Related
Can the Moto X bootloader be unlocked? I ask this because from what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong), the bootloader must be unlocked in order to flash custom ROMs. Also, I'm aware that there's a Developer Edition of the Moto X that has an unlocked bootloader. This question is for the standard Moto X, not the Developer Edition. Thanks!
- Shadowz1218
Shadowz1218 said:
Can the Moto X bootloader be unlocked? I ask this because from what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong), the bootloader must be unlocked in order to flash custom ROMs. Also, I'm aware that there's a Developer Edition of the Moto X that has an unlocked bootloader. This question is for the standard Moto X, not the Developer Edition. Thanks!
- Shadowz1218
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, there are some models can not be bootloader unlocked, the AT&T, Verizon, Nextel Mexico. Others are bootloader unlockable.
yghrv said:
AFAIK, there are some models can not be bootloader unlocked, the AT&T, Verizon, Nextel Mexico. Others are bootloader unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in order to flash a ROM, you'll need to have a recovery capable of doing so. In order to flash a recovery, you'll need an unlocked bootloader. Ergo...
The only reason bootloaders get unlocked is so that custom recoveries can be installed. Not just to flash, but also for backing up. Stock recovery doesn't really do anything but factory reset.
Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rockingondrums said:
Well, in order to flash a ROM, you'll need to have a recovery capable of doing so. In order to flash a recovery, you'll need an unlocked bootloader. Ergo...
The only reason bootloaders get unlocked is so that custom recoveries can be installed. Not just to flash, but also for backing up. Stock recovery doesn't really do anything but factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root and flash roms without an unlocked bootloader. Look at the Development thread, there are root/recovery options for 4.2.2 and 4.4. There isn't much development happening. If anything we're probably going to get stock based roms for the most part.
Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, why is the ability to flash a custom ROM a must-have? I felt that way at first, but many Moto X users (including myself) now believe that a combination of root, Xposed and GravityBox is enough.
Shadowz1218 said:
Unfortunately, I have Verizon Wireless. I was originally planning on switching carriers in order to get a Nexus 5, but when I heard about the Moto X being $150 off for Cyber Monday, I thought I'd look into it. Must you have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash a custom ROM or can it still be done? The ability to flash a custom ROM is a must have for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then get a VZW developer edition.
chaoslimits said:
You can root and flash roms without an unlocked bootloader. Look at the Development thread, there are root/recovery options for 4.2.2 and 4.4. There isn't much development happening. If anything we're probably going to get stock based roms for the most part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I know root is certainly possible, but how do you flash a rom on the Moto X without using a recovery such as CWM or TWRP?
rockingondrums said:
Well I know root is certainly possible, but how do you flash a rom on the Moto X without using a recovery such as CWM or TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
safestrap.
charlie-n said:
safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no safestrap for 4.4 yet, correct?
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app
You can try root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2538896
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
charlie-n said:
safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But isn't safestrap that weird hack that leaves the original system alone and just sticks another install on the device? I wanted to get a vzw S4 until I learned I'd be stuck with the original bloated OS installed along the one I want (if I'm understanding it correctly)
rockingondrums said:
But isn't safestrap that weird hack that leaves the original system alone and just sticks another install on the device? I wanted to get a vzw S4 until I learned I'd be stuck with the original bloated OS installed along the one I want (if I'm understanding it correctly)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much
sent by wireless transmission
charlie-n said:
safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can flash a custom ROM with said "safestrap," what's the point of having an unlocked bootloader? What can you do with an unlocked bootloader that you can't do without one?
Shadowz1218 said:
If you can flash a custom ROM with said "safestrap," what's the point of having an unlocked bootloader? What can you do with an unlocked bootloader that you can't do without one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash other versions on your phone. I unlocked my bootloader and flashed the Verizon version, just because. I came from a Latin American version of the phone.
RagnaParadise said:
You can flash other versions on your phone. I unlocked my bootloader and flashed the Verizon version, just because. I came from a Latin American version of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't quite understand what you mean by "flashing other versions on your phone." My question is what's the advantage of having an unlocked bootloader. Also, are there any disadvantages of flashing a custom ROM with a safestrap?
