Galaxy Nexus bootloader unlocked itself? - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

I'm sure this sounds crazy, but here's the short version... I purchased a second Galaxy Nexus on eBay and it just came in. I activated the phone and tested calls, wifi, speakers, etc. to verify it was all working. Afterwards I flashed the GA02 update + LTE modem update (provided by sextape) using Odin 3.04. When it rebooted after flashing, the "unlock" icon was there. So once it was done, I pulled battery, went into the bootloader and sure enough it's now saying my bootloader is unlocked. The first boot and all subsequent restarts while doing the manual activation, it was locked. I compared bootloader screens when I first took it out of the packaging with my original Galaxy Nexus (unlocked bootloader) and the new one said "locked".
Has anyone ever had this happen? Does the GA02 update + LTE update by Sextape automatically unlock your bootloader?
I'm mystified...

Considering that you usually need an unlocked bl to touch the radio, i'd bet that LTE modem update tool has something to do with it. Did you check that thread? I've stayed away from odin, but perhaps that had an option checked to unlock it?

bodh said:
Considering that you usually need an unlocked bl to touch the radio, i'd bet that LTE modem update tool has something to do with it. Did you check that thread? I've stayed away from odin, but perhaps that had an option checked to unlock it?
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Click to collapse
I've searched it but didn't find anything related to the bootloader unlocking. I checked the contents of the LTE tar and it's just a radio.img. As far as I know the ODIN tool is just an interface to flash the images. The same would be accomplished using fastboot flash (partition) (image). Maybe it's something inside the recovery.img sextape modified.

You mentioned odin, if you haven have a unlocked bootloader, odin does it for you......................
You need to do more research before committing..................

Mach3.2 said:
You mentioned odin, if you haven have a unlocked bootloader, odin does it for you......................
You need to do more research before committing..................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid I didn't understand most of what you said nor am I sure to whom you said it to. If to me, I have flashed using ODIN in the past and it did not unlock the boot loader. This was posted only out of curiosity and I'm just chalking it up to a modification in one of the images (boot loader maybe?)

I think Mach was talking to you.. My point is that i believe the bootloader must be unlocked to even touch the radio, as part of a security measure. I do not believe you could fastboot flash anything at all without first having the bl unlocked. Then again, you say you've used odin before to flash without an unlocked bl, and i know almost nothing about odin.

bodh said:
I think Mach was talking to you.. My point is that i believe the bootloader must be unlocked to even touch the radio, as part of a security measure. I do not believe you could fastboot flash anything at all without first having the bl unlocked. Then again, you say you've used odin before to flash without an unlocked bl, and i know almost nothing about odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got a point there. I switch between phones often (mostly HTC in the past) so I think I'm slightly mixed up on the different methods setup for the different handsets. Thanks for pointing it that out.

thefsfempire said:
I'm afraid I didn't understand most of what you said nor am I sure to whom you said it to. If to me, I have flashed using ODIN in the past and it did not unlock the boot loader. This was posted only out of curiosity and I'm just chalking it up to a modification in one of the images (boot loader maybe?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup referring to you.
Haven use odin before, but i remember someone said if you have a locked bootloader, flashing using odin will unlock the bootloader.
Don't know why odin did not unlock your bootloader in the past when you used it, without a unlocked bootloader, you can't flash anything.

Related

[Q] R800a can not OTA update or enter fastboot, root problems? mode.

