Rooting in the future.. Will there be an easier 4.4 root? - Moto X Q&A

Finally got a new phone and after a couple of years of flashing ROMs on my previous one, and I'm lost. Got too used to rooted ROMs!
In the near future, will there be any easier way to root 4.4? I have a T-Mobile Moto X and I know there are other ways at the moment to gain root, but I don't know if it's worth the risk of messing up my phone right now. I don't want to revert back to stock as I hear it is a pain.. (or is it) and I actually love me some Kitkat 4.4, but I'm stumped because I miss many rooted apps that I use to use on my old phone.
What do you guys think? Worth waiting it out? Or is this sort of thing far fetched at this point?

mik0bil0g said:
Finally got a new phone and after a couple of years of flashing ROMs on my previous one, and I'm lost. Got too used to rooted ROMs!
In the near future, will there be any easier way to root 4.4? I have a T-Mobile Moto X and I know there are other ways at the moment to gain root, but I don't know if it's worth the risk of messing up my phone right now. I don't want to revert back to stock as I hear it is a pain.. (or is it) and I actually love me some Kitkat 4.4, but I'm stumped because I miss many rooted apps that I use to use on my old phone.
What do you guys think? Worth waiting it out? Or is this sort of thing far fetched at this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seeing as though the T-Mo version can be unlocked, just unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery, and flash SU from recovery and you're rooted. Aside from one-clicks, it doesn't get much easier than that.

_MetalHead_ said:
Seeing as though the T-Mo version can be unlocked, just unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery, and flash SU from recovery and you're rooted. Aside from one-clicks, it doesn't get much easier than that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not such a pain.
Follow this guide...you'll be done in an hour and good to go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2556400

