VZW Moto X DE Phone Update? - Moto X Q&A

After installing TWRP and SuperSU (not sure if they are relevant, but I'd figure I'd include all the steps), I notice that my phone has a firmware update. Now, first of all, I thought dev phones don't get updates? Also, if this is a legitimate update, how can I pull the ota to post?
Also, I'm already on 4.4, so could this be 4.4.2?

There's a bunch of ota threads my friend. Read up. Some are stickies...like the complete Moto x guide thread.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

SwiftLeeO said:
After installing TWRP and SuperSU (not sure if they are relevant, but I'd figure I'd include all the steps), I notice that my phone has a firmware update. Now, first of all, I thought dev phones don't get updates? Also, if this is a legitimate update, how can I pull the ota to post?
Also, I'm already on 4.4, so could this be 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you downloaded the update it's in the cache folder.

Ryno77 said:
If you downloaded the update it's in the cache folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it just says install. I don't want to install it because I'm rooted with custom recovery and it might brick my phone. I checked the cache folder and there are 3 folders: backup, lost+found, and recovery

SwiftLeeO said:
After installing TWRP and SuperSU (not sure if they are relevant, but I'd figure I'd include all the steps), I notice that my phone has a firmware update. Now, first of all, I thought dev phones don't get updates? Also, if this is a legitimate update, how can I pull the ota to post?
Also, I'm already on 4.4, so could this be 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Developer Editions get OTAs the same as any other Moto X. But that is odd as there have been no reports of the soak test even being started for the Verizon Moto X. Sounds like the OTA got pushed to you by mistake.
Anyhow, what is clear is that you can't take an OTA when you are rooted but you already know that.
What root explorer/browser are you using?

Cozume said:
Developer Editions get OTAs the same as any other Moto X. But that is odd as there have been no reports of the soak test even being started for the Verizon Moto X. Sounds like the OTA got pushed to you by mistake.
Anyhow, what is clear is that you can't take an OTA when you are rooted.
What root explorer/browser are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root Browser by JRummy. I normally use ES, but i stopped after it wouldnt let me edit permissions.

Its just a glitch. In your cache it'd have its own folder named after the current os. Wipe cache and dalvic and you should be free of the glitch.

SwiftLeeO said:
Root Browser by JRummy. I normally use ES, but i stopped after it wouldnt let me edit permissions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is what I am using and I see the exact same subfolders you are seeing in the cache. I take it you don't see the OTA file in any of the subfolders?

Cozume said:
that is what I am using and I see the exact same subfolders you are seeing in the cache. I take it you don't see the OTA file in any of the subfolders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ota file. Might be a glitch as shane suggested.
False alarm. Went into Software Update to check and I'm up-to-date .-.

Cozume said:
Developer Editions get OTAs the same as any other Moto X. But that is odd as there have been no reports of the soak test even being started for the Verizon Moto X. Sounds like the OTA got pushed to you by mistake.
Anyhow, what is clear is that you can't take an OTA when you are rooted but you already know that.
What root explorer/browser are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted and want to take the OTA, you can flash the stock recovery and the system.img file with mfastboot.exe, and the OTA should install. i.e. if you are on 4.2.2, rooted with a custom recovery, then you should download the factory 4.2.2 image FOR YOUR DEVICE. Then extract it and use mfastboot to flash recovery.img and system. img. When you reboot, the phone will download the 4.4 OTA and it should install no problem. After it installs, just use mfastboot to flash TWRP and let TWRP root your device and you should be good as new with 4.4.
The stock recovery and an unaltered system folder are the key ingredients to a successful upgrade.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
You can absolutely take an OTA while rooted. The only thing that would prevent you from taking an OTA is if you have altered any system files (such as deleting system apps), or if you have messed and around and flashed a bootloader that doesn't match.
If you flash the factory recovery, you can take the OTA no problem even if rooted. You will of course lose root, but that's easily solved with an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this is the kind of stuff that makes it so hard on noobs. On the thread about the OTA it says you have to get rid of root:
[NOOBS][WARNING][OTA]how to accept an ota
I know if the Moto X were a Nexus you could take the OTA while rooted but would lose root. But with the Moto X, it seems like you can't do that.

Cozume said:
Ok, this is the kind of stuff that makes it so hard on noobs. On the thread about the OTA it says you have to get rid of root:
[NOOBS][WARNING][OTA]how to accept an ota
I know if the Moto X were a Nexus you could take the OTA while rooted but would lose root. But with the Moto X, it seems like you can't do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I just downgraded to 4.2.2, rooted, and tried to take the OTA and it failed. So, I stand corrected. You are right, you can not take the OTA if you are rooted. Well, you CAN take it, but it will fail to install. It sees the su app as an alteration to the system folder (which it is).
Easiest fix is to to use mfastboot to flash the stock recovery and flash the system.img file so it is back to stock. Reboot then let the OTA install and you should be good to go.
Sorry for the misinformation, and I will correct my earlier post so as not to confuse the "noobs." LOL.
Thank you, Cozume

