Develop Bugs

[Q] Bootloader. Locked or Unlocked?

So my family is about to switch to AT&T from Boost Mobile. And I think I am getting a Galaxy S3 from them. And I would love to root and install CM in it. But I have been hearing reports of AT&T's locked bootloader policy and such. Should I worry about it for the S3? Or does it still have an unlocked bootloader? If it doesn't, should. I unlock it first, then root? Or root first? Please reply, and if you do, thanks,
Endo

Endofear said:
So my family is about to switch to AT&T from Boost Mobile. And I think I am getting a Galaxy S3 from them. And I would love to root and install CM in it. But I have been hearing reports of AT&T's locked bootloader policy and such. Should I worry about it for the S3? Or does it still have an unlocked bootloader? If it doesn't, should. I unlock it first, then root? Or root first? Please reply, and if you do, thanks,
Endo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if your phone firmware is higher then 4.1.2 then
check if your phone is locked or not Dial *#7465625# into your phone, a screen will pop up telling you what is on.
if Network lock is ON that mean your phone is locked and for now there is no way to unlock your phone for free (you have to pay for unlocking)
if your phone firmware version is 4.1.2 or lower then that then
go this link and find how to unlock your phone for free http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529200

Endofear said:
...I would love to root and install CM in it. But I have been hearing reports of AT&T's locked bootloader policy and such. Should I worry about it for the S3? Or does it still have an unlocked bootloader? If it doesn't, should. I unlock it first, then root? Or root first?
Endo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader issues should not be insurmountable. Being a new phone I expect it will come with the 4.3 version of Jelly Bean installed. This will be the first thing to check once you have the phone. If it has 4.3, it will have Knox installed and this will need to be turned off to install a custom ROM. All I have seen regarding removing Knox is either after or at the same time you are rooting. To root, the CF-Auto-Root method works for many. Both the CF-Auto-Root and a second method are here This thread also links to a script which will remove Knox, if needed.
You will need to decide which version of CM you wish to install, probably 10.2 or 11. At this time the 4.3 bootloader will work with both. I would recommend reading about all of this, and having a fair understanding, before doing anything to your phone. I won't hurt to run it on stock for a week or two.
Some things to bear in mind: The phone may come with the 4.1.2 version of Jelly Bean, but I doubt it. If it does you will have to update the bootloader before proceeding, more reading because there is an option involved - the official 4.3 bootloader (MJB) or the leaked 4.3 bootloader (MJ2). There is a bit of a chance the phone could come with Android 4.4, KitKat. It all depends on the timing of when you get your phone, when AT&T rolls out the update, and if the store personnel update the phone giving that 4.4 is available. If it does come with 4.4, DO NOT change anything until those on here that do the good things for our phones understand how it behaves.
Remember all of the warnings about anything you do being your responsibility.

[Q] Towelroot - Should I use it on Nexus 7 (2013)?

I've heard that using towelroot will root your phone but not unlock your bootloader. What does this entail? Can I still use Xposed Installer/ other root apps? Can I recieve OTA updates? Can I unroot again? Are there any downsides?
Looking forward to hearing about any experiences with this app.

Fakusnamus said:
I've heard that using towelroot will root your phone but not unlock your bootloader. What does this entail? Can I still use Xposed Installer/ other root apps? Can I recieve OTA updates? Can I unroot again? Are there any downsides?
Looking forward to hearing about any experiences with this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my N7 and I unlocked the bootloader. I then used towelroot to root it and it worked fine. I have not flashed a custom recovery so I don't think OTA should be an issue.

But...
utsmaster18 said:
I just got my N7 and I unlocked the bootloader. I then used towelroot to root it and it worked fine. I have not flashed a custom recovery so I don't think OTA should be an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just that some of my other devices (samsung ones, admittedly) don't get OTA updates since I've rooted them, even though they're available. I've also heard that rooting most devices sort of cuts off the updates, and that towelroot prevents that by leaving the bootloader alone.

Fakusnamus said:
It's just that some of my other devices (samsung ones, admittedly) don't get OTA updates since I've rooted them, even though they're available. I've also heard that rooting most devices sort of cuts off the updates, and that towelroot prevents that by leaving the bootloader alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After rooting you don't need to worry about updates with a nexus device (or any other really). As you'll notice in the N7 Android Development section, there are a TON of lollipop builds and it hasn't been officially released yet. In other words, all updates will be baked into custom ROM's so there's no need to worry about official updates. And to root a nexus, simply unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery like TWRP, there's no need for tools

DroidIt! said:
After rooting you don't need to worry about updates with a nexus device (or any other really). As you'll notice in the N7 Android Development section, there are a TON of lollipop builds and it hasn't been officially released yet. In other words, all updates will be baked into custom ROM's so there's no need to worry about official updates. And to root a nexus, simply unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery like TWRP, there's no need for tools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh...Yeah I was aware of that. If you read my question again, that was not what I was asking for. My queries were about the towelroot application in particular and if I could recieve OTA updates if I left the bootloader alone. I did not ask for alternatives.

