Why do we need to unlock the bootloader? - Nexus S General

Hello all,
Just a quick rooting question. Is there any reason to unlock the bootloader when rooting? According to some stickies, we can root without unlocking and I was able to root my friend's Captivate without unlocking anything. I am assuming we're unlocking the bootloader since it makes the rooting process easier as a hack isn't required? Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

It allows you to flash a custom recovery image to go ahead and flash a custom rom and radio
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the info, but why didn't I need to unlock my friend's Captivate? We were able to get Clockworkmod Recovery on it without unlocking anything. Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

BlindWolf8 said:
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the info, but why didn't I need to unlock my friend's Captivate? We were able to get Clockworkmod Recovery on it without unlocking anything. Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.androidcentral.com/bootloaders-all-you-ever-wanted-know
The TL;DR of that article is that,
Every phone has a bootloader. The Nexus series (and now Sony Ericcson after filing out a form on their website) has a unlockable bootloader without the usage of any exploits. Phones such as the Galaxy S series (Vibrant, Captivate, Epic 4G, etc) -- mainly Samsung phones have weak bootloader protection.
HOWEVER, all of the other phones' bootloaders are unlocked due to a exploit. So yes, your friend did unlock the bootloader without actually knowing it.
The only phones that are unable to unlock the bootloader are Motorola phones because of the bootloader being signed.
But if you really want to know about bootloaders, read that article.
@dave: there is no such thing as a custom radio. The radio itself is not open sourced. But it allows you to flash a older version of the radio since results of radios vary between user. Some people may experience better connection with KB3 than KD1 and etc.

Thanks! It was as I thought.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

BlindWolf8 said:
I am assuming we're unlocking the bootloader since it makes the rooting process easier as a hack isn't required?
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Correct. Most other phones require an exploit to root, the Nexus S does not - if you unlock the bootloader. Conversely, you might still be able to root the Nexus using an exploit, even if you want to keep the bootloader locked.

fallenguru said:
Correct. Most other phones require an exploit to root, the Nexus S does not - if you unlock the bootloader. Conversely, you might still be able to root the Nexus using an exploit, even if you want to keep the bootloader locked.
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....? You just paraphrased what i said.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

I have a related question. I relocked my bootloader after rooting. What exactly can I not do with it locked?

Maximilian Mary said:
I have a related question. I relocked my bootloader after rooting. What exactly can I not do with it locked?
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Click to collapse
It's kind of a PITA to flash an updated Clockworkmod Recovery. That's all I've found out.

BlindWolf8 said:
It's kind of a PITA to flash an updated Clockworkmod Recovery. That's all I've found out.
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^ but to be honest, not to many things get changed within the recovery. Sure the modified Clockwork recovery gets updated. But the original clockwork from ROM Manager doesn't.. it'll work, but I don't see a reason on keeping the bootloader locked. No security is ever compromised.

zephiK said:
....? You just paraphrased what i said.
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Click to collapse
Funny, I actually paraphrased the OP. He was on the right track anyway, just needed some confirmation, not a whole paper Also there's a lot of stuff in there I don't really agree with all that much.
Maximilian Mary said:
I relocked my bootloader after rooting. What exactly can I not do with it locked?
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Click to collapse
Flash (and probably boot) stuff via fastboot.

Related

CANNOT Unlock Bootloader! Need DESPERATE HELP.

