Bootloader Unlocking Risks - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I was looking into unlocking the bootloader of my moto g 2nd edition (xt1064), and I wanted to know if there are any serious risks or warnings I should be aware of.
Risks like:
- damage to the sim card
- disabled messaging or calling

Unlocking the bootloader itself won't do any damage. It's what you do AFTER you unlock the bootloader, like installing custom ROMs that can potentially be dangerous. (Note I said POTENTIALLY)

Jake1702_ said:
Unlocking the bootloader itself won't do any damage. It's what you do AFTER you unlock the bootloader, like installing custom ROMs that can potentially be dangerous. (Note I said POTENTIALLY)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can still make calls and text with an unlocked bootloader, but it's the custom ROMs I install that may do that

PotatoDew said:
So I can still make calls and text with an unlocked bootloader, but it's the custom ROMs I install that may do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything you can do without it unlocked you can do it with it unlocked. And I'm fairly certain all custom ROMS for your device will have the ability to text and call considering it's a phone. If that's not the case the developer of whatever ROM doesn't have that feature is just a moron.

Jake1702_ said:
Anything you can do without it unlocked you can do it with it unlocked. And I'm fairly certain all custom ROMS for your device will have the ability to text and call considering it's a phone. If that's not the case the developer of whatever ROM doesn't have that feature is just a moron.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? The motorola bootloader unlocking website said that I could lose some key functions, including calling.
The website (I can't post full links):
motorola-global-portal.custhelp com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a

PotatoDew said:
Are you sure? The motorola bootloader unlocking website said that I could lose some key functions, including calling.
The website (I can't post full links):
motorola-global-portal.custhelp com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked out the website. Honestly, I've never heard of a phone losing these key functions.
According to me, the warning is about what you do after unlocking.
So, I'll say go ahead and unlock your phone.

Augustoandro said:
I checked out the website. Honestly, I've never heard of a phone losing these key functions.
According to me, the warning is about what you do after unlocking.
So, I'll say go ahead and unlock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright
Thanks both of you!

