Database Users

VZW Software Update inside

Here is the Droid Razr HD software update. I have not tested it as I use CM 10.1 and have no interest in going back to stock. I found it on www.droidrzr.com in a forum post then shared it on my dropbox account.
I posted it on my Dropbox account so not sure how long it will last until the link is gone:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/d2x9vutel4vnqmm/Blur_Version.9.16.6.XT926.Verizon.en.US.zip
It does "fix" the bootloader unlock exploit though
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/07/1...the-kernel-exploit-for-unlocking-bootloaders/

scoobaspeaz said:
Here is the Droid Razr HD software update. I have not tested it as I use CM 10.1 and have no interest in going back to stock. I found it on www.droidrzr.com in a forum post then shared it on my dropbox account.
I posted it on my Dropbox account so not sure how long it will last until the link is gone:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/d2x9vutel4vnqmm/Blur_Version.9.16.6.XT926.Verizon.en.US.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, stock recovery to install this?

I would assume you would need to be 100% stock, including the recovery, to install this.

scoobaspeaz said:
I would assume you would need to be 100% stock, including the recovery, to install this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm put it on my internal storage and its not found, I think stock recovery wants to see it on a sdcard.

If your boot loader is unlocked before the update, it should stay unlocked. You just will not be able to unlock with methods out there now.
Sent from my Razr HD using xda app-developers app

I received the OTA today on my Max HD. It was build 9.18.79.
Sent using xda premium

A few questions I haven't been able to find answers to (many threads have been started on this new update topic and I haven't found the answers I'm looking for yet):
1) I've heard that there are two versions of this update, 9.20.xx and 9.18.xx... Anyone know the differences yet? Is one version for phones that have been unlocked and the other for phones that are still locked? Is one version for XT925 and the other for XT926? I received the 9.18 version, I am rooted, unlocked, and have a XT926 phone.
2) Anyone with an already unlocked bootloader try and take the update? Do you remember which version of the update you took? Did it install correctly? Are you still unlocked?
3) Anyone that is rooted and unlocked try to take the update? Did it install correctly? Are you still rooted and unlocked after the update? Did you have to protect the root with either SuperSU or Voodoo OTA Root Keeper? If so, do you mind posting step-by-step instructions for protecting the root so the phone is still rooted after the update?
Thanks to all who can shed light on these questions!

LifeAsADroid said:
A few questions I haven't been able to find answers to (many threads have been started on this new update topic and I haven't found the answers I'm looking for yet):
1) I've heard that there are two versions of this update, 9.20.xx and 9.18.xx... Anyone know the differences yet? Is one version for phones that have been unlocked and the other for phones that are still locked? Is one version for XT925 and the other for XT926? I received the 9.18 version, I am rooted, unlocked, and have a XT926 phone.
2) Anyone with an already unlocked bootloader try and take the update? Do you remember which version of the update you took? Did it install correctly? Are you still unlocked?
3) Anyone that is rooted and unlocked try to take the update? Did it install correctly? Are you still rooted and unlocked after the update? Did you have to protect the root with either SuperSU or Voodoo OTA Root Keeper? If so, do you mind posting step-by-step instructions for protecting the root so the phone is still rooted after the update?
Thanks to all who can shed light on these questions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 different versions, depends on what System version you have of 4.1.2 on the XT926 only. The 9.18.79 version would indicate that your Systems version is 9.16.6 if this is not correct DO NOT FLASH. I am Rooted/Unlocked, if you take the plunge you must OTA Rootkeeper/SuperSU backup SU, as the update breaks Root> IF there is no backup of SU with the latest binaries. If you lose Root, there are a couple of ways to Downgrade. A common problem for those of us Root/Unlocked the Update FAILs at the end. Most of the Update goes through, however the new Radio does not go through, as of right now if you Update and your Baseband is VANQUISH_BP_100730.081.64.09P then you have the OLD radio, the new Radio is VANQUISH_BP_100730.160.64.15P.
Between the 2 OTA's these should match-up as either 9.16.6 = 9.18.79 or 9.16.9 = 9.20.1

