Flashing rooms on non pure edition models - X 2014 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

This might be a dumb question but the rom threads I've read don't specifically note compatibility in most cases.
Is everyone flashing roms assumed to be in a pure edition model?
Or are the roms cross compatible with all Moto x 2014 models as long as you are bootloader unlocked with custom recovery?
For reference I have the republic wireless Moto x 2014
XT1094 model (cdma) with bootloader unlocked and rooted on Android 5.1
I would imagine this question also applies to other carrier models though.

As long as your bootloader is unlocked, any Moto X 2014 ROM will work.

Moto's website won't allow unlocking of the bootloader. Do I need to sell this phone and get something I can root? There's gotta be a workaround/known fix.

xynobis said:
Moto's website won't allow unlocking of the bootloader. Do I need to sell this phone and get something I can root? There's gotta be a workaround/known fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Edit* Sorry I read to fast and thought it was a Verizon cdma model, missed that it was the republic wireless model. Not sure if that is unlock-able through their site.
It does. Just unlocked my Verizon wireless Moto X 2014 through Motorola's website.
Go to Motorola's site and follow the instructions:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
On the step 2 when you are getting your device ID by typing "fastboot oem get_unlock_data" and you copy and past it into the "can my device be ulocked" box, be sure to remove the spaces before clicking the button or it will say this: your device does not qualify for bootloader unlocking. Remove the spaces and it now works.
If you still have problems, just follow this Moto X 2014 unlock bootloader video by Qbking77
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLNja2M6zc0&feature=youtu.be

xynobis said:
Moto's website won't allow unlocking of the bootloader. Do I need to sell this phone and get something I can root? There's gotta be a workaround/known fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to verify do you have the republic wireless version?
If so I did the following to root, unlock the bootloaded and unlock the sim:
Do note that I have two phones both the same moto x 2014 republic wireless version 32gb running android 5.1
the first one worked after some fiddling, the second one I am still fiddling with to get it unlocked so note that you may have to try some steps multiple times etc.
I will report back if I can figure out how to get it to work 100% of the time.
the big issue is with losing root while running sunshine.
once the bootloader is unlocked its clear sailing.
Gain temporary root using kingroot from here: https://kingroot.net/
unlock the bootloader using sunshine (Note this costs $25) download here: http://theroot.ninja/
Install TWRP (the easiest way is to download the app and flash the version for moto x 2014 victara) this also has the added benefit of rebooting to recovery for you as this phone can be a pain to get into recovery sometimes using the hardware buttons.
Flash a rom (This unlocks the SIM as well) note I used resurrection remix, other roms will likely work to unlock the sim but this one for sure will do it: Resurrection Remix
A few notes:
when temp rooting with Kingroot:
Sometimes during the process the phone will reboot (the first phone rebooted twice, the second one diddnt reboot at all, both were successful) if it reboots just open kingroot again once it comes back up.
for some reason often when you try to run sunshine you will lose root during the testing phase, I had to try several times. on the first phone turning on the "allow OEM unlocking" seemed to fix this but on the second phone it makes no difference so its hard to say if that was actually the issue.
kingroot gains temporary root and installs itself as a system app and can be tough to remove. once you flash a new rom it gets rid of it though
On Sunshine:
Sometimes when running sunshine you lose root through kingroot, if it fails for any reason this is likely what happened, you will have to reboot and try re-rooting.
Sunshine runs tests for free but actually unlocking costs $25
On Sim unlocking:
I tested this on T-mobile and Metro PCS both worked both voice and LTE data
I have only tested using the resurection remix rom
When I first installed the rom the phone would ring but no dialer would appear, I had to set the dialer as the default app to get it to work (Not sure why that wasnt set)

Thanks - this is a verizon model I'm going to give this a try.
firefly6240 said:
Just to verify do you have the republic wireless version?
If so I did the following to root, unlock the bootloaded and unlock the sim:
Do note that I have two phones both the same moto x 2014 republic wireless version 32gb running android 5.1
the first one worked after some fiddling, the second one I am still fiddling with to get it unlocked so note that you may have to try some steps multiple times etc.
I will report back if I can figure out how to get it to work 100% of the time.
the big issue is with losing root while running sunshine.
once the bootloader is unlocked its clear sailing.
Gain temporary root using kingroot from here: https://kingroot.net/
unlock the bootloader using sunshine (Note this costs $25) download here: http://theroot.ninja/
Install TWRP (the easiest way is to download the app and flash the version for moto x 2014 victara) this also has the added benefit of rebooting to recovery for you as this phone can be a pain to get into recovery sometimes using the hardware buttons.
Flash a rom (This unlocks the SIM as well) note I used resurrection remix, other roms will likely work to unlock the sim but this one for sure will do it: Resurrection Remix
A few notes:
when temp rooting with Kingroot:
Sometimes during the process the phone will reboot (the first phone rebooted twice, the second one diddnt reboot at all, both were successful) if it reboots just open kingroot again once it comes back up.
for some reason often when you try to run sunshine you will lose root during the testing phase, I had to try several times. on the first phone turning on the "allow OEM unlocking" seemed to fix this but on the second phone it makes no difference so its hard to say if that was actually the issue.
kingroot gains temporary root and installs itself as a system app and can be tough to remove. once you flash a new rom it gets rid of it though
On Sunshine:
Sometimes when running sunshine you lose root through kingroot, if it fails for any reason this is likely what happened, you will have to reboot and try re-rooting.
Sunshine runs tests for free but actually unlocking costs $25
On Sim unlocking:
I tested this on T-mobile and Metro PCS both worked both voice and LTE data
I have only tested using the resurection remix rom
When I first installed the rom the phone would ring but no dialer would appear, I had to set the dialer as the default app to get it to work (Not sure why that wasnt set)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Related

Can someone point me to some info on Dev editions & bootloaders?

