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Hello,
Before you say "use search" function read what I have to say
I have an Xperia Neo for about 1 year but I didn't need to root it or anything, I was happy the way it was, I only did one update since I got it, minus the ICS 4.0.4 update from Sony. But after this updated, I have started to get really annoyed by the bloatware that the firmware comes pre-installed with, seems to me they put on even more stuff with every update, stuff that I really don't use.
So....I decided to root/unlock my phone but I don't have the slightest idea where to begin. I know that I will use flashtool and I already have that, but besides that I have no idea what I need. I've browsed these forums for the past day and I didn't stumble on anything that could help my situation (or lack of knowledge how some might call it).
I also know that I will need to use a "custom" firmware but I'm having a bit of trouble wrapping my head around these facts:
Do I need JUST the firmware?
Do I also need a ROM?
Do I also need a kernel?!
Whats up with these, I mean, I know what a kernel and a ROM and a firmware is, but what exactly do I need to root my phone and what do I have to do? Also, unlocking the bootloader?
Sometimes I wish there's someone out there that compiles a damn guide about these things, something detailed, explaining why he does what he does....or maybe I didn't search enough?
Anyway....any volunteers?
Erm, I will go with "you didn't search good enough" ....and now you can shoot me
Did you notice sticky thread in general section, which is about rooting ICS? If not, I will say you didn't search good enough.
Did you noticed sticky thread in Neo V dev section(yeah, mostly(99%) Neo and Neo V are same)? In one of the sticky thread you have compiled dame guide about these things If not..........
I'm not sure,so I won't blame you for this one but I believe in one of those few sticky threads there is also link to one thread/guide in Arc section, which is also compiled dame guide about these things
Did I miss anything?
Yep, I noticed all those threads, but somehow you missed the point of my thread.
First of all, the sticky thread about rooting ICS in the Neo General Forum is addressed to people who have done this BEFORE, and not people who have no idea where to begin or what do they need.
Second, If I don't know what I need to be able to root my phone safely, why the hell would I even bother looking at other phones? Even if they are the same. That would only increase the chances of me burning the phone because I have no experience with this.
Third, most of the guides I found, are either outdated or refer to specific stuff. I can't believe that Android is so "complicated" to root/unlock or whatever you wanna call it. I owned an iPhone once and it was very easy to unlock and jailbreak.....in like 1 click.
But the problem here is most likely the number of devices that run Android, and that's whats making it harder....
So I'm going to ask again:
What the hell do I need to be able to get this started?
Except flashtool.
What do I need to know? Do I need to have an unlocked bootloader?
And somehow you also missed my point.
Rooting android is mostly 1 click thing. BUT, sometime we need to mess a bit to get it root-ed. I didn't have much play with iPhone, but I'm pretty sure not everything was 1 click, so..
Now we get to one point, you say people who have no idea where to begin, I say read. Read before you start messing with something. I know you hate me now for that, but hey, I did the same thing. I read few days before I get a grip around all android things.
But actually, all you need to know is how to flash kernel in flashtool(actually even simplier, how to flash .ftf file), and how to run .bat file which will do everything.
Let's start with flashtool, in main thread, which you supposed to find by now, there is BIG tutorial how to use flashtool and how to flash with it.
In sticky thread in general section, you even have prepared .ftf files with kernels. So that's a no-brainer
.bat file, I really hope everything is clear about that..
About your questions, you need phone, PC, flashtool, few .ftf's(which can be found in tutorial), tutorial and that's it
It's not hard, aprox. xxxx people done it so far. I doubt they all were Android guru's
About bootloader, you don't need to unlock it just to root your phone. But in the case you would have unlocked BL, things would be easier, a bit.
Now on the job, follow tutorials and ask when you stuck somewhere.
Alright. I'll get on it.
Be back with updates.
Right, first try, managed to unlock the bootloader, root the phone, but messed up at flashing a custom ROM.
I tried installing this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518563
It was only when the install finished when I noticed that the ROM had been discontinued.
My Android version was indeed 4.0.4. but I must have ticked something wrong, somewhere.
At the moment the phone is stuck at the SONY logo without the possibility of getting into CWM.
I have no idea what to do next, but my guess is, start the phone in fastboot and flash back to stock? But I don't know how to do that.
I'm thinking to try the latest Kormatoes ROM and Kernel but he doesn't post any installation instructions :/
justinhd said:
Right, first try, managed to unlock the bootloader, root the phone, but messed up at flashing a custom ROM.
I tried installing this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518563
It was only when the install finished when I noticed that the ROM had been discontinued.
My Android version was indeed 4.0.4. but I must have ticked something wrong, somewhere.
At the moment the phone is stuck at the SONY logo without the possibility of getting into CWM.
I have no idea what to do next, but my guess is, start the phone in fastboot and flash back to stock? But I don't know how to do that.
I'm thinking to try the latest Kormatoes ROM and Kernel but he doesn't post any installation instructions :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed.
Used "fastboot" to flash a new kernel that had CWM on. Got into CWM but couldn't mount the SD card so I used
"adb push" while in recovery to transfer new ROM to sdcard, then installed the new rom and its over. After nearly 5 hours. lol
i have been seeing a lot of threads about rooting this phone, but, they all have windows scripts, even the thread that is said to have a runme.sh does not have it in any of the links that i unzipped - only a runme.bat, but yet, people keep mentioning a runme.sh in it... also, i really don't see any one lying out the steps for doing this with linux.
i'm a noob, and dont really know much about this stuff, but i've done this ONCE before with a galxy exhibit, but it was very easy, i just copied a file to the phone (stock rom?), rebooted into recovery, told it to recover from that file, and i was done.
i have no idea how to do it with my new phone, and so i'm wondering:
1: where can i find the files i need to do this with linux - i just want root, nothing special
2: where can i find the steps necessary to do it - in the easiest manner possible?
