So, I've seen some posts concerning this and, at this point, I'm ready to purchase and replace the motherboard.
My daughter recently acquired a used Moto X4 (running Android 9 "pie") from a friend and she wants it de-Googled. I can get the unlock data to unlock the bootloader but Motorola says that the phone is unlockable - that would be because the phone had been purchased from Amazon (software variant / channel = "amz"). I think that if the ROM and bootloader could be replaced with stock (which, apparently could be done if the phone were on a lower Android version), I'd be in business but everywhere I've looked says that this is impossible - Motorola must do an amazing job of locking down their phones!
Since I'm just about ready to purchase a new motherboard ($60+ at cellspare), any "dangerous" suggestions are welcome since she refuses to use the phone as-is - can't say that I blame her.
You could try to flash the phone with the stock ROM of the google FI variant, but whether or not that works would be anybodys guess as I don't believe the IMEI would be changed. If you are planning to get a new device anyway, it couldn't hurt to try it and see before you buy another phone. I have the google Fi variant, and I know for a fact that the bootloader can be unlocked on it.
Kilogrm said:
You could try to flash the phone with the stock ROM of the google FI variant, but whether or not that works would be anybodys guess as I don't believe the IMEI would be changed. If you are planning to get a new device anyway, it couldn't hurt to try it and see before you buy another phone. I have the google Fi variant, and I know for a fact that the bootloader can be unlocked on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried loading different ROMs onto a locked Motorola phone in the past - the bootloader will not permit itself to be overwritten without being unlocked. As I understand it, there's a hidden partition where a copy of the bootloader resides and, with the locked bit set, any attempt to overwrite the boot partition will trigger a check against the hidden partition and will prevent the overwrite.
Related
I recently bought the Xz on the 3 network (uk) and straight away wanted to get on aosp but this was shortly lived when my bootloader unlock status said no!!! Arghhh!!!
After moving from the HTC one X this was a massive disappointment as I loved the IceColdJelly Rom from Lord.
So I started to look into how to get around this and came across a solution online saying you need to network unlock the device officially from your network operator this would then change the bootloader unlock allowed status to yes.
Great but I cannot get this yet as 3 state you need to be over 1 month into the contract witch I sadly am not.
I then done a bit of thinking and wondered if I managed to get onto the official unbranded software from Sony via an official method I may be able to get round it.
To do this I:
Rooted for locked bootloaders
Installed twrp for locked bootloaders
Installed one of the roms for locked bootloader (353?)
Then plugged my phone into the computer and started up the Sony update software and this gave me the option to update my phone to the latest 434? Software (something I couldn't get while on the branded stock rom)
So update done I reset the phone from within settings and preyed my bootloader unlock allowed status had been changed from no to yes. But no it hadn't .
So what's the point of this post?
Well I'm sharing my way of getting the latest update from Sony officially if anyone would ever want to do it that way.
But also I'm opening this thread to discuss if anyone had unlocked their network limitations and found that it changed the bootloader unlock allowed status.
Thank you for your time
Hi.
I renewed my contract with Three and got the XZ, and like you was hoping it had the unlockable bootloader. I knew I had the contract I needed anyway and was prepared to do whatever I had to do if the bootloader was properly locked. In the end the only thing I could do was get rid of the phone and buy one that was Sim free and bootloader unlockable. I bought it from Phones for you and checked the bootloader status before I handed over any money.
When I had my "old" XZ, I put it up for sale and in the hope of getting it sold easier I had it sim-unlocked by Three and I flashed UK unbranded firmware. As expected, unlocking the Sim and flashing unbranded firmware did not change the bootloader status.
In short, the only way to run something like CM is to sell your blower and buy one with a suitable bootloader.
Ah well that sucks surely it's not down to the carrier to impose these limitations apon the end user? There must be a way around this even if it is contacting Sony, surely if I the owner of my phone want to. Unlock my bootloader it's for me to decide, not the middle man.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
First post! - joined at first to read posts but now have one of my own mixed with a number of questions.
I recently picked up a used Moto X from Craiglist and the guy claimed it is an unlocked T-Mobile version with an already unlocked bootloader. The whole point of this purchase was so I could experiment and learn more about what goes on with phones.
How can I verify that the guy is really telling me the truth about the version? I used imei.info and it told me it was an XT1055. However, swappa.com told me it was XT1053. I saw on some post here that XT1053 matches the T-Mobile/Dev version which would make sense with what the Craigslist guy told me. Both sites claim it is not 100% accurate so how else can I verify actual version? There is no logo of T-Mobile on the back of this device. Is there some serial number lookup database?
