Database Users

[Q] A quick question.

I recently obtained an Xperia Play for myself from Verizon. I was wondering if any of you think I should root it or not. I have rooted my old Droid1 and have flashed a few roms on it. I am just finicky about doing this phone since it is brand new to me and the bootloader was just unlocked recently. I don't really want to brick my phone (I'm quite sure no one does.)

Hemingsent said:
I recently obtained an Xperia Play for myself from Verizon. I was wondering if any of you think I should root it or not. I have rooted my old Droid1 and have flashed a few roms on it. I am just finicky about doing this phone since it is brand new to me and the bootloader was just unlocked recently. I don't really want to brick my phone (I'm quite sure no one does.)
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how can your brick your phone rooting if anything you have done the only risky thing unlocking your bootloader

No, I haven't done anything with it yet.

Hemingsent said:
No, I haven't done anything with it yet.
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you said in your op that "the bootloader was just unlocked recently"

What I meant was that the verizon model was successfully unlocked, not that I had unlocked mine.

So to clarify, I will have to unlock my bootloader in order to obtain root for my Verizon R800x? Also, it will brick if I use an OTA update while it is unlocked? If this is so is it possible to relock the bootloader in order to avoid bricking it? I want to make sure I know as much as I can before attempting to root my play.

Hemingsent said:
1. I will have to unlock my bootloader in order to obtain root for my Verizon R800x?
2. will brick if I use an OTA update while it is unlocked?
3. If this is so is it possible to relock the bootloader in order to avoid bricking it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes
2. Yes, any official updates (Pc companion, OTA, SEUS) will brick your phone
3. Yes. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134334&page=5, But i dont know if it works on the r800x. I think blagus is waiting for someone to test it. Ask on that thread if its working or not. In the case on the r800i you can relock the bootloader from the link above and then use offical updates again.
Tbh you might get more info if you check out the R800X Bootloader CRACKED! thread

Okay, thank you a ton. I have been reading a lot of these forums lately and haven't found a clear answer for my questions until now. I was reading that blagus is waiting for someone to test it but the last post is from the 8th. Now I just play the waiting game.

Unlock Bootloader Pros and Cons

Hi all
My XPlay is unlocked and i have not rooted it or used a custom rom.
What are the good and bad points if i unlock the bootloader?
I have no intention of using a custom rom(just wish they would release official 2.3.4 tho) dont care to root it either tbh(tho that could change )
Is it worth unlocking the bootloader?
Oh and have SE confirmed a date for ota of 2.3.4 yet?
Thanks
Jay

I would not say its worth unlocking it...
Cons:
Can't update (As fare as I know)
Warranty Void
Pros:
More freedom to do with your phone (Android offers enough anyway)

Thanks Craig.
Does the Bootloader have to be unlocked to root the phone?

No you don't need to that's all I have done to mine is sim unlock aswell as the bootloader ota and pc companion updater all works fine.

jutley said:
No you don't need to that's all I have done to mine is sim unlock aswell as the bootloader ota and pc companion updater all works fine.
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What did you use to root your xplay jutley? and does invalidate warranty?

jaytwo said:
What did you use to root your xplay jutley? and does invalidate warranty?
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Rooting won't void your warranty and you can root here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859
Follow the guide and it will be safe, Also you don't need an unlocked boot loader for that root either, to be honest if you don't plan on using another ROM then don't unlock the boot loader, its pretty risky as the xperia play auto updates OTA.

TheCraig said:
Rooting won't void your warranty and you can root here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859
Follow the guide and it will be safe, Also you don't need an unlocked boot loader for that root either, to be honest if you don't plan on using another ROM then don't unlock the boot loader, its pretty risky as the xperia play auto updates OTA.
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Yep did this earlier and works great. Took me all of 5 minutes.

Root does void your warranty, because it's a software modification in the operative system that Sony doesn't support.
However, you people should learn to understand that your warranty and your technical service is XDA.

Logseman said:
Root does void your warranty, because it's a software modification in the operative system that Sony doesn't support.
However, you people should learn to understand that your warranty and your technical service is XDA.
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+1 but it depends how the warranty is worded, many people with the DHD got there rooted phone fixed because the warranty did'nt specifically mention software modifications

My brother said he was never going to root his phone, but then I showed him all the things he could do with it and now he can't believe he ever felt that way. I think if you looked into the possibilities a little more, you might change your mind too.
Unlocking the bootloader is another thing entirely. If you're satisfied with the stock firmware, then there's no reason to do it.

