[Q] Question about unlocking bootloader - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So i'm new to android but i continued to root my device. I did it the "legit" way. No tool kit. I installed drivers. ADB and used bootloader. I unlocked the bootloader when the dialog popped on my phone. I navigated and selected "unlock the bootloader" sideloaded clockworkmod touch. Installed supersu from sdcard. Booted up and i still have my pictures and i even found a folder on the phone from the gosms app I had. I know im properly rooted because i was able to flash paranoid rom 3 successfully. Everywhere i've been reading states unlocking the bootloader wipes everything! My question is this normal?

Its standard protocol made by Google. Yes its normal. Just remember if you have stuff on your storage to make sure you back up your storage before unlocking

Jsparta26 said:
Its standard protocol made by Google. Yes its normal. Just remember if you have stuff on your storage to make sure you back up your storage before unlocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
standard protocol but it didn't wipe...lol

BugJuice said:
standard protocol but it didn't wipe...lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you had to do is setup fast boot and use fast boot command fastboot oem unlock to unlock your bootloader. A message always comes up letting you knlw that unlocking bootloader erases your data. You didn't necessarily had to adb not to mention you went and side loaded a custom recovery. Guess you beat the system. Lol

Jsparta26 said:
All you had to do is setup fast boot and use fast boot command fastboot oem unlock to unlock your bootloader. A message always comes up letting you knlw that unlocking bootloader erases your data. You didn't necessarily had to adb not to mention you went and side loaded a custom recovery. Guess you beat the system. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my bootloader but it didn't wipe my data. But i didn't unlock it correctly and rooted.

BugJuice said:
I unlocked my bootloader but it didn't wipe my data. But i didn't unlock it correctly and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same thing happened to me. Apparently this happens if you flash the recovery right after unlocking the bootloader. Rather than unlocking, rebooting into android, then flashing the recovery.
Read this for more info.

chromium96 said:
The same thing happened to me. Apparently this happens if you flash the recovery right after unlocking the bootloader. Rather than unlocking, rebooting into android, then flashing the recovery.
Read this for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhh gotcha! Thats my exact situation. I did not load into android either. Just flashed the recovery immediately afterwards. Is there any negative effects of this?

BugJuice said:
ahhh gotcha! Thats my exact situation. I did not load into android either. Just flashed the recovery immediately afterwards. Is there any negative effects of this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I was pretty confused too.
So far I havent had any issues and everything seems fine. I flashed superuser on stock rom, flashed CM10.1, and flashed PA and everything has gone smoothly. Its only been about a week though, so im not sure if anything will happen. But i highly doubt that it will cause anything negative to occur.

Related

/!\ WARNING /!\ Do NOT relock your bootloader around the time of updating to 5.1!

