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I've been getting a lot of requests from people, simply asking how I went about Rooting and Flashing new ROMs to my lovely G2 Vision. Well, I'm gonna make a guide with step by step instructions on how to do so. This Guide will teach you how to Root, Unroot, S-OFF (security off, to enable development), and how to Flash a new ROM to your G2.
NOTE!: I am NOT a developer, and i will only accept thanks for putting this information together, I did not create these instructions. Thank the individual developers/posters for their information!
WARNING!!: These procedures are not only dangerous if you don't follow them to the point, but also void the warranty on your phone!! Following these steps incorrectly can brick or otherwise damage your phone!! XDA-DEVELOPERS as well as MYSELF accept NO RESPONSIBILITY to what happens to your phone!!
Just in case you didn't get the message.. WE AREN'T RESPONSIBLE. HACK AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
I will do my best to help anyone along their way, but you've been warned. We aren't here to take the blame for a mistake, we're here to help you do what you're seeking to do.
Got it? Let's proceed, shall we?
First off? The Rooting!
ROOTING: Allowing the phone and it's softwares to have access to the "Root", or complete control, of the phone itself.
This procedure includes two major steps. Temporary Root and Permanent Root. The rooting process for the Temp Root will revoke itself after a reboot. The Perm Root method will not. The rooting process is not complete until the Perm Root process has been finished and the Root is still active after a reboot!
Temp Root the G2:
1. On your phone, go to Settings > Applications > Development > and make sure USB Debugging is ON (it MUST be ON) and make sure Fastboot is checked OFF (it MUST be OFF).
2. Visionary was removed from the Market, please download it from Here instead. Save it to your phone's memory card, then simply open it on your phone with any file manager app. (like Linda File Manager for free from the Market, for example) Find the visionary .apk file in the file manager and click it and follow the prompts to install it.
3. Install Visionary from Modaco.
4. Once installed, open Visionary and check ON Temp Root After Reboot, and check ON System R/W After Root. Then click TempRoot Now, and wait for it to finish. DO NOT CLICK ATTEMPT PERMROOT NOW! We'll get to that momentarily.
5. Once it is done, you have temp root and can use rooted apps without rebooting, OR continue to the next procedure to gain persistent root access.
Perm Root & S-OFF the G2:
An explanation of what S-OFF is and why you might want it - S Off means security off for your HBoot mode (aka Bootloader). The bootloader is what allows you to flash updates and write to the file system of your phone. By turning the Security OFF, we can flash any updates/ROMs we want without the phone checking to see if it is an official update or not.
Let's continue.
1. Download the rooting files: Right here.
2. Extract the files somewhere to your computer.
3. Plug your phone in via USB cable and mount the SD card so we can transfer files to it.
4. Copy the .ko and .img files from inside the extracted folder from step 2 to the root of your sd card on your phone (NOT in any folders, just on the SD card itself).
5. Unplug the phone.
6. Go to the Market on your phone and download/install Android Terminal Emulator (free).
7. Open the Terminal Emulator app and type the following with hitting enter at the end of each line (to get the touch screen keyboard to come up hit the menu button then toggle soft keyboard):
Code:
su
cd /sdcard
insmod /sdcard/wpthis.ko
*After typing the last line, you should see an error saying failed:
(function not implemented). If you DO see that, you have done it correctly
and can continue.
8. Now, type the following line in the terminal emulator hitting enter at the end of the line.
Code:
dd if=/sdcard/hboot-eng.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18
[the last part is mmcblk(zero)p(one)(eight)]
9. After you have typed the dd line for your specific phone, it should say something was written etc. Now, type the following into the command prompt with hitting enter at the end of each line:
Code:
sync
10. After that is done, reboot the phone. When it boots back up, turn it off and back on holding down Volume Down and Power until the HBoot screen comes up. Confirm it says S-OFF at the top. If so, you have S-OFF.
11. Now, to get permanent root, turn the phone back on to get to the normal home screen.
12. Open Visionary and Uncheck TempRoot on Boot and click Temproot Now.
13. Then select Attempt Perm Root Now and the phone should reboot.
14. Once the phone reboots, open Terminal Emulator on the phone and type su and hit enter. If you get the # symbol, you have permanent root access and S-OFF!
Next? The ROM Flashing!
Alright, guys. If you've made it this far, You're golden. Grade A directions taker, In my opinion. Let's get to the last step, yeah?
Getting Recovery:
1. Once you have done the above to procedures, open the Market on your phone and search for ROM Manager (Free).
2. Install it.
3. Open the ROM Manager app and click Menu, then Settings and turn ON Delete Recovery.
4. Click Back and then select Flash Recovery.
5. Choose your phone model and then let it flash the recovery.
6. Click Reboot Recovery and you should be put into the custom recovery image screen. If so, you are all set.
Now, to Flash a Custom ROM:
1. Head over to theunlockr.com's ROM page here and choose your preferred ROM. Download it and save it to your computer.
2. Once it is saved, plug in your phone via USB cable and mount the SD card so we can save files to the sd card.
3. Copy the ROM's .zip file over to the root of the sd card (NOT in any folders on the sd card, just on the root of the card) (do NOT extract it, leave it as a .zip).
4. In the custom recovery screen, Backup/Restore and backup your current ROM.
5. Then select Wipe Data.
6. Then select Apply .zip from sd card and choose the ROM you downloaded earlier.
7. Once it is done flashing, click reboot system. Once it reboots, you are all set!
Congrats! You've flashed a new ROM to your G2! Hopefully..
There are some known issues out there, that prevent mostly the Rooting process. I'll touch on one of them real quickly.
The main issue I experienced was that I accepted and flashed the update that T-Mobile released to prevent Rooting. I've found an article on how to downgrade your firmware to pre-OTA, so that you can Root. Try this if you have severe issues trying to complete the Rooting process. Thanks to Apache14 for this info!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=831398
There's now also a process to UNROOT your phone! Here's the link. Thanks to David Cogen from theunlockr for all this information!!
http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/01/how-to-unroot-the-t-mobile-g2-htc-vision/
Thanks for reading, XDA friendlies, and Happy Rooting!!
