Related
In this thread I intend to give some basic insight about these two concepts, which are closely entwined with our phone's experience. I'm not a tech guy, but I think this little summary might clear some doubts for people who are new to this kind of issues (people who come from other non-Android phones especially). All feedback is welcome, in particular the one of people who can expand the topic with their knowledge.
"Root" is the common way to refer to the fact to the user account which has superuser rights on the device. Superuser rights imply full control over your phone's capacities, which are determined by the software and the hardware of the device. Non-superuser accounts have limitations, usually established for the sake of software security (for example, not allowing a user to disable critical functions such as phone or GPS), hardware safety (not allowing to change the processor's frequency speed, aka overclocking the CPU) or, in some cases, for someone's profit (disabling wi-fi tethering is a typical one as users are forced to buy data plans in order to use their devices to tether). In Android's case, Superuser is composed of an app* and a set of instructions to give this app root rights.
The bootloader is a program which accesses the internal storage and, basically, controls the loading of the programs and data necessary to initiate the sequence of launching the OS (aka booting, thus the name bootloader). We say that a bootloader is locked when it is programmed in such a way that it won't allow to load the device if it detects data from third-party sources. Unlocked bootloaders do allow these data and will load what these data contain, which will be usually a modified version of the phone's firmware, known as "Custom ROM".
As we can see, there was the fear that one would need to have unlocked bootloaders (i.e the ability to load third-party data in the booting sequence) in order to gain root rights. This would have been terribly inconvenient because only a minority of users will have unlocked bootloaders, since the phones with unlocked bootloaders by default are the ones sold carrier-unlocked. Said carrier-free phones will be a minority as the phone is pretty expensive: most Xperia Plays will be sold using carrier subsidies.
However, our fellow member Chainfire found an exploit (a programming loophole) in Gingerbread which allows said app and instructions to be loaded without the need of touching the bootloaders. Basically, his Gingerbreak program allows the user to have root rights without loading any bootloader-sensitive data. This widens the possibilities for the majority of users who will buy this phone with a subsidy.
*edit 3* Later on, it has become possible to unlock the bootloader even for SIM-locked devices, thanks to different unlockers like Alejandrissimo and Jinx13. This means that, provided that you pay what they charge, you can have your device set up without the bothers of having to buy a SIM-free phone. What's better: their method of unlocking the bootloader SIM-unlocks the phone as well.
I think this is more or less a succint framework of ideas which allows us to define "root" and "unlocked bootloaders" properly. As they say, knowing is half the battle, so I hope this nugget of information allows users to deal with their phones with more confidence.
*edit* as of version 2.3.3, this information has changed. Gingerbreak doesn't work with 2.3.3 anymore, and it seems now that the only way to root with locked bootloaders is to flash a 2.3.2 rom with FlashTool and update through OTA.
*edit2* note that this explanations pertains mostly to the Xperia Play. Other devices are NAND-locked, which means for us that they need unlocked bootloaders to even get root access.
*Note that Android is built in such a way that every app is a user account with limited rights (the ones specified before you download it). Thus, Superuser is a user account as any other app and the set of instructions is meant to give this user account root rights.
Thank you! This was very helpful in clarifying some things.
"As we can see, there was the fear that one would need to have unlocked bootloaders (i.e the ability to load third-party data in the booting sequence) in order to gain root rights. This would have been terribly inconvenient because only a minority of users will have unlocked bootloaders, since the phones with unlocked bootloaders by default are the ones sold carrier-unlocked. Said carrier-free phones will be a minority as the phone is pretty expensive: most Xperia Plays will be sold using carrier subsidies"
by carrier unlocked do you mean sim unlocked? sorry 4 noob question
Indeed, that is what I mean.
Logseman said:
Indeed, that is what I mean.
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Click to collapse
Alright, I asked this question and it was answered, but I want to make sure before I try anything.
I just found out from SE that my phone is the Rogers version. It's obviously been unlocked because I'm using it on AT&T.
What I don't know, though, is whether the bootloader is unlocked. Another member recommended that I check TrackID to see if it worked because it depends on the manufacturer DRM's that are wiped in unlocking the bootloader. It did work, so I assume it's still locked, but I wanted to confirm because of being carrier unlocked.
Sent from my R800a using XDA App
If TrackID works, your bootloader is locked, regardless of simlock.
I have a Sim-Unlocked Xperia Play from Rogers that I am using on ATT's network. My phone is boot-locked. When powered off, if I hold the search key while plugging in the USB cable, I do not get a blue light.
I was able to flash the firmware by holding the back key while plugging in the usb cable (with the phone off). I get a green light when I do this. Using flashtool, I was able get 2.3.3 rooted by loading the 2.3.2 firmware, rooting, and then updating OTA.
