[Q] Unlock bootloader, still get updates? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Does having my bootloader unlocked affect getting updates? I have no interest in installing custom roms(for now), and mainly just want root to block ads, install seeder to fix this damn lag, and possibly connect a ps3 controller to play games. Figured I'd just unlock and root. I didn't plan on installing cwm so I could still get updates straight from google. I know an update would just overwrite root, but not sure if the bootloader would affect it. My galaxy nexus I always installed custom roms so I don't know how the bootloader affected OTA's. thanks guys.

In principle it should not affect updates.
Have a look at a prior OTA update's installer script
./META-INF/com/Google/android/updater-script
The OTAs perform binary patching on individual files, one by one. (That is why OTAs can be so small.) Before they perform the patching, a checksum is performed on every file on the tab/phone targeted for patching. If even one of those checksums fail, the entire install is aborted.
In addition the version of the recovery is sometimes checked, too - so merely having a custom recovery can trip up an OTA if that type of assert() check is performed.
To put that in general terms, you could say that an OTA update will almost always succeed if you merely add things to a ROM and leave the stock recovery in place.
If you want to flash stuff without altering the stock recovery just use a soft boot of a custom recovery, e.g. "fastboot boot custom-recovery-image-file.img"
If an OTA fails, don't get scared - you can simply unpack it, modify the updater-script file to remove the failing assert(), re-zip it and flash it. This would need to be done with a custom recovery, though as the modified OTA would no longer be correctly signed.
HTH

Yes but don't remove any of the Google apps that come preinstalled, don't edit the build prop, and that might be it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

BrianDigital said:
Yes but don't remove any of the Google apps that come preinstalled, don't edit the build prop, and that might be it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep.
The most recent OTA had the boot image file as one of its patching targets, so it was also subject to checksum verification during the initial assert() sequence of "updater-script".
I guess that means that if you hook anything into the boot sequence that needs to be in the ramdisk, that will trip up the OTA, as it is pretty typical for OTA updates to diddle the kernel or ramdisk. I guess that if you want to stay on a near-factory base distro including new ota updates, that puts the onus on you to either
(a) check the installers of the stuff you flash to make sure the boot image is not being re-packed -or-
(b) maintain a chain of pure stock backup sequences: then you can then restore them, run the OTA patch kit on them, make a new nandroid backup, and re-run your custom flashes. Probably use TiB to restore your apps on top of that, too. Almost like an OS re-install sequence, frankly.
cheers

thanks guys! Does an update from google relock the bootloader? I'm guessing not since its a nexus and they're okay with us unlocking it but just wondering. Just trying to decide if its worth it. I feel myself using my nexus 7 less cause of the latest update. It's smooth once its running but turning the screen on after its been sitting, it take some time to get together.

tu3218 said:
thanks guys! Does an update from google relock the bootloader? I'm guessing not since its a nexus and they're okay with us unlocking it but just wondering. Just trying to decide if its worth it. I feel myself using my nexus 7 less cause of the latest update. It's smooth once its running but turning the screen on after its been sitting, it take some time to get together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoops (old timers disease) I said "bootloader" in that post above where I should have said "boot partition" or "boot image". (Now corrected.)
Updates typically don't touch the bootloaders. Interesting question though - if you replace a bootloader via fastboot, does it change the lock status? To that Q I don't know the answer from direct experience.
Maybe I'll give it a try. Ugh that's gonna be a lot of backup/restore ops.
In the meantime, have you seen a page with links to (older) *full* ROM install bundles that Google no longer has on their site? I only got a N7 in early Jan '13, so I don't have any of those older full-ROM+bootloader fastboot-based install bundles.

bftb0 said:
Whoops (old timers disease) I said "bootloader" in that post above where I should have said "boot partition" or "boot image". (Now corrected.)
Updates typically don't touch the bootloaders. Interesting question though - if you replace a bootloader via fastboot, does it change the lock status? To that Q I don't know the answer from direct experience.
Maybe I'll give it a try. Ugh that's gonna be a lot of backup/restore ops.
In the meantime, have you seen a page with links to (older) *full* ROM install bundles that Google no longer has on their site? I only got a N7 in early Jan '13, so I don't have any of those older full-ROM+bootloader fastboot-based install bundles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah I haven't seen that. To be honest I've been so busy with flashing roms on my sgs3. I finally have settled down on a rom for my phone so I figured I'd give my nexus 7 a go. But I'd rather not be performing the whole backing up/flashing/modding on both. Its so much lol Plus my tablet I need to be dependable when I need it. That's why I hadn't planned on running roms, just basic root for blocking ads, etc. Before the last update this thing was so fast and enjoyable to use. It still is but its not to where it use to be. I was going to go back but I don't like knowing I'm not on the latest.

and mainly just want root to block ads, install seeder to fix this damn lag, and possibly connect a ps3 controller to play games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seeder doesn't fix lag. Doesn't work. If your n7 is lagging then there is another cause.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Related

