Develop Bugs

[Q] Is stock possible?

Recently been looking into purchasing a new HTC One for myself, but after reading up on it, I see that there are a ton of S-Off and stock issues flying around. I guess I have a few clarifying questions then...
If I buy the phone today, is S-Off still possible?
Is S-Off risky?
Can I return to 100% complete stock yet if I need to or not? If yes, how?
Really I'm wondering if it's worth it to even purchase this phone as I don't want to be without flashing ROMs but at the same time, I resell my phones after awhile so I'm going to need to go back to 100% stock eventually. Sorry if these questions have already been asked, my xda search function is a bit broken. Thanks for reading this far.
Edit - Did some more searching and found the HTC One m8 now has the RUU's? Could someone also explain this? I'm new to HTC devices, coming from a nexus 5 here.

Nobody knows at all...?
Sent from my HTC M8

DinoSoup said:
Recently been looking into purchasing a new HTC One for myself, but after reading up on it, I see that there are a ton of S-Off and stock issues flying around. I guess I have a few clarifying questions then...
If I buy the phone today, is S-Off still possible?
Is S-Off risky?
Can I return to 100% complete stock yet if I need to or not? If yes, how?
Really I'm wondering if it's worth it to even purchase this phone as I don't want to be without flashing ROMs but at the same time, I resell my phones after awhile so I'm going to need to go back to 100% stock eventually. Sorry if these questions have already been asked, my xda search function is a bit broken. Thanks for reading this far.
Edit - Did some more searching and found the HTC One m8 now has the RUU's? Could someone also explain this? I'm new to HTC devices, coming from a nexus 5 here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, it will be. But it's not for certain. If your phone comes with the stock 1.12 software, then you can do it. But there's also a possibility of your phone being one of those unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones. If it comes with the latest 1.57 software installed, it won't be possible.
That being said, if it comes with 1.12, which it probably will, and you unlock the bootloader, root, and S-Off, you can always go back to 100% stock with no trace at all of it ever being rooted if you want to return it for warranty, exc.
IF it is one of the unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones, and you unlock your bootloader, root, and try to S-Off, but can't, then you can re lock the bootloader, run the stock RUU, and the only trace of it being unlocked and rooted would be that in the bootloader, it would say "Relocked" instead of "Locked."
Remember that if the phone comes with the 1.12 software, NEVER accept the OTA update. If you do accept the update, you will never be able to S-Off.
But again, chances are you will probably get the 1.12 software and be able to S-Off your phone. Hope this helped.

XxKINGxX2580 said:
Probably, it will be. But it's not for certain. If your phone comes with the stock 1.12 software, then you can do it. But there's also a possibility of your phone being one of those unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones. If it comes with the latest 1.57 software installed, it won't be possible.
That being said, if it comes with 1.12, which it probably will, and you unlock the bootloader, root, and S-Off, you can always go back to 100% stock with no trace at all of it ever being rooted if you want to return it for warranty, exc.
IF it is one of the unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones, and you unlock your bootloader, root, and try to S-Off, but can't, then you can re lock the bootloader, run the stock RUU, and the only trace of it being unlocked and rooted would be that in the bootloader, it would say "Relocked" instead of "Locked."
But again, chances are you will probably get the 1.12 software and be able to S-Off your phone. Hope this helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a ton, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Final question - how do I go about getting to stock. I found the RUU and stock files but I don't know at all what to do. After I know that, I'll be ready to root!
Sent from my HTC M8

DinoSoup said:
Thanks a ton, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Final question - how do I go about getting to stock. I found the RUU and stock files but I don't know at all what to do. After I know that, I'll be ready to root!
Sent from my HTC M8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply,
To get to complete 100% stock, you have to download and run the RUU. It's a simple EXE file. There are a bunch of Youtube videos on how to run RUUs. Before running the RUU, you have to re-lock the bootloader. But, to go to 100% stock, you first have to to reset the tampered flag, LOCK, not re-lock the bootloader (there is a thread on how to make the bootloader say LOCKED, not Re-Locked) and then S-ON. After that, run the RUU file, and it will take you back to complete stock. Like you never unlocked the bootloader or rooted.
But, I would do everything except S-ON. If you go to S-ON and run the RUU, you will not be able to go back to S-Off again. The RUU will install the 1.57 software, and that version isn't supported by Firewater.
The only thing you really have to do is a simple re-lock of the bootloader before running the RUU. But, doing what I said would make the phone look like it was never rooted. Again, I would do everything I said except going back to S-ON.

