[Q] Questions about Moto X versions - Moto X Q&A

First post! - joined at first to read posts but now have one of my own mixed with a number of questions.
I recently picked up a used Moto X from Craiglist and the guy claimed it is an unlocked T-Mobile version with an already unlocked bootloader. The whole point of this purchase was so I could experiment and learn more about what goes on with phones.
How can I verify that the guy is really telling me the truth about the version? I used imei.info and it told me it was an XT1055. However, swappa.com told me it was XT1053. I saw on some post here that XT1053 matches the T-Mobile/Dev version which would make sense with what the Craigslist guy told me. Both sites claim it is not 100% accurate so how else can I verify actual version? There is no logo of T-Mobile on the back of this device. Is there some serial number lookup database?
This led me to wonder if it's possible to flash different software variants onto this phone? In theory, could I download the images for an ATT variant and flash them onto my supposed T-Mobile version? Apart from the potential of overwriting the unlocked bootloader and preventing me from downgrading versions (from the other posts that I've read here), would the phone work assuming my SIM/network is ATT? The IMEI would remain the same, right? How much of the underlying hardware configuration is tied to version of the software that I flash onto the phone?
Could the guy have purchased this phone to whatever carrier XT1055 matches to - rooted or unlocked the bootloader, and flashed the XT1053 images?
At this point, using mfastboot I was able to verify that the bootloader was unlocked but went ahead and performed the same process on Moto's site anyway (and this seemed to work - did this for experimenting). I then downloaded TMO_RETAIL_XT1053_4.4.3-KXA21.12-L1.21_MR4_CFC to reflash onto the phone. This whole process might have seemed redundant but I just wanted to ensure the used phone that I had purchased matched a stock set of images (minus the unlocked bootloader).
Thanks! Apologies in advance if there was another similar post - I tried searching but maybe not hard enough.

klxavier said:
First post! - joined at first to read posts but now have one of my own mixed with a number of questions.
I recently picked up a used Moto X from Craiglist and the guy claimed it is an unlocked T-Mobile version with an already unlocked bootloader. The whole point of this purchase was so I could experiment and learn more about what goes on with phones.
How can I verify that the guy is really telling me the truth about the version? I used imei.info and it told me it was an XT1055. However, swappa.com told me it was XT1053. I saw on some post here that XT1053 matches the T-Mobile/Dev version which would make sense with what the Craigslist guy told me. Both sites claim it is not 100% accurate so how else can I verify actual version? There is no logo of T-Mobile on the back of this device. Is there some serial number lookup database?
This led me to wonder if it's possible to flash different software variants onto this phone? In theory, could I download the images for an ATT variant and flash them onto my supposed T-Mobile version? Apart from the potential of overwriting the unlocked bootloader and preventing me from downgrading versions (from the other posts that I've read here), would the phone work assuming my SIM/network is ATT? The IMEI would remain the same, right? How much of the underlying hardware configuration is tied to version of the software that I flash onto the phone?
Could the guy have purchased this phone to whatever carrier XT1055 matches to - rooted or unlocked the bootloader, and flashed the XT1053 images?
At this point, using mfastboot I was able to verify that the bootloader was unlocked but went ahead and performed the same process on Moto's site anyway (and this seemed to work - did this for experimenting). I then downloaded TMO_RETAIL_XT1053_4.4.3-KXA21.12-L1.21_MR4_CFC to reflash onto the phone. This whole process might have seemed redundant but I just wanted to ensure the used phone that I had purchased matched a stock set of images (minus the unlocked bootloader).
Thanks! Apologies in advance if there was another similar post - I tried searching but maybe not hard enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using a SIM in it, it is NOT an XT1055 - those are sim-locked.
You probably have a real XT1053.
There is absolutely NO REASON to ever flash another carrier's firmware. It's dangerous and you gain nothing. Stick with your proper firmware - you can already use it on any carrier you wish.
P.S. Look on the bottom of the back of the phone. In TINY print should be the model number...

