[GUIDE] Root & recovery WITHOUT oem unlock & wipe (2.3.2 & older, plus now 2.3)
UPDATE #2 - Fitchman has reported successful root and rom flash without unlocking the bootloader by using Ginger Break. Full details in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13236136&postcount=135
UPDATE - IMPORTANT: This method does not work with Android 2.3.3. Search the forum or this post in this thread for a way to update to 2.3.3 and root without unlocking if you haven't updated yet.
Alternatively, use this method on 2.3.2 and lower, then use titanium to back up everything, store it on your laptop (along with all your sdcard's data), then do the oem unlock step first and then continue from there with the rest of the guide.
Not my original idea, but a consolidation of a discussion between inakipaz and shrivelfig and myself in another thread and being posted here for easier finding by future root-seekers.
Shrivelfig's tested the method to re-root a previously rooted pone with a re-locked bootloader, and inakipaz has done it on a phone that's never had the bootloader unlocked.
The advantage here is that those who chose not to root when they first got the phone won't lose any app data or sdcard data like the methods that have you unlock the bootloader do. The disadvantage is your bootloader remains locked, which may prevent you flashing certain things in the future.
edit: see ravidavi's posts below; he's shown you can even flash custom roms that are clockwork compatible while having a locked bootloader with this method.
Download these two files:
clockwork recovery v3.0.0.5 or clockwork recovery v3.0.0.5 mirror if above not working
su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip
Koush's blog for the latest clockwork updates (find Nexus S in the list).
Also, if you don't already have the necessary android sdk and drivers on your computer, get them from here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html and install them. Some Windows users report better luck just installing pdanet. There's a decent guide for Windows users on installing the sdk here.
Place the recovery file on your laptop where you can access it while using the sdk fastboot commands.
Place the su zip one in the top level folder of your sdcard.
Put your phone in fastboot mode (power off, then hold volume up and power key at the same time until the phone boots to a white screen).
Use fastboot to boot the phone into the clockwork recovery:
Code:
fastboot boot recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img
If you're not sure how to get fastboot working on your computer, follow the excellent instructions that Allgamer gives in this GUIDE, but don't do the oem unlock command!
Once in clockwork, flash the su file to the phone by following these steps below.
To navigate in the clockwork recovery, you use the volume keys to scroll up/down through the menus, and the on/off button to select what's highlighted.
(note: some report success without these first 3 steps, others don't get a succesful root without, I recommend doing them)
select mounts and storage.
select mount /system
select go back
select install ZIP from sdcard
select choose zip from sdcard
select su-version#-signed.zip file you downloaded earlier
select yes - install su-version#-signed.zip
confirm it says "Install from sdcard complete"
select go back
select reboot
After the phone reboots, you should be rooted, with a locked bootloader, and none of your data erased.
That said, never hurts to have a backup of your precious data on the sdcard that you can copy over to the computer.
This method doesn't install busybox, so go to the Market and download/install busybox directly, or get Titanium Backup and check it's "problems?" button and let it install busybox for you. There's also an app called root checker that supposedly verifies you have a working root on your phone.
Once you have a successful root installed, I'd suggest getting back into clockwork recovery and running a nandroid back up from clockwork's backs and restore menu. Then copy that file from your sdcard (in the /clockwork/backups folder) to your laptop for safe-keeping and an easy full system restore to a known working config.
Usual disclaimers about I'm not responsible for damage to your phone or loss of data apply. Use any rooting method at your own risk.
Thanks and all the real credit go to inakipaz, shrivelfig and allgamer, and of course to koush, and ChainsDD for the superuser apk.
Worked perfectly. I used fastboot from my Mac (outlined in the stickied Mac Root thread). Root checker verifies that I have root.
And by the way, my phone and I are both root/ROM cherry. First android phone, first time rooter. Will work up the guts to flash a ROM soon, but of course there's no chance of doing THAT without unlocking the bootloader.
Thanks to all involved in this!
yeah! good work!
Srsly. Awsom.
Someone sticky this....
Question: When you do the fastboot boot command, does that overwrite the stock recovery with Clockwork? Or is it just booting into the recovery img without actually flashing it?
I would think this method also gives you a way to back up before unlocking the bootloader.
