Hello fellow xda forum-goers
First, to start out, I will lay out a list of my previously owned phones...
Samsung Epic 4G -> Nexus S 4G -> HTC Evo 4G LTE
I have to say I am a bit confused when it comes to gaining root access on this particular phone. It is my first HTC branded phone and I have noticed that there are some changes/discussion with regards to rooting/flashing it.
There seems to be a commotion or skepticism with regards to achieving root with this phone, something about S-Off and your phone becoming tampered. What is the reason for not wanting to root your phone now and why? What exactly does S-Off and tampered status do?
Edit: Also what is with the whole RUU/Unlock debate? Am I voiding my warrenty or taking any risks with only rooting the phone? What cant I do with just a simple root?
Thanks again!
A little search a little read the sickies in the development section will do wonders
Sent from my EVO using XDA
A comparison
Rooting and S-Off are separate entities.
Rooting
Allows superuser permissions that you otherwise do not have. It presumably gets its name from having access to the 'root folders and files' where the phone's OS stuff is and where the devs alter things to make our phones neater! After rooting, you can tether, back up your app data using something like Titanium back up. SetCPU is a root-app that allows you to over and underclock the CPU, but I don't know how this app is compatible with the EVO LTE. There are other apps that are useful, but not really for me. Some taboo apps like Wifikill and droidsheep require root as well but have been pulled from the market, for obvious reasons. Rooting voids warranty, but you can unroot and no one will know.
S-Off
S-Off is a security flag. You can have root and be S-On. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but S-off = unlocked bootloader. And unlocked bootloader means that you can flash ROMs that have not been digitally signed by HTC (you can flash custom roms made by developers here). The only ROMs you can flash with S-On are RUUs, ROMs from HTC in this case. Also, having an unlocked bootloader allows you to install a custom recovery. A custom recovery is handy because you can create a Nandroid back up of your phone. Kind of like an image of a PC. If you mess your phone up, you can restore it to a mirror image of whenever you created the Nandroid. Also, custom recoveries are where you flash custom ROMs and MODs that developers make. Unlocking your bootloader/gaining S-Off voids your warranty. And with htc-dev, which lets you unlock the bootloader, HTC pretty much can keep track of who voids their warranty. If you wait a while, some Dev around here should whip up some way to S-off without HTC knowing. the Rewal method currently posted in the And-Development forum for EVO LTE might do this, I'm not sure.
So... in summary...
Rooting
Use cool apps
Tether
Super user permissions
S-Off/Unlocked bootloader
Custom recovery
Flash custom ROMS and MODS
Create Nandroid Backups
I think thats it. Someone correct any misinformation I gave.
---------- Post added at 01:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 PM ----------
Oh, and as for the tampered questions, when you gain root access, htc put in some code that in the bootloader is says TAMPERED. But unrooting removes this.
Thanks again typhoonikan for the helpful understanding of the in's and out's of my phone!
So basically I can root/unroot without fear because I am able to revert the phone back if I had any problems.
The only risk is unlocking the bootloader via HTC because regardless of what you do, HTC will always know that your phone has been bootloader unlocked.
Basically the only reason we need S-off is to flash radios and also to be able to do that without it showing that our phones have been messed with/unlocked.
typhoonikan said:
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but S-off = unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are wrong.
You can have an unlocked bootloader and still be S-On (this is exactly what HTCDev unlock does).
A rooted phone can run root-only apps and allows you to access the root file system.
An unlocked bootloader allows you to install a custom recovery where you can flash ROMs, but may or may not allow flashing of kernels and will usually not allow you to flash radios.
S-Off allows you to flash radios and other protected NAND partitions.
S-Off, to my knowledge as of 6/4/2012, has not yet been obtained on the EVO 4G LTE, though you can root and unlock the bootloader. But you really only need S-Off if you want to flash different radios.
In summary:
S-Off + Root + Unlocked bootloader (with custom recovery) allows you to do anything with the phone.
S-On + Root + Unlocked bootloader (with custom recovery) allows you to do anything EXCEPT flash radios.
S-off also allows you to change the splash screen
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
wileout said:
S-off also allows you to change the splash screen
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And custom kernels
FattySparks said:
And custom kernels
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually on this device you can change kernels wit S-ON
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
wileout said:
Actually on this device you can change kernels wit S-ON
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you can basically do everything with S-ON. Kernels, roms, boot screen, etc.
sanchez said:
Yep, you can basically do everything with S-ON. Kernels, roms, boot screen, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure splash screens are no go's with S-ON. But i could be wrong since on this phone you can do kernels unlike the OG and the 3D
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Just a quick question, will using HTCDev unlock require me to wipe all my data?
filmaker said:
Just a quick question, will using HTCDev unlock require me to wipe all my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will
I really wish we could get all this information in a sticky, seeing how the question gets repeated numerous times.
