Root with unlocked bootloader/ no custom recovery - Moto X Q&A

Is there a way I can root with 4.4? I have an unlocked bootloader but the SlapMyMoto method fails me everytime at the impactor 2222 step & even when I try to troubleshoot by using the small windows guide method provided by Jcase. I might be wrong entirely and there isn't yet a root for 4.4, if so let me know that way I don't sound too ignorant. :good:

Demorthus said:
Is there a way I can root with 4.4? I have an unlocked bootloader but the SlapMyMoto method fails me everytime at the impactor 2222 step & even when I try to troubleshoot by using the small windows guide method provided by Jcase. I might be wrong entirely and there isn't yet a root for 4.4, if so let me know that way I don't sound too ignorant. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash twrp recovery by hashcode and flash supersu zip and you're all done
Sent on my Moto X

Is there any possibility there's a way I can root it without a custom recovery though? I understand that it is the easiest way to root, but I'd like to try and keep it stock, that's been my main difficulty thus far.

Demorthus said:
Is there any possibility there's a way I can root it without a custom recovery though? I understand that it is the easiest way to root, but I'd like to try and keep it stock, that's been my main difficulty thus far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you already unlocked your boot loader , so you're already swimming in the swallow end so you may as well swim over to the deep end
Sent on my Moto X

flashallthetime said:
No, you already unlocked your boot loader , so you're already swimming in the swallow end so you may as well swim over to the deep end
Sent on my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright I'll get right on it then! Thanks x2 . Just as a side question since I've only had my Moto X for about a week and a half, will I still be able to continue to use touchless control and updates for it just as so long as I dont flash a custom rom? I want this puppy as stock as possible

Demorthus said:
Alright I'll get right on it then! Thanks x2 . Just as a side question since I've only had my Moto X for about a week and a half, will I still be able to continue to use touchless control and updates for it just as so long as I dont flash a custom rom? I want this puppy as stock as possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you run the stock ROM you'll have all the great features , if you use xposed framework and gravity box you'll have all the features that cyanogenmod has plus all moto's great features too, win win
Sent on my Moto X

Demorthus said:
I want this puppy as stock as possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you unlock your bootloader then?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573212

From what I was following it appeared to be as though it was necessary, but I misinterpreted it. But, it's too late now for any changes, sadly and unfortunately.

get TWRP, xposed framework, with gravitybox and google search api. learn to use tasker and all of its major plugins, you will have a blast with the moto x. the possibilities are endless.

Related

[Q] Safestrap 4.4 or use JCase to root???

I am about to get a Moto X from Verizon and I know it has a locked bootloader
I never dealt with a locked phone in the past and this will be my first moto so I am doing a lot of reading
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I guess the phone will come with 4.2 on it so I'll have two options:
1) Use safestrap and flash 4.4 as a second rom. I am guessing the disadvantage will be loss of disk space for the second rom (maybe other disadvantages, I don't know) but I'll be able to do nandroid backups and flash zips
2) Use the JCase method to root using SlapMyMoto and MotoWpNoMo, etc. (I'll be rooted, but no flashing roms or zips, or nandroid backups)
In that case, which method do you guys really recommend? Do I really need custom roms on this phone since it is almost stock and I can still get xposed to do a lot of the things I'd be interested in with just the root?
If I use the JCase method, do I lose the ability to use safestrap in the future?
Thanks
The moto xs leaving moto maker for Verizon should all be 4.4 at this point. Can't whole heartedly speak to your other questions though.
Sent from my SCH-I925 using Tapatalk
I used to be a flash-o-holic and so far I'm perfectly satisfied with just having root and xposed
sent from my Moto X
I'm rooted, using xposed and gravity box. Very happy with phone. Came from an s3 and have to say I don't miss flashing Roms. Real learning curve for me to root but JCase methods worked perfect and google was my friend through the many steps. Good luck!
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
SlapMyMoto. You're not gonna want to flash roms on this phone.
Thanks for the replies.
I guess if the phone comes with 4.4 already, I only have the JCase's root option, anyway.
But reading the replies here as well as other threads, I see that most people are pretty content with the stock rom + root + gravitybox/xposed. That's great to know.
I can't wait to get the phone tomorrow
Does Safestrap load 4.4.2 roms now?
aptalca said:
Thanks for the replies.
I guess if the phone comes with 4.4 already, I only have the JCase's root option, anyway.
But reading the replies here as well as other threads, I see that most people are pretty content with the stock rom + root + gravitybox/xposed. That's great to know.
I can't wait to get the phone tomorrow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap works on 4.4 too
But you have to have satestrapped it when you were on the 4.2 bootloader, correct? So if you took an ota or if your phone shipped with 4.4, your bootloader was updated and you can no longer safestrap

Is this for real?

