[Q] Rooting Moto X, need some clarification! - Moto X Q&A

Hello everyone,
First of all i'm new to Moto X forums, migrated from N4 for a change.
Just to be clear, i'm new to all these root things, but i'm clear with basics of rooting. So i want to confirm few things up, bear with me please!
Thanks to @KJ for an awesome guide.
I find this to be little too much to do all these things, as i'm new to this, so i'm asking, can i follow below steps to get root & custom recovery in my phone.
--Unlock bootloader via Motorola site
--Flash twrp via adb or some app like 'Flasher'
--Flash latest SuperSU via recovery
p.s. I'm using Indian version, not sure if it's XT1053 or XT1052
It will very helpful if someone will clear these things up for me.
Cheers!

to know if you can unlock your bootloader, you must visit the Moto Web site -> https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
NOTE: Unless you have a Developer Edition (woven white back, says Developer Edition on it), once you hit the final submit button to request the code, it voids your warranty.
If your carrier does not allow Motorola to give out bootloader unlock codes (like Verizon, ATT and Repulic Wireless in the USA), then there is the option of the China Middleman (see the thread in the general section for more info). This too will void your warranty, IF the warranty provider sees it.
Once you unlock your bootloader, which must be done via PC and the mFastboot command, and will completely reset your phone, so BACK UP YOUR DATA FIRST!!! then you can flash custom recovery, install SuperSU and be rooted.
Since you must use the code to unlock via mFastboot and the PC, you will be connected, so it only takes a few additional seconds to also use mFastboot to flash TWRP or other custom recovery. To get the recovery to "stick" you need to immediately reboot your phone into recovery (mfastboot reboot-bootloader then after the phone restarts, select recovery), that is when you when you can install SuperSU from recovery and be rooted.
I've used Rashr to flash TWRP and Stock Recoveries when doing the OTA (I put the IMG files and OTA.ZIP on my /SDcard first), and it works, BUT it was after I was already rooted.
Not sure what Flasher is.

Related

[Q] How do I root developer edition?

I just received my moto x developer version. I must be an idiot because I can't find instructions on how to root it. Every post I can find is about rooting the locked version. People talk about the fact that I don't need an exploit because my boot loader is unlocked. I get that but I don't know how to root. Can someone kindly point me to a tutorial on how to root if my boot loader is already unlocked.
Install a recovery from the dev section. Either TWRP or CWM will be fine.
Then download SuperSU
flash supersu in recovery.
Moto x - Developer edition root
gunnyman said:
Install a recovery from the dev section. Either TWRP or CWM will be fine.
Then download SuperSU
flash supersu in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll give it a shot. Much appreciated!
There are a few threads... but to elborate on what gunnyman has said... If your bootloader is unlocked, either Dev Edition, or you have a phone from a carrier like T-Mobile or Sprint that allow you to unlock via Moto's web site then its pretty easy to flash alternate recovery, and root from there.
Steps see -> https://plus.google.com/110773150384694258853/posts/VhtJtg92sTP (has links to the files you need too.) and there are threads in the General and Developer sections here too.
Same process works if you have 4.2.2 or 4.4 on your phone.
Is there a way to root the developer edition and keep stock recovery ?
Pete
Flash custom recovery, flash root package in custom recovery, re-flash stock recovery
Sent from my Moto X DE
pasta1234 said:
Is there a way to root the developer edition and keep stock recovery ?
Pete
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to flash the custom recovery, just boot into it. Once you have the root .zip on your phone reboot into the bootloader and fastboot boot (recovery) and flash the root zip from there. You will have root and stock recovery.
The reason I'm asking is to retain the ability to recieve OTA updates ?
How does one boot into a custom recovery without loading it?
Pete
3UR0TR45H said:
You don't have to flash the custom recovery, just boot into it. Once you have the root .zip on your phone reboot into the bootloader and fastboot boot (recovery) and flash the root zip from there. You will have root and stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pasta1234 said:
The reason I'm asking is to retain the ability to recieve OTA updates ?
How does one boot into a custom recovery without loading it?
Pete
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you enter the fastboot command, use "boot" instead of "flash" and it will just temporarily boot into the recovery without flashing over the stock partition. You can flash the root zip as normal and when you reboot your phone, the custom recovery will be gone.
As far as receiving OTAs, I'm not sure if you'll get them or not. If you go modifying things like kernel, ROM, or even things like the build.prop, chances are it won't work or will break something. The good thing about having an unlocked bootloader is that it's nearly impossible to hard-brick the device unless you're reckless.
Are you sure this works? When I try 'fastboot boot recovery.img' it gives me a "failed command" error. I kicked off another thread asking how to do this since this is what I typically do with Nexus devices. I know that fastboot now has a -c command that might help but I don't know the magic to put after -c to make it work.
If anyone has been able to 'fastboot boot recovery.img' on a Moto X, please lemme know. This would be my preferred path rather than flashing the custom recovery and then the stock recovery back.
3UR0TR45H said:
When you enter the fastboot command, use "boot" instead of "flash" and it will just temporarily boot into the recovery without flashing over the stock partition. You can flash the root zip as normal and when you reboot your phone, the custom recovery will be gone.
As far as receiving OTAs, I'm not sure if you'll get them or not. If you go modifying things like kernel, ROM, or even things like the build.prop, chances are it won't work or will break something. The good thing about having an unlocked bootloader is that it's nearly impossible to hard-brick the device unless you're reckless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pboggini said:
Are you sure this works? When I try 'fastboot boot recovery.img' it gives me a "failed command" error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens when you just type fastboot?
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
This has been said already but you can just "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img", flash your superuser zip then "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img". You are using the correct image name in the command, correct?
Yes, this was said in the thread I started but then I saw someone suggest what I'd been wanting to do. To answer the questions, if I just type fastboot it gives me the help output like it should, fastboot devices shows my device, fastboot reboot works, fastboot reboot-bootloader works, etc. Essentially, I believe that either there is a command string that I could hand to -c or this just won't work on MotoX's like it does all the Nexus devices that I've played with.
Fortunately I did hit Moto up and they gave me permission to download the 4.4 image so I do have the stock recovery.
Ryno77 said:
This has been said already but you can just "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img", flash your superuser zip then "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img". You are using the correct image name in the command, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Trying to root Sprint Moto x 4.4

