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.
I recently got my TF201 and soon as I got it home and turned on the WiFi, it updated. I put "Android System Info" app on it so I can see most of the system info, and I've ran the Unlock tool from Asus and have the Bootloader unlocked.
So my question now is, since when i boot the tablet, the top left says "Bootloader unlocked", can I flash CWM and then a rom, or do i still need to get root access and can I?
Settings > About Tablet > Build Number: IML74K.US_epad-9.4.2.21-20120323
Falados said:
I recently got my TF201 and soon as I got it home and turned on the WiFi, it updated. I put "Android System Info" app on it so I can see most of the system info, and I've ran the Unlock tool from Asus and have the Bootloader unlocked.
So my question now is, since when i boot the tablet, the top left says "Bootloader unlocked", can I flash CWM and then a rom, or do i still need to get root access and can I?
Settings > About Tablet > Build Number: IML74K.US_epad-9.4.2.21-20120323
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With your bootloader unlocked, you can install CWM without root access. See my response here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1585046). On the link in that thread, use the "non-rooted" method (fastboot) to flash CWM. Then you can install your ROM.
Confirmed, this is what I had to do.
Unlock, flash cwm (TOUCH VER. )
Then flashed Virtuolous newest rom.
It would be nice for a guide, or a tuturial for someone on a locked, and stock .21 rom for the prime
cragains said:
Confirmed, this is what I had to do.
Unlock, flash cwm (TOUCH VER. )
Then flashed Virtuolous newest rom.
It would be nice for a guide, or a tuturial for someone on a locked, and stock .21 rom for the prime
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A guide/tutorial for a "locked & stock .21" is impossible since you need to unlock your bootloader.
And there are plenty of guides/tutorials on how to flash CWM onto your unlocked Prime.
Beermiester said:
A guide/tutorial for a "locked & stock .21" is impossible since you need to unlock your bootloader.
And there are plenty of guides/tutorials on how to flash CWM onto your unlocked Prime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's quite possible...someone would just need to run a step by step including the unlock apk then move onto the steps of fastboot load of CWM. I agree that all the tutorials are there, but it requires a little hunting to piece them together.
This is where I went to unlock the Bootloader:
http://transformerprimeroot.com/tra...ow-to-unlock-bootloader-on-transformer-prime/
had to visit the page on the tablet cuz it wouldn't download otherwise
The question though, is once I install CWM and a ROM, do I have Root access, or can I only flash Pre-rooted roms?
antny01 said:
It's quite possible...someone would just need to run a step by step including the unlock apk then move onto the steps of fastboot load of CWM. I agree that all the tutorials are there, but it requires a little hunting to piece them together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yes, sort of. There are guides on how to unlock the Prime. Guides on how to flash CWM. And guides how to flash a custom ROM.
But the way the question was worded, it was how to flash to an unlocked, unrooted .21 Prime. Which you can't do. Flashing pre-supposes that you've unlocked it.
---------- Post added at 10:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 PM ----------
Falados said:
This is where I went to unlock the Bootloader:
http://transformerprimeroot.com/tra...ow-to-unlock-bootloader-on-transformer-prime/
had to visit the page on the tablet cuz it wouldn't download otherwise
The question though, is once I install CWM and a ROM, do I have Root access, or can I only flash Pre-rooted roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have root access if the ROM you're installing is pre-rooted. If you install a ROM that is not pre-rooted you do not have root access. Whether or not you can root that ROM is another matter.
Why would you install a custom ROM not pre-rooted?
So call me blonde, dumb, or just flame me, but im sleep deprived on a daily basis so I'll ask a dumb question again.
Since I have my bootloader unlocked, all I need to do is flash the Touch CWM, and then a pre-rooted rom and I'm all set. No needing to gain straight up root access right here right now like i had to do with my EVO 4G just to be able to get into the Bootloader and put in the recovery
Falados said:
So call me blonde, dumb, or just flame me, but im sleep deprived on a daily basis so I'll ask a dumb question again.
Since I have my bootloader unlocked, all I need to do is flash the Touch CWM, and then a pre-rooted rom and I'm all set. No needing to gain straight up root access right here right now like i had to do with my EVO 4G just to be able to get into the Bootloader and put in the recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Just make sure to follow instructions to the letter. You'll need to flash the CWM using fastboot seeing as you do not have root.
Back in the days before the unlock tool, and before I got my Prime, I have a vague memory of checking this forum and there being ROMS that could be installed without unlocking or using CWM.
Anyone know if there any of these still out there, or if you can somehow convert existing ROMS for use without unlocking?
fatski said:
Back in the days before the unlock tool, and before I got my Prime, I have a vague memory of checking this forum and there being ROMS that could be installed without unlocking or using CWM.
Anyone know if there any of these still out there, or if you can somehow convert existing ROMS for use without unlocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannont flash a custom rom without being unlocked and having a custom recovery (cwm, twrp). The stock recovery will only flash roms signed by asus. So it is possible to downgrade or flash previous asus provided versions of android using the stock recovery if you are rooted. There is a thread on how to do this in the development section.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah I'm rooted. Just wanted to check out custom ROMS but I'm scared of unlocking because of the warranty implications. Didn't think it would be possible, but my vague memories of seeing custom stuff before unlocking was possible prompted me to ask.
Did I dream this, or was there some limited customisation going on before we could unlock?
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.