unlocked BL: prepare for disaster recovery? - Moto Z Questions & Answers

I just got a Moto Z and unlocked the bootloader. I didn't flash anything yet.
Now it seems that it's not so easy to get back to stock like on my Nexus 6 because there are no stock system images for the Moto Z.
Does it make sense to create a backup of all important stock partitions and if yes, what is the best practice?
Coming from Nexus 6 I would "fastboot boot" (not flash) to trwp and create a backup to SD. Would this work, or is there a better way?
Does it make sense at all? Or is there another reliable solution to get back to stock in case something goes wrong?

Related

what will cwm backup for me?

I have a question about what will the cwm backup?
if I backup a system with locked bootloader,will the bootloader relock after I restore the system from an unlocked bootloader system?
which content will cwm backup?(include kernel?)
"Before we tell you how awesome Nandroid backup is, lets look at what it means. Nandroid backup is a complete backup of your phone. When we say complete, it means everything on your phone – your apps, data, your current ROM and even the kernel. It is like creating a full system image of your phone that can be restored later, when required."
Taken from How to Perform a Nandroid Backup and Restore it to your Android Device
As for the bootloader:
"There is currently no method of returning to an entirely locked state. You can use fastboot to lock the bootloader, but it will always read Re-Locked, rather than locked. Don't say you weren't warned."
Taken from XDA Wiki
This page refers to HTC One X, but it may be device specific... what's your Android phone model?
EDIT: On Sony mobiles you can't also revert the process...
"Also note that there is no turning back once you have unlocked the boot loader. You will not be able to revert the phone to a locked or original state if you unlock it. In addition, if you brick the phone, it is your own responsibility."
Taken from Unlocking the boot loader
in simple it backs up every single file in your device.....if im not wrong you cant have cwm on locked bootloaders......
Nandroid is a perfect backup tool !! esp. for those who crave to try new ROMs. I'm on Defy and every week, I try a new build of ICS ROM from various people. All I need to do is to backup my MIUI 2.4.20 ROM and flash the new ROM. If the new ROM has problems, it hardly takes 10 min to get my phone to its previous state !!
Hit Thanks if it helps !
-m3ta- said:
"Before we tell you how awesome Nandroid backup is, lets look at what it means. Nandroid backup is a complete backup of your phone. When we say complete, it means everything on your phone – your apps, data, your current ROM and even the kernel. It is like creating a full system image of your phone that can be restored later, when required."
Taken from How to Perform a Nandroid Backup and Restore it to your Android Device
As for the bootloader:
"There is currently no method of returning to an entirely locked state. You can use fastboot to lock the bootloader, but it will always read Re-Locked, rather than locked. Don't say you weren't warned."
Taken from XDA Wiki
This page refers to HTC One X, but it may be device specific... what's your Android phone model?
EDIT: On Sony mobiles you can't also revert the process...
"Also note that there is no turning back once you have unlocked the boot loader. You will not be able to revert the phone to a locked or original state if you unlock it. In addition, if you brick the phone, it is your own responsibility."
Taken from Unlocking the boot loader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx,it really helped me,my phone is se neo v
ajay8055 said:
in simple it backs up every single file in your device.....if im not wrong you cant have cwm on locked bootloaders......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx for ur reply,but rooted phone without unlock bootloader also can install cwm,anyway,thx.
Sent from my pure white Neo V.
(sorry for my broken English)
MODs
Will CWM backup and restore MODs like Viper4android, Crossbreeder, Pure performances, ...?
Nandroid backups only a part of the phone's data, here is how you get the rest
-m3tac0rt3x- said:
"Before we tell you how awesome Nandroid backup is, lets look at what it means. Nandroid backup is a complete backup of your phone. When we say complete, it means everything on your phone – your apps, data, your current ROM and even the kernel. It is like creating a full system image of your phone that can be restored later, when required."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way, that is a big misunderstanding! A Nandroid backup (at least one made with CWM 6.0.4.7) only contains parts of the system folder, parts of the data folder and the cache folder of your phone's root. It does NOT backup /sdcard/0 (which actually is /data/media ), that is the part which you are allowed to see without root permissions and here is all the data like photos, media, text files and so on which you created or copied there.
I had to experience this issue with the current boot loop of my phone. :crying:
This "complete backup" statement can be found in many locations of the web. Looks like a lot of people are copying statements without knowing or proofing.
THIS is the way to get the correct data with all the photos and media and so on - at least when recovery is still working:
Enter recovery mode. Connect Phone to PC. ADB should be already installed. Create an empty folder and change directory to there within command shell. Type in
adb pull /sdcard/0
and voilá, there you are. Ok, it takes some time, but then you will have a copy of all the missed data.