Guys,
We've seen several people have flashed system.img's and OTA's and ended up in a bootloop.. Not the end of the world really, BUT for some reason, before you can unlock your bootloader using fastboot, you must enable OEM unlock in Developer options in Android settings - which you cannot do if you are bootlooping.
If you still have a custom recovery, you'll be fine but if you're 100%, locked bootloader and bootlooping, we haven't found a fix yet so please do not lock your bootloader.
If you feel you absolutely must relock your bootloader (at your own risk) please boot the phone up to check it works properly before doing this. If you intend flashing roms and kernels or custom recoveries, locking the bootloader is not a good idea
Please also see the below link provided by @efrant
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6172890?hl=en
This goes into more detail about how google have enhanced device security with 5.1 and some other pitfalls that you may wish to avoid. This is pretty salient information, so do give it a read.
Good advice, i would add to that NEVER LOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER. ???
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
ChristianJay said:
Good advice, i would add to that NEVER LOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I would add that I completely disagree with this statement. Coming from an infosec standpoint, I keep my bootloader locked, and just suffer the reset when I need to tweak. If you don't, anyone - not just you - can replace your system partition or boot a random IMG which could inject functionality. This may not be the most common mechanism for attack as it requires physical access, but it basically obviates the encryption with a deepfreeze style boot IMG.
Additionally, when you think about this in context of the border crossing exemptions many countries, including the US, have to protections against unwarranted search, I would recommend that anyone with proprietary or sensitive business data who crosses international borders keeps their bootloader locked when not modifying the system. Also, until custom recoveries include security features, I recommend using stock.
Why are we making our phones so insecure just to have root? Not cool.
So just to be clear the correct procedure would be to boot the device after updating enable the setting and then go and lock your bootloader? Or just keep it unlocked overall.
Personally I keep mine unlocked but for those wanting to take full advantage of androids new device protection a locked bootloader would serve a purpose. Preventing someone from just flashing a custom rom and keeping your device.
:thumbup:
I thought I really #$# up
Thank you for posting this...when 5.1 was dropping, I attempted to return to stock...all the way.to be able to take Verizon's OTA...when i locked the boot loader, i was stuck in a boot loop with the android guy and the gear box spinning FOREVER.....its is not easy to get out of the loop, but i managed to boot back up into boot loader mode, and force a stock image using toolkit.
I am now unlocked, running 5.1 on Verizon, have full LTE/VOLTE, can speak and surf at same time...i have not rooted yet...but just glad it was not me....had a heart attack two nights ago...
xander45 said:
Thank you for posting this...when 5.1 was dropping, I attempted to return to stock...all the way.to be able to take Verizon's OTA...when i locked the boot loader, i was stuck in a boot loop with the android guy and the gear box spinning FOREVER.....its is not easy to get out of the loop, but i managed to boot back up into boot loader mode, and force a stock image using toolkit.
I am now unlocked, running 5.1 on Verizon, have full LTE/VOLTE, can speak and surf at same time...i have not rooted yet...but just glad it was not me....had a heart attack two nights ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im so new to this but im rooted with an unlocked bootloader but im running full stock android. i only rooted just so i can chance the provision to get free tethering with my unlimited data. i have the wugfresh nexus tool kit and cant for the life of me figure out how to upgrade my nexus 6 to 5.1. Is there in anyone that can get me a step by step on how to update so i can take advantage of hd calling and silmutaneous voice and data... ive been waiting tooooooooooo long for this update..
rootSU said:
Guys,
We've seen several people have flashed system.img's and OTA's and ended up in a bootloop.. Not the end of the world really, BUT for some reason, before you can unlock your bootloader using fastboot, you must enable OEM unlock in Developer options in Android settings - which you cannot do if you are bootlooping.
If you still have a custom recovery, you'll be fine but if you're 100%, locked bootloader and bootlooping, we haven't found a fix yet so please do not lock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi root,
I saw that thread yesterday ...
I thought this was already covered when the N6 came out, to get the bootloader unlocked you had to do a 1st boot of the device and ENABLE OEM Unlock, then you were good to go to get into fastboot and unlock.
The reason was google put the option there for 5.0, vice all our previous versions which had no toggle for it.
I think it was people jumping the gun and not doing that first boot, but immediately jumping into fastboot and flashing, and that caused it, yes? Because the BL wasn't unlocked, they couldn't flash the OTA and boot img ...
daijizai said:
And I would add that I completely disagree with this statement. Coming from an infosec standpoint, I keep my bootloader locked, and just suffer the reset when I need to tweak. If you don't, anyone - not just you - can replace your system partition or boot a random IMG which could inject functionality. This may not be the most common mechanism for attack as it requires physical access, but it basically obviates the encryption with a deepfreeze style boot IMG.
