[Q] bootloader - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Been reading about Bootloader and I think I grasp the concept... Does the s 4 (specifically gt i9505) come with locked bootloader? If yes, how can I check if my Bootloader is locked?

dannyella said:
Been reading about Bootloader and I think I grasp the concept... Does the s 4 (specifically gt i9505) come with locked bootloader? If yes, how can I check if my Bootloader is locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to download mode. If you see additional lines that say about KNOX that means it's probably locked.
If you got Android 4.2.2 or lower, you don't have locked bootloader.
As far as I know..

dannyella said:
Been reading about Bootloader and I think I grasp the concept... Does the s 4 (specifically gt i9505) come with locked bootloader? If yes, how can I check if my Bootloader is locked?
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Click to collapse
No.
It depends on where you got the phone.
Many carriers lock the bootloader to prevent customer's tweaking the device or changing the SIM lock.
However not all carriers do this.
Also factory unlocked and open bootloader phones are sold all over.
Now where did you get the device from and is it on contract or not ?
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] truth about the bootloader

I've read elsewhere that the new S4 bootloader has locked.
Can someone verify this?
How does it affect the usage of the device?(i.e CM,AOSP etc)
So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.
ChronoReverse said:
So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
But it's not confirmed yet,isn't it?
hunhool said:
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
short story: the international isn't the carriers are
effect on dev gives them a extra work to do
inlineboy said:
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?
hunhool said:
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?
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Click to collapse
There isn't sadly. People were saying if you boot into download mode and it said Write Protection: Enabled that the bootloader was locked, as is the case for atnt and verizon, but the it says the same thing for sprint and our bootloader does not seem to be locked- it's a bit more complicated to actually know and I don't have the tech knowledge to explain it as well as someone else probably could. Probably should find others with your exact phone in the forum and just read what they have said cause this has been a huge topic over the last few days that everyone has been asking.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

