In this thread I intend to give some basic insight about these two concepts, which are closely entwined with our phone's experience. I'm not a tech guy, but I think this little summary might clear some doubts for people who are new to this kind of issues (people who come from other non-Android phones especially). All feedback is welcome, in particular the one of people who can expand the topic with their knowledge.
"Root" is the common way to refer to the fact to the user account which has superuser rights on the device. Superuser rights imply full control over your phone's capacities, which are determined by the software and the hardware of the device. Non-superuser accounts have limitations, usually established for the sake of software security (for example, not allowing a user to disable critical functions such as phone or GPS), hardware safety (not allowing to change the processor's frequency speed, aka overclocking the CPU) or, in some cases, for someone's profit (disabling wi-fi tethering is a typical one as users are forced to buy data plans in order to use their devices to tether). In Android's case, Superuser is composed of an app* and a set of instructions to give this app root rights.
The bootloader is a program which accesses the internal storage and, basically, controls the loading of the programs and data necessary to initiate the sequence of launching the OS (aka booting, thus the name bootloader). We say that a bootloader is locked when it is programmed in such a way that it won't allow to load the device if it detects data from third-party sources. Unlocked bootloaders do allow these data and will load what these data contain, which will be usually a modified version of the phone's firmware, known as "Custom ROM".
As we can see, there was the fear that one would need to have unlocked bootloaders (i.e the ability to load third-party data in the booting sequence) in order to gain root rights. This would have been terribly inconvenient because only a minority of users will have unlocked bootloaders, since the phones with unlocked bootloaders by default are the ones sold carrier-unlocked. Said carrier-free phones will be a minority as the phone is pretty expensive: most Xperia Plays will be sold using carrier subsidies.
However, our fellow member Chainfire found an exploit (a programming loophole) in Gingerbread which allows said app and instructions to be loaded without the need of touching the bootloaders. Basically, his Gingerbreak program allows the user to have root rights without loading any bootloader-sensitive data. This widens the possibilities for the majority of users who will buy this phone with a subsidy.
*edit 3* Later on, it has become possible to unlock the bootloader even for SIM-locked devices, thanks to different unlockers like Alejandrissimo and Jinx13. This means that, provided that you pay what they charge, you can have your device set up without the bothers of having to buy a SIM-free phone. What's better: their method of unlocking the bootloader SIM-unlocks the phone as well.
I think this is more or less a succint framework of ideas which allows us to define "root" and "unlocked bootloaders" properly. As they say, knowing is half the battle, so I hope this nugget of information allows users to deal with their phones with more confidence.
*edit* as of version 2.3.3, this information has changed. Gingerbreak doesn't work with 2.3.3 anymore, and it seems now that the only way to root with locked bootloaders is to flash a 2.3.2 rom with FlashTool and update through OTA.
*edit2* note that this explanations pertains mostly to the Xperia Play. Other devices are NAND-locked, which means for us that they need unlocked bootloaders to even get root access.
*Note that Android is built in such a way that every app is a user account with limited rights (the ones specified before you download it). Thus, Superuser is a user account as any other app and the set of instructions is meant to give this user account root rights.
Thank you! This was very helpful in clarifying some things.
"As we can see, there was the fear that one would need to have unlocked bootloaders (i.e the ability to load third-party data in the booting sequence) in order to gain root rights. This would have been terribly inconvenient because only a minority of users will have unlocked bootloaders, since the phones with unlocked bootloaders by default are the ones sold carrier-unlocked. Said carrier-free phones will be a minority as the phone is pretty expensive: most Xperia Plays will be sold using carrier subsidies"
by carrier unlocked do you mean sim unlocked? sorry 4 noob question
Indeed, that is what I mean.
Logseman said:
Indeed, that is what I mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I asked this question and it was answered, but I want to make sure before I try anything.
I just found out from SE that my phone is the Rogers version. It's obviously been unlocked because I'm using it on AT&T.
What I don't know, though, is whether the bootloader is unlocked. Another member recommended that I check TrackID to see if it worked because it depends on the manufacturer DRM's that are wiped in unlocking the bootloader. It did work, so I assume it's still locked, but I wanted to confirm because of being carrier unlocked.
Sent from my R800a using XDA App
If TrackID works, your bootloader is locked, regardless of simlock.
I have a Sim-Unlocked Xperia Play from Rogers that I am using on ATT's network. My phone is boot-locked. When powered off, if I hold the search key while plugging in the USB cable, I do not get a blue light.
I was able to flash the firmware by holding the back key while plugging in the usb cable (with the phone off). I get a green light when I do this. Using flashtool, I was able get 2.3.3 rooted by loading the 2.3.2 firmware, rooting, and then updating OTA.
I bricked my phone several times while loading the firmware and each time I was able to fix it with flashtool or Sony Ericsson's Upgrade Utility. I found that you need a good USB cable, and even then it failed sometimes. I just kept trying and eventually it worked.
We wanted to provide an update on HTC’s progress with bringing bootloader unlocking to our newest phones. We know how excited some of you are for this capability, and we’ve put significant resources behind making this change as soon as possible. While we wish we could flip a simple switch and unlock all bootloaders across our device portfolio, this is actually a complex challenge that requires a new software build and extensive testing to deliver the best possible customer experience.
We’re thrilled to announce today that software updates to support bootloader unlocking will begin rolling out in August for the global HTC Sensation, followed by the HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile USA and the HTC EVO 3D on Sprint. We’re in the testing phase for the unlocking capability now, and we expect it to be fully operational by early September for devices that have received the software updates. We'll continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments.
HTC continues its commitment to unlocking bootloaders and supporting the developer community. Because of the importance of this community to us, please expect an update on this about every few weeks as we make progress toward launch. Thank you for your patience and continued support!
