Develop Bugs

Google VS. Non-Google Variant Differences

This thread is to gather technical clarification for those of us who have wondered about this:
If a Google phone (e.g. Pixel / Pixel XL) is purchased from another retailer (e.g. Verizon [with a locked bootloader]), other than the physical hardware, are there any technical differences in SOFTWARE and/or CODING that would restrict flashing OEM firmware from Google after the bootloader is unlocked?
***** (Is the Verizon variant restricted from flashing Google firmware?) *****
My apologies if this has been covered in another thread.

So I went ahead and downloaded the latest "7.1.0 (NDE63P, Oct 2016)" file and attempted to flash the "flash-all.bat" file on my Verizon Pixel XL through fastboot and was unsuccessful. Attached is a screenshot of the error.
It hangs at:
"(bootloader) Flashing active slot "_b"
I'm uncertain of what this means but it didn't work. It allowed me to exit and reboot to my current state before the flash. Maybe someone can chime in on this.

I bought Verizon pixel xl from best buy. It is sim unlocked. Bootloader is locked. It can be unlocked via depixel8 sunshine method. I flashed Google stock rom nde63p and rooted. All is working 100 percent.

Radsolutionz said:
I bought Verizon pixel xl from best buy. It is sim unlocked. Bootloader is locked. It can be unlocked via depixel8 sunshine method. I flashed Google stock rom nde63p and rooted. All is working 100 percent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too, also have a Verizon variant that is bootloader-unlocked with depixel8. What am doing differently that isn't working to flash the factory image NDE63P?

1up1up said:
I too, also have a Verizon variant that is bootloader-unlocked with depixel8. What am doing differently that isn't working to flash the factory image NDE63P?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://developers.google.com/android/images follow instructions exactly in the link. That's all I did. The toolkit does not work for this. Anymore problems I can assist you tomorrow. Just make sure ur phone is is bootloader mode. Also the image is fully extracted in your adb tools folder.

Radsolutionz said:
https://developers.google.com/android/images follow instructions exactly in the link. That's all I did. The toolkit does not work for this. Anymore problems I can assist you tomorrow. Just make sure ur phone is is bootloader mode. Also the image is fully extracted in your adb tools folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm certain I'm not missing anything here, according to steps required. It just isn't working for me.

1up1up said:
I'm certain I'm not missing anything here, according to steps required. It just isn't working for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Set it up on another computer and start from scratch. Windows 10 has some issues.... If it doesn't work and you want it done just get the device to me and I'll do it for u my self. Message me and I'll work it out with u.

My question is somewhat related so I'll post it in here.
If I unlock bootloader with depixel8, then flash the Google factory image and relock bootloader, in theory I should now have a Google version correct? Has and had success with this?
The reason I want to relock is to not trip safety net. Right now I'm enjoying the phone without root, but know I will want to root eventually and don't want to miss the easy conversion to a official Google model.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

suhailtheboss said:
My question is somewhat related so I'll post it in here.
If I unlock bootloader with depixel8, then flash the Google factory image and relock bootloader, in theory I should now have a Google version correct? Has and had success with this?
The reason I want to relock is to not trip safety net. Right now I'm enjoying the phone without root, but know I will want to root eventually and don't want to miss the easy conversion to a official Google model.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Until you see Jcase or another dev post a full Google Store conversion for the Verizon Pixel, do not relock your bootloader. That is, if you want to root your Verizon Pixel in the future.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

1up1up said:
So I went ahead and downloaded the latest "7.1.0 (NDE63P, Oct 2016)" file and attempted to flash the "flash-all.bat" file on my Verizon Pixel XL through fastboot and was unsuccessful. Attached is a screenshot of the error.
It hangs at:
"(bootloader) Flashing active slot "_b"
I'm uncertain of what this means but it didn't work. It allowed me to exit and reboot to my current state before the flash. Maybe someone can chime in on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update your adb drivers. You need sdk version 25. Your error, [bootb doesn't exist] is because you are using an older sdk that can't handle all of the new partitions in the Pixels. There was no boot_a or boot_b in Nexus, which is why it doesn't know where to send the files.