I was just Google searching hoping for some good news... And came across this posted yesterday...
http://www.youmobile.org/blogs/entry/Root-Moto-X-KitKat
... Any truth to that? And is it for any carrier, i.e att?
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Links to a thread on here.
Yea I saw that, but they are not the same...
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
They want you to dl this http://www.cydiaimpactor.com/
Anyone know what it is?
Maybe it works for root....but write protection will be enabled. So all root changes will be lost on reboot or power down.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
Maybe it works for root....but write protection will be enabled. So all root changes will be lost on reboot or power down.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So here's my "dumb" question? Would apps like Greenify and Ti backup still possibly work since they just need root permissions, where as Xposed and other apps that need a reboot would be basically worthless?
jbaumert said:
So here's my "dumb" question? Would apps like Greenify and Ti backup still possibly work since they just need root permissions, where as Xposed and other apps that need a reboot would be basically worthless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's other threads where this stuff gets talked about, but im pretty sure for things like that it would probably work. But any actual changes to anything would get reversed.
I've always been unlocked....so I don't have firsthand experience though.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
I'm not too sure about that root method.
Step 11 tells you to downgrade the Bootloader (MOTOBOOT.IMG) and GPT.BIN which is part of the security stuff. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those the main components involved with bricking when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 and lower?
But again, with a locked bootloader, as @kj2112 said, Write Protection will still be enabled.
KidJoe said:
I'm not too sure about that root method.
Step 11 tells you to downgrade the Bootloader (MOTOBOOT.IMG) and GPT.BIN which is part of the security stuff. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those the main components involved with bricking when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 and lower?
But again, with a locked bootloader, as @kj2112 said, Write Protection will still be enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been a bit confused by allusions to rooting without write protection. Everyone says similar stuff to what you guys have said--well, without write protection disabled you'll lose root on reboot. I'd be okay with that, just avoid rebooting my phone and using stuff that requires a reboot to take effect. The only thing I really want root for is to see my partial wakelocks to be able to properly troubleshoot battery issues. I really like the stock Moto X ux. If I could, I'd probably use some Xposed modules too, but all I really really want is to get better insight into my wakelock situation. Elsewhere, though, I read that root is totally impossible on 4.4.2, unless you have an unlocked bootloader (which I obviously don't). So, is it possible to get root, even if it doesn't survive a soft reset?
Jumnhy said:
I've been a bit confused by allusions to rooting without write protection. Everyone says similar stuff to what you guys have said--well, without write protection disabled you'll lose root on reboot. I'd be okay with that, just avoid rebooting my phone and using stuff that requires a reboot to take effect. The only thing I really want root for is to see my partial wakelocks to be able to properly troubleshoot battery issues. I really like the stock Moto X ux. If I could, I'd probably use some Xposed modules too, but all I really really want is to get better insight into my wakelock situation. Elsewhere, though, I read that root is totally impossible on 4.4.2, unless you have an unlocked bootloader (which I obviously don't). So, is it possible to get root, even if it doesn't survive a soft reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see my response to you in the 4.2.2 to 4.4.2 thread.
kj2112 said:
Please see my response to you in the 4.2.2 to 4.4.2 thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, didn't realize until afterward it was the same voice in both threads.
Jumnhy said:
I've been a bit confused by allusions to rooting without write protection. Everyone says similar stuff to what you guys have said--well, without write protection disabled you'll lose root on reboot. I'd be okay with that, just avoid rebooting my phone and using stuff that requires a reboot to take effect. The only thing I really want root for is to see my partial wakelocks to be able to properly troubleshoot battery issues. I really like the stock Moto X ux. If I could, I'd probably use some Xposed modules too, but all I really really want is to get better insight into my wakelock situation. Elsewhere, though, I read that root is totally impossible on 4.4.2, unless you have an unlocked bootloader (which I obviously don't). So, is it possible to get root, even if it doesn't survive a soft reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take a read of -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-LockedRoot.html
