Develop Bugs

[Q] Root/S-off/unlocked bootloader confusion

Hey everyone. Just got a new HTC one yay. I am coming from a moterola droid bionic where all i had to do was root, install recovery and flash whatever ROMs I wanted. All this s-off and unlocked boot loader stuff is confusing. Can someone explain to me what are the benefits of these options and which I should use. Sorry for the noob question. Thanks!

kalestar said:
Hey everyone. Just got a new HTC one yay. I am coming from a moterola droid bionic where all i had to do was root, install recovery and flash whatever ROMs I wanted. All this s-off and unlocked boot loader stuff is confusing. Can someone explain to me what are the benefits of these options and which I should use. Sorry for the noob question. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-OFF enables you to do whatever you want to your phone. If you run rumrunner it will give you s-off, root, and an unlocked bootloader.
Once run rumrunner, then you will want to flash a custom recovery to make a back up and install a new rom.
You should be familiar with adb commands before trying rumrunner.
Sent from the One and Only

kalestar said:
Hey everyone. Just got a new HTC one yay. I am coming from a moterola droid bionic where all i had to do was root, install recovery and flash whatever ROMs I wanted. All this s-off and unlocked boot loader stuff is confusing. Can someone explain to me what are the benefits of these options and which I should use. Sorry for the noob question. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, things were a bit simpler in Motorola land. Having come from the Droid 3, here is what I know so far.
You cannot permanently root the Stock build by default. This is due to some special write protection on the /system mount. I don't know the details but it is more than a remount command can take care of.
Unlocking the bootloader, most often associated with the htcdev.com site, allows you to flash a custom bootloader, and in turn flash custom roms that have root built-in and bypass the previously mentioned write protection. From what I can tell you still cannot flash the radio at this level.
S-Off is the big one. With S-Off you can do anything, including changing partition sizes, flashing radios, and all that fun stuff.
rumrunner is the program that unlocks the phone. It performs a S-Off, Bootloader Unlock, and roots the device in one package. Once you run it on your phone you will be able to load a custom bootloader and flash just as you would any other phone.
If anybody with more experience wants to correct me please do so. Like I said I am still learning the terms and technology.

Okay. Why would I do s-off instead of htcdev method? Is it so I could eventually flash new radio firmware? If so, what is the benefit of flashing new radio firmware? Thanks!

kalestar said:
Okay. Why would I do s-off instead of htcdev method? Is it so I could eventually flash new radio firmware? If so, what is the benefit of flashing new radio firmware? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Verizon the htcdev method is not available. They closed it a few days after the phone was released. As of now we have two ways to unlock our phones
rumrunner - Full S-Off, Bootloader unlock, and Root
Java card - Costs money, gets you S-Off
The real short answer is just use rumrunner and you will be all set to flash

I have a question...i was one of the lucky ones to get unlocked/rooted on day one from HTC/dev...I us sally flash a few roms but I'm not a crack flasher..am i good with what i have OR should i as-Off using rumrunner?

bsbuggs said:
I have a question...i was one of the lucky ones to get unlocked/rooted on day one from HTC/dev...I us sally flash a few roms but I'm not a crack flasher..am i good with what i have OR should i as-Off using rumrunner?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fine with what you have, unless you want *FULL* control.

tech_head said:
Fine with what you have, unless you want *FULL* control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks thats what I though THANKS..
I have read quite a few posts as everyone is quite happy with s off finally here... I was concerned when I read a post that said you cannot flash a radio without s-off.

I ran rumrunner and have s-off and unlocked with ClockworkMod Touch Recovery 6.0.4.4. But when I ran root checker it says I do not have root. What do I need to do to get root?
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One

jbh00jh said:
I ran rumrunner and have s-off and unlocked with ClockworkMod Touch Recovery 6.0.4.4. But when I ran root checker it says I do not have root. What do I need to do to get root?
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you flashed the supersu in recovery yet? That could be the reason.

jbh00jh said:
I ran rumrunner and have s-off and unlocked with ClockworkMod Touch Recovery 6.0.4.4. But when I ran root checker it says I do not have root. What do I need to do to get root?
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will try that now.
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One
---------- Post added at 08:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 PM ----------
Zynesterysdan said:
Have you flashed the supersu in recovery yet? That could be the reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That worked. I thought that was part of the rumrunner flash, but I guess I was wrong. Thanks man.
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One

I'm on the edge program. The only thing I seem to the missing is how to unroot, s-on, and relock the boot loader when I give this back to vz. Would that be flashing the ruu?
Sorry if this has been covered somewhere else.