Additionally, when you think about this in context of the border crossing exemptions many countries, including the US, have to protections against unwarranted search, I would recommend that anyone with proprietary or sensitive business data who crosses international borders keeps their bootloader locked when not modifying the system. Also, until custom recoveries include security features, I recommend using stock.
Why are we making our phones so insecure just to have root? Not cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is nonsense.
You need *physical* access to it in order to carry out such an attack.
If your phone leaves your PHYSICAL access, then you already know not to trust what is on it, whether or not it has an unlocked bootloader.
xander45 said:
Thank you for posting this...when 5.1 was dropping, I attempted to return to stock...all the way.to be able to take Verizon's OTA...when i locked the boot loader, i was stuck in a boot loop with the android guy and the gear box spinning FOREVER.....its is not easy to get out of the loop, but i managed to boot back up into boot loader mode, and force a stock image using toolkit.
I am now unlocked, running 5.1 on Verizon, have full LTE/VOLTE, can speak and surf at same time...i have not rooted yet...but just glad it was not me....had a heart attack two nights ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kng60ft said:
im so new to this but im rooted with an unlocked bootloader but im running full stock android. i only rooted just so i can chance the provision to get free tethering with my unlimited data. i have the wugfresh nexus tool kit and cant for the life of me figure out how to upgrade my nexus 6 to 5.1. Is there in anyone that can get me a step by step on how to update so i can take advantage of hd calling and silmutaneous voice and data... ive been waiting tooooooooooo long for this update..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need to lock the device to take an OTA. You can keep it unlocked and do an ota
doitright said:
This is nonsense.
You need *physical* access to it in order to carry out such an attack.
If your phone leaves your PHYSICAL access, then you already know not to trust what is on it, whether or not it has an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not nonsense. Yes you need physical access to carry out the attack, but with a locked bootloader and the new precautions against unlocking and fastboot it makes locked bootloaders fairly bulletproof.
I cannot recommend unlocked bootloaders to anyone that works SCIF'd and leaves their phone in a shared box during the day, anyone that crosses international borders, or anyone whose phone might contain IP or trade secrets and could be a target of theft.
This is as much about trusting the phone afterwards as it is about protecting your data on the phone - even when encrypted.
y2whisper said:
So just to be clear the correct procedure would be to boot the device after updating enable the setting and then go and lock your bootloader? Or just keep it unlocked overall.
Personally I keep mine unlocked but for those wanting to take full advantage of androids new device detection a locked bootloader would serve a purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just keep it unlocked
rootSU said:
Guys,
We've seen several people have flashed system.img's and OTA's and ended up in a bootloop.. Not the end of the world really, BUT for some reason, before you can unlock your bootloader using fastboot, you must enable OEM unlock in Developer options in Android settings - which you cannot do if you are bootlooping.
If you still have a custom recovery, you'll be fine but if you're 100%, locked bootloader and bootlooping, we haven't found a fix yet so please do not lock your bootloader.
If you feel you absolutely must relock your bootloader (at your own risk) please boot the phone up to check it works properly before doing this. If you intend flashing roms and kernels or custom recoveries, locking the bootlaoder is not a good idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this boot loop also, but clearing Cache and Dalvik seemed to fix the loop for me.
nyteryder79 said:
I had this boot loop also, but clearing Cache and Dalvik seemed to fix the loop for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats good.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/goo...orial-how-to-flash-factory-images-lg-t2713833
This may help if you got stuck in a bootloop.
is there a fix if my mem shows i own a 32g device when i bought a 64g device, im unlocked/rooted and on custom rom?
darren.wlsn1 said:
is there a fix if my mem shows i own a 32g device when i bought a 64g device, im unlocked/rooted and on custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know too. I'm unrooted, stock everything, with 64GB Blue, but it shows 23GB total space for the device with 16GB available. Was fine before the 5.1 update.
Marcellus1 said:
I'd like to know too. I'm unrooted, stock everything, with 64GB Blue, but it shows 23GB total space for the device with 16GB available. Was fine before the 5.1 update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58201783&postcount=106
should help
darren.wlsn1 said:
is there a fix if my mem shows i own a 32g device when i bought a 64g device, im unlocked/rooted and on custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marcellus1 said:
I'd like to know too. I'm unrooted, stock everything, with 64GB Blue, but it shows 23GB total space for the device with 16GB available. Was fine before the 5.1 update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory reset?
Not really the thread to ask this though.
rootSU said:
Factory reset?
Not really the thread to ask this though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, and sorry

