So here's my goal, to leave everything stock, with only root (su installed), so I can install a Verizon locked app, su, and perhaps busybox (I installed Terminal Emulator, but virutally no commands available).
1. Why use the one-click method over the method? As I understand it, the just unlocks the bootloader, so I'd need to install a custom recovery, to be able to flash an unsigned zip (su). I'd like to keep the stock recovery. Perhaps the process is to flash custom recovery, su, then restore stock recovery?
2. After I get root, will future OTA updates work? I'd like to not break that functionality.
3. It would be nice if would also allow you to just get root on your phone without dealing with the bootloader.
I've rooted and flashed my old Cliq, and it's nice having root when I need it. I also wanted to play around with setting the button led backlight levels, which via the command line requires root.
wrong section man
Well, perhaps I mis-understood the sections. Seems any questions having to do with roms/rooting go in this section.
Either way, questions still stands, and it seems your the resident expert for this phone.
Forgot to add, from all the other threads I've read, it seems there is/was some confusion as to whether or not the method would all you to flash a new kernel, not that I currently want to do that.
Edit: Since this is apparently in the wrong section, can one of the mods move it?
Edit 2: Thanks Binary100100 for moving this thread to the correct section.
oryan_dunn said:
Well, perhaps I mis-understood the sections. Seems any questions having to do with roms/rooting go in this section.
Either way, questions still stands, and it seems your the resident expert for this phone.
Forgot to add, from all the other threads I've read, it seems there is/was some confusion as to whether or not the method would all you to flash a new kernel, not that I currently want to do that.
Edit: Since this is apparently in the wrong section, can one of the mods move it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can flash kernels it is harder what else you need to know
How do I backup the stock recovery?
If I unlock the bootloader, do I need to flash a custom recovery to move forward? Or does unlocking the bootloader allow me to flash unsigned zips?
yes and its hard to backup stock recovery i got a backup all ready
So with an unlocked bootloader, I won't need a custom recovery? Just trying to learn, as it's a bit different than my Cliq.
you do need custom recovery sorry man i cant do much more explaing so busy butother people help you and look around read root threads etc
Well, thanks for the help so far.
If any one else is reading this thread, these are the questions I still have:
1. How do I backup the stock recovery? I know once I load a custom recovery, I will be able to backup the stock ROM.
2. Disregarding any warranty issues, why choose the method or the One-Click method?
3. Once unlocked/rooted, will DRM content still work? Will the Movies section in the Android Market still be available? It's not on my Cliq with CyanogenMod 7.
4. Once unlocked/rooted, will OTA updates apply correctly? Was anyone rooted on 1.36.531.5 and have the 1.36.531.6 update apply correctly?
5. Does the method wipe the device?
Thanks,
Ryan
oryan_dunn said:
Well, thanks for the help so far.
If any one else is reading this thread, these are the questions I still have:
1. How do I backup the stock recovery? I know once I load a custom recovery, I will be able to backup the stock ROM.
2. Disregarding any warranty issues, why choose the method or the One-Click method?
3. Once unlocked/rooted, will DRM content still work? Will the Movies section in the Android Market still be available? It's not on my Cliq with CyanogenMod 7.
4. Once unlocked/rooted, will OTA updates apply correctly? Was anyone rooted on 1.36.531.5 and have the 1.36.531.6 update apply correctly?
5. Does the method wipe the device?
Thanks,
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There is no need to backup the stock recovery. Once you flash a custom recovery there will never be a need to go back to stock. If for whatever reason you do want stock then just flash an ruu and you'll go completely back to stock.
2. You MUST use the method to get the unlock_code.bin file to unlock your bootloader before you even attempt to get root access. Once you have your bootloader unlocked you can make changes to the root of your device. With it locked you can only obtain a partial root which will reset itself after a reboot. For example, if you obtain a temporary root and remove a system app (like boatware), or two, or ten (whatever) then reboot they will re-appear. So you MUST have either s-off (not going to happen until an exploit is found and really isn't needed) or an unlocked bootloader. Once you receive the file from HTC then follow the included instructions to unlock your device. NOTE: You will lose all of your data when you unlock your bootloader so back it up first! After your bootloader is unlocked you can obtain root by one of two methods.
a) 1-Click root script.
This simply pushes an app called SuperUser.apk to the /system partition and a su binary file to the /system/bin directory which gives us root. Then download ClorckworkMod app from Market and install the custom recovery. From the app you can select "reboot to recovery" and install your custom roms.
b) Placing a custom recovery in a form of a PH85IMG.zip on the root of your external sdcard and boot into the bootloader. Then update the recovery.