Root itself is not lost on reboot, only changes done to the /system folder and other protected places.
But yes, if you already have 4.4.2 on your phone, and can't unlock your bootloader, you won't be able to root.
Jumnhy said:
Thanks, didn't realize until afterward it was the same voice in both threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where you found another same threads ?
DANIEL AMBRUSO said:
Where you found another same threads ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was just kj2112 explaining a similar issue to me. Check it out, but essentially my understanding is that there's no root for 4.4.2 if the phone never had root previously (ie, if you naively took the OTA like me without thnking about implications for root.
---------- Post added at 10:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 PM ----------
KidJoe said:
take a read of -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-LockedRoot.html
Root itself is not lost on reboot, only changes done to the /system folder and other protected places.
But yes, if you already have 4.4.2 on your phone, and can't unlock your bootloader, you won't be able to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solid, thanks for the concise summary. I'd read jcase's posts a while back about a potential exploit--something about using it in a teaching session at BlackHat? He even says though, that the exploit he has will probably never be useful for the average user insofar as it would be too hard to implement and n00bz like myself would end up bricking our phones. So I'm not holding my breath on that one. Ugh. Sad I missed the window for the Chinese connection. Should have jumped on it.
The Tallest said:
Links to a thread on here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works with 4.4 and post-camera 4.2.2, but if you take the OTA to 4.-4-.2 it upgrades your bootloader and you lose the ability to turn write protection off ; root is pretty much useless at that point.
I have the Republic Wireless XT1049 and did the upgrade shown here and have 4.4.2 with write protect off.
Do not attempt this if you are already running 4.4.2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your bootloader is already changed and you run a big risk of bricking if you try to downgrade to the 4.2.2 bootloader!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...ireless-moto-x-kitkat-4-t2738233/post52348028
As usual, read the instructions carefully.
Then read through the posts! Different rooters had different issues!
AFAIK no one bricked though.
glarepate said:
Works with 4.4 and post-camera 4.2.2, but if you take the OTA to 4.-4-.2 it upgrades your bootloader and you lose the ability to turn write protection off ; root is pretty much useless at that point.
I have the Republic Wireless XT1049 and did the upgrade shown here and have 4.4.2 with write protect off.
Do not attempt this if you are already running 4.4.2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your bootloader is already changed and you run a big risk of bricking if you try to downgrade to the 4.2.2 bootloader!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...ireless-moto-x-kitkat-4-t2738233/post52348028
As usual, read the instructions carefully.
Then read through the posts! Different rooters had different issues!
AFAIK no one bricked though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The steps in the thread you link to are how to use use 4.4.2 via Safestrap, which does add a layer of complexity. It is the only option to take 4.4.2 IF you have a locked bootloader and are rooted and write protection disabled. And many do have good luck with it, so it is an option IF your phone is still on 4.4.
If I understand correctly, each safestrap rom is unique for the carrier.. in other words, you can't use the Republic Wireless SS rom if you are on Verizon. You can't use the Verizon SS rom if you are on ATT, etc. (for example, they were waiting on the ATT 4.4.2 SBF to create a SS Rom for the ATT X).
KidJoe said:
The steps in the thread you link to are how to use use 4.4.2 via Safestrap, which does add a layer of complexity. It is the only option to take 4.4.2 IF you have a locked bootloader and are rooted and write protection disabled. And many do have good luck with it, so it is an option IF your phone is still on 4.4.
If I understand correctly, each safestrap rom is unique for the carrier.. in other words, you can't use the Republic Wireless SS rom if you are on Verizon. You can't use the Verizon SS rom if you are on ATT, etc. (for example, they were waiting on the ATT 4.4.2 SBF to create a SS Rom for the ATT X).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you have already gone to 4.4.2 you are out of luck.
I'm using the T-Mobile SafeStrap Recovery with my RW Moto X. This was done by a Franken-ROM process that uses the 4.4.2 ROM without using the 4.4.2 bootloader and using the SS recovery to flash a zip file with some components of the 4.4.2 ROM and then flashing SuperSU. Whether or not it should be working, it is. Nothing I can, or want to, do about that.
But I am sure you are right that this resultant ROM would not work on phones from other carriers. Versions for other carriers are being developed though. It may simply be a matter of time and interest by motivated individuals until this is available for just about everyone.