So im 4.4 on my Moto x, and im a bit unsure of the procedure to root my phone and how to back it up. I know how to unlock my bootloader and I've done that already. but how do I backup my /system and stock recovery? I want to have a way to revert back to get OTA's
Kittiesoncrack said:
So im 4.4 on my Moto x, and im a bit unsure of the procedure to root my phone and how to back it up. I know how to unlock my bootloader and I've done that already. but how do I backup my /system and stock recovery? I want to have a way to revert back to get OTA's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you unlock the bootloader you probably flashed the TWRP .img? At that point you should have made a backup of system, data, and boot. So know you have a backup of stock everything except for recovery. You could have performed a recovery dump via ADB/Fastboot before the TWRP flash.......BUT, under system/ is a file at the bottom called recovery-from-boot.bak. At any time you can remove the .bak and when you reboot to recovery, you should be in stock recovery. If you need TWRP again you have to fastboot flash it again. :good:
Alright, this is my first full day with my new contract-free Moto X on Sprint. It runs Android 4.4, and the system 143.44.8.ghost_sprint.Sprint.en.US. I already have the necessary drivers and adb installed on my Windows computer.
I am trying to root my phone. Having come from the original Epic 4G, I am used to doing my research quite thoroughly. From what I have seen, while Sprint CLAIMS that the bootloader is unlocked, you actually have to get the unlock code from Sprint. Fine, the phone has now been unlocked, but still not rooted. The two prevailing lines of research are to either run SlapMyMoto (this the phone is already on 4.4), but that only seems to serve Verizon and AT&T devices, and line 2 is to flash a recovery like TWRP (official, but I've never used) or CWM (unofficial, but used on Epic 4G). I've tried two different .img files for TWRP: twrp-2.6.3.1-ghost-4.4.img and openrecovery-TWRP-TEST#3-ghost.img, but attempting to enter Recovery from Fastboot simply displays a persistent black screen. Still no root.
What am I still missing in regards to installing a recovery software? I already have SuperSU v1.93 copied over to the phone, but I can't get anywhere without the recovery software to install it. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
Dante of the Inferno said:
Alright, this is my first full day with my new contract-free Moto X on Sprint. It runs Android 4.4, and the system 143.44.8.ghost_sprint.Sprint.en.US. I already have the necessary drivers and adb installed on my Windows computer.
I am trying to root my phone. Having come from the original Epic 4G, I am used to doing my research quite thoroughly. From what I have seen, while Sprint CLAIMS that the bootloader is unlocked, you actually have to get the unlock code from Sprint. Fine, the phone has now been unlocked, but still not rooted. The two prevailing lines of research are to either run SlapMyMoto (this the phone is already on 4.4), but that only seems to serve Verizon and AT&T devices, and line 2 is to flash a recovery like TWRP (official, but I've never used) or CWM (unofficial, but used on Epic 4G). I've tried two different .img files for TWRP: twrp-2.6.3.1-ghost-4.4.img and openrecovery-TWRP-TEST#3-ghost.img, but attempting to enter Recovery from Fastboot simply displays a persistent black screen. Still no root.
What am I still missing in regards to installing a recovery software? I already have SuperSU v1.93 copied over to the phone, but I can't get anywhere without the recovery software to install it. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you even bothering with SlapMyMoto when your bootloader is unlocked? I don't understand why people continually ask about how to root when they've already unlocked their bootloader...SlapMyMoto works for all Moto X variants, not sure where you got the impression that it only works for VZW and ATT.
Flash a recovery (CWMR or TWRP) using "mfastboot flash recovery recovery.img", use VOL- to scroll down to recovery then VOL+ to select. Once in recovery, "adb push su.zip /sdcard/" then flash it from within the recovery. From there, you can select reboot from within the recovery or type "adb reboot".
okay...so if i'm running the 4.4 update on my Sprint Moto X, and have unlocked the bootloader, I just need to flash a recovery image and flash the SU zip through the custom recovery, correct? No mucking around with downgrading to 4.2.2 post-cam update etc?
mrao said:
okay...so if i'm running the 4.4 update on my Sprint Moto X, and have unlocked the bootloader, I just need to flash a recovery image and flash the SU zip through the custom recovery, correct? No mucking around with downgrading to 4.2.2 post-cam update etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct
Sent from my Moto X using Tapatalk
Any luck on this? I have a Sprint one and have unlocked my bootloader as well. However, after pushing TWRP recovery and trying to boot into it, I'm unable to flash SU.zip. After a normal reboot, TWRP recovery no longer exists (seems like a persistency issue?).
Anyway, after unlocking my bootloader, what are the next steps?
Out of all the Android phones I've had, rooting this one has been the most difficult by far...call me a noob.
CartlandSmith said:
[STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS] Unlocking and Rooting a Dev Ed Moto X Running Kit Kat
Works for any unlocked bootloader Moto X running kit kat, not just dev eds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked - thank you!