This led me to wonder if it's possible to flash different software variants onto this phone? In theory, could I download the images for an ATT variant and flash them onto my supposed T-Mobile version? Apart from the potential of overwriting the unlocked bootloader and preventing me from downgrading versions (from the other posts that I've read here), would the phone work assuming my SIM/network is ATT? The IMEI would remain the same, right? How much of the underlying hardware configuration is tied to version of the software that I flash onto the phone?
Could the guy have purchased this phone to whatever carrier XT1055 matches to - rooted or unlocked the bootloader, and flashed the XT1053 images?
At this point, using mfastboot I was able to verify that the bootloader was unlocked but went ahead and performed the same process on Moto's site anyway (and this seemed to work - did this for experimenting). I then downloaded TMO_RETAIL_XT1053_4.4.3-KXA21.12-L1.21_MR4_CFC to reflash onto the phone. This whole process might have seemed redundant but I just wanted to ensure the used phone that I had purchased matched a stock set of images (minus the unlocked bootloader).
Thanks! Apologies in advance if there was another similar post - I tried searching but maybe not hard enough.
klxavier said:
First post! - joined at first to read posts but now have one of my own mixed with a number of questions.
I recently picked up a used Moto X from Craiglist and the guy claimed it is an unlocked T-Mobile version with an already unlocked bootloader. The whole point of this purchase was so I could experiment and learn more about what goes on with phones.
How can I verify that the guy is really telling me the truth about the version? I used imei.info and it told me it was an XT1055. However, swappa.com told me it was XT1053. I saw on some post here that XT1053 matches the T-Mobile/Dev version which would make sense with what the Craigslist guy told me. Both sites claim it is not 100% accurate so how else can I verify actual version? There is no logo of T-Mobile on the back of this device. Is there some serial number lookup database?
This led me to wonder if it's possible to flash different software variants onto this phone? In theory, could I download the images for an ATT variant and flash them onto my supposed T-Mobile version? Apart from the potential of overwriting the unlocked bootloader and preventing me from downgrading versions (from the other posts that I've read here), would the phone work assuming my SIM/network is ATT? The IMEI would remain the same, right? How much of the underlying hardware configuration is tied to version of the software that I flash onto the phone?
Could the guy have purchased this phone to whatever carrier XT1055 matches to - rooted or unlocked the bootloader, and flashed the XT1053 images?
At this point, using mfastboot I was able to verify that the bootloader was unlocked but went ahead and performed the same process on Moto's site anyway (and this seemed to work - did this for experimenting). I then downloaded TMO_RETAIL_XT1053_4.4.3-KXA21.12-L1.21_MR4_CFC to reflash onto the phone. This whole process might have seemed redundant but I just wanted to ensure the used phone that I had purchased matched a stock set of images (minus the unlocked bootloader).
Thanks! Apologies in advance if there was another similar post - I tried searching but maybe not hard enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using a SIM in it, it is NOT an XT1055 - those are sim-locked.
You probably have a real XT1053.
There is absolutely NO REASON to ever flash another carrier's firmware. It's dangerous and you gain nothing. Stick with your proper firmware - you can already use it on any carrier you wish.
P.S. Look on the bottom of the back of the phone. In TINY print should be the model number...
Thanks! I did not notice that tiny print - it seems to fade out with the glare in normal lighting conditions.
samwathegreat said:
If you are using a SIM in it, it is NOT an XT1055 - those are sim-locked.
You probably have a real XT1053.
There is absolutely NO REASON to ever flash another carrier's firmware. It's dangerous and you gain nothing. Stick with your proper firmware - you can already use it on any carrier you wish.
P.S. Look on the bottom of the back of the phone. In TINY print should be the model number...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
klxavier said:
Thanks! I did not notice that tiny print - it seems to fade out with the glare in normal lighting conditions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, I did not notice it on a white back. Also if it says Developer Edition on the back then it is most likely a 1053 also.
Hi
I just got a XT1094, with the chilean carrier Movistar everything was great until I installed a leaked new version of google seach, the phone stop working and when I turn it of and turn it on again gets on a boot loop hole.
I can access the fastboot mode but when I use recovery appears the android robot wih the warning sign for a few second and then it goes to the boot loop again, factory reset dosn´t work neither.
The phone isn´t rooted or have the bootloader unlock.
Please I am starting to get kind of desesperate.