I don't understand why you would rely on an app for root with a locked bootloader on a Nexus device. It's so simple to unlock the bootloader and root. There's only, at a minimum, thousands of guides on how to do it. If you're worried about updates, unlock the bootloader.

nhizzat said:
I don't understand why you would rely on an app for root with a locked bootloader on a Nexus device. It's so simple to unlock the bootloader and root. There's only, at a minimum, thousands of guides on how to do it. If you're worried about updates, unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I've heard unlocking the bootloader stops OTA updates. I don't want to have to download roms as my download speed is abysmal. Google services have (on average) 8 times the normal download speed at my place (no idea why), so I'd much rather recieve OTA updates from Google than download a rom.

Just another thought and I get your question, but if you did unlock the boot loader and then just downloaded the factory image from here https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images you WOULD be downloading it from Google so you should get the same speeds. Now I know you asked about towelroot and I've not used it, but if you're worried about download speeds the images in that link are directly from Google. I know what you mean though, I have very good download speeds and no matter what I download it does seem like the one's direct from Google are about 25% faster. They've got good networking that's for sure.

Fakusnamus said:
Because I've heard unlocking the bootloader stops OTA updates. I don't want to have to download roms as my download speed is abysmal. Google services have (on average) 8 times the normal download speed at my place (no idea why), so I'd much rather recieve OTA updates from Google than download a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heard that an unlocked bootloader prevents OTAs? I don't know where you heard that, but that's completely wrong. Bootloader state has absolutely no affect on OTAs. What an unlocked bootloader does is give you the ability to have complete control over your device. Flash any rom, flash any recovery, and never have to worry about losing root.
Take some time to read and learn before you start tinkering.

nhizzat said:
Heard that an unlocked bootloader prevents OTAs? I don't know where you heard that, but that's completely wrong. Bootloader state has absolutely no affect on OTAs. What an unlocked bootloader does is give you the ability to have complete control over your device. Flash any rom, flash any recovery, and never have to worry about losing root.
Take some time to read and learn before you start tinkering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I've rooted my phones in the past, I've stopped recieving OTA updates, even though they put out new ones. My friend who unlocked the bootloader on (and rooted) his nexus 7 also stopped recieving OTA updates. Are you saying that I can unlock bootloader and root my nexus 7 and I'll still receive OTA updates and/or can update to Lollipop when they release it a few weeks later for the device?

Fakusnamus said:
When I've rooted my phones in the past, I've stopped recieving OTA updates, even though they put out new ones. My friend who unlocked the bootloader on (and rooted) his nexus 7 also stopped recieving OTA updates. Are you saying that I can unlock bootloader and root my nexus 7 and I'll still receive OTA updates and/or can update to Lollipop when they release it a few weeks later for the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USUALLY it's a custom recovery that prevents OTAs not an unlocked bootloader or rooted device.
For example, I have a nVidia Shield which I prefer to get the OTAs for as the stock OS is perfect for my needs. Whenever an OTA is available, I have to reflash the stock recovery, apply the OTA and then I can flash a custom recovery again. I could have chosen to not use a custom recovery but I prefer to - so I just flash the stock one (1.0-3.0Mb size maybe?) and then back to custom after the OTA. takes 2min extra work before and after the OTA.

esmith13 said:
USUALLY it's a custom recovery that prevents OTAs not an unlocked bootloader or rooted device.
For example, I have a nVidia Shield which I prefer to get the OTAs for as the stock OS is perfect for my needs. Whenever an OTA is available, I have to reflash the stock recovery, apply the OTA and then I can flash a custom recovery again. I could have chosen to not use a custom recovery but I prefer to - so I just flash the stock one (1.0-3.0Mb size maybe?) abd then back to custom after the OTA. takes 2min extra work before and after OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you for sure that neither me, nor my friend have flashed custom recovery. Still no updates.

Fakusnamus said:
I can tell you for sure that neither me, nor my friend have flashed custom recovery. Still no updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What android version and kernel date do you currently show in "About Tablet" at the bottom of the settings screen?

The best way is to use towelroot now, and backup your data with titanium backup, then you can unlock your bootloader if you want for lollipop.

esmith13 said:
What android version and kernel date do you currently show in "About Tablet" at the bottom of the settings screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done anything to the tablet yet, it's still brand new. That was my friend with the updateless tablet.