Shadowz1218 said:
I don't quite understand what you mean by "flashing other versions on your phone." My question is what's the advantage of having an unlocked bootloader. Also, are there any disadvantages of flashing a custom ROM with a safestrap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally, it's to allow you to flash a custom recovery, so that you can flash the plethora of zips you can find. The disadvantage with safestrap is what I said above: It's a hack that leaves the original OS on the phone, just sitting there taking up space. You know how the S4's only came with 9 GBs free on the 16 GBs? Well, if I bought a verizon one, I'd have to safestrap CM or whatever on to the phone, so I'd be left with the original TW hog and then lose more space to CM. I mean, if you can deal with that then you're golden. But it is still a disadvantage. And I wouldn't do it (which is why I ended up not buying the S4, even though I really wanted it).
rockingondrums said:
Normally, it's to allow you to flash a custom recovery, so that you can flash the plethora of zips you can find. The disadvantage with safestrap is what I said above: It's a hack that leaves the original OS on the phone, just sitting there taking up space. You know how the S4's only came with 9 GBs free on the 16 GBs? Well, if I bought a verizon one, I'd have to safestrap CM or whatever on to the phone, so I'd be left with the original TW hog and then lose more space to CM. I mean, if you can deal with that then you're golden. But it is still a disadvantage. And I wouldn't do it (which is why I ended up not buying the S4, even though I really wanted it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I want to replace the original OS with another ROM I'd have no choice but to unlock the bootloader and use a custom recovery? Also, is it possible that an OTA update could break the safestrap, or stop it from working anymore?
Ok, rather than this unnecessary back and forth, if you have Verizon and "flashing custom ROMS is a must for me" like you say then just get the Verizon Developer Edition which has an unlocked bootloader and be done with it.
LordLugard said:
Ok, rather than this unnecessary back and forth, if you have Verizon and "flashing custom ROMS is a must for me" like you say then just get the Verizon Developer Edition which has an unlocked bootloader and be done with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was simply trying to understand if there's any practical advantage of having an unlocked bootloader vs. using other methods such as a safestrap. If I can get a custom Moto X at a discounted price on a 2-year contract, I'd much rather go that route instead of paying the retail price for a Developer Edition.
Hi All,
I currently have an XT1053 on Lycamobile (T-Mobile MVNO). I rooted it when I got it, have a custom recovery, ROM, xposed framework, XPrivacy, titanium backup. It's been 1.5 years so I'm rusty on how I did it before.
I'd like to move to Verizon pre-paid so I'm looking to buy a used phone. I want to end up with the same capabilities - root, custom ROM, etc.
I'm thinking I should get a Dev edition Verizon Moto-X so that I can get the unlock code from Motorola. In order to reduce chances of issues/bricking, is there are particular version of Android the phone should already have? Anything else I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Mark
From what I have been able to find by looking at a bunch of threads, it looks like I need to look for a Developer phone with Android 4.4.2.
What else am I maybe missing?
Thanks,
Mark
For the Dev Edition it doesn't matter what version you're on, you can root no matter what.
markd89 said:
From what I have been able to find by looking at a bunch of threads, it looks like I need to look for a Developer phone with Android 4.4.2.
What else am I maybe missing?
Thanks,
Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason you would need 4.4.2 for easy unlocking is if you were on a non-developer edition phone and were using Sunshine. Dev editions can be unlocked, flashed, and rooted quite easily. Non-developer editions though, you want to be on an earlier release of Android, although there is a root method for 4.4.4 now, so you may still be able to unlock the bootloader.
markd89 said:
....I'd like to move to Verizon pre-paid so I'm looking to buy a used phone. I want to end up with the same capabilities - root, custom ROM, etc.
I'm thinking I should get a Dev edition Verizon Moto-X so that I can get the unlock code from Motorola. In order to reduce chances of issues/bricking, is there are particular version of Android the phone should already have? Anything else I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader is needed to run a custom rom, custom recovery, etc. and to ensure the ability to root no matter what ROM is on your phone.
Stick with a Developer Edition XT11060 for Verizon. You can get the bootloader unlock code directly from Motorola, for free.
If you get a RETAIL or Moto Maker variant, so long as the phone was never updated to 4.4.4 or higher, you can use Sunshine to unlock its bootloader. BUT Sunshine relies on exploiting a vulnerability to unlock the bootloader. There has been some question on if the vulnerability will be patched in Lollipop and could that pose any issues for those who used Sunshine to unlock. Will it re-lock them or will the unlocked status survive, etc? I have not seen a definitive answer.
While there is a ROOT method for a certain 4.4.4 build for non-Dev Verizon XT1060, that wont allow you to flash a custom rom or recovery, and it doesn't turn off write protection so there are some limits.
Thanks Gents, very helpful.
Is there any downside to getting a Moto X Developer that is already rooted? I'd still be able to contact Motorola for the unlock if I needed it again, right?
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks for bringing this up OP. I have a Verizon Note 4 and quite frankly I'm tired of the size and it's the longest I've been without root. Not to mention the lag with the TouchWiz lollipop build is driving me crazy. I now want a smaller (sorry Nexus 6) bootloader unlocked rootable android phone. After getting a pre-paid moto g to play around with I'm digging the smaller size and the resolution is more than acceptable. The Moto G should be even better.
