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Can the Moto X bootloader be unlocked?

Can the Moto X bootloader be unlocked? I ask this because from what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong), the bootloader must be unlocked in order to flash custom ROMs. Also, I'm aware that there's a Developer Edition of the Moto X that has an unlocked bootloader. This question is for the standard Moto X, not the Developer Edition. Thanks!
- Shadowz1218

Shadowz1218 said:
Can the Moto X bootloader be unlocked? I ask this because from what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong), the bootloader must be unlocked in order to flash custom ROMs. Also, I'm aware that there's a Developer Edition of the Moto X that has an unlocked bootloader. This question is for the standard Moto X, not the Developer Edition. Thanks!
- Shadowz1218
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AFAIK, there are some models can not be bootloader unlocked, the AT&T, Verizon, Nextel Mexico. Others are bootloader unlockable.

yghrv said:
AFAIK, there are some models can not be bootloader unlocked, the AT&T, Verizon, Nextel Mexico. Others are bootloader unlockable.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.

Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
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Click to collapse
Well, in order to flash a ROM, you'll need to have a recovery capable of doing so. In order to flash a recovery, you'll need an unlocked bootloader. Ergo...
The only reason bootloaders get unlocked is so that custom recoveries can be installed. Not just to flash, but also for backing up. Stock recovery doesn't really do anything but factory reset.

Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
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Click to collapse
rockingondrums said:
Well, in order to flash a ROM, you'll need to have a recovery capable of doing so. In order to flash a recovery, you'll need an unlocked bootloader. Ergo...
The only reason bootloaders get unlocked is so that custom recoveries can be installed. Not just to flash, but also for backing up. Stock recovery doesn't really do anything but factory reset.
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You can root and flash roms without an unlocked bootloader. Look at the Development thread, there are root/recovery options for 4.2.2 and 4.4. There isn't much development happening. If anything we're probably going to get stock based roms for the most part.

Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
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Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, why is the ability to flash a custom ROM a must-have? I felt that way at first, but many Moto X users (including myself) now believe that a combination of root, Xposed and GravityBox is enough.

Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then get a VZW developer edition.

chaoslimits said:
You can root and flash roms without an unlocked bootloader. Look at the Development thread, there are root/recovery options for 4.2.2 and 4.4. There isn't much development happening. If anything we're probably going to get stock based roms for the most part.
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Well I know root is certainly possible, but how do you flash a rom on the Moto X without using a recovery such as CWM or TWRP?

rockingondrums said:
Well I know root is certainly possible, but how do you flash a rom on the Moto X without using a recovery such as CWM or TWRP?
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safestrap.

charlie-n said:
safestrap.
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Click to collapse
There's no safestrap for 4.4 yet, correct?
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app

You can try root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2538896
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

charlie-n said:
safestrap.
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Click to collapse
But isn't safestrap that weird hack that leaves the original system alone and just sticks another install on the device? I wanted to get a vzw S4 until I learned I'd be stuck with the original bloated OS installed along the one I want (if I'm understanding it correctly)

rockingondrums said:
But isn't safestrap that weird hack that leaves the original system alone and just sticks another install on the device? I wanted to get a vzw S4 until I learned I'd be stuck with the original bloated OS installed along the one I want (if I'm understanding it correctly)
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Pretty much
sent by wireless transmission

charlie-n said:
safestrap.
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Click to collapse
If you can flash a custom ROM with said "safestrap," what's the point of having an unlocked bootloader? What can you do with an unlocked bootloader that you can't do without one?

Shadowz1218 said:
If you can flash a custom ROM with said "safestrap," what's the point of having an unlocked bootloader? What can you do with an unlocked bootloader that you can't do without one?
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You can flash other versions on your phone. I unlocked my bootloader and flashed the Verizon version, just because. I came from a Latin American version of the phone.

RagnaParadise said:
You can flash other versions on your phone. I unlocked my bootloader and flashed the Verizon version, just because. I came from a Latin American version of the phone.
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Click to collapse
I don't quite understand what you mean by "flashing other versions on your phone." My question is what's the advantage of having an unlocked bootloader. Also, are there any disadvantages of flashing a custom ROM with a safestrap?

