Database Develop

Three questions regarding root and the OTA

So, I got my Moto X on Verizon today. The OTA started downloading already. Luckily, I turned off all data before it could finish downloading (it's at 8% now). Obviously, I can't connect to data 'cause it will automatically start to download.
I want to root though. I know I'm supposed to use PwnMyMoto. However, I know that the OTA breaks root. I've read around all the posts--and I can't seem to find a conclusive way to keep root on the OTA after gaining it; each post I read says something different.
Additional piece of info: I don't care about anything regarding custom ROMs or the bootloader. I intend to keep the stock ROM, but use Xposed.
So, my three questions:
1) Is it okay to root even though the download of the OTA has started?
2) What is the conclusive way to keep root for the OTA?
3) After rooting, how would I go about returning everything back to stock? (I plan on using this phone for a next week or so, then returning it--this is because of the price drops and MotoMaker for Verizon coming out soon; at this stage, I just want to know if this phone is right for me).
Thanks for all the help in advance.

Just boot into Recovery and wipe data\cache and dalvick this will reset your phone. Then resetup your phone, the OTA will come back up, tell the OTA to REMIND you about it, not download it. Then use pwnmymoto to get root, and then just freeze the OTA downloader (MotorolaOTA.apk). Continue to use your phone, customize it with xposed etc etc. When you want to return it, use RSDLite and flash the stock FXZ file to it its totally back to stock again out of the box.

Am I too late?
I have the update on my phone, but would want to root it. I have the moto x on verizon it's not the developers edition.

No need to wipe data. You can root while the download goes then install ROM toolbox and delete the update from your cache and freeze the moto updater.apk and updater.apk to stop the notification. As for.rooting the update I think jcase said install pwnmymoto but don't run it then update. But IMO its not worth it cause if anything gets messed up you get updated and loose the opportunity to root.
---------- Post added at 08:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------
enigmaco said:
I have the update on my phone, but would want to root it. I have the moto x on verizon it's not the developers edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you installed the update your SOL. If its just downloaded your OK to root.

I ended up not accepting the update. I'm not going to either. If by the time I return this phone I deem it worthy of a replacement for my GNexus--then I'll worry about root and the OTA. This is awesome stuff.

shane1 said:
No need to wipe data. You can root while the download goes then install ROM toolbox and delete the update from your cache and freeze the moto updater.apk and updater.apk to stop the notification. As for.rooting the update I think jcase said install pwnmymoto but don't run it then update. But IMO its not worth it cause if anything gets messed up you get updated and loose the opportunity to root.
---------- Post added at 08:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------
If you installed the update your SOL. If its just downloaded your OK to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a feeling oh well missed the boat again.

[Q] Can I update? Confused by so many unclear posts.

Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks

Icon000 said:
Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(

I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
matt99017d said:
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Icon000 said:
I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only rom out for SS that i am aware of is just a ported tmobile rom for vzw phones that has the update built in. Basically it is just the OTA stock rom running on SS. This is what I am using currently. Not sure if it flashable for ATT phones, but I'm sure there is some workaround there. Or maybe the OP on that thread can make a ATT one if you asked him. SS is stable as of now. Haven't had any new updates to it because no one is having any problems currently (at least with moto x devices).
For your question pertaining to options for taking the OTA. There are 4 methods now.
1. SS method described above
2. use the thread called something like "keep root through the OTA." It basically takes the ota without updating the BL so you can still downgrade to your stock original FW that you are on now. It's the same thing as the SS method because SS also does not udpate the BL, but you won't be using SS for this method obviously.
3. you can flash recovery.img (and system.img if you need to) or just RSD, then install pwnmymoto without running it, then take the ota and pwnmymoto will root the phone automatically after the ota is taken. you won't be able to downgrade your FW anymore with this method.
4. you can just take the ota (also must flash or use rsd to take it obviously) and then use jcase's rockmymoto root exploit. This uses adb commands and telnet stuff. Not too difficult but if you are unfamiliar with all of that then it will take at least some reading. There is also a thread out there for windows users that simplifies it pretty well.
For future Kit kat root. it is still up in the air what will happen with that. I chose to use SS because it was easy. quick. and allows me to make nandroids. I also like knowing that I can still flash to original stock FW in case that might be necessarry for getting root on kit kat. This seems less likely now that jcase created a root method for the OTA that is out, but I'm still just playing it safe personally, even if it might be pointless now.