1) fastboot boot into Clockwork as described here
2) Full nandroid backup from Clockwork
3) Mount "SD" from Clockwork over USB, copy everything to computer (since it wipes everything)
4) Go back and unlock the bootloader as usual, resulting in a full wipe
5) Flash Clockwork Recovery again through whichever method
6) Mount "SD" from Clockwork over USB, copy the backup back to phone
7) Restore nandroid
And now you've unlocked the bootloader without amnesia =)
ravidavi said:
And by the way, my phone and I are both root/ROM cherry. First android phone, first time rooter. Will work up the guts to flash a ROM soon, but of course there's no chance of doing THAT without unlocking the bootloader.
Thanks to all involved in this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you need to unlock the bootloader to flash a ROM? Now that you have root, try installing ROM Manager from the Market, and see if it lets you flash custom recovery with bootloader still locked. If so, then yes you can install a ROM!
Also, the fact that you're able to boot into Clockwork using "fastboot boot" - that also means you can install a ROM .zip file right from there.
cmstlist said:
Question: When you do the fastboot boot command, does that overwrite the stock recovery with Clockwork? Or is it just booting into the recovery img without actually flashing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"fastboot boot" only launches the recovery no unlock needed. "fastboot flash" flash the recovery
cmstlist said:
Are you sure you need to unlock the bootloader to flash a ROM? Now that you have root, try installing ROM Manager from the Market, and see if it lets you flash custom recovery with bootloader still locked. If so, then yes you can install a ROM!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked! Here's the process I used, starting from a completely unmodded Nexus S.
1: Use the method detailed here to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader.
2: Using a root-enabled file explorer (I used Super Manager), rename install-recovery.sh (in /etc) to install-recovery.sh.old . You'll need to remount as r/w to do this. NOTE: You don't *have* to do this step, but if you don't, then you can only use clockwork once after which it will be erased on reboot.
3: Using ROM Manager, install Clockwork Recovery.
4: Pleasure yourself, because your bootloader is still locked and nothing was erased.
I have yet to try actually flashing a custom ROM. Does this mean that it can also be done without unlocking bootloader?
Well damn, whaddaya know. I just flashed MoDaCo r10 without unlocking the bootloader, and without losing any personal data on /sdcard.
I figure someone at XDA should like this.
Pretty much followed distortedloop's advice. Starting from a fully stock Nexus S with Android 2.3.2 (GRH78C):
* Root using the method on this thread.
* Rename install-recovery.su to install-recovery-old.su. (in /bin)
* Install Clockwork Recovery from ROM Manager.
* Download whatever ROM you want (compatible with Clockwork), rename to update.zip, and copy to sdcard.
* Reboot into Clockwork.
* Wipe cache, reset to factory (IF REQUIRED BY NEW ROM). This was my first install of MoDaCo, and that requires it. This step does NOT erase your personal files on sdcard, just all android-related files.
* Install update.zip from Clockwork.
* Continue self-pleasuring ... you now have a custom rom without touching your bootloader or wiping your personal sdcard data.
Maybe it's just because I'm a noob here, but it seems to me that this is a BIG deal. All root/ROM installation methods that I've seen so far have required an unlocked bootloader. This seems to be the first time a Nexus S has been unlocked and custom-ROM'd without unlocking the bootloader and wiping the entire /sdcard.
Ravi
Yeah, it's pretty clear that the unlock the bootloader step isn't necessary for most of what we want to do. Just a habit from earlier devices, perhaps?
What's really odd is now we have to wonder what's the purpose of the oem unlock erasing your sdcard? Speculation was that it was a security feature to keep people from accessing your data if they stole your phone; they couldn't flash something on the phone to get access, but clearly they can. Fastboot into a custom recovery and you own the phone.
Perhaps this is a security hole Google will try to fix some day?
At any rate, I wish we'd discovered this sooner, it would have saved several people some grief in having to lose saved games (Angry Birds!) when they finally decided to root.
distortedloop said:
Yeah, it's pretty clear that the unlock the bootloader step isn't necessary for most of what we want to do. Just a habit from earlier devices, perhaps?
...
At any rate, I wish we'd discovered this sooner, it would have saved several people some grief in having to lose saved games (Angry Birds!) when they finally decided to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You say "for most of what we want to do." Could you think of a case where you would need to unlock it now? It's now shown to be unnecessary for rooting and installing custom recovery/ROM.
Is there any way to get the word out? This thread isn't stickied, and all the stickied threads on rooting & custom ROMs currently assert that you have to unlock the bootloader.
