Database Users

Unlocking Vs. Debranding/Flashing Vs. Rooting -- Clarified

Hi All,
There have been many confused members (especially the noobs) who do not understand the difference between unlocking and debranding so I wanted to start this thread to clarify this matter once and for all.
Debranding/Flashing: : This is when you flash some firmware other than your original operator's FW. For example, if you have an AT&T or O2 branded X10, when you flash/debrand generic fw (or any other fw of your choosing) you simply get rid of the "branded" software pre-loaded on your phone. Hence, the term "de-branding". This does not mean that your phone is unlocked. You will still have to use your original operator's SIM card, like AT&T or O2, to use your phone EVEN AFTER flashing/debranding your handset.
Unlocking: This is when you "network unlock" your phone and are able to use it with any GSM operator you choose other than your original operator. For example, you have an AT&T or O2 branded X10 and you want to use it on T-Mobile US or UK, can you do that after simply flashing/debranding? The answer is NO. Why? Because your phone still requires a special code to be entered before it becomes network unlocked. For further reading, please go here.
Rooting: Rooting is a process that allows users of cellphones, and other devices, running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem, similar to jailbreaking on Apple devices running the iOS operating system, overcoming limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on such phones. Rooting makes it possible to use custom versions of the Android system such as CyanogenMod, supporting features unavailable in stock ROMs. It also allows for newer versions of Android not supplied by the original device manufacturer. Source: Wikipedia
Debranding, unlocking and rooting are mutually exclusive.
FAQs:
1. If I flash to generic firmware using Bin4ry's flash tool, will I unlock my phone?
No, you will simply debrand your phone but, you will still need to get the unlock code.
2. If I debrand my phone and then unlock it but, I would like to go back to my original branded firmware, will my phone become re-locked to that network again?
No, once you unlock your phone, it will remain that way no matter what firmware you flash in the future.
3. How do I know if my phone is network unlocked?
The simple way is to pop in another operator's SIM card, for example you have an AT&T branded X10a, then you can use a T-Mobile SIM card. If your phone reboots and you do not get a "enter code" screen and you see that you are connected to the T-Mobile network then your phone is network unlocked and can be used with any GSM operator.
Another way is to go into the hidden service menu. In the lock screen (the one with the swype animation) press the following sequence of buttons (Home, Back, Back, Home, Back, Home, Home, Back). If you are on 1.6 replace Home with Menu. Then go to service info --> SIM lock. In the top line, if you find this [X] Network 10, then your phone is locked. If you find this [ ] Network 10, then your phone is unlocked.
4. How can I get my unlock code?
There are a few sites from which people were successful in getting their unlock codes like MobileInCanada and CellUnlocker. There is also a thread by Xda-member "Lancez" here who can provide unlock codes for a fee. Currently, there is no known method of unlocking your phone for free.
I hope I have clarified this matter for everyone.

this should clarify the unlocking scene

Lancez said:
this should clarify the unlocking scene
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so!

Well, thanks for the info; however, what I wanted to know was the "technology" behind the lock codes which can survive after flashing. What do they use to keep them safe? In which part of the software is the code stored? or most likely, the code should be hardcoded then.

albiore said:
Well, thanks for the info; however, what I wanted to know was the "technology" behind the lock codes which can survive after flashing. What do they use to keep them safe? In which part of the software is the code stored? or most likely, the code should be hardcoded then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is your friend. You can start here though.

batman_112 said:
Google is your friend. You can start here though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again Batman, you post exactly what I was looking for 3-4 days after I was looking for it. I'm gonna take a few days off and come back, so all my questions will have already been answered. ;-)
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

agentJBM said:
Once again Batman, you post exactly what I was looking for 3-4 days after I was looking for it. I'm gonna take a few days off and come back, so all my questions will have already been answered. ;-)
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next time just flash the Bat signal

