Database Develop

[Q] Verizon DE Software Upgrade Q

If I have the Verizon DE Moto X, do I need to be stock (no root) and re-locked bootloader to get software updates? Or just one or the other? Neither?
Thanks,
Mike

Mike7143 said:
If I have the Verizon DE Moto X, do I need to be stock (no root) and re-locked bootloader to get software updates? Or just one or the other? Neither?
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need stock /system partition and stock recovery. It doesn't matter whether the bootloader is locked or unlocked.

Mike7143 said:
If I have the Verizon DE Moto X, do I need to be stock (no root) and re-locked bootloader to get software updates? Or just one or the other? Neither?
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To install? or to be notified and receive the update?
To receive the update you'll need to be running the "stock" Verizon firmware, rooted/unrooted and bootloader locked/unlocked doesn't matter.
For it to install successfully, to expand on what kbluhm posted...
Keep in mind that usually OTA updates will look for certain files to be present on your phone and verify their size and check sums (MD5 or the like) before the OTA update will install. If files are missing or changed, the ota update will fail. That is why "stock /system" is required.
And "stock recovery" is needed because when the phone reboots to install the update, it tries to boot to stock recovery and run the install script. The 3rd party recoveries don't seem to work, or have errors, when installing the OTA update zips.
If you've rooted with SlapMyMoto, RockMyMoto, or thel like, you may have other issues to deal with in order to take any OTA updates since those processes can touch other files/partitions on the phone which will cause problems with the OTA Updates.

So in order to install the update I need to re-flash the stock recovery over TWRP, correct? How do I go about doing this?

Ah okay, thanks guys. What a hassle. I'm unlocked and using TWRP, flashed a new boot logo, and am rooted. Probably just easiest to just SBF back to stock and re-do everything.
Thanks!

You could grab the factory image from Motorola and flash only system and recovery using fastboot. That is my plan. You can find the zip file on Motorola's site or there is a topic here on XDA.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

guitarbedlam said:
So in order to install the update I need to re-flash the stock recovery over TWRP, correct? How do I go about doing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mike7143 said:
Ah okay, thanks guys. What a hassle. I'm unlocked and using TWRP, flashed a new boot logo, and am rooted. Probably just easiest to just SBF back to stock and re-do everything.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several threads about using Fastboot to flash recovery or parts of the rom rather than having to use RSDLite and flash the SBF of everything..
Example: see option 2 in -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536735

KidJoe said:
There are several threads about using Fastboot to flash recovery or parts of the rom rather than having to use RSDLite and flash the SBF of everything..
Example: see option 2 in -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536735
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thus, all I'd have to flash (I'm stock unlocked rooted) is the recovery and I'd be good to install the update. Then install the custom recovery and install the superuser zip. and BAM. But first I need the whole 4.4.2 update thing...

guitarbedlam said:
Thus, all I'd have to flash (I'm stock unlocked rooted) is the recovery and I'd be good to install the update. Then install the custom recovery and install the superuser zip. and BAM. But first I need the whole 4.4.2 update thing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, we need the 4.4.2 update.
And as long as you didn't delete any stock apps/apk's, freeze them with Titanium Backup or something similar, or rename them manually (and forgot to rename them back)... then yes.. just flash stock recovery, take update, flash TWRP and use SuperSU to re-root.

KidJoe said:
Sure, we need the 4.4.2 update.
And as long as you didn't delete any stock apps/apk's, freeze them with Titanium Backup or something similar, or rename them manually (and forgot to rename them back)... then yes.. just flash stock recovery, take update, flash TWRP and use SuperSU to re-root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can freeze them all you want and leave them frozen. They are still there, untouched, waiting to be checked/verified against and patched/updated. Once you obtain root again and grant it to Titanium Backup it will be re-frozen.
You just can't delete, rename or swap out.....frozen apps are still right there as normal.

tcrews said:
You can freeze them all you want and leave them frozen. They are still there, untouched, waiting to be checked/verified against and patched/updated. Once you obtain root again and grant it to Titanium Backup it will be re-frozen.
You just can't delete, rename or swap out.....frozen apps are still right there as normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. One of the issues reported with the Kit Kat update was the OTA failing due to apps frozen with Titanium Backup. I only "disable" via the stock app manager, so I haven't had a problem.

