Database Develop

[Q] Rooted Moto X, OTA update today causing boot loop

Hi, I used PwnMyMoto-1.4.3-TMobile.apk to get root on my T-mobile Moto X.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2444957
Today, there was an OTA update that downloaded and said it would install. Now the phone is stuck in a boot loop. It boots OK but about 45 seconds after loading it shuts down and reboots. I'm guessing its because the PwnMyMoto removed the stock recovery or altered it to be unable to install the OTA update. However I guess the phone still sees the downloaded OTA update and wants to install it, so it reboots the phone to try to install.
I can't post in the PwnMyMoto thread because I'm too new to XDA

I have froze the ota apk to try to prevent this

small update. I used the T-mobile bundle here to get stock recovery.img and put that on my phone (because PwnMyMoto removes it) and then the OTA update installed. I guess instead I could have removed the downloaded update if I knew where it was!! After the OTA I lost root
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/ghost_rcica/list.php

emerica243 said:
I have froze the ota apk to try to prevent this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean by this? Can you tell me how to do that?

jackashe said:
what do you mean by this? Can you tell me how to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Freezing a particular app can be done using Titanium Backup. Its available for download on play store. Titanium Backup requires root permissions. Freezing an app will leave the app on your phone but it wont work cuz its frozen lol... the app wont be uninstalled. this way if you decide later that you need the app then you can just unfreeze it and use it.

OK, I have TB and I know it supports freeze. I didn't realize you could freeze the OTA capability as a separate program. However given that I already downloaded the update, its too late to freeze.

jackashe said:
small update. I used the T-mobile bundle here to get stock recovery.img and put that on my phone (because PwnMyMoto removes it) and then the OTA update installed. I guess instead I could have removed the downloaded update if I knew where it was!! After the OTA I lost root
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/ghost_rcica/list.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry if i or many people would have seeen this earlier we could have stopped you. Always be patient next time because you may have lost root forever now. Not that we know a patch will come through to allow us to maintain root in 4.3, but jcase said he proabbly wouldn't make a rot for 4.3 because it could be a pain and he doens't want to waste any of the exploits he knows of. You could always figure out a way your phone is bad and go exchange it and root again and don't take OTA until someone has figured out something to do to maintain root. It would be worth it for me.

You always have the option to unlock your bootloader with the T-Mobile version. I plan on unlocking the Dev edition I will be buying and then buying a SquareTrade warranty and that will cover any issues I might ever have including breaking/water damage.
jackashe said:
small update. I used the T-mobile bundle here to get stock recovery.img and put that on my phone (because PwnMyMoto removes it) and then the OTA update installed. I guess instead I could have removed the downloaded update if I knew where it was!! After the OTA I lost root
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/ghost_rcica/list.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

FSRBIKER said:
You always have the option to unlock your bootloader with the T-Mobile version. I plan on unlocking the Dev edition I will be buying and then buying a SquareTrade warranty and that will cover any issues I might ever have including breaking/water damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup I almost unlocked the boot loader but instead I was able to flash stock recovery. I wish android itself was smart enough to not try to install OTA when recovery was gone. I finally read through the jcase thread and I think I might have been able to delete the downloaded OTA by running:
Code:
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
But I didn't try that. I also don't know what exactly that would have erased.
I will certainly look into a SquareTrade warranty!

Argh, I'm having the same problem. I have a Sprint version with unlocked bootloader and PwnMyMoto 1.1. Began after OTA update today. I have about 20 seconds after booting up that I'm able to do things on the phone before it goes into a loop; I've tried uninstalling the camera and disabling the gallery, which I thought were the two things that were updated. Safe mode doesn't work, nor does trying to enter recovery through fastboot. I've even tried factory resetting the phone from settings, but it can't do this before the power-down process begins. I haven't had any success with working through adb and the command prompt on this phone (device not found). At this point, I'm SOL and out of ideas with a bricked phone. Any other ideas?
UPDATE... Tried the fastboot erase cache & userdata; essentially performed a hard reset of device. Not the most convenient thing, but at least I have a working phone now.

so if we freeze updater and ota, we should be covered?
not sure about the other suspect apk with is fota.apk. I rename otacerts.apk as well. I may be a little paranoid about this but bricking is definitely not an option

jayboyyyy said:
sorry if i or many people would have seeen this earlier we could have stopped you. Always be patient next time because you may have lost root forever now. Not that we know a patch will come through to allow us to maintain root in 4.3, but jcase said he proabbly wouldn't make a rot for 4.3 because it could be a pain and he doens't want to waste any of the exploits he knows of. You could always figure out a way your phone is bad and go exchange it and root again and don't take OTA until someone has figured out something to do to maintain root. It would be worth it for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, root is great... I guess I'll just have to keep fingers crossed that jcase works on 4.2.2 post OTA but since it hasn't even been pushed to all carriers maybe it won't happen. Yes, I should have NOT gotten the OTA, but once it had downloaded my phone was totally unusable until I restored recovery and it installed itself.

