-developers.com
Follow the instructions in the thread above.
Use only the boot and vendor_boot images.
Do NOT flash any images that end with "-magisk.img"
2. Have you made a backup of everything you do not want to lose when wiping the phone?
Spoiler: Make a Backup
The sdcard is part of the internal storage and is cleared by a factory reset
Copy everything you want to keep to a computer or USB-C storage device
Apps and settings can be backed up by enabling the Google Backup option
Open Settings
Select Google
Select Backup
Select Back up now
Wait for the backup to complete
3. Have you flashed raw firmware and made sure the phone and updates function normally?
Spoiler: Flash Raw Firmware
RAW Firmware Collection and Guide
All fastboot / adb commands require using the side USB-C port https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download Make sure you have fastboot installed Add platform tools to PATH (post 2) Make a backup of anything...
forum.xda-developers.com
Follow the instructions in the thread above.
If you perform a wipe, you may skip step 4.
4. Have you performed a factory reset and made sure the phone functions normally?
Spoiler: Factory Reset
Open Settings
Select System
Select Reset options
Select Erase all data (factory reset)
Follow the instructions
Once you have verified all of the above requirements, you are now ready to lock the bootloader.
Spoiler: Lock Bootloader
From the bootloader (volume up + power):
Code:
fastboot oem asus-csc_lk
Reserved for QA information
I don't want to spread false information here, but here is a question post I created recently with two replies showing me contacting the help center (two different agents) confirming that I can use the app more than once to unlock the device's bootloader: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...nlock-relock-for-asus-rog-phone-5-5s.4367047/ . @Andrologic also confirms the case there for global (EU) version. I have a feeling that for the Tencent version it is because the sellers lock it on a wrong official ROM, or wrong ROM in general, e.g. global ROM, and therefore it confuses the unlock app. I am surprised the device did not even get hard bricked from locking on not the original ROM. By the way, I have contacted the help center of the US store, but I have a feeling it should work on the global (EU) version as well.
falhumai96 said:
I don't want to spread false information here, but here is a question post I created recently with two replies showing me contacting the help center (two different agents) confirming that I can use the app more than once to unlock the device's bootloader: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...nlock-relock-for-asus-rog-phone-5-5s.4367047/ . @Andrologic also confirms the case there for global (EU) version. I have a feeling that for the Tencent version it is because the sellers lock it on a wrong official ROM, or wrong ROM in general, e.g. global ROM, and therefore it confuses the unlock app. I am surprised the device did not even get hard bricked from locking on not the original ROM. By the way, I have contacted the help center of the US store, but I have a feeling it should work on the global (EU) version as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on new information, it does seem possible to repair the issues caused by converting.
That said, this guide is still quite relevant. After all, most of the issues people were having were caused by unlocking the bootloader, converting, rooting, and locking the bootloader. The warning for possibility of not being able to unlock have been removed, but the info about restoring to stock before locking has been left.
I send mine in for a motherboard repair I was rooted and everything I unrooted installed stock firmware and locked the bootloader again once I got the phone back I unlocked the bootloader once again and I am rooted again
chairman011 said:
I send mine in for a motherboard repair I was rooted and everything I unrooted installed stock firmware and locked the bootloader again once I got the phone back I unlocked the bootloader once again and I am rooted again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@chairman011 what variant of the phone it is (e.g. CN or WW or US, ...etc.)? Also, when they returned it to you and you were able to unlock it again, was it on the original firmware (or any version in its lineage (i.e. not a ROM that's not original))?
If by using ASUS unlock utility one was able to oneself unlock the boot-loader once, then is it safe to say that (after relocking it) it'd be possible to unlock it again?
nexusnerdgeek said:
If by using ASUS unlock utility one was able to oneself unlock the boot-loader once, then is it safe to say that (after relocking it) it'd be possible to unlock it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people have reported that you can't unlock the bootloader again after relocking, using the official "Unlock Device App", but I suspect it is an OS mismatch. This issue has only been observed on Tencent (CN) version with global ROM. Have anyone been able to unlock->relock->unlock on the same version of the phone, but not relocking while on the global ROM (i.e. relocking while on stock CN ROM)?
I am surprised the phone did not hard brick. Usually, and this is a general case in almost all Android phones with bootloader unlock capability, when you relock on a different ROM your phone hard bricks. Always restore to original ROM before relocking. Can people with Tencent (CN) phones with global ROM and locked bootloader flash the original CN ROM without unlocking the bootloader? If so, can you test the "Unlock Device App" to see if it works while on the CN (official) ROM? I gotta a feeling it might work in that situation.
falhumai96 said:
Some people have reported that you can't unlock the bootloader again after relocking, using the official "Unlock Device App", but I suspect it is an OS mismatch. This issue has only been observed on Tencent (CN) version with global ROM. Have anyone been able to unlock->relock->unlock on the same version of the phone, but not relocking while on the global ROM (i.e. relocking while on stock CN ROM)?