Most likely those with failures had modified/deleted/renamed something else that was causing the issues and blaming it on the frozen apps. I have updated every device I've had with frozen apps. Freezing, at least in Titanium Backup, tells the OS the app is not available. In recovery, the OS is not loaded and knows nothing about frozen apps. Titanium doesn't touch the actual files so they are still present to be patched by the OTA.
Sent from my Nexus 10

[Q] Stock, flashable update? (VZW Dev edition TWRP)

Hello,
I searched for the answer and didn't find it so... I need to upgrade OS on my phone to the latest OTA.
I have a VZW Dev. ed. MotoX, unlocked, rooted, running TWRP. It is stock, aside from the tethering hack.
Given that I managed to unlock, root and install TWRP, I'm sure I could manage it again, if I have to install a stock recovery again (yuck), but I;m hoping there may be an easier way, perhaps one that involves simply clicking a link on my phone or some such similar. I recall with the GNex, these usually popped up shortly after the OTA became available. Is something similar for the MotoX likely to show up, or is our community just too small?
Is there a 1 click upgrade yet? Is there likely to be one, or do I need to roll up my sleeves with this device and revert to stock, apply OTA, then re-install TWRP and root? What a PITA. What's the easiest way?
Thanks!

vespadaddy said:
Hello,
I searched for the answer and didn't find it so... I need to upgrade OS on my phone to the latest OTA.
I have a VZW Dev. ed. MotoX, unlocked, rooted, running TWRP. It is stock, aside from the tethering hack.
Given that I managed to unlock, root and install TWRP, I'm sure I could manage it again, if I have to install a stock recovery again (yuck), but I;m hoping there may be an easier way, perhaps one that involves simply clicking a link on my phone or some such similar. I recall with the GNex, these usually popped up shortly after the OTA became available. Is something similar for the MotoX likely to show up, or is our community just too small?
Is there a 1 click upgrade yet? Is there likely to be one, or do I need to roll up my sleeves with this device and revert to stock, apply OTA, then re-install TWRP and root? What a PITA. What's the easiest way?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use fastboot to flash stock recovery on your phone, undo the tethering hack, and take the OTA.
Since you have a Dev Edition with unlocked bootloader, Root and Write Protection Disable survive. You can leave stock recovery on there, unless you really need the features of TWRP like backup, etc. Then you just have to do any NEW hacks for tethering (for 4.4.2 its different than 4.4). Or you can use wifi tether for root app instead of hacks.
There was talk about repackaging the OTA to be installed via TWRP or CWM, but I don't recall the thread containing an actual zip, and think they were mostly talking about what needs to be done. Since its easy enough with the Dev Edition to update, its likely not worth the work repacking it, since it wont work for those with LOCKED bootloaders.

vespadaddy said:
Hello,
I searched for the answer and didn't find it so... I need to upgrade OS on my phone to the latest OTA.
I have a VZW Dev. ed. MotoX, unlocked, rooted, running TWRP. It is stock, aside from the tethering hack.
Given that I managed to unlock, root and install TWRP, I'm sure I could manage it again, if I have to install a stock recovery again (yuck), but I;m hoping there may be an easier way, perhaps one that involves simply clicking a link on my phone or some such similar. I recall with the GNex, these usually popped up shortly after the OTA became available. Is something similar for the MotoX likely to show up, or is our community just too small?
Is there a 1 click upgrade yet? Is there likely to be one, or do I need to roll up my sleeves with this device and revert to stock, apply OTA, then re-install TWRP and root? What a PITA. What's the easiest way?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pretty much did what was described below and maintained TWRP and root. Note: you must enter TWRP and exit after the update to reinstall SU.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50639372&postcount=25
except I chose not to flash the following...
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot erase customize
fastboot erase clogo
Whether it makes sense or not my goal is to not "upgrade" my bootloader or GPT until absolutely necessary as they can't be downgraded. The risks associated with doing this are hotly debated so understand what you are getting into if you choose to do this to your phone.

