Hi all, I just recently purchased a Google pixel 6 pro new for cheap coming from a Galaxy S9. I was wondering if there are any downsides to unlocking the bootloader? Like losing some kind of functionality or DRM or Widevine certification, etc. forever? Switching from a brand that has everything locked down I'm used to losing functionality lol
Teet1 said:
Hi all, I just recently purchased a Google pixel 6 pro new for cheap coming from a Galaxy S9. I was wondering if there are any downsides to unlocking the bootloader? Like losing some kind of functionality or DRM or Widevine certification, etc. forever? Switching from a brand that has everything locked down I'm used to losing functionality lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, only rooting will have disadvantages, <ie> Banking and Google Pay. My Bank won't allow rooted phones to use its app.
Disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader (unlocking the bootloader can be done without rooting after):
It may be possible that some rare banking or other sensitive apps will notice that your bootloader is unlocked and refuse to fully function.
If you're not very careful, you could accidentally either temporarily or permanently brick your device by flashing the wrong thing.
Truthfully, most of the time, having the bootloader unlocked (or at least OEM unlocking enabled) gives you MORE recovery options if something bad happens (such as you flash Android 20 Beta 1 and it bricks your phone).
Having the bootloader unlocked is by its nature less secure, so if your device gets stolen, there may be a greater possibility a hacker can break into your phone and/or get valuable data out of your account or cause greater havoc. I've never had a phone stolen, although I did find someone's stolen Sprint HTC 4G (if I remember the model correctly) one time, which I arranged to return to the owner by calling Sprint. I assume the person who stole the phone gave up on being able to easily use the stolen phone, since Sprint erased and locked down the phone remotely.
Disadvantages to being rooted:
Have to manually update anytime you want the new month's update.
Have to jump through a few hoops to make sure almost all banking/sensitive apps don't realize that you're rooted. The method may change from time to time due to changes in Android, so there's always the possibility any time you flash an update to Android on your device that you'll have to wait for and flash an update to root-hiding methods.
Advantages of being rooted: Well, you know, there are tons.
Good luck!
roirraW edor ehT said:
Disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader (unlocking the bootloader can be done without rooting after):
It may be possible that some rare banking or other sensitive apps will notice that your bootloader is unlocked and refuse to fully function.
If you're not very careful, you could accidentally either temporarily or permanently brick your device by flashing the wrong thing.
Truthfully, most of the time, having the bootloader unlocked (or at least OEM unlocking enabled) gives you MORE recovery options if something bad happens (such as you flash Android 20 Beta 1 and it bricks your phone).
Having the bootloader unlocked is by its nature less secure, so if your device gets stolen, there may be a greater possibility a hacker can break into your phone and/or get valuable data out of your account or cause greater havoc. I've never had a phone stolen, although I did find someone's stolen Sprint HTC 4G (if I remember the model correctly) one time, which I arranged to return to the owner by calling Sprint. I assume the person who stole the phone gave up on being able to easily use the stolen phone, since Sprint erased and locked down the phone remotely.
Disadvantages to being rooted:
Have to manually update anytime you want the new month's update.
Have to jump through a few hoops to make sure almost all banking/sensitive apps don't realize that you're rooted. The method may change from time to time due to changes in Android, so there's always the possibility any time you flash an update to Android on your device that you'll have to wait for and flash an update to root-hiding methods.
Advantages of being rooted: Well, you know, there are tons.
Good luck!
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Click to collapse
Thank you! i've been in the game for a while so I know the pros/cons of rooting and unlocking. I just didnt know if there were any device specific downsides on the pixel 6 pro, but it seems its just the usual stuff. Coming from a locked down brand, this is very liberating!
Teet1 said:
Thank you! i've been in the game for a while so I know the pros/cons of rooting and unlocking. I just didnt know if there were any device specific downsides on the pixel 6 pro, but it seems its just the usual stuff. Coming from a locked down brand, this is very liberating!
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Click to collapse
Cool, you're welcome. Yep, I fooled with a Sony phone once. Was extremely disappointing that it gimped the camera on purpose if you unlocked the bootloader using their official means to do so. And for a while with the bootloader unlocked but not rooted, I still received OTA updates just fine, but then suddenly they stopped allowing OTAs to download and install actually over the air - had to use XperiFirm to download and then flash them manually.