I initially looked at the 2014 X but Verizon never released a developer model. My only hesitation to the 2013 is Android M. Is that coming to the 2013 X? And do people here have experience buying refurbished 2013 developer Xs from ebay. Pretty cheap around $110 to $150.
markd89 said:
Is there any downside to getting a Moto X Developer that is already rooted? I'd still be able to contact Motorola for the unlock if I needed it again, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify - if I get phone that's already unlocked because the previous owner got the code from Motorola, would I be able to contact Motorola in the future for the unlock code if I needed to re-unlock the phone or do they only give that out once?
Thanks much,
Mark
markd89 said:
To clarify - if I get phone that's already unlocked because the previous owner got the code from Motorola, would I be able to contact Motorola in the future for the unlock code if I needed to re-unlock the phone or do they only give that out once?
Thanks much,
Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Developer editions come SIM Unlocked to begin with.
Saythis said:
Developer editions come SIM Unlocked to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I was under the impression that they come bootloader locked so that I would need an unlock to achieve root. Am I mistaken?
markd89 said:
To clarify - if I get phone that's already unlocked because the previous owner got the code from Motorola, would I be able to contact Motorola in the future for the unlock code if I needed to re-unlock the phone or do they only give that out once?
Thanks much,
Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
markd89 said:
OK, I was under the impression that they come bootloader locked so that I would need an unlock to achieve root. Am I mistaken?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People often get SIM unlocked (aka carrier unlocked) confused with bootloader unlocked when someone just says "unlocked"
The Verizon XT1060, Developer Edition or Retail/Moto Maker are SIM Unlocked (aka carrier unlocked) out of the box due to FCC 700 C-Block rules.
All 2013 X's ship as bootloader locked. The ATT XT1058, Republic Wireless XT1049 and Verizon Retail/Moto Maker XT1060 editions can not get the bootloader unlock code from Moto. The rest, including the Developer Edition XT1060 for Verizon, CAN.
Once bootloader unlocked using the code from Moto, the phone will stay that way unless you re-lock it. However, keep in mind there are 3 states of the 2013 X bootloader Locked Status 0 (as it ships from factory), Unlocked Status 3 (after you unlock via the code), and LOCKED Status 2 (aka relocked). We as users can not toggle it back to Status 0. Because we can't get back to Status 0, there is no real reason to try and relock. The "bootloader unlocked" warning message shows when status is NOT 0. *IF* you buy a used XT1060 Dev Edition where the previous owner as re-locked the bootloader, you will need the code to unlock it. The codes are unique to each phone.
I have no experience requesting the bootloader unlock code from moto for a USED phone, so I can't be of any help answering that question.
I purchased a used xt1060 dev that the previous owner had relocked the bootloader....not sure why. I was able to get a unlock code from Motorola no problem.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Thanks, all!
I have my used Dev Moto X Verizon on order and look forward to the XDA fun when I get it
hey guys ive done a lil looking into my turbo XT1254 now im ruing 5.1 OTA from verizon now the bootloaders between the turbo and MAXX from what ive heard are almost the same and that its possible to downgrade BLs from lollipop to kitkat now with this maybe being possible (again havnt tried it myself but seen it here on XDA) would it be possible to replace the stock turbo BL w the MAXX bl and unlock it that way seeing that motorola has an unlocking tool for the maxx it maybe a solution if anyone wants to try it id like to see the results in the mean time i will continue working on root again im not 100% on this as i dont have a maxx good luck if you try it let me know what you guys think
That wold not work, bootloader is only a image file, like recovery, that reads a hidden code on the device (of course have many other functions), if you change for the maxx to turbo and vice versa, in theory you are change 6 by 12/2, but have a chance of permanent brick your phone.
The only thing i don't dare to mess today is the bootloader, once you brick the bootloader you cant load files to device any more, and can't load a stock bootloader.
I search if exist a way to force load a image to device even if the bootloader is brick, for Motorola devices, I didn't find, for other devices you need especial tool or factory-USB cable.
I have some ideas i wanna to try, change the bootloader like those guys change the mofo image, i know is not the same but the principle is.
But in the case i permanent brick my only copy of Quark by doing something wrong, i leave that for those that are working on bootloader unlock and i wish they find a way...
after post i discovery this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-turbo/general/turbo-unbrick-t3139811
Alright I'm just very tired of not having root and just ideas keep coming to me about work arounds but I can see why getting 5.1 root on this phone is a pain
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Free mobile app
Changing your bootloader would do no good. Your device will still be registered as a Turbo when you enter the numbers it returns during the unlocking process and you will be given the "device not eligible" from Moto's website when you try to get your unlock code. I tried it myself with the 2013 Droid Maxx using the developer edition FXZ
So I think I'm finally going to need to get a new phone soon. But I can't afford anything high end ATM. So I'm thinking about gting a 64gb tubro that can be unlocked, but I'm wondering if there is any reason I should settle for 32gb and gt a moto maxx instead. I think I read U can't unlock relock and unlock again with the xt1254 but I dnt see needing to do that anyway. Anything else I should know about hacked turbo vs officially unlocked maxx?