(they claim it will come to only two devices for starters the EVO 3D and the Sensation 4G and then it will slowly rollout to other devices that already have 2.3 or enough internal memory on them, this will all start in last August an early September for the first two droids listed... and others will soon follow suit, the only question is do you want you bootloader to come unlocked stock? Or will you buy it locked and be able to sit around and wait for your device to get an update to do so?? LOL
thats why my phone couldnt flash back to 2.3.2..(?)
I live in singapore.. phones are not carrier specific.. so does that mean my BL was unlocked even before I used gingerbreak?
I know this doesnt pertain to the play per se, but maybe you should add that, with nand locked devices, an unlocked bootloader is required to acheive full root, just incase someone with another device googles this question and ends up here
pros and cons of unlocked bootloader
Pros/Cons of rooting WITHOUT unlocking bootloader?
Since being interested in rooting my N1 I've been googling a lot but it's still somewhat confusing. One of the things that's making me hesitent is the idea of permanently (as of the date of this post) unlocking the phone and thus clearly/visibly voiding the warranty.
I've recently stumbled upon instructions for rooting without unlocking the bootloader? Am I correct in assuming this would make the phone appear (no unlock icon) to be unmodified? Also, does this mean one could fully reverse the rooting process and go back to fully stock google signed roms with OTA updates etc (essentially reverting it back as if it were never modified)?
It would seem this would be preferable to any method involving the unlocking of the bootloader. Are there any disadvantages of this? Any increased risks by NOT unlocking the bootloader? Is there a reason why most people have gone the rout of unlocking the bootloader?
My plan is simply to have root access to run setcpu on the stock FRF91 rom. As of now, I'm not interested in other ROMs (baby steps).
tommyinhi27 said:
Pros/Cons of rooting WITHOUT unlocking bootloader?
Since being interested in rooting my N1 I've been googling a lot but it's still somewhat confusing. One of the things that's making me hesitent is the idea of permanently (as of the date of this post) unlocking the phone and thus clearly/visibly voiding the warranty.
I've recently stumbled upon instructions for rooting without unlocking the bootloader? Am I correct in assuming this would make the phone appear (no unlock icon) to be unmodified? Also, does this mean one could fully reverse the rooting process and go back to fully stock google signed roms with OTA updates etc (essentially reverting it back as if it were never modified)?
It would seem this would be preferable to any method involving the unlocking of the bootloader. Are there any disadvantages of this? Any increased risks by NOT unlocking the bootloader? Is there a reason why most people have gone the rout of unlocking the bootloader?
My plan is simply to have root access to run setcpu on the stock FRF91 rom. As of now, I'm not interested in other ROMs (baby steps).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N1 is made by HTC, generaly with htc devices, flashing a stock rom, will re-lock the bootloader, If you decide just to root, you will need a custom kernel before you can O/C All that unlocking the bootloader does is 2 things, It will security unlock the nand (on nand locked devices) allowing r/w access to read only partitions, and it allows you to issue fastboot commands to your device, the main reason alot of play owners went down the unlocking the bootloader path, is that atm it is the only way to flash custom roms other devices, have found sneaky ways to push a custom recovery without unlocking bootloaders, and thus do not need one to flash a custom rom
AndroHero said:
I know this doesnt pertain to the play per se, but maybe you should add that, with nand locked devices, an unlocked bootloader is required to acheive full root, just incase someone with another device googles this question and ends up here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not too knowledgeable about the whole Nand thing, so I think you could give a much better explanation about it. I'll include it then
whoa whoa whoa!!!! i achieved root on 2.3.3 with no prob using superoneclick v2.3.3. it works beautifully!
Yes, but you're replying to a thread that's 8 months out of date too!
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Lol. I know, but I've been trolling the site, and I think it may need a bit of new info so someone doesn't follow the steps here now that a better method has been found.
Sent from my R800at using XDA
isavegas said:
Lol. I know, but I've been trolling the site, and I think it may need a bit of new info so someone doesn't follow the steps here now that a better method has been found.
Sent from my R800at using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why not just stop bumping heavily old threads? then they can rest in piece
and nobody would care
the information thatit's outdated is alreada given in 1st post.
u also could ask a mod to close this as its outdated...
Hey, this thread may be outdated, but it's not my fault if someone necros old threads. Just let it die.
question
can i flash custom roms in a locked bootloader?
yes
big txmer said:
can i flash custom roms in a locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only stock gb ones nothing else
Related
As the title says, It seems the bureaucrats at EE UK network are using phones that cannot be bootloader unlocked, even if Sony do allow, albeit with some loss of features.
Considering I flashed a generic rom, and my important photos/whatsapp files got wiped (I forgot to backup) as it was stated with flashtool only account based user data will get wiped not data from internal memory/sd card, well that didn't work.
I needed to root to allow some recovery software get my photos/whatsapp files back.
Now finding that the booloader is unlockable . I just want to throw the phone at the kunts at EE management. " EE the UK's biggest and fastest growing, bunch of dicks!"
Is their anybody else on EE who's bootloader is unlockable?
I'm so depressed with this all.
You needed to root to recover deleted files that you deleted by rooting?
davestuarts said:
As the title says, It seems the bureaucrats at EE UK network are using phones that cannot be bootloader unlocked, even if Sony do allow, albeit with some loss of features.
Considering I flashed a generic rom, and my important photos/whatsapp files got wiped (I forgot to backup) as it was stated with flashtool only account based user data will get wiped not data from internal memory/sd card, well that didn't work.
I needed to root to allow some recovery software get my photos/whatsapp files back.
Now finding that the booloader is unlockable . I just want to throw the phone at the kunts at EE management. " EE the UK's biggest and fastest growing, bunch of dicks!"
Is their anybody else on EE who's bootloader is unlockable?
I'm so depressed with this all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Poland Orange locks bootloaders for good in SONY devices, as I know there are tricks to make it unlockable, but not sure if possible to do it at home.
adamk7 said:
You needed to root to recover deleted files that you deleted by rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not rooted yet, have only applied a generic less bloated rom. But now I need to root, so I can use software like 'hexamob recovery' which needs root to access the internal memory.
Tbh, the photo's I took that got wiped are sentimentally so important, hence me getting so stressed about it.
rollesky said:
In Poland Orange locks bootloaders for good in SONY devices, as I know there are tricks to make it unlockable, but not sure if possible to do it at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so orange there do the same. Here its now T-mobile/orange joined together as EE.
There must be a way to change that Bootloader state to yes. I know Orange/EE won't do it. Many people have asked in their forums about similar devices.
Thx for the insight tho...
I'll be totally honest with you here & you wont like the answer...
...if it says "bootloader unlock allowed: no" it will most probably stay that way.
My last Sony phone was from O2 & it was the same story.
The history of Sony phones with that state have stayed that way, as far as I'm aware
This means, once (optimistic) we get root you will only be able to flash stock based roms
Considering rooting newer versions of android seem to be getting more difficult, finding a way to bypass the bootloader is going to be near impossible...never say never but don't hold your breath.
The only Sony phone I had where the bootloader got unlocked unofficially was the X10 mini pro (beast phone) & that is when they were still Sony Ericsson & over 2 years after release (luckily back then you could flash CM / AOSP etc with locked bootloader, not any more though!)
Best bet is, give the phone back & buy it from a reseller like Clove / Handtec if unlocking the bootloader is that important to you & its not a contract deal you're after (or get sim only contract or something...PAYG FTW)
Otherwise, remember this for next time...
davestuarts said:
I have not rooted yet, have only applied a generic less bloated rom. But now I need to root, so I can use software like 'hexamob recovery' which needs root to access the internal memory.
Tbh, the photo's I took that got wiped are sentimentally so important, hence me getting so stressed about it.
Oh, so orange there do the same. Here its now T-mobile/orange joined together as EE.
There must be a way to change that Bootloader state to yes. I know Orange/EE won't do it. Many people have asked in their forums about similar devices.
Thx for the insight tho...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
phroenix said:
I'll be totally honest with you here & you wont like the answer...
...if it says "bootloader unlock allowed: no" it will most probably stay that way.
My last Sony phone was from O2 & it was the same story.
The history of Sony phones with that state have stayed that way, as far as I'm aware
This means, once (optimistic) we get root you will only be able to flash stock based roms
Considering rooting newer versions of android seem to be getting more difficult, finding a way to bypass the bootloader is going to be near impossible...never say never but don't hold your breath.
The only Sony phone I had where the bootloader got unlocked unofficially was the X10 mini pro (beast phone) & that is when they were still Sony Ericsson & over 2 years after release (luckily back then you could flash CM / AOSP etc with locked bootloader, not any more though!)
..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phroenix said is true.
From Xperia T (2012) onwards, there's no chance to get the bootloader unlocked if you read "bootloader unlock allowed: no".
@davestuarts Your old customization was 1289-4465 (T-mobile/EE) so I'm making a new FTF for you with that old firmware, let's try this way
istux said:
What phroenix said is true.
From Xperia T (2012) onwards, there's no chance to get the bootloader unlocked if you read "bootloader unlock allowed: no".
Sony, will they ever learn. I'm glad I didn't get rid of my viper running One X yet.
Tbh, the Sony layer on kitkit is pretty good considering and I'm plenty happy keeping stock roms, My main things are to run exposed and xprivacy.
@davestuarts Your old customization was 1289-4465 (T-mobile/EE) so I'm making a new FTF for you with that old firmware, let's try this way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks istux, appreciate the help and less stress feeling.
Tha
10/16/2015:
*CAUTION ADVISED*
Individuals have reported fastboot problems impacting their devices after attempting an official unlock. Review thread and proceed at your own risk.
----------
Official unlock!
Just noticed this on the official Asus site under 'Utilities':
Unlock Device App: Unlock boot loader
Notice:
1. Update your software image to V2.20.40.59 or latest version
2. Before you download, install, and use the Unlock Device App you acknowledge and assume complete risk to the quality and performance of this App, including but not limited to the following: once you activate the App you will not be able to recover your ASUS product (“Original Product”) back to original locked conditions; the Original Product with the activated App will not be deemed the Original Product; the Revised Product will no longer be covered under the warranty of the Original Product; the software of Revised Product will no longer be deemed the software of the Original Product and can no longer receive ASUS software updates; your purchased digital content may also be affected.
You also acknowledge ASUS does not guarantee service satisfaction to any Revised Product, including events involving paid service requested by you to be performed to the Revised Product.
Furthermore, such repaired Revised Product will not be covered under the warranty of the Original Product; the software of the repaired Revised Product will not be deemed the software of the Original Product and will not receive ASUS software updates.
It is strongly advised that you avoid activating this App unless you fully understand and accept the risks that may arise.https://www.asus.com/us/support/Down...Ulh0Ph49Hl/32/
Update: Date stamp on the APK of 7/23/2015 is interesting. Ran on my unlocked ZE551ML and after accepting the terms of use, it complained that my model was not supported.
Oh crap nice find... Now if I use this I cannot or can do ota updates?
Worked here perfectly fine! Thanks!! Make sure you are on a stock ROM when you try
this is a great step!! thank you!!!
i checked: there is also for ZE550ML !!!