I'm unfamiliar with how this all fits together. For example, I don't understand how if the bootloader is unlocked, why will it still brick the device if the bootloader is mismatched? Why would the BL version matter if it's unlocked? If the BL will still cripple the device, then it's not really "unlocked", is it?
Also, what does this mean in the future after Motorola stops updating the X? I know we can flash ROMs, but will we be stuck using the base of whatever update Moto/Verizon decides to put out?
The more detailed the better. I've tried googling and searching here, but I can't find any sort of place where this info is gathered & presented in a digestible format....all I'm finding is little pieces of info here & there. I don't even know enough to properly ask for more info. Any help, explanations, or links would be greatly appreciated.
Hopefully this gets you started... Its not completed, but I was typing it up in my spare time because I see a lot of people asking these questions
Versions of the Moto X..
There are 3 main versions of the Moto X available today..
1. Carrier Branded (aka Retail). Except for T-Mobie USA, this is available for order/pickup directly from your Carrier, their store or web site.
2. MotoMaker Edition. Available directly from Motorola.com. Ordering this version allows you to customize your device by selecting Memory, Front Color, Back Color, Accent (button, camera trim ring) color, add custom wall paper, engraving on the back, or even startup message.
3. Developer Edition. Available directly from Motorola.com. Available as black front, woven white back, silver accent (button/camera trim ring).
Due to the frequencies used by the various wireless carriers where the phones are sold, there are a few different model number designations like XT1060 (Verizon), XT1058 (AT&T), XT1053 (T-Mobile USA and GSM Developer Edition), along with other models depending on location/carrier. (NOTE: the Retail/MotoMaker and Developer Edition for Verizon are both XT1060).
Locked vs Unlocked bootloader. Why is this important?
Whats the difference between locked and unlocked?
While this article gives a good, detailed explanation -> http://www.extremetech.com/computin...tloader-and-why-does-verizon-want-them-locked
An overly simplified way of explaining this would be to say that With a locked bootloader, you can only flash ROMS and software digitally signed by your phone maker. Having an unlocked Bootloader allows you to flash custom roms, recoveries, kernels, etc, or to fully hack/customize your phone.
Why would I want unlocked bootloader?
If you are looking to root your phone and have a locked bootloader, you have to wait for someone to find a flaw in your phones rom/firmware, and exploit/hack it. This is getting increasingly difficult as Android evolves. As new updates for the phone get released, you need to wait until someone finds a usable exploit, creates a repeatable process that is relatively safe, and releases it. This could takes weeks, months, or never come. For Android 4.2.2, there was a process called RockMyMoto, for Android 4.4, SlapMyMoto. Neither of these exploits work for the Android 4.4.2 update, and as of this writing, no exploit/hack/process has been released for 4.4.2.
Having an unlocked bootloader, and being able to flash 3rd party code simplifies the rooting/hacking process, but could also be dangerous. If you want to root without having to wait on exploits or processes to be found, having an unlocked or unlockable bootloader is considered best. Once your bootloader is unlocked, you can install a custom recovery (like TWRP), boot to it, and install SuperSU and you will be rooted. This can be done no matter what ROM version is on your phone.
To fully remove the phone maker's rom, and replace it with a completely custom rom, your phone needs to have an unlocked bootloader.
Can I unlock the Bootloader on my Moto X?
If you have a Developer Edition Moto X, yes you can unlock the bootloader and it doesn't void your warranty.
If you have a MotoMaker or Carrier Branded model, it depends on IF your carrier allows Motorola to do it, and will void your warranty. For example, Verizon and ATT does now allow Motorola to unlock your boot loader. To see if your Moto X bootloader can be unlocked see -> https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth You can step through the procees until you get to the final submit WITHOUT voiding your warranty. Once you hit the final submit to request the code, your warranty is voided (unless your phone is the developer edition)
For the Verizon and ATT which Moto's web site wouldn't give out bootloader unlock codes, there was an option of buying the Bootloader Unlock Code for Non-Dev Verizon X from a Chinese site or middleman, but it appears to have dried up. (no contact from the seller in a few days, and rumors he got caught/fired/worse)
What is Write Protection Enabled or Disabled? Why is this important?
Due to trying to enhance the security on newer Android phones, the Motorola X ships with "Write Protection" enabled. This prevents any changes to /System or other "protected" folders from surviving a Power Off/On (aka hard reset). If you manage to gain root, but Write Protection is still enabled, any changes you make while rooted would be lost after Power Off/On.
If you have an unlockable bootloader, unlocking the bootloader disables write protection.
If you have a locked bootloader, an exploit/hack needs to be found and process needs to be developed and released. For Android 4.4 and below on the X, a process called MotoWpNoMo was used, however the Android 4.4.2 update closed/fixed the exploit and MotoWpNoMo no longer works. So as of this writing, if you have a locked boot loader, there is no way to Disable Write Protection on Android 4.4.2.
Can I downgrade the firmware on my phone before or after I unlock the bootloader?
As for downgrading firmware, the same caveats and warnings still apply. Due to changes in the bootloader included with 4.4.2, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade. So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2.
Can flash a 3rd party or custom rom?
If you want to flash a Non-Motorola ROM on your phone, say something like CyanogenMod, you MUST have an unlocked bootloader.
Can you just tell me how to root my Moto X phone?(sorry, this might be the long answer, but hopefully it will help you understand what I'm saying and why..)
SlapMyMoto can be used to root, and MotoWpNoMo can be used to disable write protection *IF* your phone is on 4.4 or lower.
MotoWpNoMo (which disables write protection) is needed because when Write Protection is enabled (the phone's default state with locked bootloader, or the state you are in after you take the 4.4.2 OTA), any changes made to /system, or the like, (including, but not limited to, App installs, file modifications, deletions, renames, etc) are not permanent and are lost at power off/on. Even if you have root, but lost Write Protection, any apps you've installed that need to write to system can't permanently save their changes (you have to re-do every time your phone powers off/on), and any Root type app, or app that gets installed to /system after WP is enabled will be lost at power off/on.
If you are on 4.4. and use SlapMyMoto/MotoWpNoMo, but later take the OTA to 4.4.2, you might keep root but Write Protection will be re-enabled with no way to disable it.
Due to fixes and changes in 4.4.2, the Root and Disable Write Protection processes that worked on 4.4 and lower, no longer work on 4.4.2. And don't expect anything for 4.4.2 for a while, if ever. So if the phone you buy comes with 4.4.2 pre-installed, or you have taken the 4.4.2 OTA update, and you have a locked bootloader you're stuck!!
This is not an issue if you have an unlocked bootloader. You can still unlock your bootloader (which disables write protection), and root (by just using a custom recovery and flashing SuperSU) no matter what rom is on your phone.
In conclusion...
If you really need ROOT, Write Protection Disabled, want to modify/replace/delete system files, the ability to tether on an unlimited data plan, flash a custom rom (like CyanogenMod or others) then you really should consider getting the Developer Edition X, as you can unlock its bootloader (without voiding warranty), root it (no matter what rom is on the phone), and do what you want.
If your carrier allows Moto to give you the code to unlock the bootloader, then you just have to weight the option of being able to order your phone customized (moto maker) and unlock the bootloader while voiding the warranty, or have an uncustomized phone that the warranty remains intact should you unlock the bootloader.
KidJoe said:
Hopefully this gets you started... Its not completed, but I was typing it up in my spare time because I see a lot of people asking these questions
Versions of the Moto X..
There are 3 main versions of the Moto X available today..
1. Carrier Branded (aka Retail). Except for T-Mobie USA, this is available for order/pickup directly from your Carrier, their store or web site.
2. MotoMaker Edition. Available directly from Motorola.com. Ordering this version allows you to customize your device by selecting Memory, Front Color, Back Color, Accent (button, camera trim ring) color, add custom wall paper, engraving on the back, or even startup message.
3. Developer Edition. Available directly from Motorola.com. Available as black front, woven white back, silver accent (button/camera trim ring).
Due to the frequencies used by the various wireless carriers where the phones are sold, there are a few different model number designations like XT1060 (Verizon), XT1058 (AT&T), XT1053 (T-Mobile USA and GSM Developer Edition), along with other models depending on location/carrier. (NOTE: the Retail/MotoMaker and Developer Edition for Verizon are both XT1060).
Locked vs Unlocked bootloader. Why is this important?
Whats the difference between locked and unlocked?
While this article gives a good, detailed explanation -> http://www.extremetech.com/computin...tloader-and-why-does-verizon-want-them-locked
An overly simplified way of explaining this would be to say that With a locked bootloader, you can only flash ROMS and software digitally signed by your phone maker. Having an unlocked Bootloader allows you to flash custom roms, recoveries, kernels, etc, or to fully hack/customize your phone.
Why would I want unlocked bootloader?
If you are looking to root your phone and have a locked bootloader, you have to wait for someone to find a flaw in your phones rom/firmware, and exploit/hack it. This is getting increasingly difficult as Android evolves. As new updates for the phone get released, you need to wait until someone finds a usable exploit, creates a repeatable process that is relatively safe, and releases it. This could takes weeks, months, or never come. For Android 4.2.2, there was a process called RockMyMoto, for Android 4.4, SlapMyMoto. Neither of these exploits work for the Android 4.4.2 update, and as of this writing, no exploit/hack/process has been released for 4.4.2.
Having an unlocked bootloader, and being able to flash 3rd party code simplifies the rooting/hacking process, but could also be dangerous. If you want to root without having to wait on exploits or processes to be found, having an unlocked or unlockable bootloader is considered best. Once your bootloader is unlocked, you can install a custom recovery (like TWRP), boot to it, and install SuperSU and you will be rooted. This can be done no matter what ROM version is on your phone.
To fully remove the phone maker's rom, and replace it with a completely custom rom, your phone needs to have an unlocked bootloader.
Can I unlock the Bootloader on my Moto X?
If you have a Developer Edition Moto X, yes you can unlock the bootloader and it doesn't void your warranty.
If you have a MotoMaker or Carrier Branded model, it depends on IF your carrier allows Motorola to do it, and will void your warranty. For example, Verizon and ATT does now allow Motorola to unlock your boot loader. To see if your Moto X bootloader can be unlocked see -> https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth You can step through the procees until you get to the final submit WITHOUT voiding your warranty. Once you hit the final submit to request the code, your warranty is voided (unless your phone is the developer edition)
For the Verizon and ATT which Moto's web site wouldn't give out bootloader unlock codes, there was an option of buying the Bootloader Unlock Code for Non-Dev Verizon X from a Chinese site or middleman, but it appears to have dried up. (no contact from the seller in a few days, and rumors he got caught/fired/worse)
What is Write Protection Enabled or Disabled? Why is this important?
Due to trying to enhance the security on newer Android phones, the Motorola X ships with "Write Protection" enabled. This prevents any changes to /System or other "protected" folders from surviving a Power Off/On (aka hard reset). If you manage to gain root, but Write Protection is still enabled, any changes you make while rooted would be lost after Power Off/On.
If you have an unlockable bootloader, unlocking the bootloader disables write protection.
If you have a locked bootloader, an exploit/hack needs to be found and process needs to be developed and released. For Android 4.4 and below on the X, a process called MotoWpNoMo was used, however the Android 4.4.2 update closed/fixed the exploit and MotoWpNoMo no longer works. So as of this writing, if you have a locked boot loader, there is no way to Disable Write Protection on Android 4.4.2.
Can I downgrade the firmware on my phone before or after I unlock the bootloader?
As for downgrading firmware, the same caveats and warnings still apply. Due to changes in the bootloader included with 4.4.2, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade. So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2.
Can flash a 3rd party or custom rom?
If you want to flash a Non-Motorola ROM on your phone, say something like CyanogenMod, you MUST have an unlocked bootloader.