[Q] Safestrap on unlocked bootloader

My phone boot loader is unlocked .installed twrp but I want to use safestrap. I like custom rom but only for tweaking .. so I wanna still use stock rom for normal use.as far as I am read, the only way is safestrap but can't be installed on my samsung galaxy note 3. So is there anyway I can achieve this?? Please. Tell me if possible. I would appreciate it.or is there any other way for using multi rom (2nd rom on sd card or internal) ?? Model no. Sm-n900. I know the credit goes Hashcode. Can't I just get safestrap recovery img, zip, tar anything .Just like normal custom recoveries.or can someone backup recovery.img and upload. Does it work that way? I have the firmware file so I can simply restore it. Just in case of _____.I also have backup.
Looks like you are out of luck. Doesn't seem like any developers have taken it upon themselves to get any dual or multi-boot options working. Only thing would be just do to nandroids to switch between. Not the best option, but better than no option.
es0tericcha0s said:
Looks like you are out of luck. Doesn't seem like any developers have taken it upon themselves to get any dual or multi-boot options working. Only thing would be just do to nandroids to switch between. Not the best option, but better than no option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it is possible cuz even on locked bootloaders its possible. So why not on unlocked ones.if any developer, think of this try to make this it can be easily done. I think...
Sure, theorectically it's possible as there have been a handful of Samsung devices that can dual boot with the help of a custom kernel, but I couldn't find anything, here or otherwise. that they have for the N3.

Exploring full ROM options with XT1650-03

So I just unpacked my MOTO Z with great anticipation.
However, I immediately ran into the issue where I can't backup my old phone using TiBU and restore it on my new shining gadget. I was VERY unsuccessful rooting the device.
So I went all in and installed RR which I'm using on all other devices as well. Used this TWRP to do it.
While RR is working well, it doesn't have some of the nice things stock ROM had, like the keyboard adjustability, screen on on hand-over and some adjustments in the camera app. Doesn't really matter, but I'd like to give stock another try before I inevitably commit to RR which will no doubt improve in the mean time as well.
Now, for my problem:
Using the recovery mentioned above, I made a full backup of the phone before I messed with it. Now that same recovery doesn't properly restore that backup: the phone doesn't boot when I restore that backup. it never leaves the bootloader unlocked warning screen.
So I figured: bad backup, let's get a stock image. Eh, again no go: motorola doesn't even publish those. So I grabbed the XT1650-03_GRIFFIN_RETEU... from here.
That one again doesn't even fully flash: I tried partial flash (system partition + recovery partition) - which flashed but didn't boot; then tried full flash, starting with the gpt.bin - but this one didn't even flash. reported some errors and that was it.
So, while not bricked, I'm far from any degree of control over my new phone. I'd like to improve that!
Any advice?
@velis74 to flash firmware you must use adb/fastboot. Is that what you mean by "flashed"?
lollyjay said:
@velis74 to flash firmware you must use adb/fastboot. Is that what you mean by "flashed"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, "flashing" of the "stock image" I tried to do with fastboot - that series of commands flashing one partition after another with images in the archive. I just didn't want to list all those commands in the post because there's more than 20...
If you´ve already updated your Stock, untouched and locked ROM from Marshmallow to Nougat, then you won't be able to Flash back to Marshmallow Stock ROM, because your Bootloader was already updated to Nougat. That's why the whole process fails. Since there's no official RETEU Nougat Stock ROM yet, use the RETBR one. It's practically the same and works as it should: https://firmware.center/firmware/Mo...ubsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
But keep in mind that you won't be able to relock your bootloader, since Motorola/Lenovo haven't released signed Nougat Stock ROMs yet.
doree said:
If you´ve already updated your Stock, untouched and locked ROM from Marshmallow to Nougat, then you won't be able to Flash back to Marshmallow Stock ROM, because your Bootloader was already updated to Nougat. That's why the whole process fails. Since there's no official RETEU Nougat Stock ROM yet, use the RETBR one. It's practically the same and works as it should: https://firmware.center/firmware/Mo...ubsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
But keep in mind that you won't be able to relock your bootloader, since Motorola/Lenovo haven't released signed Nougat Stock ROMs yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, was just about to post how this thread helped. I'm back at stock and seriously contemplating not rooting. I pretty much only need it for one app where I forgot the password and they make it REALLY hard to reset it