I just successfully achieved completely stock with S-On. I gave my details here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55374644&postcount=2

[Q] Dumb question about firmware & S-OFF

I've been rooting and flashing ROMs on Android devices for years, but I'm new to HTC (coming from the Galaxy Nexus/toro). On all my other devices, I've merely unlocked the bootloader, rooted, installed custom recovery, and flashed ROMs (e.g. CM11) to stay "current." I'm getting the sense that the M8 doesn't quite work like that (but I'm not sure).
I'm currently rooted, have TWRP, and S-ON (more on that in a minute). I've been using Venom's Viper One ROM since I got the phone in early July. Venom just released a new version of the ROM, but that has led to my realization that HTC and/or the M8 is a different animal that my other Android devices.
I've combed through countless threads trying to figure this out but to no avail--so I figured I'd ask it here. Do I have to be S-OFF to keep my firmware up to date? If so, is there any other way besides Sunshine to obtain S-OFF on the T-mobile M8? I tried Firewater and for whatever reason it reports it can't and never will work on my device.
It's not that I mind paying the $25 for Sunshine, but I'm not 100% clear why I need S-OFF since none of my other (non-HTC) devices required such a thing. I'd be willing to purchase it if I for sure needed it, but I'm confused if it is required to keep my rooted M8 "current" so I can keep on flashing ROMs without incident (the new version of Viper One supposedly doesn't work as well on the non-current firmware which I have).
If anyone here can ELI5 (Explain Like I'm 5) about S-OFF and whether or not I need it I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

zerozed99 said:
I've been rooting and flashing ROMs on Android devices for years, but I'm new to HTC (coming from the Galaxy Nexus/toro). On all my other devices, I've merely unlocked the bootloader, rooted, installed custom recovery, and flashed ROMs (e.g. CM11) to stay "current." I'm getting the sense that the M8 doesn't quite work like that (but I'm not sure).
I'm currently rooted, have TWRP, and S-ON (more on that in a minute). I've been using Venom's Viper One ROM since I got the phone in early July. Venom just released a new version of the ROM, but that has led to my realization that HTC and/or the M8 is a different animal that my other Android devices.
I've combed through countless threads trying to figure this out but to no avail--so I figured I'd ask it here. Do I have to be S-OFF to keep my firmware up to date? If so, is there any other way besides Sunshine to obtain S-OFF on the T-mobile M8? I tried Firewater and for whatever reason it reports it can't and never will work on my device.
It's not that I mind paying the $25 for Sunshine, but I'm not 100% clear why I need S-OFF since none of my other (non-HTC) devices required such a thing. I'd be willing to purchase it if I for sure needed it, but I'm confused if it is required to keep my rooted M8 "current" so I can keep on flashing ROMs without incident (the new version of Viper One supposedly doesn't work as well on the non-current firmware which I have).
If anyone here can ELI5 (Explain Like I'm 5) about S-OFF and whether or not I need it I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With HTC devices like our m8, s-off is needed in order to change firmwares and radios manually. It is very different than with nexus devices, that are definitely the easiest to tinker with. I paid the $25 for sunshine (firewater wouldn't work for me either) and it was so easy I can't even put it in words. Takes like 2 minutes. I recommend it. S-off makes a huge difference. But only if you know what youre doing. Read up on the dangers of obtaining s-off before you do it. Entering the wrong command in a terminal session with s-off could lead to a very expensive paperweight.
Sent from my M8