Now with all of that being said I want to make something clear. The unlock method does NOT allow you to use the device for other carriers! You would still require the T-Mobile SIM to use the device.
3. Having root does have some disadvantages. Some roms may effect the ability to watch DRM movies, watch movies from Market, etc. Depends on your rom though. Check with the developer. ALWAYS make a nandroid backup prior to flashing any rom! That way if you don't like what you flashed you can always revert.
4. Okay... well I stand corrected.... this is the ONLY real reason to install the stock recovery. However installing an OTA update will cause you to lose root. Even with a custom recovery and a stock rom... if you receive a notice to install an update it will not work! The best alternative if you really really really want the update and lose all root then flash an RUU, do the update and hope that HTC didn't do anything to prevent you from getting root again. My best advice would be to wait for your favorite developer to update his/her rom with the update that you're trying to flash. That way you won't lose your data (shouldn't anyway) and no real risk of losing root.
With all that being said... I'm moving this to General because it's where all the Q&A's go.
Thanks for all the detailed info. I'd like root (installation of Superuser only) for the stock ROM. I don't plan on installing a custom ROM at this time. If I have an unlocked bootloader, how could HTC block root access? Couldn't I just flash an su zip? Ideally, I'd like to be able to swap recoveries out to apply the OTA updates. I kinda wish they had a code to just give me root access on the stock ROM.
I see the ruu thread, but am concerned about the source of the ROMs. Does HTC ever officially release a complete stock ROM?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
oryan_dunn said:
Thanks for all the detailed info. I'd like root (installation of Superuser only) for the stock ROM. I don't plan on installing a custom ROM at this time. If I have an unlocked bootloader, how could HTC block root access? Couldn't I just flash an su zip? Ideally, I'd like to be able to swap recoveries out to apply the OTA updates. I kinda wish they had a code to just give me root access on the stock ROM.
I see the ruu thread, but am concerned about the source of the ROMs. Does HTC ever officially release a complete stock ROM?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is all that you really need here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1324177
If you really want to be able to download and install system updates you will need the stock recovery in step 4.
oryan_dunn said:
Thanks for all the detailed info. I'd like root (installation of Superuser only) for the stock ROM. I don't plan on installing a custom ROM at this time. If I have an unlocked bootloader, how could HTC block root access? Couldn't I just flash an su zip? Ideally, I'd like to be able to swap recoveries out to apply the OTA updates. I kinda wish they had a code to just give me root access on the stock ROM.
I see the ruu thread, but am concerned about the source of the ROMs. Does HTC ever officially release a complete stock ROM?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IDK but I read your questions in a very slow voice like mr. mackey in southpark or something
anyways, why are you so worried about getting OTA updates?
a developer will eventually root and deodex it anyways.
You say you want to keep stock rom, but why don't you try the Custom ROMs which are basically stock ROMs on steroids?
You do realize when you apply an OTA update you lose your root access and there is a possibility that it'll be harder to even have your device rooted in the future.
For example, the mt4g, everybody got happy and updated to the gingerbread OTA, but lost root and nobody found out how to exploit it until about a month later or so.. and that is only by downgrading which is a tedious process that many, who don't know how to use ADB, have troubles with.
I believe the OTA updates comes with new bootloaders and radios, not only the rom, so it will lock your bootloader. (I think) that's what it does to other devices. Who knows if htcdev will work on all bootloaders. just my two cents, if you want full control of your device, unlock bootloader and root it. You can get every OTA update through developers here.
Teo032 said:
IDK but I read your questions in a very slow voice like mr. mackey in southpark or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, hopefully I don't sound like that. I really appreciate all the step-by-step guides; but, unlike most people, I want to understand what I'm doing, not just run through the steps.
anyways, why are you so worried about getting OTA updates?
a developer will eventually root and deodex it anyways.
You say you want to keep stock rom, but why don't you try the Custom ROMs which are basically stock ROMs on steroids?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I don't really want to wipe my device at this time, so that probably rules out the HTC Dev method and installing a custom ROM. I asked about the source of the ROMs in the RUU thread, but if the stock recovery would flash them, then they'd obviously have been signed by HTC. If software is available via an official source, why would I download it from a forum? If I can get Ubuntu from Canonical, I wouldn't go download the ISO from an unofficial mirror (or if I did, I'd verify with the md5sum keys posted by Canonical).
Since I am really happy with my device as it is, and the ease of updating via OTA, I didn't want to give that up, just for the couple things I want to do with root access.
You do realize when you apply an OTA update you lose your root access and there is a possibility that it'll be harder to even have your device rooted in the future.
For example, the mt4g, everybody got happy and updated to the gingerbread OTA, but lost root and nobody found out how to exploit it until about a month later or so.. and that is only by downgrading which is a tedious process that many, who don't know how to use ADB, have troubles with.
I believe the OTA updates comes with new bootloaders and radios, not only the rom, so it will lock your bootloader. (I think) that's what it does to other devices. Who knows if htcdev will work on all bootloaders. just my two cents, if you want full control of your device, unlock bootloader and root it. You can get every OTA update through developers here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, unless these devices have backup/secondary bootloaders, I doubt and OTA update would flash a new one, as an error during that flash could brick the device. It would seem odd that HTC would promise to unlock bootloaders, give an OTA update that would not work with their site. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, just seems unlikely. Was the MT4G unlock done via? If it was an exploit to gain root, then I'd understand why they'd loose root.
oryan_dunn said:
Hmm, unless these devices have backup/secondary bootloaders, I doubt and OTA update would flash a new one, as an error during that flash could brick the device. It would seem odd that HTC would promise to unlock bootloaders, give an OTA update that would not work with their site. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, just seems unlikely. Was the MT4G unlock done via? If it was an exploit to gain root, then I'd understand why they'd loose root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC has updated their bootloaders via OTA on a few occasions. And we know that HTC and T-Mobile (along with other carriers) read these forums as well (shout out to HTC and our wireless carriers) so almost literally the day of an exploit is discovered and if HTC isn't happy with our findings what do you suppose they will do? They will almost always look for the safest way to update the bootloader and keep us from being able to use that exploit. Seeing that we still don't have S-OFF (and may never have it) they are obviously doing all they can to make it more and more difficult. That in itself is proof that they don't want us to have it. So would they push an OTA to keep us locked to S-ON if they can? You better believe it!
I can see them patching a hole that would get you S-OFF, but seems odd that they would take back an unlocked bootloader that they themselves unlocked.
I guess I'm ok with the offical unlock method without S-OFF, if the only things I can't do are flash a new bootloader, radio, or unlock the SIM. Did I miss anything there?
I don't get it, you say you want to use root on the stock roms, and now you're saying why bother downloading a stock ROM that is prerooted when you can download stock ROM that isn't rooted ota? What is the difference? You're going to want to root the ota updates and the developers are already providing it for you. it doesn't matter where you get it, you're gonna use some 3rd party exploit to root the ROM anyways.
You my friend seems to have a indecisive problem. I understand that you want to understand the process, but if you don't want anything to do with 3rd party developing you're in the wrong place. You're making your life very hard.
And i think that's about it about being s-on. It's more of the hardware functionality that is locked.
Think about it as a locked bios kinda... Lol
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Teo032 said:
I don't get it, you say you want to use root on the stock roms, and now you're saying why bother downloading a stock ROM that is prerooted when you can download stock ROM that isn't rooted ota? What is the difference? You're going to want to root the ota updates and the developers are already providing it for you. it doesn't matter where you get it, you're gonna use some 3rd party exploit to root the ROM anyways.
You my friend seems to have a indecisive problem. I understand that you want to understand the process, but if you don't want anything to do with 3rd party developing you're in the wrong place. You're making your life very hard.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't need to use an exploit to root the stock rom. I can unlock my bootloader direct from HTC, flash a new recovery, and then flash the superuser program. That was kinda my point in asking in the first place... why use an exploit (one-click), when an official route is available?
oryan_dunn said:
I don't need to use an exploit to root the stock rom. I can unlock my bootloader direct from HTC, flash a new recovery, and then flash the superuser program. That was kinda my point in asking in the first place... why use an exploit (one-click), when an official route is available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's considered official? It's basically the same thing..
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Teo032 said:
That's considered official? It's basically the same thing..
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yeah, you end up at the same place, except instead of using an exploit, I go to HTC to get an unlock code. I'd consider it official since I'd go through HTC to get the ball rolling.
Hi,
Now that ROMs are starting to come out for the Prime. The only thing that I would need if I was to unlock the bootloader and install a recovery is the capability to flash back to stock (Yes I know that the bootloader will still be unlocked).
So is it possible to flash a stock rom or ota using clockwork mod recovery?
boomtopper said:
Hi,
Now that ROMs are starting to come out for the Prime. The only thing that I would need if I was to unlock the bootloader and install a recovery is the capability to flash back to stock (Yes I know that the bootloader will still be unlocked).
So is it possible to flash a stock rom or ota using clockwork mod recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you cannot restore a stock Asus-provided update. It will, apparently, brick your Prime.
However, given that the first thing anyone would/should do is take a nandroid backup, you can always restore that and be back on your stock ROM.