[GUIDE] [HOW TO] Safely re-lock bootloader on Android 5.1

This guide is for the safe procedure for re-locking your bootloader with the new security features of Android 5.1 on the Nexus 6
The purpose of re-locking your bootloader should solely be used for RMA or resale of your device. Also if you have flashed a factory image and want the added security of a locked bootloader. Or possibly it is required by your employer. If you're required by your employer, then I suggest you reconsider unlocking in the first place. If you're returning to stock, to simply fix problems on your device, then I also strongly suggest leaving the bootloader unlocked. To put it in simple terms, if you want to keep a custom recovery and ROM, mod, root, etc, then leave your bootloader unlocked. Re-locking the bootloader on the Nexus 6 will cause your device to be wiped.
Please read this post by @efrant for more clarification:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=60128929
Thanks @efrant @cam30era @rootSU @clairez for collaboration and advice.
This is based on a 100% stock, encrypted, un-modded Nexus 6
Due to significant security changes in Android 5.1, there are some specific steps that must be taken in order to safely re-lock your bootloader during and after installing a factory image.
WARNING! These steps are confirmed working but there is still risk involved. If you do not ABSOLUTELY need to re-lock then I strongly suggest leaving the bootloader unlocked.
FOLLOWING THESE STEPS WILL WIPE YOUR DEVICE SO BACKUP YOUR DATA!
This is based on you (the user) having already read and followed instructions on downloading the factory image and having it ready to install.
STEP 1
Disable all security locks on your phone.
On your phone, go into your settings, click Security. In Screen security, click on Screen lock, enter your passcode/pin/pattern then select none.
You will get a prompt that Device protection features will no longer work. Click OK.
STEP 2
**OPTIONAL**
Thanks @gee2012
This step is optional because successful installation of the factory image will remove this info anyway.
Remove your Google account.
In settings, click Accounts, click Google then click on your account name. (your gmail address)
Click the 3 dot menu button in top right of screen and select Remove account. You will get a prompt That this will delete all messages, contacts and other data from your phone. Click REMOVE ACCOUNT.
STEP 3
This step is optional and may or may not be needed but I recommend doing this.
Preform a factory reset from your phone settings.
Open settings and click on Backup & reset. Click Factory data reset.
You will receive a prompt stating that this will erase all data from your phone's internal storage, click RESET PHONE.
The reset takes quite a while to complete, approximately 10 to 15 or more minutes for a 32gb model and 20 minutes or more for a 64gb model, so BE PATIENT!
Your phone will reboot when completed.
STEP 4
IMPORTANT!!
When your phone reboots, you will have to skip all account set up and ABSOLUTELY do not set any security features up. Skip EVERYTHING!
Go to settings and enable Developer options. (About phone>tap build number 7 times)
Once you have developer options enabled, enable USB Debugging and tick the box to allow OEM unlock.
I suggest preforming a reboot here to verify that OEM unlock sticks. After the reboot enter developer options to verify OEM unlock is still ticked.
If it is, we will proceed. If not, ensure you have followed the previous steps correctly. If you have and for some reason the setting won't stick, DO NOT PROCEED OR YOU MAY END UP STUCK IN A BOOT LOOP WITH NO CURRENT WAY TO FIX!
STEP 5
If setting has stuck, you are ready to unlock your bootloader and install the factory image using one of the ways outlined elsewhere in this forum.
After installation is complete, reboot to recovery and again preform a factory reset. Reboot to Android.
STEP 6
IMPORTANT!
Upon completion of factory reset from recovery and reboot to Android, it is important to follow this procedure so you may now safely lock your bootloader.
SKIP ALL ACCOUNT AND SECURITY SET UP AGAIN! Go to settings and enable developer options again. Enable USB debugging and tick allow OEM unlock.
Again, I recommend a reboot at this point to verify the settings stick.
Use the button combo or ADB to reboot to bootloader.
Use the command fastboot oem lock
Your device will wipe again and reboot.
CONGRATULATIONS! You now have a locked bootloader and you may proceed to restore your phone.
See here for info from Google about the new security features:
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6172890?hl=en
Thanks @efrant for finding this link.
Thanks also to all of those who helped to confirm this process works consistently.
Thanks to @clairez for this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/help/update-to-5-1-lock-bootloader-t3058480
*Disclamer*
I am not responsible if your device bricks, loops or causes mass world hysteria.
*How to prepare your Nexus 6 for resale*
Since the onset of Android 5.1, there are some specific steps needed to ensure you can sell your device and not have the seller need your Google password when they receive your device. Please read this guide provided by @PatimusXPrime
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60455167&postcount=43
TWRP RECOVERY INSTALLED ONLY
The following info is for users who have TWRP installed and are stuck in bootloop (soft brick) after wiping OS with a locked bootloader.
Credit to this thread:
Thanks @ixa20
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3053783
STEP 1
Boot into bootloader.
STEP 2
Use fastboot and issue the commands:
fastboot format userdata
fastboot format cache
This should allow you to boot back into TWRP.
Flash a ROM and get up and running.
Unlock your bootloader and leave it that way.
Thanks also to @rootSU for posting this solution many, MANY times.
I hear a lot about locking the boot loader, but what exactly am I missing out on in terms of security with an unlocked boot loader, and rooted
productofusa said:
I hear a lot about locking the boot loader, but what exactly am I missing out on in terms of security with an unlocked boot loader, and rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think, primarily, if you are unencrypted you run the risk of your data being compromised if your phone is lost or stolen. Plus, the new security features are not proven to work 100% when bootloader is unlocked. Simply by rooting, you've opened your device to be more vulnerable to malicious attacks. I'm sure you already know that.
Evolution_Freak said:
I think, primarily, if you are unencrypted you run the risk of your data being compromised if your phone is lost or stolen. Plus, the new security features are not proven to work 100% when bootloader is unlocked. Simply by rooting, you've opened your device to be more vulnerable to malicious attacks. I'm sure you already know that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, nothing I wasn't already aware of! It seems that a significant amount of people that are used to an unlocked rooted handset are quick to jump on the relock the bootloader omg security bandwagon regardless of the consequences. Having said that thanks to folks such as yourself most of the kinks seem to be worked out at this point.
Thanks
Okay, so I'm new to the whole unlocking/flashing thing.... I bought a nexus 6 from Verizon which obviously came with 5.1 out of the box. I was using stock with my google account attached and a pin lock. I successfully unlocked by bootloader and rooted with twrp and the nexus toolkit. I have also since flashed chroma. Am I to understand that I can not ever go back to unrooted stock and locked booloader, now?
I'm really sorry for what is probably a stupid noob question, but I'm really paranoid now. TIA!!
Cannibal Oxen said:
Okay, so I'm new to the whole unlocking/flashing thing.... I bought a nexus 6 from Verizon which obviously came with 5.1 out of the box. I was using stock with my google account attached and a pin lock. I successfully unlocked by bootloader and rooted with twrp and the nexus toolkit. I have also since flashed chroma. Am I to understand that I can not ever go back to unrooted stock and locked booloader, now?