Thanks guys i might root when i feel brave enough

Why one should never unlock the Motorola Razr HD bootloader (xt925) !

The pro & cons of unlocking the bootloader:
Pro: Install customs ROMS with custom kernels (basically that's it)
Cons: - Loosing warranty from Motorola & your carrier
- No more firmware upgrades (your IMEI is dropped out of Motorola databank)
- Little verity of quality custom ROMs or development (close to none) exist for the Razr HD
- Future upgrade to JB & KLP will never happened (this phone is listed as a potential candidate for KLP update)
- Keeping your xt925 beyond your 1 year warranty will still guaranty, a steady upgrades of firmware
- Can root a phone with bootloader locked (without loosing warranty - root is reversible)
- Legally (Motorola binding Bootloader unlock contract), you can't sell a BL unlock Motorola Razr HD phone !
If someone can add some Pro's to an unlock bootloader please do it..

Are you sure about the firmware upgrades? I read somewhere that's not the case.

I wish I had known all this before I unlocked my phone.

Are you sure about the firmware upgrades? I read somewhere that's not the case.
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I spoke to Motorola & my carrier services, also read the warning details before the unlock process begins.
I wish I had known all this before I unlocked my phone
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Click to collapse
Same here..(I learned all that after the fact)

I'd add this to Pro:
If you're stuck on Rogers 49003 ICS because you flashed the ROM trying to get root, your best option to get anything above 4.0.4 is to unlock bootloader?

Perhaps a CWM install will be possible for those with unlocked bootloaders when updates come.
It seems that in one form or another an unlocked bootloader means being able to push all the new files in doesn't it? Is there any limitation on this phone, for example flashing a new modem or kernel?

Cons one by one:
itzik_man said:
- Loosing warranty from Motorola & your carrier
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True, but obvious.
itzik_man said:
- No more firmware upgrades (your IMEI is dropped out of Motorola databank)
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Nope. Even if you were not to receive OTA, which by the way is not true as I've observed on my Photon Q, you can still freely flash the new firmwares yourself ^^
itzik_man said:
- Little verity of quality custom ROMs or development (close to none) exist for the Razr HD
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Depends on ones point of view. Usually a CM port means you get newer Android sooner.
itzik_man said:
- Future upgrade to JB & KLP will never happened (this phone is listed as a potential candidate for KLP update)
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Why it wouldn't? Unlocking BLs has no impact on upgrade schedule.
itzik_man said:
- Keeping your xt925 beyond your 1 year warranty will still guaranty, a steady upgrades of firmware
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No. That's solely on Moto / Google decision. They don't have to update it at all. (See Droid 3, Milestone 3, Motorola XT720 etc.)
itzik_man said:
- Can root a phone with bootloader locked (without loosing warranty - root is reversible)
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Click to collapse
Yes, although you have to be careful, because there are scirpts checking if you're rooted.
itzik_man said:
- Legally (Motorola binding Bootloader unlock contract), you can't sell a BL unlock Motorola Razr HD phone !
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Click to collapse
You can sue Moto for breaking laws. They can't forbid you doing that (don't know honestly how is that in US / Canada, but I doubt that seeing how it works with computer games).
So please, while for normal user not willing to flash custom ROMs it's true that they should not unlock the bootloader, don't spill nonsenses around that. It's just that when you unlock your bootloader, you're on your own when playing with the firmware. But when you have stock firmware back on it, nothing prevents you from getting the OTA.

don't spill nonsenses around that. It's just that when you unlock your bootloader, you're on your own when playing with the firmware. But when you have stock firmware back on it, nothing prevents you from getting the OTA.
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Possible 90% of your response represent just false theories..
OTA is goneforever once you unlock your bootloader ! If & when you be able manually to install JB, still your IMEI (not registered with Motorola) wont OTA.
You can sue nobody ! it's a contractual agreement you "sign" when you agree to unlock BL !
And if you can't OTA, No future auto upgrades.
So, before you use a statement "don't spill nonsense" make sure you are talking sense...