I am surprised the phone did not hard brick. Usually, and this is a general case in almost all Android phones with bootloader unlock capability, when you relock on a different ROM your phone hard bricks. Always restore to original ROM before relocking. Can people with Tencent (CN) phones with global ROM and locked bootloader flash the original CN ROM without unlocking the bootloader? If so, can you test the "Unlock Device App" to see if it works while on the CN (official) ROM? I gotta a feeling it might work in that situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an identification mismatch. It's similar to when you throw your SIM card in a different phone and your carrier lists you as having a different phone. Based on the information that has been discovered, it would appear that CN to WW conversions were wiping out the stuff that makes your device your device.
twistedumbrella said:
It's an identification mismatch. It's similar to when you throw your SIM card in a different phone and your carrier lists you as having a different phone. Based on the information that has been discovered, it would appear that CN to WW conversions were wiping out the stuff that makes your device your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, basically the bootloader unlock for tencent devices will always locked unless asus uodate their unlock app or has their been another way around it yet?
The unlock app should unlock the bootloader at least once. Unlocking it a second time has mixed results.
Hi there, can you guys help me? I'm one of those unlucky ones who got my phone corrupted and won't boot anymore due to the boot loader. is there a way to fix this?? I've got an ROG phone 5s 16/512 on android12.
Hope you guys can help me! I know you guys have amazing brain cells than me when it comes to these things lol
Oh! and my rog is not the china version thanks
0v3rkill said:
Hi there, can you guys help me? I'm one of those unlucky ones who got my phone corrupted and won't boot anymore due to the boot loader. is there a way to fix this?? I've got an ROG phone 5s 16/512 on android12.
Hope you guys can help me! I know you guys have amazing brain cells than me when it comes to these things lol
Oh! and my rog is not the china version thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TYou should be able to RAW flash yourself out of it if a factory reset doesn't work. This does happen when re-locking the WW.
Andrologic said:
TYou should be able to RAW flash yourself out of it if a factory reset doesn't work. This does happen when re-locking the WW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there mate, thanks heaps for taking time.on my post. how do i do that? can you send me a link of the step by step guide? again thanks
0v3rkill said:
Hi there mate, thanks heaps for taking time.on my post. how do i do that? can you send me a link of the step by step guide? again thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Below post from the help guide (credits to the contributors) has links to RAW firmware packages. You just need any one of the WW packages. Download it and with your device in bootloader mode, run one of the .bat flash scripts that you'll find in the RAW package. The version doesn't matter, you can simply update to the latest firmware once you're back up.
RAW Firmware Collection and Guide
All fastboot / adb commands require using the side USB-C port https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download Make sure you have fastboot installed Add platform tools to PATH (post 2) Make a backup of anything...
forum.xda-developers.com
Andrologic said:
Below post from the help guide (credits to the contributors) has links to RAW firmware packages. You just need any one of the WW packages. Download it and with your device in bootloader mode, run one of the .bat flash scripts that you'll find in the RAW package. The version doesn't matter, you can simply update to the latest firmware once you're back up.
RAW Firmware Collection and Guide
All fastboot / adb commands require using the side USB-C port https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download Make sure you have fastboot installed Add platform tools to PATH (post 2) Make a backup of anything...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, I did follow and did the raw setup it did got me through the boot loop. However, its stuck on the system start up updating screen and stays in 0%.
Darn i thought im already dead! i didn't even know how i fixed it hahahaha! but its working now successfully downgraded to android 11 because its the only firmware i found and managed to make it work again combination of alot of research in google and here xda. working 100% imei two of them, finger print and sn are all intact. thanks guys
For these few reasons I have to give up root & lock the boot-loader: 1. Financial apps stop working from time to time causing much grief; 2. I've used root functionality precisely for nothing for a year I've had it; 3. It was getting all too complicated to keep up with it all.
(The original intention for unlocking/rooting was to get some sort of unofficial VoLTE and VoWiFi for the mobile operator of my choice; however, it didn't help. Then a newer firmware implemented VoLTE and VoWiFi! So my impatience, admittedly couldn't be known at that point in time, backfired.)