I recently purchased a R800 from someone on Craigslist. The phone is already rooted, permanantly I think since it is rooted after doing a factory restore. It is not sim locked, I believe its factory unlocked.
I tried to do the OTA update, which downloads, but fails to install. It appears to get about 3/4 of the way done, reboots and gives me an "update failed" message.
I wanted to unlock the boot loader, I got the unlock key from SE. I must of tried 10 times to get the phone to boot into fastboot mode, it NEVER does it. It simply boots up normally. I even got an app that makes it easy to reboot into restore or fastboot modes (just click an option and it reboots), however just like before the phone simply reboots normally. I even did a factory restore prior to trying the update... no go.
Should I try to remove the root access? Is this what is giving me all the problems. I was able to successfully install root explorer and titanium backup and both of those programs worked fine.
R800i, Android 2.3.3, Kernel 2.6.32.9-perf [email protected] #1, Build number 3.0.1.A.0.145
Edit: Title should be "Can not OTA or enter fastboot mode, root problems?"
Is your phone sim locked? Sim locked phones need to be unlocked before able to unlock bootloader or fast load. After you unlock bootloader make sure you never ota update.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
Your phone has a locked bootloader and a factory lockout on fastboot.
Best advice to you is flash the r800a world generic 2.3.2 root it with gingerbreak then ota update. Use a program called wontanserver as its super easy.
Dont get anyone to remove your factory locks on fastboot until you read tons of threads on these fourms from the last couple months.
Ok, lets see....
Deoxlar said:
"Is your phone sim locked? Sim locked phones need to be unlocked before able to unlock bootloader or fast load. After you unlock bootloader make sure you never ota update."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is the R800a. It was my understanding that this phone was never locked (factory unlocked). It came in an official Sony Ericsson box and has no carrier branding on it what-so-ever. It was not purchased through a carrier. It does have a weird stock data APN called "Telekila"?!?!?
sdlaurin said:
"Your phone has a locked bootloader and a factory lockout on fastboot.
Best advice to you is flash the r800a world generic 2.3.2 root it with gingerbreak then ota update. Use a program called wontanserver as its super easy.
Dont get anyone to remove your factory locks on fastboot until you read tons of threads on these fourms from the last couple months."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't wontonserver require credits to run? How expensive does this get?
I didn't know the phone could have a factory lock on the bootloader. I did go to the SE website where you get the unlock key and it was successful in giving me a key... Well I shouldn't exactly say "successful", it did give me a key code to use if and when I can unlock the bootloader, weather or not that code is actually legit remains to be seen. I'm a bit skeptical now since you said the phone is bootloader locked from the factory. I though SE was allowing their phones to be unlocked. I recently unlocked my Motorola Atrix and was expecting to do the same with this phone.
Thank you guys for the advice. I love this phone so far but I can't wait to get a custom rom on it
It uses credits but they are free.
There are currently 2 gentlemen on these forums that can remove your fastboot locks and unlock your bootloader.
Have a look for thier threads on this matter
I would like to have this done now, so gentlemen, whomever is able to do this please message me and we can work something out. Im dieing to get a new rom on this awesome phone/game console.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
If you need help with unlocking your phone contact Alejandrissimo he does Unlocks
I flashed the r800a world generic 2.3.2 rooted it with gingerbreak then ota updated.I get the same thing as DMpire , reboots and gives me an "update failed" message.
Is this because I removed some of the stock apps that came on the phone after it was rooted? Anyone know about this?
Does it matter if the SD card is mounted or not?
Removing stock apps then trying to ota isnt going to happen. Reflash, root, ota, then remove your stock apps
Is there any easy way to do this? can I reflash it as it has a locked bootloader, or do I have to get the bootloader unlocked?
JDMpire said:
I would like to have this done now, so gentlemen, whomever is able to do this please message me and we can work something out. Im dieing to get a new rom on this awesome phone/game console.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Christian6809 said:
Is there any easy way to do this? can I reflash it as it has a locked bootloader, or do I have to get the bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add me to gtalk pals: alejandrissimo[at]gmail.com
Google wontanserver its free

[Q] at&t bootloader

Googling and searching this website have yielded nothing useful so I figured I'd ask:
Has anyone yet been able to unlock the bootloader on the sm-t807a (the AT&T model of the 805)?
Thanks in advance. I'm just itching debloat this sucker and see what it can really do.
Not yet.
Okay; further query. Does the locked bootloader just mean I'll trip knox if I flash a custom ROM or otherwise acquire root or is it more insidious than that? Because I'll trade my warranty for root any day of the week. Is there absolutely nothing I can do? I can live with just root and not being able to use a custom ROM but I don't know how long I can run this thing without xposed before I lose my mind.
Locked bootloader means nothing will flash unless it stock and signed. There's chance of a brick and/ or end up with Knox tripped just for the he'll of of it.
Has anyone gained any ground on the T-807A as far as unlocking the bootloader. All I can get into is Odin Mode. Is there a fastboot mode? I have two tablets that are locked up and unbootable because of unapproved software. (TWRPn recovery on both occasions)​
Geraldleach2 said:
Has anyone gained any ground on the T-807A as far as unlocking the bootloader. All I can get into is Odin Mode. Is there a fastboot mode? I have two tablets that are locked up and unbootable because of unapproved software. (TWRPn recovery on both occasions)​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash the stock firmware with odin.