1) Be best if you keep using model numbers like in your title, instead of names like "Turbo", "Moto Maxx". There's two Turbos (Droid Turbo XT1254, Moto Turbo XT1225), there's two Moto Maxx even (XT1250, XT1225). Using model numbers keeps it straight.
2) If you get an XT1254 64GB, you are looking at Amazon, eBay, Swappa? Be aware some people have sneakily locked their bootloaders back before selling. I don't know why. If I were buying, I would pay more money for an unlocked bootloader -- the hard work and cost has already been done. You will need to see proof of bootloader status. If the bootloader has been locked back, it's worthless for you.
Also, you would need to see proof the phone has not already been upgraded to the OTA update pushed out by Verizon in May -- SU4TL-49, unless the seller can show you the bootloader is indeed unlocked. A lot of people who took the OTA before unlocking their bootloaders are now selling them due to their screwup.
Sunshine bootloader unlock exploit ($25) only works with SU4TL-44 (Lollipop 5.1) . If the phone has not been upgraded to Lollipop 5.1 and is still on 4.4.4 Kitkat, you can update it to SU4TL-44 using a file in this forum. But you would have to be careful not to take OTA updating it to SU4TL-49.
3) An XT1250 (U.S. Moto Maxx) doesn't have any conditions like that, but comes in 32GB only.
K I gotcha. either way I want something new and I have no problem doing the work myself. I found one on the bay and it's on su4tl44, I'll have to have him show me the boot loader. What is it if it's relocked status code 3?
TheWhiteChallenger said:
K I gotcha. either way I want something new and I have no problem doing the work myself. I found one on the bay and it's on su4tl44, I'll have to have him show me the boot loader. What is it if it's relocked status code 3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XT1254 Droid Turbo owners would know much better than me on this.
One of the forums says this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nex...sh-factory-images-nexus-6shamu-t2954008/page4
0 is locked
2 is relocked
3 is unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never re-locked bootloader, so I don't know. Once unlocked I keep it that way...
Same here, that's y I hoping U guy would help. So it soundz like if I gt the right build number and it's not relocked, and I don't ever relock it, I should be golden. I can gt a 64gb xt1254 cheaper then the xt1250 with only 32gb I just don't want to mess myself over.
TheWhiteChallenger said:
Same here, that's y I hoping U guy would help. So it soundz like if I gt the right build number and it's not relocked, and I don't ever relock it, I should be golden. I can gt a 64gb xt1254 cheaper then the xt1250 with only 32gb I just don't want to mess myself over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are doing it right.
TheWhiteChallenger said:
K I gotcha. either way I want something new and I have no problem doing the work myself. I found one on the bay and it's on su4tl44, I'll have to have him show me the boot loader. What is it if it's relocked status code 3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its been relocked you can still reunlock it as well its just a little bit trickier and there is a chance of bricking your device if not done properly bur as long as you have a computer with fastboot adb installed you should be good. I have never reunlocked myself but have read and helped others in reunlocking there own its in the forum here somewhere. So no matter what as long as you can get that turbo on su4tl44 you should be set.
Grynch13 said:
If its been relocked you can still reunlock it as well its just a little bit trickier and there is a chance of bricking your device if not done properly bur as long as you have a computer with fastboot adb installed you should be good. I have never reunlocked myself but have read and helped others in reunlocking there own its in the forum here somewhere. So no matter what as long as you can get that turbo on su4tl44 you should be set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then that's new information I haven't kept up with. Earlier some people re-locked for unknown reasons and they were told they were out of luck. It was a one-time only process.
Here's the thread you are talking about:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-turbo/help/relocked-bootloader-bricked-t3306081
Seems iffy. Better to not have a re-locked bootloader in the first place.
Thus far everyone that has followed beaups unlock instructions it's worked for. I think the issue is it's not something as simple as adb boot loader unlock
Sent from my DROID Turbo using XDA-Developers mobile app
I have wanted to install a custom Rom on my Moto Droid Turbo / XT1254 VRZ but the Bootloader is blocked, I don't want to put the stock rom without someone telling me, if it can actually be downgraded, in order to unlock the bootloader with Sunshine .
I would appreciate someone help me, the phone is old but I still want to take advantage of it. Thank you so much.
Can't downgrade as far as I know without having a bootloader unlocked already.
The Turbo was one of the best phones I ever had and every phone after is just meh.