At least on my O2 Germany xt925 I got the update OTA from ICS to JB after unlocking. Had to return to the stock bootloader because the OTA relies on it after rebooting though.

itzik_man said:
Possible 90% of your response represent just false theories..
OTA is goneforever once you unlock your bootloader ! If & when you be able manually to install JB, still your IMEI (not registered with Motorola) wont OTA.
You can sue nobody ! it's a contractual agreement you "sign" when you agree to unlock BL !
And if you can't OTA, No future auto upgrades.
So, before you use a statement "don't spill nonsense" make sure you are talking sense...
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Click to collapse
Once again.
A) The reason why the page says "no updates" is beacuse OTA updates only work when you're on stock firmware, which is unlikely when you have the bootloader unlocked. That's all.
B) There are things that such "agreement" cannot contain. Being unable to sell the phone is one of them in most countries.

I disagree from the op.
Every change to device firmware compromises the warranty, not just bootloader, read the agreements ... If you exploit a bug to have root access, you will have to fool everyone who will have contact with your phone so they don't see what you have done. Even if you try to "reverse" the root, you(or the program you use) will always leave a trace.

We should be promoting "unlock the world"
This is not to imply everything should be free, however if I own something it should be mine in every regard, that includes breaking it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------
@skrilax thanks for you work on the a500.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I have xt925, first thing I did was unlock boot loader. Then I updated ota to Telstra JB. OP is misleading people.

Once again.
A) The reason why the page says "no updates" is beacuse OTA updates only work when you're on stock firmware, which is unlikely when you have the bootloader unlocked. That's all.
B) There are things that such "agreement" cannot contain. Being unable to sell the phone is one of them in most countries.
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Click to collapse
To end my part in this discussion: The limitations, restrictions & disadvantages of unlocking the bootloader are much greater then any benefit or gain under the current availability of development !

Darbness said:
I have xt925, first thing I did was unlock boot loader. Then I updated ota to Telstra JB. OP is misleading people.
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Have you tried out lte tethering? It doesn't work on Rogers.

To epinter -
I disagree from the op.
Every change to device firmware compromises the warranty, not just bootloader, read the agreements ... If you exploit a bug to have root access, you will have to fool everyone who will have contact with your phone so they don't see what you have done. Even if you try to "reverse" the root, you(or the program you use) will always leave a trace.http://www.linuxmobile
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Click to collapse
I did not notice your response at first, now to the point -
Without any disrespect to the work, time & effort invested, the main point is being ignored by the developers: All comments I got on this OP didn't touched the number one reason of my suggestion to not unlock the bootloader: There in not really enough of a variety of development options today to justification the bootloader unlocked of the xt925.

Skrilax_CZ said:
Cons one by one:
Yes, although you have to be careful, because there are scirpts checking if you're rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone elaborate on this point; I read in another thread that when you remove all rooted apps and data, clear out the files left in /system, that there is still info stored stated if the device has ever been rooted, and that this can be cleared using an app on a PC (don't remember which) however when I looked at the app it was specific to the XT926 and thus I wouldn't be able to use it.
After a thorough clean of every rooted app and everything left behind by rooted apps, is there a known way (or assumed to be working way) on XT925 to erase the record of the root.
Also, assuming I was to get my phone back to that state and remove proof of root, what specifically do I need to do in order to be careful as stated... or is epinter correct in saying that there is always a trace left behind, and if so, is this a blatant trace or something that hasn't been of much concern for Motorola in the past when servicing phones?
Tombs1234 said:
At least on my O2 Germany xt925 I got the update OTA from ICS to JB after unlocking. Had to return to the stock bootloader because the OTA relies on it after rebooting though.
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Click to collapse
How would I return to a stock bootloader if I were to unlock mine and an OTA didn't work? How did you do it?

