Database Develop

[Q] 4.2.2 Root to 4.4 Root on AT&T

Okay, I am just wanting to clear things up for myself with this question. I've seen it similarly asked on other threads, but I have yet to find answer to them.
Currently, I am Stock + camera update + rooted with RockMyMoto. I haven't frozen or uninstalled or otherwise done anything to system apps or files (I disabled a few through Android itself before root, but never touched them since) I do use Permissions Denied; an app that does what it says for any app I chose, however I only use it for non-system apps. My phone is essentially stock, with root (bootloader locked). Thats all I want for whenever I update to 4.4 at the moment. Speaking of which...
I am trying to determine the best way to go about this. Since I havent done much to my phone, I am curious to know if I can just install the OTA (since I've altered no system files, but I know this isn't usually advised) then apply the latest root method done by jcase. Can it be as straight forward as that? Or do I absolutely need to flash back to STOCK stock, apply the camera update, the apply the 4.4 update, THEN use his method?
Trying to find a method that is at least safe. Preferably safe, quick and easy. But I know these methods aren't always quick .

NameLessThugZero said:
Okay, I am just wanting to clear things up for myself with this question. I've seen it similarly asked on other threads, but I have yet to find answer to them.
Currently, I am Stock + camera update + rooted with RockMyMoto. I haven't frozen or uninstalled or otherwise done anything to system apps or files (I disabled a few through Android itself before root, but never touched them since) I do use Permissions Denied; an app that does what it says for any app I chose, however I only use it for non-system apps. My phone is essentially stock, with root (bootloader locked). Thats all I want for whenever I update to 4.4 at the moment. Speaking of which...
I am trying to determine the best way to go about this. Since I havent done much to my phone, I am curious to know if I can just install the OTA (since I've altered no system files, but I know this isn't usually advised) then apply the latest root method done by jcase. Can it be as straight forward as that? Or do I absolutely need to flash back to STOCK stock, apply the camera update, the apply the 4.4 update, THEN use his method?
Trying to find a method that is at least safe. Preferably safe, quick and easy. But I know these methods aren't always quick .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pawnymoto hijacks the stock recovery so you won't be able to install the update, you need to flash the stick recovery at the least
Sent on my Moto X

flashallthetime said:
Pawnymoto hijacks the stock recovery so you won't be able to install the update, you need to flash the stick recovery at the least
Sent on my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do I need in order to do that, or should I just RSD lite back to a stock Moto X?

NameLessThugZero said:
What do I need in order to do that, or should I just RSD lite back to a stock Moto X?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say its safer to rsdlite back to 100% stock, that way you know everything is ready to accept the ota and you won't end up in a bootloop
Sent on my Moto X

Security Issues With Unlocking the Bootloader Without Rooting?

Does it present any security issues to unlock a bootloader without rooting? I don't mean if you lose your phone, I mean is there a security issue with any apps you install?

That's always a risk. Read playstore comments before installing anything.
Has nothing to do with being rooted or not...or boot loader state.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

Cozume said:
Does it present any security issues to unlock a bootloader without rooting? I don't mean if you lose your phone, I mean is there a security issue with any apps you install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could have asked at AC and I would answer it over there.
Unlocking bootloader and/or running custom recovery is a big risk. When you unlocked bootloader, all the partitions in your phone can be accessed and modified. I can flash custom recovery to your phone. Custom recovery give full root access to the phone. It is then easily possible to copy all your data from the phone and also disable the lock for your phone. Although if you encrypt your phone, then custom recovery will require the password to give access to the /data partition, which is where all the user datas are. I guess if someone is determine enough, then they can make an image copy of your phone and try to decrypt it.
If you want to keep your data safe, disable USB Debugging (because exploits can be used with ADB to gain access to the phone), use stock recovery and lock bootloader. However, if the phone brick then you can't get back your data in the phone.

eksasol said:
Unlocking bootloader and/or running custom recovery is a big risk. When you unlocked bootloader, all the partitions in your phone can be accessed and modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but can an app do this? And if so, what permissions would the app need to do this. Also, I am not talking about flashing a custom recovery; just an unlocked bootloader.
eksasol said:
If you want to keep your data safe, disable USB Debugging (because exploits can be used with ADB to gain access to the phone), use stock recovery and lock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but can an app do harm to your phone if you have USB debugging enabled? I know a person who finds your phone can. I am asking about apps.