locked and unlocked bootloader

I wanna share my experience with my locked bootloader.
I tried once to unlock and install a "just 4 unlocked" rom (2 roms actually) but the radio system didn't work (no phone, no wifi, no gps).
I got back by flashtools, i installed a rom 4 locked rom and i tried once more to unlock the BL. I installed CM10.1 and now everything is working perfect!!!
I got just a question 4 you: why does some xperia z has the BL locked while others unlocked?
e753 said:
I wanna share my experience with my locked bootloader.
I tried once to unlock and install a "just 4 unlocked" rom (2 roms actually) but the radio system didn't work (no phone, no wifi, no gps).
I got back by flashtools, i installed a rom 4 locked rom and i tried once more to unlock the BL. I installed CM10.1 and now everything is working perfect!!!
I got just a question 4 you: why does some xperia z has the BL locked while others unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Xperia Zs come locked from the factory. Most can be unlocked to flash custom roms. Some are permanently locked because their carriers are iffy (to put it nicely), but those are the minority.
Keep Questions in the Q/A section, not in General.
And No SONY device comes with locked Bootloader always. All are locked by default from the factory. Among which some can be unlocked and some can not because the Carrier.
auni said:
Keep Questions in the Q/A section, not in General.
And No SONY device comes with unlocked Bootloader. All are locked by default from the factory. Among which some can be unlocked and some can not because the Carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, but my gadget showed "no in Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status > Bootloader unlock allowed (and in the post about unlock BL they says that if it's "no" the device cannot be unlocked).
Thank you
PS: How can i move the 3d to Q/A ?
That is what I said.
All the Devices are locked bootloader by default.
Bootloader unlock allowed= Yes -- This means you can unlock the bootloader by following regular method.
Bootloader unlock allowed= NO -- This means you can not unlock the bootloader. Because of the Carrier issue i believe.
auni said:
That is what I said.
All the Devices are locked bootloader by default.
Bootloader unlock allowed= Yes -- This means you can unlock the bootloader by following regular method.
Bootloader unlock allowed= NO -- This means you can not unlock the bootloader. Because of the Carrier issue i believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx i got it.
But mine showed Bootloader unlock allowed= NO but i was able to unlock it after 2 try. I think every one following my procedure might do it.
e753 said:
thx i got it.
But mine showed Bootloader unlock allowed= NO but i was able to unlock it after 2 try. I think every one following my procedure might do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you will always have been able to unlock yours, you just didn't do it right the first time.
So are you saying you have a locked boatloader and can install. CM10????
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
e753 said:
thx i got it.
But mine showed Bootloader unlock allowed= NO but i was able to unlock it after 2 try. I think every one following my procedure might do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you root it and put a different ROM on there? the status might change say no but you can still unlock it. Simply put if first time you boot up your phone and it say Unlock bootloader = NO, then dont try to unlock it. When you root and flash a different rom that status might change to yes but in reality it still a NO
G1_enthusiast said:
did you root it and put a different ROM on there? the status might change say no but you can still unlock it. Simply put if first time you boot up your phone and it say Unlock bootloader = NO, then dont try to unlock it. When you root and flash a different rom that status might change to yes but in reality it still a NO
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Click to collapse
Eventually a right answer.
I was told the same. But i love to risk "playing" with my gadgets. So when i bought the xperia z through a carrier I saw the first time i boot up that the phone Unlock bootloader = NO (about 5 minutes after i bought it from the shop, so it was "original as the carrier made it).
I didn't care it and i tried to unlock. I installed a unlocked bootloader and rom and i had all that problems with the radio stuff . But the second time, after i recovered it by flashtool and a sw from sony (i don't remember the name) I was allowed to unlock it and install unlocked stuff. Now I am with Paranoid and I am so happy
e753 said:
Eventually a right answer.
I was told the same. But i love to risk "playing" with my gadgets. So when i bought the xperia z through a carrier I saw the first time i boot up that the phone Unlock bootloader = NO (about 5 minutes after i bought it from the shop, so it was "original as the carrier made it).
I didn't care it and i tried to unlock. I installed a unlocked bootloader and rom and i had all that problems with the radio stuff . But the second time, after i recovered it by flashtool and a sw from sony (i don't remember the name) I was allowed to unlock it and install unlocked stuff. Now I am with Paranoid and I am so happy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you were able to unlock it even though it says no?
G1_enthusiast said:
so you were able to unlock it even though it says no?
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Click to collapse
Really interested in this cause I am in the same situation, carrier locked with bootloader locked for good.
CoolZoneAlex said:
Really interested in this cause I am in the same situation, carrier locked with bootloader locked for good.
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Click to collapse
same here... unlock it. install all the unlocked stuff. Radio might don't work. . Get ur phone back by flashtool and sony sw (i don't rememmber the name). The sony software will say u after a while u r not able to recover the phone cuz you are using some some software that is not sony. Don't worry and install another time a rom unbranded by flashtool.
now unlock the phone again and install everything u might like
There is only a problem with the twrp recovery, so use only the other one
e753 said:
same here... unlock it. install all the unlocked stuff. Radio might don't work. . Get ur phone back by flashtool and sony sw (i don't rememmber the name). The sony software will say u after a while u r not able to recover the phone cuz you are using some some software that is not sony. Don't worry and install another time a rom unbranded by flashtool.
now unlock the phone again and install everything u might like
There is only a problem with the twrp recovery, so use only the other one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone else confirm this?
Thanks!
Very interesting... Im waiting the confirmation from sony to pick up my phone without cost to change the fastboot to yes, but if this is true and someone else could confirm this method il do it tonight!!!!
Enviado desde mi C6603 usando Tapatalk 2
I think if you want others to try what you've done, (and it is interesting if we can unlock bootloaders this way)
then you may want to highlight which steps you did in more detail.
Which roms did you try to flash that resorted in no radio functions?
which rom did you try to flash with flashtool? which version of flashtool as well?
Did you do anything else?
I somehow doubt engineers would make an oversight as big as this one.
But fingers crossed nevertheless.
+1 for a detailed description of the steps you took. This could be huge!
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
robogo1982 said:
I somehow doubt engineers would make an oversight as big as this one.
But fingers crossed nevertheless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, this move would make the XZ much more attractive for buyers which have the bootloader locked from the carrier.
CoolZoneAlex said:
Indeed, this move would make the XZ much more attractive for buyers which have the bootloader locked from the carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this must be the first topic on xperia z´s forum hehehe.

[Q] How to unlock a bootloader if possible? (N900A)