Ravi
ravidavi said:
You say "for most of what we want to do." Could you think of a case where you would need to unlock it now? It's now shown to be unnecessary for rooting and installing custom recovery/ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking that something like Superboot might need to have the bootloader unlocked, since it replaces the boot image, right? But I'm not sure.
ravidavi said:
Is there any way to get the word out? This thread isn't stickied, and all the stickied threads on rooting & custom ROMs currently assert that you have to unlock the bootloader.
Ravi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's only a page and a half of posts in the development section right now, so it's not likely to disappear any time soon, but you could ask a mod (theimpaler747 is ours) via PM to sticky it. I thought about asking myself, but seemed a bit tacky to ask for my own thread.
Meanwhile, I'd been linking people to various posts I'd made in other threads suggesting this might work, but once inakipaz and shrivelfig confirmed it, I'm just now pointing people here. I just hope people see this before wiping their phones unnecessarily.
Really, the other guides should just be updated to skip the oem unlock step. That's really the only different thing we're doing here.
i'm just waiting for more people "newbies" to confirm this actually works for them, before making it a sticky
In theory if you really really screw up your phone, you might need fastboot flash in order to recover it. But if fastboot also lets you boot into an img recovery... then you still have a recovery route that doesn't require unlocking.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
I know it's a noob question and all since all you're doing is flashing a custom recovery but will you still be able to get OTA updates after doing this as well?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
qreffie said:
I know it's a noob question and all since all you're doing is flashing a custom recovery but will you still be able to get OTA updates after doing this as well?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes because you still have the original recovery installed
distortedloop said:
Perhaps this is a security hole Google will try to fix some day?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be my guess.
But how? Is it possible to plug this with just a software update? Time will show, I guess.
This (security hole) should also make it possible to do perfect out-of-the-box OS backups. And restores. The problem is that nobody's going to do a backup without playing with their shiny new toy first.
shrivelfig said:
This would be my guess.
But how? Is it possible to plug this with just a software update? Time will show, I guess.
This (security hole) should also make it possible to do perfect out-of-the-box OS backups. And restores. The problem is that nobody's going to do a backup without playing with their shiny new toy first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the Nexus One does not allow this "fastboot boot" on a locked bootloader. Maybe this was just an oversight?
It is entirely possible to plug this with a software update: Samsung/Google could issue a signed update that includes a bootloader upgrade. This has been done many times by HTC for example.
I can confirm that this method works, without unlocking the BL or erasing the SD part.
This is pretty cool. I wish I new about this before I unlocked the bootloader days after I received my phone. I too wonder if this was intentional or an oversite. Google did want this phone to be for developers, but like other's said, this is also a bit of a security hole. The wiping of the sd card on unlock would protect the person if the phone was stolen, like if there was confidential corporate stuff on there. Even if you password protect your phone, someone could fastboot clockwork, mount the sd card and retrieve all the information that was on there.
cmstlist said:
It is entirely possible to plug this with a software update: Samsung/Google could issue a signed update that includes a bootloader upgrade. This has been done many times by HTC for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's also been done by Samsung with some versions of the Galaxy S line (some of the "leaked" roms, and even one official kies push (IIRC) changed the bootloader, causing people the ability to use 3 button mode for Odin access, and causing others to lose it.
After getting assert_failed errors since forever on 2.3.2, I finally downgraded my radio to fix them and without even thinking installed 2.3.4 OTA. The install went fine but I lost my root.
Now, I haven't unlocked my bootloader. To root, I have to unlock the bootloader which will wipe my phone clean. To take a nandroid/full backup of phone I need root. So, kinda stuck in a catch-22 here.
I still have ROM Manager installed and when I used backup feature in it, it created a new backup. However I am not sure if its a full phone backup or just the ROM. Is there anyway to verify?
Also, any solution to gain my root back with all my data? I am fine with unlocking the bootloader as long as my data is safe.
Edit:
This just struck my mind. If I modify the update file and put in su binaries repackage it and reinstall it on my phone, would it work? Can I even reinstall an update?
Edit2:
Can I just create my own update.zip containing su binaries, sign it and install it?
dpacmittal said:
Edit2:
Can I just create my own update.zip containing su binaries, sign it and install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can create it, of course, but I doubt you could install it with a locked bootloader, since you are unlikely to have the private key google uses to sign its updates.