jackashe said:
Yeah, root is great... I guess I'll just have to keep fingers crossed that jcase works on 4.2.2 post OTA but since it hasn't even been pushed to all carriers maybe it won't happen. Yes, I should have NOT gotten the OTA, but once it had downloaded my phone was totally unusable until I restored recovery and it installed itself.
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Click to collapse
Curious have you tried to reroot, and for future reference I believe ota are usually in cache under the previous build # for Verizon at least.

shane1 said:
Curious have you tried to reroot, and for future reference I believe ota are usually in cache under the previous build # for Verizon at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did try rooting again using PwnMyMoto-1.4.3-TMobile.apk but it failed to install (since one of the exploits it used is patched)
I have t-Mobile but how would I get to the cache? My phone would boot for about 45 seconds and in that time-frame I could adb shell into the phone but could not find the path for the OTA update. Do you mean it would be in /cache/some-build/ or so?

Yes in cache and you would have to attempt from a PC , which might not have been possible because the phone kept rebooting. Also I am sry for your loss

Would ota root keeper do anything for us?
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

IncredibleHulk6 said:
Argh, I'm having the same problem. I have a Sprint version with unlocked bootloader and PwnMyMoto 1.1. Began after OTA update today. I have about 20 seconds after booting up that I'm able to do things on the phone before it goes into a loop; I've tried uninstalling the camera and disabling the gallery, which I thought were the two things that were updated. Safe mode doesn't work, nor does trying to enter recovery through fastboot. I've even tried factory resetting the phone from settings, but it can't do this before the power-down process begins. I haven't had any success with working through adb and the command prompt on this phone (device not found). At this point, I'm SOL and out of ideas with a bricked phone. Any other ideas?
UPDATE... Tried the fastboot erase cache & userdata; essentially performed a hard reset of device. Not the most convenient thing, but at least I have a working phone now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please tell me how you did this? Thanks in advance

Perhaps this thread helps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46179190#post46179190

Erk, after getting into the same post-Root update loop, I flashed back to stock using the recipe here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46175635&postcount=8
I now have 13.9.0Q2.X-116-X-17-51 installed.
When I go to System updates to update to the OTA update 13.0Q2.X-116-X-17-54, I get told that I am already updated to the latest version.
Any help would be much appreciated!
jayboyyyy said:
sorry if i or many people would have seeen this earlier we could have stopped you. Always be patient next time because you may have lost root forever now. Not that we know a patch will come through to allow us to maintain root in 4.3, but jcase said he proabbly wouldn't make a rot for 4.3 because it could be a pain and he doens't want to waste any of the exploits he knows of. You could always figure out a way your phone is bad and go exchange it and root again and don't take OTA until someone has figured out something to do to maintain root. It would be worth it for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

manfly9884 said:
Can you please tell me how you did this? Thanks in advance
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Click to collapse
You have to make sure you have downloaded & installed the Android SDK and the latest Motorola Android drivers to your computer. On your phone, shut it down before it has the chance to re-enter the boot loop cycle. Then press the down button simultaneously with the power button for a few seconds and release the down button a split second before releasing the power button. This enters the bootloader (you may have to try it a few times to get it). Plug your phone into the computer and open a command prompt on the computer; type "fastboot erase cache", hit enter, type " fastboot erase userdata" and hit enter. You'll see confirmation in the command prompt and your phone will reboot as factory reset.

OTA 139.15.1 keep root

All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?

First item, this is a question so it should belong in the question and answer threads! Secondly look here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
Sent on my Moto X

Sorry, and thanks! I'll probably give this a shot, make that camera work a little better...

You can always install the SafeStrap ROM here. That's what I did.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2484908
[Rom] [VZW] SafeStrap 139.12.57
Sent from my Moto X

The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.

dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method makes it so SafeStrap is no longer available though, right? If that's not the case then... Don't know what I've been waiting for!
Sent from my Moto X

mercado79 said:
This method makes it so SafeStrap is no longer available though, right? If that's not the case then... Don't know what I've been waiting for!
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I searched around and can't really find an answer to that. I don't use SafeStrap so I have no idea. I'd assume you can try the method I posted and try using SafeStrap after. If that doesn't work then just RSD back to pre-update and hang on to SafeStrap until it's figured out. No guarantees if it'd work / break stuff, though. You'd be the guinea pig for that one.

dymmeh said:
I searched around and can't really find an answer to that. I don't use SafeStrap so I have no idea. I'd assume you can try the method I posted and try using SafeStrap after. If that doesn't work then just RSD back to pre-update and hang on to SafeStrap until it's figured out. No guarantees if it'd work / break stuff, though. You'd be the guinea pig for that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jcase Any chance you can answer this for us? Just cause someone was able to keep root (the one shot kind you mentioned), does that mean that using RSD is still on the table?
Sent from my Moto X

mercado79 said:
@jcase Any chance you can answer this for us? Just cause someone was able to keep root (the one shot kind you mentioned), does that mean that using RSD is still on the table?
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you take the OTA you dont have wY to revert to old stock Motorola block the reverts already and @jcase already said that he will be back for root in this device till 4.3 is out
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

juancaperez2000 said:
If you take the OTA you dont have wY to revert to old stock Motorola block the reverts already and @jcase already said that he will be back for root in this device till 4.3 is out
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought too. Thanks.