Fakusnamus said:
I haven't done anything to the tablet yet, it's still brand new. That was my friend with the updateless tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question still stands... What Android version and what Kernel date?

Okay...
Okay, this is going on a massive tangent. My question was : If I root the nexus 7 with towelroot, can I still update to lollipop when the update rolls out? What can or can't I do with towelroot? (except not flash custom recovery or roms)

Fakusnamus said:
I haven't done anything to the tablet yet, it's still brand new. That was my friend with the updateless tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have it on me right now, but its a brand new one, and I've done nothing to it, so whatever kernel that is. I'm guessing the android version is 4.3 .

esmith13 said:
Question still stands... What Android version and what Kernel date?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have it on me right now, but its a brand new one, and I've done nothing to it, so whatever kernel that is. I'm guessing the android version is 4.3 .

Just unlock the bootloader now. It'll save you so much time and headache in the future.

Rooting & Rom'ing

Okay, I think I know the answer to this question, so forgive me. Just want to be sure before I go blow $500.
For the Nexus devices, regardless of the carrier, we'll be able to root them and ROM them as well as install new Kernel's because the bootloaders will be unlocked?
If that's correct please say so. If it's only partially correct, please explain it all to me.
Disgruntled Verizon User with a S6 Edge
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

Yes, its easy as pie.

nexuses are always devs favorites...

@mrbigdrawsz As a fellow Verizon user, I know exactly were your coming from. And yes since this is a nexus device coming directly from Google and not being sold or touched by Verizon, it will be good to go for all your rooting, ROM'ing, Bootloader unlocking, and custom kernel needs.

Yes! Though I am not sure about the Pixel C. I am wondering if Google giving products the Pixel name means they lock them down? Sorry, little off topic.

I'm only curious how/if Google has the fingerprint security locked down when it comes to root

shimp208 said:
@mrbigdrawsz As a fellow Verizon user, I know exactly were your coming from. And yes since this is a nexus device coming directly from Google and not being sold or touched by Verizon, it will be good to go for all your rooting, ROM'ing, Bootloader unlocking, and custom kernel needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank the sweet, tiny, infant squishy baby Jesus! I have yet to own a nexus phone (fed up with my GS5) and am about to pre order the 5X. I miss getting to try out different roms and such, so i'm really pumped about the 5X. the 6P is just too big of a phone for me i think.
Forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere, is there any word on xposed for android M?

owenrg said:
Forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere, is there any word on xposed for android M?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are still working out the bugs on getting it to run on 5.x completely as they want and those devs on the Xposed team do a phenomenal job. Support for 6.0 marshmallow will eventually come but it will be a little bit yet.

If I unlock bootload, will I have problem with OTA?

shimp208 said:
They are still working out the bugs on getting it to run on 5.x completely as they want and those devs on the Xposed team do a phenomenal job. Support for 6.0 marshmallow will eventually come but it will be a little bit yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

menaceinc said:
If I unlock bootload, will I have problem with OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.

Thanks, I will just do that, unlocking bootloader. I really missed OTA as my current N5 is rooted.
shimp208 said:
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

shimp208 said:
If you just unlock the bootloader you will be fine for OTA's, if you root or then install a custom recovery then you'll have to apply the OTA updates a different way then usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?

Tank87 said:
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, installing an OTA over a rooted phone would just kill root and you'd have to root it again, however, installing a custom ROM, the developer usually kills OTA so that all the custom stuff doesn't get jacked up.

Tank87 said:
Will rooting affect OTA? or will OTA just update and revert the device back to a non rooted state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will effect the built in method of OTA updates. This is not a problem though. 99% of the time you will have access to the updated via the nexus factory image site before you receive notification of an OTA update on your device. Download the update and extract the boot, bootloader, radio, and system images. Flash via fastboot in bootloader mode and you will update your device without losing data/settings. I believe that you can flash img files with recent TWRP builds also.
To root after update just reboot to TWRP recovery and reboot. You will be prompted to install root before system reboots.
May seem a little overwhelming if its your first nexus device but a lot easier than updating a non nexus rooted Android device.
For more info check out any one of the recent nexus routing guides sticky threads

I know many people rooted etc their Nexus 5s using the Wugfresh Nexus Root ToolKit. Undoubtably a version will be introduced for the 5X,
If you root your device then flash a custom rom, you will be notified of the update via OTA or otherwise (eg Pushbullet) for that specific rom that you have flashed.