OK ,its simple. 1 moto is no nexus device
2 where does the su binary flash to?xbin folder, is that not part of the system? The only reason why some folks on T-Mobile have root afterwards is, the 4.4.2 is a partial update for them as they received 4.4 , it only replaces some files,If you have a carrier such as Rogers that's going from 4.2.2 directly to 4.4.2 then all the system folders are replaced and you need to remove root along with the binary file, there are other carriers as well that are going from 4.2.2 to 4.4.2 directly
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X

flashallthetime said:
OK ,its simple. 1 moto is no nexus device
2 where does the su binary flash to?xbin folder, is that not part of the system? The only reason why some folks on T-Mobile have root afterwards is, the 4.4.2 is a partial update for them as they received 4.4 , it only replaces some files,If you have a carrier such as Rogers that's going from 4.2.2 directly to 4.4.2 then all the system folders are replaced and you need to remove root along with the binary file, there are other carriers as well that are going from 4.2.2 to 4.4.2 directly
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, sorry for the misinformation. I was mistaken and corrected it. Likely while you were typing up your response.

Related

Stock recovery

Hi,
Does anyone know where I can find the stock recovery for the Sprint Moto X? I have TWRP right now and I want to prepare for the Kit Kat update.
Its my understanding that I will need to fastboot flash the stock recovery to take the update. I don't have much faith that a flashable 4.4 rom will happen anytime soon.
Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
No one?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Well, you could consider visiting -> http://sbf.droid-developers.org/ghost/list.php See if there is a copy of the ROM your phone is currently on... If so, download it and unzip it.
And since you have TWRP installed, I'm going to say you've unlocked your bootloader, and likely rooted.. That also might impact the install of 4.4. Did you remove any bloat, mess with system files, or freeze any apps with something like Titanium Backup? That too can impact the install of 4.4.
If you're interested take a look at -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536735
KidJoe said:
Well, you could consider visiting -> http://sbf.droid-developers.org/ghost/list.php See if there is a copy of the ROM your phone is currently on... If so, download it and unzip it.
And since you have TWRP installed, I'm going to say you've unlocked your bootloader, and likely rooted.. That also might impact the install of 4.4. Did you remove any bloat, mess with system files, or freeze any apps with something like Titanium Backup? That too can impact the install of 4.4.
If you're interested take a look at -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536735
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the link with the sbf files for consumer devices only? I have a dev edition on its way and thought I read if you flash the non dev sbf you will also install security stuff for non dev edition devices you don't want. Thanks in advance!
KidJoe said:
Well, you could consider visiting -> http://sbf.droid-developers.org/ghost/list.php See if there is a copy of the ROM your phone is currently on... If so, download it and unzip it.
And since you have TWRP installed, I'm going to say you've unlocked your bootloader, and likely rooted.. That also might impact the install of 4.4. Did you remove any bloat, mess with system files, or freeze any apps with something like Titanium Backup? That too can impact the install of 4.4.
If you're interested take a look at -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536735
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did uninstall some apps, but not much. My plan was to reinstall the factory recovery, then factory reset before accepting the ota.
This being my first Moto device, I'm not really familiar with all this .sbf stuff. Are you saying the stock recovery would be part of it?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
MichaelMcEntire said:
I did uninstall some apps, but not much. My plan was to reinstall the factory recovery, then factory reset before accepting the ota.
This being my first Moto device, I'm not really familiar with all this .sbf stuff. Are you saying the stock recovery would be part of it?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stick recovery can be found in the sbf zips
Sent on my Moto X
Travisdroidx2 said:
Is the link with the sbf files for consumer devices only? I have a dev edition on its way and thought I read if you flash the non dev sbf you will also install security stuff for non dev edition devices you don't want. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was talk/speculation that when flashing the Dev edition with "non-dev" SDF/FXZ files you'd revert to a "consumer"/Locked device. I am not aware of that being confirmed as 100% true.
When I first got my Dev X, I rooted with RockMyMoto and ran for a week or so before unlocking the bootloader. At the time unlocking the boot loader voided the warranty and I wanted to make sure there were no issues before voiding the warranty. To prep for Kit Kat, I did flash it back using the only 4.2.2 SBF out there, that was for the "consumer" devices. It didn't hurt. I was still able to unlock my boot loader.
At this point, Moto does have the KK dev edition SBFs available for request on their web site if you don't trust using other SBF's. But they do appear to be the same as the "non-dev" sbf files.
---------- Post added at 02:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:18 AM ----------
MichaelMcEntire said:
I did uninstall some apps, but not much. My plan was to reinstall the factory recovery, then factory reset before accepting the ota.
This being my first Moto device, I'm not really familiar with all this .sbf stuff. Are you saying the stock recovery would be part of it?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory reset will not restore any apps you removed from the phone (i.e. if you deleted the APKs).
SBF and FXZ files are firmware files for Moto. RSDLite is the tool to fully flash an SBF or FXZ file.
The thread I linked earlier (said if you are interested... read...) has several options to return to stock, and explains options for using RSDLite to flash a full SBF/FXZ, as well as mfastboot to flash only parts of the ROM file, which will get you back to stock.
Most of the Moto updates perform checks for files, and specific versions of files before installing. If they don't match stock, or files it expects to be there are missing, the OTA wont install, or get the phone stuck in a boot loop.

