OK so I have been searching for this and im seeing somethings come up about unlocking bootloader for the photon and that you will lose 4g data. I kind dont want to lol.. But I do want to root the phone and flash some Roms. Do you really need to unlock bootloader to flash roms. Or it depends on the flashable rom that needs to have bootloader unlocked. Im reading about the unlock bootloader and not seeing why I need to do so. Or do you have to do so to flash ANY roms/kernels?
I see in the deve threads about rooting the the photon. looks simple enough which I have rooted others. But just double checking on these methods here. So any advice will be very helpful.
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to write to partitions that would normally not be allowed, even with root - like recovery. I think -though I have never done it - that you can use bootstrap recovery and get the same effect, but it is more of a hassle. Personally theres no WiMax near me without a 20 minute drive, then I can only get it if I am standing still and its no faster than 3G....so it was no question for me.
But I think that you can unlock, flash, and relock and some other steps to keep 4G active.
So you really don't need to unlock bootloader? Cause I'm rooting my friends once he gets in . So in trying to get all the info about rooting. But the 4g data connection will be good as the H huspa/3G is different cause its sprint. Just want to make that unlocking the bootloader is not a must do step. And when I root the photon I'm still able to use Rom manager to back up current roms etc.. and boot into recovery to flash any Rom
Inspire4G
You'll have to look at how the bootstrap recovery works - i've never used it. but I think thats the route you need to take.
You can get bootstrap recovery and flash p-roms. They dont require unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
I think the Laser ROM is the only P-ROM we have isn't it?
Where is that boot scrap at? And I notice not a lot of rons yet for the photon. So most of the roms will or will not need unlocked bootloader. What did u guys do for rooting,.and did you guys use the unlock bootloader.
Cause I seen then the one where u can root with hot the dock using that torpedo set up
Inspire4G
CYRAXDroid said:
Where is that boot scrap at? And I notice not a lot of rons yet for the photon. So most of the roms will or will not need unlocked bootloader. What did u guys do for rooting,.and did you guys use the unlock bootloader.
Cause I seen then the one where u can root with hot the dock using that torpedo set up
Inspire4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so the Laser ROM which is in the Dev section some place, if you can't find it, I can hunt it down for you is a P-ROM that can be flashed via Boot Strap Recovery and doesn't require an unlocked bootloader.
As for Home Base, Alien, and Star Wars those are full ROM's so you will need to unlock the bootloader for reasons KCarpenter has mentioned.
I personally did the torpedo root method myself, was easy enough if you have a decent understand of command prompt and can follow written instructions, if not, there is also the AIO one click root method that is pretty easy and a lot of people use.
As for unlocking the bootloader, I think there is a thread here, if not, I can post a link that will help.
Also, I included the bootstrap recovery apk in this reply. Hope this helps.
Soon as I get back to my pc I'm thank u and the other member. Where is that aio located so I can that to and yeah I rooted some other stuff before and my inspire.
So might as well do the unlock bootloader and when I do I'll lose the 4g connection but still have 3g though.
What does that boot strap do.and.u need root to load that right..
Inspire4G
Bootstrap is pretty much a recovery for a locked bootloader. It works more or less like CWM does on unlocked bootloaders. But...if you're going to unlock, don't worry about Bootstrap, just do the CWM recovery.
One click root....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1217416
CWM Recovery
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1218417&highlight=Recovery
Unlocked bootloader...
http://briefmobile.com/motorola-photon-4g-bootloader-unlocked
That should be good to get you rolling.
Thanks dude I'll look at all that soon..
Inspire4G
No worries Man. If you have any questions, I'll see what I can do to help ya.
awesome deal.. so once I root and then unlock bootloader. Which will allow me to install any roms and have clockwork mod so then I can back up my roms that install.. also where is thread for this where if need to unroot and restore all back to factory like out of the box.
and Im watching that youtube video about AIO root looks simple enough. But also see another video about rooting and unlocking bootloader.. Im still like 50/50 if I should unlock boot loader or not lol
I have been thinking about unlocking the bootloader as well and have chosen not to at this time. This is primarily because there are only 2 custom ROMs in existence for the Photon. We need more ROM choices for me to take the leap even though there is no 4G where I work or where I live.
ChadH42 said:
I have been thinking about unlocking the bootloader as well and have chosen not to at this time. This is primarily because there are only 2 custom ROMs in existence for the Photon. We need more ROM choices for me to take the leap even though there is no 4G where I work or where I live.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So really dont need to worry about like as in doing that method(unlocking bootloader) right away cause I only see like 3 roms lol I think. But i was thinking of flashing the Alien Rom seems to be the most popular one out right now but at the same time that needs to have unlock bootloader..
What roms are you guys you using
I'm on Home Base. V1.5 with the 4.2 update. Do you want the green color scheme from the Alien ROM?
Also. There is an overclock kernal which I run that you nees to be unlocked for. There was a stock file floating around. But just flash the latest SBF file. That SHOULD take you to stock. But you would have to ask in thay specific thread.