3: it says i have droid 4.0.4, ICS, but every one who talks about lg l9 p769 says its JB, so, thats a bit odd...
any help is appreciated.
sentientsystem said:
3: it says i have droid 4.0.4, ICS, but every one who talks about lg l9 p769 says its JB, so, thats a bit odd...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is running ICS 4.0, that is the version which it shipped with. Pretty much everyone on here has upgraded to JB either with software update on the phone or they have manually updated with the offline KDZ flash method.
I dont have any experience in linux so I cant help. I hope you can get your phone rooted!
Sent from my LG-P768 using xda app-developers app
i just started to restart my phone into recovery mode to see if i could put cyenogenmod on it without having to root it first, and it's saying "software upgrade ... please wait while upgrading...", so, i guess it's upgrading to JB right now... i'll see shortly.
but even if it does upgrade to JB, i still wouldn't know how to do it on linux. i figured there would just be some files to download, and a sequence of adb commands that i could type into bash, but, i'm kinda lost. i guess i'll wait and see if it upgrades to JB before asking more questions.
thanks.
sentientsystem said:
i just started to restart my phone into recovery mode to see if i could put cyenogenmod on it without having to root it first, and it's saying "software upgrade ... please wait while upgrading...", so, i guess it's upgrading to JB right now... i'll see shortly.
but even if it does upgrade to JB, i still wouldn't know how to do it on linux. i figured there would just be some files to download, and a sequence of adb commands that i could type into bash, but, i'm kinda lost. i guess i'll wait and see if it upgrades to JB before asking more questions.
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need wine and then set it up...
Sent From My Xperia Themed P769
well, i tried that "LGpwn" and it didn't work, as well as a fake lg-recovery app. i figured out that i've got a "10g" phone (P769 V10G ICS). i'm not sure what the next step is. some one mentioned downgrading to JB... is there some where you can point me to for that???
i've GOT to get this t-mobile junk off my damned phone... i've even TRIED to install cyenogenmod, but i can't figure out how to get my phone to go into recovery mode (NOT factory rest) - i've tried volup+power+home and volup+power, and neither seem to be working.
Setup a sandbox, windows xp. LG uses windows, no other way to root as of right now for the t-mobile version.
Sent from my LGMS769 using xda app-developers app
yeah, it's starting to look like i'm gonna have to try this with a virtual machine, or, pay some one else to do it, or, go get my money back and downgrade to a samsung galaxy exihibit (not sure if the new model of that phone is just as easy as the exhibit 4g, but, it's screen is about an inch smaller than the lg, and they're all 3 the same price, so i'd rather keep the lg).
just out of curiosity, how do you get this phone to boot into recovery mode? you don't have to root it for that, or have windows, right? you just hit the right keys on the phone, right? i couldn't get it to work, but, maybe i was doing it wrong. and, if you can go into recovery, does it have to be rooted to use a cyenogenmod image, or will it not really know the difference?
thanks again. i'm sure this thread may help other noobs as well.
sentientsystem said:
yeah, it's starting to look like i'm gonna have to try this with a virtual machine, or, pay some one else to do it, or, go get my money back and downgrad to an samsung galaxy exihibit (not sure if the new model of that phone is just as easy as the exhibit 4g, but, it's screen is about an inch smaller than the lg, and they're all 3 the same price, so i'd rather keep the lg).
just out of curiosity, how do you get this phone to boot into recovery mode? you don't have to root it for that, or have windows, right? you just hit the right keys on the phone, right? i couldn't get it to work, but, maybe i was doing it wrong. and, if you can go into recovery, does it have to be rooted to use a cyenogenmod image, or will it not really know the difference?
thanks again. i'm sure this thread may help other noobs as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option #1
If you are rooted on stock T-Mobile 10e or 10g ROM and have the CWM installed from this thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2095825 follow my instructions.
Place one of these CWM ROM images on your SD-Card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2136204
Place this JB radio firmware from T-Mobile 20d ROM on your SD-Card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256350
Power off the device.
After power on the back/menu capacitive buttons will flash repetedly. Press Volume down while the lights are flashing and the phone should go into recovery.
Flash the ROM first.
Flash the radio second.
Reboot.
***Notes***
1.) 20d is the latest T-Mobile, 21b is the latest Wind Mobile. Both work.
2.) 21b is lighter/faster but has no wifi-calling.
3.) 21b will require you to manually enter your APN settings for cellular data and MMS. Be sure to write down your APN settings before flashing this ROM.
4.) Some users say battery life sucks on JB. I notice that 21b is better on battery life than 20d.
Option #2.
In Linux install a Windows VM and follow the standard instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173465
Use KVM with a GUI or even easier use VirtualBox.
I'm a die hard linux geek too. I even run linux at work while all of our msp software was written for windows. You are better off just running an old copy of xp inside virtualbox trust me its just easier that way. You can use adb if you like (its the same thing the windows users use in their batch files and just rewrite the bash script, but you will save yourself lots of headaches just using virtualbox. -- my .02
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda premium
i'm not exactly sure what the end result of your instructions are, as i assumed it was to BE rooted, but the first line of your post says "if you are rooted ...", so, i'm guessing you're telling us how to ... unlock the boot loader?
by the way, that reminds me, i still haven't come across any posts on this site that tell noobs:
# what's the unlocked boot loader FOR - why do you need this - what does it do?
# what's the difference between unlocked boot loaders and being rooted?
# do you have to unlock the bootloader to get root access?
all some one like ME needs, is root access, so that i can edit the /etc/hosts file and test mobile compatibility of web apps on the development server before making them live - and to remove t-mobile damned bloat-ware. i hope this helps others who are trying to understand the basic concepts of getting control over the phone they paid money for.
thanks again. now to find a winxp image to load into a virtual machine...
My bad. I should have read through your original question all the way before posting. I see that you are not rooted.
If you are on 10e ROM you can root in Linux:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1990705
It will require rewriting the batch script as a Linux shell script. It is possible but nobody has done it yet.