Reverted thether hack.
Recovery tool worked for me on moto x dev. flashed stock recovery. Took ota 442. Flashed twrp. kept root and stuff. no need for a computer.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2334554

[Q] [Q} AT&T Moto After Sunshine

I haven't don it yet getting all the info I need before hand.
1) After I unlock the bootloader will I be able to flash the most recent update for 4.4.4 or will I just be able to unfreeze the OTA and still keep root?
2) If I loose root since I now have an unlocked bootloader I'm just a SuperSU flash away from root, right?
3) Since I'm still on 4.4.2 will I have any issues if I need to flash back to it?
Anything else I might have missed that is important either from mistakes or just general knowledge I missed would be appreciated. Thanks and Good Night everybody!

Icon000 said:
I haven't don it yet getting all the info I need before hand.
1) After I unlock the bootloader will I be able to flash the most recent update for 4.4.4 or will I just be able to unfreeze the OTA and still keep root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you unlock the bootloader, treat your device like a developer edition. I would just flash the full 4.4.4 image files for your device to bring it up to the latest version without worry of it failing because of modifications you may have made to the system (root, etc..).
2) If I loose root since I now have an unlocked bootloader I'm just a SuperSU flash away from root, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With an unlocked bootloader you can flash an alternate recovery like CWM or TWRP. These recoveries will allow you to flash SuperSU to gain root.
3) Since I'm still on 4.4.2 will I have any issues if I need to flash back to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just like every other Motorola device (developer or not), you can not flash backwards. If you move to 4.4.4 you can NOT go back to 4.4.2.

tcrews said:
After you unlock the bootloader, treat your device like a developer edition. I would just flash the full 4.4.4 image files for your device to bring it up to the latest version without worry of it failing because of modifications you may have made to the system (root, etc..).
With an unlocked bootloader you can flash an alternate recovery like CWM or TWRP. These recoveries will allow you to flash SuperSU to gain root.
Just like every other Motorola device (developer or not), you can not flash backwards. If you move to 4.4.4 you can NOT go back to 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great explanation! :good:

tcrews said:
After you unlock the bootloader, treat your device like a developer edition. I would just flash the full 4.4.4 image files for your device to bring it up to the latest version without worry of it failing because of modifications you may have made to the system (root, etc..).
With an unlocked bootloader you can flash an alternate recovery like CWM or TWRP. These recoveries will allow you to flash SuperSU to gain root.
Just like every other Motorola device (developer or not), you can not flash backwards. If you move to 4.4.4 you can NOT go back to 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you recommend flashing 4.4.4 over accepting the OTA? I still want to be able to use the additions originally provided by Motorola. I didn't seen a rom built on Moto Stock. Did I miss it?

Flash the stock 4.4.4 ROM that is for your device.
What's better...4.4.2 with patches to make it 4.4.4 (via an OTA) or just the full 4.4.4 (via the full 4.4.4 install) without the need for patching to make it 4.4.4?
Oh well...it looks like there isn't a FULL 4.4.4 for AT&T Moto X released yet....just 4.4.2. Flash the full 4.4.2 then take the OTA update to 4.4.4 and then flash TWRP to get root.
AT&T 4.4.2
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/download.php?device=0&file=849
You can just flash the system.img from the download with mfastboot to revert any changes you did (root, etc..) so that the OTA can be installed successfully. You'll just want to get fully updated before flashing an alternative recovery like TWRP.

Having some issues want to restore

I'm running 4.4 on first gen moto x. I am rooted with jcase method (back when it was script only..lol) I have a loss of battery life. I use to be able to run all day and come home with 40ish %.. I've ran a tad over 9 hours today and I'm at 18%. I have had touch screen issues off "center" for example.. If I'm googleing something and I click on first one pops up I may click on the 2nd or 3rd.. I'd I'm on Facebook and I click "like" it at click on the link.. I am thinking of fxzing my phone back to stock and erase it all. But my concern is 1. If it pulls update before I can stop it, is there a root out for it yet? 2nd, I have not had to root my 4.4 is there an easier way now?
Thanks for the help!!
Slapped my Moto

If you're on 4.4, why not use Sunshine to unlock your bootloader? That way, you don't have to worry about your first or second question.
To answer your questions:
1. It won't and even so, you have to choose to install the update.
2. TowelPieRoot.
I highly suggest you pony up the $25 to unlock your bootloader though.

