Ok so i have been playing with my Moto X for some time now and i have learned a lot about it but as i have been going threw the Q&A and general sections helping out i have read a lot of mixed information
1. unlocking the boot loader.
i have been to Motorola's website and checked for all devices and they give you a complete walk-threw on how to unlock your bootloader for all devices. but i have read in some threads that you can't do it on all devices. so i guess my question is. Is it tru that some carrier devices do not allow you to unlock the bootloader and if so what carries dont allow and what one's do allow.
2. my Sprint Moto X has had a unlocked bootloader from day one. so people who do not have there bootloader unlocked are they still able to use the 4.4 slapmymoto root process.
i am sorry for the questions but i need straight answers because i would like to help anyone who has issues but i don't want to give wrong info and after reading some many post i feel i might have made some mistakes in some of my attempts to help people
It is my understanding that AT&T and Verizon devices cannot unlock the bootloader through the Motorola website.
I have a Verizon Moto X (MotoMaker edition). The bootloader is locked. I used SlapMyMoto 0.5c to gain root on 4.4.
developer edition models for verizon and att/gsm can unlock bootloaders. if it is a dev edition and the bootloader is unlocked you also void your warranty. locked BLs can still be rooted with slapmymoto. that is the only purpose of slapmymoto. if you have an unlocked BL then you would just flash twrp then the superSU.zip (or other SU app of your choice) and have root in minutes.
jayboyyyy said:
if it is a dev edition and the bootloader is unlocked you also void your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do believe Motorola changed their policies concerning developer editions. Unlocking the boot loader no longer voids warranty on those devices
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
frenchie007 said:
I do believe Motorola changed their policies concerning developer editions. Unlocking the boot loader no longer voids warranty on those devices
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya my bad. i meant isn't. glad you corrected it though because that could have been confusing for someone.
1. Yes. Retail VZW and ATT moto Xs will, most likely, never have their bootloaders unlocked. Those are the only 2 variants whose bootloaders can't be unlocked. Only Dev edition retain warranty after a bootloader unlock. Simply requesting an unlock code voids your warranty.
2. Yes but you'd be wasting your time. Download your choice of recovery (TWRP or CWMR) and root app (SuperSU or Superuser), flash the recovery, reboot into recovery, flash whateveryourrootappis.zip, reboot system, enjoy root.
Related
What is the past of least resistance to root a 4.4 tmo X? In order to keep data, is it still that insanely long process?
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Bump............
WIth the T-Mobile variant you have two choices to root..
1. Unlock bootloader, flash twrp recovery, boot into twrp and install SU (or use TWRP's option to root). But this voids your warranty (since you don't have the developer edition), and unlocking the boot loader will wipe your device and data.
2. Use SlapMyMoto which has a lot of manual steps, and you need to reboot to "recovery" (well its modified and you don't have recovery), when you want R/W ability. (Or you have to also do the MotoWpNoMo process to gain R/W full time). But this has many steps.
KidJoe said:
WIth the T-Mobile variant you have two choices to root..
1. Unlock bootloader, flash twrp recovery, boot into twrp and install SU (or use TWRP's option to root). But this voids your warranty (since you don't have the developer edition), and unlocking the boot loader will wipe your device and data.
2. Use SlapMyMoto which has a lot of manual steps, and you need to reboot to "recovery" (well its modified and you don't have recovery), when you want R/W ability. (Or you have to also do the MotoWpNoMo process to gain R/W full time). But this has many steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks - re #1, will upgrades be painful i.e., new OTAs?
km8j said:
thanks - re #1, will upgrades be painful i.e., new OTAs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA's will be more painful with #2 as there will be more to restore to stock. And of course the unknowns of if the new OTA will be rootable or not, and how long before a root process comes out.
For #1, you should be able to just put stock recovery back and take the OTA, then reflash TWRP and re-root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2556400
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Just following up. There is still no easy root method right?
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
km8j said:
Just following up. There is still no easy root method right?
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't be any easier than unlocking your bootloader ,flash recovery and install superuser. 3 simple steps from my perspective
Sent on my Moto X
flashallthetime said:
Can't be any easier than unlocking your bootloader ,flash recovery and install superuser. 3 simple steps from my perspective
Sent on my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless u have Dev. Edition u cannot unlock boot loader.. I'm on 4.4 and I am fully rooted.
