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Hello to this amazing community,
I have recently tried for the first time to root my device.
Being unaware of the XDA community, I used this guy's guide - https://theunlockr.com/2016/11/29/root-motorola-moto-g4-moto-g4-plus/ .
As I went through the steps of unlocking, booting TWRP and installing superSU, I found out that the device won't start anymore, though the bootloader was still working at that point.
Unfortunately, that guide didn't emphasized the importance of first backing-up the system with TWRP.
Panicking, I even ended up wiping the entire device.
So I started my sisyphic journey of reviving the phone.
Being clueless of OEM stock versions etc. at this point, I thought that I should look for a fresh TWRP backup someone did after purchasing my exact Moto G4 Plus model - XT1644 so I ended up recovering the version that this dear guy has uploaded:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/moto-g4-plus-xt1644-stock-unmodified-6-t3536448
Happy as I was that the machine would finally start, I found out I was running an old Marshmallow version - exactly as the title says.
Still, I assumed that new OTA versions will be available and my device will be upgraded to the most up-to-date version.
Surprisingly for a rookie as me, checking for software updates showed " Your device's software is up to date".
So I search for a more up-do-date OEM stock version, and I have found the following version - NPJS25.93-14-13 here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138
I ran the bash file to flash the OEM while keeping the device unlocked.
The device has loaded finally with the familiar up-to-date version, and an available OTA update appeared.
I immediately ran the update.
That's when I first became familiar with the term "Brick". The device became completely dead.
Now, thanks to siddhesh9146 inceredible thread I managed to revive the device:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/moto-g4-plus-hardbrick-solved-guide-t3657761
I went through his steps, installed BlankFlash, flashed the latest gpt and bootloader and flashed version NPJS25.93-14-10.
The device will finally work! I would realize then, that the latest version is actually ATHENE_NPJS25.93-14-13 ,
And again, the device won't show any updates available.
So, finally, here are my questions:
1. What could I have done wrong in first place? Was it a wrong superSU version that caused the problem? (In case my rooting aspirations will return)
2. What caused the device to turn brick? I realize it has to do with downgrading version, but after I wiped the device, I only upgraded versions.
3. In general, when OTA are available? Only the newest stock version would receive OTA? Will I have to manually upgrade versions from now on?
4. Could I upgrade now to NPJS25.93-14-13 using the version that siddhesh9146 presented without wiping my entire phone? What exactly should I flash to do so?
5. What are the precautions I have to take while doing so? Is there a risk my phone will tun brick again?
Thanks!
Good to hear your device is working again, seems like it's been through a journey.
1)When you originally rooted, were you on stock Nougat (7.0)? If so, those rooting guides will not work and are likely for Marshmallow 6.0 systems only. What they fail to mention is that attempting to root whilst still on the stock Motorola Nougat kernel likely causes your device to not boot. The Nougat 7.0 stock kernel for our devices seems to be much stricter than the Marshmallow kernel when it comes to anti-rooting protections. Thus, we generally need to flash a custom kernel onto our devices before rooting - either with SuperSU or magisk. An example of a working guide for rooting on stock Nougat Moto G4/Plus is here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo...de-root-moto-g4-plus-supersu-android-t3587918
2)Do you remember what the OTA you received was? I don't think there's an OTA for a build later than NPJS25.93-14-13 out yet. That suggests that the NPJS25.93-14-13 flash didn't work - did you check if the bash script reported [OKAY] after each command? By brick, do you mean the device had a blinking LED light, and there was no screen, and you were unable to boot to the bootloader and/or recovery? If the flash didn't work, then you may have taken a Marshmallow to Nougat OTA (NPJ25.93-14) which may have corrupted your device bootloader in the process.
3)OTAs are generally available for a particular build and for a particular software channel when they are released. For NPJS25.93-14-13, that's currently the latest build for EU/UK, Brazil and India devices, and there's word that there's a February 2018 OTA coming soon (no sign of it yet).
However, for your device (XT1644), if you are on the retUS - retail US - software channel, your device is on a different update path - NPJ25.93-14.7 would be the corresponding September 2017 patch for retUS software channel devices. NPJS25.93-14-10 is not one of the builds deployed to the retUS, and as such the Motorola servers may not issue you an OTA patch, regardless of whether the firmware would work. There have been reports of NPJS25.93-14-10 and NPJS25.93-14-13 working on US devices without issue, but you may not receive OTA updates.