I'm on Verizon..last I knew it was unlockable..
Edit: OK...nvm done a bit of research...this is awesome.. Only issue I'm having is I try to download sunshine and it basically says its corrupt.
Slapped my Moto

OK another ?. I did the su shine unlock and tried to install CM11 and bootlooped so I had to reinstall stock...trying to do root I remember I need reflash 4.2.2 and use slapmymoto etc to regain root then take 4.4 update... But I don't think its out what if I take 4.4.4 will I still have root?!
I've also seen u can use towlpieroot but once u reboot, u lose it...is there a perm solution?
Sent from my XT1060 using xda premium

If you unlocked your bootloader you just flash twrp and it roots for you. Hopefully you didn't brick by flashing a lower firmware.
You can just use the Verizon fxz in the general section to update to 4.4.4 and then root with twrp. You are unlocked, no exploits or towel pie or slapping. Just root forever
Sent from my XT1060

xpsychox said:
OK another ?. I did the su shine unlock and tried to install CM11 and bootlooped so I had to reinstall stock...trying to do root I remember I need reflash 4.2.2 and use slapmymoto etc to regain root then take 4.4 update... But I don't think its out what if I take 4.4.4 will I still have root?!
I've also seen u can use towlpieroot but once u reboot, u lose it...is there a perm solution?
Sent from my XT1060 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If sunshine properly unlocked your bootloader, you shouldn't have any issues rooting, no matter what ROM you have on your phone.
Once you unlock your bootloader, you do not need to use SlapMyMoto/RockMyMoto or the like, nor do you need MotoWpNoMo.
If you get 4.4.2 or higher on your phone do NOT downgrade!!!
PIE and TowelPieRoot only work on 4.4.2, it does not work on 4.4.4. And it is only a temp root, as with a locked bootloader on 4.4.2 and up, you can't disable write protection.
IF you've used Sunshine to unlock your bootloader then, To ROOT Once you unlocked your bootloader, Download the latest TWRP Recovery from -> http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/234 (under the Download-Fastboot heading) and the latest SuperSU from -> http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu or the latest CWM / TWRP / MobileODIN installable ZIP from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 and use them while following the instructions in this post -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738

KidJoe said:
If sunshine properly unlocked your bootloader, you shouldn't have any issues rooting, no matter what ROM you have on your phone.
Once you unlock your bootloader, you do not need to use SlapMyMoto/RockMyMoto or the like, nor do you need MotoWpNoMo.
If you get 4.4.2 or higher on your phone do NOT downgrade!!!
PIE and TowelPieRoot only work on 4.4.2, it does not work on 4.4.4. And it is only a temp root, as with a locked bootloader on 4.4.2 and up, you can't disable write protection.
IF you've used Sunshine to unlock your bootloader then, To ROOT Once you unlocked your bootloader, Download the latest TWRP Recovery from -> http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/234 (under the Download-Fastboot heading) and the latest SuperSU from -> http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu or the latest CWM / TWRP / MobileODIN installable ZIP from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 and use them while following the instructions in this post -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deffinatly good to know..but kind of sucks cu now I won't have a nandroid back up..been using safestrap..lol
Sent from my XT1060 using xda premium
Edit: I already ran slapmymoto and m WP is killed long ago (like 4 months ago) so it's done and gone.. I'm thinking of takeing the 4.4.4 but I want root and only temp root is what I found... unless you know of something I don't?

xpsychox said:
Deffinatly good to know..but kind of sucks cu now I won't have a nandroid back up..been using safestrap..lol
Sent from my XT1060 using xda premium
Edit: I already ran slapmymoto and m WP is killed long ago (like 4 months ago) so it's done and gone.. I'm thinking of takeing the 4.4.4 but I want root and only temp root is what I found... unless you know of something I don't?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You used MotoWPNoMo to disable write protection. If you upgrade to 4.4.2, you'll likely keep root which was provided by SlapMyMoto, but the vulnerability being exploited by MotoWpNoMo was patched, so write protection will be re-enabled.
On 4.4.2 and up, the only way to disable write protection is unlocking the bootloader.
The Vulnerabilities used to gain root via SlapMyMoto on 4.4, and Pie, TowelPieRoot on 4.4.2 are patched in 4.4.4, and there is no root on 4.4.4 unless you unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery to root.
That being said. If you have NEVER upgraded to 4.4.4, you could try Sunshine to unlock your bootloader. Its $25, but it checks if your phone is compatible before it charges you. This thread discusses it -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/request-help-exploit-moto-x-bl-t2828471
And in case you missed the many posts/threads... Once on 4.4.2 or up, DO NOT DOWNGRADE or attempt to downgrade!!!! You will end up with a Brick!! (So this means if you have 4.4.4, you can't downgrade to 4.4.2 or 4.4 to try and use the older exploits/processes.)