I bricked my phone several times while loading the firmware and each time I was able to fix it with flashtool or Sony Ericsson's Upgrade Utility. I found that you need a good USB cable, and even then it failed sometimes. I just kept trying and eventually it worked.
We wanted to provide an update on HTC’s progress with bringing bootloader unlocking to our newest phones. We know how excited some of you are for this capability, and we’ve put significant resources behind making this change as soon as possible. While we wish we could flip a simple switch and unlock all bootloaders across our device portfolio, this is actually a complex challenge that requires a new software build and extensive testing to deliver the best possible customer experience.
We’re thrilled to announce today that software updates to support bootloader unlocking will begin rolling out in August for the global HTC Sensation, followed by the HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile USA and the HTC EVO 3D on Sprint. We’re in the testing phase for the unlocking capability now, and we expect it to be fully operational by early September for devices that have received the software updates. We'll continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments.
HTC continues its commitment to unlocking bootloaders and supporting the developer community. Because of the importance of this community to us, please expect an update on this about every few weeks as we make progress toward launch. Thank you for your patience and continued support!
(they claim it will come to only two devices for starters the EVO 3D and the Sensation 4G and then it will slowly rollout to other devices that already have 2.3 or enough internal memory on them, this will all start in last August an early September for the first two droids listed... and others will soon follow suit, the only question is do you want you bootloader to come unlocked stock? Or will you buy it locked and be able to sit around and wait for your device to get an update to do so?? LOL
thats why my phone couldnt flash back to 2.3.2..(?)
I live in singapore.. phones are not carrier specific.. so does that mean my BL was unlocked even before I used gingerbreak?
I know this doesnt pertain to the play per se, but maybe you should add that, with nand locked devices, an unlocked bootloader is required to acheive full root, just incase someone with another device googles this question and ends up here
pros and cons of unlocked bootloader
Pros/Cons of rooting WITHOUT unlocking bootloader?
Since being interested in rooting my N1 I've been googling a lot but it's still somewhat confusing. One of the things that's making me hesitent is the idea of permanently (as of the date of this post) unlocking the phone and thus clearly/visibly voiding the warranty.
I've recently stumbled upon instructions for rooting without unlocking the bootloader? Am I correct in assuming this would make the phone appear (no unlock icon) to be unmodified? Also, does this mean one could fully reverse the rooting process and go back to fully stock google signed roms with OTA updates etc (essentially reverting it back as if it were never modified)?
It would seem this would be preferable to any method involving the unlocking of the bootloader. Are there any disadvantages of this? Any increased risks by NOT unlocking the bootloader? Is there a reason why most people have gone the rout of unlocking the bootloader?
My plan is simply to have root access to run setcpu on the stock FRF91 rom. As of now, I'm not interested in other ROMs (baby steps).
tommyinhi27 said:
Pros/Cons of rooting WITHOUT unlocking bootloader?
Since being interested in rooting my N1 I've been googling a lot but it's still somewhat confusing. One of the things that's making me hesitent is the idea of permanently (as of the date of this post) unlocking the phone and thus clearly/visibly voiding the warranty.
I've recently stumbled upon instructions for rooting without unlocking the bootloader? Am I correct in assuming this would make the phone appear (no unlock icon) to be unmodified? Also, does this mean one could fully reverse the rooting process and go back to fully stock google signed roms with OTA updates etc (essentially reverting it back as if it were never modified)?
It would seem this would be preferable to any method involving the unlocking of the bootloader. Are there any disadvantages of this? Any increased risks by NOT unlocking the bootloader? Is there a reason why most people have gone the rout of unlocking the bootloader?
My plan is simply to have root access to run setcpu on the stock FRF91 rom. As of now, I'm not interested in other ROMs (baby steps).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N1 is made by HTC, generaly with htc devices, flashing a stock rom, will re-lock the bootloader, If you decide just to root, you will need a custom kernel before you can O/C All that unlocking the bootloader does is 2 things, It will security unlock the nand (on nand locked devices) allowing r/w access to read only partitions, and it allows you to issue fastboot commands to your device, the main reason alot of play owners went down the unlocking the bootloader path, is that atm it is the only way to flash custom roms other devices, have found sneaky ways to push a custom recovery without unlocking bootloaders, and thus do not need one to flash a custom rom
AndroHero said:
I know this doesnt pertain to the play per se, but maybe you should add that, with nand locked devices, an unlocked bootloader is required to acheive full root, just incase someone with another device googles this question and ends up here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not too knowledgeable about the whole Nand thing, so I think you could give a much better explanation about it. I'll include it then
whoa whoa whoa!!!! i achieved root on 2.3.3 with no prob using superoneclick v2.3.3. it works beautifully!