Thnx for the link to the unroot man
Sent from my HTC Vision
No problem!
Sent from my HTC G2 using XDA App
Thanks for the effort. But I'm not sure what this is achieving other than duplicating the existing rooting guides in the dev forum.
Also this isn't a very up-to-date guide, it only seems to use one version of "wpthis.ko" and it isn't clear if this is for pre-OTA or post-OTA G2s. And it doesn't cover the DZ either, so it's not a "Vision" guide, just a G2 one.
The existing wpthis.ko was found by scotty not really to work properly anyway, and the newer gfree method of rooting (fully documented in the Wiki) is more reliable (though still does not work with all kernels). And you know Visionary hasn't been updated for months now, right ?
Sorry if this seems like I'm just trashing your guide, but I don't see how posting old information is going to help people ?
steviewevie said:
Thanks for the effort. But I'm not sure what this is achieving other than duplicating the existing rooting guides in the dev forum.
Also this isn't a very up-to-date guide, it only seems to use one version of "wpthis.ko" and it isn't clear if this is for pre-OTA or post-OTA G2s. And it doesn't cover the DZ either, so it's not a "Vision" guide, just a G2 one.
The existing wpthis.ko was found by scotty not really to work properly anyway, and the newer gfree method of rooting (fully documented in the Wiki) is more reliable (though still does not work with all kernels). And you know Visionary hasn't been updated for months now, right ?
Sorry if this seems like I'm just trashing your guide, but I don't see how posting old information is going to help people ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may be old, but I had yet to see a collective guide on xda developers' website about rooting, s-off, and flashing the 'G2' vision. In which I clearly stated this was for the G2. Not the Desire Z. This is the only method I knew about, and this guide was for a few select friends, and whomever else felt the need to use it. Its okay if you don't agree this post was helpful. But come on. This was the surefire way I used to root my G2, so I'm spreading the knowledge. Let not hate.
So visionary still works right?
Just checking before I go threw with this.
ijoshv2 said:
It may be old, but I had yet to see a collective guide on xda developers' website about rooting, s-off, and flashing the 'G2' vision. In which I clearly stated this was for the G2. Not the Desire Z. This is the only method I knew about, and this guide was for a few select friends, and whomever else felt the need to use it. Its okay if you don't agree this post was helpful. But come on. This was the surefire way I used to root my G2, so I'm spreading the knowledge. Let not hate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, it's old. If you're writing a new guide, why use very old, out-of-date info, when you could easily provide the latest info (e.g. from the Wiki).
Yes, it's a collective guide, but one with old info in, so I don't see how that's helpful.
Your guide uses wpthis.ko, but makes no reference to G2s that might be running the original shipped ROM, or the OTA update. So this will only work on some of those phones.
Your article talks about something that T-Mobile did "to prevent rooting". I don't know where you got that information from, but it's not correct. T-Mobile did nothing to prevent rooting, because the OTA came out before root was fully achieved. It's just that the way of disabling NAND write protection needed to be done differently on the OTA (more as an accident than anything that T-Mobile did).
You refer to Visionary as a "sure-fire" way of rooting. Are you sure ? Have you seen how many phones have ended up stuck in a boot loop after using Visionary ?
Also, I find it kind of weird/interesting how your guide points people to another website to choose their list of custom ROMs. Why not point them to the dev forum on this site ?
Sorry but your guide is full of mistakes and out of date. You haven't even posted it in the right forum, this is the Q&A forum.
It worked for me. Bottom line, That's because i did it step by step and actually followed directions.
Old or not, IT WORKS.
If you want to make something better, then do so. Otherwise, silence your lout. Thank you.
Thank you for this write up. I was having problems getting my root to stick even though it was showing s-off but I followed your steps
10. After that is done, reboot the phone. When it boots back up, turn it off and back on holding down Volume Down and Power until the HBoot screen comes up. Confirm it says S-OFF at the top. If so, you have S-OFF.
11. Now, to get permanent root, turn the phone back on to get to the normal home screen.
12. Open Visionary and Uncheck TempRoot on Boot and click Temproot Now.
13. Then select Attempt Perm Root Now and the phone should reboot.
14. Once the phone reboots, open Terminal Emulator on the phone and type su and hit enter. If you get the # symbol, you have permanent root access and S-OFF
AND IT WORKS!!!!
You're welcome, fellow G2 owner.
Why don't you join my group, for those who love their G2? just check my groups in my profile, hopefully we can get a good set of owners together. You never kno what a mass of similar thinking people could accomplish!
Plus, i'm going to start posting some cool guide on how to further customize / enhance your device! Good stuff to kno.
Can i use this tutorial for HTC Desire Z?
Dimitri1992 said:
Can i use this tutorial for HTC Desire Z?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tutorial was create for THE G2. I would NOT recommend you trying this method. Go around and search google for a tutorial MADE FOR YOUR PHONE. Although the phones are almost exactly alike, they don't necessarily mean they are exactly the same.
Find a different method.
Need help
This is not working for me. I temprooted my phone using visionary but when i try to use terminal to permroot, whenever i type "su" it say permission denied. Please help. I've been trying to do this all night and have been unsuccessful.
steviewevie said:
Exactly, it's old. If you're writing a new guide, why use very old, out-of-date info, when you could easily provide the latest info (e.g. from the Wiki).
Yes, it's a collective guide, but one with old info in, so I don't see how that's helpful.
Your guide uses wpthis.ko, but makes no reference to G2s that might be running the original shipped ROM, or the OTA update. So this will only work on some of those phones.
Your article talks about something that T-Mobile did "to prevent rooting". I don't know where you got that information from, but it's not correct. T-Mobile did nothing to prevent rooting, because the OTA came out before root was fully achieved. It's just that the way of disabling NAND write protection needed to be done differently on the OTA (more as an accident than anything that T-Mobile did).