Thanks! I did not notice that tiny print - it seems to fade out with the glare in normal lighting conditions.
samwathegreat said:
If you are using a SIM in it, it is NOT an XT1055 - those are sim-locked.
You probably have a real XT1053.
There is absolutely NO REASON to ever flash another carrier's firmware. It's dangerous and you gain nothing. Stick with your proper firmware - you can already use it on any carrier you wish.
P.S. Look on the bottom of the back of the phone. In TINY print should be the model number...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

klxavier said:
Thanks! I did not notice that tiny print - it seems to fade out with the glare in normal lighting conditions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, I did not notice it on a white back. Also if it says Developer Edition on the back then it is most likely a 1053 also.

Related

Need Help with ROMs

Hello,
I have an AT&T Moto X, It's sim-unlocked so I have a different carrier (you can check my details on my profile). The condition in which I got this phone is:
It's running a 4.2.2 Rogers CA rom.
Can I update this to a 4.4.2 AT&T rom and still use my phone?
Or am I screwed and stuck with 4.2.2 (because obv the system update says that there is no update avl. at this time).
And.. How do I remove the Google bloatware from my rom? I've tried ES Root Explorer, TiBu, but they reappear when I reboot.
I prefer have a rom without any bloatware and mini gapps. But I love the Active Display.
Because you say it is an ATT Phone, but running Rogers CA rom, I have some questions for your BEFORE any advice will be offered...
On the phone go to App Drawer -> Settings -> About phone... What is listed as the SYSTEM VERSION.
Next, what does the BACK of the phone look like or say? Does it have the ATT logo on it? Does it have SMALL HARD TO READ Fine print at the bottom that says a model number? Or did it come with the original box that has the IMEI and Model on it? (the model would be XT1060, XT1053, XT1058, etc)
What carrier are you intending to use it with?
Power off the phone, then press the power and volume down buttons simultaneously NOTE: you may need to have the USB cable disconnected first. This will bring you into the AP Fastboot Flash Mode screen (aka bootloader or fastboot mode). It will say DEVICE IS... unlocked or locked. Which is it?
I am asking these questions to know...
Exactly what model X you have
if it is bootloader unlocked
exactly what rom version is on there.
As for removing bloat, and having that survive reboot, you need to root and disable write protection. The answers to my questions will help determine IF it can be done on your phone, and what process to use.
Rogers also is a xt1058. But unlike the AT&T, it's bootloader can be unlocked on motos site. Also there is no carrier branding.
---------- Post added at 08:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:00 PM ----------
Are you sure it's an AT&T phone is my point. ?
KJ said:
Rogers also is a xt1058. But unlike the AT&T, it's bootloader can be unlocked on motos site. Also there is no carrier branding.
---------- Post added at 08:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:00 PM ----------
Are you sure it's an AT&T phone is my point. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that is why I was asking the questions
KidJoe said:
Because you say it is an ATT Phone, but running Rogers CA rom, I have some questions for your BEFORE any advice will be offered...
On the phone go to App Drawer -> Settings -> About phone... What is listed as the SYSTEM VERSION.
Next, what does the BACK of the phone look like or say? Does it have the ATT logo on it? Does it have SMALL HARD TO READ Fine print at the bottom that says a model number? Or did it come with the original box that has the IMEI and Model on it? (the model would be XT1060, XT1053, XT1058, etc)
What carrier are you intending to use it with?
Power off the phone, then press the power and volume down buttons simultaneously NOTE: you may need to have the USB cable disconnected first. This will bring you into the AP Fastboot Flash Mode screen (aka bootloader or fastboot mode). It will say DEVICE IS... unlocked or locked. Which is it?
I am asking these questions to know...
Exactly what model X you have
if it is bootloader unlocked
exactly what rom version is on there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
System Version
139.12.36.ghost_row.RCI.en.CA