I've nothing to preserve on the phone, due to having a Moto G 5G backup phone. I only had it working with adb & fastboot in my Linux laptop (up to date Fedora 36). I had no working Windows laptop then. But I do now. However, adb on Windows says the device is "unauthorised" (as expected); fastboot in it doesn't list the device. So I might be limited to my Linux laptop only. The phone was previously working on the last A11 WW firmware fine.
I've tried to follow the steps from the original post of this thread. First one worked with vendor_boot, dtbo & boot images (used only 18.0840.2202.231 versions of them). Second N/A. With third step, flash_raw_and_wipe_data.sh fails by core dumping.
Right now, the phone boots to fastbootd & not further. Any help is much appreciated.
(I think I'm inching towards fully bricking this phone. I'm not there yet, but getting closer . It'd be nice to get it working again without root & with locked boot loader. Any help is much appreciated.)
This is where I'm at while executing step 3 of the initial guide in this post:
When powered on, in the usual boot loader unlocked warning page, it prompts for power key to be pressed to continue.
(Here if power switch is not pressed within 30 odd seconds, phone powers down automatically.)
Once power key is pressed, it lands in boot loader. Selecting Start, it goes back to boot loader. I think this is called a boot loop.
While in boot loader, selecting "Recovery mode", it progresses to "Android Recovery". Here selecting "Enter fastboot" appears to take it furthest in the booting process of landing at "Android Fastboot".
(The version info showed in Fastboot -- 18.0840.2202.231-0 -- matches with the last A11 update I downloaded from Asus website & had it installed late March this year.)
I don't think it can boot any further at the state that it's in now.
I think this is where it needs a raw firmware to be flashed. This step keeps core-dumping in my Linux laptop when trying to use WW_ZS673KS_18.0840.2106.83_M3.13.24.40-ASUS_1.1.92_Phone-user.raw file that was linked in the original post. This version appears to be quite old. Could the version mismatch between what the phone was running recently (18.0840.2202.231) and the raw file (18.0840.2106.83) cause the core-dump issue? IOW, would somebody have a link for 18.0840.2202.231 raw file please?
I couldn't use my work Windows laptop due to an issue I cannot overcome (installation of driver needed for the phone is somehow blocked in it). So, soon I'll try it from a personal Windows laptop of my neighbor. Let's see if it can progress any further with the help of Windows platform.
In the meantime, I can appreciate to be informed about any tips and tricks such as if this is something that the phone cannot be recovered from. Or even somebody highly skilled would like to help me to achieve a fully functional phone (with bootloader locked please) for a fair compensation. Please let me know. Thanks for any guidance.
nexusnerdgeek said:
This is where I'm at while executing step 3 of the initial guide in this post:
When powered on, in the usual boot loader unlocked warning page, it prompts for power key to be pressed to continue.
(Here if power switch is not pressed within 30 odd seconds, phone powers down automatically.)
Once power key is pressed, it lands in boot loader. Selecting Start, it goes back to boot loader. I think this is called a boot loop.
While in boot loader, selecting "Recovery mode", it progresses to "Android Recovery". Here selecting "Enter fastboot" appears to take it furthest in the booting process of landing at "Android Fastboot".
(The version info showed in Fastboot -- 18.0840.2202.231-0 -- matches with the last A11 update I downloaded from Asus website & had it installed late March this year.)
I don't think it can boot any further at the state that it's in now.
I think this is where it needs a raw firmware to be flashed. This step keeps core-dumping in my Linux laptop when trying to use WW_ZS673KS_18.0840.2106.83_M3.13.24.40-ASUS_1.1.92_Phone-user.raw file that was linked in the original post. This version appears to be quite old. Could the version mismatch between what the phone was running recently (18.0840.2202.231) and the raw file (18.0840.2106.83) cause the core-dump issue? IOW, would somebody have a link for 18.0840.2202.231 raw file please?
I couldn't use my work Windows laptop due to an issue I cannot overcome (installation of driver needed for the phone is somehow blocked in it). So, soon I'll try it from a personal Windows laptop of my neighbor. Let's see if it can progress any further with the help of Windows platform.
In the meantime, I can appreciate to be informed about any tips and tricks such as if this is something that the phone cannot be recovered from. Or even somebody highly skilled would like to help me to achieve a fully functional phone (with bootloader locked please) for a fair compensation. Please let me know. Thanks for any guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirm that you can send fastboot commands to the device. It's a prerequisite for flashing the original boot img back or doing a RAW flash if boot looped. That's the very first step you need sorted and confirmed. Sounds like you may not be in the right Fastboot mode. The RAW version doesn't matter too much as long as it's in line with your device version, you just need it to get back up and can upgrade normally to other versions.

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