It's getting harder to pass various integrity checks for Play, banking apps, and GPay. And now device integrity. You have to consciously maintain all of these.
Related
What is the best way to root G4, whilst keeping it "friendly" for warranty claims?!?
Hi, forgive me if this thread isn't in the appropriate section.
I have a bit of rooting experience, haven't done much in a few years though, (knowing that there are now several ways to root devices), and have just picked up the G4.
Now I'd like to root the G4, but keep the stock rom, (6.0) and mainly will be just running xposed to edit and muck around with LG's ugly skin. I'd still like to be able to receive OTA updates, (even if the OTA update may remove my root,) as well as hopefully still be fine if I needed to return the device under warren.
I've been reading around and apparently you must unlock the bootloader in order to root for Marshmallow? If i were to still do this, could I keep the stock recovery at least, or if not, would I be able to easily revert to stock with a stock recovery and relock the bootloader?
Apologies for my ignorance, just trying to figure out if I should really be rooting or just chuck on Nova launcher and be happy with LG's offerings. Cheers
Keep it on a stock rom and if yoi have a carrier varient then try to not change the boot logo lol idk just a guess.
Jared_Anderson said:
Hi, forgive me if this thread isn't in the appropriate section.
I have a bit of rooting experience, haven't done much in a few years though, (knowing that there are now several ways to root devices), and have just picked up the G4.
Now I'd like to root the G4, but keep the stock rom, (6.0) and mainly will be just running xposed to edit and muck around with LG's ugly skin. I'd still like to be able to receive OTA updates, (even if the OTA update may remove my root,) as well as hopefully still be fine if I needed to return the device under warren.
I've been reading around and apparently you must unlock the bootloader in order to root for Marshmallow? If i were to still do this, could I keep the stock recovery at least, or if not, would I be able to easily revert to stock with a stock recovery and relock the bootloader?
Apologies for my ignorance, just trying to figure out if I should really be rooting or just chuck on Nova launcher and be happy with LG's offerings. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes to reflashing stock rom
Yes to relocking the bootloader
So you are clear to make whatever modifications you want, you can always revert safely.
Vseprz said:
Yes to reflashing stock rom
Yes to relocking the bootloader
So you are clear to make whatever modifications you want, you can always revert safely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once your bootloader is unlocked, you cannot relock it. Your device will always show a message saying "Bootloader unlocked" after turned on. Warranty is likely to be declined then. BTW: You have to get your unlock.bin file from lg, agreeing to void your warranty. So, even if you smash your screen and they cannot see the message, lg knows it is out of warranty.
pen² said:
Once your bootloader is unlocked, you cannot relock it. Your device will always show a message saying "Bootloader unlocked" after turned on. Warranty is likely to be declined then. BTW: You have to get your unlock.bin file from lg, agreeing to void your warranty. So, even if you smash your screen and they cannot see the message, lg knows it is out of warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since when do you have to get the unlock.bin? We unlock from fastboot. Have you confirmed by trying to relock from fastboot? I read otherwise from another thread.
Furthermore, a quick search around indicates people who have unlocked and rooted have had their warranty honored despite software changes.
Vseprz said:
Since when do you have to get the unlock.bin? We unlock from fastboot. Have you confirmed by trying to relock from fastboot? I read otherwise from another thread.
Furthermore, a quick search around indicates people who have unlocked and rooted have had their warranty honored despite software changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock from fastboot is only possible after flashing said unlock.bin file, which can only be obtained by lg and is unique for each device. Furthermore, I had an unlocked, bootlooping h815 and lg refused warranty to me (in Germany). Got my phone replaced by my vendor on eu law which only applies if the defect strikes in the first six months.
So, while some people are lucky to have their phone repaired despite an unlocked bootloader, I'm really happy for them, but lg is not bound to repair it on warranty
pen² said:
Unlock from fastboot is only possible after flashing said unlock.bin file, which can only be obtained by lg and is unique for each device. Furthermore, I had an unlocked, bootlooping h815 and lg refused warranty to me (in Germany). Got my phone replaced by my vendor on eu law which only applies if the defect strikes in the first six months.
