Lollipop preparation advice needed - Moto X Q&A

Hi all, I was wondering if it would be less of a hassle to keep my BL unlocked Moto X stock until Lollipop OTA comes out OR if it might actually be harder to install recovery, root, etc when 5.0 is on the phone? IIRC KK made some changes that caused hassles on rooting, recovery install for some phones. I have Dev Edition, thanks

Although lollipop is making it difficult to root, you would still be able to unlock your BL on lollipop. Since it appears you don't have a need to root right now, I would just wait until lollipop. The reason to wait is if you install a recovery or freeze apps, you won't be able to install OTA until you restore stock recovery etc.
As long as you have an unlocked / unlockable BL, you will always be able to install a custom recovery / root.

PsychoKilla666 said:
Hi all, I was wondering if it would be less of a hassle to keep my BL unlocked Moto X stock until Lollipop OTA comes out OR if it might actually be harder to install recovery, root, etc when 5.0 is on the phone? IIRC KK made some changes that caused hassles on rooting, recovery install for some phones. I have Dev Edition, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it depends.
With an unlocked bootloader we should continue to be able to flash a custom recovery, and custom rom.
However, there are several unknowns right now, including when will we see Lollipop for the X? Which variant of the 2013 X (Dev vs ATT vs VZW vs Sprint, etc) will get it first? When will soak tests start? When will the carriers finally push it, etc?
Then we don't know how hard or easy it will be to root. At first a custom kernel was needed to root Lollipop, but now it seems Chainfire has found away around that http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/1...w-to-root-lollipop-without-a-modified-kernel/ Until we see L on a 2013 X, we wont know for sure.
In any case, its always less hassle to keep your phone STOCK if you want to take an OTA. The OTA's need stock recovery on the phone in order to install. Also, diverting from stock can mean changes which will cause the OTA's pre-flash validation checks to fail, and the OTA to not install.

US Cellular is STILL on 4.4.2 lol 5.0 seems a hundred miles away still. Glad I'm unlocked, rooted and stock (Xposed Gravitybox) best combo IMHO.

Related

Any reason not to accept 4.4.2 on Sprint?

I just got notified of the of a update to 4.4.2 for my Sprint Moto X. Is there any reason not to accept it? What are the benefits?
Thanks.
Puzzlegal said:
I just got notified of the of a update to 4.4.2 for my Sprint Moto X. Is there any reason not to accept it? What are the benefits?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note: i have a vzw DE. If i recall correctly Sprints Bootloaders can be unlocked, have you done this?
Benefits include mostly under the hood stuff, supposedly fixed some battery drain issues that were in 4.4. I took it on my DE and am happy with it.
Keep in mind:
1. It is impossible to downgrade the bootloader after the 4.4.2 OTA, thus making it difficult to return to a full stock 4.4.
(you can downgrade flash the system from 4.4, but if you are on system 4.4 and bootloader 4.4.2 any future OTA will fail unless you first flash back to system 4.4.2)
2. If your bootloader is locked and you have rooted with the exploit provided by Jcase (slapMyMoto + MotoWPNoMo) the 4.4.2 ota will re-enable WriteProtect, meaning you cannot change the system files. This makes much of Root access pointless, though users report that Xposed modules will survive a "soft-reboot". If your Bootloader is unlocked, you may disregard this. Unlocked BL devices can be rooted at any time with a custom recovery, and unlocking the Bootloader will disable WriteProtection.
Before taking the OTA be sure to undo any changes to system (tether hacks, systemUI changes, disable xposed) or even flash the stock 4.4 system before taking the OTA to be safe (flashing system only will not erase your data or apps, though if you want to be 100% sure, just SBF back to stock 4.4 first).
Thanks.
I have not unlocked my boot loader. Sprint gadgets can be unlocked, but it voids the warranty. I may do that after the warranty expires, but don't plan to do so until then. So I haven't rooted, either. I assume that I can still do both, at the expense of listing the warranty, after updating.
Sounds like I'd probably get more benefit than not from upgrading.

[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] Updating DIRECTLY from 4.2.2 to 4.4.3 (Unlocked+Rooted)

