Unlocked bootloader - G2 and Desire Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

With the G2 now officially on the list of devices for this, is this basically the same as root. If not are there roms with root built in? Thanks in advance.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using xda premium

Nope, unlocked bootloader and root are not the same. Unlocking the bootloader does not automatically give you root. But its easy to root after you unlock the bootloader. Please not that you also void your warranty by using HTC Unlock.
Every ROM in the Development subforum is pre-rooted. But you must be rooted to install them.

It seems its more complicated to gain root after HTC Unlock then I thought: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1453066
Can't vouch for this process, or HTC Unlock in general. But there are so many steps even with HTC Unlock, and you still need ADB, so I don't see the point. Just use the Wiki method and keep your warranty.
Also Nipqer states in the thread linked above:
The drawbacks to using htcdev is that htc have a record that you have voided your warranty, and the device is still quite locked down.
The downgrade/gfree method will give you a completely unlocked phone, which is a lot easier to fix if anything goes wrong, and you can restore your phone to stock, so that htc cannot see you voided your warranty.
Also, gfree provides sim-unlock, which htcdev does not.
Another thing, I don't think that HTC is going to support you if you try to use HTC Unlock, and something goes wrong. Where if you go the Wiki/gfree method and have issues, people on XDA will help you.
Moral of the story, I don't see why anyone would go the HTC Unlock method. And that goes for any HTC device, where other root/S-Off methods already exist. The main usage or HTC Unlock (for us folks on here anyway) is for newer phones where S-Off and root have not yet been achieved.

Related

[Q] Any point in using the official Bootloader Unlock?

As posted on the news page, the classic Desire is now supported by the HTC Bootloader Unlocking Tool. But afaik our bootloaders were fully unlocked by alpharev years ago, even with the possibility of sim-unlocking which is restricted by the official unlock. why should anyone use this tool, possibly loose their warranty and do less than with alpharev hboot's? is there any advantage we have by using this tool?
probably it's safer
Probably it's safer for the users who haven't unlocked it yet, but it makes no sense for the ones that have already done that.
Nobody is forcing anyone to use this and yeah, there may not be any point for it at this stage. But I'd still commend HTC for doing so. You can't say the same for Motorola.
via xda app
+1 on that. my motorola defy is still waiting for a unlocked bootloader

(Q) HTC unlock bootloader... but my phone's already ENG-HBOOTed... =_=

...hope this isnt a pointless thread, but I felt these are a valid set of questions... might be wrong though... >_<
In any case, I've just been informed that the HTC now officially unlocks the DHD bootloader through their website.
Now, my questions...
Does anyone know the difference between the Official HTC bootloader unlock procedure versus the Radio and ENG-HBOOT procedure posted by jkoljo?
Also, note that the HTC way looks like its just one procedure... whilst jkoljo's are distinctly two (one for Radio and one for HBOOT)... if the HTC procedure is initially used, would you still need to do either of jkoljo's? ie the Radio S-Off one... assuming the HTC way gives you only Eng-HBOOT S-OFF?
Hell, do you still need to downgrade with the HTC bootloader unlock?
Lastly, I've already used jkoljo's procedure and now fully Radio & HBOOT S-Off'ed... is there any point of doing the HTC unlock bootloader procedure? Would it actually give me a negative result if I actually go through the HTC procedure now with the current state of my phone?
Anyways, thanks for reading through my musings... and here's hoping someone with the knowhow answers well... ^_^
/Peace
I would like to no this to, but do we really need to worry now we are rooted ?
Yes me 2. What are the pros and cons of them?
...from reading the FAQ on the HTCdev about it.
...according to its FAQ
It seems you're still S-ON after their procedure. This is to apparently secure the radio as well as the SIM-Lock...
So me thinks we might still need jkoljo's ENG-S-OFF procedure afterwards...
...Although, with HTC leaving that lock... I'm a bit dubious about advocating their procedure now as opposed to jkoljo's as well as the Advanced Ace Hack kit. The latter of which is actually the most effective imho, though it still needs jkoljo's ENG-S-OFF procedure...
Do not try to unlock the bootloader of your phone.
it's not locked.
If someone can clarify this: for me the DHD bootloader has never been locked!?!
I was planing to go for sensation when HTC launched it but kept my DHD as sensation was locked and it was not possible to put custom ROM.
From my first HTC, the first thing I always do was removing Sense... (HD, HD2 then DHD). As far as I know Sensation was the first with locked bootloader.
if someone can explain... i'll be more than happy
truc007 said:
Do not try to unlock the bootloader of your phone.
it's not locked.
If someone can clarify this: for me the DHD bootloader has never been locked!?!
I was planing to go for sensation when HTC launched it but kept my DHD as sensation was locked and it was not possible to put custom ROM.
From my first HTC, the first thing I always do was removing Sense... (HD, HD2 then DHD). As far as I know Sensation was the first with locked bootloader.
if someone can explain... i'll be more than happy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is different from unlocking bootloader eg the Motorola Milestone has root but the bootloader is still locked. This still allows you to load partially customized ROMs but prevents loading custom kernels for one thing.
My question though would be:
What exactly is the point in HTC's bootloader unlocker? Say you go from a stock phone, upgraded froyo to GB all the way. You dont have s-off or eng-off or anything, what would the benefit be to now unlock the bootloader "officially"?
Does it supply a recovery with nandroid backup or allow GB to be rooted or anything like that?
The benefit would be that you lose your warranty because HTC saves your serial, which wouldn't happen if you do it yourself.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using Tapatalk
Exactly...and thanks to AAHK it's not really difficult to get Root, S-Off and CWM on our phones
DN41
Wonder why HTC went through "all the trouble" to do a bootloader unlocker for Desire HD now anyway? its like p#ssing on the ashes AFTER the house burnt down, surely they know there's a dozen ways to get there that are far less involved than their convoluted scheme. *shrugs*
I did this just because there's no major action on ICS and no action on rcmix runny, so i needed to do something to my phone.
Its a real convoluted process.
you need to restore to stock and update to the latest ruu before you can then install the new hboot to then unlock.
The only difference is now i have locked, then unlocked at the top of the bootloader screen.
still needed to re root the stock rom to install 4ext to nandroid the stock and restore ICS.
Really not worth the effort trying ifyou already have a custom recovery and s-off.
Unless you want the latest possible date to show off...
But if you unlocked the bootloader, what is the best way to get root access?
I want to use eg Titanium backup
Pibroens said:
But if you unlocked the bootloader, what is the best way to get root access?
I want to use eg Titanium backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the stickies in the dev forum like this one.
If you have S-OFF, obviously you can skip to the next steps, which is to root.
Make sure you read, read, read so you don't miss anything important.