I would be more than happy to write up this information if need be, even make a few diagrams/charts for the visual learners like myself
Related
Some great news.. the evo view 4g is now officially unlockable from HTC via htcdev.com. hope to see some magic happen now
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
This belongs in general.
Thx for info ThoughtHalo, the skilled dev above me (globatron) actually brought us to the dev game in HC before HTC.. That's the greatness of XDA, were always ahead of the game.
So what does this mean for us with stock GB looking to go to HC but want root?
It means now you should be able to flash a recovery and install a superuser zip
this still sucks compared to s-off. really wish HTC would stop shafting it's loyal customers so hard. It's like they want us to buy galaxy tabs :-(.
at least all of the updaters have a way to root now.
contradude said:
this still sucks compared to s-off. really wish HTC would stop shafting it's loyal customers so hard. It's like they want us to buy galaxy tabs :-(.
at least all of the updaters have a way to root now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It means more than that, they've given us a way to roll back to GB, which in turn means that OTA updaters can get S-OFF after all.
It means now we can also just fastboot flash everything regardless of what firmware we are on which is even better.
Indirect said:
It means now we can also just fastboot flash everything regardless of what firmware we are on which is even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you rollback to GB and S-OFF then yes, otherwise you are way off the mark, it doesn't even come close to allowing you to do that.
With an unlocked bootloader, you should be able to flash new recoveries and other things...unlocked from HTC is the same as S-off. It allows the flashing of unsigned firmware. Unless this device is unlike every other device I've had from HTC, I'm pretty sure I'm correct.
Although since I never had to use it on any of my devices (Never had something like Evo 3D) then I might be incorrect. However, based off my thoughts as an unlocked bootloader means you can flash new recovery, boot, and OTA updates that are unsigned / have broken signatures.
If you're happy with it fine, but you're misinformed. It's really not the same as S-OFF at all as many including myself have already explained. I can't be bothered with repeating the explanations again.
I apologize for being mistaken but provide information so I can be correct in the future
Sent by breaking the sound barrier
Indirect said:
I apologize for being mistaken but provide information so I can be correct in the future
Sent by breaking the sound barrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well one difference I know about between soff and htc unlock is that you have to fastboot flash kernels and recoveries you cant flash them through cwm when the device is only htc unlocked, however you can get fastboot to flash them, at least thats how it is on the evo 3d.
mark920 said:
Well one difference I know about between soff and htc unlock is that you have to fastboot flash kernels and recoveries you cant flash them through cwm when the device is only htc unlocked, however you can get fastboot to flash them, at least thats how it is on the evo 3d.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
10 points for mark
flashing radios;custom(or stock) RUUs when unlocked; downgradability (not blocked on stock view hboot this time);but the s-off hboot protects itself from getting replaced so no nasty OTA surprises;bypassing CID restrictions, there are a few more but they are probably of no interest to most people.
EDIT: Yeah, also forgot HTC unlock erases your DRM keys.
That's good news... I'd assume I need to be back to the stock RUU S-ON to unlock it? As I already have the Rev. S-Off on my View now.
If it's not going to break it then I'll just go have it unlock it now.
globatron said:
10 points for mark
flashing radios;custom(or stock) RUUs when unlocked; downgradability (not blocked on stock view hboot this time);but the s-off hboot protects itself from getting replaced so no nasty OTA surprises;bypassing CID restrictions, there are a few more but they are probably of no interest to most people.
EDIT: Yeah, also forgot HTC unlock erases your DRM keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But all root apps work right? And you can still flash radios and custom RUUs through the bootloader, correct? And taking OTA's isn't smart when rooted either way. So what are the consequences of losing the DRM keys?
GadgetMonger said:
But all root apps work right? And you can still flash radios and custom RUUs through the bootloader, correct? And taking OTA's isn't smart when rooted either way. So what are the consequences of losing the DRM keys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, you can root and all apps will work, Wrong; go read, can't do radios or RUUS, Normally it's perfectly fine with a stock recovery and a protected hboot.
DRM keys are not really a problem unless you bought from watch or some other built-in thing like that.
Honestly, I couldn't care less which people do, but unlock is a pain for developers to deal with and frustrating when flashing roms. But I dislike incorrect statements like saying S-OFF and unlock are the same thing.
