Database Users

[HOW TO] How to Root 5.1 with (unlocked bootloader)

I've seen posts requesting "how to" and posts of problems attempting to root after installing the 5.1 OTA update. This post outlines the steps to root with an UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER.
NOTE: This will only work if your bootloader is already unlocked. It is based on -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738 but slightly updated.
Don't know if your bootloader can be unlocked? see -> HERE
Requirements...
the latest TWRP fastboot IMG file (Alternate Link) UPDATE: There is an issue with TWRP 2.8.7.0 (SEE THIS POST Thanks @jodaboda ). Please use TWRP 2.8.6.0 for now!
the latest Installable ZIP of SuperSU (Alternate: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu )
You must have already installed the Motorola Drivers, ADB, Android Platform Tools, and mFastboot
mFastboot (get from the previous link). NOTE: Stock fastboot that ships with the Android SDK/Platform tools will likely work, but Moto's fastboot is always suggested!
Your battery has an 80% or greater charge!!
MicroUSB Cable.
Know how to start your phone into the Fastboot AP/Bootloader mode...
Unplug phone
Power down phone.
Hold Volume Down and Power
After a few seconds release Power, you should be in Fastboot AP menu on phone.
The steps...
NOTE: replace TWRP.IMG in the below steps, with the name of the file you downloaded!! Example: twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img
NOTE: failure to perform these steps EXACTLY as written can result in the apparence of the Android in distress (logo with Exclamation mark) with the caption "No Command" and the inability to enter recovery, OR it will enter STOCK recovery even though you have flashed TWRP!
Start the phone in Fastboot AP mode.
Connect your phone to PC via MicroUSB cable.
open a command prompt and change to the folder you downloaded your TWRP.IMG file.
type the following, pressing enter after each command, and wait for it to finish before going onto the next...
mfastboot flash recovery TWRP.img
mfastboot reboot-bootloader
Use the VOL DOWN Key to SCROLL to Recovery and VOL UP Key to select
The device should enter TWRP.
If your device is not rooted, TWRP may prompt you to root now or install SuperSU. Do it.
Use the menu options to Reboot to system.
You will likely be prompted to UPDATE SuperSU. Please update it, and reboot.
IF TWRP doesn't prompt you to root/install SuperSU.... (more exact instructions coming later...)
With your phone booted normally, connect it via USB cable to your PC.
Drag/Drop the SuperSU.zip you downloaded onto the phone's internal storage
Reboot the phone into TWRP
Use the menu option to install zip, navigate to and select the SuperSU zip.
Boot to System.
EDIT: 9-17-2015 edited first TWRP link.

KidJoe said:
I've seen posts requesting "how to" and posts of problems attempting to root after installing the 5.1 OTA update. This post outlines the steps to root with an UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER.
NOTE: This will only work if your bootloader is already unlocked. It is based on -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738 but slightly updated.
Don't know if your bootloader can be unlocked? see -> HERE
Requirements...
the latest TWRP fastboot IMG file (Alternate Link)
the latest Installable ZIP of SuperSU (Alternate: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu )
You must have already installed the Motorola Drivers, ADB, Android Platform Tools, and mFastboot
mFastboot (get from the previous link). NOTE: Stock fastboot that ships with the Android SDK/Platform tools will likely work, but Moto's fastboot is always suggested!
Your battery has an 80% or greater charge!!
MicroUSB Cable.
Know how to start your phone into the Fastboot AP/Bootloader mode...
Unplug phone
Power down phone.
Hold Volume Down and Power
After a few seconds release Power, you should be in Fastboot AP menu on phone.
The steps...
NOTE: replace TWRP.IMG in the below steps, with the name of the file you downloaded!! Example: twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img
NOTE: failure to perform these steps EXACTLY as written can result in the apparence of the Android in distress (logo with Exclamation mark) with the caption "No Command" and the inability to enter recovery, OR it will enter STOCK recovery even though you have flashed TWRP!
Start the phone in Fastboot AP mode.
Connect your phone to PC via MicroUSB cable.
open a command prompt and change to the folder you downloaded your TWRP.IMG file.
type the following, pressing enter after each command, and wait for it to finish before going onto the next...
mfastboot flash recovery TWRP.img
mfastboot reboot-bootloader
Use the VOL DOWN Key to SCROLL to Recovery and VOL UP Key to select
The device should enter TWRP.
If your device is not rooted, TWRP may prompt you to root now or install SuperSU. Do it.
Use the menu options to Reboot to system.
You will likely be prompted to UPDATE SuperSU. Please update it, and reboot.
IF TWRP doesn't prompt you to root/install SuperSU.... (more exact instructions coming later...)
With your phone booted normally, connect it via USB cable to your PC.
Drag/Drop the SuperSU.zip you downloaded onto the phone's internal storage
Reboot the phone into TWRP
Use the menu option to install zip, navigate to and select the SuperSU zip.
Boot to System.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still haven't unlocked my Bootloader (being on 5.1). In the linked post it's been mentioned that "TWRP custom recovery for KitKat" - my question is, is there a TWRP Custom Recover for OTA 5.1 update? And I'm on XT1052, same procedure follows?