[Q]Unlocked Bootloader,TWRP and 4.4.2 Update

Guys,i have Retail 1058 Moto X with unlocked Bootloader,TWRP(latest and rooted) and i want to upgrade to 4.4.2!
Some guys already received the 4.4.2 brazilian update via OTA,and extracted the zip file,but,since im on custom recovery,the OTA doesnt reboot the phone into stock and go straight to TWRP,therefore,doesnt conclude the update,and keep restarting!
Since i need the phone,i did a factory reset via TWRP just to get things going!
But,i want to upgrade to 4.4.2!
Is there a way to do that?remove TWRP ou something else?
I've seen some people saying that i need to flash the 4.4 img which it is inside the zip but,i dont have that zip anymore!
Thx in advance!
msespindola said:
Guys,i have Retail 1058 Moto X with unlocked Bootloader,TWRP(latest and rooted) and i want to upgrade to 4.4.2!
Some guys already received the 4.4.2 brazilian update via OTA,and extracted the zip file,but,since im on custom recovery,the OTA doesnt reboot the phone into stock and go straight to TWRP,therefore,doesnt conclude the update,and keep restarting!
Since i need the phone,i did a factory reset via TWRP just to get things going!
But,i want to upgrade to 4.4.2!
Is there a way to do that?remove TWRP ou something else?
I've seen some people saying that i need to flash the 4.4 img which it is inside the zip but,i dont have that zip anymore!
Thx in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you take the 4.4.2 update you will loose root and wont be able to get it back till who knows when.
but you need to flash your phone back to 100% stock just like you did when root your device but instead of using the 4.2.2 CU firmware use the 4.4
here is all the firmware for the Moto X
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
your device is a Att model so you should be able to flash the ATT 4.4 firmware but im not 100% sure but maybe you will find your carrier listed there.
dray_jr said:
if you take the 4.4.2 update you will loose root and wont be able to get it back till who knows when.
but you need to flash your phone back to 100% stock just like you did when root your device but instead of using the 4.2.2 CU firmware use the 4.4
here is all the firmware for the Moto X
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
your device is a Att model so you should be able to flash the ATT 4.4 firmware but im not 100% sure but maybe you will find your carrier listed there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah,i know,aware of loosing root,but,mine is retail,and i've found the brazilian retail one(Blur_Version.143.44.8.ghost_row.Brasil.en.BR)!
How do i revert back to stock?never done that before!
Thx for the help so far buddy
msespindola said:
yeah,i know,aware of loosing root,but,mine is retail,and i've found the brazilian retail one(Blur_Version.143.44.8.ghost_row.Brasil.en.BR)!
How do i revert back to stock?never done that before!
Thx for the help so far buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515
there are two ways in this guide i like the manual way. but your choice make sure you read everything because if you do this wrong you can brick.
dray_jr said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515
there are two ways in this guide i like the manual way. but your choice make sure you read everything because if you do this wrong you can brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay buddy,will take a look when i get home from work!
One questiona buddy managed to get the fastboot img for me,if i just flash the stock recovery img and then try to update will it work?
msespindola said:
Okay buddy,will take a look when i get home from work!
One questiona buddy managed to get the fastboot img for me,if i just flash the stock recovery img and then try to update will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
idk i dont like to doing things half way there have been way to many bricks lately.
If he has an unlocked bootloader, why would he not be able to get root back?
I thought when the bootloader was unlocked you had free reign over the device. Shouldn't he be able to upgrade to 4.4.2 and use SU and TWRP to get root back? I don't get why he wouldn't be able to do that.
Flash 4.4.2
Flash TWRP via mfastboot
Install SU zip via TWRP
Boot
Install SU app
What am I missing?
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Schaweet said:
If he has an unlocked bootloader, why would he not be able to get root back?
I thought when the bootloader was unlocked you had free reign over the device. Shouldn't he be able to upgrade to 4.4.2 and use SU and TWRP to get root back? I don't get why he wouldn't be able to do that.
Flash 4.4.2
Flash TWRP via mfastboot
Install SU zip via TWRP
Boot
Install SU app
What am I missing?
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is why i dont read on my phone i miss crap anyway if you flash 4.4.2 yes you can flash the 4.4 TWRP and then SuperSU with a unlocked bootloader.. sorry for my miss read thanks for the catch
dray_jr said:
idk i dont like to doing things half way there have been way to many bricks lately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Schaweet said:
If he has an unlocked bootloader, why would he not be able to get root back?
I thought when the bootloader was unlocked you had free reign over the device. Shouldn't he be able to upgrade to 4.4.2 and use SU and TWRP to get root back? I don't get why he wouldn't be able to do that.
Flash 4.4.2
Flash TWRP via mfastboot
Install SU zip via TWRP
Boot
Install SU app
What am I missing?
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx guys, I'll do this later, thx for the awesome responses
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app
dray_jr said:
idk i dont like to doing things half way there have been way to many bricks lately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone else please chime in on this? I have a Dev Edition VZW Moto X, and when the 4.4.2 update is finally available, I want to know what to do. My phone is unlocked & rooted with TWRP installed. Can I just flash the factory recovery and then take the OTA? Or do I have to revert to 100% stock? If I only flash stock recovery and take the OTA, data won't be wiped, will it? That is the big reason I would like to avoid going back to 100% stock if I can.
NPOA556 said:
Can someone else please chime in on this? I have a Dev Edition VZW Moto X, and when the 4.4.2 update is finally available, I want to know what to do. My phone is unlocked & rooted with TWRP installed. Can I just flash the factory recovery and then take the OTA? Or do I have to revert to 100% stock? If I only flash stock recovery and take the OTA, data won't be wiped, will it? That is the big reason I would like to avoid going back to 100% stock if I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My hope is that someone on here will repackage the OTA for us to sideload. That would be the best case scenario.
If not, I think you just need a stock recovery, but I could be wrong. I've seen someone say you need to flash stock system as well. I have the same questions as you if we don't get a side loadable zip.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Schaweet said:
My hope is that someone on here will repackage the OTA for us to sideload. That would be the best case scenario.
If not, I think you just need a stock recovery, but I could be wrong. I've seen someone say you need to flash stock system as well. I have the same questions as you if we don't get a side loadable zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the end of the world if I have to wipe data and restore everything from TiBu, but it's still a PITA I would like to avoid if possible. More importantly, I don't want to run into any issues when installed the update. So if there is any question as to whether stock recovery alone is sufficient for the update to install properly, I will probably go back to full stock to be safe. I guess I have some time to let smarter people figure it out, since there is no update for VZW yet.