Yes, but you're replying to a thread that's 8 months out of date too!
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Lol. I know, but I've been trolling the site, and I think it may need a bit of new info so someone doesn't follow the steps here now that a better method has been found.
Sent from my R800at using XDA
isavegas said:
Lol. I know, but I've been trolling the site, and I think it may need a bit of new info so someone doesn't follow the steps here now that a better method has been found.
Sent from my R800at using XDA
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Click to collapse
why not just stop bumping heavily old threads? then they can rest in piece
and nobody would care
the information thatit's outdated is alreada given in 1st post.
u also could ask a mod to close this as its outdated...
Hey, this thread may be outdated, but it's not my fault if someone necros old threads. Just let it die.
question
can i flash custom roms in a locked bootloader?
yes
big txmer said:
can i flash custom roms in a locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only stock gb ones nothing else
I've been a HTC phone person for a while and thinking of switching to a S5 my only problem is I hear the bootloader is locked on VZW Phones?
Now see I'm buying a NEW unlocked G900V Samsung S5 off ebay and gonna trim my sim from my current phone to fit in it, but before I do this I want to unlock the bootloader and then root.
I dont have the phone yet, but its sold as brand new, and I dont have the model, cid, android version, any sort of info until I have the device in my hands.
I watched a few videos saying its easy to unlock the bootloader and root and most people are using touch philz bootloader, and I've read a lot on there saying there is not bootloader access on this device and only a safestrap recovery option
someone said to use geohots towelroot but then someone said he works for google now and its not supported anymore after june 2014 or some ****?
also I seen this video showing me a pretty quick method to unlock the bootloader/root
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKrFxuA5apg
but noticed the video and site was posted before june so Idk if that method still works or not?
any one in this thread know whats the best method to go for and what to do on what works and what I can do with this device or not?
EDIT: found this saying the bootload has been unlocked http://www.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5-bootloader-has-been-unlocked/ but still cant find any info on how to do this been searching for 2 hours but also on 2 hours of sleep so idk any help would be obliged
You'll need to find out the CID of the device
Ask the seller to check for you.
If it starts with 11 then you cannot unlock the bootloader. If it starts with 15 then you can unlock it.
Ok I'll try and ask but how do you even find out the CID of the device in case they ask, because I am pretty tech savvy and I don't even know. Samsung phones and CID numbers are all new to me.
I think I read someone where that the CID number changes if u use root on a post somewhere am I wrong ?
anyways if its not a 15 the phones pretty much worthless?
Bump: I asked the sellers to look for me and they always tell me they can not download any apps to the phone...Where do we find this in the settings without downloading anything how can I tell if it's a genuine Samsung chip quickly and easy or not
AFAIK I think the only way is to use an app like EMMC Brickbug or to pull it via adb. There isn't a way to tell otherwise.
Is it even remotely possible to unlock the bootloader? I would love to install a custom recovery and a custom ROM.
Thanks.
Not possible currently, probably never will.
Until someone at Samsung decides to give the keys to the bootloader, it will remain locked.
(Pssst, hey Samsung Developer, there is a fame and fortune for your leak. :angel: )
I vouch 400$ for unlocked bootloader and emotion/lineage os
If S6 is anything to judge by, the chances for an unlocked bootloader are slim at best.
The only reason I would love an unlocked bootloader is to be able to root the stock OS and not have to use an engineering kernel. Otherwise, I tend to run rooted stock on my devices until they get too out of date.
Unfortunately, that means when this S7 Edge becomes obsolete, that will be the end of the line.
No one is even attempting it. With most phones now root / unlocked bootloader is a thing of the past. If you want those feature it'd be best to get a Pixel or a 1+. The rest of the phone will kill all of that in the next year.
The last good for rooting phone from Samsung was the Note 4 and even that was only the Tmobile variant. As Samsung and Android pay roll out internationally it will get killed off over seas too.
Unless a new crop of Android hackers pop-up to replace all the devs who used to roit/unlock the phones rooting and flashing is dying
ShrekOpher said:
No one is even attempting it. With most phones now root / unlocked bootloader is a thing of the past. If you want those feature it'd be best to get a Pixel or a 1+. The rest of the phone will kill all of that in the next year.
The last good for rooting phone from Samsung was the Note 4 and even that was only the Tmobile variant. As Samsung and Android pay roll out internationally it will get killed off over seas too.
