Database Users

Why do we need to unlock the bootloader?

Hello all,
Just a quick rooting question. Is there any reason to unlock the bootloader when rooting? According to some stickies, we can root without unlocking and I was able to root my friend's Captivate without unlocking anything. I am assuming we're unlocking the bootloader since it makes the rooting process easier as a hack isn't required? Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

It allows you to flash a custom recovery image to go ahead and flash a custom rom and radio
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the info, but why didn't I need to unlock my friend's Captivate? We were able to get Clockworkmod Recovery on it without unlocking anything. Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

BlindWolf8 said:
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the info, but why didn't I need to unlock my friend's Captivate? We were able to get Clockworkmod Recovery on it without unlocking anything. Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.androidcentral.com/bootloaders-all-you-ever-wanted-know
The TL;DR of that article is that,
Every phone has a bootloader. The Nexus series (and now Sony Ericcson after filing out a form on their website) has a unlockable bootloader without the usage of any exploits. Phones such as the Galaxy S series (Vibrant, Captivate, Epic 4G, etc) -- mainly Samsung phones have weak bootloader protection.
HOWEVER, all of the other phones' bootloaders are unlocked due to a exploit. So yes, your friend did unlock the bootloader without actually knowing it.
The only phones that are unable to unlock the bootloader are Motorola phones because of the bootloader being signed.
But if you really want to know about bootloaders, read that article.
@dave: there is no such thing as a custom radio. The radio itself is not open sourced. But it allows you to flash a older version of the radio since results of radios vary between user. Some people may experience better connection with KB3 than KD1 and etc.

Thanks! It was as I thought.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

BlindWolf8 said:
I am assuming we're unlocking the bootloader since it makes the rooting process easier as a hack isn't required?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Most other phones require an exploit to root, the Nexus S does not - if you unlock the bootloader. Conversely, you might still be able to root the Nexus using an exploit, even if you want to keep the bootloader locked.

fallenguru said:
Correct. Most other phones require an exploit to root, the Nexus S does not - if you unlock the bootloader. Conversely, you might still be able to root the Nexus using an exploit, even if you want to keep the bootloader locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
....? You just paraphrased what i said.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

I have a related question. I relocked my bootloader after rooting. What exactly can I not do with it locked?

Maximilian Mary said:
I have a related question. I relocked my bootloader after rooting. What exactly can I not do with it locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's kind of a PITA to flash an updated Clockworkmod Recovery. That's all I've found out.

BlindWolf8 said:
It's kind of a PITA to flash an updated Clockworkmod Recovery. That's all I've found out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ but to be honest, not to many things get changed within the recovery. Sure the modified Clockwork recovery gets updated. But the original clockwork from ROM Manager doesn't.. it'll work, but I don't see a reason on keeping the bootloader locked. No security is ever compromised.

zephiK said:
....? You just paraphrased what i said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny, I actually paraphrased the OP. He was on the right track anyway, just needed some confirmation, not a whole paper Also there's a lot of stuff in there I don't really agree with all that much.
Maximilian Mary said:
I relocked my bootloader after rooting. What exactly can I not do with it locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash (and probably boot) stuff via fastboot.

[Q] Root after latest update?

Hey!
I have a SGH-i337m and i'm wondering if i will still be able to root my phone after receiving and downloading the new update (one with the Apps To Sd Card) ? I'm used to Apple jailbraking where once the update is installed , you must wait for another jailbreak to be exploited. Is this true with Android as well?
Thanks in Advance :laugh:

from what I have read, you do loose root when you update but you can turn right around and root again after updating

Both of you need to do much more research.
1. If you have root on MDL now, you should be able to use VooDoo OTA RootKeeper to retain root after upgrading, if you meet all the criteria and follow all the directions in the thread with the solution here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2360494
2. There is no way to be rooted after upgrading to MF3 other than the above method.