Related

[Q] [QUESTION] Root Gingerbread 2.3.3

So, I've upgraded my Nexus One with the OTA from Google and I've lost root, is it anyway to root my device again? I want my crack back!! preferably without unlocking the bootloader, something like universal androot, or z4 root (none of them work, at least market versions), thx for your answers
Rikarudo said:
So, I've upgraded my Nexus One with the OTA from Google and I've lost root, is it anyway to root my device again? I want my crack back!! preferably without unlocking the bootloader, something like universal androot, or z4 root (none of them work, at least market versions), thx for your answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess the only way is to unlock the bootloader. Why do you want it locked anyways? I guess your warranty is long gone + HTC doesn't check the unlocked bootloader as far as i know.
After unlocking you can install a custom recovery and use su.zip ( its there in the android dev section ) and flash it.
siddharthsai said:
I guess the only way is to unlock the bootloader. Why do you want it locked anyways? I guess your warranty is long gone + HTC doesn't check the unlocked bootloader as far as i know.
After unlocking you can install a custom recovery and use su.zip ( its there in the android dev section ) and flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In guess I'll havce to unlock my bootloader then but I havent done it before so im kind of scared, just find it way more complicated doing it that way that whit the mentioned exploits, like universal androot: click root, install room manager, enjoy
You're kidding right? It takes 30 seconds to unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery, and another minute to install a custom ROM and reboot. I had mine done as soon as I took it out of the shipping box.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER. All you have to do is roll back to a build of Froyo. Search for PASSIMG.zip. Apply that through the bootloader. Then you can root using Super One Click or any of the other methods and flash a rooted GB ROM.
Know-Fear said:
You're kidding right? It takes 30 seconds to unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery, and another minute to install a custom ROM and reboot. I had mine done as soon as I took it out of the shipping box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..But an hour to learn about and set up the SDK first Once done though it makes life sooo much easier and gives you a lot more versatility.
DirkGently1 said:
..But an hour to learn about and set up the SDK first Once done though it makes life sooo much easier and gives you a lot more versatility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That.
An hour might be more or less - depends on a user.
uansari1 said:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER. All you have to do is roll back to a build of Froyo. Search for PASSIMG.zip. Apply that through the bootloader. Then you can root using Super One Click or any of the other methods and flash a rooted GB ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to ask the question, why go to all that bother just to not have a unlocked padlock on the bootscreen when it really makes no difference?
Jack_R1 said:
That.
An hour might be more or less - depends on a user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I can make it in less than an hour, lol, anyway, i just wanted to root again because i thought that after OTA the call wonkyness in CM7 got fixed, but it seems is still there, so I'll stay with official GB for a while or untill my abstinence syndrom comes back, and in that case ill try with passimg method just becuase it is a pain in the a55 to setup the SDK (I've done it before, too much data to download and Im currently reliying in thetering to have internet at home).Thnx for your answers.
shuflie said:
I have to ask the question, why go to all that bother just to not have a unlocked padlock on the bootscreen when it really makes no difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only benefit is aesthetics, if it really matters to you. I don't much care for the lockscreen, lol. Aside from that, you're right..unlocking the bootloader isn't any worse. It's just personal preference. My point is that you never HAVE to unlock the bootloader.
Unlock Icon
shuflie said:
I have to ask the question, why go to all that bother just to not have a unlocked padlock on the bootscreen when it really makes no difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To not have a ****ing unlock padlock
Also I don't like thing the easy way. I like "flash_image" instead of "bootloader"'s way of flashing images.
shuflie said:
I have to ask the question, why go to all that bother just to not have a unlocked padlock on the bootscreen when it really makes no difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG!! Don't even mention it!! I can't stand open padlocks!!! they make me feel dirty!! like I have to wash my hands 20 times! LOL.
Seriously, I don't know, I just find it easier with exploits.
Having the bootloader unlocked is the easiest way to do anything.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Still, for people who just want to root it with a 1-click method, what's the way to do it for 2.3.3?
I used rageagainstthecage for 2.2, then used SuperOneClick for 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 ..... What now with 2.3.3 ?
EDIT: I should mention that most users (like me) want to root their phones without flashing this and that, losing all data/preferences along the way. We just want our phone to be exactly how it is now, down to the last shortcut ...... but rooted!
MitchRapp said:
Still, for people who just want to root it with a 1-click method, what's the way to do it for 2.3.3?
I used rageagainstthecage for 2.2, then used SuperOneClick for 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 ..... What now with 2.3.3 ?
EDIT: I should mention that most users (like me) want to root their phones without flashing this and that, losing all data/preferences along the way. We just want our phone to be exactly how it is now, down to the last shortcut ...... but rooted!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gingerbreak... when it's released.
MitchRapp said:
Still, for people who just want to root it with a 1-click method, what's the way to do it for 2.3.3?
I used rageagainstthecage for 2.2, then used SuperOneClick for 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 ..... What now with 2.3.3 ?
EDIT: I should mention that most users (like me) want to root their phones without flashing this and that, losing all data/preferences along the way. We just want our phone to be exactly how it is now, down to the last shortcut ...... but rooted!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's already been stated, use PASSIMG.zip method to downgrade to 2.2 or whatever you'd like then root. There is currently no way to root a 2.3.3 ROM with any sort of 1 click.
There is, but it's not 1-click - having unlocked bootloader allows you to flash SU and change permissions accordingly.
Those demanding 1-click will have to wait until there is any 1-click solution - and this might take time.
I just tried unlocking my bootloader but it says I'm missing AdbWinApi.dll ... I have it though. I've used the SDK for rooting before without any errors like this. Must be my day...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=781386
If you upgraded a rooted device - you can also try the "RErooting guide", in one of the threads where you've asked if it's wiping the whole device. It doesn't. But it might not work without unlocked bootloader - I'm not sure that locked fastboot allows you to boot non-stock, even to memory using "fastboot boot" command. If it does - it's a rooting option completely overlooked until now.

