So I've just ordered an unlocked black 16gb Moto X from Amazon and would like to update it to 4.4.2 and get root access. I know there are a few guides and threads around but am confused as to which variant I'll have as all the guides seem to be carrier specific, and whether my bootloader will be unlocked or not...
Also, I think it'll come with 4.2.2. Should I go ahead and do the 4.4.2 OTA update, or will that make rooting more difficult? Can I root first then update?
I'm not entirely clueless about this kind of thing, having successfully rooted and installed custom firmware on previous android phones but this seems a little more complicated.
Any help much appreciated. Thanks!
If it's an unlockable bootloader, just take all the updates, unlock the bootloader, mfastboot your choice of recovery, boot immediately to recovery and root. Done.
Since its not a developer edition, unlocking your bootloader will void your warranty. You can request the unlock code directly from Moto's web site for free.
To root after your bootloader is unlocked, just follow this -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738
Once you get the code from Moto, you can unlock the bootloader at any point, no matter what rom is on your phone. But you might as well either take the OTA update or flash the 4.4.2 SBF to get to 4.4.2 on your phone, then unlock the bootloader and root. (unlocking the bootloader does factory reset the phone, and erases data and apps, so don't go nuts customizing the phone or installing apps until after you unlock the bootloader).
Thanks for the replies.
How do I find out if my bootloader is unlockable? The Motorola site says that Sprint, USC and TMO phones can be done but nothing about factory unlocked ones...
What if the boitloader can't be unlocked?
seebasso said:
Thanks for the replies.
How do I find out if my bootloader is unlockable? The Motorola site says that Sprint, USC and TMO phones can be done but nothing about factory unlocked ones...
What if the boitloader can't be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SIM unlocked version can be bootloader unlocked.
Follow the instructions and steps to request the code at -> https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth once you hit the final submit button, your warranty will be voided.
Awesome thanks, not as complicated as I had anticipated then...
And once I'm on 4.4.2 and rooted, I won't be able to Do any future OTA updates without losing root right?
seebasso said:
Awesome thanks, not as complicated as I had anticipated then...
And once I'm on 4.4.2 and rooted, I won't be able to Do any future OTA updates without losing root right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. Rather than my re-typing... see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-OTA.html
Related
I have the Verizon Dev Edition Moto X. Understanding that I won't void my warranty if I unlock the bootloader, it has been stated in many threads that even if you re-lock the bootloader it still will give you a warning boot screen (unlocked BL) because there are flags that are permanently changed on the phone once you unlock it.
That being said, I am very non-committal, so I first want to just root the phone and install safestrap. I have seen a ton of tools out there that root your device, however I am confused as to which one I should run (e.g. slapmymoto, pwnmymoto, etc). I am on the latest firmware (4.4), so I think it requires you to downgrade? Any words of sage advice is appreciated...
Also, any changes I make to my phone, I can always RSDLite my way back to 100% stock correct?
STEyeAndroid said:
I have the Verizon Dev Edition Moto X. Understanding that I won't void my warranty if I unlock the bootloader, it has been stated in many threads that even if you re-lock the bootloader it still will give you a warning boot screen (unlocked BL) because there are flags that are permanently changed on the phone once you unlock it.
That being said, I am very non-committal, so I first want to just root the phone and install safestrap. I have seen a ton of tools out there that root your device, however I am confused as to which one I should run (e.g. slapmymoto, pwnmymoto, etc). I am on the latest firmware (4.4), so I think it requires you to downgrade? Any words of sage advice is appreciated...
Also, any changes I make to my phone, I can always RSDLite my way back to 100% stock correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would start here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536200
I don't know why the unlocked bootloader warning screen would stay set if you relocked it, but you can change that screen to display whatever you want. See here for details:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2417961
Since you have the dev edition, you should be able to unlock, install TWRP, and root without slapmymoto or pwnmymoto. I did it all AFTER installing the latest OTA, and I had no trouble.
I have not used RSDLite, but that is the way I understand it.
STEyeAndroid said:
I have the Verizon Dev Edition Moto X. Understanding that I won't void my warranty if I unlock the bootloader, it has been stated in many threads that even if you re-lock the bootloader it still will give you a warning boot screen (unlocked BL) because there are flags that are permanently changed on the phone once you unlock it.