ASUS's Stance on Warranties

I unlocked my bootloader several months ago, but now my SIM card readers (both of them) have gone out. I have no idea how, no water damage or anything like that has happened. They just stopped working. So I went complete stock firmware, locked bootloader, everything but I am still unable to take OTA updates like a new phone would be able to. I think this is because they banned my device from OTAs which I believe they do if you have messed with the device. I need to RMA my device so my question is would it be better to say that I didn't tamper with the device and run the risk of them finding out I did, which is pretty likely seeing as how my device has been banned from OTA updates, or tell them that I did unlock it and all of that but that I have relocked it and I am back to stock? If any of you have had a similar issue how did ASUS handle that? Thanks!
E3AANG11E3 said:
I unlocked my bootloader several months ago, but now my SIM card readers (both of them) have gone out. I have no idea how, no water damage or anything like that has happened. They just stopped working. So I went complete stock firmware, locked bootloader, and all of that but that I have relocked it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to you relock bootloader?
mr_gourav2000 said:
How to you relock bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I am a new user I cannot post links. But Google "Zenfone 2 bootloader unlock" and I followed the instructions of Grekky's Blog.
there is no such thing as relocking the bootloader. only thing you can do it flash the stock image to make it look stock (since an unlocked bootloader has a white splash screen) but im sure asus knows of this and will still check and see that the bootloader is indeed unlocked and not warranty it.
This is just something we all accepted as a consequence of unlocking our bootloaders. hell i have a screen thats getting worse and worse with a yellow/brownish line coming from the top of the phone, but alas i have an unlocked phone too.
You can replace the white splash screen by flashing a black splash screen image to try and cover up unlocking your bootloader. http://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/themes-apps/551-black-white-splashscreen-twrp-flash-t3141945 . If the reseller has no clue about custom recoveries and trying to flash a rom you'll be safe.
They fixed it, no questions asked. And yes, I was able to relock the bootloader.

Should we unlock the Bootloader if no root planned

If you have no plans to root the phone is there any reason to unlock the bootloader?
It would probably break Safety net and Android pay. BUT if you're unlocked, you have ability to flash factory images. That could be beneficial something goes really bad and your device won't boot up. You're also less secure with it unlocked.
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs
You can always lock and unlock the bootloader when you want.
I would say you should at least have the option checked on in the Developer settings.
So just in case something happened and you can't fully boot the phone. you can still get into it and unlock the bootloader and do what you need to do.
This happened to a friend of mine where something happened and couldn't fully boot and couldn't unlock bootloader cause the option was never checked.
I don't believe the unlock option stays enabled after it boots up.
I would argue why WOULDN'T you unlock the bootloader? Regardless of rooting, an unlocked bootloader is a safety net for when things go south. Phone decides to bootloop tomorrow? No big deal, flash the latest images via fastboot and start from scratch.
Sure there's the counter argument of the phone being much less secure and vulnerable in the hands of a person who is tech savvy and stole/found your device. I'm not worried about my phone being stolen so I ALWAYS unlock my bootloader.
Pain-N-Panic said:
I would argue why WOULDN'T you unlock the bootloader? Regardless of rooting, an unlocked bootloader is a safety net for when things go south. Phone decides to bootloop tomorrow? No big deal, flash the latest images via fastboot and start from scratch.
Sure there's the counter argument of the phone being much less secure and vulnerable in the hands of a person who is tech savvy and stole/found your device. I'm not worried about my phone being stolen so I ALWAYS unlock my bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or just flash the full OTA image without an unlocked bootloader.
mngdew said:
You can always lock and unlock the bootloader when you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does re-locking the bootloader wipe the phone?
foosion said:
Does re-locking the bootloader wipe the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does. That's why you should unlock or lock the bootloader when flashing factory images.
mngdew said:
Yes, it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
mngdew said:
That's why you should unlock or lock the bootloader when flashing factory images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand what you mean by this.
You have to unlock the bootloader to flash a factory image and you can eliminate the w flag so that flashing the factory image won't wipe the phone.
uicnren said:
or just flash the full OTA image without an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true. If the phone goes into booploop due to a bad zip or whatever other reason you have a bricked device with no options to recover.
It's healthy for me to unlock my Bootloader ASAP on XDA!
Unlocking the bootloader was always the very first thing I did when I got a new phone. However, I use Android Pay all the time, and Google seems very determined to break AP for unlocked bootloaders with every new patch. Sure, someone usually finds a way to get it working again, but that sometimes takes time, and I simply use AP too much to deal with it. As long as AP won't work officially with an unlocked bootloader, mine stays locked unless I'm flashing an image, and even then, gets locked right after. Luckily, OTAs are posted by Google now, often at the same time as the Factory Images, so it hasn't really been an issue for me.
akenis said:
It would probably break Safety net and Android pay. BUT if you're unlocked, you have ability to flash factory images. That could be beneficial something goes really bad and your device won't boot up. You're also less secure with it unlocked.
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you what actually is compromised when phone is unlocked?
uicnren said:
or just flash the full OTA image without an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you flash with a locked bootloader?
painfree said:
Thank you what actually is compromised when phone is unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ho...unlocking-your-android-phones-bootloader/amp/
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs
painfree said:
If you have no plans to root the phone is there any reason to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you ever contemplate going onto the Verizon network, when you first boot up after placing VZN sim into the phone,
the ability to ever unlock again is eliminated. You could relock it, but it will have the Unlock option in Developer
Option greyed out forever after that. I would unlock it maybe because of Verizon thing, but also to be able to flash factory a image in case I ever mess up the phone.
michaelbsheldon said:
If you ever contemplate going onto the Verizon network, when you first boot up after placing VZN sim into the phone,
the ability to ever unlock again is eliminated. You could relock it, but it will have the Unlock option in Developer
Option greyed out forever after that. I would unlock it maybe because of Verizon thing, but also to be able to flash factory a image in case I ever mess up the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you have the Google version it should never grey out on you at least that's how it was with the first pixels. I have Verizon I've never had it grey out.
jt3 said:
Unlocking the bootloader was always the very first thing I did when I got a new phone. However, I use Android Pay all the time, and Google seems very determined to break AP for unlocked bootloaders with every new patch. Sure, someone usually finds a way to get it working again, but that sometimes takes time, and I simply use AP too much to deal with it. As long as AP won't work officially with an unlocked bootloader, mine stays locked unless I'm flashing an image, and even then, gets locked right after. Luckily, OTAs are posted by Google now, often at the same time as the Factory Images, so it hasn't really been an issue for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Android Pay is pretty convenient and I always told myself I didn't need it compared to unlock+root. Wish Google would allow AP with unlocked bootloader but I can understand why they don't from a security standpoint.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
foosion said:
Thanks
I don't understand what you mean by this.
You have to unlock the bootloader to flash a factory image and you can eliminate the w flag so that flashing the factory image won't wipe the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you unlock the bootloader, phone is wiped automatically.