Hello, I have a question.
I have a x10a locke, so, I go to cellularunlocker.net and pay 39.99$ for the software... and make the unlock... later of reboot, my x10 can be used on any carrier...
so my question is::
if SE make a new update of software and base band:
my info:
Model: x10a
version firmware: 2.1-update1
baseband version: 2.0.46
Kernel Version: [email protected]#1
Build number: 2.0.A.0.504
if a do on the future a update to 2.2 exameple if SE done the update and my baseband too recivied the update. my phone will be lock again?
thanks and sorry my bad English

roghax said:
Hello, I have a question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is answered in the first post...
batman_112 said:
2. If I debrand my phone and then unlock it but, I would like to go back to my original branded firmware, will my phone become re-locked to that network again?
No, once you unlock your phone, it will remain that way no matter what firmware you flash in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

roghax said:
Hello, I have a question.
I have a x10a locke, so, I go to cellularunlocker.net and pay 39.99$ for the software... and make the unlock... later of reboot, my x10 can be used on any carrier...
so my question is::
if SE make a new update of software and base band:
my info:
Model: x10a
version firmware: 2.1-update1
baseband version: 2.0.46
Kernel Version: [email protected]#1
Build number: 2.0.A.0.504
if a do on the future a update to 2.2 exameple if SE done the update and my baseband too recivied the update. my phone will be lock again?
thanks and sorry my bad English
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it will not be locked again.
XperiaX10iUser said:
Which is answered in the first post...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think people are too lazy to read through the whole post! Thanks!

Updated first post to add definition of rooting.

hahaha! probably right! some people don't read thouroghly. they just read through the articles... everything here has been thoroughly discussed though... thanks!

rjumonong said:
hahaha! probably right! some people don't read thouroghly. they just read through the articles... everything here has been thoroughly discussed though... thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. If you use the search option, you will find what you are looking for 99% of the time. Sometimes people are just too lazy to do it.

batman_112 said:
Yes. If you use the search option, you will find what you are looking for 99% of the time. Sometimes people are just too lazy to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there was a typo above. It is more like 9% of the time. Lol. Unless you type exactly word for word the results often send you to completely different forums, even though it says "search this forum". Test it yourself... Search using XDA search button and then do a Google Search. Google is much better, for me anyway.

agentJBM said:
I think there was a typo above. It is more like 9% of the time. Lol. Unless you type exactly word for word the results often send you to completely different forums, even though it says "search this forum". Test it yourself... Search using XDA search button and then do a Google Search. Google is much better, for me anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you need some practice before you can get it to work for you and not against you! But, Google is always your friend!

Good writeup. I need to do an FAQ too but I've just been too busy.
Users can use the diagnostic menu to check lock status:

BluechipJ said:
Good writeup. I need to do an FAQ too but I've just been too busy.
Users can use the diagnostic menu to check lock status:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that's correct. My x10 has 0 next to Sim but it's definitely locked to t-mobile. There's an X in the box next to where it says network for locked phones.

Deniz.S said:
I don't think that's correct. My x10 has 0 next to Sim but it's definitely locked to t-mobile. There's an X in the box next to where it says network for locked phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The [X] means it is locked. The 0 means that you have 0 attempts left to enter the unlock code. You get 10 in a new phone. Did you enter the codes too many times or did you buy your phone pre-owned?

What is the hidden unlock for ATT SM N910a? ive gone through the unlock code process through ATT and CellularUlock.net and got a code and it wont.
My phone is on 5.0.1 I really hope you can help with this.
Im currently working on a thread for the service menu for this device and need help
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/network-lock-menu-via-service-menu-t3205101

