[Disclaimer-this is my first android device, thus i will be a total newbie at this stuff, second, this is my second time posting on a forum-type website so excuse me if this has already been asked and answered, plz just link the thread then]
So. Is this possible?
Detailed explanations would be much appreciated.
(I am also using a MAC, so if that affects anything....)
How about looking around a little bit. Come on man
uncalex said:
[Disclaimer-this is my first android device, thus i will be a total newbie at this stuff, second, this is my second time posting on a forum-type website so excuse me if this has already been asked and answered, plz just link the thread then]
So. Is this possible?
Detailed explanations would be much appreciated.
(I am also using a MAC, so if that affects anything....)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Moto X have locked bootloader that prevent you from making changes to the "system" partition. So generally you need to unlock the bootloader first, which is a separate process.
Just a note, that generally when you unlock a phone's bootloader, you void the warranty. Some person here claimed that a Motorola manager confirmed with him that you will not void it with the Moto X Pure edition, however, I do not believe it. The best thing to do is read the fine print and warnings when you goes to unlocked your bootloader from Motorola website.
Another warning, is it easier to permanently brick a Motorola than a some other phones if you flash things incorrectly, such as corrupting the CID partition. With the Moto X 2013 it is possible to brick the phone by downgrading the phone to a too old version. I have never tried this with Moto X, but with Nexus devices, you could softbrick the phone if you root it and then do an over the air update, it generally required to use TWRP recovery to apply the over the air update zip for it to work, or reflash the "system" partition of the phone to stock before doing the update. I don't know if this is the same for the Moto X, but I would take the same precaution.
To unlock the bootloader, you can do it at the website here: https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth. Read through this guide to help you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014/general/guide-unlock-bootloader-moto-x-2014-t2876773
For step 2 and 3 from that guide, it linked to files required by Windows. Instead, you can get the Moto X driver for Mac here: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_detail/a_id/94931/p/30,6720,8696
You will also need "fastboot" and "mfastboot" for Mac. Fastboot is the program used to lock/unlock bootloader and flash images for (stock based) Android phones. The ADB/Fastboot link in my signature have the mac/linux/windows version included (adb_fastboot.zip file). I think you only need to use the regular fastboot to unlock the phone, but to flash the phone images you will need mfastboot.
To root the phone, check in the Development sections of this device forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014
Also, you DO NOT need to unlock the phone bootloader to reflash the factory images.
eksasol said:
For rooting the Moto X it is a bit difficult compared to the Nexus. You need to realize that the Moto X have locked bootloader that prevent you from making changes to the "system" partition. So generally you need to unlock the bootloader first, which is a separate process.
Just a note, that generally when you unlock a phone's bootloader, you void the warranty. Some person here claimed that a Motorola manager confirmed with him that you will not void it with the Moto X Pure edition, however, I do not believe it. The best thing to do is read the fine print and warnings when you goes to unlocked your bootloader from Motorola website.
Another warning, is it easier to permanently (hardware) brick a Motorola than a some other phones if you flash things incorrectly, such as corrupting the CID partition. When I had the Moto X 2013 version, it is possible to brick the phone by downgrading the phone to an older version. I have never tried this with Moto X, but with Nexus devices, you could softbrick the phone if you root it and then do an over the air update, it generally required to use TWRP recovery to apply the over the air update patch for it to work, or reflash the "system" partition of the phone to stock before doing the update. I don't know if this is the same for the Moto X, but I would take the same precaution.
To unlock the bootloader, you can do it at the website here: https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth. Read through this guide to help you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014/general/guide-unlock-bootloader-moto-x-2014-t2876773
For step 2 and 3 from that guide, it linked to files required by Windows. Instead, you can get the Moto X driver for Mac here: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_detail/a_id/94931/p/30,6720,8696
You will also need "fastboot" and "mfastboot" for Mac. Fastboot is the program used to lock/unlock bootloader and flash images for (stock based) Android phones. The ADB/Fastboot link in my signature have the mac/linux/windows version included (adb_fastboot.zip file). I think you only need to use the regular fastboot to unlock the phone, but to flash the phone image you will need mfastboot.
To root the phone, check in the Development sections of this device forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014
Also, you DO NOT need to unlock the phone bootloader to reflash the factory image of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for being so nice and providing this information
eksasol said:
The Moto X have locked bootloader that prevent you from making changes to the "system" partition. So generally you need to unlock the bootloader first, which is a separate process.
Just a note, that generally when you unlock a phone's bootloader, you void the warranty. Some person here claimed that a Motorola manager confirmed with him that you will not void it with the Moto X Pure edition, however, I do not believe it. The best thing to do is read the fine print and warnings when you goes to unlocked your bootloader from Motorola website.
Another warning, is it easier to permanently brick a Motorola than a some other phones if you flash things incorrectly, such as corrupting the CID partition. With the Moto X 2013 it is possible to brick the phone by downgrading the phone to a too old version. I have never tried this with Moto X, but with Nexus devices, you could softbrick the phone if you root it and then do an over the air update, it generally required to use TWRP recovery to apply the over the air update zip for it to work, or reflash the "system" partition of the phone to stock before doing the update. I don't know if this is the same for the Moto X, but I would take the same precaution.
