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So, I did some digging around here, and I am more confused than ever. Here is my quick question (hopefully)
I have an bootloader unlocked xt1058 (ATT branded). I ran a nandroid to flash a new rom, only to discover when i went to restore a nandroid, the system folder did not back up, therefore I do not have a /system folder backup of stock ATT 4.4.2.
What I want to know is: Can I fastboot flash ATT's 4.4 system file only (i know bootloader is not compatable), then take the 4.4.2 OTA? Or will this hard brick my phone?
If i searched the forums correctly, it addresses if your bootloader is locked, but not unlocked.
I am running an AOSP now, so i know my way around fastboot and adb.
Any assistance would be helpful, and a flashable zip of stock ATT 4.4.2 would kick a**
Thanks for the help!
I'm not sure exactly how, cause I never have, or would downgrade......but just be sure you find out exactly how to do it. An unlocked boot loader will not protect you from a brick if something is done wrong. In other words....there are ways to brick for sure....locked or unlocked.
To me its a risky endeavor no matter what the case. Mistakes happen.....and in the case of downgrading from 4.4.2....mistakes can cost you a phone. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
I'm not sure exactly how, cause I never have, or would downgrade......but just be sure you find out exactly how to do it. An unlocked boot loader will not protect you from a brick if something is done wrong. In other words....there are ways to brick for sure....locked or unlocked.
To me its a risky endeavor no matter what the case. Mistakes happen.....and in the case of downgrading from 4.4.2....mistakes can cost you a phone. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep! Hence the question. I guess the real question is...with an unlocked bootloader, can i flash System and Recovery (Android 4.4), while on Bootloader (Android 4.4.2)
would the safest thing to do to use RSD and flash (which will stop if there is a security issue)?
I'd just wait for the flash able 4.4.2 files.
Why do you want 4.4 anyway? There's not much difference.... Except a few negatives.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
cpetersen2791 said:
What I want to know is: Can I fastboot flash ATT's 4.4 system file only (i know bootloader is not compatable), then take the 4.4.2 OTA? Or will this hard brick my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this will brick your phone. If you are on 4.4.2, and downgrade only parts (say system.img), you'll have a version and security mismatch, including the bootloader and GPT.BIN. If you take an OTA in that state you will brick. (at least that is what many of the users who have bricked have done according to the threads I've read... I haven't actually done it first hand as I don't want to deal with a brick).
cpetersen2791 said:
If i searched the forums correctly, it addresses if your bootloader is locked, but not unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This applies for locked and unlocked bootloaders.
cpetersen2791 said:
Any assistance would be helpful, and a flashable zip of stock ATT 4.4.2 would kick a**
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as the SBF for ATT 4.4.2 leaks out, I'm sure it will be available on -> http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
kj2112 said:
I'd just wait for the flash able 4.4.2 files.
Why do you want 4.4 anyway? There's not much difference.... Except a few negatives.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i ran a "stock" nandroid to test AOSP roms, i failed to back up my system folder, therefore I don't have a Stock ATT OS. I know 4.4.2 was out, but only as OTA, but complete 4.4 was available.
Thanks for all the assistance, i'll wait for the 4.4.2 SBF.
I have a Verizon moto x and am just wondering now that lollipop is rolling out whether or not I should wait to update.
I wasn't sure if now a root path might be found. I'd rather have root on KitKat than lollipop with no root.
mpetruzz said:
I have a Verizon moto x and am just wondering now that lollipop is rolling out whether or not I should wait to update.
I wasn't sure if now a root path might be found. I'd rather have root on KitKat than lollipop with no root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a VZ expert, but I was under the impression with their locked bootloader root was going to be a no-go either way. I may be wrong.
Hey guys does anyone have step-by-step guide on how i can root this phone? I am not able to find a guide for XT1053 (T-Mobile) on 4.4.4. Specifically I want to install a 5.0 rom because I'm tired of waiting for the update. Any help will be appreciated;
stuntman2128 said:
Hey guys does anyone have step-by-step guide on how i can root this phone? I am not able to find a guide for XT1053 (T-Mobile) on 4.4.4. Specifically I want to install a 5.0 rom because I'm tired of waiting for the update. Any help will be appreciated;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-complete-moto-x-guides-information-t2603358
You'll have to unlock the bootloader. No way around it.
Should I be nervous about unlocking the bootloader?
Didn't my Samsung phone come with it already unlocked?
Should you be nervous? Google the pros and cons then decide for yourself.
No phone nor tablet comes with an unlocked bootloader.