Rooting and OTA updates

I am looking into rooting my Nexus S so I can install an ICS ROM. This is my first time rooting so got a question.
How will OTA updates work for me? Will the ICS update just work or will I have to in root to get the official OTA update?
Sry if this has been asked before couldn't find a clear answer.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Don't do OTAs. Any update released by Google or your manufacturer will be released here, rooted, within hours.
If you take an OTA you will lose root and could even find your phone locked again (as unlikely as that is with the NS, better safe than sorry. Ask the EVO users who took the GB OTA )
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
Rooting requires flashing custom recovery
OTA requires stock recovery to work properly
So if your phone has custom recovery the OTA will not work.
Alright, thanks alot for the quick responses guys.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Once the ota is downloaded.....
* Put the zip on sdcard
* Reboot into custom recovery
* Manually flash it
* Directly after that, in the same recovery session, flash latest superuser zip
* Wipe cache
* Reboot
I run stock, so i'll add my two cents into this conversations. A few key points:
OTA's will NOT lock the boot loader
OTA's will work with CWM installed (The OTA will however remove CWM and needs to be manually applied)
OTA's will remove root access (the permissions on the binary get changed)
I have never seen an OTA on XDA that was pre-rooted. i have seen ROM packages that incorporate the OTA that are pre-rooted (installing these usually means a wipe of the device is needed)
if you replace the ROM on the phone, you will not get OTA updated. you must remain mostly stock to obtain them.
Custom kernels or custom google apps on stock roms will cause the OTA update to fail, however you will notified that the update is available.
I hope this answers your questions.
Good points.
What i do in order to maintain the full software (removing system apps, any system changes) is change the permissions of whatever i dont want to "000"
This will allow the verifying of OTA to flash.
snandlal said:
Good points.
What i do in order to maintain the full software (removing system apps, any system changes) is change the permissions of whatever i dont want to "000"
This will allow the verifying of OTA to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does not always work, such as installing the "Black" version of gmail over top the original, the world-wide version of navigation or using market enabler to change the prop.build file. any of these changes will cause the OTA signature to fail.
Though if you are simply removing a system app, then yes, that would work well.
Also to be noted and this just occurred to me, if the OTA is a full ROM version, then the signature won't matter and it will just install. For ICS, this is what i'm expecting.
I'm on the fence about rooting. I know there are advantages like custom ROMs and added features, but I'm somewhat of a newb at this. While the instructions (for the Mac) seem simple enough, I always feel like something inevitably goes wrong or there's some variable I've either overlooked or don't understand that screws things up.
I definitely don't want to brick my phone.
I don't even know what I'm asking in my post, but I guess... what are some advantages of rooting? And if I root, is it fully reversible?
I'm also confused by some of the terminology. What is clockwork recovery? Is that a sort of ROM? I keep seeing that phrase every time I read instructions. Likewise, what's a bootloader? What's fastboot? Also, what's a kernel?
And after I root (as you can see, I am really tempted to), what happens next? How do I choose which ROM works for me? Is it a matter of flashing them and trying each of them out?
I'm afraid of entering the world of root, but I want to. Advice? Does it matter what baseband, or kernel or build number I have?
I'm on Android 2.3.6
Matridom said:
I run stock, so i'll add my two cents into this conversations. A few key points:
OTA's will NOT lock the boot loader
I hope this answers your questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1145056
I know it's not likely, particularly with this phone, but it can happen. I maintain that if you're going to go through the process of unlocking your phone and putting a rooted ROM on it that you might as well wait for a modified OTA ROM to get posted by a trusted dev before just installing what the carrier hands out to you.
I guess maybe I should have said "re-lock"?
onthecouchagain said:
I'm on the fence about rooting. I know there are advantages like custom ROMs and added features, but I'm somewhat of a newb at this. While the instructions (for the Mac) seem simple enough, I always feel like something inevitably goes wrong or there's some variable I've either overlooked or don't understand that screws things up.
I definitely don't want to brick my phone.
I don't even know what I'm asking in my post, but I guess... what are some advantages of rooting? And if I root, is it fully reversible?
I'm also confused by some of the terminology. What is clockwork recovery? Is that a sort of ROM? I keep seeing that phrase every time I read instructions. Likewise, what's a bootloader? What's fastboot? Also, what's a kernel?
And after I root (as you can see, I am really tempted to), what happens next? How do I choose which ROM works for me? Is it a matter of flashing them and trying each of them out?
I'm afraid of entering the world of root, but I want to. Advice? Does it matter what baseband, or kernel or build number I have?
I'm on Android 2.3.6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, let's clear a few things up here.
CWM or ClockWorkMod is a custom recover that can be installed on the phones. This step is needed because the default recovery on the nexus does not allow for updates to be installed that are unsigned. CWM does, so it's a necessary step to installing the SU binary (aka root your phone) or installing custom ROMs
The bootloader is the basic system on your phone that reacts to the power on and hands over operations to Android. The equivalent in the PC world would be a BIOS.
fastboot is a utility that is provided by google that allows you to send commands to the bootloader and direct it's operations. It's needed to unlock the bootloader (so you can replace parts of it.. like recovery with CWM)
Interestingly enough, you can boot your phone to a custom recovery WITHOUT replacing your existing stock recovery by using fastboot.
Rooting your phone is simply installing and providing the proper rights to the SU binary to allow you to have full administrative rights to the phone, the superuser application is almost always bundled with it as it allows for a form of control as to what applications can use root access. Rooting your phone allows you to install some very interesting application, most popular are titanium backup (let's you back up app data and restore them after a reset) and removing advertising (adfree/adaway or it's like) Root can also be used by some applications that allow you to "cheat" at games.
rooting your phone is reversable, though not always the easiest to do. With the stock ROMS, it's fairly easy, you just re-apply the latest OTA and it will kill Root access on your device.
When it comes to custom ROMs the vast majority come pre-rooted to save you the hassel of doing it yourself.
On other phones where the bootloader remains locked, you have to use an exploit to gain root access, this then allows you to modify the OS and install custom roms and CWM while keeping the bootloader locked. Since the Nexus line can be unlocked, it's not needed.
Please note, root access is NOT required to install a custom ROM.
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------