If you are on 10g you will need Windows. I have also answered your questions below.
sentientsystem said:
i'm not exactly sure what the end result of your instructions are, as i assumed it was to BE rooted, but the first line of your post says "if you are rooted ...", so, i'm guessing you're telling us how to ... unlock the boot loader?
by the way, that reminds me, i still haven't come across any posts on this site that tell noobs:
# what's the unlocked boot loader FOR - why do you need this - what does it do?
It allows you to boot an un-signed kernel. You can boot custom ROMs basically.
# what's the difference between unlocked boot loaders and being rooted?
Root allows you to `su -` to the root user and own the whole system.
# do you have to unlock the bootloader to get root access?
No.
all some one like ME needs, is root access, so that i can edit the /etc/hosts file and test mobile compatibility of web apps on the development server before making them live - and to remove t-mobile damned bloat-ware. i hope this helps others who are trying to understand the basic concepts of getting control over the phone they paid money for.
thanks again. now to find a winxp image to load into a virtual machine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, the one t-mobile is selling now is a v10g - so, it's time to play with virtual machine, and hope that usb-access is passed through from ubuntu to the VM.
thanks for answering the other questions. i think this essentially sets things straight.
peace! \m/ (>_<) \m/
sentientsystem said:
yeah, the one t-mobile is selling now is a v10g - so, it's time to play with virtual machine, and hope that usb-access is passed through from ubuntu to the VM.
thanks for answering the other questions. i think this essentially sets things straight.
peace! \m/ (>_<) \m/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome!
I know that a long time ago when I ran VirtualBox in Ubuntu there was something I had to do to allow USB access to the VM.
Here are the current instructions directly from Ubuntu:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VirtualBox/USB
Good luck.
hey, i've got 1 more quick question: is there a way to simply load a pre-rooted ROM onto it, like i did with my samsung? where you put it onto the device, the go into recovery mode and choose the pre-rooted ROM? i haven't seen any mention of that, so i'm not sure if that's an option...
also, how the hell do you make this boot into recovery mode? i still haven't been able to get it to do that?
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
sentientsystem said:
hey, i've got 1 more quick question: is there a way to simply load a pre-rooted ROM onto it, like i did with my samsung? where you put it onto the device, the go into recovery mode and choose the pre-rooted ROM? i haven't seen any mention of that, so i'm not sure if that's an option...
also, how the hell do you make this boot into recovery mode? i still haven't been able to get it to do that?
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can flash a pre-rooted image. They are available. Use the search?
I posted instructions on the first page showing how to boot recovery.
that's great news - that's all i really needed - i didn't see them before, at least, not conspicuously, but i'll search around again.
and, i must have some how missed your instructions, i'll look again.
thanks!
kevev said:
I posted instructions on the first page showing how to boot recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
those steps assume i have CWM installed, and i don't. i looked at installing CWM, and it doesn't have an official recovery app for the p769, and when i went to look at that thread you linked to, it says you must be rooted already. this is the aggravating part of us ignorant people dealing with people who know many things: it appears to us that you have to do some thing that requires that it is already done before you can do it. it doesn't make any sense - just a bunch of circualar requirements, with no beginning.
so, let me ask this a different way: how do i reboot into recovery mode, on a STOCK LG P769 v10g? the lights do not flash, and i'm assuming that is a CWM feature - but CWM is not installed - this is COMPLETELY STOCK - fresh out of the box. so, what do you press, when turning it on, to make it go into recovery mode, so that you can recover from a pre-rooted rom (which i am still looking for)?
i just want to "recover" to a pre-rooted rom, that's it, so that i can delete bloatware and edit the /etc/hosts file (for web app testing). this thread says you cant do this for LG phones http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2174767 - i got the same result the last guy got . trying to borrow a windows computer now...
also, does any one know if it is safe to put a jelly bean rom onto a device that was using ice cream sandwich? is there a difference between the versions that would brick the device? is it not recommended, or is it highly recommended?
thanks again. sorry for all the confusion.
you know, as a side note: it may help more noobs understand this stuff if there was a sort of simplified glossary, perhaps as an official site thread, for the orientation of noobs, that would give an outline of the basic concepts, AND their order of operation. exmaple: "rooting is when you... bootloader unlocking is when you... CWM is for people who want to... you MUST do A before you can do B and then you can optionally do C if so desired...". that would help them understand where to START, then, where to GO next.
well, borrowed a windows computer and i got it rooted, but, i found out a few things about this exact model: it has no "boot to recovery" option, by default - it's locked down pretty good. you can not use any of the other root methods on this model, and you can not do it from linux (f*ck me).
so, that long-winded fake-software-update-while-switched-out-a-hex-edited-binary-file is the ONLY way for this exact model, it seems...
but, at least i can confirm that this exact model CAN be rooted at all
now to remove alllllllll the bloatware... and look into this CWM more and learn more about what is actually IS and WHY so many people install/use/flash it...
hey, does any one know if cyenogenmod ever got themselve's an "app/marketplace"??? that was one of the draw-backs to installing it, last i checked.
thanks @everyone for your help.
sentientsystem said:
those steps assume i have CWM installed, and i don't. i looked at installing CWM, and it doesn't have an official recovery app for the p769, and when i went to look at that thread you linked to, it says you must be rooted already. this is the aggravating part of us ignorant people dealing with people who know many things: it appears to us that you have to do some thing that requires that it is already done before you can do it. it doesn't make any sense - just a bunch of circualar requirements, with no beginning.
so, let me ask this a different way: how do i reboot into recovery mode, on a STOCK LG P769 v10g? the lights do not flash, and i'm assuming that is a CWM feature - but CWM is not installed - this is COMPLETELY STOCK - fresh out of the box. so, what do you press, when turning it on, to make it go into recovery mode, so that you can recover from a pre-rooted rom (which i am still looking for)?
i just want to "recover" to a pre-rooted rom, that's it, so that i can delete bloatware and edit the /etc/hosts file (for web app testing). this thread says you cant do this for LG phones http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2174767 - i got the same result the last guy got . trying to borrow a windows computer now...