(according to SBF site, this rom is listed as Rogers CA)
I got the phone from a relative, the box imei matches the phone.
The back of the phone has the AT&T logo (a ball), and it says Model: XT1058 and fcc id blah blah
The carrier I'm using currently Ufone (Pakistan).
Says Device is Locked.
Rom is stock I guess? Loaded with Google Bloatware..
Android 4.2.2
Aionism said:
System Version
139.12.36.ghost_row.RCI.en.CA
(according to SBF site, this rom is listed as Rogers CA)
I got the phone from a relative, the box imei matches the phone.
The back of the phone has the AT&T logo (a ball), and it says Model: XT1058 and fcc id blah blah
The carrier I'm using currently Ufone (Pakistan).
Says Device is Locked.
Rom is stock I guess? Loaded with Google Bloatware..
Android 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple of things...
I am not 100% sure about the ability to flash the ROM for your model phone from a different carrier when the bootloader is locked... i.e. can you flash an ATT XT1058 with Rogers XT1058 rom SAFELY and successfully. I know, for example, that flashing roms between models (say XT1052 with XT1053) does require unlocked bootloader or it will immediately fail, plus is risky when you try and flash back.
Therefore i don't want to give you the wrong advice on flashing anything and will wait for someone else to jump in.
Until then.. some info you'll need to understand for removing "bloat"
The Moto X is a Google Certified device, so it will contain all the Google Apps, like Chrome, GMail, Google+, Google Play, Google Calendar, Google Maps, etc.That typical isn't considered bloat because most people buying an Android phone want to use Google's services. In the USA, wireless carriers like Verizon add their own bloat like VZNavigator, VZ Tones, VZ Protect, NFL Mobile, IMDB, VZ Cloud, etc., things MOST of their customers don't use, so it is considered bloat. The ATT ROM is filled with bloat of their own.
Moto freely gives out the bootloader unlock code for the Rogers XT1058 on their web site. BUT for the ATT XT1058, the bootloader is locked, and Moto DOES NOT give out the bootloader unlockcode. The only way to get it is the China Middleman (see the thread in the general section).
Unlocking the bootloader makes the difference in how you can root. Once you unlock the bootloader you have write protection disabled. So after you root, you can modify, delete, rename, etc files in /System and the like, and those changes will survive reboot.
If you can't unlock your bootloader, and are on Roms with Android version 4.4 (aka 4.4.0) and below, you can use SlapMyMoto and MotoWpNoMo to root and disable write protection. But once you get on Android 4.4.2, you lose the ability to disable write protection so options like Pie, Towel or TowelPieRoot, are temporary, don't survive reboot, don't allow write access to /system, etc. And once you have 4.4.4 you can't even root. In other words, if you have a locked bootloader and really want to root and disable write protection, you want to stay on 4.4.0, and never upgrade.
Hey, thanks for replying. Is there any chance that in the near future Motorola may support AT&T bootloader unlocking? I think its a really bad **** move by AT&T to limit us like this. So pretty much I'm screwed with 4.2.2 until theres a way to unlock the boot loader. The China middleman is kinda expensive for me. But I'll give it a try when I'm done saving up 45$
Aionism said:
Hey, thanks for replying. Is there any chance that in the near future Motorola may support AT&T bootloader unlocking? I think its a really bad **** move by AT&T to limit us like this. So pretty much I'm screwed with 4.2.2 until theres a way to unlock the boot loader. The China middleman is kinda expensive for me. But I'll give it a try when I'm done saving up 45$
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No chance we will see the position from ATT, Verizon and Republic Wireless change such that Moto can give out bootloader unlock codes via the web site like they do for Sprint, Rogers, Etc.
Yeah, with a locked bootloader, the highest you can if you want write protection disabled is 4.4.0 (aka 4.4).
Solved!
I installed the 4.4.2 rom by the fastboot method described in the "Return to 100% Stock" thread.
Everything works.
However.. I may not be able to use the China Middleman to unlock my bootloader..
my phone was made on "08 - 25 - 2013"

[Q] AT&T XT1058 can i flash it to a generic rom?