MikeyNick said:
All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure have I just updated my Moto X the other day on VZW and kept root. Here is a link to the process on how to do it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191

will2live said:
For sure have I just updated my Moto X the other day on VZW and kept root. Here is a link to the process on how to do it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's not up for debate. The issue is that even though you kept root, you're now blocked from using safestrap or ever gaining root again in the future (once another ota comes through). The update has now patched root going forward and it sounds like you won't be able to keep it after this update.

MikeyNick said:
All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mercado79 said:
I think that's not up for debate. The issue is that even though you kept root, you're now blocked from using safestrap or ever gaining root again in the future (once another ota comes through). The update has now patched root going forward and it sounds like you won't be able to keep it after this update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap i know about and dont care about as i dont use it. As for moving forward with root I'll be surprised if that is the case but I wont disagree either. It is very possible they patch something to actually block root down the road. From my understanding tho currently the patch is blocking ppl to root the update not keeping root if the process is followed correctly. My guess is odds are it will be the same on the next OTA just like we had to do on the original Razr line to keep root until the bootloader was unlocked. However if the next OTA is 4.3 tha tcould all change for sure as anything is possible. Even so when that time comes I'll just unlock mine. I do have a Dev edition i just haven't unlocked with it being brand new and not wanting to void warranty yet to make sure hardware is cool but i do want root so i went the long route for now is all.

dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I installed PwnMyMoto, SuperSU and OTA Root Keeper, then decided not to root. I installed the Verizon update and boom, I'm rooted. Is that what you're saying is needed? I was surprised that root apps all work fine for me, I really didn't do anything but install those apks before I installed the camera update!

boardrx182 said:
So I installed PwnMyMoto, SuperSU and OTA Root Keeper, then decided not to root. I installed the Verizon update and boom, I'm rooted. Is that what you're saying is needed? I was surprised that root apps all work fine for me, I really didn't do anything but install those apks before I installed the camera update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you had PwnMyMoto and never ran it / not rooted you were good to go. SuperSU could be installed before or after. I dont think OTA Root Keeper was needed at all. PwnMyMoto runs after a reboot so once you installed the OTA and rebooted it did its rooting magic automatically for you. Glad it all worked out for you

dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dymmeh said:
As long as you had PwnMyMoto and never ran it / not rooted you were good to go. SuperSU could be installed before or after. I dont think OTA Root Keeper was needed at all. PwnMyMoto runs after a reboot so once you installed the OTA and rebooted it did its rooting magic automatically for you. Glad it all worked out for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome, didn't realize that would happen automatically. I completely expected that I'd have to complete the entire root process steps that were outlined in an earlier post if I wanted root. Thanks for the reply.

will2live said:
Safestrap i know about and dont care about as i dont use it. As for moving forward with root I'll be surprised if that is the case but I wont disagree either. It is very possible they patch something to actually block root down the road. From my understanding tho currently the patch is blocking ppl to root the update not keeping root if the process is followed correctly. My guess is odds are it will be the same on the next OTA just like we had to do on the original Razr line to keep root until the bootloader was unlocked. However if the next OTA is 4.3 tha tcould all change for sure as anything is possible. Even so when that time comes I'll just unlock mine. I do have a Dev edition i just haven't unlocked with it being brand new and not wanting to void warranty yet to make sure hardware is cool but i do want root so i went the long route for now is all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
people who have moto employee friends say they are moving to 4.3 next. Also, there may be a work around for you to keep root with the next release, but because people who aren't on dev phones that must be sure they can retain root would not have used this method (as it is a one chance type of method). so it is more likely that any new workarounds that people come up with will be for those that still have the ability to downgrade to original stock firmware. Also, SS is nice because it gives you the ability to run the phone just like you normally would but you can create complete backups of the device so you don't have to set everything up all over again if you screw something up with your phone. Even if you don't use SS for flashing roms it is still useful for back ups.