SlyUK said:
I know many people rooted etc their Nexus 5s using the Wugfresh Nexus Root ToolKit. Undoubtably a version will be introduced for the 5X,
If you root your device then flash a custom rom, you will be notified of the update via OTA or otherwise (eg Pushbullet) for that specific rom that you have flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why use a Toolkit to root? Just using ADB and Fastboot is better/easier since you can actually see what is happening during the process. Using a toolkit removes that element and if it hangs you don't where in the process it failed on.

metpage said:
Why use a Toolkit to root? Just using ADB and Fastboot is better/easier since you can actually see what is happening during the process. Using a toolkit removes that element and if it hangs you don't where in the process it failed on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes thats true, but I haven't heard of many people who have had problems with Wugfresh and it is a popular method. Everyone is different

I always rooted my Nexus (N4, N5 & N7), but I am not going to root my new upcoming Nexus 5X. Why? It just too much to flash/root since Google will release monthly security updates. Yes, I did use "fastboot flash xxx xxx.img" method. However, I will unlock the bootloader in case I change my mind in the future. With unlocked bootloader, I can always fix phone via flash factory images.

OTA updates after rooting and unlocking bootloader

If I unlock my bootloader, root with magisk and install twrp, the what is step by step process to get official OTA updates when one gets released.
I don't have problem setting up my device from square 1.
But I want to avoid bootloops and bricking my device

fizzingbees said:
If I unlock my bootloader, root with magisk and install twrp, the what is step by step process to get official OTA updates when one gets released.
I don't have problem setting up my device from square 1.
But I want to avoid bootloops and bricking my device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres no way to do all things at once.
Unlocked bootlooder and rooting it means youll not get updates anymore as security has been broken. Youll have to flash manually or leave it as it is.

chirogan said:
Theres no way to do all things at once.
Unlocked bootlooder and rooting it means youll not get updates anymore as security has been broken. Youll have to flash manually or leave it as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I flash stock rom via odin, will it be possible to get OTA updates.
Of course I will loose my unlocked bootloader and root and twrp. Wouldn't I?

fizzingbees said:
So if I flash stock rom via odin, will it be possible to get OTA updates.
Of course I will loose my unlocked bootloader and root and twrp. Wouldn't I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone correct me if im wrong. My previous root experience was a year ago already with my s6 edge.
You'll still get OTA updates provided youre on official firmware and your bootloader is locked.
But a tripped knox will never return. You will never be able to use samsung pay and other features requiring knox.
Its up to you what you like. OTA updates or full feature of a rooted phone.

chirogan said:
Someone correct me if im wrong. My previous root experience was a year ago already with my s6 edge.
You'll still get OTA updates provided youre on official firmware and your bootloader is locked.
But a tripped knox will never return. You will never be able to use samsung pay and other features requiring knox.
Its up to you what you like. OTA updates or full feature of a rooted phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know about knox. Currently using rooted Samsung note 4 and all knox related apps removed.got Samsung health working by changing tima.
I dont care about knox tripping and not being able to use Samsung pay.
But since Samsung A70 is a new phone and unlike my note 4 still bound to get Ota updates and security patches, I would like to have this option.
I am seeing on forums to not lock the bootloader after rooting as it can cause bootloops. Something to do with magisk changing firmware of your phone.
I guess the only option is manual firmware download and flashing and then redoing rooting and patching.
Or stay on current firmware

chirogan said:
Theres no way to do all things at once.
Unlocked bootlooder and rooting it means youll not get updates anymore as security has been broken. Youll have to flash manually or leave it as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro send me please the recovery and how to flash it because it stays in download mode for hours and doesn't flash anything

Can I flash Lineage OS on my ATT Note 10+?

Hello everyone,
It's been awhile since I've been on Android and now that I'm back it doesn't really seem to me like there's any use of flashing roms now as most phones are useable. The only reason I can see is debloat with or w/o root. Anywho, my question I'm trying to ask is am I able to flash Lineasge OS on my Note 10+ N975U? I tried looking for my answer but all I run across is people requesting to flash ATT firmware for Volt LTE to work and etc.
Thanks!

coldcrush390 said:
Hello everyone,
It's been awhile since I've been on Android and now that I'm back it doesn't really seem to me like there's any use of flashing roms now as most phones are useable. The only reason I can see is debloat with or w/o root. Anywho, my question I'm trying to ask is am I able to flash Lineasge OS on my Note 10+ N975U? I tried looking for my answer but all I run across is people requesting to flash ATT firmware for Volt LTE to work and etc.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to flash a custom rom you need to be able to unlock the bootloader. Same applies with rooting the device or flashing a custom recovery.
Since we can not flash a custom recovery, root the device or unlock the bootloader then your answer is no.

scottusa2008 said:
In order to flash a custom rom you need to be able to unlock the bootloader. Same applies with rooting the device or flashing a custom recovery.
Since we can not flash a custom recovery, root the device or unlock the bootloader then your answer is no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!