Thanks for the reply! A few more questions if you don't mind (would hate to do something wrong... like I did last time... luckily I was able to revert back to an original version and fix the install... sigh...):
4) With protecting root, I need the SuperSU Pro version, yes? To be able to use the survival mode, yes? Will Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper do the same thing? Is it possible to use both "to be sure"?
5) I have everything backed up with Titanium Backup. Should I bother getting the pro version and backing everything up using the cloud backup and hypershell? Or won't this matter since if root doesn't keep I won't be able to use Titanium Backup?
6) I also have performed the VZW Wireless Hotspot hack using SQLite. Am I going to have to undo the hack in order for the OTA update to work?
Thanks again for all your help!

Update - I decided to attempt the update and hope for the best. System update 9.18.79.xx updating from 9.16.6.xx.
I purchased the SuperSU Pro from the Play Store, and used the survival mode in SuperSU. I also used the Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper and protected root. I figured if one didn't work the other might... Voodoo worked to protect and re-install root access (not sure about SuperSU as I tried Voodoo first to restore root after the install).
I am unsure if the bootloader is still unlocked, but from what people have said there doesn't seem to be a reason to believe it is re-locked. I haven't tested it out to know for sure though.
It appears that the entire update installed correctly. No errors, and the baseband version was updated to the new radio (xxx.15P).
I did not undo the VZW Wireless Hotspot hack prior to installing the update.
Hopefully this post helps others out there.
My final question... what does updating the radio/baseband do exactly?

i need help! i tried installing the update but i forgot i had TWRP.. so the update did not got installed, i rebooted the phone, but the OS tried to install the update again and inmediatly reboot the phone in recovery again .. then from recovery i flashed liquid smooth rom but i got stuck in the boot animation... my big issue is that my power button is broken! now i cant reset the phone to enter in fastboot mode.. i cant do anything... now my battery is totally drained and i cant turn on the phone (my power button does not work).. i can plug the usb cable and the led turns green. but i dont see any more options

rodmc123 said:
i need help! i tried installing the update but i forgot i had TWRP.. so the update did not got installed, i rebooted the phone, but the OS tried to install the update again and inmediatly reboot the phone in recovery again .. then from recovery i flashed liquid smooth rom but i got stuck in the boot animation... my big issue is that my power button is broken! now i cant reset the phone to enter in fastboot mode.. i cant do anything... now my battery is totally drained and i cant turn on the phone (my power button does not work).. i can plug the usb cable and the led turns green. but i dont see any more options
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion, let your phone charge a bit.
Once charged up, turn it on and get it into Fastboot. From there you can use the DROID RAZR HD UTILITY 1.21 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307439). In that utility option 1 will bring you back to complete stock ROM, option 2 will bring you back to a stock recovery. This will completely erase your phone.
This should at least give you a fresh functioning phone. If you want to try to keep your data or personal files, I'm not sure what you could load via fastboot to get yourself a functioning phone again (maybe just a kernel?).
As a side note, I used TWRP to load the update and my phone updated except the radios it seems. It sounds like the same thing happens with the stock recovery.
Lenny

KachowPow said:
There are 2 different versions, depends on what System version you have of 4.1.2 on the XT926 only. The 9.18.79 version would indicate that your Systems version is 9.16.6 if this is not correct DO NOT FLASH. I am Rooted/Unlocked, if you take the plunge you must OTA Rootkeeper/SuperSU backup SU, as the update breaks Root> IF there is no backup of SU with the latest binaries. If you lose Root, there are a couple of ways to Downgrade. A common problem for those of us Root/Unlocked the Update FAILs at the end. Most of the Update goes through, however the new Radio does not go through, as of right now if you Update and your Baseband is VANQUISH_BP_100730.081.64.09P then you have the OLD radio, the new Radio is VANQUISH_BP_100730.160.64.15P.
Between the 2 OTA's these should match-up as either 9.16.6 = 9.18.79 or 9.16.9 = 9.20.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So any idea how one might fix this?