joeybear23 said:
Both of you need to do much more research.
1. If you have root on MDL now, you should be able to use VooDoo OTA RootKeeper to retain root after upgrading, if you meet all the criteria and follow all the directions in the thread with the solution here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2360494
2. There is no way to be rooted after upgrading to MF3 other than the above method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn it! So now that i'm updated to MF3, i cannot root?!

the0nly0ne- said:
Darn it! So now that i'm updated to MF3, i cannot root?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it. Hopefully some one smarter than I will find a way around it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using xda app-developers app

jd1639 said:
You got it. Hopefully some one smarter than I will find a way around it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully... I updated for the Apps To SD Card, but realized it doesn't move app data... Is there anyway without root?

the0nly0ne- said:
Darn it! So now that i'm updated to MF3, i cannot root?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry.. but be comforted that we have an awesome group of Devs here. If they can't crack it nobody can.

Hopefully... They'll find a way around it... Big mistake to update.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda app-developers app

I updated via KIES and re-rooted with CF Autoroot. On MG1 version, rooted

joeybear23 said:
Sorry.. but be comforted that we have an awesome group of Devs here. If they can't crack it nobody can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
joeybear23 said:
Both of you need to do much more research.
1. If you have root on MDL now, you should be able to use VooDoo OTA RootKeeper to retain root after upgrading, if you meet all the criteria and follow all the directions in the thread with the solution here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2360494
2. There is no way to be rooted after upgrading to MF3 other than the above method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mught want to follow your on advice these are not att users with a locked bootloader...these are canadian users with i337m, im pretty sure they still have root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

mg2195 said:
Mught want to follow your on advice these are not att users with a locked bootloader...these are canadian users with i337m, im pretty sure they still have root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang Canadians... they're everywhere.
Sorry, didn't catch that this was for the "America's Hat" version.

joeybear23 said:
Dang Canadians... they're everywhere.
Sorry, didn't catch that this was for the "America's Hat" version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol ikr...kinda wish the sgs4 forums were a little better organized because the att sgs4 is a mess with both canadian and active users posting around here...I see people getting mixed up left and right...especially for new users who dont know what to do and are locking in the wrong area because they do or dont have an att variant
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Lost root club

So I did the root keeper wrong and updated, losing root. Anyone else in this club with me? It's only been a few hours and I already miss it.
Atleast I have better pictures though....
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

You could reflash the software back to before the update with the KXZ firmware and try the process over again. Depends if the hassle is worth it to you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2411618

Abyssul said:
You could reflash the software back to before the update with the KXZ firmware and try the process over again. Depends if the hassle is worth it to you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2411618
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This process is just flashing the firmware through rsdlite which won't happen because it's a downgrade. I tried.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

Maybe this will work? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45955669#post45955669

You can't flash with fastboot? I'm new to the Android ecosystem, but there must be some way to downgrade.

freak4dell said:
Maybe this will work? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45955669#post45955669
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just tried, did not work. fails at the boot.img
Abyssul said:
You can't flash with fastboot? I'm new to the Android ecosystem, but there must be some way to downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first things I tried and doesn't work

I did the update and protected root but my wifi was messed up and wouldn't turn on. I did RSDLite to downgrade and redo it all and it worked fine.
BTW I used this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515

Some of us didn't want root in the first place! #TeamStockMotoX :silly:

I'm confused as to why someone wouldn't just unlock their bootloader if they are going to be making changes to their system. I understand the warranty issue but who uses that? Most people go through asurion and they won't even notice. Haha
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Premium

eyeisdasteve said:
I'm confused as to why someone wouldn't just unlock their bootloader if they are going to be making changes to their system. I understand the warranty issue but who uses that? Most people go through asurion and they won't even notice. Haha
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because some of us can't unlock our bootloader.

eyeisdasteve said:
I'm confused as to why someone wouldn't just unlock their bootloader if they are going to be making changes to their system. I understand the warranty issue but who uses that? Most people go through asurion and they won't even notice. Haha
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just remember that Retail AT&T and Verizon and MotoMaker AT&T variants aren't able to have their boot loaders unlocked
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk 4

Lost root don't care. Motorola got this phone right. I'm good with stock.