You could manually update to NPJS25.93-14-13 using the OTA here, provided that you fully flashed the NPJS25.93-14-10 stock ROM (including GPT and bootloader, system, modem, boot, recovery, OEM, DSP, FSG). If you did not fully flash, you may be risking another hardbrick. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74973505&postcount=7
4)If you want to flash the NPJS25.93-14-13 stock ROM to be safe, or attempt to cross flash to the Sept 2017 NPJ25.93-14.7 firmware without wiping your data, you can use the following flashing commands. Be warned that you may have to factory reset if your device becomes unstable, so backup anyway. I would recommend manually flashing these commands:
a)copy and paste the first command to the ADB terminal
b)press enter, wait for [OKAY] to appear.
c) copy the next command, individually and in order, to the terminal, repeat b) and c) until you get to the end of the list.
Code:
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash dsp adspso.bin
fastboot flash oem oem.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.7
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot
These commands omit the fastboot erase userdata, preserving your data, and omit the OEM locking commands, which would lock your bootloader and erase your data in the process as well. Bear in mind that cross flashing can be risky, however, you may have to flash the NPJ25.93-14.7 update if you wish to receive OTA updates for the retUS software channel, if you are on that software channel. Link for the NPJ25.93-14.7 stock firmware if you wish to try: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=817906626617945295
5)Generally, the main source of hard bricks I've noted has been users have been on stock Nougat (particularly the March 2017-latest) builds. They downgrade their device to stock Marshmallow firmware, which goes okay. However, in most - if not all - cases, their bootloaders are not downgraded, so you have a system and bootloader mismatch, with a newer Nougat bootloader but an older system than their bootloader patch level. For example, a B1:06 June 2017 patch level bootloader but a July 2016 Marshmallow system patch level.
The OTA checks that are performed are mainly on the system side i.e is your device on the July 2016 system patch? Are your system, OEM, recovery, boot etc. partitions unmodified and match the expected checksums for this OTA patch? If so, then install. However, in the updater script, there is no such check for the bootloader - the OTA updates appear to assume your bootloader is of the same patch level as your system. Normally, for a locked bootloader or for a user that has only updated their device, that assumption holds.
The issue we have here is that the system was downgraded to Marshmallow, so that assumption no longer holds. As the OTA updates are signed by Motorola, they have authorisation to write to your bootloader. That means this OTA can overwrite your bootloader, and if it's applying older code, can corrupt your newer Nougat bootloader and thus hard brick your device, which necessitates a blankflash to repair.
In other words, if you downgrade your device firmware, do not use or install OTA updates. If you do downgrade, only update with stock firmware that is as new or newer than your bootloader patch level. If your device is on the same patch level , then you should be able to use OTA updates. However as mentioned above, you need to be on the correct build for your device software channel as well to receive OTA updates from Motorola.
I updated to Pie today using OTA. This resulted in a bootloop. Since my bootloader was already unlocked, I booted TWRP (not flashed) and swapped slots. This resulted in booting to the recovery "no command" prompt instead. So I downloaded the only ROM Xiaomi has on their site - 8.1 - and flashed this with the "flash_all_except_storage" script. Still bootloops, only now the bootloader is relocked.
So, anyone know how to unlock the bootloader on a non-booting Android One device? Is there an EDL mode on these?
tin2001 said:
I updated to Pie today using OTA. This resulted in a bootloop. Since my bootloader was already unlocked, I booted TWRP (not flashed) and swapped slots. This resulted in booting to the recovery "no command" prompt instead. So I downloaded the only ROM Xiaomi has on their site - 8.1 - and flashed this with the "flash_all_except_storage" script. Still bootloops, only now the bootloader is relocked.
So, anyone know how to unlock the bootloader on a non-booting Android One device? Is there an EDL mode on these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? No one reads thread online?! I quote to NEVER, EVER, FLASH OREO/NOUGAT ROMS AFTER UPDATING TO PIE!!!
I downloaded the latest OFFICIAL ROM when it was already bootlooping.... Seriously? I'm supposed to go searching online for 3rd party information rather than the official?
Now how about people with useful information instead of arrogance?
If I'm not wrong you just need to boot into bootloader and fastboot oem unlock. With unlocked bootloader, go fastboot mode and flash official stock pie fastboot rom
I had hardbricked my devices while installing an OTA update and the device was Hardbricked .
I blank flashed the device and it booted and bootloader.
Now the problem starts here.
I flashed the OEM_Lock.bat as I wanted to relock the bootloader. I'm not sure what went wrong but the flash didn't complete and stuck in middle.
The problem remains here is it shows
Fastboot Reason: Failed to initialize partition table
I am unable to flash anything now. Recovery.img fails, bootloader.img fails, twrp flashing fails.
Nothing flashes as Bootloader is locked.
I went to Motorola Service Centre. They also couldn't do anything and simply said that their software doesnt read the phone.
Is there anyone whoe can really help me out with anything left to do?
Any method to force flash recovery, even twrp?
Phone is detected as Fastboot athene_16mp S in computer. It doesnt detect as "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008".
What firmware are you attempting to flash?
