[Q]Going from Safestrap/Kryptonite 4.4.2 rom to CM12? - Moto X Q&A

I got my MotoX about a year ago, non-dev edition on VZW. I installed Hashcode's SafeStrap custom recovery and flashed Kryptonite's "stock" 4.4.2 rom to the stock slot. That satisfied me for the time being and I lost track of current development on the Moto X.
I've been itching for a change though and a software update is just the fix. Since I haven't kept up thoug, I really don't know how to go about it. I've been reading about the options but I don't know where my phone stands. Can I go the CM11-> CM12 route with Safestrap even though my bootloader is locked? Or do I need to use SunShine to unlock my bootloader and install a different custom recovery? And do I need to revert to stock to stock at any point? I'm pretty comfortable with all of this, I just need some nudging in the right direction.

llsmith said:
I got my MotoX about a year ago, non-dev edition on VZW. I installed Hashcode's SafeStrap custom recovery and flashed Kryptonite's "stock" 4.4.2 rom to the stock slot. That satisfied me for the time being and I lost track of current development on the Moto X.
I've been itching for a change though and a software update is just the fix. Since I haven't kept up thoug, I really don't know how to go about it. I've been reading about the options but I don't know where my phone stands. Can I go the CM11-> CM12 route with Safestrap even though my bootloader is locked? Or do I need to use SunShine to unlock my bootloader and install a different custom recovery? And do I need to revert to stock to stock at any point? I'm pretty comfortable with all of this, I just need some nudging in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you NEVER took the 4.4.4 OTA you might want to consider unlocking your bootloader via "Sunshine" Then you can flash CM or anything you want with a real recovery and not safestrap. Just know that unlocking your bootloaer on a reatail device will void your warranty.

Travisdroidx2 said:
If you NEVER took the 4.4.4 OTA you might want to consider unlocking your bootloader via "Sunshine" Then you can flash CM or anything you want with a real recovery and not safestrap. Just know that unlocking your bootloaer on a reatail device will void your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, my phone has never seen 4.4.4. So I'm going to go ahead and use Sunshine to unlock my boot loader as the first step. The warranty I'm not too concerned about.
I guess the next question is how do I go about replacing safestrap with TWRP? Is it the same as installing TWRP from stock?

llsmith said:
Right, my phone has never seen 4.4.4. So I'm going to go ahead and use Sunshine to unlock my boot loader as the first step. The warranty I'm not too concerned about.
I guess the next question is how do I go about replacing safestrap with TWRP? Is it the same as installing TWRP from stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be familiar with flashing a custom recovery via adb if you have used TWRP on other devices. Once you have the bootloader unlocked you would need the correct recovery image of TWRP for the Moto X and then in bootloader mode use the command "fastboot flash recovery 'recovery.img'" where 'recovery.img' is the exact name of the file. If it flashed and it works properly then you could flash CM12 and Safestrap should be gone if you followed the flashing directions exactly. Don't forget to make a Nandroid of your current setup before you begin! Factory Resetting the device would be crucial if jumping from one ROM to another so it kind of takes care of itself.

Related

?? What do i use to ROOT Verizon DE stock.. I am confused..