So, while some people are lucky to have their phone repaired despite an unlocked bootloader, I'm really happy for them, but lg is not bound to repair it on warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I see. You have a h815. I have a h811. Our process differs there.
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys. Its not from a carrier, i bought it outright. Seems like i might just have to keep it stock, its not too bad as is, guess ill just have to live with it. Thanks for the help though.
Jared_Anderson said:
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys. Its not from a carrier, i bought it outright. Seems like i might just have to keep it stock, its not too bad as is, guess ill just have to live with it. Thanks for the help though.
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Click to collapse
At least you can root with locked bootloader
Not under marshmallow
You can do none of things you listed keeping it stock. First of all google change policy and in marshmallow you need to flash modified boot.img in order to flash custom recovery and/or to root it. As you know the bootloader has to be unlocked but there is no way to relock it. So sorry, but impossible.
People need to understand a simple thing.
You either mod your device and lose warranty or you keep it stock.
It's that simple. People worried about warranties and ota updates are on the wrong site.
Hi,
I'm really interested in buying the new Z2 play, however I've noticed that unlocking bootloader means loosing the warranty.
So, is there a way to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader?
No. Probably never will be.
Sent from my Moto Z2 Play using Tapatalk
I remember that there were some tools for Samsung mobiles like Towelroot which rooted the phone without triggering knox/unlocking bootloader.
It could be also useful to relock the bootloader and find a way to hidden the boot notification of unlocked device.
Valeriuz said:
I remember that there were some tools for Samsung mobiles like Towelroot which rooted the phone without triggering knox/unlocking bootloader.
It could be also useful to relock the bootloader and find a way to hidden the boot notification of unlocked device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot is a very old exploit, and newer protection measures along with FRP make it extremely difficult if not possible at this point to unlock/relock the bootloader from Android itself.
Besides, I'm fairly sure Moto service centers will still take your phone regardless of the bootloader status given that it is a defect that is unrelated to the user (ie: ghost touches, screen burn, etc.).
Is this phone impossible to root or is there just a lack of interest in figuring out a way to unlock the bootloader? I love this phone but really miss the freedom I had on previous devices to install certain apps and run different roms. I've never had a device that has been out this long without a root available.
I guess what I'm asking is if I should consider going to a different device if there isn't a way to unlock the bootloader in sight or stick it out because it'll happen in the near future.
2kool2Bcruel said:
Is this phone impossible to root or is there just a lack of interest in figuring out a way to unlock the bootloader? I love this phone but really miss the freedom I had on previous devices to install certain apps and run different roms. I've never had a device that has been out this long without a root available.
I guess what I'm asking is if I should consider going to a different device if there isn't a way to unlock the bootloader in sight or stick it out because it'll happen in the near future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, no way to root it yet, I am stuck on the Sprint G7 myself and currently fighting with Sprint to allow me to swap to another device. I know it wont work but at least I am voicing my dissatisfaction of this device with the lack of timely updates (still on November security). If I had known now when I went to Sprint back then, I would have never chosen the LG G7. The phone itself is decent, hardware is good but lack of root, lack of bootloader unlock, and lack of timely updates make the device unusable in my opinion.
I personally am hoping I or someone else can find an exploit for ROOT and eventually bootloader but so far, not much traction has been made in that department.
I have a g710pm, running Android 8.0.0
I see in developer options there is a selection that says, "Enable OEM Unlock" wouldn't that unlock the bootloader?
jumpman95 said:
I have a g710pm, running Android 8.0.0
I see in developer options there is a selection that says, "Enable OEM Unlock" wouldn't that unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it will not limited fast boot won't let you run the command its basically useless
You can take a look at my post, there are all the models in my country to unlock BL and ROOT, but only in the hands of a few people, they do not intend to share this, and through this to get benefits, they provide remote unlocking and ROOT services , but need to pay, which is expensive for me, I don't know English, sorry, the reply is translated by Google...