Can you just tell me how to root my Moto X phone?(sorry, this might be the long answer, but hopefully it will help you understand what I'm saying and why..)
SlapMyMoto can be used to root, and MotoWpNoMo can be used to disable write protection *IF* your phone is on 4.4 or lower.
MotoWpNoMo (which disables write protection) is needed because when Write Protection is enabled (the phone's default state with locked bootloader, or the state you are in after you take the 4.4.2 OTA), any changes made to /system, or the like, (including, but not limited to, App installs, file modifications, deletions, renames, etc) are not permanent and are lost at power off/on. Even if you have root, but lost Write Protection, any apps you've installed that need to write to system can't permanently save their changes (you have to re-do every time your phone powers off/on), and any Root type app, or app that gets installed to /system after WP is enabled will be lost at power off/on.
If you are on 4.4. and use SlapMyMoto/MotoWpNoMo, but later take the OTA to 4.4.2, you might keep root but Write Protection will be re-enabled with no way to disable it.
Due to fixes and changes in 4.4.2, the Root and Disable Write Protection processes that worked on 4.4 and lower, no longer work on 4.4.2. And don't expect anything for 4.4.2 for a while, if ever. So if the phone you buy comes with 4.4.2 pre-installed, or you have taken the 4.4.2 OTA update, and you have a locked bootloader you're stuck!!
This is not an issue if you have an unlocked bootloader. You can still unlock your bootloader (which disables write protection), and root (by just using a custom recovery and flashing SuperSU) no matter what rom is on your phone.
In conclusion...
If you really need ROOT, Write Protection Disabled, want to modify/replace/delete system files, the ability to tether on an unlimited data plan, flash a custom rom (like CyanogenMod or others) then you really should consider getting the Developer Edition X, as you can unlock its bootloader (without voiding warranty), root it (no matter what rom is on the phone), and do what you want.
If your carrier allows Moto to give you the code to unlock the bootloader, then you just have to weight the option of being able to order your phone customized (moto maker) and unlock the bootloader while voiding the warranty, or have an uncustomized phone that the warranty remains intact should you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply! It has helped clear up most of my confusion.
Can I downgrade the firmware on my phone before or after I unlock the bootloader?
As for downgrading firmware, the same caveats and warnings still apply. Due to changes in the bootloader included with 4.4.2, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade. So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate a little bit on this? What changes were made, and why does it brick your phone? (If the bootloader is unlocked, this shouldn't be an issue.....but this is not the case, obviously.) What makes this different than loading a ROM? Is there the same chance to brick your phone from flashing a ROM?
Arak-Nafein said:
Can you elaborate a little bit on this? What changes were made, and why does it brick your phone? (If the bootloader is unlocked, this shouldn't be an issue.....but this is not the case, obviously.) What makes this different than loading a ROM? Is there the same chance to brick your phone from flashing a ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't create the bootloader, so I can't elaborate on what exactly was changed. Moto doesn't post release notes. As why it bricks, I could only tell you what I've read. And the thread that was here discussing it in details has vanished for some reason. I do know things like GPT.BIN also come into play, but I don't remember ALL of the details.
As for this shouldn't be an issue with the bootloader being unlocked.. Well, I can tell you unlocked bootloader or not, the long thread that vanished was reports of both those who used the unlock code from Moto to unlock their bootloader, and those who still had a locked bootloader.
The bootloader is unlocked at least to the point that it disables the write protection and you can flash roms, recoveries, etc that are NOT signed by Moto. Is that "fully unlocked" I'll let someone else answer that.
If the 3rd party rom you are trying to install tries to revert the bootloader to a lower level or tries to downgrade the security files (GPT.BIN and a few others), then yes, you have a chance to brick. But most likely only the System partition will be written on 3rd party rom.
KidJoe said:
I didn't create the bootloader, so I can't elaborate on what exactly was changed. Moto doesn't post release notes. As why it bricks, I could only tell you what I've read. And the thread that was here discussing it in details has vanished for some reason. I do know things like GPT.BIN also come into play, but I don't remember ALL of the details.
As for this shouldn't be an issue with the bootloader being unlocked.. Well, I can tell you unlocked bootloader or not, the long thread that vanished was reports of both those who used the unlock code from Moto to unlock their bootloader, and those who still had a locked bootloader.
The bootloader is unlocked at least to the point that it disables the write protection and you can flash roms, recoveries, etc that are NOT signed by Moto. Is that "fully unlocked" I'll let someone else answer that.
If the 3rd party rom you are trying to install tries to revert the bootloader to a lower level or tries to downgrade the security files (GPT.BIN and a few others), then yes, you have a chance to brick. But most likely only the System partition will be written on 3rd party rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again!
I would love to read that thread if anyone has it archived or something.
KidJoe said:
Hopefully this gets you started... Its not completed, but I was typing it up in my spare time because I see a lot of people asking these questions
Versions of the Moto X..
There are 3 main versions of the Moto X available today..
1. Carrier Branded (aka Retail). Except for T-Mobie USA, this is available for order/pickup directly from your Carrier, their store or web site.
2. MotoMaker Edition. Available directly from Motorola.com. Ordering this version allows you to customize your device by selecting Memory, Front Color, Back Color, Accent (button, camera trim ring) color, add custom wall paper, engraving on the back, or even startup message.
3. Developer Edition. Available directly from Motorola.com. Available as black front, woven white back, silver accent (button/camera trim ring).
Due to the frequencies used by the various wireless carriers where the phones are sold, there are a few different model number designations like XT1060 (Verizon), XT1058 (AT&T), XT1053 (T-Mobile USA and GSM Developer Edition), along with other models depending on location/carrier. (NOTE: the Retail/MotoMaker and Developer Edition for Verizon are both XT1060).
Locked vs Unlocked bootloader. Why is this important?
Whats the difference between locked and unlocked?
While this article gives a good, detailed explanation -> http://www.extremetech.com/computin...tloader-and-why-does-verizon-want-them-locked
An overly simplified way of explaining this would be to say that With a locked bootloader, you can only flash ROMS and software digitally signed by your phone maker. Having an unlocked Bootloader allows you to flash custom roms, recoveries, kernels, etc, or to fully hack/customize your phone.
Why would I want unlocked bootloader?
If you are looking to root your phone and have a locked bootloader, you have to wait for someone to find a flaw in your phones rom/firmware, and exploit/hack it. This is getting increasingly difficult as Android evolves. As new updates for the phone get released, you need to wait until someone finds a usable exploit, creates a repeatable process that is relatively safe, and releases it. This could takes weeks, months, or never come. For Android 4.2.2, there was a process called RockMyMoto, for Android 4.4, SlapMyMoto. Neither of these exploits work for the Android 4.4.2 update, and as of this writing, no exploit/hack/process has been released for 4.4.2.
Having an unlocked bootloader, and being able to flash 3rd party code simplifies the rooting/hacking process, but could also be dangerous. If you want to root without having to wait on exploits or processes to be found, having an unlocked or unlockable bootloader is considered best. Once your bootloader is unlocked, you can install a custom recovery (like TWRP), boot to it, and install SuperSU and you will be rooted. This can be done no matter what ROM version is on your phone.
To fully remove the phone maker's rom, and replace it with a completely custom rom, your phone needs to have an unlocked bootloader.
Can I unlock the Bootloader on my Moto X?
If you have a Developer Edition Moto X, yes you can unlock the bootloader and it doesn't void your warranty.
If you have a MotoMaker or Carrier Branded model, it depends on IF your carrier allows Motorola to do it, and will void your warranty. For example, Verizon and ATT does now allow Motorola to unlock your boot loader. To see if your Moto X bootloader can be unlocked see -> https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth You can step through the procees until you get to the final submit WITHOUT voiding your warranty. Once you hit the final submit to request the code, your warranty is voided (unless your phone is the developer edition)
For the Verizon and ATT which Moto's web site wouldn't give out bootloader unlock codes, there was an option of buying the Bootloader Unlock Code for Non-Dev Verizon X from a Chinese site or middleman, but it appears to have dried up. (no contact from the seller in a few days, and rumors he got caught/fired/worse)
What is Write Protection Enabled or Disabled? Why is this important?
Due to trying to enhance the security on newer Android phones, the Motorola X ships with "Write Protection" enabled. This prevents any changes to /System or other "protected" folders from surviving a Power Off/On (aka hard reset). If you manage to gain root, but Write Protection is still enabled, any changes you make while rooted would be lost after Power Off/On.
If you have an unlockable bootloader, unlocking the bootloader disables write protection.
If you have a locked bootloader, an exploit/hack needs to be found and process needs to be developed and released. For Android 4.4 and below on the X, a process called MotoWpNoMo was used, however the Android 4.4.2 update closed/fixed the exploit and MotoWpNoMo no longer works. So as of this writing, if you have a locked boot loader, there is no way to Disable Write Protection on Android 4.4.2.
Can I downgrade the firmware on my phone before or after I unlock the bootloader?
As for downgrading firmware, the same caveats and warnings still apply. Due to changes in the bootloader included with 4.4.2, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade. So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2.
Can flash a 3rd party or custom rom?
If you want to flash a Non-Motorola ROM on your phone, say something like CyanogenMod, you MUST have an unlocked bootloader.
Can you just tell me how to root my Moto X phone?(sorry, this might be the long answer, but hopefully it will help you understand what I'm saying and why..)
SlapMyMoto can be used to root, and MotoWpNoMo can be used to disable write protection *IF* your phone is on 4.4 or lower.
MotoWpNoMo (which disables write protection) is needed because when Write Protection is enabled (the phone's default state with locked bootloader, or the state you are in after you take the 4.4.2 OTA), any changes made to /system, or the like, (including, but not limited to, App installs, file modifications, deletions, renames, etc) are not permanent and are lost at power off/on. Even if you have root, but lost Write Protection, any apps you've installed that need to write to system can't permanently save their changes (you have to re-do every time your phone powers off/on), and any Root type app, or app that gets installed to /system after WP is enabled will be lost at power off/on.
If you are on 4.4. and use SlapMyMoto/MotoWpNoMo, but later take the OTA to 4.4.2, you might keep root but Write Protection will be re-enabled with no way to disable it.
Due to fixes and changes in 4.4.2, the Root and Disable Write Protection processes that worked on 4.4 and lower, no longer work on 4.4.2. And don't expect anything for 4.4.2 for a while, if ever. So if the phone you buy comes with 4.4.2 pre-installed, or you have taken the 4.4.2 OTA update, and you have a locked bootloader you're stuck!!
This is not an issue if you have an unlocked bootloader. You can still unlock your bootloader (which disables write protection), and root (by just using a custom recovery and flashing SuperSU) no matter what rom is on your phone.
In conclusion...
If you really need ROOT, Write Protection Disabled, want to modify/replace/delete system files, the ability to tether on an unlimited data plan, flash a custom rom (like CyanogenMod or others) then you really should consider getting the Developer Edition X, as you can unlock its bootloader (without voiding warranty), root it (no matter what rom is on the phone), and do what you want.
If your carrier allows Moto to give you the code to unlock the bootloader, then you just have to weight the option of being able to order your phone customized (moto maker) and unlock the bootloader while voiding the warranty, or have an uncustomized phone that the warranty remains intact should you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question. Do you need a custom recovery to root? Can you root the Dev edition with stock recovery? I had a locked edition before and rooted it using the exploit method. Now i'm contemplating a Dev edition but don't want to use a custom recovery to root it.
