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So here's the deal, I unlocked my T-Mobile Moto X bootloader through Motorola's website about a year ago or so. I also rooted and didn't bother updating afterwards to anything since I had everything working perfectly for me. Now I need to update my 4.2.2 Moto X to 4.4.3 (or really anything >=4.3 just so I can use my Moto 360 that'll be arriving soon).
My question is, with an unlocked bootloader, rooted, TWRP 2.6.3.1, Xposed-installed Moto X, can I go ahead and flash a stock 4.4.3 ROM (for example from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/development/rom-stock-flashable-t-mobile-t2773675) and just call it a day?
I've been reading past threads and stuff to get back into the loop, but I just can'f find anything to answer me the simple question of updating an unlocked+rooted 4.2.2->4.4+ while keeping root. Just the simple question of, if I get a stock 4.4 image and flash it on my phone, will everything be okay?
I no longer have the passion and interest to constantly be fiddling with kernels, ROMs, and little hacks with my phone like I used to with my OG Droid and, to a lesser extent, with my Galaxy Nexus (plus I feel like it's gotten significantly less easy since those OG days).
I know (i.e. 90% sure) that one way to do what I want (kinda) is RSDLite/manually go back to stock without root on 4.2.2 and then accept the OTA, but certainly it has to be easier than that right? What happened to the days where I can just find a new Gingerbread ROM for my Froyo Droid and just flash it right then and there? Now everything is "go back to stock and do these convoluted steps."
(I'm sorry I'm ranting, I'm just really tired at the moment haha)
Thank you all, hopefully, for the help!
If you don't care about retaining your data, grab the 4.4.3 fxz and unzip it. Follow the directions for returning back to stock here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-complete-moto-x-guides-information-t2603358 but replace the files to be flashed with the files from the 4.4.3 fxz. Not sure where you got the idea that you need to go back to stock. Word of caution, once on 4.4.3 there's no going back to an older version.
I have the same question as the OP, on unlocked rooted 4.2.2 ATT Moto X, can i flash a custom 4.4.4 and keep root?
RGNDI said:
I have the same question as the OP, on unlocked rooted 4.2.2 ATT Moto X, can i flash a custom 4.4.4 and keep root?
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You can take the ota but you need the stock recovery. Since you are unlocked you will not lose your unlocked-ness(lol) if you take an ota. But you do need to be completely stock: no su, no custom recovery, etc etc. But once you upgrade to 4.4.3 getting root back is as simple as flashing the appropriate version recovery again and then flashing supersu.
1ad_m12 said:
You can take the ota but you need the stock recovery. Since you are unlocked you will not lose your unlocked-ness(lol) if you take an ota. But you do need to be completely stock: no su, no custom recovery, etc etc. But once you upgrade to 4.4.3 getting root back is as simple as flashing the appropriate vision recovery again and then flashing supersu.
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OK thanks, but cant I just Flash a Rooted Stock 4.4.4 over 4.2.2? Thats a more to the point question
RGNDI said:
OK thanks, but cant I just Flash a Rooted Stock 4.4.4 over 4.2.2? Thats a more to the point question
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Yeah that would work as long as your radio is compatible with the rom. The rom you shared earlier should be fine. Just don't downgrade to anything pre 4.4 as that can cause issues because of partition sizes (or so I've heard). But after that I wouldn't take any OTA's cause your bootloader would be incompatible with the OTA and possibly cause a brick. If I were you I'd revert to stock and take the long way to 4.4.3 just so I can get the OTA for when Android L comes out. In fact thats what I plan on doing if the Sunshine bootloader unlock is successful. But if you don't care about that then everything should be fine.
Hi all, I was wondering if it would be less of a hassle to keep my BL unlocked Moto X stock until Lollipop OTA comes out OR if it might actually be harder to install recovery, root, etc when 5.0 is on the phone? IIRC KK made some changes that caused hassles on rooting, recovery install for some phones. I have Dev Edition, thanks
Although lollipop is making it difficult to root, you would still be able to unlock your BL on lollipop. Since it appears you don't have a need to root right now, I would just wait until lollipop. The reason to wait is if you install a recovery or freeze apps, you won't be able to install OTA until you restore stock recovery etc.
As long as you have an unlocked / unlockable BL, you will always be able to install a custom recovery / root.