that's actually what i did.. lol, thanks though.

Rooted XT1095, About to go 5.1

Hey all,
I've been receiving notifications for the OTA for a few days now, and I certainly would like to update my Moto X. That being said, OTA fails since I have a rooted device, go figure.
Anyways, my plan of action is to back uo everything, unroot using SuperSU, apply the update (still on stock recovery), and then re-root on the other side.
Has anyone gone about this route yet? Does this all sound like it should work? Also, it's been a while since I've modded my X, so any new rooting methods for 5.1 that people have tried and succeeded with?
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk

Not only do you need to unroot, you have to undo any modifications you made with root. As long as you can do that the update will work.
If you can't get it back to unmodified, you will have to flash a stock system image.
As far as root, the process is the same for 4.4.4, 5.0, and 5.1. Just boot into twrp and let it root it for you, or flash supersu zip. Very easy.
Sent from my XT1095

As far as root, the process is the same for 4.4.4, 5.0, and 5.1. Just boot into twrp and let it root it for you, or flash supersu zip. Very easy.
Sent from my XT1095[/QUOTE]
I originally rooted 5.0. To get the OTA I had to unroot and reflash the stock recovery. After that the OTA applied fine.
The main reason I rooted was for Greenify. I'm now unrooted on 5.1 and my battery sucks. I want to think that Greenify actually works so I would like to root 5.1. As mentioned I have rooted before but am still very much a novice. You state "Just boot into twrp and let it root it for you". I think I have saw in the forums that if I boot into twrp it will actually leave the stock recovery? I really don't want to do anything except root so that I can install Greenify again. I want to make as easy as possible to take the next OTA. If booting into twrp will allow this, is there a link to a simple process? There is so much information out there and most of it is dated so it scares me that it might not work on 5.1. Thanks.

summit15 said:
As far as root, the process is the same for 4.4.4, 5.0, and 5.1. Just boot into twrp and let it root it for you, or flash supersu zip. Very easy.
Sent from my XT1095
I originally rooted 5.0. To get the OTA I had to unroot and reflash the stock recovery. After that the OTA applied fine.
The main reason I rooted was for Greenify. I'm now unrooted on 5.1 and my battery sucks. I want to think that Greenify actually works so I would like to root 5.1. As mentioned I have rooted before but am still very much a novice. You state "Just boot into twrp and let it root it for you". I think I have saw in the forums that if I boot into twrp it will actually leave the stock recovery? I really don't want to do anything except root so that I can install Greenify again. I want to make as easy as possible to take the next OTA. If booting into twrp will allow this, is there a link to a simple process? There is so much information out there and most of it is dated so it scares me that it might not work on 5.1. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you just boot it, the stock recovery stays on the phone. No need to flash TWRP. Download version 2.8.5.0! The newer versions don't boot, the new ones can only be flashed. With 2.8.5.0 type:
fastboot boot twrpfilenamehere.img
Then you will be in twrp and can root.
Sent from my XT1095

AGISCI said:
Not only do you need to unroot, you have to undo any modifications you made with root. As long as you can do that the update will work.
If you can't get it back to unmodified, you will have to flash a stock system image.
As far as root, the process is the same for 4.4.4, 5.0, and 5.1. Just boot into twrp and let it root it for you, or flash supersu zip. Very easy.
Sent from my XT1095
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the late reply, thanks! I still have my stock recovery, and have been pretty lazy about installing busy box or xposed or any other fun things. I'll probably muster up the courage this week. After all, I've killed and resurrected this thing once before
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk