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I currently use a Samsung phone that does not have a locked bootloader. I've read that Motorola is one of the manufacturers that likes to ship their phones with a lock bootloader, and this prevents people from flashing/hacking/rooting their phone.
How big of an issue is this? Are there reliable and straightforward way to bypass a locked bootloader? If I were to get a Droid 4 next year which comes with a locked bootloader, will I still be able to flash it with custom ROM and root it?
Hi,
There are way too many threads discussing this, both in the general section and individual motorola threads.
Please search
Is it possible to unlock flipout from this website ? https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-b
Also is there any custom rom for it ?
No, the Unlock My Device program at the moment supports only one new device, the Photon Q 4G LTE.
I really hope that the masterminds at Motorola will soon add many more devices, especially older ones like the Flipout. Many of these devices are out of warranty by now anyway.
As for custom ROMs, there are none. Unfortunately the Flipout was not very popular with the modders. However, with an unlocked bootloader this could change.
So... how does one 'SIM unlock' this phone?
Do I understand right, that it needs to be rooted first?
Do I need to also CID unlock it, or is that only needed for flashing a custom ROM?
DylanKeyne said:
So... how does one 'SIM unlock' this phone?
Do I understand right, that it needs to be rooted first?
Do I need to also CID unlock it, or is that only needed for flashing a custom ROM?
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Click to collapse
Only way for BF/Charm is by code, does not require root. Check ebay: search for "unlock mb511" or "unlock mb502" - fairly cheap these days,
Actually, bootloader unlock and carrier/sim unlock are two different things, so we're rather off-topic here.
I'm sure Moto has no interest in unlocking bootloaders of phones they've already sold, so in response to the OP I should say, "No; absolutely not; not ever."
I'm new and I just got my very first android device, a Nexus 4 bought straight from Google Play and it is unlocked. Does that mean my bootloader is already unlocked or should I still unlock it when I root it?
I'm following the Root Guide stickied in this forum and it tells me to unlock the bootloader first with ADB.
Also, if I want to unlock the bootloader of another Android device like a Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 (Android 2.3), can I reapply this process or do different phones have different ways of unlocking the bootloader (not root)?
domu221 said:
I'm new and I just got my very first android device, a Nexus 4 bought straight from Google Play and it is unlocked. Does that mean my bootloader is already unlocked or should I still unlock it when I root it?
I'm following the Root Guide stickied in this forum and it tells me to unlock the bootloader first with ADB.
Also, if I want to unlock the bootloader of another Android device like a Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 (Android 2.3), can I reapply this process or do different phones have different ways of unlocking the bootloader (not root)?
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Click to collapse
The bootloader is not unlocked yet and by the way to unlock the bootloader you use fastboot, not adb
And different phones have different methods to unlock, but I guess on Samsung devices it is nearly the same as on nexus devices. But better check that out in the other phone's forums
And I'd advise you to do a lot of reading about all of this stuff and get more basic information about android and all rooting/custom rom/kernel related stuff before playing around with the phone :good:
Sent from my Nexus 4 running Android 4.3
domu221 said:
I'm new and I just got my very first android device, a Nexus 4 bought straight from Google Play and it is unlocked. Does that mean my bootloader is already unlocked or should I still unlock it when I root it?
I'm following the Root Guide stickied in this forum and it tells me to unlock the bootloader first with ADB.
Also, if I want to unlock the bootloader of another Android device like a Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 (Android 2.3), can I reapply this process or do different phones have different ways of unlocking the bootloader (not root)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should read this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2367406
[Tried posting this in Q&A forum but received no answers]
I am coming from Droid Incredible running CM 7.1 on PagePlus for 3 years (Verizon MVNO for those who don't know). So I am familiar with Android ecosystem and rooting.
I am looking to buy Moto X to be used in USA on H2O (AT&T MVNO) because on Pageplus the speed are limited to 3G and most new phones cannot be activated without flashing which I don't want to do.
1) Is there any reason NOT to buy Developer Edition (GSM Networks)? Current price is now the same as AT&T branded version and I am OK with just one color being available.
2) Am I correct in understanding that this version of the phone supports all LTE and HSPA frequencies both for AT&T and TMobile? Quote from the spec:
Networks
GSM/GPRS/EDGE - UMTS/HSPA + up to 42 Mbps - 4G LTE
2G/2.5G GSM/GPRS/EDGE bands
850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS bands
850/900/ AWS/1900/2100 MHz with HSPA+ up to 42 Mbps (B5/B8/B4/B2/B1)
4G LTE bands
700/AWS/1900MHz (B17/B4/B2)
3) Are there any known issues with Moto X that has not been fixed with software updates yet? I am also considering Moto G which would be good enough for me but it has battery issues ("instant" drops from full charge to 1%) that are now investigated by Motorola but no solution yet. For Moto X so far I only found that some people have small cracks on their cases that are fixed by mailing it for warranty work.
1) I too considered the GSM Dev Edition of the Moto X but decided not to get it based on looks. I don't like white phones. The Dev Moto X has a woven white back and I didn't like that. I also have not use for 32GB of internal storage. I didn't even fill the 8GB that was on my RAZR M (previous phone). This was my reasoning, so I went with the MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X (also referred to as the T-Mobile version).
2)I don't know about the Dev version but if I had to guess I'd say it's like my phone, so yes. I have an AT&T SIM in my Moto X and I get 4G LTE when I'm in town.
3)The only issues I know of are the cracks as you mentioned and the some of the wood backs having a poor finish applied. There may be another that I've yet to read here but I've not had any problem with the phone.
Hikikomori-Otaku said:
1) I too considered the GSM Dev Edition of the Moto X but decided not to get it based on looks. I don't like white phones. The Dev Moto X has a woven white back and I didn't like that. I also have not use for 32GB of internal storage. I didn't even fill the 8GB that was on my RAZR M (previous phone). This was my reasoning, so I went with the MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X (also referred to as the T-Mobile version).
2)I don't know about the Dev version but if I had to guess I'd say it's like my phone, so yes. I have an AT&T SIM in my Moto X and I get 4G LTE when I'm in town.
3)The only issues I know of are the cracks as you mentioned and the some of the wood backs having a poor finish applied. There may be another that I've yet to read here but I've not had any problem with the phone.
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Click to collapse
I don't like white phones either but I want to be able to root. Is what you went with (MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X) essentially the same as Dev Edition other than color? Or is it only carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked?
JoeSchmoe007 said:
I don't like white phones either but I want to be able to root. Is what you went with (MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X) essentially the same as Dev Edition other than color? Or is it only carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked?
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Click to collapse
The main differences between the two would be the retail version can be customs made in MotoMaker and when the bootloader is unlocked you loose your warranty. The Dev version only comes in one style but your warranty will still be intact after unlocking the bootloader.
Hikikomori-Otaku said:
The main differences between the two would be the retail version can be customs made in MotoMaker and when the bootloader is unlocked you loose your warranty. The Dev version only comes in one style but your warranty will still be intact after unlocking the bootloader.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for responding. So the warranty will be void completely, even for the hardware issues completely unrelated to unlocking bootloader?
Can bootloader on retail version be re-locked to send it in for warranty?
I think I read that each time OS updates are released for Moto X new exploit may need to be found to root/unlock bootloader. Did I get it right or am I confusing something?
Can root be achieved without unlocking bootloader? If I understand correctly unlocking bootloader is really only needed if one wants to try different ROM-s and root can sometimes be achieved without unlocking bootloader. But Moto X is almost stock Android, so I see no point in trying other ROM-s but I do want to have root.
JoeSchmoe007 said:
Thank you for responding. So the warranty will be void completely, even for the hardware issues completely unrelated to unlocking bootloader?
Can bootloader on retail version be re-locked to send it in for warranty?
I think I read that each time OS updates are released for Moto X new exploit may need to be found to root/unlock bootloader. Did I get it right or am I confusing something?
Can root be achieved without unlocking bootloader? If I understand correctly unlocking bootloader is really only needed if one wants to try different ROM-s and root can sometimes be achieved without unlocking bootloader. But Moto X is almost stock Android, so I see no point in trying other ROM-s but I do want to have root.
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Click to collapse
Yes, your warranty will be completly void if you unlock the bootloader on any Moto X except the Dev version.
You can relock (and reunlock) the bootloader but because you have to get the unlock key from Motorola, they will know even if you relock it. I believe there is also a line in fastboot that will will indicate if the warrently is void (as a result of the first unlock).
This is true. With any update there is the potential for an exploit being 'removed'. The same is true for most bootloaders but not necessarily for this phone. Even if the bootloader is updated, the unlock code for your phone will still work.
Yes, root can be achieved without unlocking the bootloader but it's a complex method for this phone. It's much easier to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery, and flash the SU binary. This is also the preferred method if it's avalible for your Moto X.
Unlocking your bootloader let's you do a few things. The most common it to flash another recovery image and thus a new ROM. You can also flash kernals, binaries, apps, and a few other things with the bootloader unlocked.
Hikikomori-Otaku said:
....
This is true. With any update there is the potential for an exploit being 'removed'. The same is true for most bootloaders but not necessarily for this phone. Even if the bootloader is updated, the unlock code for your phone will still work.
Yes, root can be achieved without unlocking the bootloader but it's a complex method for this phone. It's much easier to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery, and flash the SU binary. This is also the preferred method if it's avalible for your Moto X.
Unlocking your bootloader let's you do a few things. The most common it to flash another recovery image and thus a new ROM. You can also flash kernals, binaries, apps, and a few other things with the bootloader unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what specific exploit can be removed? For rooting? Or for unlocking bootloader? The way I understand one can always unlock bootloader using code from Motorola no matter if your phone is retail or Dev. Edition, however then root may or may not work? But this contradicts with what you said about if bootloader is unlocked then you can flash custom recovery and SU, so you can still always achieve root. Is there an FAQ or thread on this forum where this is described in details?
JoeSchmoe007 said:
So what specific exploit can be removed? For rooting? Or for unlocking bootloader? The way I understand one can always unlock bootloader using code from Motorola no matter if your phone is retail or Dev. Edition, however then root may or may not work? But this contradicts with what you said about if bootloader is unlocked then you can flash custom recovery and SU, so you can still always achieve root. Is there an FAQ or thread on this forum where this is described in details?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any exploit can be removed, so long as they're found and will not inhibit the use of the device. I guess I should clarify a bit. Your bootloader and root access have different ways to get them. The bootloader basically protects the partitions of the phone. The only way to unlock the bootloader of the Moto X is to go to Motorola and get the unique unlock code for your Moto X. The Verizon retail and AT&T retail versions are the only two models of my knowledge that can't be unlocked by Motorola and no exploit has been found for them. How root is achieved by having an unlocked bootloader is as followed; The bootloader is unlocked giving the user access to the partitions of the phone > a custom recovery is flashed > using the new recovery SU binary is added (flashed) to the dormant Android OS. Without an unlocked bootloader, this method is impossible as you can't complete the first step. This is when an exploit in the Android OS is needed. The current SlapMyMoto exploit takes advantage that Motorola lets Moto X users downgrade. Once on a lower version of Android, we can root that and basically 'tunnel' up a path to give ourselves root in they newer version of Android. The unlocked bootloader method is preferred because it's easier and will almost always work (unless Android is given a huge remake). While in recovery, the Android OS is not loaded and thus can't protect itself. This makes adding stuff to it much simpler. When the Android OS is booted though, there are security measures in place that we unrooted can't get past without an exploit.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
This thread has a lot of good info from rooting on both locked and unlocked bootloaders, downgrading, and much more.
Honestly I think you answered your own question. If rooting is your number one priority and you don't mind the white back (which I like actually), then I think the Developer Edition is a no brainer for you.
If you want a custom phone and rooting isn't that important, or you don't care about the warranty, then I'd say get the MotoMaker version.
As far as bugs, the only bug I know of is an exchange bug (which I don't use exchange so I don't even know what the bug is/was), but it was fixed in 4.4.2.
You can root the carrier version ie motomaker. That's all you really need is root along with greenify, xposed, gravity box, and viper4android.
MOTO X Slapped
[email protected] said:
You can root the carrier version ie motomaker. That's all you really need is root along with greenify, xposed, gravity box, and viper4android.
MOTO X Slapped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently there is NO root method for 4.4.2 without unlocking the bootloader.
I just bought Xperia X Compact in Japan, phone's carrier is NTT Docomo. (model SO-02J)
I tried *#*#7378423 , but it shows "bootloader unlock allow : NO"
then I tried ADB , but I cannot use commands like "su" , "root" . It shows : /system/bin/sh: su: not found :crying:
What can I do now to root this phone?
Or maybe I should buy a new phone that is global-version,simfree ?
I need help !
I think you cannot root without unlocking bootloader...
Maybe Kingroot...but I'm not sure...
Rikanotank1 said:
I just bought Xperia X Compact in Japan, phone's carrier is NTT Docomo. (model SO-02J)
I tried *#*#7378423 , but it shows "bootloader unlock allow : NO"
then I tried ADB , but I cannot use commands like "su" , "root" . It shows : /system/bin/sh: su: not found :crying:
What can I do now to root this phone?
Or maybe I should buy a new phone that is global-version,simfree ?
I need help !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can not do anything if the bootloader is not allowed to unlock.
No bootloader unlock, no root, custom recovery (twrp), roms, etc.
What does the OEM Unlock switch in developer options say? if there is one? greyd out maybe with some explanation below?
A possible solution is to look for the F5321 model of this phone (sim free international) as I can see in xperifirm that only 1 provider (NTT DoCoMo) is tied to the SO-02J and they are also well behind with updates.
Theoretically you can use exploits in the system to gain root, but for this you need a vulnerable stock firmware. You can flash an older firmware even with locked bootloader, as long as it is stock. But I would strongly advise against permanently downgrading to a vulnerable firmware, you might not be the only one to exploit it . On that firmware, you could install root software that does not touch the kernel, but the use is limited for customizations and also realize that the whole community here revolves around unlocked phones, so all guides etc. expect that.
Hope you still enjoy your phone or find somebody else who does Not everybody cares about root and custom ROMs, I suggest you resell. If you get another model, as suggested, buy a F5321. Even branded ones, bootloader is unlockable and you remove the branding with flashing another (stock or custom) ROM.
ypnos42 said:
Theoretically you can use exploits in the system to gain root, but for this you need a vulnerable stock firmware. You can flash an older firmware even with locked bootloader, as long as it is stock. But I would strongly advise against permanently downgrading to a vulnerable firmware, you might not be the only one to exploit it . On that firmware, you could install root software that does not touch the kernel, but the use is limited for customizations and also realize that the whole community here revolves around unlocked phones, so all guides etc. expect that.
Hope you still enjoy your phone or find somebody else who does Not everybody cares about root and custom ROMs, I suggest you resell. If you get another model, as suggested, buy a F5321. Even branded ones, bootloader is unlockable and you remove the branding with flashing another (stock or custom) ROM.
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Thanks very much !
Rikanotank1 said:
Thanks very much !
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did you succeed?