So here's the deal, I unlocked my T-Mobile Moto X bootloader through Motorola's website about a year ago or so. I also rooted and didn't bother updating afterwards to anything since I had everything working perfectly for me. Now I need to update my 4.2.2 Moto X to 4.4.3 (or really anything >=4.3 just so I can use my Moto 360 that'll be arriving soon).
My question is, with an unlocked bootloader, rooted, TWRP 2.6.3.1, Xposed-installed Moto X, can I go ahead and flash a stock 4.4.3 ROM (for example from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/development/rom-stock-flashable-t-mobile-t2773675) and just call it a day?
I've been reading past threads and stuff to get back into the loop, but I just can'f find anything to answer me the simple question of updating an unlocked+rooted 4.2.2->4.4+ while keeping root. Just the simple question of, if I get a stock 4.4 image and flash it on my phone, will everything be okay?
I no longer have the passion and interest to constantly be fiddling with kernels, ROMs, and little hacks with my phone like I used to with my OG Droid and, to a lesser extent, with my Galaxy Nexus (plus I feel like it's gotten significantly less easy since those OG days).
I know (i.e. 90% sure) that one way to do what I want (kinda) is RSDLite/manually go back to stock without root on 4.2.2 and then accept the OTA, but certainly it has to be easier than that right? What happened to the days where I can just find a new Gingerbread ROM for my Froyo Droid and just flash it right then and there? Now everything is "go back to stock and do these convoluted steps."
(I'm sorry I'm ranting, I'm just really tired at the moment haha)
Thank you all, hopefully, for the help!
If you don't care about retaining your data, grab the 4.4.3 fxz and unzip it. Follow the directions for returning back to stock here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-complete-moto-x-guides-information-t2603358 but replace the files to be flashed with the files from the 4.4.3 fxz. Not sure where you got the idea that you need to go back to stock. Word of caution, once on 4.4.3 there's no going back to an older version.
I have the same question as the OP, on unlocked rooted 4.2.2 ATT Moto X, can i flash a custom 4.4.4 and keep root?
RGNDI said:
I have the same question as the OP, on unlocked rooted 4.2.2 ATT Moto X, can i flash a custom 4.4.4 and keep root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can take the ota but you need the stock recovery. Since you are unlocked you will not lose your unlocked-ness(lol) if you take an ota. But you do need to be completely stock: no su, no custom recovery, etc etc. But once you upgrade to 4.4.3 getting root back is as simple as flashing the appropriate version recovery again and then flashing supersu.
1ad_m12 said:
You can take the ota but you need the stock recovery. Since you are unlocked you will not lose your unlocked-ness(lol) if you take an ota. But you do need to be completely stock: no su, no custom recovery, etc etc. But once you upgrade to 4.4.3 getting root back is as simple as flashing the appropriate vision recovery again and then flashing supersu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks, but cant I just Flash a Rooted Stock 4.4.4 over 4.2.2? Thats a more to the point question
RGNDI said:
OK thanks, but cant I just Flash a Rooted Stock 4.4.4 over 4.2.2? Thats a more to the point question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that would work as long as your radio is compatible with the rom. The rom you shared earlier should be fine. Just don't downgrade to anything pre 4.4 as that can cause issues because of partition sizes (or so I've heard). But after that I wouldn't take any OTA's cause your bootloader would be incompatible with the OTA and possibly cause a brick. If I were you I'd revert to stock and take the long way to 4.4.3 just so I can get the OTA for when Android L comes out. In fact thats what I plan on doing if the Sunshine bootloader unlock is successful. But if you don't care about that then everything should be fine.

How to root UK moto x (xt1052)