I have an XT1053 and just recently unlocked the bootloader through the Motorola site. I waited until now because my original warranty just expired and knew that unlocking the bootloader would void my warranty. I wanted to unlock the bootloader under 4.4.4 because I didn't know if there would be any problems once Lollipop was offered as an update. The unlock process went very smoothly and took only a few minutes. You probably already know that unlocking wipes your phone, so be prepared to reinstall apps and other files. I have not rooted yet because I'll probably wait to do that after the Lollipop OTA comes around. Even then, I may not root because I'm really pretty happy with the phone as it is. For me, unlocking the bootloader was just of way of preserving the future option to root.
stuntman2128 said:
Hey guys does anyone have step-by-step guide on how i can root this phone? I am not able to find a guide for XT1053 (T-Mobile) on 4.4.4. Specifically I want to install a 5.0 rom because I'm tired of waiting for the update. Any help will be appreciated;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to YouTube and search for qbking77 channel on how to unlock bootloader moto 2013.. Step by step tutorial with video
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mac1996 said:
Go to YouTube and search for qbking77 channel on how to unlock bootloader moto 2013.. Step by step tutorial with video
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocking bootloader isn't a problem. I mainly want to know how i can put a custom recovery (prefer CWM because i've had it on previous phone). That way i can straight up install a custom rom that is already rooted without rooting stock. I just really want 5.0 really tired of 4.4.4
stuntman2128 said:
unlocking bootloader isn't a problem. I mainly want to know how i can put a custom recovery (prefer CWM because i've had it on previous phone). That way i can straight up install a custom rom that is already rooted without rooting stock. I just really want 5.0 really tired of 4.4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have fastboot?
if yes, go to your phone bootloader.
Connect to your computer by USB.
Type the following in cmd. (place your recovery img file in fastboot directory)
fastboot flash recovery (your recovery name).img
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Check the sticky threads. There's only a year and halfs worth of information available to you here and all over the rest of the internet.
stuntman2128 said:
unlocking bootloader isn't a problem. I mainly want to know how i can put a custom recovery (prefer CWM because i've had it on previous phone). That way i can straight up install a custom rom that is already rooted without rooting stock. I just really want 5.0 really tired of 4.4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At any point after unlocking the bootloader... To flash recovery, did you do the following...
Start the phone in Fastboot/Bootloader mode.. then from the PC type...
mfastboot flash recovery YourRecovery.img
mfastboot reboot-bootloader
Follow onscreen directions to use vol down key and highlight recovery, then use vol up to select/enter recovery. Once in recovery you can reboot the phone and proceed with whatever you want.
Failure to reboot-bootloader and entering recovery immediately after flashing recovery (i.e. doing something else first) can result in the recovery not sticking.
4.4.4
a year old post by dray_jr says the following:
4.4 to 4.2.2 Pre Cam will Brick
4.2.2 Post Cam to 4.2.2 Pre Cam will Brick.
4.4.2 to to anything will Brick
4.4 to 4.2.2 Post Cam you are ok
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can someone explain this to me? I got my phone around august 2014, it came with 4.4.3 and right now I'm on 4.4.4.
If I use the motorola website and follow their bootloader unlock steps am I fine? will I have any brick issues stated from the quote above?
Thread
Nevermind guys, found the perfect thread for 4.4.4 root!
Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738
Final question: I don't have to install supersu root if i install CM12 once i get into TWRP recovery am i correct? (since cms come rooted)
Would flashing a JB kernel (and only the kernel) work to root it as described here?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/guide-xperia-kitkat-4-4-4-rooting-t3003520
Completely different phone. What works on one does not always apply to another. If it worked on the Moto X, don't you think someone would've tried and documented it s sometime in the last 18 months?
nhizzat said:
Completely different phone. What works on one does not always apply to another. If it worked on the Moto X, don't you think someone would've tried and documented it s sometime in the last 18 months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course its a different phone, but since the Moto X also came with JB stock, I was just wondering whether the same method would work for the ones who are stuck with 4.4.4 and no root.
And no, I don't think that every method has been tried already. the Razr I JB root with a locked BL for example only happened, cause I asked jcase nicely if he could code an app that uses an exploit. So, many times, without asking nothing will happen...
dagoban said:
Of course its a different phone, but since the Moto X also came with JB stock, I was just wondering whether the same method would work for the ones who are stuck with 4.4.4 and no root.
And no, I don't think that every method has been tried already. the Razr I JB root with a locked BL for example only happened, cause I asked jcase nicely if he could code an app that uses an exploit. So, many times, without asking nothing will happen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't proclaim to know the ins and outs of all things android, but I do know this.. Just because a phone has android 4.4.4 doesn't mean its the same 4.4.4 with the same exact flaws and vulnerabilities, susceptible to the same exact root processes. Its why an exploit to root one phone, often doesn't work to root another.