Slapped my Moto
xpsychox said:
Unless u have Dev. Edition u cannot unlock boot loader.. I'm on 4.4 and I am fully rooted.
Slapped my Moto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock the Sprint & Tmo version. No dev edition required.
Sent from my Moto X
Same with Rogers, only versions that can't unlock are Verizon and AT&T consumer version
Sent on my Moto X
quickstang said:
You can unlock the Sprint & Tmo version. No dev edition required.
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew u couldn't do on at and Verizon...but he also never said what he had..not that I saw
Slapped my Moto
and what if you have the T-Mobile Moto X, haven't got the email to unlock bootloader and you can't get adb to recognize device?
DanRo80 said:
and what if you have the T-Mobile Moto X, haven't got the email to unlock bootloader and you can't get adb to recognize device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was another thread about this... Guy said he used a new gmail account and got email
Slapped my Moto
Just bumping to see if there are any new reasonable ways of rooting kitkat?
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
km8j said:
Just bumping to see if there are any new reasonable ways of rooting kitkat?
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you don't have an unlocked bootloader, SlapMyMoto (which now incorporates the MotoWpNoMo process into its steps) is the only way (there have been some efforts to consolidate/automate the process). And may not be usable if you're already on 4.4.2 (taking the 4.4.2 OTA update or flashing the full 4.4.2 SBF prevents you from flashing older ROMs which is a crucial step in using SlapMyMoto).
I've not see a 4.4.2 specific root process for locked bootloaders yet, but to be honest, I have a unlocked bootloader, so I haven't been completely paying attention.
If you have an unlocked bootloader, root process is still the same.
there is not going to be any new way to root 4.4 is not going to get a new exploit because 4.4.2 is out and Devs are working on finding a way to root it so the people with locked bootloaders can update.
if you want to root your device you have allready been giving the only 2 ways to do it
Locked bootloader - SlapMyMoto
Unlocked bootloader - Customer Recovery and SUPERSU
please dont bump your thread for info you allready have.
here is a link to both guides for both methods and a guide for unlocking your bootloader.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
I have the Verizon Dev Edition Moto X. Understanding that I won't void my warranty if I unlock the bootloader, it has been stated in many threads that even if you re-lock the bootloader it still will give you a warning boot screen (unlocked BL) because there are flags that are permanently changed on the phone once you unlock it.
That being said, I am very non-committal, so I first want to just root the phone and install safestrap. I have seen a ton of tools out there that root your device, however I am confused as to which one I should run (e.g. slapmymoto, pwnmymoto, etc). I am on the latest firmware (4.4), so I think it requires you to downgrade? Any words of sage advice is appreciated...
Also, any changes I make to my phone, I can always RSDLite my way back to 100% stock correct?
STEyeAndroid said:
I have the Verizon Dev Edition Moto X. Understanding that I won't void my warranty if I unlock the bootloader, it has been stated in many threads that even if you re-lock the bootloader it still will give you a warning boot screen (unlocked BL) because there are flags that are permanently changed on the phone once you unlock it.
That being said, I am very non-committal, so I first want to just root the phone and install safestrap. I have seen a ton of tools out there that root your device, however I am confused as to which one I should run (e.g. slapmymoto, pwnmymoto, etc). I am on the latest firmware (4.4), so I think it requires you to downgrade? Any words of sage advice is appreciated...
Also, any changes I make to my phone, I can always RSDLite my way back to 100% stock correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would start here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536200
I don't know why the unlocked bootloader warning screen would stay set if you relocked it, but you can change that screen to display whatever you want. See here for details:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2417961
Since you have the dev edition, you should be able to unlock, install TWRP, and root without slapmymoto or pwnmymoto. I did it all AFTER installing the latest OTA, and I had no trouble.
I have not used RSDLite, but that is the way I understand it.
STEyeAndroid said:
I have the Verizon Dev Edition Moto X. Understanding that I won't void my warranty if I unlock the bootloader, it has been stated in many threads that even if you re-lock the bootloader it still will give you a warning boot screen (unlocked BL) because there are flags that are permanently changed on the phone once you unlock it.
That being said, I am very non-committal, so I first want to just root the phone and install safestrap. I have seen a ton of tools out there that root your device, however I am confused as to which one I should run (e.g. slapmymoto, pwnmymoto, etc). I am on the latest firmware (4.4), so I think it requires you to downgrade? Any words of sage advice is appreciated...