No Root for VS98025B

I just got a new LGG2 from Verizon upon receiving it i updated the new firmware to 25B ioroot isn't compatible any ideas how i can get root on this phone

Frankiejay said:
I just got a new LGG2 from Verizon upon receiving it i updated the new firmware to 25B ioroot isn't compatible any ideas how i can get root on this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait until it supports it..

Frankiejay said:
I just got a new LGG2 from Verizon upon receiving it i updated the new firmware to 25B ioroot isn't compatible any ideas how i can get root on this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have rooted 24A with a stock recovery, you can take the OTA and retain root..

Ok so I figured I'd ask here instead of making a new thread since it's sort of relevant. Hope not to thread jack. I have a vs980 rooted on 24a with stock rom and twrp. My phone tried to update to 25b yesterday and I canceled it by switching from WiFi to 4g. 2 questions I have are can I take the update and stay the same or not yet since I have twrp? And 2 it started downloading automatically, if I can't take the update is there a way to keep it from downloading again? Thanks in advance.

Okspeed3 said:
Ok so I figured I'd ask here instead of making a new thread since it's sort of relevant. Hope not to thread jack. I have a vs980 rooted on 24a with stock rom and twrp. My phone tried to update to 25b yesterday and I canceled it by switching from WiFi to 4g. 2 questions I have are can I take the update and stay the same or not yet since I have twrp? And 2 it started downloading automatically, if I can't take the update is there a way to keep it from downloading again? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) It won't install without the factory recovery.
2) You have to remove/disable/freeze the updater app to stop it from prompting you. (I don't remember the exact name of it)

So there really isn't any harm in letting it download since it won't install without factory recovery? I'll check the apps I have frozen again I thought I froze it, but maybe not. Thanks. Do you know if it's simply called system updates?

Software Update is the app name people are freezing using Titanium, don't know what the .apk is, I have a debloated rom currently. You should be able to find and rename the .apk for Software Update to stop it.

I've been using ultimate backup lite and I have a system update app I could freeze just wanted to make sure it was the right one. Tried to post a picture, but I don't have enough seniority.

is ioroot still the best rooting tool?
Also when I take 25 will I have to reinstall twrp?
Sent from Tapatalk using my xposed VZW G2

mjones73 said:
If you have rooted 24A with a stock recovery, you can take the OTA and retain root..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do this personally? I have stock rooted 24A now. I am using xposed and other root apps. Will the OTA effect any of that?

ijustintouch said:
Did you do this personally? I have stock rooted 24A now. I am using xposed and other root apps. Will the OTA effect any of that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just repeating what someone said in the other update thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-g2/general/25b-coming-t2874367

4.4.4 OTA failed at 27%

My Note 3 is 4.4.2 and rooted with towelroot. I have SuperSU and Titanium Backup installed. But everything else is still stock, didn't uninstall any bloatware. No recovery installed. I already unfrozen everything by TB. However, after getting the 4.4.4 OTA, the phone went into recovery installation and restarted at 27%. After the restart, it just said the OTA installation failed. Anyone know what's going on? Thanks in advance.

Yeah, I am stuck as well. I am going to try and have it reflash at AT&T or Best Buy.

nickelocene said:
My Note 3 is 4.4.2 and rooted with towelroot. I have SuperSU and Titanium Backup installed. But everything else is still stock, didn't uninstall any bloatware. No recovery installed. I already unfrozen everything by TB. However, after getting the 4.4.4 OTA, the phone went into recovery installation and restarted at 27%. After the restart, it just said the OTA installation failed. Anyone know what's going on? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were rooted you have to Odin back to NC2 then take the update
FIREKAT V11...made with real tornados

nickelocene said:
My Note 3 is 4.4.2 and rooted with towelroot. I have SuperSU and Titanium Backup installed. But everything else is still stock, didn't uninstall any bloatware. No recovery installed. I already unfrozen everything by TB. However, after getting the 4.4.4 OTA, the phone went into recovery installation and restarted at 27%. After the restart, it just said the OTA installation failed. Anyone know what's going on? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unroot with SuperSu, and deforeze all ATT bloatware and Samsung stuff (including knox), simply you need to revert it back the way it was before the root. then give a try. I don't think it is necessary to flash back firmware with odin since you just have root and frozen couple of apps.
remember, if you installed busybox and exposed, make sure uninstall them, anything that touches (busybox, exposed) system files will abort OTA upgrade.