Here's the story,
it's been literally a whole month I've been looking throughout the forums for a way to simply unlock my bootloader for my HTC Glacier.
Previously, my phone fell into a puddle of water about 4-5 months ago so I got a new replacement with something labeled as "LOCKED" in the boot screen, which I had no idea what it was. So, I keep't requesting replacements, and I received a new one every time with a locked bootloader! I realized I couldn't/shouldn't unlock through HTC Dev because of all the consequences, so I just looked through just about every post on here about the MyTouch 4g on how to unlock it, and even trying HTC Dev when I became hopeless about the issue, it didn't even work! I'm STILL stuck on stock rom, stock everything, and with a LOCKED BOOTLOADER!
PLEASE, if anyone can help me in any possible way, I would be the most appreciative of any person on the planet! If you have the slightest idea on this issue, please comment below, message me, or something!
Thank you..
- The Minimalist
Does the standard downgrade procedure not work for you? When someone with and htc-dev unlocked bootloader comes in here we tell them to relock, dowgrade and use gfree to get S-Off.
Sent from my myTouch 4g using xda app-developers app
estallings15 said:
Does the standard downgrade procedure not work for you? When someone with and htc-dev unlocked bootloader comes in here we tell them to relock, dowgrade and use gfree to get S-Off.
Sent from my myTouch 4g using xda app-developers app
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Well if I didn't state it correctly, I am still locked. The downgrade I'm sure would work just fine if I could unlock, and I also cannot unlock through HTC Dev; during the fastboot commands, it does not allow me to flash the unlock code.bin file. I don't think there is a possible way for me to unlock this bootloader, which I'm hoping to find a way asap..
The Minimalist said:
Well if I didn't state it correctly, I am still locked. The downgrade I'm sure would work just fine if I could unlock, and I also cannot unlock through HTC Dev; during the fastboot commands, it does not allow me to flash the unlock code.bin file. I don't think there is a possible way for me to unlock this bootloader, which I'm hoping to find a way asap..
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Click to collapse
You didn't read me correctly. SKIP the unlock and downgrade then use gfree to get S-Off. The downgrade method predates your bootloader but still works with it as long as it's locked. S-Off gives you full access. An HTC-dev unlcked bootloader sucks butt. Also, your red text was rather unecessary.
Sent from my myTouch 4g using xda app-developers app
estallings15 said:
You didn't read me correctly. SKIP the unlock and downgrade then use gfree to get S-Off. The downgrade method predates your bootloader but still works with it as long as it's locked. S-Off gives you full access. An HTC-dev unlcked bootloader sucks butt. Also, your red text was rather unecessary.
Sent from my myTouch 4g using xda app-developers app
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My apologies, as you are correct, I misread your reply..
In this case, I'll follow your instructions and hope for the best.
The Minimalist said:
My apologies, as you are correct, I misread your reply..
In this case, I'll follow your instructions and hope for the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck. I hope you get it figured out.
Sent from my myTouch 4g using xda app-developers app

Will I get future OTA updates now I've locked the bootloader?

Have installed the 4.2 update via recovery and locked the bootloader. Will I now get future OTA updates from google?
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Retroglide08 said:
Have installed the 4.2 update via recovery and locked the bootloader. Will I now get future OTA updates from google?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
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The bootloader being locked or unlocked makes no difference. We typically see people OTA update fails from people who have modified system apps/files or installed a different kernel.
Ah ok. I had previously rooted it. But decided to revert back now that I have installed 4.2
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Unlocking Bootloader
So, can you unlock the bootloader on 4.2? Or does it even matter on what Android version you are on?
Thanks and Cheers!
ErnestoV31 said:
So, can you unlock the bootloader on 4.2? Or does it even matter on what Android version you are on?
Thanks and Cheers!
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It's a Nexus. Of course you can unlock the bootloader.
veeman said:
It's a Nexus. Of course you can unlock the bootloader.
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Yeah, but is the method for unlocking it on 4.2 different from the method on 4.1.1?
Sorry Im asking all these questions, rooting is a bit different from jailbreaking lol
ErnestoV31 said:
Yeah, but is the method for unlocking it on 4.2 different from the method on 4.1.1?
Sorry Im asking all these questions, rooting is a bit different from jailbreaking lol
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Haha, no. The method is still the same. And I suspect it will be the same for a while to come.
Oh and welcome to the Android world
The bootloader is unrelated to the version of Android you are running.
It is a " boot loader" that runs before the operating system is loaded.
Unlock it once, when you first get the device - and it should stay unlocked forever.
Nothing to do with root either - except the bootloader has to be unlocked to root the device.
Root and unroot the device as you like - just never mess with the bootloader after you unlock it.
Unlocking purges all your files...
ErnestoV31 said:
Yeah, but is the method for unlocking it on 4.2 different from the method on 4.1.1?
Sorry Im asking all these questions, rooting is a bit different from jailbreaking lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot oem unlock
It hasn't changed since the first Nexus device and won't be changing any time soon.
Welcome to an open platform