Also, any changes I make to my phone, I can always RSDLite my way back to 100% stock correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell or trade your dev edition. Installing SafeStrap on that phone is such a waste of time and energy.
Or read more. There are ways to remove the boot logo screen.
Can anyone confirm whether or not unlocking the boot loader sets a permanent flag?
STEyeAndroid said:
Can anyone confirm whether or not unlocking the boot loader sets a permanent flag?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears to. And the statement about still receiving the unlocked bootloader warning after re-locking the bootloader is correct.
However, since the warranty of the Dev Edition is not voided, just unlock the bootloader, root, and then get rid of the message by replacing the logo.bin
STEyeAndroid said:
Can anyone confirm whether or not unlocking the boot loader sets a permanent flag?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought a dev edition, it doesn't matter if the flag is set or not.
I need help and that's an understatement. It comes down to this... I'm super confused as what I need to do to flashing a custom recovery and ROM. I'm on a Sprint Moto X running 4.4.
Someone just tell me what to do if you can. This downgrading and what not is confusing me when I see people saying not to worry about it.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Since the downgrading and what not is confusing you, I'm not sure what you know and what you don't so let me start at the beginning...
When you purchase the Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and other carrier editions, they come with their bootloaders locked. You can only flash/install roms and parts of ROMs which are signed by Motorola. This means you have to use some tricks and exploits to root your phone and disable the phone's Write Protection. This is why you see the SlapMyMoto, and MotoWPNoMo, and the like. These processes involve downgrading the rom on your phone so you can take advantage of "flaws" which are present in the older rom and exploited to gain root and disable write protection.
With ROM updates, Motorola can/will close the holes and flaws, meaning new exploits are needed to gain root and such. With 4.4.2, Moto closed the loop hole that allowed downgrading the ROM version on your phone, so you can't use the older tricks to gain root and disable write protection. So if you have 4.4.2 on your X, you are stuck.
If you purchased a developer edition, you can unlock your bootloader, and do so without voiding your phone's warranty. This allows you to flash things/roms/parts that are not signed by Motorola. You can flash a custom recovery for example. Unlocking the bootloader also disables the Write Protection. So you can easily root by flashing a custom recovery, booting to it, and installing SuperSU to root. And you can even flash a custom rom if you want, and if there is one available for your X. This works no matter what ROM version you flash. (this still works for 4.4.2)
Thankfully, some carriers allow you to unlock your Non-Developer Edition X's bootloader. Sprint and T-Mobile allow this. However some, like Verizon and ATT do not. Motorola has a web site setup where you can request the unlock code for your phone. However if your carrier allows this, and you have a Non-Developer edition phone, your warranty is voided when you Accept the terms and REQUEST the code. BUT this does give you the exact same flexibilty to root and disable write protection as a Developer Edition does, just with a voided warranty.
So when you read these threads, there will be info for LOCKED Bootloader and UNLOCKED bootloader.
Ok, that being said.. Since you have a Sprint X, if you are ok voiding your warranty, the best thing to do is get the unlock code from Moto's web site, unlock your bootloader, and use the Root Process for developer edition Moto X. (there is a thread for it) If you already have 4.4.2 on your phone, this is the only way to root and disable write protection.
If you do not want to void your warranty & unlock your bootloader, then you have no choice but to follow the SlapMyMoto thread to root. it does involve downgrading your rom,etc. BUT do not even think about taking the 4.4.2 update if you want to keep root and write protection disabled. And this doesn't work if you already have 4.4.2 on your phone.
Jon.StatiK said:
I need help and that's an understatement. It comes down to this... I'm super confused as what I need to do to flashing a custom recovery and ROM. I'm on a Sprint Moto X running 4.4.
Someone just tell me what to do if you can. This downgrading and what not is confusing me when I see people saying not to worry about it.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sprint model has an unlockable bootloader so you wont need to follow the SpapMyMoto steps. That's only for those with a locked bootloader (although you could do it if you really wanted to).
I unlocked my US Cellular Moto X which is pretty much the exact same thing but without the same model number. So this is what I did:
Unlock the boatloader through the Motorola unlock program. This voids your warranty though.
