Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks
Icon000 said:
Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(
I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
matt99017d said:
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Icon000 said:
I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only rom out for SS that i am aware of is just a ported tmobile rom for vzw phones that has the update built in. Basically it is just the OTA stock rom running on SS. This is what I am using currently. Not sure if it flashable for ATT phones, but I'm sure there is some workaround there. Or maybe the OP on that thread can make a ATT one if you asked him. SS is stable as of now. Haven't had any new updates to it because no one is having any problems currently (at least with moto x devices).
For your question pertaining to options for taking the OTA. There are 4 methods now.
1. SS method described above
2. use the thread called something like "keep root through the OTA." It basically takes the ota without updating the BL so you can still downgrade to your stock original FW that you are on now. It's the same thing as the SS method because SS also does not udpate the BL, but you won't be using SS for this method obviously.
3. you can flash recovery.img (and system.img if you need to) or just RSD, then install pwnmymoto without running it, then take the ota and pwnmymoto will root the phone automatically after the ota is taken. you won't be able to downgrade your FW anymore with this method.
4. you can just take the ota (also must flash or use rsd to take it obviously) and then use jcase's rockmymoto root exploit. This uses adb commands and telnet stuff. Not too difficult but if you are unfamiliar with all of that then it will take at least some reading. There is also a thread out there for windows users that simplifies it pretty well.
For future Kit kat root. it is still up in the air what will happen with that. I chose to use SS because it was easy. quick. and allows me to make nandroids. I also like knowing that I can still flash to original stock FW in case that might be necessarry for getting root on kit kat. This seems less likely now that jcase created a root method for the OTA that is out, but I'm still just playing it safe personally, even if it might be pointless now.
I was just Google searching hoping for some good news... And came across this posted yesterday...
http://www.youmobile.org/blogs/entry/Root-Moto-X-KitKat
... Any truth to that? And is it for any carrier, i.e att?
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Links to a thread on here.
Yea I saw that, but they are not the same...
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
They want you to dl this http://www.cydiaimpactor.com/
Anyone know what it is?
Maybe it works for root....but write protection will be enabled. So all root changes will be lost on reboot or power down.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
Maybe it works for root....but write protection will be enabled. So all root changes will be lost on reboot or power down.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So here's my "dumb" question? Would apps like Greenify and Ti backup still possibly work since they just need root permissions, where as Xposed and other apps that need a reboot would be basically worthless?
jbaumert said:
So here's my "dumb" question? Would apps like Greenify and Ti backup still possibly work since they just need root permissions, where as Xposed and other apps that need a reboot would be basically worthless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's other threads where this stuff gets talked about, but im pretty sure for things like that it would probably work. But any actual changes to anything would get reversed.
I've always been unlocked....so I don't have firsthand experience though.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
I'm not too sure about that root method.
Step 11 tells you to downgrade the Bootloader (MOTOBOOT.IMG) and GPT.BIN which is part of the security stuff. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those the main components involved with bricking when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 and lower?
But again, with a locked bootloader, as @kj2112 said, Write Protection will still be enabled.
KidJoe said:
I'm not too sure about that root method.
Step 11 tells you to downgrade the Bootloader (MOTOBOOT.IMG) and GPT.BIN which is part of the security stuff. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those the main components involved with bricking when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 and lower?
But again, with a locked bootloader, as @kj2112 said, Write Protection will still be enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been a bit confused by allusions to rooting without write protection. Everyone says similar stuff to what you guys have said--well, without write protection disabled you'll lose root on reboot. I'd be okay with that, just avoid rebooting my phone and using stuff that requires a reboot to take effect. The only thing I really want root for is to see my partial wakelocks to be able to properly troubleshoot battery issues. I really like the stock Moto X ux. If I could, I'd probably use some Xposed modules too, but all I really really want is to get better insight into my wakelock situation. Elsewhere, though, I read that root is totally impossible on 4.4.2, unless you have an unlocked bootloader (which I obviously don't). So, is it possible to get root, even if it doesn't survive a soft reset?