jayboyyyy said:
people who have moto employee friends say they are moving to 4.3 next. Also, there may be a work around for you to keep root with the next release, but because people who aren't on dev phones that must be sure they can retain root would not have used this method (as it is a one chance type of method). so it is more likely that any new workarounds that people come up with will be for those that still have the ability to downgrade to original stock firmware. Also, SS is nice because it gives you the ability to run the phone just like you normally would but you can create complete backups of the device so you don't have to set everything up all over again if you screw something up with your phone. Even if you don't use SS for flashing roms it is still useful for back ups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my Moto contacts and yes they are moving to 4.3 next last i was told when I asked. As for downgrading stock software that isn't going to happen once updated as you can't go backwards. Moto devices have been that way going back to the original Droid Razr. Its few and far between where you could actually go backwards after an OTA. So unless you mean stock of the current build installed then ppl will have issues for sure. That said if ppl OTA and have root now but for whatever reason need to use the new fastboot file that was just posted they will in fact be SOL for gaining root. This is exactly why I refuse to buy consumer units from the carrier besides a few other reason I wont go into. My theory is simple we want to mess with device buy an unlockable one or be ready to suffer/wait for an exploit after an OTA hits.
As far as root moving forward what process you talking about tho? There is 2 ways to do it. The one posted right above your post in this thread, or the link I posted above. If the info in this thread was used yes there may be an issue because of the patch. However I will be very surprised to see ppl not be able to keep root if they updated using the process in the link I posted above. Besides having to fastboot the boot.img to recovery in that process its the same way original Droid Razr owners had to update to be able to keep root if there was no root process for the OTA being pushed. Moving forward my guess is there will be an issue once 4.3 hits tho. I'm not sure you will be able to use the old kernel from 4.2.2 to overwrite recovery and boot the 4.3 /system so you can restore root and pull the actual 4.3 boot.img so that can be used for the recovery highjack. Bottom line is only time will tell at this point as you never know what Moto/Google will do with the next update.
Agreed on SS for backups even if not flashing ROMs, but personally i just dont mess with my device enough to worry about a full back i guess. For apps/settings I just use MyBackup PRO. I've also have an app a buddy made that creates a full XML if i wanted to use it. In the old days I use to make alot of backups for ROM flashing when I used SS. Guess in my old age I've just got lazy and dont worry about it that much anymore. I really hose the device I'll just swap to one of my others til i get back to fixing the messed up one.

will2live said:
I have my Moto contacts and yes they are moving to 4.3 next last i was told when I asked. As for downgrading stock software that isn't going to happen once updated as you can't go backwards. Moto devices have been that way going back to the original Droid Razr. Its few and far between where you could actually go backwards after an OTA. So unless you mean stock of the current build installed then ppl will have issues for sure. That said if ppl OTA and have root now but for whatever reason need to use the new fastboot file that was just posted they will in fact be SOL for gaining root. This is exactly why I refuse to buy consumer units from the carrier besides a few other reason I wont go into. My theory is simple we want to mess with device buy an unlockable one or be ready to suffer/wait for an exploit after an OTA hits.
As far as root moving forward what process you talking about tho? There is 2 ways to do it. The one posted right above your post in this thread, or the link I posted above. If the info in this thread was used yes there may be an issue because of the patch. However I will be very surprised to see ppl not be able to keep root if they updated using the process in the link I posted above. Besides having to fastboot the boot.img to recovery in that process its the same way original Droid Razr owners had to update to be able to keep root if there was no root process for the OTA being pushed. Moving forward my guess is there will be an issue once 4.3 hits tho. I'm not sure you will be able to use the old kernel from 4.2.2 to overwrite recovery and boot the 4.3 /system so you can restore root and pull the actual 4.3 boot.img so that can be used for the recovery highjack. Bottom line is only time will tell at this point as you never know what Moto/Google will do with the next update.
Agreed on SS for backups even if not flashing ROMs, but personally i just dont mess with my device enough to worry about a full back i guess. For apps/settings I just use MyBackup PRO. I've also have an app a buddy made that creates a full XML if i wanted to use it. In the old days I use to make alot of backups for ROM flashing when I used SS. Guess in my old age I've just got lazy and dont worry about it that much anymore. I really hose the device I'll just swap to one of my others til i get back to fixing the messed up one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 ways to maintain root are the one in the thread, SS, and the one you posted. The one you posted actually allows you to flash the original stock firmware on the phone because the BL was never touched thus the security (keeping you from downgrading) was never installed. That was what I was referring to when I said those that must make sure they will retain root in the future would not have done the install pwnmymmoto without running then take ota then run pwnmymoto. As you said those people will be screwed if the next root requires you to flash back to original stock or use part of the pwnmymoto exploit that will only be accessible to those that got the OTA with SS or the link you posted. I don't toy with my phone as much as I used to especially this one, but bypasing exchange security is pretty essential for me. I don't want an encrypted device with mandatory pin. I never lose my phone and I would know within minutes of losing it if i ever did so I could shut it down remotely.
And I'm not sure about the new kernel situation either. This is why I wanted to make sure I could go back to original firmware as I see that being our best bet to retain root through 4.3, assuming jcase doesn't release another exploit for it to get some cash.