MaxCarnage said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1145056
I know it's not likely, particularly with this phone, but it can happen. I maintain that if you're going to go through the process of unlocking your phone and putting a rooted ROM on it that you might as well wait for a modified OTA ROM to get posted by a trusted dev before just installing what the carrier hands out to you.
I guess maybe I should have said "re-lock"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a link to a non-nexus phone. The question here is in regards to the nexus device and i believe my statement stands 100% true. Since it's a self proclaimed "newby" asking questions, i don't want to confuse the post with un-needed and non-relevant information.
Matridom, wow thanks. That clarifies a few things.
So, you say root access isn't required to flash custom ROMs? Let's say for example, I want to flash an ICS ROM, or even a ROM that allows me to have Backlight Notifications?
I don't need root? If I don't need root, how do I flash those ROMs?
Matridom said:
That's a link to a non-nexus phone. The question here is in regards to the nexus device and i believe my statement stands 100% true. Since it's a self proclaimed "newby" asking questions, i don't want to confuse the post with un-needed and non-relevant information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure why it's so invalid to advise that he wait for someone to post an OTA that has been vetted for those of us who have unlocked our phones; I respect your opinion (even if you clearly don't mine), but your statement that I am providing "un-needed" and "non-relevant" information is a bit harsh.
The fact of the matter is that Sprint has had at least one OTA released (for the EVO 4G) that re-locked bootloaders and caused a lot of consternation for people who took the OTA on their unlocked phones and found themselves waiting months for a new exploit to be found. Those who waited had a rooted version of the OTA available on the forums very quickly, so if those who took the OTA had just waited they wouldn't have been stuck.
tl;dr: If you went to the trouble of unlocking your phone in the first place I don't see why you would rush to take an un-vetted update OTA.
MaxCarnage said:
I'm not sure why it's so invalid to advise that he wait for someone to post an OTA that has been vetted for those of us who have unlocked our phones; I respect your opinion (even if you clearly don't mine), but your statement that I am providing "un-needed" and "non-relevant" information is a bit harsh.
The fact of the matter is that Sprint has had at least one OTA released (for the EVO 4G) that re-locked bootloaders and caused a lot of consternation for people who took the OTA on their unlocked phones and found themselves waiting months for a new exploit to be found. Those who waited had a rooted version of the OTA available on the forums very quickly, so if those who took the OTA had just waited they wouldn't have been stuck.
tl;dr: If you went to the trouble of unlocking your phone in the first place I don't see why you would rush to take an un-vetted update OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The key here is that SPRINT released an OTA for a SPRINT branded device. This has zero relevance to updates provided by Google for Nexus devices.
MaxCarnage said:
I'm not sure why it's so invalid to advise that he wait for someone to post an OTA that has been vetted for those of us who have unlocked our phones; I respect your opinion (even if you clearly don't mine), but your statement that I am providing "un-needed" and "non-relevant" information is a bit harsh.
The fact of the matter is that Sprint has had at least OTA released (for the EVO 4G) that re-locked bootloaders and caused a lot of consternation for people who took the OTA on their unlocked phones and found themselves waiting months for a new exploit to be found. Those who waited had a rooted version of the OTA available on the forums very quickly, so if those who took the OTA had just waited they wouldn't have been stuck.
tl;dr: If you went to the trouble of unlocking your phone in the first place I don't see why you would rush to take an un-vetted update OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue at heart here is that fact that the OTA for the nexus line of phones comes straight from google and are not "tweaked" in any way by the carriers. (exception nexus 4g has additional applications required for CDMA support)
One of the selling features of the nexus phones is the fact that unlocking the bootloader is officially supported.
In regards to other phones getting their bootloader locked, I've experienced first hand the pains of that, having a galaxy S and the 2.3 installing a new bootloader and really screwing things up for me. In those cases, i agree with you whole heartily and to wait for pre-cracked roms that can be installed.
My question to you would be to please show an example of a nexus S getting it's booloader locked due to an OTA update as that is the phone we are discussing.
---------- Post added at 02:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:47 PM ----------
onthecouchagain said:
Matridom, wow thanks. That clarifies a few things.
So, you say root access isn't required to flash custom ROMs? Let's say for example, I want to flash an ICS ROM, or even a ROM that allows me to have Backlight Notifications?
I don't need root? If I don't need root, how do I flash those ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you would need to do is to unlock the bootloader, install CWM, then apply the .zip associated with the ROM you wish to install. I would however carefully read the installation instructions for the rom as in some cases, it might be a multi-step process (such as going from a 2.2 rom to a 2.3).
Many ROMS also do not come with the google apps and secondary zip file needs to be applied to get those running (cyanogenMod does this)
I wanted to add, that the process of unlocking your bootloader will erase EVERYTHING on the phone, including the SDcard partition. So make sure you back up anything of importance.
Matridom said:
My question to you would be to please show an example of a nexus S getting it's booloader locked due to an OTA update as that is the phone we are discussing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't provide an example because, as I have already stated, this was a precautionary suggestion only.
I'm not going to get into a debate with you over this; I've made my point and you've made yours. Thanks.
Matridom said:
This does not always work, such as installing the "Black" version of gmail over top the original, the world-wide version of navigation or using market enabler to change the prop.build file. any of these changes will cause the OTA signature to fail.
Though if you are simply removing a system app, then yes, that would work well.
Also to be noted and this just occurred to me, if the OTA is a full ROM version, then the signature won't matter and it will just install. For ICS, this is what i'm expecting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point again but the trick is to put your apps in /system/framework
Along with framework-res.apk.
This will add a dex file to /data/dalvik-cache, which is needed for saving upon reboot
Does flashing another radio that's different from your original radio impact the ability to apply an OTA?
suksit said:
Rooting requires flashing custom recovery
OTA requires stock recovery to work properly
So if your phone has custom recovery the OTA will not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting doesn't require flashing custom recovery.
iboj007 said:
Does flashing another radio that's different from your original radio impact the ability to apply an OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It doesnt

