So, I bought a GSM Razr Maxx. First android phone and I'm super stoked to get it in the mail! (Currently running symbian 9.2 on a nokia e5!)
I expressed my excitement to one of my friends who is big into Android and he said "but that phone doesn't have a custom bootloader!" and proceeded to tell me that I couldn't install custom roms. Well, after doing some research, I realized that you COULD install custom roms on the Razr maxx using safe strap.
So my questions are
1) What is the advantage of an unlockable bootloader over using safe strap to install custom roms? That is, why would it be good for the razr(maxx) to get an unlockable bootloader?
2) I'm not a complete noob with technology, but explain as simply as possible... what is the difference in the way an unlockable bootloader work and how safe strap works?
3) Why are there so many people saying online that you NEED an unlockable bootloader for custom roms / Cyanogenmod when its simply not the case?
Thanks!
timmytucker718 said:
So, I bought a GSM Razr Maxx. First android phone and I'm super stoked to get it in the mail! (Currently running symbian 9.2 on a nokia e5!)
I expressed my excitement to one of my friends who is big into Android and he said "but that phone doesn't have a custom bootloader!" and proceeded to tell me that I couldn't install custom roms. Well, after doing some research, I realized that you COULD install custom roms on the Razr maxx using safe strap.
So my questions are
1) What is the advantage of an unlockable bootloader over using safe strap to install custom roms? That is, why would it be good for the razr(maxx) to get an unlockable bootloader?
2) I'm not a complete noob with technology, but explain as simply as possible... what is the difference in the way an unlockable bootloader work and how safe strap works?
3) Why are there so many people saying online that you NEED an unlockable bootloader for custom roms / Cyanogenmod when its simply not the case?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So in this case the advantage of an unlocked bootloader is that you are able to flash everything like custom kernel, ROM, baseband and radio. With safe strap you only can flash custom ROM and a kexec kernel. So no baseband and radio.
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
Para94 said:
So in this case the advantage of an unlocked bootloader is that you are able to flash everything like custom kernel, ROM, baseband and radio. With safe strap you only can flash custom ROM and a kexec kernel. So no baseband and radio.
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your reply. What is kexec kernal, and what is implied by flashing baseband and radio?
Also, why are there so many forum posts saying you can't flash a custom rom without bootloader? Is safestep a relatively new innovation or are people just dumb =p ?
timmytucker718 said:
thanks for your reply. What is kexec kernal, and what is implied by flashing baseband and radio?
Also, why are there so many forum posts saying you can't flash a custom rom without bootloader? Is safestep a relatively new innovation or are people just dumb =p ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So kexec is a custom kernel which is loaded via the safe strap... Just Google because I am not in the kernel development.... Hmm often the radio is bugged and most of the custom ones haven't got these bugs anymore... The baseband is the more important thing in my opinion because with custom kernel(kexec) and custom baseband it would be possible to activate the lte in the chip which isn't activated in the xt910(more or less rest of the world) but in the xt912(us version)
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 07:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:00 AM ----------
timmytucker718 said:
thanks for your reply. What is kexec kernal, and what is implied by flashing baseband and radio?
Also, why are there so many forum posts saying you can't flash a custom rom without bootloader? Is safestep a relatively new innovation or are people just dumb =p ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope its not really flashing you can compare it more or less with virtual box but you start the box instead of booting to the normal ROM you boot to the slot you want to
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
Well now, when there is BMM available for the RAZR, unlocked bootloader isn't necesary - in BMM you can flash everything, including kernels, roms, radio fw etc., while still preserving your stock system.
timmytucker718 said:
So, I bought a GSM Razr Maxx. First android phone and I'm super stoked to get it in the mail! (Currently running symbian 9.2 on a nokia e5!)
I expressed my excitement to one of my friends who is big into Android and he said "but that phone doesn't have a custom bootloader!" and proceeded to tell me that I couldn't install custom roms. Well, after doing some research, I realized that you COULD install custom roms on the Razr maxx using safe strap.
So my questions are
1) What is the advantage of an unlockable bootloader over using safe strap to install custom roms? That is, why would it be good for the razr(maxx) to get an unlockable bootloader?
2) I'm not a complete noob with technology, but explain as simply as possible... what is the difference in the way an unlockable bootloader work and how safe strap works?
3) Why are there so many people saying online that you NEED an unlockable bootloader for custom roms / Cyanogenmod when its simply not the case?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tell your friend that we can flash almost anything we can (except custom kernels) and that we even have a recovery that allows us to flash up to 6 ROMs on our device At a time (using bmm). And To tackle the disability of custom kernels we have kexec kernels
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
Related
Hey, so i just traded my xperia play for an Atrix and have been reading all the guides ever since.