jayboyyyy said:
3 ways to maintain root are the one in the thread, SS, and the one you posted. The one you posted actually allows you to flash the original stock firmware on the phone because the BL was never touched thus the security (keeping you from downgrading) was never installed. That was what I was referring to when I said those that must make sure they will retain root in the future would not have done the install pwnmymmoto without running then take ota then run pwnmymoto. As you said those people will be screwed if the next root requires you to flash back to original stock or use part of the pwnmymoto exploit that will only be accessible to those that got the OTA with SS or the link you posted. I don't toy with my phone as much as I used to especially this one, but bypasing exchange security is pretty essential for me. I don't want an encrypted device with mandatory pin. I never lose my phone and I would know within minutes of losing it if i ever did so I could shut it down remotely.
And I'm not sure about the new kernel situation either. This is why I wanted to make sure I could go back to original firmware as I see that being our best bet to retain root through 4.3, assuming jcase doesn't release another exploit for it to get some cash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotchya, makes total sense now what you are saying. I think there is just confusion at times when talking about root & OTA because of different ways to do it in a case like this device. Being a Moto guy for so long tho i'm use to all the BS they throw at us.....lol. That said that is why i posted the link I did. Imho it's a bad plan to update using the other method of installing pwnmymoto and not running it first before taking the OTA. Doing the process to protect root before updating is a much safer bet atm imo. Sure its a little more work but at the end of the day you dont have to be worried as much moving forward. Only concern I have still for doing it the longer way is if that process will work when they push out 4.3. It had alot of changes in it so lord only knows what will be up for keeping root. And really in my case its no concern but for all the folks with consumer version it is still a concern i think for the time being

[Q] New System Update

I am having difficulties updating to the newest system update on the stock rom. I am rooted and have unlocked my bootloader, so that may have something to do with it. I am also running on straight talk, but I doubt that would be an issue, as it says it's already downloaded it and it just needs to install it. When I click install now, it turns the phone off, does the little thingy, then reboots. Upon rebooting, everything loads up, and a popup appears saying that the update failed, and then every hour it pops up asking to update. Do you know why this is happening and how to fix it, or a way to permanently suppress this popup?

ace_case said:
I am having difficulties updating to the newest system update on the stock rom. I am rooted and have unlocked my bootloader, so that may have something to do with it. I am also running on straight talk, but I doubt that would be an issue, as it says it's already downloaded it and it just needs to install it. When I click install now, it turns the phone off, does the little thingy, then reboots. Upon rebooting, everything loads up, and a popup appears saying that the update failed, and then every hour it pops up asking to update. Do you know why this is happening and how to fix it, or a way to permanently suppress this popup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to be completely stock to take the OTA. If you haven't flashed Mex or Bell, I have a zip, maybe flashable (can't test, broke phone) that contains a completely stock /system. Or you can just backup your apps and flash the stock AT&T fastboot.
Post with link to zip.

skeevydude said:
You need to be completely stock to take the OTA. If you haven't flashed Mex or Bell, I have a zip, maybe flashable (can't test, broke phone) that contains a completely stock /system. Or you can just backup your apps and flash the stock AT&T fastboot.
Post with link to zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to just suppress the update? I am a little wary of flashing etc. after the close call my first time...

ace_case said:
Is there a way to just suppress the update? I am a little wary of flashing etc. after the close call my first time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you clear the cache. But if you want to leave yourself open to be vulnerable to the Heartbleed bug, a pretty serious security issue, then by all means, leave your front door unlocked so hackers can tap into your device and take anything they want.

palmbeach05 said:
Yes, you clear the cache. But if you want to leave yourself open to be vulnerable to the Heartbleed bug, a pretty serious security issue, then by all means, leave your front door unlocked so hackers can tap into your device and take anything they want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say it's more like posting on Craigslist that you're going on vacation and then leaving all the doors open with your debit/credit card on the coffee table. It's a pretty serious bug, and according to wikipedia, 1.5% of the most popular 800,000 websites are still vulnerable to the bug, not to mention running a sideloaded app or connecting to a malicious website.

got the same issue on one of my atrix hd's but not the other. On mine that I unlocked the bootloader and rooted myself took the ota update but the other which was bought in the same condition will not and just keeps giving an error. trying to figure this out now so will update.

lilred91 said:
got the same issue on one of my atrix hd's but not the other. On mine that I unlocked the bootloader and rooted myself took the ota update but the other which was bought in the same condition will not and just keeps giving an error. trying to figure this out now so will update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing back to completely stock may be the easiest way to get the update.