Jumnhy said:
I've been a bit confused by allusions to rooting without write protection. Everyone says similar stuff to what you guys have said--well, without write protection disabled you'll lose root on reboot. I'd be okay with that, just avoid rebooting my phone and using stuff that requires a reboot to take effect. The only thing I really want root for is to see my partial wakelocks to be able to properly troubleshoot battery issues. I really like the stock Moto X ux. If I could, I'd probably use some Xposed modules too, but all I really really want is to get better insight into my wakelock situation. Elsewhere, though, I read that root is totally impossible on 4.4.2, unless you have an unlocked bootloader (which I obviously don't). So, is it possible to get root, even if it doesn't survive a soft reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see my response to you in the 4.2.2 to 4.4.2 thread.
kj2112 said:
Please see my response to you in the 4.2.2 to 4.4.2 thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, didn't realize until afterward it was the same voice in both threads.
Jumnhy said:
I've been a bit confused by allusions to rooting without write protection. Everyone says similar stuff to what you guys have said--well, without write protection disabled you'll lose root on reboot. I'd be okay with that, just avoid rebooting my phone and using stuff that requires a reboot to take effect. The only thing I really want root for is to see my partial wakelocks to be able to properly troubleshoot battery issues. I really like the stock Moto X ux. If I could, I'd probably use some Xposed modules too, but all I really really want is to get better insight into my wakelock situation. Elsewhere, though, I read that root is totally impossible on 4.4.2, unless you have an unlocked bootloader (which I obviously don't). So, is it possible to get root, even if it doesn't survive a soft reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take a read of -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-LockedRoot.html
Root itself is not lost on reboot, only changes done to the /system folder and other protected places.
But yes, if you already have 4.4.2 on your phone, and can't unlock your bootloader, you won't be able to root.
Jumnhy said:
Thanks, didn't realize until afterward it was the same voice in both threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where you found another same threads ?
DANIEL AMBRUSO said:
Where you found another same threads ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was just kj2112 explaining a similar issue to me. Check it out, but essentially my understanding is that there's no root for 4.4.2 if the phone never had root previously (ie, if you naively took the OTA like me without thnking about implications for root.
---------- Post added at 10:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 PM ----------
KidJoe said:
take a read of -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-LockedRoot.html
Root itself is not lost on reboot, only changes done to the /system folder and other protected places.
But yes, if you already have 4.4.2 on your phone, and can't unlock your bootloader, you won't be able to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solid, thanks for the concise summary. I'd read jcase's posts a while back about a potential exploit--something about using it in a teaching session at BlackHat? He even says though, that the exploit he has will probably never be useful for the average user insofar as it would be too hard to implement and n00bz like myself would end up bricking our phones. So I'm not holding my breath on that one. Ugh. Sad I missed the window for the Chinese connection. Should have jumped on it.
The Tallest said:
Links to a thread on here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works with 4.4 and post-camera 4.2.2, but if you take the OTA to 4.-4-.2 it upgrades your bootloader and you lose the ability to turn write protection off ; root is pretty much useless at that point.
I have the Republic Wireless XT1049 and did the upgrade shown here and have 4.4.2 with write protect off.
Do not attempt this if you are already running 4.4.2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your bootloader is already changed and you run a big risk of bricking if you try to downgrade to the 4.2.2 bootloader!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...ireless-moto-x-kitkat-4-t2738233/post52348028
As usual, read the instructions carefully.
Then read through the posts! Different rooters had different issues!
AFAIK no one bricked though.
glarepate said:
Works with 4.4 and post-camera 4.2.2, but if you take the OTA to 4.-4-.2 it upgrades your bootloader and you lose the ability to turn write protection off ; root is pretty much useless at that point.
I have the Republic Wireless XT1049 and did the upgrade shown here and have 4.4.2 with write protect off.
Do not attempt this if you are already running 4.4.2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your bootloader is already changed and you run a big risk of bricking if you try to downgrade to the 4.2.2 bootloader!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...ireless-moto-x-kitkat-4-t2738233/post52348028
As usual, read the instructions carefully.
Then read through the posts! Different rooters had different issues!
AFAIK no one bricked though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The steps in the thread you link to are how to use use 4.4.2 via Safestrap, which does add a layer of complexity. It is the only option to take 4.4.2 IF you have a locked bootloader and are rooted and write protection disabled. And many do have good luck with it, so it is an option IF your phone is still on 4.4.
If I understand correctly, each safestrap rom is unique for the carrier.. in other words, you can't use the Republic Wireless SS rom if you are on Verizon. You can't use the Verizon SS rom if you are on ATT, etc. (for example, they were waiting on the ATT 4.4.2 SBF to create a SS Rom for the ATT X).