1up1up said:
I too, also have a Verizon variant that is bootloader-unlocked with depixel8. What am doing differently that isn't working to flash the factory image NDE63P?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely you are trying to flash-all with an older version of the SDK or using another older tool. flash-all only seems to work with the latest SDK or the latest tool. You can flush each of the 14 img files individually as well.

dbrohrer said:
Update your adb drivers. You need sdk version 25. Your error, [bootb doesn't exist] is because you are using an older sdk that can't handle all of the new partitions in the Pixels. There was no boot_a or boot_b in Nexus, which is why it doesn't know where to send the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated SDK and flash was successful. Can you please help me understand this too: now that the Google Firmware has been flashed, does that "change" the phone from a "Verizon" model to a "Google" model? Also, why is it that in Developer Options, "OEM Unlocking" is still grayed out?

Mike02z said:
Most likely you are trying to flash-all with an older version of the SDK or using another older tool. flash-all only seems to work with the latest SDK or the latest tool. You can flush each of the 14 img files individually as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated SDK and all is working.

1up1up said:
I updated SDK and flash was successful. Can you please help me understand this too: now that the Google Firmware has been flashed, does that "change" the phone from a "Verizon" model to a "Google" model? Also, why is it that in Developer Options, "OEM Unlocking" is still grayed out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear you got it flashed. You answered your own question. Currently there is not a way to convert the Verizon model to the Google model. They are in fact exactly the same in hardware and firmware. Zero difference. The reason that it is grayed out is because when the phone first boots up it checks for a whitelist (or maybe a blacklist) by CID or MEID. If you're phone is listed as a Verizon device, the OEM unlock option is grayed out. That is the way they locked it down. They just grayed out the toggle for the locked phones.
For the time being, the only option you have is to leave the bootloader unlocked. If you lock the bootloader, there is a good chance that it will be permanent after the November security patch. Maybe later someone figures out how to fool the check at first boot (or change the CID...). Or install a custom rom. This would be the only way to turn the device into a "Google" model.

dbrohrer said:
Glad to hear you got it flashed. You answered your own question. Currently there is not a way to convert the Verizon model to the Google model. They are in fact exactly the same in hardware and firmware. Zero difference. The reason that it is grayed out is because when the phone first boots up it checks for a whitelist (or maybe a blacklist) by CID or MEID. If you're phone is listed as a Verizon device, the OEM unlock option is grayed out. That is the way they locked it down. They just grayed out the toggle for the locked phones.
For the time being, the only option you have is to leave the bootloader unlocked. If you lock the bootloader, there is a good chance that it will be permanent after the November security patch. Maybe later someone figures out how to fool the check at first boot (or change the CID...). Or install a custom rom. This would be the only way to turn the device into a "Google" model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see... Thank you very much for explaining that.

dbrohrer said:
Glad to hear you got it flashed. You answered your own question. Currently there is not a way to convert the Verizon model to the Google model. They are in fact exactly the same in hardware and firmware. Zero difference. The reason that it is grayed out is because when the phone first boots up it checks for a whitelist (or maybe a blacklist) by CID or MEID. If you're phone is listed as a Verizon device, the OEM unlock option is grayed out. That is the way they locked it down. They just grayed out the toggle for the locked phones.
For the time being, the only option you have is to leave the bootloader unlocked. If you lock the bootloader, there is a good chance that it will be permanent after the November security patch. Maybe later someone figures out how to fool the check at first boot (or change the CID...). Or install a custom rom. This would be the only way to turn the device into a "Google" model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aside from the option to unlock/relock being greyed out, will unlocking disable the updates? I was reading another article that said if you unlock the Verizon pixel using depixel8, then you would not be able to take OTA updates. Aside from unlocking for custom roms, is there any real need to unlock?

coolhandz said:
Aside from the option to unlock/relock being greyed out, will unlocking disable the updates? I was reading another article that said if you unlock the Verizon pixel using depixel8, then you would not be able to take OTA updates. Aside from unlocking for custom roms, is there any real need to unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking will not disable updates. In Developer Options there is a toggle to disable this. Depending on what you do to your phone after bootloader unlock, disabling this might be important to prevent bootloop during an update.
Aside from root, various flashable mods, custom rom, or custom kernel, there is not really a need to unlock. Your phone is certainly less secure by doing so. If you plan to stay completely stock, keep your bootloader locked.

relock verizon bootloader

OK so I am going to have to return my pixel xl for a factory refurbished due to hardware issues with the camera flash. How do I relock the bootloader before taking it back?