Cozume said:
but can an app do this? And if so, what permissions would the app need to do this. Also, I am not talking about flashing a custom recovery; just an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the phone isn't root, then probably not, unless there is some security holes it can exploit. With root it is possible to modify the whole system. Motorola and HTC have an extra layer to prevent simple root to modify the system partition, but as you can see, just visit dev section if you want to remove it.
but can an app do harm to your phone if you have USB debugging enabled? I know a person who finds your phone can. I am asking about apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible for apps to get access to sensitive data and change system settings with USB Debugging enabled. Helium required it turned on to make backup of your contacts, sms and apps data for example.
If you have an older Android phone, you don't need to do anything except to enable USB Debugging and run a program to install root. But we're trusting apps like SuperUser and SuperSU to control apps access to root, so that's a layer of protection. But KitKat is much safer now.
You don't need root to install malware and virus to your phone. Just download an infected app or use unreliable app stores like Aptoide. Also if you have the option "Unknown sources" enabled, which almost all of us do, the app can utilize it to automatically install other apps in the background.
Point I'm trying to make is, if the phone have unlocked bootloader, or even locked bootloader with custom recovery, and someone else have a hold of it, then all bets are off.

eksasol said:
If the phone isn't root, then probably not, unless there is some security holes it can exploit. With root it is possible to modify the whole system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great, that is what I want to know. I knew a human being in possession of your phone could do more damage if it were unlocked, which is why I got rid of the bootloader unlocked warning message.
BTW - do you know if flashing the original kit kat boot logo to replace the bootloader warning message presents a problem for accepting the OTA update to 4.4.2?
eksasol said:
Motorola and HTC have an extra layer to prevent simple root to modify the system partition, but as you can see, just visit dev section if you want to remove it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so then on my Moto X, since flashing a new logo doesn't even require root, it shouldn't have affected any system files and then it would be safe to take the OTA after removing the bootloader unlocked warning?
eksasol said:
It is possible for apps to get access to sensitive data and change system settings with USB Debugging enabled. Helium required it turned on to make backup of your contacts, sms and apps data for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good to know!
eksasol said:
But we're trusting apps like SuperUser and SuperSU to control apps access to root, so that's a layer of protection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, that is how I understand it. Unless I give the app access to root through SuperSU, it can't.
eksasol said:
But KitKat is much safer now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why is this?
eksasol said:
Also if you have the option "Unknown sources" enabled, which almost all of us do, the app can utilize it to automatically install other apps in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, Amazon app store required that to be enabled to load apps from their app store.

Cozume said:
great, that is what I want to know. I knew a human being in possession of your phone could do more damage if it were unlocked, which is why I got rid of the bootloader unlocked warning message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW - do you know if flashing the original kit kat boot logo to replace the bootloader warning message presents a problem for accepting the OTA update to 4.4.2?
Ok so then on my Moto X, since flashing a new logo doesn't even require root, it shouldn't have affected any system files and then it would be safe to take the OTA after removing the bootloader unlocked warning?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depend on the checking that the dev put in the OTA package. On the Nexus device, if you are missing any original system APK, modify the radio partition, modify GPS setting file, or modify the build.prop, etc, the OTA will fail. So I assume the same with Moto X OTA. The safest bet is to make sure all the partition are original first (except the /data partition where your data resides) before receiving an OTA.
ok, that is how I understand it. Unless I give the app access to root through SuperSU, it can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. The actual component of root isn't the SuperSU app, but a 'su' binary. Without the SuperSU app, anything can have full fledged root access. You need SuperSU to control that access.
why is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For many reason, I'm not a developer so I can only talk about what I know and seen from a user perspective. It used to be that you can flash an exploited update.zip to modify the stock recovery of Android, in order to make it ignore the package signatures, so the recovery could flash any package without the correct signature. Now there are no such exploits for latest stock recovery. With USB Debugging enabled in Android 4.3 or newer, it would not even allow access when connected to a PC unless you accept to trust that PC in a pop up dialog in the phone, I'm not sure if it's mean the phone is totally invulnerable to exploits (like memory overflow), you'll have to ask someone smarter. Also apps like Framaroot that I just linked won't work anymore.

eksasol said:
That depend on the checking that the dev put in the OTA package. On the Nexus device, if you are missing any original system APK, modify the radio partition, modify GPS setting file, or modify the build.prop, etc, the OTA will fail. So I assume the same with Moto X OTA. The safest bet is to make sure all the partition are original first (except the /data partition where your data resides) before receiving an OTA. My guess is if you tried it with modified logo it will either fail or overwrite it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I think I am going to unroot and flash back to stock just to be sure.
Thanks again! I would hit the thanks button but I used up all my thanks today and it won't let me.

