Database Users

[Q] Can the A500's bootloader be unlocked?

I have looked everywhere and can't find out. Some say it isn't locked, some say it is. Is it unlocked so you can not rom? If so, I will get the Xoom.

Its not locked its encrypted. There are ways around it to install custom roms
Read threads in the developers threads.

Thanks for the reply. So whats the big deal about it being locked?

Its a so called way to protect the rights of digital media and software developers.by having the device locked it suposed to limit hacking ability.but there is always a way around it.
They should leave our devices to us.

Thanks for the answer. I will get the Xoom. It is better (performance). It can also unlocked and relocked.

tweaker101 said:
Thanks for the answer. I will get the Xoom. It is better (performance). It can also unlocked and relocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol same hardware, same performance. Mine is unlocked, and unless you accept the latest update to 3.2, you're good to go, and even then you can downgrade, root, then manually update to a pre-rooted 3.2 ROM.
ER, you just lost one to a Xoom lol

So does this mean if I were to create a custom kernel I couldn't?
I really like the Iconia. It has a USB port and good screen. I also like the Xoom. If the Acer can't be hacked I will get the Xoom as it is also a very good tablet imo .

tweaker101 said:
So does this mean if I were to create a custom kernel I couldn't?
I really like the Iconia. It has a USB port and good screen. I also like the Xoom. If the Acer can't be hacked I will get the Xoom as it is also a very good tablet imo .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Acer is already "hacked". Go to the DEV section of the A500 forums. You'll find plenty to read

kjy2010 said:
The Acer is already "hacked". Go to the DEV section of the A500 forums. You'll find plenty to read
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the speedy reply! There are custom roms but I don't think they have custom android kernels as the bootloader is still encrypt.
I will go for the Acer. I am sure in 12 months for now they will unlock it because something new will come out (tegra 3). I won't be unlocking it until my warranty expires in 2012.
Acer seems to have better screen etc.
Cheers again for all the help so far.

tweaker101 said:
Thanks for the speedy reply! There are custom roms but I don't think they have custom android kernels as the bootloader is still encrypt.
I will go for the Acer. I am sure in 12 months for now they will unlock it because something new will come out (tegra 3). I won't be unlocking it until my warranty expires in 2012.
Acer seems to have better screen etc.
Cheers again for all the help so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You evidentally didn't read far enough. There are more custom kernels than I could shake my D#$& at. Lol

kjy2010 said:
You evidentally didn't read far enough. There are more custom kernels than I could shake my D#$& at. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. That was the deciding factor. Off to buy an Iconia . I thought an encrypted bootloader couldn't allow custom kernels. Sorry, i'm good at I.T but kind of new to this stuff. First tablet.

tweaker101 said:
Lol. That was the deciding factor. Off to buy an Iconia . I thought an encrypted bootloader couldn't allow custom kernels. Sorry, i'm good at I.T but kind of new to this stuff. First tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NP. We aren't allowed to link to this site, but Google tegraowners dot com.
More custom kernels than you could shake your d#$% at there as well, and he keeps his updates coming fairly regularly.

V. Good site. So Why are people moaning about the bootloader if you can install a custom kernel/os.

tweaker101 said:
V. Good site. So Why are people moaning about the bootloader if you can install a custom kernel/os.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.2 bootloader is locked, so ppl are cooking pre-rooted 3.2 roms and custom kernels.
If you OTA from 3.1 to 3.2 you'll lose root, and have to downgrade which is a pita!
There are a few stock pre-rooted 3.2 ROMS in the DEV section, along with at least a couple custom kernels that will work with stock 3.2 ROM.
The people that are moaning are the id10ts that took the OTA, and haven't a clue how to downgrade to get their root back, and start over the correct way.