That being said, I am very non-committal, so I first want to just root the phone and install safestrap. I have seen a ton of tools out there that root your device, however I am confused as to which one I should run (e.g. slapmymoto, pwnmymoto, etc). I am on the latest firmware (4.4), so I think it requires you to downgrade? Any words of sage advice is appreciated...
Also, any changes I make to my phone, I can always RSDLite my way back to 100% stock correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell or trade your dev edition. Installing SafeStrap on that phone is such a waste of time and energy.
Or read more. There are ways to remove the boot logo screen.
Can anyone confirm whether or not unlocking the boot loader sets a permanent flag?
STEyeAndroid said:
Can anyone confirm whether or not unlocking the boot loader sets a permanent flag?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears to. And the statement about still receiving the unlocked bootloader warning after re-locking the bootloader is correct.
However, since the warranty of the Dev Edition is not voided, just unlock the bootloader, root, and then get rid of the message by replacing the logo.bin
STEyeAndroid said:
Can anyone confirm whether or not unlocking the boot loader sets a permanent flag?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought a dev edition, it doesn't matter if the flag is set or not.
Ok so i have been playing with my Moto X for some time now and i have learned a lot about it but as i have been going threw the Q&A and general sections helping out i have read a lot of mixed information
1. unlocking the boot loader.
i have been to Motorola's website and checked for all devices and they give you a complete walk-threw on how to unlock your bootloader for all devices. but i have read in some threads that you can't do it on all devices. so i guess my question is. Is it tru that some carrier devices do not allow you to unlock the bootloader and if so what carries dont allow and what one's do allow.
2. my Sprint Moto X has had a unlocked bootloader from day one. so people who do not have there bootloader unlocked are they still able to use the 4.4 slapmymoto root process.
i am sorry for the questions but i need straight answers because i would like to help anyone who has issues but i don't want to give wrong info and after reading some many post i feel i might have made some mistakes in some of my attempts to help people
It is my understanding that AT&T and Verizon devices cannot unlock the bootloader through the Motorola website.
I have a Verizon Moto X (MotoMaker edition). The bootloader is locked. I used SlapMyMoto 0.5c to gain root on 4.4.
developer edition models for verizon and att/gsm can unlock bootloaders. if it is a dev edition and the bootloader is unlocked you also void your warranty. locked BLs can still be rooted with slapmymoto. that is the only purpose of slapmymoto. if you have an unlocked BL then you would just flash twrp then the superSU.zip (or other SU app of your choice) and have root in minutes.
jayboyyyy said:
if it is a dev edition and the bootloader is unlocked you also void your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do believe Motorola changed their policies concerning developer editions. Unlocking the boot loader no longer voids warranty on those devices
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
frenchie007 said:
I do believe Motorola changed their policies concerning developer editions. Unlocking the boot loader no longer voids warranty on those devices
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya my bad. i meant isn't. glad you corrected it though because that could have been confusing for someone.
1. Yes. Retail VZW and ATT moto Xs will, most likely, never have their bootloaders unlocked. Those are the only 2 variants whose bootloaders can't be unlocked. Only Dev edition retain warranty after a bootloader unlock. Simply requesting an unlock code voids your warranty.
2. Yes but you'd be wasting your time. Download your choice of recovery (TWRP or CWMR) and root app (SuperSU or Superuser), flash the recovery, reboot into recovery, flash whateveryourrootappis.zip, reboot system, enjoy root.
Hello everybody, I just got my Moto X and I have to say it is a lovely device better than I expected in terms of how it feels in the hand. Really compact device.
I have some questions:
1. My phone has 4.4.2 but OTA fails to update it to 4.4.3. Is there any software that I can use to update the phone?
2. Is there a flashtool software where I can flash different .ftf fies?
3. Root option for 4.4.3 available?
1. There are a few threads discussing the 4.4.3 OTA, and what condition your phone must be in to receive/install the OTA. For example -> [XT1053] 4.4.3 OTA Update Zip and Android™ 4.4.3, KitKat® Rolls Out to Moto Devices I'm sure if you READ it, you'll find information that will solve your issue. Or if you post details of your phone, carrier, any tweaks you've made to it, etc...
2. I do not believe so.
3. If you have an unlocked bootloader, you *can* Root 4.4.3. If you have a LOCKED bootloader, you *can not* root 4.4.3.
asilviug said:
Hello everybody, I just got my Moto X and I have to say it is a lovely device better than I expected in terms of how it feels in the hand. Really compact device.