help. iam stuck/confused

ok guys i have a at&t htc one m8, i sim unlocked it some months ago with those online number code thing. so now i got impatience and wanted to get the new lollipop 5.0 gpe or sense. i am using another sim so i can receive ota updates on the phone anyways, infact at&t hasn't even released the lollipop yet. i decided to root the phone to get the new firmware only to get stuck at s-off part. my phone is rooted and the boot loader is unlocked. i have to pay 25 dollars to get s-off : eek: that's some bull crap. i wish someone told me that before embarking in this journey. firewater doesn't work anymore. is there any way around paying for sunshine ? thanks.

gabriox said:
ok guys i have a at&t htc one m8, i sim unlocked it some months ago with those online number code thing. so now i got impatience and wanted to get the new lollipop 5.0 gpe or sense. i am using another sim so i can receive ota updates on the phone anyways, infact at&t hasn't even released the lollipop yet. i decided to root the phone to get the new firmware only to get stuck at s-off part. my phone is rooted and the boot loader is unlocked. i have to pay 25 dollars to get s-off : eek: that's some bull crap. i wish someone told me that before embarking in this journey. firewater doesn't work anymore. is there any way around paying for sunshine ? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-Off isn't a must!
First and foremost, I'm S-On, 5.x ROM, regardless of GPE or Sense works fine for me

As of now no. Sunshine is the only working s-off method. I know it seems like a lot, but you have to remember that a lot of time and effort goes into this. Not to mention money of the the devs. Ths is a small cost considering what your able to do with it unleashed.

Bobbi lim said:
S-Off isn't a must!
First and foremost, I'm S-On, 5.x ROM, regardless of GPE or Sense works fine for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP can run Lollipop GPE ROMs that support 4.4.4 firmware.
Otherwise, Sense 5.0 ROMs will likely cause trouble (extreme long boot times, broken WiFi) without the proper firmware, which is not yet "officially" available for the AT&T version (LP not yet released).
For the AT&T version, if the OP wants to update to LP firmware, than s-off is actually a must, at this time.

You are basically saying that s-off is a must 25 is alot. I wish I did it when firewater was working.

What to do first?

I'm going to pick up a new m8 this afternoon because I can get a great deal on it from my carrier right now. I will eventually want to add TWRP recovery and play with all the ROMs out there as I have with my old HTC Sensation, but first I plan to stick with the stock experience.
Can I S-Off, Unlock, and Root and still get the stock OTA updates after? From my reading it sounds like my first task should be S-Off before any OTA upgrades happen or it's unlikely I will be able to get S-Off until the new version of Sunshine comes out. Is this correct?
Thanks!

Firehawk989 said:
I'm going to pick up a new m8 this afternoon because I can get a great deal on it from my carrier right now. I will eventually want to add TWRP recovery and play with all the ROMs out there as I have with my old HTC Sensation, but first I plan to stick with the stock experience.
Can I S-Off, Unlock, and Root and still get the stock OTA updates after? From my reading it sounds like my first task should be S-Off before any OTA upgrades happen or it's unlikely I will be able to get S-Off until the new version of Sunshine comes out. Is this correct?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get S-Off, you won't need to get the stock OTAs. That's the beauty of S-Off. You'll have the newest firmware way before you carrier does.

FIrst thing I did was unlocking, flashing recovery and did a nandroid. Then root and custom roms and stuff. Still S-On

Firehawk989 said:
I'm going to pick up a new m8 this afternoon because I can get a great deal on it from my carrier right now. I will eventually want to add TWRP recovery and play with all the ROMs out there as I have with my old HTC Sensation, but first I plan to stick with the stock experience.
Can I S-Off, Unlock, and Root and still get the stock OTA updates after? From my reading it sounds like my first task should be S-Off before any OTA upgrades happen or it's unlikely I will be able to get S-Off until the new version of Sunshine comes out. Is this correct?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have mentioned, if you are buying a new stock device, S-Off right away. Unlock bootloader, flash custom recovery, install SU, then try to S-Off before flashing any ROMs. The S-Off method works best on the stock ROM.