In the case of the Moto X with a locked bootloader, JCASE has come out with many processes exploiting vulnerabilities for Android and the Apps on the Moto X to not only root it, but disable its write protection. As new OTA's have patched an exploit, he came out with other ways.
Starting wth 4.4.2, the vulnerability in the bootoader to disable write protection has been patched.
Jcase's Sunshine tool works on the X with 4.4.3 and lower, and only SOME with 4.4.4. It needs temp root first, etc. For whatever reason, we don't have a way to even temp root the 2013 X on 4.4.4 enough to allow Sunshine to do its work. And despite being asked many times, Jcase pretty much said in the Sunshine discussion threads that v3.0 wont have Moto X 4.4.4 support (unless he changed his mind and I missed it). Yet sunshine and its root processes, etc work on other phones (HTC) with 4.4.4.
But back to the thread you link...
On the X, due to its security measures, with a locked bootloader, you can only flash the Moto signed ROM for your phone. Nothing else. Because of this, you can't flash a custom recovery. To flash items, we use mFastboot and RSDLite. They need the img files, or bin files. If we make our own, they wont be signed, so they wont flash to a phone with a locked bootloader. And you can't package them into a flashable ZIP because stock recovery looks for the Moto digital signature (which we don't have and can't fake), and you can't install TWRP/CWM/Philz/etc to flash that way. So if you manage to pull the JB kernel out of the Moto SBF file, you wont be able to flash it.
Due to write protection on the 2013 X, any changes made to /System and a few other places, will be lost at power off/on. In other words, if you do manage to flash it (or push via adb), it wont stick due to write protection.
We've seen people try and manipulate their phone by trying to DOWNGRADE their ROM. Well, this doesn't work either. GPT.BIN (partition table), and Motoboot.img (bootloader, TZ, and a few other things) get in the way. Even on an X with an Unlocked bootloader, you can't downgrade these parts. Enough who attempted this have ended up bricking their phone immediately, or with later taking an OTA. Sure you can try to flash just system.img, and while that has less risk for bricking, people who have tried this were still not able to use the older Root Exploits (that worked if you hadn't upgraded already). People have tried flashing everything but GPT.BIN and MotoBoot.img. Again, it didn't help with rooting. Not to mention with a missmatched system.img or other parts, features on the phone may not always work properly (going Settings -> Security comes to mind), and you are at risk of bricking should you take an OTA update.
Since that process exploits a vulnerability, and its out there (so the vulnerability is in the public), I'm sure if it worked or was possible, JCASE, Beaups, or others would have put something together.
Now, back on topic of the XT1053... it has an Unlockable bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader disables write protection, and allows you to flash non-moto stuff. So unlocking the bootloader, flashing TWRP, reboot bootloader, enter TWRP and root, is quick, easy, effective, and doesn't rely on vulnerabilities on the phone to be exploited so patches/updates haven't got in the way. Plus you don't have to wait for someone to find them and create a repeatable process.
I have the unlocked T-Mobile, 2014 Moto X - Great phone the way it is, currently running 5.1. I realize root is possible but just had a few questions for any experts out there....
1. Will OTA updates still be doable if I root?
2. Can I unroot and get back to 100% normal if I want?
Thanks all
Ya
terrapin69 said:
I have the unlocked T-Mobile, 2014 Moto X - Great phone the way it is, currently running 5.1. I realize root is possible but just had a few questions for any experts out there....
1. Will OTA updates still be doable if I root?
2. Can I unroot and get back to 100% normal if I want?
Thanks all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First there's a Q&A thread already here to ask any question without the need of making a new thread. This is the Moto X¹ thread not the 2.
1. Yes OTA maybe could be doable but you'll lose root if they are successful.
2. Yes.
Enviado desde mi Moto X
direct me to the thread kind sir?
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think you can't go back to 100% stock right now. If you are rooting you need a custom recovery which overwrites the stock one. Since there is no way to backup the stock recovery without prior rooting you running into trouble. It's not possible to go back to the stock recovery without sbf file. Motorola did NOT released any sbf files for 5.1 yet. So there is no way to go back to 100% stock. Also future OTAs could fail since you are not completely stock and it may check if the recovery matches.
I just got a new Droid turbo and it came with android 4.4.4 on it. I want to root it and not sure if it is better to root on this version or update it to the new 5.1. I seen that the new update lets you unlock the Bootloader.