I have some questions:
1. My phone has 4.4.2 but OTA fails to update it to 4.4.3. Is there any software that I can use to update the phone?
2. Is there a flashtool software where I can flash different .ftf fies?
3. Root option for 4.4.3 available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locked or unlocked bootloader? What carrier?
I have an unlocked Dev Ed Moto X running TMobile, and it accepted the 4.4.3 OTA update. I first had to revert entirely to stock 4.4.2, though.
varxx said:
Locked or unlocked bootloader? What carrier?
I have an unlocked Dev Ed Moto X running TMobile, and it accepted the 4.4.3 OTA update. I first had to revert entirely to stock 4.4.2, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is branded with an AT&T logo on the back. Model number is xt1058 and I'm running stock 4.4.2
I don't know about the bootloader though, how can I verify that?
I would really like to update this to 4.4.3 and root it, although it's not that easy I see.
Any help would be highly appreciated. I'm even considering throwing in a bounty
asilviug said:
My phone is branded with an AT&T logo on the back. Model number is xt1058 and I'm running stock 4.4.2
I don't know about the bootloader though, how can I verify that?
I would really like to update this to 4.4.3 and root it, although it's not that easy I see.
Any help would be highly appreciated. I'm even considering throwing in a bounty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok... here we go...
4.4.3 is not out for the ATT XT1058 yet, so you can't update to it. You need to wait for ATT to start making it available.
ATT XT1058 has a locked bootloader, and Moto doesn't give out the bootloader unlock codes. Your only option to unlock the bootloader is *IF* (or maybe when) the Chinese WebSite/MiddelMan comes back to selling bootloader unlock codes. See -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/china-middleman-t2751177
There is no option to root 4.4.3 when you have a locked bootloader.
If you want usable root on the X you need two parts 1. Root Exploit, and 2. An Exploit that allows for disabling Write Protection. There is now a Root Exploit for 4.4.2 with a locked bootloader, but there is not an exploit to disable write protection. This means if you'd root, then anytime you power your phone off/on, the changes, root, etc is lost. And Root style apps that need to write to /system and the like, CANT.
there is no root option for 4.4.3 with a locked bootloader
For more details see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Locked.html
KidJoe said:
Ok... here we go...
4.4.3 is not out for the ATT XT1058 yet, so you can't update to it. You need to wait for ATT to start making it available.
ATT XT1058 has a locked bootloader, and Moto doesn't give out the bootloader unlock codes. Your only option to unlock the bootloader is *IF* (or maybe when) the Chinese WebSite/MiddelMan comes back to selling bootloader unlock codes. See -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/china-middleman-t2751177
There is no option to root 4.4.3 when you have a locked bootloader.
If you want usable root on the X you need two parts 1. Root Exploit, and 2. An Exploit that allows for disabling Write Protection. There is now a Root Exploit for 4.4.2 with a locked bootloader, but there is not an exploit to disable write protection. This means if you'd root, then anytime you power your phone off/on, the changes, root, etc is lost. And Root style apps that need to write to /system and the like, CANT.
there is no root option for 4.4.3 with a locked bootloader
For more details see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Locked.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info fist of all. Not very good news but it is what it is.
I took a look at that link and apparently the newer models of Moto X are most likely to get an unlock code. My phone is from 2013 most probably but I don't know how to find out exactly. Can you advise on this matter as getting a code from that asian dude seems the next step for me.
asilviug said:
Thanks for the info fist of all. Not very good news but it is what it is.
I took a look at that link and apparently the newer models of Moto X are most likely to get an unlock code. My phone is from 2013 most probably but I don't know how to find out exactly. Can you advise on this matter as getting a code from that asian dude seems the next step for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several ways to find out your date code.. The easiest is to boot the phone in bootloader/fastboot mode, and select the option for Bar Codes. The date displayed there is the build date.
KidJoe said:
There are several ways to find out your date code.. The easiest is to boot the phone in bootloader/fastboot mode, and select the option for Bar Codes. The date displayed there is the build date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, it appears that my phone is from August 2013. I will try to get a code. Before I do that just want to double check it with you.
