Related
Hey guys,
I'm sorry if this has been asked before - I did a search around but found nothing, surprisingly. Question is, if I flash my HTC One X (which is currently stock and on a plan with Vodafone, so full of 'bloatware' and 'outdated' builds) with the 'universal' (unlocked?) stock ROM will my original warranty be voided? My main reasons for wanting to do this is remove a few unnecessary apps that Vodafone include and make sure I'm receiving the latest OTA updates straight from HTC. Obviously I can continue to wait for the updates and turn a blind eye to the 'crapware', but if I'm able to flash the official stock ROM straight from HTC then I'd much rather do that, just need to make sure no warranty issues will arise as I'd hate to have such a beautiful device collecting dust because I was too impatient or ignorant to check beforehand.
Thanks for any suggestions or help,
DJ GLiTCH
...
If you are going to flash any ROM (including stock) you will need to unlock your bootloader first (via HTC dev) and install CWM Recovery. The act of unlocking you bootloader voids your warranty. They keep a note of all of the phones that they have unlocked. You may still be covered for physical defects (although maybe not) and you definitely won't be covered for anything software related.
gifton1 said:
If you are going to flash any ROM (including stock) you will need to unlock your bootloader first (via HTC dev) and install CWM Recovery. The act of unlocking you bootloader voids your warranty. They keep a note of all of the phones that they have unlocked. You may still be covered for physical defects (although maybe not) and you definitely won't be covered for anything software related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not technically true.
HTC clearly state that unlocking your bootloader *may* void *certain* parts of your warranty. In other words if you screw up your phone as a result of flashing roms then your on your own. If your phone develops a fault then it's covered.
HTC can't possibly keep a note of what phones have been unlocked. How can they? When you go through HTCDev.com you get sent the unlock file which you then have to flash. Only because HTC sent you this file it does not mean that you have flashed it - you may have changed your mind afterwards.
Once you unlock your bootloader and flash a custom rom you can choose you revert back to Stock by relocking then flashing the Vodafone branded RUU file. Providing you don't balls up your phone during this process your entire warranty will remain intact, including software issues.
dr9722 said:
Not technically true.
HTC clearly state that unlocking your bootloader *may* void *certain* parts of your warranty. In other words if you screw up your phone as a result of flashing roms then your on your own. If your phone develops a fault then it's covered.
HTC can't possibly keep a note of what phones have been unlocked. How can they? When you go through HTCDev.com you get sent the unlock file which you then have to flash. Only because HTC sent you this file it does not mean that you have flashed it - you may have changed your mind afterwards.
Once you unlock your bootloader and flash a custom rom you can choose you revert back to Stock by relocking then flashing the Vodafone branded RUU file. Providing you don't balls up your phone during this process your entire warranty will remain intact, including software issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlock and afterwards relock the bootloader again, in fastboot mode it says bootloader RELOCKED and not LOCKED. That`s how they see it.
I spoke to Vodafone Australia and they assured me that the act of unlocking alone does NOT void your warranty, however once you make a modification, warranty is gone. So yes, flashing another Rom will void warranty
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
dr9722 said:
Not technically true.
HTC clearly state that unlocking your bootloader *may* void *certain* parts of your warranty. In other words if you screw up your phone as a result of flashing roms then your on your own. If your phone develops a fault then it's covered.
HTC can't possibly keep a note of what phones have been unlocked. How can they? When you go through HTCDev.com you get sent the unlock file which you then have to flash. Only because HTC sent you this file it does not mean that you have flashed it - you may have changed your mind afterwards.
Once you unlock your bootloader and flash a custom rom you can choose you revert back to Stock by relocking then flashing the Vodafone branded RUU file. Providing you don't balls up your phone during this process your entire warranty will remain intact, including software issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, as pointed out by Gee2012 above, the bootloader says Relocked if you lock it again - so it is fairly obvious. This is irrelevant anyway as they have your phone imei number which is most probably what they use - they aren't stupid!
