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Ok so i have read many posts on XDA about bricked nexus 5x's and many others, sometimes the main probelm is the oem isnt unlocked. I myself have a Nexus 5x that is completely stock no custom recovery no root no nothing, i just update the phone, right now on Nougat 7.0 sep security update.
So my question is, should i check the OEM unlocking in the settings ? i will never install any recovery or root but i think by reading the posts, it seems like its a major problem if this is not checked, should i check it just to be safe ?
U_Midrar said:
Ok so i have read many posts on XDA about bricked nexus 5x's and many others, sometimes the main probelm is the oem isnt unlocked. I myself have a Nexus 5x that is completely stock no custom recovery no root no nothing, i just update the phone, right now on Nougat 7.0 sep security update.
So my question is, should i check the OEM unlocking in the settings ? i will never install any recovery or root but i think by reading the posts, it seems like its a major problem if this is not checked, should i check it just to be safe ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have issues in your current state they will most likely be hardware related and unfixable via software. But even locked you can completely reinstall the OS via sideloading an OTA or using the TOT method.
Enabling OEM unlock disables Factory Reset Protection (FRP). FRP is a security feature that prevents a stolen device from being activated. There is allot of info about it online if you wish to learn more.
So you need to decide if you want FRP or the ability to flash the factory images.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
PiousInquisitor said:
If you have issues in your current state they will most likely be hardware related and unfixable via software. But even locked you can completely reinstall the OS via sideloading an OTA or using the TOT method.
Enabling OEM unlock disables Factory Reset Protection (FRP). FRP is a security feature that prevents a stolen device from being activated. There is allot of info about it online if you wish to learn more.
So you need to decide if you want FRP or the ability to flash the factory images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thx dude for the reply, nah i dont care about the FRP. so flashing factory images is easier right ? rather than sideloading or whatever this TOT method is...., and do most mobiles have a oem locked or unlocked ?
U_Midrar said:
ok thx dude for the reply, nah i dont care about the FRP. so flashing factory images is easier right ? rather than sideloading or whatever this TOT method is...., and do most mobiles have a oem locked or unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, flashing the factory images is probably slightly easier than the other methods. Note that in your case you would need to actually unlock the bootloader to flash the images. With those added steps it's probably faster to sideload.
The Allow OEM unlock toggle has been around since LP I think. An pretty sure it's in phones that shipped with LP. It didn't automagically mean that the phones bootloader can be unlocked though. It should stop disable FRP though.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Yes, most, I think all OEMs leave the possibility to unlock the bootloader.
By default the bootloader is locked on most OEMs (Sony, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, even Nexus devices).
For Nexus devices it's a simple one liner to unlock/lock the bootloader which will also trigger a data wipe but. On Nexus devices it doesn't void your warranty.
For most other OEMs phones you have to follow some steps and usually get some kind of code in order to unlock the bootloader the first time. This will void your warranty!
If you don't know whether or not you should unlock/lock the bootloader, the answer is: NO!
It seems you're not modifying your phones software (Custom Kernel, Custom Rom, Root etc) and you seem to have no intention doing so. So it's not needed and even less "secure" than with locked bootloader. If you do, you should know that you have to unlock the bootloader in order to change the phones software.
Why would you want to unlock the bootloader when the only reason to do so is to modify the software and you do not plan to do this?
On a stock nexus there is no need to unlock the bootloader, you can even reflash your phone with locked bootloader with the stock software image.
creambyemute said:
Yes, most, I think all OEMs leave the possibility to unlock the bootloader.
By default the bootloader is locked on most OEMs (Sony, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, even Nexus devices).
For Nexus devices it's a simple one liner to unlock/lock the bootloader which will also trigger a data wipe but. On Nexus devices it doesn't void your warranty.
For most other OEMs phones you have to follow some steps and usually get some kind of code in order to unlock the bootloader the first time. This will void your warranty!
If you don't know whether or not you should unlock/lock the bootloader, the answer is: NO!
It seems you're not modifying your phones software (Custom Kernel, Custom Rom, Root etc) and you seem to have no intention doing so. So it's not needed and even less "secure" than with locked bootloader. If you do, you should know that you have to unlock the bootloader in order to change the phones software.
Why would you want to unlock the bootloader when the only reason to do so is to modify the software and you do not plan to do this?