It's announced now
Khanger posted the announcement on reddit about an hour ago in /r/zenfone2/
Took 7 months but it's finally here haha.
Is there a difference between the official unlock and the previously known method of unofficial unlock? Unlocked bootloader is the same either way, correct?
Reddit thread says you will not get OTA after using this file.
onurd said:
Is there a difference between the official unlock and the previously known method of unofficial unlock? Unlocked bootloader is the same either way, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would like to know this as well.
Sad it does only concern 551ml version.
A, Does this unlock automatically give root?
B, And lets say I use this BUT I remain with stock, will I still be barred from OTA?
550 - direct download (source page, look under "Utilities"), mirror: mega
551 - direct download (source page, look under "Utilities"), mirror: mega
gontie said:
Sad it does only concern 551ml version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope
also for 550ml version
https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone_2_ZE550ML/HelpDesk_Download/
under utilities
sumean said:
A, Does this unlock automatically give root?
B, And lets say I use this BUT I remain with stock, will I still be barred from OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A) why would it? Root access and unlocking bootloader are completely different things.
B) if you unlock via official method, your warranty is void and your phone is barred from receiving OTAs.
I understand it voids the warranty but what I don't understand is why no updates? If you take an OTA and it hoses your out of warranty phone its on you.
hope someone discover relock method
Druboo666 said:
hope someone discover relock method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the official unlock, there likely will never be a way to relock and get back OTA functionality. That being said, adb sideloading OTA files should still work. Reasoning as such:
* Unlocking your device using the official APK sends a notification to ASUS that your device is now unlocked, out of warranty, and will not have OTAs pushed to it.
* Whether or not you can manually grab OTAs using the system app has yet to be seen, as we haven't received a new update since the official bootloader unlock method has been released. Personally, I believe our SSIDs will be blocked from getting anything from the OTA server based on the verbage in the disclaimer.
* adb sideloading a ZIP file should have no reliance on the bootloader status. As long as you're flashing the right file, it should work because adb sideload has no internet functionality so it can't call home to check on your ability to flash things. It would be a very poor decision to actively bar users who do the unlock from using official firmware updates on their own terms.
Anyways, I'm adventurous so I've taken the plunge of my own accord. I don't plan to put TWRP on or flash CM12.1 until the majority of the CM bugs have been resolved. When the next OTA comes out, I'll post my experience in obtaining and flashing it so that others can know if they want to unlock the bootloader officially as well.
I will comment specifically that Motorola bootloader unlocks did not bar their users from getting official OTAs after the fact. It is an assumed risk to unlock the bootloader and it's a bit salty to basically say "well, you did this, you don't deserve to automatically get what we're baking for you now". The fact that we got an official unlock at all is scores above what most other manufacturers have done, though. Hopefully, ASUS backs off of the no-OTA thing at some point as it is a bit unnecessary. At worst case, I'm trusting us all here at XDA to work your magic if we end up in a corner somehow.
my question is: if their unlocking method brick my phone???? warranty is expired and they don't take him ???
this method is a weird thing.
MatteXperiaU said:
my question is: if their unlocking method brick my phone???? warranty is expired and they don't take him ???
this method is a weird thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Attempting to unlock your phone is the same this as actually unlocking your phone: you're taking it's life in your hands. If you brick it trying to unlock it, it's not covered. If something happens to it after it's been unlocked, it's not covered. This does not necessarily mean that they won't repair it, it means that:
a) any repairs cost money out of pocket and
b) they have the right to say a device is unrepairable and send it back to you with no obligation to fix it or compensate you in any way.
Them's the breaks for being a tinkerer!
Level99 said:
Attempting to unlock your phone is the same this as actually unlocking your phone: you're taking it's life in your hands. If you brick it trying to unlock it, it's not covered. If something happens to it after it's been unlocked, it's not covered. This does not necessarily mean that they won't repair it, it means that:
a) any repairs cost money out of pocket and
b) they have the right to say a device is unrepairable and send it back to you with no obligation to fix it or compensate you in any way.
Them's the breaks for being a tinkerer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, i think there are no phones with unlocked bootloader and warranty ok..
the only way is relock bootloader..no news for that now..
you said it is not possible..are you sure? i think unlock bootloader is an offline method?
Is it even remotely possible to unlock the bootloader? I would love to install a custom recovery and a custom ROM.
Thanks.
Not possible currently, probably never will.
Until someone at Samsung decides to give the keys to the bootloader, it will remain locked.
(Pssst, hey Samsung Developer, there is a fame and fortune for your leak. :angel: )
I vouch 400$ for unlocked bootloader and emotion/lineage os
If S6 is anything to judge by, the chances for an unlocked bootloader are slim at best.
The only reason I would love an unlocked bootloader is to be able to root the stock OS and not have to use an engineering kernel. Otherwise, I tend to run rooted stock on my devices until they get too out of date.
Unfortunately, that means when this S7 Edge becomes obsolete, that will be the end of the line.
No one is even attempting it. With most phones now root / unlocked bootloader is a thing of the past. If you want those feature it'd be best to get a Pixel or a 1+. The rest of the phone will kill all of that in the next year.
The last good for rooting phone from Samsung was the Note 4 and even that was only the Tmobile variant. As Samsung and Android pay roll out internationally it will get killed off over seas too.
Unless a new crop of Android hackers pop-up to replace all the devs who used to roit/unlock the phones rooting and flashing is dying
ShrekOpher said:
No one is even attempting it. With most phones now root / unlocked bootloader is a thing of the past. If you want those feature it'd be best to get a Pixel or a 1+. The rest of the phone will kill all of that in the next year.