[Q] To root or to wait for ICS

Had OD and loved having it rooted. (My sister's bf helped me. I'm more or less a newb) Had to upgrade to Bionic and while I love it am missing root.
I've been searching online and between info about root and the upcoming ICS update I am getting confused.
Should I root now and wait for ICS? Or wait for ICS then root?
It seems pretty likely that there will be ICS based ROMs available long before Motorola gets around to releasing an official OTA update.
kimeee said:
(My sister's bf helped me. I'm more or less a newb)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need not be rooted at all. If you don't know exactly what you're doing, you should NOT be rooted because you WILL brick your phone.
If you really want to be rooted, you need to do some research and get more familiar with it, what it's for, how it works, and what it can do to your phone.
You probably want to be pretty familiar with ADB too.
I am running the most current unreleased patch 5.7.893 and have not really read what I am really going to gain my rooting. If someone can tell me what I would get that would be worth rooting I will root. but running stock OTA roms specially the 5.7 has fixed most of what was wrong with the phone. I would if I was you just patch per instructions on here rootzwiki.com/topic/8562-easily-upgrade-to-57893-keep-root-and-webtop/ to get the fixes unless someone says there is something well risking rooting
ichigo007 said:
I am running the most current unreleased patch 5.7.893 and have not really read what I am really going to gain my rooting. If someone can tell me what I would get that would be worth rooting I will root. but running stock OTA roms specially the 5.7 has fixed most of what was wrong with the phone. I would if I was you just patch per instructions on here rootzwiki.com/topic/8562-easily-upgrade-to-57893-keep-root-and-webtop/ to get the fixes unless someone says there is something well risking rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are happy with what you have on your phone now, you shouldn't root.
Better to not take the chances.
Oh and...it takes a lot of manual coding to root for you now because the 893 kernel blocks all One-Click-Root programs from working. You have to do it all manually now, and you have to go back to 886 before you can root again anyway.
Tivo7 said:
If you are happy with what you have on your phone now, you shouldn't root.
Better to not take the chances.
Oh and...it takes a lot of manual coding to root for you now because the 893 kernel blocks all One-Click-Root programs from working. You have to do it all manually now, and you have to go back to 886 before you can root again anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I understand about going back. I had to go back just to get the webtop working in 5.7.893. I did the incremental one and lost webtop. used the R3l3AS3DRoot_Windows_V2.1 to go back to the 886 then used the single file update to 5.7 and everything works great. I would probably root if I could get free wifi hotspot so I could use my XOOM thru my phone cause I don't want to pay the hotspot or extra for more 4G bandwidth for my XOOM since my phone is unlimited
I didn't brick my last phone. Rooted all by myself. BF just pointed the way.
kimeee said:
I didn't brick my last phone. Rooted all by myself. BF just pointed the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you did do it by yourself, if you don't know where to go from there, I wouldnt do it.
Its fun seeing the ROMs that are put out but unless that tutor is available I wouldnt do it. Bricking your phone isnt cool.
Rooting really isn't that big a deal once you have some idea what you are doing.
I have had 3 rooted phones and have rooted/jailbroke/hacked just about every other electronic device in my entire house at one point or another.
Do your research, and make sure you follow the instructions. Of course it also helps if you are familiar with ADB and a command shell so you know what the commands you are running actually do too.
Oh, and wait for ICS? C'mon you know XDA will have that at least 2-3 months before it get's an OTA update. [this is fact] <-- don't hold me to that.
Terror_1 said:
Oh, and wait for ICS? C'mon you know XDA will have that at least 2-3 months before it get's an OTA update. [this is fact] <-- don't hold me to that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Motorola will have to start all over with Blur, that is gonna take forever. Rooting a phone with a decent developer community will always mean you have access to the new toys well before the OTA updates.
At the OP, You should have also ran the 43V3R root when you did R3L3AS3DRoot. I'm not an expert on android software and rooting but when I had my X2 I did some minimal research and haven't ran into any problems. When I got my Bionic I rooted it within the first 20 min of getting it. The tools that Dhacker put out (R3L3AS3DRoot, etc.) are amazing and rather easy for someone who is less experienced. They also make it nearly impossible to brick your phone as you can just run it again to get back to stock. Not to say you should just rush into things with reckless abandon.
If you do some research and read EVERYTHING that a developer provides as a guide to flashing their ROM, mod, hack, etc. you'll most likely be ok. Just do everything in small steps. As to your question about ICS though, do like I said. I know it's a pain but backup all your apps and run the R3L3AS3DRoot again, but then also run 43V3R root and intall Cheesecake. All of these can be done with the same tool. Then flash the 5.7.893 update and bam, you have the latest version and your still rooted. You may have to reinstall Super User from the market though.
As far as how useful having a rooted phone is, it all depends on what you will actually take advantage of. One of the simplest things is to just flash a custom ROM and enjoy the changes the developer has made. Liberty is top notch and I would reccomend it to a "newb". Personally I am quite satisfied with stock and would rather customize everything to my own personal satisfaction. If you go that route there are still great things out there. I'm using the V8 Supercharger script and ROM toolbox. TBH I'm not really sure what I'm doing with scripts but there was a good guide for the V8S one and I would highly suggest ROM toolbox. You can use it to install custom fonts, boot animations, download and install custom ROMs (though I think it only supports liberty (haven't tested it)) freeze or uninstall bloatware apps. Basically it's about 10 or so apps in one and it's very user friendly.
Wow this is getting way longer than I planned so here's the:
TL;DR
Do research til you feel comfortable. Read EVERYTHING any developer gives you as a guide. Don't rush into things. And looks at all your options. Rooting gives you access to a few neat tools and hacks to get everything you can out of your phone. Just keep R3L3AS3DRoot handy and you have a very low chance of completely bricking your phone. Also as a disclaimer, I'm not responsible if you completely wreck your phone.
Edit: Adding some links to helpful reads.
FAQs, highly recommend.
List of all ROMs and most tools, etc.
UOT Kitchen, very user friendly way to theme your phone. PM me if you want to use this because there are certain things you must do and things you cannot do.
Hope I have helped a bit.
R3L3AS3DRoot and 43V3R Root were easier than expected.
I say go for root that update is a few months away anyways just make sure you know what you're doing.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App