Shadowz1218 said:
I don't quite understand what you mean by "flashing other versions on your phone." My question is what's the advantage of having an unlocked bootloader. Also, are there any disadvantages of flashing a custom ROM with a safestrap?
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Click to collapse
Normally, it's to allow you to flash a custom recovery, so that you can flash the plethora of zips you can find. The disadvantage with safestrap is what I said above: It's a hack that leaves the original OS on the phone, just sitting there taking up space. You know how the S4's only came with 9 GBs free on the 16 GBs? Well, if I bought a verizon one, I'd have to safestrap CM or whatever on to the phone, so I'd be left with the original TW hog and then lose more space to CM. I mean, if you can deal with that then you're golden. But it is still a disadvantage. And I wouldn't do it (which is why I ended up not buying the S4, even though I really wanted it).

rockingondrums said:
Normally, it's to allow you to flash a custom recovery, so that you can flash the plethora of zips you can find. The disadvantage with safestrap is what I said above: It's a hack that leaves the original OS on the phone, just sitting there taking up space. You know how the S4's only came with 9 GBs free on the 16 GBs? Well, if I bought a verizon one, I'd have to safestrap CM or whatever on to the phone, so I'd be left with the original TW hog and then lose more space to CM. I mean, if you can deal with that then you're golden. But it is still a disadvantage. And I wouldn't do it (which is why I ended up not buying the S4, even though I really wanted it).
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So if I want to replace the original OS with another ROM I'd have no choice but to unlock the bootloader and use a custom recovery? Also, is it possible that an OTA update could break the safestrap, or stop it from working anymore?

Ok, rather than this unnecessary back and forth, if you have Verizon and "flashing custom ROMS is a must for me" like you say then just get the Verizon Developer Edition which has an unlocked bootloader and be done with it.

LordLugard said:
Ok, rather than this unnecessary back and forth, if you have Verizon and "flashing custom ROMS is a must for me" like you say then just get the Verizon Developer Edition which has an unlocked bootloader and be done with it.
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I was simply trying to understand if there's any practical advantage of having an unlocked bootloader vs. using other methods such as a safestrap. If I can get a custom Moto X at a discounted price on a 2-year contract, I'd much rather go that route instead of paying the retail price for a Developer Edition.

Unlocked bootloader?

I have owned about 5 android phones all have been rooted and rommed. I have been trying to look to see if the phone is already unlocked from t mobile and if theres a recovery ready to be flashed. I was looking at the CFauto root guide and somewhere in the post it says custom recovery is ready but i don't see a download for the recovery. Is it included in the ODIN file?

nazzo123 said:
I have owned about 5 android phones all have been rooted and rommed. I have been trying to look to see if the phone is already unlocked from t mobile and if theres a recovery ready to be flashed. I was looking at the CFauto root guide and somewhere in the post it says custom recovery is ready but i don't see a download for the recovery. Is it included in the ODIN file?
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The T-Mobile Note 4 is bootloader unlocked from the manufacturer. The SIM is locked, but now easily unlockable through online unlocking services.
Root available through CF.
Still waiting on custom recovery.

done12many2 said:
The T-Mobile Note 4 is bootloader unlocked from the manufacturer. The SIM is locked, but now easily unlockable through online unlocking services.
Root available through CF.
Still waiting on custom recovery.
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So I just have to "unlock" the phone to be able to use on other carriers?
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

Yes. Unlock for use on any GSM network. Verizon and Sprint are CDMA networks so it will not work on them.

ohhh ok cool because i was with verizon for a long time and every phone was locked down

Wait wait wait...sorry about my confusion here, but I've been with Verizon for a couple years. Are you saying T-Mobile phones come with the bootloader unlocked? Is AT&T like this too? I'm already prepared to jump ship, but if this is true, I'm definitely gonna say goodbye to big red.

T-Mobile only.

Cicatrize said:
Wait wait wait...sorry about my confusion here, but I've been with Verizon for a couple years. Are you saying T-Mobile phones come with the bootloader unlocked? Is AT&T like this too? I'm already prepared to jump ship, but if this is true, I'm definitely gonna say goodbye to big red.
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Yes, the bootloader is unlocked on the T-Mobile. I'm using one now on the AT&T network. Feels good to be rocking and rooted, unlocked bootloader and carrier unlocked N4. Happy flashing to all!!!

How to root AT&T Nexus 6

Is there a thread on here on how to root the Nexus 6 with AT&T carrier, running stock Lollipop 5.1? Or rather, what is the simplest way to root? I already ADB and the necessary USB drivers installed.

Same technique as any other Nexus. Either use a toolkit or CF autoroot or my preferred way of using fastboot.

I've actually heard that some methods can't be used if you're tied to a carrier. Something about something on the phone being locked.