I prefer the Xoom. Less weight, even more hackable and better performance.
Acer Iconia 0
Motorola 1

Still undecided
I still don't understand. Could I install any kernel onto this tablet?
edit: I guess it has to be based on Acer's?

tweaker101 said:
Still undecided
I still don't understand. Could I install any kernel onto this tablet?
edit: I guess it has to be based on Acer's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you not go to the site I posted? Have you not read the DEV forum here?
Get an IPad, then you won't have to worry about kernels.
Sorry for being like that, but there's soooooo much information about custom kernels on these forums for our A500, that I'm beginning to wonder if you can read (not trying to be a smartazz, just stating the obvious).

kjy2010 said:
Did you not go to the site I posted? Have you not read the DEV forum here?
Get an IPad, then you won't have to worry about kernels.
Sorry for being like that, but there's soooooo much information about custom kernels on these forums for our A500, that I'm beginning to wonder if you can read (not trying to be a smartazz, just stating the obvious).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry. I will read more. Just being lazy

Been reading some roms. They appear to be based on Acer's Kernel.

tweaker101 said:
Been reading some roms. They appear to be based on Acer's Kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want spoon feeding, you can ask at Disney.com forums.
Your questions have been answered in full.
One more time since it appears as though you didn't get it the first few times.
Yes there are custom kernels for the A500, both here in the DEV section of the forums, as well as elsewhere on other sites.
If you still don't get it, then I implore you to take the advice of the other person and buy a Xoom, or better yet an IPad so you can brick one of those and then start a thread "Help....bricked Xoom".
How many times do you need your question answered?!?

bootloader and kernels

Okay now this is a guide for maybe noobs and mostly software modifiers.​Hi reader. thanks for reading lol. now this piece of work is something that even educates me. welcome to wilbso's unlocking bootloader and adding kernels guide. im gonna try and keep this short so you dont nod off...
What is a bootloader​Well...a locked bootloaer (normal) is something that stops you from adding custom kernels. you think that rooting your phone and loading a custom rom is all. well you thought wrong. yes you can install drivers such as multitouch etc by rooting but unlocking your bootloader is a totally (almost) different thing. now, these days, gingerdx requires linuxdx-which requires unlocking your bootloader. unlocking the bootloader can either end up in satisfactory... or... full and complete brick. now a full brick is-blah blah blah ( i will make a seperate thread for what type of bricks there are and what they mean)
so, basically unlocking your bootloader properly free's your phone. still think your up to it? wow your pretty brave lol...
What is a custom kernel?​A custom kernel is something other than a stock kernel.need anymore?
It is something that improves your phone. make it stand out. it can also improve the performance of your phone. if you would like to see a guide on how to build a custom kernel then click here
how to unlock your bootloader.​ I have unlocked my bootloader and I followed these threads. It would be a good idea to follow this and this
but when i did it i downloaded flashtool, s1tool (to check if my bootloader was unlocked) and something else ( i cant remember what it was called but it ran in my terminal i think). when i did unlock my bootloader i checked it with s1tool (i cant remember if THATS right either though lol) and i successfully managed it ut i still recommend reading the links that i put.
please, do hit the thanks button on my posts and the posts i put links to. i would greatly appreciate it.
kernels​i have looked at many different kernels since august ( the month i joined xda) and they all look cool.
flash them by a flashtool. i now run linuxdx v04
here's some kernels i have come across:
A gingerbread kernel
Linuxdx v04
Alfs for gingerdx
If you have any questions plese post them here or my FAQ or my latest guide to roms and mods. Also i am not responsible for any damage to you phone
And remember to press the thanks THANKSbutton
NO trolling here is tolerated either. cheers!
-wilbso​

kernel need flash with flash tool not whit cwm

norbula2008 said:
kernel need flash with flash tool not whit cwm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry-post has been edited

I have learned so far how to install custom rom, but in one post i have found that there are some animations to be added for my phone, and it says:
"Addons Miui Animation
Use stock kernel."
What does it mean how to install it?