( BTW broke my old 5.1 droid turbo by going into develpoment and clicking "Force RTL layout direction") DONT CLICK ON IT
It doesn't let you unlock the bootloader.. And I'm finding the Lollipop experience amazing! A lot faster and at least double the battery life for me.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
MichaelRazz1 said:
I just got a new Droid turbo and it came with android 4.4.4 on it. I want to root it and not sure if it is better to root on this version or update it to the new 5.1. I seen that the new update lets you unlock the Bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That option is a lollipop feature, not a Droid Turbo feature. On phones with unlockable bootloaders that option works. There is no known way to root the Turbo past 4.4.4 as of yet.
ntxct said:
That option is a lollipop feature, not a Droid Turbo feature. On phones with unlockable bootloaders that option works. There is no known way to root the Turbo past 4.4.4 as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought there was a way to root the 4.4.4 then keep the root updating it to 5.1.
another question... Since I want to root it but have the 5.1 update. Would it be better to update now and then root when we can or wait because we might have to downgrade back to 4.4.4 to root it?
I don't think lollipop and root exist on turbo. You will have to choose 1 or the other if you do not need root better to upgrade. If you want root don't upgrade
johnbravado said:
I don't think lollipop and root exist on turbo.
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Click to collapse
I heard that Mofo has a root for 4.4.4 droid turbo but you have to pay if I'm mistaken
MichaelRazz1 said:
I thought there was a way to root the 4.4.4 then keep the root updating it to 5.1.
another question... Since I want to root it but have the 5.1 update. Would it be better to update now and then root when we can or wait because we might have to downgrade back to 4.4.4 to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is a way to root 4.4.4 using Mofo.. yes it is 20 dollars... and yes it doesnt break write protection so its a process different from most phones. Some people started using a (imo) sketchy root method for free but it honestly sounds like a disaster.
Theres no guarantee that if you upgrade to 5.1 you will EVER have root. And AFAIK there is no way to downgrade from 5.1 back to 4.4.4.
So if you want root, IMO, get 20 bucks and mofo your turbo, then keep an eye on this forum for a miracle of a dev to break through 5.1
MichaelRazz1 said:
I heard that Mofo has a root for 4.4.4 droid turbo but you have to pay if I'm mistaken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the current state of Droid Turbo affairs:
1. Currently, the only way to gain root is to use an app called moforoot. Moforoot is a program (for windows or linux) that lets you flash system images (and only system images. It will not touch any other partitions) to your phone. Using this program, you can take a system image, modify it any way you like (like give it root and SuperSU, for example), and flash it to your phone. This app costs $20 per phone, and it can be used as many times as you want. HOWEVER, write protection is still enabled, which means that you cannot use any apps on your phone to modify any of its system files. Any changes that you want to make have to be done before you flash the image.
2. There is another method called Kingroot that can (sometimes) give root access on a 4.4.4 Turbo. It works inconsistently, and it is only temporary. It does not survive a reboot, and sometimes it doesn't even survive 15 minutes of the phone being on. This method also does not disable write protection and does not work on 5.1, so it provides no advantages over moforoot other than being free.
3. Developers are working on a way to use moforoot to flash a 5.1 system image to a 4.4.4 phone. The main obsticle is that Verizon has not yet released the full 5.1 images yet, so the only things that they have to work with are system dumps from people who have taken the 5.1 update, but these aren't sufficient to create a moforoot-flashable image. The Verizon images are expected to be released in few weeks. UPDATE: The images have been released, and many devs have started work on it.
4. A developer is working on a free version of moforoot, so if $20 is too much for you (or if you live outside the US and don't know how to use a VPN to get around moforoot's country restriction) you can wait for that.
5. There are no known ways to update from rooted 4.4.4 to 5.1 and preserve root. In fact, you can't take the OTA update at all if your phone is rooted. You have to install a stock, unrooted system image first.
TL;DR: If you are impatient and want 5.1, go for it, but understand that you will likely never have anything other than the stock experience. If you are patient, you will be rewarded.
Here's another update: I'm currently in the process of testing the method of flashing 5.1 to my 4.4.4 turbo via moforoot. I'll update this post once I have the results.
TheSt33v said:
Here's another update: I'm currently in the process of testing the method of flashing 5.1 to my 4.4.4 turbo via moforoot. I'll update this post once I have the results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting...how will the firmware get upgraded? (kernel,modem,etc.)
johnbravado said:
I don't think lollipop and root exist on turbo. You will have to choose 1 or the other if you do not need root better to upgrade. If you want root don't upgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does now, it looks like
Modem, recovery, etc. can be flashed via fastboot using the official images. The bootloader is not flashed. That just leaves system via mofo.
It works! Wooo! See here for instructions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61749727&postcount=6