While its a "half assed s-off through fast boot, its still technically an s-off. Just not proper. So they aren't the same, just similar. They aren't however what people WANT on their devices.
Sent by breaking the sound barrier
Indirect said:
While its a "half assed s-off through fast boot, its still technically an s-off. Just not proper. So they aren't the same, just similar. They aren't however what people WANT on their devices.
Sent by breaking the sound barrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do this. Unlock with the HTC method then boot to bootloader. You will notice that your device is telling you that it is unlocked but still s-on. As far as I know s-on means exactly that and not "half assed" s-off. I dont think you're understanding the difference.
No I understand the difference. S-off means the entire device is no longer secured at all. You can flash anything from the device. With unlock, you can only flash using fast boot and you can't flash certain things like radios etc. Only kernels, recovery, and downgrading RUU's
Therefore, its a "halfassed" s-off
Sent by breaking the sound barrier
Greetings
You see the question, does the current root method also give you S-Off or is there a seperate zip file for that?
Thanks
Not at the moment. Also root and s-off are two different things, think of root as the admin account on your PC, it lets you change almost anything within the OS itself. Think of S-OFF (or unlocked bootloader) as having the ability to OVERWRITE your OS with something different.
The only current way we have of overwriting our OS (flashing other ROMs) is through the HTC Dev unlock method but that will void your warranty.
EDIT: Here's the link if you want it, scroll down to "All other supported models"
http://htcdev.com/bootloader
OK so
so I am pretty limited as to what i can do at this time...right? And I don't want to do anything that wouldd cause me to have to pull a battery that wont pull lol.
Should I wait for S-Off before rooting?
Thanks
No, you're not pretty limited. Unlocked bootloader allows for custom recovery which allows for flashing ROMs and SU, etc.
With S-on, radios cannot be flashed, and you can run update IMGs thru bootloader, like a PC6IMG (or whatever the P code is for this phone).
sent from my Evo LTE, usually.
musicman625 said:
so I am pretty limited as to what i can do at this time...right? And I don't want to do anything that wouldd cause me to have to pull a battery that wont pull lol.
Should I wait for S-Off before rooting?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think only thing you can't do is flash kernels and aosp roms as they have different kernels
That and flash radios
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Ep3n3wp said:
I think only thing you can't do is flash kernels and aosp roms as they have different kernels
That and flash radios
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can flash kernels through fastboot, at least that was the case with the Evo 3D.
Have a question regarding unlocking the bootloader (I bolded the actual question for the TLDNR people), I will point out I did a search on the 4 main EVO 4G LTE forums and then just the Android Development forum and did not come up with anything I saw that pertained to this. So please keep the "Do a search" comments to a minimum, I know how it goes on these forums.
Firstly, I created an account on htcdev.com to unlock my new EVO's bootloader so I can flash custom splash screens and whatnot. I did not see the HTC EVO 4G LTE listed in their supported devices drop down menu, so I am assuming this is not currently supported by those means atm? Secondly, I saw that it will void your warranty (I don't mind this as I am already rooted but I don't want HTC having record of this tied to my S/N) and that it will wipe all data on the phone in the process.
My question is: is there an alternative way to unlock the bootloader and install ClockWorkMod/AmonRa(sp?) recoveries via some 1 click method here just like the root method that will not wipe my phone in the process? I don't plan on flashing any custom ROMs as the stock ROM is fine for me (that is until an update is released) but I would like to flash a custom splash screen, possibly a better boot animation, a new notification bar battery icon and perform Nand backups.
Thank you in advance for any friendly information that can point me in the right direction. If any of my assumptions are wrong regarding the htcdev.com process, please correct me.
Choose 'All Other Supported Models' at htcdev.com
Unlocking Bootloader, you must wipe clean. One option is, without unlocking, root your device via http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671577 which will add superuser access to your stock rom.
Then download your favorite backup app such as Titanium Backup, backup your system files and apps. Afterwards, unlock bootloader via http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1690919 . restore apps/system data. flash your mods to your hearts' content
Htcdev is only way currently. Why does it matter if you register for the token with HTC. Do you suspect that will somehow be used against you at some point? Do you see yourself ever contacting HTC needing warranty repair? Do you have insurance?
Most repair and replace is done thru sprint. And if you have insurance, HTC is even further removed.
sent from a shining jewel 4g LTE
I don't have insurance on the phone, and don't plan on breaking it but you never know what could happen in a year. I was just skeptical when it says this will void your warranty and wondering if HTC will keep tabs on who did what when/if a warranty repair comes along down the road. Normally one would just unroot their device and blam, the warranty is 'restored'.