LifeAsADroid said:
A few questions I haven't been able to find answers to (many threads have been started on this new update topic and I haven't found the answers I'm looking for yet):
1) I've heard that there are two versions of this update, 9.20.xx and 9.18.xx... Anyone know the differences yet? Is one version for phones that have been unlocked and the other for phones that are still locked? Is one version for XT925 and the other for XT926? I received the 9.18 version, I am rooted, unlocked, and have a XT926 phone.
2) Anyone with an already unlocked bootloader try and take the update? Do you remember which version of the update you took? Did it install correctly? Are you still unlocked?
3) Anyone that is rooted and unlocked try to take the update? Did it install correctly? Are you still rooted and unlocked after the update? Did you have to protect the root with either SuperSU or Voodoo OTA Root Keeper? If so, do you mind posting step-by-step instructions for protecting the root so the phone is still rooted after the update?
Thanks to all who can shed light on these questions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to take the 9.18.79 update I protected the root (I'm not unlocked) before I did so I also temporarily un-rooted (I've always been told to do this before and update) Now I an no longer rooted and it can't find any SU binary codes. Gonna have to flash back to 9.6.16 and try it again I guess or stay on 9.6.16 in order to maintain root for now. If you find a solution please share.

IDroidThere4Iam said:
My suggestion, let your phone charge a bit.
Once charged up, turn it on and get it into Fastboot. From there you can use the DROID RAZR HD UTILITY 1.21 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307439). In that utility option 1 will bring you back to complete stock ROM, option 2 will bring you back to a stock recovery. This will completely erase your phone.
This should at least give you a fresh functioning phone. If you want to try to keep your data or personal files, I'm not sure what you could load via fastboot to get yourself a functioning phone again (maybe just a kernel?).
As a side note, I used TWRP to load the update and my phone updated except the radios it seems. It sounds like the same thing happens with the stock recovery.
Lenny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with Lenny. This same thing happened to me when I tried to take the liquid smooth ROM. Follow his instructions above. You'll lose all your pics, vids, files, etc. But at least you'll have a working phone again.

Went smoothly here
All my devices except this one are rooted and some are rom'd. I thought long and hard about whether to void this warranty but decided one day it would be out of updates from VZW and I would want to flash something. I have been denying the OTA for the last day so I figured now or never.
Here are the simple steps:
Download and install Moto device manager (for the USB drivers) here
Enable USB debugging in developer options on the phone
run motochopper here
run motoapocolypse here
install voodooOTA root keeper from Play and backup root
apply OTA
It went error free. The phone has the 15P radio update, unlocked BL and root.

larsdennert said:
It went error free. The phone has the 15P radio update, unlocked BL and root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to confirm something, you unlocked the bootloader and then took the OTA and the bootloader remain unlocked (and stayed rooted due to root keeper)?
So the benefit to all this would be to get the new radio update?

bananapeapod said:
I want to confirm something, you unlocked the bootloader and then took the OTA and the bootloader remain unlocked (and stayed rooted due to root keeper)?
So the benefit to all this would be to get the new radio update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the bootloader won't get locked again after it is unlocked. Moto would be shooting themselves having to reinstate warranties if they did that. Yes I wanted the option of flashing later becuase the ota will install sooner or later. I also want to stay on the upgrade path for now to have current radios.
I still have an Eris lying around that is long out of support but i have gb on it.

IDroidThere4Iam said:
My suggestion, let your phone charge a bit.
Once charged up, turn it on and get it into Fastboot. From there you can use the DROID RAZR HD UTILITY 1.21 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307439). In that utility option 1 will bring you back to complete stock ROM, option 2 will bring you back to a stock recovery. This will completely erase your phone.
This should at least give you a fresh functioning phone. If you want to try to keep your data or personal files, I'm not sure what you could load via fastboot to get yourself a functioning phone again (maybe just a kernel?).
As a side note, I used TWRP to load the update and my phone updated except the radios it seems. It sounds like the same thing happens with the stock recovery.
Lenny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's what i want to do, but i cant because my power button is broken! so i cant enter to fastboot mode without the power button.. i will have to open my phone and try to fix the power button myself.