On a stock nexus there is no need to unlock the bootloader, you can even reflash your phone with locked bootloader with the stock software image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yo dude thx for the reply, as i said in my first post, i saw some bricked nexus 5x (they didnt mod anything i think) that couldnt be repaired cause he had the option unchecked about OEM, that is why i was asking for like a safety precaution that if something goes wrong it would be okay cause oem could be unlocked then... what do u say now ? (and yea im not gonna ever mod anything in the phone, learned fom my last phone which i somehow bricked and a man fixed it for for 5$ )
U_Midrar said:
yo dude thx for the reply, as i said in my first post, i saw some bricked nexus 5x (they didnt mod anything i think) that couldnt be repaired cause he had the option unchecked about OEM, that is why i was asking for like a safety precaution that if something goes wrong it would be okay cause oem could be unlocked then... what do u say now ? (and yea im not gonna ever mod anything in the phone, learned fom my last phone which i somehow bricked and a man fixed it for for 5$ )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That catch is if if you checked OEM unloking and chose to not perform oem unlock command now.
When something did went wrong afterward, you are able to perform oem unlock but it will wipe your data.
There is no point for doing it.
HebeGuess said:
That catch is if if you checked OEM unloking and chose to not perform oem unlock command now.
When something did went wrong afterward, you are able to perform oem unlock but it will wipe your data.
There is no point for doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i shouldnt do it like just leave it be ?
F IT I DID IT
i just read this site and also got to know a bootloop can occur with OTA update so yea i have done it.
Site: http://android.wonderhowto.com/news...ting-before-modding-anything-android-0167840/
I'm not a developer, just an enthusiast. Trying to understand if having an unlocked bootloader causes my device to be vulnerable to fastboot attacks? Or is my devices data still encrypted as long as i have a password? I know booting into my twrp recovery requires my password before decryption.. but can't they just fastboot boot a twrp image and gain access to my data somehow? or no? Can someone with knowledge explain?
If they have your phone in their hand yes it is a risk. They have access to all it's contents.
How hard is it to relock your bootloader? My bootloader is unlocked and my phone was rooted (i seem to have lost my root somehow maybe through an update). I am considering relocking my bootloader so that I can try Android Pay. Is this possible and is there a tutorial?
TolaSkamp said:
How hard is it to relock your bootloader? My bootloader is unlocked and my phone was rooted (i seem to have lost my root somehow maybe through an update). I am considering relocking my bootloader so that I can try Android Pay. Is this possible and is there a tutorial?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course there are tutorials, tons of them. One quick note, you should flash the latest factory image while you are unlocked to make sure everything is fully stock. No reason to save the data, just use flash-all, since relocking will wipe it all anyway. You could also just flash a kernel such as Elemental to access Android Pay.
bobby janow said:
Of course there are tutorials, tons of them. One quick note, you should flash the latest factory image while you are unlocked to make sure everything is fully stock. No reason to save the data, just use flash-all, since relocking will wipe it all anyway. You could also just flash a kernel such as Elemental to access Android Pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I will probably just flash the Elemental kernel and leave the bootloader unlocked, thanks. I seem to have lost my root, would I need to be rooted. I really rather not have to wipe all my data.
TolaSkamp said:
Thanks for the reply. I will probably just flash the Elemental kernel and leave the bootloader unlocked, thanks. I seem to have lost my root, would I need to be rooted. I really rather not have to wipe all my data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to be rooted. Just boot to twrp and flash the kernel. AP with then work I believe. Try it out, I'm locked so I can't say for sure but on my 5x it works.
Doesn't Android Device Manager (or something there of) have some protection against lost/stolen phones. I recall reading that once you have your Google account sync'ed to the phone, you will need your Google account password to restart the phone even after a factory reset.
robchow said:
Doesn't Android Device Manager (or something there of) have some protection against lost/stolen phones. I recall reading that once you have your Google account sync'ed to the phone, you will need your Google account password to restart the phone even after a factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is easily bypassed. It will keep the honest people out, but with minimal effort someone could get past it.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Here is the Android feature I was referring to about needing Google account's password:
Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6172890?hl=en
Am I correct that this statement "If you have Developer options turned on, you can also turn off device protection from your device's Settings app Settings. Tap Developer options and then OEM Unlocking" relates to bootloader unlock? As such, if unlocked bootloader then this FRP isn't active? Can FRP be turned on with unlocked bootloader?
superchilpil said:
This is easily bypassed. It will keep the honest people out, but with minimal effort someone could get past it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you suggesting that FRP is easily bypassed?
Is it possible to relock bootloader without wiping data? All my previous devices didn't require wipe, but I received such strange warning when tried to relock bootloader on Z2 Force Sprint
mapki said:
Is it possible to relock bootloader without wiping data? All my previous devices didn't require wipe, but I received such strange warning when tried to relock bootloader on Z2 Force Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you're not able to relock the bootloader until Motorola release a signed bootloader. I had the page once before I'll see if I can find it again and add an edit if I do.
mapki said:
Is it possible to relock bootloader without wiping data? All my previous devices didn't require wipe, but I received such strange warning when tried to relock bootloader on Z2 Force Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't relock your bootloader unless you want a brick. Technically you can relock it, but everything has to be legit. You've already voided the warranty, relocking won't reinstate that, all that will happen is you'll be bricked with nothing to do about it because you've locked the bootloader.
