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.
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
I recently unlocked my bootloader and rooted my phone. I installed TWRP and flashed a couple of custom roms ( GPE & Revolution HD ) I decided i want to go back to stock. I understand so far i gotta unroot, flash stock rom and re lock bootloader. I read something about RUU files. Any one have suggestion or help how i go about this? Again, i have AT&T varient, currently on Revolution HD Rom
Famous22 said:
I recently unlocked my bootloader and rooted my phone. I installed TWRP and flashed a couple of custom roms ( GPE & Revolution HD ) I decided i want to go back to stock. I understand so far i gotta unroot, flash stock rom and re lock bootloader. I read something about RUU files. Any one have suggestion or help how i go about this? Again, i have AT&T varient, currently on Revolution HD Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is currently no RUU available as of right now. I think the best you can do for now is to a TWRP restore. There is a stock rooted TWRP in the Android Dev forum. Although this won't un-root you, its closest to stock that you will get. For the future, always make a backup before you root and then you won't have to worry
TheEmpyre said:
There is currently no RUU available as of right now. I think the best you can do for now is to a TWRP restore. There is a stock rooted TWRP in the Android Dev forum. Although this won't un-root you, its closest to stock that you will get. For the future, always make a backup before you root and then you won't have to worry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ordered my device and still waiting on it to be delivered. I'm already debating on whether or not to root as I've never owned an android phone that i didn't root. From what i understand, the bootloader needs to be unlocked, then s-off, flash recovery and then root. Now, if i'm to do a nandroid of the stock ROM before I root, will I be able to lock the bootloader again, nandroid and s-on in case I need to utilize the warranty? Also, will any warranty bits show up or a tampered flag or any other problem arise that'll indicate it's been farked with? Is there a way to undo those flags? Thanks in advance to TheEmpyre or whomever else can shed some light on this.
EDIT: If the s-off is the only step that will trip the flag, is it possible to leave S, er, ON?
brianray14 said:
I just ordered my device and still waiting on it to be delivered. I'm already debating on whether or not to root as I've never owned an android phone that i didn't root. From what i understand, the bootloader needs to be unlocked, then s-off, flash recovery and then root. Now, if i'm to do a nandroid of the stock ROM before I root, will I be able to lock the bootloader again, nandroid and s-on in case I need to utilize the warranty? Also, will any warranty bits show up or a tampered flag or any other problem arise that'll indicate it's been farked with? Is there a way to undo those flags? Thanks in advance to TheEmpyre or whomever else can shed some light on this.
EDIT: If the s-off is the only step that will trip the flag, is it possible to leave S, er, ON?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader trips a flag. When you relock it gets rid of one flag but trips the relocked flag. Soff can get rid of all flags but you have to leave it soff. Turning it back on throws a security flag.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
If you are current AT&T customer, and can go through them for warranty, they do not care in the least whether you are bootloader unlocked, rooted, s-off, etc.
I know AT&T written policy says otherwise (they have the right refuse warranty on modded phones) but in reality they cherish you paying that nice monthly bill every month over the modest cost of a refurb phone.
I've come over from the One X (EVITA) forum, and there were many (possibly dozens) of report from XDA users successfully returning their devices for warranty with bootloader RELOCKED, UNLOCKED, and in some cases even with custom ROMs installed! And I haven't seen any reports otherwise (AT&T denying warranty due to modded phone).
If you are not a current AT&T customer, and have to go through HTC, that is a different story.
But if you are an AT&T customer, my personal opinion is that you do not need to care about being able to return to stock, tripping flags, etc. Just mod away.
redpoint73 said:
If you are current AT&T customer, and can go through them for warranty, they do not care in the least whether you are bootloader unlocked, rooted, s-off, etc.
I know AT&T written policy says otherwise (they have the right refuse warranty on modded phones) but in reality they cherish you paying that nice monthly bill every month over the modest cost of a refurb phone.
I've come over from the One X (EVITA) forum, and there were many (possibly dozens) of report from XDA users successfully returning their devices for warranty with bootloader RELOCKED, UNLOCKED, and in some cases even with custom ROMs installed! And I haven't seen any reports otherwise (AT&T denying warranty due to modded phone).
If you are not a current AT&T customer, and have to go through HTC, that is a different story.
But if you are an AT&T customer, my personal opinion is that you do not need to care about being able to return to stock, tripping flags, etc. Just mod away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can second this. I just had to replace my m8 because the speakers were crackling like crazy, my bootloader showed relocked and they told me straight up that they didn't care about that as long as it was a hardware problem and not a software problem and replaced it on the spot.