[FTF] [UK Generic] D6503_17.1.A.2.55_1281-5806-R5A.ftf

this FTF is created from my Phones4u unlocked handset.its UK generic fimware without any bloadware. should work on other unlocked european hanset too. here is the link
https://mega.co.nz/#!txkCQArB!LMVBizNxSHpuqqvgIEPLsQWJPpxvgUXSXr7zYWz8gqw
Here is the quick guide to flash ftf using flash tool.
The first thing that you need to Download last version. Search google for latest version
Step 1 : Download the Flash tool and install it. Open "C:\Flashtool\drivers"
Run the program “Flashtool-drivers” .Check the option “Select components to install” and find the phone for which you want to flash the ftf file In this case Xperia Z2. Select both ”Flashmode drivers” and “Fastboot drivers”. Click the “install” button and wait till drivers are installed on your PC. If you are using window 8.1 64bit, follow this guide to install these drivers
64-Bit editions of Windows require digitally signed drivers. The problem is that many devices ship with unsigned drivers. Today, I'll show you how to install them regardless.
Keep Pressing shift button and select restart.
Once your Computer has rebooted you will need to choose the Troubleshoot option.
Then head into Advanced options.
Then Startup Settings.
Since we are modifying boot time configuration settings, you will need to restart your Computer one last time.
Finally, you will be given a list of startup settings that you can change. The one we are looking for is “Disable driver signature enforcement”. To choose the setting, you will need to press the F7 key.
That’s all there is to it. Your PC will then reboot and you will be able to install unsigned drivers without any error message
Now open ”C:\Flashtool\firmwares”, copy paste the downloaded ftf file specific to your xperia device & latest firmware.
Run FlashTool
Step 2 : Switch off your xperia,wait for 30 seconds, Insert USB Cable in PC first & hold “Volume Down or volume up” button while you insert cable in Xperia phone. Green light in notification LED confirms that phone has been connected successfully.
Step 3 : Notice the “Black Thunder” option in the top most left corner. Click & Choose option “flashmode”.
Click “Select source folder” and select the copied ftf file from “C:\Flashtool\firmwares” and check the option “Wipe Data”. Under option “Misc” , check mark the option “No Final verification” if you are on Android 4.0.4 ICS Stock version.
Click OK, now Flashtool will prepare files for flashing & flash the selected ftf file on your xperia device.
Start the phone once the flashing is done. The first reboot will be very slow. after that.
That's it you are done.

Thanks for posting this its greatly apprecaited

will this work over the top of a Vodafone uk branded version.
Thanks

Link is dead

stinkypoo said:
Link is dead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will upload it tomorrow on torrent

wroenadinho said:
will this work over the top of a Vodafone uk branded version.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i highly dought as i only tested on unlocked bootloader unit. Voda or any other carrier handset is coming with LB.

rehanraza said:
i highly dought as i only tested on unlocked bootloader unit. Voda or any other carrier handset is coming with LB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need an unlocked bootloader to flash stock ftf file with flashtool.
This will work fine on any branded set but will replace firmware with generic so no network specific apps (bloatware).
---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:05 PM ----------
rehanraza said:
i will upload it tomorrow on torrent
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. Dropbox is capped at 200GB per day.
This file generated some serious interest.

Please do
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Yes this will work onto of Vodafone as that's what I did

Excellent. I fully intend to de-o2 my handset as soon as they ship, thanks.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

I tried to install this on a Locked BL Belonging to Vodafone and it didnt work...

I can't see why it won't work what error did it give ?

stinkypoo said:
Please do
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download link is updated now

I'm on Vodafone with a locked boot loader and can confirm that I have flashed this firmware and also the other firmwares on here several times with no issues. So should work for you

Strangeland16 said:
I'm on Vodafone with a locked boot loader and can confirm that I have flashed this firmware and also the other firmwares on here several times with no issues. So should work for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi everyone!
Please be kind if this is a stupid question :laugh:
Got my Z2 from vodafone today as they have carrier exclusivity. I know that debranding the phone will do nothing with regards to the SIM lock status of the phone, however I want to get every step out of the way as soon as possible.
Is it okay to flash the firmware BEFORE having received an unlock code and will an unlock code for the network just remain the same or should I wait until the phone is unlocked and then apply the debranding?
Any advice appreciated!
(Also: Has anyone who has flashed noticed speed increases or anything that doesn't work smoothly? It seems only VODAFONE UPDATE is impossible to get rid of and I wonder if it's worth the drama ).
THANKS GUYS!