Just to make a point and to clear up any confusion, this Update will not lock the Bootloader. If you have an Unlocked Bootloader then you will have an Unlocked Bootloader after the update, regardless if it fully works or not, and even if you lose Root, the Bootloader will still be Unlocked. If Root is lost with an Unlocked Bootloader, I suggest downgrading through an FXZ of either 9.16.6 or 9.16.9 and restore Root.

[Q] How to Root?

Hi guys,
Anyone know a way to make root in Moto X Play it work?
Or can you use the method of CF-Root Moto X (2014)?
I did unlock the bootloader through the website of Motorola. It worked.
Tks.
(Sorry for my bad english)
Obs. ROOT process in post # 14

No TWRP/Root available as of yet. Give it some time, I guarantee you that XDA will basically be the first place it's posted when it happens. Keep in mind that the phone is just starting to roll out, but not in the US so it might take a while longer for somebody to get on it.

nourez said:
No TWRP/Root available as of yet. Give it some time, I guarantee you that XDA will basically be the first place it's posted when it happens. Keep in mind that the phone is just starting to roll out, but not in the US so it might take a while longer for somebody to get on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tks nourez, In Brazil it was released on August 12. I'll wait longer.

lmsantiago said:
Hi everyone. ?Just a point: When doing 'Unlock the bootloader' for root ou flash custom roms, you agree to void your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most people on this site could care less about warranty... Its a developer site after all
Sent from my Nexus 6 or Note 4

Even still, unless you REALLY screw something up, most of the time you can get away with it. (not sure how Moto X devices show the unlocked bootloader status and such).
....Note: Don't take that comment as fact. Your mileage may vary

Curious how developers figure out how to root. Is there something that's needed (besides having the phone, obviously), do we need kernel images from Motorola?

Devhux said:
Curious how developers figure out how to root. Is there something that's needed (besides having the phone, obviously), do we need kernel images from Motorola?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the device, so I won't be making a recovery for it, but it's not a particularly difficult process to make one. It took me around an hour to port TWRP to the 2015 Moto G, and it should be similar for this device. You can use a prebuilt kernel if sources are not available, but I think the 2015 Moto G kernel will actually work on this device. Moto will be releasing the proper kernel sources for this device soon anyway.
You just need to create a device tree and compile a recovery (such as TWRP). The recovery device tree doesn't need to be very thorough (the way ROM device trees are). It just needs to specify information about partition names and locations and kernel boot parameters etc. It should be a trivial modification to make my 2015 Moto G TWRP device tree work on this device.
Once you have a working recovery, just flash SuperSU with it and you'll be rooted.

squid2 said:
I don't have the device, so I won't be making a recovery for it, but it's not a particularly difficult process to make one. It took me around an hour to port TWRP to the 2015 Moto G, and it should be similar for this device. You can use a prebuilt kernel if sources are not available, but I think the 2015 Moto G kernel will actually work on this device. Moto will be releasing the proper kernel sources for this device soon anyway.
You just need to create a device tree and compile a recovery (such as TWRP). The recovery device tree doesn't need to be very thorough (the way ROM device trees are). It just needs to specify information about partition names and locations and kernel boot parameters etc. It should be a trivial modification to make my 2015 Moto G TWRP device tree work on this device.
Once you have a working recovery, just flash SuperSU with it and you'll be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This makes me happy and sad. Lol. Looking forward to root so I can drop DPI.

I would love to root it. I miss Viper4Android
Sent from my Golden Zenfone 2

I would love to root it too, I'm just wondering if we'll still have the possibility to install firmware upgrade if you root it and unlock the bootloader?