Fastboot flashing lock? Or oem lock?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

oneandroidnut said:
Fastboot flashing lock? Or oem lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's that simple? Just run the fast lock command?

shibbnasty said:
It's that simple? Just run the fast lock command?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think lol it's been awhile since I locked a phone
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

oneandroidnut said:
I think lol it's been awhile since I locked a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I should have mentioned as well it's a Verizon pixel xl and I had to use depixel8 to unlock it

shibbnasty said:
OK so I am going to have to return my pixel xl for a factory refurbished due to hardware issues with the camera flash. How do I relock the bootloader before taking it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You better be absolutely sure that your device is completely stock before relocking the bootloader. Once you are sure, boot into the bootloader and type, fastboot OEM lock

lyall29 said:
You better be absolutely sure that your device is completely stock before relocking the bootloader. Once you are sure, boot into the bootloader and type, fastboot OEM lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I have done is unlock it. I have not flashed any kernels or mods or anything.

shibbnasty said:
All I have done is unlock it. I have not flashed any kernels or mods or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok then. You should be fine. fastboot OEM lock will lock your bootloader and wipe your data at the same time.

lyall29 said:
Ok then. You should be fine. fastboot OEM lock will lock your bootloader and wipe your data at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much!

@shibbnasty. Actually, relocking the bootloader may not wipe data. I can't remember. Let me know if it does or not.

Yes it does.

Rank N00b here... just getting that out of the way.
Device: Verizon Pixel XL
Build: NDE63X
Bootloader: unlocked via dePixel8 (done after Nov update)
So the phone is stock and I'm not really keen on modding right now. I don't want to use a alpha build of TWRP and SuperSU seems to be in flux too. These aren't criticisms by the way; I realize this a very new handset and those kinds of tools take time to develop. Nothing happens overnight.
So, anyway, my phone is currently unlocked and I'm wondering if I'm not better off relocking it? As a stock unit, it should still get OTA's, right? Like I said, total n00b here...

@loaba,
There's absolutely no reason to relock your bootloader, unless you are annoyed by the Google bootloader unlock warning during boot, or if you are planning on returning it or selling it. Otherwise, leave it unlocked. Gives you much greater flexibility to recover if something goes wrong.

@cam30era,
Thanks for the reassurance.

loaba said:
@cam30era,
Thanks for the reassurance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, Verizon may remove unlock ability via dePixel8 in their December update.
If that happens, you might have to wait awhile to get Unlock on a VZN Pixel again.

michaelbsheldon said:
Also, Verizon may remove unlock ability via dePixel8 in their December update.
If that happens, you might have to wait awhile to get Unlock on a VZN Pixel again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I want to maintain an unlocked device I need to act now... Guess I'll see which comes first - the possibly debilitating Dec update or a stable TWRP build (and a correspondingly stable custom ROM).

loaba said:
So if I want to maintain an unlocked device I need to act now... Guess I'll see which comes first - the possibly debilitating Dec update or a stable TWRP build (and a correspondingly stable custom ROM).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, do nothing and stay unlocked. You will still receive VZN OTA's and stay up to date as long as you do not install a custom recovery or kernel.
AND since you've remained unlocked, when the time comes that you do want a custom kernel or recovery, you can get them.
If it gets messed up somehow, you can do a clean RUU install as if nothing happened. If it's locked, you can't do that as easily.

michaelbsheldon said:
Yep, do nothing and stay unlocked. You will still receive VZN OTA's and stay up to date as long as you do not install a custom recovery or kernel.
AND since you've remained unlocked, when the time comes that you do want a custom kernel or recovery, you can get them.
If it gets messed up somehow, you can do a clean RUU install as if nothing happened. If it's locked, you can't do that as easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About the OTA's - that was my big concern for now. Cool.
OP - thread derailed... sorry, man.

You cannot use Android pay on an unlocked phone. Unless there is a workaround.

Khanusma said:
You cannot use Android pay on an unlocked phone. Unless there is a workaround.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the custom kernels fix that. Root is the hard one to hide.

How to Lock Bootloader

Hello, I purchased a Pixel 3 XL off craigslist and it is working fine, but the bootloader is unlocked therefore I am receiving a warning when restarting the phone and Google Pay does not work. How can I re-lock the bootloader? Do I need to flash the latest standard google image? The build number is: "crosshatch-userdebug 9 PQ1A.181105.013 5027108 dev-keys". When in bootloader the bootloader version is: b1c1-0.1-5004167. Obviously a n00b here, please be gentle. Thank you for any help.