Once I get the unlock code, I can root 4.4.2 that I'm currently running and also future updates released by AT&T/Motorola in the near future including the 4.4.3?
asilviug said:
Thanks, it appears that my phone is from August 2013. I will try to get a code. Before I do that just want to double check it with you.
Once I get the unlock code, I can root 4.4.2 that I'm currently running and also future updates released by AT&T/Motorola in the near future including the 4.4.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Once you unlock your bootloader (which is DESTRUCTIVE, so BACKUP EVERYTHING To Your PC, or Cloud, before you do the process), you will be able to root any android version by flashing a 3rd party recovery (like TWRP), booting to the 3rd party recovery and installing SuperSU.
For more info, see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Unlock1.htm
KidJoe said:
Correct. Once you unlock your bootloader (which is DESTRUCTIVE, so BACKUP EVERYTHING To Your PC, or Cloud, before you do the process), you will be able to root any android version by flashing a 3rd party recovery (like TWRP), booting to the 3rd party recovery and installing SuperSU.
For more info, see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Unlock1.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the Chinese middle man couldn't help me with the unlock code. What about contacting AT&T regarding the unlock code? Do you think it's possible asking them politely?
asilviug said:
Unfortunately the Chinese middle man couldn't help me with the unlock code. What about contacting AT&T regarding the unlock code? Do you think it's possible to ask them politely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zero chance. Sorry.
I mean...it's certainly possible to ask them politely, but they still won't give it to you....guaranteed.
I'm guessing you have a 2013 variant since the middleman couldn't help you?
samwathegreat said:
Zero chance. Sorry.
I mean...it's certainly possible to ask them politely, but they still won't give it to you....guaranteed.
I'm guessing you have a 2013 variant since the middleman couldn't help you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a late 2013 model. He said that the database could become available again in the future...
If I want to contact AT&T, what would be the best way? Phone/email? I'm not an US citizen nor living in US.
asilviug said:
Yes, a late 2013 model. He said that the database could become available again in the future...
If I want to contact AT&T, what would be the best way? Phone/email? I'm not an US citizen nor living in US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an AT&T customer, so I can't advise on contact info, but I can tell you that you will be wasting your time if you even try. The chance that they will give you the code is exactly 0% no matter how nicely you ask them.
You might consider selling your AT&T XT1058 and buying one that can be unlocked, such as the XT1053, or the XT1058 Roger's variant if unlocking the BL is that important to you.
Good Luck
asilviug said:
Unfortunately the Chinese middle man couldn't help me with the unlock code. What about contacting AT&T regarding the unlock code? Do you think it's possible asking them politely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
asilviug said:
Yes, a late 2013 model. He said that the database could become available again in the future...
If I want to contact AT&T, what would be the best way? Phone/email? I'm not an US citizen nor living in US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have zero chance getting a boot loader unlock code from Att or Moto.
And If you are not living in the USA, then you are likely not an ATT customer, so they won't even talk to you.
Hi this is a pretty simple question but if someone could expand (if it is possible) by listing what needs to be done that'd be extremely helpful.
I read through the guides in the general section and i read that for at&t 4.4.2 the bootloader is locked and attempting to downgrade will brick my phone. So does this mean that i can't root my phone and flash roms? or can I, and if so what needs to be done before I download a toolkit and proceed? I'm on stock at&t OTA 4.4.2 firmware.
thanks for reading.
Heisenberg420 said:
Hi this is a pretty simple question but if someone could expand (if it is possible) by listing what needs to be done that'd be extremely helpful.
I read through the guides in the general section and i read that for at&t 4.4.2 the bootloader is locked and attempting to downgrade will brick my phone. So does this mean that i can't root my phone and flash roms? or can I, and if so what needs to be done before I download a toolkit and proceed? I'm on stock at&t OTA 4.4.2 firmware.
thanks for reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
without an unlocked bootloader, your out of luck. You might be able to "safestrap," but last i heard, that isn't an option on OS 4.4.2.