I'm really sorry for what is probably a stupid noob question, but I'm really paranoid now. TIA!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first post explains how to lock the bootloader safely. If you're going g back to stock, simply follow the steps
Cannibal Oxen said:
Okay, so I'm new to the whole unlocking/flashing thing.... I bought a nexus 6 from Verizon which obviously came with 5.1 out of the box. I was using stock with my google account attached and a pin lock. I successfully unlocked by bootloader and rooted with twrp and the nexus toolkit. I have also since flashed chroma. Am I to understand that I can not ever go back to unrooted stock and locked booloader, now?
I'm really sorry for what is probably a stupid noob question, but I'm really paranoid now. TIA!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not at all. You can flash a factory image and return to stock at anytime. However, if you plan on flashing ROMs again, there's no need to relock the bootloader. For instance, if you wanted to return to stock to say, get an OTA, the bootloader being unlocked wouldn't affect that negatively.
If you did desire to relock, following this guide, as far as disabling the security and Google account, you should be able to relock. The important thing is making sure that pesky "allow OEM unlock" option remains checked after a reboot.
Cannibal Oxen said:
Am I to understand that I can not ever go back to unrooted stock and locked booloader, now?
I'm really sorry for what is probably a stupid noob question, but I'm really paranoid now. TIA!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can go back to stock. And then, subsequently relock the bootloader.
And the question is not "stupid". Noob questions are encouraged here. That's how you learn.
rootSU said:
The first post explains how to lock the bootloader safely. If you're going g back to stock, simply follow the steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough. The part that confused me was the first five steps appear to address steps required to unlock the bootloader. I was afraid since I already unlocked mine without first disabling security and removing my account that it would somehow preclude me from ever being able to relock the bootloader should that need ever arise in the future.
I really appreciate the help!
Yeah, I learned my lesson, DON'T PLAY WITH LOCKED BOOTLOADERS ON THIS DEVICE, EVER!
I had a locked bootloader, and no System (I had wiped it accidentally).
Luckily though I had the sense to keep TWRP installed, but I couldn't boot to it, it was just bootlooping to the TWRP splash screen.
I thought I had just lost a $650 investment, but here's what I did:
Boot to bootloader, then
Code:
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
Then I could boot to TWRP! So I
Code:
adb push (ChromaOS zip here) /sdcard/
But when I tried to flash the Data and Cache partitions kept giving me errors, I couldn't flash anything!
I went to sleep (or tried to sleep, but couldn't) I was panicking!
When I woke up I tried one more thing:
From bootloader I did
Code:
fastboot format cache
fastboot format userdata
(Notice FORMAT instead of erase!)
I booted into TWRP and was able to flash ChromaOS, I was able to enable OEM Unlock, and flashed the full Factory Image, completely back to stock.
I booted once with unlocked bootloader to verify it was working, then locked it.
If I had the stock recovery, I would've had a $650 paperweight.
DO NOT MESS AROUND WITH LOCKED BOOTLOADERS! DON'T RISK IT!
gorei23 said:
Yeah, I learned my lesson, DON'T PLAY WITH LOCKED BOOTLOADERS ON THIS DEVICE, EVER!
I had a locked bootloader, and no System (I had wiped it accidentally).
Luckily though I had the sense to keep TWRP installed, but I couldn't boot to it, it was just bootlooping to the TWRP splash screen.
I thought I had just lost a $650 investment, but here's what I did:
Boot to bootloader, then
Code:
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
Then I could boot to TWRP! So I
Code:
adb push (ChromaOS zip here) /sdcard/
But when I tried to flash the Data and Cache partitions kept giving me errors, I couldn't flash anything!
I went to sleep (or tried to sleep, but couldn't) I was panicking!
When I woke up I tried one more thing:
From bootloader I did
Code:
fastboot format cache
fastboot format userdata
(Notice FORMAT instead of erase!)
I booted into TWRP and was able to flash ChromaOS, I was able to enable OEM Unlock, and flashed the full Factory Image, completely back to stock.
I booted once with unlocked bootloader to verify it was working, then locked it.
If I had the stock recovery, I would've had a $650 paperweight.
DO NOT MESS AROUND WITH LOCKED BOOTLOADERS! DON'T RISK IT!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the method I've outlined and personally tried, it can be safely done. The security settings are the issue and a safe way around that has been found.
Evolution_Freak said:
With the method I've outlined and personally tried, it can be safely done. The security settings are the issue and a safe way around that has been found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I'm just saying don't play around with it, if you're going to relock make sure that you KNOW it will work.
Can confirm that the outlined info here works flawlessly
I used this process to re-lock my phone after unlocking in the fastboot-enabled upgrade from OTA 5.1 "D" to stock 5.1 "E" an hour ago.
The easy part was unlocking/locking/rebooting in the correct order - the harrowing part was when my fastboot update of the radio failed, after which I figured out it was a transient USB issue with my system, so rebooted Windows and then everything went reasonably close to plan.
So, now I'm on "E" and with a locked bootloader (i.e., stock for Verizon). I'll be experimenting with custom ROMs after settling in with this for a bit, but wanted to test out VoLTE and other things before going the custom route.
Thanks again for this guide.
- ooofest
ooofest said:
I used this process to re-lock my phone after unlocking in the fastboot-enabled upgrade from OTA 5.1 "D" to stock 5.1 "E" an hour ago.
The easy part was unlocking/locking/rebooting in the correct order - the harrowing part was when my fastboot update of the radio failed, after which I figured out it was a transient USB issue with my system, so rebooted Windows and then everything went reasonably close to plan.
So, now I'm on "E" and with a locked bootloader (i.e., stock for Verizon). I'll be experimenting with custom ROMs after settling in with this for a bit, but wanted to test out VoLTE and other things before going the custom route.
Thanks again for this guide.
- ooofest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Word of caution, don't flash stuff with a locked bootloader. If you get a bad flash and you can't boot, you'll be screwed.
Doesn't the setting in developer optionsto allow OEM unlock of the bootloader reset every boot on the new firmware? I know mine does on meanpop and chroma both 5.1 roms
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
pwned3 said:
Doesn't the setting in developer optionsto allow OEM unlock of the bootloader reset every boot on the new firmware? I know mine does on meanpop and chroma both 5.1 roms
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
pwned3 said:
Doesn't the setting in developer optionsto allow OEM unlock of the bootloader reset every boot on the new firmware? I know mine does on meanpop and chroma both 5.1 roms
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does if you have "Device protection" enabled. If you do a factory reset and, while you are running through the set up wizard, do not enable "Device protection", then the " Allow OEM unlock" setting should stick.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
rootSU said:
Word of caution, don't flash stuff with a locked bootloader. If you get a bad flash and you can't boot, you'll be screwed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before attempting to upgrade the stock level or going custom, I was planning to run through at least steps 1-4 again to enable me to safely unlock.
Or, do I only need to tick OEM Unlock, adb into stock recovery and then fastboot oem unlock without going through the suggested factory data reset step?
- ooofest