Do you have a computer? If so what OS do you use?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

superchilpil said:
Do you have a computer? If so what OS do you use?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have a computer, a Windows 10 Pro

Are you planning on rooting? If so, you can use Magisk Hide (after using Magisk to root of course) to get Google Pay to work. I would be hesitant to re-lock the BL unless you are certain that it is completely stock otherwise. Re-locking a modified phone can brick the device. Better to just learn how to root, etc and keep it unlocked. You have come to the right place to learn.

sliding_billy said:
Are you planning on rooting? If so, you can use Magisk Hide (after using Magisk to root of course) to get Google Pay to work. I would be hesitant to re-lock the BL unless you are certain that it is completely stock otherwise. Re-locking a modified phone can brick the device. Better to just learn how to root, etc and keep it unlocked. You have come to the right place to learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.

eec007 said:
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in Denver I'll trade you my Verizon one for yours. It has a locked bootloader.

eec007 said:
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two obvious things you can check are that you have stock recovery and that the phone is not rooted. Manually power on to bootloader (hold volume down and press power then use the volume keys to select recovery and press power. you should get a no command android screen if in stock recovery. assuming you don't have a Magisk icon, you are probably not rooted but you can confirm by installing and running a root app like root checker. likely, the previous owner did nothing but unlock the BL given how recently it came out, but if someone where really creative they could have done work in the other partition. there are no exploites, so doing it normally (running fastboot flashing unlock from a prompt) is pretty much all that would have been done other than enabling developer options and OEM unlocking in settings.
Personally, I think you have a good chance to learn your device, root (you need to be rooted for Magisk hide) and keep the bootloader unlocked. Besides rooting, being able to install a full factory image instead of an OTA is so much better in my opinion. The amount of work it would take to be 100% confident that the only thing done was the BL unlock would take as much work as at least getting a working knowledge of rooting and reinstalling the OS.
P.S. Keeping a phone "stock and rooted" has advantages. That is how I run my 3 XL and how I ran my OG XL. No custom OS. Not even a kernel.

coolhandz said:
If you live in Denver I'll trade you my Verizon one for yours. It has a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, what I don't get is that I thought the google edition could have the bootloader unlocked in the developer options. So why go to this hassle of unlocking the bootloader from fastboot? FYI, in the Developer options the OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Bootloader is already unlocked".

sliding_billy said:
The two obvious things you can check are that you have stock recovery and that the phone is not rooted. Manually power on to bootloader (hold volume down and press power then use the volume keys to select recovery and press power. you should get a no command android screen if in stock recovery. assuming you don't have a Magisk icon, you are probably not rooted but you can confirm by installing and running a root app like root checker. likely, the previous owner did nothing but unlock the BL given how recently it came out, but if someone where really creative they could have done work in the other partition. there are no exploites, so doing it normally (running fastboot flashing unlock from a prompt) is pretty much all that would have been done other than enabling developer options and OEM unlocking in settings.
Personally, I think you have a good chance to learn your device, root (you need to be rooted for Magisk hide) and keep the bootloader unlocked. Besides rooting, being able to install a full factory image instead of an OTA is so much better in my opinion. The amount of work it would take to be 100% confident that the only thing done was the BL unlock would take as much work as at least getting a working knowledge of rooting and reinstalling the OS.
P.S. Keeping a phone "stock and rooted" has advantages. That is how I run my 3 XL and how I ran my OG XL. No custom OS. Not even a kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Root Checker says that "root access is not properly installed on this device". The recovery mode screen just has a warning about the bootloader is unlocked and a link to a google help page. I figure that I can always unlock the bootloader again if I need to later, but for now I just want everything to work (bank and pay app) and not worry about updating anything myself. I think I may try fastboot to lock the bootloader for now. Thanks for all the help.

Hope it all works out for you. I assume you did a factory reset on the device since you got it used. Re-locking will do another factory reset.

sliding_billy said:
Hope it all works out for you. I assume you did a factory reset on the device since you got it used. Re-locking will do another factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, so I locked using "fastboot flashing lock" but then it doesn't start, saying that there is no operating system or something like that. I freaked out and was able to unlock again using "fastboot flashing unlock". Now all is wiped. I guess I need to flash the oem rom first, then lock. I'll have to do this all later tonight. Just glad that I didn't brick it yet.