I am also wondering how can i check if the device has an unlocked bootloader.
It is rooted if that helps.
Model #: MB860 , Baseband Version: N_01.92.00R ,
Motorola Webtop Version: OSHWT_U1_6.54.0 , Build #: OLYEM_U4_2.1.1
Alright, so my main questions are: How can i get android 2.3.4 on my device?
Can i flash the AT&T sbf even if my phone is not from at&t?
I can answer one question for ya.
If your bootloader is unlocked it will say unlocked in the top left corner on the motorola dual core boot screen.
Other than that Im not to sure on how to go about getting GB on there.
Edit: Brainfart moment, Once you unlock your bootloader you can flash a custom rom and flash Faux123's unified kernal for all carriers. You will have to set your apns up manually but thats not hard.
Go the the pudding sticky in the dev forum to get your bootloader unlocked.
If your still unsure after that, come back here and Post your questions.
if bootloader is unlocked http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1136261 read that install rsd lite the x64 drivers and the sbf flasher heres the unlocker for bell http://diamantephoto.com/IHOP_Bell.rar
wait so i cant just flash the AT&T sbf file?
and my phone is not from bell, i actually dont know what country its from...
sharms115 said:
wait so i cant just flash the AT&T sbf file?
and my phone is not from bell, i actually dont know what country its from...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for rogers im not sure which
Dirtburgler said:
I can answer one question for ya.
If your bootloader is unlocked it will say unlocked in the top left corner on the motorola dual core boot screen.
Other than that Im not to sure on how to go about getting GB on there.
Edit: Brainfart moment, Once you unlock your bootloader you can flash a custom rom and flash Faux123's unified kernal for all carriers. You will have to set your apns up manually but thats not hard.
Go the the pudding sticky in the dev forum to get your bootloader unlocked.
If your still unsure after that, come back here and Post your questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright so i think my atrix is a retail france version (System version is: Version.4.2.11.MB860.Retail.en.FR)?
so after unlocking the bootloader what should i do to get a simple stock-like gingerbread rom?
After that you have to get romracers cwm installed to install roms and kernels. You can install any rom of your choice, you just have to flash the unified kernel by faux123 each time you change roms.
Sorry id give you links but im using my phone, both links are in the dev forum.
Your radio will stay the same
Just read everything twice and its a piece of cake. Theoretically of course
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Dirtburgler said:
After that you have to get romracers cwm installed to install roms and kernels. You can install any rom of your choice, you just have to flash the unified kernel by faux123 each time you change roms.
Sorry id give you links but im using my phone, both links are in the dev forum.
Your radio will stay the same
Just read everything twice and its a piece of cake. Theoretically of course
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright awesome, i will try it after my soccer tourney tomorrow morning and let you know how it goes. Thanks for the help!
Dirtburgler said:
After that you have to get romracers cwm installed to install roms and kernels. You can install any rom of your choice, you just have to flash the unified kernel by faux123 each time you change roms.
Sorry id give you links but im using my phone, both links are in the dev forum.
Your radio will stay the same
Just read everything twice and its a piece of cake. Theoretically of course
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey so ive unlocked the bootloader, rooted, installed romracers cwm, and installed the stock-like Homebase rom (v1.4).
After installing homebase my phone started heating up alot and the battery started draining really fast, so...
I just have a few more questions:
How can i check where my atrix is from (is it an At&t one, a bell one or and international one)
Can i installed AT&T roms? (i just have to flash faux's kernel after right?)
is there any other rom that is available that is as stock as possible, a stock rom that i can flash without loosing cwm and root?
So I finally rooted my Electrify(photon), I have insurance and **** and i've taken my phone scuba diving so I really dont care if I brick it at this point(just a reason for me to get a new phone).
Basically my question is, How can i go about getting an aftermarket ICS on it? I can use cynagon right? Someone link me please...? Can I use this? If so, What exactly is unlocking the bootloader?
Im still new at all the terminology, it's been forever since i've been in the Android dev scene....
Thanks a ton XDA!
-Chris
To flash CM9, or any unlocked ROM you need to install a custom recovery, usually clockworkmod. Idr about the electrify, but for the photon you need to flash the pudding unlocked file and run a few CMD lines in order to unlock the bootloader(kills 4g btw) and then you can install a custom recovery and be ready to flash unlocked ROMS. (same general process for electrifiy but iirc different files)IF you are on Android 2.3.5 your SOL.. For the time being atleast as you can't unlock its bootloader. QBKing has a few videos about the Photon on how to unlock, install CWM, and flash ROMS. There REALLY useful for beginners and people who need to be refreshed on what exactly to do. Don't quote me on the exact steps as I have a Photon and never looked too in depth about the electrify, wait for someone else to chime in to verify or search around.
