Database Develop

[Q] easily removeable root in anticipation of ota

OK I know pwnmymoto is the current updated root method for the moto x but it is not simply unrooted. RSDlite and flashing is required (sadly I am a noob to this). Mainly doing this to get tethering (unlimited data Verizon plan). Was thinking that I would just install the motoroot app for root instead cause then I can revert back to stock when an ota for the camera comes out with a simple factory reset as the recovery is not modified like in the pwnmymoto app. Is this a correct assumption and a smart way to go about this? Thanks for any info or advice. @jcase

codymoto said:
OK I know pwnmymoto is the current updated root method for the moto x but it is not simply unrooted. RSDlite and flashing is required (sadly I am a noob to this). Mainly doing this to get tethering (unlimited data Verizon plan). Was thinking that I would just install the motoroot app for root instead cause then I can revert back to stock when an ota for the camera comes out with a simple factory reset as the recovery is not modified like in the pwnmymoto app. Is this a correct assumption and a smart way to go about this? Thanks for any info or advice. @jcase
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used motoroot, you can just press the unroot button then uninstall the app

jcase said:
If you used motoroot, you can just press the unroot button then uninstall the app
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Click to collapse
@jcase then I assume uninstalling supersu next. Figured I would not need a r/w root as your pwnmymoto if all I will be doing is rocking a tether app. Kind of looking forward to the ota for this dang camera on Verizon.

codymoto said:
@jcase then I assume uninstalling supersu next. Figured I would not need a r/w root as your pwnmymoto if all I will be doing is rocking a tether app. Kind of looking forward to the ota for this dang camera on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you stay rooted and wait for the bootstrap, you should be able to flash the updates and keep root. No ETA on the bootstrap though. Jcase has mentioned he doesn't plan on exploiting the update but you never know.

rmead01 said:
If you stay rooted and wait for the bootstrap, you should be able to flash the updates and keep root. No ETA on the bootstrap though. Jcase has mentioned he doesn't plan on exploiting the update but you never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I got ya. So just to clarify for my knowledge. I am safe to install OTA updates because I never messed with the recovery is that correct? And hence why you can't with pwnmymoto as it replaces the recovery. Just new to rooting and am figuring it out as I go a long. I apologize for the stupid questions haha. Soon I will become versed in this but just behind the times (haven't done any modifications like this since the old Xbox modding days).

So gotta thank @jcase for the answers and his old exploit LINK
After installing his motoroot app and then superSU. All I did was install wifi tether and followed the directions posted by @addictedhacks LINK
Happy with this route as it was super simple, did not need a PC, and got me my wifi tether for my verizon phone. The big plus and the reason I went this way was for the ability to unroot without a PC (and I believe no fear of an OTA causing issues if updated), and I really did not need the R/W ability of jcase's pwnmymoto being new to all this rooting. Gotta start somewhere. I figured I would share in case other new people out there are afraid to go forward and maybe this route is a viable option for you. Thanks.

[Q] The Best Way to Wifi Tether with VZW Kitkat

I have a motox that is bone stock and up to date with the current kitkat OTA's and a locked bootloader. Is there anything out there that will allow me to wifi tether. ...As in, will pwnmymoto or rockmymoto allow me to use a root wifi tether app? I am well aware of foxfi not working on kitkat. So I am exploring my options. I am looking for the best way to do it...if there is one. I remember with my first moto x pwnmymoto wouldn't allow a root wifi app....or at least I couldn't get it to get past the subscription error.
Any suggestions for a write protection / root access method that will allow me to wifi tether. Pdanet is kicking me off of Uplay when trying to download a game, although back before kitkat, foxfi did NOT kick me off when downloading from Uplay.

Yes if you use the Kitkat root message you can use the stock app if you follow the instructions in the apps section. I am using it right now

dustin4863 said:
Yes if you use the Kitkat root message you can use the stock app if you follow the instructions in the apps section. I am using it right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but uuuhhh which method do people prefer for write access? rock or pwn or????

If you're on Kitkat I'd use slapmymoto. If it hasn't changed since I used it you revert to 4.2 root then reflash 4.4 then rerun the xploit then root on 4.4 this is all in the original development section

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2449534
Even easier

[Q] foxfi and the new system update verizon

if i update my moto x dev edition will it break foxfi. i see they just updated to 4.4 but im scared to do it hate having to use the bluetooth connection.

trinniboy68 said:
if i update my moto x dev edition will it break foxfi. i see they just updated to 4.4 but im scared to do it hate having to use the bluetooth connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you have the developer edition, are you rooted? If so, why not use the stock framework tether? You can use the Xposed module, or the Entitlement Check remover.
Also, if you are rooted, you can use the latest experimental build of WiFi Tether for Root Users.
Is there a specific reason you are wanting to use FoxFi? The only reason I can imagine is that you are not rooted.....but if you aren't rooted, why did you get the Developer Edition?