Couple questions after unlocking bootloader (XT1096)

Ok, here's the rundown - I have a VZW Moto X (XT1096). I previously ran mofo on it had flashed the 5.1 img files to it and so had 5.1 rooted, but with a locked bootloader. After learning that JCase had gotten sunshine to work on it I unlocked my boot loader. I then decided that because I was worried about having the a kind of mish-mash of systems on it, i.e., 5.0 bootloader (unlocked) with hacked and modded 5.1 system files flashed from mofo, that I wanted to start fresh. I then used the XT1096 flash to stock script and flashed back to 5.0 (there were a bunch of problems and bootloops and force closes, but I am happy to report I am now on a fully stock 5.0 with unlocked BL). Following being stock I have tried to take the OTA but have been unable to do so. When I try it OTA on my device it just sits at 0%. When I tried using MDM it gave me an error message that it failed to install the update - on the device it said getjar: unlocked.
So, now that I am on 5.0 with an unlocked bootloader I am not sure how to proceed with my priorities, Root, WiFi tethering and upgrading to 5.1. My questions are this:
(1) How can I upgrade to 5.1 or does my bootloader unlock preclude that?
(2) How best can I achieve root?
(3) Once I am rooted what do I need to do in order to enable wifi tethering?
Thank you so much!
Okay I can't help with all your issues since I didn't get that problem. It seems like whatever you did to install your phone back to 5.0 it wasn't a clean install or you didn't do a clean data wipe to remove errors, which caused it to not able to receive OTA. I do not believe unlocking bootloader preclude you from receiving OTAs because it worked for me.
1. What you should try to do is download this stock 5.0 firmware package, run the bat file with the latest adb/fastboot, then boot into recovery after that and do a data/cache wipe just to make sure. Then boot in the phone and try to do the OTA again.
2. To get root, I use TWRP recovery to flash SuperSU. This is the standard way in fact.
Download SuperSU.zip and put it in the phone: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Get the latest TWRP image here for the Moto X 2014: https://dl.twrp.me/victara/
Flash the recovery using the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.x.x.x-victara.img
Boot into recovery and flash the SuperSu.zip.
Note that now you have made changes to the recovery and system partition, so in order to receive future OTA updates, you need to use fastboot and flash the stock system.img and recovery.img before doing the update.
3. I don't have experience with Verizon network. I use T-Mobile on this Verizon device and I just enable WiFi Hotspot. In the APN settings, in the "APN type" field, I add the value "dun". And set everything to IPv4.
Okay I can't help with all your issues since I didn't get that problem. It seems like whatever you did to install your phone back to 5.0 it wasn't a clean install or you didn't do a clean data wipe to remove errors, which caused it to not able to receive OTA. I do not believe unlocking bootloader preclude you from receiving OTAs because it worked for me.
1. What you should try to do is download this stock 5.0 firmware package, run the bat file with the latest adb/fastboot, then boot into recovery after that and do a data/cache wipe just to make sure. Then boot in the phone and try to do the OTA again.
2. To get root, I use TWRP recovery to flash SuperSU. This is the standard way in fact.
Download SuperSU.zip and put it in the phone: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Get the latest TWRP image here for the Moto X 2014: https://dl.twrp.me/victara/
Flash the recovery using the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.x.x.x-victara.img
Boot into recovery and flash the SuperSu.zip.
Note that now you have made changes to the recovery and system partition, so in order to receive future OTA updates, you need to use fastboot to flash the stock system.img and recovery.img before doing the update.
Can't help you with tethering since I don't have experience with Verizon network.
eksasol said:
Okay I can't help with all your issues since I didn't get that problem. It seems like whatever you did to install your phone back to 5.0 it wasn't a clean install or you didn't do a clean data wipe to remove errors, which caused it to not able to receive OTA. I do not believe unlocking bootloader preclude you from receiving OTAs because it worked for me.
1. What you should try to do is download this stock 5.0 firmware package, run the bat file with the latest adb/fastboot, then boot into recovery after that and do a data/cache wipe just to make sure. Then boot in the phone and try to do the OTA again.
2. To get root, I use TWRP recovery to flash SuperSU. This is the standard way in fact.
Download SuperSU.zip and put it in the phone: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Get the latest TWRP image here for the Moto X 2014: https://dl.twrp.me/victara/
Flash the recovery using the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.x.x.x-victara.img
Boot into recovery and flash the SuperSu.zip.
Note that now you have made changes to the recovery and system partition, so in order to receive future OTA updates, you need to use fastboot to flash the stock system.img and recovery.img before doing the update.
Can't help you with tethering since I don't have experience with Verizon network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply - got the update to take and have gotten the device rooted properly.
Now I just need to enable wifi tether - anyone know what is done in the Mofo images that allows it - can i do the same here?
I am interested in this question as well. I am in the exact same boat as the OP, except I am still on a Mofo 5.1 img that is giving me issues. I'd like to flash back to stock and take the OTA. But wifi tether will be a must.
Thanks to mikeoswego we have the tethering answer.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62379151
eksasol said:
Okay I can't help with all your issues since I didn't get that problem. It seems like whatever you did to install your phone back to 5.0 it wasn't a clean install or you didn't do a clean data wipe to remove errors, which caused it to not able to receive OTA. I do not believe unlocking bootloader preclude you from receiving OTAs because it worked for me.
1. What you should try to do is download this stock 5.0 firmware package, run the bat file with the latest adb/fastboot, then boot into recovery after that and do a data/cache wipe just to make sure. Then boot in the phone and try to do the OTA again.
2. To get root, I use TWRP recovery to flash SuperSU. This is the standard way in fact.
Download SuperSU.zip and put it in the phone: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Get the latest TWRP image here for the Moto X 2014: https://dl.twrp.me/victara/
Flash the recovery using the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.x.x.x-victara.img
Boot into recovery and flash the SuperSu.zip.
Note that now you have made changes to the recovery and system partition, so in order to receive future OTA updates, you need to use fastboot to flash the stock system.img and recovery.img before doing the update.
Can't help you with tethering since I don't have experience with Verizon network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this but after I flash TWRP I can't boot to recovery. If I choose recovery from the bootloader it just turns off the phone (charging icon). If I send it adb reboot recovery I get error android "No Command."
Flashed it multiple times, tried mfastboot, no luck. Any ideas?
Edit: I feel dumb. I was using power button to try to select, it's volume up. Good to go.
GatorsUF said:
Thanks to mikeoswego we have the tethering answer.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62379151
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other method (the one I used) was to install the Xtether xposed module for the 2013 Moto X - worked perfectly for me.
I feel like a complete noob for asking this in regards to my XT1096, but, how would I get rid of the unlocked bootloader warning message?
SargeStryker said:
I feel like a complete noob for asking this in regards to my XT1096, but, how would I get rid of the unlocked bootloader warning message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2871478
juliospinoza said:
Flashing this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2871478
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!