itzik_man said:
The limitations, restrictions & disadvantages of unlocking the bootloader are much greater then any benefit or gain under the current availability of development !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's your decision whether to unlock the bootloader or not. I'm just saying (for other users) that many of the cons you wrote were absolutely incorrect.
PantsDownJedi said:
Can someone elaborate on this point; I read in another thread that when you remove all rooted apps and data, clear out the files left in /system, that there is still info stored stated if the device has ever been rooted, and that this can be cleared using an app on a PC (don't remember which) however when I looked at the app it was specific to the XT926 and thus I wouldn't be able to use it.
After a thorough clean of every rooted app and everything left behind by rooted apps, is there a known way (or assumed to be working way) on XT925 to erase the record of the root.
Also, assuming I was to get my phone back to that state and remove proof of root, what specifically do I need to do in order to be careful as stated... or is epinter correct in saying that there is always a trace left behind, and if so, is this a blatant trace or something that hasn't been of much concern for Motorola in the past when servicing phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe there is something stored in the pds partition. Or at least it is that way on Droid RAZR XT912 and you had to fix it to remove the remaining traces. Flashing FXZ is also a way how to get a clean stock firmware, but pds partition is not affected that way.
PantsDownJedi said:
How would I return to a stock bootloader if I were to unlock mine and an OTA didn't work? How did you do it?
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Click to collapse
I think he meant "stock firmware" instead of "stock bootloader"

So if that were the case on this phone, I wonder if doing a dd backup of the pds partition before rooting at ICS, for restoring after downgrade, would be the way to go. Assuming it restores properly, it would be a good thing to add to the sticky thread about rooting. I did a dd of all my partitions except for /data last night, but I'm already rooted.
hmm... I'm wondering if there's something inaccessable in /system or even the sdcard since they get mounted with fuse. My only other Android phone was the Galaxy S II which was pretty straightforward and dead simple to root and unroot. I was surprised to see the fuse module being used to mount anything when I got this one.

The original topic is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1857558
I don't know if there was a proper fix developed (haven't checked) on the RAZR.

[Q][HELP] Error in Nexus 4 with KitKat KRT16S !

Ok, My Nexus 4 NOT LOCK BOOTLOADER after update for Kitkat, and no lock in any Stock and Customs ROMS !
just stays on: "LOCK-STATE: unlocked"
The commando line fastboot oem lock not work :crying:
help me I'm desperate
Help pls ... how to lock my device ? .-.

Well first of all, why would you like to re-lock your bootloader?

mumaster20 said:
Well first of all, why would you like to re-lock your bootloader?
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my friend said that the OTA updates require locked bootloader, then I would like to lock it again ...
and how this under warranty, also wanted to make everything from factory

Your friend is wrong. You don't need locked bootloader to get OTA.
To get OTA update, you need stock rom and stock recovery, locked or unlocked doesn't matter.
You can also flash the factory stock image without wiping your data (see link in my signature).
If you have root you can use this app to lock and unlock your bootloader: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker

eksasol said:
Your friend is wrong. You don't need locked bootloader to get OTA.
To get OTA update, you need stock rom and stock recovery, locked or unlocked doesn't matter.
You can also flash the factory stock image without wiping your data (see link in my signature).
If you have root you can use this app to lock and unlock your bootloader: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, i understand .... so, my bootloader not lock with the app BootUnlocker, or command line, i tested all methods and nothing :crying:

AndreyVilella said:
Yes, i understand .... so, my bootloader not lock with the app BootUnlocker, or command line, i tested all methods and nothing :crying:
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Click to collapse
I guess something is up with your phone physical memory, but it doesn't matter, it really should not affect your warrenty (but the custom rom and recoveries will). Makes zero different to OTA updates either.

eksasol said:
I guess something is up with your phone physical memory, but it doesn't matter, it really should not affect your warrenty (but the custom rom and recoveries will). Makes zero different to OTA updates either.
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Ok, thanks, then I can rest easy while the warranty? I just be with a recovery image and also manufactures and without Root?

AndreyVilella said:
Ok, thanks, then I can rest easy while the warranty? I just be with a recovery image and also manufactures and without Root?
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Honestly, I don't think they care if you have root either, but that's base on other user feedbacks. It seems LG warrenty is picky about other things and not very good from the feedbacks from what I read actually, but I haven't had first hand experience. But people have sent in rooted devices for repair.
I think just have factory image and stock recovery and stock kernel.

Solution !
eksasol said:
Honestly, I don't think they care if you have root either, but that's base on other user feedbacks. It seems LG warrenty is picky about other things and not very good from the feedbacks from what I read actually, but I haven't had first hand experience. But people have sent in rooted devices for repair.
I think just have factory image and stock recovery and stock kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, Thanks ! I will continue in Stock image with bootloader Unlocked ...