You refer to Visionary as a "sure-fire" way of rooting. Are you sure ? Have you seen how many phones have ended up stuck in a boot loop after using Visionary ?
Also, I find it kind of weird/interesting how your guide points people to another website to choose their list of custom ROMs. Why not point them to the dev forum on this site ?
Sorry but your guide is full of mistakes and out of date. You haven't even posted it in the right forum, this is the Q&A forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...It is true that it is out of date but for me it works fine. I didn't use the wiki way cause it was to confusing for me and Unfrogivens method was working fine on me. Not saying this method is better or anything and I know this method is unsafe "if" you do not fallow what it says. Like always people try Gfree method 1st before trying this one...(Only for G2)
Sent from my HTC Desire Z/G2 Using XDA Premium App
lainvalenajr said:
Hmm...It is true that it is out of date but for me it works fine. I didn't use the wiki way cause it was to confusing for me and Unfrogivens method was working fine on me. Not saying this method is better or anything and I know this method is unsafe "if" you do not fallow what it says. Like always people try Gfree method 1st before trying this one...(Only for G2)
Sent from my HTC Desire Z/G2 Using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I rooted my DZ, I combined all referrences and guides
It was very hard at the beginning to understand the instruction, but after read and tried, it become easier to understand.. and I finally could root my DZ...
Cheers
Hello
Hello all totally new to android and was trying to root my g2. I followed instructions thourghly ( so i thought at least) and the s is still on after i exit the emulator and reboot. The last part about typing sync threw me off, how many times am i supposed to type sync while hitting enter after each line? Which lines, im sure overanaylzing something but didnt seem to work and tried multiple times. Thanks for your time..
not wanting to wait for a software exploit that may never come,user Sonic2756 has stepped up and purchased an htc service card,or java card,to provide the vzw one community with a "right now!" s off option. make sure yuo thank him in this thread: Purchased a JavaCard for S_OFF
this method uses an official htc java card to turn off the phones security data. the card exists as a legitimate tool for cell phone shops and re-sellers,primarily for the purpose of removing the phones simlock.
since this method of s off is somewhat unusual,this thread is intended to help support folks that are unsure of the differences and similarities.
first and foremost,these are my words,sonic has not helped with these posts,tho i hope he will let me know if theres anything he wants changed. if any info you see here and use melts your phone into a little pile of aluminum goo,its not sonics fault,nor is it mine. use this info at your own risk.
in this first post,i thot a few FAQs needed to be put in one place,as they are being asked over and over again in the thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: what is s off?what does it do for me?
A: in a nutshell,s-off=security off. it removes all security checks and allows access to all partitions of the phone this means you can:
-change hboot
-change splash inage
-change radios
-flash unsigned files
-go backwards in firmware versions
-other things that maybe ill add later
Q: is this legit??
A:yes,it is. as mentioned above,the java card is a legitimate tool used by some large cell phone repair shops and re-sellers.
Q: how does this work?
A:the java card is plugged into a USB On The Go cable,and plugged into the phone. the java card contains htc-signed diagnostic files wich are used to clear security data. when the phone is booted to hboot with the java card plugged in,it finds the diagnostic file and jumps to a mode where the user can clear "s58" data. this removes any simlock,changes the CID to a generic "supercid",and most importantly,turns off the phones radio secure flag. hooray!
this not sonic,nor is this an htc one. it is a one X using the same method,it will give you a good idea what the process looks like:
HTC One X S-OFF
Q: what exactly is a java card?
A: simply,a java card is an sd card with a microprocessor in it. if someone wishes to provide a more detailed definition,id be happy to put it here. a bit more info here
Q: can we clone the java card so everyone can have s off?
A: yes. but its complicated,and the card to begin with is expensive. there have been some technical discussions about this in sonic's original thread. the simple answer is that it is not easy,or practical to clone the java card.
Q: why do i have to pay for this?? shouldnt s off be free?
A: if you have a prollem paying for this service,you are welcome to purchase your own java card and offer the service for free. as has been stated,the java card is expensive- upwards of $1000 depending how may credits are included.
further,even if a software exploit was available,it is good custom to donate to the devs who brought you the tool. remember,no one here owes you custom roms,s-off,etc. support your devs and what they bring you. in this case,sonic has purchased an expensive htc tool,shipping supplies,and has to invest a great deal of time getting your phone s-offed,packed up,and hauled back to the post office. not to mention the website he has set up for the service. there is nothing wrong with making his $$ back,and a bit extra for his time and efforts.
Q: is the card good forever?
A: NO! the java card has a limited number of uses. he has stated he can sell about 250 s off services,and do 10 developer phones for free. after those credist are gone,you are SOL unless a new exploit is found,or there is enuff interest for sonic to buy a second card.
Q: how do i know how many credits are left?
A:Sonic's website shows the number of avaiable spots left, right above the quantity select/add to cart,in the "product description". simply go to the website,then click the htc one picture.
Q: if im allready unlocked,should i still get s off?
A: in my opinion,yes. s off is better. it allows more options to recover soft-bricked devices,and allows access to all partitions. an s on phone is still doing plenty of security checks. it also allows a permantly installed recovery to install the boot image. the downside is that your phone WILL let you brick it if your not careful. know what your flashing and why. double check md5 sums to verify the integrity of your downloads. a corrupt bootloader ot radio can damage your phone,potentially unrecoverably. if you just asked "what is an md5sum?" stop and google it now. there are numerous md5summers avaialable for free on the vast interweb,download one and start using it.
Q: if im allready unlocked and running a custom rom and recovery,do i need to take any precautions?
A: yes. the diag file is designed to work on stock software and firmware. i would strongly recomend to:
-restore a bone stock nandroid,or flash a bone stock rom
-reflash your stock recovery
-reflash your stock boot image if you were running a custom kernel
-select 'factory reset' option from hboot
Q: will this wipe my phone?