@trinniboy68,
I agree with @samwathegreat. If you have a Dev Edition, why not unlock your bootloader and root? It doesn't void your warranty on the Dev Edition. And its pretty easy on the Dev Edition.
If you root, and all you want to do is Tether, then to make taking future OTA's easier, I suggest using Wifi Tether For Root app (See my notes about setup at the bootom of THIS PAGE. )
Another option is [APP][MOD][Root]Hotspot Entitlement Bypass v1.1 5/9/2014, but it does make changes to the build.prop, and while it undoes them, I haven't tested to see if it changes the checksum of the build.prop when it reverts its changes(if it does, that would get in the way of future OTA's)

moto x
KidJoe said:
@trinniboy68,
I agree with @samwathegreat. If you have a Dev Edition, why not unlock your bootloader and root? It doesn't void your warranty on the Dev Edition. And its pretty easy on the Dev Edition.
If you root, and all you want to do is Tether, then to make taking future OTA's easier, I suggest using Wifi Tether For Root app (See my notes about setup at the bootom of THIS PAGE. )
Another option is [APP][MOD][Root]Hotspot Entitlement Bypass v1.1 5/9/2014, but it does make changes to the build.prop, and while it undoes them, I haven't tested to see if it changes the checksum of the build.prop when it reverts its changes(if it does, that would get in the way of future OTA's)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have an unlocked bootloader. havent rooted yet cause i like the features of the moto are there roms that will dupl. the stock moto. i have verizon unlimited internet so need the ability to wifi link to my computer. as i am on the road a lot and its more secure to use my own wifi than someone elses. having a mac there arent any hacks for my phone, the one i did find the dev. isnt supporting it yet and bricking my phone i cant take right now as im fairly new to this. i rooted my s3

trinniboy68 said:
i have an unlocked bootloader. havent rooted yet cause i like the features of the moto are there roms that will dupl. the stock moto. i have verizon unlimited internet so need the ability to wifi link to my computer. as i am on the road a lot and its more secure to use my own wifi than someone elses. having a mac there arent any hacks for my phone, the one i did find the dev. isnt supporting it yet and bricking my phone i cant take right now as im fairly new to this. i rooted my s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No 'hacks' for your phone? The entire android SDK is available for MAC. We have several users here who have flashed their phones 100% with MAC.
If you download the MAC Toolkit, it includes everything you need, even though it isn't supported by its devs anymore. You just won't use any of the scripts (that's all that no longer supported). Also, since you have the DEV edition, you WON'T lose your warranty by rooting it. It's HIGHLY unlikely you will brick your phone unless you do something totally stupid that is well documented here (like: you NEVER downgrade or flash older firmwares/versions on your Moto X - this is one of the few ways you can brick it).
Since you have already unlocked the BL, all you would do is fastboot flash TWRP recovery, and it will root for you. Then you can use either method that @KidJoe and I have suggested for you. There honestly isn't much at all you can mess up.
Additionally, once you install TWRP, you can take a full backup that you could restore in the event of a problem. PLUS the SBF images are available, so even without a backup your phone could still be restored back to stock.

trinniboy68 said:
i have an unlocked bootloader. havent rooted yet cause i like the features of the moto are there roms that will dupl. the stock moto. i have verizon unlimited internet so need the ability to wifi link to my computer. as i am on the road a lot and its more secure to use my own wifi than someone elses. having a mac there arent any hacks for my phone, the one i did find the dev. isnt supporting it yet and bricking my phone i cant take right now as im fairly new to this. i rooted my s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of these sentences run together, so If I miss anything, I'm sorry.
Rooting wont remove any features of the stock Moto roms. As far as "other roms" duplicating stock, I haven't run anything but the stock rom. While there are "alternates" (like CM) if they are NOT based on stock, they will not have the Moto specific features like active display, always on listening (OK google now....), etc.
I have unlimited data too. I purchased the Dev X since I was going to have to buy an X at full retail because I wanted to keep my Unlimited (and be able to root without waiting on vulnerabilities/exploits).
All I've done is unlocked the bootloader, to root I just flashed TWRP recovery, and installed SuperSU (see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738 although the TWRP and SuperSU versions linked are a little out of date now, they still work on 4.4 and 4.4.2). Then I use Wifi Tether for Root as mentioned earlier, greenify, Root Explorer, Quick Boot (reboot), Adree and not really much else that needs root, and no extra tweaks/hacks. In other words, I run stock, but rooted, with a few apps that need ROOT access, and nothing else modified on my phone.
The tools to flash the stock SBF files are RSDLite and mFastboot. Rsdlite is a GUI tool that flashes the full SBF/XML file, all commands, in like a batch mode. mFastboot is a command line tool that allows you to flash parts/pieces one at a time. I don't know if there is an RSDlite for Mac OS, but there is an mFastboot. So if you mess your phone up badly enough, you can usually recover with the stock images. (the only note being DO NOT DOWNGRADE your ROM!! for more see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Downgrade.htm )