Hi there, I have a UK moto x model xt1052. I am looking to root and flash custom ROMs onto my device, but am concerned that I will brick the device by using a method intended for a different model of moto x.
The UK moto x was shipped with android 4.4.2, later updated to 4.4.4 so there are no earlier builds of android to downgrade to.
Any help will be appreciated.
Timsteels
Figure out if you can, and want to unlock your bootloader.... Then go to the One Stop Shop root thread sticky at the top of the general section. It has all your options.
---------- Post added at 07:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 PM ----------
And root methods have nothing to do with your model. It mostly has to do with locked or unlocked bootloader state.
timsteels said:
Hi there, I have a UK moto x model xt1052. I am looking to root and flash custom ROMs onto my device, but am concerned that I will brick the device by using a method intended for a different model of moto x.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Process to root the X is the same whether you have an XT1052, XT1053, XT1056, XT1060, etc. As KJ said, with 4.4.4 its all about can you unlock your bootloader or not. (and do you mind voiding your warranty doing so since you don't have a Developer Edition X).
See the One Stop Shop thread, in particular this post -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...-confusion-t2826159/post54671918#post54671918
timsteels said:
The UK moto x was shipped with android 4.4.2, later updated to 4.4.4 so there are no earlier builds of android to downgrade to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you do NOT WANT TO DOWNGRADE!!!!! Doing so you will risk bricking your phone now, or when you later take an OTA. There are many warnings posted in the forums to not downgrade, and many threads started by those who have ignored the warnings and tried to downgrade and have bricked their phones!!!
Besides that, two key parts, GPT.Bin (partition table), and Motoboot.img (contains bootloader, TZ and a few other parts) will NOT downgrade successfully once on 4.4.2, 4.4.3 or 4.4.4. so any past exploits requiring the older roms wont work anyway.
So unlocking the boot loader is the same process as the us variants of the moto x? I just don't want to turn my phone into a paperweight! I'm not too worried about the warranty, as I am usually careful with my phones.
Unlocking and recovery and ROOT is all the same on any X. What matters is Android version (cause locked 4.4.4 guys can't root in any way), locked or unlocked bootloader and that's about it.
An unlocked X is the same no matter a Dev Edition or any other. All the same.
As far as bricking... The only time that's a giant threat is trying to downgrade. Not saying an X has never been bricked another way, cause everything we do has some risk to it. But most issues are curable.
Ok thanks for the info! And in terms of custom roms, do I need to install one built for the xt1052, or will other ones also work?
That is not something I know about. Never flashed one. Just stock and gravity box.
Read the opening post of rom threads, should have what devices it's for. ?
Ok thanks again! Is there much point in installing the exposed framework or anything similar?
I think many rooted X members here use Gravity Box while on stock rom... So they can customize some things. ?
Ok cool. I will have a look and decide if I want to go ahead. Thanks for all the assistance
timsteels said:
Ok thanks again! Is there much point in installing the exposed framework or anything similar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many root, install Xposed and some modules to customize their phone rather than running any Custom Roms because the custom roms often lose the Moto features like the notifications and such.
Ok and if I root, unlock bootloader and install xposed, will my phone still receive the ota updates? Or is it a case of reversing the procedure to get the ota updates?
timsteels said:
Ok and if I root, unlock bootloader and install xposed, will my phone still receive the ota updates? Or is it a case of reversing the procedure to get the ota updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you can't install an OTA with a custom recovery (like TWRP, CWM, Philz) on the phone. You'll get stuck in a boot loop.
Next, in every OTA there is a "pre-validation check" (a manifest file which contains a list of items to be checked and a SHA type hash code for a type of check sum verification of each part/file its looking at.)
Anything that alters your phone from what the Pre-Validation check is looking for will cause the OTA to fail. So if you modify or remove and system files, have the wrong recovery, etc., those parts would not pass the pre-validation check so the OTA would fail.
Xposed also needs to be disabled, or it will cause the OTA's pre-validation checks to fail.
So it really comes down to what you do after you root.
If you flash TWRP, Root, install Xposed and a few modules, and nothing else, then to take an OTA, you'll need to disable Xposed (there is a flashable zip on your /SDcard to do this), then flash stock recovery.img back on your phone, then you can take the OTA. Once the OTA is successfully installed, you can re-flash custom recovery, re-root if necessary, and re-enable Xposed.
If you rename/delete/modify files from /system (like some do to get rid of bloat), you'll need to un-do that.
If you're like me, I just unlocked, rooted, and installed apps that use root (like Root Explorer, Greenify, Wifi Tether for root), so all I do is flash stock recovery on, take the OTA, and if I lost root, flash TWRP and re-root.
For more see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-OTA.html
Ok that's good to know. I'll have a think about it. I may wait until lollipop comes out for the moto x.

[Q] Jellybean to Lollipop

I've searched and found variations on these questions in other posts, but I didn't come across any pertaining quite to my situation, so I wanted advice before I do something wrong and brick my phone.
I have a Sprint Moto X, unlocked & rooted, running 4.2.2 (I think pre-camera update). I'd like to upgrade to stock Sprint Lollipop (when it comes out) & stay unlocked & rooted.
My understanding of the steps that need to be taken:
1. Unroot my device
2. Re-lock my device
3. Flash TWRP and boot to recovery
4. Flash stock Sprint Lollipop
5. Unlock, then re-root device
Is any of this extraneous, or am I leaving anything out? Do I need to upgrade to KitKat before going to Lollipop?
I also have Xposed installed and I have tweaked the PRL on my device ... this shouldn't complicate the upgrade, right?
Relocking is useless, and unless you know what you're doing, flashing stock updates in custom recovery shouldn't be done. You don't necessarily need to unroot either, just make sure all stock system files are still in place.
Sent from my Moto X
imnuts said:
Relocking is useless, and unless you know what you're doing, flashing stock updates in custom recovery shouldn't be done. You don't necessarily need to unroot either, just make sure all stock system files are still in place.
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a sprint X and if i am going to update this is how i have allways done it with no issues at all.
you can leave your bootloader unlocked that is no a issue. but i always take OTA's and you cant take a OTA with a modded system. so i allways just flash my stock firmware package. that way it removes my custom recovery. Root, and all Xposed changes. Then i take the OTA and just reinstall TWRP, then SuperSU then what ever else you want.
this is the safest way i have found to update, the nice thing about Unlocked Sprint phones is we can easily Root are phones via TWRP and SuperSu.
just my .02 you can do it how ever you like but this is how i am going to do it when the OTA finally comes out if it ever does.

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