NPOA556 said:
It's not the end of the world if I have to wipe data and restore everything from TiBu, but it's still a PITA I would like to avoid if possible. More importantly, I don't want to run into any issues when installed the update. So if there is any question as to whether stock recovery alone is sufficient for the update to install properly, I will probably go back to full stock to be safe. I guess I have some time to let smarter people figure it out, since there is no update for VZW yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I've read is you need to go back to stock recovery and also make sure any /system files are unchanged. For example I renamed my old exchange apk's (in /system/app) when I put in the new ones from the nexus 5 on 4.4.2, so I would need to name those files back.
NPOA556 said:
It's not the end of the world if I have to wipe data and restore everything from TiBu, but it's still a PITA I would like to avoid if possible. More importantly, I don't want to run into any issues when installed the update. So if there is any question as to whether stock recovery alone is sufficient for the update to install properly, I will probably go back to full stock to be safe. I guess I have some time to let smarter people figure it out, since there is no update for VZW yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure some nice developer will help us along.
What have you done to take you off of stock?
I just have custom recovery and xposed. Xposed shouldn't cause any issues.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Schaweet said:
I'm sure some nice developer will help us along.
What have you done to take you off of stock?
I just have custom recovery and xposed. Xposed shouldn't cause any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess nothing, other than TWRP, Xposed, and obviously root. I have seen several people say that you have to unroot before installed an OTA, but I don't know if that applies to the Dev X or just the standard version. A lot of people seem to indicate that you have to go back to stock, so I just want to clarify what is really required.
NPOA556 said:
I guess nothing, other than TWRP, Xposed, and obviously root. I have seen several people say that you have to unroot before installed an OTA, but I don't know if that applies to the Dev X or just the standard version. A lot of people seem to indicate that you have to go back to stock, so I just want to clarify what is really required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good questions. I'm not sure. We certainly root differently than a non Dev edition. They might have some files modified that we don't have to modify. Also, I wonder is going to stock recovery will unroot us.
I guess we wait and stay patient.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Surely there must be a way to flash updates through TWRP?
I want to grab one of these
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
and flash it through TWRP. Anyone know if this is possible?
Wouldn't mind 4.4.2 right now on my dev ed, to see if my bluetooth problem gets fixed.
Unfortunately you can not take the ota if
1- you have custom recovery
2- root
3- changed any system file
It will bootloop
Clearing data is always required after any ota
The only hope you have is if someone decides to take that factory image and runnit through kitchen to make it a flashable zip. You will also need the updated modem from either 4.4 or 4.4.2 to prevent system settings from fc ing
This goes for any moto, retail and or developer edition
You may also attempt to flash the sbf firmware and remove the delete userdata from the XML but no guarantee that you will not have issues
Hope that helps
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
To take an ota you must be stock. Meaning everything. As long as you haven't flashed an updated bootloader you can just flash system.IMG and recovery.IMG from the sbf your phone is currently on you can take an ota. A successful ota does NOT require a data wipe.
---------- Post added at 04:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:04 PM ----------
finalarcadia said:
Surely there must be a way to flash updates through TWRP?
I want to grab one of these
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
and flash it through TWRP. Anyone know if this is possible?
Wouldn't mind 4.4.2 right now on my dev ed, to see if my bluetooth problem gets fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash any of those through twrp! If you want to flash 4.4.2 you need to fastboot the system.IMG and boot.IMG and you will need to wipe your data. If you choose this route you will not be able to take the ota when its available you'd have to wait for the sbf file to be released and update through house of moto, rsd, or fastboot.
flashallthetime said:
Unfortunately you can not take the ota if
1- you have custom recovery
2- root
3- changed any system file
It will bootloop
Clearing data is always required after any ota
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some questions.. and comments...
I agree with #1. You must have STOCK recovery for an OTA to install properly. And #3, because the OTA generally has a file list with check sums to compare against what is on your device to make sure all required files are there and the correct version/size/etc before it will start to install.
#2 I have a question on as I've not had an issue with this unless the root process makes changes to system files (thus causing a problem for #3). I've lost root taking an OTA, but that is it.
Then again, I have a Dev X with unlocked bootloader, and I don't know enough about RockMyMoto, SlapMyMoto, etc was of rooting the X, except that initially they replaced the recovery partition with an image that when selected/booted allowed write to system, etc. This would cause issue with #1 (no longer have stock recovery on the recovery partition), but not sure what, if any system files get touched or altered from stock.
Finally, you mention clearing data being required... This would wipe you back to factory defaults and remove your apps/data. I don't believe its "required" but rather just suggested as it can make the device run smoother after the update is done.
---------- Post added at 05:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:59 PM ----------
msespindola said:
Guys,i have Retail 1058 Moto X with unlocked Bootloader,TWRP(latest and rooted) and i want to upgrade to 4.4.2!
Some guys already received the 4.4.2 brazilian update via OTA,and extracted the zip file,but,since im on custom recovery,the OTA doesnt reboot the phone into stock and go straight to TWRP,therefore,doesnt conclude the update,and keep restarting!
Since i need the phone,i did a factory reset via TWRP just to get things going!
But,i want to upgrade to 4.4.2!
Is there a way to do that?remove TWRP ou something else?
I've seen some people saying that i need to flash the 4.4 img which it is inside the zip but,i dont have that zip anymore!
Thx in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you rooted.
If you've downloaded the SBF file for the ROM on your device (if you don't have it, see if its available from -> http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0 ), you can unzip it, and fastboot flash the stock recovery from it onto your device, take the OTA, and then later fastboot flash TWRP back on and install SuperSU again to root.
This assumes you did NOT touch any system files the update will check for prior to running/installing. If you did touch system files, edit build prop, removed/renamed any APK's... then fastboot flash recovery and system before taking the OTA