And from what I have been reading - HTC are being funny when people are trying to claim on warranty even if it is a physical defect that you have, once you have unlocked your bootloader. See here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1631610
gifton1 said:
Actually, as pointed out by Gee2012 above, the bootloader says Relocked if you lock it again - so it is fairly obvious. This is irrelevant anyway as they have your phone imei number which is most probably what they use - they aren't stupid!
And from what I have been reading - HTC are being funny when people are trying to claim on warranty even if it is a physical defect that you have, once you have unlocked your bootloader. See here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1631610
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know it says relocked but HTC arnt keeping a "note" as such at the point of unlocking via HTCDev.
I sent my HOX back due to dust under the screen with the bootloader relocked and I received it back good as new (still unlocked).
dr9722 said:
Yes I know it says relocked but HTC arnt keeping a "note" as such at the point of unlocking via HTCDev.
I sent my HOX back due to dust under the screen with the bootloader relocked and I received it back good as new (still unlocked).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They gave your phone back due to a hardware issue - fair enough. But if you went back for example with poor signal quality, even if you have flashed your original RUU, I very much doubt they would consider that under warranty anymore. They know you have unlocked the bootloader and tinkered with the software (even tho you are now back on stock). Have a lock at the link that i posted - it seems to be pretty murky water!
I also think that it also varies from servicecenter to servicecenter how they cope with this procedure or protocol. Some are more strict than others. I once took a bricked I9000 (due to a bad flash) to Dynafix and they repaired it under warranty!
It was running a custom rom and kerrnel.
Thank you all very much for your responses. I'm sorry for the delay, but for some reason never received any email notifications of replies.
I understand that flashing 'may' void warranty, depending on how far you go with the whole unlocking the bootloader and custom roms, but my concern is with flashing a non-carrier orientated stock rom. Such that I can revive updates quickly and OTA without needing the delay of Vodafone and the like, as well as removing all of their 'useful apps' they include inside their roms which I cannot remove.
Not trying to go off topic here either, but I come from a Samsung background (upgraded from the original Galaxy S) and was just wondering if the flashing process is similar? Like I'm guessing there is no odin for HTC, but clockwork mod and the rest are still around, correct? Not after instructions, just curious, as I'm trying to avoid losing my warranty and would likely only flash stock roms (for the time being at least, until I cave in). Cheers.
According to Vodafone, you will lose your warranty regardless of what you flash whether its stock based or not. They also said that simply rooting voids it as well.
However you might be able to flash the stock RUU for voda which may cover your tracks. I'm not 100% though.
As for flashing, Im still stock at the moment but from what I gather it is the same with respect to clockworkmod recovery and what not. But just double check any OPs before you start though lol
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
I'll make it short:
1. Since you have to provide your IMEI number on the sonymobile website, i guess that even if you relock your bootloader later, sony will know that you have already void your warranty and you will permanently lose your warranty. Is this correct?
2. Can "locked bootloader" roms be flashed on phone with unlock bootloader. I know it's a silly question but i didn't want to open a new thread for just one question
3. Any benefit of unlocking the bootloader over flashing roms with locked bootloader?
4. Is it worth playing with roms on this device at all, since jelly bean is just around the corner? I know that official firmware is always bad and that the custom ones are modified well. I'm fed up of the lag my phone has, every time i pull my notification bar...i'm on official firmware and i'm using build.prop tweaks but they're not helping much.
SONY Says unlocking Bootloader may void it's warranty.
Well see, this is how it works in my country. Upon unlocking bootloader i loose my warranty. But the warranty for any hardware damage is still valid here. Which means with a unlocked bootloader i will not get warranty if my phone gets bricked by any Custom ROM/MOD try out or Software related issue.
But let's say, the screen isn't working or the speaker isn't working, then i might get a replacement for this type of hardware damage. Only parts replacement.
But yes this may not same for all region. Or may be the SONY service center people here are little too kind
But yes, they can check the bootloader unlocking status easily, if i am not mistaken, cause one of the SONY Forum moderator told me so.
