Does Unlocking bootloader also wipe your data? - Moto X Q&A

Hey folks. Got a Dev edition here, which as I understand is easy to unlock. Question is must I lose my data when doing so? And if yes, how can I backup before unlocking? If I had root, I would run titanium backup, but given that I can't get root until I unlock, this seems like a chicken and egg problem....
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

Yes, doing the. Mfastboot oem unlock will factory reset the phone. You will lose apps and data. I am not familiar with a way (while not rooted) to back up everything and restore after unlocking such that everything is the same.

I may be wrong.....just going from memory of what I've read, but I think an app called helium can backup without root. Then you'd need to transfer the backup off the phone, cause everything is gone when you unlock. Pics too.

Hm. Can anyone confirm this happens for sure? On the Galaxy Nexus, people said the same thing but it turned out that if you just typed fastboot oem unlock without flashing any partitions that no data was actually erased. I just can't understand why unlocking would be linked to erasing.
Thanks!
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

zAlbee said:
Hm. Can anyone confirm this happens for sure? On the Galaxy Nexus, people said the same thing but it turned out that if you just typed fastboot oem unlock without flashing any partitions that no data was actually erased. I just can't understand why unlocking would be linked to erasing.
Thanks!
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking erases everything. On any device I've owned. The x for sure.
Why? Dunno. Lol

Unlocking the bootloader will reset the phone back to factory fresh condition as stated. When I unlocked my Moto X it was factory reset. Same for when I unlocked the bootloader in my Nexus 10, Droid Razr M, Incredible and Eris. I think this is the normal behavior.
There are ways to back up your data and apps even without an unlocked or rooted phone. There is a toolkit in this forum somewhere for the Moto X that will do that as well as a market app (Helium?). I used the toolkit here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/development/tool-moto-x-toolkit-v1-2-1-t2477132
But I did that while at 4.4, before the OTA update to 4.4.2.

Any tool to recover files from a recently formatted device by unlocking the bootloader? thanks.

No. "Format" means "Blotto Everything". That's exactly what happens.

IMO seems to be a commercial "feature" more than a technical limitation. The simply want to discourage you to unlock the bootlader. All along the process, there is a warning message telling you that unlocking the bootloader will make the phone less secure. A subliminal message from Xiaomi : Blessed be the freely included uninstallable without root - and by extention unlocking the bootloader... D'oh!- bloatware package ! Or go to hell with your data if you dare to spit on it!

If you are able to install twrp, does that mean that the phone is already unlocked? I've already deleted my stock android and I couldn't see any options there at all of unlocking the oem directly in the settings, but I was able to install twrp itself (2.6).

Related

Unlocking bootloader allowed, why not root?

If sony is completely fine with us unlocking hte bootloader, as shown here: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/unlocking-boot-loader
Why did they make it so difficult to root the device?
Supish said:
If sony is completely fine with us unlocking hte bootloader, as shown here: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/unlocking-boot-loader
Why did they make it so difficult to root the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can unlock the bootloader it is a very easy 2 second job to root.
But id have to downgrade my firmware. And my data would be erased. Seems so needless
Sent from my C6906 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Supish said:
But id have to downgrade my firmware. And my data would be erased. Seems so needless
Sent from my C6906 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only to back up TA upgrading with root from 4.2.2 is to 4.3 or 4.4 is not supported.
Upgrade to stock then unlock
Also I think losing all data is a sacrifice worth it besidesvyou can back up data Sony provides you with the tools or just copy SD card to desktop and restore when done.
OOORRRRRRRR.....
You can get pre-rooted firmware here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
Backup TA and unlock(if you want but I'm getting the sense that you just want root)
The last option is the preferred one no downgrade pain nonsense.
And finally to answer your Question: Sony is gonna Sony they say they don't mind you unlocking boot loader but the remove the good stuff like BIONZ. Now just imagine with root in which they never claimed to not mind about.
yup owns Z1 and stuff.
RealiableCandy4 said:
That's only to back up TA upgrading with root from 4.2.2 is to 4.3 or 4.4 is not supported.
Upgrade to stock then unlock
Also I think losing all data is a sacrifice worth it besidesvyou can back up data Sony provides you with the tools or just copy SD card to desktop and restore when done.
OOORRRRRRRR.....
You can get pre-rooted firmware here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
Backup TA and unlock(if you want but I'm getting the sense that you just want root)
The last option is the preferred one no downgrade pain nonsense.
And finally to answer your Question: Sony is gonna Sony they say they don't mind you unlocking boot loader but the remove the good stuff like BIONZ. Now just imagine with root in which they never claimed to not mind about.
yup owns Z1 and stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive checked my phone on *#*#SERVICE#*#* and it says bootloader unlock allowed: no. What do you recommend I do?
Supish said:
Ive checked my phone on *#*#SERVICE#*#* and it says bootloader unlock allowed: no. What do you recommend I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for unlocking bootloader there's no hope. But you can still get root by flashing pre-rooted firmware in the link I provided in previous post. Just follow the locked bootloader instructions.
yup owns Z1 and stuff. Also if I've helped you don't forget to hit THANKS - actions speak louder that words.
I did not thought that the first question of the OP was to root the phone ....