The last good for rooting phone from Samsung was the Note 4 and even that was only the Tmobile variant. As Samsung and Android pay roll out internationally it will get killed off over seas too.
Unless a new crop of Android hackers pop-up to replace all the devs who used to roit/unlock the phones rooting and flashing is dying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I would go that far. Sure, Samsung has locked their phones down like nuts, but there are still plenty of developments on other devices. The Sunshine team has managed to S-off every HTC flagship from the M8 on, along with a reasonably sold list of Moto devices. If you aren't on Verizon/AT&T you can skip the hack by going to HTCDev. Too bad HTC has gone absolutely bonkers on their own devices...
The LG V20 folks got "lucky" with Dirty Santa (though I wouldn't touch that mess with a 10 foot pole since your warranty is going to be void at the same time LG is getting sued over boot looping phones). Still, if you manage to get lucky, you can load custom ROMs on that device, and it's a true flagship.
Other devices seem to either have unlockable (through a web-site) bootloaders or have proven relatively easy to mod/root.
One day root may be a thing of the past unless you can find a dev phone, but I don't think we are quite there yet. That, and there will always likely be leaked dev kernels.
Few things:
-Is there any work still being done to get the bootloader unlocked? This dev thread no longer seems to be only devs, rather a bunch of "+1s", "thanks", and "tweet posts". All great posts, but not dev related.
- All devs on this thread are without a doubt better than I regarding android roms, unlocking, etc, but thought id throw a few ideas it here. (Im new to this type of dev). Maybe i can provide new hope? I just recently got the s7 and found out the hard way the current status woth no way to get custom roms. I know the chain of trust, verity, etc are a major buzzkill, but parts have all been hacked before so we can't Judy throw in the towel, can we?!
- http://newandroidbook.com this has a lot of good material, this guy is a genius, too bag he isn't working on this! (Download the book there & supplements).
Couple of actual ideas:
-He mentions in the book, with root you should be able to modify parts of partitions. Add long as you don't modify the entire partition it wont check for integrity on startup. Now that root exists, is Amy of this possible, to modify three partitions and unlock the bootloader?
- He also talks about how the chain of trust works using signed keys, and where to find these keys in the actual image file; since we know exactly where the keys are, and what's expected, can't we fake it with a custom image using a binary editor? He (in that link) also refers to his free tools to inspect, etc.
Remember when wet push via odin the phone isn't online so had no way to verify via internet if something is in fact legit. Hacks happen all the time with fake digital signatures and keys, certs, etc.
- In other words, now that root exists in the engineering kernel, Im thinking new doors have opened.
Thoughts? Hope?!
It's not happening.
diligent7771 said:
Few things:
-Is there any work still being done to get the bootloader unlocked? This dev thread no longer seems to be only devs, rather a bunch of "+1s", "thanks", and "tweet posts". All great posts, but not dev related.
- All devs on this thread are without a doubt better than I regarding android roms, unlocking, etc, but thought id throw a few ideas it here. (Im new to this type of dev). Maybe i can provide new hope? I just recently got the s7 and found out the hard way the current status woth no way to get custom roms. I know the chain of trust, verity, etc are a major buzzkill, but parts have all been hacked before so we can't Judy throw in the towel, can we?!
- http://newandroidbook.com this has a lot of good material, this guy is a genius, too bag he isn't working on this! (Download the book there & supplements).
Couple of actual ideas:
-He mentions in the book, with root you should be able to modify parts of partitions. Add long as you don't modify the entire partition it wont check for integrity on startup. Now that root exists, is Amy of this possible, to modify three partitions and unlock the bootloader?
- He also talks about how the chain of trust works using signed keys, and where to find these keys in the actual image file; since we know exactly where the keys are, and what's expected, can't we fake it with a custom image using a binary editor? He (in that link) also refers to his free tools to inspect, etc.
Remember when wet push via odin the phone isn't online so had no way to verify via internet if something is in fact legit. Hacks happen all the time with fake digital signatures and keys, certs, etc.
- In other words, now that root exists in the engineering kernel, Im thinking new doors have opened.
Thoughts? Hope?!
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Click to collapse
I have to agree with Kcodya. With the S8 coming out very soon, I am sure the Devs are not really that concerned with the S7 and unlocking the bootloader. I have read a lot of posts about the very issue and anyone and everyone that has been working on this has dropped it or no longer working on it. Look at the S6. It is still without an unlocked bootloader.
I agree with you about the EngImg and I guess at the present time, that is about all we have to work with. I have settled with it and am happy at least to have root privileges.
But we can still hope...
If Samsung ever gets off their hindquarters and updates the unlocked version of the S7/S7 Edge to Nougat, rooted stock will probably be optimal anyway. I know this is XDA, and people love to mod with whole ROMs, but OEM ROMs have improved dramatically over the years. This isn't the era of requiring CM (or LineageOS now) just to have a functional device like it was during the Gingerbread era.
Unfortunately, Samsung isn't likely to ever sell developer friendly phones again, so if you are a developer or like beta testing ROMs, this isn't your device. There are too many options that are trivial to unlock and develop on for anyone to spend too much effort bucking Samsung on their lockdown strategy.
diligent7771 said:
Few things:
-Is there any work still being done to get the bootloader unlocked? This dev thread no longer seems to be only devs, rather a bunch of "+1s", "thanks", and "tweet posts". All great posts, but not dev related.
- All devs on this thread are without a doubt better than I regarding android roms, unlocking, etc, but thought id throw a few ideas it here. (Im new to this type of dev). Maybe i can provide new hope? I just recently got the s7 and found out the hard way the current status woth no way to get custom roms. I know the chain of trust, verity, etc are a major buzzkill, but parts have all been hacked before so we can't Judy throw in the towel, can we?!