[Q] Best first steps with a new tablet

Ultra Noob here
So I had my first android-TF700 for about 10 days. Played around with it, read around this site and realized it was a tablet for someone with experience.
So I now have an N10. Charged, not even turned on yet. What should be my next steps? I see a couple toolkits,an auto root, and ASOP-
What would you suggest a noob start with?
I know, I know, turn it on
Thanks!
Depends on what you want to accomplish with the device. If you want to try or at least gain some understanding as to the different features you might be interested in, read the first post of the different ROMs available and see if anything sounds enticing.
I personally use me for taking media with me on the go, be it news or videos, so I don't have to carry a laptop around. I'm on CM10.1 right now but cycle through every rom to see how everything works. Good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
First step is unlocking the bootloader and installing root and a custom recovery. Even if you don't need it at the moment there will come the time you want to try it. When you unlock the bootloader you will lose all your data so it's the best if you do it at first when you get your tablet.
rauschkugl said:
First step is unlocking the bootloader and installing root and a custom recovery. Even if you don't need it at the moment there will come the time you want to try it. When you unlock the bootloader you will lose all your data so it's the best if you do it at first when you get your tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how do you unlock the bootloader and install root?
What do you mean a custom recovery?
Are there other ways to root the device with out wiping it? Seems like most android smartphone you can load up an exe or something to shift the su app around or something.
Thanks.. (still waiting for my N10 to arrive.. meanwhile.. still playing with my ICS Bionic)
There are tons of threads here about unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a recovery like teamwin or clockworkmod.
rauschkugl said:
There are tons of threads here about unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a recovery like teamwin or clockworkmod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the threads. Look easy enough to follow. Something I'm not understanding . What does it mean to install a recovery? whats the purpose of that. I've search and (at least not yet) found a good description of what/why that it. I'm sensing that devices are different (duh!) and I didnt need to install a "recovery" on my Droid Bionic when I rooted it, but this N10 must be different.
With the custom recovery you're able to install zip files, make a backup of your Rom,... You can't do that with the recovery that comes with the nexus 10.
Recovery is like a separate system that you can boot to, if you want to mess with the main Android OS. Like rauschkugl said, you can boot to a custom recovery to flash different ROMs that are distributed in flashable ZIP files. You can also make (or if anything goes wrong, revert to) a complete backup of the device's internal memory.
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
EraVulgaris said:
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great questions. You are one step ahead of me on my new N10. I've not turned it on yet, really wanting to, but I dont want to do much to it, until after I unlock/root/ and learn how to make backups. Though since i've got a TBpro license, I'll probably use that. I dont want to tweak the OS. so I think I need root just to be able to run TBpro. I just want to be sure I'll still get OFA updates, and I want to learn more about if and how backup work for a multi-user N10.
EraVulgaris said:
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest straight away that you perform a backup with TWRP, so that if you decide to delve deeper into ROMs and playing with your system files, you'll have a completely stock backup to rely on. Simply boot into recovery and select 'Backup', then you can rename the backup file if you want, then swipe the slider across and wait, then you're done!
When it comes to system updates, you'll most likely have to use your root toolkit to unroot the device, else the update will fail. You can however continue to update all your apps as you normally would. Hope this helped
OK
So I kinda started from the beginning of Droid ModderX's video, picked yes to update the toolkit i had donated- (got an update) accessed TWRP (pain to get to- could I download goomanager now after I have TWRP?) and backed up my stock set up just as you said Huggogguh :good:.
Then I went ahead and touched "install system update" that was hanging around in the upper left corner of my tablet (I'm being really specific for other noobs) and it updated my system to 4.2.1 and my apps. Build number changed to JOP4OD
Looked at root checker app. I am now not rooted, so I will go back through toolkit and choose 4 once I am in fastboot mode to reroot I hope:fingers-crossed:.
Thanks!
EraVulgaris said:
OK
So I kinda started from the beginning of Droid ModderX's video, picked yes to update the toolkit i had donated- (got an update) accessed TWRP (pain to get to- could I download goomanager now after I have TWRP?) and backed up my stock set up just as you said Huggogguh :good:.
Then I went ahead and touched "install system update" that was hanging around in the upper left corner of my tablet (I'm being really specific for other noobs) and it updated my system to 4.2.1 and my apps. Build number changed to JOP4OD
Looked at root checker app. I am now not rooted, so I will go back through toolkit and choose 4 once I am in fastboot mode to reroot I hope:fingers-crossed:.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a great success then so are you saying that you performed the system update while you were rooted and you retained the root access?
Nope. Got the OTA system update and it knocked me off root. But I got it back easily with the toolkit.