Slim706 said:
Question. Do you need a custom recovery to root? Can you root the Dev edition with stock recovery? I had a locked edition before and rooted it using the exploit method. Now i'm contemplating a Dev edition but don't want to use a custom recovery to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must root via custom recovery. But after you are rooted, you can flash stock recovery back on if you wish and remain rooted.
I just got my Moto X in India and it bears the model number XT1052, it is the officially available model in India.
But, I saw no mention of this on XDA anywhere, so also I wasn't able to find any root methods for it. Can you suggest anything?
krazzyvishal said:
I just got my Moto X in India and it bears the model number XT1052, it is the officially available model in India.
But, I saw no mention of this on XDA anywhere, so also I wasn't able to find any root methods for it. Can you suggest anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root methods are all the same....one way for locked bootloader and one way for unlocked bootloaders.
Read the complete moto x guide stickied in the general section for how to. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
---------- Post added at 11:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 AM ----------
Here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
So, no one knows why downgrading bricks the device? I mean, I know it's because of the bootloader mismatch.....but that's unlocked so why is it being bricked? It seems "unlocked" is not really unlocked....I tried searching, is this efuse that's bricking the phone? If so, WTF? Why would they make something that destroys your phone?
Arak-Nafein said:
So, no one knows why downgrading bricks the device? I mean, I know it's because of the bootloader mismatch.....but that's unlocked so why is it being bricked? It seems "unlocked" is not really unlocked....I tried searching, is this efuse that's bricking the phone? If so, WTF? Why would they make something that destroys your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just how it is. These aren't nexus phones. They made the 4.4.2 bootloader in a way that if you downgrage, then most commonly try to upgrade again...by ota for sure anyway, boom. Brick.. I'm sure it wasnt made that way intentionally. Personally I just think phone companies just don't care or support what we do. So they don't create anything thinking in terms of rooting and flashing this or that. Its not their concern....since 98 percent of their customers update their unmodified phones over ota and thats it.
Have to remember we're an extremely small percentage of phone users. They aren't even thinking of us when they make stuff. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
Its just how it is. These aren't nexus phones. They made the 4.4.2 bootloader in a way that if you downgrage, then most commonly try to upgrade again...by ota for sure anyway, boom. Brick.. I'm sure it wasnt made that way intentionally. Personally I just think phone companies just don't care or support what we do. So they don't create anything thinking in terms of rooting and flashing this or that. Its not their concern....since 98 percent of their customers update their unmodified phones over ota and thats it.
Have to remember we're an extremely small percentage of phone users. They aren't even thinking of us when they make stuff. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yet, they made the developer edition.
I know this isn't a nexus device, but I was expecting nexus-like functionality with the dev edition bootloader unlocked, I know this is not the case now. (Although, you get most of the functionality)
Well, they make a "developer edition" that bricks when you try to downgrade. That seems counter-intuitive.
That's why I'm trying to find the technical details of what causes the brick. Why does it brick? What are they trying to protect? The boot partition? I don't understand the whole point of it or why it happens. Why make a developer edition if it gets bricked like a non-dev edition when flashing? This may have been already answered when the first dev phones came out, but I missed that train. I only upgrade my phone every 2 years or so and this is my first "dev edition" so it's all new to me. I've done a bit of reading, but nothing explicitly states what's cause the brick, just that "it happens". What's causing it?
My main reason for asking is just because I'm curious & would like to understand.
The second is, I'm wondering what happens when we stop getting updates. Will we be stuck on the last version of Android that is given to us?
Arak-Nafein said:
I know this isn't a nexus device, but I was expecting nexus-like functionality with the dev edition bootloader unlocked, I know this is not the case now.
Well, they make a "developer edition" that bricks when you try to downgrade. That seems counter-intuitive.
That's why I'm trying to find the technical details of what causes the brick. Why does it brick? What are they trying to protect? The boot partition? I don't understand the whole point of it or why it happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt they meant it to be that way....it just turned out that way. And again, I doubt they care. Dev editions are just made to make more money. And keep up to competitors who make them. You keep your warranty, but other than that....nothing is special about them. ?
Why it works that way? Dunno. Lol
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Arak-Nafein said:
Yet, they made the developer edition.
I know this isn't a nexus device, but I was expecting nexus-like functionality with the dev edition bootloader unlocked, I know this is not the case now. (Although, you get most of the functionality)
Well, they make a "developer edition" that bricks when you try to downgrade. That seems counter-intuitive.
That's why I'm trying to find the technical details of what causes the brick. Why does it brick? What are they trying to protect? The boot partition? I don't understand the whole point of it or why it happens. Why make a developer edition if it gets bricked like a non-dev edition when flashing? This may have been already answered when the first dev phones came out, but I missed that train. I only upgrade my phone every 2 years or so and this is my first "dev edition" so it's all new to me. I've done a bit of reading, but nothing explicitly states what's cause the brick, just that "it happens". What's causing it?
My main reason for asking is just because I'm curious & would like to understand.
The second is, I'm wondering what happens when we stop getting updates. Will we be stuck on the last version of Android that is given to us?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to keep in mind, other than unlocking the bootloader, and Moto Maker customizations, the Developer Edition is the same as the "retail" edition phones except that you can get the unlock code from Moto for free without voiding your warranty and are stuck with the black front, woven white back, and silver accents.
Order a Verizon X via Moto Maker, its an XT1060, order a Dev Edition for Verizon its an XT1060, and they use the same Rom/SBF/FXZ files. GSM side, the "Unlocked GSM" model that comes with a T-Mobile SIM is an XT1053, a GSM Dev Edition is a XT1053, and again, they use the same rom/sbf/fxz. Did moto do this to "save cost" maybe?
The Dev Editions are unlocked just enough to allow you to flash stuff not signed by Moto. That is it. Moto makes no promises that you can successfully downgrade, or anything. If you have a Dev Edition and brick it, its covered under warranty.
As for why it works this way, only Moto knows. We can only speculate, guess and such, which was done in a big long thread that has since disappeared (not sure why it disappeared). Beyond that, we can only relay the cautions we know of, and tell you how it works based on the experience of several people. I'm sorry if that is not enough. If you want the real answer, you'l have to call Moto directly, or see if you can post on G+ tagging some of the Moto people, but they likely wont tell you.
I can tell you this.. My Moto Xoom was unlocked, needed no code to do so, and was virtually "un-brickable." The X does not work that same way. I can only GUESS why. (carrier request maybe? something else?)
KidJoe said:
You have to keep in mind, other than unlocking the bootloader, and Moto Maker customizations, the Developer Edition is the same as the "retail" edition phones except that you can get the unlock code from Moto for free without voiding your warranty and are stuck with the black front, woven white back, and silver accents.
Order a Verizon X via Moto Maker, its an XT1060, order a Dev Edition for Verizon its an XT1060, and they use the same Rom/SBF/FXZ files. GSM side, the "Unlocked GSM" model that comes with a T-Mobile SIM is an XT1053, a GSM Dev Edition is a XT1053, and again, they use the same rom/sbf/fxz. Did moto do this to "save cost" maybe?
The Dev Editions are unlocked just enough to allow you to flash stuff not signed by Moto. That is it. Moto makes no promises that you can successfully downgrade, or anything. If you have a Dev Edition and brick it, its covered under warranty.
As for why it works this way, only Moto knows. We can only speculate, guess and such, which was done in a big long thread that has since disappeared (not sure why it disappeared). Beyond that, we can only relay the cautions we know of, and tell you how it works based on the experience of several people. I'm sorry if that is not enough. If you want the real answer, you'l have to call Moto directly, or see if you can post on G+ tagging some of the Moto people, but they likely wont tell you.
I can tell you this.. My Moto Xoom was unlocked, needed no code to do so, and was virtually "un-brickable." The X does not work that same way. I can only GUESS why. (carrier request maybe? something else?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Argh, so frustrating! Now I REALLY wanna see that thread. XDA isn't archived on the wayback machine is it?
Arak-Nafein said:
Argh, so frustrating! Now I REALLY wanna see that thread. XDA isn't archived on the wayback machine is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the thread was cached in google at one point, now its not, it only comes up with link to XDA but when you click on it, XDA says the thread does not exist.
See the OP here -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/informative-thread-t2658742
People that REALLY love flashing and tinkering.....need a nexus. Bottom line. Nothing else compares....today anyway.
As much as I LOVED my X....this is why my wife has it now and i have the N5.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
People that REALLY love flashing and tinkering.....need a nexus. Bottom line. Nothing else compares....today anyway.
As much as I LOVED my X....this is why my wife has it now and i have the N5.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Verizon would allow it I would have already done it.
I did some more reading, it appears it all comes from motoboot.img(motoboot partition) & gpt.bin("partition" partition). As long as you don't mess with those & their respective partitions you shouldn't have to worry about bricking your phone. You can still access & read/write the boot partition & the system partition & everything else when unlocked. The OTAs will modify these (And check for certain versions of these) which can leave you in a nasty catch-22 situation & thus the brick. It's not the actual downgrade that bricks it, it's the security from the OTAs that error out & leave you stranded. You can still flash the OTA if you do it manually & leave out the bootloader stuff.(EDIT: This isn't entirely true) You can flash any other ROM because they don't have the built in security like the OTAs. So, if you flip over to an AOSP or CM ROM or anything not based on Motos stuff you needn't worry about nazi bootloaders & OTAs bricking your device. The only problem with going to those ROMs is the loss of Active Display & Touchless control. I'm guess Moto isn't releasing anything on the X8?
Does this sound correct? That's what I've collected from my readings. Feel free to correct me.
Arak-Nafein said:
If Verizon would allow it I would have already done it.
I did some more reading, it appears it all comes from motoboot.img & gpt.bin. As long as you don't mess with those & their respective partitions you shouldn't have to worry about bricking your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've said before....and I stand by it. Downgrading from 4.4.2 on any moto x is like playing russian roulette. And I simply say, don't. Lol
But.....its each person's phone and they can do what they want with it. ?
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
I've said before....and I stand by it. Downgrading from 4.4.2 on any moto x is like playing russian roulette. And I simply say, don't. Lol
But.....its each person's phone and they can do what they want with it. ��
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That kinda came out wrong and I've tried to edit my post to better explain it.
The motoboot.img & the gpt.bin go together. For example, if you are on 4.4, you can manually flash all the parts except the motoboo.img & gpt.bin from 4.4.2 and it will work, and you'll retain the dowgradability of 4.4. But, you're setting yourself up for disaster should you accept an OTA (Which will be looking for the updated motoboot.img & gpt.bin. gpt.bin will be updated, but the bootloader will fail. This leaves you with a mismatched motoboot.img & gpt.bin and boom brick on next restart.)
You're right tho, it's best not to play with that. Unless you disable Motos OTA & treat it like a ROM that you have to return to stock before taking an OTA.
The bootloader is unlocked....but Motorola's software has built-in checks that only allow it to overwrite a specific version (cumulative changes?).
At least, that's the way I understand it. I'm probably way wrong here.