Will it be ever possible to flash stock so that we can get the latest updates still? Or is this a techical impossibility due to the way asus apply their OTA's?
boomtopper said:
Will it be ever possible to flash stock so that we can get the latest updates still? Or is this a techical impossibility due to the way asus apply their OTA's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That is one of the things explicitly states in the waiver you have to agree to in order to unlock the bootloader.
From the bootloader unlock terms:
" the software of Revised Product will no longer be deemed the software of the Original Product and can no longer receive ASUS software updates"
Yes I had read and understood that part but I was alluding to whether the community could work out a way or whether it's completely impossible?
Well someone will put up a stock zip you can flash which is just a different way of getting the stock ROM. Usually it takes a few days for one to show up after an ota though. There is a stock .15 zip in development now. You'll still have root.
Thanks.
I've found the thread about the stock .15 which is installable with unlocked bootloaders.
Hi all,
I've read a couple of stickies, and been through quite a bit of threads here at XDA, and I still can't find my answer. I hope that this is the right place for questions, if not, please excuse my ignorance and move it to the correct forum.
Here's my problem:
I have an Xperia Mini Pro (SK17a), locked to Rogers. It's one of the phone models that don't have the ICS upgrade. Perhaps I can blame that on Rogers, but then again, I can blame a lot of things on Rogers. I've been waiting for the ICS upgrade for quite a while, and now I'm just going to take this into my own hands and install a custom rom.
My understanding of this is that unlocking the bootloader will make my life much easier, and it's what I intend to do. The thing is, I'm SIM-locked to that god-awful company Rogers. From my 'research', I've read a bunch of stories and stuff, but nothing that gives me a definite answer. Do I have to have my phone SIM-unlocked to unlock my bootloader? (For either the official SE unlocking service and Test Point method). Will SIM-Unlocking also sever any bonds that connect my phone to Rogers? If that's the case, then I might just be able to update via PC Companion, which I can settle for if it takes less work than unlocking the bootloader.
My efforts in trying to update via FlashTool (and the official ICS .ftf) were futile, resulting in Flashtool giving me an unsatisfactory "ERROR- Error flashing. Aborted", which I think may be because my bootloader is locked, or I'm SIM-locked to Rogers.
(Using the latest version of flashtool)
Currently, my phone is running the latest stock Gingerbread, with root and CWM.
This ties in nicely to my next question, regarding Recoverys.
When I read the thread pertaining to CWM on the Mini Pro, it said that it should only be installed on a stock rom. Would this mean that CWM isn't used with custom roms? I find this to be stupid, as then you wouldn't be able to access the Recovery menu when **** actually turns bad, and you've got to flash a stable rom in a pinch.
That's all for now, thanks in advance.
-Dillon
P.S.
I'm not too much of a noob, so I can understand all of this crazy Android lingo; I've rooted/installed custom roms on my fair share of devices. On the other hand, I'm no pro either.
I know that bumping is generally frowned upon, but I'm doing it in hopes that perhaps somebody that could answer my questions just missed my thread.
Again, my apologies.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
Same problem
Man I have the exacttt same problem and doubt as you do, specially about the SIM LOCK, I want ICS on my phone too, I have the same model. Have you gotten any answers?
well you can unlock your boot loader and install custom rom and after unlock you will unable to update through seus or pc companion until you relock the bl. i suggest u to use test point in this way you will not lose drm keys. and if there is a problem in network try different baseband.
Before unlocking bootloader you must remove sim-lock. Basically it comes down on buying sim unlock code.
DillonBladez said:
I know that bumping is generally frowned upon, but I'm doing it in hopes that perhaps somebody that could answer my questions just missed my thread.
Again, my apologies.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no problems flashing ICS via flash tool on my then locked bootloader, sim locked device, so I'm thinking that's not the problem here.
Make sure you have installed the right drivers for your device, that it has usb debugging activated and that it is configured to msc (usb storage) when flashing.
Also, when I unlocked my bootloader via paid method (alejandrissimo) it also eliminated the sim lock :beer: I think it's part of the process. Anyway, maybe you could explain a little further about the error log you get on flash tool.
Don't forget to click thanks if I helped.
Edit: about cwm, of course you can use it on custom roms, some kernel even have that included. . First you install it on your stock ics and then you get to flash other roms.
Sent from my SK17i using xda app-developers app
unforgiven1311 said:
I had no problems flashing ICS via flash tool on my then locked bootloader, sim locked device, so I'm thinking that's not the problem here.
Make sure you have installed the right drivers for your device, that it has usb debugging activated and that it is configured to msc (usb storage) when flashing.