PsychoKilla666 said:
Hi all, I was wondering if it would be less of a hassle to keep my BL unlocked Moto X stock until Lollipop OTA comes out OR if it might actually be harder to install recovery, root, etc when 5.0 is on the phone? IIRC KK made some changes that caused hassles on rooting, recovery install for some phones. I have Dev Edition, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it depends.
With an unlocked bootloader we should continue to be able to flash a custom recovery, and custom rom.
However, there are several unknowns right now, including when will we see Lollipop for the X? Which variant of the 2013 X (Dev vs ATT vs VZW vs Sprint, etc) will get it first? When will soak tests start? When will the carriers finally push it, etc?
Then we don't know how hard or easy it will be to root. At first a custom kernel was needed to root Lollipop, but now it seems Chainfire has found away around that http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/1...w-to-root-lollipop-without-a-modified-kernel/ Until we see L on a 2013 X, we wont know for sure.
In any case, its always less hassle to keep your phone STOCK if you want to take an OTA. The OTA's need stock recovery on the phone in order to install. Also, diverting from stock can mean changes which will cause the OTA's pre-flash validation checks to fail, and the OTA to not install.
US Cellular is STILL on 4.4.2 lol 5.0 seems a hundred miles away still. Glad I'm unlocked, rooted and stock (Xposed Gravitybox) best combo IMHO.
Hey guys does anyone have step-by-step guide on how i can root this phone? I am not able to find a guide for XT1053 (T-Mobile) on 4.4.4. Specifically I want to install a 5.0 rom because I'm tired of waiting for the update. Any help will be appreciated;
stuntman2128 said:
Hey guys does anyone have step-by-step guide on how i can root this phone? I am not able to find a guide for XT1053 (T-Mobile) on 4.4.4. Specifically I want to install a 5.0 rom because I'm tired of waiting for the update. Any help will be appreciated;
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-complete-moto-x-guides-information-t2603358
You'll have to unlock the bootloader. No way around it.
Should I be nervous about unlocking the bootloader?
Didn't my Samsung phone come with it already unlocked?
Should you be nervous? Google the pros and cons then decide for yourself.
No phone nor tablet comes with an unlocked bootloader.
I have an XT1053 and just recently unlocked the bootloader through the Motorola site. I waited until now because my original warranty just expired and knew that unlocking the bootloader would void my warranty. I wanted to unlock the bootloader under 4.4.4 because I didn't know if there would be any problems once Lollipop was offered as an update. The unlock process went very smoothly and took only a few minutes. You probably already know that unlocking wipes your phone, so be prepared to reinstall apps and other files. I have not rooted yet because I'll probably wait to do that after the Lollipop OTA comes around. Even then, I may not root because I'm really pretty happy with the phone as it is. For me, unlocking the bootloader was just of way of preserving the future option to root.
stuntman2128 said:
Hey guys does anyone have step-by-step guide on how i can root this phone? I am not able to find a guide for XT1053 (T-Mobile) on 4.4.4. Specifically I want to install a 5.0 rom because I'm tired of waiting for the update. Any help will be appreciated;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to YouTube and search for qbking77 channel on how to unlock bootloader moto 2013.. Step by step tutorial with video
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mac1996 said:
Go to YouTube and search for qbking77 channel on how to unlock bootloader moto 2013.. Step by step tutorial with video
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocking bootloader isn't a problem. I mainly want to know how i can put a custom recovery (prefer CWM because i've had it on previous phone). That way i can straight up install a custom rom that is already rooted without rooting stock. I just really want 5.0 really tired of 4.4.4
stuntman2128 said:
unlocking bootloader isn't a problem. I mainly want to know how i can put a custom recovery (prefer CWM because i've had it on previous phone). That way i can straight up install a custom rom that is already rooted without rooting stock. I just really want 5.0 really tired of 4.4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have fastboot?
if yes, go to your phone bootloader.
Connect to your computer by USB.
Type the following in cmd. (place your recovery img file in fastboot directory)
fastboot flash recovery (your recovery name).img
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Check the sticky threads. There's only a year and halfs worth of information available to you here and all over the rest of the internet.
stuntman2128 said:
unlocking bootloader isn't a problem. I mainly want to know how i can put a custom recovery (prefer CWM because i've had it on previous phone). That way i can straight up install a custom rom that is already rooted without rooting stock. I just really want 5.0 really tired of 4.4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At any point after unlocking the bootloader... To flash recovery, did you do the following...