I used a toolkit with no problem and I am on Verizon.

toledodj said:
I've actually heard that some methods can't be used if you're tied to a carrier. Something about something on the phone being locked.
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Let's clear this up.
On an android device there are 2 things that can be locked.
1 - SIM lock. Some carriers lock this as they subsidised phones so they only want you to use it in their network
2 - the bootloader
On some other android devices, some carrier versions have either a locked bootloader or an unlockable bootloader, when other versions of the same phone do not.
However, unlike other android devices, there isn't any difference between the carrier versions. There are only 2 models of nexus 6. The North America version and the international. Both models are identical hardware wise, except different radio bands.. The carrier "versions" are all the same except logos, boot animations and sounds. That's it.
On the nexus 6, they all have a locked but completely unlockable bootloader. There is one process for root. Unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery then from there either flash a ROM or flash a SuperSU.zip

toledodj said:
I've actually heard that some methods can't be used if you're tied to a carrier. Something about something on the phone being locked.
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Click to collapse
This would be news to me and I've had the phone since it launched on Sprint. AFAIK, the phone is rooted/unlocked in the same manner regardless of carrier. The AT&T version is Sim locked and possibly Rogers as well. That's it.

rootSU said:
Let's clear this up.
On an android device there are 2 things that can be locked.
1 - SIM lock. Some carriers lock this as they subsidised phones so they only want you to use it in their network
2 - the bootloader
On some other android devices, some carrier versions have either a locked bootloader or an unlockable bootloader, when other versions of the same phone do not.
However, unlike other android devices, there isn't any difference between the carrier versions. There are only 2 models of nexus 6. The North America version and the international. Both models are identical hardware wise, except different radio bands.. The carrier "versions" are all the same except logos, boot animations and sounds. That's it.
On the nexus 6, they all have a locked but completely unlockable bootloader. There is one process for root. Unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery then from there either flash a ROM or flash a SuperSU.zip
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Click to collapse
well said!
but one correction. when flashing a rom, well most but not all roms, you also have to flash supersu for root. or you wont have root on that rom

simms22 said:
well said!
but one correction. when flashing a rom, well most but not all roms, you also have to flash supersu for root. or you wont have root on that rom
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Good point. What I should have said is flash a rooted ROM.

Okay, I get it now

So which is easier and safer to use: CF auto root or the Nexus rootkit? Do these work regardless of Android version?

toledodj said:
So which is easier and safer to use: CF auto root or the Nexus rootkit? Do these work regardless of Android version?
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Please use fast boot. Read the sticky thread by @micmars

[Q] Restore AT&T Boot Animation

I have to return my Nexus 6 to Motorala but I've removed the AT&T boot animation. Does anyone know how to restore it or if it will matter that I've removed it once the bootloader is locker?
Thanks,

42xx said:
I have to return my Nexus 6 to Motorala but I've removed the AT&T boot animation. Does anyone know how to restore it or if it will matter that I've removed it once the bootloader is locker?
Thanks,
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Click to collapse
If you are returning it to Motorola I would suggest flashing a stock image file and relocking your bootloader. This will accomplish what you are asking.

k.s.deviate said:
If you are returning it to Motorola I would suggest flashing a stock image file and relocking your bootloader. This will accomplish what you are asking.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I did that thinking it would bring back the animation but no luck. You don't think that they'll notice/care that the animation isn't there?

I returned mine. With out the animation. Haven't heard a word. Just flash to factory

I have the oem partition I believe. I got it from another user on this forum but can't remember where haha. If I remember correctly it's just unzip and place in all contents in the oem partition.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_YXkajvl86pcTdORThmOFdDSWs/edit?usp=docslist_api

42xx said:
I have to return my Nexus 6 to Motorala but I've removed the AT&T boot animation.
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Click to collapse
If I well understand your question, you have an AT&T purchased N6, and Motorola is going to let you RMA it to Motorola? They didn't tell you to contact AT&T? Most interesting....

cam30era said:
If I well understand your question, you have an AT&T purchased N6, and Motorola is going to let you RMA it to Motorola? They didn't tell you to contact AT&T? Most interesting....
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Yea, it had a cracked screen so it wasn't strictly a software/bug issue. More of a... human error issue.

Nexus 6 Cyanogenmod carrier ROM ?

I looked on Cyanogenmod's website below:
https://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=shamu
and it just has 1 ROM for Nexus 6. I have Nexus 6 for Sprint. Is there only 1 version of the ROM that works for all carriers ?
My old Galaxy S4 has many different builds for Sprint, ATT, Verizon, etc.... wasn't sure if Nexus has the same set up.