thanks
KidJoe said:
Some of these sentences run together, so If I miss anything, I'm sorry.
Rooting wont remove any features of the stock Moto roms. As far as "other roms" duplicating stock, I haven't run anything but the stock rom. While there are "alternates" (like CM) if they are NOT based on stock, they will not have the Moto specific features like active display, always on listening (OK google now....), etc.
I have unlimited data too. I purchased the Dev X since I was going to have to buy an X at full retail because I wanted to keep my Unlimited (and be able to root without waiting on vulnerabilities/exploits).
All I've done is unlocked the bootloader, to root I just flashed TWRP recovery, and installed SuperSU (see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738 although the TWRP and SuperSU versions linked are a little out of date now, they still work on 4.4 and 4.4.2). Then I use Wifi Tether for Root as mentioned earlier, greenify, Root Explorer, Quick Boot (reboot), Adree and not really much else that needs root, and no extra tweaks/hacks. In other words, I run stock, but rooted, with a few apps that need ROOT access, and nothing else modified on my phone.
The tools to flash the stock SBF files are RSDLite and mFastboot. Rsdlite is a GUI tool that flashes the full SBF/XML file, all commands, in like a batch mode. mFastboot is a command line tool that allows you to flash parts/pieces one at a time. I don't know if there is an RSDlite for Mac OS, but there is an mFastboot. So if you mess your phone up badly enough, you can usually recover with the stock images. (the only note being DO NOT DOWNGRADE your ROM!! for more see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Downgrade.htm )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for the info

Lost root on moto x

I'm on Verizon 4.4 never took update since no root (that I know of) woke up a few days ago and saw titanium backup said "unable to gain root access" somehow I lost it? I used jcades way with adb and gained root.. Killed WP. I downloaded root checker and said I had none.. Ideas?
Slapped my Moto

I don't know how root would go away without something on your phone changing...but best place to ask might be in the thread you got the root method from.

xpsychox said:
I'm on Verizon 4.4 never took update since no root (that I know of) woke up a few days ago and saw titanium backup said "unable to gain root access" somehow I lost it? I used jcades way with adb and gained root.. Killed WP. I downloaded root checker and said I had none.. Ideas?
Slapped my Moto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you either accepted the OTA to 4.4.2, or the 4.4.2 OTA was FORCED on you. Double check your phone under Settings -> About.
With 4.4.2, the vulnerability that allowed MotoWpNoMo to disable write protection with a locked bootloader has been patched, and the ability to safely and successfully downgrade your ROM to 4.4 and below (in order to make use of MotoWpNoMo to disable write protection, and SlapyMyMoto or the like to root) has been taken away too. No new vulnerabilities have been found, nor has a replacement for MotoWpNoMo been found/created/released.
In short, if you have 4.4.2 or above on your X, and you can't unlock the booloader (like Verizon and ATT, unless you are able to make use of the Chinese web site or MiddleMan), you can't disable write protection (so any apps that need to write/save to /system, /system/bin, etc wont work even if you manage to gain root) and while PIE roots 4.4.2 it is "temporary" in that its lost every time you reboot (power off/on). NOTE: the vulnerability used is patched in 4.4.3 so PIE can't be used on 4.4.3 and above.
If by chance you are still on 4.4,I don't know why you would have lost root, but I would consider backing everything up,flashing the stock VZW 4.4 SBF, and following the SlapMyMoto/MotoWpNoMo processes from scratch. When completed find the /System/priv-app/3C_OTA.APK and rename it so your phone doesn't check for future OTA's.

I've got moto ota froze..
Slapped my Moto

xpsychox said:
I've got moto ota froze..
Slapped my Moto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And did you double check your version?

Yes..checked before postinf
Slapped my Moto

Screen shot that I just took
Slapped my Moto

xpsychox said:
Screen shot that I just took
Slapped my Moto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you never flashed 4.4.2 and downgraded to 4.4, right?