rivlez said:
I did the update and protected root but my wifi was messed up and wouldn't turn on. I did RSDLite to downgrade and redo it all and it worked fine.
BTW I used this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your wifi was only screwed up within Recovery mode (write off) correct?
I have a similiar issue. Whether its affecting other things or not, i dont know.
But what do you mean you restored via RSD lite and did it all over again and it was fine?
How did you ujse RSD lite to reflash the firmware since you got the updated OTA, it wont let you downgrade

emerica243 said:
Your wifi was only screwed up within Recovery mode (write off) correct?
I have a similiar issue. Whether its affecting other things or not, i dont know.
But what do you mean you restored via RSD lite and did it all over again and it was fine?
How did you ujse RSD lite to reflash the firmware since you got the updated OTA, it wont let you downgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wifi was messed up in any mode. It wouldn't turn on for some reason. I restored the 17.51 firmware after the botched update messed up my wifi and it worked fine and I actually ended up doing it 2 times since a titanium backup messed up my phone. I was definitely on the 17.54 update. It definitely let me downgrade. How would you like me to prove it to you?

my wifi messed up in recovery mode but lte works. Normal mode everything is fine. I am rooted now with latest update.

sravanz said:
my wifi messed up in recovery mode but lte works. Normal mode everything is fine. I am rooted now with latest update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add me in as another one with no wifi in recovery. Normal mode works just fine as well. Would be nice if there was a fix for this but just glad to still have root with the update.

Rask40 said:
Add me in as another one with no wifi in recovery. Normal mode works just fine as well. Would be nice if there was a fix for this but just glad to still have root with the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. My wifi is FUBARED in recovery. It's because we don't have the new kernel and to be technical were using the old system/recovery in our "recovery mode" I think that's why it's working in the regular mode and not recovery mode..... Or that's what I understand. Though I'm probably wrong.
When I upgraded I got a failed upgrade after final boot. Although it still says the newest version. I'm tempted to RSD back like some others have just to try but I don't want a paper weight.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(

gunnyman said:
Lost root don't care. Motorola got this phone right. I'm good with stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I'm kind of excited to see SafeStrap out, and updated (fixes phone/data, etc...), I'm still hoping some attempt is in the works for unlock on at&t.
Regardless, there aren't any custom roms to really flash anyways.
Had I an unlocked bootloader, I'd have a custom kernel in the works, and maybe some custom roms with some TeamAcid love.
Come see, come saw... Patience wins all.

Pre 4.4.4. Should I root or wait?

Just wondering...
I was about to go through the process when it ocurred to me that the update would be coming AT SOME POINT.
Is there any reason to wait?

I would, and did. To each his own. What do you have?

rdenova said:
I would, and did. To each his own. What do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would and did what? Wait or root?
I have an old school, unrooted 32g Maxx with the last OTA installed (4.4).
Thanks.

Root, for sure. If you're on 19.6.3, you will have to RSD the 19.5.3 image so you can achieve the permanent root with write protect off, then take the OTA up to 19.6.3.

rdenova said:
Root, for sure. If you're on 19.6.3, you will have to RSD the 19.5.3 image so you can achieve the permanent root with write protect off, then take the OTA up to 19.6.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is right. Root it because soon you wont have the chance too and will regret it.

I will add, that I started with 19.5.3 and achieved root with WP off. I have not tested the OTA using RSD to go from 19.6.3 back to 19.5.3. I only assume perhaps wrongfully, it will work. I have had no trouble restoring my now debloated stock image from SS. Had the Eclispe ROM in the stock slot, didn't care for it and went back to my image. Root access only tools are cool.:good:

rdenova said:
I will add, that I started with 19.5.3 and achieved root with WP off. I have not tested the OTA using RSD to go from 19.6.3 back to 19.5.3. I only assume perhaps wrongfully, it will work. I have had no trouble restoring my now debloated stock image from SS. Had the Eclispe ROM in the stock slot, didn't care for it and went back to my image. Root access only tools are cool.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you flash a rom? Sorry if I misread but I thought you had to have unlocked bootloader
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 09:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 AM ----------
rdenova said:
I will add, that I started with 19.5.3 and achieved root with WP off. I have not tested the OTA using RSD to go from 19.6.3 back to 19.5.3. I only assume perhaps wrongfully, it will work. I have had no trouble restoring my now debloated stock image from SS. Had the Eclispe ROM in the stock slot, didn't care for it and went back to my image. Root access only tools are cool.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RSD lite will work that's what I had to do. It will take about 5-10 minutes and all of your data will be gone but its worth it. Just back everything up
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