Your device looks like it's still on the blank flash provided bootloader, which means you have to flash at least the GPT and bootloader. The lack of a serial number and the generic identifier implies you have not been able to flash an actual GPT and bootloader. Also, OEM_locked is normal until you get an actual bootloader flashed over the blank flash bootloader, which usually means trying to flash a GPT and bootloader at least as new as the latest version you had on your device (regardless of downgrades).
I'd suggest downloading the latest Nougat stock ROM we have from here. Do not use any of the scripts at this time.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138
Unzip the file, delete any old stock ROMs from your ADB folder and copy over the new stock ROM. Try to flash just the GPT and bootloader then reboot to fastboot. See if you reboot into a fastboot screen with details.
If you do, I would proceed to flash the rest of the new ROM without locking your bootloader. If your device boots then, then you can reflash with the locking commands.
Edit - also, this post probably is better suited to the Q and A section...
echo92 said:
What firmware are you attempting to flash?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138
Unzip the file, delete any old stock ROMs from your ADB folder and copy over the new stock ROM. Try to flash just the GPT and bootloader then reboot to fastboot. See if you reboot into a fastboot screen with details.
If you do, I would proceed to flash the rest of the new ROM without locking your bootloader. If your device boots then, then you can reflash with the locking commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The files in mentioned firmware did the trick. It flashed GPT and Bootloader and showed the needed info.:highfive: After that I flashed the same firmware via fastboot commands and device has booted to the stock 7.0 - Bootloader Unlocked. How crazy was I to ignore the proper files to flash? I probably tried 100 times to flash files (wrong once for sure). Thanks alot though for providing the link and instructions. :silly:
Now one last thing, should I flash OEM_Lock file to lock the bootloader so that I can get the lastest Oreo update? I might even think fo selling the device after locking the bootloader. Need your genuine opinion on this as well.
mysteryno46 said:
The files in mentioned firmware did the trick. It flashed GPT and Bootloader and showed the needed info.:highfive: After that I flashed the same firmware via fastboot commands and device has booted to the stock 7.0 - Bootloader Unlocked. How crazy was I to ignore the proper files to flash? I probably tried 100 times to flash files (wrong once for sure). Thanks alot though for providing the link and instructions. :silly:
Now one last thing, should I flash OEM_Lock file to lock the bootloader so that I can get the lastest Oreo update? I might even think fo selling the device after locking the bootloader. Need your genuine opinion on this as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, you live and learn. Besides, you've now got your device running now!
Honestly, it's up to you. Having a locked or unlocked bootloader will not affect your ability to receive OTA updates - you should still receive updates so long as your firmware matches your software channel (and since your device was XT1643, the NPJS25.93-14-18 April 2018 security update should be the correct firmware). At this moment in time, you'll have to use the NPJS25.93-14-18 firmware to re-lock your bootloader - we don't have the stock Oreo firmware at this time. Thus, if you update to stock Oreo, you will not be able to re-lock your bootloader until you can get a leak of the Oreo firmware.
If you're selling, I'd choose to re-lock the bootloader. Else, a potential buyer who is not used to flashing custom ROMs might wonder if there's any tampering with the device (the bootloader unlocked warning, to someone not used to flashing custom firmware, might scare off potential buyers).
Back to Locked Bootloader, complete stock.
echo92 said:
Eh, you live and learn. Besides, you've now got your device running now!
If you're selling, I'd choose to re-lock the bootloader. Else, a potential buyer who is not used to flashing custom ROMs might wonder if there's any tampering with the device (the bootloader unlocked warning, to someone not used to flashing custom firmware, might scare off potential buyers).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am back to Locked Bootloader as feel the same as you said that anyone buying might get scared by looking the warning sign. Thanks for helping out. :highfive:
Oreo Update via OTA has already started rolling out as per the news I've been reading. I just wanted to see the oreo 8.1 before I sell the phone.
Anyways I got a new device now, Realme C1, 3|32GB as my smartphone usage has declined a lot recently and might remain similar. This device will suffice my requirements.
Thanks for the help and support. :victory:
Hello,
This afternoon i got the notifiction for the update to andriod 8.1, most of the time newer is better so i installed the update. My phone however has 1 problem, the screen burns in very fast. This could be stoped in andriod 7.1.1 with the blue light filter (or night filter). This option however isnt present anymore in andriod 8.1. To stop the burn in i tried multiple apps to get some sort of blue light filter, none of them worked, or just werent as good as the build in option in andriod 7.1.1. my question is: is there a way and a guide to downgrade my phone back to andriod 7.1.1?