Yes..I used the jcase method by adb shell before someone made a tool.. With slapmymoto etc.like in said wokebup one day (about a week ago?) And said no more root?
Slapped my Moto

xpsychox said:
Yes..I used the jcase method by adb shell before someone made a tool.. With slapmymoto etc.like in said wokebup one day (about a week ago?) And said no more root?
Slapped my Moto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea then. The only times I've seen root lost is those where update was forced on them. And the only time I've seen root lost when using SlapMyMoto/MotoWPNoMO on reboot was one or two who had 4.4.2 and did a partial down grade to 4.4 and tried Slap/WpNoMo.

When I get home I'll have to try and re root...
Slapped my Moto

I just noticed something strange as I was checking my root and updates status, system updates is now at the bottom of the menu .. used to be top. I rooted with slap and than renamed the 3c_ota.apk and .odex files and I force a system update check and it fails.. so im still good on root but dont know how the menu has changed on my phone. I dont freeze anything dont have titanium thing installed..

This is weird...lol
Slapped my Moto

so i've decided to go ahead and try to re root my moto x. I'm following the instructions i did last time, the slapmymoto (don't need to do motowpnomo cuz i did check the WP, i have 0), pushed rockmymoto but i can't get cydia impactor to connect, keeps saying "signature bugs unavailable" and if i click "usb" drop down and say "scan for device" it say "no device" ideas?

xpsychox said:
so i've decided to go ahead and try to re root my moto x. I'm following the instructions i did last time, the slapmymoto (don't need to do motowpnomo cuz i did check the WP, i have 0), pushed rockmymoto but i can't get cydia impactor to connect, keeps saying "signature bugs unavailable" and if i click "usb" drop down and say "scan for device" it say "no device" ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight from jcase's slapmymoto thread: "This is a "root path" for the 4.4 update, and in this case you will retain your stock recovery so features like remote wipe will continue to work. It requires you downgrading to 4.2.2 or already be on 4.2.2 before updating to 4.4."
Your screenshot shows that you are running 4.4. Additionally, you start off saying you followed instructions for slapmymoto, then you reference rockmymoto... Which one are you using? Or are you using both?
Additionally, you need to be VERY careful if you downgrade. Follow jcase's instructions exactly. There is a big risk of bricking if you make even one innocent mistake.
Please advise...

samwathegreat said:
Straight from jcase's slapmymoto thread: "This is a "root path" for the 4.4 update, and in this case you will retain your stock recovery so features like remote wipe will continue to work. It requires you downgrading to 4.2.2 or already be on 4.2.2 before updating to 4.4."
Your screenshot shows that you are running 4.4. Additionally, you start off saying you followed instructions for slapmymoto, then you reference rockmymoto... Which one are you using? Or are you using both?
Additionally, you need to be VERY careful if you downgrade. Follow jcase's instructions exactly. There is a big risk of bricking if you make even one innocent mistake.
Please advise...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was pushing both BC it says to..as I said in first post I did jcases root and had then somehow lost it... So idk how/why just did.. I was hoping I didn't have to downgrade but I had a feeling... But even so it wouldn't explain why I can't use the err.. That program that starts with a c.. Only thing I can remember from last time I think I had to play with my phone setting and put it from USB to photo mode or something like that... Other thing I have thought about is now I am using a cradle point mbr95 modem/router combo. Idk if it blocks it? I know HW to downgrade to 4.2.2 u have to edit one of the lines in the script for the fxz. Done it before... Just don't understand why that program wouldn't work?
Slapped my Moto

Have you tried going into SuperSU > settings tab > unchecking and checking "enable superuser"? I know this sounds like a stupid question but sometimes stating the obvious can help narrow things down. I had this problem on my old Skyrocket before where I would suddenly lose root but be able to gain it back again simply by refreshing this setting in SuperSU.

1ad_m12 said:
Have you tried going into SuperSU > settings tab > unchecking and checking "enable superuser"? I know this sounds like a stupid question but sometimes stating the obvious can help narrow things down. I had this problem on my old Skyrocket before where I would suddenly lose root but be able to gain it back again simply by refreshing this setting in SuperSU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wtf.... Wow disabled and renamed and it worked.... Never heard if it.. Thanks!!
Slapped my Moto

xpsychox said:
Wtf.... Wow disabled and renamed and it worked.... Never heard if it.. Thanks!!
Slapped my Moto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good: glad to help!

1ad_m12 said:
:good: glad to help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still can't believe that worked... Lol
Slapped my Moto

For those of you on Republic Wireless, are you rooted and can you tether?