Cozume said:
OK, I think I am going to unroot and flash back to stock just to be sure.
Thanks again! I would hit the thanks button but I used up all my thanks today and it won't let me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You already gave me enough thanks at AC.

eksasol said:
You already gave me enough thanks at AC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is your user name there?

Cozume said:
what is your user name there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
someguy

Why so paranoid? Have you read any posts on xda of such things....I haven't.
If you are sideloading apps the risk increases for sure. But apps on the play store would have tonnes of comments about it if the app was screwing up the system.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

eksasol said:
someguy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok great!

kj2112 said:
Why so paranoid? Have you read any posts on xda of such things....I haven't.
If you are sideloading apps the risk increases for sure. But apps on the play store would have tonnes of comments about it if the app was screwing up the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just trying to understand how all of this works.

Okay one thing why are you trying to unlock the bootloader without rooting?? Or did I read everything wrong? And yes unlocking the bootloader allows you to write to every partition of the phone. Except when HTC and you're s-on you have to manually flash the boot.img via fastboot. But with moto. There is no point in unlocking the bootloader if you're not doing anything. Two it voids your warranty. Three it can disable functions on your phone like features, camera options I think and yeah etc. But if you follow instructions you won't have any problems ever rooting or shouldn't if you semi have a brain and know how to follow instructions if not well you can somewhat brick :$ I don't mess with moto much but I have. Sorry this thread was in my latest and scrolling through xda. Lol. You can unlock you're phone straight from the moto website. But if you're not rooting. Eh no point.
Sent from my Rezound using xda-developers app. CyanogenMod 11. S-off

I just read this thread, particularly page 2 why we can't relock the Motorola bootloader (yet it seems), unlike Nexus devices, I think it's really bad for security.
edit: link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2575586&page=2

pball52998 said:
Okay one thing why are you trying to unlock the bootloader without rooting??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted but a friend of mine is unlocked but not rooted. She wanted to be unlocked because it wipes your device so wanted to do it before she got the phone all set up. She is afraid of rooting. Anyhow, maybe she shouldn't have unlocked but she did.
pball52998 said:
There is no point in unlocking the bootloader if you're not doing anything. Two it voids your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
She has the dev ed so it doesn't void her warranty. And she may want to Wifi tether in the future so I told her she needs to unlock and root for that so get the dev ed. She did and unlocked but is afraid to go any further.
pball52998 said:
You can unlock you're phone straight from the moto website. But if you're not rooting. Eh no point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It increases the phone's resale value to unlock it.

eksasol said:
I just read this thread, particularly page 2 why we can't relock the Motorola bootloader (yet it seems), unlike Nexus devices, I think it's really bad for security.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I saw a thread where someone could relock the Moto X bootloader.
And what about this?
Re-Lock Your Bootloader

It should just be a command like fastboot_oem_lock or something but idk. And two if she has the dev edition. Root that thing!!! XD that's what it's for!! Just install twrp via goo manager. Wipe factory reset all that good stuff. After making a back up. Notice after backing up. Then flashing rom and gapps In that order. I mean its a lot easier than htc rezound or htc one, htc in general and such lol.
Sent from my crappy apple iPad.....

pball52998 said:
Wipe factory reset all that good stuff. After making a back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, I didn't wipe and do a factory reset when I rooted so I guess I did it wrong, lol! That is what she is afraid of - not doing it right and messing up her phone.
And I don't have a backup, but do I really need one if I can flash the factory images?

I do not want to take OTA system updates...

I've unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone with the help of the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh.
I now have it setup just how I want it and I don't want an OTA to kill root or change anything so something stops working (phone isn't for me, but I've set it up just right for someone with special needs).
I've read conflicting information on whether or not an OTA will actually install on a rooted phone or not. Some things say that it won't if you've changed anything at all while others say it might be possible.
Is there some system file I can rename or something to ensure the phone doesn't get a system update unless I do it manually?

