Bootloader confusion, locked vs unlocked.. - Moto X Q&A

I've had my xt1060 developer edition for a week now and have taken the 4.4 update. Before I go any further with this thing I'm trying to get a solid handle on upgrading and downgrading firmware...
- What I have gathered to date is that no phones with unlocked bootloaders can be downgraded without potentially bricking the phone, with the exception of the VZ 4.4 to 4.2.2 camera fix due to bootloader revision. Is this true even for the developer edition? Common sense tells me a developer phone should be able to run any version of stock firmware for "developer" purposes.
- In my reading I'm thinking there may be bootloader free flashable updates, e.g. android update 4.3 for the GS3. Is this true? As I can't seem to locate what I believe to be a stock firmware for the VZ edition.
- At this point with the released firmwares being pretty bare there really isn't a reason to want to downgrade but who knows what the future may hold, again look what Samsung and VZ did to us GS3 owners with the 4.3 release.
I'm thinking many of the issues posted are from people cross flashing firmware, avoiding doing this makes sense to me especially for an incremental upgrade.
I have to say that I feel information is inconsistent and hard to follow due to all of the different carrier and bootloaders. I assumed this phone would be similar to my old GNex when it came to flashing but it apparently is not nearly as forgiving.
Finally, am I missing any critical "must know" information?
Thanks

edthesped said:
I've had my xt1060 developer edition for a week now and have taken the 4.4 update. Before I go any further with this thing I'm trying to get a solid handle on upgrading and downgrading firmware...
- What I have gathered to date is that no phones with unlocked bootloaders can be downgraded without potentially bricking the phone, with the exception of the VZ 4.4 to 4.2.2 camera fix due to bootloader revision. Is this true even for the developer edition? Common sense tells me a developer phone should be able to run any version of stock firmware for "developer" purposes.
- In my reading I'm thinking there may be bootloader free flashable updates, e.g. android update 4.3 for the GS3. Is this true? As I can't seem to locate what I believe to be a stock firmware for the VZ edition.
- At this point with the released firmwares being pretty bare there really isn't a reason to want to downgrade but who knows what the future may hold, again look what Samsung and VZ did to us GS3 owners with the 4.3 release.
I'm thinking many of the issues posted are from people cross flashing firmware, avoiding doing this makes sense to me especially for an incremental upgrade.
I have to say that I feel information is inconsistent and hard to follow due to all of the different carrier and bootloaders. I assumed this phone would be similar to my old GNex when it came to flashing but it apparently is not nearly as forgiving.
Finally, am I missing any critical "must know" information?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2635366
All unlock boot loader motos are in the same boat, even DE variants
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X

flashallthetime said:
Here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2635366
All unlock boot loader motos are in the same boat, even DE variants
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How'd I miss that!?

IDK
Sent on my Lenoto A2109 tablet

Related

[Q] Which Moto X ROM?

Having bought a Moto X off eBay that's preloaded with an American Movil build, I'd like to upgrade that to something more current. Assuming I can figure out how to flash it in the first place - haven't had any luck getting a reply to this proposed flashing process yet - what build should I apply given that it's an XT1058 device intended to be used on AT&T's network. I can apply the AT&T ROM, of course, but that reportedly comes with bloatware.
And in an ideal world, I'd get my OTAs from someone other than the carrier; currently America Movil, maybe AT&T in future. Is it possible, for example, to apply the Developer's Edition ROM to an XT1058 device, and if so, would I be likely to be upgraded more quickly? If not, does anyone have any recommended builds that are compatible with AT&T's network that are better than the AT&T ROM?
sogrady said:
Having bought a Moto X off eBay that's preloaded with an American Movil build, I'd like to upgrade that to something more current. Assuming I can figure out how to flash it in the first place - haven't had any luck getting a reply to this proposed flashing process yet - what build should I apply given that it's an XT1058 device intended to be used on AT&T's network. I can apply the AT&T ROM, of course, but that reportedly comes with bloatware.
And in an ideal world, I'd get my OTAs from someone other than the carrier; currently America Movil, maybe AT&T in future. Is it possible, for example, to apply the Developer's Edition ROM to an XT1058 device, and if so, would I be likely to be upgraded more quickly? If not, does anyone have any recommended builds that are compatible with AT&T's network that are better than the AT&T ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest unlocking the boot loader, flashing either cwm or twrp recovery and finally flashing superuser. Keep in mind that unlocking the bootlaoder will void your warranty.
The benefit to this route is you will maintain root access, also you can easily flash Roms without the problems that cone along with pwnymymoto and safestrap.
Cm10.2 is around the corner and there's already a T-Mobile ROM that has the camera update included
Sent on my Moto X
sogrady said:
Is it possible, for example, to apply the Developer's Edition ROM to an XT1058 device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like an answer to this, if anyone knows.
I want to get a colored one through at&t, but I want the developer's edition rom with their OTAs. Kind of like how people are making their carrier HTC One's into google play editions.
aduane said:
I would like an answer to this, if anyone knows.
I want to get a colored one through at&t, but I want the developer's edition rom with their OTAs. Kind of like how people are making their carrier HTC One's into google play editions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't think there is a dev edition rom to my knowledge. I haven't really read much about people saying the dev editions had anything different besides and unlockable bootloader which you don't have so you will only be able to flash roms through Safestrap if you haven't taken any OTA's yet.
While it should have been obvious, it's worth letting people know that the AT&T ROMs disable tethering. Again, most people probably know this, but coming from Nexus devices it hadn't even occurred to me. So if there is a dev edition ROM floating around out there where this isn't disabled by default, I'd love to see it.
sogrady said:
While it should have been obvious, it's worth letting people know that the AT&T ROMs disable tethering. Again, most people probably know this, but coming from Nexus devices it hadn't even occurred to me. So if there is a dev edition ROM floating around out there where this isn't disabled by default, I'd love to see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a Dev Edition ROM and it is the exact same ROM as the T-Mobile ROM which is the only Retail ROM.