You were a lot of help so far, and yes I am running stock 2.3.5...I installed cwm, but I have yet to unlock the boot loader, and as you stated, I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon. But what exactly does unlocking the bootloader do...?
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
My understanding is this...
Photon and Electrify 2.3.4 can unlock the bootloader.
Photon 2.3.5 can run something called bootstrap. (There is no legit Photon 2.3.5 from Sprint, but some bleeding-edge MoPho's have flashed 2.3.5 anyway and found themselves in a world of pain.)
Electrify 2.3.5 can do neither. I asked about it here and as of now 143 people have looked at it but haven't replied... Then again, it's the weekend, but I also asked in a topic about the bootstrap a week ago, and nobody there knew either.
So I think with Electrify 2.3.5 rooting is all you can do.
And that's fine, Electrify is beast anyway.
We're supposed to get official ICS in Q2 2012 (or was it Q3?). I don't know fiscal quarters, but Q1 starts in Spring, I think, so I guess summer or late summer?
I don't care about ICS and I don't see why I should. I change launchers weekly and I'm always rotating software on my phone. I'm more interested in getting the bootloader unlocked, but I don't think Motorola has any plans for that.
While it's true you can't unlock the bootloader on 2.3.5 yet, that means that you can't flash kernels and some roms. There are some that work with a locked bootloader. Loki has an Imperium version. Rocko has some versions for locked phones. And there is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1575259 from loki. It will strip the bloat and blur from your phone, and give it some tweaks. This with the launcher of your choice makes for a great phone.
Exactly what post above said. I'll just add on saying that without an unlocked bootloader there is no way to get ICS. Use locked roms and try different launchers and you can still have a sweet phone until official ics or we unlock 2.3.5
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
What is blur and bloat?? And what ROM is best..? As far as locked boot loaders go...
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
Crispy, Blur is Motorola's enhancement suite for Android. It contains Motorola Home, and all the Motorola apps like the gallery, music player, and widgets. And the stupid lock screen. (I hate Motorola's lock screen. A lot.) HTC's is called Sense and Samsung's is called TouchWiz. They all have one. Very few Android phones are straight-up Android.
Bloat is anything on top of AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and the Google apps. This includes Blur/Sense/TouchWiz, technically, though most don't consider those bloat. If you have US Cellular, City ID is the epitome of bloat. It doesn't work as advertised, it's always there, and it will nag you to pay for it sometimes. Bloat on US Cellular phones also includes Tone Room Deluxe, Your Navigator Deluxe, My Contacts Backup, and the QuickOffice demo. Sprint has a whole other set of bloat apps.
Bricky -- So I don't need bootstrap? Or I do?
Crispy again: On your home screen, hit Menu, Settings, and then About Phone. Near the bottom look for "Android version". If it says 2.3.4 below, you can unlock your bootloader. If it says 2.3.5, you cannot.
I know ha, and I'm on 2.3.5 just like youuu:/ but it appears that there are like someee rom's that can be used without unlocking the bootloader...
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
Yes you need bootstrap. Root your phone, install bootstrap, make nandroid backup in bootstrap , install rom = profit
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
bricky23 said:
Yes you need bootstrap. Root your phone, install bootstrap, make nandroid backup in bootstrap , install rom = profit
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER to install a ROM my friend....There are a few decent ROM's that dont require an UL loader, but to get a really nice ROM an unlocked bootloader appears to be greatly needed. I really wish Moto wasn't such a giant douche.
TheCrispytoast said:
You were a lot of help so far, and yes I am running stock 2.3.5...I installed cwm, but I have yet to unlock the boot loader, and as you stated, I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon. But what exactly does unlocking the bootloader do...?
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have cwm installed on a 2.3.5 Electrify with a locked bl??
phince1 said:
You have cwm installed on a 2.3.5 Electrify with a locked bl??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure he's meaning bootstrap in that post.. you can't install custom recovery while locked..
w0lf215 said:
Im sure he's meaning bootstrap in that post.. you can't install custom recovery while locked..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I ment bootstrap.
Also, how does nandroid backups work? Does it backup EVERYTHING? whats the difference in outcome with Titanium backup VS recovery nandroid backups...?
i really want ics on my electrify.. but i ve a electgrify 2.3.5 with locked bootloader..
is it possible to do it?
I run AOKP build 38 on my mopho, it's a little buggy. My advice is to run one of the slimmed down stock ROMS mentioned previously. Wait for the official build, then there will be a bunch of devs making perfectly tuned apps.