Cgordon17 said:
So did you flash a rom? Sorry if I misread but I thought you had to have unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked bootloader will allow you to use AOSP ROMs like CyanogenMod however -
Once you have permanent root with WP off - with SafeStrap installed you can backup your stock slot. I was looking around for ROMs for the Maxx and happened to find one for the stock slot, seems you can not install a ROM into any other slot as it just comes up with the belly up android bot. But an Eclipse ROM did install to the stock slot. It wasn't anything like CM and more resembled the stock ROM only somewhat modded. I just didn't care for it and restored my back up. I used ROMToolBox to uninstall the unwanted Verizon and Google stuff and made a new backup.
Bootloader remains locked. Everything works including wifi hotspot, cameras, etc...

"RSD lite will work that's what I had to do. It will take about 5-10 minutes and all of your data will be gone but its worth it. Just back everything up"
Just so you know, there is now a method out that allows you to go back to 19.5.3, root and return to 19.6.3 with full root and write protection off without losing data. I did it last night and everything worked, without losing any data.

rdenova said:
The unlocked bootloader will allow you to use AOSP ROMs like CyanogenMod however -
Once you have permanent root with WP off - with SafeStrap installed you can backup your stock slot. I was looking around for ROMs for the Maxx and happened to find one for the stock slot, seems you can not install a ROM into any other slot as it just comes up with the belly up android bot. But an Eclipse ROM did install to the stock slot. It wasn't anything like CM and more resembled the stock ROM only somewhat modded. I just didn't care for it and restored my back up. I used ROMToolBox to uninstall the unwanted Verizon and Google stuff and made a new backup.
Bootloader remains locked. Everything works including wifi hotspot, cameras, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the WiFi hotspot to work? I think k I already have it after download that Verizon entitlement.apk file and changes some names around but what did you do?
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

Using the Verizon one from stock 19.6.3. It just works as expected.

rdenova said:
Using the Verizon one from stock 19.6.3. It just works as expected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the 19.6.3 update, I'm new to this forum. I believe I have to downgrade to the previous version in order to root and have bootloader unlocked is that correct?

cal4877 said:
I have the 19.6.3 update, I'm new to this forum. I believe I have to downgrade to the previous version in order to root and have bootloader unlocked is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes correct
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

Cgordon17 said:
Yes correct
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to unlock our bootloader not buying the unlock code via ebay?
Enviado desde mi MB520 usando Tapatalk 2

josuearisty said:
Is there a way to unlock our bootloader not buying the unlock code via ebay?
Enviado desde mi MB520 usando Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
Sent From My Droid Ultra

cal4877 said:
I have the 19.6.3 update, I'm new to this forum. I believe I have to downgrade to the previous version in order to root and have bootloader unlocked is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the 19.6.3 version, you can revert back to the 19.5.3 and ONLY 19.5.3 update. This can be done using House of Moto if you wish to keep your data. Once on 19.5.3, root is possible. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are able to go back to previous system versions (i.e. 19.6.3 -> 19.5.3) as long as it is the same version of android (i.e. 4.4 -> 4.4).
For bootloader unlock, the only way to go about that is through the Chinese vendor. This can be done for any system version.

rds217 said:
@Cgordon17 that is not correct. If you have the 19.6.3 version, you can revert back to the 19.5.3 and ONLY 19.5.3 update. This can be done using House of Moto if you wish to keep your data. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are able to go back to previous system versions (i.e. 19.6.3 -> 19.5.3) as long as it is the same version of android (i.e. 4.4 -> 4.4).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never said anything about downgrading further. He asked if he had to downgrade to root and I said yes. That's all I don't the furthest you can go is 19.5.3
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

Cgordon17 said:
I never said anything about downgrading further. He asked if he had to downgrade to root and I said yes. That's all I don't the furthest you can go is 19.5.3
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's out there but not sure where to look.
Can anyone link the steps to take to root without losing data?
Thanks so much.