Hi, I got an AT&T XT1058 from ebay. I'm in teh UK so I'd really like to flash it with a stock UK ROM. I've had a look on here and with the huge amount of info I can't figure out if this is possible and which rom to use. it's 4.4.2 that's on the phone at teh moment which i believe can't be downgraded or unlocked easily, is that right?
any help would be greatly appreciated
cheers
To flash any Rom besides the Stock, Signed Moto ROM for your carrier and model X, you need to unlock the bootloader.
While Moto doesn't give out the Bootloader Unlock Code for the ATT USA XT1058, since you have 4.4.2 on it still, you should be able to use Sunshine to unlock the bootloader. (NOTE: please boot into fastboot/bootloader on the phone, and verify the version on the 2nd line is 30.B4 which is correct for 4.4.2).
Once you use sunshine, you can flash 3rd party recoveries, roms, etc.
While I have NOT done it, I've seen posts of ATT US Xt1058 owners flashing with Parts of the XT1053 rom to remove bloat, etc. (flashing the modems will likely change which wireless bands the phone can connect to). I do not advise flashing another carrier's rom. It could get messy, especially around UPDATE time. And I've seen some lose Cellular and WIFI flashing the wrong modem files.
One final thing. The ATT US XT1058 is SIM/Carrier locked too. So in order to use a non-ATT SIM in it you'll need to obtain a SIM unlock code. You should be able to get this from any web site selling unlock codes on the internet.
KidJoe said:
To flash any Rom besides the Stock, Signed Moto ROM for your carrier and model X, you need to unlock the bootloader.
While Moto doesn't give out the Bootloader Unlock Code for the ATT USA XT1058, since you have 4.4.2 on it still, you should be able to use Sunshine to unlock the bootloader. (NOTE: please boot into fastboot/bootloader on the phone, and verify the version on the 2nd line is 30.B4 which is correct for 4.4.2).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey, thanks for the very helpful response unfortunately i seem to have suffered from a bout of stupidity writing that and it's 4.4.4 that i've got on the phone! how does that affect things? also as an aside the sim is unlocked so i can use any sim so at least that's something...
thanks again
hardflipman said:
hey, thanks for the very helpful response unfortunately i seem to have suffered from a bout of stupidity writing that and it's 4.4.4 that i've got on the phone! how does that affect things? also as an aside the sim is unlocked so i can use any sim so at least that's something...
thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unlock the bootloader on the ATT XT1058 Moto X, there are only two possible ways..
The China Middleman thread (in the general section), although he only has codes for certain date range of phones (depends on the Assembly Date of your phone), BUT he has recently stopped responding again. There is no telling if/when it will start up again
Sunshine, which doesn't work with 4.4.4. However you can always try it since it wont charge you if it doesn't work. (i.e. it checks your phone, if it will work, if wont, it tells you and exits without charging you).
4.4.4 can't be temp rooted either.
So you are pretty much stuck stock ATT, and then just get it sim unlocked to use it with your carrier.
KidJoe said:
To unlock the bootloader on the ATT XT1058 Moto X, there are only two possible ways..
The China Middleman thread (in the general section), although he only has codes for certain date range of phones (depends on the Assembly Date of your phone), BUT he has recently stopped responding again. There is no telling if/when it will start up again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply. I guess i'll give the china middleman a try. I'd really like to get rid of the ATT address book, the fact that it perpetually shows as 4g connection and have the phone speak to me in a not american accent!
cheers
the same here
at&t xt1058 with stock android 4.4.4 (ota updated from 4.4.2)
system version 212.44.26.ghost_att.ATT.en.US
build no KXA21.12-L1.26
been using this phone in Europe, Greece with another carriers SIM card
everything ok, except for the LTE bands (in Greece I need bands 3,7,20) and the AT&T bloatware i wanna remove
would like to root, but i'm not able to unlock via motorola's website
let me know if u had any success via the china middleman, or if u find another way
thanks
hardflipman said:
thanks for the reply. I guess i'll give the china middleman a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cxp7 said:
let me know if u had any success via the china middleman, or if u find another way
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said.. the China Middleman has stopped responding again.
KidJoe said:
As I said.. the China Middleman has stopped responding again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on Rogers xt1058 (16GB)
Is there any way (assuming I can unlock the BL) to get developer edition ROM?
MadPriest said:
I'm on Rogers xt1058 (16GB)
Is there any way (assuming I can unlock the BL) to get developer edition ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Rogers XT1058, Moto does offer the Bootloader Unlock code for free from their web site -> https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth it will void your warranty
The GSM Dev Edtion is the XT1053. It has different radio/modem files, its hardware supports different bands (less LTE bands). I never recommend flashing another model's ROM as we have seen loss of cellular in some cases, where even flashing the original firmware back didn't fix.
Once you unlock your bootloader and root, you can remove and freeze any bloat on the phone (freezing is preferred because the next OTA might require it to be there).
KidJoe said:
Once you unlock your bootloader and root, you can remove and freeze any bloat on the phone (freezing is preferred because the next OTA might require it to be there).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply
I'm on 4.4.4, I understand there's no root for me
MadPriest said:
Thank you for the reply
I'm on 4.4.4, I understand there's no root for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you can't unlock your boot loader. But as I said, moto does give out the unlock codes on their web site for the Rogers xt1058
Also, without unlocking the boot loader, you can only flash the rom for your phone model and its carrier branding.
I see
Thank you for the answers
I knew the second part, was not sure about the first one.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] Moto X AT&T stock version, does it come with a lock?