emichroc said:
I'm on the edge program. The only thing I seem to the missing is how to unroot, s-on, and relock the boot loader when I give this back to vz. Would that be flashing the ruu?
Sorry if this has been covered somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out this thread - Return To Stock LOCKED and S-ON - I have not tried the method in there so I do not know if it works.

jbh00jh said:
Will try that now.
That worked. I thought that was part of the rumrunner flash, but I guess I was wrong. Thanks man.
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rumrunners does do that. Something just went wrong during your process.

bsbuggs said:
I have a question...i was one of the lucky ones to get unlocked/rooted on day one from HTC/dev...I us sally flash a few roms but I'm not a crack flasher..am i good with what i have OR should i as-Off using rumrunner?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would s off. If you scree up something or flashing cm10 kills your baseband you won't be able to flash the decrypted ruu. As far as I know we don't have an official ruu to flash yet.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I had htcdev unlock from the first day and have flashed some roms so I'm no longer stock. Is there any stock rom that I can flash and use rumrunner to get s-off?

Is their Return to stock with s off tutorial yet?

Hello I just bought htc one m8 I want to root bad but I just want to make sure is their a way to go back to stock with s off yet?

No RUU is available yet. There are stock kernel files and you can make a backup in recovery of stock rom. But, if you convert to Google play edition there's no way to get back right now.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Do you mean that if I install gpe Rom,I won't be able to flash stock based Rom?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

ceo.mtcl said:
Do you mean that if I install gpe Rom,I won't be able to flash stock based Rom?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, but only for now. Just waiting for the RUU to be released.

If you unlock with HTC Dev, the bootloader says unlocked or relocked (if you relock it).
To get locked again you need S-OFF.
However, I've seen S-OFF is (almost?) achieved, but no tutorial about restoring the lock flag.

There is some misinformation going on in here. You can flash a GPe ROM, and still be able to flash back to sense. However, if you flash the GPe RUU, then you are stuck until we get a sense RUU. Also, s-off has already been achieved, check the original development thread.

ceo.mtcl said:
Do you mean that if I install gpe Rom,I won't be able to flash stock based Rom?
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install a GPE Rom and then flash back to a Sense Rom no problem. What I was saying is if you do the full GPE conversion by flashing the GPE RUU, there's no way to get back to Sense until an RUU is available.

suprtrukr425 said:
There is some misinformation going on in here. You can flash a GPe ROM, and still be able to flash back to sense. However, if you flash the GPe RUU, then you are stuck until we get a sense RUU. Also, s-off has already been achieved, check the original development thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know we can S-OFF, but after that, how do we set the device back to Locked instead of Unlocked or Relocked?

IF you have an unbranded EU handset there is a way to get back to 100% stock with a bit of imagination...
1. Flash the stock odexed 1.54.401.5 ROM @mike1986. provided HERE
2. Flash the stock 1.54.401.5 recovery provided HERE
3. Relock the bootloader (or, if S-OFF, reset the tampered flag and lock it again)
You could also look into flashing the 1.54.401.5 firmware package to be ultra-sure you have everything done but if you were already on 1.54.401.5 before going custom it's not really required
That should do it...

confused a bit?
Dont want sound like a newbie but so if I unlock the bootloader and turn s off then its rooted and I can flash any recovery I just want to clear things real quick if I want to restore it like from the day I got it its possible if I follow your directions? I got the atnt version to I know I sound like super newbie but Its just a little more complicated to do this on htc one then it was when I had the s4 no doubt tho htc one m8 is amazing!!!

EddyOS said:
IF you have an unbranded EU handset there is a way to get back to 100% stock with a bit of imagination...
1. Flash the stock odexed 1.54.401.5 ROM @mike1986. provided HERE
2. Flash the stock 1.54.401.5 recovery provided HERE
3. Relock the bootloader (or, if S-OFF, reset the tampered flag and lock it again)
You could also look into flashing the 1.54.401.5 firmware package to be ultra-sure you have everything done but if you were already on 1.54.401.5 before going custom it's not really required
That should do it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks

EddyOS said:
3. Relock the bootloader (or, if S-OFF, reset the tampered flag and lock it again)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But.. how?
I mean, I know how to relock (there's an HTC official method), but if i'm S-OFF, how can i lock?