Flash twrp
Flash supersu
And now your rooted!
Now that you've flashed a custom recovery, the only thing left to do on your list is flash the rom you want.
NOTE: This will only work of you have an unlockable boatloader in which case - you do. If you are able to request an unlock code through the program then just follow those steps and you'll be sweet. Just make sure you copy the code into a word document then remove the spaces first. I made the error of leaving the spaces in there and wondered why I couldn't request a code. Also the request button is at the very bottom of the page so just scroll to the bottom to find it once you input the code. A message will pop up if you forgot to remove the spaces.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
If I unlock the bootloader and go that route I'm open to flash any ROM I want right?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Right. Thanks for the help!
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
KidJoe said:
Since the downgrading and what not is confusing you, I'm not sure what you know and what you don't so let me start at the beginning...
When you purchase the Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and other carrier editions, they come with their bootloaders locked. You can only flash/install roms and parts of ROMs which are signed by Motorola. This means you have to use some tricks and exploits to root your phone and disable the phone's Write Protection. This is why you see the SlapMyMoto, and MotoWPNoMo, and the like. These processes involve downgrading the rom on your phone so you can take advantage of "flaws" which are present in the older rom and exploited to gain root and disable write protection.
With ROM updates, Motorola can/will close the holes and flaws, meaning new exploits are needed to gain root and such. With 4.4.2, Moto closed the loop hole that allowed downgrading the ROM version on your phone, so you can't use the older tricks to gain root and disable write protection. So if you have 4.4.2 on your X, you are stuck.
If you purchased a developer edition, you can unlock your bootloader, and do so without voiding your phone's warranty. This allows you to flash things/roms/parts that are not signed by Motorola. You can flash a custom recovery for example. Unlocking the bootloader also disables the Write Protection. So you can easily root by flashing a custom recovery, booting to it, and installing SuperSU to root. And you can even flash a custom rom if you want, and if there is one available for your X. This works no matter what ROM version you flash. (this still works for 4.4.2)
Thankfully, some carriers allow you to unlock your Non-Developer Edition X's bootloader. Sprint and T-Mobile allow this. However some, like Verizon and ATT do not. Motorola has a web site setup where you can request the unlock code for your phone. However if your carrier allows this, and you have a Non-Developer edition phone, your warranty is voided when you Accept the terms and REQUEST the code. BUT this does give you the exact same flexibilty to root and disable write protection as a Developer Edition does, just with a voided warranty.
So when you read these threads, there will be info for LOCKED Bootloader and UNLOCKED bootloader.
Ok, that being said.. Since you have a Sprint X, if you are ok voiding your warranty, the best thing to do is get the unlock code from Moto's web site, unlock your bootloader, and use the Root Process for developer edition Moto X. (there is a thread for it) If you already have 4.4.2 on your phone, this is the only way to root and disable write protection.
If you do not want to void your warranty & unlock your bootloader, then you have no choice but to follow the SlapMyMoto thread to root. it does involve downgrading your rom,etc. BUT do not even think about taking the 4.4.2 update if you want to keep root and write protection disabled. And this doesn't work if you already have 4.4.2 on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gotta say @kid Joe this is an awesome explanation. I'm on the fence about voiding my warranty never have I seen such a detailed explanation without any animosity or being rude. I love Xda.
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
r_diaz13 said:
I gotta say @kid Joe this is an awesome explanation. I'm on the fence about voiding my warranty never have I seen such a detailed explanation without any animosity or being rude. I love Xda.
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree completely. I was about to comment the same. Great response.
So I've just ordered an unlocked black 16gb Moto X from Amazon and would like to update it to 4.4.2 and get root access. I know there are a few guides and threads around but am confused as to which variant I'll have as all the guides seem to be carrier specific, and whether my bootloader will be unlocked or not...
Also, I think it'll come with 4.2.2. Should I go ahead and do the 4.4.2 OTA update, or will that make rooting more difficult? Can I root first then update?
I'm not entirely clueless about this kind of thing, having successfully rooted and installed custom firmware on previous android phones but this seems a little more complicated.
Any help much appreciated. Thanks!
If it's an unlockable bootloader, just take all the updates, unlock the bootloader, mfastboot your choice of recovery, boot immediately to recovery and root. Done.
Since its not a developer edition, unlocking your bootloader will void your warranty. You can request the unlock code directly from Moto's web site for free.