Questions about carrier unlock and re-lock the bootloader

Deear All,
I just bought my z2 force (t-mobile) from internet. It is an unlocked version and i can use it with my own sim card. However, i found that it cannot update via OTA as the bootloader is unlocked. I have heard that after i re-flash the firmware, the bootloader will be relocked. I am wondering, will the flashing re-activate the carrier lock?
Also, is it correct that after I flash via Lenovo Moto Smart Assistant. the bootloader will be locked again?
Is there other method to allow the phone to get OTA again?
Thanks a lot for your help.
hkguy80 said:
Deear All,
I just bought my z2 force (t-mobile) from internet. It is an unlocked version and i can use it with my own sim card. However, i found that it cannot update via OTA as the bootloader is unlocked. I have heard that after i re-flash the firmware, the bootloader will be relocked. I am wondering, will the flashing re-activate the carrier lock?
Also, is it correct that after I flash via Lenovo Moto Smart Assistant. the bootloader will be locked again?
Is there other method to allow the phone to get OTA again?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked bootloder won't stop an ota, but a custom logo.bin will. Chances are that the seller has also flashed a logo. When you boot you should see a warning about your bootloader being unlocked, if you don't and you just see a moto logo (or any stationary image really) then you have a custom logo which will fail otas. The easiest way to remedy this is to follow Uzephi's "How to Return to Stock' thread. Then you should get otas again. It is advised never to relock your bootloader. A good example of why would be that you have a custom logo, you relock, your phone fails to boot and you can't flash anything because you locked it. There is no real valid reason to relock your phone. As for losing carrier unlock, you shouldn't, those are usually permanent. Unless it was some hack which I doubt since I believe that is only for Spring variants. Just follow Uzephi's guide and you should be back to good.
41rw4lk said:
Unlocked bootloder won't stop an ota, but a custom logo.bin will. Chances are that the seller has also flashed a logo. When you boot you should see a warning about your bootloader being unlocked, if you don't and you just see a moto logo (or any stationary image really) then you have a custom logo which will fail otas. The easiest way to remedy this is to follow Uzephi's "How to Return to Stock' thread. Then you should get otas again. It is advised never to relock your bootloader. A good example of why would be that you have a custom logo, you relock, your phone fails to boot and you can't flash anything because you locked it. There is no real valid reason to relock your phone. As for losing carrier unlock, you shouldn't, those are usually permanent. Unless it was some hack which I doubt since I believe that is only for Spring variants. Just follow Uzephi's guide and you should be back to good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your help. I will follow Uzephi's to reflash my phone. :good::good::good:

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