LaTropa64 said:
I've unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone with the help of the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh.
I now have it setup just how I want it and I don't want an OTA to kill root or change anything so something stops working (phone isn't for me, but I've set it up just right for someone with special needs).
I've read conflicting information on whether or not an OTA will actually install on a rooted phone or not. Some things say that it won't if you've changed anything at all while others say it might be possible.
Is there some system file I can rename or something to ensure the phone doesn't get a system update unless I do it manually?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no matter how many times you will try to update via ota, you will not be able to. if any files change from stock, any at all, you wont be able to install an ota. especially with root.

LaTropa64 said:
I've unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone with the help of the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh.
I now have it setup just how I want it and I don't want an OTA to kill root or change anything so something stops working (phone isn't for me, but I've set it up just right for someone with special needs).
I've read conflicting information on whether or not an OTA will actually install on a rooted phone or not. Some things say that it won't if you've changed anything at all while others say it might be possible.
Is there some system file I can rename or something to ensure the phone doesn't get a system update unless I do it manually?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root solved your problem ha ha

simms22 said:
no matter how many times you will try to update via ota, you will not be able to. if any files change from stock, any at all, you wont be able to install an ota. especially with root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And sometimes, even if one is 100% stock, those pesky OTAs won't install.

cam30era said:
And sometimes, even if one is 100% stock, those pesky OTAs won't install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right. any system file changes prevent install.

Awesome. Thanks.
Will it even attempt to install an update, and if so, does it only attempt once and then give up so you don't get stuck in a loop?

Install a custom recovery. Done. OTAs require the stock recovery in order to flash files.

LaTropa64 said:
Awesome. Thanks.
Will it even attempt to install an update, and if so, does it only attempt once and then give up so you don't get stuck in a loop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
itll only attemp if you let it(it needs your approval to update), otherwise itll only tell you that an update is available. if you let it, itll try, but fail. if you boot up, youll be where you were before.

Apparently I rooted it incorrectly because it was able to update. I just got a call and the phone had rebooted and went through optimizing X of X apps and now many of the tasker profiles I had set are no longer working.
It wouldn't have optimized a bunch of apps if it hadn't updated the OS, or no?

LaTropa64 said:
Apparently I rooted it incorrectly because it was able to update. I just got a call and the phone had rebooted and went through optimizing X of X apps and now many of the tasker profiles I had set are no longer working.
It wouldn't have optimized a bunch of apps if it hadn't updated the OS, or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can always look at your android version in aboy phone, to see if it updated or not.

LaTropa64 said:
Apparently I rooted it incorrectly because it was able to update. I just got a call and the phone had rebooted and went through optimizing X of X apps and now many of the tasker profiles I had set are no longer working.
It wouldn't have optimized a bunch of apps if it hadn't updated the OS, or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll find update or not optimizing apps happens a lot especially if you clear cache etc...
Your fine otas can't install with root
Just flash twrp it will cone in handy incase you brick it one day you'll have twrp to fastboot fix or sideload a rom to recover from.
ONE NOTE: Never ever ever relock your bootloader with the toolkit you'll be screwed. Always leave bootlaoder unlocked. I just had to rma manufacturer phone replacement I relock mine with toolkit and couldn't flash stock firmware or oem unlock again.
Sent from my LGMS769 using XDA Free mobile app

simms22 said:
you can always look at your android version in aboy phone, to see if it updated or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take a look the next time I get over there. It's not my phone, I just set it up for someone with accessibility issues and wanted it to stay the same as the day I set it up but apparently it's not done that.

question about maintaining root

So far I've been running my OP3T with stock rom with TWRP recovery and SuperSU to have root. This was mostly because I wanted the Adaway and titanium backup to work. I undid everything so I could update to the latest OxygenOS version, and now I'm on the stock recovery too, but with bootloader still unlocked I believe. I no longer have root after doing the upgrade as far as I can tell, still a bit new to all this flashing, haha. The last time I did this was when the nexus 4 came out
What is the best option for maintaining root while still being able to upgrade smoothly? I'm not against using one of the custom ROMs if that will help, but I do kinda like the stock rom so far!
thanks!