- http://newandroidbook.com this has a lot of good material, this guy is a genius, too bag he isn't working on this! (Download the book there & supplements).
Couple of actual ideas:
-He mentions in the book, with root you should be able to modify parts of partitions. Add long as you don't modify the entire partition it wont check for integrity on startup. Now that root exists, is Amy of this possible, to modify three partitions and unlock the bootloader?
- He also talks about how the chain of trust works using signed keys, and where to find these keys in the actual image file; since we know exactly where the keys are, and what's expected, can't we fake it with a custom image using a binary editor? He (in that link) also refers to his free tools to inspect, etc.
Remember when wet push via odin the phone isn't online so had no way to verify via internet if something is in fact legit. Hacks happen all the time with fake digital signatures and keys, certs, etc.
- In other words, now that root exists in the engineering kernel, Im thinking new doors have opened.
Thoughts? Hope?!
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WTF? Did you literally copy and paste my post from another thread?! https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71604183 lol I know your intentions are great, but you should probably indicate this is a quote from the original author (me), otherwise it appears you were the one that wrote this post. Carry on...
locked bootloader
jshamlet said:
The only reason I would love an unlocked bootloader is to be able to root the stock OS and not have to use an engineering kernel. Otherwise, I tend to run rooted stock on my devices until they get too out of date.
Unfortunately, that means when this S7 Edge becomes obsolete, that will be the end of the line.
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Hey man,i saw you online and i need help with something.
Is locked bootloader affects radio gsm,on unlocked phone by at&t if i upgraded fw and changed version of bootloader from v2 to v4?
Thank you in advance!
Man, this stinks
TomatoesOnBluRay said:
Is it even remotely possible to unlock the bootloader? I would love to install a custom recovery and a custom ROM.
Thanks.
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It's strange that this device never got a stable root. The type of root I was looking for 7 months ago is never going to exist. Development on the root of this phone was forgotten when the S8 came out. I wish I could say the opposite, but unfortunately we couldn't develop a proper root fast enough for the inevitable growth of interest in the newest device.
TomatoesOnBluRay said:
It's strange that this device never got a stable root. The type of root I was looking for 7 months ago is never going to exist. Development on the root of this phone was forgotten when the S8 came out. I wish I could say the opposite, but unfortunately we couldn't develop a proper root fast enough for the inevitable growth of interest in the newest device.
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It's not just that, Samsung also offers some fairly nice bonuses for not rooting and root just isn't what it used to be. The days of "this phone is completely unusable without root to fix all the broken crap" are gone.
I found that simply switching to the unlocked firmware solved 90% of the things I wanted root for in the first place, and probably another 8% were solved by judicious use of ADB and NetGuard. What little was left just wasn't enticing enough to put up with the irritations and work-arounds required for the eng-boot root. I already run Nova launcher exclusively, but even at that, the stock launcher isn't total crap anymore. On the plus side, the eng-boot root doesn't trip Knox, so you can always go back if you want.
Yeah, it's going to suck when updates for the S7 stop due to age, and it would be nice if Samsung would offer a bootloader unlock when that happens, but I suspect it will live the rest of its life with nothing more than the engineering root method.
jshamlet said:
It's not just that, Samsung also offers some fairly nice bonuses for not rooting and root just isn't what it used to be. The days of "this phone is completely unusable without root to fix all the broken crap" are gone.
I found that simply switching to the unlocked firmware solved 90% of the things I wanted root for in the first place, and probably another 8% were solved by judicious use of ADB and NetGuard. What little was left just wasn't enticing enough to put up with the irritations and work-arounds required for the eng-boot root. I already run Nova launcher exclusively, but even at that, the stock launcher isn't total crap anymore. On the plus side, the eng-boot root doesn't trip Knox, so you can always go back if you want.
Yeah, it's going to suck when updates for the S7 stop due to age, and it would be nice if Samsung would offer a bootloader unlock when that happens, but I suspect it will live the rest of its life with nothing more than the engineering root method.
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I entirely agree with you. I haven't rooted my S7 since I tried the engineer boot, and it has been completely and totally usable. I also agree with you about installing the unlocked firmware as it removes most of the bloat that comes with the stock firmware. Root is nice, but not entirely necessary on this device.
TomatoesOnBluRay said:
I entirely agree with you. I haven't rooted my S7 since I tried the engineer boot, and it has been completely and totally usable. I also agree with you about installing the unlocked firmware as it removes most of the bloat that comes with the stock firmware. Root is nice, but not entirely necessary on this device.
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So, where might one obtain an unlocked firmware for a G930A? I've searched high and low and have found several different f/w but they all seem to be for other versions of the G930, not the A. Tried to flash mine with one of those and got caught in an endless boot cycle, so had to go back to stock - still locked - and AT&T says the IMEI doesn't belong to them even though it plays their little tune and shows their logo and flashes their name on startup. Pretty useless to me without being able to unlock it. Thoughts or ideas?
Many thanks in advance.
Havdaddy said:
So, where might one obtain an unlocked firmware for a G930A? I've searched high and low and have found several different f/w but they all seem to be for other versions of the G930, not the A. Tried to flash mine with one of those and got caught in an endless boot cycle, so had to go back to stock - still locked - and AT&T says the IMEI doesn't belong to them even though it plays their little tune and shows their logo and flashes their name on startup. Pretty useless to me without being able to unlock it. Thoughts or ideas?
Many thanks in advance.
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All US/Snapdragon S7s and S7 Edges are hardware identical. You can run any of the 5 variants on them with zero issue (even going between V/S and A/T). This means you can run the unbranded/unlocked firmware on any US/Snapdragon based device as long as the model number matches.