Excellent, this is the info I needed. Thanks!

Also as for the uproar about Sunshine not being free, at least you get what you pay for. Worked flawlessly the first time to unlock the bootloader and S-Off without having to go through a long process of adb and fastboot commands and so forth. No *Tampered* flags in the bootloader or any other ill effects so far either, so seems worth it to me at this point. Note that this was with a new device that was still on 4.4.3 which may have helped.
However, I do see how some people feel like there should be a free DIY option as well, as I probably would have just taken the time to unlock and S-Off the old fashioned way if it was possible. Did that with my HTC Sensation back in the day.

Do I Really Need S-OFF???

Sorry im a bit of a Noob and was wondering what benefit i would get from being S-Off
To be honest 25 for sunshine to get S-Off is a bit extreme but thats why im asking the question, im not here to start moaning about the cost, if i find that s-off is worth it i will get it.
Thanks

What may be worth doing is rooting the phone and purchasing sunshine if and when soff is needed to restore the tamper flag in the bootloader for warranty purposes. If you dont need to send it back dont bother paying for soff. Obviously if you want soff for other reasons then its worth it but only you would know this. Personally were both **** out of luck as its the only method to gain soff on the latest m8's. I will more than likely be getting it as i want root only but to have son bl locked and tamper flags removed whilst retaining root. For this reason alone its worth it to me but i hear ya. Still not to happy about paying it but theres no other choice atm unfortunately.
Im still not happy the bootloader has to be unlocked just to gain root. Ive always rooted my phones whilst keeping everything else stock, but again its tough **** until devs find an exploit, if they are even searching for one, who knows.

bornnslippy said:
Sorry im a bit of a Noob and was wondering what benefit i would get from being S-Off
To be honest 25 for sunshine to get S-Off is a bit extreme but thats why im asking the question, im not here to start moaning about the cost, if i find that s-off is worth it i will get it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best part of S-Off for me is that I can always be running the newest firmware, and therefore the newest ROMs. I never have to wait for my carrier to update (for example AT&T just got Lollipop a few weeks ago but S-Off users updated in January with WWE firmware)

This ^^^^
I got s-off in the beginning. So I've never had to worry about official updates, or finding firmware for my exact model (which is Telus... So harder to find). I did SuperCID, so I can flash firmware anytime, even downgrade firmware. I can use new roms, or old roms... Covert to GPE if I wanted... Etc.
Do you need it to fully enjoy the phone? No. But if you like having total control... Then yes you do.
$25 wasn't a big deal for me, for complete freedom. :good:

It depends where you live, what carrier your on, & if you want to tinker with your phone. I'm in the US, on Verizon, & want to stay up to date on firmwire & the latest android. Finally, I want full access to my device, so that's why I paid $25 no question !!!!!

Last thing does s-off void your warranty
Thanks

bornnslippy said:
Last thing does s-off void your warranty
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly. But unlocking your bootloader technically does. But with s-off, you can reverse everything you've done, including the red tampered banner, and return your device to its stock state.

sjpritch25 said:
It depends where you live, what carrier your on, & if you want to tinker with your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And specifically what you want to tinker with. But otherwise I agree.
If you own a version that gets relatively quickly updated (GPE, Dev Edition, many WWE versions) its probably not that necessary. But on AT&T for instance, we had to wait a few months (after other variants) to get the "official" 4.4.4 and 5.0 firmwares (hboot, radio, etc.). Meaning we couldn't properly run most custom ROMs for a while without s-off.
I did s-off when I got the phone about a year ago. So I've fortunately never had such limitations. I've been running LP since January, where folks on AT&T with s-on had to wait until April for the proper firmware.
Plus, with s-off you can flash modified hboots, manually flash different radios, and "fully convert" to other versions (other CIDs, of Google Play Edition).