[Q] Fastboot failure help needed

I am running a Verizon Moto X still on 4.2.2. I am rooted. This is NOT the Dev edition. I have plenty of experience with rooting/flashing these phones so back when I first got it the directions on rooting/flashing roms was VERY vague. No one specified you needed the Dev edition to unlock the boot loader. Well I think this came from at one point when I tried to flash TWRP (maybe). Either way, I want to take the OTA update and cannot. Does anyone know how to fix this without doing the RSD, reflash stock method? Here is a picture of what it looks like (thanks for your help in advance):
You should check out the 'Chinese Middleman' thread. If you get the bootloader unlocked you should be able to fix anything.
I can't unlock the bootloader since this is not a Dev edition. Unless something has changed, I'll check it.
You should be able to unlock the boot loader but will not have warranty.
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
shamelin73 said:
You should be able to unlock the boot loader but will not have warranty.
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though it's not a Dev edition?
Yes you should be able too.
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
danman421 said:
Even though it's not a Dev edition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All XT1053s can be unlocked, yes. Additionally, if you follow my advice, you don't NEED to unlock. If one of the commands fails, simply skip to the next as I previously advised, and TRY flashing with RSD Lite after you have run the commands I listed.
If you want to check and make sure fastboot is working, type:
fastboot devices
if you see your phone and it's serial number listed, you fastboot IS properly communicating with your phone.
You do not need to unlock your BL to do any of this...but if you are interested in ROOTING, you will need to.
All I really want to do is make it so my phone can take the update and any future updates. What do you mean as you previously stated?
shamelin73 said:
You should be able to unlock the boot loader but will not have warranty.
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this as I did before and I get "your device does not qualify for bootloader unlocking". All I need to know is how to fix this from someone.
danman421 said:
All I really want to do is make it so my phone can take the update and any future updates. What do you mean as you previously stated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I confused you with a member I had helped previously - sorry. Please disregard the "previously stated" comment.
danman421 said:
I tried this as I did before and I get "your device does not qualify for bootloader unlocking". All I need to know is how to fix this from someone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does NOT require unlocking the bootloader to flash your carrier's correct ROM. Simply follow the instructions in the "Return to 100% Stock" thread to flash the XT1053 ROM, and you'll be able to take all future updates.
If you DO unlock the bootloader, flash custom recovery, and root your device, you will have to un-do any modifications made before EVERY OTA. If you don't care about root, don't worry about unlocking.
Additionally, if you DO want to unlock, you could try a different browser and make sure you are inputting the unlock data correctly. It is recommended that you copy the unlock data from the command prompt to notepad, remove all spaces and bootloader messages (you ONLY want the code - as one complete string), then copy from notepad into the Unlock website.
And finally, keep in mind that unless you unlock your BL, you will not be able to root and disable write-protect once you update to the latest version.
The real problem here is that you use an "Exploit" to root your device previously. Now you need to return to full stock to restore your partitions to their factory state.
Simply follow the instructions in the Return to stock thread (in general sub-forum), and be sure to flash the LATEST version for your carrier. It should be 4.4.3.
Good Luck.
samwathegreat said:
I confused you with a member I had helped previously - sorry. Please disregard the "previously stated" comment.
It does NOT require unlocking the bootloader to flash your carrier's correct ROM. Simply follow the instructions in the "Return to 100% Stock" thread to flash the XT1053 ROM, and you'll be able to take all future updates.
If you DO unlock the bootloader, flash custom recovery, and root your device, you will have to un-do any modifications made before EVERY OTA. If you don't care about root, don't worry about unlocking.
Additionally, if you DO want to unlock, you could try a different browser and make sure you are inputting the unlock data correctly. It is recommended that you copy the unlock data from the command prompt to notepad, remove all spaces and bootloader messages (you ONLY want the code - as one complete string), then copy from notepad into the Unlock website.
And finally, keep in mind that unless you unlock your BL, you will not be able to root and disable write-protect once you update to the latest version.