Unless a new crop of Android hackers pop-up to replace all the devs who used to roit/unlock the phones rooting and flashing is dying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I would go that far. Sure, Samsung has locked their phones down like nuts, but there are still plenty of developments on other devices. The Sunshine team has managed to S-off every HTC flagship from the M8 on, along with a reasonably sold list of Moto devices. If you aren't on Verizon/AT&T you can skip the hack by going to HTCDev. Too bad HTC has gone absolutely bonkers on their own devices...
The LG V20 folks got "lucky" with Dirty Santa (though I wouldn't touch that mess with a 10 foot pole since your warranty is going to be void at the same time LG is getting sued over boot looping phones). Still, if you manage to get lucky, you can load custom ROMs on that device, and it's a true flagship.
Other devices seem to either have unlockable (through a web-site) bootloaders or have proven relatively easy to mod/root.
One day root may be a thing of the past unless you can find a dev phone, but I don't think we are quite there yet. That, and there will always likely be leaked dev kernels.
Few things:
-Is there any work still being done to get the bootloader unlocked? This dev thread no longer seems to be only devs, rather a bunch of "+1s", "thanks", and "tweet posts". All great posts, but not dev related.
- All devs on this thread are without a doubt better than I regarding android roms, unlocking, etc, but thought id throw a few ideas it here. (Im new to this type of dev). Maybe i can provide new hope? I just recently got the s7 and found out the hard way the current status woth no way to get custom roms. I know the chain of trust, verity, etc are a major buzzkill, but parts have all been hacked before so we can't Judy throw in the towel, can we?!
- http://newandroidbook.com this has a lot of good material, this guy is a genius, too bag he isn't working on this! (Download the book there & supplements).
Couple of actual ideas:
-He mentions in the book, with root you should be able to modify parts of partitions. Add long as you don't modify the entire partition it wont check for integrity on startup. Now that root exists, is Amy of this possible, to modify three partitions and unlock the bootloader?
- He also talks about how the chain of trust works using signed keys, and where to find these keys in the actual image file; since we know exactly where the keys are, and what's expected, can't we fake it with a custom image using a binary editor? He (in that link) also refers to his free tools to inspect, etc.
Remember when wet push via odin the phone isn't online so had no way to verify via internet if something is in fact legit. Hacks happen all the time with fake digital signatures and keys, certs, etc.
- In other words, now that root exists in the engineering kernel, Im thinking new doors have opened.
Thoughts? Hope?!
It's not happening.
diligent7771 said:
Few things:
-Is there any work still being done to get the bootloader unlocked? This dev thread no longer seems to be only devs, rather a bunch of "+1s", "thanks", and "tweet posts". All great posts, but not dev related.
- All devs on this thread are without a doubt better than I regarding android roms, unlocking, etc, but thought id throw a few ideas it here. (Im new to this type of dev). Maybe i can provide new hope? I just recently got the s7 and found out the hard way the current status woth no way to get custom roms. I know the chain of trust, verity, etc are a major buzzkill, but parts have all been hacked before so we can't Judy throw in the towel, can we?!
- http://newandroidbook.com this has a lot of good material, this guy is a genius, too bag he isn't working on this! (Download the book there & supplements).
Couple of actual ideas:
-He mentions in the book, with root you should be able to modify parts of partitions. Add long as you don't modify the entire partition it wont check for integrity on startup. Now that root exists, is Amy of this possible, to modify three partitions and unlock the bootloader?
- He also talks about how the chain of trust works using signed keys, and where to find these keys in the actual image file; since we know exactly where the keys are, and what's expected, can't we fake it with a custom image using a binary editor? He (in that link) also refers to his free tools to inspect, etc.
Remember when wet push via odin the phone isn't online so had no way to verify via internet if something is in fact legit. Hacks happen all the time with fake digital signatures and keys, certs, etc.
- In other words, now that root exists in the engineering kernel, Im thinking new doors have opened.
Thoughts? Hope?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with Kcodya. With the S8 coming out very soon, I am sure the Devs are not really that concerned with the S7 and unlocking the bootloader. I have read a lot of posts about the very issue and anyone and everyone that has been working on this has dropped it or no longer working on it. Look at the S6. It is still without an unlocked bootloader.
I agree with you about the EngImg and I guess at the present time, that is about all we have to work with. I have settled with it and am happy at least to have root privileges.
But we can still hope...
If Samsung ever gets off their hindquarters and updates the unlocked version of the S7/S7 Edge to Nougat, rooted stock will probably be optimal anyway. I know this is XDA, and people love to mod with whole ROMs, but OEM ROMs have improved dramatically over the years. This isn't the era of requiring CM (or LineageOS now) just to have a functional device like it was during the Gingerbread era.