Lastly, Playing with the ROM actually Depends on you, some likes custom ROMS and some like Stock ROM.
But since the JB update is just doorstep ahead, so i would say, you wait for it. Do not unlock it now.
shad0wboss said:
I'll make it short:
1. Since you have to provide your IMEI number on the sonymobile website, i guess that even if you relock your bootloader later, sony will know that you have already void your warranty and you will permanently lose your warranty. Is this correct?
2. Can "locked bootloader" roms be flashed on phone with unlock bootloader. I know it's a silly question but i didn't want to open a new thread for just one question
3. Any benefit of unlocking the bootloader over flashing roms with locked bootloader?
4. Is it worth playing with roms on this device at all, since jelly bean is just around the corner? I know that official firmware is always bad and that the custom ones are modified well. I'm fed up of the lag my phone has, every time i pull my notification bar...i'm on official firmware and i'm using build.prop tweaks but they're not helping much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes they usually check but it depends on your country too. In my country I got my phone's screen replacement done within the warranty after unlocking my boot loader.
2. Yes you can flash any ROM for Xperia S.
3. Main advantage is that you can flash custom kernels ( even ROMs like Cm, slimbean etc.)
4. Absolutely. You can still enjoy official JB even after unlocking your boot loader.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
What is the best way to root G4, whilst keeping it "friendly" for warranty claims?!?
Hi, forgive me if this thread isn't in the appropriate section.
I have a bit of rooting experience, haven't done much in a few years though, (knowing that there are now several ways to root devices), and have just picked up the G4.
Now I'd like to root the G4, but keep the stock rom, (6.0) and mainly will be just running xposed to edit and muck around with LG's ugly skin. I'd still like to be able to receive OTA updates, (even if the OTA update may remove my root,) as well as hopefully still be fine if I needed to return the device under warren.
I've been reading around and apparently you must unlock the bootloader in order to root for Marshmallow? If i were to still do this, could I keep the stock recovery at least, or if not, would I be able to easily revert to stock with a stock recovery and relock the bootloader?
Apologies for my ignorance, just trying to figure out if I should really be rooting or just chuck on Nova launcher and be happy with LG's offerings. Cheers
Keep it on a stock rom and if yoi have a carrier varient then try to not change the boot logo lol idk just a guess.
Jared_Anderson said:
Hi, forgive me if this thread isn't in the appropriate section.
I have a bit of rooting experience, haven't done much in a few years though, (knowing that there are now several ways to root devices), and have just picked up the G4.
Now I'd like to root the G4, but keep the stock rom, (6.0) and mainly will be just running xposed to edit and muck around with LG's ugly skin. I'd still like to be able to receive OTA updates, (even if the OTA update may remove my root,) as well as hopefully still be fine if I needed to return the device under warren.
I've been reading around and apparently you must unlock the bootloader in order to root for Marshmallow? If i were to still do this, could I keep the stock recovery at least, or if not, would I be able to easily revert to stock with a stock recovery and relock the bootloader?
Apologies for my ignorance, just trying to figure out if I should really be rooting or just chuck on Nova launcher and be happy with LG's offerings. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes to reflashing stock rom
Yes to relocking the bootloader
So you are clear to make whatever modifications you want, you can always revert safely.
Vseprz said:
Yes to reflashing stock rom
Yes to relocking the bootloader
So you are clear to make whatever modifications you want, you can always revert safely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once your bootloader is unlocked, you cannot relock it. Your device will always show a message saying "Bootloader unlocked" after turned on. Warranty is likely to be declined then. BTW: You have to get your unlock.bin file from lg, agreeing to void your warranty. So, even if you smash your screen and they cannot see the message, lg knows it is out of warranty.
pen² said:
Once your bootloader is unlocked, you cannot relock it. Your device will always show a message saying "Bootloader unlocked" after turned on. Warranty is likely to be declined then. BTW: You have to get your unlock.bin file from lg, agreeing to void your warranty. So, even if you smash your screen and they cannot see the message, lg knows it is out of warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since when do you have to get the unlock.bin? We unlock from fastboot. Have you confirmed by trying to relock from fastboot? I read otherwise from another thread.
