VZW: Revert to 4.2? - Moto X Q&A

If I manage to obtain the key for my bootloader and unlock my 4.4.2 phone, would I be able to flash the original Moto/VZW 4.2 onto it?
I liked the battery life a lot better before 4.4.2, and I'd prefer to go back to 4.2 until they work out some of the power issues.

cpurick said:
If I manage to obtain the key for my bootloader and unlock my 4.4.2 phone, would I be able to flash the original Moto/VZW 4.2 onto it?
I liked the battery life a lot better before 4.4.2, and I'd prefer to go back to 4.2 until they work out some of the power issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost everyone here will say no because if you take any ota you will hard brick your phone. There is a smaller group of people here will say it is possible with an unlocked device. You likely could flash the system.img from 4.2 and keep your current bootloader and not have an issue other than 4.2 possibly having compatibility issues with the newer bootloader. Personally I WOULD NOT try this until someone proves it's possible.

cpurick said:
If I manage to obtain the key for my bootloader and unlock my 4.4.2 phone, would I be able to flash the original Moto/VZW 4.2 onto it?
I liked the battery life a lot better before 4.4.2, and I'd prefer to go back to 4.2 until they work out some of the power issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the battery that much better on 4.2?
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

edthesped said:
Is the battery that much better on 4.2?
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for me. At all. 4.4.2 is no different. Just gotta troubleshoot if battery is bad. Anything can be fixed.
That said. Yes you can download. Have to search for exactly how. And if you take an ota after, you could brick.
In my opinion, its risky business downgrading from 4.4.2 no matter the method, or locked or unlocked bootloader.
Just read read read first. And be careful. Been lots of bricks downgrading. But I do think there's a reasonably safe way to do it....tho I've never done it, or wanted to.
Just my 2 cents. These aren't nexuses....some things can't be done, or need to be done carefully.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....

kj2112 said:
Not for me. At all. 4.4.2 is no different. Just gotta troubleshoot if battery is bad. Anything can be fixed.
That said. Yes you can download. Have to search for exactly how. And if you take an ota after, you could brick.
In my opinion, its risky business downgrading from 4.4.2 no matter the method, or locked or unlocked bootloader.
Just read read read first. And be careful. Been lots of bricks downgrading. But I do think there's a reasonably safe way to do it....tho I've never done it, or wanted to.
Just my 2 cents. These aren't nexuses....some things can't be done, or need to be done carefully.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I think I can handle the downgrade, I tend to not take OTA`s so with respectto that I should be somewhat safe, besides I'm already at risk because I'm on 4.4.2 with the 4.4 boot loader but I'm not worried because I tend to wait for sbfs to come before I update.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

edthesped said:
Thanks, I think I can handle the downgrade, I tend to not take OTA`s so with respectto that I should be somewhat safe, besides I'm already at risk because I'm on 4.4.2 with the 4.4 boot loader but I'm not worried because I tend to wait for sbfs to come before I update.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just make sure to freeze the motorola ota. Don't flash gpt.bin or motoboot.img. and make sure when you eventually upgrade again you follow those rules.
Once you are unlocked. I would suggest just flashing eclipse rom. It is based on stock and you will get much better battery life with that then you will downgrading to 4.2.2 i promise you.

jayboyyyy said:
just make sure to freeze the motorola ota. Don't flash gpt.bin or motoboot.img. and make sure when you eventually upgrade again you follow those rules.
Once you are unlocked. I would suggest just flashing eclipse rom. It is based on stock and you will get much better battery life with that then you will downgrading to 4.2.2 i promise you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have to agree, was happy with battery on 4.2.2, upgraded to 4.4, battery was very bad. unlocked my device, flashed ecplise 3.1.2 on kitkat 4.4 (still didnt upgrade to 4.4.2 because wanted to leave a door back to 4.2.2) and battery life on ecplise while on 4.4 is just as good, if not better that stock 4.2.2
very happy now

jayboyyyy said:
just make sure to freeze the motorola ota. Don't flash gpt.bin or motoboot.img. and make sure when you eventually upgrade again you follow those rules.
Once you are unlocked. I would suggest just flashing eclipse rom. It is based on stock and you will get much better battery life with that then you will downgrading to 4.2.2 i promise you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks OTA is froze and I'm on TWRP so I think I'm safe. At some point I'll have to look into Eclipse.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