Quick Question. (N4 ROOT TOOL KIT)

I purchased my N4 straight from google do i still need to select unlock since it's already unlocked?
Virus1x said:
I purchased my N4 straight from google do i still need to select unlock since it's already unlocked?
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Yes after rooting you have to unlock it using boot unlocker app.
Rohit02 said:
Yes after rooting you have to unlock it using boot unlocker app.
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You mean before right?
Virus1x said:
You mean before right?
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NO, I meant AFTER.
See actually I rooted my phone through framaroot and boot unlocker it took hardly 5mins.
Root through Framaroot and then I unlocked the boot as it was giving a message "Waiting for root access"
Don't know about Toolkits. Sorry.
Virus1x said:
I purchased my N4 straight from google do i still need to select unlock since it's already unlocked?
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Click to collapse
its two different types of unlocked. the nexus 4 is carrier unlocked, no matter where you buy it. but if you are unlocking the bootloader, thats a completely different thing that you are unlocking.
simms22 said:
its two different types of unlocked. the nexus 4 is carrier unlocked, no matter where you buy it. but if you are unlocking the bootloader, thats a completely different thing that you are unlocking.
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One more question does rooting with tool-kit and giving the device superuser cause issues with updates from google?
I really don't wanna run a custom rom.
also if I check the button USE CUSTOM RECOVERY it will use CWM right?
If u want OTA, don't use custom recovery. Only unlocking and rooting don't mess with OTA.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
mike_24_11 said:
If u want OTA, don't use custom recovery. Only unlocking and rooting don't mess with OTA.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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This is wrong having a custom recovery will not prevent you from receiving or installing the ota update. Its actually better to use a custom recovery because when you update it breaks root and twrp will ask you if you want it restored
From my BLACKED OUT N4

bootloader unlock??

Having owned HTC's forever I will be coming to this phone. Does this have a bootloader to unlock, or get to s-off like the HTC phones? Is it unlocked during the root process?
Thanks
musicman625 said:
Having owned HTC's forever I will be coming to this phone. Does this have a bootloader to unlock, or get to s-off like the HTC phones? Is it unlocked during the root process?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for posting your question where you can post anything but questions
musicman625 said:
Having owned HTC's forever I will be coming to this phone. Does this have a bootloader to unlock, or get to s-off like the HTC phones? Is it unlocked during the root process?
Thanks
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You cannot unlock the bootloader. You can still flash roms with ss but not kernels. Odds of the bootloader ever being unlocked are extremely slim to none. The dev edition comes with an unlocked bootloader.
Moved to Q&A forum.
musicman625 said:
Having owned HTC's forever I will be coming to this phone. Does this have a bootloader to unlock, or get to s-off like the HTC phones? Is it unlocked during the root process?
Thanks
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Click to collapse
The Verizon model doesnt have a unlocked bootloader.
just use safestrap.
look in the dev section.
THis is Q and A is it not? And do you really have to be a smart alec about it?
musicman625 said:
THis is Q and A is it not? And do you really have to be a smart alec about it?
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Yes this is Q&A now because your thread was moved from "General" and I posted it when it was in that forum
say what
I posted that in General?? Then my bad, I didn't realize that I had done that
Actually been looking for info on this matter. Being that I am stuck without the dev variant for the foreseeable future, does anyone know if it is being worked at the moment? I understand the chances for an unlocked bootloader just curious.
I remember on my droid RAZR there was something that still let me run cyanogenmod but I forget what its called. Is that possible on the N3?
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
XzxBATTxzX said:
I remember on my droid RAZR there was something that still let me run cyanogenmod but I forget what its called. Is that possible on the N3?
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no the only we have currently is safe strap and IMO its better.
safestrap
tennisshoeninja said:
no the only we have currently is safe strap and IMO its better.
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Click to collapse
it used safestrap. it was called kexec