Do you know where I can find mfastboot for Mac OSX?

kidjoe, your a priceless resource!
i installed an older verison of twrp and had all the issues you speak off, installed 2.8.6 with success but would not root upon reboot, installed the super su zip in op via twrp, one last thing i had to enter the super su app and tap enable superuser and now all is good:good::good

Thanks, worked like a charm

Thanks.. It's been ages since I used I last used adb commands and flashed something. I couldn't figure out how to boot into recovery.

Vampirexox said:
I still haven't unlocked my Bootloader (being on 5.1). In the linked post it's been mentioned that "TWRP custom recovery for KitKat" - my question is, is there a TWRP Custom Recover for OTA 5.1 update? And I'm on XT1052, same procedure follows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img works on Lollipop too. (just used it last night on my sister-in-law's GSM Dev Edition XT1053 that got the lollipop update)

jay_em said:
Do you know where I can find mfastboot for Mac OSX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a copy on my Box 'drive':
https://app.box.com/s/5nlgy2avccupw4box8z2be50ezt4qn7p
EDIT: I just got an e-mail saying it had been downloaded. :good:
---------- Post added at 08:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 AM ----------
kyzn said:
Thanks.. It's been ages since I used I last used adb commands and flashed something. I couldn't figure out how to boot into recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: [If you are still running the stock Recovery] You can also use:
Code:
adb reboot recovery
When you see the horizontal robot hold the Volume Up key for 3 seconds and then tap Power and the Recovery Menu will display.

Thanx for this how-to. Everyone has been getting confused in root process for 5.1 although it is nearly same as 4.4.4.
Sent from my XT1052

I had to use twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img
twrp 2.8.7 would not "see" the SD card, and I couldn't install the SuperSU.zip
Thanks for the post!

jodaboda said:
I had to use twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img
twrp 2.8.7 would not "see" the SD card, and I couldn't install the SuperSU.zip
Thanks for the post!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue with my XT1053. Following your advice did the trick. Not being able to modify my dpi since upgrading has been killing me. Its the only thing i really want root for. Thanks for everything both you and op!

jodaboda said:
I had to use twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img
twrp 2.8.7 would not "see" the SD card, and I couldn't install the SuperSU.zip
Thanks for the post!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh... 2.8.7 wasn't out when I tried.. 2.8.6 was the latest at that time. Maybe there is a bug in 2.8.7 that will get fixed in future versions?

Sunshine unlocked bootloader
Does anyone know if there are any issues resulting from a Sunshine unlocked bootloader? I saw one post that had a warning but it was a warning because there was no information at the time. Has this change?

i installed TWRP successful, but after normal reset, TWRP is gone, it's only stock recovery (Android down image). Please help me. My phone is running 5.1 update OTA, unlocked bootloader

md07 said:
i installed TWRP successful, but after normal reset, TWRP is gone, it's only stock recovery (Android down image). Please help me. My phone is running 5.1 update OTA, unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "installed TWRP successful"... do you mean that fastboot didn't error? or that fastboot completed the install, you did a mfastboot reboot-bootloader, and tried entering TWRP but it still gave you the "dead android" image?