Related

4.4.2 unlocked downgrade

Hi, tried searching my answer, but still not clear as to the answer for my situation, im about to purchase the unlock code for my non DE verizon moto x , code is from someone from china. If i upgrade to 4.4.2 while unlocked bootloader, any way back to 4.2.2 post camera update. Thanks
ericizzy1 said:
Hi, tried searching my answer, but still not clear as to the answer for my situation, im about to purchase the unlock code for my non DE verizon moto x , code is from someone from china. If i upgrade to 4.4.2 while unlocked bootloader, any way back to 4.2.2 post camera update. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and No
No you can not flash the complete 4.2.2 PCU package it will fail because you can't downgrade the bootloader
Yes because you can flash everything but the bootloader and it will take but if you accidentally take a OTA. you will brick your device.
but if you are able to unlock your bootloader then why would you want to downgrade. with a unlocked bootloader you will be able to root 4.4.2 with no issues
because when I was on 4.4, I had some battery consumption and heating issues also bluetooth was not perfect, I just wanted to make sure I have a way back To 4.2.2
also, not being able to downgrade the bootloader, in which way does this affect me going back to four point 4.2.2?
Your phone will work fine but like i said if you ever take a ota it will brick your phone
Sent from my XT1056 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dray_jr said:
Your phone will work fine but like i said if you ever take a ota it will brick your phone
Sent from my XT1056 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ota will brick, will be able to rsd to 4.4 or 4.4.2 if wanted?
Yup that is correct
Sent from my XT1056 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
ericizzy1 said:
ota will brick, will be able to rsd to 4.4 or 4.4.2 if wanted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Once you start mixing bootloader versions with system file versions (i.e. 4.4.2 bootloader with 4.2.2 system files), RSD Lite won't work. You will have to use a command line and mfastboot.exe to manually flash each partition.
And I actually tried to run 4.2.2 (post camera update) system files with a 4.4.2 bootloader and it would not boot; however, 4.4 system files do work with a 4.4.2 bootloader.
This has actually been discussed at great length and detail in this forum and A LOT of people were bricking their phones playing around with bootloader versions, just like you are talking about doing. At one point there was a sticky dedicated to it, but its since disappeared from the board for some reason.
To put it simply, please don't start mixing bootloader versions with system files. If you like 4.2.2, don't upgrade to 4.4.2. If you are on 4.4, then you can still downgrade to 4.2.2 (post camera update version). Do that and stay there. But if you upgrade to 4.4.2, don't fool around with it and start trying to downgrade. There is no point, and you will likely end up bricking your phone.
It's your phone, so do what you want, but you have been warned (by someone with personal experience by the way). If you do brick it, please don't start another "OMG! HELP ME!! I BRICKED MY PHONE!!" thread. There's plenty of those already floating around here. :good:

[ANSWERED] [Q] Revert from 4.4.2 to 4.4 on Unlocked Bootloader xt1058

So, I did some digging around here, and I am more confused than ever. Here is my quick question (hopefully)
I have an bootloader unlocked xt1058 (ATT branded). I ran a nandroid to flash a new rom, only to discover when i went to restore a nandroid, the system folder did not back up, therefore I do not have a /system folder backup of stock ATT 4.4.2.
What I want to know is: Can I fastboot flash ATT's 4.4 system file only (i know bootloader is not compatable), then take the 4.4.2 OTA? Or will this hard brick my phone?
If i searched the forums correctly, it addresses if your bootloader is locked, but not unlocked.
I am running an AOSP now, so i know my way around fastboot and adb.
Any assistance would be helpful, and a flashable zip of stock ATT 4.4.2 would kick a**
Thanks for the help!
I'm not sure exactly how, cause I never have, or would downgrade......but just be sure you find out exactly how to do it. An unlocked boot loader will not protect you from a brick if something is done wrong. In other words....there are ways to brick for sure....locked or unlocked.
To me its a risky endeavor no matter what the case. Mistakes happen.....and in the case of downgrading from 4.4.2....mistakes can cost you a phone. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
I'm not sure exactly how, cause I never have, or would downgrade......but just be sure you find out exactly how to do it. An unlocked boot loader will not protect you from a brick if something is done wrong. In other words....there are ways to brick for sure....locked or unlocked.
To me its a risky endeavor no matter what the case. Mistakes happen.....and in the case of downgrading from 4.4.2....mistakes can cost you a phone. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep! Hence the question. I guess the real question is...with an unlocked bootloader, can i flash System and Recovery (Android 4.4), while on Bootloader (Android 4.4.2)
would the safest thing to do to use RSD and flash (which will stop if there is a security issue)?
I'd just wait for the flash able 4.4.2 files.
Why do you want 4.4 anyway? There's not much difference.... Except a few negatives.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
cpetersen2791 said:
What I want to know is: Can I fastboot flash ATT's 4.4 system file only (i know bootloader is not compatable), then take the 4.4.2 OTA? Or will this hard brick my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this will brick your phone. If you are on 4.4.2, and downgrade only parts (say system.img), you'll have a version and security mismatch, including the bootloader and GPT.BIN. If you take an OTA in that state you will brick. (at least that is what many of the users who have bricked have done according to the threads I've read... I haven't actually done it first hand as I don't want to deal with a brick).
cpetersen2791 said:
If i searched the forums correctly, it addresses if your bootloader is locked, but not unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This applies for locked and unlocked bootloaders.
cpetersen2791 said:
Any assistance would be helpful, and a flashable zip of stock ATT 4.4.2 would kick a**
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as the SBF for ATT 4.4.2 leaks out, I'm sure it will be available on -> http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
kj2112 said:
I'd just wait for the flash able 4.4.2 files.
Why do you want 4.4 anyway? There's not much difference.... Except a few negatives.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i ran a "stock" nandroid to test AOSP roms, i failed to back up my system folder, therefore I don't have a Stock ATT OS. I know 4.4.2 was out, but only as OTA, but complete 4.4 was available.
Thanks for all the assistance, i'll wait for the 4.4.2 SBF.