There's a thread on removing tampered and showing locked in android Dev section. I believe it just flashes a modified hboot file. Then you just need to s-on:
Fastboot oem writesecureflag 3
Then lock your bootloader which you know how to do.
There have been issues with running an RUU after messing with your bootloader while S-on with HTC Phones in the past so to minimize possible bricking be sure to see your CID back to its original if you changed it and possibly even leaving the phone S-Off if you plan to continue using it after returning to stock.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda app-developers app

exad said:
There's a thread on removing tampered and showing locked in android Dev section. I believe it just flashes a modified hboot file. Then you just need to s-on:
Fastboot oem writesecureflag 3
Then lock your bootloader which you know how to do.
There have been issues with running an RUU after messing with your bootloader while S-on with HTC Phones in the past so to minimize possible bricking be sure to see your CID back to its original if you changed it and possibly even leaving the phone S-Off if you plan to continue using it after returning to stock.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can lock it first as doing the normal will show 'relocked'. When S-OFF, you can set it back to 'locked' and then S-ON again (if you really want to). Guides are in General on how to do this

[Q] Back To Stock

I have an AT&T M8 with 4.4.3
Its unlocked and rooted, firewater was unsuccessful with this error....****** device patched by HTC, you are out of luck *********.
Is there any way to return to stock without S-Off?? If so could someone please point me in the right direction?
I'm a newbie with htc and very aggravated with this phone.

skullymullins said:
I have an AT&T M8 with 4.4.3
Its unlocked and rooted, firewater was unsuccessful with this error....****** device patched by HTC, you are out of luck *********.
Is there any way to return to stock without S-Off?? If so could someone please point me in the right direction?
I'm a newbie with htc and very aggravated with this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide me with the link that says you need to be S-OFF to get your phone back to stock, where you clearly didn't have to be S-OFF in order to take it away from stock in the first place?
I'm asking this because you are one of many that I've seen recently that comes on here asking the same question, can I go back to stock while I'm still S-ON ? "Should I be S-OFF in order to restore a nandroid backup?" etc...I would really like to know where you guys get this information from?
The only thing that you'll need S-OFF for(when going back to stock) is to fix the tampered flag in the bootloader and to have it show "locked" instead of "relocked" when or if you locked the bootloader.
That being said, going back to stock from where? Did you flash custom ROMs? Or are you only rooted and unlocked?

My phone is stock, but unlocked with root, my main goal is to reload the original recovery, relock and unroot.
I was watching a video on how to use RUU and according to the instructions you had to be S-Off.

Anyone
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

skullymullins said:
My phone is stock, but unlocked with root, my main goal is to reload the original recovery, relock and unroot.
I was watching a video on how to use RUU and according to the instructions you had to be S-Off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need S-Off only when you want to remove TAMPERED and RELOCKED flags.
Other than that, you don't need S-OFF
You have AT&T device, AT&T forum is where you'll find more info.
Try this one : http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...-2-23-502-3-bootable-ruu-pc-required-t2860486
Important note :
S-On - you need to relock bootloader first before running it. So read and read the instructions
and there are many more guides on AT&T forum

skullymullins said:
Anyone
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use the AT&T RUU that is available on the AT&T forum.
At&t 2.23.502.3 - 4.4.3 Bootable RUU - No PC required - Mac friendly
Like the OP there said, if you are S-ON you should lock the bootloader first before using the RUU. I think that should take care of most of the other issues you have, like unrooting etc. Make a backup of any personal stuff you have on phone.
Or
Download unsupersu, flash it in custom recovery to unroot device. If you use SuperSU you can also go into settings for SuperSU and use Full Unroot. Reboot phone, can then uninstall SuperSU. Should be unrooted.
Flash back stock recovery for your device.
Relock bootloader - fastboot oem lock

Will this also restore the factory recovery instead of twrp that is on the phone now?

skullymullins said:
Will this also restore the factory recovery instead of twrp that is on the phone now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's also in that very same thread we linked you to!
Post number 7
Post number 15
But I take it you didn't read at least the first 2 pages...
It'll take you back to stock completely, like the OP said in Post 15.
Just remember to relock your bootloader seeing as you're S-ON.

Thanks for your patience and help,
it worked flawlessly.

HTC one m8 s-OFF

I want to S-OFF my HTC m8 European version 4.16.401.10 lollipop 5.0.1
It's locked and not rooted
What I want S-OFF and relocked the boot loader as locked and flash TWRP
and custom Rom so I can back to get OTA update from HTC any time I want
I can use kit Kat way to S-OFF or there is anew for lollipop
Thank you
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda Forum

KARIM9377 said:
I want to S-OFF my HTC m8 European version 4.16.401.10 lollipop 5.0.1
It's locked and not rooted
What I want S-OFF and relocked the boot loader as locked and flash TWRP
and custom Rom so I can back to get OTA update from HTC any time I want
I can use kit Kat way to S-OFF or there is anew for lollipop
Thank you
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda Forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to S-OFF is to use SunShine @ http://theroot.ninja which will cost $25 respectively.