How to Root with Minimum Impact

Hi,
I'm expecting my Nexus 4 some time this week and I'd like a little help.
I have a htc one x at the moment. A while after I got it, I decided to unlock it and use custom rom etc.
With the nexus 4, I just want to root it without disrupting anything if possible. The one thing I don't want to mess up is getting the Ota updates as I couldn't get that to work again on my one x.
So to summarise, I want to root my Nexus 4 whilst retaining the ability to get Ota updates and full functionality as normal. Can anyone help?
You'll need adb/fastboot + the appropriate drivers.
-unlock BL via fastboot,
-flash recovery via fastboot,
-flash SU zip via recovery,
-leave BL unlocked, no reason to relock it.
That's it. Don't remove, or rename any system apps if you want the OTA to apply. You can even flash OTA's via a custom recovery, this will likely be available here prior to you getting a notification.
Good info here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
So there is no way to root the device without unlocking the bootloader and flashing the custom recovery?
I'm basically in the same boat. I'm developing android apps and want to use log reading apps but I don't want to have any custom rom/recovery on the phone.
mseebass said:
So there is no way to root the device without unlocking the bootloader and flashing the custom recovery?
I'm basically in the same boat. I'm developing android apps and want to use log reading apps but I don't want to have any custom rom/recovery on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know when you are on other phones, you are actually unlocking the bootloader via a exploit or through the manufacturers developer center.
You need a custom recovery in order to obtain root. It is a must need, without it you cannot be rooted.
Only way to change your recovery is to unlock the bootloader. Having a locked bootloader locks it so your recovery can't be changed. So.... You get the idea
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
mseebass said:
So there is no way to root the device without unlocking the bootloader and flashing the custom recovery?
I'm basically in the same boat. I'm developing android apps and want to use log reading apps but I don't want to have any custom rom/recovery on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do it via adb with an insecure boot image, outlined here below the CWM method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1993331&highlight=insecure
If you do it the CWM, or TWRP way you can flash the stock recovery again. You absolutely have to unlock the bootloader however, no way around that.
CF Root is another option: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025274
i just want to make sure you know that if by some circumstance you lose ota that you can always just download the zip of the update here and flash in recovery. there really is no reason for ota that i can see on a nexus device. its here as soon as its released pretty much.
phermey said:
i just want to make sure you know that if by some circumstance you lose ota that you can always just download the zip of the update here and flash in recovery. there really is no reason for ota that i can see on a nexus device. its here as soon as its released pretty much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Convenience? With CWM it even patches on first boot so you don't lose root or anything so I like being able to do OTA (well the one update so far) vs. having to connect to my desktop.
threeclaws said:
Convenience? With CWM it even patches on first boot so you don't lose root or anything so I like being able to do OTA (well the one update so far) vs. having to connect to my desktop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no reason to connect to desktop if you have recovery. you can come here on your phone or 'chrome to phone' it over. find the thread. click the download link. then reboot in recovery and flash.
phermey said:
no reason to connect to desktop if you have recovery. you can come here on your phone or 'chrome to phone' it over. find the thread. click the download link. then reboot in recovery and flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also could drop it into dropbox but that is all more work than just hitting "install" on my phone, it isn't like updates are released with enough frequency that the amount of work matters but like I said OTA is more convenient for me and CWM made it even more convenient. The OP may have completely different reasons for wanting OTA.
phermey said:
i just want to make sure you know that if by some circumstance you lose ota that you can always just download the zip of the update here and flash in recovery. there really is no reason for ota that i can see on a nexus device. its here as soon as its released pretty much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you must have missed that part in bold. no reason to be a smart a$$ either when you are the one who didnt know there is no reason to connect to desktop.
remember... the whole reason for this thread in the first place is because the op lost ota on his last phone by rooting it. all i did was try to let him feel at ease.
ORStoner said:
Hi,
I'm expecting my Nexus 4 some time this week and I'd like a little help.
I have a htc one x at the moment. A while after I got it, I decided to unlock it and use custom rom etc.
With the nexus 4, I just want to root it without disrupting anything if possible. The one thing I don't want to mess up is getting the Ota updates as I couldn't get that to work again on my one x.
So to summarise, I want to root my Nexus 4 whilst retaining the ability to get Ota updates and full functionality as normal. Can anyone help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use the nexus 4 toolkit, follow it's directions/steps - Can't get any easier or less impact than that. Install Drivers, unlock bootloader and root. Done. OTA still work, install busybox from the play store if needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
phermey said:
i think you must have missed that part in bold. no reason to be a smart a$$ either when you are the one who didnt know there is no reason to connect to desktop.
remember... the whole reason for this thread in the first place is because the op lost ota on his last phone by rooting it. all i did was try to let him feel at ease.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't being a smart ass nor was I unaware of other ways to get an OTA update, you said there was no reason for OTA on a nexus device and I responded why someone would want it.
clockcycle said:
Just use the nexus 4 toolkit, follow it's directions/steps - Can't get any easier or less impact than that. Install Drivers, unlock bootloader and root. Done. OTA still work, install busybox from the play store if needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use toolkits take the time and learn how to do it yourself so if you get into situations where you messed something up you know how to fix it as you know how adb and fast boot will work.
Toolkits are not worth the short cut
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Can I just unlock the bootloader, fastboot boot not flash cwn and install root from there.
Also, how does unlocking bootloader affect warranty?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
ORStoner said:
Can I just unlock the bootloader, fastboot boot not flash cwn and install root from there.
Also, how does unlocking bootloader affect warranty?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the best way to do it. Yes you can fastboot boot cwm so it'll be temp and just install supersu zip. Regarding warranty for bootloader, it originally came locked so should you need to return it, warranty will be voided if you unlock it. However, it would really be just fastboot oem lock if you need to relock it. The state won't show relocked if you do it. It'll be plain locked
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Dumb question, but I'll ask anyway if I root will I not be able to receive OTA updates? Because I know whenever I did that with my Note 4 that if I tried it would give a message saying operating system is modified or something in that nature.
joe1blue said:
Dumb question, but I'll ask anyway if I root will I not be able to receive OTA updates? Because I know whenever I did that with my Note 4 that if I tried it would give a message saying operating system is modified or something in that nature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not be able to take the ota. You have two options when marshmallow comes out.
1) Use the return to stock tool and take the ota them reroot
2) Wait for a flash able zip to become available.
TrenchKato said:
2) Wait for a flash able zip to become available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which will most likely be faster available than waiting for the OTA.
I'm not sure that will be the case for the MXPE. Fastboot shows the OS as "original," leading me to believe that OTA updates may work. Remember that on the Note 4, et al, unlocking the bootloader wasn't supported by the OEM or carrier. Since Moto is supplying the unlock codes, I suspect that OTA updates will not be disabled on the MXPE as long as no other OS changes are made. I could be wrong, but we'll find out when the time comes.
Tanker Bob said:
I'm not sure that will be the case for the MXPE. Fastboot shows the OS as "original," leading me to believe that OTA updates may work. Remember that on the Note 4, et al, unlocking the bootloader wasn't supported by the OEM or carrier. Since Moto is supplying the unlock codes, I suspect that OTA updates will not be disabled on the MXPE as long as no other OS changes are made. I could be wrong, but we'll find out when the time comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chances are, if you unlocked your bootloader, you flashed a custom recovery. You can't take an OTA through a custom recovery -- not because it's "blocked," but because the OTA tool is not written to work with that recovery.
Could be. Easy enough to fix if so. Just tell TWRP to allow the OS to overwrite it, the reflash TWRP after the update.
Can't you just flash the stock recovery to take the OTA? Sure, you'll lose root, but you could still take the OTA, then flash your custom recovery again. Is there anything, other than a stock recovery, that prevents OTA updates?
I wish we had a release date. Getting excited for the new features. Should have kept my Nexus 5!
jonathanbailie said:
Can't you just flash the stock recovery to take the OTA? Sure, you'll lose root, but you could still take the OTA, then flash your custom recovery again. Is there anything, other than a stock recovery, that prevents OTA updates?
I wish we had a release date. Getting excited for the new features. Should have kept my Nexus 5!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A modified system will prevent the install. You would need to flash the system image as well.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
I know some owners rooted their device for different reasons other than roms, but imo better to wait for 6.0 for OTA first. This phone comes with pure Android rom. Not like you need to remove bloat apps. Just need custom roms and kernels which is slow developing. Maybe the devs don't want to waste time with lp and their also waiting for marshmallow. I'm surprised how slow this device is moving under development. Oneplus one didn't have mass sale but their development was quick. Being so similar with nexus 6, hopefully we can get some love with MXP.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app
I have been holding out on unlocking for this reason. I'm lazy and don't want to set everything up again so I will use Marsh to back everything up first then I will go to town
Tanker Bob said:
I'm not sure that will be the case for the MXPE. Fastboot shows the OS as "original," leading me to believe that OTA updates may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA will not work for rooted MXPE's.
1) Rooting the MXPE requires you to load an alternative recovery (TWRP), which doesn't work with the OTA installation scripts.
2) Rooting the MXPE modified /system files. And OTA updates check /system integrity before it runs the update. Rooted phones will fail that integrity check, and will fail to OTA for that reason.
You could restore your MXPE to stock conditions (un-root, and load stock recovery) to have it accept an OTA. I'm sure that most people will do that, and then re-install TWRP and re-root after that is done. However, I'd recommend you wait a bit for other people to try this first, just in case there are any issues and to verify that root is still available in Android Marshmallow 6.0
Makes sense. Somebody has to be first. I will do a nandroid backup before attempting to update by any means.
Prior comments in this thread:
"You will not be able to take the ota. You have two options when marshmallow comes out.
1) Use the return to stock tool..."
and
"You could restore your MXPE to stock conditions (un-root, and load stock recovery) to have it accept an OTA..."
I just wanted to clarify that the Return to Stock tool does not currently remove TWRP...
Factory image will appear here once available: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images
(Must log in with Motorola registered ID or gmail address)
Keep in mind you will see a Moto X (2nd Gen) Pure Edition already there...that is not ours.
hijax2001 said:
Prior comments in this thread:
"You will not be able to take the ota. You have two options when marshmallow comes out.
1) Use the return to stock tool..."
and
"You could restore your MXPE to stock conditions (un-root, and load stock recovery) to have it accept an OTA..."
I just wanted to clarify that the Return to Stock tool does not currently remove TWRP...
Factory image will appear here once available: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images
(Must log in with Motorola registered ID or gmail address)
Keep in mind you will see a Moto X (2nd Gen) Pure Edition already there...that is not ours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More clarification: Restore-To-Stock-Tool does replace TWRP. Have a gander inside the zip. I spy recovery.img within. What do you see?
PiousInquisitor said:
More clarification: Restore-To-Stock-Tool does replace TWRP. Have a gander inside the zip. I spy recovery.img within. What do you see?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you're correct ... I just used the tool earlier today and I do indeed have stock recovery.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Sharing my experience... good it's supposed to. Didn't for me, for some reason, until 2nd power cycle. It is stock recovery now though. Sorry for the confusion.

