Complete guide to unlocking and installing roms, Please! - Motorola Photon 4G

Hi, I'm kinda new to this and could use some help. I'm using a Moto Electrify that's been rooted and was wanting to install a custom rom. I've been searching through the topics and there seems to be alot of different posts on how to do it. I'm not sure which to use and which rom is the most stable. If someone could point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. I think the work everyone does is nothing short of amazing.
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk

as for unlocking here is a great guide simple and easy. http://www.teamuscellular.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=105&t=1221
also after you unlock make sure to flash cwm.

Thank you very much for your help and quick reply.
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk

no problem I actually just did this procedure with no error. I'm also somewhat of a noob so if I can do it I know you can. I am interested though in seeing what people say about custom roms I know joker has one for the electrify and there is one for cm7 jokers people have been having problems with (electrify users).

I've unlocked my electrify and installed the custom recovery, but I didn't see in the post how to actually install a custom rom or kernel. Do I install from sd card with CWM in fastboot. I made a backup, and was wanting to try CM7 with Joker's 1.4 highpro for cm7 old-oc ver.3.

Related

Unlocking Bootloader After Rooting

I have just rooted my phone. I wonder if I can unlock bootloader after rooting?
If I can, which way is the easiest way?
And also I want to know the benefits of unlocking Bootloader.
I want to add that I don't know so much about doing so complicated things, please know that while informing me.
I really appriciate your answers...
stock rom Gingerbread 2.3.4, rooted.
thejamoz said:
I have just rooted my phone. I wonder if I can unlock bootloader after rooting?
If I can, which way is the easiest way?
And also I want to know the benefits of unlocking Bootloader.
I want to add that I don't know so much about doing so complicated things, please know that while informing me.
I really appriciate your answers...
stock rom Gingerbread 2.3.4, rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you're on AT&T, you can use this script here that does it all for you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182871
if you're on an international Atrix, you can use RSD Lite to flash the pudding .sbf file that can be found here, and then do the fastboot oem unlock command.
So, I can unlock BL after rooting? I got that.
Can someone tell me what it is, what happens If I unlock Bootloader? What are the benefits? Why do people do that?
thejamoz said:
So, I can unlock BL after rooting? I got that.
Can someone tell me what it is, what happens If I unlock Bootloader? What are the benefits? Why do people do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting has nothing to do with it, rooting just gives your phone root access to system files.
unlocking the bootloader opens up our ability to flash custom ROMs onto our phones, as well as allowing us to put a custom recovery on our phone.
if you're satisfied with stock gingerbread, don't worry about it and just go on using your rooted phone.
if you wish to try out some awesome ROMs like CM7, then go ahead and unlock your bootloader. you're going to have to re-root afterwards, but that's super easy to do on our phone, and most ROMs come pre-rooted anyways.
"""if you wish to try out some awesome ROMs like CM7, then go ahead and unlock your bootloader. you're going to have to re-root afterwards, but that's super easy to do on our phone, and most ROMs come pre-rooted anyways."""
Yes I definitely want to try CM7 because Im sick of laggy Atrix. I read a lot about it but I learned that Fingerprint isnt working with CM7, so I decided to wait. But if they fix all of the bugs I will try that.
You said re-root is supereasy after unlocking BL. I have rooted my atrix with the topic of this link : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1255548
Is there any different way? or the same way again?
You ve read my thoughts about the phone, what do you suggest to me to do?
thejamoz said:
"if you wish to try out some awesome ROMs like CM7, then go ahead and unlock your bootloader. you're going to have to re-root afterwards, but that's super easy to do on our phone, and most ROMs come pre-rooted anyways."
Yes I definitely want to try CM7 because Im sick of laggy Atrix. I read a lot about it but I learned that Fingerprint isnt working with CM7, so I decided to wait. But if they fix all of the bugs I will try that.
You said re-root is supereasy after unlocking BL. I have rooted my atrix with the topic of this link : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1255548
Is there any different way? or the same way again?
You read my thoughts about the phone, what do you suggest to me to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, just re-root with that method and you'll be just fine.
i'd suggest for you to go ahead and unlock your bootloader, and install Romracer's CWM which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1204500
after that, just choose a ROM from the dev forum. Aura is really polished, Alien looks cool. any of the one from seanzscreams is gonna be nice and speedy for you, they've all been converted to EXT4 so you'll get better performance.
i'd still personally suggest CM7, fingerprint scanner is working on internal builds from what i understand so it shouldn't be too long of a wait for it to be updated
Alcapone263 said:
yep, just re-root with that method and you'll be just fine.
i'd suggest for you to go ahead and unlock your bootloader, and install Romracer's CWM which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1204500
after that, just choose a ROM from the dev forum. Aura is really polished, Alien looks cool. any of the one from seanzscreams is gonna be nice and speedy for you, they've all been converted to EXT4 so you'll get better performance.
i'd still personally suggest CM7, fingerprint scanner is working on internal builds from what i understand so it shouldn't be too long of a wait for it to be updated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alcapone I really appriciate your help so far.
I definitely want to try CM7, not the other ROMs. But as I said, I'm not good at doing complicated things on PC (like writting commands that everybody mentioned for rooting or installing roms etc.).
Which way is the easiest way to install CM7? and here is the golden question, once I ve done that, How can I update it to the latest one?
I'm so noob about this things I know
thejamoz said:
Alcapone I really appriciate your help so far.
I definitely want to try CM7, not the other ROMs. But as I said, I'm not good at doing complicated things on PC (like writting commands that everybody mentioned for rooting or installing roms etc.).
Which way is the easiest way to install CM7? and here is the golden question, once I ve done that, How can I update it to the latest one?
I'm so noob about this things I know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first off, are you on an AT&T Atrix or an international atrix?
Alcapone263 said:
first off, are you on an AT&T Atrix or an international atrix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, I forgot to write it. AT&T Atrix and unlocked by the code from cellunlock.
by the way, does anything happen to my "unlocked" phone, when I do everything that we mention? like locking again.
thejamoz said:
sorry, I forgot to write it. AT&T Atrix and unlocked by the code from cellunlock.
by the way, does anything happen to my "unlocked" phone, when I do everything that we mention? like locking again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
once SIM unlocked, you're always SIM unlocked.
anyways, use the script i gave you in the first post to unlock your bootloader, just download it and open it up and follow the instructions.
after you're done unlocking, go to RomRacer's CWM that i linked you, and install it with fastboot.
after that, you can download any ROM you want in a flashable .zip file, and flash it with CWM.
You mean, I have to install RomRacer's CWM to install CM7?
And how can I update CM7 when they fix something like fingerprint sensor?
thejamoz said:
You mean, I have to install RomRacer's CWM to install CM7?
And how can I update CM7 when they fix something like fingerprint sensor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you need CWM installed to install CM7. and to update to the newest version of CM7 you just flash the new update over your system with CM7, and it updates your system for you. easy as that.

Correct flashing path?

Im coming over to the photon from E4GT, tired of Samsung.
Anyway, Im confused about the most optimal route for flashing. I see bootstrap, unlocked bootloader stuff. I see a couple kernals, a couple roms....but then there is the OTA thing that will probably occur when I power on the phone. How will affect my rom set up? Why does flashing an ext 4 kernal break the wifi functionality? Why would anyone use bootstrapped method when the bootloader is now unlocked?
Idk, Im just a little photon newb, and I will probably told to go do more reading. But honestly I have such a headache from researching these phones (new sprint customer), dealing with my E4GT probalems....so if anyone feels like typing and introducing me to photon best practices, I will "thank" them.
Thanks guys
Root, Unlock with Pudding, Flash CWM, flash away.
What about that latest OTA? Will my phone alrdy have it?
Root, unlock, flash cwm 5, flash homebase 2.1 with 4.2 update. My phone has been flawless.
Unlock = loose 4g
Even if you get the latest ota the pudding flash takes you back, then whatever the ROM you flash its based on
Sent from one focused MoPho
And welcome to the photon btw!
Sent from one focused MoPho
Why use pudding instead of bootstrap?
boolboo said:
Why use pudding instead of bootstrap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootstrap is a waste of time.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Just wondering, what problems did you have with your epic touch?
Sent from my MB855 using XDA Premium App
Flashing issues with bootstrap, possible bricking, only really good for backups... My path for flashing was pudding unlock, root with one click root from shabby, fastboot clockwork onto your phone, then place the ROM of your choice on your phone via cwm... I'm running homebase 2.1 Deblur with update 4.2, and so far not a single problem. Just make sure you know what you are doing and read read read before doing anything. Any questions feel free to pm me or one of the other members and we can help you through everything!
Sent from one focused MoPho

stock rom

I just bought a used razr and it came rooted with ICS installed. It also had the arctic on the sd card, so i flashed that. I would like a 100% stock rooted rom for a Verizon razr (xt910 i think, correct me if i am wrong). I am new to motorola, so i would like to get used to stock before i start modding. I want to stay rooted with custom recovery if possible so i can flash other roms in the future. Could somebody post a link of what i am looking for, or at least guide me in the right direction? Coming from and Evo and Evo 3d things are way different on a moto. Thanks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23453478
Sent from my XT910 using Tapatalk

Rooted Electrify user here that REALLY WANTS ICS

So I finally rooted my Electrify(photon), I have insurance and **** and i've taken my phone scuba diving so I really dont care if I brick it at this point(just a reason for me to get a new phone).
Basically my question is, How can i go about getting an aftermarket ICS on it? I can use cynagon right? Someone link me please...? Can I use this? If so, What exactly is unlocking the bootloader?
Im still new at all the terminology, it's been forever since i've been in the Android dev scene....
Thanks a ton XDA!
-Chris
To flash CM9, or any unlocked ROM you need to install a custom recovery, usually clockworkmod. Idr about the electrify, but for the photon you need to flash the pudding unlocked file and run a few CMD lines in order to unlock the bootloader(kills 4g btw) and then you can install a custom recovery and be ready to flash unlocked ROMS. (same general process for electrifiy but iirc different files)IF you are on Android 2.3.5 your SOL.. For the time being atleast as you can't unlock its bootloader. QBKing has a few videos about the Photon on how to unlock, install CWM, and flash ROMS. There REALLY useful for beginners and people who need to be refreshed on what exactly to do. Don't quote me on the exact steps as I have a Photon and never looked too in depth about the electrify, wait for someone else to chime in to verify or search around.
You were a lot of help so far, and yes I am running stock 2.3.5...I installed cwm, but I have yet to unlock the boot loader, and as you stated, I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon. But what exactly does unlocking the bootloader do...?
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
My understanding is this...
Photon and Electrify 2.3.4 can unlock the bootloader.
Photon 2.3.5 can run something called bootstrap. (There is no legit Photon 2.3.5 from Sprint, but some bleeding-edge MoPho's have flashed 2.3.5 anyway and found themselves in a world of pain.)
Electrify 2.3.5 can do neither. I asked about it here and as of now 143 people have looked at it but haven't replied... Then again, it's the weekend, but I also asked in a topic about the bootstrap a week ago, and nobody there knew either.
So I think with Electrify 2.3.5 rooting is all you can do.
And that's fine, Electrify is beast anyway.
We're supposed to get official ICS in Q2 2012 (or was it Q3?). I don't know fiscal quarters, but Q1 starts in Spring, I think, so I guess summer or late summer?
I don't care about ICS and I don't see why I should. I change launchers weekly and I'm always rotating software on my phone. I'm more interested in getting the bootloader unlocked, but I don't think Motorola has any plans for that.
While it's true you can't unlock the bootloader on 2.3.5 yet, that means that you can't flash kernels and some roms. There are some that work with a locked bootloader. Loki has an Imperium version. Rocko has some versions for locked phones. And there is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1575259 from loki. It will strip the bloat and blur from your phone, and give it some tweaks. This with the launcher of your choice makes for a great phone.
Exactly what post above said. I'll just add on saying that without an unlocked bootloader there is no way to get ICS. Use locked roms and try different launchers and you can still have a sweet phone until official ics or we unlock 2.3.5
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
What is blur and bloat?? And what ROM is best..? As far as locked boot loaders go...
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
Crispy, Blur is Motorola's enhancement suite for Android. It contains Motorola Home, and all the Motorola apps like the gallery, music player, and widgets. And the stupid lock screen. (I hate Motorola's lock screen. A lot.) HTC's is called Sense and Samsung's is called TouchWiz. They all have one. Very few Android phones are straight-up Android.