Unfortunately, Samsung isn't likely to ever sell developer friendly phones again, so if you are a developer or like beta testing ROMs, this isn't your device. There are too many options that are trivial to unlock and develop on for anyone to spend too much effort bucking Samsung on their lockdown strategy.
diligent7771 said:
Few things:
-Is there any work still being done to get the bootloader unlocked? This dev thread no longer seems to be only devs, rather a bunch of "+1s", "thanks", and "tweet posts". All great posts, but not dev related.
- All devs on this thread are without a doubt better than I regarding android roms, unlocking, etc, but thought id throw a few ideas it here. (Im new to this type of dev). Maybe i can provide new hope? I just recently got the s7 and found out the hard way the current status woth no way to get custom roms. I know the chain of trust, verity, etc are a major buzzkill, but parts have all been hacked before so we can't Judy throw in the towel, can we?!
- http://newandroidbook.com this has a lot of good material, this guy is a genius, too bag he isn't working on this! (Download the book there & supplements).
Couple of actual ideas:
-He mentions in the book, with root you should be able to modify parts of partitions. Add long as you don't modify the entire partition it wont check for integrity on startup. Now that root exists, is Amy of this possible, to modify three partitions and unlock the bootloader?
- He also talks about how the chain of trust works using signed keys, and where to find these keys in the actual image file; since we know exactly where the keys are, and what's expected, can't we fake it with a custom image using a binary editor? He (in that link) also refers to his free tools to inspect, etc.
Remember when wet push via odin the phone isn't online so had no way to verify via internet if something is in fact legit. Hacks happen all the time with fake digital signatures and keys, certs, etc.
- In other words, now that root exists in the engineering kernel, Im thinking new doors have opened.
Thoughts? Hope?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF? Did you literally copy and paste my post from another thread?! https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71604183 lol I know your intentions are great, but you should probably indicate this is a quote from the original author (me), otherwise it appears you were the one that wrote this post. Carry on...
locked bootloader
jshamlet said:
The only reason I would love an unlocked bootloader is to be able to root the stock OS and not have to use an engineering kernel. Otherwise, I tend to run rooted stock on my devices until they get too out of date.
Unfortunately, that means when this S7 Edge becomes obsolete, that will be the end of the line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man,i saw you online and i need help with something.
Is locked bootloader affects radio gsm,on unlocked phone by at&t if i upgraded fw and changed version of bootloader from v2 to v4?
Thank you in advance!
Man, this stinks
TomatoesOnBluRay said:
Is it even remotely possible to unlock the bootloader? I would love to install a custom recovery and a custom ROM.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's strange that this device never got a stable root. The type of root I was looking for 7 months ago is never going to exist. Development on the root of this phone was forgotten when the S8 came out. I wish I could say the opposite, but unfortunately we couldn't develop a proper root fast enough for the inevitable growth of interest in the newest device.
TomatoesOnBluRay said:
It's strange that this device never got a stable root. The type of root I was looking for 7 months ago is never going to exist. Development on the root of this phone was forgotten when the S8 came out. I wish I could say the opposite, but unfortunately we couldn't develop a proper root fast enough for the inevitable growth of interest in the newest device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not just that, Samsung also offers some fairly nice bonuses for not rooting and root just isn't what it used to be. The days of "this phone is completely unusable without root to fix all the broken crap" are gone.
I found that simply switching to the unlocked firmware solved 90% of the things I wanted root for in the first place, and probably another 8% were solved by judicious use of ADB and NetGuard. What little was left just wasn't enticing enough to put up with the irritations and work-arounds required for the eng-boot root. I already run Nova launcher exclusively, but even at that, the stock launcher isn't total crap anymore. On the plus side, the eng-boot root doesn't trip Knox, so you can always go back if you want.
Yeah, it's going to suck when updates for the S7 stop due to age, and it would be nice if Samsung would offer a bootloader unlock when that happens, but I suspect it will live the rest of its life with nothing more than the engineering root method.
jshamlet said:
It's not just that, Samsung also offers some fairly nice bonuses for not rooting and root just isn't what it used to be. The days of "this phone is completely unusable without root to fix all the broken crap" are gone.
I found that simply switching to the unlocked firmware solved 90% of the things I wanted root for in the first place, and probably another 8% were solved by judicious use of ADB and NetGuard. What little was left just wasn't enticing enough to put up with the irritations and work-arounds required for the eng-boot root. I already run Nova launcher exclusively, but even at that, the stock launcher isn't total crap anymore. On the plus side, the eng-boot root doesn't trip Knox, so you can always go back if you want.
Yeah, it's going to suck when updates for the S7 stop due to age, and it would be nice if Samsung would offer a bootloader unlock when that happens, but I suspect it will live the rest of its life with nothing more than the engineering root method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I entirely agree with you. I haven't rooted my S7 since I tried the engineer boot, and it has been completely and totally usable. I also agree with you about installing the unlocked firmware as it removes most of the bloat that comes with the stock firmware. Root is nice, but not entirely necessary on this device.