Official unlocked bootoader from htc-dev.net

HTC announced on their site that now the DZ got a unlocked bootloader, i don't exactly know what it means though, so that's why i am posting. Does it mean that now the device will be way easier to root/s-off? no more adb and all?
I don't know what they've done for our phone exactly, but for another HTC phone I know the bootloader unlock doesn't give S-OFF, so while you can flash a custom ROM, it still won't let you flash radios.
Possibly the worst bit is by using this tool you will be officially agreeing with HTC that your warranty is void.
I suggest sticking with the method in the XDA Wiki.
Sent from my Desire Z running CM7.

[Q] Is it safer to use HTC unlock tool?

I just got my DZ back from HTC, and unfortunately they upgraded my firmware to 2.3. I took a look on the instructions on downgrading 2.3 to 1.xx, and it looks quite complicated and risky.
I know that HTC has released unlocking tool for DZ and I wonder if it is safer to use that. Anyone tried it before?
General opinion is that HTC's unlock tool is rubbish because (a) it is very restrictive and doesn 't really unlock properly, and (b) it officially voids your warranty.
The procedure in the Wiki is quite safe if you follow it properly. Read it carefully and come back and ask questions, before you try it, if there's anything you are not clear on. There are plenty of people here who can help you.
Sent from my Desire Z running CM7.
The thing is, that if you unlocked your boot loaders via htcdev, you will be able to get perm root and custom rom, BUT you will still have s-on. So apps like rom manager or boot manager won't work properly.
I recommend the wiki way too.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using xda premium
I think you should use the wiki's instruction. It's actually a lot easier.
I had the same thought as you, tried HTC's unlocking method and could never get it done. Then I tried the wiki's instruction, downgraded, rooted and installed ICS all in about an hour.
Disclaimer: I am a noob, this is the second time I root a phone (first time was my SGS S a year ago).
steviewevie said:
General opinion is that HTC's unlock tool is rubbish because (a) it is very restrictive and doesn 't really unlock properly, and (b) it officially voids your warranty.
The procedure in the Wiki is quite safe if you follow it properly. Read it carefully and come back and ask questions, before you try it, if there's anything you are not clear on. There are plenty of people here who can help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to all of this.
HTC Unlock does not give you S-Off, does not give you root, and you can only flash from ADB. Just do the Wiki method, and get real control of your phone.
I think you shouldn't use the htc tool....not the greatest result but lost your garanty!
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA
Using the HTC tool is like sending a registered letter to HTC declaring you just voided your warranty. Stick to the wiki, IMHO!
Thanks guys. I decided to follow the wiki and got it successfully unlocked again! Got a custom rom back on!
Its warranty is not an issue to me as it is already expired
human-being said:
Thanks guys. I decided to follow the wiki and got it successfully unlocked again! Got a custom rom back on!
Its warranty is not an issue to me as it is already expired
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did right with the wiki. If for any reason something went horribly wrong with a flash and you still had S-On bootloader, such as via htcdev unlock, you could have been screeeewed. S-Off makes your phone virtually bomb-proof, seriously it takes effort hard bricking a G2/DZ that's S-Off
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA

Root vs. unlocked bootloader vs. s-off

Apologies in advance for being dumb.....
I'm currently on an S4. Things are simple. I root. I install TWRP recovery. I flash whatever ROM I want. I flash back to full stock if I want to. Real easy.
I've been considering the HTC One M9, and reading up for a couple weeks now. I'm confused about some things....hoping someone can help clear things up.
First off, FYI - I'm Verizon.
I just read a page that explained the difference between root, unlocked bootloader, and s-off:
http://www.pocketables.com/2012/08/the-difference-between-root-s-offon-lockedunlocked-bootloader-in-the-htc-evo-series.html
I should clarify the *typical* reasons I don't stay stock with my S4 and previous phones:
Handful of apps I use that need root.
Benefiting from various things that custom ROMs give me - debloat, etc.
Hotspot
Now let's see if I can ask my questions correctly:
Can the HTC One M9 be rooted without unlocked bootloader and/or s-off? If for example I just wanted to be able to run apps that require root.
Unlocked bootloader - This is where I get confused with s-off. I know I can't use HTCDEV. And the folks that are shipping their phones to people with the special cards are looking to get s-off it seems. Can someone clarify if there will likely be a software method to unlock bootloader (without necessarily chasing after s-off)?
s-off: Given the reasons stated above that I typically don't stay stock, do I care about s-off? It sounds like with an unlocked bootloader I can do custom recovery and ROMs, and s-off just allows me to access additional stuff I wouldn't typically want to mess with...is this correct?
In all 3 scenarios above, is there the ability to return phone to full stock?
I'm due for an upgrade, and wanna get the phone, but worried I won't be able to do what I want with it, or be in a situation where I can't get a repair/replacement if something ever happens to it.
Thank you so much in advance for any insight someone can provide....
crackface said:
First off, FYI - I'm Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon does not allow the M9 to be unlocked. In order to do anything with that device, you will need to purchase a java card or find someone with one.
Go to the Verizon M9 forum for more information.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-one-m9
You might want to check other Verizon phones, but I highly doubt that the M9 is the only phone that verizon prevents from being unlocked. So you might be in the same boat no matter which device you choose.
jollywhitefoot said:
Verizon does not allow the M9 to be unlocked. In order to do anything with that device, you will need to purchase a java card or find someone with one.
Go to the Verizon M9 forum for more information.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-one-m9
You might want to check other Verizon phones, but I highly doubt that the M9 is the only phone that verizon prevents from being unlocked. So you might be in the same boat no matter which device you choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops! Can a mod by chance move this to the Verizon specific forum? I thought that's where I was...
Bootloader boots the os.
Root gives special permissions to allow changes to root but certain parts of the device are locked (modem, radio etc).
S-off (secure off) gives full access to root and partitions. Allows permanent changes to modem, radio etc.
Non of these are needed by the average user and this point is made clear when said average user doesn't understand and cannot get their head around it.
Htc is not like samsung. Samsung openly support flashing devices by not locking the bootloader in the first place but on the flip side samsung roms are blatanly the fastest for their devices over custom roms.
Sent from a stolen HTC M9
shivadow said:
Bootloader boots the os.
Root gives special permissions to allow changes to root but certain parts of the device are locked (modem, radio etc).
S-off (secure off) gives full access to root and partitions. Allows permanent changes to modem, radio etc.
Non of these are needed by the average user and this point is made clear when said average user doesn't understand and cannot get their head around it.
Htc is not like samsung. Samsung openly support flashing devices by not locking the bootloader in the first place but on the flip side samsung roms are blatanly the fastest for their devices over custom roms.
Sent from a stolen HTC M9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my apologies in advance if I'm sounding like an idiot here....as with Verizon's announcement I'm now rushed to possibly purchase this phone at discounted rate.
I know with s-off I need to send it off to a friend of these forums with a donation. But I don't think I need s-off (not sure I need to flash radio and whatnot)...as I just want root and ability to flash custom recovery and a custom ROM. Can I do those things without having s-off (my reading tells me no, but want to be sure)? Or can root be acquired and ability for custom recovery without s-off? Or is there somewhere I can read that answers these questions in details?
And is there an ability to return to stock if I run into problems?
Sorry if these questions are redundant to my previous questions or prevailing answers provided.
Thanks for any info.
crackface said:
So my apologies in advance if I'm sounding like an idiot here....as with Verizon's announcement I'm now rushed to possibly purchase this phone at discounted rate.
I know with s-off I need to send it off to a friend of these forums with a donation. But I don't think I need s-off (not sure I need to flash radio and whatnot)...as I just want root and ability to flash custom recovery and a custom ROM. Can I do those things without having s-off (my reading tells me no, but want to be sure)? Or can root be acquired and ability for custom recovery without s-off? Or is there somewhere I can read that answers these questions in details?
And is there an ability to return to stock if I run into problems?
Sorry if these questions are redundant to my previous questions or prevailing answers provided.
Thanks for any info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your only choice is s-off. You cannot unlock your bootloader via HTC dev as Verizon blocks us. So the only way to do what you want is s-off. When I s-off someone's phone I also unlock the bootloader manually and flash twrp and supersu.
Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk
dottat said:
Your only choice is s-off. You cannot unlock your bootloader via HTC dev as Verizon blocks us. So the only way to do what you want is s-off. When I s-off someone's phone I also unlock the bootloader manually and flash twrp and supersu.
Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Verizon M9 S-OFF, but I could not unlock bootloader. Plz tell me how could I unlock bootloader.

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