[Q] Root the Developer Edition Moto X

Hi guys,
I recently purchased the Developer Edition of Moto X. To be honest, I am not a developer for Android, and I am very new all together to Android, coming from iOS. All of my iPhones have always been jailbroken, and I would like to root my new Android as well. My Moto X has an unlocked boot loader. If I understand it correctly, this should allow me to root the phone in a permanent way. I would like to stick with the stock Moto X room, but I want to have root for some of the apps that need it.
I have googled it and found a bunch of different guides on how to do this, but is there a better way to do it on a device with an unlocked boot loader? Something what works with 4.4.2. If you point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
- Bogdan
x0054 said:
Hi guys,
I recently purchased the Developer Edition of Moto X. To be honest, I am not a developer for Android, and I am very new all together to Android, coming from iOS. All of my iPhones have always been jailbroken, and I would like to root my new Android as well. My Moto X has an unlocked boot loader. If I understand it correctly, this should allow me to root the phone in a permanent way. I would like to stick with the stock Moto X room, but I want to have root for some of the apps that need it.
I have googled it and found a bunch of different guides on how to do this, but is there a better way to do it on a device with an unlocked boot loader? Something what works with 4.4.2. If you point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
- Bogdan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Guy has all these kind of tips
http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX.htm
My opinion, if you can't figure out how to root a device with an unlocked bootloader when non-stock recovery is available, you should just leave your phone stock. It doesn't get any easier unless it would come pre-rooted.
Sent from my Moto X
Thanks for the tip. The procedure looks relatively simple. Is the mfastboot the utility that Motorola includes with their SDK, or is it a 3rd party utility? I have a mac, and I would like to do all of this without having to boot into Windows.
Thanks!
x0054 said:
Thanks for the tip. The procedure looks relatively simple. Is the mfastboot the utility that Motorola includes with their SDK, or is it a 3rd party utility? I have a mac, and I would like to do all of this without having to boot into Windows.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a Mac toolkit in our dev section. I think all you need is fastboot not m....
I don't understand why you need to over complicate unlocking and rooting a Developer Edition. Just go here: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
Request the unlock code. Follow the instructions to unlock it. You can then install TWRP and root it.
Here's a complete guide here on XDA. Tho, with Mac, you may need that toolkit.
Personally, if you can use windows, I'd use it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
Thanks for all the links, I think I figured it out. The mfastboot should come with the Motorola Development bundle, and the rest I have ready. Looks like the process is pretty straight foreword. I'll post a little writeup for doing this on Mac if I am successful.
- Bogdan
kj2112 said:
Here's a complete guide here on XDA. Tho, with Mac, you may need that toolkit.
Personally, if you can use windows, I'd use it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used a mac without any issues. Uses fastboot instead of mfastboot. And I think I used the SDK. Don't remember now.
krsmit0 said:
I used a mac without any issues. Uses fastboot instead of mfastboot. And I think I used the SDK. Don't remember now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure Mac is fine. Just if there's any problems, it'll be harder to find help here with Mac stuff.
kj2112 said:
I'm sure Mac is fine. Just if there's any problems, it'll be harder to find help here with Mac stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its pretty much the same as Linux. Windows might actually be the odd ball in the process.
x0054 said:
Hi guys,
I recently purchased the Developer Edition of Moto X. To be honest, I am not a developer for Android, and I am very new all together to Android, coming from iOS. All of my iPhones have always been jailbroken, and I would like to root my new Android as well. My Moto X has an unlocked boot loader. If I understand it correctly, this should allow me to root the phone in a permanent way. I would like to stick with the stock Moto X room, but I want to have root for some of the apps that need it.
I have googled it and found a bunch of different guides on how to do this, but is there a better way to do it on a device with an unlocked boot loader? Something what works with 4.4.2. If you point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
- Bogdan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock though Motorola. Then install super su from the play store. If you're not interested in flashing a custom ROM you should be good to go, however I'd advise flashing a custom recovery and making a back up. Not needed but makes things a lot easier.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
aviwdoowks said:
There is a Mac toolkit in our dev section. I think all you need is fastboot not m....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI: I used the Mac toolkit to get my new DE going.
Also be aware the up code goes to the email Moto has tied to the phone not the user account (email) you need to create the unlock.