A: yes it will. so back up your sd card to the pc,and be prepaired to have to re-set everything up when you get it back.
Q: does my phone need to be active?
A: no it does not.
Q: do you need my sim card?
A: no he does not.
Q: what is the turn around time?
A: again,these are my words. from the thread,5-7 days. please remember sonic has real life activities to attend to,so you may want to wait until the initial wave has subsided. if he has alot of phones to do,it may take him longer.
Q: im a tight ass,can i use cheaper shipping?
A: yes,you can. the initial shipping is picked and paid for by you. be as tight as you want. the return shipping is priority mail with $600 worth of isurance. if you have such faith in the united states post office,and humanity that you do not feel this is needed,then you can chose the cheaper return shipping option sonic has provided.
Q: how do i activate a spare phone while mine is away?
A:it depends on the phone. if you have another 4g vzw phone,you can simply swap over your active sim. if the sim is larger in the spare phone,adapters do exist for extremely cheap on ebay and amazon. alternately,you can call vzw or go to their website to activate an older 3g device.
Q: how do i activate my phone when it comes back?
A: like you normally would. s off by itself does not change anything about the phone or how it oporates. its what you do afterward/modify that can have an impact on "normal" operation. so if you moved your sim into another phone,just move it back. if you mailed your phone directly to sonic with the protective film still on it,then take everything out of the box and activate just like you would if it had just come from vzw.
Q: will i be able to unlock the bootloader if my phone is s off?
A: yes. when the phone comes back,it will have "supercid". this ignores the mid(model id) check that htcdev does on the phone,and will let you get a token and unlock.
Q: are there advantages to unlocking the bootloader?
A: you have a couple extra fastboot commands you can use:
fastboot flash partition imagename.img
and
fastboot boot imagename.img
these commands are useful to install recovery,and boot images into phone memory. with fastboot bootfor example,you can temporarily launch recovery on the phone to flash su if you dont want to permantly install it.
Q: so do i NEED to unlock the bootloader to install recovery?
A: no,you do not. you can install recoveries and all other partitions as zip files. more info on that later.
Q: does superCID give you any benefits?
A: in a word,no. on a gsm device where you have multiple carrier and regional firmwares that will work,supercid is of value. with a device on vzw,you can only use vzw ruus anyway since this is a unique cdma/lte device. further,accepting an OTA with supercid could leave you unrecoverably bricked,plus it may interfer some some verizon functions(i remember inc 4g users having issue,but the details escape me)
IMO,after unlocking your bootloader,if you choose to do so,you should change your CID back to stock VZW__001 (thats 2 underscores- cid is always 8 digits)
Q: is my cid unique to my particulare phone?
A: no,it is not. it is unique to a carrier or region. all verizon phones ever made have a cid of VZW__001
Q: how do i change my cid back to stock?
A: with this fastboot command:
fastboot oem writecid VZW__001
Q: why is my cid always present on the hboot screen?
A: i dont know htc's logic,but this is simply what the phone does while its s off. it will display whatever your cid is,and is not dependent of your bootloader being locked or unlocked.
Q: what about the TAMPERED and unlocked/relocked badges?
A: if your phone was unlocked when you sent it in, youll get it back factory fresh locked. the tampered badge,i am unsure of at this time,and will update as more info is obtained.
if you sent in a brand new phone,it obviously wont be different(with exception of s off)
one of the big advantages of s off,is that the tampered flag is not triggered by adding a custom recovery or kernel,and since s off removes the various write protections that exist,it is posible to reset either flag. more info on the lock status flag here
Q: will an OTA change my s-off or lock status?
A: it is possible. altho,it is highly unlikely since turning the radio secure flags on via an OTA would also do so on legitimate pre-release test phones.
however...
it really is not reccomended that you try and take an OTA while rooted. a custom recovery is unable to install HTC's OTA pacakage,and attempting to do so ca jam you up horribly. taking an OTA with bloat and system files remove will typicaly result in failure,and taking an OTA with supercid could lead to a processor "do not boot" mode,wich is very effectively a hard brick only recoverable via jtag. or a new device.
the best way to update a rooted device is to update the rom with a recovery-flashable zip file,and the firmware extracted from the OTA package. this will update you just like taking the OTA. there is nothing magical about over the air updates. please,just do it manually. leave the OTAs for the stock crowd.
last and not least!
Q: im convinced! what do i do once i get back my stock,s-off phone?
A: please see post 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
the above was just off the top of my head,ill add to them later as they come to me,feel free to post if you have further questions,costructuve criticism,or feedback.
once you have recieved your stock,s off device back,your basic steps are:
1)change CID back to stock verizon
2)install a recovery
3)install a rom or root access
you have 2 options to install recovery:
1)unlock the bootloader and use fastboot commands
2)leave the bootloader locked,and flash a recovery as a zip file in RUU mode
either way works. i personally always keep my bootloader unlocked so i can use fastboot commands,but we dont know for sure if the lock status flag can be reset,so the bootloader screen reads locked again.
its remotely possible that it may be difficult to reset the lock status flag,so if being locked for a possible warranty exchange is important to you,dont unlock just yet. relocked is the best you can do without some trickery.
to "root by recovery" is not a new concept. once there are no write protections,its easy to install a custom recovery,and use that recovery to either insert the superuser files into the stock rom,or replace the rom entirely.
1) change cid back to stock verizon
this is actually very easy. simply put the phone in fastboot,change to fastboot directory,and enter in a cmd window:
fastboot oem writecid VZW__001
yes,those must be capital letters,and there are 2 underscores.