lilred91 said:
got the same issue on one of my atrix hd's but not the other. On mine that I unlocked the bootloader and rooted myself took the ota update but the other which was bought in the same condition will not and just keeps giving an error. trying to figure this out now so will update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash the OTA update manually using something like Philz recovery, you can see the progress on the screen and where it stops updating. For me, it kept hanging on updating the smartactions.apk, which was because I had previously (long time ago) merged updates of the app to my System partition (along with a few other apps that were updated). This will mess up any attempt to do an OTA update, because your "stock" ROM is no longer stock.
I ended up having to flash back to the real stock with Mythtools, then install the OTA zip manually.
If you can't find the zip in your cache, you can download it directly from this post (thanks @skeevydude): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52657363&postcount=13

Is it safe to do a system update

I have a Droid Turbo that is currently on version 5.1 (23.21.44) and I just recently unfroze the system update notifications for my phone because of the news of MM. I am currently rooted and have an unlocked bootloader but I don't have TWRP installed and would rather not install it for now if I don't have to.
The system update that it is trying to push to my phone isn't MM, instead it is version 23.21.49.en.US. Is it safe to just take this update while being rooted and with an unlocked bootloader? I'm also not sure how many updates I'll have to make my way through before reaching the MM update, but if there are other updates, should it also be safe to go ahead with those as well? I know I could install TWRP and flash the MM ROM that way but I would prefer to do the updates officially if it is not risking a bricked phone.
Thanks for any advice.
EDIT: I forgot to finish the title of the thread...

AirJordanTS said:
I have a Droid Turbo that is currently on version 5.1 (23.21.44) and I just recently unfroze the system update notifications for my phone because of the news of MM. I am currently rooted and have an unlocked bootloader but I don't have TWRP installed and would rather not install it for now if I don't have to.
The system update that it is trying to push to my phone isn't MM, instead it is version 23.21.49.en.US. Is it safe to just take this update while being rooted and with an unlocked bootloader? I'm also not sure how many updates I'll have to make my way through before reaching the MM update, but if there are other updates, should it also be safe to go ahead with those as well? I know I could install TWRP and flash the MM ROM that way but I would prefer to do the updates officially if it is not risking a bricked phone.
Thanks for any advice.
EDIT: I forgot to finish the title of the thread...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's safe, but it will be unsuccessful until you unroot your phone and undo any other system modifications that you've done (xposed, for example). There's a huge part of the update script that checks every single file in your system partition to make sure nothing has been modified.

Ok great, thanks.
The only other modification I can think that I've made is enabling mobile Hotspot through editing a setting somewhere. Do you know if that would be affected or would need changed back?

AirJordanTS said:
Ok great, thanks.
The only other modification I can think that I've made is enabling mobile Hotspot through editing a setting somewhere. Do you know if that would be affected or would need changed back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did that by modifying /system/build.prop. That change might be okay, but I would change it back if I were you just to be safe. The change is going to be overwritten anyway once the OTA is done.

AirJordanTS said:
Ok great, thanks.
The only other modification I can think that I've made is enabling mobile Hotspot through editing a setting somewhere. Do you know if that would be affected or would need changed back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible it may miss overlooking that. The worst that could happen was the update just doesn't take. It fails and nothing is changed. There is a pure MM official version that you can Flash in TWRP. It will update everything, radios and all, but will not relock the bootloader. I recommend you download Titanium Backup and backup all of your apps and their data to be restored after the update. A factory reset is recommended after the update. Also, don't forget to back up all of your photos, documents, music, etc. 24.81.5 is MM. Your update was a prep for MM.

Thanks for the advice guys.
I didn't realize it but I had TWRP installed so I decided to flash a stock ROM and proceed with the OTA updates from there. The problem currently is that I'm being locked out of my phone because of the Google "verify your account" page. I reset my account password on that page and now I'm not able to log in.

Can a rooted phone be updated?

Can a rooted phone be updated? If i root my razor, will i be able to update without re-rooting?

ChronosTrigger said:
Can a rooted phone be updated? If i root my razor, will i be able to update without re-rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it fails to install. You need to reflash the stock boot image to take an OTA.

Confused still
CurtisMJ said:
No, it fails to install. You need to reflash the stock boot image to take an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm Sorry i'm so nooby in this regard.
So do you mean i have to basically get the stock ROM back again.
Then I can re-root like i did with the earlier version?