Start the phone in Fastboot/Bootloader mode.. then from the PC type...
mfastboot flash recovery YourRecovery.img
mfastboot reboot-bootloader
Follow onscreen directions to use vol down key and highlight recovery, then use vol up to select/enter recovery. Once in recovery you can reboot the phone and proceed with whatever you want.
Failure to reboot-bootloader and entering recovery immediately after flashing recovery (i.e. doing something else first) can result in the recovery not sticking.
4.4.4
a year old post by dray_jr says the following:
4.4 to 4.2.2 Pre Cam will Brick
4.2.2 Post Cam to 4.2.2 Pre Cam will Brick.
4.4.2 to to anything will Brick
4.4 to 4.2.2 Post Cam you are ok
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Click to collapse
can someone explain this to me? I got my phone around august 2014, it came with 4.4.3 and right now I'm on 4.4.4.
If I use the motorola website and follow their bootloader unlock steps am I fine? will I have any brick issues stated from the quote above?
Thread
Nevermind guys, found the perfect thread for 4.4.4 root!
Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738
Final question: I don't have to install supersu root if i install CM12 once i get into TWRP recovery am i correct? (since cms come rooted)
Would flashing a JB kernel (and only the kernel) work to root it as described here?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/guide-xperia-kitkat-4-4-4-rooting-t3003520
Completely different phone. What works on one does not always apply to another. If it worked on the Moto X, don't you think someone would've tried and documented it s sometime in the last 18 months?
nhizzat said:
Completely different phone. What works on one does not always apply to another. If it worked on the Moto X, don't you think someone would've tried and documented it s sometime in the last 18 months?
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Click to collapse
Of course its a different phone, but since the Moto X also came with JB stock, I was just wondering whether the same method would work for the ones who are stuck with 4.4.4 and no root.
And no, I don't think that every method has been tried already. the Razr I JB root with a locked BL for example only happened, cause I asked jcase nicely if he could code an app that uses an exploit. So, many times, without asking nothing will happen...
dagoban said:
Of course its a different phone, but since the Moto X also came with JB stock, I was just wondering whether the same method would work for the ones who are stuck with 4.4.4 and no root.
And no, I don't think that every method has been tried already. the Razr I JB root with a locked BL for example only happened, cause I asked jcase nicely if he could code an app that uses an exploit. So, many times, without asking nothing will happen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't proclaim to know the ins and outs of all things android, but I do know this.. Just because a phone has android 4.4.4 doesn't mean its the same 4.4.4 with the same exact flaws and vulnerabilities, susceptible to the same exact root processes. Its why an exploit to root one phone, often doesn't work to root another.
In the case of the Moto X with a locked bootloader, JCASE has come out with many processes exploiting vulnerabilities for Android and the Apps on the Moto X to not only root it, but disable its write protection. As new OTA's have patched an exploit, he came out with other ways.
Starting wth 4.4.2, the vulnerability in the bootoader to disable write protection has been patched.
Jcase's Sunshine tool works on the X with 4.4.3 and lower, and only SOME with 4.4.4. It needs temp root first, etc. For whatever reason, we don't have a way to even temp root the 2013 X on 4.4.4 enough to allow Sunshine to do its work. And despite being asked many times, Jcase pretty much said in the Sunshine discussion threads that v3.0 wont have Moto X 4.4.4 support (unless he changed his mind and I missed it). Yet sunshine and its root processes, etc work on other phones (HTC) with 4.4.4.
But back to the thread you link...
On the X, due to its security measures, with a locked bootloader, you can only flash the Moto signed ROM for your phone. Nothing else. Because of this, you can't flash a custom recovery. To flash items, we use mFastboot and RSDLite. They need the img files, or bin files. If we make our own, they wont be signed, so they wont flash to a phone with a locked bootloader. And you can't package them into a flashable ZIP because stock recovery looks for the Moto digital signature (which we don't have and can't fake), and you can't install TWRP/CWM/Philz/etc to flash that way. So if you manage to pull the JB kernel out of the Moto SBF file, you wont be able to flash it.
Due to write protection on the 2013 X, any changes made to /System and a few other places, will be lost at power off/on. In other words, if you do manage to flash it (or push via adb), it wont stick due to write protection.