New to rooting scene, need help

So i've had my moto x since october, and just recently got to use a rooted phone and i really want to root my moto x, im on AT&T and i know i cant unlock the bootloader, if i unlock it so i can use any sim card on it, could i root it then? Thank you to anyone that helps
Nope. Not full, real root. Doesn't matter what you do to the phone, if you're on the 4.4.2 or higher bootloader, you can not get write protection disabled. Root yes, with towel root and/or PIE (see dev sections for those)...but wrote protection will be enabled. So changes won't survive a power reset. And you can't write to the system.
And you can't safely downgrade from 4.4.2 or higher either.
HaiMyNamesTrent said:
So i've had my moto x since october, and just recently got to use a rooted phone and i really want to root my moto x, im on AT&T and i know i cant unlock the bootloader, if i unlock it so i can use any sim card on it, could i root it then? Thank you to anyone that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM unlocking allows you to use the SIM from another carrier in your phone.. i.e. use a T-Mobile sim in an ATT branded X. That process does require you to have a different carrier's sim so the phone will prompt you to enter the unlock code. SIM unlock codes are available from many places around the web. It has no impact on rooting.
Bootloader unlocking allows you to flash a custom recovery, 3rd party roms, etc. By virtue of being able to flash a custom recovery you can easily root your phone. There are only two places you can get a bootloader unlock code for the X... Either Motorola's web site (for many, but not ALL carriers) or the Chinese Website or Middleman (only way if Moto doesn't supply)
As @KJ has said, with a locked bootloader and 4.4.2 on your phone, you are limited. PIE to root, but can't disable write protection.
and dispite any thread you might see about downgrading to gain root and disable write protection.. DO NOT!!! you will risk bricking your phone if you have 4.4.3 or 4.4.2 on your phone and attempt to downgrade.