Universal DeBlur-DeBloat Live ROM Conversion is the only ROM that requires root ONLY. It was written to help those that can't even run bootstrap. Think of it as Imperium Initiative without the theme change and custom kernel.
moneymakes said:
I run AOKP build 38 on my mopho, it's a little buggy. My advice is to run one of the slimmed down stock ROMS mentioned previously. Wait for the official build, then there will be a bunch of devs making perfectly tuned apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ICS is official announcied from motorola to moto electrify?
No, only Photon.
Swyped from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk
Dark Reality said:
No, only Photon.
Swyped from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it s a bad notice :S
developers are working to unlock the BL of lectrify
I got a used Motorola Photon that has Android 2.3.5 (build 254_12) and it has an unlocked bootloader. After going through numerous posts in XDA I came to know that 2.3.5 doesn't support bootloader unlocking. I asked the guy I bought it from and he said that initially it had MoPho 2.3.4 - he unlocked it, upgraded it to CM10 JB rom and then downgraded it back to 2.3.5 (as JB was unstable). I confirmed my MoPho has an unlocked bootloader from here ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1650520 ). It's also rooted.
So I just wanted to know, are there any risks in installing a custom kernel/rom since my MoPho's OS ver is 2.3.5 ? Are there any internal conflicts that might occur since my OS version/build is different - one that doesn't allow unlocking of bootloader and root access?
No there aren't any major risks. Just make sure the kernel corresponds to the system you are using. For instance, if your using cm7 and want to overclock, make sure to use a kernel built for it.
Most ROMs are flashed with the kernel it needs to boot. Version 2.3.5 could be thought of as just another ROM. To flash something different, make a backup with your recovery then wipe and install the ROM of your choice.
Just be sure to us common sense and not to accept any ota update because it could lock your bootloader and brick your phone. Be sure to look at the stickies for a ton more information
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
mystaku said:
I got a used Motorola Photon that has Android 2.3.5 (build 254_12) and it has an unlocked bootloader. After going through numerous posts in XDA I came to know that 2.3.5 doesn't support bootloader unlocking. I asked the guy I bought it from and he said that initially it had MoPho 2.3.4 - he unlocked it, upgraded it to CM10 JB rom and then downgraded it back to 2.3.5 (as JB was unstable). I confirmed my MoPho has an unlocked bootloader from here ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1650520 ). It's also rooted.
So I just wanted to know, are there any risks in installing a custom kernel/rom since my MoPho's OS ver is 2.3.5 ? Are there any internal conflicts that might occur since my OS version/build is different - one that doesn't allow unlocking of bootloader and root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do as you please no risks with anything really. only phones that took the 2.3.5 OTA update are locked. or new factory restored ones. the previous user put the 2.3.5 update on their in a safe manor that doesn't lock the phone. :silly:
na7q said:
do as you please no risks with anything really. only phones that took the 2.3.5 OTA update are locked. or new factory restored ones. the previous user put the 2.3.5 update on their in a safe manor that doesn't lock the phone. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've the 254_12 build. And (I think, I'm not sure) the OTA update is probably the only way to update your system to 254_12.
What I'm not able to understand is how he could have downgraded from a CM10 JB rom to 2.3.5(254_12) without locking the bootloader. Is there anyway to do so?
All the root/unlock guides in XDA and other forums warn us, before proceeding to unlock, to ensure that our MoPho has 2.3.5 (198_7)or below to unlock/root. Shouldn't I be worried about it?
Here's a screenshot of my system specs.
No. You're unlocked. That's just your system build information. It will change when you flash a different ROM.
The ota update is the only way to update your stock and locked phone without any sort of modification. Since you're unlocked and rooted you shouldn't have an issue flashing a custom recovery and ROM
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
mystaku said:
I've the 254_12 build. And (I think, I'm not sure) the OTA update is probably the only way to update your system to 254_12.
What I'm not able to understand is how he could have downgraded from a CM10 JB rom to 2.3.5(254_12) without locking the bootloader. Is there anyway to do so?
All the root/unlock guides in XDA and other forums warn us, before proceeding to unlock, to ensure that our MoPho has 2.3.5 (198_7)or below to unlock/root. Shouldn't I be worried about it?