Nexus 6P stuck in bootloop

128 GB Frost Nexus 6P, just got it today in the mail and decided to restart the phone after a day of installing all my apps and re downloading all my music, and now its stuck in the colorful bootloop and has been for over 2 hours. Not Rooted Not Unlocked, I have no idea how to get it out of this. Any suggestions?
dandpw said:
128 GB Frost Nexus 6P, just got it today in the mail and decided to restart the phone after a day of installing all my apps and re downloading all my music, and now its stuck in the colorful bootloop and has been for over 2 hours. Not Rooted Not Unlocked, I have no idea how to get it out of this. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here. I booted and setup device just fine over WiFi. I powered down to install SIM. On reboot I get to PIN lock, and then phone is stuck in boot screen.
{Edit} Reset handset and starting over.
{Edit 2} After factory reset, I've restarted handset three times with no problems.
{Edit 3} Factory reset seems to have fixed the problem.
PhiPsi32 said:
Same issue here. I booted and setup device just fine over WiFi. I powered down to install SIM. On reboot I get to PIN lock, and then phone is stuck in boot screen.
{Edit} Reset handset and starting over.
{Edit 2} After factory reset, I've restarted handset three times with no problems.
{Edit 3} Factory reset seems to have fixed the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you Reset when stuck in the Boot Loop? Thx.
Sent using my Samsung Galaxy Note 4
sabesh said:
How did you Reset when stuck in the Boot Loop? Thx.
Sent using my Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are going to need to boot into fastboot, unlock the bootloader and flash the stock img file from Google.
sabesh said:
How did you Reset when stuck in the Boot Loop? Thx.
Sent using my Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think that holding power and volume up will get you to the factory reset screen, even if bootlooping. I don't think you need to unlock the bootloader.
Shockz said:
You are going to need to boot into fastboot, unlock the bootloader and flash the stock img file from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't unlock the bootloader anyway unless you flip the switch in developer options while the phone is booted. You'd have to go into stock recovery and do a factory reset from there.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
sabbotage said:
You can't unlock the bootloader anyway unless you flip the switch in developer options while the phone is booted. You'd have to go into stock recovery and do a factory reset from there.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's right. Honestly, the first thing you should do when you get your phone is unlock the bootloader since it wipes everything. But yeah, just flash the Google provided images in stock recovery.
Have the exact same problem. However, I've downloaded the MDB08K from the Google site, loaded up the ADB tool, started the flash process but it fails because the device is still unlocked. When I type fastboot oem unlock it fails, presumably because I'm not able to get into the phone to enable debugging. Any ideas?
Shockz said:
Yeah that's right. Honestly, the first thing you should do when you get your phone is unlock the bootloader since it wipes everything. But yeah, just flash the Google provided images in stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will the warranty be void if Bootloader is unlocked? Thx.
Sent using my Samsung Galaxy Note 4
sabesh said:
Will the warranty be void if Bootloader is unlocked? Thx.
Sent using my Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no clear answer here, but I would say the general answer is that no it will not void your warranty. I have never heard of people being rejected by google support if their bootloader was unlocked.
Won't be druv said:
I would think that holding power and volume up will get you to the factory reset screen, even if bootlooping. I don't think you need to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I held volume down and power.
diceman725 said:
Have the exact same problem. However, I've downloaded the MDB08K from the Google site, loaded up the ADB tool, started the flash process but it fails because the device is still unlocked. When I type fastboot oem unlock it fails, presumably because I'm not able to get into the phone to enable debugging. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try: fastboot flashing unlock
diceman725 said:
Have the exact same problem. However, I've downloaded the MDB08K from the Google site, loaded up the ADB tool, started the flash process but it fails because the device is still unlocked. When I type fastboot oem unlock it fails, presumably because I'm not able to get into the phone to enable debugging. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found a solution. I just wasn't familiar with how to get into the stock recovery menu... Too used to TWRP. Factory reset cleared it up - though who knows for how long.
I have the MDB08L variant and I used the boot image from the stock Google MDB08L and thatvworked and I was able to flash TWRP from CMD but it was when I tried installing SuperSU that I got stuck in the bootnloop. I wiped the whole system from TWRP and I'm wondering what steps I should take next? Should I try flashing Chainfire's modified K variant boot image? Or try again with the L boot image?
PhiPsi32 said:
I held volume down and power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sorry, my mistake.
This is happening to me. First time restarting since putting the sim card in. I hold the power button and volume down, select "factory" but then it still gets stuck in the boot loop. How do I factory reset with this issue?
Thanks for any help this really sucks.
Edit: I figured out how to factory reset from this site's instructions:
http://www.androidexplained.com/nexus-6p-recovery-mode/
Looks like half of my initial setup was saved with google syncing my settings but I now need to spend a couple hours to get back to where I was today. WHY DO I HAVE TO CUSTOMIZE SO MUCH?!?....OH YEAH BECAUSE IT IS FUN
Shockz said:
Yeah that's right. Honestly, the first thing you should do when you get your phone is unlock the bootloader since it wipes everything. But yeah, just flash the Google provided images in stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
quick question, if i unlock the bootloader and decdie to root the phone later.. does rooting wipe data on the phone?
No, rooting does not wipe the device.
sabesh said:
Will the warranty be void if Bootloader is unlocked? Thx.
Sent using my Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shockz said:
There is no clear answer here, but I would say the general answer is that no it will not void your warranty. I have never heard of people being rejected by google support if their bootloader was unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents companies from voiding it if the bootloader is unlocked, provided they explain a way to unlock it. Making it a feature of the device itself. Since Google puts out all of their factory images, and even gives instructions on how to unlock the bootloader , it's very likely that it falls under the terms of this law. I've also never heard of them denying warranty service on a device provided there was no accidental damage. Their support is actually pleasant to speak with (unlike HTC in my experince).
I unlocked my bootloader then install the updated factory image.. which reset everything installed twrp then I rebooted in to android I guess for the last time cause now I'm in the bootloop at the colorful android screen any help would be greatly appreciated if I comeback from this I honestly think ill never root my nexus again please help !!!