The real problem here is that you use an "Exploit" to root your device previously. Now you need to return to full stock to restore your partitions to their factory state.
Simply follow the instructions in the Return to stock thread (in general sub-forum), and be sure to flash the LATEST version for your carrier. It should be 4.4.3.
Good Luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I am reading this correctly, there is no way to keep all of my data and take the update?
danman421 said:
So if I am reading this correctly, there is no way to keep all of my data and take the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can attempt to, by either editing the XML in the SBF and removing the line that says "erase userdata", or by skipping the erase userdata if you use the manual method, but either way CAN mess everything up.
You used an EXPLOIT previously. Any time you use an exploit, you should -expect- to have to wipe everything and re-install from scratch if you want to get back to stock in order to be able to take updates. Keep this in mind if you use any exploits in the future.
Hi! This hasn't seemed to spelled out yet..... But many Moto x's can be unlocked, not just dev editions. However, you stated in the opening post that you have a Verizon Non dev, which can not be unlocked. Only way is to pay the "China middleman" (See thread in general with that name).
And personally.... I would stay on 4.2.2 and do the Slapmymoto method to get root and write protection disabled. That is the best root scenario, aside from unlocking the bootloader.
If you update to 4.4.2 or higher, you will have write protection enabled always, and no root, or sorta root with towelroot and pie. But that will limit what you can do.
See the How do I root my phone sticky thread in general for your options.
I should have posted earlier. I ran RSDLite and put the newest version on. I am unrooted. My Moto X is a Sept '13 version the the middleman probably wont work anyways. Its not worth it with this phone, im tired of the rooting, I guess im at that point in my life... Thanks for all your help though guys!
danman421 said:
I am running a Verizon Moto X still on 4.2.2. I am rooted. This is NOT the Dev edition. I have plenty of experience with rooting/flashing these phones so back when I first got it the directions on rooting/flashing roms was VERY vague. No one specified you needed the Dev edition to unlock the boot loader. Well I think this came from at one point when I tried to flash TWRP (maybe). Either way, I want to take the OTA update and cannot. Does anyone know how to fix this without doing the RSD, reflash stock method? Here is a picture of what it looks like (thanks for your help in advance):
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pardon my jumping in here late but..
I see a big issue here.
Based on that screen shot, you have boot loader 30.B4, that is NOT the bootloader that comes wtih 4.2.2. Did you mean to type 4.4.2? or do you really have 4.2.2 on there?
If you really had 4.2.2 on your phone with a 30.B4 bootloader, then you had 4.4.2 on there at one point, and downgraded!! You need to be REALLY CAREFUL or you will brick your phone.
You are correct, I was on 4.4.2. My wife's S4 that I just upgraded was on 4.2.2. Sorry for the confusion.
KidJoe said:
Pardon my jumping in here late but..
I see a big issue here.
Based on that screen shot, you have boot loader 30.B4, that is NOT the bootloader that comes wtih 4.2.2. Did you mean to type 4.4.2? or do you really have 4.2.2 on there?
If you really had 4.2.2 on your phone with a 30.B4 bootloader, then you had 4.4.2 on there at one point, and downgraded!! You need to be REALLY CAREFUL or you will brick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good catch! ?
OP... Perhaps full disclosure of what you have done on the phone would help.
Or is that how it was?
If it's been downgraded to 4.2.2 after being on 4.4.2... As said above.... You could brick now... Especially if you OTA.
I'd tread lightly at this point.
danman421 said:
You are correct, I was on 4.4.2. My wife's S4 that I just upgraded was on 4.2.2. Sorry for the confusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so based on post # 14 of this post... it appears you are all good now? is that the case? Or do you still need help?
Oh, and if your bootloader is locked (Verizon non-DE), you can't get code from China Middle man, and you are on 4.4.2, you could try TowelPieRoot for rooting, but write protection is enabled so it will be kind of limited (compared to SlapMyMoto/MotoWPNoMO or if you had an unlocked bootloader), and there is no root for 4.4.4.
Yes, that was a good catch. What I did was RSD Lite to 4.4.4 now which reset all my data.
KidJoe said:
so based on post # 14 of this post... it appears you are all good now? is that the case? Or do you still need help?
Oh, and if your bootloader is locked (Verizon non-DE), you can't get code from China Middle man, and you are on 4.4.2, you could try TowelPieRoot for rooting, but write protection is enabled so it will be kind of limited (compared to SlapMyMoto/MotoWPNoMO or if you had an unlocked bootloader), and there is no root for 4.4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, I do not need help anymore but thank you.