eec007 said:
Thank you! Root Checker says that "root access is not properly installed on this device". The recovery mode screen just has a warning about the bootloader is unlocked and a link to a google help page. I figure that I can always unlock the bootloader again if I need to later, but for now I just want everything to work (bank and pay app) and not worry about updating anything myself. I think I may try fastboot to lock the bootloader for now. Thanks for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted or bl unlocked in some time now so if I make a mistake someone please correct me. After buying it from a 3rd party I'd wipe the device entirely. Download the correct image and install the latest platform tools for Windows (here) https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools and make sure you can connect with adb devices and fastboot devices commands. Then extract the latest full image from here https://developers.google.com/android/images to your platform-tools directory and run the flashall.bat command if you wish to wipe the entire device and get rid of anything the previous owner might have "inadvertently" installed. (this is what I would do but not necessarily what you should do if you want to keep the current apps and system intact) This will reset your device and then you can lock the bootloader with no worry and you'll have a stock system.
I agree that since you can unlock it at any time and you don't need it now then relock it. But there are those here that disagree with me and fight with Magisk and OTAs constantly. But they are not noobs and know what they're doing. If you want to learn there is a wealth of information here so it's your call. Just my 2 cents. But please check my steps before you do anything that might cause issues.
edit: darn, sorry I just saw above that you already tried to lock it. I hope what I said to do will get you out of the predicament.

bobby janow said:
I haven't rooted or bl unlocked in some time now so if I make a mistake someone please correct me. After buying it from a 3rd party I'd wipe the device entirely. Download the correct image and install the latest platform tools for Windows (here) https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools and make sure you can connect with adb devices and fastboot devices commands. Then extract the latest full image from here https://developers.google.com/android/images to your platform-tools directory and run the flashall.bat command if you wish to wipe the entire device and get rid of anything the previous owner might have "inadvertently" installed. (this is what I would do but not necessarily what you should do if you want to keep the current apps and system intact) This will reset your device and then you can lock the bootloader with no worry and you'll have a stock system.
I agree that since you can unlock it at any time and you don't need it now then relock it. But there are those here that disagree with me and fight with Magisk and OTAs constantly. But they are not noobs and know what they're doing. If you want to learn there is a wealth of information here so it's your call. Just my 2 cents. But please check my steps before you do anything that might cause issues.
edit: darn, sorry I just saw above that you already tried to lock it. I hope what I said to do will get you out of the predicament.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your steps are basically what I will try tonight. Currently the phone is working again, so there was no harm done yet (just the restore of all apps and such). But I'm going to flash the oem image tonight and start all over again.

eec007 said:
Your steps are basically what I will try tonight. Currently the phone is working again, so there was no harm done yet (just the restore of all apps and such). But I'm going to flash the oem image tonight and start all over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing I would do before I relocked the bl would be to do the full login procedure, email everything other than apps. Then make sure you're on the Nov update in about phone, I'm sure you will be, and then fastboot relock the bl with the proper command. It will wipe the device again but it's a small price to pay for about 10 minutes of work. Then once it reboots and there is no more error message you'll be fully stock. Enable dev options again and make sure the oem switch is active allowing bl unlock. Then you're done. I've gotten to the point on my 5X where I even flip the oem switch so it can't be bl unlocked until I go in and flip it back. Dangerous if you're flashing stuff but not so much if you're just taking OTAs. That's of course your call entirely. Good luck.

eec007 said:
lol, what I don't get is that I thought the google edition could have the bootloader unlocked in the developer options. So why go to this hassle of unlocking the bootloader from fastboot? FYI, in the Developer options the OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Bootloader is already unlocked".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.

eec007 said:
Hello, I purchased a Pixel 3 XL off craigslist and it is working fine, but the bootloader is unlocked therefore I am receiving a warning when restarting the phone and Google Pay does not work. How can I re-lock the bootloader? Do I need to flash the latest standard google image? The build number is: "crosshatch-userdebug 9 PQ1A.181105.013 5027108 dev-keys". When in bootloader the bootloader version is: b1c1-0.1-5004167. Obviously a n00b here, please be gentle. Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're right to mention that relocking a modified device can result in a brick.
Your best bet is to go to https://developers.google.com/android/images#taimen
Follow the directions to the "T", then relock it if you are really really sure that the unlock screen bothers you.
Would suggest to do this anyway, no matter future unlock status.