Mrkijo said:
I have learned so far how to install custom rom, but in one post i have found that there are some animations to be added for my phone, and it says:
"Addons Miui Animation
Use stock kernel."
What does it mean how to install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont know much about miui cuz i isnt supported for x8 but if your talking about bootanimation. a boot animation is something that replaces your current boot up logo. you can get an app that does it and you can flash them with a recovery i think

EDIT: I have now unlocked my bootloader and I am using alfs kernel with Ginger dx v021
-wilbso

Can i just unlocked my bootloader n not flash other kernel? U know...juz in case..
Sent from my X8 using xda premium

maliceomalice said:
Can i just unlocked my bootloader n not flash other kernel? U know...juz in case..
Sent from my X8 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to flash kernel if you don't want to.you can unlock bootloader by itself. Just unlocking it means you have the ability to flash kernels and drivers

[Q] Bootloader on NEW A500

Hey,
I've looked through the forum and I'm a bit puzzled how is it with the bootloader "lock" on newly purchased models as I was thinking a bit of buying A500.
I read that the bootloader only checks for checksums when booting kernel / recovery (unless set to generate them), so you can put there custom kernel (get rid of Java Android) when you root it, which I read is not a problem even with 3.2.1 .
The thing I'm puzzled about is that I read there was a BL update and some say the BL is locked since that update and others not - so if I decide to buy A500 and there will be 3.2 with the BL update on it, is it locked and requiring signed kernel image or is it still the checksum only thing?

Skrilax_CZ said:
Hey,
I've looked through the forum and I'm a bit puzzled how is it with the bootloader "lock" on newly purchased models as I was thinking a bit of buying A500.
I read that the bootloader only checks for checksums when booting kernel / recovery (unless set to generate them), so you can put there custom kernel (get rid of Java Android) when you root it, which I read is not a problem even with 3.2.1 .
The thing I'm puzzled about is that I read there was a BL update and some say the BL is locked since that update and others not - so if I decide to buy A500 and there will be 3.2 with the BL update on it, is it locked and requiring signed kernel image or is it still the checksum only thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I'll try to put it in "laymans" terms.
Manufacturers don't want you mucking with things. It causes more tech support for them, and also a bad image reputation when stupid people screw things up.
So what they do, is change bootloaders, the part that tells the tab, that the os they are loading, is 100% Acer. If it's not, it's just going to give you a silly face.
So we, here in the Acer community, try to find a way around the bootloader. And invent ways to install a operating system other than Acer.
It's an ongoing battle it seems. We find a way around it, Acer changes the rules, so we have to find another way.
The thing is, our dev's are smarter than their devs. Even HTC gave up, and just offer bootloader unlocks. Besides, they take our innovations, and incorporate them into their newer releases.
So the point is, if you buy a 500, or a 501, XDA community will give the means to unlock it. Root, so we say. And people will help you get it running right.
Here at XDA, we have many roms, from plain rooted stock roms, to cooked roms with OC kernels.

Ah, oops, placed the question incorrectly, I know how the things work around bootloaders and have designed some workarounds. I was rather asking whether new a model of A500 can run custom kernel (don't mean modifications with modules now) or not - but summarizing what you've said: every A500 can run custom kernel, right? Thanks for answering in any case.

Currently on a new A500 with root and kernel. Manufactured in December 11. whole process took an hour. Hope this helps.

Skrilax_CZ said:
Ah, oops, placed the question incorrectly, I know how the things work around bootloaders and have designed some workarounds. I was rather asking whether new a model of A500 can run custom kernel (don't mean modifications with modules now) or not - but summarizing what you've said: every A500 can run custom kernel, right? Thanks for answering in any case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC, only 3.2.1 locked the bootloader, so even if your a500 comes with 3.2 you're safe.
That said, even with 3.2.1 and a locked bootloader, there is a downgrade trick that allows you to go from 3.2.1 (or 3.2, or 3.1) to 3.0 and run an app called iconiaroot and acer recovery installer. Iconiaroot is like z4root, VISIONary, gingerbreak, etc and recovery installer installs CWM recovery from within android. After doing all this you can flash any rom or kernel you want.