also, does any one know if it is safe to put a jelly bean rom onto a device that was using ice cream sandwich? is there a difference between the versions that would brick the device? is it not recommended, or is it highly recommended?
thanks again. sorry for all the confusion.
you know, as a side note: it may help more noobs understand this stuff if there was a sort of simplified glossary, perhaps as an official site thread, for the orientation of noobs, that would give an outline of the basic concepts, AND their order of operation. exmaple: "rooting is when you... bootloader unlocking is when you... CWM is for people who want to... you MUST do A before you can do B and then you can optionally do C if so desired...". that would help them understand where to START, then, where to GO next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've decided to help you out This page will give you some more info on the P769 and several kdz (roms) for the P769
The fastest way to root is to flash the V21B kdz (this is the Jelly Bean version for Canada) using this guide, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36351786
The reason why you want this rom is because it has a vulnerability that is easy to exploit with Jcase apk
Once your followed everything (and rooted), install Super Su and Busybox
Next install artas182x second init CWM (in case you can't find it on his page, the link is here )
Note: you will see blinking led lights when you see the LG logo (booting up) appear after a couple of seconds. To enter the CWM press the vol (-) when the lights start flashing.
After you installed Artas182x CWM you can recover from someones clockworkmod backup.
following info from Cmahendra's thread
Note: only restore CWM backups from P769 versions or MS769!!!!
Or check out the V10B (MetroPCS "JellyBean") CWM backup
Now the only 2 reasons to unlock the bootloader are:
1. Install a safer and better CWM
The reason why is because Artas182x CWM is a second init (bootstrap), so if you mess around with a busybox apk and something goes wrong or you remove a file that is required (for CWM), it will stop operating. You will have to reflash the kdz or fix what you changed to get it working again.) I've had this problem several times while messing around with different busybox apps and etc.
2. Custom roms
(which you stated you are not looking for) not worth talking about right now.
Answer to questions
The only pre rooted roms are clockworkmod backups, lol
The default recovery is useless to us (unless you feel like solving the problem)
Flashing back and forth (ice to jelly) comes with risk, the program used on Windows to flash is buggy at times. The best way (in my opinion) is to flash only when really required and mostly restore from clockwormod backups. The device is actually hard to hard brick, but it will require at lot more knowledge to get your device running again.
---------- Post added at 07:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 PM ----------
sentientsystem said:
well, borrowed a windows computer and i got it rooted, but, i found out a few things about this exact model: it has no "boot to recovery" option, by default - it's locked down pretty good. you can not use any of the other root methods on this model, and you can not do it from linux (f*ck me).
so, that long-winded fake-software-update-while-switched-out-a-hex-edited-binary-file is the ONLY way for this exact model, it seems...
but, at least i can confirm that this exact model CAN be rooted at all
now to remove alllllllll the bloatware... and look into this CWM more and learn more about what is actually IS and WHY so many people install/use/flash it...
hey, does any one know if cyenogenmod ever got themselve's an "app/marketplace"??? that was one of the draw-backs to installing it, last i checked.
thanks @all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what version are you on right now
Ice? Jelly?
i'm still on ICS for the moment. still trying to understand what i need to do next. re-reading your post for the 2nd time, and all the threads it references. making sure i don't screw any thing up. thinking about upgrading to JB, and trying this CWM. and looking into this "cyanogenmod" some more, to understand why i never see any one on this site mention it, and what all these "other roms" are about. lmao, like i said, i'm way new to this . it's a lot to take in, even for a web developer .
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
I have to start by telling you I am not only a Newbe I am a NO-Knowbee, a complete novice. I am an advanced computer user but smart phones make me fell stupid. So please bear that in mind when offering "how to" advice.
I bought this phone 3 weeks ago as Rooted. I think is was rooted but SuperSU will not start. I get a message that the SU Binary need to be updated. I have two choices. NORMAL which fails and the other is TWRP/CWM which does nothing either but suggests I manually reboot into recovery manually. I have no idea what to do.
Nice mess there ... maybe others have better opinion here but .. the question would be to fine out what version of android you have (aka like windows xp, 7, 8/8.1 etc) then from that point I would almost want to start over ..
Some people have differ opinions on this but my opinion is to start over and re-root the phone. Either they failed on the unlocking boot loader or something and just decided to sell it. (in windows terms they basically corrupted everything).
So the question comes down to is being able to put on custom roms? Depending circumstances you can unlock the boot loader and then install any custom rom (modified OS made for that specific phone, you cant just put anything it has to be made for this phone etc..)
Next question if you can live without going through that (different roms) and want to stick with stock (whats already on the phone) and just want root, then the my opinion would be to just redo everything then re-root it fresh.
Theres a program called Odin that you would use and you would need the stock file to which is currently on your phone and you would need to download it (the file is usually about over a GB in size) and you would need to do that. However telling you how to do that here while its simple this is something you need to read and learn about. Its just like finding tweaks and tips on windows. There's a EXCELLENT help section here and I HIGHLY recommend you read and read more and more. Its like potato chips you cant eat just one. Good luck.
Maybe the problem is that I don't know how to properly ask for what I want/need. First off, I am new, so let's pretend I know nothing about modding phones. Second, what I am trying to achieve is the following:
Marshmallow OS or newer (I have lollipop and I highly dislike it)
Complete removal of all AT&T software/bloatware from my M8
Ability to try out different ROMs (are those the same thing as operating systems?) like cyanogenmod.
Those are the highlights to my endgame.