I have rooted every phone i've had and for some reason the MOTO X is confusing me! The phone is a bone stock developers Ed. 4.2.2 pre camera.
I am confused as to which jcase method to use or if there is another option.
I am guessing PwnMyMoto 1.4.3 verizon. but i'm not sure.
Any help would be fantastic.
Thanks,
J
ejason said:
I have rooted every phone i've had and for some reason the MOTO X is confusing me! The phone is a bone stock developers Ed. 4.2.2 pre camera.
I am confused as to which jcase method to use or if there is another option.
I am guessing PwnMyMoto 1.4.3 verizon. but i'm not sure.
Any help would be fantastic.
Thanks,
J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PwnMyMoto and jcase's methods are for locked bootloaders. You first need to unlock your bootloader. Then you need to decide if you want to take the OTA to 4.4 or not because once you upgrade to 4.2.2 post-camera, you can never downgrade to 4.2.2 pre-camera without bricking your device.
If you want to upgrade to 4.4, here are the instructions to unlock and gain root:
[STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS] Unlocking and Rooting a Dev Ed Moto X Running Kit Kat
I have read of others who kept the 4.2.2 bootloader and other partitions and just selectively flashed those partitions they wanted as each new upgrade's sbf firmware was released. I don't know what advantages there are to doing that.
ejason said:
I have rooted every phone i've had and for some reason the MOTO X is confusing me! The phone is a bone stock developers Ed. 4.2.2 pre camera.
I am confused as to which jcase method to use or if there is another option.
I am guessing PwnMyMoto 1.4.3 verizon. but i'm not sure.
Any help would be fantastic.
Thanks,
J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a Developer Edition. Take all the updates available (4.2.2 camera update, 4.4 and now 4.4.2). Get the unlock code from Motorola and unlock your bootloader. Once that is done, flash twrp recovery and then install root via twrp.
Very simple on Dev Editions just because you can unlock the bootloader and flash an alternate recovery (twrp, cwm, etc..).
I agree. Unlock your bootloader (Doesn't void warranty on Developer Edition), flash TWRP recovery, then boot to TWRP and install/flash SuperSU. And it doesn't matter what ROM version you're running. (there is a TWRP for 4.2.2 and one for 4.4/4.4.2).
As mentioned, the bootloader included in the android versions can prevent you from downgrading the rom version. (i.e. bootloader in 4.4.2 prevents you from downgrading to any previous ROM). Why would you want to downgrade? If you have a locked bootloader, you'd want to downgrade to be able to use the root processes needed when you have a locked bootloader. But if you have an unlocked bootloader, because you can flash an alternate recovery (not possible with locked bootloader) and root no matter what ROM version you have installed, the only reason to downgrade would be if you encounter a bug you can't deal with that isn't present in the older roms.
because 4.4.2 fixes the exchange and bluetooth issues, and doesn't introduce anything new, its suggested you update to 4.4.2 if you have an unlocked boot loader (4.4.2 isn't rootable on locked bootloaders and may not be, so its recommended that those with locked bootloaders who want to root stick with 4.4).
KidJoe said:
I agree. Unlock your bootloader (Doesn't void warranty on Developer Edition), flash TWRP recovery, then boot to TWRP and install/flash SuperSU. And it doesn't matter what ROM version you're running. (there is a TWRP for 4.2.2 and one for 4.4/4.4.2).
I didn't know there was a different TWRP for 4.2.2.
As mentioned, the bootloader included in the android versions can prevent you from downgrading the rom version. (i.e. bootloader in 4.4.2 prevents you from downgrading to any previous ROM). Why would you want to downgrade? If you have a locked bootloader, you'd want to downgrade to be able to use the root processes needed when you have a locked bootloader. But if you have an unlocked bootloader, because you can flash an alternate recovery (not possible with locked bootloader) and root no matter what ROM version you have installed, the only reason to downgrade would be if you encounter a bug you can't deal with that isn't present in the older roms.
because 4.4.2 fixes the exchange and bluetooth issues, and doesn't introduce anything new, its suggested you update to 4.4.2 if you have an unlocked boot loader (4.4.2 isn't rootable on locked bootloaders and may not be, so its recommended that those with locked bootloaders who want to root stick with 4.4).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what i have read 4.4.2 isn't rootable at all. Even if you have an unlocked bootloader. Is that correct?
Great info, thanks.
I thought that the Verizon DE already had an unlocked bootloader? Or is it like an HTC where i have to go the the MOTOROLA webite and get a code?
I did something like that for an HTC ONE i have on straight talk. I unlocked the bootloader from the HTC website, then installed TWRP, and then rooted and its running a 4.4.2 ROM that is great.
ejason said:
From what i have read 4.4.2 isn't rootable at all. Even if you have an unlocked bootloader. Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. You can do whatever you want with the DE, regardless of what version of Android you're on.
Sent from my Moto X
ejason said:
I thought that the Verizon DE already had an unlocked bootloader? Or is it like an HTC where i have to go the the MOTOROLA webite and get a code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are directions on a 1 page pamphlet that came with your VZW DE on how to unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
ejason said:
I thought that the Verizon DE already had an unlocked bootloader? Or is it like an HTC where i have to go the the MOTOROLA webite and get a code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is all in that step-by-step link I gave you above.
Ok, so i have my phone unlocked, updated to 4.4 and for some reason i can not flash the TWRP.
I get the error (bootloader) variable not supported!
Any ideas.
I have tried both mfastboot and fastboot and i get nothing.
I also moved all files into another folder and CD into that folder and still the same error.
Can i install the TWRP with goo manager?
ejason said:
Ok, so i have my phone unlocked, updated to 4.4 and for some reason i can not flash the TWRP.
I get the error (bootloader) variable not supported!
Any ideas.
I have tried both mfastboot and fastboot and i get nothing.
I also moved all files into another folder and CD into that folder and still the same error.
Can i install the TWRP with goo manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did it finish flashing? mine says that when i flash a recovery also, but it flashes.
after you flash it dont reboot, just go into recovery (volume down to move the selection, volume up to execute)
then select reboot system, and it will ask if you want to root.
ejason said:
ok, so i have my phone unlocked, updated to 4.4 and for some reason i can not flash the twrp.
I get the error (bootloader) variable not supported!
Any ideas.
I have tried both mfastboot and fastboot and i get nothing.
I also moved all files into another folder and cd into that folder and still the same error.
Can i install the twrp with goo manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, thanks for everyones hellp. Done and done..

[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

Will Lollipop include a new bootloader?

I have an xt1053 with unlocked bootloader, root, and TWRP. When Lollipop is released for moto x, will I lose all that and have to unlock again? What are the risks of updating?
Maybe, probably, who knows. I make it a point to never accept OTAs. Within a day or two devs will capture it, work it over, and release a version that is safe to flash. Just be patient one it's released.
OTA will always break root so you have to re-root. It does not relock your bootloader so you don't have to re-unlock.
If you have an unlocked bootloader there's usually no reason to avoid OTA. only those who have root with locked bootloader avoid OTAs since they risk not getting back root. Unlocked means you can flash custom recovery which means you can get root back.
BUT: You should always revert to stock recovery before taking OTA. doing it while carrying custom recovery will at the very least result in failed OTA, or worse.... So just revert to stock, take ota and thereby losing root, flash custom recover, flash superSU and have root back.
* So obviously this means you shouldn't take OTA unless you have the appropriate stock recovery on hand to flash back to stock.
xt5300 is an HP Pavilion Notebook PC. I think you mean xt1053.
dtg7 said:
xt5300 is an HP Pavilion Notebook PC. I think you mean xt1053.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doh! That's what happens when I don't get sleep. Edited to fix. Ty

[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.

[Q] XT1053 4.4.4 Root?

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.

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