Hi guys,
total n00b question.
A friend of mine brought an AT&T Moto X (1st generation) phone with him for me from the U.S. to Germany.
He bought it from the motorola.com page directly 2 years ago through the Thanksgiving promo, never got it activated and its still stock and everything, never used before.
He paid the full retail price of 400$ at the time, does it however still come with a sim/netlock?
I thought since it didn't come with a contract (where you pay only a few $ and you are bound to a 1y/2y contract) and he paid the full 400$ for it, it doesn't have any sim/net lock?
Sadly I don't have a nano sim card to try it out, before I order one from my carrier I was hoping someone could help me out with this
I know that simlock threads are not allowed, I'm not asking for an unlock, just whether a retail 400$ phone has that lock or not?
Thanks in advance!
If it's stock and on 4.4.2 or below, invest in Sunshine to unlock your bootloader. I'm not sure if AT&T sim-locked their Moto Xs. They should provide the code for free, if necessary, though since the phone was paid in full.
Thanks for the quick reply, already looked into SuneShine for unlocking the BL (its a shame that I didn't pick the T-Mobile version over the AT&T, hmm)
But worth spending another 25$ for it!
Now I'm still curious about the sim/netlock.
From what I found out by googling and reading for hours, if it has a simlock, AT&T will not unlock it cause I've never been a customer and it never was hooked up to an AT&T account, kinda bad if you ask me for a full price cell phone... The T-Mobile version comes 100% sim and BL unlocked...
Moto chat support cant help, they didn't even know that there are different versions of the Moto X 1st Gen...
It's usually less than 20 dollars to unlock them on a website that offers Sim unlocking. Not sure if at&t devices are usually OK to do so, but I would think they are. The carriers usually charge more even... In Canada anyway. ?
OK, thanks a lot!
I'm really just surprised that if you pay the full retail price for a phone it can still be sim/netlocked...
Hope you guys don't mind asking me another few questions, I'm just transiting over from my Razr I so a few things are different
If I don't need a custom recovery but planning on installing a different official Moto firmware which is signed by Moto (would love to flash the EU firmware to have full German language support) do I still need to unlock the BL or will this work with a locked BL since its an official Moto firmware?
Also are there any files I should not flash, therefore remove from the xml?
And I know that the BL unlock has nothing to do with the sim unlock, but any change if I unlock the BL and flash a different firmware, I won't need to enter a sim unlock code then?
I'm just trying to get as many answers before I try it and find out the "hard" way it won't work and that it results in a completely bricked device in the end...
AND sorry, but another question
Are the LTE bands hardware or software coded? Cause we use different bands over here in Europe and I know from the Sony Z1C you can activate all bands software-wise, so I was thinking maybe its the same with the Moto X?
Thanks again!
Hello, I was wondering if I also could install a pure Android on my at&t Moto X 2014?
Sent from my XT1097 using XDA Free mobile app
mmaslo1124 said:
Hello, I was wondering if I also could install a pure Android on my at&t Moto X 2014?
Sent from my XT1097 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong section, This is the 2013 section. And this thread has nothing to do with your question, that's called thread hijacking.
So you should go to the Moto X 2014 section, and if you don't see a thread on the same sort of topic.... Then post your own thread in the Q&A section. ?
So I read an insane number of pages and somewhere I found this great page:
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/?#/
Long story short, I reveived a nano sim card today, AT&T Moto X is locked, contacted AT&T via the above mentioned website, it took 2 days and today I received my sim unlock code via email from AT&T for free, no account with them needed and it works!
dagoban said:
If I don't need a custom recovery but planning on installing a different official Moto firmware which is signed by Moto (would love to flash the EU firmware to have full German language support) do I still need to unlock the BL or will this work with a locked BL since its an official Moto firmware?