WallaceWells said:
Hi everyone!
Please be kind if this is a stupid question :laugh:
Got my Z2 from vodafone today as they have carrier exclusivity. I know that debranding the phone will do nothing with regards to the SIM lock status of the phone, however I want to get every step out of the way as soon as possible.
Is it okay to flash the firmware BEFORE having received an unlock code and will an unlock code for the network just remain the same or should I wait until the phone is unlocked and then apply the debranding?
Any advice appreciated!
(Also: Has anyone who has flashed noticed speed increases or anything that doesn't work smoothly? It seems only VODAFONE UPDATE is impossible to get rid of and I wonder if it's worth the drama ).
THANKS GUYS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes my vodafone uk z2 was simlocked when i flashed mine with no dramas havent really noticed any problems except no bloat now from vodafone all phones features work as they should and i also find battery is a tiny bit better. it wont make any difference to the sim lock before or after

Cheers op now flashed and got the free films as well no more Vf rubbish and unlocked as well

stinkypoo said:
Cheers op now flashed and got the free films as well no more Vf rubbish and unlocked as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you get the free films i couldnt find them when i looked earlier could find the games but not the films anywhere ?

I just went to the xperia lounge and they are they downloading Elysium as we speak

stinkypoo said:
I just went to the xperia lounge and they are they downloading Elysium as we speak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, when i try to download it say voucher is currently unavailable. dont know whats going on. even reported to sony

[Q] Need help with Xperia z2 update

Hello everyone,
I have just returned from Canada and i own an Xperia z2 from Bell Mobility.I have got it network unlocked too.The problem I am facing is with updates of the phone.
here are a few details-
model number- D6503
android version- 4.4.2
build number- 17.1.A.2.55
I want to update the phone to the latest version(4.4.4) but for some reason i can't.whenever i check system update via phone or sony pc companion it says it's already up to date.
Note: the phone is unrooted.
I am a newbie so i dont know a lot about phones.any detailed help is appreciated.
thanks in advance

Hi, although it is network unlocked the device firmware is still Bell Mobility "branded" firmware so it will be up to them to push the update which they clearly haven't yet.
If you want the update now you will need to flash it manually with Flashtool.
This is relatively easy to do and does not require any rooting or hacking.
There is a great guide here on how to use Flashtool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928343
And here you can find a list of stock .ftf files you can flash: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
I would probably recommend "Canada/USA - unbranded - 1281-9709".
Although this is easy and pretty much flawless I hold no responsibility for anything bad that happens to your phone!
[EDIT] Just thought I had better add, in the Flashtool guide it will tell you to hold the "back" key when connecting your phone to your PC while the phone is switched off. Since we don't have a back key you will need to hold "volume down" for this step instead.

keyz86 said:
Hi, although it is network unlocked the device firmware is still Bell Mobility "branded" firmware so it will be up to them to push the update which they clearly haven't yet.
If you want the update now you will need to flash it manually with Flashtool.
This is relatively easy to do and does not require any rooting or hacking.
There is a great guide here on how to use Flashtool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928343
And here you can find a list of stock .ftf files you can flash: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
I would probably recommend "Canada/USA - unbranded - 1281-9709".
Although this is easy and pretty much flawless I hold no responsibility for anything bad that happens to your phone!
[EDIT] Just thought I had better add, in the Flashtool guide it will tell you to hold the "back" key when connecting your phone to your PC while the phone is switched off. Since we don't have a back key you will need to hold "volume down" for this step instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot sir.but the link to download flashtool is dead can i download it from any other site like flashtoon.net or something ?

My apologies, try this link: http://www.flashtool.net/downloads.php

I have just downloaded a flash tool for xperia devices from this site developer dot sonymobile dot com
is it good or i have to download from the link you provided ?