I have found there are several steps to this, and it seems like each step has at least one prerequisite or sub-step and I get overwhelmed when reading up on how to achieve the above goals. Feels like I'm doing taxes for a poorly run business. Apparently I need TWRP on my phone. No clue why or what it does. In order to install it, I need to have root access or a previous version of TWRP already installed, or I need to install the SDK tools package, and from that, only install fastboot and adb. Then after that I need to already have some type of drivers on my PC for that to be useful. Like I said, it is overwhelming to someone who does not know all of the lingo. Especially when I know that if I mess up at certain intervals, I could very well turn my phone into a shiny paperweight or small cocaine tray. Anywhere I have read up on this, when it says download/install _______, I cannot determine whether that means download/install on my PC, or on my phone, bc it doesn't specifically say what goes where in every instance. To make matters more difficult, I do not have an internet connection other than on my phone. Anything that needs to go on my PC, I have to download it to my phone first, then transfer it over, then install it. I asked once for a step by step tutorial or a link to one, and I was given something that was just as confusing as what I have already found. These tutorials seem to be written for ppl who know a lot by ppl who know a lot. I am not one of those ppl. I am a green noob, still wet behind the ears. I apologize in advance for not knowing, but I am just not at the level where I can guess which things go where and If I temporarily render my phone unusable, I won't be able to easily go online to find the fix, nor will I be able to download anything else, if needed. Would greatly help me if I had a list of ingredients needed before I begin, and a sequence, much like a recipe for a cake. Again, I apologize for not knowing, and I'm sure all of you reading this were, at one point, uneducated on the matter. Thank you for any advice and/or reading my TL/DR post.
See my responses below, in red font:
Damagj said:
Apparently I need TWRP on my phone. No clue why or what it does. In order to install it,
TWRP is a custom recovery, and what that is, is explained in "that" thread I linked you to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2744194
Think of TWRP as a kind of small installer program and backup/recovery tool. You need it to flash custom ROMs, and you can also use it to backup the current ROM. It's not used within the Android OS, but rather you can boot into it separately. Which is obviously handy, if for whatever reason you can't boot to Android OS, and need to "recover" (restore the OS).
I need to have root access or a previous version of TWRP already installed, or I need to install the SDK tools package, and from that, only install fastboot and adb. Then after that I need to already have some type of drivers on my PC for that to be useful.
Don't go by the install instructions on the TWRP website, they are not device specific (to the M8) and may misguide you (every Android device has it's own nuances).
To install TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader. The bootloader is "locked" by default, which by definition means you cannot install a custom recovery. The following is a good step-by-step guide to unlock the bootloader and install custom recovery. Note, that you do not need to root, in order to install TWRP, or flash a custom ROM. So stop before you get to the step of root (flash SuperSU). Also, the version of TWRP you install should be current (3.1) or alternately 2.8.7 (which is a known "old reliable) version).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799796
Like I said, it is overwhelming to someone who does not know all of the lingo. Especially when I know that if I mess up at certain intervals, I could very well turn my phone into a shiny paperweight or small cocaine tray.
No, you actually can't. Your fear of bricking the phone (permanent damage) is unfounded. As with s-on, this phone is nearly impossible to brick. The phone is fully recoverable even if you screw up; since for what you describe, you are only touching a limited number of partitions (system which is the OS, and recovery). As long as you don't mess with "critical" partitions like hboot and radio, you can't actually brick this phone. And those partitions are actually protected, and you can't modify them even if you wanted, unless you s-off. So all the more reason to stay s-on, as I described in the other thread you posted in here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74107487&postcount=100
To make matters more difficult, I do not have an internet connection other than on my phone. Anything that needs to go on my PC, I have to download it to my phone first, then transfer it over, then install it.
but I am just not at the level where I can guess which things go where and If I temporarily render my phone unusable, I won't be able to easily go online to find the fix, nor will I be able to download anything else, if needed.
That part is difficult. While possible, doing what you describe is somewhat risky with no other device for internet. At some point, it's almost inevitable for anyone tinkering these phones, that something will go wrong. Either you forget a step, or you can't boot for no mistake of your own, at all. Even having done this stuff for years, it still happens to be, once in a while. It just happens. So without a way to ask for help, or download files, you can get stuck in a bad jam. You'll need to have some backup plan, even if it's a friend or family, letting you use their computer as a last resort.
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Click to collapse
Stick with it. Keep reading up, and trying to learn the basic terms, concepts, tools, and methods. I know it seems overwhelming, but it will all start to make sense. You really can't (and shouldn't) try doing these things, until you have some basic understanding. You wouldn't ask someone to tell you how to tear the engine out of a car, without knowing how any tools work, or what any of the parts of the car are called.
I would also suggest you refer to my (AT&T M8) index thread. It has a lot of links and basic info, you may find useful: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2751432
New here. Didn't see a forum for the Moto G Pure XT2163. Mods - I am sorry. Please move wherever's best.
Discovered that the version Verizon is selling (notably the slickdeals thread on the one from Visible) is different. It's -2 vs. -4.
Looks like VZW disabled most of the bands that T-Mobile/Sprint use - 25, 41, 71, for example.
Looking to see if it's possible to enable those bands. One report on SD thread says they bricked their device trying RETUS version but IDK if the bootloader needs to be unlocked first, or if it would even help. Probably more work to unlock these bands if it's even possible.
Downloads look available here https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/ellis/official/
Haven't messed with flashing a phone in years. May be able to try later but hoping anyone else here can look into this.
I'm going to guess as is the case with most other Android devices branded by Verizon that the bootloader will be restricted from being unlocked. There is really no way around this as it's an OEM based policy. If you want to play with custom ROMs or root based modding, I would highly recommend ditching the Verizon or any other carrier branded variant with the exception of T-Mobile/Metro and Google Fi (there are others) that actually allow OEM unlock. Not only that, but if you're looking for certain connectivity bands, you don't want to settle for a carrier device variant designed to use a particular set of bands which don't include the ones you need. No sense getting a Verizon variant to run on T-Mobile/Sprint bands when you can, you know, get the T-Mobile variant in the first place. Get the global unlocked variant model if you can and start from there. Far easier than the headaches you'll get trying to transform VZW to TMUS.
Cross-flashing is not going to unlock bands, you need to change modem configuration. Throw your SoC(Mediatek) followed by "unlock bands" into Google and see if you have any luck.
