Unlocking...always wipes the data? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

As stated, does unlocking the bootloader always wipe the device?

It did on mine. All unlocking guides have shown it to do that.

goofball2k said:
It did on mine. All unlocking guides have shown it to do that.
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Wow, that blows. Well, I guess I am going stock for a while XD

Haven't got my nexus 7 yet, but I'm wondering why people say to do an OTA update before rooting. That's pointless if unlocking wipes the OS, as that's the prerequisite to root a device isn't it.

Locklear308 said:
Wow, that blows. Well, I guess I am going stock for a while XD
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I don't understand this mentality. Just do it so that it's less of a pain down the line.

Salty Wagyu said:
Haven't got my nexus 7 yet, but I'm wondering why people say to do an OTA update before rooting. That's pointless if unlocking wipes the OS, as that's the prerequisite to root a device isn't it.
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Doesn't wipe the OS, it wipes data (but not /sdcard); it's like a factory reset.

hopscotchjunkie said:
Doesn't wipe the OS, it wipes data (but not /sdcard); it's like a factory reset.
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It wipes everything mate. NOTHING IS SAFE!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

upstandingcitizen said:
It wipes everything mate. NOTHING IS SAFE!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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I unlocked the bootloader, relocked, and unlocked in a space of time.
After unlocking for the second time, EVERYTHING was gone, but my build.prop wasn't touched and I still had 4.1.1 (that I updated over OTA)

Related

Why do we need to unlock the bootloader?

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
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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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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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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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Flash (and probably boot) stuff via fastboot.

[Q] unlocking a "virgin" N7

I received the Nexus 7 this afternoon. I only performed the basic setting (wi-fi, Google account, sync.) and accepted the update to 4.1.1. I did not put anything on the SDCard.
I would like to unlock now (root will be in the near future).
My question (of which I could not find the answer on our Forum) is what will be really left after unlocking the bootloader (I am aware that unlocking erase data)?
As far as the end result is concerned is it equivalent to a factory reset for the actual state of the N7?
PS: using a Tool kit is not an option for me
gunner1937 said:
I received the Nexus 7 this afternoon. I only performed the basic setting (wi-fi, Google account, sync.) and accepted the update to 4.1.1. I did not put anything on the SDCard.
I would like to unlock now (root will be in the near future).
My question (of which I could not find the answer on our Forum) is what will be really left after unlocking the bootloader (I am aware that unlocking erase data)?
As far as the end result is concerned is it equivalent to a factory reset for the actual state of the N7?
PS: using a Tool kit is not an option for me
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Yes, unlocking the bootloader ('fastboot oem unlock') will reset your device to the way it was when you first turned it on other than the unlocked bootloader.
thracemerin said:
Yes, unlocking the bootloader ('fastboot oem unlock') will reset your device to the way it was when you first turned it on other than the unlocked bootloader.
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Even before the 4.1.1 OTA?
espionage724 said:
Even before the 4.1.1 OTA?
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I believe so, yes. I didn't have anything on mine when I did it prior to the OTA so I can't say 100% for sure.
espionage724 said:
Even before the 4.1.1 OTA?
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You'll still have 4.1.1. All of the user data will be erased.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
El Daddy said:
You'll still have 4.1.1. All of the user data will be erased.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
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Ah ok, I figured as much but the way it sounded was that it actually got rid of the 4.1.1 OTA update as well.
espionage724 said:
Ah ok, I figured as much but the way it sounded was that it actually got rid of the 4.1.1 OTA update as well.
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Oh, that's not what I meant. It will still be 4.1.1, just all user data will be gone.

Bought new Nexus7 should i update OTA?