Related

Re-Unlock Bootloader

I recently unlocked my phone and rooted, I tried to flash CM7 Beta everything went well except when i rebooted it got stuck at the dual core screen. After trying everything, I decided to flash back to stock since cm7 wouldn't boot. My question is now that I flashed back to stock do I need to re-unlock my device? Does it stay unlocked? Can I just root it and retry CM7 again?
it happens to me too im reading on the forum but i dont think the bootloaders remain unlock cuz when u do the process it say that in the warnings
No one knows?
I read that once you unlocked you are unlocked forever because when you unlock it kills a fuse but you can cover up the 'unlocked' message so the average joe (such as ATT or Best Buy employee) wouldn't know you unlocked for insurance purposes.
I've also read posts though, like you, that state that it does re-lock the bootloader, so I am confused! I dont want to try flashing again though and end up with a hard-brick!
only installing official roms after unlocking will re-lock your phone or brick it. so if you can no longer see 'unlocked' when you turn your phone on then you will need to re-unlock the bootloader.
before installing any custom roms you need to do a backup. after that, do a full wipe/factory reset, wipe cache & wipe dalvik cache. then install your custom rom, reboot, wait anything up to 10 minutes, and voila!
theres no 'fuse' that needs blowing to unlock the phone, by the way. its all software based, and it can be re-locked providing that there is freely available software that allows you to do so!
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
konna280 said:
only installing official roms after unlocking will re-lock your phone or brick it. so if you can no longer see 'unlocked' when you turn your phone on then you will need to re-unlock the bootloader.
theres no 'fuse' that needs blowing to unlock the phone, by the way. its all software based, and it can be re-locked providing that there is freely available software that allows you to do so!
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might want to do some reading and research. This has all been discussed previously in a couple of threads with links supporting a hardware unlock. Nobody has provided any proof of a software only unlock as of yet. Would appreciate if you posted where you got your information.
Cheers!
konna280 said:
only installing official roms after unlocking will re-lock your phone or brick it. so if you can no longer see 'unlocked' when you turn your phone on then you will need to re-unlock the bootloader.
before installing any custom roms you need to do a backup. after that, do a full wipe/factory reset, wipe cache & wipe dalvik cache. then install your custom rom, reboot, wait anything up to 10 minutes, and voila!
theres no 'fuse' that needs blowing to unlock the phone, by the way. its all software based, and it can be re-locked providing that there is freely available software that allows you to do so!
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Can you provide a link that this is indeed a software lock?...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
CaelanT said:
Might want to do some reading and research. This has all been discussed previously in a couple of threads with links supporting a hardware unlock. Nobody has provided any proof of a software only unlock as of yet. Would appreciate if you posted where you got your information.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, when i say software based i mean the use of software (using programs to flash files) to modify hardware. hardware based unlocking would mean having to modify hardware, such as soldering or other means of modifying/replacing components.
konna280 said:
Sorry, when i say software based i mean the use of software (using programs to flash files) to modify hardware. hardware based unlocking would mean having to modify hardware, such as soldering or other means of modifying/replacing components.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soo..
You start a new thread about a topic that already has 17 threads dedicated to it.
You clearly dont understand how the current unlocking process works.
You claim to know of a new sw unlock, but even after being asked a few times will not elaborate or give a link or other info about it.
And your making up your own terms depending on what makes sence to you.
That settles it. You win the lolthread of the day, and were not laughing with you.
let's simplify:
http://briefmobile.com/how-to-unlock-the-atrix-4g-bootloader
This unlocks the bootloader through the use of software, does it not?
http://tinyurl.com/6gwycaq (explains what a bootloader is)
Plus... I didn't start the thread. You might need to do a little reading on that.
I've clearly unlocked, rooted, and installed a new ROM on my atrix (i initially used the gingerbreak app to root it, but decided to change the ROM at a later date, so unlocked it fully)
I don't claim to know of a sw unlock. I merely stated that software is used (RSD lite, drivers etc) to carry out the unlocking procedure.
Oh, by the way, it's "WE'RE not laughing with you" (not very nice ) and "YOU'RE making up your own terms". Little bit of research for you, if you want
konna280 said:
...
theres no 'fuse' that needs blowing to unlock the phone, by the way. its all software based, and it can be re-locked providing that there is freely available software that allows you to do so!
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're mistaken, it's a hardware lock. There has not been a software only solution shown. Since I have gone through the steps you described, and then re-unlocked my bootloader, the two processes were different (unlocking vs. re-unlocking), meaning that something changed when I unlocked the bootloader.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifuse#Antifuses_in_integrated_circuits
Trust me, this stuff is in all the ICs that you use.
Ok then, i apologize for not doing my research
I just ASS-U-MEd that if it can be re-locked then there is no modification taking place to the hardware itself (such as blown fuses - I'll admit though I only recently heard about eFuse's/Antifuse's as I've never dealt with them before, and therefore didn't know that the Atrix had them)
Thanks for the info.
lockety lock lock lock Lmfao
Im still laughing. No apostraphes needed.
WiredPirate said:
Im still laughing. No apostraphes needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nvm lol
10char
reunlocking is the same presedure which you did before. just you dont need to do the fastboot unlock oem.i did it and reunlock 2.3.4 telstra