TonikJDK said:
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with most of your post other than waiting for the next OTA before you lock the bootloader. Why would he need to do that? If he's stock, and he'll see that immediately, then relock it. He doesn't want root or Magisk but only wants banking and Pay. With the slider allowing bl unlock he's in no danger whatsoever. Lock and relock whenever he wants. OTA will not disallow the slider once it's set.

TonikJDK said:
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for explaining this. I had thought that the Developer Option slider was to unlock the bootloader, but your explanation clarifies it, the slider is to allow the bootloader to be unlocked...

Ok, so I tried to flash the factory image using adb flash-all and it keeps getting the error:
Sending sparse 'vendor_a' 2/2 (193888 KB) FAILED (Error reading sparse file)
Now the phone is not working at all and says that "device is corrupt" and will not boot past the white google screen. I can try again using adb, but it is the same error each time. I tried to download the image again and same sparse error. I can also fastboot in TWRP, but not sure what to do in there. What am I doing wrong? I guess I should've rooted and used Magisk like others have said.

turns out changing to a different cable resolved my sparse error and I was then successfully able to apply the factory image and lock the device. Thanks everyone for the help.

Questions about carrier unlock and re-lock the bootloader

Deear All,
I just bought my z2 force (t-mobile) from internet. It is an unlocked version and i can use it with my own sim card. However, i found that it cannot update via OTA as the bootloader is unlocked. I have heard that after i re-flash the firmware, the bootloader will be relocked. I am wondering, will the flashing re-activate the carrier lock?
Also, is it correct that after I flash via Lenovo Moto Smart Assistant. the bootloader will be locked again?
Is there other method to allow the phone to get OTA again?
Thanks a lot for your help.

hkguy80 said:
Deear All,
I just bought my z2 force (t-mobile) from internet. It is an unlocked version and i can use it with my own sim card. However, i found that it cannot update via OTA as the bootloader is unlocked. I have heard that after i re-flash the firmware, the bootloader will be relocked. I am wondering, will the flashing re-activate the carrier lock?
Also, is it correct that after I flash via Lenovo Moto Smart Assistant. the bootloader will be locked again?
Is there other method to allow the phone to get OTA again?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked bootloder won't stop an ota, but a custom logo.bin will. Chances are that the seller has also flashed a logo. When you boot you should see a warning about your bootloader being unlocked, if you don't and you just see a moto logo (or any stationary image really) then you have a custom logo which will fail otas. The easiest way to remedy this is to follow Uzephi's "How to Return to Stock' thread. Then you should get otas again. It is advised never to relock your bootloader. A good example of why would be that you have a custom logo, you relock, your phone fails to boot and you can't flash anything because you locked it. There is no real valid reason to relock your phone. As for losing carrier unlock, you shouldn't, those are usually permanent. Unless it was some hack which I doubt since I believe that is only for Spring variants. Just follow Uzephi's guide and you should be back to good.

41rw4lk said:
Unlocked bootloder won't stop an ota, but a custom logo.bin will. Chances are that the seller has also flashed a logo. When you boot you should see a warning about your bootloader being unlocked, if you don't and you just see a moto logo (or any stationary image really) then you have a custom logo which will fail otas. The easiest way to remedy this is to follow Uzephi's "How to Return to Stock' thread. Then you should get otas again. It is advised never to relock your bootloader. A good example of why would be that you have a custom logo, you relock, your phone fails to boot and you can't flash anything because you locked it. There is no real valid reason to relock your phone. As for losing carrier unlock, you shouldn't, those are usually permanent. Unless it was some hack which I doubt since I believe that is only for Spring variants. Just follow Uzephi's guide and you should be back to good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your help. I will follow Uzephi's to reflash my phone. :good::good::good:

Unlocked Bootloader leads to System Integrity being Compromised?

So Moto One Action keeps on surprising every now and then. The latest addition to it is the System Integrity is Compromised message. This is how I end up doing so:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8Q5xZXTzGWGVMZX48
Unlocked the device's bootloader.
Rooted the device successfully using Magisk patched boot image and Moto One Vision's vbmeta file.
Then I had to unroot my device (for some reason), so flashed the stock firmware using Moto Smart Assistant Tool. But kept the device's bootloader in an unlocked state.
Now I have a stock ROM on my device, unrooted without any modification to the /system partition. The only modification is the unlocked bootloader.
Then I went to System > Advanced > System Updates and then got greeted with the message that I am no longer eligible for software updates. Although not an issue as I could still flash the stock firmware by one way or the other, I am just curious to know whether it is indeed a result of an unlocked bootloader or not. All the users who have unlocked their bootloader kindly let me know in the comments whether they have the same message or not. Thanks in advance