Hoshneer said:
Yeah, I am stuck as well. I am going to try and have it reflash at AT&T or Best Buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how it turns out.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

butchieboy said:
If you were rooted you have to Odin back to NC2 then take the update
FIREKAT V11...made with real tornados
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if Kie can do it without too much hassle.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

jazzespresso said:
unroot with SuperSu, and deforeze all ATT bloatware and Samsung stuff (including knox), simply you need to revert it back the way it was before the root. then give a try. I don't think it is necessary to flash back firmware with odin since you just have root and frozen couple of apps.
remember, if you installed busybox and exposed, make sure uninstall them, anything that touches (busybox, exposed) system files will abort OTA upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give it a shot.
Still remember the old times, OTA would just run through anything to kill root. We had to find all kinds of ways to stop OTA from installing. Now it's other way around.
Wonder if 4.4.4 worth the trouble. Maybe should just wait for 5 to come out.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

nickelocene said:
Let us know how it turns out.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I will give it a try. I uninstalled exposed but maybe there is a reversal process I have to do from inside the app to go back to stock.

I'll give a try with SuperSU unrooting. same issue here with 27% failed.

SuperSU unroot method no good.....

I have Best buy flashed stock Rom and experience the same problem. The Note 3 is not rooted. So there's something else not just root.

Penske MB said:
SuperSU unroot method no good.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked for me. I kept getting a fail at 27% used supersu to unroot then flashed without fail.

Penske MB said:
SuperSU unroot method no good.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My instructions should work unless you have somehow modified system files...
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:28 PM ----------
nosmohtac said:
Worked for me. I kept getting a fail at 27% used supersu to unroot then flashed without fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool!
---------- Post added at 11:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 PM ----------
jondoe27 said:
I have Best buy flashed stock Rom and experience the same problem. The Note 3 is not rooted. So there's something else not just root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is, then I would say bad download

I rooted with towelroot.com still getting error at 27%. ... my 3rd attempts

Penske MB said:
I rooted with towelroot.com still getting error at 27%. ... my 3rd attempts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will always fail at 27% if you are rooted. You have to open supersu and go into the settings, scroll down until you find unroot. If successful supersu will just close. Reboot and try OTA again.

Thanks. After playing with wife's note 3 with 4.4.4, really not needed for update...... We were hoping to get the speed up on our Note 3. The camera were good when we first bought the phone back in 10/2013, but the 4.4.2 update make the camera bad... slow

Penske MB said:
Thanks. After playing with wife's note 3 with 4.4.4, really not needed for update...... We were hoping to get the speed up on our Note 3. The camera were good when we first bought the phone back in 10/2014, but the 4.4.2 update make the camera bad... slow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I find the update has brought some performance back to my note 3,but I haven't been able to test everything thoroughly. I loved the Note 3 when I first bought it, then AT&T screwed it up with the 4.4.2 update.

Another thing to remember with the failing OTA updates. The phone has to be STOCK, that includes all of the AT&T bloat as well. This isnt 100% of the fails, but this sure will cause it too

Thanks to carl1961's "Home" file I was able to install the update. Still wondering what was wrong with BestBuy flash.

I was towel rooted a while back on 4.4.2 and I removed root but mine also failed at 27% when i was trying to install 4.4.4. I even tried wiping cache and resetting the phone with no success. If you want to go the LONG way, I followed this guide, which I lost all settings and apps, but I was able to upgrade to 4.4.4 afterwards. I downloaded the 4 separate files and used ODIN that is also provided from a link in the guide to reset the phone. The ODIN options I used are in the picture titled "Odin 4 File Install" and I didn't follow any further steps after I did the 4 File install. I simply configured the phone and went to check for updates and it installed 4.4.4 successfully. Then I restored my apps and app settings manually. Like I said this is the long way and it's not guaranteed to work but it did in my case!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2703006

[Q] Easy way to remove Safestrap and root ?