bluesrph said:
So far I've been running my OP3T with stock rom with TWRP recovery and SuperSU to have root. This was mostly because I wanted the Adaway and titanium backup to work. I undid everything so I could update to the latest OxygenOS version, and now I'm on the stock recovery too, but with bootloader still unlocked I believe. I no longer have root after doing the upgrade as far as I can tell, still a bit new to all this flashing, haha. The last time I did this was when the nexus 4 came out
What is the best option for maintaining root while still being able to upgrade smoothly? I'm not against using one of the custom ROMs if that will help, but I do kinda like the stock rom so far!
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread should answer all your questions and doubts
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/...-or-custom-recovery-without-data-loss.479265/

saurabh40629 said:
This thread should answer all your questions and doubts
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/...-or-custom-recovery-without-data-loss.479265/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I have seen that post. I'm guessing any route I go I'll have to flash updates then? I was hoping to find a way to be able to use OTA updates.
I've also never been able to get rid of the dm-verity error, even after going back to stock and locking the bootloader. Is there anything I need to worry about with that or is it just an annoyance?
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs

bluesrph said:
Thank you, I have seen that post. I'm guessing any route I go I'll have to flash updates then? I was hoping to find a way to be able to use OTA updates.
I've also never been able to get rid of the dm-verity error, even after going back to stock and locking the bootloader. Is there anything I need to worry about with that or is it just an annoyance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dm-verity u can bypass but bootloader one, you can not. Look at the apps, mods section.

bluesrph said:
Thank you, I have seen that post. I'm guessing any route I go I'll have to flash updates then? I was hoping to find a way to be able to use OTA updates.
I've also never been able to get rid of the dm-verity error, even after going back to stock and locking the bootloader. Is there anything I need to worry about with that or is it just an annoyance?
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't try to flash the partial OTAs while you are rooted and have a custom recovery installed. The partial zip will try to make specific changes in the restricted partitions (/system, /boot, /recovery, etc.) related to the update and prior modifications to these files may cause the update to fail and the phone to brick. You can still use the "Update" tab in the Settings menu to download the update though as OOS will detect root and download the full zip of the update for you. Simply flash the full zip in TWRP, wipe cache/dalvik, then flash SuperSU and you're good to go the next time an update rolls out. Updating by this method (rooting immedately after flashing update) will also prevent OOS from replacing TWRP with the stock recovery again. When you download the update, you'll know if it's the full zip if the file is >1 GB (they're usually ~1.4 GB,, whereas the partial zips are a few hundred MB).
Unlocked bootloader warning screen is cannot be removed without relocked and fully resetting (wiping) the phone. DM-verity warning screen can be removed by following this guide. Make sure that you are flashing the correct firmware for you current version of OOS though, flashing the wrong version can brick you phone.

Can a rooted phone be updated?

Can a rooted phone be updated? If i root my razor, will i be able to update without re-rooting?

ChronosTrigger said:
Can a rooted phone be updated? If i root my razor, will i be able to update without re-rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it fails to install. You need to reflash the stock boot image to take an OTA.

Confused still
CurtisMJ said:
No, it fails to install. You need to reflash the stock boot image to take an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm Sorry i'm so nooby in this regard.
So do you mean i have to basically get the stock ROM back again.
Then I can re-root like i did with the earlier version?

ChronosTrigger said:
I'm Sorry i'm so nooby in this regard.
So do you mean i have to basically get the stock ROM back again.
Then I can re-root like i did with the earlier version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)

CurtisMJ said:
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WARNING: This file is really intended for a developer to use in making a rooted slot. Flashing the file below could? remove root or cause other issues if you're rooted. Brick maybe? Although, mostly likely, it won't flash at all if you are rooted.
I used adb to capture the Razer Phone 2 MR2 OTA. It's located here.
I also downloaded it... but figure y'all would prefer a link straight to the Google source
SHA1 is the file name so you can verify it. E9F494FACBF8B7A6DF32F342C84459A7051ACE24
The SHA256 I calculated was: FF571E225BC81C8D450964E0C7BA28DF13E963798F9E5AF7E7C142DE7FBE51A5

translucentfocus said:
WARNING: Flashing the file below could? remove root or cause other issues if you're rooted. Brick maybe? I'm not rooted, just trying to help people get the files they need.
I used adb to capture the OTA. It's located here.
I also downloaded it... but figure y'all would prefer a link straight to the Google source
SHA1 is the file name so you can verify it. E9F494FACBF8B7A6DF32F342C84459A7051ACE24
The SHA256 I calculated was: FF571E225BC81C8D450964E0C7BA28DF13E963798F9E5AF7E7C142DE7FBE51A5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So With this. You can root, AND if they have any Update for the phone in the future, I can Update it without losing my root?