Also are there any files I should not flash, therefore remove from the xml?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the bootloader on the ATT XT1058 being locked, you'll only be able to flash Moto Signed Roms for your phone's CID or carrier branding. You will not be able to flash the XT1052 EU rom, or other X roms. Only the ATT XT1058.
If you are lucky and your ATT XT1058 has not yet been upgraded to Android 4.4.4 and bootoader 30.B7, you should be able to use JCase's Sunshine tool to unlock the bootloader. Note: Because this is a HACK, do NOT try to re-lock the bootloader after using it, or you will be permanently bootloader locked.
dagoban said:
And I know that the BL unlock has nothing to do with the sim unlock, but any change if I unlock the BL and flash a different firmware, I won't need to enter a sim unlock code then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe flashing a different ROM would give you SIM unlock.
You're only option is getting it from the Carrier if you meet their terms/conditions. Or buying a SIM unlock code from an online seller.
dagoban said:
AND sorry, but another question
Are the LTE bands hardware or software coded? Cause we use different bands over here in Europe and I know from the Sony Z1C you can activate all bands software-wise, so I was thinking maybe its the same with the Moto X?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read different things. So I can't say for sure which is correct.
I know that the Verizon X, XT1060, initially game supporting only LTE Band 13. Band 4 was later enabled by firmware update.
But I've also seen posts of some losing their entire cellular radio when flashing other model's full roms, and not getting it back by flashing the correct rom. (I don't recall the full details, sorry!).
On other phones, I've seen things like "edits" to turn on other bands. But no so for the 2013 X.
So I wouldn't mess with it.
Thanks for the explanations @KidJoe
Until know I didn't know that a signed Moto firmware is not just bound to the model but also to a CID, always thought you could flash any region firmware over the phone as long as its the same model.
Sunshine is def. an option, I didn't take the OTA (even thou it reminds me at least once a day cause I suspected already there would be more exploits available with a lower android OS.
SIM unlock is no problem anymore, AT&T provided me the unlock key via website request (took me a while to find that link, thou) and you don't need to have an account with them and the phone does NOT need to be hooked to an AT&T contract.
About the LTE bands:
OK, I don't want to mess with the modem / radio and lose all bands in the end but could I just flash the system files from the EU version via fastboot?
Which files should I flash and which files should I avoid flashing?
Basicially what I'm trying to achieve is getting German as android language and not just have German as keyboard language.
Or is German included in the CM11 as well cause then I imagine it would be much easier to just flash CM11 without damaging any bands...
All in all, I'm just looking for a fully stable KK OS that is in German
Thanks again for your replies!
dagoban said:
About the LTE bands:
OK, I don't want to mess with the modem / radio and lose all bands in the end but could I just flash the system files from the EU version via fastboot?
Which files should I flash and which files should I avoid flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try using mFastboot and flash only System.img... BUT!!!! Its going to cause issues with OTA updates, and having mismatched parts always increases the risks for bricking and/or things just not working correctly!! So I usually don't recommend mixing things up.
dagoban said:
Basicially what I'm trying to achieve is getting German as android language and not just have German as keyboard language.
Or is German included in the CM11 as well cause then I imagine it would be much easier to just flash CM11 without damaging any bands...
All in all, I'm just looking for a fully stable KK OS that is in German
Thanks again for your replies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not messed with adding additional languages. Nor have I used CM as I like my Moto features too much, and stock (rooted) runs just fine here.