I rooted my phone a while back (Note 3) and have Safestrap on it. I checked with root verify and it says it is rooted.
I want to be able to do OTA updates as I don't really want to be rooted any longer or have safestrap on my phone.
Is there a EASY way to remove both/all of it so I no longer get the safestrap screen when it comes on that has the unlocked symbol at the bottom of it. And no longer have a rooted phone ?
Easy way, preferred as I stated before..

Saw this and giving it a try ! ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att/help/4-4-4-ota-failed-27-t2949069

Well used Super Su, it says I am no longer rooted. But safestrap still shows on start up
And after I did that I checked for a update. It shows v4.2.2 and no available updates ? WTH.... It showed a update before...

Idk either I unrooted and uninstalled safestrap and factory reset my update trys 2times both times says updated failed

is safestrap realy there. i had the same problem and installed traingle away and it removed the safestrap screen.

To Un-root your phone
You'll need to use Odin. After using Odin it will still say custom after the first boot, just re-boot and you'll be good.

I used Super SU, and unrooted. Did check and it says I am not rooted.
But I think the reason it is failing to install 4.4.4 OTA update, is that the safestrap is interfering with the installation..
So if I want to get safestrap completely off of my phone how do I do that > I have been searching the forum, and still searching,,,

Trying to find Stock Recovery Files for the SM-N900A 4.v if possible.
Then I can install via odin ?

Thanks..
Is back to full stock,but I can't update for 14 more hours.
Wish there was a way to push the update..

Spidious said:
Thanks..
Is back to full stock,but I can't update for 14 more hours.
Wish there was a way to push the update..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn your network time off and switch it to the next day and it shoukd allow you to update again
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 03:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:32 AM ----------
Spidious said:
I rooted my phone a while back (Note 3) and have Safestrap on it. I checked with root verify and it says it is rooted.
I want to be able to do OTA updates as I don't really want to be rooted any longer or have safestrap on my phone.
Is there a EASY way to remove both/all of it so I no longer get the safestrap screen when it comes on that has the unlocked symbol at the bottom of it. And no longer have a rooted phone ?
Easy way, preferred as I stated before..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol you might as well not be on xda if you going to go stock with no root. 4.4.4 OTA official is like a death sentence right now. And you will be hitting your forhead wishing you didnt do that later.
But to answer your question, just uninstall safestrap from the app, and use supersu for full unroot. Or just Odin back with NC2 tar files from the threads. Odin back to NC2 should be no problems with the OTA
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

Well when I had my other Samsung phone I use to install updates all the time, different roms or what ever.
But now I just want to be stock, and knew all the people on this forum do it a lot. So this is where I asked for help...
It is on 4.4.2 and says now that no update is available ? I have already tried the date change trick ! Strange I can't get a update now...Wonder why ?

Now it says I can check again in 735 hours ?

Spidious said:
Now it says I can check again in 735 hours ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is kinda weird in SuperSU did you disable OTA updates?!? But y you want stock 4.4.4 rom, as AT&T note 3 users there may not b a root or boot rom walk around for long time maybe even tell lollipop 5.0 or maybe never cause note 3 has been dead silence since 4.4.4 released almost like people stop using this device an goin to the note 4... Hopefully there will b a note 3 bootloader exploit for AT&T an verizon but idk again looks like main force is note 4

Well not sure how to fix it.
I have unrooted, removed safestrap.
Checked with root app and it says it is not rooted.
But it still won't update.
Took to AT&T tech center after on-line help from them didn't help. He was not able to update it. So I went to Bestbuys Samsung tech section. They hooked it up to their Smart update software, and it would not allow to be updated either. They said it was either rooted or had a foreign version of software on it. Or one of the software apps I had installed was messing it up.
So I again did a hard reset all the way back to stock ? And after setting up as a new phone I did a check for update 4.4.2 was on it and it said no update available......
SO WHAT IS GOING ON ? Is there a 4.4.4v that I can install with the odin, so that hopefully I can get over this bump..,, ?