ChronosTrigger said:
So With this. You can root, AND if they have any Update for the phone in the future, I can Update it without losing my root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite... The update will likely fail to apply due to checksum failures. If it did go through it would probably brick the kernel so that's a good thing. Sorry, there's not really a way to automatically root after official OTAs as they update block by block between two known states, and neither is rooted. It's just sort of not possible, by design. You have to unroot, update and root again.
The OTA package translucentfocus has provided allows us to reproduce a single slot before the week's wait for the factory image so we can root sooner.

translucentfocus said:
WARNING: Flashing the file below could? remove root or cause other issues if you're rooted. Brick maybe? I'm not rooted, just trying to help people get the files they need.
I used adb to capture the OTA. It's located here.
I also downloaded it... but figure y'all would prefer a link straight to the Google source
SHA1 is the file name so you can verify it. E9F494FACBF8B7A6DF32F342C84459A7051ACE24
The SHA256 I calculated was: FF571E225BC81C8D450964E0C7BA28DF13E963798F9E5AF7E7C142DE7FBE51A5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which OTA is this? Also how to update

xterminater07 said:
which OTA is this? Also how to update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't specify. It's the MR2 update for the Razer Phone 2. Original reply has been also updated with version information in bold.
How to update? Actually, I posted the OTA because it's really for someone to make a slot with root before Razer releases the Factory MR2 Images--as @CurtisMJ mentioned previously.

CurtisMJ said:
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)
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Sorry to bring back an old thread but just a few questions if you don't mind.
I just bought a used Razer 2 seems like the user rooted it (I was unaware) and it has been years since I rooted anything. I downloaded root checker and it said I was rooted. I assume I'm running the stock rom, though magisk manager was installed on the phone when I turned it on so I guess it's not stock. I guess this means I can not take any OTA or it could brick? I went into system update and it still checked to make sure I was up to date so maybe OTA isn't disabled? So much has changed with apps and rooting since I messed with it that I don't know enough and I don't want to brick or bootloop the device.
Thanks

Univsoldur said:
Sorry to bring back an old thread but just a few questions if you don't mind.
I just bought a used Razer 2 seems like the user rooted it (I was unaware) and it has been years since I rooted anything. I downloaded root checker and it said I was rooted. I assume I'm running the stock rom, though magisk manager was installed on the phone when I turned it on so I guess it's not stock. I guess this means I can not take any OTA or it could brick? I went into system update and it still checked to make sure I was up to date so maybe OTA isn't disabled? So much has changed with apps and rooting since I messed with it that I don't know enough and I don't want to brick or bootloop the device.
Thanks
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Yes, that sounds about right. When rooted the OTA function doesn't disable right away. Only after its downloaded an update and actually tries to apply it it'll refuse. The new Android update engine is pretty good at not bricking. My guess is probably stock. If it's rooted, then the bootloader is unlocked, and it's not too bad. For magisk root at least all you need to do is flash the stock boot image and the OTA will apply. With factory images around and an unlocked bootloader you'll have a hard time bricking it. Just don't untick "OEM Unlocking" in developer options. Ever. (Or at least until you've fully restored stock firmware. It's supposed to be disabled so you can't make that mistake but Magisk hide tricks the firmware into believing the bootloader is locked so it's enabled. Whaddayagonnado)