Can I downgrade from 4.3 to 4.2.2?

Hi guys. I recently got an S4 active off of craigslist, but it has 4.3 so I can't root and unlock it! Is it possible to downgrade back to 4.2.2? If so, could someone point me to a guide? I'm really worried about accidentally bricking this or something, since there doesn't seem to be much online about the S4 Active. Thanks guys.
thejellydude said:
Hi guys. I recently got an S4 active off of craigslist, but it has 4.3 so I can't root and unlock it! Is it possible to downgrade back to 4.2.2? If so, could someone point me to a guide? I'm really worried about accidentally bricking this or something, since there doesn't seem to be much online about the S4 Active. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't try it. Pretty much, since you're already on 4.3, you're pretty much stuck there.
thelegendary4801 said:
I wouldn't try it. Pretty much, since you're already on 4.3, you're pretty much stuck there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I guess I should just wait around, and hope that a new root/unlock comes out? I've used Odin to downgrade my S3, but I don't know if it's as safe on an S4 Active.
thejellydude said:
So I guess I should just wait around, and hope that a new root/unlock comes out? I've used Odin to downgrade my S3, but I don't know if it's as safe on an S4 Active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If 4.3 upgrade is anything like the previous upgrade experience I had - they locked the phone to the 4.3 version
thejellydude said:
So I guess I should just wait around, and hope that a new root/unlock comes out? I've used Odin to downgrade my S3, but I don't know if it's as safe on an S4 Active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
popfan said:
If 4.3 upgrade is anything like the previous upgrade experience I had - they locked the phone to the 4.3 version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yepp, I would just wait, although it's not guaranteed. This phone is so heavily locked down it's ridiculous.
That's a huge disappointment. I even had the guy I bought it from try and get an unlock code, but AT&T won't give one to him. Hopefully something works out.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but what would be the harm in trying to flash the MF1 pre-release? From everything I read if it's not going to work then the installer will just fail to install anything and shouldn't brick your device. If something does go wrong and it messes up your device, we now have the Odin package to get back to ML2. As a last resort you could always go to Best Buy and try to get them to reflash the device to MF3.
I know that people were able to flash between MI2 (4.3) and MF1 (4.2.2) no problem, they were even able to obtain root on MI2 so maybe there's a way to downgrade from ML2 to MI2 to MF1. I have no idea if it would work, and odds are it won't but it seems like it's worth a try.
Devo7v said:
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but what would be the harm in trying to flash the MF1 pre-release? From everything I read if it's not going to work then the installer will just fail to install anything and shouldn't brick your device. If something does go wrong and it messes up your device, we now have the Odin package to get back to ML2. As a last resort you could always go to Best Buy and try to get them to reflash the device to MF3.
I know that people were able to flash between MI2 (4.3) and MF1 (4.2.2) no problem, they were even able to obtain root on MI2 so maybe there's a way to downgrade from ML2 to MI2 to MF1. I have no idea if it would work, and odds are it won't but it seems like it's worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all has to do with the bootloader. I've bricked my note 2 trying to downgrade. Sometimes it would fail, others it would proceed with the flash and fail afterwards. The phone wouldn't boot up, I've tried many things to get it back working with no success. So I then got this phone and I'm not even going to attempt to downgrade. Up to you, though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Upgrading to CM12.1