Skrilax_CZ said:
Ah, oops, placed the question incorrectly, I know how the things work around bootloaders and have designed some workarounds. I was rather asking whether new a model of A500 can run custom kernel (don't mean modifications with modules now) or not - but summarizing what you've said: every A500 can run custom kernel, right? Thanks for answering in any case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES if your a500 has Stock android 3.2 or above.. you will have to fallow the downgrade rom flashing.Then you can flash any rom of your choice . there are several threads on this forum explaining how to do this..
Do a search for the thread by Timmy Dean.. his method i think has been called the easiest. It flashes your tablet to a rooted 3.21 stock rom thru adb . from your windows computer..
Acer has yet to plug this hole. So i would not take ANY OTA UPDATES. Im looking for ics if ever releases to plug such holes in the boot loader and stop its magic .
Happy Flashing just please understand everything before proceeding.. there are enough help i bricked my iconia threads.. Boohoo i hate to see anyone do that to such a expensive device..

Thanks. Ordered a piece
So basically I need to store UID, first x bytes in mmcblk0 (for the mmcblk0_start) from sc2k thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1129873) and I'm pretty much brick safe (should I screw both kernel & recovery).

Happy Flashing
That in theory will give you the resources to recover . BUT BY NO MEANS A Get of of trouble free pass..
do not flash nothing you don't trust and Fallow all instructions Carefully.. You sound well on your way to Making the best of your tablet...
Enjoy your time on xda Iconia forum. There are some awesome people on here. NO im not including myself in that .. Im just a bored thread reading chic. that repeats what i have read... nothing i know is my own work..
Happy Flashing..

erica_renee said:
Im just a bored thread reading chic. that repeats what i have read... nothing i know is my own work..
Happy Flashing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aren't we all..... Not necessarily a chic though...

Allright, all went smooth (was 3.2 preinstalled). Thanks all.

you are very welcome..
Its simple easy with just a bit of reading up front..

DO I need to update the bootloader?

I have not been around these boards in a minute, and seeing these topics about upgrading bootloaders, one question is it required?
I did a search about it in XDA and just results in the walkthroughs for upgrading
MODS feel free to lock or remove or maybe if someone answers maybe sticky it

BrianDigital said:
I have not been around these boards in a minute, and seeing these topics about upgrading bootloaders, one question is it required?
I did a search about it in XDA and just results in the walkthroughs for upgrading
MODS feel free to lock or remove or maybe if someone answers maybe sticky it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
depends what rom and b/l you're on now -
whether you want to install custom roms
or you're happy on stock
whether you want custom recovery for backups etc
Acer Recovery Installer from the market will tell you your BL version
So will a500 Manager from Blackthund3rs site

Essentially if you have only had HC on your tab you are on the HC bootloader.
If you used Thor's rom then you are on the HC bootloader UNLESS you updated to the leaked ICS roms 1st....
If you updated to the leaked ICS rom then you have an ICS bootloader.
If you want to flash a new ICS rom then it still a good idea to install the patched bootloader and recovery package as this will leave root intact and install CWM...
Hope this helps a little...

I know i have the old bootloader, are devs dropping support for the the old bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

BrianDigital said:
I know i have the old bootloader, are devs dropping support for the the old bootloader.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much what's happening with the move to ICS. There are some certain limitations and oddities when running Acer ICS on an HC Bootloader. For starters, the patched kernel. Not exactly pretty when you boot. Also, reports of "screen flicker" as well.
Sooner or later, everybody will be on the ICS bootloaders, stock or patched. Runs better that way.

Moscow Desire said:
That's pretty much what's happening with the move to ICS. There are some certain limitations and oddities when running Acer ICS on an HC Bootloader. For starters, the patched kernel. Not exactly pretty when you boot. Also, reports of "screen flicker" as well.
Sooner or later, everybody will be on the ICS bootloaders, stock or patched. Runs better that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, looks like i got a Sunday project
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[LOKI] Bootloader hack official FAQ thread