Going back from 5.1 to 5.0

Can you go back to 5.0 after flashing 5.1 Roms? Was just wondering because seen a lot of bricks ..Some bricks from licked bootloaders others from flashing..I just don't want to brick because I bought mine from someone and don't have insurance .Unless it could fall under factory warranty replacement....
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
You can upgraded / downgrade from any ROM. Its not a HTC
The locked boot loader issue is user error. If you lock the BL and the phone doesn't boot, you'll have to get Moto to fix it. And yes that would be covered by warranty
rootSU said:
You can upgraded / downgrade from any ROM. Its not a HTC
The locked boot loader issue is user error. If you lock the BL and the phone doesn't boot, you'll have to get Moto to fix it. And yes that would be covered by warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I need to flash old boot loader or radio? Thanks for your time.....mods are welcome to delete
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
kenbrownstone said:
Do I need to flash old boot loader or radio? Thanks for your time.....mods are welcome to delete
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends what you're expecting in future. If you want OTA, you'll need everything to be 100% stock and the right version. If you don't care about that, minimum is system.img and boot.img.
i tried to downgrade my bootloader through fastboot from 5.1's bootloader to 5.0.1 and fastboot throws an error from moto saying it cant be downgraded.
have a question. is it ok to flash the factory 5.0.1 system and boot while on the 5.1 bootloader and radio? i have read a few threads of people bricking but it's unclear if it's possible to use an aosp rom that's 5.0.1 or 5.0.2 on 5.1 bootloader and radio.
freebee269 said:
have a question. is it ok to flash the factory 5.0.1 system and boot while on the 5.1 bootloader and radio? i have read a few threads of people bricking but it's unclear if it's possible to use an aosp rom that's 5.0.1 or 5.0.2 on 5.1 bootloader and radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had been running Chroma 5.02 with the 5.1 bl and radio. I reverted the radio because of issues with TMo, but the bl seemed fine. FWIW, I made all my changes via fastboot.
kenbrownstone said:
Can you go back to 5.0 after flashing 5.1 Roms? Was just wondering because seen a lot of bricks ..Some bricks from licked bootloaders others from flashing..I just don't want to brick because I bought mine from someone and don't have insurance .Unless it could fall under factory warranty replacement....
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just make sure you have OEM Unlock checked under dev options and you will be fine.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Konfuzion said:
Just make sure you have OEM Unlock checked under dev options and you will be fine.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It resets on boot. Check it boots before relocking
rootSU said:
It resets on boot. Check it boots before relocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it gets reset then do I need to recheck OEM unlock option at every boot or its fine to leave it as it and I can reboot anyway I want?
naresh2990 said:
Since it gets reset then do I need to recheck OEM unlock option at every boot or its fine to leave it as it and I can reboot anyway I want?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends what you want to do. If your bootloader is remaining unlocked, it doesn't matter. If you are locking it again, to unlock it, you must set the option before booting to bootloader so if you want to minimise risk, then you will need to set it every boot. We do not know where this setting is stored yet. I really don't understand the need for this option to be honest.
rootSU said:
It really depends what you want to do. If your bootloader is remaining unlocked, it doesn't matter. If you are locking it again, to unlock it, you must set the option before booting to bootloader so if you want to minimise risk, then you will need to set it every boot. We do not know where this setting is stored yet. I really don't understand the need for this option to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously this thing is giving me a headache, I am not going to toggle anything in bootloader now and it's a pain to check this option everytime before doing a reboot, it was good before 5.1, it used to stay as it is.
naresh2990 said:
Seriously this thing is giving me a headache, I am not going to toggle anything in bootloader now and it's a pain to check this option everytime before doing a reboot, it was good before 5.1, it used to stay as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just leave it unlocked. If you plan on manually updating I don't understand why you would lock it. just in case something goes wrong if it's unlocked you have options. If it's locked you have very, very few
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
rootSU said:
It really depends what you want to do. If your bootloader is remaining unlocked, it doesn't matter. If you are locking it again, to unlock it, you must set the option before booting to bootloader so if you want to minimise risk, then you will need to set it every boot. We do not know where this setting is stored yet. I really don't understand the need for this option to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The setting is due to Google's new anti theft options ( http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...evice-protection-feature-and-how-do-i-use-it/ ) . If you have OEM Unlock checked this protection can easily be bypassed with a flash.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
pwned3 said:
Just leave it unlocked. If you plan on manually updating I don't understand why you would lock it. just in case something goes wrong if it's unlocked you have options. If it's locked you have very, very few