I just bought a Nexus 7 today and as soon as I setup the wifi it's prompting me to update to Android 4.11, it has 4.1 on it at the moment. I want to root the tablet but having use the Android Gingerbread in the past it is a PITA to wait for new root after we updated OTA on our smartphone. Should i avoid any OTA update for the N7?
ben805 said:
I just bought a Nexus 7 today and as soon as I setup the wifi it's prompting me to update to Android 4.11, it has 4.1 on it at the moment. I want to root the tablet but having use the Android Gingerbread in the past it is a PITA to wait for new root after we updated OTA on our smartphone. Should i avoid any OTA update for the N7?
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Update, unlock, root. In that order.
Chocu1a said:
Update, unlock, root...
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...deodex, flash tablet ui patch.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Chocu1a said:
Update, unlock, root. In that order.
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Is there a new way to unlock 4.1.1? I'm new to rooting and stuff and I don't want to take any chances so I wanna be 100% sure.
MRsf27 said:
Is there a new way to unlock 4.1.1? I'm new to rooting and stuff and I don't want to take any chances so I wanna be 100% sure.
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It's a nexus. The answer to that is ALWAYS yes.
MRsf27 said:
Is there a new way to unlock 4.1.1? I'm new to rooting and stuff and I don't want to take any chances so I wanna be 100% sure.
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There's never a new way, it's always the same way. No update will "break" this.
fastboot oem unlock to unlock (this only have to be done once, it will remain unlocked unless you manually re-lock it)
fastboot flash recovery your.recovery.image (to flash a custom recovery)
Boot into recovery and apply the su zip of your choice if you merely want to root or if you want to flash a rom the rom of your choice (assuming these already reside on internal storage).
atticusmas said:
It's a nexus. The answer to that is ALWAYS yes.
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If you don't mind, I'd rather actually root my nexus s instead of my brand new bought nexus 7... I'm assuming it's almost the same guide to root both; just a different file; do you know of a guideline to root the nexus s on 4.1.1?
MRsf27 said:
If you don't mind, I'd rather actually root my nexus s instead of my brand new bought nexus 7... I'm assuming it's almost the same guide to root both; just a different file; do you know of a guideline to root the nexus s on 4.1.1?
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http://bit.ly/yf2x50
atticusmas said:
http://bit.ly/yf2x50
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lol clever, that made me look stupid but I tried googling it before and i couldn't find a good one but I think I may have now
MRsf27 said:
lol clever, that made me look stupid but I tried googling it before and i couldn't find a good one but I think I may have now
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Glad to be of service.
[ToolKit] Nexus 7 one click root tool from the dev section is okay to use right? make it much simpler
ben805 said:
[ToolKit] Nexus 7 one click root tool from the dev section is okay to use right? make it much simpler
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It is okay to use. BUT...it is always best to learn how to use adb. You know, just in case something ever goes wrong.
It is not like Apple's device, you will always be able to root and all, you dont have to be scared
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
ben805 said:
[ToolKit] Nexus 7 one click root tool from the dev section is okay to use right? make it much simpler
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I really like Wug's toolkit, I know there's a few so I'm not positive if the one you're referring too is wugs or another one, but I reccomend using wugs, and following its step by step on setting up drivers properly.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

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?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
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
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
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
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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

[Q] General Questions

Hello,
I have a NEVER ROOTED Motorola Droid Razr M XT709
In the end all I want to do is use my SD card to store app stuff, just the data would be acceptable ( entire thing would be best ). I am figuring I need to root my device to be able to do this but before I did I wanted to make sure I was capable of rooting it and UNrooting it as well. Here is a link to a screen shot from my phone with it's basic specs displayed under Settings > About Phone : https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16564468/Screenshot_2013-11-23-09-44-00.png
So...
Can I move apps or app data to SD without rooting? If so, how? If not...
Can I root? If so, what would be the safest method?
Can I unroot? If so, what is the safest method?
Thanks!
-Reiz
I hit a button accidentally while playing a game and got an ota. Posted link to new stats after ota
https://www.dropbox.com/s/eo11d9gqkbbltss/2013-11-23 16.20.04.png
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Unfortunately, I can't open your links at work, but I did see your first pic last night and on that version, you would have been able to root. If you took the latest update, then you can't root it.
RikRong said:
Unfortunately, I can't open your links at work, but I did see your first pic last night and on that version, you would have been able to root. If you took the latest update, then you can't root it.
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Is there any way to roll back on the OTA?
Reizvoller said:
Is there any way to roll back on the OTA?
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Not if your bootloader is locked.
RikRong said:
Not if your bootloader is locked.
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So essentially, even if I did a 'hard reset' , I am still boned?
Reizvoller said:
So essentially, even if I did a 'hard reset' , I am still boned?
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I would assume that you're talking about a factory reset? Yes, you are boned, it will only revert back to the latest OTA, which you just did.

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