To root after your bootloader is unlocked, just follow this -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738
Once you get the code from Moto, you can unlock the bootloader at any point, no matter what rom is on your phone. But you might as well either take the OTA update or flash the 4.4.2 SBF to get to 4.4.2 on your phone, then unlock the bootloader and root. (unlocking the bootloader does factory reset the phone, and erases data and apps, so don't go nuts customizing the phone or installing apps until after you unlock the bootloader).
Thanks for the replies.
How do I find out if my bootloader is unlockable? The Motorola site says that Sprint, USC and TMO phones can be done but nothing about factory unlocked ones...
What if the boitloader can't be unlocked?
seebasso said:
Thanks for the replies.
How do I find out if my bootloader is unlockable? The Motorola site says that Sprint, USC and TMO phones can be done but nothing about factory unlocked ones...
What if the boitloader can't be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SIM unlocked version can be bootloader unlocked.
Follow the instructions and steps to request the code at -> https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth once you hit the final submit button, your warranty will be voided.
Awesome thanks, not as complicated as I had anticipated then...
And once I'm on 4.4.2 and rooted, I won't be able to Do any future OTA updates without losing root right?
seebasso said:
Awesome thanks, not as complicated as I had anticipated then...
And once I'm on 4.4.2 and rooted, I won't be able to Do any future OTA updates without losing root right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. Rather than my re-typing... see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-OTA.html
Hello,
I just ordered a Moto X Developer Edition, and I am wondering how hard it is to root it? I am a newbie when it comes to Android. I have looked over the sticky threads concerning the root process, and I just want to make sure that I can do it easily without bricking my phone.
I am currently using a Droid X, and I rooted that easily with Z4 Root.
Thanks for any advice!
download and install the Towel pie root app. i think there is a thread in the apps and themes section of the moto x forum.
Thank you very much!
fivehead1 said:
Hello,
I just ordered a Moto X Developer Edition, and I am wondering how hard it is to root it? I am a newbie when it comes to Android. I have looked over the sticky threads concerning the root process, and I just want to make sure that I can do it easily without bricking my phone.
I am currently using a Droid X, and I rooted that easily with Z4 Root.
Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For ALL Developer Editions Moto X, and some carrier editions (Like T-Mobile, Sprint, Rogers and others), Motorola freely gives away the BootLoader Unlock codes when requested On Motorola's Web SIte. In the case of the Non-Developer Editions, it voids their warranty to request the code. However, for some carriers (like ATT, Verizon and republic Wireless in the USA) motorola does not give out the unlock code.
So when you get your X, try to get the unlock code from Moto's web site. Then....
If you can get the code, and unlock the bootloader, you can root and disable write protection no matter what ROM is on your phone.
After have an UNLocked boot loader, you may root by following -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738 Please be sure to use the latest TWRP fastboot IMG file and Installable ZIP of SuperSU
For more info see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/one-stop-shop-how-root-moto-x-confusion-t2826159
You guys are the best! Thanks again.
Please post questions in the Q&A section
Thread moved
KidJoe said:
For ALL Developer Editions Moto X, and some carrier editions (Like T-Mobile, Sprint, Rogers and others), Motorola freely gives away the BootLoader Unlock codes when requested On Motorola's Web SIte. In the case of the Non-Developer Editions, it voids their warranty to request the code. However, for some carriers (like ATT, Verizon and republic Wireless in the USA) motorola does not give out the unlock code.
So when you get your X, try to get the unlock code from Moto's web site. Then....
If you can get the code, and unlock the bootloader, you can root and disable write protection no matter what ROM is on your phone.
After have an UNLocked boot loader, you may root by following -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738 Please be sure to use the latest TWRP fastboot IMG file and Installable ZIP of SuperSU
For more info see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/one-stop-shop-how-root-moto-x-confusion-t2826159
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly this! No towell root needed. Unlock bootloader, flash a custom recovery like twrp, twrp will prompt you to root before rebooting. Done. Super fast and easy. Make sure to make a nano back up in custom recovery once you are done. This is for safe keeping in case you mess something up.
Thanks.
I don't think I can use Towel Root anyway, because I think my phone will come with 4.4
Thanks a lot guys!!
I am now rooted on 4.4.4
Thanks for all your help!