OFFICIAL Bootloader unlock - READ

As you all know, the Verizon bootlaoder is locked.
I'm here to tell you that there is a ray a hope after all. :fingers-crossed:
I have a non-XDA project I am working on that required me to scan through the partitions of the vzw sgs4 and while doing this I found some interesting information.
The info below was extracted directly from the SCH-I545's system:
Code:
...Secure Boot...Secure Boot Key...Next...Unlock Successful...Invalid Keys...Quit...I Agree...Done.ˆ9ˆE
You have obtained the key for unlocking the bootloader to install custom OS. In order to unlock the bootloader,
you must read and accept the following terms and conditions. By clicking on the “I Agreeâ€. button, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions.
If you change your mind, you may click on the “Cancelâ€. button, which will stop the process..
1. The unlocking of the bootloader voids and invalidates the warranty of your device.
As result of the unlocking, certain functions of your device may cease to function and physical injuries or material damage may occur, for example, due to the phone overheating.
You take full responsibility for any and all consequences that may arise from the unlocking of the bootloader. Samsung will not be liable for any damages that such unlocking may cause,
and you waive any rights in connection with the unlocking..
2. You will not be able to recover the device to its original state. Even if the device’s setting is restored, the warranty will remain voided and invalid..
3. As result of the unlocking, you may lose certain contents that you have stored on your device, for example, through the malfunction of the DRM functions..
4. You agree that your attempt to unauthorized kernel download from the default setting or without the authorization key will lead to blocking of the device,
which may permanently disable the device. Samsung will not be responsible for any damages or injuries that result from such attempt. For downloading of custom kernel,
you need to follow through a special installation process as set forth in the device manual..
5. You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as any contractual obligations that you may have with your wireless carrier in using the unlocked devices. In particular,
you will not operate the unlocked device on any wireless carrier’s network unless such wireless carrier approves of the operation of such unlocked device on its network..
6. You agree not to resell your unlocked devices to other parties without first explaining the content of the terms and conditions herein...
ۨۨYour key is verified and the unlocking is successfully done..
If you want to read the terms and conditions you have agreed for unlocking bootloader,
please visit our website....Input value...Please enter value...Select Row...Enter the row...Help.11email: [email protected] tel:010-7260-5948
What this tells us is that there just might be a way to obtain a 'key' to unlock the boot-loader directly from Samsung.
Interesting, right?
Wow, nice find!
I believe this was found on the verizon s3 but it never led anywhere. There were lib files missing that never were found
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Coolfreak said:
I believe this was found on the verizon s3 but it never led anywhere. There were lib files missing that never were found
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I remember reading about that as well
That phone number is for South Korea, +82 10-7260-5948 if you want to try.
I think this option is for internal test and first hand app developers, bloatware
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
ThugosaurusRex said:
I think I remember reading about that as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Found it. Looks like it might be a dead end.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2128015
Coolfreak said:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Found it. Looks like it might be a dead end.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2128015
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, it appears so.
Yep........ Oh well. Still interesting.
Using the latest TWRP version which is loki-fied. I am running Hyperdrive S4 RLS1 and faux kernel.
What I'm still trying to rap my head around is how do we have a hack that can get us past the bootloader, but no unlock yet? That seems odd to me. There has to be a way to use this exploit to flash an unlocked bootloader.
Schoat333 said:
What I'm still trying to rap my head around is how do we have a hack that can get us past the bootloader, but no unlock yet? That seems odd to me. There has to be a way to use this exploit to flash an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an unlocked bootloader to flash. Its compiled code and proprietary.
Schoat333 said:
What I'm still trying to rap my head around is how do we have a hack that can get us past the bootloader, but no unlock yet? That seems odd to me. There has to be a way to use this exploit to flash an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand your question correctly you are best answered by googling the loki hack. There is a detailed yet easily understandable blog post out there that explains exactly what the boot vulnerability is and how its used to moot the issue of the locked bootloader.

Unlocking your Device blocks Fingerprint Recognition ?

Hi, I was going to unlock my phone using the Xiaomi Unlock tool, but in the attention section, it says that fingerprint recognition won't be available anymore. Is it true, and if it ever happens, how can I reverse that? how can I re-lock my device? I want to unlock my device to maybe put an AOSP Rom when one comes out or MIUI 10 a little early, but if I lose those features I'll stick with the built-in updater!
Don't worry it just means that it can be bypassed on an unlocked device as it is insecure.
It wil not stop fingerprint/face unlock. Go Ahead.
PocoSteve said:
Hi, I was going to unlock my phone using the Xiaomi Unlock tool, but in the attention section, it says that fingerprint recognition won't be available anymore. Is it true, and if it ever happens, how can I reverse that? how can I re-lock my device? I want to unlock my device to maybe put an AOSP Rom when one comes out or MIUI 10 a little early, but if I lose those features I'll stick with the built-in updater!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just asked pretty much this same question in another thread (though I was more concerned about the property face unlock). I gather from reading around that the miunlock tool allows you to relock the bootloader.
My follow up question is, if you do this, relock your bootloader, are access to autoupdates and face unlock (if lost) reinstated?
Sorry for (kinda) cross-posting
narora9999 said:
Don't worry it just means that it can be bypassed on an unlocked device as it is insecure.
It wil not stop fingerprint/face unlock. Go Ahead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure ? because the software literally says
"Fingerprint recognition, Find device, and other security features will no longer be available"
PocoSteve said:
Are you sure ? because the software literally says
"Fingerprint recognition, Find device, and other security features will no longer be available"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone is unlocked and everything works like normal
bluedragon02 said:
my phone is unlocked and everything works like normal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks! Also, when it says "will remove all data" does this mean a factory reset? Is the phone "as new" next time you boot it up?
PocoSteve said:
Ok, thanks! Also, when it says "will remove all data" does this mean a factory reset? Is the phone "as new" next time you boot it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i think its like new but now i dont remeber
It will do a factory reset and also wipe internal storage.
Just to confirm what everyone's saying, I just unlocked my bootloader. It did a factory reset, then allowed me to set up face and fingerprint unlock, opt into (or out of) updates and mi services, all as it did at first boot.
Obviously, I don't yet know if it will actually get OTA updates, but time will tell (unless I root in the meantime). Also I forgot to check if mitool allows easy BL relocking and I've turned the pc off now, but everyone says it does