Now, SIM locks are a separate issue. You still have to go to the carrier that locked it (or one of the paid services) to get the unlock code even if you are running the U firmware because the modem firmware is entirely separate.
Havdaddy said:
So, where might one obtain an unlocked firmware for a G930A? I've searched high and low and have found several different f/w but they all seem to be for other versions of the G930, not the A. Tried to flash mine with one of those and got caught in an endless boot cycle, so had to go back to stock - still locked - and AT&T says the IMEI doesn't belong to them even though it plays their little tune and shows their logo and flashes their name on startup. Pretty useless to me without being able to unlock it. Thoughts or ideas?
Many thanks in advance.
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The firmware for all G930 and G935 variants are interchangeable. When I refer to the unlocked firmware, I'm referring to G930U and G935U. This version can be found on the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge forums on this site. When you install the unlocked firmware, you are not unlocking the device, just the firmware associated with the unlocked version of the phone. This means less bloatware, faster speeds, and no AT&T boot logo. Sorry for the confusion my previous comment may have caused!
Greetings! I have just ordered my new OP5 and now I hat a Sony Z5. If you were Xperia users, you know that after unlock the bootloader, you lost permanently (or you did a backup before) a speial partition where Sony put very important data for the device (like the camera quality for example).
I know myself ad I have fear that if I unlock the bootloader I lose some imoprtant data or something so my question is: which consequences do you have if you unlock the OP5? Do you lose something important like in the Sony devices or not?
Thank you very much and sorry of there's a thread where you must post this questions :crying:
Unlocking the bootloader basically resets your phone and you lose data plus any apps you installed but you don't lose anything like what you are describing --you just need to set up your phone again. The biggest problem you would encounter is that Android Pay probably wouldn't work unless you flash a custom kernel. Default Android behavior is that if you unlock the bootloader you automatically can't pass Safety Net and I don't think OnePlus or any other phone maker that runs Android is officially allowed to change that behavior --which is why you need a custom kernel to still pass Safety Net.
Oh, and you have a screen at boot that pretty much states that the bootloader has been unlocked.
Not sure why we still have to deal with this as this has been masked on a few other model phones, like the Axon 7, and with all the dev's available for the one+ it's surprising this hasn't been sorted for us too...
So far after unlocking my bootloader and rooting with magisk, android pay is unavailable. I didn't use it much anyways as out here in rural country midwest (USA) it isn't very widespread. As far as warranty goes it is still in effect and 1+ also has a guide for restoring your phone to stock too. It's definitely a great phone for customizing and trying new things with. I didn't apply a new ROM though as most ROMs available at this time are still a work in progress and not what I deem entirely stable. I'm sure someone here will contradict me, but I'm doing fine with what I've got so far.
prozo said:
So far after unlocking my bootloader and rooting with magisk, android pay is unavailable. I didn't use it much anyways as out here in rural country midwest (USA) it isn't very widespread. As far as warranty goes it is still in effect and 1+ also has a guide for restoring your phone to stock too. It's definitely a great phone for customizing and trying new things with. I didn't apply a new ROM though as most ROMs available at this time are still a work in progress and not what I deem entirely stable. I'm sure someone here will contradict me, but I'm doing fine with what I've got so far.
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Works for me on stock 7.1.1....
Sent from my OnePlus5 using XDA Labs
Essentially, if you're happy with how your phone is working, there is no need to unlock the boot loader and root. There is no point to unlock the bootloader and then not root .
Unlocking the bootloader allows custom recoveries and roms/kernels to be installed onto the phone.
It also allows such things as substratum, xposed and magisk to be installed as these apps generally require root priveliges that aren't available with a locked bootloader and being unrooted.
Customisation can be easier, Bloat can be removed instead of just frozen and tweaks can be applied BUT there is a downside too as this has effectively breached Googles security and will break certain apps (mostly banking but there has been reports of streaming apps being affected too on other forums).
Luckily as you have the One+5 you can, if you wish, revert to stock and relock the bootloader thus reverting all changes, unlocking most other phones which will destroy any hope of getting warranty or a relocked bootloader.
Just be sure you HAVE got it back to stock 1st however as having anything different, (kernel,rom or recovery) may very well brick your device once you relock the bootloader.
prozo said:
So far after unlocking my bootloader and rooting with magisk, android pay is unavailable. I didn't use it much anyways as out here in rural country midwest (USA) it isn't very widespread. As far as warranty goes it is still in effect and 1+ also has a guide for restoring your phone to stock too. It's definitely a great phone for customizing and trying new things with. I didn't apply a new ROM though as most ROMs available at this time are still a work in progress and not what I deem entirely stable. I'm sure someone here will contradict me, but I'm doing fine with what I've got so far.
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You need to flash a custom kernel to pass safety net. It won't work with the stock kernel. Blu Spark seems to be the official unofficial kernel and you could easily flash that one and forget it as it is pretty fast and smooth as is. Boeffla kernel is built for stability and is rock solid but if you don't tweak the settings at all you might notice a slight drop in performance from stock. Either one will allow you to pass Safety Net and can improve the speed and performance of the phone over stock. Boeffla also includes a fix for the auto brightness making the phone too dim by allowing you to set a minimum screen brightness that it won't go below.
If I only root the device, will I be able to use Android Pay?
Struziu said:
If I only root the device, will I be able to use Android Pay?
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You can't root without unlocking the bootloader
Hey,
I'm aware this is thread is pretty old, but I'm wondering how things are now? It's been quite some time since I've touched any bootloaders or custom roms and I'm interested in testing android 11 with my op5. What are the downsides with unlocking your bootloader and installing a custom rom?