TomatoesOnBluRay said:
I entirely agree with you. I haven't rooted my S7 since I tried the engineer boot, and it has been completely and totally usable. I also agree with you about installing the unlocked firmware as it removes most of the bloat that comes with the stock firmware. Root is nice, but not entirely necessary on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, where might one obtain an unlocked firmware for a G930A? I've searched high and low and have found several different f/w but they all seem to be for other versions of the G930, not the A. Tried to flash mine with one of those and got caught in an endless boot cycle, so had to go back to stock - still locked - and AT&T says the IMEI doesn't belong to them even though it plays their little tune and shows their logo and flashes their name on startup. Pretty useless to me without being able to unlock it. Thoughts or ideas?
Many thanks in advance.
Havdaddy said:
So, where might one obtain an unlocked firmware for a G930A? I've searched high and low and have found several different f/w but they all seem to be for other versions of the G930, not the A. Tried to flash mine with one of those and got caught in an endless boot cycle, so had to go back to stock - still locked - and AT&T says the IMEI doesn't belong to them even though it plays their little tune and shows their logo and flashes their name on startup. Pretty useless to me without being able to unlock it. Thoughts or ideas?
Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All US/Snapdragon S7s and S7 Edges are hardware identical. You can run any of the 5 variants on them with zero issue (even going between V/S and A/T). This means you can run the unbranded/unlocked firmware on any US/Snapdragon based device as long as the model number matches.
Now, SIM locks are a separate issue. You still have to go to the carrier that locked it (or one of the paid services) to get the unlock code even if you are running the U firmware because the modem firmware is entirely separate.
Havdaddy said:
So, where might one obtain an unlocked firmware for a G930A? I've searched high and low and have found several different f/w but they all seem to be for other versions of the G930, not the A. Tried to flash mine with one of those and got caught in an endless boot cycle, so had to go back to stock - still locked - and AT&T says the IMEI doesn't belong to them even though it plays their little tune and shows their logo and flashes their name on startup. Pretty useless to me without being able to unlock it. Thoughts or ideas?
Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware for all G930 and G935 variants are interchangeable. When I refer to the unlocked firmware, I'm referring to G930U and G935U. This version can be found on the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge forums on this site. When you install the unlocked firmware, you are not unlocking the device, just the firmware associated with the unlocked version of the phone. This means less bloatware, faster speeds, and no AT&T boot logo. Sorry for the confusion my previous comment may have caused!
Just picked up a carrier unlocked Verizon Galaxy S7 Edge model SM-G935V.
Now that I finally have a model which seems like it should be relatively easy to root, I would prefer to learn to do it using a PC ie flashing ROM, but I have no PC*access*right now.
My main question is:
After rooting my phone using a 1-click root method, will it be relatively easy for me to un-install ALL bloatware & eventually end up with a phone that's running just as efficiently as it would if I had picked out and flashed a good stripped down ROM using a PC instead of some 1-click method?
I'm also considering purchase and use of Super-sume Pro (if the job is done with Kingroot).
Any advice AT ALL regarding what I hope to do would be greatly appreciated... and jic it helps here s a little of my background:
I have NO successful experiences using TWRP or the like w other phones.. although I believe I came close!!... my last few phone picks turned out to be models which were pretty much impossible to root (locked bootloader was the common culprit best I could understand).... Otherwise I think I'd have been able to do at least 1 previous model the flash-rom way.
I DO have A lot of general experience w PCs and have successfully rooted a few phones using 1 click Android software such as Kingroot, but at that time I did not fully understand or hope to remove bloatware to cool battery or otherwise dial in best performance.
It's been at least 3 years since I last performed a 1 click root on any phone.
Thanks in advance for any advice or assistance... I really appreciate everyone & everything at XDA.
Best advice, get/borrow a laptop and follow the instructions in this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-s7-edge/how-to/root-s7-s7edge-oreo-nougat-t3819616 to see about rooting your S7e. All those "1-click" options never worked for me. With the method in the above link, I can root my S7e in under 15min.
1) First and foremost, what is the current software version your S7e is running? example= G935VVRS4CRI1. IF the 5th digit from the RIGHT is the letter "B" stop! You can't root. If it is the letter "A," or a number, you are good to go.
2) even with root, there is no flashing of ANY custom ROM's. Yes, you can debloat and make some changes, but with the godd**mn locked bootloader the options are limited. Rooting does not unlock the bootloader, therefore there is no TWRP, Magisk, etc.
Others with experience regarding those 1-click methods may chime in with their advice/experience. But none of those instant methods ever worked for me.