Is it possible to root my phone?

Please excuse if this has been beaten to death. I've spent the last hour reading and reading an I've just gotten confused. I was heavily into the Android world for quite a while but have been out of it for a couple years. I bought my son a Droid Mini which from what I understand is pretty much the same thing as a Moto X. In the settings menu it says Android Version 4.4 Kernal Version 3.4.42-gfae57e0. I just need to root it. I'm not concerned about flashing ROMs, just need root for an app that requires it. Is it possible or do I need to get a different phone? I must have a root. Again please excuse the noob question but I've gotten a headache trying to make heads or tales of it.
boomhower said:
Please excuse if this has been beaten to death. I've spent the last hour reading and reading an I've just gotten confused. I was heavily into the Android world for quite a while but have been out of it for a couple years. I bought my son a Droid Mini which from what I understand is pretty much the same thing as a Moto X. In the settings menu it says Android Version 4.4 Kernal Version 3.4.42-gfae57e0. I just need to root it. I'm not concerned about flashing ROMs, just need root for an app that requires it. Is it possible or do I need to get a different phone? I must have a root. Again please excuse the noob question but I've gotten a headache trying to make heads or tales of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it is not possible to root 4.4 however you have an option there is a guy in China selling bootlloader unlock codes I bought mine and unlocked there are several threads on this site so check it out. The other option is to return the phone and get one you can root or a dev model.
bigv5150 said:
No it is not possible to root 4.4 however you have an option there is a guy in China selling bootlloader unlock codes I bought mine and unlocked there are several threads on this site so check it out. The other option is to return the phone and get one you can root or a dev model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'll go that route then. I bought my second hand so returning isn't an option. Can you link me to a thread?
I feel so lost. My last Android two Androids were an EVO and a Droid OG, I feel so lost now. Had a ton of ROMs on those but wow things have changed.
boomhower said:
I guess I'll go that route then. I bought my second hand so returning isn't an option. Can you link me to a thread?
I feel so lost. My last Android two Androids were an EVO and a Droid OG, I feel so lost now. Had a ton of ROMs on those but wow things have changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/moto-x-vzw-bootloader-t2659234/page66
bigv5150 said:
No it is not possible to root 4.4 however you have an option there is a guy in China selling bootlloader unlock codes I bought mine and unlocked there are several threads on this site so check it out. The other option is to return the phone and get one you can root or a dev model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? 4.4 and lower can be rooted, 4.4.2 cannot.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2538896
nhizzat said:
What? 4.4 and lower can be rooted, 4.4.2 cannot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Under Android version it says 4.4. But is also says no software updates are available.... Kernal version says 3.4.42 that makes a difference. Guess the question is do I have 4.4 or 4.4.2. If .2 is the latest it should show under updates correct? Or maybe not since it's a Mini and not an X?
nhizzat said:
What? 4.4 and lower can be rooted, 4.4.2 cannot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't give this guy false hope without reading the OP. He does not have a moto x, He has a droid mini. The droid line cannot be downgraded from 4.4 to 4.2.2, thus his only option is to use the shady Chinese unlockers.
---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------
boomhower said:
Under Android version it says 4.4. But is also says no software updates are available.... Kernal version says 3.4.42 that makes a difference. Guess the question is do I have 4.4 or 4.4.2. If .2 is the latest it should show under updates correct? Or maybe not since it's a Mini and not an X?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should get your rooting advice from this area of the forums, it will more closly resemble the options you have available to your device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-ultra
VZW droid mini ,ultra, and maxx are all still on 4.4. They cannot be downgraded due to verizon locking the bootloader. You will get confused answers from the moto x owners, as they could downgrade from 4.4 to 4.2.2 and then keep root using some trickery.
While it is true that this trickery would work to on your droid mini if you hadnt yet updated to 4.4, there is no way to revert to 4.2.2 on your device. your best option getting an unlock code from a 3rd party (this voids your warranty)
consider if it is worth it to you
Good luck,
You can't root 4.4 the droid line doesn't have 4.4.2 yet so your on 4.4.
As for the guys being shady selling the code that is absolutely false. Many have bought the code they are very accommodating and helpful. As a matter of fact a few were not able to get the code for what ever reason and were refunded the money. As far as I'm concerned if you want root unlock the boot loader it ain't coming anytime soon.
And further questions should be asked in the ultra section the ultra maxx and mini are the same. The moto x is 99.9% the same but as you can see there are a few differences like they can downgrade 4.4.
As a matter of fact I'm typing this on my maxx running 4.4.2 ported from a moto x. That is what you can do with an unlocked boot loader.
It is possible! I am now the owner of a fully rooted Droid Mini XT1030 running stock 4.4. It took buying a code from the Chinese tab site and a whole lot of help from NWKENT. He should be nominated for some kind of an award. He took the time on a Sunday morning to talk me through it on the phone. He's a saint in my book.