ChronosTrigger said:
I'm Sorry i'm so nooby in this regard.
So do you mean i have to basically get the stock ROM back again.
Then I can re-root like i did with the earlier version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)

CurtisMJ said:
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WARNING: This file is really intended for a developer to use in making a rooted slot. Flashing the file below could? remove root or cause other issues if you're rooted. Brick maybe? Although, mostly likely, it won't flash at all if you are rooted.
I used adb to capture the Razer Phone 2 MR2 OTA. It's located here.
I also downloaded it... but figure y'all would prefer a link straight to the Google source
SHA1 is the file name so you can verify it. E9F494FACBF8B7A6DF32F342C84459A7051ACE24
The SHA256 I calculated was: FF571E225BC81C8D450964E0C7BA28DF13E963798F9E5AF7E7C142DE7FBE51A5

translucentfocus said:
WARNING: Flashing the file below could? remove root or cause other issues if you're rooted. Brick maybe? I'm not rooted, just trying to help people get the files they need.
I used adb to capture the OTA. It's located here.
I also downloaded it... but figure y'all would prefer a link straight to the Google source
SHA1 is the file name so you can verify it. E9F494FACBF8B7A6DF32F342C84459A7051ACE24
The SHA256 I calculated was: FF571E225BC81C8D450964E0C7BA28DF13E963798F9E5AF7E7C142DE7FBE51A5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So With this. You can root, AND if they have any Update for the phone in the future, I can Update it without losing my root?

ChronosTrigger said:
So With this. You can root, AND if they have any Update for the phone in the future, I can Update it without losing my root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite... The update will likely fail to apply due to checksum failures. If it did go through it would probably brick the kernel so that's a good thing. Sorry, there's not really a way to automatically root after official OTAs as they update block by block between two known states, and neither is rooted. It's just sort of not possible, by design. You have to unroot, update and root again.
The OTA package translucentfocus has provided allows us to reproduce a single slot before the week's wait for the factory image so we can root sooner.

translucentfocus said:
WARNING: Flashing the file below could? remove root or cause other issues if you're rooted. Brick maybe? I'm not rooted, just trying to help people get the files they need.
I used adb to capture the OTA. It's located here.
I also downloaded it... but figure y'all would prefer a link straight to the Google source
SHA1 is the file name so you can verify it. E9F494FACBF8B7A6DF32F342C84459A7051ACE24
The SHA256 I calculated was: FF571E225BC81C8D450964E0C7BA28DF13E963798F9E5AF7E7C142DE7FBE51A5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which OTA is this? Also how to update

xterminater07 said:
which OTA is this? Also how to update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't specify. It's the MR2 update for the Razer Phone 2. Original reply has been also updated with version information in bold.
How to update? Actually, I posted the OTA because it's really for someone to make a slot with root before Razer releases the Factory MR2 Images--as @CurtisMJ mentioned previously.

CurtisMJ said:
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to bring back an old thread but just a few questions if you don't mind.
I just bought a used Razer 2 seems like the user rooted it (I was unaware) and it has been years since I rooted anything. I downloaded root checker and it said I was rooted. I assume I'm running the stock rom, though magisk manager was installed on the phone when I turned it on so I guess it's not stock. I guess this means I can not take any OTA or it could brick? I went into system update and it still checked to make sure I was up to date so maybe OTA isn't disabled? So much has changed with apps and rooting since I messed with it that I don't know enough and I don't want to brick or bootloop the device.
Thanks

Univsoldur said:
Sorry to bring back an old thread but just a few questions if you don't mind.
I just bought a used Razer 2 seems like the user rooted it (I was unaware) and it has been years since I rooted anything. I downloaded root checker and it said I was rooted. I assume I'm running the stock rom, though magisk manager was installed on the phone when I turned it on so I guess it's not stock. I guess this means I can not take any OTA or it could brick? I went into system update and it still checked to make sure I was up to date so maybe OTA isn't disabled? So much has changed with apps and rooting since I messed with it that I don't know enough and I don't want to brick or bootloop the device.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that sounds about right. When rooted the OTA function doesn't disable right away. Only after its downloaded an update and actually tries to apply it it'll refuse. The new Android update engine is pretty good at not bricking. My guess is probably stock. If it's rooted, then the bootloader is unlocked, and it's not too bad. For magisk root at least all you need to do is flash the stock boot image and the OTA will apply. With factory images around and an unlocked bootloader you'll have a hard time bricking it. Just don't untick "OEM Unlocking" in developer options. Ever. (Or at least until you've fully restored stock firmware. It's supposed to be disabled so you can't make that mistake but Magisk hide tricks the firmware into believing the bootloader is locked so it's enabled. Whaddayagonnado)