I just released Loki, a set of tools for developers and users to flash custom kernels and recoveries on the AT&T and Verizon branded Samsung Galaxy S4.
The tool is available at:
https://github.com/djrbliss/loki
The technical details on how the exploit works are described at:
http://blog.azimuthsecurity.com/2013/05/exploiting-samsung-galaxy-s4-secure-boot.html
This is a support thread that I will check regularly until I decide to hand over support to the community. Feel free to ask any questions, and I may add the answers to this post. As a guideline, if it's a question that's already been answered in this thread or in the README for Loki, I will ignore it.
Does this make any permanent changes to the device?
No permanent changes are made to your device when using loki_flash. The bootloader itself is untouched. By restoring the original system, boot, and recovery images (via Odin or otherwise), the device will be in a stock state.
Can this be patched?
Absolutely. Any update that includes a new aboot will almost definitely cause your custom kernel or recovery to fail to boot without running it through loki_patch again, and if the update contains a fix for the vulnerability Loki exploits, it may permanently prevent using the tool. It's possible for Samsung to ship an update that prevents downgrading aboot to a vulnerable version, so I recommend avoiding installing any OTA updates without confirmation that it's safe.
What about the bounty?
As usual, I encourage anyone looking to donate (as part of the bounty or otherwise) to give their money to a reputable charity organization instead. If you insist on donating to me, I'm sure you can find my Paypal account somehow.
This all seems complicated. What about a step-by-step guide?
These tools are primarily intended for developers, who will be able to use them and provide ordinary users with easy ways to flash custom ROMs. Be patient, I'm sure your favorite ROM developer will come up with something for you.
I've installed a Loki-patched recovery. Can I just install regular custom ROMs now?
Any ROMs that include a replacement boot.img must be modified to include a Loki-patched boot.lok file instead. Otherwise, your phone will fail to boot until you restore a Samsung-signed boot.img or a custom boot.lok image via your custom recovery, or flash a stock image via Odin.
So this is just like kexec?
This is similar to kexec in that it works around a locked bootloader, but this approach is much more flexible and robust. Kernel and recovery developers can build their projects just as they would for an unlocked device, run the final result through Loki, and then it's ready to be flashed. No hackery and brokenness required.

Thanks!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

is this similar to htc dev which doesn't truly unlock "s-off" the device? i assume your method just circumvents the locked bootloader? the way i read what your tool accomplishes is for us to flash a recovery and kernels but doesn't actually touch the locked bootloader status?
thanks for your work. also let the games begin!

Thank you very much!!!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Very much appreciated!

By the time I get back from work, I'm pretty sure there'll be at least two recoveries and three roms prepared

Wooooot!!! Thanks man.

Awesome! Finally devs can start releasing some ROMs!

hopefully someone can make a toolkit and make this a one-click unlock/root

Thanks so much! :good:

thanks dude.

RawisTheGameHhH said:
hopefully someone can make a toolkit and make this a one-click unlock/root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This or a step by step guide.

Theres already recovery available...
But thank you Dan, now all this bootloader madness can finally stop!

so we can flash a recovery and kernels with this tool but what about radios? can those be flashed with a locked bootloader? i swore they couldn't.

You are the MAN. A charity will be finding my donation per your recommendation.
Thanks again for all the great work.

Oh man, I'm dying here. I don't get off work for another ~6 hours! And I don't have admin access on my work computer, so no adb.
So, we have a patched recovery now, but custom kernels also have to be patched, correct? So it would be a bad idea to adb the recovery and then immediately try to use it to flash one of the roms that are already out there?

mattdm said:
Oh man, I'm dying here. I don't get off work for another ~6 hours!
So, we have a patched recovery now, but custom kernels also have to be patched, correct? So it would be a bad idea to adb the recovery and then immediately try to use it to flash one of the roms that are already out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i wouldn't try flashing any roms yet.

YES!YES!YES!
Dan, You are The Man!!! Thank you so much. May your thanks meter need a fire extinguisher before the day is done....lol.:good::good::good::highfive::highfive::highfive:

did a nadroid backup, and it is doing multiple archives, is there a setting I missed?
nevermind, I stand correct, nice, very nice, thanks goes out to everyone involved.

Solid.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app