You have the XT1094 ? Odd, i bought it on release on same carrier and it is the XT1097
If its not rooted or unlocked, just go to Movistar and change it, ill do that since if you mess up something you might lose warranty.
Faruko said:
You have the XT1094 ? Odd, i bought it on release on same carrier and it is the XT1097
If its not rooted or unlocked, just go to Movistar and change it, ill do that since if you mess up something you might lose warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I assume that was that version but I cant confirm, I cant return it to movistar one of the first thing that I did was let it escape of my hands so it now have a few scratch that will avoid the warranty I am sure.
I dont think that a few scratches will void warranty, after all the problem is "software", just go and say that it doesnt turn on and it goes to bootloop
Especially when it is THIS new, and its not the hardware that it fails. I assume that since its unrelated it should not void it
I will try it, I don't know what else to do I will have to go tomorrow.
In the worst scenario if they tell me that my warranty is voided, What sould I do?
I think you could flash another stock rom trough ADB, look for a pure edition (Brazilian should be ok)... That should work.
By the way, in the base of the phone is the version of your phone (next to where you charge the phone)
Faruko said:
I think you could flash another stock rom trough ADB, look for a pure edition (Brazilian should be ok)... That should work.
By the way, in the base of the phone is the version of your phone (next to where you charge the phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I haven't noticed it until a few minutes and you were right is a XT1097.
I have downloaded a few stock roms called moto x pure KXE21.187-42 and a Moto x pure multi tool that in the post said that work with XT1097 also but I need to have the bootloader unlocked and I don't know if I can unlock the bootloader in this status.
You can access fastboot, so yes you should be able to unlock it (search the FAQ in this forum for more info on how to do it)
BUT go to movistar first, keep this as a backup plsn, if you mess something you may lose the phone.
Faruko said:
You can access fastboot, so yes you should be able to unlock it (search the FAQ in this forum for more info on how to do it)
BUT go to movistar first, keep this as a backup plsn, if you mess something you may lose the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi so I went to the storeyesterday and they change it with no problem at all.
My new moto X is working really fine even the old one have some issues with moive voice that this one dosn't have.
Thanks a lot
Excellent !! Glad i was of help
I recently got an XT1900-1 on EBay and tried to unlock the bootloader on the way to rooting the phone. The Motorola site told me that the bootloader could not be unlocked. The phone is carrier unlocked. I thought that maybe since I was attempting to unlock a still-unactivated phone that *could* later be activated on AT&T or Verizon, I might have better luck if I inserted a Sprint SIM (since I'm on Sprint). Is that right, or is there another reason? Though the phone is not marked as an Amazon phone and Alexa is not in the app drawer, Alexa does show up in the list of hidden apps on the phone. Is this enough to make it an Amazon phone? I sure thought I had the retail version.
So if I'm being refused a bootloader-unlock code because of Amazon, would I have better luck with a new Moto X4? They're available on EBay in the Android One variant with Nougat instead of Pie. If I got one of those phones, could I root it and keep it from upgrading to Pie? I see that Android One updates still seem to be coming. The latest update my current XT1900-1 has is from January 2020.
I also have the XT1900-1 version and mine was completely unlockable. One issue with Moto X4's unlocking is that once you unlock it, there is no way to make it as clean as it was, meaning the phone will trip some value and it's just not possible to revert it back to the locked bootloader with everything stock. You can flash the stock ROM and relock the bootloader but the integrity check will fail and you will get Play Store not certified error, which renders Google Pay (NFC) and some apps useless/un-installable. Now, if you want to root the phone, you're gonna have to keep the BL unlocked of course, so even if you didn't prevent it from updating to Pie, you can always flash Nougat back on the phone, granted you have the stock images. If the Moto's website told you that your phone is not unlockable, then there is no way for you to unlock the phone If you get an unlockable version (non-Amazon), you can get the code and unlock the device to do whatever you want with it. Once you get it, you can enable Developer settings and disable Automatic system updates from there to avoid installing newer versions. Cheers!
Pixel 5 from "Google Emploee". Locked for AT&T and bootloader is unlocked?
I bought a pixel 5 from google emploee, who is saying he got it from google.
It has a sticker on the back with barcode and some numbers and a date of 6/26
Problems are:
1. It is locked for AT&T and does not want to unlock via AT&T website (https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/). I got a message from ATT that it is unlocked, but still does not like T-Mobile sim. Any suggestions?