2) install a recovery
via one of these 2 methods:
1)unlock the bootloader
your phone has come back from sonic with "supercid",wich will allow you to unlock the bootloader natuarally via the htcdev website. see this post for a bit more info on that.
unlocking the bootloader is fairly straightforward,just make sure you use a vzw one specific image. download from one of the following threads:
twrp
clockworkmod touch or classic
the image is easily installed via an unlocked bootloader with the following command:
fastboot flash recovery imagename.img
for example,recovery named CW_touch_recovery:
fastboot flash recovery CW_touch_recovery.img
the image must be in your fastboot working directory.
if you need more specific help with unlock/recovery flashing you can use this guide.
2) keep locked bootloader
the bootloader can stay locked for this method. you can in fact use this to install a new image to any partition,as long as the image is packed up in a proper file.
this assumes a working adb/fastboot and drivers installed. if you dont have these things,you can use this guide from above,downloading the files in post 1,and following the set up adb and prepair to root part in step 2.
once you have adb and fastboot working,download one of the following recovery zip files. do NOT unzip or extract.
twrp: http://www.mediafire.com/download/6gbk9s5y6angyf9/openrecovery-twrp-2.6.0.1-m7vzw.zip
CW touch: http://www.mediafire.com/download/43h8k47blfboci9/recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.3.6-m7vzw.zip
CW classic: http://www.mediafire.com/download/w57cqx7cpmxbz44/recovery-clockwork-6.0.3.6-m7vzw.zip
your zip file is flashed in the following manner:
if youre working with a booted,operational phone,you can flsh the file in the following manner:
-open a cmd window
-change to adb/fastboot directory
cd c:\foldername
(cd c:\mini-adb if youve used any of my guides )
-place the zip file you want to flash into adb/fastboot directory
-enable usb debug,disable fastboot,plug in phone
-check for connectivity
adb devices (should return serial number)
-boot to fastboot
adb reboot bootloader
-check for connectivity again
fastboot devices
-flash the file
fastboot erase cache
fastboto oem rebootRUU (will put you in ruu mode,black screen silver htc letters)
fastboot flash zip zipfilename.zip (will send and flash the file. dont interupt it while the cmd window shows its writinging,and the green status bar is moving on the phone screen)
*sometimes a file will fail with a pre-update error. this is normal,just enter again:
fastboot flash zip zipfilename.zip
and this time it will finish
-when you get "finished" and "OK"
fastboot reboot-bootloader (takes you back to fastboot)
-reboot back to the OS
fastbooot reboot
you can use this if you dont have an operational phone as well. you just need to manually put the phone in fastboot(select from hboot menu) then skip the "adb" commands and start with fastboot devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3) install a rom or root access
this is a simple matter of using recovery to either flash superuser,or flash a new rom. in either case,MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR STOCK UNROOTED ROM!
flash superuser just as you would a rom,after a cache/dalvik wipe. theres tons of info out there on using recovery,so im not going in to great detail on that here.
i dont have this device(well,i dont have the vzw version) so dont ask me whats the best rom to flash. browse the development and original development sections and pick a couple out to try.
if you wish to just run rooted stock,i perosnally prefer superSU to other versions of superuser. you can download it from this thread
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
optional:
if you sent in your phone with a custom recovery installed,and it still is displaying the tampered banner,see this thread to remove it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46182709#post46182709
if you want to lock,or unlock your bootloader without messing with htcdev,see this thread for those directions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470340
if you want to restore your supermid from PN073**** back to stock verizon,see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490777
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
*work in progress. there will likely be some revisions,but i wanted to get something up for the folks whose devices are coming back
mine too!
thanks for this. Guess I need to order a sim adapter so I can mail my phone off.
nrfitchett4 said:
thanks for this. Guess I need to order a sim adapter so I can mail my phone off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your welcome. ill get some more added to it,how tos and such in the next day or 2. but for now im tired and 5am comes early,lol.
for what its worth,ive used sim adapters like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-card-ad...=1378950374&sr=8-14&keywords=sim+card+adapter
and these:
http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-Micr...=1378950374&sr=8-13&keywords=sim+card+adapter
and personally found the ones with an open back to be a lil easier to use. i switch my sim around alot(to the point its wearing out and ill prolly need a new one soon )
saved
thank you!
Thanks
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 4
scotty1223 said:
your welcome. ill get some more added to it,how tos and such in the next day or 2. but for now im tired and 5am comes early,lol.
for what its worth,ive used sim adapters like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-card-ad...=1378950374&sr=8-14&keywords=sim+card+adapter
and these:
http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-Micr...=1378950374&sr=8-13&keywords=sim+card+adapter
and personally found the ones with an open back to be a lil easier to use. i switch my sim around alot(to the point its wearing out and ill prolly need a new one soon )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, just found one that has adapters for nano up to mini. Will be here friday. Will have to live with the rezound for a week.
Thanks so much for making this!
I'm working with Sonic on this (mainly setting up and maintaining the website), but I would like to offer some insight on the JavaCard:
A Javacard is a special type of microsd card (smart card, this is the same thing as those NFC wallets or whatever that use a smart cards) that contains a microprocessor. It also has a signed and encrypted java applet that is set up to run whatever the maker wants it to. In this case HTC set it up to communicate with the phone for diagnostic services. It is also capable of carrier unlocking the phone. Due to digital signatures (when this card is almost burned I'm planning on taking a look at it) the card only has a certain number of phones that can be s offed or unlocked (it works on a credit system - 2 credits s off 1 credit carrier unlock). Everything on the card is locked up like fort knox to my knowledge but we shall see!
We also currently have the diag files needed for several other phones and can S-off them too. Not sure of all of them atm but Sonic posted it in the other thread a few days ago.
Cheers!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Question, If where s-offed then HTCdev unlock with super sid then change the sid to VZW but somehow get locked again I.e. OTA update, is it possible to unlock again or change the sid back to super sid to unlock?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2 - my one is out getting' s-offed
RebelShadow said:
Question, If where s-offed then HTCdev unlock with super sid then change the sid to VZW but somehow get locked again I.e. OTA update, is it possible to unlock again or change the sid back to super sid to unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I had the same question.