Is there any unofficial way to unlock bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I can't get it to work on a friend's Moto X... I flash using mfastboot and upon rebooting, it goes into battery charging mode.
If I fully boot into Android, then reboot to recovery, I still get the "dead Android on his back" recovery. What's going on?!

djibril13 said:
Is there any unofficial way to unlock bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sunshine... IF you're phone has never been upgraded to 4.4.4.
BUT if you can get unlock code from Moto, while it can void your warranty (depending on your local laws), that is FREE, and the best way.

SX86 said:
I can't get it to work on a friend's Moto X... I flash using mfastboot and upon rebooting, it goes into battery charging mode.
If I fully boot into Android, then reboot to recovery, I still get the "dead Android on his back" recovery. What's going on?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
help me understand your situation...
You are doing.. Mfastboot flash recovery -> mfastboot reboot-bootloader -> you get battery charging screen rather than fasboot/bootloader menu/screen?
or ??

SX86 said:
I can't get it to work on a friend's Moto X... I flash using mfastboot and upon rebooting, it goes into battery charging mode.
If I fully boot into Android, then reboot to recovery, I still get the "dead Android on his back" recovery. What's going on?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after flashing did you but to recovery befour booting system? with my experience i had to boot to recovery first befour system

flash twrp don't overwrite stock recovery

today, i flash Los 13 from Los 14. I tried flash twrp by tool,cmd fastboot but recovery is stock. i tried flash MIUI 7.5.4 and i can boot into TWRP 1 time. And now, i dont flash twrp (twrp dont ovewrite stock recovery). i boot into recovery but it's stuck logo Mi 3,4 times and reboot nomal
can anyone help me flash twrp ?
thank

kirianti94 said:
today, i flash Los 13 from Los 14. I tried flash twrp by tool,cmd fastboot but recovery is stock. i tried flash MIUI 7.5.4 and i can boot into TWRP 1 time. And now, i dont flash twrp (twrp dont ovewrite stock recovery). i boot into recovery but it's stuck logo Mi 3,4 times and reboot nomal
can anyone help me flash twrp ?
thank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.- Boot in fastboot mode (power and vol- buttons until the FASTBOOT logo shows up). Connect the phone with USB cable.
2.- Using Windows file explorer, go into the TWRP installer folder, there press and hold the shift key, and right clic the folder. Then click "open command line here".
3.- In the cmd window that opens, write "fastboot devices". Your phone's serial number and the word "fastboot" will appear. If not, the device is not being detected and you need to install the adequate driver. Look in google.
4.- Write "fastboot flash recovery [the name of the TWRP file inside the folder including the .img extension]". Press enter. You will see the output messages in the window, you must not see any error messages.
6.- After flashing the recovery without errors, DON'T REBOOT OR TURN OFF THE PHONE. THIS WILL ERASE TWRP AND INSTALL STOCK RECOVERY AGAIN.
7.- write "fasbtoot boot recovery [the name of the TWRP file inside the folder including the .img extension]". The phone will boot into TWRP
8.- Inside TWRP go to Advanced > Disable DM-verity
9.- Now you can flash custom roms and stuff. To boot into recovery mode power off the phone, press vol+, vol- and power buttons for 3 seconds, then release buttons and wait.
If none of the above works, maybe your bootloader got re-locked after flashing some MIUI ROM and that's why you can't flash TWRP or another ROM.