One Click Root?

Hey Im getting the Moto X Pure Editon and I was wondering if there are any viable one click root methods, or a way to root without unlocking the bootloader. I have read that one certain (very questionable) method that XDA is against (and rightly so) can be used, but I have no plans on going that route. Im certainly not new to unlocking a bootloader and am not against it. Ive had the original Moto X Developer Edition, and currently have the Nexus 6, but the whole void the warranty deal I would like to avoid if at all possible. If I could get root and use titanium backup and ad free I could be fine with that. That being said is there a way to root without unlocking the bootloader. And is there something like on the old Droid Razr where you could install a recovery while the bootloader is still locked. Yes I know google is my friend and I have looked but haven't seen anything. So my assumption is I will probably have to unlock the bootloader. But I did want to ask before I jumped and unlocked it, because if anyone would know I know I could find out on here.

pacman377 said:
Hey Im getting the Moto X Pure Editon and I was wondering if there are any viable one click root methods, or a way to root without unlocking the bootloader. I have read that one certain (very questionable) method that XDA is against (and rightly so) can be used, but I have no plans on going that route. Im certainly not new to unlocking a bootloader and am not against it. Ive had the original Moto X Developer Edition, and currently have the Nexus 6, but the whole void the warranty deal I would like to avoid if at all possible. If I could get root and use titanium backup and ad free I could be fine with that. That being said is there a way to root without unlocking the bootloader. And is there something like on the old Droid Razr where you could install a recovery while the bootloader is still locked. Yes I know google is my friend and I have looked but haven't seen anything. So my assumption is I will probably have to unlock the bootloader. But I did want to ask before I jumped and unlocked it, because if anyone would know I know I could find out on here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no one has developed a method to root without unlocking the bootlader and i doubt there will be one anytime soon(if ever since it's so easy and is an unlocked phone)

Ok thank you.

pizzlewizzle said:
No, no one has developed a method to root without unlocking the bootlader and i doubt there will be one anytime soon(if ever since it's so easy and is an unlocked phone)
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With the hassles Motorola gives people trying to get warranty support after unlocking the bootloader, it would actually be quite beneficial.

Unlocking bootloader does not void warranty completely!!! Software issues caused by the user are indeed not under warrenty anymore. Hardware related issues are.. I had 2 times screen blemishes and both times my screen got replaced for free. Great service from motorola.

bartjeh1991 said:
Unlocking bootloader does not void warranty completely!!! Software issues caused by the user are indeed not under warrenty anymore. Hardware related issues are.. I had 2 times screen blemishes and both times my screen got replaced for free. Great service from motorola.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I have done that with other phones but I had read mixed results concerning the Moto X Pure. So if it is hardware related Motorola will honor the warrenty, software your SOL. But software we can always reflash the stock system and all.

pacman377 said:
Ok I have done that with other phones but I had read mixed results concerning the Moto X Pure. So if it is hardware related Motorola will honor the warrenty, software your SOL. But software we can always reflash the stock system and all.
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If you unlock boot loader ur self. Theres a oneclick root app calles kingroot they quote they can root amy phone its one of those china made apps and closed source, id only use ir if your that desperate. Also they install there own version of supersu.. but theres a way to remove it just.google it..

Kingroot doesn't work. At least it didn't on mine. Only way I've found is either systemless or toolkit if you're on lollipop

Jay794 said:
Kingroot doesn't work. At least it didn't on mine. Only way I've found is either systemless or toolkit if you're on lollipop
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well i found this https://www.search4roots.com/how-to-easily-root-moto-x-style-marshmallow-6-0-1/

StreetkillnHD said:
well i found this https://www.search4roots.com/how-to-easily-root-moto-x-style-marshmallow-6-0-1/
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I'd stick with the tested and tried methods. One click options have the potential for opening the doorway to unwanted content.....
Chainfire's supersu has been around for a long time.

Unlocking the bootloader is a must if you want to root on this phone... ATM anyway and I doubt it will change. I used to think one click root was the way to go too but once again, there are potentially many things that can go wrong so knowing the tried and true manual ways is always best. Knowing how to recover from botched attempts has allowed me to bring my phone back from soft bricks several times.
Sent from my awesome phone!