Hey everyone! As I had said earlier, the rumors are true, most G7 variants can be bootloader unlocked. I searched many Chinese websites that had already shown rooted G7 phones but showed no clear methods besides "remote unlock services". Now the method is known! The engineering bootloader from a very unique AT&T V35 V35AWM model (abl_a and abl_b) is flashed via an Octoplus box on the G7 when in QDLoader 9008 mode. This guy from Ukraine motogvasyag posted his methods on 4pda.ru and are now on XDA here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/how-to/to-unlock-bootloader-root-models-t3928505
Please check out the thread, and do donate if you can. He is doing these Octoplus flashes for free.
**This method won't work on T-Mobile model (G710TM and others). I'll still be on the lookout for any T-Mobile methods.**
Hi all, I am new to Samsung phones. Long time HTC user. From what I have been reading on the forums the G986U US variants cannot easily be bootloader unlocked. Most of those posts are from 2020. I was wondering if there were anyways to unlock aside from the pay service SamPWND?
I usually root my phones so I can debloat and block ads (adaway). Normally install TWRP and Magisk. If I was to unlock the bootloader I have read that knox would be tripped. That would cause samsung pay and secure folder and things like netflix in hd to not work. Any other apps that would fail to function correctly? Will things like VOIP work? Banking apps?
I haven't turned on the phone yet, its new. Also read that updating to the latest software version also might cause problems for unlocking the bootloader. So I am just waiting to see if turning the phone on would cause cause some sort of auto update.
Thanks!
bump
What Baseband are you running?
I've had my eye on this phone for a bit now, and if all is good, I'm going to get one next weekend.
Some disturbing news though, it appears that unlocking the bootloader will completely kill the cameras. And the only way to get them functional again, is to lock the bootloader again.
SO, I guess this means that recovery, root, or anything else that requires modifiying the system in any way, will kill the use of the cameras?
Is it possible to unlock, root and do whatever, then relock the bootloader and get cameras back while still having root?
The 90% people on this community first what learn ro do is to unlock bootloader. You think that they all dont need camera or..
How is that even possible?
Once when you unblock bootloader you can do what you want, flash custom rom, custom recovery, custom Kernel. Magisk. Magisk modules..
But when you lock it ,and something got wrong ,you get hard brick phone. Bootloader must ne unlock until you use root and etc..
Camera have nothing to do with unlocking and working perfectly. I dont know who say to you ...or make a joke
Btw what phone you want to unlock?
Sometimes it is better to keep quite, specially when you are not aware about current affairs.
@ OP yes, still same.
dr.ketan said:
Sometimes it is better to keep quite, specially when you are not aware about current affairs.
@ OP yes, still same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, dang. That kind of kills the idea of fully functional phone with root. I mostly use root for ad blocking anymore. I don't really do the custom ROM thing all that much. Custom Android development these days isn't what it used to be.
I'm looking at either the carrier unlocked version, or the Verizon version (as I have Verizon as my carrier)
I believe rooting for ad blocking means you are paying more (now a days). In my opinion, Private DNS could be a good choice for ad block on unrooted.
I use AdAway. Works perfectly. But for best use, requires root. But yeah, other than that, I don't really use root. Would be nice to have a functional TWRP, but that may or may not happen. But that camera kill is a problem. I guess if I can get DNS to work, I won't have to worry about the bootloader at all. There would be no point.
I use AdGuard on my non-rooted phone and I don't see ads. None.
I see no reason why you need to root to just block ads. There are some great ad blocking apps out there. I love AdGuard because it works not only on my phone, but my PC as well.
There is a reason you cannot get this on the PlayStore. Google kicked it off because it works so well.
NextDNS
tze_vitamin said:
The 90% people on this community first what learn ro do is to unlock bootloader. You think that they all dont need camera or..
How is that even possible?
Once when you unblock bootloader you can do what you want, flash custom rom, custom recovery, custom Kernel. Magisk. Magisk modules..
But when you lock it ,and something got wrong ,you get hard brick phone. Bootloader must ne unlock until you use root and etc..
Camera have nothing to do with unlocking and working perfectly. I dont know who say to you ...or make a joke
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that is where you are wrong. Another user on this forum unlocked their bootloader on fold3 and then their cameras where disabled. There is even a warning message on unlocking bootloader screen that states clearly that cameras will be disabled after unlocking the bootloader. Even Sony smartphones had this but then Sony removed it so cameras won't be disabled after bootloader unlock.