Rooting without unlocking bootloader - is it possible?

I've just bought V30 and would like to root it. Preferably with Magisk.
Every guide I found requires to unlock bootloader. This is one step too far for me. Is there a way to root V30 without unlocking it's bootloader?
przemhb said:
I've just bought V30 and would like to root it. Preferably with Magisk.
Every guide I found requires to unlock bootloader. This is one step too far for me. Is there a way to root V30 without unlocking it's bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO.
Which variant did you buy?
With some, it's simply flashing a simple code via fastboot flash commands. On others you first have to convert to a variant which has fastboot flash commands, so you can flash that code. If you tell us which variant you bought, you will know if you have extra steps or not...
For all V30/V30+/V30S (except T-mobile H932) for bootloader unlock and root, you need to:
have fastboot flash commands
be on specific Oreo firmware
use the "fake" bootloader unlock code
install TWRP and flash Magisk (OK technically there is a way to root without installing TWRP, but it's easier with TWRP)
WTF V30/V30+/V30S Bootloader Unlock and Root
Thank you for your reply. I've bought European H930. Unbranded.
Android 8.0.0. Build: OPR1.170623.026. SW: V20d-EUR-XX. Security patch: 1.03.2018.
I don't want to loose my warranty, DRM protected stuff playback capability, etc.
These warnings from LG bootloader unlock website worry me and make me extra cautious. I have to be 100% sure none of the things will happen:
"When unlocking the bootloader, applications which require a trusted execution environment (TEE) to operate will not work properly because after unlocking the bootloader the device will no longer be trusted.
Unlocking the bootloader will also affect the DRM protection of your device, therefore some applications which require DRM protection may not work anymore or block certain functions due to this untrusted state.
Common examples for affected applications are services which offer download/streaming of paid multimedia content like music and movies or services offering mobile payment."
Is there at least reliable app+data migration utility to move my apps with data from an old (Marshmallow) phone to this new one? LG Mobile Switch didn't manage to migrate apps' data.
przemhb said:
Thank you for your reply. I've bought European H930. Unbranded.
Android 8.0.0. Build: OPR1.170623.026. SW: V20d-EUR-XX. Security patch: 1.03.2018.
I don't want to loose my warranty, DRM protected stuff playback capability, etc.
These warnings from LG bootloader unlock website worry me and make me extra cautious. I have to be 100% sure none of the things will happen:
"When unlocking the bootloader, applications which require a trusted execution environment (TEE) to operate will not work properly because after unlocking the bootloader the device will no longer be trusted.
Unlocking the bootloader will also affect the DRM protection of your device, therefore some applications which require DRM protection may not work anymore or block certain functions due to this untrusted state.
Common examples for affected applications are services which offer download/streaming of paid multimedia content like music and movies or services offering mobile payment."
Is there at least reliable app+data migration utility to move my apps with data from an old (Marshmallow) phone to this new one? LG Mobile Switch didn't manage to migrate apps' data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG also throws a scary bootloader unlock warning in your face.
LG's "warning" is to keep you from rooting your phone. If you've rooted phones before, its no different.
Magisk hides root, so all apps work.
Anyone who's rooted their V30 can tell you how it is. The threads here are very active!
But it's your decision.
Is it possible to lock back the bootloader at the end of the process?
przemhb said:
Is it possible to lock back the bootloader at the end of the process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the end of what process? Rooting? You don't seem to understand, you have to unlock the bootloader to install TWRP. You have to install TWRP to flash Magisk. OK, technically there is a way to root without TWRP (by installing a rooted kernel), but you still need bootloader unlock.
You seem hung up on bootloader unlock when it's REALLY root that LG is trying to prevent. They really couldn't care less about bootloader unlock, they are focusing on that to prevent you from rooting your phone. Because once you unlock your bootloader you are one step away from root...
Yeah, you can lock the bootloader back if you no longer want root.
Most phones require bootloader unlock to root -- Motorola, Pixel, LG, ZTE, OnePlus.
---------- Post added at 11:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 PM ----------
przemhb said:
Thank you for your reply. I've bought European H930. Unbranded.
Android 8.0.0. Build: OPR1.170623.026. SW: V20d-EUR-XX. Security patch: 1.03.2018.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, what is the DATE of the security patch? May, July, September? If pre-July, you are good to go. You just flash a simple code with fastboot. If July or later, you would need to temporarily downloader to pre-July 2018 firmware.
Thank you for your detailed answers! I really appreciate them.
ChazzMatt said:
At the end of what process? Rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I was wondering if it is possible to lock back the bootloader once the phone is rooted, TWRP, Magisk are there. The question behind it is if having unlocked bootloader doesn't unnecessarily increase security risk (of course the main risk is to have rooted phone, and I accept it).
ChazzMatt said:
Yeah, you can lock the bootloader back if you no longer want root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good news. Suppose I would unroot and lock back the bootloader, then send the phone to warranty service. Is it possible for the service to discover the phone was rooted and reject my warranty claim?
ChazzMatt said:
Most phones require bootloader unlock to root -- Motorola, Pixel, LG, ZTE, OnePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far I've rooted every phone without unlocking bootloader. It was harder, but in some cases possible (Xperia Z2, Xperia V, Motorola Defy).
ChazzMatt said:
I'm sorry, what is the DATE of the security patch? May, July, September? If pre-July, you are good to go. You just flash a simple code with fastboot. If July or later, you would need to temporarily downloader to pre-July 2018 firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's March.
I am not familiar with Magisk. Is it safer from the security point of view than classic roots with SuperSu+BusyBox?
Correct me if I am wrong, but unlocking bootloader means gaining write access to boot partition. TWRP needs to be stored on it. Kernel is also there. And where is Magisk stored?