NastyNas_Common said:
I have just downloaded a flash tool for xperia devices from this site developer dot sonymobile dot com
is it good or I have to download from the link you provided ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need the one from my link, it's different from the one from the official Sony developers page.

keyz86 said:
You will need the one from my link, it's different from the one from the official Sony developers page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright.i have it on my pc.i am going to download the firmware you recommended (1.20 gb).anything else you wanna add ?
thank you.

NastyNas_Common said:
alright.i have it on my pc.i am going to download the firmware you recommended (1.20 gb).anything else you wanna add ?
thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That should be everything you need. Obviously back up your data first! You can choose not to wipe user data in Flashtool but always good to be safe just in case!
Good luck and hit the thanks button :good:

keyz86 said:
That should be everything you need. Obviously back up your data first! You can choose not to wipe user data in Flashtool but always good to be safe just in case!
Good luck and hit the thanks button :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one more thing,i am stuck with slow internet connection here,is there a torrent link to that firmware ?

NastyNas_Common said:
one more thing,i am stuck with slow internet connection here,is there a torrent link to that firmware ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's only the three links that are on that page, the first one is Dev Share, the other two are Mega Upload. I don't know of any torrents for it I'm afraid.

keyz86 said:
There's only the three links that are on that page, the first one is Dev Share, the other two are Mega Upload. I don't know of any torrents for it I'm afraid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright,i will come back as soon as i am done.

If you update via this method, would 5.0 also have to be done this way when Bell pushes it out?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app

keyz86 said:
There's only the three links that are on that page, the first one is Dev Share, the other two are Mega Upload. I don't know of any torrents for it I'm afraid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have updated my z2(thanks to you again).now i would like to know how can i root it ? a simple guide would be great.thanks in advance.

Unlocked Factory Image for Carrier locked STV100-1

Hello all,
Attached are modified factory roms that will flash an at&t or t-mobile phone to an unlocked phone. This means no more bloatware and in my case much better handoff between the lte bands.
These images reuse the carrier bootloader (I'm working on it) but everything else from the radio to the rom is from the unlocked priv.
Version: AAJ919
AT&T -> unlocked hybrid: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298947044
T-Mobile -> unlocked hybrid: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767153589
Directions: Unzip files. Hold power and volume down until phone reboots to fastboot. Launch flashall.bat. Follow instructions. This WILL delete your data so have a backup or don't I'm your boss. Wait. Done.
As usual I am not responsible for you bricking your phone. That being said even if the wrong file is flashed the phone gets stuck at the fastboot screen where you can flash the right file.
-Happy Modding

Can you provide more detailed instructions please

Im serious thats all there is to it.
What parts are you having problems with?

Didn't work for me, unfortunately. Phone promptly asked for SIM Pin.

zerocover said:
Hello all,
Attached are modified factory roms that will flash an at&t or t-mobile phone to an unlocked phone. This means no more bloatware and in my case much better handoff between the lte bands.
These images reuse the carrier bootloader (I'm working on it) but everything else from the radio to the rom is from the unlocked priv.
Version: AAJ919
AT&T -> unlocked hybrid: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298947044
T-Mobile -> unlocked hybrid: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767153589
Directions: Unzip files. Hold power and volume down until phone reboots to fastboot. Launch flashall.bat. Follow instructions. This WILL delete your data so have a backup or don't I'm your boss. Wait. Done.
As usual I am not responsible for you bricking your phone. That being said even if the wrong file is flashed the phone gets stuck at the fastboot screen where you can flash the right file.
-Happy Modding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity, will this be possible to do on a Verizon model? Obviously not flashing the ones above but making a VZ version?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

illitero said:
Didn't work for me, unfortunately. Phone promptly asked for SIM Pin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does not unlock your phone, this is an unlocked rom with no carrier bloatware.
You must already have an unlocked phone. If your phone is paid off call your carrier and ask for the pin.