If the bootloader gets re-locked? We have to ask the permission again? R directly v can unlock using unlock tool? Is der any chances to relock bootloader? By how? Thank u...

thank for help.i flash miui 8.1.1.0 first, fastboot no re-locked ( I checked my status develop option and MI unlocker ). i flash twrp by flour_mo, it dont work but when i flash twrp-caffe 3.0.1 by fedosis ( LOS 13 ) it work. And i can boot into recovery.

moralesnery said:
1.- Boot in fastboot mode (power and vol- buttons until the FASTBOOT logo shows up). Connect the phone with USB cable.
2.- Using Windows file explorer, go into the TWRP installer folder, there press and hold the shift key, and right clic the folder. Then click "open command line here".
3.- In the cmd window that opens, write "fastboot devices". Your phone's serial number and the word "fastboot" will appear. If not, the device is not being detected and you need to install the adequate driver. Look in google.
4.- Write "fastboot flash recovery [the name of the TWRP file inside the folder including the .img extension]". Press enter. You will see the output messages in the window, you must not see any error messages.
6.- After flashing the recovery without errors, DON'T REBOOT OR TURN OFF THE PHONE. THIS WILL ERASE TWRP AND INSTALL STOCK RECOVERY AGAIN.
7.- write "fasbtoot boot recovery [the name of the TWRP file inside the folder including the .img extension]". The phone will boot into TWRP
8.- Inside TWRP go to Advanced > Disable DM-verity
9.- Now you can flash custom roms and stuff. To boot into recovery mode power off the phone, press vol+, vol- and power buttons for 3 seconds, then release buttons and wait.
If none of the above works, maybe your bootloader got re-locked after flashing some MIUI ROM and that's why you can't flash TWRP or another ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when I flash twrp.img but it dont overwrite strock recovery ( fastboot was unlocked)

kirianti94 said:
when I flash twrp.img but it dont overwrite strock recovery ( fastboot was unlocked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is shown on the cmd window? Is there any error on the phone's screen?
Could you provide a screenshot at least?

ZTE Axon 7 A2017G Bootloader not booting

I was going through the usual steps of flashing lineage 14.1 to my Axon 7.
In one of the guides i was following it recommended downgrading to android marshmallow before flashing lineage, which i did.
I had TWRP installed however this got removed when i flashed the stock marshmallow file which included stock recovery.
However, i cant get it to boot into fastboot, i tried, "adb reboot fastboot", and tried the manual method by holding down the power and + vol.
When it reboot it just skips fastboot and just boots normally
I'm not sure what is wrong, whether the bootloader is corrupt or it is completely missing.
I'm not sure how i can flash a new bootloader if i can't use fastboot. If there is a piece of software out there that can flash without fastboot i would be thankful for a pointer.

GeorgeJohnson5610 said:
I was going through the usual steps of flashing lineage 14.1 to my Axon 7.
In one of the guides i was following it recommended downgrading to android marshmallow before flashing lineage, which i did.
I had TWRP installed however this got removed when i flashed the stock marshmallow file which included stock recovery.
However, i cant get it to boot into fastboot, i tried, "adb reboot fastboot", and tried the manual method by holding down the power and + vol.
When it reboot it just skips fastboot and just boots normally
I'm not sure what is wrong, whether the bootloader is corrupt or it is completely missing.
I'm not sure how i can flash a new bootloader if i can't use fastboot. If there is a piece of software out there that can flash without fastboot i would be thankful for a pointer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got stuff wrong. I don't know if 'reboot fastboot' works, but it's actually "reboot bootloader". Plus they got rid of it since Marshmallow, and you have to install it if you want it.
Use EDL and install TWRP with it (EDL Tool by djkuz , or axon7tool by tennear). Don't even reflash the bootloader

Choose an username... said:
You got stuff wrong. I don't know if 'reboot fastboot' works, but it's actually "reboot bootloader". Plus they got rid of it since Marshmallow, and you have to install it if you want it.
Use EDL and install TWRP with it (EDL Tool by djkuz , or axon7tool by tennear). Don't even reflash the bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, all fixed now and Lineage installed

Moto e 4 xt1762 woods mediatek stuck on TWRP

Hello, i installed dotos custom rom and gapps after flashed TWRP without root access (i don't want to root my device), all was good, the custom rom work good, so to day i manage to reinstall the same rom with another time gapps (the cause is for delete some application), all was good , and i read that it's good to make a hard reset for that the rom work nicely (i do it from the setting), i do it but after that the smartphone reboot and stuck on TWRP, i reboot the system from TWRP but don't work, it open all the time TWRP, the recovery menu disaper (i use the key volume"-" and power button don't work it don't enter to the recovery mode), i can only boot to bootloader from TWRP and access fastboot mode:
=>fastboot mode
=>unlocked
i use "fastboot continu" to access system but sim don' work in this way. so i come to you for help, i want that the system work like before, thank for your patience and help.