To unlock the bootloader, you can do it at the website here: https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth. Read through this guide to help you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014/general/guide-unlock-bootloader-moto-x-2014-t2876773
For step 2 and 3 from that guide, it linked to files required by Windows. Instead, you can get the Moto X driver for Mac here: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_detail/a_id/94931/p/30,6720,8696
You will also need "fastboot" and "mfastboot" for Mac. Fastboot is the program used to lock/unlock bootloader and flash images for (stock based) Android phones. The ADB/Fastboot link in my signature have the mac/linux/windows version included (adb_fastboot.zip file). I think you only need to use the regular fastboot to unlock the phone, but to flash the phone images you will need mfastboot.
To root the phone, check in the Development sections of this device forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014
Also, you DO NOT need to unlock the phone bootloader to reflash the factory images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question,
I've seen people use towelroot to root any android device. Will towelroot work with the Moto X? I'm just really hesitant now since you said it was easier to permanently brick and Moto device.
uncalex said:
Quick question,
I've seen people use towelroot to root any android device. Will towelroot work with the Moto X? I'm just really hesitant now since you said it was easier to permanently brick and Moto device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never use that. The safest thing is to do what is tested and available for that device, so use the current available method here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...e-edition-superboot-style-root-motox-t2889264
Generally. I don't do any of these, because I do the default Nexus root method which is:
1. Unlocking bootloader
2. Flash TWRP recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (not yet available for this phone, but soon will be, check the development sections.)
3. Then copy the Chainfire's SuperSU.zip (link in my signature) into the phone and flash while in TWRP recovery.
You shouldn't worry about bricking the device provided if you don't mess around, just stick with rooting and flashing factory firmware if you are new. As long as you don't flash a rom / firmware made for a different phone, or mess with the CID partition or something like that. Or downgrading the firmware after you've already update, which should be fine with a Nexus, but it did kill some Moto X when they downgraded to a firmware that is too old.
If you ever run into issues, you can flash the factory firmware, which is not available yet, but will eventually show up here: http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=37
You will have to download the correct version since there are different variations, but flashing incorrect ones should not brick your device. You can use these instruction to flash the firmware, this is for the Moto G, but the steps are the same: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g-2014/general/restore-to-stock-t2873657. After you install stock firmware, depend on if you were having issues, you can access the phone's Recovery and do a factory reset, this will wipe all your data, but also clear all the settings which may be required for the phone to boot correctly.
Normally, if your phone is rooted, when you received an over the air update, the first thing I would do before applying that update is to flash the system.img and recovery.img partition of the device back to stock, this will ensure the OTA gets updated successfully, afterward you can re-root the phone. Some people avoid this and flash the OTA's zip file using TWRP recovery, but it is not the official way and not guarantee to work all the time.
I wanted to share my experience with working with a T-MO G4 (H81120i) that I had rooted, unlocked the bootloader, and had a custom ROM. My goal was to return it to stock so that I can turn it in(to jump). I tried:
The 2014 LG Flash tool. It failed out multiple times with a "Cannot connect to server" error.
LG Bridge tool which failed multiple times too. The device was not recognized.
LGUP which was reccommended by someone. I have no idea how you would flash or restore wit hthat tool. So, that was a dead end.
So, what worked?
I downloaded the flashable complete zip for the stock t-mo G4(20i) and then left it at that. Its still showing bootloader unlocked on startup so I asm wondering about setting going into fastboot and OEM locking or relocking. The question is...is this last step necessary?
gpmartinson said:
I wanted to share my experience with working with a T-MO G4 (H81120i) that I had rooted, unlocked the bootloader, and had a custom ROM. My goal was to return it to stock so that I can turn it in(to jump). I tried:
The 2014 LG Flash tool. It failed out multiple times with a "Cannot connect to server" error.
LG Bridge tool which failed multiple times too. The device was not recognized.
LGUP which was reccommended by someone. I have no idea how you would flash or restore wit hthat tool. So, that was a dead end.
So, what worked?
I downloaded the flashable complete zip for the stock t-mo G4(20i) and then left it at that. Its still showing bootloader unlocked on startup so I asm wondering about setting going into fastboot and OEM locking or relocking. The question is...is this last step necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its only if you want to send to LG... so they wont noticed it was bootloader unlocked.... if you relock it will you .. take a video of it...
someone claim it can be relocked... mines locked... so if it can be relocked then i would unlock it..
but it will be nice to see a video that it can be done...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-g4/help/relock-bootloader-h811-t3372970
I am completely new in the world of custom ROMs but experienced in the Linux world. I want to replace the original Android firmware of my mobile phone with LineageOS. Now I am looking for a way to be able to return to Android in case I am not satisfied with LineageOS or anything goes wrong. My idea is to plug the phone to my desktop computer (using Linux) like any other external device and mount the phone's filesystem so I can make a backup of it with the dd command. This way I could simply use that backup to overwrite LineageOS with the original Android. I have not found a howto for this procedure on the web, so I guess, my approach is not possible.