I also didn't see a forum for the Moto G Pure and was wondering if anyone knows of a custom bootloader like TWRP or CWM for it? I think I have enough understanding of how to sideload the app, I just need something to send the phone. I tried using a random TWRP mod on it but it fails, invalid signature. I haven't tried doing the phone rooting thing in years now, but I have this Moto G Pure phone without any service on it that I'm willing to experiment on. It can be used as a test bed or data extraction device to put code from it on the internet if someone needs it to help custom rom makers for example by testing stuff on it. Perhaps that's why no one has a custom recovery for it yet.
I don't know exactly how to extract the phones current ROM data so all I've done so far is unlock the bootloader. The phone's carrier based on the unactivated sim card shows it's a T-Mobile branded device, but the T-Mobile and other carrier software is inactive other than the few Moto apps. An article on XDA say's the phone's suck, but that's just not true at least not to me. It's a fine phone like it is, but if I can format it's SSD and only install what I want it to have on it that would be great. It's just a spare sim locked phone that I can't use my active sim card in. So with that it's now a project phone. I would like to mainly just unbloat it and free up all that used space occupied by the recovery partition. I don't necessarily need a whole new ROM, just want to root it. That's the only way to erase those factory files that I know of.
For me unlocking the bootloader wasn't to hard to do. You have to make sure the drivers from Motorola are installed and have a current version of ADB available on a computer. I still had a version of ADB tools that was almost a decade old now so I had to update that for the fastboot oem_unlock_unlockcode (automated code from Motorola support) command to work. To find out if it can be unlocked or not go here:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone%2Fbootloader%2Funlock-your-device-b
At the Moto site they will guide you on how to generate the code they want you to send them. You have to sign in to their site to use that function though. After I finally figured out what to type in the CMD window it generated that code and I edited it down to one long line of numbers and give it to the page. In seconds I had an email with the unlock code inside.
Unlocking it seems to help with uninstalling some of the built in stuff, before I could only disable most of the apps that come with it. The apps are still probably on there I just have to factory reset it and they'll come back. Now however the removed apps don't show as using any internal storage, all the apps info numbers go to 0 bytes, but still even doing that it's still over 10GB of unmovable data. When it should really be more like 2-3 GB for the entire system. I hate how Google just inserts itself in your life even when you don't want it at all.
I anyone passing by reading this post needs more details please let me know and I'll try to get the information or even data files from the phone. Would a copy of it's stock firmware be of any help? If so let me know how I would go about saving a copy of it. I'll keep looking for answers but it seems this phone is not high on the priority list or is new or something. So there is only scam guides trying to tell you "How to unlock your phone" or "Install TWRP on Motorola devices" and other clearly click bait sites. I can't even find the stock rom for it on Motorola's site, just outdated versions from 2016, with different build numbers, that can't be right.
All I know is unlocking the bootloader was the first step on all the guides and I've done that. Got a warranty voided notice and everything. There currently isn't a custom recovery mod for this model as far I can tell. If I can ever find that then I can try Linage or just debloat Android 11 which is probably the safer and easier option provided I can find that Custom Covery'.
When it boots up now, it has to tell me it's unlocked and all the dangers it poses. Dangerous if you cared about what was on it I suppose. There is nothing on it I can't just copy back over to it, other than the stock operating system.
Oh yeah, it's model number and other side of the box information is:
Model Name: Moto G PURE
SKU: MO-XT21634-AJB (MOXT21634AJB)
Software Version RRH31.Q3-46-20
Production date was 12/15/2021
I'm not sure what other information to include.
BrittonCBurton said:
I also didn't see a forum for the Moto G Pure and was wondering if anyone knows of a custom bootloader like TWRP or CWM for it? I think I have enough understanding of how to sideload the app, I just need something to send the phone. I tried using a random TWRP mod on it but it fails, invalid signature. I haven't tried doing the phone rooting thing in years now, but I have this Moto G Pure phone without any service on it that I'm willing to experiment on. It can be used as a test bed or data extraction device to put code from it on the internet if someone needs it to help custom rom makers for example by testing stuff on it. Perhaps that's why no one has a custom recovery for it yet.
I don't know exactly how to extract the phones current ROM data so all I've done so far is unlock the bootloader. The phone's carrier based on the unactivated sim card shows it's a T-Mobile branded device, but the T-Mobile and other carrier software is inactive other than the few Moto apps. An article on XDA say's the phone's suck, but that's just not true at least not to me. It's a fine phone like it is, but if I can format it's SSD and only install what I want it to have on it that would be great. It's just a spare sim locked phone that I can't use my active sim card in. So with that it's now a project phone. I would like to mainly just unbloat it and free up all that used space occupied by the recovery partition. I don't necessarily need a whole new ROM, just want to root it. That's the only way to erase those factory files that I know of.
For me unlocking the bootloader wasn't to hard to do. You have to make sure the drivers from Motorola are installed and have a current version of ADB available on a computer. I still had a version of ADB tools that was almost a decade old now so I had to update that for the fastboot oem_unlock_unlockcode (automated code from Motorola support) command to work. To find out if it can be unlocked or not go here:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone%2Fbootloader%2Funlock-your-device-b
At the Moto site they will guide you on how to generate the code they want you to send them. You have to sign in to their site to use that function though. After I finally figured out what to type in the CMD window it generated that code and I edited it down to one long line of numbers and give it to the page. In seconds I had an email with the unlock code inside.
Unlocking it seems to help with uninstalling some of the built in stuff, before I could only disable most of the apps that come with it. The apps are still probably on there I just have to factory reset it and they'll come back. Now however the removed apps don't show as using any internal storage, all the apps info numbers go to 0 bytes, but still even doing that it's still over 10GB of unmovable data. When it should really be more like 2-3 GB for the entire system. I hate how Google just inserts itself in your life even when you don't want it at all.