root, lollipop, xposed questions

first, sorry if this has been asked b4, xda/google saeearch didn't find anything.
I need xposed, and I also need root. ( both, root for other things besides xposed.)
just got my moto g2, 4.4.4., and I wanted to know, should I root now, or wait till the 5.0 update and then root? or should I root now and install xposed and not update to 5.0 when it comes out? I read online that there probably will not be xposed fully working on lollipop.
advice anyone?
Root it now, you can aways install the update on your phone, rooted or not.
Hakkinan said:
Root it now, you can aways install the update on your phone, rooted or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
most of the updfate threads say to make sure the phone is fully stock, wont it mess it up?
Kobro said:
most of the updfate threads say to make sure the phone is fully stock, wont it mess it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can be rooted and still be fully stock.
Kobro said:
most of the updfate threads say to make sure the phone is fully stock, wont it mess it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you want to receive it by OTA, besides that, it doesn't matter if you are fully stock or not.
There are some known issues relocking bootloader and returning to stock at all. In most of all cases it works without problems but not in all. If you can´t get back to stock there still will be future options to get lollipop,by sideloading as a zip though recovery for example,ota is not the only way.
I am still on stock 4.4.4 and will wait for the ota,then relock bootloader and root.The Moto G is the first phone I didn´t root at once because it works really good and has farly not as much crapware as others, so I´m able to wait. But I don´t need xposed desperatly, I badly need Adway,Titanium and some others more.
It´s still not clear if xposed will work under lollipop.
So it´s your choice, it´s up to you. You can stay on Kitkat,root and install xposed. And you can update to lollipop later,when/if xposed is running.
Or you can stay stock,wait for ota and root later wich is my way.
Coming from 2 nexus devices, i can't imagine to have a phone without unlocked bootloader, root, custom rom and kernel, that's the point of android for me, customization
Thanks all for your responses! Much appreciated! Now all i have to do is find some way of rooting the thing, vroot failed- first time ever for me
To root Moto G 4.4.4 you have to unlock the bootloader,install custom recovery and flash superSU.zip.
Just follow this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g-2014/development/guide-root-moto-g-2nd-gen-2014-t2874245
But use the CWM-recovery from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g-2014/development/recovery-cwm-philz-touch-6-moto-g-2014-t2896586
or TWRP from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g-2014/development/recovery-twrp-2-8-0-1-moto-g-2014-t2896165
xposed not working
Kobro said:
first, sorry if this has been asked b4, xda/google saeearch didn't find anything.
I need xposed, and I also need root. ( both, root for other things besides xposed.)
just got my moto g2, 4.4.4., and I wanted to know, should I root now, or wait till the 5.0 update and then root? or should I root now and install xposed and not update to 5.0 when it comes out? I read online that there probably will not be xposed fully working on lollipop.
advice anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
plz send a link where i can download xposed for moto g 2014 tx
najm555 said:
plz send a link where i can download xposed for moto g 2014 tx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One post above yours.......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58828974&postcount=1

[Q] Possible root method?

So, I've been using Motorola phones since the Droid X and I've been wondering if we could possibly use 2nd init to get root. More details here: http://cvpcs.org/blog/2011-06-14/2nd-init._what_it_is_and_how_it_works
Personally, I don't really care about boot loader unlock as long as I have root. This phone has a pretty good ROM already... I just want to be able to use xposed again.
Tru7h said:
So, I've been using Motorola phones since the Droid X and I've been wondering if we could possibly use 2nd init to get root. More details here:
Personally, I don't really care about boot loader unlock as long as I have root. This phone has a pretty good ROM already... I just want to be able to use xposed again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea.. like a kexec type of thing. I dont know much about the inner workings but it seemed to work on older devices thanks to DHacker and Hashc0de.

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