[Q] getting off 4.4.2

4.4.2 is a disaster for me on my verizon DE phone....bluetooth keeps disconnecting, calls are breaking up etc. I would like to downgrade to an earlier release that works. My phone is unlocked and rooted.
What can I safely revert to...and how do I do it without bricking the phone?
ghstudio said:
4.4.2 is a disaster for me on my verizon DE phone....bluetooth keeps disconnecting, calls are breaking up etc. I would like to downgrade to an earlier release that works. My phone is unlocked and rooted.
What can I safely revert to...and how do I do it without bricking the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try a safe boot first. Long press on the power off screen button.
Downgrading is a dangerous affair. Highly NOT recommended.
There are ways, apparently... But most the knowledgeable members will say not to try. Unless its so important and your want outweighs the risk. The worst case scenario being a bricked phone.
Try backing up your data and apps, move the backup to a computer....and try a factory reset. Or flashing the firmware again with mfastboot.
4.4.2 is fine, not sure about your issues...but most are happy with 4.4.2. Your issues are likely app related.
Good luck!
I would recommend downloading the SBF package for your phone and flashing your phone to complete stock and then see how it works if you still want to downgrade after that you'll have to download a 4.4 SPF package and you're not to bypass the bootloader so you wouldn't just installed data system recovery and think that's it but like this previously said if you accidentally hit the OTA to update you could break your phone. sounds like your 4.4.2 install was corrupted. so I would download the 4.4.2 SBF package and do a complete reinstall
Sent from my XT1056 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Is this phone different as you can't just flash a 4.4 or 4.3 ROM? Auto downgrade?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
r.storm85 said:
Is this phone different as you can't just flash a 4.4 or 4.3 ROM? Auto downgrade?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downgrading from 4.4.2 can lead to a brick. There's supposedly a very careful way to do it....but anything can go wrong. Not worth the risk IMHO.
r.storm85 said:
Is this phone different as you can't just flash a 4.4 or 4.3 ROM? Auto downgrade?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes in that the bootloader doesn't allow itself to be flashed with an older version, signed or not. Trying to downgrade the bootloader can result in an unusable device.
You can flash the bootloader with a current or newer version but not an older version....locked or unlocked, it doesn't make a difference.
tcrews said:
Yes in that the bootloader doesn't allow itself to be flashed with an older version, signed or not. Trying to downgrade the bootloader can result in an unusable device.
You can flash the bootloader with a current or newer version but not an older version....locked or unlocked, it doesn't make a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm use to an evo4g and I could flash any ROM once I was rooted with s-off and recovery installed. It wouldn't mess with the boot loader at all. So this phone every ROM comes with a certain boot loader??
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
r.storm85 said:
So I'm use to an evo4g and I could flash any ROM once I was rooted with s-off and recovery installed. It wouldn't mess with the boot loader at all. So this phone every ROM comes with a certain boot loader??
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't matter about ROMs. They have nothing to do with the boot loader. And they don't flash boot loaders. But they made the 4.4.2 boot loader so it can't be downgraded. Why...who knows. But they did. Roms make no difference.
kj2112 said:
Doesn't matter about ROMs. They have nothing to do with the boot loader. And they don't flash boot loaders. But they made the 4.4.2 boot loader so it can't be downgraded. Why...who knows. But they did. Roms make no difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right so he can't flash a ROM with a 4.4 or 4.3 base? Why would you need to downgrade the boot loader if your rooted and unlocked on 4.4.2 already?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
The OP hasn't returned. So I assume he resolved his issues.
I don't know what happens trying to flash an older android version custom ROM actually. An error i would think....or hope anyway. On a nexus you get an error about the boot loader version...I think. But I've never seen it, cause on a nexus you can manually flash any boot loader you want. Older or newer.
I never flashed "ROMs" on my moto x. Just stock with xposed. Custom ROMs have issues, and no moto features.
The x really isn't a "flashing" phone. Definitely nothing like a nexus.
kj2112 said:
The OP hasn't returned. So I assume he resolved his issues.
I don't know what happens trying to flash an older android version custom ROM actually. An error i would think....or hope anyway. On a nexus you get an error about the boot loader version...I think. But I've never seen it, cause on a nexus you can manually flash any boot loader you want. Older or newer.
I never flashed "ROMs" on my moto x. Just stock with xposed. Custom ROMs have issues, and no moto features.
The x really isn't a "flashing" phone. Definitely nothing like a nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I jus remember on my evo I could flash back and forth between a 2.2, 2.3, cm6 whatever was available and it didn't matter. Like instead of taking a ota for 4.4.2 on my nexus 7 from 4.3 I jus found a stock rooted 4.4.2 ROM and flashed it. No need for ota or downgrades. And I have nandroids of 4.3 if I wanted to downgrade. Just trying to get a understanding of the ins and outs if this phone before and if I venture into rooting ya know
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
r.storm85 said:
So I'm use to an evo4g and I could flash any ROM once I was rooted with s-off and recovery installed. It wouldn't mess with the boot loader at all. So this phone every ROM comes with a certain boot loader??
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-off on the htc's is more "unlocked" than unlocking the boot loader on the X. With s-off, security checks, etc are bypassed.