Zagre said:
Hello,
This afternoon i got the notifiction for the update to andriod 8.1, most of the time newer is better so i installed the update. My phone however has 1 problem, the screen burns in very fast. This could be stoped in andriod 7.1.1 with the blue light filter (or night filter). This option however isnt present anymore in andriod 8.1. To stop the burn in i tried multiple apps to get some sort of blue light filter, none of them worked, or just werent as good as the build in option in andriod 7.1.1. my question is: is there a way and a guide to downgrade my phone back to andriod 7.1.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eyefilter.nightmode.bluelightfilter ? Reported to be working fine on 8.1
In addition to strongst's suggestion, if you're okay with unlocking your bootloader, you could flash a custom kernel and adjust your RGB colour settings with a kernel manager. Of course, unlocking your bootloader will erase your device in the process.
I would recommend against downgrading to stock 7.0 unless you are certain you will not use OTA updates - using OTA updates whilst downgrading is an excellent way to hard brick your device and turn it into an expensive paperweight.
strongst said:
Have you tried https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eyefilter.nightmode.bluelightfilter ? Reported to be working fine on 8.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i tried that, it does work but just nog as good as the build in blue light filter in 7.1 (for example the top row of icons arent affected)
echo92 said:
In addition to strongst's suggestion, if you're okay with unlocking your bootloader, you could flash a custom kernel and adjust your RGB colour settings with a kernel manager. Of course, unlocking your bootloader will erase your device in the process.
I would recommend against downgrading to stock 7.0 unless you are certain you will not use OTA updates - using OTA updates whilst downgrading is an excellent way to hard brick your device and turn it into an expensive paperweight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i would install lineage os 14.1 wich is based on android 7.1.2. would that still brick my phone?
can i go back with lineage os based on a older version of andriod or do i need to use a version of lineage os that is at least on par with my current android version (8.1)?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/development/rom-cyanogenmod-14-1-t3522101
Zagre said:
yes i tried that, it does work but just nog as good as the build in blue light filter in 7.1 (for example the top row of icons arent affected)
If i would install lineage os 14.1 wich is based on android 7.1.2. would that still brick my phone?
can i go back with lineage os based on a older version of andriod or do i need to use a version of lineage os that is at least on par with my current android version (8.1)?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/development/rom-cyanogenmod-14-1-t3522101
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom roms won't change your bootloader, so there's no risk to brick your device
strongst said:
Custom roms won't change your bootloader, so there's no risk to brick your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help, i hope installing lineage will fix my problem
strongst said:
Custom roms won't change your bootloader, so there's no risk to brick your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am looking at the lineage os tutorial: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/athene/install. they unlock the bootloader here, but changeing my bootloader could brick my phone, or is unlocking and changeing the bootloader not the same?
Zagre said:
i am looking at the lineage os tutorial: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/athene/install. they unlock the bootloader here, but changeing my bootloader could brick my phone, or is unlocking and changeing the bootloader not the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the same
echo92 said:
In addition to strongst's suggestion, if you're okay with unlocking your bootloader, you could flash a custom kernel and adjust your RGB colour settings with a kernel manager. Of course, unlocking your bootloader will erase your device in the process.
I would recommend against downgrading to stock 7.0 unless you are certain you will not use OTA updates - using OTA updates whilst downgrading is an excellent way to hard brick your device and turn it into an expensive paperweight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to downgrade to nougat do i have to run all normal commands or have to skip any of then?
lucascerqueira said:
to downgrade to nougat do i have to run all normal commands or have to skip any of then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will preface this with I do not recommend downgrading to Nougat. If you do, do not use OTA updates. Using OTA updates may hard brick your device and we cannot help you then.
If you still really want to downgrade, you will need an unlocked bootloader. That will erase your device, so back up accordingly.
Then, for flashing stock Nougat (if you're previously on stock Oreo - custom ROMs do not count, only stock firmware), you can omit the fastboot OEM lock begin commands. You will not be able to lock your bootloader whilst downgrading. All other fastboot commands as usual (including the erase commands). You may wish to omit GPT and bootloader since you cannot downgrade GPT and bootloader.
The command list would be similar to this:
Code:
[I]fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img[/I]
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash dsp adspso.bin
fastboot flash oem oem.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.7
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot
Commands in italics are optional (fastboot will block you and complain of security downgrade errors).
Hi all, a few minutes ago I tried to roll back from Q beta to P, so I followed the essential's official instructions, that I found on their site, and I unlocked bootloader and critical. Then I downloaded the latest official Pie release but I could't install it via flashall.bat file, becuause I got stucked on sending 'nvdef_a'. So after this failed attempt i tried to relock the bootloader via fastboot flashing lock command but nothing happened. I then tried to do a fastboot devices and my device was connected, so I don't know why it didn't work. Should I relock critical first?
And do you know why I couldn't flash the original firmware? I was thinking of removing the '_a' commands in the flashall.bat, since i'm currently on partition _b, but i'm afraid of bricking the phone.
Thanks, Andrea.