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not going to lock my bootloader. I like it Unlocked but my point of concern is that OEM unclock option get reset to uncheck at every boot. I want to know what will happen if I reboot my phone and OEM unclock option is unchecked(means bootloader is locked, this is what I think) while my bootloader is actually Unclocked.
Konfuzion said:
The setting is due to Google's new anti theft options ( http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...evice-protection-feature-and-how-do-i-use-it/ ) . If you have OEM Unlock checked this protection can easily be bypassed with a flash.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But who really cares if a thief can "use" the phone when it is stolen? They can't use it as a phone because the IMEI will be blocked. If they unlock it, it will wipe your data too. I'd rather not have to set an option within android to allow me to unlock my bootloader and the problems here have proven this to be a detriment to people who flash.
naresh2990 said:
I am not going to lock my bootloader. I like it Unlocked but my point of concern is that OEM unclock option get reset to uncheck at every boot. I want to know what will happen if I reboot my phone and OEM unclock option is unchecked(means bootloader is locked, this is what I think) while my bootloader is actually Unclocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rootSU said:
But who really cares if a thief can "use" the phone when it is stolen? They can't use it as a phone because the IMEI will be blocked. If they unlock it, it will wipe your data too. I'd rather not have to set an option within android to allow me to unlock my bootloader and the problems here have proven this to be a detriment to people who flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am confused about something if the device is already unlocked does it matter if that OEM is ticked? I reboot twice already and it reset it back to being unticked. So what I am saying is if i go from one rom to another and that isnt ticked will it cause issues even if the bootloader is already unlocked?
naresh2990 said:
I am not going to lock my bootloader. I like it Unlocked but my point of concern is that OEM unclock option get reset to uncheck at every boot. I want to know what will happen if I reboot my phone and OEM unclock option is unchecked(means bootloader is locked, this is what I think) while my bootloader is actually Unclocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No if it is unchecked your bootloader is still unlocked, but you will not be able to unlock it again without booting into your device and checking it again.
Where people are getting bricks is they are downgrading their radio and bootloader, at which point their bootloader relocks, and they are stuck at bootloader as they can't access anything other than bootloader and that is locked.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 07:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:50 AM ----------
the_rooter said:
I am confused about something if the device is already unlocked does it matter if that OEM is ticked? I reboot twice already and it reset it back to being unticked. So what I am saying is if i go from one rom to another and that isnt ticked will it cause issues even if the bootloader is already unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues going from Rom to Rom with it unchecked. Issue lies in... No OS so you can't boot up and check oem unlock, stuck at a locked bootloader screen, so you can't flash a custom recover, can't restore because you can't access recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Konfuzion said:
No if it is unchecked your bootloader is still unlocked, but you will not be able to unlock it again without booting into your device and checking it again.
Where people are getting bricks is they are downgrading their radio and bootloader, at which point their bootloader relocks, and they are stuck at bootloader as they can't access anything other than bootloader and that is locked.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 07:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:50 AM ----------
No issues going from Rom to Rom with it unchecked. Issue lies in... No OS so you can't boot up and check oem unlock, stuck at a locked bootloader screen, so you can't flash a custom recover, can't restore because you can't access recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do use a usb otg stick and usually wipe the entire phone before each rom to make sure I start fresh. After I wipe everything in twrp i go to reboot back into recovery and it brings up the no os are u sure u want to do this. This wont cause issues even if unchecked correct?
the_rooter said:
I do use a usb otg stick and usually wipe the entire phone before each rom to make sure I start fresh. After I wipe everything in twrp i go to reboot back into recovery and it brings up the no os are u sure u want to do this. This wont cause issues even if unchecked correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you won't have any issues doing that. If you want to be safe though you should check oem unlock before you start flashing and wiping. We all know flashing doesn't always go as expected and the last thing you want is to end up stuck. As long as oem unlocked is checked recovering from soft bricks is easy.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Konfuzion said:
No you won't have any issues doing that. If you want to be safe though you should check oem unlock before you start flashing and wiping. We all know flashing doesn't always go as expected and the last thing you want is to end up stuck. As long as oem unlocked is checked recovering from soft bricks is easy.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said after a reboot it goes unchecked so if i check it and then reboot to recovery wouldnt that uncheck it again?