Why do you want to relock it?
I would like to relock my bootloader and wondering the accuracy of this last post. Will relocking my Sprint Z2 Force bootloader brick my device?
I'm running completely stock via OTA 8.0.0 no root. The reason I want to relock my bootloader is bringing my phone to out of box status and pass SafetyNet. I don't want to root to get this done and I want to continue receiving OTA's.
I understand that my warranty is void when I unlocked bootloader originally and I understand relocking my bootloader will wipe data (factory reset).
Will this brick my phone?
Can I relock anymore?
What are the fastboot commands to relock the Z2?
Thanks!
jeffritz1 said:
I would like to relock my bootloader and wondering the accuracy of this last post. Will relocking my Sprint Z2 Force bootloader brick my device?
I'm running completely stock via OTA 8.0.0 no root. The reason I want to relock my bootloader is bringing my phone to out of box status and pass SafetyNet. I don't want to root to get this done and I want to continue receiving OTA's.
I understand that my warranty is void when I unlocked bootloader originally and I understand relocking my bootloader will wipe data (factory reset).
Will this brick my phone?
Can I relock anymore?
What are the fastboot commands to relock the Z2?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest flashing one of the flash alls for sprint before doing it to ensure being fully stock. The command is below. Also i f you ever have any issues and want to reunlock, you always can with your original unlock code.
"fastboot oem lock"
You'll get a "are you sure" message. Type in the command again and poof, relocked status.
Uzephi said:
I would suggest flashing one of the flash alls for sprint before doing it to ensure being fully stock. The command is below. Also i f you ever have any issues and want to reunlock, you always can with your original unlock code.
"fastboot oem lock"
You'll get a "are you sure" message. Type in the command again and poof, relocked status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I did a "fastboot oem lock" and it re locked the bootloader. Restart bootloader, shows locked. Restart phone and still getting a splash screen similar to the one when your unlocked but this time it says "Device has loaded a different Operating System". Continues to boot normally into the system without issues. This was odd so I unlocked again did a Flashall w/ "XT1789-03_NASH_SPRINT_8.0.0_OCXS27.109-48-6_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip" and "fastboot oem lock". Both times said the lock was successful. But I'm still getting this boot splash screen with test reading "Device has loaded a different Operating System". System boots but still fails SafetyNet.
What gives? What am I missing?
From what I can muster up on XDA I can see that "you need a signed boot.img". Does this mean something and how can I find this?
Can anyone who has unlocked and then relocked their bootloader report on the behavior of your phone? Do you get the same "different OS" splash screen? Has anyone been successful at making it go away and passing safetynet?
jeffritz1 said:
Can anyone who has unlocked and then relocked their bootloader report on the behavior of your phone? Do you get the same "different OS" splash screen? Has anyone been successful at making it go away and passing safetynet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been working on this all morning trying a couple different methods. But none have been successful. But the best I can figure, when in bootloader, there is a message stating that your system is "Modified". Somehow, that needs to get changed to what I can only speculate as "unmodified", or something alike.
I tried 3 different versions of returning to stock
First one I tired I cannot seemed to find now
Secondly, I tired:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-force/how-to/how-to-return-to-stock-sprint-t3694783
Posted by Uzephi
I added the command "fastboot oem lock" 2 times just above the fastboot reboot command; thus locking bootloader.
But upon reboot, I still get the modified OS message.
Lastly, I tried this method
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76850077&postcount=6
I downloaded https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/nash/official/TMO/XT1789-04_NASH_TMO_C_8.0.0_OCX27.109-36_subsidy-TMO_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
Followed the instructions (to some degree) and modified them for Linux since I am not a windows user.
After reboot, radio did not work. No WiFi, not data, nothing. Developer options was already enabled, but oem bootloader unlocking option was grayed out. Now I cannot unlock my bootloader and flash an updated OS.