Stuck on Google Logo, Can't Unlock Bootloader

Hey there.
So I tried to use the Nexus Root Toolkit to sideload the OTA, but now when I try to boot my phone it just shows the white google screen and doesn't do anything. I can use ADB and fastboot and get into the bootloader but I can't flash the factory image because I never checked the "Allow OEM Unlock" tick since I didn't plan on unlocking the bootloader. Can anyone help me out here?
Durvid said:
Hey there.
So I tried to use the Nexus Root Toolkit to sideload the OTA, but now when I try to boot my phone it just shows the white google screen and doesn't do anything. I can use ADB and fastboot and get into the bootloader but I can't flash the factory image because I never checked the "Allow OEM Unlock" tick since I didn't plan on unlocking the bootloader. Can anyone help me out here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly why you should never mess with updates or flashing anything with a locked bootloader. If a factory reset doesn't fix it you're likely out of luck.
if your bootloader is locked still I can't see how flashing an OTA would effect this.
Have you tried to flash just the original bootloader from the android version on your device ( not the version you wish to update to )
Fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
DON'T USE A TOOL KIT ! UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING ! There where clear instructions on how to flash OTA's on this site and likely in the toolkit.
Unfortunately this is a case of NOT reading before doing things, I have yet to see anyone recover from this.
Best of luck tho, but it might be a lesson learned the hardway a.k.a RMA
hutzdani said:
if your bootloader is locked still I can't see how flashing an OTA would effect this.
Have you tried to flash just the original bootloader from the android version on your device ( not the version you wish to update to )
Fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
DON'T USE A TOOL KIT ! UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING ! There where clear instructions on how to flash OTA's on this site and likely in the toolkit.
Unfortunately this is a case of NOT reading before doing things, I have yet to see anyone recover from this.
Best of luck tho, but it might be a lesson learned the hardway a.k.a RMA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll attempt this. Weirdly enough when I look at device info in adb it shows it as being on the newest version. But Yeah I'll attempt to flash what I was on before.
Yeah, I mean I've done this before with no issues on my Nexus 6 and there were no issues but that was unlocked when I got it. I just thought you didn't have to unlock the bootloader to sideload OTA's? I may be wrong.
hutzdani said:
if your bootloader is locked still I can't see how flashing an OTA would effect this.
Have you tried to flash just the original bootloader from the android version on your device ( not the version you wish to update to )
Fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah like I thought, "Device is locked. Cannot Flash Images"
I wish I had known they added that "Allow OEM Unlock" Switch in Lollipop. Would have solved my problem if I had that toggled.
Durvid said:
Yeah like I thought, "Device is locked. Cannot Flash Images"
I wish I had known they added that "Allow OEM Unlock" Switch in Lollipop. Would have solved my problem if I had that toggled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just said you had a nexus 6 unlocked, how did you not know the switch existed?
hutzdani said:
if your bootloader is locked still I can't see how flashing an OTA would effect this.
Have you tried to flash just the original bootloader from the android version on your device ( not the version you wish to update to )
Fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
DON'T USE A TOOL KIT ! UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING ! There where clear instructions on how to flash OTA's on this site and likely in the toolkit.
Unfortunately this is a case of NOT reading before doing things, I have yet to see anyone recover from this.
Best of luck tho, but it might be a lesson learned the hardway a.k.a RMA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
akellar said:
You just said you had a nexus 6 unlocked, how did you not know the switch existed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it used on /r/hardwareswap and whoever I got it from had already unlocked it.
I know someone advised you to try to flash a bootloader, but it isn't going to work of your bootloader is locked. What build were you on and which OTA zip did you try to flash?
Heisenberg said:
I know someone advised you to try to flash a bootloader, but it isn't going to work of your bootloader is locked. What build were you on and which OTA zip did you try to flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started on 6.0 MDB08L and was trying to flash 6.1 MMB29M
Durvid said:
I started on 6.0 MDB08L and was trying to flash 6.1 MMB29M
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, but I need the name of the zip please.
Heisenberg said:
OK, but I need the name of the zip please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, it's
533df5ddfa4297997634a8553f0122be5cca4c09.signed-angler-MMB29M-from-MDB08L.zip.
Grabbed it from here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus6P/comments/3w6qzd/easy_how_to_sideload_ota_601/
Durvid said:
Sorry, it's
533df5ddfa4297997634a8553f0122be5cca4c09.signed-angler-MMB29M-from-MDB08L.zip.
Grabbed it from here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus6P/comments/3w6qzd/easy_how_to_sideload_ota_601/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, just needed to make sure you had the right one. What have you done to troubleshoot so far?
Heisenberg said:
OK, just needed to make sure you had the right one. What have you done to troubleshoot so far?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tied to flash stock, but can't do that due to the bootloader being locked, tried to just hard reset but it just does the same thing where it gets stuck on the Google logo. I checked the manufacture info in the toolkit and everything is clean. Tried to flash the old bootloader but like you said I can't flash since I'm locked. Not really sure what else to do :/
Durvid said:
I've tied to flash stock, but can't do that due to the bootloader being locked, tried to just hard reset but it just does the same thing where it gets stuck on the Google logo. I checked the manufacture info in the toolkit and everything is clean. Tried to flash the old bootloader but like you said I can't flash since I'm locked. Not really sure what else to do :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I think you're pretty much screwed unfortunately. You could talk to Google support and see if they'll RMA the phone.
Heisenberg said:
Honestly, I think you're pretty much screwed unfortunately. You could talk to Google support and see if they'll RMA the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think they would do it since I technically didn't void any warrantys or anything. I appreciate the help. What do I need to make sure to do if I do this again in the future? Definitely "Allow OEM Unlock", and do I have to unlock the bootloader? I was under the impression that you didn't have to to flash an OTA.
Durvid said:
Yeah I think they would do it since I technically didn't void any warrantys or anything. I appreciate the help. What do I need to make sure to do if I do this again in the future? Definitely "Allow OEM Unlock", and do I have to unlock the bootloader? I was under the impression that you didn't have to to flash an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely unlock the bootloader, it isn't needed to flash an update via the stock recovery, but it is needed to get out of sticky situations like this. If your bootloader was unlocked now you'd be up and running in ten minutes.
Durvid said:
Sorry, it's
533df5ddfa4297997634a8553f0122be5cca4c09.signed-angler-MMB29M-from-MDB08L.zip.
Grabbed it from here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus6P/comments/3w6qzd/easy_how_to_sideload_ota_601/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hilarious that the top comment is mine telling you why doing this is a bad idea
Heisenberg said:
Definitely unlock the bootloader, it isn't needed to flash an update via the stock recovery, but it is needed to get out of sticky situations like this. If your bootloader was unlocked now you'd be up and running in ten minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'll probably wait for the update over the air for a while and maybe if I feel reallly eager I'll just make sure I unlock and such. Annoying that you can't unlock via fastboot anymore without that toggle. I get that Google is trying to make Android super secure but It's not too useful for folks like us. Sure it's bricked a lot of devices.
akellar said:
Hilarious that the top comment is mine telling you why doing this is a bad idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done it before with other devices. I wouldn't say it's inherently bad. It's just that there was one toggle that I wasn't aware of that caused the issue. You live and you learn.
THIS IS NOT MY IDEA !
I found this in a N9 thread and it worked according to the user with the issue, apply this with the correct t factory image ( do it with the version you have on your device not the one you tried to update to ! )
This might not work but its worth a try ! Before doing this read about ADB and Fastboot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Try and understand the basics and know what the commands are doing to help backtrack e.C.t
If it does work - go to settings and allow OEM Unlock and USB debug !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then go read from reputable sources how to flash images manually via adb !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'd follow vomers guides.
Had this problem with another device cool thing to remeber is that on locked devices the only thing that is different is that there is a signature before the MAGIC header so the solution is to pull the android stock images from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images. Once done extract the images in both the zip and the tar that is inside the zip. You will see recovery.img inside the tar. One thing about the boot process of TWRP is that it enables adb in preboot meaning while in the boot loop you should have access to adb. With access to adb all you need to do is dd the images over the corresponding partitions: i.e.
PLEASE NOTE NOT FOR THE FEINT OF HEART. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU BRICKING YOUR DEVICE.
Quote:
adb push recovery.img recovery.img
adb shell dd if=recovery.img of=/dev/block/<recoverymmcblock>
I dont know if the default recovery has adb push update so id probably recommend doing this on every partition thats inside the tar, i.e. system, boot.