Pixel 5 from "Google Emploee". Locked for AT&T and bootloader is unlocked?

Pixel 5 from "Google Emploee". Locked for AT&T and bootloader is unlocked?
I bought a pixel 5 from google emploee, who is saying he got it from google.
It has a sticker on the back with barcode and some numbers and a date of 6/26
Problems are:
1. It is locked for AT&T and does not want to unlock via AT&T website (https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/). I got a message from ATT that it is unlocked, but still does not like T-Mobile sim. Any suggestions?
2. It is saying the bootloader is unlocked. Will I have problems with google pay? Can I undo this?
3. How to check this is an actual Pixel 5, not a prototype or something? It says "model Pixel 5" in "About phone"..
worry said:
I bought a pixel 5 from google emploee, who is saying he got it from google.
It has a sticker on the back with barcode and some numbers and a date of 6/26
Problems are:
1. It is locked for AT&T and does not want to unlock via AT&T website (https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/). I got a message from ATT that it is unlocked, but still does not like T-Mobile sim. Any suggestions?
2. It is saying the bootloader is unlocked. Will I have problems with google pay? Can I undo this?
3. How to check this is an actual Pixel 5, not a prototype or something? It says "model Pixel 5" in "About phone"..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak as to the origin of your phone, buy it from someone else, and you're buying someone else's problems.
Unlocked bootloader and carrier unlocked are two distinctly different things.
Carrier unlocked means that you can use the carrier of your choice. Unlocked bootloader lets you flash images to you phone, from entire monthly security updates to a custom kernel, root, and do other fun things. Google Pay will not work with an unlocked bootloader unless you root the phone and hide that from Google using root-based trickery. (Standard Google Firmware)
The fact that your bootloader is unlocked means that it probably is NOT from AT&T. Why you seem to be carrier locked is a mystery to me, but I will tell you something, AT&T is probably the most evil carrier to deal with. My phone was purchased directly from Google, my first act was to unlock the bootloader, root it, then get the phone up and running with T-Mobile. If you don't want to root your phone, have no need for it, whatever, yes, it is possible to relock the bootloader. Be aware that this will wipe your phone clean, and you'll be starting fresh.
Look in the forums or:
https://developers.google.com/android/images
Google has very comprehensive instructions on how to lock/unlock your bootloader, flash factory images, take OTA's etc..
Be aware that if you aren't sure what you are doing, flashing a factory image can also wipe your phone, and you'll be back to square one if you don't backup your stuff.
There are tons of tutorials on this site on this subject, just poke around...
bleez99 said:
I can't speak as to the origin of your phone, buy it from someone else, and you're buying someone else's problems.
Unlocked bootloader and carrier unlocked are two distinctly different things.
Carrier unlocked means that you can use the carrier of your choice. Unlocked bootloader lets you flash images to you phone, from entire monthly security updates to a custom kernel, root, and do other fun things. Google Pay will not work with an unlocked bootloader unless you root the phone and hide that from Google using root-based trickery. (Standard Google Firmware)
The fact that your bootloader is unlocked means that it probably is NOT from AT&T. Why you seem to be carrier locked is a mystery to me, but I will tell you something, AT&T is probably the most evil carrier to deal with. My phone was purchased directly from Google, my first act was to unlock the bootloader, root it, then get the phone up and running with T-Mobile. If you don't want to root your phone, have no need for it, whatever, yes, it is possible to relock the bootloader. Be aware that this will wipe your phone clean, and you'll be starting fresh.
Look in the forums or:
https://developers.google.com/android/images
Google has very comprehensive instructions on how to lock/unlock your bootloader, flash factory images, take OTA's etc..
Be aware that if you aren't sure what you are doing, flashing a factory image can also wipe your phone, and you'll be back to square one if you don't backup your stuff.
There are tons of tutorials on this site on this subject, just poke around...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Weird part is that If I go to system-> updates I see an update from ATT:
"ATT Redfin RD1A.2008..."
So this is not a "pure" google pixel? It has an ATT image? Can I install the genuine pixel 5 image?
You sort of do. If your bootloader is unlocked, and you get yourself decoupled from AT&T, you can grab the latest firmware directly from Google and flast it. There is no difference between the AT&T "model" and the generic Google version in the hardware. I don't know what's AT&T is up to these days but the AT&T versions at least older phones, used to lock down their bootloader and make it impossible to unlock. But if yours is already unlocked you sho6be able to put on Google's firmware and possibly escape from AT&T.
bleez99 said:
You sort of do. If your bootloader is unlocked, and you get yourself decoupled from AT&T, you can grab the latest firmware directly from Google and flast it. There is no difference between the AT&T "model" and the generic Google version in the hardware. I don't know what's AT&T is up to these days but the AT&T versions at least older phones, used to lock down their bootloader and make it impossible to unlock. But if yours is already unlocked you sho6be able to put on Google's firmware and possibly escape from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what about AT&T lock? Once I have official image, the sim lock would be gone? Or do I need just to flash a modem?