binary**# said:
So Moto One Action keeps on surprising every now and then. The latest addition to it is the System Integrity is Compromised message. This is how I end up doing so:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8Q5xZXTzGWGVMZX48
Unlocked the device's bootloader.
Rooted the device successfully using Magisk patched boot image and Moto One Vision's vbmeta file.
Then I had to unroot my device (for some reason), so flashed the stock firmware using Moto Smart Assistant Tool. But kept the device's bootloader in an unlocked state.
Now I have a stock ROM on my device, unrooted without any modification to the /system partition. The only modification is the unlocked bootloader.
Then I went to System > Advanced > System Updates and then got greeted with the message that I am no longer eligible for software updates. Although not an issue as I could still flash the stock firmware by one way or the other, I am just curious to know whether it is indeed a result of an unlocked bootloader or not. All the users who have unlocked their bootloader kindly let me know in the comments whether they have the same message or not. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you need locked bootloader for OTA. Same on One Vision.
Magisk will hide the unlocked status while you're rooted so that you can check for OTA, but I believe it will fail to install during update. Never tyried but that's how it is on Motorola One and One Power.
fastboot flash if you're unlocked and want to update.

Hey, sorry if I am wrong but I highly doubt this claim of yours: "you need a locked bootloader for OTA". True to my knowledge, I don't think any OEM really blocks OTA on an unlocked bootloader device. Until we modify system files, we are safe to get OTA updates. That's what I always knew and every time it stood correct. Isn't it?

binary**# said:
Hey, sorry if I am wrong but I highly doubt this claim of yours: "you need a locked bootloader for OTA". True to my knowledge, I don't think any OEM really blocks OTA on an unlocked bootloader device. Until we modify system files, we are safe to get OTA updates. That's what I always knew and every time it stood correct. Isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about all oem's but I believe samsung blocks ota if bootloader is unlocked.
I read somewhere in G7 forum that Moto support had told that OTA is disabled on that device if you're on unlocked bootloader, so I guess Moto changed their policy about that too.

tys0n said:
Yeah you need locked bootloader for OTA. Same on One Vision.
Magisk will hide the unlocked status while you're rooted so that you can check for OTA, but I believe it will fail to install during update. Never tyried but that's how it is on Motorola One and One Power.
fastboot flash if you're unlocked and want to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tys0n said:
I don't know about all oem's but I believe samsung blocks ota if bootloader is unlocked.
I read somewhere in G7 forum that Moto support had told that OTA is disabled on that device if you're on unlocked bootloader, so I guess Moto changed their policy about that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about Samsung, but was going through Motorola's official blog, and this is what they have to say:
"Unlocking your bootloader does not affect your eligibility to receive over-the-air (OTA) upgrades from Motorola."
Anyways, thanks for your inputs.....

binary**# said:
Not sure about Samsung, but was going through Motorola's official blog, and this is what they have to say:
"Unlocking your bootloader does not affect your eligibility to receive over-the-air (OTA) upgrades from Motorola."
Anyways, thanks for your inputs.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I see. I don't know then.
You could ask here:
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/motorola-one-action/bd-p/motorola_one_action_en
They should be able to give a proper answer.

I got a XT2013-4 US - Unlocked boot loader, but the root method doesn't work for the US Firmware (Hear the EU Firmware works for someone in Canada) but I am unable to check for updates being fully stock, unrooted, and only an unlocked bootloader so yes if the OS can read that the bootloader is unlocked then it won't let you check for updates (At least on the US Firmware) but then we aren't Android One though on the XT2013-4

If you are on Stock Firmware, unrooted but your Bootloader is Unlocked, you'll not get any OTA despite the Motorola Support page you've posted (It might be old information, just look the phone they used on the top).

Is it possible to relock it?