Thanks for the reply! As of now I am stock latest Sprint 8.0.0 July update with bootloader locked. I get the "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen when I boot up with a "ID:" followed by nothing. I don't know what this "ID:" with nothing following this means. Also when I run a SafetyNet status app is says failed. But, everything else in the OS appears to be working. Google Play shows "Certified" status and all my apps that require SafetyNet is working (Banking apps, Netflix, Hulu, Google Pay, etc...). So I accomplished my mission in getting these apps working and everything else appears stock. The only thing that troubles me is this "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen and the failed status in the SafetyNet app. Would love to know how to fix this or an explanation on why.
jeffritz1 said:
Thanks for the reply! As of now I am stock latest Sprint 8.0.0 July update with bootloader locked. I get the "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen when I boot up with a "ID:" followed by nothing. I don't know what this "ID:" with nothing following this means. Also when I run a SafetyNet status app is says failed. But, everything else in the OS appears to be working. Google Play shows "Certified" status and all my apps that require SafetyNet is working (Banking apps, Netflix, Hulu, Google Pay, etc...). So I accomplished my mission in getting these apps working and everything else appears stock. The only thing that troubles me is this "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen and the failed status in the SafetyNet app. Would love to know how to fix this or an explanation on why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That message appear because you've unlocked your bootloader before, I'm getting that message too and I can update my device via OTA. If you change that splash screen OTAs will fail.
Marcowe said:
That message appear because you've unlocked your bootloader before, I'm getting that message too and I can update my device via OTA. If you change that splash screen OTAs will fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I was trying to find out if the phone could be reverted back to an out of back state. Another words, no splash screen saying "HEY! I HAVE BEEN MESSED WITH!" like you can on any other phone I have ever owned.
Thanks!
Yes you can
thomas.raines said:
I've been working on this all morning trying a couple different methods. But none have been successful. But the best I can figure, when in bootloader, there is a message stating that your system is "Modified". Somehow, that needs to get changed to what I can only speculate as "unmodified", or something alike.
I tried 3 different versions of returning to stock
First one I tired I cannot seemed to find now
Secondly, I tired:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-force/how-to/how-to-return-to-stock-sprint-t3694783
Posted by Uzephi
I added the command "fastboot oem lock" 2 times just above the fastboot reboot command; thus locking bootloader.
But upon reboot, I still get the modified OS message.
Lastly, I tried this method
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76850077&postcount=6
I downloaded https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/nash/official/TMO/XT1789-04_NASH_TMO_C_8.0.0_OCX27.109-36_subsidy-TMO_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
Followed the instructions (to some degree) and modified them for Linux since I am not a windows user.
After reboot, radio did not work. No WiFi, not data, nothing. Developer options was already enabled, but oem bootloader unlocking option was grayed out. Now I cannot unlock my bootloader and flash an updated OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can , I already had this issue with my moto z2 force in Morocco , so what I did is I connected the phone to internet via bluetooth and when I added my google accounte the unlocking oem in dev option was normal , so I was able to flash roms again . Hope this will help you
I think there is no way to relock bootloader without wipe the device. Also you can relock the bootloader and you will not have any problems. I've already done it, at least with my sprint moto z2 force. the message there is no way to remove it, only flashing a logo.bin, "the boot splash" or replacing the logo.bin of the flash all package by the one of your preference.
EddiePR said:
I think there is no way to relock bootloader without wipe the device. Also you can relock the bootloader and you will not have any problems. I've already done it, at least with my sprint moto z2 force. the message there is no way to remove it, only flashing a logo.bin, "the boot splash" or replacing the logo.bin of the flash all package by the one of your preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do that OTAs will fail
Marcowe said:
If you do that OTAs will fail
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you are rigth
So, which of the methods to re-lock did finally work? I was running on Android 8 before, OTA failes for at least 10 times, but suddenly it worked to upgrade to Android 9. Now I am weirdly not passing SafetyNet-check anymore (was working fine on Android 8, GooglePay etc).
Any recommendations? I just need the stupid GPay thing working
Ok so I was reading an article and now I'm confused. I see there are two ways to unlock a phone...the regular unlock command and an unlock critical command. From what I understand the unlock critical command is for updating the bootloader? When would I want to do this? I was on the Android P final beta and because official Pie release was delayed here in Canada I decided to just unlock and flash Pie manually. I did this and then relocked the bootloader. But is my bootloader outdated now? Confused. ?
If you keep the bootloader unlocked your bootloader will never go out of date, otherwise the bootloader will not be updated on subsequent stock ROM updates. I personally recommend unlocking the bootloader using both commands and keeping it unlocked. You'll have a minor annoyance in that you'll have a warning pop up prior to boot about the bootloader being unlocked, but I believe avoid a major annoyance in Factory Reset Protection being disabled with the bootloader unlock.
Ok. So just unlock using both commands? Do I just enter in right after the other? How does the bootloader get updated?
Also does leaving the bootloader unlocked stop Google Pay and some banking apps from working?
Enter both commands, one after the other. The bootloader, even if it has no updates, is included with every copy of the stock ROM you download from Google. It will also be included with any OTAs that come directly to the device. You'll have to discover for yourself whether Google Pay and your banking app are affected, because I simply do not know. I don't use my device for banking.
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.
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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.
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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".
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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.
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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.