[Q] Back-ups When Rooting

So I am planning on rooting my Verizon Moto Maker locked bootloader Moto X running 4.4 before the 4.4.2 OTA gets pushed and I want to safely stay rooted. Here is what I am planning on doing and please correct me if I am wrong or doing things unnecessarily:
1) Save my custom wallpaper using these instructions:
How to Pull Custom Wallpaper
2) Root using Slap My Moto method
- here it the 4.4 OTA if 4.4.2 has already come out by the time I do this
Verizon 4.4 OTA
3) Make an EFS b/u
4) Install Titanium b/u and make a post-root b/u
5) Use Titanium b/u to freeze MotorolaOTA so that the 4.4.2 OTA won't be pushed to my device
- will freezing MotorolaOTA stop the OTA from being downloaded or will it just stop the notification popup?
6) Uninstall Motorola Device Manager from my PC so that it won't try to upgrade my phone's OS every time I connect my phone to my PC
- is there any way to stop MDM from checking for updates without uninstalling it?
- will I lose the Motorola drivers for my Moto X if I uninstall MDM?
Also when am I supposed to wipe my dalvik cache wrt back ups and rooting? Am I supposed to clear any other cache or data anywhere along the way?
Then after I root, I can selectively flash the 4.4.2 update:
Slap My Moto Page 150
Important Warning Before Flashing 4.4.2 Page 15
System.img, boot.img, non-hlos.bin and fsg.mbn
Cozume said:
So I am planning on rooting my Verizon Moto Maker locked bootloader Moto X running 4.4 before the 4.4.2 OTA gets pushed and I want to safely stay rooted. Here is what I am planning on doing and please correct me if I am wrong or doing things unnecessarily:
1) Flash TWRP and boot into it to make a pre-root nandroid b/u
- I know the custom recovery won't stick when I reboot, just doing it to make a pre-root b/u
- is this necessary as long as the sbf firmware is available?
2) Root using Slap My Moto method
3) Make an EFS b/u
4) Install Titanium b/u and make a post-root b/u
5) Use Titanium b/u to freeze MotorolaOTA so that the OTA won't be pushed to my device
- will freezing MotorolaOTA stop the OTA from being downloaded or will it just stop the notification popup?
6) Uninstall Motorola Device Manager from my PC so that it won't try to upgrade my phone's OS every time I connect my phone to my PC
- is there any way to stop MDM from checking for updates without uninstalling it?
- will I lose the Motorola drivers for my Moto X if I uninstall MDM?
Also when am I supposed to wipe my dalvik cache wrt back ups and rooting? Am I supposed to clear any other cache or data anywhere along the way?
Also, I can't hit the thanks button anymore today but if you help me I will come back tomorrow and hit it, I promise!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing twrp while having a locked boot loader? Idk
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
flashallthetime said:
Flashing twrp while having a locked boot loader? Idk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pointing that out. I read that on a site about backing up that I could do that if I wasn't rooted, but it didn't specify I had to have an unlocked bootloader to do it.
Seriously I am thanking you but I hope you see it from the point of noobs like me, too. I really am reading and trying but that very basic point went over my head. There is so much to try to absorb when you are learning that sometimes the very basic stuff gets missed.
And I am trying to learn both unlocked and locked bootloader methods and not always keeping it straight in my head.
Cozume said:
Thanks for pointing that out. I read that on a site about backing up that I could do that if I wasn't rooted, but it didn't specify I had to have an unlocked bootloader to do it.
Seriously I am thanking you but I hope you see it from the point of noobs like me, too. I really am reading and trying but that very basic point went over my head. There is so much to try to absorb when you are learning that sometimes the very basic stuff gets missed.
And I am trying to learn both unlocked and locked bootloader methods and not always keeping it straight in my head.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well good! you're on the right track. 3 best pieces of advice here:
1. Search first
2. Read alot (yes even some long threads with several pages)
3. Then Q & A is here for you.
Glad you're being safe with your exepnsive device, some noobs usually shoot first ask questions later.
Cozume said:
Thanks for pointing that out. I read that on a site about backing up that I could do that if I wasn't rooted, but it didn't specify I had to have an unlocked bootloader to do it.
Seriously I am thanking you but I hope you see it from the point of noobs like me, too. I really am reading and trying but that very basic point went over my head. There is so much to try to absorb when you are learning that sometimes the very basic stuff gets missed.
And I am trying to learn both unlocked and locked bootloader methods and not always keeping it straight in my head.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a custom recovery always requires a unlocked boot loader, On a more serious note, I would wait for the Verizon ota to arrive and see how folks manage to root their phones, if its possible?