KidJoe said:
The steps in the thread you link to are how to use use 4.4.2 via Safestrap, which does add a layer of complexity. It is the only option to take 4.4.2 IF you have a locked bootloader and are rooted and write protection disabled. And many do have good luck with it, so it is an option IF your phone is still on 4.4.
If I understand correctly, each safestrap rom is unique for the carrier.. in other words, you can't use the Republic Wireless SS rom if you are on Verizon. You can't use the Verizon SS rom if you are on ATT, etc. (for example, they were waiting on the ATT 4.4.2 SBF to create a SS Rom for the ATT X).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you have already gone to 4.4.2 you are out of luck.
I'm using the T-Mobile SafeStrap Recovery with my RW Moto X. This was done by a Franken-ROM process that uses the 4.4.2 ROM without using the 4.4.2 bootloader and using the SS recovery to flash a zip file with some components of the 4.4.2 ROM and then flashing SuperSU. Whether or not it should be working, it is. Nothing I can, or want to, do about that.
But I am sure you are right that this resultant ROM would not work on phones from other carriers. Versions for other carriers are being developed though. It may simply be a matter of time and interest by motivated individuals until this is available for just about everyone.
So, admittedly, I'm not very knowledgeable on PIE root method and Towelroot and what tethered root really does. I know that having root and TWRP can break some updates. Since this is a tethered root that goes away after a reboot, is a reboot all that is necessary to return completely to stock or are there other steps that one must take before doing any OTA's?
Verizon Moto X (Locked Bootloader, duh)
Because write protection is still enabled, and PIE and Towel are both "temp" roots, changes made are lost at power off/on.
BUT keep in mind, they wont work after you update your phone. So if you need root... do NOT update.
thank you. That was my assumption but it doesn't hurt to get verification. I decided that I'm passing on any updates until Android L comes our way.
So I've recently unlocked the bootloader thanks to SunShine. I previously froze the Moto updater app in Titanium so as not to continually receive prompts to upgrade. Since I'm not unlocked, rooted and have TWRP running.. Would it be worth my time to upgrade to 4.4.4?
1. What are the benefits or drawbacks of upgrading or is it so minor I'm barely going to notice a difference?
2. I don't want to screw anything up. I want my Xposed apps and everything I have now running great.
3. If I do upgrade is it difficult to re-root (assuming I will indeed lose root) or is it as simple as reinstalling SuperSU?
4. Is "okay Google Now" any faster? I'd use it more if it wasn't so incredibly slow.
5. I assume there will be no data wipe if I upgrade, correct?
6. Is it even worth it to upgrade? Better cell service? Faster or slower os?
Side Question: Can anybody recommend good WiFi Hotspot app now that I'm unlocked and rooted?
Sent from my Moto X
You can upgrade and flash custom recovery and root on any Android version now.
Will 4.4.4 change much? No. But there's no reason not to. You may need it for future X feature updates perhaps. Not sure.
Supposedly 4.4.4 lowered Android O/S battery usage, though my wifes 4.4.2 is fine... So again, up to you.
I don't see how updating will hurt anyway. But... Once you do, there's no going back.
Also on 4.4.2 AT&T unlocked through Chinese, have been planning to update to 4.4.4 now that it's rolled out to AT&T, mostly to see if the supposed camera improvements are better, and though I don't use the video recorder, I like that they added the pause (I was surprised when I couldn't find it)
I believe I just need to uninstall xposed, unfreeze any system apps, flash stock recovery, take the update, and reinstall TWRP
Hey guys. I haven't updated my phone since 4.4 (Not 4.4.4) because I've done all kinds of tweaks & added xposed & such. I've been really happy with my phone, so I purposely disabled OTA updates.
Well, after all these years it's time for me to wipe & start over. I'd like to keep it official because I need rock-solid stability.(I only restart my phone once or twice a month currently) so that means OTA 5.1. What path should I take to do this without bricking? I'll be manually copying stuff I want to retain, so I don't need to keep data or anything like that. I don't care about wave-to-wake because I've never had that "feature". I usually do all my de-bloating & tweaking manually, so I just want plain-jane OTA reliability as a start.
XT1060, Verizon, Developer Edition. Unlocked bootloader & currently rooted. Will I be able to root 5.1 via the normal methods once I'm on 5.1? I usually use minimal adb/fastboot to do this stuff, but I'm not opposed to using one of the various "tools/1-click/all-in-one". I just want a clean start.
I think you could use a full image instead of an OTA. Request access here and then wait a day or two: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images
Or find them mirrored elsewhere.