I anyone passing by reading this post needs more details please let me know and I'll try to get the information or even data files from the phone. Would a copy of it's stock firmware be of any help? If so let me know how I would go about saving a copy of it. I'll keep looking for answers but it seems this phone is not high on the priority list or is new or something. So there is only scam guides trying to tell you "How to unlock your phone" or "Install TWRP on Motorola devices" and other clearly click bait sites. I can't even find the stock rom for it on Motorola's site, just outdated versions from 2016, with different build numbers, that can't be right.
All I know is unlocking the bootloader was the first step on all the guides and I've done that. Got a warranty voided notice and everything. There currently isn't a custom recovery mod for this model as far I can tell. If I can ever find that then I can try Linage or just debloat Android 11 which is probably the safer and easier option provided I can find that Custom Covery'.
When it boots up now, it has to tell me it's unlocked and all the dangers it poses. Dangerous if you cared about what was on it I suppose. There is nothing on it I can't just copy back over to it, other than the stock operating system.
Oh yeah, it's model number and other side of the box information is:
Model Name: Moto G PURE
SKU: MO-XT21634-AJB (MOXT21634AJB)
Software Version RRH31.Q3-46-20
Production date was 12/15/2021
I'm not sure what other information to include.
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Click to collapse
hey i just came up on one of these today, nice phone considering... Any luck with trying to find a custom recovery? I have been looking as well but development seems pretty sparse right now. I am in the same boat as you, unlocked bootloader, locked everything else lol. I cant even find a way to root it without TWRP! I am curious if one of the other moto G series phones would have the same TWRP? Also check this out. It sounds legit but IDK...https://www.getdroidtips.com/root-motorola-g-pure-xt2163/
Agent_Orange1488 said:
hey i just came up on one of these today, nice phone considering... Any luck with trying to find a custom recovery? I have been looking as well but development seems pretty sparse right now. I am in the same boat as you, unlocked bootloader, locked everything else lol. I cant even find a way to root it without TWRP! I am curious if one of the other moto G series phones would have the same TWRP? Also check this out. It sounds legit but IDK...https://www.getdroidtips.com/root-motorola-g-pure-xt2163/
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Click to collapse
Well I was able to use Magisk to "root" it with the patched boot file trick, but still that's not the same thing as I did before with a Samsung phone and the CWM recovery deal. That gave the user all the control they wanted. Even though the phone claims I have root access, I'm not sure what to do with Magisk's root trick. I still don't see a way to backup or install a different operating system or just a blank Android 11 OS. My knowledge there is limited and there isn't a custom recovery for this model as far as I can tell.
So I still can't wipe the drive or remove the OEM partition that contains the installers for the bundled stuff. I'd still need some form of interface that has more features than the stock Fastboot and Bootloader modes offer I guess, or I just don't know how to use the software tools correctly. It's still locked even with root as far as I can tell but if there is something more I'm missing or an additional app to install for example, like SU. Is that still a thing? If I'm on the right track let me know.
BrittonCBurton said:
Well I was able to use Magisk to "root" it with the patched boot file trick, but still that's not the same thing as I did before with a Samsung phone and the CWM recovery deal. That gave the user all the control they wanted. Even though the phone claims I have root access, I'm not sure what to do with Magisk's root trick. I still don't see a way to backup or install a different operating system or just a blank Android 11 OS. My knowledge there is limited and there isn't a custom recovery for this model as far as I can tell.
So I still can't wipe the drive or remove the OEM partition that contains the installers for the bundled stuff. I'd still need some form of interface that has more features than the stock Fastboot and Bootloader modes offer I guess, or I just don't know how to use the software tools correctly. It's still locked even with root as far as I can tell but if there is something more I'm missing or an additional app to install for example, like SU. Is that still a thing? If I'm on the right track let me know.
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Thanks for the reply!!! I am speaking from a place of semi-ignorance here but I would thing that you could install SuperSU from inside the system, right? As long as the root binary is there...idk though and from what I hear, chainfire is not responsible for SuperSU anymore so it has become somewhat sketchy. I saw a post (about this phone, I think) that mentioned having to install terminal emulator and running root command from there to achieve legit root after flashing the patched boot.img. I will see if I can find the post again and update you. Is there anyway you could post the boot.img? Or give me a link for it?
Agent_Orange1488 said:
Thanks for the reply!!! I am speaking from a place of semi-ignorance here but I would thing that you could install SuperSU from inside the system, right? As long as the root binary is there...idk though and from what I hear, chainfire is not responsible for SuperSU anymore so it has become somewhat sketchy. I saw a post (about this phone, I think) that mentioned having to install terminal emulator and running root command from there to achieve legit root after flashing the patched boot.img. I will see if I can find the post again and update you. Is there anyway you could post the boot.img? Or give me a link for it?
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Well I can try and learn how to extract the phones information to my computer. I don't know how to do that exactly. The way I was able to get a hold of the phones stock firmware data was by using Lenovo's Smart Rescue and Recovery software.
You have to enable usb debugging mode, attach the phone to the computer with the software running and make sure that you didn't disable/delete Device Help. That app is what makes the Lenovo software work, otherwise the Recovery software fails to see the phone. If it sees the phone correctly then you can see the preselected target firmware it wants you to download under the Rescue tab along the top.
So I did that and grabbed the files it created without actually applying them to the device. The whole thing is a little over 2GB and difficult to host but I put the stock boot.img file here for anyone who needs it. If anyone wants all the files I can try to upload the whole thing one file at at time. That's the way it was sent to me, an uncompressed folder. If I zip it all up and try to upload it most sites will say file size exceeded. Anyway here's the link...
boot
MediaFire is a simple to use free service that lets you put all your photos, documents, music, and video in a single place so you can access them anywhere and share them everywhere.
www.mediafire.com
Thanks I was able to patch it with Magisk and achieve root. It looks like Magisk is an SU manager anyway. I have never used it before so this is a first for me. The root and bootloader unlock seem a little pointless without any recovery or ROM though....I guess it's time to learn how to compile one lol
I just picked up the Moto G Pure (XT2163-4) Android 11 aka Red Velvet Cake *sounds yummy lol*....I've been searching around and not seen any info about any rooting method for this device....besides the "Root All Motorola Phones" crap...and I don't feel like risking making a paper weight with it. Even on here it doesn't show up in the...add device list....was going to add to my profile...but can't.