Sprint Moto X Bootloader

I'm trying to unlock my boot loader on my sprint moto x but it keeps telling me it can't be unlocked. Now I contacted Motorola and they said it can't be bootloader unlocked because my phone is not activated... I'm using the replacement phone they sent me. I sim-Unlocked it and am now using straight talk att Sim. But I want to root my phone.
reds28heem said:
I'm trying to unlock my boot loader on my sprint moto x but it keeps telling me it can't be unlocked. Now I contacted Motorola and they said it can't be bootloader unlocked because my phone is not activated... I'm using the replacement phone they sent me. I sim-Unlocked it and am now using straight talk att Sim. But I want to root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you unlock your previous phone? AFAIK, the phone doesn't need to be activated in order to unlock it - I wouldn't trust the Moto support people - they know less than most of us do.
You must follow the procedure exactly to get your unlock code. Confirm that you have taken the unlock data, pasted it into notepad, removed ALL spaces and [bootloader] messages, and made it into one single, contiguous string of characters. Then copy and paste this string into the Moto Unlock website.
Sometimes the website can be glitchy - others have reported success using a different browser, or trying again at a later time. If you are doing it correctly, it should work.
samwathegreat said:
Did you unlock your previous phone? AFAIK, the phone doesn't need to be activated in order to unlock it - I wouldn't trust the Moto support people - they know less than most of us do.
You must follow the procedure exactly to get your unlock code. Confirm that you have taken the unlock data, pasted it into notepad, removed ALL spaces and [bootloader] messages, and made it into one single, contiguous string of characters. Then copy and paste this string into the Moto Unlock website.
Sometimes the website can be glitchy - others have reported success using a different browser, or trying again at a later time. If you are doing it correctly, it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did successfully unlock the bootloader on the previous moto x I had before they sent me a new one. That one was activated on sprint. And I took the same steps I did when I did my first moto x and I keep getting the error. I never activated it back on sprint because I'm not using it for sprint. And the only reason it was activated before on sprint was I brought it off craigslist. It was pointless for me to activate it on sprint if I'm not gone use it on sprint.
Another thing, how do I get rid of the activation screen that comes up when I turn the phone on.
reds28heem said:
I did successfully unlock the bootloader on the previous moto x I had before they sent me a new one. That one was activated on sprint. And I took the same steps I did when I did my first moto x and I keep getting the error. I never activated it back on sprint because I'm not using it for sprint. And the only reason it was activated before on sprint was I brought it off craigslist. It was pointless for me to activate it on sprint if I'm not gone use it on sprint.
Another thing, how do I get rid of the activation screen that comes up when I turn the phone on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can suggest is try again. Other users have unlocked phones that were never activated...heck - GSM phones don't even 'get activated'.
Hopefully your phone wasn't stolen or something...that would prevent you from getting an unlock code. But if that were the case, your IMEI should be blacklisted and you shouldn't be able to use it at all...
As far as the activation prompt, you MUST be unlocked in order to get rid of it. Then, use this custom SBF provided by ezeuba that bypasses activation. http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/rooted-sprint-moto-x-sbf-t2834891
If nothing else you can wait and hope that Dan releases a tool to exploit his BL-unlock vulnerability he has discovered. There is no time-frame as to when it might be released, though. At least you can use the phone now, even the way it is...
samwathegreat said:
All I can suggest is try again. Other users have unlocked phones that were never activated...heck - GSM phones don't even 'get activated'.
Hopefully your phone wasn't stolen or something...that would prevent you from getting an unlock code. But if that were the case, your IMEI should be blacklisted and you shouldn't be able to use it at all...
As far as the activation prompt, you MUST be unlocked in order to get rid of it. Then, use this custom SBF provided by ezeuba that bypasses activation. http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/rooted-sprint-moto-x-sbf-t2834891
If nothing else you can wait and hope that Dan releases a tool to exploit his BL-unlock vulnerability he has discovered. There is no time-frame as to when it might be released, though. At least you can use the phone now, even the way it is...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. Thanks. I'll keep trying then.
Yup, I had to keep trying till next day... Then it finally worked. ?
Has Motorola stopped unlocking the Sprint MOTO X bootloader? I've been trying to unlock 2 XT1056 phones and it says "Your device does not qualify for bootloader unlocking". What gives? I'm getting confused here because I've unlocked one from the site before and it went OK. Please any help, anyone?
ezeuba said:
Has Motorola stopped unlocking the Sprint MOTO X bootloader? I've been trying to unlock 2 XT1056 phones and it says "Your device does not qualify for bootloader unlocking". What gives? I'm getting confused here because I've unlocked one from the site before and it went OK. Please any help, anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The site can be glitchy. Keep trying (maybe tomorrow) or try a different browser. Confirm that you have entered the unlock data exactly as instructed. They have not stopped offering unlock codes for the XT1056 - they just have a less-than-perfect unlock website.
samwathegreat said:
The site can be glitchy. Keep trying (maybe tomorrow) or try a different browser. Confirm that you have entered the unlock data exactly as instructed. They have not stopped offering unlock codes for the XT1056 - they just have a less-than-perfect unlock website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a moment there I was afraid the China middleman had ripped off all the unlock codes from the website...:laugh:
Finally unlocked. The website truly is glitchy...

Moto X HELP! I think i bricked it after update!