We've seen people try and manipulate their phone by trying to DOWNGRADE their ROM. Well, this doesn't work either. GPT.BIN (partition table), and Motoboot.img (bootloader, TZ, and a few other things) get in the way. Even on an X with an Unlocked bootloader, you can't downgrade these parts. Enough who attempted this have ended up bricking their phone immediately, or with later taking an OTA. Sure you can try to flash just system.img, and while that has less risk for bricking, people who have tried this were still not able to use the older Root Exploits (that worked if you hadn't upgraded already). People have tried flashing everything but GPT.BIN and MotoBoot.img. Again, it didn't help with rooting. Not to mention with a missmatched system.img or other parts, features on the phone may not always work properly (going Settings -> Security comes to mind), and you are at risk of bricking should you take an OTA update.
Since that process exploits a vulnerability, and its out there (so the vulnerability is in the public), I'm sure if it worked or was possible, JCASE, Beaups, or others would have put something together.
Now, back on topic of the XT1053... it has an Unlockable bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader disables write protection, and allows you to flash non-moto stuff. So unlocking the bootloader, flashing TWRP, reboot bootloader, enter TWRP and root, is quick, easy, effective, and doesn't rely on vulnerabilities on the phone to be exploited so patches/updates haven't got in the way. Plus you don't have to wait for someone to find them and create a repeatable process.
I am currently on 5.1 but work for at&t. I just put my work email on my phone that also requires a monitoring service called mobile iron that monitors my phone. My company now thinks my phone i rooted because I have "prerelease" software on my phone and am in danger of getting in some pretty serious trouble. I talked it over with my manager and they're giving me time to fix it, but I need to get off 5.1 as fast as possible.
I can't root and I can't unlock bootloader but I need to get off 5.1.... can i just flash a 5.0.1 ota zip? Really not sure what to do but don't want my company phone taken from me. all my clients know this number.
Thanks in advance
pokedroid said:
I am currently on 5.1 but work for at&t. I just put my work email on my phone that also requires a monitoring service called mobile iron that monitors my phone. My company now thinks my phone i rooted because I have "prerelease" software on my phone and am in danger of getting in some pretty serious trouble. I talked it over with my manager and they're giving me time to fix it, but I need to get off 5.1 as fast as possible.
I can't root and I can't unlock bootloader but I need to get off 5.1.... can i just flash a 5.0.1 ota zip? Really not sure what to do but don't want my company phone taken from me. all my clients know this number.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the only way to downgrade the version is to flash through the bootloader or flash a custom rom but you can't do either, but 5.1 is officially out so its no longer pre release software.
You have to unlock the bootloader to flash anything. No you cannot flash an older ota (ota patch existing files to new versions, not replace entire files) and as mentioned l, 5.1 is not pre-release.
How did you get 5.1 in the first place?
ac3theone said:
I think the only way to downgrade the version is to flash through the bootloader or flash a custom rom but you can't do either, but 5.1 is officially out so its no longer pre release software.
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Click to collapse
At&t hasn't approved the software I guess, so by their standards it's considered prerelease. I honestly don't see why it's even an issue, we use the exact same images that gpe versions get so it shouldn't matter. Not sure what to do at this point.
rootSU said:
You have to unlock the bootloader to flash anything. No you cannot flash an older ota (ota patch existing files to new versions, not replace entire files) and as mentioned l, 5.1 is not pre-release.
How did you get 5.1 in the first place?
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Click to collapse
I just installed it as an update.zip using adb. No unlock required.
pokedroid said:
At&t hasn't approved the software I guess, so by their standards it's considered prerelease. I honestly don't see why it's even an issue, we use the exact same images that gpe versions get so it shouldn't matter. Not sure what to do at this point.
I just installed it as an update.zip using adb. No unlock required.
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Click to collapse
FYI, AT&T have no control over the update process. The update comes directly from Google, for all carriers. As long as you didn't install M or I, you're fine. There is nothing that AT&T could do to prevent anyone getting the update. Except maybe sending a memo out to a staff saying "you'll receive an update from Google. Please, please, please don't accept it"
pokedroid said:
At&t hasn't approved the software I guess, so by their standards it's considered prerelease. I honestly don't see why it's even an issue, we use the exact same images that gpe versions get so it shouldn't matter. Not sure what to do at this point.
I just installed it as an update.zip using adb. No unlock required.