I was under the impression that if you were in your first year of owning the device that faulty hardware would be covered under HTC's factory warranty and not AT&T?
brianray14 said:
I was under the impression that if you were in your first year of owning the device that faulty hardware would be covered under HTC's factory warranty and not AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the return info, I can see where the confusion might come from. It says "Return directly to manufacturer" for 15 days or more:
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/returnpolicy.html#fbid=KMGdewZyG_f
But AFAIK, all warranty returns go to AT&T when you work through their warranty department. You send them your defective phone, and they send you a refurb. I haven't had to go through this process myself, but this is what has been reported many times on XDA and other forums.
Any update on this how to lock bootloader for HTC M8 AT&T with 4.4.3 InsertCoin 4.1.1 Rom S-On of course.
How do I lock the bootloader in order to upgrade to stock 4.4.4?
im2c0ol said:
Any update on this how to lock bootloader for HTC M8 AT&T with 4.4.3 InsertCoin 4.1.1 Rom S-On of course.
How do I lock the bootloader in order to upgrade to stock 4.4.4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No "update" on this issue is required. The process has been the same for a couple years or more. Further, you've posted the same/similar question to multiple places, and its been answered already in multiple places.
Connect phone to computer in fastboot mode.
Open command prompt, and type: fastboot OEM lock
From there, you can run the RUU.
Hi all,
I sent my phone into repairs because of the camera sensor and just received it last night. Before I sent it I put everything back to stock, Locked, unroot, S-On. It came back with the latest ATT 4.4.2 FW. My question is, can I unlock, root, S-Off normally? Can I use this toolkit?
If you need any more information about the phone it'll have to wait until after work since it's not with me. I just want to make sure I don't break it before I dive into rooting it again.
Thanks for all your help!
SpectraDawn said:
Hi all,
I sent my phone into repairs because of the camera sensor and just received it last night. Before I sent it I put everything back to stock, Locked, unroot, S-On. It came back with the latest ATT 4.4.2 FW. My question is, can I unlock, root, S-Off normally? Can I use this toolkit?
If you need any more information about the phone it'll have to wait until after work since it's not with me. I just want to make sure I don't break it before I dive into rooting it again.
Thanks for all your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that toolkit will leave you with a phone ready for April 2013
all the root and recovery files in it are 16 months old and useless
Do some reading and learn to use adb and fastboot it's not that difficult.
Hey,
I currently have a stock, rooted, s-off m8 with TWRP recovery. I have already read the thread on converting to the developer edition but I have a quick question that I could'nt find in the thread. I know that through this conversion, I will lose root so the first thing I will do after following the procedure will be to re-root the device. Since this involves installing a custom recovery, I will also lose the ability to process ota's. If I then go on to flash the stock recovery, will I still maintain root with the ability to process ota's?
Thanks!
neilmopar said:
Hey,
I currently have a stock, rooted, s-off m8 with TWRP recovery. I have already read the thread on converting to the developer edition but I have a quick question that I could'nt find in the thread. I know that through this conversion, I will lose root so the first thing I will do after following the procedure will be to re-root the device. Since this involves installing a custom recovery, I will also lose the ability to process ota's. If I then go on to flash the stock recovery, will I still maintain root with the ability to process ota's?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With S-Off, root isn't important. Yes, you will need stock recovery for OTA. Easiest way to convert is change CID to BS_0001 , run RUU from HTC, and be done with it, everything will be overwritten. I even left mine with that CID and get far better signal strength on ATT and instead of hanging on to a weak LTE like ATT does, it will switch to what it needs to. Loving it and wouldn't have it any other way.
hack14u said:
With S-Off, root isn't important. Yes, you will need stock recovery for OTA. Easiest way to convert is change CID to BS_0001 , run RUU from HTC, and be done with it, everything will be overwritten. I even left mine with that CID and get far better signal strength on ATT and instead of hanging on to a weak LTE like ATT does, it will switch to what it needs to. Loving it and wouldn't have it any other way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response! I ended converting it earlier this evening. Could you elaborate on what you mean by saying that root doesn't matter since Im s-off? Should I just now flash a custom recovery so that I can flash the SU .zip and then reflash the stock recovery so that I can continue to get ota's?
Thanks!
S-Off is greater than root. With S-Off you can do anything. I think though that to install SU you do need root, I could be wrong though. But, once you root it again, you can unroot and reroot with a simple command. As far as the rest, yep, you got it now. You can use the custom recovery to flash / install whatever you want, and then go back to stock for OTA.