Nico3d3 said:
I would love to root it too, I'm just wondering if we'll still have the possibility to install firmware upgrade if you root it and unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A quick glance through the other Moto forums here on XDA would give us a good clue. I'm too tired to check at the moment, but if nobody else does by the time I wake up, I'll check then.

Good News! My Moto x play is rooted with the Moto G 2015 method.
Below process we did and it worked:
1- Through the forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/orig-development/twrp-twrp-moto-g-2015-t3170537
I downloaded "TWRP-osprey-2.8.7-test1.img"
2 UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip downloaded at: https://download.chainfire.eu/696/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip
[Copy to your internal SDcard]
3 Place your Moto-x in fastboot mode [Power + Vol. down]
3- install TWRP-osprey-2.8.7-test1.img with the command: fastboot boot TWRP-osprey-2.8.7-test1.img
[Installation is temporary, I tried to permanently install but did not work].
4. The recovery will open automatically, browse to the location where you saved the SuperSU and flash UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip
5. Restart.
I did this procedure and managed to get root, I'm not responsible for any damage caused to your phone.

Did you have to unlock bootloader before installing it? On my phone, I have an unlocked bootloader and it did work but perhaps people would be interested in trying it with a locked bootloader (less risk of voiding the warranty).

Nico3d3 said:
Did you have to unlock bootloader before installing it? On my phone, I have an unlocked bootloader and it did work but perhaps people would be interested in trying it with a locked bootloader (less risk of voiding the warranty).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bootloader is also unlocked.
I believe you can not do without unlocking the OEM. since it would not be possible to install recovery.
If someone is on a locked bootloader and want to test, we can see if it works. But I believe that is not possible.

I'll gladly test it with a locked bootloader when I get home in a few hours, if it hasn't already been tested by then.

Just tried it with locked bootloader, no joy. Device downloads the boot.IMG but errors booting it and just stays in bootloader mode. Guessing needs the bootloader unlocking first.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Premium HD app

Good to know. Thanks @CharlesW123 for checking!
Anybody know if we are able to flash a logo to replace the unlocked bootloader warning on the X Play yet?

Sevael said:
Good to know. Thanks @CharlesW123 for checking!
Anybody know if we are able to flash a logo to replace the unlocked bootloader warning on the X Play yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep the method shown here does work on the Moto X Play, you will get back to the normal boot logo.

has anyone tested installing Xposed after rooting yet? I'm assuming the same procedure should work (fastboot boot recovery.img > flash xposed.zip)?

nourez said:
has anyone tested installing Xposed after rooting yet? I'm assuming the same procedure should work (fastboot boot recovery.img > flash xposed.zip)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xposed is a .zip file, you need to install the TWRP via flash.
But still I am not the courage to try. I have no backup ROM error.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Dumb question, but I'll ask anyway if I root will I not be able to receive OTA updates? Because I know whenever I did that with my Note 4 that if I tried it would give a message saying operating system is modified or something in that nature.

joe1blue said:
Dumb question, but I'll ask anyway if I root will I not be able to receive OTA updates? Because I know whenever I did that with my Note 4 that if I tried it would give a message saying operating system is modified or something in that nature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not be able to take the ota. You have two options when marshmallow comes out.
1) Use the return to stock tool and take the ota them reroot
2) Wait for a flash able zip to become available.

TrenchKato said:
2) Wait for a flash able zip to become available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which will most likely be faster available than waiting for the OTA.

I'm not sure that will be the case for the MXPE. Fastboot shows the OS as "original," leading me to believe that OTA updates may work. Remember that on the Note 4, et al, unlocking the bootloader wasn't supported by the OEM or carrier. Since Moto is supplying the unlock codes, I suspect that OTA updates will not be disabled on the MXPE as long as no other OS changes are made. I could be wrong, but we'll find out when the time comes.