And again, why would you take said OTA to begin with? It goes against every principle of rooting. If you root, you NEVER take OTA's.
If you get it, either post the ota zip or link and wait for someone to patch the base up with it. It doesn't make the update better if you take the one that downloads to your phone versus flashing an updated rom.
I don't know what it is about OTA's that makes people willing to jump through hoops just to take the "official" one.
CNexus said:
And again, why would you take said OTA to begin with? It goes against every principle of rooting.
If you get it, either post the ota zip or link and wait for someone to patch the base up with it. It doesn't make the update better if you take the one that downloads to your phone versus flashing an updated rom.
I don't know what it is about OTA's that makes people willing to jump through hoops just to take the "official" one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak for RebelShadow but I meant more along the lines of if we S-OFF and something happens - via VZW - that reestablishes S-ON.. can it be S-OFF'd again without the Java Card?
I mean I don't know if there is anything VZW could do to reestablish S-ON, and I've heard even if they could they wouldn't because they would mess with legitimate developers.
It's not that I want to take OTA's, I'd refuse them and wait for the community to provide it. It was more of a 'what happens if S-OFF is switched back to S-ON'?
If S-OFF ever gets toggled back to s-on, the game is over. You would need some updated exploit or another java card round.
It's like leaving your house with your keys inside. There's no way back in unless you find some back door.
So I originally had an unlocked bootloader with Twrp recovery and sent it to sonic for s-off. He did his java card magic and now I'm good. Mine has tampered now and just curious what is the best way, if possible right now, to get rid of it?
isoh said:
Thanks so much for making this!
I'm working with Sonic on this (mainly setting up and maintaining the website), but I would like to offer some insight on the JavaCard:
A Javacard is a special type of microsd card (smart card, this is the same thing as those NFC wallets or whatever that use a smart cards) that contains a microprocessor. It also has a signed and encrypted java applet that is set up to run whatever the maker wants it to. In this case HTC set it up to communicate with the phone for diagnostic services. It is also capable of carrier unlocking the phone. Due to digital signatures (when this card is almost burned I'm planning on taking a look at it) the card only has a certain number of phones that can be s offed or unlocked (it works on a credit system - 2 credits s off 1 credit carrier unlock). Everything on the card is locked up like fort knox to my knowledge but we shall see!
We also currently have the diag files needed for several other phones and can S-off them too. Not sure of all of them atm but Sonic posted it in the other thread a few days ago.
Cheers!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your quite welcome! just my little part to help you guys out,this is a great service that is being offered. sonic has done my one x,but i was unsure the extent that he is willing to do other devices,i figure folks can contact him prior to purchasing the service if they wish for other models to be done. better way to say it,i was unsure how much he wanted to advertise the other models he had the diags for. if the vzw s-offs slow down,id be happy to add the list of phones to the OP,and replicate this in other forums. im sure the tegra 3 one x and x+ crowds would have some interest,those devices have been out a long time with no exploit for s off,and no real hope on the horizon.
my one x is one of my favorite all time devices. i use it at work,and use my one in the evenings. im actually considering seeking out a black one x to send him as well
thanks for the insight on the java card,ill add it,or a link to it,in the OP
RebelShadow said:
Question, If where s-offed then HTCdev unlock with super sid then change the sid to VZW but somehow get locked again I.e. OTA update, is it possible to unlock again or change the sid back to super sid to unlock?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2 - my one is out getting' s-offed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one4thewings said:
+1 I had the same question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
an OTA is unlikely to change your lock status,or your radio secure flag. while it is technically possible,this would also break legitimate test devices functionality,so the chances of it are slim to none.
there is not much reason to relock your bootloader with s off. you can run an ruu with the phone unlocked. to directly answer your question,however,if you did relock the bootloader,you can easily change the cid back to 11111111 with the same comand and re-unlock
fastboot oem writecid xxxxxxxx
or
fastboot oem writecid 11111111
to re-supercid
Thank you for answering without the "OTA" rant. I not not concerned with taking an OTA as I'm planning on using a custom ROM but was asking as a what if / just in case scenario.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
deleted due to dumb post
andybones said:
so once we get the phone back and we have unlocked with htc dev to get unlocked bootloader, and want to go back to stock CID
the fastboot command is
"fastboot oem writecid xxxxxxxx"
and not just "fastboot oem writecid"
or do you have to have those (8) "x"'s?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite sure if I know what you're saying, but to go back to the stock CID is:
fastboot oem writecid VZW__001
I think the x's he put are just to show that you can put in any 8 numbers, as long as they're all the same (ie. 22222222, 77777777) to get Super-CID back.
Nevermind, 11111111 is Super, VZW__001 is stock.
PapaSmurf6768 said:
Not quite sure if I know what you're saying, but to go back to the stock CID is:
fastboot oem writecid VZW__001
I think the x's he put are just to show that you can put in any 8 numbers, as long as they're all the same (ie. 22222222, 77777777) to get Super-CID back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh sh*t I am a dumb$$, thank you
I see now that the "VZW__001" is the 8 x's and different for each carrier, thank you!
got confused for a second there.
I have a problem with my HTC one M8 At&t (It's unlocked to any provider) it's also rooted so if you can help me either unroot it or add a ROM that would be so helpful.
Well the problem with my phone is.
1) It won't update to 6.0 its stuck on 5.0.2
2) ROMS won't install at all. Maybe because it doesn't have TWRP (I don't know where to get that)
3) The phone is S-on relocked and it says "This device has been tampered' then a warning
I asked HTC and they didn't help at all. I asked people that I know but they are IOS.
So this is the last resort. I was recommended by a friend to ask you wonderful people. I mean i have some knowledge but it don't have anyone to show me the ropes of how to do it. But please if you guys can help add link with steps.
Thank you and have a good day dudes.
PTP012 said:
I have a problem with my HTC one M8 At&t (It's unlocked to any provider) it's also rooted so if you can help me either unroot it or add a ROM that would be so helpful.