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
flashallthetime said:
On a more serious note, I would wait for the Verizon ota to arrive and see how folks manage to root their phones, if its possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to do it now in case the exploit is closed forever in 4.4.2. Then if someone comes up with a new way to root 4.4.2, I can unroot, revert to stock and take the update then, right?
Cozume said:
I want to do it now in case the exploit is closed forever in 4.4.2. Then if someone comes up with a new way to root 4.4.2, I can unroot, revert to stock and take the update then, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, wait and see what happens, it makes sense flash 4.4.2 now, it won't make any difference now or later, second point is, you can not flash the 4.4.2 sbf firmware as Verizon's version is not available why?,your boot loader is locked, you not flash any sbf with a locked. boot loader, you can ONLY flash your specific carriers sbf firmware. Read please. I have 6 months of moto x experience behind me, been here from day 1
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
My advice. Root it now, wait it out. If they can't come up with an exploit for 4.4.2, sell your phone, get a developer edition then you can do whatever you want.
MotoX Developer Edition went from German 4.4.2 to Great Britain 4.4.2 to T-Mobile 4.4.2 no problem. Fastboot FTW!
SymbioticGenius said:
My advice. Root it now, wait it out. If they can't come up with an exploit for 4.4.2, sell your phone, get a developer edition then you can do whatever you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, but it will cause me great sadness to sell my beautiful wood backed baby!!!
flashallthetime said:
it won't make any difference now or later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, yes it would because if I take the OTA then I won't be rooted unless someone finds an exploit for 4.4.2 and I will never be rooted if someone doesn't.
flashallthetime said:
i
, second point is, you can not flash the 4.4.2 sbf firmware as Verizon's version is not available why?,your boot loader is locked, you not flash any sbf with a locked. boot loader, you can ONLY flash your specific carriers sbf firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am getting confused now. If I stay on 4.4 rooted and something happens to my device, can I or can't I flash the sbf for Verizon 4.4 with a locked bootloader to restore my device?
Maybe I wasn't clear but my plan is to root on 4.4 and stay there by freezing MotorolaOTA, which is the app that installs the updates and sends the annoying message. I was going to stay on 4.4 rooted and not upgrade to 4.4.2 unless someone can come up with a way to root it with a locked bootloader.
Cozume said:
yeah, that is my plan. But it will cause me great sadness to sell my beautiful wood backed baby!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it root it now, I have no idea which sbf firmware you can flash that won't brick your device and I guess we'll see you back with the developer edition. Did you read my previous post? Is Verizon's or at&t 4.4.2 firmware available? Not last time I checked. Locked bootloaders can not flash any sbf firmware only your specific carriers sbf firmware can be flashed
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
flashallthetime said:
Go for it root it now, I have no idea which sbf firmware you can flash that won't brick your device and I guess we'll see you back with the developer edition. Did you read my previous post? Is Verizon's or at&t 4.4.2 firmware available? Not last time I checked. Locked bootloaders can not flash any sbf firmware only your specific carriers sbf firmware can be flashed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read my previous post:
My Previous Post
My plan is to NEVER flash 4.4.2 unless someone can root 4.4.2. Then I would unroot and take the OTA, not flash anything. Can't I unroot on 4.4 and take the OTA?
Cozume said:
Did you read my previous post:
My Previous Post
My plan is to NEVER flash 4.4.2 unless someone can root 4.4.2. Then I would unroot and take the OTA, not flash anything. Can't I unroot on 4.4 and take the OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one knows yet for sure what and will not work for the 4.4.2 ota, you'll just have to wait. Probably the only way is keep the 4.4 boot loader while running the 4.4.2 system only but its all speculation until the ota comes out
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
flashallthetime said:
No one knows yet for sure what and will not work for the 4.4.2 ota, you'll just have to wait. Probably the only way is keep the 4.4 boot loader while running the 4.4.2 system only but its all speculation until the ota comes out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not planning on taking the 4.4.2 OTA. The whole point of freezing MotorolaOTA is to block the OTA.