I've posted the "long version" before, and I don't have time to retype it..so... The 4.4.2 update on the X changed the boot loader, gpt.bin and other things. They can not be downgraded. Attempts to do so will either fail, cause you problems, and will either brick the phone or set it up to brick if updating later.
KidJoe said:
S-off on the htc's is more "unlocked" than unlocking the boot loader on the X. With s-off, security checks, etc are bypassed.
I've posted the "long version" before, and I don't have time to retype it..so... The 4.4.2 update on the X changed the boot loader, gpt.bin and other things. They can not be downgraded. Attempts to do so will either fail, cause you problems, and will either brick the phone or set it up to brick if updating later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right I understand the boot loader cannot be downgraded. But if you have root and are unlocked with a custom recovery on the x you can't flash any android version ROM you want ?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
r.storm85 said:
Right I understand the boot loader cannot be downgraded. But if you have root and are unlocked with a custom recovery on the x you can't flash any android version ROM you want ?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its been said over and over. No offence.
No. You can't downgrade the os after you've got 4.4.2. Once on 4.4.2....always on 4.4.2.
Well, you may be able to if you research on how some say they have. But you can brick. Its always a strong risk. If you are ready to buy a new phone in case things go bad.....then search on the ways people have done it.
But none of the guys "in the know" here would recommend it, or help anyone do it.
Nothing else really to say.
Good luck!
r.storm85 said:
Right I understand the boot loader cannot be downgraded. But if you have root and are unlocked with a custom recovery on the x you can't flash any android version ROM you want ?
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first off, I'm on vacation with my family, typing this on my stupid iPad whose autocorrect is driving me batty so if my details seem sparse, sorry, I have typed this info with more details before, search.
if you are talking about custom, 3rd party rooms, maybe... As it depends on what parts they flash, and what their base is.
But if you are talking about moto roms, then NO. Do not, unless you don't mind turning your X into a brick or paper weight.
Again stop thinking about htc s-off and what you were able to do as it doesn't apply to moto. Coming from an Incredible and Thunderbolt with s-off, I know how it's hard to forget. And trying to compare the two will cause many questions,
Due to changes in the bootloader and gpt.bin included with 4.4.2 on the X, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade. So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2. If you have an unlocked boot loader you won't need to downgrade to root.
I've read, (not going to dig up the link right now cause I'm on iPad) of some who had 4.4.2 but successfully mfastboot flashed system.img only, and if they went into app drawer -> setting -> security -> they were kicked back out to settings. This is due to system parts relying on the other components. I'm not sure what other problems were found day to day.
Additionally there were/are many reports asking for help because their device won't boot. The common thread.... They had 4.4.2 and downgraded or tried to downgrade.
I'm not going to go into every possible scenario, what might happen, what causes it, what might be safe, etc. the general consensus is once you have 4.4.2 on your X do not try to downgrade!
kj2112 said:
The OP hasn't returned. So I assume he resolved his issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP has now returned and I have not resolved my issues
The advice here appears to be...don't try it so I will either continue to use the moto-x until hopefully 4.4.3 fixes the bluetooth issues, or I'll use my older galazy nexus until Motorola/Google figures out how to get the moto-x working.
ghstudio said:
The OP has now returned and I have not resolved my issues
The advice here appears to be...don't try it so I will either continue to use the moto-x until hopefully 4.4.3 fixes the bluetooth issues, or I'll use my older galazy nexus until Motorola/Google figures out how to get the moto-x working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you reflashed 4.4.2 stock and had a fresh start? Cause there aren't any/many other reports of this. You may just need a fresh install.
My x has none of those issues anyway on 4.4.2.
---------- Post added at 10:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:03 AM ----------
And have you tried another Bluetooth device. It could be the problem too. Just not compatible with the x.
KidJoe said:
first off, I'm on vacation with my family, typing this on my stupid iPad whose autocorrect is driving me batty so if my details seem sparse, sorry, I have typed this info with more details before, search.
if you are talking about custom, 3rd party rooms, maybe... As it depends on what parts they flash, and what their base is.
But if you are talking about moto roms, then NO. Do not, unless you don't mind turning your X into a brick or paper weight.
Again stop thinking about htc s-off and what you were able to do as it doesn't apply to moto. Coming from an Incredible and Thunderbolt with s-off, I know how it's hard to forget. And trying to compare the two will cause many questions,
Due to changes in the bootloader and gpt.bin included with 4.4.2 on the X, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade. So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2. If you have an unlocked boot loader you won't need to downgrade to root.
I've read, (not going to dig up the link right now cause I'm on iPad) of some who had 4.4.2 but successfully mfastboot flashed system.img only, and if they went into app drawer -> setting -> security -> they were kicked back out to settings. This is due to system parts relying on the other components. I'm not sure what other problems were found day to day.
Additionally there were/are many reports asking for help because their device won't boot. The common thread.... They had 4.4.2 and downgraded or tried to downgrade.
I'm not going to go into every possible scenario, what might happen, what causes it, what might be safe, etc. the general consensus is once you have 4.4.2 on your X do not try to downgrade!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks for the explanation.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk

[Q] Can I update to any rom on any bootloader?

I am currently running rooted 4.4 with an unlocked bootloader. Can I flash any Ghost rom or do I need to update the bootloader?
Thank You
I'm not sure, but it would be nice to have the answer to this question.
Does it matter what bootloader that I am on for custom roms on the Moto X? I know that it has mattered on other devices.
Thank You for the help
No, don't flash roms from other carriers. First of all we have different models, for example I am using a model XT1058. But verizon models are XT1060. The hardware for the radios is different. Only flash your official rom, or a custom rom. I don't recommend flashing ones from other carriers because it can cause problems or worse a bricked cell phone.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
AGISCI said:
No, don't flash roms from other carriers. First of all we have different models, for example I am using a model XT1058. But verizon models are XT1060. The hardware for the radios is different. Only flash your official rom, or a custom rom. I don't recommend flashing ones from other carriers because it can cause problems or worse a bricked cell phone.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what I am wondering is if I am on currently on 4.4 does it matter if I flash a 4.4.4 rom with my current 4.4 bootloader?
That is fine. But after you do so you can never go back to 4.4.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
AGISCI said:
That is fine. But after you do so you can never go back to 4.4.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do know that once you upgrade the bootloader THAT IS IT, No going back buddy. I just know with my TF700 there are newer build numbers that can't be flashed with an older bootloader. Since you can't go back after updating the bootloader, I wasn't certain if the Moto X and issues with certain rom builds on certain bootloaders. Basically wondering if all the builds play well with my current 4.4 bootloader.
I only am attempting to prevent starting a thread that says that I bricked my phone because I didn't research enough
DanRo80 said:
I do know that once you upgrade the bootloader THAT IS IT, No going back buddy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can't downgrade the bootloader or partition table, but I am able to bounce back and forth b/t 4.4.2 nandroid and 4.4.4 and another poster was able to do it b/t 4.4.3 and 4.4.4. We have nandroids of the earlier systems, though. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.
I am even able to go from 4.4.4 to 4.4.2 nandroid, return to stock and take the 4.4.4 OTA.
Well, I'm on 4.4
There is no going back to 4.4 after updating. Basically do I need to be on at least 4.4.2?
DanRo80 said:
Basically do I need to be on at least 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To do what?
Wansanta said:
To do what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to flash 4.4.4 Roms and not have things go badly.
DanRo80 said:
In order to flash 4.4.4 Roms and not have things go badly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC, @Q9Nap tried staying on a lower bootloader and partition table version and only flashing the system, boot and modems to upgrade but eventually he had to upgrade his bootloader b/c the newer systems didn't work right with the older bootloader/partition table.
Is there some reason why you want to keep the older bootloader if you are unlocked?
Wansanta said:
IIRC, @Q9Nap tried staying on a lower bootloader and partition table version and only flashing the system, boot and modems to upgrade but eventually he had to upgrade his bootloader b/c the newer systems didn't work right with the older bootloader/partition table.
Is there some reason why you want to keep the older bootloader if you are unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was exactly what I was wondering would happen. I was only wondering if it would be a waste of time updating it.
Thank You for the help