[Q] Why am i still on 4.4.2?

I have an unlocked MOTO x and im on 4.4.2?? isnt 4.4.4 out now?
No, the last version is 4.4.3 and if you really need to update (there is no reason to do) first install a retail version firmware for your X model. (If there)
Here's the complete firmware list.
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
Enviado desde mi XT1053 mediante Tapatalk
Joseluize said:
No, the last version is 4.4.3 and if you really need to update (there is no reason to do) first install a retail version firmware for your X model. (If there)
Here's the complete firmware list.
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
Enviado desde mi XT1053 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.4.3 isnt there no, will it come soon?
idonttakedrugs said:
4.4.3 isnt there no, will it come soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, the person who answered you should have asked which device you are using (model number), and who your carrier is.
Second, the majority of us here don't recommend that you flash another carrier's firmware to your phone. Many things can go wrong, and if you ever revert back to the correct firmware, you have to use extreme caution to make sure you don't flash an OLDER firmware version to the phone, which can brick it!!! If you choose to flash a different firmware to your phone, do it at your own risk. You could end up with a paperweight.
Third, both the 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 updates are very MINOR updates. It isn't worth bricking just because you aren't patient, simply to (possibly) get another hour or two of battery life or a few small bug fixes.
I highly recommend that you simply be patient. Your carrier WILL release 4.4.4 eventually, and at that time you can simply take the over-the-air update assuming you haven't modified your /system or flashed custom recovery.
the update won't be noticeable to the users. it is bug fixes and a few tweaks. better to wait for 5.0 to come out
Joseluize said:
Here's the complete firmware list.
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slight correction... that is NOT the complete firmware list.
That site contains a copy of any SBF found or leaked... Sometimes it takes weeks after an OTA is pushed before a leaked SBF of that version is found and posted (think ATT 4.4.2)
They are "leaks" in the fact that they are not meant to be released to the public. As for how they "make it out" to end up on that site, well that is a different discussion that I don't want to get into.
That site is neither owned, operated, nor supported by Motorola.
idonttakedrugs said:
I have an unlocked MOTO x and im on 4.4.2?? isnt 4.4.4 out now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also if you have had a locked phone PREVIOUSLY but unlocked it later, and you are using a carrier thats not the orginal one, I think that could also factor in as to why you are not getting updates. For example, if you had a moto x for ATT and you unlocked it to use for TMOBILE, you might have a delayed update or in some cases no update at all. Just my 2 cents.
dhru1405 said:
also if you have had a locked phone PREVIOUSLY but unlocked it later, and you are using a carrier thats not the orginal one, I think that could also factor in as to why you are not getting updates. For example, if you had a moto x for ATT and you unlocked it to use for TMOBILE, you might have a delayed update or in some cases no update at all. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bought it unlocked mate,
samwathegreat said:
First, the person who answered you should have asked which device you are using (model number), and who your carrier is.
Second, the majority of us here don't recommend that you flash another carrier's firmware to your phone. Many things can go wrong, and if you ever revert back to the correct firmware, you have to use extreme caution to make sure you don't flash an OLDER firmware version to the phone, which can brick it!!! If you choose to flash a different firmware to your phone, do it at your own risk. You could end up with a paperweight.
Third, both the 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 updates are very MINOR updates. It isn't worth bricking just because you aren't patient, simply to (possibly) get another hour or two of battery life or a few small bug fixes.
I highly recommend that you simply be patient. Your carrier WILL release 4.4.4 eventually, and at that time you can simply take the over-the-air update assuming you haven't modified your /system or flashed custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phones unlocked, so shouldnt i have the latest from motorola?? i will wait, but im just baffled on how i havent got it
idonttakedrugs said:
my phones unlocked, so shouldnt i have the latest from motorola?? i will wait, but im just baffled on how i havent got it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not matter that your phone is unlocked. This is totally unrelated to receiving updates. Just FYI, NO ONE with a Moto X has received 4.4.4 yet (except MAYBE soak-testers). Only a handful of carriers are on 4.4.3.
The 4.4.3 upgrade was CANCELLED do to a bug being found, and instead, all the variants that hadn't released 4.4.3 are going to be upgraded STRAIGHT to 4.4.4 (skipping 4.4.3 entirely).
I don't think you understand just how much testing has to go into these upgrades before they are released.
Here is an EXCELLENT article that should explain it for you. The part you are interested in is called "The Big Hold-Up"
http://gizmodo.com/5987508/why-android-updates-are-so-slow