You can read more about it here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlocking-bootloader-will-disable-the-camera.4321957/
So if bootloader locked/unlocked doesn't much matter (at least at this point), since I have Verizon, is there any reason to spring for the Unlocked version over the Verizon version? Does the Verizon version have any more apps preinstalled on it that the Unlocked version doesn't? Does either perform any differently?
Unlocked carrier is not the same as unlocked bootloader.
chevycam94 said:
So if bootloader locked/unlocked doesn't much matter (at least at this point), since I have Verizon, is there any reason to spring for the Unlocked version over the Verizon version? Does the Verizon version have any more apps preinstalled on it that the Unlocked version doesn't? Does either perform any differently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ronaldheld said:
Unlocked carrier is not the same as unlocked bootloader.
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Click to collapse
What he said.
Carrier Unlock is the same as SIM Unlock which lets you use other carrier SIM Cards, has NOTHING to do with the Bootloader.
The Bootloader just unlocks the ability to flash custom Recoveries and ROM's. This does NOT SIM Unlock your phone.
Guys, I'm well aware of the difference between the two. I've been at this for 14+ years. I'm just wondering if there is a performance difference, or bloatware content difference between the Carrier Unlocked version and the Verizon Locked version.
chevycam94 said:
Guys, I'm well aware of the difference between the two. I've been at this for 14+ years. I'm just wondering if there is a performance difference, or bloatware content difference between the Carrier Unlocked version and the Verizon Locked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today, the hardware in the US variant "Unlocked" and "Verizon" versions are exactly the same. The difference is only in the software set. And you have choices there. With Odin 3B you can cross-flash between the models to get the software set you want. Hell, you can even put the TMO software on the VZW "locked" device (I use quotes there because it is only locked for 90 days, at which point it becomes fully SIM unlocked automatically). You can load the U1-XAA, the U1-VZW, the U-VZW, whatever you can get your hands on. I am currently using a Verizon device with U1-XAA software, happily on One UI 4.0 beta. The Note 10 was the last device to have different hardware profiles between carriers that prevented full cross-flash support, and that was just because of the differing 5G networks as 5G was still in its infancy.
Notice how my phone setting in the photo show my phone as being a U1 (because it reads the phones software), and my phone info page within Samsung Members shows it to be a VZW device (because it uses the serial number to look up info from its database).
If you have any specific questions about it, feel free to message me. I have been doing this stuff since the WinMo days before Android existed. I don't post a lot because very few people read AND understand.
Oh, and for clarification to all the trolls out there, my device is still bootloader locked, Knox is fully intact, and my device is still covered under warranty (This was tested with my Note20 when i had to have the NFC chip replaced, and it too was a U-VZW running U1-XAA software.).
tze_vitamin said:
The 90% people on this community first what learn ro do is to unlock bootloader. You think that they all dont need camera or..
How is that even possible?
Once when you unblock bootloader you can do what you want, flash custom rom, custom recovery, custom Kernel. Magisk. Magisk modules..
But when you lock it ,and something got wrong ,you get hard brick phone. Bootloader must ne unlock until you use root and etc..
Camera have nothing to do with unlocking and working perfectly. I dont know who say to you ...or make a joke
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoping for some progress on camera issue and all we get is this dips### lol
I didnt know that unlocking bootloader can kill camera. I unlocking phones , Samsung mostly. After then Xiaomi comes with lower prices and I now unlocking Xiaomi.
Can understand why vendors doing it..
But ... Some Hacker will always find some way
I have a U1 phone on Verizon. Everything works. 5g, wifi calling etc. Not sure if Verizon video calling works but who uses that? Duo is in the dialer I think. I've used opera browser for years which has ad blocking as well. YT vanced also and fblc
tze_vitamin said:
I didnt know that unlocking bootloader can kill camera. I unlocking phones , Samsung mostly. After then Xiaomi comes with lower prices and I now unlocking Xiaomi.
Can understand why vendors doing it..
But ... Some Hacker will always find some way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's with this batch of Sammy phones. Doesn't always kill the camera.
BUT they have tried and haven't found a work around. Maybe 12 will let us, but for now we cannot unlock withou the camera "breaking".
Please see my thread - i believe with a12 this is thankfully now moot!!!!