Hello,
I got my Moto X few days back from America, its Verizon model (I live in Europe)
its not developer edition and bootloader is locked
...and first issue i noticed is when i try to reset to factory with power UP + DOWN volume i couldnt get recovery.. when i go to recovery settings i see moto logo and then verizon picture.. there is no "dead android" and phone boots normaly.
...second thing there was android 4.4 on it and i got notifications to update it, so i was like why not, lets do it... and after i decided to update, phone keeps rebooting itself, and i dont know what to do it stays awake like 10-20sec and reboot again. Cant belive i bricked it that way!
Phone seems that its not rooted or anything, but idk maybe it was and then back to stock.. Is there any solution?
Thanks in advance to any1 who can help me slove the problem
Cheers
Resurrecting A Bricked Moto X
drvoje said:
Hello,
I got my Moto X few days back from America, its Verizon model (I live in Europe)
its not developer edition and bootloader is locked
...and first issue i noticed is when i try to reset to factory with power UP + DOWN volume i couldnt get recovery.. when i go to recovery settings i see moto logo and then verizon picture.. there is no "dead android" and phone boots normaly.
...second thing there was android 4.4 on it and i got notifications to update it, so i was like why not, lets do it... and after i decided to update, phone keeps rebooting itself, and i dont know what to do it stays awake like 10-20sec and reboot again. Cant belive i bricked it that way!
Phone seems that its not rooted or anything, but idk maybe it was and then back to stock.. Is there any solution?
Thanks in advance to any1 who can help me slove the problem
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/how-to-resurrecting-bricked-moto-x-t2629057
Is there any way to try to delete chache or factory reset before flashing to stock rom
drvoje said:
Is there any way to try to delete chache or factory reset before flashing to custom rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its not the developer edition for Verizon, the bootloader is likely locked, so you can NOT flash custom roms (unless you, or a previous owner, got a bootloader unlock code from the China Middleman and used it)
Did you buy the phone used, or new? If used, then it is possible that it was rooted using RockMyMoto, SlapMyMoto or the like... and the boot loop while trying to install an update could be due to that. If so, erasing cache will stop the boot loop. This can be done from stock recovery, or when in Bootloader/FastbootAP mode.
How to Boot into recovery -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-EnterStockRecovery.htm
If that doesn't work, try bootloader/fastboot....
How to get a working AndroidSDK/PlatformTools/ADB/Mfastboot setup -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/ADB.htm
How to boot the phone into fastboot mode -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-BootloaderMode.htm
from your PC, do a mfastboot erase cache
to reboot the phone, mfastboot reboot
Optionally, you could do a mfastboot erase userdata before rebooting, to remove all data, apps, etc.
If erasing cache fixes the boot loop, you might just want to try using RSDLite and reflashing the STOCK rom, recovery, etc. (Download the Verizon 4.4.4 SBF from -> http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0 then follow -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/guide-moto-x-return-to-100-stock-using-t2446515 ) It would undo anything that was done to root your device, and put you back to factory fresh. The only reason not to, would be if you care about rooting and disabling write protection..
With a locked bootloader, If your phone is still on 4.4 (aka 4.4.0), and still has that older bootloader and gpt.bin, you could use SlapMyMoto to root, and MotoWpNoMo to disable write protection. Just don't take any updates. You could cause a bootloop, but more importantly it will re-enable write protection with no way to disable it again (unless you can unlock the bootloader).
Once your phone is on 4.4.2 or above, you can't properly downgrade the ROM, bootloader and gpt.bin to use the exploits used by SlapMyMoto/MotoWpNoMo. There is a TowelPieRoot which is a temp root that works on 4.4.2. Temp root in the fact that it doesn't survive power off/on, so it needs to be redone each time. Also it doesn't disable write protection, so any changes made to /system or the like are also lost at power off/on (aka hard boot).
Once on 4.4.4, you can't properly downgrade the ROM, bootloader and gpt.bin, and there are no exploits to root, and no way to disable write protection.
If you can use the China Middleman thread to get a bootloader unlock code, then you don't need to worry about the exploits, and you can then root and disable write protection just as if you had a developer edition. Also JCASE may be updating their Sunshine tool to use the exploit found by Dan Rosenberg to unlock the bootloader on the Moto X, but there is no exact date yet of when it will be available (so far "next few weeks" has been said, but nothing more specific), and there is discussion around will it work for those who took the 4.4.4 update or not (no confirmation yet either way).
KidJoe;55503494
If that doesn't work said:
[*]How to get a working AndroidSDK/PlatformTools/ADB/Mfastboot setup ->
[*]How to boot the phone into fastboot mode ->
[*]from your PC, do a mfastboot erase cache
[*]to reboot the phone, mfastboot reboot
[/list]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did this with mfastboot image and worked like charm
bdw now i will need some time reading what is best to do with my unlockable bootloader verizon phone, if u have any sugestions please let me know.
and tnx for the help again mate
drvoje said:
bdw now i will need some time reading what is best to do with my unlockable bootloader verizon phone, if u have any sugestions please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said its a verizon phone, but not the developer edition..
So at this point, the only way to unlock the bootloader is the China Middleman thread (in the general section). When JCASE updates Sunshine for the X (in the coming week or two), you can try that.
Otherwise, there isn't anything you can do.
and for stock android update? which one is the best for moto x? now it is 4.4.0
shall i rsd lite it to 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 or just stay current one?
bdw i need to rsd lite frimware anyway if i plan to use OTA update again perhaps when android L come? For now i just keep ignoring them
and yes its NOT developer edition phone
drvoje said:
and for stock android update? which one is the best for moto x? now it is 4.4.0
shall i rsd lite it to 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 or just stay current one?
bdw i need to rsd lite frimware anyway if i plan to use OTA update again perhaps when android L come? For now i just keep ignoring them
and yes its NOT developer edition phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THe best depends on what you want to do.
Like I said before. IF you have 4.4 (aka 4.4.0) on the phone, and NEVER had anything newer on there (not 4.4.2 or 4.4.4), then stay there, look at SlapMyMoto and MotoWpNoMo to root and disable write protection.
Once you get 4.4.2 on there, you can root, but its temp root, and write protection can NOT be disabled.
4.4.4 you can't root.
Other than that, I can't say I really find too much difference. The camera is better in 4.4.4, but the battery isn't performing as well lately (could be a recent app update).
can i do this on my phone now - without fear of bricking it:
from my pc to run mfastboot again
then to clear chache
then to delete all user data
then to use rsd lite and flash Android 4.4
Blur_Version.140.45.5.ghost_verizon.Verizon.en.US even i alrdy have 4.4 now?
..because i dont know what is done to my phone before and i want to make sure its like "new" device
i know i can not downgrade, but can i flash same frimware? just to make sure thats all stock again
bdw Im stll unable to enter recovery after fastboot :/ is it that because of locked bootloeader? or because it was rooted with any method? i cant find superuser
and then to wait for solution to unlock bootleader?
Thanks in advance
You can always re-flash the same rom that is on your phone.
You just never want to down grade, or flash something older than what is on your phone.
As for not being able to enter Stock Recovery... early versions of the RockMyMoto and such did a trick which made it so that when you picked boot to recovery, it booted to regular system with write protection disabled. If that was used on your phone before you purchased it, that could be the issue. Using RSDLite and flashing back to 100% stock will undo that.
But You never answered if you got the phone new or used.
IF new, then you have some other issue (either you're not doing it right, or there is something wrong with the phone).
If used, you don't know what was done before you received it. Someone might have rooted, etc.. then just removed SuperSU to appear non-rooted when selling, rather than flashing back to stock.
thanks for the reply...
yes phone is used before but same like new... and what i found that phone was rooted by some method.. i made this screenshots, look in attachment..
bdw i dont see super su anywhere in apps? how to remove?
and i got everything rdy to flash it, i was just waiting you to conform if its doable...
and what did u mean by this:
"With a locked bootloader, If your phone is still on 4.4 (aka 4.4.0), and still has that older bootloader and gpt.bin, you could use SlapMyMoto to root, and MotoWpNoMo to disable write protection. Just don't take any updates. You could cause a bootloop, but more importantly it will re-enable write protection with no way to disable it again (unless you can unlock the bootloader)."
is that what happened to me?
and have question about one more thing
my country does not support lte and in my region 3g is bad... i have stable signal all the time but i would like to use edge only (GSM), can i do that using some widgets and if can which ones?
drvoje said:
thanks for the reply...
yes phone is used before but same like new... and what i found that phone was rooted by some method.. i found this screenshot in phone, look in attachment..
bdw i dont see super su anywhere in apps? how to remove?
and i got everything rdy to flash it, i was just waiting you to conform if its doable...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean you don't see a SuperSU icon in the app drawer, then they probably un-installed SuperSU before selling it rather than completely unrooting. If you mean you have an icon in the app drawer, but don't see it to uninstall under Settings -> Apps.. I don't know why that would be.
drvoje said:
and what did u mean by this:
"With a locked bootloader, If your phone is still on 4.4 (aka 4.4.0), and still has that older bootloader and gpt.bin, you could use SlapMyMoto to root, and MotoWpNoMo to disable write protection. Just don't take any updates. You could cause a bootloop, but more importantly it will re-enable write protection with no way to disable it again (unless you can unlock the bootloader)."
is that what happened to me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that could be what happened to you. There are many reports of locked bootloader users who used those older root processes who then upgraded using the OTA from 4.4 to 4.4.2 that encountered bootloops and other issues. It was often recomended to reflash to 100% stock.
And what I meant is that if you are on 4.4 (aka 4.4.0) with all its parts, it is vulnerable and the older exploits can still be used to root and disable write protection without unlocking your bootloader. Search for SlapMyMoto for more details. Some people tried to be cute and mix/match parts which caused issues. Mostly the issues around downgrading are caused by GPT.BIN and Motoboot.IMG parts, their versions, if they've been upgraded and no longer match the rest of the rom on the phone, etc. (and that is a LONG story...)
drvoje said:
and have question about one more thing
my country does not support lte and in my region 3g is bad... i have stable signal all the time but i would like to use edge only (GSM), can i do that using some widgets and if can which ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can TRY using something like LTE On/Off to open the hidden menu and set for GSM Auto (PRL) or LTE GSM Auto(PRL). I'm not sure which would work best.
Oh, and as for unlocking the bootloader, I've mentioned the China Middleman and JCASE's Sunshine so there are the links to read up if you want to do it.
The China Middleman is just like if you got the code directly from Moto. I don't know what the Jcase tool is like yet.
thanks again!
so i dont see a SuperSU icon in the app drawer - uninstalled probably and that is why i can not enter stock recovery
I am still on android 4.4 didnt do anything yet...
what u recommend me to do? to rsd lite it to 4.4 again? right?
than i will root my device
and about bootloader, my device is 9.2013, so i will wait JCASE's Sunshine and support him
ps. wiget works gr8 :good:
Just want to write some words, i just took jcase tool which is very easy to setup (made for noobs like me) and i got bootloader UNLOCKED on my verizon NON developer edition phone
and now i RSD lite to 4.4 stock rom
would like to hear from KidJoe what is best to do with my moto x now thanks
Now you can update to 4.4.4,whichever methods you want, and still root it. Done. ?
drvoje said:
Just want to write some words, i just took jcase tool which is very easy to setup (made for noobs like me) and i got bootloader UNLOCKED on my verizon NON developer edition phone
and now i RSD lite to 4.4 stock rom
would like to hear from KidJoe what is best to do with my moto x now thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow [mention]@KJ[/mention] 's advice and update to 4.4.4, and follow the Dev Edition or Unlocked Bootloader guides to rooting (flash the latest TWRP and root.)