How much can I back-up without rooting my phone? I'll backup the SD partition. I just want all my application settings (eg; Angry birds data) with all the applications, messages and contacts. Is it possible to back all these up without root?
I have titanium installed, if its any good?
[Guide] Install ClockworkMod Recovery image after updated to 2.3.4 (GRJ22).
I hope this will able to help you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13800735#post13800735
My bootloader is locked, mate. Your method won't work for me. Thanks, anyways
Hello, after updating to 4.3 JB on my Nexus 4, the phone had been unrooted.
I have a few questions, I'm new to rooting, so please bear with my (possibly simple) questions.
1. Why did it unroot when it updated? (I was told it would not unroot).
2. If I use helium to backup my phone, will all settings be the same exact as they are at the time I make a backup? Are there any non-root backup programs that work as well or better?
3. I rooted using the "Nexus Root Toolkit" by: WugFresh. The BootLoader is unlocked. Do I just need to root it, or do I have to go through the bootloader process again?
Thanks very much for ready this. Hopefully someone can help me out.
mntwins7 said:
Hello, after updating to 4.3 JB on my Nexus 4, the phone had been unrooted.
I have a few questions, I'm new to rooting, so please bear with my (possibly simple) questions.
1. Why did it unroot when it updated? (I was told it would not unroot).
2. If I use helium to backup my phone, will all settings be the same exact as they are at the time I make a backup? Are there any non-root backup programs that work as well or better?
3. I rooted using the "Nexus Root Toolkit" by: WugFresh. The BootLoader is unlocked. Do I just need to root it, or do I have to go through the bootloader process again?
Thanks very much for ready this. Hopefully someone can help me out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The process your went through in order to gain root access was overwritten by the update. Normally, you can use apps like root saver or whatever to keep root through updates, but too many things were updated on 4.3 so there was no way to save root.
2) There are no backup apps that don't require root that will work as well as apps that require it. However, backups made through CWM or other custom recoveries don't technically require root and create exact images of your phone at the time of backup.
3) You don't have to unlock the bootloader again, just flash the SU binary through a custom recovery. I'm not familiar with the toolkit so I can't give you any specific information.
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
hoponpop said:
1) The process your went through in order to gain root access was overwritten by the update. Normally, you can use apps like root saver or whatever to keep root through updates, but too many things were updated on 4.3 so there was no way to save root.
2) There are no backup apps that don't require root that will work as well as apps that require it. However, backups made through CWM or other custom recoveries don't technically require root and create exact images of your phone at the time of backup.
3) You don't have to unlock the bootloader again, just flash the SU binary through a custom recovery. I'm not familiar with the toolkit so I can't give you any specific information.
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thank you very much!
I want Lollipop and my Nexus 4 won't shut up about the OTA update. Naturally, it failed, and i have since tried to find a fool-proof guide to uptade it WITHOUT LOOSING DATA. Not been so lucky. Theres talk about fastbooting (?) and going back to stock, but not much in the way of step-by-step guides. I think most people with nexus 4 and root are like me - did it because it was easy, not knowing a lot about it...
I have rooted with towelroot, installed TWRP custom recovery with flashify, unlocked bootlocker with Bootunlock, installed Xposed framework and SuperSU. Never used ADB or any commands. Can't be the only one in this exact situation
What excactly do i need to do to get Lollipop without loosing any data (like a regular OTA update)?
Maybe user Titanium Backup or some kinda backup software to backup files and stuff then just go for a fresh installation? Most of the basic settings should be saved to your google account.
This post should help you with setting up ADB in your computer and to get you up to speed with using ADB and Fastbooot
KishanW said:
Maybe user Titanium Backup or some kinda backup software to backup files and stuff then just go for a fresh installation? Most of the basic settings should be saved to your google account.
This post should help you with setting up ADB in your computer and to get you up to speed with using ADB and Fastbooot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply! But i was hoping for a solution that DIDN'T wipe my phone. I just wanna undo all the rooting business, so i can do the OTA...
605
tommyhj said:
Thanks for the quick reply! But i was hoping for a solution that DIDN'T wipe my phone. I just wanna undo all the rooting business, so i can do the OTA...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be interesting if someone has an answer for your question. I can use it too
Sorry that I couldn't help you.
tommyhj said:
I want Lollipop and my Nexus 4 won't shut up about the OTA update. Naturally, it failed, and i have since tried to find a fool-proof guide to uptade it WITHOUT LOOSING DATA. Not been so lucky. Theres talk about fastbooting (?) and going back to stock, but not much in the way of step-by-step guides. I think most people with nexus 4 and root are like me - did it because it was easy, not knowing a lot about it...