Agent_Orange1488 said:
Thanks I was able to patch it with Magisk and achieve root. It looks like Magisk is an SU manager anyway. I have never used it before so this is a first for me. The root and bootloader unlock seem a little pointless without any recovery or ROM though....I guess it's time to learn how to compile one lol
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Click to collapse
Yeah now we're on the same page then. I thought the same thing, not much use to have an unlocked boot loader and root access without software to make use of it. I gave the phone to my nieces to play with for now, but it's with in arms reach if I need it for instructions yet to be defined. I should receive updates to this post if anyone else responds.
Gamekeeper408 said:
I just picked up the Moto G Pure (XT2163-4) Android 11 aka Red Velvet Cake *sounds yummy lol*....I've been searching around and not seen any info about any rooting method for this device....besides the "Root All Motorola Phones" crap...and I don't feel like risking making a paper weight with it. Even on here it doesn't show up in the...add device list....was going to add to my profile...but can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah appears it was produced in late 2021 or sold at that time so it's new and no one has made any custom firmware's or recoveries for it as far as I know. I don't know how to do that, requires computer programming skills. I don't have any of those.
Gamekeeper408 said:
I just picked up the Moto G Pure (XT2163-4) Android 11 aka Red Velvet Cake *sounds yummy lol*....I've been searching around and not seen any info about any rooting method for this device....besides the "Root All Motorola Phones" crap...and I don't feel like risking making a paper weight with it. Even on here it doesn't show up in the...add device list....was going to add to my profile...but can't.
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Click to collapse
I feel your pain! Had mine a few days and of course came to XDA immediately to find the DL on this joint but no luck... Ya I definitely don't recommend one click root method for this. If you want, I can post/link the patched boot.img i made with magisk. Mine boots with it and have confirmed root.
BrittonCBurton said:
Yeah now we're on the same page then. I thought the same thing, not much use to have an unlocked boot loader and root access without software to make use of it. I gave the phone to my nieces to play with for now, but it's with in arms reach if I need it for instructions yet to be defined. I should receive updates to this post if anyone else responds.
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Excellent, it's nice to be caught up with everyone else haha!! I am going to do some digging and posting and whatnot to try to find some info on porting a recovery for this model. I feel like it can't be too different from at least one or two of the other G series phones. I will see updates as well so please post if you come up with anything!!
BTW does anyone know the process of creating a device page for this joint?! I think this phone is definitely worth some development...
Agent_Orange1488 said:
Excellent, it's nice to be caught up with everyone else haha!! I am going to do some digging and posting and whatnot to try to find some info on porting a recovery for this model. I feel like it can't be too different from at least one or two of the other G series phones. I will see updates as well so please post if you come up with anything!!
BTW does anyone know the process of creating a device page for this joint?! I think this phone is definitely worth some development...
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Click to collapse
Good luck finding anything that will load onto the phone. Seems like it would be possible to install LineageOS on it if nothing else. You'd think by now installing a phone's operating system would be similar to how operating systems are installed on other computers. All I get is invalid signature, way to much security (for them) on phone OS'es. With phones and PDA's apparently you can't just find the OS you want to use and install it. Where's the generic and bloat free Andriod 11 stock OS/firmware at? No such thing? It's either "Gaggles" way or nothing apparently. (It's ok if you don't know either, maybe someone else has more information about that.)
BrittonCBurton said:
Good luck finding anything that will load onto the phone. Seems like it would be possible to install LineageOS on it if nothing else. You'd think by now installing a phone's operating system would be similar to how operating systems are installed on other computers. All I get is invalid signature, way to much security (for them) on phone OS'es. With phones and PDA's apparently you can't just find the OS you want to use and install it. Where's the generic and bloat free Andriod 11 stock OS/firmware at? No such thing? It's either "Gaggles" way or nothing apparently. (It's ok if you don't know either, maybe someone else has more information about that.)
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Click to collapse
Ya I'm definitely not going to try anything on the actual device, (ESPECIALLY if I am trying to put it together myself) but I am pretty sure you can test that stuff on a virtual system. Some kind of android emulator or whatever. As for a stock/debloated/de-odexed ROM, I haven't seen one but that couldn't be all that difficult to put together, right? I mean as long as the patched boot.img is included anyway. I feel like a recovery would be a higher priority though...? BTW, I have never used Lineage before, how is it?
Agent_Orange1488 said:
I feel your pain! Had mine a few days and of course came to XDA immediately to find the DL on this joint but no luck... Ya I definitely don't recommend one click root method for this. If you want, I can post/link the patched boot.img i made with magisk. Mine boots with it and have confirmed root.
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Click to collapse
That would be great if you could share that patched boot.img......it is for the XT2163-4 MOTO G PURE correct?
Gamekeeper408 said:
That would be great if you could share that patched boot.img......it is for the XT2163-4 MOTO G PURE correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agent_Orange1488 said:
I feel your pain! Had mine a few days and of course came to XDA immediately to find the DL on this joint but no luck... Ya I definitely don't recommend one click root method for this. If you want, I can post/link the patched boot.img i made with magisk. Mine boots with it and have confirmed root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also like the patched boot.img if it is for the XT2163-4. Thanks
Hey boys I actually got rid of the moto g pure...for now at least lol! GREAT phone and I would be willing to get it back once there is some dev work done on it...will definitely be watching the threads on it. Good luck boys!!!
Hi
I read the above posts, and it seems like even if I am able to root it using Magisk, I won't be able to flash it with custom rom?
Thank you Agent_Orange1488 for the posts.