ozzmanj1 said:
Just out of curiosity, will this be possible to do on a Verizon model? Obviously not flashing the ones above but making a VZ version?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one wont. This one might.
Disclaimer I dont have a vzw phone so can't test it, but pretty much I'm making the same modification I made to the others. It should work.
If you could give it a go and let me know.
If it doesn't work this file will get you back to where you should be

zerocover said:
That one wont. This one might.
Disclaimer I dont have a vzw phone so can't test it, but pretty much I'm making the same modification I made to the others. It should work.
If you could give it a go and let me know.
If it doesn't work this file will get you back to where you should be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't bought a priv yet. But i came across a killer deal for a VZ model that's I'd be using on tmo. I'm going to be snagging it. But will test for sure and let you know. I am just trying to read up on the phone before ordering it on how to get rid of bloat and whatnot without root. Thank you very much for making the file.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

zerocover said:
This does not unlock your phone, this is an unlocked rom with no carrier bloatware.
You must already have an unlocked phone. If your phone is paid off call your carrier and ask for the pin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, duh. I'm sorry. Very distracted, late night for me when I found this thread. plz4giv

zerocover said:
That one wont. This one might.
Disclaimer I dont have a vzw phone so can't test it, but pretty much I'm making the same modification I made to the others. It should work.
If you could give it a go and let me know.
If it doesn't work this file will get you back to where you should be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it and it worked. However, once it boots it will install a software update which takes you back to the bloated VZW version. Perhaps there's a way to block that update?

dakota_96 said:
I tried it and it worked. However, once it boots it will install a software update which takes you back to the bloated VZW version. Perhaps there's a way to block that update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally possible. If we had root just modify the host file and set the verizon server update ip to localhost. You should be able to install DNS66 and do something similar. This will take digging on your end to figure out what the update IP is though.

I have an ATT Priv, so if I flash this I'll get next time OTA from BlackBerry instead of ATT? Saw the one above with the Verizon update and went back to bloated version.

Reporting back in to verify that it worked flawlessly on both at&t and t-mobile variants I have. Now if only we could get root lol
Thank you so much for your effort

I have an ATT branded Priv which got unlocked from ATT directly and has successfully installed this ROM. It works perfectly without any ATT bloatwares, but this built is old and when I check for system update it shows my system is up to date. However the most recent built for unlocked factory image is AAL202 according to the blackberry official reload software website.
So does this ROM OTA updates via ATT server or directly from Blackberry server?

zerocover said:
Im serious thats all there is to it.
What parts are you having problems with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude what about the firmware version? and update status?

is there one available for the AAL230 update? and is the at&t version provided here applicable on my priv with AAL230 update installed?

zerocover said:
Hello all,
Attached are modified factory roms that will flash an at&t or t-mobile phone to an unlocked phone. This means no more bloatware and in my case much better handoff between the lte bands.
These images reuse the carrier bootloader (I'm working on it) but everything else from the radio to the rom is from the unlocked priv.
Version: AAJ919
AT&T -> unlocked hybrid: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298947044
T-Mobile -> unlocked hybrid: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767153589
Directions: Unzip files. Hold power and volume down until phone reboots to fastboot. Launch flashall.bat. Follow instructions. This WILL delete your data so have a backup or don't I'm your boss. Wait. Done.
As usual I am not responsible for you bricking your phone. That being said even if the wrong file is flashed the phone gets stuck at the fastboot screen where you can flash the right file.
-Happy Modding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this possible for the Verizon moto z play???

calistoz said:
is there one available for the AAL230 update? and is the at&t version provided here applicable on my priv with AAL230 update installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T runs a newer version of android then the international. If you want stockish android with no carrier bloat go international.

jzamalot said:
Is this possible for the Verizon moto z play???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send me a moto z play and we shall see. Otherwise sorry I can't test it.

With the very recent Verizon Priv update can the de-bloated image be updated?