[Q] Did the Dev Edition not get 4.4.4?

So I keep seeing these articles about the carrier versions getting the 4.4.4 update and I check and see my Dev Edition phone has 4.4.3. Naturally, I check for updates, but it says my software is up to date?
Does the Dev Edition not require 4.4.4?
Its most recent version for it is 4.4.3, but the newest image Moto will GIVE you to restore to is 4.4.2.... stupid as trying to do that will brick your phone.
Bionic22 said:
So I keep seeing these articles about the carrier versions getting the 4.4.4 update and I check and see my Dev Edition phone has 4.4.3. Naturally, I check for updates, but it says my software is up to date?
Does the Dev Edition not require 4.4.4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are referring to the GSM dev edition, then NO. Not yet. It might not get it at all and go straight to Android L instead...we don't know.
You see, you are on 4.4.3 -- which is *exactly* the same as 4.4.4 except for the ssl bug and a few other minor code changes. You were one of the first to get 4.4.3.
The other carriers HALTED their 4.4.3 roll-out once the SSL bug was discovered. Instead, they fixed the bug and called it "4.4.4".
There is really nothing important that you don't already have in 4.4.3 that 4.4.4 can offer, so no reason to be in a rush. The likelyhood of you leaking any data due to the ssl bug is astronomically small since you are using a smart phone.
Hope that helps explain things...
knitler said:
Its most recent version for it is 4.4.3, but the newest image Moto will GIVE you to restore to is 4.4.2.... stupid as trying to do that will brick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stupid indeed! I discussed this same topic with another member...
Fortunately, you can find the entire 4.4.3 SBF here: http://sbf.droid-developers.org/download.php?device=0&file=919

[Q] MotoX 1053 move from Tmo to Att and KK updates?

so this question got me escalate to moto level 3 support - i have a 1053 dev edition unlocked/rooted that was used on tmo for about 8 months, got the ota 4.4.3 from them no prob. now switched carriers and the sim swap went fine and the coverage in my area is much better, but i'm afraid that the upgrade path is muddled.
i can't get the 4.4.4 ota from att, and cant find the zip anywhere. i reinstalled stock recovery, still no go. my hypothesis is that the att won't see my phone as eligible for ota since it is not a version 4.4.2 that it's designed to upgrade. or, maybe i'm a total noob and don't know wtf i'm saying. a lil help? ideas? things to try? i'm at a loss....
The xt1053 does not have 4.4.4 yet. You're fine, you just need to keep waiting.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
OTAs aren't released by the carrier, they are specific to the phone model. In your case, the XT1053. As AGISCI said, 4.4.4 isn't available for the 1053 yet. Also, the difference between 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 is very small, mostly just a good for a bug.
i have no problem waiting as a former gnex/vzw person...
...but i just wanted to make sure i didn't paint myself in a corner and be forever on 4.4.3 - i'll keep looking to moto for the eventual update. Thanks for the reply
Nope, you're up to date. We'll see if they even bother with the 4.4.4 update, or whether they just skip it when android L is released with the new nexus (also reported to be made by moto).

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