2. It is saying the bootloader is unlocked. Will I have problems with google pay? Can I undo this?
3. How to check this is an actual Pixel 5, not a prototype or something? It says "model Pixel 5" in "About phone"..
worry said:
I bought a pixel 5 from google emploee, who is saying he got it from google.
It has a sticker on the back with barcode and some numbers and a date of 6/26
Problems are:
1. It is locked for AT&T and does not want to unlock via AT&T website (https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/). I got a message from ATT that it is unlocked, but still does not like T-Mobile sim. Any suggestions?
2. It is saying the bootloader is unlocked. Will I have problems with google pay? Can I undo this?
3. How to check this is an actual Pixel 5, not a prototype or something? It says "model Pixel 5" in "About phone"..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak as to the origin of your phone, buy it from someone else, and you're buying someone else's problems.
Unlocked bootloader and carrier unlocked are two distinctly different things.
Carrier unlocked means that you can use the carrier of your choice. Unlocked bootloader lets you flash images to you phone, from entire monthly security updates to a custom kernel, root, and do other fun things. Google Pay will not work with an unlocked bootloader unless you root the phone and hide that from Google using root-based trickery. (Standard Google Firmware)
The fact that your bootloader is unlocked means that it probably is NOT from AT&T. Why you seem to be carrier locked is a mystery to me, but I will tell you something, AT&T is probably the most evil carrier to deal with. My phone was purchased directly from Google, my first act was to unlock the bootloader, root it, then get the phone up and running with T-Mobile. If you don't want to root your phone, have no need for it, whatever, yes, it is possible to relock the bootloader. Be aware that this will wipe your phone clean, and you'll be starting fresh.
Look in the forums or:
https://developers.google.com/android/images
Google has very comprehensive instructions on how to lock/unlock your bootloader, flash factory images, take OTA's etc..
Be aware that if you aren't sure what you are doing, flashing a factory image can also wipe your phone, and you'll be back to square one if you don't backup your stuff.
There are tons of tutorials on this site on this subject, just poke around...
bleez99 said:
I can't speak as to the origin of your phone, buy it from someone else, and you're buying someone else's problems.
Unlocked bootloader and carrier unlocked are two distinctly different things.
Carrier unlocked means that you can use the carrier of your choice. Unlocked bootloader lets you flash images to you phone, from entire monthly security updates to a custom kernel, root, and do other fun things. Google Pay will not work with an unlocked bootloader unless you root the phone and hide that from Google using root-based trickery. (Standard Google Firmware)
The fact that your bootloader is unlocked means that it probably is NOT from AT&T. Why you seem to be carrier locked is a mystery to me, but I will tell you something, AT&T is probably the most evil carrier to deal with. My phone was purchased directly from Google, my first act was to unlock the bootloader, root it, then get the phone up and running with T-Mobile. If you don't want to root your phone, have no need for it, whatever, yes, it is possible to relock the bootloader. Be aware that this will wipe your phone clean, and you'll be starting fresh.
Look in the forums or:
https://developers.google.com/android/images
Google has very comprehensive instructions on how to lock/unlock your bootloader, flash factory images, take OTA's etc..
Be aware that if you aren't sure what you are doing, flashing a factory image can also wipe your phone, and you'll be back to square one if you don't backup your stuff.
There are tons of tutorials on this site on this subject, just poke around...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Weird part is that If I go to system-> updates I see an update from ATT:
"ATT Redfin RD1A.2008..."
So this is not a "pure" google pixel? It has an ATT image? Can I install the genuine pixel 5 image?
You sort of do. If your bootloader is unlocked, and you get yourself decoupled from AT&T, you can grab the latest firmware directly from Google and flast it. There is no difference between the AT&T "model" and the generic Google version in the hardware. I don't know what's AT&T is up to these days but the AT&T versions at least older phones, used to lock down their bootloader and make it impossible to unlock. But if yours is already unlocked you sho6be able to put on Google's firmware and possibly escape from AT&T.
bleez99 said:
You sort of do. If your bootloader is unlocked, and you get yourself decoupled from AT&T, you can grab the latest firmware directly from Google and flast it. There is no difference between the AT&T "model" and the generic Google version in the hardware. I don't know what's AT&T is up to these days but the AT&T versions at least older phones, used to lock down their bootloader and make it impossible to unlock. But if yours is already unlocked you sho6be able to put on Google's firmware and possibly escape from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what about AT&T lock? Once I have official image, the sim lock would be gone? Or do I need just to flash a modem?