Couple of questions about rooting

Hi there, I am currently running B383 on my P9, and really want to root it. However when I do, will I still be able to get future updates to the software? Do I need to unroot and lock bootloader first?
Also when the bootloader is unlocked, a message is displayed at boot about your phone being unsecured and non-trustworthy, is it possible to remove this message? (I used to have a moto g with an unlocked bootloader, and I flashed some file to remove the warning).
Thanks
I don't think there is a way to remove that message every time the phone is turned on. Mine does that too as I've unlocked the bootloader.
Did you unlock the bootloader yet? Because when you need to unlock it, the phone will basically be factory reset when bootloader is switched from locked to unlock (vice-versa).
And for OTA updates the best way is to do it manually, downloading the MV-PV file via Huawei Firmware finder (Full PV file which contains two files update.zip and hweu..zip, update.zip (system firmware) is flashed first then hweu.zip (The system apps).
You will need a custom recovery. The one you will need to use is TWRP (This one specifically - twrp-3.1.1-0-eva.img) to flash OTA's via custom recovery (To repeat you flash update.zip first then hweu.zip) You can ignore the errors if it prints any while flashing the OTA files as I did the same and it worked fine no problem.
When you want to root your phone, make sure to flash 'SuperSU-v.2.82-EMUI5-SELEnforcing.zip' via TWRP recovery to root your phone.
For the other questions, you do not need to unroot the phone to install the OTA updates. The phone will just unroot itself when the OTA update is flashed onto phone. You simply just need to re-root it again by re flashing the SuperSU zip as mentioned above.
When you need to boot the custom TWRP recovery you need to turn the phone off and hold power + volume up until Huawei Logo / text is displayed you must release both keys immediately after 0.5-1 second which is a short time frame to get the phone to boot to custom recovery or else it will boot the Huawei eRecovery instead.
SuperSU here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/development/root-supersu-2-81-emui-5-t3612258
TWRP here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/development/twrp-t3565703
Best to follow the instructions from those links. The information above is to guide you through the processes.
..
benjamen50 said:
I don't think there is a way to remove that message every time the phone is turned on. Mine does that too as I've unlocked the bootloader.
Did you unlock the bootloader yet? Because when you need to unlock it, the phone will basically be factory reset when bootloader is switched from locked to unlock (vice-versa).
And for OTA updates the best way is to do it manually, downloading the MV-PV file via Huawei Firmware finder (Full PV file which contains two files update.zip and hweu..zip, update.zip (system firmware) is flashed first then hweu.zip (The system apps).
You will need a custom recovery. The one you will need to use is TWRP (This one specifically - twrp-3.1.1-0-eva.img) to flash OTA's via custom recovery (To repeat you flash update.zip first then hweu.zip) You can ignore the errors if it prints any while flashing the OTA files as I did the same and it worked fine no problem.
When you want to root your phone, make sure to flash 'SuperSU-v.2.82-EMUI5-SELEnforcing.zip' via TWRP recovery to root your phone.
For the other questions, you do not need to unroot the phone to install the OTA updates. The phone will just unroot itself when the OTA update is flashed onto phone. You simply just need to re-root it again by re flashing the SuperSU zip as mentioned above.
When you need to boot the custom TWRP recovery you need to turn the phone off and hold power + volume up until Huawei Logo / text is displayed you must release both keys immediately after 0.5-1 second which is a short time frame to get the phone to boot to custom recovery or else it will boot the Huawei eRecovery instead.
SuperSU here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/development/root-supersu-2-81-emui-5-t3612258
TWRP here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/development/twrp-t3565703
Best to follow the instructions from those links. The information above is to guide you through the processes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quality answer, I have no doubts anymore!

Moto x4 does not start after rooting with supersu

Hi,
i unlock the bootloader with the Motorola key and boot twrp than I install supersu.
during the install process the message cach not found appear, after reboot
the device does not start, the display shows the "M screen powerd by android"
Can I rescue the phone?
I can boot in into the bootloader mode I try to flash the twrp but the message unknown partiton twrp.img is showing
the partition are damage
I do the option format data the partition are rescued, but android does not start.
I think I need the factory firmware but on the Motorola website I can t found them.
Use magisk instead, it's a systemless root method.
There's tutorials on how to flash stock firmware on the rom and tutorial sections.
Read the twrp tutorial to install twrp, since it doesn't install through the traditional fastboot method, you need to flash twrp.zip in twrp to retain it as a recovery.
I don't have much time to walk you through it at this moment, but there are tutorials all around the Moto x4 sub forum, I'd recommend looking for and reading them.
Thanks for support, I was able to restore the partitions, the bootloader was broken, I flashed the android one veraion and it works I will do the next root trial with magisk

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