Unlocking AMAZON Moto x4 (XT1900-1)

So, I've seen some posts concerning this and, at this point, I'm ready to purchase and replace the motherboard.
My daughter recently acquired a used Moto X4 (running Android 9 "pie") from a friend and she wants it de-Googled. I can get the unlock data to unlock the bootloader but Motorola says that the phone is unlockable - that would be because the phone had been purchased from Amazon (software variant / channel = "amz"). I think that if the ROM and bootloader could be replaced with stock (which, apparently could be done if the phone were on a lower Android version), I'd be in business but everywhere I've looked says that this is impossible - Motorola must do an amazing job of locking down their phones!
Since I'm just about ready to purchase a new motherboard ($60+ at cellspare), any "dangerous" suggestions are welcome since she refuses to use the phone as-is - can't say that I blame her.
You could try to flash the phone with the stock ROM of the google FI variant, but whether or not that works would be anybodys guess as I don't believe the IMEI would be changed. If you are planning to get a new device anyway, it couldn't hurt to try it and see before you buy another phone. I have the google Fi variant, and I know for a fact that the bootloader can be unlocked on it.
Kilogrm said:
You could try to flash the phone with the stock ROM of the google FI variant, but whether or not that works would be anybodys guess as I don't believe the IMEI would be changed. If you are planning to get a new device anyway, it couldn't hurt to try it and see before you buy another phone. I have the google Fi variant, and I know for a fact that the bootloader can be unlocked on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried loading different ROMs onto a locked Motorola phone in the past - the bootloader will not permit itself to be overwritten without being unlocked. As I understand it, there's a hidden partition where a copy of the bootloader resides and, with the locked bit set, any attempt to overwrite the boot partition will trigger a check against the hidden partition and will prevent the overwrite.

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