Furthermore, a quick search around indicates people who have unlocked and rooted have had their warranty honored despite software changes.
Vseprz said:
Since when do you have to get the unlock.bin? We unlock from fastboot. Have you confirmed by trying to relock from fastboot? I read otherwise from another thread.
Furthermore, a quick search around indicates people who have unlocked and rooted have had their warranty honored despite software changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock from fastboot is only possible after flashing said unlock.bin file, which can only be obtained by lg and is unique for each device. Furthermore, I had an unlocked, bootlooping h815 and lg refused warranty to me (in Germany). Got my phone replaced by my vendor on eu law which only applies if the defect strikes in the first six months.
So, while some people are lucky to have their phone repaired despite an unlocked bootloader, I'm really happy for them, but lg is not bound to repair it on warranty
pen² said:
Unlock from fastboot is only possible after flashing said unlock.bin file, which can only be obtained by lg and is unique for each device. Furthermore, I had an unlocked, bootlooping h815 and lg refused warranty to me (in Germany). Got my phone replaced by my vendor on eu law which only applies if the defect strikes in the first six months.
So, while some people are lucky to have their phone repaired despite an unlocked bootloader, I'm really happy for them, but lg is not bound to repair it on warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I see. You have a h815. I have a h811. Our process differs there.
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys. Its not from a carrier, i bought it outright. Seems like i might just have to keep it stock, its not too bad as is, guess ill just have to live with it. Thanks for the help though.
Jared_Anderson said:
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys. Its not from a carrier, i bought it outright. Seems like i might just have to keep it stock, its not too bad as is, guess ill just have to live with it. Thanks for the help though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least you can root with locked bootloader
Not under marshmallow
You can do none of things you listed keeping it stock. First of all google change policy and in marshmallow you need to flash modified boot.img in order to flash custom recovery and/or to root it. As you know the bootloader has to be unlocked but there is no way to relock it. So sorry, but impossible.
People need to understand a simple thing.
You either mod your device and lose warranty or you keep it stock.
It's that simple. People worried about warranties and ota updates are on the wrong site.
Hi! i've bought a Realme GT Master Edition just recently and have these VERY IMPORTANT questions regarding my phone's warranty. the warranty comes from a third party company and lasts 18 months.
this phone is the best phone i could buy with my money, but the realme is not much known in my country, most stores don't have smartphones made by this company and repair shops don't have these phones' spare parts, and smartphones are ridiculously expensive here, so i can't easily ignore this warranty and am looking for a way to do my thing without being caught by the warranty provider.
the warranty provider says my warranty will void completely if my phone gets flashed by individuals other than them, let alone the rooting or unlocking the bootloader!
so i'm stuck on 2 big decisions:
1. Ignore the warranty and root my phone, but if something bad happens, then i will have to spend many years without a phone.
2. forget about rooting and get used to the ridiculous limits of Android 11/12.
but i need both of them, so i want to ask you is that even possible?
1. What traces will be left in my phone if i root it then unroot + relock it's bootloader and flash a stock rom?
2. how do they find out my phone is flashed by someone else?
3. is there any flash counter or anything in my phone that shows my phone was flashed or modified before?
4. if there is a way to do it without getting caught, can you tell me what things should i do?
5. if you know any way then did it work for you? (did you relock and unroot your phone and get the warranty service?)
if your answer contains technical details, please tell me, i will learn anything required to do those.
Thank you for reading!
Hi all, I just recently purchased a Google pixel 6 pro new for cheap coming from a Galaxy S9. I was wondering if there are any downsides to unlocking the bootloader? Like losing some kind of functionality or DRM or Widevine certification, etc. forever? Switching from a brand that has everything locked down I'm used to losing functionality lol
Teet1 said:
Hi all, I just recently purchased a Google pixel 6 pro new for cheap coming from a Galaxy S9. I was wondering if there are any downsides to unlocking the bootloader? Like losing some kind of functionality or DRM or Widevine certification, etc. forever? Switching from a brand that has everything locked down I'm used to losing functionality lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, only rooting will have disadvantages, <ie> Banking and Google Pay. My Bank won't allow rooted phones to use its app.
Disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader (unlocking the bootloader can be done without rooting after):
It may be possible that some rare banking or other sensitive apps will notice that your bootloader is unlocked and refuse to fully function.
If you're not very careful, you could accidentally either temporarily or permanently brick your device by flashing the wrong thing.
Truthfully, most of the time, having the bootloader unlocked (or at least OEM unlocking enabled) gives you MORE recovery options if something bad happens (such as you flash Android 20 Beta 1 and it bricks your phone).
Having the bootloader unlocked is by its nature less secure, so if your device gets stolen, there may be a greater possibility a hacker can break into your phone and/or get valuable data out of your account or cause greater havoc. I've never had a phone stolen, although I did find someone's stolen Sprint HTC 4G (if I remember the model correctly) one time, which I arranged to return to the owner by calling Sprint. I assume the person who stole the phone gave up on being able to easily use the stolen phone, since Sprint erased and locked down the phone remotely.
Disadvantages to being rooted:
Have to manually update anytime you want the new month's update.
Have to jump through a few hoops to make sure almost all banking/sensitive apps don't realize that you're rooted. The method may change from time to time due to changes in Android, so there's always the possibility any time you flash an update to Android on your device that you'll have to wait for and flash an update to root-hiding methods.
Advantages of being rooted: Well, you know, there are tons.
Good luck!
roirraW edor ehT said:
Disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader (unlocking the bootloader can be done without rooting after):
It may be possible that some rare banking or other sensitive apps will notice that your bootloader is unlocked and refuse to fully function.
If you're not very careful, you could accidentally either temporarily or permanently brick your device by flashing the wrong thing.
Truthfully, most of the time, having the bootloader unlocked (or at least OEM unlocking enabled) gives you MORE recovery options if something bad happens (such as you flash Android 20 Beta 1 and it bricks your phone).
Having the bootloader unlocked is by its nature less secure, so if your device gets stolen, there may be a greater possibility a hacker can break into your phone and/or get valuable data out of your account or cause greater havoc. I've never had a phone stolen, although I did find someone's stolen Sprint HTC 4G (if I remember the model correctly) one time, which I arranged to return to the owner by calling Sprint. I assume the person who stole the phone gave up on being able to easily use the stolen phone, since Sprint erased and locked down the phone remotely.
Disadvantages to being rooted:
Have to manually update anytime you want the new month's update.
Have to jump through a few hoops to make sure almost all banking/sensitive apps don't realize that you're rooted. The method may change from time to time due to changes in Android, so there's always the possibility any time you flash an update to Android on your device that you'll have to wait for and flash an update to root-hiding methods.
Advantages of being rooted: Well, you know, there are tons.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! i've been in the game for a while so I know the pros/cons of rooting and unlocking. I just didnt know if there were any device specific downsides on the pixel 6 pro, but it seems its just the usual stuff. Coming from a locked down brand, this is very liberating!
Teet1 said:
Thank you! i've been in the game for a while so I know the pros/cons of rooting and unlocking. I just didnt know if there were any device specific downsides on the pixel 6 pro, but it seems its just the usual stuff. Coming from a locked down brand, this is very liberating!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, you're welcome. Yep, I fooled with a Sony phone once. Was extremely disappointing that it gimped the camera on purpose if you unlocked the bootloader using their official means to do so. And for a while with the bootloader unlocked but not rooted, I still received OTA updates just fine, but then suddenly they stopped allowing OTAs to download and install actually over the air - had to use XperiFirm to download and then flash them manually.
It's getting harder to pass various integrity checks for Play, banking apps, and GPay. And now device integrity. You have to consciously maintain all of these.