KARIM9377 said:
What I want S-OFF and relocked the boot loader as locked and flash TWRP
and custom Rom so I can back to get OTA update from HTC any time I want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not clear to me why you want s-off.
You only need stock ROM (no system files altered by root) and stock recovery to OTA. Relocking bootloader is not necessary. Its only necessary to relock bootloader to RUU (when s-on).

Sunshine doesn't work with Lollipop (yet) but keep checking their website for updates

EddyOS said:
Sunshine doesn't work with Lollipop (yet) but keep checking their website for updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I don't want to use sunshine, If there is away like firewater with kitKat use fast boot terminal/command* it was like this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general/vomerguides-m8-bootldr-unlock-s-off-t2800727
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda Forum

Firewater doesn't work AT ALL, Sunshine is the ONLY way to S-OFF a phone but it's not compatible with Lollipop

KARIM9377 said:
Yes I don't want to use sunshine, If there is away like firewater with kitKat use fast boot terminal/command* it was like this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general/vomerguides-m8-bootldr-unlock-s-off-t2800727
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firewater was an online service. So it no longer works now that the developer stopped supporting it 3 months ago.
But I'm still not convinced you even need s-off. You haven't provided a valid reason that required s-off.
If you do need soff, you need to use sunshine. There is no other option to s-off.

redpoint73 said:
firewater was an online service. So it no longer works now that the developer stopped supporting it 3 months ago.
But I'm still not convinced you even need s-off. You haven't provided a valid reason that required s-off.
If you do need soff, you need to use sunshine. There is no other option to s-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S-OFF it's more save to get back to locked on boot loader and with that you can get OTA UPDATE from HTC what I hope is to try flash viperM8 Rom and try it and then try sky Rom and see if I don't like them can back to stack with S-OFF
maybe I am wrong I don't know if
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda Forum

KARIM9377 said:
The S-OFF it's more save to get back to locked on boot loader and with that you can get OTA UPDATE from HTC what I hope is to try flash viperM8 Rom and try it and then try sky Rom and see if I don't like them can back to stack with S-OFF
maybe I am wrong I don't know if
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I already stated above, you do not need to lock the bootloader to OTA update, and you do not need s-off to OTA update. OTA update works fine with bootloader unlocked or otherwise.
You also do not need s-off to go back to stock. Just made a nandroid (or get one from the nandroid collection here) to restore stock ROM, and restore stock recovery (also in the collection).
With s-off you can make the bootloader say LOCKED instead of RELOCKED. But warranty service is typically the only time that is desired.
Yes, s-off will give you more recovery options. Such as being able to run RUU for any CID, or "downgrade" by RUU. And it lets you do things like flash radios or modified hboots. But of the things you mentioned, its not needed.

redpoint73 said:
As I already stated above, you do not need to lock the bootloader to OTA update, and you do not need s-off to OTA update. OTA update works fine with bootloader unlocked or otherwise.
You also do not need s-off to go back to stock. Just made a nandroid (or get one from the nandroid collection here) to restore stock ROM, and restore stock recovery (also in the collection).
With s-off you can make the bootloader say LOCKED instead of RELOCKED. But warranty service is typically the only time that is desired.
Yes, s-off will give you more recovery options. Such as being able to run RUU for any CID, or "downgrade" by RUU. And it lets you do things like flash radios or modified hboots. But of the things you mentioned, its not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your advice I will root and flash TWRP recovery and backup the stack Rom and then flash custom Rom
Thank you for your help
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda Forum

Hi @redpoint73 can i ask you a question ?
I bought a second hand M8 and it already had S-OFF via sunshine.When i entered bootloader it says : Software status : Modified , (bootloader) UNLOCKED and S-OFF.
I asked the seller for the "unlock_code.bin" and he said that didn't have any.He said he simply ran sunshine to S-OFF.Didn't modified further.No custom recovery no root (although sunshine temp roots) no custom ROM.
So my question is this : performing S-OFF via sunshine will auto unlock your bootloader and say Software status : Modified ?