Bricked?

Hi,
I have the OnePlus 5 8GB.
I unlocked my bootload, rooted my phone, all good.
But then I realized android pay is not working with rooted phones, so i wanted to undo it.
for some reason i ran this because i found it in a guide to lock the bootloader again (yes, it was was stupid):
./fastboot flashing lock
After that i got the message that my device is corrupt and cant boot. So i ran ./fastboot oem unlock and that message disappeard.
I tried booting, but nothing happend for 10 minutes, still boot animation. so i went into fastboot, flashed twrp and tried doing a factory reset, but whatever i do, I get tons of these error messages:
Updating partition details...
Error opening: '/data/misc/[...]
Error opening: '/data/user_de/0/[...['
(No such file or directory)
What can I do?
I can even ADB sideload because of those errors.
edit:
also it shows nothing for bootloader version or baseband version in the fastboot screen.
https://imgur.com/a/z2KN3
doesnt look good. cant copy anything to device or from device
Might have to RMA the phone. I'm not sure I've seen anyone unbrick a phone after locking the bootloader with a custom recovery still installed. I hope someone knows of a way. Good luck bro.
Also, of you get it working, use Magisk, it allows Android pay to work while rooted
Eric214 said:
Might have to RMA the phone. I'm not sure I've seen anyone unbrick a phone after locking the bootloader with a custom recovery still installed. I hope someone knows of a way. Good luck bro.
Also, of you get it working, use Magisk, it allows Android pay to work while rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything I should do to have them not reject the RMA?
thx for the Magisk advice, using it now.
Oh I think i got it.
flashed the OP5_recovery.img from their website via fastboot, android launched again!!!
TheCorax said:
Anything I should do to have them not reject the RMA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's obvious someone tampered with the software, they may reject it.
You don't lose warranty if you root, but they won't cover the cost if anything happens to it due to the user's intervention.
If you manage to get the stock ROM onto the phone, you may be able to flash it from TWRP.
TheCorax said:
Oh I think i got it.
flashed the OP5_recovery.img from their website via fastboot, android launched again!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, did it work? Did it boot Android or just recovery? Please let us know so that anyone who comes up with this problem can solve it without suffering as much as you did.
Sent from my OnePlus 5 using XDA Labs
elbuenzurdo said:
So, did it work? Did it boot Android or just recovery? Please let us know so that anyone who comes up with this problem can solve it without suffering as much as you did.
Sent from my OnePlus 5 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it works again. That what I meant by android is launching.
TheCorax said:
Yes it works again. That what I meant by android is launching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you do to get your device recognized? I have a similar problem for that command. But muy device just turned off and doesnt do nothing, Im trying flash it but nothing atm.
I have a leeco le s3 x626

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