Reboot into fastboot mode
Have at least minimal ADB interface and fastboot drivers installed
Use a command prompt to cd to ur fastboot drivers normally C:\adb
in the same folder have your TWRP recovery image.
Then use the command fastboot flash recovery [twrpfilename.img]
Then fastboot reboot
Hold power and vol down and once in the boot loader use volume up to select recovery then press power to boot into the recovery mode
Have magisk on your SD card or go to reboot and TWRP will root your device you must never try to unroot a custom ROM because at some point they will all fail and you'll be in this problem.. i have hundreds of different custom ROMs from Android 4 to 8 and not one of them has been flawless they all have issues and big problems in the end, like operating system breaking glitches your best off sticking with stock firmware and modded and debloating urselg

Nubia Z17 fastboot error pls help

My TWRP recovery was erased when I back to official rom even I hadnt mark that option in twrp recovery. Now when I go till fastboot to instal TWRP I can only do 2 commands then it stops working , but I need 3 commands to instal the twrp. HOW do I FIX it? pleeeease
I have installed the right drivers and every step before it works completly fine.
The fastboot mode screen stay frozen then the phone turns off
Fastboot devices ok
Fastboot oem nubia_unlock NUBIA_Z17 NX563J ok
Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img not ok, just frozen screen then turns off
It has the last nubia official rom
Can I use the official local update app in manual update to flash recovery?
I need it so much to install gapps
Or do exist another whey to install gapps no Nubia Z17 without TWRP?

GuiMediller said:
My TWRP recovery was erased when I back to official rom even I hadnt mark that option in twrp recovery. Now when I go till fastboot to instal TWRP I can only do 2 commands then it stops working , but I need 3 commands to instal the twrp. HOW do I FIX it? pleeeease
I have installed the right drivers and every step before it works completly fine.
The fastboot mode screen stay frozen then the phone turns off
Fastboot devices ok
Fastboot oem nubia_unlock NUBIA_Z17 NX563J ok
Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img not ok, just frozen screen then turns off
It has the last nubia official rom
Can I use the official local update app in manual update to flash recovery?
I need it so much to install gapps
Or do exist another whey to install gapps no Nubia Z17 without TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To flash recovery download twrp 3.5,
Put it into minimal adb folder, copy its name run cmd with administrative rights withing minimal adb and use *fastboot flash recovery "copied name".img

My phone (Nubia z17) don't work. Only fastboot mode and recovery mode work. Please help me

Vi7eta said:
To flash recovery download twrp 3.5,
Put it into minimal adb folder, copy its name run cmd with administrative rights withing minimal adb and use *fastboot flash recovery "copied name".img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

GuiMediller said:
My TWRP recovery was erased when I back to official rom even I hadnt mark that option in twrp recovery. Now when I go till fastboot to instal TWRP I can only do 2 commands then it stops working , but I need 3 commands to instal the twrp. HOW do I FIX it? pleeeease
I have installed the right drivers and every step before it works completly fine.
The fastboot mode screen stay frozen then the phone turns off
Fastboot devices ok
Fastboot oem nubia_unlock NUBIA_Z17 NX563J ok
Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img not ok, just frozen screen then turns off
It has the last nubia official rom
Can I use the official local update app in manual update to flash recovery?
I need it so much to install gapps
Or do exist another whey to install gapps no Nubia Z17 without TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
give you a easy app for flash TWRP3.2.3,but is chinese.unzip the zip file。if phone is turn on.(Developer options should be turned on）type 2 and clik "ENTER".best is phone on BL（Turn off the phone, press and hold the volume - button and power button at the same time to enter BL mode.）.then type 3 and clik "ENTER".when you see "OK",then Use the volume keys to select recovery mode, then press the power key.

I have tried and I make mistakes. ''waiting for any device''