Frendly reminder to unlock your bootloader

If you intend to do basically anything with this phone I highly recommend unlocking the bootloader and leaving it in that state always. Especially do this before accepting any kind of beta ota because you might not be able to roll back without bootloader unlock. Do not for any reason try locking your bootloader again unless a rom you are using specifically says to do so like Copperhead or you may end up semi or hardbricking your device. Having and leaving your bootloader unlocked also makes it possible to recover from almost every single possible problem that can arise with the device on a firmware/os level.

Yes,
Recent Non Beta OTA Update also Ruined the Phone. Since the Device was Locked it turned into a Useless Brick Now.
So its Strongly advisable to keep the Developer Mode on with USB Debugging ON and Allow Boot-loader Unlock Option ON at-least.

senthil19 said:
Yes,
Recent Non Beta OTA Update also Ruined the Phone. Since the Device was Locked it turned into a Useless Brick Now.
So its Strongly advisable to keep the Developer Mode on with USB Debugging ON and Allow Boot-loader Unlock Option ON at-least.
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Click to collapse
This is mostly the problem I'm referring to as I've now seen like 5 people who are stuck with a broken ota or are stuck on beta with no way off

I bought a second hand Pixel phone(small version) this summer and it came with locked bootloader. But i live in Russia now, so i dont use verizon. Is there any way to unlock bootloader on verizon phone? Android 8.1 last release

Karolei said:
I bought a second hand Pixel phone(small version) this summer and it came with locked bootloader. But i live in Russia now, so i dont use verizon. Is there any way to unlock bootloader on verizon phone? Android 8.1 last release
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Doesn't matter where you are, but there is a post or two on here talking about a guy who can unlock it using remote access and installing flexihub on your machine. If you wanna try it make a windows VM real quick and wipe ur phone after you back everything up that you need

Edit: double post

KittyRgnarok said:
Doesn't matter where you are, but there is a post or two on here talking about a guy who can unlock it using remote access and installing flexihub on your machine. If you wanna try it make a windows VM real quick and wipe ur phone after you back everything up that you need
Click to expand...
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Can you give me a link to this thread or to this guy?

Karolei said:
Can you give me a link to this thread or to this guy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Literally first non-stickied thread in q&a

KittyRgnarok said:
Literally first non-stickied thread in q&a
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Oh, you are right, sorry. Thank you!

Karolei said:
Oh, you are right, sorry. Thank you!
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No problem my dude. Make sure to do this in a sandbox environment please. Have fun

Karolei said:
I bought a second hand Pixel phone(small version) this summer and it came with locked bootloader. But i live in Russia now, so i dont use verizon. Is there any way to unlock bootloader on verizon phone? Android 8.1 last release
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Click to collapse
today，i spand 150￥ on chinese Taobao.he let my 8.1 verzon pixel unlock,its amazing,i found all bbs ,only fine one way to unlock，our phone need S-OFF S-OFF S-OFF（importance say third）s-off need our chinese is king-card，i dont know what speak in english（Key words：S-ON S-OFF htc） through it to return android 7.1 （sorry my english is pool，but i think you can understand，wish you an early unlock）

pingzi- said:
today，i spand 150￥ on chinese Taobao.he let my 8.1 verzon pixel unlock,its amazing,i found all bbs ,only fine one way to unlock，our phone need S-OFF S-OFF S-OFF（importance say third）s-off need our chinese is king-card，i dont know what speak in english（Key words：S-ON S-OFF htc） through it to return android 7.1 （sorry my english is pool，but i think you can understand，wish you an early unlock）
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Click to collapse
Do You have bootloader unlocked now?
And how you did it? remote over internet?
can you post link no this service?

KittyRgnarok said:
This is mostly the problem I'm referring to as I've now seen like 5 people who are stuck with a broken ota or are stuck on beta with no way off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain this further please, are you saying regular update can brick the phone?

invisibles said:
Can you explain this further please, are you saying regular update can brick the phone?
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A misparsed or improperly fetched OTA can semi-brick a phone yes. It can also happen when the manufacturer or carrier push a broken update. Both scenarios have happened many times with lg and Samsung phones for example