Bloat is anything on top of AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and the Google apps. This includes Blur/Sense/TouchWiz, technically, though most don't consider those bloat. If you have US Cellular, City ID is the epitome of bloat. It doesn't work as advertised, it's always there, and it will nag you to pay for it sometimes. Bloat on US Cellular phones also includes Tone Room Deluxe, Your Navigator Deluxe, My Contacts Backup, and the QuickOffice demo. Sprint has a whole other set of bloat apps.
Bricky -- So I don't need bootstrap? Or I do?
Crispy again: On your home screen, hit Menu, Settings, and then About Phone. Near the bottom look for "Android version". If it says 2.3.4 below, you can unlock your bootloader. If it says 2.3.5, you cannot.
I know ha, and I'm on 2.3.5 just like youuu:/ but it appears that there are like someee rom's that can be used without unlocking the bootloader...
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
Yes you need bootstrap. Root your phone, install bootstrap, make nandroid backup in bootstrap , install rom = profit
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
bricky23 said:
Yes you need bootstrap. Root your phone, install bootstrap, make nandroid backup in bootstrap , install rom = profit
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER to install a ROM my friend....There are a few decent ROM's that dont require an UL loader, but to get a really nice ROM an unlocked bootloader appears to be greatly needed. I really wish Moto wasn't such a giant douche.
TheCrispytoast said:
You were a lot of help so far, and yes I am running stock 2.3.5...I installed cwm, but I have yet to unlock the boot loader, and as you stated, I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon. But what exactly does unlocking the bootloader do...?
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have cwm installed on a 2.3.5 Electrify with a locked bl??
phince1 said:
You have cwm installed on a 2.3.5 Electrify with a locked bl??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure he's meaning bootstrap in that post.. you can't install custom recovery while locked..
w0lf215 said:
Im sure he's meaning bootstrap in that post.. you can't install custom recovery while locked..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I ment bootstrap.
Also, how does nandroid backups work? Does it backup EVERYTHING? whats the difference in outcome with Titanium backup VS recovery nandroid backups...?
i really want ics on my electrify.. but i ve a electgrify 2.3.5 with locked bootloader..
is it possible to do it?
I run AOKP build 38 on my mopho, it's a little buggy. My advice is to run one of the slimmed down stock ROMS mentioned previously. Wait for the official build, then there will be a bunch of devs making perfectly tuned apps.
Universal DeBlur-DeBloat Live ROM Conversion is the only ROM that requires root ONLY. It was written to help those that can't even run bootstrap. Think of it as Imperium Initiative without the theme change and custom kernel.
moneymakes said:
I run AOKP build 38 on my mopho, it's a little buggy. My advice is to run one of the slimmed down stock ROMS mentioned previously. Wait for the official build, then there will be a bunch of devs making perfectly tuned apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ICS is official announcied from motorola to moto electrify?
No, only Photon.
Swyped from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk
Dark Reality said:
No, only Photon.
Swyped from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it s a bad notice :S
developers are working to unlock the BL of lectrify

[Q] Need helping finishing my Photon 2.3.5... I'm really lost....

Okay. I have a Motorola Photon on the sprint service. luckily l was able to successfully root it, but since my version is 2.3.5 (I'm guessing that's the problem) is there NO way to downgrade /unlock bootloader/ install a custom rom? I've googled and read all the guides and I don't really understand if I'm screwed or what.... some clarification would be helpful!
P'S: I've included a screen shot of my phone info
Yes at 2.3.5, u cannot unlock the bootloader. It is tightly shut by motorola. U either can flash safestrap or wait for kexec development to finish. Apparently this phone is collecting dust as i am following the kexec thread. I have japanese photon though. Isw11m
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Well, I downloaded and installed a bootstrap program on this phone. (Called System Recovery ) and it gives me access to a CWM recovery screen.
does that mean I can finally install roms or will it brick my phone if I attempt?
Be carefull, only flash rooms for locked bootloader.
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk 2
Alright. thank you for the help. =]

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