Question OEM unlocking 🔓

Hi there, I want to root my pixel , but I can't. (Screenshot) I buy phone with Verizon contract , but now it's contract free. If someone can help me. (I'm from Ukraine,we don't have Verizon)
For Verizon phones, regardless whether contract free or not, it is impossible to unlock the bootloader.
Cheers
tom1807 said:
For Verizon phones, regardless whether contract free or not, it is impossible to unlock the bootloader.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how to flash android via PC or root it ? Impossible?
nick.arabadji said:
And how to flash android via PC or root it ? Impossible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root impossible with locked bootloader.
Flashing? Here you go.
Cheers
tom1807 said:
Root impossible with locked bootloader.
Flashing? Here you go.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't ... I try , but android flash tool need to unlock bootloader...
nick.arabadji said:
Hi there, I want to root my pixel , but I can't. (Screenshot) I buy phone with Verizon contract , but now it's contract free. If someone can help me. (I'm from Ukraine,we don't have Verizon)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're screwed. Verizon will NEVER unlock the bootloader, and you can't either. This means you CANNOT flash factory images. You CANNOT root the device. You CAN manually flash OTA images through the device recovery with fastboot, however as the device is still supported for the next four years, that ability is nearly pointless.
You should have purchased a Japanese Pixel 6. If I recall correctly, it's the same hardware as the Verizon Pixel 6 but with an unlockable bootloader. Now it's too late for that, so simply enjoy what you have because honestly you're not missing much.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
You're screwed. Verizon will NEVER unlock the bootloader, and you can't either. This means you CANNOT flash factory images. You CANNOT root the device. You CAN manually flash OTA images through the device recovery with fastboot, however as the device is still supported for the next four years, that ability is nearly pointless.
You should have purchased a Japanese Pixel 6. If I recall correctly, it's the same hardware as the Verizon Pixel 6 but with an unlockable bootloader. Now it's too late for that, so simply enjoy what you have because honestly you're not missing much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reply ! I just need to reflash for delete some bugs ..
nick.arabadji said:
Thanks for reply ! I just need to reflash for delete some bugs ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perform a factory reset instead. Since you cannot flash things that's the way you eliminate bugs on your device.

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