Cgordon17 said:
I never said anything about downgrading further. He asked if he had to downgrade to root and I said yes. That's all I don't the furthest you can go is 19.5.3
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sorry about that. I misread the original quote and thought you were saying a downgrade is required for bootloader unlock.
redddog said:
I know it's out there but not sure where to look.
Can anyone link the steps to take to root without losing data?
Thanks so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53189750&postcount=26

I just got an invite from moto to test software. I didn't because I'm unlocked and rooted.
Sent from my unlocked consumer edition Motorola Droid Maxx xt1080m.

how to root and unlock 183.46.15

Is there any way to root my phone.
The system version is 183.46.15.

If your boot loader is locked, no.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

Nope. Sorry. Both bootloader and root are patched.

RikRong said:
If your boot loader is locked, no.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any guru working on the root? thinking about selling the phone if no hope

everseen said:
Is there any guru working on the root? thinking about selling the phone if no hope
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not gonna come as far as I can see from now. Just go ahead and sell it. Plenty of alternatives on the market.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13 lacks Signature function - do not update]

There are some RAZR M that are unlocked on Swappa as well.

tianor said:
Is there any way to root my phone.
The system version is 183.46.15.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u get unlocked, i am also stricken with it

Love Cyaan said:
Did u get unlocked, i am also stricken with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No luck yet.

root and unlock 183.46.15
everseen said:
No luck yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, me too!
Googleing this search daily " unlock 183.46.15 site:forum[.]xda-developers[.]com"
Checked ever corner of XDA, alas no solution on how to root and unlock 183.46.15
Devs @ XDA, come on champs gave us something, so can we also enjoy the privilege of CM12. Many are waiting for it fingers crossed
Mods/all, its only a humble request to Dev & not that if being annoyed.

Qualcomm patched the second layer (sbl2) of the second-stage bootloader, to take care of possible exploitation, effectively making it impenetrable. So for some individuals, we're pretty much out of luck. I wouldn't be sure of the possible exploits (the problem is, after that patch, it makes it even harder, although not impossible). Previous Kit Kat rooting exploitation relies on the permission requestion layer (futex) of the Linux kernel, as discovered by the former PS3 hacker, GeoHot, while it's patched by now. It's possible there is already a new rooting exploit by now, just don't hold the breath.

It's possible there is already a new rooting exploit by now, just don't hold the breath.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please be more concretely?

I may not be up to date, been out of town for a bit, and figuring out a way to unbrick a few RAZR Ms.
However, the reason I said not to hold the breath is because of Verizon demanding a hard fix for rooting so that way almost any root exploits simply fail on arrival. This phone company also WANTS locked BIOS so no one can install custom recovery and OS "just because it put customer services in jeopardy".

That's really bad, can't believe that there is no chance to root or bootunlock this device.
By the way, do you know any way to disable/delete/freeze modem fast dormancy service without rooting phone? Or to made some changes in build.prop file?

Simply force close Modem fastdormancy first then disable it in app manager, it will then quit. And, editing build.prop requires root (write protection).

Force close works but disable button is inactive.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Ah, right.... I wonder why Verizon would disable some app manager features.

I'm outside of us, my carrier operates in gsm network and does not support fast dormancy, therefore phone reboots and can't wake up on power button when using h+. Thats why I need to edit build.prop and to dothis I need root access to file system.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Makes sense. However, I may look for new exploit, but since Futex is removed, it is not so simple.

Dr. Mario, are you developer?
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Not officially, yet. But I know how the software works underneath the pretty UI, even down to the machine codes. I have been modding Android for 3 years.