[Q] After Update to 5.1, Re-lock Bootloader?

Due to organizational requirements the bootloader needs to be locked. So, here go the questions:
After flashing factory image (5.1.0 (LMY47E), is it safe to re-lock bootloader?
And when, after the final reboot and before setup?
And, will the command, fastboot oem lock, wipe EVERYTHING off the phone, like fastboot oem unlock does?
And does the Developer options setting, "OEM unlocking", need to be turned on prior to the lock?
Thanks
No one has proven that locking the bootloaders does not cause a "brick". We have seen people lock after 5.1 and get a bootloop. This becomes a brick because they cannot unlock to fix it. We don't know if the update causes the loop or the lock does.
By the way, this was a completely stock Nexus 6 (5.0.1), no root, no apps other than Google. Before the factory image flash, the "OEM Unlocking" setting in Developer Options was persistent during power on/off. Now, with 5.1 the setting turns itself off during power on/off.
So, should I re-lock the bootloader and satisfy organizational requirements and risk a boot loop or proceed unlocked? Kinda feel like a "deer in the headlights" !
clairez said:
By the way, this was a completely stock Nexus 6 (5.0.1), no root, no apps other than Google. Before the factory image flash, the "OEM Unlocking" setting in Developer Options was persistent during power on/off. Now, with 5.1 the setting turns itself off during power on/off.
So, should I re-lock the bootloader and satisfy organizational requirements and risk a boot loop or proceed unlocked? Kinda feel like a "deer in the headlights" !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well its your choice. I recommend not locking it. However, if you do lock it and end up bricked, at least we know its the locking that causes the loop and not the flash but.... Is it worth it?
If your organization is supplying the device ( or the money for the device) you have no business unlocking it. At my organization people are fired for such things.
If they are not compensating you somehow then I don't see how they can make requirements on your device.
Sent from my Nexus 6
And if it is the unlocking/locking that causes the boot loop (hard brick) then any flashing operation that requires unlocking the bootloader will require that the system remain unlocked forever. A penalty that will afflict a portion (large?) of the Nexus 6 community. Was this an issue before 5.0? Makes one wonder if this is by design or accidental.
DebianDog said:
If they are not compensating you somehow then I don't see how they can make requirements on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes we totally can. If you work for my company and decide you would rather use your own device for corporate email and data, that data is ours. You may use your own device but we will manage it. If it gets stolen, we will wipe it. You will adhere the same policies for corporate owned data as you will with a phone supplied by us. You will have lock screen, you will be unrooted. You will keep your bootloaders locked. Or you can use this sh*tty Nokia.
My hardware, but if I want to utilize it in the organization, then I must abide by their rules.
This post was not meant to be an organizational ethics discussion, just a request for guidance. If anyone can give me input on the original questions, I would greatly appreciate it. Especially the wipe side effect of the lock operation. Do not want to spend a lot of time configuring the device if it will be erased.
Thanks in advance
clairez said:
My hardware, but if I want to utilize it in the organization, then I must abide by their rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Absolutely.
rootSU said:
No one has proven that locking the bootloaders does not cause a "brick". We have seen people lock after 5.1 and get a bootloop. This becomes a brick because they cannot unlock to fix it. We don't know if the update causes the loop or the lock does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a little thinking out loud here. Wouldn't it be safe to have OEM Unlock checked under dev options, lock the bootloader, if you happen to bootloop OEM Unlock is still checked so you could still unlock? And then upon first boot OEM Unlock would get unchecked.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Konfuzion said:
Just a little thinking out loud here. Wouldn't it be safe to have OEM Unlock checked under dev options, lock the bootloader, if you happen to bootloop OEM Unlock is still checked so you could still unlock? And then upon first boot OEM Unlock would get unchecked.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safe? No.. The flag resets at boot. Boot loop partially boots and it could be enough to reset the flag "at first boot"
Pretty much everything is an unknown here. We do t even know where the "enable OEM unlock" flag is set. Is it in the BL or one of the various partitions? What effect would setting the flag and wiping the OS have? We just don't know.