I have rooted with towelroot, installed TWRP custom recovery with flashify, unlocked bootlocker with Bootunlock, installed Xposed framework and SuperSU. Never used ADB or any commands. Can't be the only one in this exact situation
What excactly do i need to do to get Lollipop without loosing any data (like a regular OTA update)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
Follow these instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/general/how-to-how-to-flash-factory-image-t2010312.
there are a few things to note:
1. You do not need to unlock the bootloader, you will have done that when you rooted
2. Download the 5.0 image instead of the original stock image when you do this.
3. DO NOT flash userdata.img. That will wipe your data.
Those are the steps I followed to flash over to 5.0 without losing data.
But I would absolutely do a backup anyway, just in case something goes wrong.
gardn227 said:
Hey,
Follow these instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/general/how-to-how-to-flash-factory-image-t2010312.
there are a few things to note:
1. You do not need to unlock the bootloader, you will have done that when you rooted
2. Download the 5.0 image instead of the original stock image when you do this.
3. DO NOT flash userdata.img. That will wipe your data.
Those are the steps I followed to flash over to 5.0 without losing data.
But I would absolutely do a backup anyway, just in case something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, cool. So you're saying to towel-root my device, unlock bootloader with bootunlocker app, remove root by installing SuperSU and using the clean-up funtion. And then adb fastboot flash boot/recovery/system from the FACTORY img? Why not sideload the OTA instead? Because it wont work unless i reflash stock 4.4.4 completely?
Hello,
i'm a new user and i have a question for you guys. I have my P8Lite with:
- unlocket bootloader TWRP 3.0.2-0
- rooted
- firmware 5.0.1
(i used to write little scripts for school project that used my phone so i had to access root-locked functionalities)
my friends recently recived and update for their phone but i tried to do it (OTA and local) and didnt work.
Could please someone explain to me why i cant update my firmware? What's keeping me from doing so?
If i need to give up on root/custom recovery i can do that. I just want to know how to get the last stock firmware on my phone.
Thanks a lot.
SuperAntani said:
Hello,
i'm a new user and i have a question for you guys. I have my P8Lite with:
- unlocket bootloader TWRP 3.0.2-0
- rooted
- firmware 5.0.1
(i used to write little scripts for school project that used my phone so i had to access root-locked functionalities)
my friends recently recived and update for their phone but i tried to do it (OTA and local) and didnt work.
Could please someone explain to me why i cant update my firmware? What's keeping me from doing so?
If i need to give up on root/custom recovery i can do that. I just want to know how to get the last stock firmware on my phone.
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to give up twrp. Also make sure you download correct region/model firmware otherwise it may fail or give you many bugs. Especially balong bug. After updating your phone will automatically unroot and probably your data will be erased. So backup your data to avoid any loss.
Suleiman01 said:
You need to give up twrp. Also make sure you download correct region/model firmware otherwise it may fail or give you many bugs. Especially balong bug. After updating your phone will automatically unroot and probably your data will be erased. So backup your data to avoid any loss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, let's say i install the original recovery, i then should be able to update to the latest version.
At that point will i still be able to re-install twrp and re-root?
(I think bootloader should remain unlocked)
SuperAntani said:
Ok, let's say i install the original recovery, i then should be able to update to the latest version.
At that point will i still be able to re-install twrp and re-root?
(I think bootloader should remain unlocked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you successfully updated your phone to Android 6.0 you may root it again or install twrp.
Bootloader should remain unlocked. There is no need to lock it.
Suleiman01 said:
After you successfully updated your phone to Android 6.0 you may root it again or install twrp.
Bootloader should remain unlocked. There is no need to lock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's marvelous. I'll do that as soon as i can and i'll post the outcome
It all worked properly, i installed stock recover > OTA update > re-installed custom recovery.
Now i have the lastest update with custom recovery.
I had some troubles with root tho, i made a backup then installed the latest version of SuperSU through TWRP but it soft bricked my phone so i had to restore the backup.
I gave up on root because i dont need it but it would be nice to know what went wrong there.
Anyway it all works fine and i kept my files and apps.
Thanks a lot buddy