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G LTE using Tapatalk
When the unlock process is complete, will a recovery be installed to the device or will I have to manually do that myself?
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G LTE using Tapatalk
gnarlynick said:
When the unlock process is complete, will a recovery be installed to the device or will I have to manually do that myself?
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G LTE using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will still need to flash recovery. I've rooted for wifi tether and titanium but will wait till I grow tired of stock to unlock, recovery, ROM.
There is a video tutorial on YouTube for this method.... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1690919
It unlocks, roots, and flashes twrp recovery at the same time.
Thanks for all the help. I'll decide if I wanna unlock it yet or not. Being rooted seems good enough thus far
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G LTE using Tapatalk
Nevermind, this does not apply. Please delete this (when a mod sees it).
The only way is HTCdev but there is a one click method that will do it for you. Unlocking the bootloader will automatically wipe your device. And there is an RUU to remove the tampered message if you need to get it fixed.
With htc thunderbolts out of stock, verizon has sent me rezound as a replacement! Before it comes I would just like to be in the know on how flashing roms on the rezound goes. I am not new to rooting (since htc hero) but i have never ventured far from what's safe. I've already looked around the forums and found potential roms as well as and found tools for rooting/unlocking the bootloader. I also noticed that getting s-off is way to difficult and time consuming for me at the moment.
So I just have a few questions. Answer one or all anything helps:
1. can i root and unlock the bootloader easily? (which ways do you recommend?)
2. with s-on can i still flash any rom of my choice, and if so how do i make sure i can do it safely?
3. with s-on do i still have a permanent root?
If you would like to give me any additional information about how flashing roms, rooting, etc works on the rezound it is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Tommy
toomie05 said:
With htc thunderbolts out of stock, verizon has sent me rezound as a replacement! Before it comes I would just like to be in the know on how flashing roms on the rezound goes. I am not new to rooting (since htc hero) but i have never ventured far from what's safe. I've already looked around the forums and found potential roms as well as and found tools for rooting/unlocking the bootloader. I also noticed that getting s-off is way to difficult and time consuming for me at the moment.
So I just have a few questions. Answer one or all anything helps:
1. can i root and unlock the bootloader easily? (which ways do you recommend?)
2. with s-on can i still flash any rom of my choice, and if so how do i make sure i can do it safely?
3. with s-on do i still have a permanent root?
If you would like to give me any additional information about how flashing roms, rooting, etc works on the rezound it is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Tommy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes...find the "all in one" tool and follow the steps.
2. Yes... safely? Just do it, nothing to worry about.
3. Yes....
All the answers to your question are in the threads. Google and the search feature are your best friends. :cyclops:
1.visit the htc dev website to unlock bootloader its pretty simple do a search for hasoon2000's all in one toolkit it's noob friendly.
1.5 flash amon ra recovery
2. S-on is fine but the kernel won't auto install it will place a ph98img.zip on your sd that will automatically flash when you boot back to bootloader
3. Permanent root is never a bad thing when I comes to flashing custom roms
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Squirrel1620 said:
1.visit the htc dev website to unlock bootloader its pretty simple do a search for hasoon2000's all in one toolkit it's noob friendly.
1.5 flash amon ra recovery
2. S-on is fine but the kernel won't auto install it will place a ph98img.zip on your sd that will automatically flash when you boot back to bootloader
3. Permanent root is never a bad thing when I comes to flashing custom roms
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the quick replies...seems pretty straighforward then :good:
we still recomend you read up on how to s-off its simple as long as you read and follow the directions
Dont be intimidated by thee S-Off procedure. its actually much easier then it seems.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1790625
kind of a record of my bumbling, if I managed to do it anyone can lol
S-off is optional, only needed if you plan on flashing different roms frequently it makes some process easier/convenient.
Seeing as how you're concerned about obtaining permanent root and flashing ROMs, S-OFF is a must. Like others have said, the process is not as intimidating as it seems. It just takes a lot of patience. I failed many times before finally getting it right and nothing happened to my phone. Good luck.
Can the s-off procedure be done at any time? And does it wipe anything?
I am considering doing it. I've been s-on for a few weeks and flashing roms
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
bond32 said:
Can the s-off procedure be done at any time? And does it wipe anything?