Tanker Bob said:
I'm not sure that will be the case for the MXPE. Fastboot shows the OS as "original," leading me to believe that OTA updates may work. Remember that on the Note 4, et al, unlocking the bootloader wasn't supported by the OEM or carrier. Since Moto is supplying the unlock codes, I suspect that OTA updates will not be disabled on the MXPE as long as no other OS changes are made. I could be wrong, but we'll find out when the time comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chances are, if you unlocked your bootloader, you flashed a custom recovery. You can't take an OTA through a custom recovery -- not because it's "blocked," but because the OTA tool is not written to work with that recovery.

Could be. Easy enough to fix if so. Just tell TWRP to allow the OS to overwrite it, the reflash TWRP after the update.

Can't you just flash the stock recovery to take the OTA? Sure, you'll lose root, but you could still take the OTA, then flash your custom recovery again. Is there anything, other than a stock recovery, that prevents OTA updates?
I wish we had a release date. Getting excited for the new features. Should have kept my Nexus 5!

jonathanbailie said:
Can't you just flash the stock recovery to take the OTA? Sure, you'll lose root, but you could still take the OTA, then flash your custom recovery again. Is there anything, other than a stock recovery, that prevents OTA updates?
I wish we had a release date. Getting excited for the new features. Should have kept my Nexus 5!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A modified system will prevent the install. You would need to flash the system image as well.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

I know some owners rooted their device for different reasons other than roms, but imo better to wait for 6.0 for OTA first. This phone comes with pure Android rom. Not like you need to remove bloat apps. Just need custom roms and kernels which is slow developing. Maybe the devs don't want to waste time with lp and their also waiting for marshmallow. I'm surprised how slow this device is moving under development. Oneplus one didn't have mass sale but their development was quick. Being so similar with nexus 6, hopefully we can get some love with MXP.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app

I have been holding out on unlocking for this reason. I'm lazy and don't want to set everything up again so I will use Marsh to back everything up first then I will go to town

Tanker Bob said:
I'm not sure that will be the case for the MXPE. Fastboot shows the OS as "original," leading me to believe that OTA updates may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA will not work for rooted MXPE's.
1) Rooting the MXPE requires you to load an alternative recovery (TWRP), which doesn't work with the OTA installation scripts.
2) Rooting the MXPE modified /system files. And OTA updates check /system integrity before it runs the update. Rooted phones will fail that integrity check, and will fail to OTA for that reason.
You could restore your MXPE to stock conditions (un-root, and load stock recovery) to have it accept an OTA. I'm sure that most people will do that, and then re-install TWRP and re-root after that is done. However, I'd recommend you wait a bit for other people to try this first, just in case there are any issues and to verify that root is still available in Android Marshmallow 6.0

Makes sense. Somebody has to be first. I will do a nandroid backup before attempting to update by any means.

Prior comments in this thread:
"You will not be able to take the ota. You have two options when marshmallow comes out.
1) Use the return to stock tool..."
and
"You could restore your MXPE to stock conditions (un-root, and load stock recovery) to have it accept an OTA..."
I just wanted to clarify that the Return to Stock tool does not currently remove TWRP...
Factory image will appear here once available: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images
(Must log in with Motorola registered ID or gmail address)
Keep in mind you will see a Moto X (2nd Gen) Pure Edition already there...that is not ours.

hijax2001 said:
Prior comments in this thread:
"You will not be able to take the ota. You have two options when marshmallow comes out.
1) Use the return to stock tool..."
and
"You could restore your MXPE to stock conditions (un-root, and load stock recovery) to have it accept an OTA..."
I just wanted to clarify that the Return to Stock tool does not currently remove TWRP...
Factory image will appear here once available: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images
(Must log in with Motorola registered ID or gmail address)
Keep in mind you will see a Moto X (2nd Gen) Pure Edition already there...that is not ours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More clarification: Restore-To-Stock-Tool does replace TWRP. Have a gander inside the zip. I spy recovery.img within. What do you see?