rootSU said:
Safe? No.. The flag resets at boot. Boot loop partially boots and it could be enough to reset the flag "at first boot"
Pretty much everything is an unknown here. We do t even know where the "enable OEM unlock" flag is set. Is it in the BL or one of the various partitions? What effect would setting the flag and wiping the OS have? We just don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. That's why more heads are better than one. I still think my theory would work, but yet I wouldn't be willing to risk my N6 on it, wouldn't suggest others do either.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
clairez said:
Due to organizational requirements the bootloader needs to be locked. So, here go the questions:
After flashing factory image (5.1.0 (LMY47E), is it safe to re-lock bootloader?
And when, after the final reboot and before setup?
And, will the command, fastboot oem lock, wipe EVERYTHING off the phone, like fastboot oem unlock does?
And does the Developer options setting, "OEM unlocking", need to be turned on prior to the lock?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Unsure at this point. If everything is stock (including recovery), I would suspect that it would be OK, but it has not been verified yet.
2. After you flash the bootloader, radio, boot, system and recovery images, and format data and cache, then would be the time to re-lock and then boot into Android.
3. Yes. But based on what I gather, the process of wiping on an N6 (when unlocking or locking the bootloader) is done via the stock recovery. So, if you have a custom recovery when you lock, I suspect that it will give you a boot loop.
4. I don't know.
Update - Success
I re-locked the bootloader and the device is working normally, no boot loop. I will continue testing over the next few days and then share what I learned.
Thanks for the help ...
Upgraded to 5.1, booted system OK
rechecked the OEM unlock option and rebooted to fastboot and locked bootloader.
No bootloop or other issues noticed.
Hope this helps.
clairez said:
I re-locked the bootloader and the device is working normally, no boot loop. I will continue testing over the next few days and then share what I learned.
Thanks for the help ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. And you were 100% stock?
Perhaps the loop isn't caused by the lock itself then. Good to know, though still people need to be cautious
androiduser2011 said:
Upgraded to 5.1, booted system OK
rechecked the OEM unlock option and rebooted to fastboot and locked bootloader.
No bootloop or other issues noticed.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few question, for understanding:
Rooted?
Stock or TWRP recovery?
Encrypted?
Thanks
rootSU said:
No one has proven that locking the bootloaders does not cause a "brick". We have seen people lock after 5.1 and get a bootloop. This becomes a brick because they cannot unlock to fix it. We don't know if the update causes the loop or the lock does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happened to me literally tonight. I tried to lock the boot loader which was successful, from there the device would start to root into teamwin recovery. So from there I tired to flash a fully stock rom but the bootloader was locked. And then because you need permission from the OS to unlock the bootloader I was stuck. What I did is from the locked bootloader I ran the stock oem flash from a fresh download and check from wugs with the force flash enabled (make sure everything is right) miracles of miracles it worked and came back to me.
I learned my lesson. Never shall my bootloader be relocked unless my phone is out of my possession. I'm spending the rest of the time making sure that nobody can get to my data. I love the phone, but that data is my life.
So basically, we need to confirm that being 100% stock will safely allow the relocking of the bootloader on 5.1 per official instructions from Google. If it can be determined that having TWRP recovery installed is the cause of bricks then users can be instructed to be sure stock recovery is installed before relocking. My own thoughts are that this is a bug of sorts with the new security features of lollipop and I'm sure the talented folks here will get it figured out. I'm 100% stock on LMY47D that I sideloaded. Not sure I can afford to risk my 6 but I offer any assistance I can to help get this figured out.
Evolution_Freak said:
So basically, we need to confirm that being 100% stock will safely allow the relocking of the bootloader on 5.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the "bricks" happened after fully flashing stock, i.e they had stock recovery. They had a locked bootloader, an OS that didn't boot and a recovery that couldn't flash anything. If they had TWRP installed, they could format data and flash a rom.zip no problem.