CM13 or LOS13 on Nougat bootloader possible?

Hey there,
I acquired recently (actually today) a Moto Z (XT1650-03 reteu) and was spending the whole day to get stock marshmallow/mmbl (marshmallow bootloader) on it.
After several hours of trial and error I gave up.
Now I hope someone with experience in LineageOS (and in compiling it) could answer my question (before I spend more hours on trial and error).
Is it possible to compile LineageOS 13 for the Nougat bootloader?
I don't mind to compile it myself with my little knowledge but I need to know if it is possible at all.
I need Marshmallow for XPosed, I cannot live without it. Before I give up XPosed entirely, I need to try any way to get Marshmallow working.
The alternative might be to buy a Moto Z Play (which seems to be able to downgrade).
I hope one of you mighty users can answer my question with a direct answer or with a "yes with modifications not done by a noob".
(In things of compiling I am a noob but I think I am able to read some experience up for trying.)
Many thanks for any constructive comment on that!
I have been working with moto phones since the Moto G 4G (peregrine).
You could compile cm13 (as the Z has 6.0 blobs) but I would not recommend it for these reasons:
You would need to make a vendor tree for Android 6.0.
You would need to back-port the current device tree(7.0/.1). I don't believe we got anything working on cm13 back in the original bringup. The Verizon Z came out with 6.0.
You would need to set up a completely new selinux policy (not worth the hassle alone).
You would need to grab the kernel source from Motorola and add in the patches needed to get it building on aosp.
You will most likely have a flickering display/brightness bug when flashing older firmware on a newer bootloader.
You cannot go back to an older bootloader once upgraded. Attempting to do this will possibly brick your bootloader partition.
It's honestly not worth the hassle. We're talking about serious man hours bringing it up for 6.0. You could always wait for Xposed to come out on N. You could always flash the stock system, boot partitions and you may be able to get back to M. iirc the radio (ril/modem) will most likely function poorly (or not at all).
Don't get me wrong, the Z play is an awesome phone and you shouldn't consider it a downgrade! I sometimes wish I would have gave my dad the Z and picked up the Z play. One drawback to the z play is the lack of arm64 support due to the processor.
Hopefully I've answered your questions.
Sent from my XT1650-03 using Tapatalk
Thank you, that is mostly what I thought, but much more complicated than I hoped.
I won't be able to do that.
My bootloader is already on Nougat (it was shipped with it). I tried downgrading the bootloader but fastboot doesn't let me do that. (Security downgrade is obviously not allowed.)
Actually I was playing with the thought to only downgrade aboot and then (if it worked) downgrade the rest, if it doesn't work I can flash a nougat aboot backup back with a CFW or TWRP (booting to it over adb reboot recovery).
But all this without flashing gpt.bin (the riskiest part) and because of this my plan might not work.
The aboot of MM would have to be backed up and uploaded from some XT1650-03 user. Actually I would need everything in bootloader.img to test it a little more... just in case. But I don't know if I should go this way.
I know RSDLite, I tested (today) a program called "qboot" (which didn't work correctly), so I might be able to recover a brick... but there's still a risk.
I actually don't see the Z Play as a downgrade but it is thicker. The Moto Mod for which I am waiting for will be pretty thick and I try to avoid any unneeded thickness. (Keyboard mod)
Actually I don't believe that XPosed for N will be released within the next few months or... even worse, not this year.
I will try to find replacements for the almost 20 modules I use with XPosed. If I am not satisfied, I will try a downgrade.
I'd be careful with playing around with aboot. If you flash a corrupt or incompatible image then your device is going to be permanently bricked. You will not be able to get back into recovery nor have fastboot powers. I'd strongly recommend forgetting about going back to M at this point and looking for alternatives.
Motorola has built in checks that may not allow it to boot after it's flashed.
Sent from my XT1650-03 using Tapatalk
I guess you're right.
Without the ability to boot straight into recovery and without a 100% method of unbricking, it is too risky...
Just a thought:
With the ZTE Axon7 (nearly the same system) you can boot straight into recovery. You need to flash aboot with the ability to unlock the bootloader, at least on the global version. If flashing fails, you can boot into the recovery (signed twrp) and flash your backup.
But the Moto Z has no way to boot straight into recovery, so it is even more risky.