Also, when I unlocked my bootloader via paid method (alejandrissimo) it also eliminated the sim lock :beer: I think it's part of the process. Anyway, maybe you could explain a little further about the error log you get on flash tool.
Don't forget to click thanks if I helped.
Edit: about cwm, of course you can use it on custom roms, some kernel even have that included. . First you install it on your stock ics and then you get to flash other roms.
Sent from my SK17i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a sim locked phone and the bootloader can't be unlocked because my phone was made in 12w22. No test point and no sony options because the status of the bootloader says Bootloader status: no.
The question is: if i by a sim-unlock code the bootloader status turns to yes?
i really need to unlock bootloader because my battery is causing me nightmares!! thanks for the help. sorry for the bad english(or not) .I'm portuguese
Hey Everyone, this is my first post.
I've got a tf201 rooted with JB onto which I would like to flash TWRP. However, I've been unable to do so because I am unable to unlock the bootloader. After searching, it seems like downgrading to ICS may work to unlock, but this appears to be pretty risky without custom recovery. Is this the case? If so, is there a way to flash recovery without unlocking? If not, is there a relatively safe way to downgrade to ICS without custom recovery?
Any information is welcome!
BCB
Bass Clef Builder said:
Hey Everyone, this is my first post.
I've got a tf201 rooted with JB onto which I would like to flash TWRP. However, I've been unable to do so because I am unable to unlock the bootloader. After searching, it seems like downgrading to ICS may work to unlock, but this appears to be pretty risky without custom recovery. Is this the case? If so, is there a way to flash recovery without unlocking? If not, is there a relatively safe way to downgrade to ICS without custom recovery?
Any information is welcome!
BCB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot downgrade to ICS without nvflash backups and you cannot make nvflash backups unless you are on ICS.
Hi,
I have a few questions regarding rooting my TF201 - Jelly Bean - 4.11 Tablet.
I have found that because I got the JellyBean I can't get access with NVFLASH to take a full memory dump, which is annoying and I probably don't want to downgrade my bootloader to gain that...
I have put off rooting and such because it was £500+ and I saw the article about it getting 4.3 so I could deal with the forced install stuff, but now it seems that was a fake, I want to put on a custom rom with 4.3 once it becomes stable.
I watched the video where you can unlock the device using ASUS' .APK file, I got the file but it says ICS ONLY (is this a lie? Can I use it on my device?)
I gained root by using the motochopper exploit and updated it to use Koush's SuperUser.
I was wanting to use TWRP but seen lots of things about bricking the device, I have had a locked bootloader in the past on my Nexus One and I could install a recovery image, is this the same with this device, or do I definitely need to unlock my tablet to install recovery and then install a custom rom.
Is there anything else I've missed? Is the ICS Downgrade worth the risk in order to get NVFLASH amongst others?
Can I install recovery with a locked bootloader?
Can I unlock my bootloader with the APK?
Sarkie said:
Hi,
I have a few questions regarding rooting my TF201 - Jelly Bean - 4.11 Tablet.
I have found that because I got the JellyBean I can't get access with NVFLASH to take a full memory dump, which is annoying and I probably don't want to downgrade my bootloader to gain that...
I have put off rooting and such because it was £500+ and I saw the article about it getting 4.3 so I could deal with the forced install stuff, but now it seems that was a fake, I want to put on a custom rom with 4.3 once it becomes stable.
I watched the video where you can unlock the device using ASUS' .APK file, I got the file but it says ICS ONLY (is this a lie? Can I use it on my device?)
I gained root by using the motochopper exploit and updated it to use Koush's SuperUser.
I was wanting to use TWRP but seen lots of things about bricking the device, I have had a locked bootloader in the past on my Nexus One and I could install a recovery image, is this the same with this device, or do I definitely need to unlock my tablet to install recovery and then install a custom rom.
Is there anything else I've missed? Is the ICS Downgrade worth the risk in order to get NVFLASH amongst others?
Can I install recovery with a locked bootloader?
Can I unlock my bootloader with the APK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock the bootloader with the Asus APK. Ignore the ICS only note.
You must be unlocked to install a custom recovery.
HORiZUN said:
You can unlock the bootloader with the Asus APK. Ignore the ICS only note.
You must be unlocked to install a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect, thanks for the response!
Keep in mind that you're in the same boat as I am. You received a tablet updated to JellyBean. No nvflash love for us. Be careful. You CAN still brick this tablet with a recovery. I managed to do it with my last one. Do not ever use goomanager with the prime. Ever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
Hold the phone, you can put a custom recovery on a TF201 after it has stock JB? I thought it always bricked it...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2