You will need to unlock your bootloader to flash any roms. Unfortunately there is no official way to unlock your bootloader for an AT&T branded Moto X. Since you are on 4.4.2 safestrap is also not an option. There is currently a root method for 4.4.2, but it doesn't disable write protection. Disabling write protection is required to make any permanent changes to the system. Without that ability any changes will revert back after rebooting. This includes root since that requires modifying the system. There is an unofficial way to unlock your bootloader through a Chinese middleman that has acquired databases with unlock codes. There is no guarantee that this person will have your code and seems to only be able to acquire codes from devices assembled in 2014. The middleman is selling the codes for ~$45. The information is at the following link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/china-middleman-t2751177
If you want to try rooting you can try the method from the following link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/orig-development/root-4-4-x-pie-motorola-devices-t2771623
Sent from my Moto X.
Dark9781 said:
You will need to unlock your bootloader to flash any roms. Unfortunately there is no official way to unlock your bootloader for an AT&T branded Moto X. Since you are on 4.4.2 safestrap is also not an option. There is currently a root method for 4.4.2, but it doesn't disable write protection. Disabling write protection is required to make any permanent changes to the system. Without that ability any changes will revert back after rebooting. This includes root since that requires modifying the system. There is an unofficial way to unlock your bootloader through a Chinese middleman that has acquired databases with unlock codes. There is no guarantee that this person will have your code and seems to only be able to acquire codes from devices assembled in 2014. The middleman is selling the codes for ~$45. The information is at the following link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/china-middleman-t2751177
If you want to try rooting you can try the method from the following link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/orig-development/root-4-4-x-pie-motorola-devices-t2771623
Sent from my Moto X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info.
the main reason i'm trying to flash a ROM is I lost rear camera functionality just randomly. Haven't found anyone else with this issue. Can I download the 4.4.3 OTA and flash it in the stock recovery? Or will I have problems with that?
Heisenberg420 said:
thanks for the info.
the main reason i'm trying to flash a ROM is I lost rear camera functionality just randomly. Haven't found anyone else with this issue. Can I download the 4.4.3 OTA and flash it in the stock recovery? Or will I have problems with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4.4.3 is for T-Mobile and unlocked bootloaders. If it is just your rear camera having an issue you could try a factory reset or flashing the stock ROM for AT&T for 4.4.2 using RSDLite. If that doesn't work it may be a hardware problem. You may want to try a warranty exchange.
Sent from my Moto X.
Is there any root method that will work for an at&t moto x running on 4.4.4 and unlock bootloader? Or am i stuck running stock?
Enjoy stock, you're stuck. Unless you find a bootloader unlock code.
Next time search, this question has been answered too many times already.
Always read the stickies... Like this one from the general section,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2826159
?
What the hell.. c'mon man it's been like 10 years... still not a method.
You may have found some threads on here that recommend Sunshine, a $25 app that you can download (link below). The developers say that it may work for some users that are on 4.4.4. Try it. It will confirm for you whether it will unlock before you pay. It successfully worked for me when I was on 4.2.2. Good luck.
Sunshine app: http://theroot.ninja/
marcviado said:
Is there any root method that will work for an at&t moto x running on 4.4.4 and unlock bootloader? Or am i stuck running stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
marcviado said:
Is there any root method that will work for an at&t moto x running on 4.4.4 and unlock bootloader? Or am i stuck running stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
{bold in quote added by me}
Your bootloader is UNlocked? If so, just flash TWRP recovery, reboot-bootloader, go into TWRP and it should prompt you to root. If not, install SuperSU zip from TWRP.
Now, if your bootloader is still LOCKED, then you are stuck. Sunshine has not worked on ATT XT1058 that has 4.4.4 on it. (and before you ask... no, you can't safely/successfully downgrade all parts of the X in order to use Sunshine).
As for how long its been... As android matures, there are less and less bugs and vulnerabilities to exploit/hack to gain root access if you can't unlock the bootloader. The number of people capable of finding them dwindles too.
KidJoe said:
{bold in quote added by me}
Your bootloader is UNlocked? If so, just flash TWRP recovery, reboot-bootloader, go into TWRP and it should prompt you to root. If not, install SuperSU zip from TWRP.
Now, if your bootloader is still LOCKED, then you are stuck. Sunshine has not worked on ATT XT1058 that has 4.4.4 on it. (and before you ask... no, you can't safely/successfully downgrade all parts of the X in order to use Sunshine).
As for how long its been... As android matures, there are less and less bugs and vulnerabilities to exploit/hack to gain root access if you can't unlock the bootloader. The number of people capable of finding them dwindles too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is sad. I tried to use sunshine just now on xt1058. Says I have no root (after attempting temproot).