ReConfirmed: Official OTA Updates is possible after Unlocked Bootloader.
Just to reiterate the facts (in response to #2 and #8), I guess my assumption was well and truly correct. This is because I did end up receiving an OFFICIAL OTA update from Motorola, a few days back. And at this point, my BOOTLOADER IS STILL UNLOCKED! The first image attached below shows the OTA update notification as well as the proof that my Bootloader is unlocked. The second one provides details about that OTA.

binary**# said:
Just to reiterate the facts (in response to #2 and #8), I guess my assumption was well and truly correct. This is because I did end up receiving an OFFICIAL OTA update from Motorola, a few days back. And at this point, my BOOTLOADER IS STILL UNLOCKED! The first image attached below shows the OTA update notification as well as the proof that my Bootloader is unlocked. The second one provides details about that OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooted with Magisk? That would explain why OTA would work. It tries to hide the unlock/root status.

tys0n said:
Rooted with Magisk? That would explain why OTA would work. It tries to hide the unlock/root status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, my device isn't rooted. The only modification is the unlocked bootloader. I did this when I saw enrolled users getting beta Android 10 updates for Moto One Power. Since One Action has released almost a year after Power, I thought the soak test would just be around the corner for our device as well. But here we are with One Power receiving Stable Android 10 update, and there is no news of the same for our device. I have got myself enrolled in the MFN and just keeping my fingers crossed.

binary**# said:
No, my device isn't rooted. The only modification is the unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks. That's intresting.

tys0n said:
Rooted with Magisk? That would explain why OTA would work. It tries to hide the unlock/root status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more doubt. I tried the root hide via Magisk for some apps like Google Pay or Pokemon Go and it worked pretty well. But could it trick OEMs as well into thinking the device is unrooted, so that the device may receive OTA updates? I guess probably not, but need some more weight on this opinion.

It's possible to relock the bootloader and get ota functionality back.. just use 'fastboot oem lock' command and then reflash the original firmware..

aditya7286 said:
It's possible to relock the bootloader and get ota functionality back.. just use 'fastboot oem lock' command and then reflash the original firmware..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader Locking/Unlocking has nothing to do while receiving OTAs. As I have mentioned in my other post, I have already received Android 10 OTA on an unlocked bootloader. And as far as the response to my own question goes, it was regarding whether one could hide root from the system as we do for Google Pay and get OTAs. The answer is nopes. I tried hiding root from all the necessary files related to Motorola's system OTA via Magisk but didn't get the update. As soon as I unrooted, BOOM the Android 10 update was right there!
Anyways thanks for your response

Unlocking bootloader on its own does not lead to that message. So I'm guessing it's probably something specific to that ROM, or....something else entirely.

arsradu said:
Unlocking bootloader on its own does not lead to that message. So I'm guessing it's probably something specific to that ROM, or....something else entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
binary**# said:
Bootloader Locking/Unlocking has nothing to do while receiving OTAs. As I have mentioned in my other post, I have already received Android 10 OTA on an unlocked bootloader. And as far as the response to my own question goes, it was regarding whether one could hide root from the system as we do for Google Pay and get OTAs. The answer is nopes. I tried hiding root from all the necessary files related to Motorola's system OTA via Magisk but didn't get the update. As soon as I unrooted, BOOM the Android 10 update was right there!
Anyways thanks for your response
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am getting same thing on my moto g8 plus. just flashed omni and now when i returned the device shows this message.

methuselah said:
I am getting same thing on my moto g8 plus. just flashed omni and now when i returned the device shows this message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean "System Integrity Compromised" or something else?
Omni, if we're talking about OmniROM, is a custom, pre-rooted ROM, right? So...maybe that's why.
Interesting though that people with stock ROM, who only unlocked the bootloader (no root) are getting the same message.
Personally, I never rooted this phone and I'm not planning to. Also never seen that message on my phone. However, it was bootloader unlocked and now it's back to locked again.
So... For custom ROMs I can understand why it would show you this. For stock ROM with no root, that doesn't make much sense to me. But maybe I'm missing something.
Sent from my motorola one action using Tapatalk

arsradu said:
You mean "System Integrity Compromised" or something else?
Omni, if we're talking about OmniROM, is a custom, pre-rooted ROM, right? So...maybe that's why.
Interesting though that people with stock ROM, who only unlocked the bootloader (no root) are getting the same message.
Personally, I never rooted this phone and I'm not planning to. Also never seen that message on my phone. However, it was bootloader unlocked and now it's back to locked again.
So... For custom ROMs I can understand why it would show you this. For stock ROM with no root, that doesn't make much sense to me. But maybe I'm missing something.
Sent from my motorola one action using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue in brief.
Well the thing is i have again flashed back stock that with blankflash file. Before april update i had locked bootloader. But now nothing is happening. As soon as i flash stock ROM(clean stock) and relock the bootloader, the phone just says it is corrupted. But at the same time when i unlock the boot loader it boots.