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Click to collapse
Id say get a tmobile sim card and use that and that way they cant say your on lre release software since tmo just pushed the 5.1 update.
ac3theone said:
Id say get a tmobile sim card and use that and that way they cant say your on lre release software since tmo just pushed the 5.1 update.
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Click to collapse
Again, the carriers don't push the updates. They all come from google. Its not the same as other OEMs like Samsung
rootSU said:
Again, the carriers don't push the updates. They all come from google. Its not the same as other OEMs like Samsung
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Click to collapse
Can't you root and go back to 5.0 and relock bootloader and reinstall the mobile iron app?
ac3theone said:
Can't you root and go back to 5.0 and relock bootloader and reinstall the mobile iron app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't need root. He could unlock the bootloader, willing the device and then flash the system.img and ROM.img for a 5.0 ROM. Then relock
But its pointless. 5.1 has been released to both versions on the nexus 6. The north American one and the international one. AT&T do not.control updates going to their "branded" nexus 6 device. They're coming from Google directly.
Edit..
Hmm maybe I'm wrong...
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Turn...akes-a-little-extra-effort--heres-how_id67599
Maybe like tmo, Google will be releasing a different 5.1 for at&t. This is disappointing news for nexus devices.
So yeah, unlock BL and flash system.img and boot.img from 5.0
rootSU said:
Doesn't need root. He could unlock the bootloader, willing the device and then flash the system.img and ROM.img for a 5.0 ROM. Then relock
But its pointless. 5.1 has been released to both versions on the nexus 6. The north American one and the international one. AT&T do not.control updates going to their "branded" nexus 6 device. They're coming from Google directly.
Edit..
Hmm maybe I'm wrong...
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Turn...akes-a-little-extra-effort--heres-how_id67599
Maybe like tmo, Google will be releasing a different 5.1 for at&t. This is disappointing news for nexus devices.
So yeah, unlock BL and flash system.img and boot.img from 5.0
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Click to collapse
Its not a different 5.1, but they delay the updates. As soon as the update is apppved it won't be considered "prerelease" and everything will be fine. It's a complete formality. But, it is what it is. I guess I'm going to just pull my email off my device and hope the "trackability" breaks. Not willing to risk boot loader unlock as I'll have to give the device back at some point. Again, as long as I don't put any "at-risk" firmware on the device and relock it shouldn't make any difference, but it does.
*sigh*
pokedroid said:
Its not a different 5.1, but they delay the updates. As soon as the update is apppved it won't be considered "prerelease" and everything will be fine. It's a complete formality. But, it is what it is. I guess I'm going to just pull my email off my device and hope the "trackability" breaks. Not willing to risk boot loader unlock as I'll have to give the device back at some point. Again, as long as I don't put any "at-risk" firmware on the device and relock it shouldn't make any difference, but it does.
*sigh*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock the bootloader and relock it (so long as you check it boots first). There isn't a flag or trip or anything that they will see.,
rootSU said:
You can unlock the bootloader and relock it (so long as you check it boots first). There isn't a flag or trip or anything that they will see.,
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Click to collapse
Oh, I was thinking the boot loader status would show "relocked" when in fastboot
This is one of two phones I'm looking to buy after work today to replace the Verizon S5 I broke last night. Wanting to make sure whatever I get can be bootloader unlocked and fully rooted, otherwise I'm just getting another S5 so I can continue using CM ROM.
Thanks!
i think yes following this steps
1-root it using pinpong root
2-unlock the boot loader using ADB on pc
3-install twrp
4-install SU
watch the video it did it with a note 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoxWDDEFJxQ
johnnyrichter said:
This is one of two phones I'm looking to buy after work today to replace the Verizon S5 I broke last night. Wanting to make sure whatever I get can be bootloader unlocked and fully rooted, otherwise I'm just getting another S5 so I can continue using CM ROM.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
No bootloader unlock at all.
Therefore no non stock based custom roms.
Root is available via ping-pong on very early lollipop builds, but unless you specifically know you are getting an old, non updated device, it's not likely this will be an option. Some newer builds of lollipop can be rooted by a tethered method. There is a root method for some MM builds. Think one is under development that has yet to be confirmed or released for N.
Very strongly do not recommend ATT version of this device if rooting and custom ROM's are important to you.
If you're looking at an international, rather than att model, then you're in the wrong forum.