[WARNING] DO NOT Install PRIME V6.6 OTA Update

It has come to light that a new update has been released for the Prime version stock ROM. This update is called V6.6 (duh), and the update replaces the preloader. Some people have reported bootloops, one has gotten a brick, and I am all but certain that Amazon is trying to patch the preloader to remove any chance of rooting or converting to OEM ever again. It also replaces the boot image, which we believe is a way to re-lock the bootloader, or possibly even make fastboot ignore the unlocked status. This could also destroy your ability to root, run TWRP, or run any custom ROM ever again. If you are on the Prime stock ROM, DO NOT take the OTA to V6.6. It's really not worth it for the security patch. I also encourage all users of V6.1, V6.4, or V6.5 to go ahead and convert your phone to the non-Prime variant while you have the chance. Amazon is known for jamming updates down people's throats so I would not be surprised if they have a way of installing that update without your approval.
The conversion guide is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/r1-hd/how-to/guide-convert-to-prime-rollback-ota-t3432499
There is some discussion about the OTA in the last few pages of the general discussion thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/r1-hd/how-to/blu-r1-hd-t3418354/post68565531#post68565531
We can use this thread to further dissect and discuss the update.
The boot img can lock the Bootloader.
Thanks for the warning. I would have taken it as I think V6.5 was a good update and improved performance (at the expense of battery life).
DarkBlood. said:
The boot img can lock the Bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but some kernel/ramdisk shenanigans could lock it at boot.
We've now confirmed that this update breaks SPFT. It is currently unknown if we will be able to recover from this, but I'm hoping we can.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68578922&postcount=1319
It doesn't appear to relock the bootloader or break fastboot in any way, so if your bootloader is already unlocked you might be okay. I still highly recommend against it.
With the fire tablet they disabled the preloader and changed the pid
ColtonDRG said:
We've now confirmed that this update breaks SPFT. It is currently unknown if we will be able to recover from this, but I'm hoping we can.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68578922&postcount=1319
It doesn't appear to relock the bootloader or break fastboot in any way, so if your bootloader is already unlocked you might be okay. I still highly recommend against it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I wonder then, if we dont get a custom rom soon, can the security updates be pulled from the prime OTA and be incorporated into non Prime. I bet if 6.6 plugged SPFT and makes it near impossible for new users to switch to non prime or debloat, that will be the last OTA we see for awhile.
I installed V6.6 OTA update...not sure if I'll regret it. The amazon ads haven't bothered me because I always have notifications, and the ads are smaller than them...plus I was on a CHEAP phone ($10.00) from best buy via slickdeals ad about a year ago...so now I feel like I'm on a contender...it's all relative...Compared to http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-LS620-realm I'm flying.
I am sticking to the prime version. I had disabled OTA. Bootloader unlocked. Hopefully someone can see if 6.6 has anything to offer.
DarkBlood. said:
With the fire tablet they disabled the preloader and changed the pid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot simply "disable" the preloader. We discussed what exactly Amazon did with the Fire a little bit in the private hangout the other day. The bottom line is that we still don't know exactly what shenanigans Amazon is up to, or what tricks they have up their sleeve. Knowing Amazon, it can't be good for us.
jacewt said:
I am sticking to the prime version. I had disabled OTA. Bootloader unlocked. Hopefully someone can see if 6.6 has anything to offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has the August security patch and some things that lock things down. Nothing else that I'm aware of.
bionictoothpick said:
I installed V6.6 OTA update...not sure if I'll regret it. The amazon ads haven't bothered me because I always have notifications, and the ads are smaller than them...plus I was on a CHEAP phone ($10.00) from best buy via slickdeals ad about a year ago...so now I feel like I'm on a contender...it's all relative...Compared to http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-LS620-realm I'm flying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked your bootloader (fastboot style) via one of the methods before, you should still be able to gain root. If not, you are probably hosed, at least for now. Weather or not you will end up regretting that is up to you, but I certainly would.
kal250 said:
So, I wonder then, if we dont get a custom rom soon, can the security updates be pulled from the prime OTA and be incorporated into non Prime. I bet if 6.6 plugged SPFT and makes it near impossible for new users to switch to non prime or debloat, that will be the last OTA we see for awhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. By the way, I will be releasing a TWRP version of the image for people who did manage to unlock their bootloader to use to convert after taking the update. I will also try to get a TWRP image of the old-school preloader image working once I've figured out if it's safe.
As for mixing the ROMs, I've considered doing it before. I worry about breaking some of the advantages of the OEM ROM. If this continues for too much longer, I'll consider it more seriously and start looking into it, but I think for now it remains a case of "there are more important things to do".