Need help rooting Razr M

I want to root my Razr M and need assistance as I've never rooted a phone before. Could someone link me a safe guide that I can use? My phone is that "Not for sale. Motorola Mobility Confidential Restricted Property" version and it apparently can't seem to detect any kitkat update(even though razr m has the update). So I'm going to root it and update it to kitkat. I'm not a noob per say, just that I haven't ever rooted a phone and have least bit knowledge about cellphones.
ijx092 said:
I want to root my Razr M and need assistance as I've never rooted a phone before. Could someone link me a safe guide that I can use? My phone is that "Not for sale. Motorola Mobility Confidential Restricted Property" version and it apparently can't seem to detect any kitkat update(even though razr m has the update). So I'm going to root it and update it to kitkat. I'm not a noob per say, just that I haven't ever rooted a phone and have least bit knowledge about cellphones.
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Click to collapse
Update it first, root with Towel Root, then unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
RikRong said:
Update it first, root with Towel Root, then unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
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He says his phone can not detect the update. He cannot update, is his point I believe. Does towelroot work on jellybean or is it just for the newer kernels and what not?
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I got it to work on the .3 jb
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
ijx092 said:
I want to root my Razr M and need assistance as I've never rooted a phone before. Could someone link me a safe guide that I can use? My phone is that "Not for sale. Motorola Mobility Confidential Restricted Property" version and it apparently can't seem to detect any kitkat update(even though razr m has the update). So I'm going to root it and update it to kitkat. I'm not a noob per say, just that I haven't ever rooted a phone and have least bit knowledge about cellphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if towelroot doesnt work...I rooted my razr m (4.1.2....98.30.1) a couple months ago with this method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758 should give you clean and easy to follow instructions
I wonder if his boot loader is locked.
Fwiw kitkat killed my battery life.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
poppers162 said:
He says his phone can not detect the update. He cannot update, is his point I believe. Does towelroot work on jellybean or is it just for the newer kernels and what not?
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update it the exact same way 90% of us did, with Samuri's tool on Droidrzr. ?
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
how to check if bootloader is locked?
I don't want to deal with anything that is going to brick my phone. I cannot afford it. Please, make sure whatever you recommend doesn't do so.
ijx092 said:
how to check if bootloader is locked?
I don't want to deal with anything that is going to brick my phone. I cannot afford it. Please, make sure whatever you recommend doesn't do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
power off phone...hold volume up+volume down+power button...when a menu comes up select apfastboot...if ait says status code:3 then your unlocked
ijx092 said:
how to check if bootloader is locked?
I don't want to deal with anything that is going to brick my phone. I cannot afford it. Please, make sure whatever you recommend doesn't do so.
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Click to collapse
Everything has the potential to go bad. So, if you're not willing to accept that, modifying is not for you. With that being said, Sam's update is easy to use if you follow the directions. Once updated, root and unlocking the bootloader are also easy.
Update tool: http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/45495-how-to-xt907-upgrade-to-kitkat-ota/
Root tool: http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/46155-rootunlock-razr-hdm-build-183-kitkat-towel-root/
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
crazy4android said:
power off phone...hold volume up+volume down+power button...when a menu comes up select apfastboot...if ait says status code:3 then your unlocked
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Click to collapse
It says device is UNLOCKED, Status Code: 1
RikRong said:
Everything has the potential to go bad. So, if you're not willing to accept that, modifying is not for you. With that being said, Sam's update is easy to use if you follow the directions. Once updated, root and unlocking the bootloader are also easy.
Update tool: http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/45495-how-to-xt907-upgrade-to-kitkat-ota/
Root tool: http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/46155-rootunlock-razr-hdm-build-183-kitkat-towel-root/
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
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ijx092 said:
It says device is UNLOCKED, Status Code: 1
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follow @RikRong post instructions...that should be no problem...it takes time but it really not that difficult ..its more of a mind thing..you'll feel dumb for bein so hesitant to begin with...
crazy4android said:
follow @RikRong post instructions...that should be no problem...it takes time but it really not that difficult ..its more of a mind thing..you'll feel dumb for bein so hesitant to begin with...
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My device is unlocked, right? I just have to root it?
ijx092 said:
My device is unlocked, right? I just have to root it?
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If it says that then yes, yes it is. ..
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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