Droid Tubo 1 need help with what root?

Hi i bought a Droid turbo 1 unlocked on eBay about year ago and i use it on metro pcs. I really wanting to root it so i can get rid of bloat ware. there are a lot of options and i am confused on which one to take? Thanks!
Version 6.0.1
Build# MCG24.251-5-5
darmentle said:
Hi i bought a Droid turbo 1 unlocked on eBay about year ago and i use it on metro pcs. I really wanting to root it so i can get rid of bloat ware. there are a lot of options and i am confused on which one to take? Thanks!
Version 6.0.1
Build# MCG24.251-5-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's all you want root for, I would recommend not doing it. Use your launcher to go to the "app info" for the app you don't like and tap "disable."
TheSt33v said:
If that's all you want root for, I would recommend not doing it. Use your launcher to go to the "app info" for the app you don't like and tap "disable."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are other issue also Verizon apps on my phone that cause problems with the metro sim, the emergency alert system has mind of its own keeps giving me alerts for places i dont even live in, even when i disable all of the notification in the app setting, visual voice mail big issue start getting these random error text messages, spent hours trying to get my phone to send and receive picture still not working. Is it a pain in the ass to do? i jail broke one of my older Iphone just hooked it up to my pc .
darmentle said:
There are other issue also Verizon apps on my phone that cause problems with the metro sim, the emergency alert system has mind of its own keeps giving me alerts for places i dont even live in, even when i disable all of the notification in the app setting, visual voice mail big issue start getting these random error text messages, spent hours trying to get my phone to send and receive picture still not working. Is it a pain in the ass to do? i jail broke one of my older Iphone just hooked it up to my pc .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, especially if you're not concerned about passing safetynet, and judging from the nature of your request I'm assuming that you aren't. If your bootloader is already unlocked (I'm assuming you meant bootloader unlocked in your OP and not SIM unlocked), you can do it by following sections 2-3 of this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-turbo/general/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-install-t3292684
TheSt33v said:
If your bootloader is already unlocked (I'm assuming you meant bootloader unlocked in your OP and not SIM unlocked), you can do it by following sections 2-3 of this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-turbo/general/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-install-t3292684
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't assume that. I think he is saying carrier unlocked since he's using it on T-mobile network (MetroPCS) -- which doesn't matter as all Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked since 2012. (except for prepaid, but this was a postpaid phone).
darmentle said:
Hi i bought a Droid turbo 1 unlocked on eBay about year ago and i use it on metro pcs. I really wanting to root it so i can get rid of bloat ware. there are a lot of options and i am confused on which one to take? Thanks!
Version 6.0.1
Build# MCG24.251-5-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Verizon postpaid (contract) phones are now carrier unlocked as of 2012, due to agreement with the FCC for extra LTE bandwidth. Many eBay sellers will still say "unlocked" just because people remember how previously Verizon locked their phones to only work with Verizon. So, saying your Verizon phone is carrier unlocked/sim card unlocked is not really necessary, and implies you are saying "bootloader unlocked'.
IF it is bootloader unlocked, what is your status code on the bootloader screen? If your phone is already bootloader unlocked, will be very easy to root.
If your bootloader is NOT already unlocked, you are out of luck at this time. Sunshine does not yet work with the current firmware you have on the phone. It worked with all firmware from November 2015 until the most recent was released (March 2017), so you could have unlocked your Droid Turbo anytime prior to the most recent update (March 2017). Sunshine is working on an update, so all hope is not lost.
If you had stayed on the previous firmware, you could have unlocked the bootloader and rooted. (again, I'm assuming your bootloader is not unlocked.) Tell us the status code on the bootloader screen, and you will know for sure.
With Motorola phones you have to unlock the bootloader to root. I know people say, "But I just want root!". Gotta unlock the bootloader first. With other phones like LG, that can frequently be bypassed (LG G2, LG G3), but not with Motorola phones.
ChazzMatt said:
I wouldn't assume that. I think he is saying carrier unlocked since he's using it on T-mobile network (MetroPCS) -- which doesn't matter as all Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked since 2012. (except for prepaid, but this was a postpaid phone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. You know what they say about assuming...
TheSt33v said:
Not really, especially if you're not concerned about passing safetynet, and judging from the nature of your request I'm assuming that you aren't. If your bootloader is already unlocked (I'm assuming you meant bootloader unlocked in your OP and not SIM unlocked), you can do it by following sections 2-3 of this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-turbo/general/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-install-t3292684
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have build number MCG24.251-5-5 and the guide says ??
1. Go to Settings -> About phone -> Build number. If it says SU4TL-44, SU4TL-49 or MCG24.251-5, skip to section 1 of this guide. If it says MCG24.251-5-5, you are probably out of luck. This guide will not work for you. If it says anything else, continue reading.
darmentle said:
i have build number MCG24.251-5-5 and the guide says ??
1. Go to Settings -> About phone -> Build number. If it says SU4TL-44, SU4TL-49 or MCG24.251-5, skip to section 1 of this guide. If it says MCG24.251-5-5, you are probably out of luck. This guide will not work for you. If it says anything else, continue reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today i test sunshine on that version and it says pass ok??but on temproot process stocks???
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
You are in luck. Just released:
From @jcase:
[Root && Unlock] Droid Turbo 6.0.1 mcg24.251-5-5
https://forum.xda-developers.com/dr...t-unlock-droid-turbo-6-0-1-mcg24-251-t3639618
---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
darmentle said:
Hi i bought a Droid turbo 1 unlocked on eBay about year ago and i use it on metro pcs. I really wanting to root it so i can get rid of bloat ware. there are a lot of options and i am confused on which one to take? Thanks!
Version 6.0.1
Build# MCG24.251-5-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is still locked and you have Droid Turbo 6.0.1 MCG24.251-5-5 you can now unlock your bootloader with Sunshine app after using that temp method above.
thanks for the help i will give it a try when i get home tomarrow.
darmentle said:
thanks for the help i will give it a try when i get home tomarrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guide is now updated for -5-5.
I disconnected the battery also for 30 mins still stuck in the boot loop and idea?
Step 9 my phone will not come out of the endless boot loop i have hooked up to pc and command fastboot oem config fsg-id "" said okay finished total time 0.014 , then i went to restart phone and it boot loop of death?
9. !!!FOR MCG24.251-5-5 ONLY!!! Sunshine will reboot your phone automatically, and it will go into a bootloop. This is normal. Don't panic. Hold down the volume down button until the phone goes into bootloader mode. Plug your phone into the computer, start Minimal ADB and Fastboot (see Section 0 for link if you didn't have to install it before this point), and enter the command fastboot oem config fsg-id "". This will disable the temporary root exploit. Reboot your phone normally, and everything should be happy again.

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