Sent from my Photon via XDA
xTMFxOffshore said:
I'm on Home Base. V1.5 with the 4.2 update. Do you want the green color scheme from the Alien ROM?
Also. There is an overclock kernal which I run that you nees to be unlocked for. There was a stock file floating around. But just flash the latest SBF file. That SHOULD take you to stock. But you would have to ask in thay specific thread.
Sent from my Photon via XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool deal..so being unlocked is good for flashing kernels and roms etc.. how is your battery life
Inspire4G
It was pretty decent. Gone done since the update keeps trying to install. But before that was probably ten plus hours with fairly heavy use.
Sent from my Photon via XDA
sweet well thanks for all the info man thanks again wish I could thank you again lol
No worries Man. Just tryin' to help.
Sent from my Photon via XDA
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.
Sorry if this is posted before or buried in the mountain of threads, but from what i've read so far, does the root method actually give you S-OFF? I don't want to root it if i wont be able to flash roms. Also, when i plugged in my device the driver updated and its 2.0.7.3. Does that mean i dont need to download the drivers?
tampered just means rooted if you want to unlock your bootloader so you can flash custom roms.click on the link below and it has instructions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1690919
Check out this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1690919
There is no S-Off for this phone as of yet, but I don't think we'll need it. Root is different than S-Off.
S-Off is closer to an Unlocked bootloader, which the post I directed to you does. With this method you'll be able to flash roms using TWRP.
wobbies said:
Sorry if this is posted before or buried in the mountain of threads, but from what i've read so far, does the root method actually give you S-OFF? I don't want to root it if i wont be able to flash roms. Also, when i plugged in my device the driver updated and its 2.0.7.3. Does that mean i dont need to download the drivers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently there is no S-Off method available for this phone (as of right now). But we've come to find out that we don't need S-Off that much on this phone.
Even with S-On, you can flash roms, mods, tweaks, etc. Hell you can even flash Radios now (which use to be reserved for S-Off).
The current method is HTCDev Unlock. It does mark your bootloader as 'tampered'. But when am I going to actually use a manufacturer warranty or somebody like Sprint is actually going to check the Bootloader. But even that is different from root. You can root, which will give you root access. Then if you want you can unlock the bootloader which will allow you to flash a custom recovery which will allow you to flash Roms, etc.
Edit: I've been ninja'd.
Thank you very much guys
So in order to flash custom ROMs I have to unlock the bootloader (and void the warranty)?
sracercelica said:
So in order to flash custom ROMs I have to unlock the bootloader (and void the warranty)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, but you can make it seem as if you never unlocked by ruu'ing. sprint will never know... if it gets that bad, "somebody stole it."
Rydah805 said:
yes, but you can make it seem as if you never unlocked by ruu'ing. sprint will never know... if it gets that bad, "somebody stole it."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well sprint only gives 30 days warranty anyways so I am actually worried about HTC's warranty. I dont have the insurance through Sprint (which I heard is going to increase to 10 bucks a month).
Sorry for the noob question, but do these ROMs require the phone to be rooted?
Yes, all ROM's require the phone to be rooted.
yo
Start out with HTC Unlock. Lots of info on this site about it.
Then install a custom rom. It will already be Rooted,
After you've learned more, then you make it S-0ff.
Then you can go backward and forward in radio and other
options without worries.
hellhawk741 said:
Yes, all ROM's require the phone to be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. You don't need root. You need to unlock the boot loader. All instructions for that are in HTCDev.com
you need to Unlock your bootloader first in order to flash a Recovery like CWM or AmonRA which will then allow you to flash/install rooted roms.
Note: if you are on Gingerbread and are going to flash an ICS rom, PLEASE download the required kernel they provide for you to flash as well as the ICS rom. but kernels are flashed through the bootloader/hboot and not in recovery. unless your S-off. if your'e S-on, flash kernels in bootloader.
I thought it was necessary to unlock the bootloader on android phones before i could root them and flash different roms. A buddy of mine had rooted his old s3 but forgot to unlock the bootloader, so when he tried restarting it, it soft bricked. For the longest time I thought you had to unlock the bootloader then root the phone in order to flash custom roms, have I been wrong all this time?
Think of the Loki workaround as a way to trick the bootloader into flashing improperly signed files. Its like using a credit card on the bolt of a locked door. The door is still locked but you get through anyway.
brizey said:
Think of the Loki workaround as a way to trick the bootloader into flashing improperly signed files. Its like using a credit card on the bolt of a locked door. The door is still locked but you get through anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what are the risks of using the loki tool if you use it correctly? if there is an OTA update to the phone, will it mess it all up?
You don't you the tool...the developers do. And technically, it is only used for flashing a recovery and flashing ROMS with the recovery. You can root without unlocking the bootloader because there is an pre-release official rootable kernel than can be flashed with Odin. It flashes because it is legit.
So I should be able to just go to the how to root page on here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2290798 and follow the instructions and flash one of the roms as usual?
yes,go ahead