[Q] Best Way to get to 4.4.4

Hello all,
I am on a stock rooted 4.4 rom (verizon). I just used the Sunshine bootloader unlock and I'm curious about the best way to get to 4.4.4.
Should I:
a. Revert back to JB and just take all the OTAs?
b. Or is there a way to just flash 4.4.4 with a custom recovery?
Another question is that once I get to 4.4.4, the unlocked bootloader will still be there and I can put a custom recovery and just flash SuperSU right?
The final question is do I even want to update from 4.4 to 4.4.4, nothing really changed right? Would you do it or just wait for Android L?
Thanks!
streetlightman said:
I am on a stock rooted 4.4 rom (verizon). I just used the Sunshine bootloader unlock and I'm curious about the best way to get to 4.4.4.
Should I:
a. Revert back to JB and just take all the OTAs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. First I would make a nandroid of your stock rooted 4.4.
Then, if you want to keep your data, flash the 4.4 stock recovery and unroot. You said you are on a stock system, but make sure you disable the Xposed installer (not just install it but disable it) if you installed it and revert any changes to your system that you made including unfreezing any apps before you take any OTAs.
Once you have done all of that, I would just let the OTAs do the rest.
If you don't want to keep your data, you can flash the 4.4.4 sbf using RSDLite.
streetlightman said:
The final question is do I even want to update from 4.4 to 4.4.4, nothing really changed right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot changed including the camera improvements.
Wansanta said:
No. First I would make a nandroid of your stock rooted 4.4.
Then, if you want to keep your data, flash the 4.4 stock recovery and unroot. You said you are on a stock system, but make sure you disable the Xposed installer (not just install it but disable it) if you installed it and revert any changes to your system that you made including unfreezing any apps before you take any OTAs.
Once you have done all of that, I would just let the OTAs do the rest.
If you don't want to keep your data, you can flash the 4.4.4 sbf using RSDLite.
A lot changed including the camera improvements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I don't care too much about my data so I wouldn't mind SBfing back to JB. The reason I'd rather do that is because i can't remember what apps I froze (deleted) and I removed the updater APK so it wouldn't annoy me. Would reverting back to JB affect the unlocked bootloader? It shouldn't right?
streetlightman said:
Thanks for the reply. I don't care too much about my data so I wouldn't mind SBfing back to JB. The reason I'd rather do that is because i can't remember what apps I froze (deleted) and I removed the updater APK so it wouldn't annoy me. Would reverting back to JB affect the unlocked bootloader? It shouldn't right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the point of downgrading to jelly bean?
If you froze apps, they will show up in titanium backup as frozen. If you deleted system apps, you are not stock. So what you are running is a rooted 4.4 that is not stock b/c you deleted system apps. You can flash 4.4.4 without having to remember the changes you made. Then you can flash TWRP and reroot using SuperSU.
You can't downgrade anyways. Unless you want a paperweight. Not even sbfing will do it. Sorry brother. I'm only telling you this for your own good. Please listen.
Download the 4.4.4 sbf, unzip it, flash the contents in bootloader. You can find a guide in the General subforum.
ryanzurlo88 said:
You can't downgrade anyways. Unless you want a paperweight. Not even sbfing will do it. Sorry brother. I'm only telling you this for your own good. Please listen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on what you are trying to downgrade.
Wansanta said:
Depends on what you are trying to downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying... That I have a vzw Dev ed moto x. 4.4.4. I can take it and downgrade it to 4.4.2 and then flash the gsm 4.4.2? I just use it on WiFi only anyways. Cause I'm trying to get the stock moto x firmware with no carrier bloatware. Right now the vzw has 9 bloatware apps. I have the att 4.4.4 ROM right now with only 4 bloatware apps. I want no bloatware WITHOUT using tb and others
ryanzurlo88 said:
So your saying... That I have a vzw Dev ed moto x. 4.4.4. I can take it and downgrade it to 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can downgrade to the 4.4.2 system. If you try to flash the 4.4.2 bootloader or partition table, it will fail. But you can downgrade to the 4.4.2 system. Once upgraded the bootloader and partition table are not downgradeable but if you try to flash them you will get a failure, not a brick. As long as you have an unlocked bootloader and can get to bootloader mode, you don't have a brick.
ryanzurlo88 said:
and then flash the gsm 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know anything about trying to flash the XT1053 system to a XT1060 device.
ryanzurlo88 said:
Cause I'm trying to get the stock moto x firmware with no carrier bloatware. Right now the vzw has 9 bloatware apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just remove those via Titanium Backup. Which ones do you want removed and I can tell you if I have removed them and what happened when I did.
You only need the TiBU PRO key if you are freezing apps, not removing apps.
Well like I said I have att moto x rom on a vzw moto x. I just want the straight plain ROM with no tinkering
ryanzurlo88 said:
Well like I said I have att moto x rom on a vzw moto x. I just want the straight plain ROM with no tinkering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The att system has carrier bloat, too. Do you mean the XT1053 - Tmobile/unlocked GSM system?
Yeah. I'm waiting on an sbf/fxz for it. Unless you've found it?
ryanzurlo88 said:
Yeah. I'm waiting on an sbf/fxz for it. Unless you've found it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The latest official sbf for the XT1053 is 4.4.3 unless someone made an unofficial fxz for it.
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
ryanzurlo88 said:
Yeah. I'm waiting on an sbf/fxz for it. Unless you've found it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of talk lately about downgrading being ok on 4.4.2 or higher.....and well there can be a very particular way to do it, without downgrading the bootloader....there are many ways to make a mistake and end up with a brick. This warning seems to be missing from some of the downgrade talk I've been seeing around.
The veterans of this device and XDA will always flat out say no....You can't downgrade. Why? Because if we try to guide anyone through downgrading, or advise them they can.....mistakes happen, and we don't want to be partially responsible for anyone destroying their device.
So, best (aka safest) advice, is to wait for the files you need. Then flash them fairly risk free.
Or try to downgrade.....but know the risks. ?
---------- Post added at 11:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 AM ----------
If anyone disagrees.....ask these people how downgrading went for them...
https://www.google.ca/search?redir_...ed+xda+site:forum.xda-developers.com&hl=en-US
?

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