CurtisMJ said:
Yes. Razer's update engine doesn't seem to have the option to download full images like some other OEMs, so only fully stock ROM can be upgraded.
On that note, Razer seems to have set a week as the delay for releasing factory images, so if you want to keep root you might want to wait after an OTA, though we may be able to reproduce a slot earlier if someone captures the OTA package (but it's not as verifiable of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CurtisMJ said:
Yes, that sounds about right. When rooted the OTA function doesn't disable right away. Only after its downloaded an update and actually tries to apply it it'll refuse. The new Android update engine is pretty good at not bricking. My guess is probably stock. If it's rooted, then the bootloader is unlocked, and it's not too bad. For magisk root at least all you need to do is flash the stock boot image and the OTA will apply. With factory images around and an unlocked bootloader you'll have a hard time bricking it. Just don't untick "OEM Unlocking" in developer options. Ever. (Or at least until you've fully restored stock firmware. It's supposed to be disabled so you can't make that mistake but Magisk hide tricks the firmware into believing the bootloader is locked so it's enabled. Whaddayagonnado)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed response I managed to get up with the previous owner on swappa last night. He told me he unlocked the phone but never actually got around to rooting it. He also said it is running stock and the reason magisk is still on the phone after a wipe is because magisk persists after a wipe.
Messages from him.
Sorry about that, I did unlock the bootloader but I never actually got around to rooting. I usually relock the bootloader before I sell it but I completely forgot. You can apply an ota because I never installed a custom recovery, something else I didn't get around to doing. You can easily relock the bootloader using adb. If you need help with this let me know and I can walk you through it. But the bootloader being unlocked has zero effect on ota's. You are all good to go as far as that goes.
Oh no you're absolutely fine with an ota. I just looked it up and you're absolutely right, magisk does survive a reboot now. Since I didn't load a custom recovery though an ota will install just fine. Although when an ota does install though it will most likely remove magisk because it will write over the boot.img with the factory one. Here is the link to the factory images. It includes instructions on how to install it. But honestly a new ota should be released any time now since the last one I think was November. Once that installs you will be completely back to stock.
Does this sound accurate to y'all. Thanks again

@Univsoldur His knowledge seems a little dated. Kind of how mine was a few months ago Anyways here goes:
If a root checker says it's rooted then it probably is. I'm not sure why he says it isn't.
Magisk does indeed persist through a data wipe. I wasn't aware magiskinit could unpack the manager APK though. Neat
He's right in that an unlocked bootloader won't affect OTAs, but having magisk installed will.
The RP2 uses the new A/B update scheme. In this case it doesn't matter whether a custom recovery was ever installed. Recovery mode is not used during the process of installation. Unfortunately the new update scheme is also heavily based on deltas, even on the kernel image, so OTAs will be broken as it won't be able to retrieve a full kernel image from the OTA servers. Some OEMs' ROMs can do that, but Razer's can't. You can flash the factory images if you truly want a clean start, but to fix OTAs and remove magisk, reflashing just the kernel image with one from the factory image should be sufficient. The magisk uninstaller won't work due to the data wipe so that's probably the only option.

CurtisMJ said:
@Univsoldur His knowledge seems a little dated. Kind of how mine was a few months ago Anyways here goes:
If a root checker says it's rooted then it probably is. I'm not sure why he says it isn't.
Magisk does indeed persist through a data wipe. I wasn't aware magiskinit could unpack the manager APK though. Neat
He's right in that an unlocked bootloader won't affect OTAs, but having magisk installed will.
The RP2 uses the new A/B update scheme. In this case it doesn't matter whether a custom recovery was ever installed. Recovery mode is not used during the process of installation. Unfortunately the new update scheme is also heavily based on deltas, even on the kernel image, so OTAs will be broken as it won't be able to retrieve a full kernel image from the OTA servers. Some OEMs' ROMs can do that, but Razer's can't. You can flash the factory images if you truly want a clean start, but to fix OTAs and remove magisk, reflashing just the kernel image with one from the factory image should be sufficient. The magisk uninstaller won't work due to the data wipe so that's probably the only option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you think to get it back to stock I could just go here.
https://developer.razer.com/razer-phone-dev-tools/factory-images/
Will that remove magisk and return it back to stock I would assume there is no threat of flashing the stock image. Besides that do I need to mess with the kernel?

I'm wondering if it would be possible to flash the unlocked Razer phone 2 firmware to the AT&T version. Would the bootloader need to be unlocked?

Univsoldur said:
So you think to get it back to stock I could just go here.
https://developer.razer.com/razer-phone-dev-tools/factory-images/
Will that remove magisk and return it back to stock I would assume there is no threat of flashing the stock image. Besides that do I need to mess with the kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that will return it to stock and remove Magisk. No, if you flash the factory image you don't need to do anything further with the kernel.
---------- Post added at 11:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 PM ----------
DrGonzo6o said:
I'm wondering if it would be possible to flash the unlocked Razer phone 2 firmware to the AT&T version. Would the bootloader need to be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader needs to be unlocked, yes. I had the unlocked one from the start, so I can't comment on how well that will work though.
Has anyone with an AT&T version successfully flashed unlocked firmware?

Univsoldur said:
So you think to get it back to stock I could just go here.
https://developer.razer.com/razer-phone-dev-tools/factory-images/
Will that remove magisk and return it back to stock I would assume there is no threat of flashing the stock image. Besides that do I need to mess with the kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did post a full unroot guide...