If I upgrade to CM12.1 and, for some reason, don't like it, can I revert back to 4.4.2, or will I need to revert back to 5.0?
Thanks!
slicetwo said:
If I upgrade to CM12.1 and, for some reason, don't like it, can I revert back to 4.4.2, or will I need to revert back to 5.0?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With locked bootloader u not going be able to put cm on your phone. But if u do get cm loaded let us all know. Cause that mean we have custom recovery.
XRange said:
With locked bootloader u not going be able to put cm on your phone. But if u do get cm loaded let us all know. Cause that mean we have custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. After a bit more research, I saw that on some other posts and then forgot I had posted this question. I was originally under the impression that we could flash CM12 and other ROMs via Flashfire or SafeStrap. I just got the GS5 today (haven't even seen it yet, it's in my mailbox at home right now), so I'm trying to get up to speed on it all as I'm coming from a GS3.
But does this mean that we can't install ANY custom ROMs on the device at this point? Cause now I'm confused by the other ROMs I see posted about in the development forum.
You can as long as they are based on touchwiz. Since you say its new you are most likely stuck though as it will come with lollipop so you cant downgrade which means no root.
Sent from my twi5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk
The one I got today has 4.4.2 on it, but the phone itself was kind of physically jacked up so I need to replace it. Hopefully my replacement will be on 4.4.2.

[Q] Custom roms soon?

Since root has been achieved with pingpongroot, do we have to wait for the bootloader to be unlocked. If anyone has any insight, that would be awesome. I am aware that the root was achived within the last couple of days I was just looking for a rough estimate.
Now that we have root we can eventually get a custom recovery and start flashing roms. The bootloader unlock would be nice but root is the main goal right now.....
Phoneguy589 said:
Now that we have root we can eventually get a custom recovery and start flashing roms. The bootloader unlock would be nice but root is the main goal right now.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so! I'm a bit worried though because I'm coming from a Note 3 AT&T and we've had root for a long, long time but never a bootloader unlock. We've been able to install custom Touchwiz based ROMS, but no one can crack the bootloader there. Here's to hoping that with a wider developer audience the S6 gets a more favorable outcome!
I tried to download it the file asked me to open it in gallery.. Dunno why
I'll bet we'll see custom roms still with locked BL similar to safestrap. Though they'll be lightly modified and TouchWiz based I'm sure.
Only way I see getting BL unlocked is someone leaking the key, and that won't be happening anytime soon. I'm almost tempted to sell my ATT edge for the international version.
The thing everyone's not looking at is you don't need a recovery to flash Roms..we have flash fire which doesn't trip Knox or need a unlocked boot loader I personally tested it and it works it flashes and backs up just like a recovery
mr turtle droid said:
The thing everyone's not looking at is you don't need a recovery to flash Roms..we have flash fire which doesn't trip Knox or need a unlocked boot loader I personally tested it and it works it flashes and backs up just like a recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You successfully did a back up?
And you are right with the s5 we never achieved unlocked bl but still got recovery working thx to safe strap.
I wonder if safe staple can be used now since we have root. I would try but don't have a p.c to Odin back if it bricks lol
David111jr said:
You successfully did a back up?
And you are right with the s5 we never achieved unlocked bl but still got recovery working thx to safe strap.
I wonder if safe staple can be used now since we have root. I would try but don't have a p.c to Odin back if it bricks lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I backed up the roms data and flashed Odin back to stock and restored the data and it worked so I can confirm it actually modifys the system partitions
mr turtle droid said:
Yea I backed up the roms data and flashed Odin back to stock and restored the data and it worked so I can confirm it actually modifys the system partitions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, as seen in the regular at&T galaxy s6 thread here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...rom-cleanrom-1-0-clean-smooth-stable-t3111330)
they already have "CleanRom" which is flashed via FlashFIre. ive read that we can flash roms through FlashFire as long as it sits on the original Samsung kernal. (correct me if im wrong)
hopefully everything catches up soon. this device is beautifully amazing.

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