Good luck.
SkylineDriver said:
Best advice, get/borrow a laptop and follow the instructions in this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-s7-edge/how-to/root-s7-s7edge-oreo-nougat-t3819616 to see about rooting your S7e. All those "1-click" options never worked for me. With the method in the above link, I can root my S7e in under 15min.
1) First and foremost, what is the current software version your S7e is running? example= G935VVRS4CRI1. IF the 5th digit from the RIGHT is the letter "B" stop! You can't root. If it is the letter "A," or a number, you are good to go.
2) even with root, there is no flashing of ANY custom ROM's. Yes, you can debloat and make some changes, but with the godd**mn locked bootloader the options are limited. Rooting does not unlock the bootloader, therefore there is no TWRP, Magisk, etc.
Others with experience regarding those 1-click methods may chime in with their advice/experience. But none of those instant methods ever worked for me.
Good luck.
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Click to collapse
Skyline,
Thank you for taking the time. Much appreciated. Luckily I already found out about the software version issue and I'm looking at the number 4, so that potential roadblock isn't one
Let me try to understand exactly what you said towards the end of your reply, though.
Are you saying that even if I use a PC and avoid any 1 click method that I will not have any option to flash a custom ROM? I could have sworn I saw a thread a few nights ago somewhere here at XDA which required use of a PC, specifically for my phone model and it described the altered OS or ROM as being as simplified as it gets, devoid of all Verizon bloatware. Maybe I am referring to it in correctly when I say custom ROM, I'll look for said post to see what I may be remembering incorrectly.
I have personally had great experience w 1-click methods in the past, @ least 4 different phones (older Samsung, LG).. but I have NEVER tried 1-click w a phone thats truly important... as in important enough to seriously worry about stolen IMEI, keylogger or other malware, etc..
I want a perfectly clean, safe "out of the gates" root on this phone, so I'm willing to wait to make sure it's done the proper/best way on my FIRST attempt.
Looks like the thread is already talking me out of using 1-click (might have known deep down that needed to happen lol).
Anyway thanks again for your advice.
When I finally do get to rooting it, I'll post the details and overall experience info here.
Whatever you do, DO NOT UPDATE to the latest software version.
With root, you can debloat all you want. I have next to nothing running on my phone (goodbye Google "services"). You just can not flash any custom (non-official Samsung) ROM's such as LineageOS, Calvioppe, etc... thanks to that damn locked Crapdragon. Much as I love my S7e, when it dies, it will be my last Samsung for that reason alone.
If you follow the steps outlined in the above linked thread, you should be able to root 1-2-3. I have been rooted since it became available and have had zero issues. It will require a PC/ laptop but it is reliable and verified working.
Good luck with your project.
Canthigaster said:
Skyline,
Thank you for taking the time. Much appreciated. Luckily I already found out about the software version issue and I'm looking at the number 4, so that potential roadblock isn't one
Let me try to understand exactly what you said towards the end of your reply, though.
Are you saying that even if I use a PC and avoid any 1 click method that I will not have any option to flash a custom ROM? I could have sworn I saw a thread a few nights ago somewhere here at XDA which required use of a PC, specifically for my phone model and it described the altered OS or ROM as being as simplified as it gets, devoid of all Verizon bloatware. Maybe I am referring to it in correctly when I say custom ROM, I'll look for said post to see what I may be remembering incorrectly.
I have personally had great experience w 1-click methods in the past, @ least 4 different phones (older Samsung, LG).. but I have NEVER tried 1-click w a phone thats truly important... as in important enough to seriously worry about stolen IMEI, keylogger or other malware, etc..
I want a perfectly clean, safe "out of the gates" root on this phone, so I'm willing to wait to make sure it's done the proper/best way on my FIRST attempt.
Looks like the thread is already talking me out of using 1-click (might have known deep down that needed to happen lol).
Anyway thanks again for your advice.
When I finally do get to rooting it, I'll post the details and overall experience info here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SkylineDriver said:
Whatever you do, DO NOT UPDATE to the latest software version.
With root, you can debloat all you want. I have next to nothing running on my phone (goodbye Google "services"). You just can not flash any custom (non-official Samsung) ROM's such as LineageOS, Calvioppe, etc... thanks to that damn locked Crapdragon. Much as I love my S7e, when it dies, it will be my last Samsung for that reason alone.
If you follow the steps outlined in the above linked thread, you should be able to root 1-2-3. I have been rooted since it became available and have had zero issues. It will require a PC/ laptop but it is reliable and verified working.
Good luck with your project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for the warning about no updating... I am WELL aware of this, my friend.