Alright I've received the email to unlock the bootloader now I have some questions before using it..

Alright, I've received the email as the title implies but here are the questions I have before I proceed into the whole process
Is there a way to backup the stock image without TWRP? if so how do you get the stock image backed up if it's impossible how to back up the stock bootlover/recovery before installing TWRP if I were to get rid of TWRP one day?
also is it possible to just root the system without flashing anything to avoid data loss? this would be the preferred option actually, thanks! (Using the be2028 t-mobile version, if there's a premade backup that'll be cool too.)
animenote said:
Alright, I've received the email as the title implies but here are the questions I have before I proceed into the whole process
Is there a way to backup the stock image without TWRP? if so how do you get the stock image backed up if it's impossible how to back up the stock bootlover/recovery before installing TWRP if I were to get rid of TWRP one day?
also is it possible to just root the system without flashing anything to avoid data loss? this would be the preferred option actually, thanks! (Using the be2028 t-mobile version, if there's a premade backup that'll be cool too.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just getting back to messing around with phones after about 5 years. So many things have changed and I am trying to get answers here as well.
I used TWRP and Magisk to root my phone. Installing TWRP will not wipe your data as it is flashed to a different partition but to install TWRP you have to unlock the bootloader and that will wipe your userdata. And no, I don't believe there is any possibility of rooting without unlocking the bootloader. If you decide you want to go back to stock, there are stock roms available and you can re-lock the bootloader on the N10 so you should be able to set it back to just like it was when you first bought it. I say should because I have never done it, just read that it can be done when I unlocked and flashed mine.
I wish I could be of more help but so many things have changed in the years since I've been away from doing this stuff I feel like a total noob again.
animenote said:
Alright, I've received the email as the title implies but here are the questions I have before I proceed into the whole process
Is there a way to backup the stock image without TWRP? if so how do you get the stock image backed up if it's impossible how to back up the stock bootlover/recovery before installing TWRP if I were to get rid of TWRP one day?
also is it possible to just root the system without flashing anything to avoid data loss? this would be the preferred option actually, thanks! (Using the be2028 t-mobile version, if there's a premade backup that'll be cool too.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I do not believe there's a way to gain root without flashing anything. There's no need to backup anything you can always use the MSM download tool to restore your device. https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...l-to-restore-your-device-to-oxygenos.4204445/ You should be able to find most of the stock imgs on here already if you'd really need to flash back. I'm no expert either, just my experience with this phone in particular has been pretty straightforward. I never backed up anything lol.
Twrp is iffy i made a backup I'll never use, check out the post about flashing international rom to tmo and metro devices, that's my backup. Also you can run 11.0.3/2 firmware and boot 11 gsi's the post about lir rom has the info. Flash the product_gsi.img referenced there, I have never deleted my product partition and I only leave oos ten installed long enough to take ota's. There are more roms in the source forge page referenced with lir rom post. Flash magisk via recovery, either side load or twrp, pay attention that it flashes partition sda14(super image) or wifi breaks.

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