PiousInquisitor said:
More clarification: Restore-To-Stock-Tool does replace TWRP. Have a gander inside the zip. I spy recovery.img within. What do you see?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you're correct ... I just used the tool earlier today and I do indeed have stock recovery.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Sharing my experience... good it's supposed to. Didn't for me, for some reason, until 2nd power cycle. It is stock recovery now though. Sorry for the confusion.

Upgrading from 4.4.2 with an unlocked bootloader (mdk)

I know there threads that cover some of my questions, but I want to make sure I have everything squared away before I go down path.
I currently have a Verizon Galaxy S4 with 4.4.2. It is rooted and has the MDK boot loader. I want to upgrade to 4.5 and use Magisk (mainly so my son can keep playing Pokemon). I am under the impression that to run Magisk I need a non rooted version of 4.5. Am I correct in this impression? Would a stock 4.5 that is Deodexed work with Magisk? Once I find one I can just flash with TWRP and then install magisk correct?
I have 3 main concerns
Don't want to lose the unlocked bootloader.
Don't want to have to wipe the phone.
Want to make sure I can still remove the OTA update app.

jed.padilla said:
I know there threads that cover some of my questions, but I want to make sure I have everything squared away before I go down path.
I currently have a Verizon Galaxy S4 with 4.4.2. It is rooted and has the MDK boot loader. I want to upgrade to 4.5 and use Magisk (mainly so my son can keep playing Pokemon). I am under the impression that to run Magisk I need a non rooted version of 4.5. Am I correct in this impression? Would a stock 4.5 that is Deodexed work with Magisk? Once I find one I can just flash with TWRP and then install magisk correct?
I have 3 main concerns
Don't want to lose the unlocked bootloader.
Don't want to have to wipe the phone.
Want to make sure I can still remove the OTA update app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, first of all, there is no android 4.5 as far as I know.
There is 4.4 and then it jumps to 5.0.
Second, your device does not have an unlocked bootloader. Verizon phones pretty much all have a locked bootloader, and no way to unlock them.
Updating to the latest Android might make rooting impossible.
And since your bootloader is locked, Magisk won't work.

GDReaper said:
Well, first of all, there is no android 4.5 as far as I know.
There is 4.4 and then it jumps to 5.0.
Second, your device does not have an unlocked bootloader. Verizon phones pretty much all have a locked bootloader, and no way to unlock them.
Updating to the latest Android might make rooting impossible.
And since your bootloader is locked, Magisk won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression that MDK was the only unlocked bootloader Verizon ever had. It was only on the first round of phones.

jed.padilla said:
I was under the impression that MDK was the only unlocked bootloader Verizon ever had. It was only on the first round of phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure it is locked. It's just easier exploitable.
But I may be wrong.
Edit: Apparently only the Developer Edition has the unlocked bootloader. The MDK is locked.

GDReaper said:
I'm pretty sure it is locked. It's just easier exploitable.
But I may be wrong.
Edit: Apparently only the Developer Edition has the unlocked bootloader. The MDK is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So at this point my options are update the phone to something else with no root so I can continue to play.
Leave my phone rooted and no longer play.

jed.padilla said:
So at this point my options are update the phone to something else with no root so I can continue to play.
Leave my phone rooted and no longer play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a way to "hide root", other than Magisk.
But it's a real pain. You'd have to go into recovery and type some terminal commands each time you want to hide root, and then go back into recovery and undo everything once you want to get root back.

GDReaper said:
There was a way to "hide root", other than Magisk.
But it's a real pain. You'd have to go into recovery and type some terminal commands each time you want to hide root, and then go back into recovery and undo everything once you want to get root back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that is a big fat meh then. Thanks for the help.

Can't take OEM updates after unlocking bootloader and installing TWRP

I've unlocked the bootloader and installed TWRP on my girlfriend's Moto G5 Plus, but now whenever she tries to take OEM updates, the device reboots into the updating stage and then fails at an image of a dead Android. I'm at work currently without access to the device, but before I get home I was wondering if anyone else has had similar issues or has a resolution to this issue?
Thank you!