Google pay not working?
Banking apps not working?
Netflix not working?
I tried searching this forum and googling around and I really could not find any answers. And none of the custom rom threads I checked mention safetynet.
hi so i have a few things id like to talk about. i was wondering why it is not possible to port aosp roms to s8 snapdragon? givin its the same android version. also when i was messing around when rooting my s8 i saw that the software i had installed in the steps i went into settings and saw that i could enable oem unlock it worked and whenever i go back to that software its still enabled however i could not use any fastboot commands still. also i flashed twrp (not safe strap already have that) and now my base recovery does not show up....
kadenball said:
hi so i have a few things id like to talk about. i was wondering why it is not possible to port aosp roms to s8 snapdragon? givin its the same android version. also when i was messing around when rooting my s8 i saw that the software i had installed in the steps i went into settings and saw that i could enable oem unlock it worked and whenever i go back to that software its still enabled however i could not use any fastboot commands still. also i flashed twrp (not safe strap already have that) and now my base recovery does not show up....
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Aosp roms requires a custom kernel to work, this requires:
1, unlocked bootloader(not possible on the snapdragon variant)
2, a custom recovery (not possible due to locked bootloader)
Just using the oem unlock option does not unlock the bootloader, more steps are required for most phones in order to unlock the bootloader, if it was that easy it would have been exploited by now, most of the guides on the snapdragon version mention that the bootloader is not unlockable.
You more than likely will need to restore the recovery through odin or something,
sofir786 said:
Aosp roms requires a custom kernel to work, this requires:
1, unlocked bootloader(not possible on the snapdragon variant)
2, a custom recovery (not possible due to locked bootloader)
Just using the oem unlock option does not unlock the bootloader, more steps are required for most phones in order to unlock the bootloader, if it was that easy it would have been exploited by now, most of the guides on the snapdragon version mention that the bootloader is not unlockable.
You more than likely will need to restore the recovery through odin or something,
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Thanks ya I fixed it! And ya I understand there are additional steps to doing this that's why I mentioned fastboot. If you could guide me in a direction to potentially learn more about the kernals and how they work or what I would need to be good at to exploit download mode or knox whatever is required to potentially exploit the bootloader I would not give up on it im fine with wasting my time. I had recently talked to Sam help chat and they told me someone could unlock the bootloader for me (a phone company near me) I talked to a guy over the phone that said it could be possible bc they have the Samsung tools to do so but he told me to call the next day because the other tech knew more then him, so I called the next day and he said they could do it but they would get in trouble for doing so. My plan is to go in when the guy that doesn't know much is working ? and get him to unlock it. Hopefully then I could upload the software here and free the snapdragon slaves!!! If your interested in the conversations I had with Samsung and this other company I could upload the screen shots thank you for your reply!
kadenball said:
Thanks ya I fixed it! And ya I understand there are additional steps to doing this that's why I mentioned fastboot. If you could guide me in a direction to potentially learn more about the kernals and how they work or what I would need to be good at to exploit download mode or knox whatever is required to potentially exploit the bootloader I would not give up on it im fine with wasting my time. I had recently talked to Sam help chat and they told me someone could unlock the bootloader for me (a phone company near me) I talked to a guy over the phone that said it could be possible bc they have the Samsung tools to do so but he told me to call the next day because the other tech knew more then him, so I called the next day and he said they could do it but they would get in trouble for doing so. My plan is to go in when the guy that doesn't know much is working ? and get him to unlock it. Hopefully then I could upload the software here and free the snapdragon slaves!!! If your interested in the conversations I had with Samsung and this other company I could upload the screen shots thank you for your reply!
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I've never dabbled in making kernels or anything so I'm pretty useless with that. The phone has been out for over 3 years now and as of yet there is no software method to unlock the bootloader, android devs would have figured that one out by now if it was possible, if it is possible then maybe there some extra hardware thats required to unlock the bootloader, I honestly don't know enough, I'm experienced enough to know to do certain things but I don't know the ins and out of how bootloader are coded, how the instructions are carried out. But it would defo be interesting to see if they do this for you.
sofir786 said:
I've never dabbled in making kernels or anything so I'm pretty useless with that. The phone has been out for over 3 years now and as of yet there is no software method to unlock the bootloader, android devs would have figured that one out by now if it was possible, if it is possible then maybe there some extra hardware thats required to unlock the bootloader, I honestly don't know enough, I'm experienced enough to know to do certain things but I don't know the ins and out of how bootloader are coded, how the instructions are carried out. But it would defo be interesting to see if they do this for you.
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Ya thanks man when I talked to the inexperienced tech guy he said I could come in and we could try but I didn't want to drive there and waste my time ? but the experienced dude said I could probably find another repair place that would do it (figured it's another one of their shops he was hinting at as there are a few around me) so I will attempt to do this and hopefully some how it works and I can upload the software here not sure if flashing it would unlock anyone elses bootloaders as I expect it to be some sort of key like the HTC phones used to require and is unique to each device. When I got that oem to appear I was trying anything and everything in adb and fastboot as I suspected if we could glitch the phone in fastboot mode we could unlock it lol at least that's what I hoped for, tried upload mode kernal panic the 3 different download modes and tried to replace the Samsung download mode driver and flash the fastboot Android driver on top of it but my lack of knowledge on these things hindered me from making any progress but I believe there's a exploit in this root software that was copyed from the s9 and simply devs don't want to waste there time because they believe it is impossible. I've seen much hard thing accomplished in this dev sight hopefully the right person can figure it out and Is motivated by this post or point me in the right direction ? thanks if you read all this if I get it unlocked you will def see another post lengthy post ?