ColtonDRG said:
I agree. By the way, I will be releasing a TWRP version of the image for people who did manage to unlock their bootloader to use to convert after taking the update. I will also try to get a TWRP image of the old-school preloader image working once I've figured out if it's safe.
As for mixing the ROMs, I've considered doing it before. I worry about breaking some of the advantages of the OEM ROM. If this continues for too much longer, I'll consider it more seriously and start looking into it, but I think for now it remains a case of "there are more important things to do".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fortunately, I had OTA blocked and as I said the other day when i get downtime(hopefully Sunday), I'm back to OEM, to hell with security patches!!
@ColtonDRG, @DarkBlood., @waingro808, @kal250, @ jacewt
Do we have the zip file for the OTA update yet ?
It's usually very trivial to repackage the update zip in order to make it update only /boot and /system, and nothing else (I've done this back with V6.5 since I wanted to keep the oldest bootloaders available). This way one gets all the updates, without any impact on the preloader, unlock status, etc.
This is kind of similar to how it's done for Fire 7 :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/howto-install-fireos-5-1-1-root-gapps-t3265594
bibikalka said:
@ColtonDRG, @DarkBlood., @waingro808, @kal250, @ jacewt
Do we have the zip file for the OTA update yet ?
It's usually very trivial to repackage the update zip in order to make it update only /boot and /system, and nothing else (I've done this back with V6.5 since I wanted to keep the oldest bootloaders available). This way one gets all the updates, without any impact on the preloader, unlock status, etc.
This is kind of similar to how it's done for Fire 7 :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/howto-install-fireos-5-1-1-root-gapps-t3265594
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The zip is available in https://na.mirrors.coltondrg.com/coltondrg/r1hd/stockota/prime/
bibikalka said:
@ColtonDRG, @DarkBlood., @waingro808, @kal250, @ jacewt
Do we have the zip file for the OTA update yet ?
It's usually very trivial to repackage the update zip in order to make it update only /boot and /system, and nothing else (I've done this back with V6.5 since I wanted to keep the oldest bootloaders available). This way one gets all the updates, without any impact on the preloader, unlock status, etc.
This is kind of similar to how it's done for Fire 7 :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/howto-install-fireos-5-1-1-root-gapps-t3265594
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it, but I'm not interested in taking any of Amazon's **** either way.
As @DarkBlood. said, the zip file is mirrored on https://na.mirrors.coltondrg.com/coltondrg/r1hd/stockota/prime/
I am curious, and we may already know, but did they fail to properly implement the version check in their OTA updater script? Just looking at the reviews on Amazon, it seems a few have suddenly been borked, and only able to boot to stock recovery since Sept 6th or so. I am curious as one of the recovery system check failure messages appears to be hanging up on the v6.1 files and refusing to boot saying they were modified. Was wondering if those are devices that updated from v6.1 straight to v6.6 whereas it seems Amazon/Blu should have ensured the updater abort if device was not v6.5. Thoughts? They may have created a real mess for themselves....
ariesgodofwar said:
I am curious, and we may already know, but did they fail to properly implement the version check in their OTA updater script? Just looking at the reviews on Amazon, it seems a few have suddenly been borked, and only able to boot to stock recovery since Sept 6th or so. I am curious as one of the recovery system check failure messages appears to be hanging up on the v6.1 files and refusing to boot saying they were modified. Was wondering if those are devices that updated from v6.1 straight to v6.6 whereas it seems Amazon/Blu should have ensured the updater abort if device was not v6.5. Thoughts? They may have created a real mess for themselves....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A handful of people around here actually got their phone bootlooped just after taking the upgrade straight from 6.5 to 6.6. At first I figured it was a fluke because their phones were altered, but at this point it's getting very suspicious (almost like it's a hit or miss thing for everyone, even those that haven't touched anything). I hope this doesn't damage the device's reputation too bad, and Amazon better get their **** together. Chopping off their nose in spite of their face. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at this point. This is Amazon we're talking about here.
bibikalka said:
@ColtonDRG, @DarkBlood., @waingro808, @kal250, @ jacewt
Do we have the zip file for the OTA update yet ?
It's usually very trivial to repackage the update zip in order to make it update only /boot and /system, and nothing else (I've done this back with V6.5 since I wanted to keep the oldest bootloaders available). This way one gets all the updates, without any impact on the preloader, unlock status, etc.
This is kind of similar to how it's done for Fire 7 :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/howto-install-fireos-5-1-1-root-gapps-t3265594
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the zip can be modified, can we inject the 6.1 preloader and bootloader into the 6.6 OTA and modify it to run over current 6.6 installs allowing those who have been locked to at least unlock themselves?? I'm not savy enough to try....

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