4.4.3

I read that 4.4.3 will be coming any day for Sprint Moto X (already out for T-Mobile.)
I've rooted my phone, deleted some bloatware, installed Xposed, etc.
Will I need to re-flash the stock ROM before updating to 4.4.3?
Or will there be a pre-rooted 4.4.3 on this forum which I can flash right over my phone as it is (like there were for my older devices)?
Sorry, new to Moto X.
You'll need the bloat back, that's why you should only disable and not delete it. OTAs do file checks on the system partition and if any are missing or modified the OTA will fail. You'll also need to disable Xposed as well.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk
d0g said:
I read that 4.4.3 will be coming any day for Sprint Moto X (already out for T-Mobile.)
I've rooted my phone, deleted some bloatware, installed Xposed, etc.
Will I need to re-flash the stock ROM before updating to 4.4.3?
Or will there be a pre-rooted 4.4.3 on this forum which I can flash right over my phone as it is (like there were for my older devices)?
Sorry, new to Moto X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just going to ask the exactly same question. I am also on Sprint, and had gone through the official bootloader unlock but not changed the stock rom. I imagine I will still get the OTA update, and taking it will not make me lose root?
I have the OTA update reminder frozen with Titanium Backup right now and am currently running 4.4 out of paranoia. Reading some of the other posts, it seems that I might be OK and OTA updates may only affect those on ATT/Verizon that had to go through other means to get get root?
Always best to freeze...not delete. Takes very little space up and no problem with ota's.
You can always download the official 4.4.2 from Moto and flash system.img and recovery.img. Those will get you back to stock. Then you can take the OTA, flash TWRP, root and reinstall Xposed (all your modules and Xposed/gravity box settings will still be there).
That is what I did going from 4.4 to 4.4.2. Worked like a charm.
You have to flash system.img with mfastboot though not just fastboot. Just Google instructions. They are on xda as well.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
What I'm curious about....is if you will be able to downgrade from 4.4.3 to 4.4.2? If its the same bootloader, which I'm sure it is....should be fine. If it isn't....I see many brick threads in the coming days. ?
d0g said:
I read that 4.4.3 will be coming any day for Sprint Moto X (already out for T-Mobile.)
I've rooted my phone, deleted some bloatware, installed Xposed, etc.
Will I need to re-flash the stock ROM before updating to 4.4.3?
Or will there be a pre-rooted 4.4.3 on this forum which I can flash right over my phone as it is (like there were for my older devices)?
Sorry, new to Moto X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ibwhite said:
I was just going to ask the exactly same question. I am also on Sprint, and had gone through the official bootloader unlock but not changed the stock rom. I imagine I will still get the OTA update, and taking it will not make me lose root?
I have the OTA update reminder frozen with Titanium Backup right now and am currently running 4.4 out of paranoia. Reading some of the other posts, it seems that I might be OK and OTA updates may only affect those on ATT/Verizon that had to go through other means to get get root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was asked about when the 4.2.2 to 4.4 OTA came out, and again when the 4.4 to 4.4.2 OTA came out..
so see -> Taking an OTA

How can I back up recovery.img from Lollipop 5.1?