Well the problem with my phone is.
1) It won't update to 6.0 its stuck on 5.0.2
2) ROMS won't install at all. Maybe because it doesn't have TWRP (I don't know where to get that)
3) The phone is S-on relocked and it says "This device has been tampered' then a warning
I asked HTC and they didn't help at all. I asked people that I know but they are IOS.
So this is the last resort. I was recommended by a friend to ask you wonderful people. I mean i have some knowledge but it don't have anyone to show me the ropes of how to do it. But please if you guys can help add link with steps.
Thank you and have a good day dudes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd suggest you watch this video to install TWRP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HWj_1KHbuY
And then I'd also recommend installing CM13 since it's really stable. It can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc...m-cyanogenmod-13-0-nightlies-htc-one-t3256696
PTP012 said:
I have a problem with my HTC one M8 At&t (It's unlocked to any provider) it's also rooted so if you can help me either unroot it or add a ROM that would be so helpful.
Well the problem with my phone is.
1) It won't update to 6.0 its stuck on 5.0.2
2) ROMS won't install at all. Maybe because it doesn't have TWRP (I don't know where to get that)
3) The phone is S-on relocked and it says "This device has been tampered' then a warning
I asked HTC and they didn't help at all. I asked people that I know but they are IOS.
So this is the last resort. I was recommended by a friend to ask you wonderful people. I mean i have some knowledge but it don't have anyone to show me the ropes of how to do it. But please if you guys can help add link with steps.
Thank you and have a good day dudes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If it is AT&T, it won't update on non-AT&T network.
2. Unlock bootloader and install TWRP
3. The phone was unlocked before and now it is relocked.
Post fastboot getvar all without serial & imei no to confirm which device variant that you have and what to do with it.
Ragarianok said:
I'd suggest you watch this video to install TWRP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HWj_1KHbuY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest the OP not follow that video. Followed literally, it will not only direct the OP to install a horribly obsolete version of TWRP, but also one that is not intended for his version of the M8. The "wlv" version TWRP in the video is for Verizon, and would install TWRP to the wrong partition, maybe even brick the phone. TWRP has since been updated and unified to identify the M8 version, and install on the proper partition accordingly; but such was not the case at the time the video was created.
This is one of the main reasons I don't recommend rooting by watching YouTube videos. They aren't detailed enough to point out all the nuances and potential pitfalls of the process. They just spoonfeed enough knowledge to you get you into big trouble, without any knowledge or skills to get you out of that hole.
Also, the random "root" website referenced in the video doesn't appear to have any downloadable files any longer, anyway. At least not that I can find, upon examination. So if the OP that route, they would have hit a dead end. I also personally don't recommend such "root" websites, as they almost always just steal content from XDA, without giving proper credit.
All the info the OP needs is right here on XDA. An excellent guide for unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery is here. Although the guide is dated (hard for anything for this phone to not be dated at this point - it is over 2 years old) and I have the following additional advice:
- HTC drivers on the guide are dated. But if you plug the phone into your PC, it should auto-install HTC Sync and the required drivers
- You can get TWRP right from the source here. I'm not sure if your existing firmware will play well with the latest version (TWRP 3.0.x), but I'm pretty sure version 2.8.7.0 will work well (and known to be very stable).
- Only need to follow the guide through "ROOTING YOUR DEVICE" Step 8, that is unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery (don't flash SuperSU). From there, get the desired custom ROM on the phone, boot into TWRP, backup the current stock ROM, then do default wipe (data, cache, Dalvik) in TWRP and flash the ROM.
---------- Post added at 10:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------
An alternative would be to flash the Marshmallow RUU to update to full stock image. But in order to do so, the OP will have to update to Marshmallow firmware (which requires some knowledge of using fastboot) and then run the Marshmallow RUU. The RUU in listed on my AT&T M8 Index thread here (along with a lot of other useful info), with the info/link for flashing firmware highlighted in red text.
I have always jailbroke iphones and all that. I am brand new to the whole process of unlocking a bootloader to allow a custom rom to be installed. My android device I have is an unlocked HTC 10. I know that HTC offers the bootloader unlock tool via their developer website.
Questions I have:
Can you reverse the process like you can with iOS?
Is there a one and done tool, or is there multiple tools needed?
Is there a built in DFU mode like iOS? Where you can plug the phone in and do a restore if you put the phone into a boot loop?
It seems that its way easier to mess up your device when rooting an android as opposed to iOS jailbreak?
I don't mind putting in the work and reading I just don't know where to start, cause there is so much information on this forum.
Thank you in advance!
If helps I'm most interesting in viper10 2.7.0
swagglepuff said:
I have always jailbroke iphones and all that. I am brand new to the whole process of unlocking a bootloader to allow a custom rom to be installed. My android device I have is an unlocked HTC 10. I know that HTC offers the bootloader unlock tool via their developer website.
Questions I have:
Can you reverse the process like you can with iOS?
Is there a one and done tool, or is there multiple tools needed?
Is there a built in DFU mode like iOS? Where you can plug the phone in and do a restore if you put the phone into a boot loop?
It seems that its way easier to mess up your device when rooting an android as opposed to iOS jailbreak?
I don't mind putting in the work and reading I just don't know where to start, cause there is so much information on this forum.
Thank you in advance!
If helps I'm most interesting in viper10 2.7.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not familiar with jailbreaking so I can't really answer your questions in comparison to iphones but...
You can relock the bootloader easily, but your device will show that it has been unlocked (the bootloader screen will say "relocked" instead of locked). So...it is basically exactly like it was before unlocking, but obviously not exactly since the unlocked flag is different. In order to get your bootloader to say "locked" you have to perform an additional step. You have to purchase a license for an app called Sunshine. This app will disable the built-in security on the device and will allow you to set the device as locked. Sunshine is $25 and allows you to do other things like convert your phone to software from other regions. Sunshine puts the phone in a state called s-off. It is s-on from the factory.