[Q] No OEM Unlock, Rooting, and stock ROM

I know that there are a lot of the missing OEM Unlock posts, but this isn't about how to force it to appear.
What I would like to know is that if I want to stay on the stock ROM, but I don't have the OEM unlocked option, would I be able to factory reset to clear out encryption and then root with Magisk?
The guide says that I need to have OEM unlocked to be able to root, so I'm curious what would happen if I tried to root with the OEM still being locked? Would I soft brick it?
This is quite different from the other phones I've used and it's extremely frustrating that Samsung decided to pull this kind of bs on everyone and so far, there's no solution to it.
Thanks
If the OEM switch is not visible and switched on, then you cannot flash any non-official binaries, which means you can't flash TWRP or Magisk, which at this point means you can't get root. That's why everything boils down to the OEM switch being enabled. Please contact Samsung expressing your dissatisfaction about this OEM issue. All of us should, until they react to remedy this.
If we can get to fastboot, why can't we boot TWRP, install Supersu/magisk and dm-verity thus gaining root.
This wouldn't replace the stock recovery.
I believe this was how the Axon 7 was rooted prior to bootloader unlock being presented/found.
I do this on one of my phones (not Samsung) as I only want root access and still be able to get OTA updates.
Would booting TWRP instead of flashing it trip Knox and would root be gained or would you find the boot partition or other system files be altered and you get the error that seems to popping up on these devices?
Just throwing this out there as food for thought.
ultramag69 said:
If we can get to fastboot, why can't we boot TWRP, install Supersu/magisk and dm-verity thus gaining root.
This wouldn't replace the stock recovery.
I believe this was how the Axon 7 was rooted prior to bootloader unlock being presented/found.
I do this on one of my phones (not Samsung) as I only want root access and still be able to get OTA updates.
Would booting TWRP instead of flashing it trip Knox and would root be gained or would you find the boot partition or other system files be altered and you get the error that seems to popping up on these devices?
Just throwing this out there as food for thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having an unlocked bootloader is what would allow us to use fastboot to boot or flash an image. Just because we can access fastboot, doesn't mean we can get it to write to partitions, even temporarily. I haven't messed with a Samsung phone for years, so I could be wrong. This has been my experience with google bootloader in general.
fragtion said:
If the OEM switch is not visible and switched on, then you cannot flash any non-official binaries, which means you can't flash TWRP or Magisk, which at this point means you can't get root. That's why everything boils down to the OEM switch being enabled. Please contact Samsung expressing your dissatisfaction about this OEM issue. All of us should, until they react to remedy this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I did read from other threads, if you don't see the option in the Developer Option Settings, then you shouldn't need to enable it
77Eric77 said:
From what I did read from other threads, if you don't see the option in the Developer Option Settings, then you shouldn't need to enable it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was reading about this as well and what I got from that was in regards to custom roms, the oem unlock option is default to unlock and hidden. but for the stock rom, it's locked by default unless visibly given the option. otherwise when you go into download mode, it'll show FRP Lock: On.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
di11igaf said:
Having an unlocked bootloader is what would allow us to use fastboot to boot or flash an image. Just because we can access fastboot, doesn't mean we can get it to write to partitions, even temporarily. I haven't messed with a Samsung phone for years, so I could be wrong. This has been my experience with google bootloader in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, but if I want to just root and nothing else, would I still need to have the bootloader unlocked? I'm used to rooting stuff but the technicalities and mechanics of the process escapes mr.
my hope is to atleast root the stock rom and factory reset including wiping the internal sd to start fresh. but if I factory reset on a stock rom, the internal storage would still be encrypted right?
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
mputtr said:
Ah, but if I want to just root and nothing else, would I still need to have the bootloader unlocked? I'm used to rooting stuff but the technicalities and mechanics of the process escapes mr.
my hope is to atleast root the stock rom and factory reset including wiping the internal sd to start fresh. but if I factory reset on a stock rom, the internal storage would still be encrypted right?
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I want to know if we can boot TWRP. It boots TWRP but leaves the stock recovery.
However, I'm not sure if the boot image is altered when flashing root. I know Magisk seems to alter the boot image but not sure if SuperSU does.
Would this trigger KNOX?
If it does trip KNOX, it's not worth booting into TWRP, might as well just bite the bullet and install but only if bootloader is unlocked 1st... Too expensive to just brick it for an experiment...
ultramag69 said:
This is why I want to know if we can boot TWRP. It boots TWRP but leaves the stock recovery.
However, I'm not sure if the boot image is altered when flashing root. I know Magisk seems to alter the boot image but not sure if SuperSU does.
Would this trigger KNOX?
If it does trip KNOX, it's not worth booting into TWRP, might as well just bite the bullet and install but only if bootloader is unlocked 1st... Too expensive to just brick it for an experiment...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
personally I don't care about knox. I just want to be able to root and restore my apps so I can transfer my stuff from my s7 to the note 8 and freeze all the bloatware like touchwiz and stuff.
from what I gleaned from reading the threads is magisk makes a copy of the boot image as a backup.
but again I just want root and I can wait for a longer term solution in how to fix this moronic 7 day jail bs.
but I think knox will get tripped the moment you root
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
mputtr said:
I was reading about this as well and what I got from that was in regards to custom roms, the oem unlock option is default to unlock and hidden. but for the stock rom, it's locked by default unless visibly given the option. otherwise when you go into download mode, it'll show FRP Lock: On.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have OEM option as well (FRP lock was ON), I just followed me2151 guide but I was getting the partition error, so in first part I also added BL and after that everything went smoothly.
KNOX wasn't tripped, it's rooted as of this moment and tomorrow I will be installing custom rom.
PS: And yes it was an experiment but I was willing to take the risk because after reading half a day about no OEM option in developer options everyone was saying if it's not there you don't need it, I wasn't 100% sure but I was 98% sure I'm not going to brick it. btw I'm using Telus N950W note8 (locked)
I think you might want to be careful on that. I'm not sure who "everyone" is but the others like Dr.Ketan did not even recommend rooting without unlocking the option first and it seems to me that the general gist of the other thread (the 150+ page thread) was that you need it explicitly unlocked.
The ones who talked about not seeing the option means you probably don't need it are talking about custom roms (like renovate) that purposefully hid the option since it's already defaulted to unlocked on that rom.
I haven't used any custom roms yet, but that seems to be what I'm reading.
77Eric77 said:
I didn't have OEM option as well (FRP lock was ON), I just followed me2151 guide but I was getting the partition error, so in first part I also added BL and after that everything went smoothly.
KNOX wasn't tripped, it's rooted as of this moment and tomorrow I will be installing custom rom.
PS: And yes it was an experiment but I was willing to take the risk because after reading half a day about no OEM option in developer options everyone was saying if it's not there you don't need it, I wasn't 100% sure but I was 98% sure I'm not going to brick it. btw I'm using Telus N950W note8 (locked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just following up. Were you able to root and flash a custom rom with OEM Unlocked checked after all?
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
mputtr said:
just following up. Were you able to root and flash a custom rom with OEM Unlocked checked after all?
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to root it but the boot loader is still locked. It's faster without the bloatware and what not. KNOX is disabled. There is still no twrp and custom rom for Snapdragon to the best of my knowledge. It did change the model of the phone from N950W to N950U1.
finally got the OEM Unlock option and rooted + stock recovery... i had to restart my phone to bring my android ID back to the one I always used.. and got locked out...
so 7 more days for me. And all I wanted to do was to have Titanium backup up and running so i can transfer my phone over....
i am hating what samsung has done

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