I recently unrooted my Moto X 1053 DevEd (GSM) in order to accept the Lollipop 5.1 OTA. I got the update and it's working great.
Now I want to re-root my phone, but first I want to be sure that I have a copy of stock recovery.img for Lollipop 5.1.
How can I back up recovery.img from my phone without my phone being rooted?
Thanks!
is temp booting custom recovery still possible... I haven't messed around with stuff in a while, but I think if you can temp boot twrp recovery (fastboot boot twrp) you might be able to use it to back up the stock recovery... you should google for more info on that, make sure it doesn't flash instead of boot.
otherwise you can't backup stock recovery without root. it's kind of a catch 22: you want to back up stock recovery before you root, but you can't do that on the device without root.
normally you can get the recovery from the stock firmware zip file. but I don't think Motorola is handing them out for 5.1 yet - if they are then it will be in that file. if not I suppose the next best thing is to rummage through the OTA file. I haven't unzipped it myself but it has to be in there right? some info that might help: the recovery size is 10mb. I can see it with the DiskInfo app, along with its block partition name mmcblk0p34, although it probably won't be named that in the zip file idk... anyway you can find the OTA here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Eu943ka0GfQVVsdS13eHhZaU0/view?pli=1
That is a really, really helpful post, dtg7. I had hoped Moto would have posted the firmware, but I guess I'm too impatient. As I didn't have a separate copy of the OTA, I'm doing as you suggested and grabbing the OTA from the site you linked to. I'll try to extract the recovery.img file from there. I'll post my results.
Yes, this is a classic catch 22, as you say.
dtg7 said:
I haven't messed around with stuff in a while,...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is precisely my problem. I get semi-proficient with phone stuff every now and then when I'm changing things around, but then I forget almost everything I need to know to do the most basic geek maneuvers. When I had an HTC Sensation, which was a favorite for ROM-makers and modders, I was swapping out the ROM nearly every day between meals. With the Moto X I haven't done this much, maybe because I've gotten older, but mainly because there don't seem to be as many custom ROMs for the Moto X (nor is as much need for them, with Xposed and with a decent stock ROM.
dtg7 said:
anyway you can find the OTA here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Eu943ka0GfQVVsdS13eHhZaU0/view?pli=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that a link to KitKat 4.4.4 (i.e., 213.44.1)?
I've got Lollipop 5.1 on my phone, and "About Phone" lists it as 222.21.15.
It's actually system.img from 222.21.15 that I'm trying to get ahold of.
varxx said:
Isn't that a link to KitKat 4.4.4 (i.e., 213.44.1)?
I've got Lollipop 5.1 on my phone, and "About Phone" lists it as 222.21.15.
It's actually system.img from 222.21.15 that I'm trying to get ahold of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or is this still the case (quoted from elsewhere on this site)?
file name ... references the build your phone must be on to accept the update, not the version of the update itself. That is how Moto has done it for some time now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
varxx said:
Or is this still the case (quoted from elsewhere on this site)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes that is still the case, moto otas refer to the android version you're updating From
that file is what I used to update from 4.4.4 to lollipop
dtg7 said:
yes that is still the case, moto otas refer to the android version you're updating From
that file is what I used to update from 4.4.4 to lollipop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying this.
varxx said:
Thanks for clarifying this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat, only I need the recovery to kick off encryption. My process was, test the TWRP lollipop build, backup data with TWRP, flash 4.4.4 stock, OTA upgrade to Lollipop, install TWRP, restore data, can't encrypt now without stock recovery.
AaronCompNetSys said:
I'm in the same boat, only I need the recovery to kick off encryption. My process was, test the TWRP lollipop build, backup data with TWRP, flash 4.4.4 stock, OTA upgrade to Lollipop, install TWRP, restore data, can't encrypt now without stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find recovery.img in the uncompressed file dtg7 kindly linked above:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Eu943ka0GfQVVsdS13eHhZaU0/view?pli=1
Maybe I didn't look hard enough.
I *did* find the 4.4.4 recovery.img in the uncompressed file I requested and received from Moto. It seems like Moto sometimes uses the same recovery.img from release to release, but I'd be skittish about using this with stock 5.1 until someone can give it the all-clear. As of right now (27 june 15, 9:00 GMT), Moto hasn't posted stock 5.1.
AaronCompNetSys said:
I'm in the same boat, only I need the recovery to kick off encryption. My process was, test the TWRP lollipop build, backup data with TWRP, flash 4.4.4 stock, OTA upgrade to Lollipop, install TWRP, restore data, can't encrypt now without stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
varxx said:
As of right now (27 june 15, 9:00 GMT), Moto hasn't posted stock 5.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like the stock XT1053 5.1 firmware is available now. See the links here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/official-collection-firmwares-fxz-sbf-t3146628
dtg7 said:
Looks like the stock XT1053 5.1 firmware is available now. See the links here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/official-collection-firmwares-fxz-sbf-t3146628
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm not sure if I want to try flashing just the recovery or not, I've been having lots lof radio active time so I migh full wipe/flash to try to clear that up.
Here is just the recovery from the "tmo_retail_xt1053_5.1_lpa23.12-15.222.21.15.ghost_row.retail.en.us.tgz" file:
https://mega.co.nz/#!WU5WjaqL!109FXTQovfywRxJM67YBH5KHrErNZYILPVyzk4HGK-c
varxx said:
I recently unrooted my Moto X 1053 DevEd (GSM) in order to accept the Lollipop 5.1 OTA. I got the update and it's working great.
Now I want to re-root my phone, but first I want to be sure that I have a copy of stock recovery.img for Lollipop 5.1.
How can I back up recovery.img from my phone without my phone being rooted?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

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