Here's a screenshot of my system specs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend, as I mentioned, the previous user had downgraded or "upgraded" the stock firmware in a SAFE manner that does NOT lock the bootloader. It's done the same way custom ROMs work. It just another ROM basically. Pretty simple. Don't take everything so literal in terms of 2.3.5 only OTA updated or factory restored phones are locked. Which you don't have
Sent from my MB853 using XDA
na7q said:
My friend, as I mentioned, the previous user had downgraded or "upgraded" the stock firmware in a SAFE manner that does NOT lock the bootloader. It's done the same way custom ROMs work. It just another ROM basically. Pretty simple. Don't take everything so literal in terms of 2.3.5 only OTA updated or factory restored phones are locked. Which you don't have
Sent from my MB853 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, it's clear to me now
mystaku said:
Thank you, it's clear to me now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! I hope you have fun trying out ROMs!! It's always a blast!
Sent from my MB853 using XDA
Is it possible to use custom ROMs without an unlocked bootloader?
Theoretically, yes. I did on my previous phone. A dev would have to cook a Rom with the stock kernel, etc.
tribalartgod said:
Theoretically, yes. I did on my previous phone. A dev would have to cook a Rom with the stock kernel, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you explain a little more?
because i tried running cyanogenmod on my device but it showed up a security error, which i read somewhere is cause by a locked bootloader
dhruvbatra205 said:
could you explain a little more?
because i tried running cyanogenmod on my device but it showed up a security error, which i read somewhere is cause by a locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically, when a ROM is made... It's either made from 100% scratch, or it's made with another ROM as it's base. For example...Paranoid Android used to be CM based... Meaning it used certain aspects of the CM ROM, but with the look/feel/features of it's own. So for this to work ona locked bootloader, the ROM cooker would have to use Stock as their base, and build up from there... I'm not a developer, so I can't go into extreme detail on this, I'm sorry.
But to properly answer your question... Yes, it is possible to do this... Will it happen?? Probably not, unless someone takes the time to port something over.
You got a security error, because CM changes things from the Stock base... So since it's not build from stock, it won't work unless the bootloader is unlocked, OR unless someone rebuilds it with the stock ROM as it's base.
For anyone else reading this... I hear MIUI is relatively easy to port onto a stock base...
okay. last thing. what 'changes' does the locked bootloader detect that it shows up a security error?
Boot.img has to be signed by LG. Not signed= security error. There is probably more to it than that but that is my understanding.
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda premium
Tablechair said:
Boot.img has to be signed by LG. Not signed= security error. There is probably more to it than that but that is my understanding.
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, do you think it might not be an unnecessarily tough and time consuming job to port cyanogenmod in such a way that it would work on a locked bootloader device?
dhruvbatra205 said:
So, do you think it might not be an unnecessarily tough and time consuming job to port cyanogenmod in such a way that it would work on a locked bootloader device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's do-able... But may be pretty time consuming... If you have never ported before, I suggest starting with MIUI v4. From what I read, it's relatively easy. I know for a fact that MIUI, if ported properly, will work on locked bootloader, as my previous phone ran it with locked bootloader.
There is a workaround here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2099238
Artas and markolino had CM9 working on locked bootloader P760. Anyone interested in trying to port a ROM this way should definitely check out that link.
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda premium
I have a doubt reguarding bootloader unlocking.
It is possible to flash custom recovery using fastboot, and then flash any rom using recovery.
Then is there any need for boot loader unlocking specially??
I flashed recovery using fastboot mode without any special steps of unlocking bbootloader.
And plz tell what is the good way of flashing recovery- through stock recovery or through fastboot mode or terminal or certain tools(mtk)
I have rooted my phone oneplus x using kingroot.... It is rooted.... I have checked it with root checker.... I have installed TWRP on my phone too... N i want to flash the paranoid android 6.0.1 on it.... I have downloaded it along with gapps package........ Now i want to flash ut but i am in doubt wheather it will flash properly because i haven't unlocked my bootloader..... So will i be able to flash this rom without unlocking my phone???
I've got a question. What's the difference between a cracked bootloader and safestrap? I know this is a noob question, but I can't find anything on the Web about this.
Swimboy46163 said:
I've got a question. What's the difference between a cracked bootloader and safestrap? I know this is a noob question, but I can't find anything on the Web about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap allows those with a locked boot loader such as me7 or mi1 to flash custom touchwiz Roms based on that firmware. There is at this time no way to flash a custom kernel which means they cannot run aosp roms. This phone doesn't have a cracked boot loader but mdk users have the Loki exploit which allows a custom recovery to be loaded, only those users can flash any custom ROM for the phone, because you can flash a custom kernel. But its not truly unlocked. Safestrap does allow yto have ROM slots so you can have a couple of Roms ready to go at all times.you just decide which you will boot to when the phone comes on.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Swimboy46163 said:
I've got a question. What's the difference between a cracked bootloader and safestrap? I know this is a noob question, but I can't find anything on the Web about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmmm, much discussion here in XDA forums concerning bootloaders and safestrap...