Develop Bugs

[Q] Rooting and carrier warranty

I need your help guys,
just got my Xperia ARC and i wanted to root it by this guide and i have a few questions:
i bought the phone from an Israeli carrier (pelephone if its matter) so in the guide i need to change the carrier firmware to the original firmware and i wander if it will void the warranty. also is there any way to change back the firmware after the change, if so then how? i searched and i couldn't find anything...
thanks ahead

The thing with Rooting a phone, is that you can root your phone and still the ¨stock¨ Arc is untouched after you have unrooted.
The flashing and rooting dont break the warranty by it self.
If you change from locked bootloader to unlocked.. The warranty is removed.
Easiest way to root is:
*Download*
3.0.A.2.181 Generic World: http://www.mediafire.com/?​y9s73andrl4bllc
*Use Flashtool to Flash .181*
Flashtool: http://www.multiupload.com​/7H4JT35B6G
*Use Gingerbreak after you flashed back*
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1044765
*After it have rebooted and active, go to settings and do a OTA over wireless.
This way you keep your Arc locked, nothing good comes from unlocking the bootloader yet.

Nepturion said:
nothing good comes from unlocking the bootloader yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not entirely true. You've got custom ROMs being developed; over-clock kernel just released, Recovery and what not.
Unlocking the bootloader is personal choice. I may not unlock my bootloader just yet but I can't deny that with improvements being shown, it's an increasingly tempting option. LOL!

[Q] What's the benefit of relocking the bootloader?

Curious.....and I didn't see a thread about why some folks do so

none. its the same thing, just have it relocked when u send it in for warranty purposes + on stock

Like zephiK said: none. There is absolutely zero benefit to relocking the bootloader. On the contrary, there are many disadvantages:
if you ever have to unlock again, it will wipe your data
you cannot use most fastboot commands, which means that, unless you have root, you cannot flash radios, ROMs, backup your data, etc...
People relock their bootloader because, in my opinion, they are not very knowledgeable about how Nexus devices work, and have it in their head that, to be fully stock and receive/install OTA updates, you need to have a locked bootloader. Certainly not the case.

There was a guy on here who wanted to return his phone back to stock for warranty. His USB was broken. He could return everything to stock through the phone, except for locking the bootloader. If it was already locked, the problem wouldn't be there...
Not a good enough reason for me, but it could be a factor in your decision...

danger-rat said:
There was a guy on here who wanted to return his phone back to stock for warranty. His USB was broken. He could return everything to stock through the phone, except for locking the bootloader. If it was already locked, the problem wouldn't be there...
Not a good enough reason for me, but it could be a factor in your decision...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well in order to change anything he had to unlock the bootloader so...

danger-rat said:
There was a guy on here who wanted to return his phone back to stock for warranty. His USB was broken. He could return everything to stock through the phone, except for locking the bootloader. If it was already locked, the problem wouldn't be there...
Not a good enough reason for me, but it could be a factor in your decision...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still don't know if I believe that Samsung will not honor the warranty because the bootloader is unlocked, particularly on a device with a re-lockable bootloader.
As we know, HTC honored the warranty on the Nexus One, even though with an unlocked bootloader.

efrant said:
I still don't know if I believe that Samsung will not honor the warranty because the bootloader is unlocked, particularly on a device with a re-lockable bootloader.
As we know, HTC honored the warranty on the Nexus One, even though with an unlocked bootloader.
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Click to collapse
it's not so much the OEM, its more of the carrier.
vzw will not honor anything if the bootloader is unlocked.

Like I said, it's not a factor for me. I unlocked with about 10 minutes of my first full charge, and don't see any value switching back. Everyone is different though, so I thought I would just share this detail, no matter how trivial...

martonikaj said:
Well in order to change anything he had to unlock the bootloader so...
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Click to collapse
Not really. You can flash a stock ROM and via ROM Manager - you just can't lock the bootloader...

[Q] Does flashing 'universal' (unlocked) stock ROM void my warranty?

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.
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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.
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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
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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

What is the best way to root G4, whilst keeping it "friendly" for warranty claims?!?

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.
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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.
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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.

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?
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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.