I personally wouldn't use a multitool and have no idea on their availability. Fastboot and ADB are easy to setup and allow you the control over what you are doing.
It depends on your device/region. There are RUUs (ROM Update Utilities) available for most devices. These will restore you back to 100% stock except for the locked/relocked issue described above.
Don't know about messing up Android as compared to iphone, but just make sure you made good backups and know how to use them. It's also very important to have fastboot and adb working properly as these can be invaluable in restoring the device.
Although it's not very fun, fastboot and adb setup is where I would advise starting. Second, read the TWRP thread in the ROM/development section, especially post #2, the FAQ. That provides good information on backup and restore. Also, you should determine if there is an RUU for your device. There is a sticky in the Guide section that has all/most of the RUUs that are currently available listed.
i hope this helps.
Need some 101 help and explanations. I am much more familiar with Apple and have only rooted one inexpensive Android that I learned to do from here. It was an early ZTC and although I rooted it, I did not learn that much because it was a very basic phone. Purchased a preowned HTC Desire 626S T-Mobile so it already has been updated to Marshmallow.
SPECS
HTC Desire 626S T-Mobile
Android 6.0.1. HTC Sense Version 7.0 Software 2.17.531.13
Developer options enabled with OEM unlocking and USB debugging checked. Unchecked verify apps over USB.
Have windows laptop computer 2640M processor, lots of RAM and Win 10.
1.) Can't figure out how to unlock bootloader
Went to HTC developer website. Entered in the phone - HTC Desire*. The next step says that if the software version that I have (2.17.531.13) is earlier than what is listed on their list that I have to download the RUU. So I look at the list and do not know which T-MObile entry I should be looking at. These are the entries that remotely resemble T-Mobile
TMO PL 2.15.118.2
TMO UK 2.29.110.6
TMO AT 2.29.112.6
I am in the US so I figured the UK one can be eliminated. That leaves 2 left. If it is the first one - then my version is later and I can go to step 2. If it is the third one, then I have to download the RUU.
So which one of these, TMO PL 2.15.118.2 or TMO AT 2.29.112.6 is the one I should be using?
I think I can then proceed and figure it out from there ---unless someone recommends a different way to unlock bootloader.
2.) How do I root 6.0?
Any of the instructions I have found are for Lollipop. I found one thread at Android forums (can't post thread yet) but it is titled. htc-desire-626s-rooted-how-to-ota-marshmallow-update-re-root.1055825/ but that talks about an already rooted phone.
Am I able to root?
Can someone direct me to instructions that really explain along the way so I can follow along?
If I am able to root, can someone recommend a ROM that is easy to work with and provide flashing info. My goal is to have a simple stock Android interface that I can play around with and get rid of the HTC overlay stuff.
Many MANY thanks.
new2android55 said:
Need some 101 help and explanations. I am much more familiar with Apple and have only rooted one inexpensive Android that I learned to do from here. It was an early ZTC and although I rooted it, I did not learn that much because it was a very basic phone. Purchased a preowned HTC Desire 626S T-Mobile so it already has been updated to Marshmallow.
SPECS
HTC Desire 626S T-Mobile
Android 6.0.1. HTC Sense Version 7.0 Software 2.17.531.13
Developer options enabled with OEM unlocking and USB debugging checked. Unchecked verify apps over USB.
Have windows laptop computer 2640M processor, lots of RAM and Win 10.
1.) Can't figure out how to unlock bootloader
Went to HTC developer website. Entered in the phone - HTC Desire*. The next step says that if the software version that I have (2.17.531.13) is earlier than what is listed on their list that I have to download the RUU. So I look at the list and do not know which T-MObile entry I should be looking at. These are the entries that remotely resemble T-Mobile
TMO PL 2.15.118.2
TMO UK 2.29.110.6
TMO AT 2.29.112.6
I am in the US so I figured the UK one can be eliminated. That leaves 2 left. If it is the first one - then my version is later and I can go to step 2. If it is the third one, then I have to download the RUU.
So which one of these, TMO PL 2.15.118.2 or TMO AT 2.29.112.6 is the one I should be using?
I think I can then proceed and figure it out from there ---unless someone recommends a different way to unlock bootloader.
2.) How do I root 6.0?
Any of the instructions I have found are for Lollipop. I found one thread at Android forums (can't post thread yet) but it is titled. htc-desire-626s-rooted-how-to-ota-marshmallow-update-re-root.1055825/ but that talks about an already rooted phone.
Am I able to root?
Can someone direct me to instructions that really explain along the way so I can follow along?
If I am able to root, can someone recommend a ROM that is easy to work with and provide flashing info. My goal is to have a simple stock Android interface that I can play around with and get rid of the HTC overlay stuff.
Many MANY thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look up HTC Desire 626S XDA on google please, because there IS an actual thread on this device (and some amazing people working on it too) but its one of those devices they sorta crammed into the threads with the regular 626 -.-. I do hope I helped out as I have had this device, you need to unlock your bootloader to gain root, its just some added work via PC with CMD or terminal, for your phone to be rooted .
LilAnt530 said:
Look up HTC Desire 626S XDA on google please, because there IS an actual thread on this device (and some amazing people working on it too) but its one of those devices they sorta crammed into the threads with the regular 626 -.-. I do hope I helped out as I have had this device, you need to unlock your bootloader to gain root, its just some added work via PC with CMD or terminal, for your phone to be rooted .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. I will look at the regular 626. Still stuck on bootloader.
new2android55 said:
Thanks for your input. I will look at the regular 626. Still stuck on bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I had it for a short time however, the Sunshine app is the best way to go in my opinion
I have the same phone.
I unlocked the boot loader and the web site told me that same BS. I put in my unlock token and they sent me an unlock code. It worked just fine.
Thanks everyone. I sold it --- lol. I'm going to look for a large screen android that I can root.Wanted a Phab 2 pro but it looks like they are discontinued.