Huntereb said:
I've unlocked the bootloader and installed TWRP on my girlfriend's Moto G5 Plus, but now whenever she tries to take OEM updates, the device reboots into the updating stage and then fails at an image of a dead Android. I'm at work currently without access to the device, but before I get home I was wondering if anyone else has had similar issues or has a resolution to this issue?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't get those automatic updates if you have modified the phone system (e.g. unlock bootloader)... if this is what you mean.
I'm still not very used to moto devices but, from what I've read so far, you have to install updates via fastboot.

luizlee86 said:
You can't get those automatic updates if you have modified the phone system (e.g. unlock bootloader)... if this is what you mean.
I'm still not very used to moto devices but, from what I've read so far, you have to install updates via fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's true stuff! Also, you'll keep getting the update notifications. To end that nightmare, you need to purchase the paid version of Titanium Backup and 'freeze' the Motorola Update Service

luizlee86 said:
You can't get those automatic updates if you have modified the phone system (e.g. unlock bootloader)... if this is what you mean.
I'm still not very used to moto devices but, from what I've read so far, you have to install updates via fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djroese33 said:
Yes, that's true stuff! Also, you'll keep getting the update notifications. To end that nightmare, you need to purchase the paid version of Titanium Backup and 'freeze' the Motorola Update Service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang! That's unfortunate! I might just install a custom rom for her or something, then. Thanks for the information!

Huntereb said:
Dang! That's unfortunate! I might just install a custom rom for her or something, then. Thanks for the information!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be wrong.. but AFAIK custom roms don't have the one button navigation feature.

I haven't tested on modern phone but i know that if you want to install successfully an OTA update you need: 1) stock recovery (with TWRP it will fail) 2) an untouched system partition (you must install supersu in systemless mode).
Another way is via flashfire from the play store.
Hope this could help you

luizlee86 said:
I may be wrong.. but AFAIK custom roms don't have the one button navigation feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're wrong
Enviado desde mi XT1681 mediante Tapatalk

Huntereb said:
I've unlocked the bootloader and installed TWRP on my girlfriend's Moto G5 Plus, but now whenever she tries to take OEM updates, the device reboots into the updating stage and then fails at an image of a dead Android. I'm at work currently without access to the device, but before I get home I was wondering if anyone else has had similar issues or has a resolution to this issue?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still take OEM updates even if you have unlocked your bootloader. Your phone needs to have stock rom and stock recovery. Since you installed TWRP, its failing to update. Flash stock recovery image and you'll be able to update just fine.

luizlee86 said:
I may be wrong.. but AFAIK custom roms don't have the one button navigation feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it has but that feature no name like onekey navigation....you can set in fingerprint gesture menu whatever you want

I have a general question about updates. On my G5 plus I'm still on the January 1st Android security level. I unlocked my bootloader but kept the recovery and rom stock.
Will I get OTA updates normally and just be able to install them through the OS? Or do I have to find the update online and install via fastboot?

welp11 said:
I have a general question about updates. On my G5 plus I'm still on the January 1st Android security level. I unlocked my bootloader but kept the recovery and rom stock.
Will I get OTA updates normally and just be able to install them through the OS? Or do I have to find the update online and install via fastboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will get all updates via OTA:highfive:, the unlock of bootloader won't prevent you to get updates:laugh:
In extrema ratio flash via fastboot but you won't need that:good:

luizlee86 said:
You can't get those automatic updates if you have modified the phone system (e.g. unlock bootloader)... if this is what you mean.
I'm still not very used to moto devices but, from what I've read so far, you have to install updates via fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djroese33 said:
Yes, that's true stuff! Also, you'll keep getting the update notifications. To end that nightmare, you need to purchase the paid version of Titanium Backup and 'freeze' the Motorola Update Service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so if an ota rolls out, it'll fail. But you can manually flash with fastboot. But even after fastboot flashing, it'll still notify you that an update is waiting?? Even if you manually applied that update?
I'd rather not freeze the service as I do want to know when the next ota comes along that I'll want to flash.