CurtisMJ said:
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CurtisMJ said:
Yes, that sounds about right. When rooted the OTA function doesn't disable right away. Only after its downloaded an update and actually tries to apply it it'll refuse. The new Android update engine is pretty good at not bricking. My guess is probably stock. If it's rooted, then the bootloader is unlocked, and it's not too bad. For magisk root at least all you need to do is flash the stock boot image and the OTA will apply. With factory images around and an unlocked bootloader you'll have a hard time bricking it. Just don't untick "OEM Unlocking" in developer options. Ever. (Or at least until you've fully restored stock firmware. It's supposed to be disabled so you can't make that mistake but Magisk hide tricks the firmware into believing the bootloader is locked so it's enabled. Whaddayagonnado)
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Thanks for the detailed response I managed to get up with the previous owner on swappa last night. He told me he unlocked the phone but never actually got around to rooting it. He also said it is running stock and the reason magisk is still on the phone after a wipe is because magisk persists after a wipe.
Messages from him.
Sorry about that, I did unlock the bootloader but I never actually got around to rooting. I usually relock the bootloader before I sell it but I completely forgot. You can apply an ota because I never installed a custom recovery, something else I didn't get around to doing. You can easily relock the bootloader using adb. If you need help with this let me know and I can walk you through it. But the bootloader being unlocked has zero effect on ota's. You are all good to go as far as that goes.
Oh no you're absolutely fine with an ota. I just looked it up and you're absolutely right, magisk does survive a reboot now. Since I didn't load a custom recovery though an ota will install just fine. Although when an ota does install though it will most likely remove magisk because it will write over the boot.img with the factory one. Here is the link to the factory images. It includes instructions on how to install it. But honestly a new ota should be released any time now since the last one I think was November. Once that installs you will be completely back to stock.
Does this sound accurate to y'all. Thanks again

@Univsoldur His knowledge seems a little dated. Kind of how mine was a few months ago Anyways here goes:
If a root checker says it's rooted then it probably is. I'm not sure why he says it isn't.
Magisk does indeed persist through a data wipe. I wasn't aware magiskinit could unpack the manager APK though. Neat
He's right in that an unlocked bootloader won't affect OTAs, but having magisk installed will.
The RP2 uses the new A/B update scheme. In this case it doesn't matter whether a custom recovery was ever installed. Recovery mode is not used during the process of installation. Unfortunately the new update scheme is also heavily based on deltas, even on the kernel image, so OTAs will be broken as it won't be able to retrieve a full kernel image from the OTA servers. Some OEMs' ROMs can do that, but Razer's can't. You can flash the factory images if you truly want a clean start, but to fix OTAs and remove magisk, reflashing just the kernel image with one from the factory image should be sufficient. The magisk uninstaller won't work due to the data wipe so that's probably the only option.

CurtisMJ said:
@Univsoldur His knowledge seems a little dated. Kind of how mine was a few months ago Anyways here goes:
If a root checker says it's rooted then it probably is. I'm not sure why he says it isn't.
Magisk does indeed persist through a data wipe. I wasn't aware magiskinit could unpack the manager APK though. Neat
He's right in that an unlocked bootloader won't affect OTAs, but having magisk installed will.
The RP2 uses the new A/B update scheme. In this case it doesn't matter whether a custom recovery was ever installed. Recovery mode is not used during the process of installation. Unfortunately the new update scheme is also heavily based on deltas, even on the kernel image, so OTAs will be broken as it won't be able to retrieve a full kernel image from the OTA servers. Some OEMs' ROMs can do that, but Razer's can't. You can flash the factory images if you truly want a clean start, but to fix OTAs and remove magisk, reflashing just the kernel image with one from the factory image should be sufficient. The magisk uninstaller won't work due to the data wipe so that's probably the only option.
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So you think to get it back to stock I could just go here.
https://developer.razer.com/razer-phone-dev-tools/factory-images/
Will that remove magisk and return it back to stock I would assume there is no threat of flashing the stock image. Besides that do I need to mess with the kernel?

I'm wondering if it would be possible to flash the unlocked Razer phone 2 firmware to the AT&T version. Would the bootloader need to be unlocked?

Univsoldur said:
So you think to get it back to stock I could just go here.
https://developer.razer.com/razer-phone-dev-tools/factory-images/
Will that remove magisk and return it back to stock I would assume there is no threat of flashing the stock image. Besides that do I need to mess with the kernel?
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Yes, that will return it to stock and remove Magisk. No, if you flash the factory image you don't need to do anything further with the kernel.
---------- Post added at 11:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 PM ----------
DrGonzo6o said:
I'm wondering if it would be possible to flash the unlocked Razer phone 2 firmware to the AT&T version. Would the bootloader need to be unlocked?
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The bootloader needs to be unlocked, yes. I had the unlocked one from the start, so I can't comment on how well that will work though.
Has anyone with an AT&T version successfully flashed unlocked firmware?

Univsoldur said:
So you think to get it back to stock I could just go here.
https://developer.razer.com/razer-phone-dev-tools/factory-images/
Will that remove magisk and return it back to stock I would assume there is no threat of flashing the stock image. Besides that do I need to mess with the kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did post a full unroot guide...