I am considering doing it. I've been s-on for a few weeks and flashing roms
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do it at any time, and just make sure to drag the contents of your sd onto your desktop before you do it, I've read about people losing all the stuff on it (didnt happen to me personally) otherwise, it doesn't wipe anything
Ok. Just got my Verizon Rezound and I'm thinking about unlocking the bootloader with the guide at HTCdev.
I was wondering what the real risks are involved here? Ive never done this before but I'm not a moron. I will follow everything correctly.
I guess Im asking what is the average percentage of feedback on the forum of people who bricked their phone or complained about issues AFTER DOING THIS CORRECTLY?
Thanks!
dukestravels07 said:
Ok. Just got my Verizon Rezound and I'm thinking about unlocking the bootloader with the guide at HTCdev.
I was wondering what the real risks are involved here? Ive never done this before but I'm not a moron. I will follow everything correctly.
I guess Im asking what is the average percentage of feedback on the forum of people who bricked their phone or complained about issues AFTER DOING THIS CORRECTLY?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello and welcome to the rezound community! I have great news unlocking your phone comes with almost 0 risk at all! You see, HTC has a security flag that acts as kind of a line of defense when it comes to bricking your phone. This security flag is referred to as s-on and s-off. By default when you unlock your phone, you will be s-on and your chance of bricking, even if you mess up, is almost none. Becoming s-off comes with more risk and it is easier to brick, but it is not necessary to become s-off to reap the benefits of being unlocked! What being s-off allows you to do is write to the boot and radio partitions. You can still do this while s-on, you will just need a computer there are guides about flashing recoverys and custom ROMs around the forums... but if you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask as the community here is very helpful. in fact you can use this thread for any questions you may have. good luck and welcome!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
There is only one risk.. you may become a flashoholic!
cslingerland said:
Hello and welcome to the rezound community! I have great news unlocking your phone comes with almost 0 risk at all! You see, HTC has a security flag that acts as kind of a line of defense when it comes to bricking your phone. This security flag is referred to as s-on and s-off. By default when you unlock your phone, you will be s-on and your chance of bricking, even if you mess up, is almost none. Becoming s-off comes with more risk and it is easier to brick, but it is not necessary to become s-off to reap the benefits of being unlocked! What being s-off allows you to do is write to the boot and radio partitions. You can still do this while s-on, you will just need a computer there are guides about flashing recoverys and custom ROMs around the forums... but if you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask as the community here is very helpful. in fact you can use this thread for any questions you may have. good luck and welcome!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the speedy response and helpful info!
I'm actually pretty familiar with installing roms. I am going from a rooted thunderbolt. I bought the thunderbolt already rooted, which is why I'm a novice at that part.
So I really just need to do unlock the bootloader (s-off) in order to have all the benefits of an unlocked (rooted etc) phone?
I think you've pretty much answered that though, just making sure. All I need is to be able to install roms and any custom apk's like game emulators etc.
Thanks again
dukestravels07 said:
Thanks for the speedy response and helpful info!
I'm actually pretty familiar with installing roms. I am going from a rooted thunderbolt. I bought the thunderbolt already rooted, which is why I'm a novice at that part.
So I really just need to do unlock the bootloader (s-off) in order to have all the benefits of an unlocked (rooted etc) phone?
I think you've pretty much answered that though, just making sure. All I need is to be able to install roms and any custom apk's like game emulators etc.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unlock with HTC dev,yes but you won't be s-off. To become s-off there is a procedure you have to do to your phone ( surgery)lol. But being s-on is not a bad thing at all. You still get every feature and can do anything that someone s-off can do... the main difference is that being s-on will require you to be with a computer to flash the kernel as opposed to being able to do it without a computer if you are s-off. Personally, I'm always around my computer when I'm flashing and I do testing occasionally for people so I have stayed s-on just to be safe. I've been unlocked and s-on for several months and I never felt the need to go s-off
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
cslingerland said:
You need to unlock with HTC dev,yes but you won't be s-off. To become s-off there is a procedure you have to do to your phone ( surgery)lol. But being s-on is not a bad thing at all. You still get every feature and can do anything that someone s-off can do... the main difference is that being s-on will require you to be with a computer to flash the kernel as opposed to being able to do it without a computer if you are s-off. Personally, I'm always around my computer when I'm flashing and I do testing occasionally for people so I have stayed s-on just to be safe. I've been unlocked and s-on for several months and I never felt the need to go s-off
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are ways around needing a PC to flash your kernel while s-on also, you can use a PH98IMG.zip via the bootloader to do it. That's what most roms/kernel installers that support s-on do for you now.
thanks guys. got it unlocked!