I found a few howtos that recommend ADB for this task, but the phone has to be rooted to apply ADB, so making a backup of my rooted phone would not let me return to the unrooted state, in which case the phone's warranty would be lost.
My question is: Is there an alternative way to completely backup my phone without rooting it? And if not, what would be the most simple but safe solution without depending on Windows-only software? Any advice pointing me to a solution is appreciated. Thank you.
Do you still have warranty on Xperia SP?!
1- You can Root and Unroot your phone again anytime.
2- You can Unlock and Relock your bootloader anytime.
3- The most important and the only thing you need to backup is the TA partition that has all DRM keys of your phone.
4- You have to Unlock your bootloader if you want to install Lineage OS ROM.
5- You have to backup DRM keys before unlocking your bootloader.
6- Here you are step bay step what you need to do before flashing Lineage OS ROM:
a- Root your phone using twolroot app from here
b- Backup DRM keys ( follow this guide for Linux ).
c- Download Flashtool version (0.9.18.6) for Linux from here.
d- Finally follow this old video tut to unlock your bootloader official way.
P.S: Read carefully the instructions in these links before doing anything, I am not responsible if you brick your devices.
Yes, I just bought a brand new SP with a valid warranty.
So, the only partition that is modified by the custom ROM is the TA partition?
I just noticed that my device does not allow me to unlock the bootloader. I have to find a way to achieve
Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes
Edit: Trying to boot into fastboot mode (holding volume up; connecting device to PC by USB) does not turn the LED to blue but to green, and in my PC's file manager the device does show up, but cannot be mounted
My phone is not SIM locked, so no network carrier, no contract involved. Bought it from a hardware online shop.
atarax42 said:
Yes, I just bought a brand new SP with a valid warranty.
So, the only partition that is modified by the custom ROM is the TA partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not only the TA partition but you can restore everything by re-flashing the stock rom except the DRM keys must be restored from backup.
I just noticed that my device does not allow me to unlock the bootloader. I have to find a way to achieve
Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" then I don't think you'll be able to flash LOs Rom.. And I don't know if there's any way to make it "yes".. Sorry [emoji120]
But there's some old ROMs for locked bootloader devices here on xda just search for it if you want kitkat or lollipop or even stock based ROM.
Sent from my Xperia SP using Tapatalk
OsGhaly said:
But there's some old ROMs for locked bootloader devices here on xda just search for it if you want kitkat or lollipop or even stock based ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, these ROMs can be flashed without fastboot? How is that possible?
Hi all,
I've purchased a used P20 Pro from a friend which has an unlocked bootloader and has been previously rooted. I normally keep my phones stock so I want to lock relock the bootloader (I have the code) but despite trying to follow various guides I have been unsuccessful.
Would anyone be able to guide me through the process of relocking the bootloader please?
The main reason I like to keep stock is manufacture updates etc and I don't have the knowledge to maintain a rooted phone.
R89B said:
Hi all,
I've purchased a used P20 Pro from a friend which has an unlocked bootloader and has been previously rooted. I normally keep my phones stock so I want to lock relock the bootloader (I have the code) but despite trying to follow various guides I have been unsuccessful.
Would anyone be able to guide me through the process of relocking the bootloader please?
The main reason I like to keep stock is manufacture updates etc and I don't have the knowledge to maintain a rooted phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe that an unlocked bootloader will prevent you from getting updates. As far as I know the only difference is the warning you get when you boot that "you can't trust the phone."
IF YOU BRICK YOUR PHONE IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Don't know if there is another way but of you have fastboot and adb you can do it:
1. Make sure developer options are enabled
2. Connect your phone to the computer using USB cable.
3. Open a command window and type 'adb boot bootloader'
4. Once the device has booted into the bootloader mode type 'fastboot oem lock'
This WILL ERASE all your user data and you will have to configure everything from scratch. You will need the unlock code if you ever want to unlock it again so make sure you don't loose it.
hi, i wanted to unlocked the bootloder of my note 8,
is there any way to retain data and unlock bootloader?
or create a image of /data to restore later?
i just need my data to survive any how.
Not really, you need good backups.
AFAIK you need a custom recovery, meaning an unlocked bootloader, to create a full partition backup, there are people claiming you can make a partial backup through adb but I've never tried it.
Just back as much of your data as you can to google and make a local backup file from settings and every app that has that option and hope you won't loose much.
vinay said:
hi, i wanted to unlocked the bootloder of my note 8,
is there any way to retain data and unlock bootloader?
or create a image of /data to restore later?
i just need my data to survive any how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple answer: NO.
Bootloader is locked for security purpose. When you unlock it you get a back door(kind of). Which gives you access to data and other stuffs. That is why backing up data before unlocking bootloader is not possible.
But you can backup photos, videos, whatsapp chat things like these.