nighthawk696969 said:
Hi @redpoint73 can i ask you a question ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, that's what this forum section if for!
nighthawk696969 said:
I bought a second hand M8 and it already had S-OFF via sunshine.When i entered bootloader it says : Software status : Modified , (bootloader) UNLOCKED and S-OFF.
I asked the seller for the "unlock_code.bin" and he said that didn't have any.He said he simply ran sunshine to S-OFF.Didn't modified further.No custom recovery no root (although sunshine temp roots) no custom ROM.
So my question is this : performing S-OFF via sunshine will auto unlock your bootloader and say Software status : Modified ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually did s-off back when firewater was still working, before sunshine even existed. So I can't speak from personal experience, just what I've read on these forums. I believe that the sunshine app gives you the options to temp root, s-off, and unlock the bootloader (by means that bypasses HTCDev.com). So that is probably what the previous owner did.
With s-off there isn't ever a need to relock the bootloader, and therefore no need to unlock it again with the bin code. RUUs will run with bootloader unlocked when s-off. And you can change the hboot flag to LOCKED for warranty purposes with s-off.
If for some reason you want to relock and then unlock the bootloader again, you can just go through the HTCDev.com process to get a new bin code. But its not advised. As I don't see why you would ever want to relock (for the reasons just given). And once you go through HTCDev.com, HTC will have a record of you doing so (which they do not at this time).

Thanks you have been more than helpfull!
Another question and last one :
Can i dual boot with multirom a sense 6 rom and the GPe rom?
I have the latest firmware installed so from what i read GPe roms can run without any issues.
Thanks again!

nighthawk696969 said:
Thanks you have been more than helpfull!
Another question and last one :
Can i dual boot with multirom a sense 6 rom and the GPe rom?
I have the latest firmware installed so from what i read GPe roms can run without any issues.
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea, I've never used MultiROM, and not that familiar with it. Hopefully, someone who knows will chime in. Or you can post to the MultiROM thread to possibly get a quicker answer.

Go back to stock ROM with S-ON

Title says all. I want to back to stock so I can get latest firmware. I am S-ON, and don't plan on paying $25 to get S-OFF. I did search, but any results were for S-OFF or had dead links.

Malvarose said:
Title says all. I want to back to stock so I can get latest firmware. I am S-ON, and don't plan on paying $25 to get S-OFF. I did search, but any results were for S-OFF or had dead links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked bootloader/installed TWRP the right way then you will have a stock System image backup. If you don't then get one here. This can be restored in recovery after mounting system read-only, see this post. You will then also need to restore stock recovery to be able to take an OTA, details in the same post.
This stuff is all out there if you search and read!

Malvarose said:
Title says all. I want to back to stock so I can get latest firmware. I am S-ON, and don't plan on paying $25 to get S-OFF. I did search, but any results were for S-OFF or had dead links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might need to SOFF so that way u can RUU and go back to full stock, the take an OTA.

Malvarose said:
Title says all. I want to back to stock so I can get latest firmware. I am S-ON, and don't plan on paying $25 to get S-OFF. I did search, but any results were for S-OFF or had dead links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aer0zer0 said:
Might need to SOFF so that way u can RUU and go back to full stock, the take an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Need to S-Off to return to stock, Im S-On and went about it this way. Go to this link HERE and start at step 5 to get back to stock. Then for the firmware updates go to his link HERE and download the the ruu that you would need (for me it was att's offical 2.11). Then connect your phone to a pc, make sure you enable USB Debugging and give permission for the pc to connect. Run the RUU, this will upgrade you to the newest firmware and stock rom. It will remove your recovery and root so you will have the go threw the steps to flash TWRP or what ever recovery (start at step 1 at the first link posted) and then re-root your phone. After that your all good

Are all the M9 recoveries the same? The only RUU my carrier (Telus) has is on 1.32, and the links provided were AT&T's. I'm currently S-ON.

Snookers said:
Are all the M9 recoveries the same? The only RUU my carrier (Telus) has is on 1.32, and the links provided were AT&T's. I'm currently S-ON.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they're not all the same. There's always a recovery in the the OTA update, so you can extract it from there on the next update if you can wait.
Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

Snookers said:
Are all the M9 recoveries the same? The only RUU my carrier (Telus) has is on 1.32, and the links provided were AT&T's. I'm currently S-ON.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could look at Android Ruu to see if they have your carriers ruu listed, my bad on the att links, the Windroid Tool at This Link Here might be able to help you find other ruus and recoveries, Ive used this tool a lot, but not sure if it fully supports your M9 version. Hope this helps you some.