Yes, applies to all N6 variants.

thats because every sgs4 has a different setup for different carriers. we only have one nexus 6, and its the same for every carrier.

simms22 said:
thats because every sgs4 has a different setup for different carriers. we only have one nexus 6, and its the same for every carrier.
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Click to collapse
I didn't have a locked bootloader with Sprint Galaxy S4. If I were to restore the Nexus 6 back to stock to do an OTA update to update everything, then re-root and put a new custom ROM does the bootloader need to be re-locked, or can the factory .img be suffice to do an OTA ?
I'm still trying to learn how to do this as it is much different than the Samsung GS4. I saw there is a Nexus Toolkit by wug fresh. Is there any benefit to doing these processes by adb vs just using this progra which seems easier ?

mikeprius said:
I didn't have a locked bootloader with Sprint Galaxy S4. If I were to restore the Nexus 6 back to stock to do an OTA update to update everything, then re-root and put a new custom ROM does the bootloader need to be re-locked, or can the factory .img be suffice to do an OTA ?
I'm still trying to learn how to do this as it is much different than the Samsung GS4. I saw there is a Nexus Toolkit by wug fresh. Is there any benefit to doing these processes by adb vs just using this progra which seems easier ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont use adb for it, you use fastboot. and doung it right vs a toolkit.. toolkits dont teach you anything, and can mess things up.

simms22 said:
you dont use adb for it, you use fastboot. and doung it right vs a toolkit.. toolkits dont teach you anything, and can mess things up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the bootloader need to be locked to do OTAs or does the stock ROM with leaving the bootloader unlock suffice for an OTA ?

mikeprius said:
Does the bootloader need to be locked to do OTAs or does the stock ROM with leaving the bootloader unlock suffice for an OTA ?
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Click to collapse
bootloader can be locked or unlocked, it doesnt matter. but i recommend that you keep it unlocked forever, as it can save your phone in certain situations. and having it locked can be the end of your device, in the same situations.

simms22 said:
bootloader can be locked or unlocked, it doesnt matter. but i recommend that you keep it unlocked forever, as it can save your phone in certain situations. and having it locked can be the end of your device, in the same situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. That's what I was planning on doing once it becomes unlocked. I was going to have it set like my previous GS4 and just toggle custom ROMs from there. When you mention having it locked, are you referring to when people have re-locked the bootloader then had an error flashing the stock custom ROM thus bricking the phone ? That's what worries me. Looks like the security is more stringent on the new Nexus vs. older versions.

mikeprius said:
Ok. That's what I was planning on doing once it becomes unlocked. I was going to have it set like my previous GS4 and just toggle custom ROMs from there. When you mention having it locked, are you referring to when people have re-locked the bootloader then had an error flashing the stock custom ROM thus bricking the phone ? That's what worries me. Looks like the security is more stringent on the new Nexus vs. older versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was actually refering to it because of the unlock setting that has to be ticked to unlock. some stock users got caught in a bootloop, then cant boot up to tick the setting, to fix their bootloop. since it cant get unlocked, their phones are a "brick".

simms22 said:
i was actually refering to it because of the unlock setting that has to be ticked to unlock. some stock users got caught in a bootloop, then cant boot up to tick the setting, to fix their bootloop. since it cant get unlocked, their phones are a "brick".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this what happened to this person below ?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/help/help-nexus-6-brick-t3227126
Since the stock rom did not have developer options "checked" then the bootloader can't be unlocked ? How can you tick the OEM unlock if it is in a bootloop ?

mikeprius said:
Is this what happened to this person below ?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/help/help-nexus-6-brick-t3227126
Since the stock rom did not have developer options "checked" then the bootloader can't be unlocked ? How can you tick the OEM unlock if it is in a bootloop ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant, thats why i said that you should keep it unlocked.

simms22 said:
you cant, thats why i said that you should keep it unlocked.
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Click to collapse
Ok that makes sense. What is the purpose of having the bootloader come locked in a stock phone then ? What does it actually do ? Prevents root ? I probably took it for granted mine was always unlocked before so all I had to do was worry about flashing the proper carrier ROM

mikeprius said:
Ok that makes sense. What is the purpose of having the bootloader come locked in a stock phone then ? What does it actually do ? Prevents root ? I probably took it for granted mine was always unlocked before so all I had to do was worry about flashing the proper carrier ROM
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Click to collapse
Security.

Security in that if stolen your phone cannot be made to work for someone else...
Someone can (and likely will [emoji14]) correct me if I am wrong... But does little to secure your data...ESPECIALLY if you stay encrypted.

scryan said:
Security in that if stolen your phone cannot be made to work for someone else...
Someone can (and likely will [emoji14]) correct me if I am wrong... But does little to secure your data...ESPECIALLY if you stay encrypted.
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Click to collapse
It does nothing to secure data from remote access, but it will protect data (if set with a password) from physical access, providing they do not know the password. The bootloader being unlocked, with no password on encryption would allow them to flash a custom recovery and pull the data off. This will be decrypted on the fly. So it works in conjunction with Encryption. To secure data from physical access, you need both.
IF your bootloader is unlocked and you have no password, you may aswell not be encrypted