I'm strongly considering switching from Tmo to RW to save some money. I have the S4 currently, which is feature packed but just feels like a llittle kids phone. Since RWs version of the Moto X uses proprietary software for wifi calling, has this made rooting the device difficult in any way? If I want to run stock android but have root access with the X on RW will I have any difficulty or limitations/
Also, I tether occasionally, maybe once every few weeks when I'm on the go and want to use my Nexus 10 and there's no wifi around. I know RW opposes tethering. How likely are they to go after someone who tethers if they stay well below their monthly data? Have any of you heard back from them after tethering? And does androids built in tethering feature/app work once rooted, or will I have to use a third party tethering app?
Thanks.

legato89 said:
I'm strongly considering switching from Tmo to RW to save some money. I have the S4 currently, which is feature packed but just feels like a llittle kids phone. Since RWs version of the Moto X uses proprietary software for wifi calling, has this made rooting the device difficult in any way? If I want to run stock android but have root access with the X on RW will I have any difficulty or limitations/
Also, I tether occasionally, maybe once every few weeks when I'm on the go and want to use my Nexus 10 and there's no wifi around. I know RW opposes tethering. How likely are they to go after someone who tethers if they stay well below their monthly data? Have any of you heard back from them after tethering? And does androids built in tethering feature/app work once rooted, or will I have to use a third party tethering app?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES! I'm on RW with unlocked bootloader (thanks middleman), and the WiFi tether app works perfectly (NO native/built-in tether ability on the RW variant). If you unlock your bootloader (see the China Middleman Back??) thread in the general sub-forum. let me know and I'll link you to the appropriate instructions.
I don't know if this will work with tethered root (PIE), but I doubt it. I only KNOW that it works if you have unlocked bootloader.
Additionally, the tether app I refer to "hides" tether usage, so likely they will assume you are using that data on the device itself. I've had no issues, but stay WELL within the 5GB limit (rarely exceed 2GB).
Good Luck

samwathegreat said:
YES! I'm on RW with unlocked bootloader (thanks middleman), and the WiFi tether app works perfectly (NO native/built-in tether ability on the RW variant). If you unlock your bootloader (see the China Middleman Back??) thread in the general sub-forum. let me know and I'll link you to the appropriate instructions.
I don't know if this will work with tethered root (PIE), but I doubt it. I only KNOW that it works if you have unlocked bootloader.
Additionally, the tether app I refer to "hides" tether usage, so likely they will assume you are using that data on the device itself. I've had no issues, but stay WELL within the 5GB limit (rarely exceed 2GB).
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. The tethering/mobile hotspot is completely removed from the Moto X RW ROM if I'm understanding you correctly then?
Which tethering app do you use? and please do link me to the instructions you used. Does OTA updating still work when you unlock the bootloader and apply root?

legato89 said:
Thanks for your reply. The tethering/mobile hotspot is completely removed from the Moto X RW ROM if I'm understanding you correctly then?
Which tethering app do you use? and please do link me to the instructions you used. Does OTA updating still work when you unlock the bootloader and apply root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA updating will stop working at the point you flash a custom recovery (which is required to root). You can cross that bridge when a new OTA comes out, as we will no doubt have to advise countless people on what steps to take to be able to accept the OTA. Basically it involves disabling any modifications made to /system, disabling Xposed (if installed), and flashing back STOCK RECOVERY. Being unlocked has no affect on being able to accept the OTA.
Here is the relevant thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/solved-republic-wireless-unlocked-t2755730
Be sure to use the specific wifi-tether app listed in POST # 2 in that thread. You'll notice that it didn't work for me until I did a complete return-to-stock for unknown issues. The built-in hotspot feature has somehow been disabled by RW, and attempting to use it results in the RW app immediately "stealing" back WiFi, and a message saying something to the effect of "WTF? The phone just stole back WiFi access" appears on the screen LOL! Neither the Xposed module or the entitlement bypass worked for me, with any of the options (including the Sprint-specific build.prop tweak).
PLUS, native tether does NOT 'HIDE' usage, so they might know you are indeed tethering!!! I don't suggest trying...
Good Luck, let me know if you have additional questions.

I got my Moto X a few days ago and I'm very impressed. Republic has the 30 day trial period, but I'm more 90% sure I'm sticking with it, but if I do want to return it, can I unroot/lock the bootloader? Will they check to see if it has been rooted?
Are these the instructions I should follow? I'm on 4.2.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/guide-republic-wireless-moto-x-kitkat-4-t2738233

You can always flash back to stock but you can never return the phone to its locked bootloader state. It would read "relocked" and not "locked"
Sent from my XT1049 using XDA Free mobile app