Take a look at this thread... it really looks to me as if this person is talking about flashing a ROM on the S7 Edge, no?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7...a-evolution-x-samsung-galaxy-s7-edge-t4058837
That's only 1 of at least 2 or 3 similar threads that I've been having a look at lately...
If you look closely, that is for the Exynos version of the S7e. Verizon uses the Snapdragon (ie. Crapdragon) processor which has a locked bootloader for US models.
Ok I get it completely... one last teeny tiny bit of hope- I purchased mine Unlocked by manufacturer. Could that possibly extend beyond carrier unlock and (maybe maybe please just possibly) mean my bootloader is unlocked?
Went out of my way to make sure it was unlocked by MANUFACTURER, not SELLER for obvious reasons. Had no knowledge about chipset... dammit there's always something to miss no matter how much prep one tries to do!
Unlocked just means that the phone is able to be activated on any carrier ie. not specifically locked to only Verizon.
Only the Exynos and Chinese Snapdragon can be bootloader unlocked. As mentioned, I love my S7e, and will use it until it dies, but I seriously doubt I will get another Snapdragon Samsung that is locked down tighter than Ft. Knox.
Good luck...
After succesfully flashing the wonderful LineageOS into my Samsung Galaxy Tab A i was so excited to do the same with my LG G6 H870. Today i set up the connection, wanted to get the bin file from LG developer site and realized they had shut down the site 31. december 2021. Now i am left with locked bootloader
And i believe many people will be sad because of this. Its unfair from LG to remove this option. If they will continue to support a few recent phones with SW updates they also had to leave the bootloader unlock service alive for a few years too.
I dont know if any developer is reading this but would it be possible to find an exploit if we are forced to because of no other options left? Like when devs are reverse engineering licence key validation and then building keygens, so to examine the bin file and the corresponding IMEI, device ID, possibly gather further bin files and IMEI, device ID from other forum members and find the logic behind it?
Could anybody give us hope?
Thank you for your opinions.
I'm in same boat with G5H850. Hope someones finds a solution beacause several LG support answered me they cannot perform the unlock anymore...
I feel so disappointed as it was an automated process that they do not support it anymore.
Is there any other way to flash trwp now? Would firehouse help?
Same to me, I wanted to upgrade an old G6 to LineageOS and got stopped out.
Thank you LG, I won't buy any **** from your company anymore.
So if anyone finds a workaround for this issue, please post a solution in this thread. Tyvm in advanced.
Any new methods??
KarimAssiakh said:
Any new methods??
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Click to collapse
I highly doubt and i would be surprised.
I dont think G6 was such a popular model across the globe. Everybody has moved to the more recent versions and are unlocking them with a special method.
I think its not worth to waste development time on it. Maybe if there could be "keygen" type script to generate the files for every LG model globally.
I am sad btw. I have renewed my galaxy tab a tablet with a nice Lineage and i believe it would boost my G6 as well. I would pay a reasonable price if i could flash a custom ROM into it.
KarimAssiakh said:
Any new methods??
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Click to collapse
There most likely won't be a new method. The unofficial methods are used through EDL, and the EDL isn't accessable without shorting pins or test points. I'm glad i unlocked mine the day i got it last year.
AlternateHydro1 said:
There most likely won't be a new method. The unofficial methods are used through EDL, and the EDL isn't accessable without shorting pins or test points. I'm glad i unlocked mine the day i got it last year.
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Click to collapse
But that EDL stuff method is for a few newer models only,right? I dont believe it would work on G6 as well. I did not dig into it deeper but as far as i remember its a specifix kernel for the EDL stuff method, chipset is different, partitioning is different, so it wont work on G6. But i might be wrong of course
tracid1987 said:
But that EDL stuff method is for a few newer models only,right? I dont believe it would work on G6 as well. I did not dig into it deeper but as far as i remember its a specifix kernel for the EDL stuff method, chipset is different, partitioning is different, so it wont work on G6. But i might be wrong of course
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Click to collapse
Yeah, i ment that. Cuz the EDL is basically not made to be accessed on the G6 and lower, there won't be a method.
A responsible company should put out a bootloader unlock code generator while discontinuing its mobile business. Or change the unlocking method to Google pixel's standard way in the last system update, i.e. unlocking via command line
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
.
AlternateHydro1 said:
There most likely won't be a new method. The unofficial methods are used through EDL, and the EDL isn't accessable without shorting pins or test points. I'm glad i unlocked mine the day i got it last year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad, so im stuck at stock lg s*ity software,
Cyanide_zh said:
A responsible company should put out a bootloader unlock code generator while discontinuing its mobile business. Or change the unlocking method to Google pixel's standard way in the last system update, i.e. unlocking via command line
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope someone could find a solution like H872