Heya, I'm very new in the vast world of Android rooting and flashing and I've run into yet another problem trying to flash my N900A Note 3 variant. I finally got it SIM unlocked and rooted and just when I'm getting ready to flash I see something about bootloaders. I don't know how to check to see if it's locked but I'm more than certain it is. So, is there anyway to unlock the bootloader? I see people saying it can't be unlocked yet I see guides for unlocking them so really all I'm looking for is a straight answer.
And if I understand it right, Safestrap isn't something I want to do if it's not the 'real' thing, so if it can't be unlocked then I'll be looking into another phone. If I do, would it be better to get another Note 3 variant or the Sony Xperia z1s?
Thanks in advance.
mr_solo1337 said:
Heya, I'm very new in the vast world of Android rooting and flashing and I've run into yet another problem trying to flash my N900A Note 3 variant. I finally got it SIM unlocked and rooted and just when I'm getting ready to flash I see something about bootloaders. I don't know how to check to see if it's locked but I'm more than certain it is. So, is there anyway to unlock the bootloader? I see people saying it can't be unlocked yet I see guides for unlocking them so really all I'm looking for is a straight answer.
And if I understand it right, Safestrap isn't something I want to do if it's not the 'real' thing, so if it can't be unlocked then I'll be looking into another phone. If I do, would it be better to get another Note 3 variant or the Sony Xperia z1s?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T models are locked at the bootloader, and there's no way to unlock them.
I have similar question....I have 9005 version and want to put new bootloader.....I put new NF2 modem and now i want to put NF4 bootloader....
Is it enough just to instal it through odin?
(Searched for instructions but couldn't find it.....)
Thanks....
jisoo said:
AT&T models are locked at the bootloader, and there's no way to unlock them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I have a few questions on this subject.
Safestrap is a work-around a locked bootloader right? If I use it to flash a rom would there be that much of a difference?
If using safestrap pretty much the same thing then why do people still prefer to have unlocked bootloader?
Because I see guides to unlocking bootloaders, does this mean that it's just AT&T that won't let us unlock this phone version?
Sorry for the questions, I just want this stuff cleared up.
mr_solo1337 said:
Okay, I have a few questions on this subject.
Safestrap is a work-around a locked bootloader right? If I use it to flash a rom would there be that much of a difference?
If using safestrap pretty much the same thing then why do people still prefer to have unlocked bootloader?
Because I see guides to unlocking bootloaders, does this mean that it's just AT&T that won't let us unlock this phone version?
Sorry for the questions, I just want this stuff cleared up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't change the kernel if your bootloader is locked, so safestrap only works with TW-based ROMs -- no cyanogenmod our other AOSP variants.
AT&T is one of the carriers that forces the OEMs to lock the bootloader. I believe Verizon is another one. No other carrier seems to care, or have enough power over the OEMs to force this.

Bootloader unlocking

What, precisely, must be done to unlock the bootloader for an SM-G900A or SM-G900T? Must something cryptographically be broken? If I get root access through towelroot, will that help? Are the people at the AT&T store capable of doing this bootloader unlock if pursuaded to do so?
No they will definitely not help you unlock the bootloader lol. AT&T locked it down themselves, and no one has found a way to unlock it yet. All we can do is wait for someone to figure it out.
dgriffi said:
What, precisely, must be done to unlock the bootloader for an SM-G900A or SM-G900T? Must something cryptographically be broken? If I get root access through towelroot, will that help? Are the people at the AT&T store capable of doing this bootloader unlock if pursuaded to do so?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you show what is your Bootloader version?
Just an FYI, 900A is ATT with locked bootloader, the 900T is T-mobile which already has an unlocked bootloader. Just buy a 900T unlock the Sim and put in an ATT Sim. That's what I did. No worries about locked bootloader!
vndnguyen said:
can you show what is your bootloader version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
g900aucu2ang3
dgriffi said:
g900aucu2ang3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think a read something about Safestrap being able to unlock S5 locked bootloaders, here for example. Not sure if this works though, have not tested it myself.

Bootloader Status Check

How can we know if the bootloader is locked or not? Is there a way to know it through adb or through a secret code?
Uzair40 said:
How can we know if the bootloader is locked or not? Is there a way to know it through adb or through a secret code?
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Click to collapse
It's only "locked" on 900V and 900A (Verizon and AT&T) variants. Other variants are not locked nor lockable.
jisoo said:
It's only "locked" on 900V and 900A (Verizon and AT&T) variants. Other variants are not locked nor lockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but without having that information how can we check if the bootloader is locked or not?
Uzair40 said:
Thanks, but without having that information how can we check if the bootloader is locked or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I was clear, sorry.
If you have the Verizon or AT&T version, it is always locked. If other version, it is always unlocked.
There are no known ways of locking or unlocking the bootloader on a Samsung device.
jisoo said:
I thought I was clear, sorry.
If you have the Verizon or AT&T version, it is always locked. If other version, it is always unlocked.
There are no known ways of locking or unlocking the bootloader on a Samsung device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. I already know that besides Verizon and AT&T, all the versions have the bootloader unlocked, but is there a way to know that through adb or a secret code? i.e. If Knox is 0x1 we realise that the device has been rooted, likewise, is there a way to know if the bootloader is locked?
Uzair40 said:
Thanks again. I already know that besides Verizon and AT&T, all the versions have the bootloader unlocked, but is there a way to know that through adb or a secret code? i.e. If Knox is 0x1 we realise that the device has been rooted, likewise, is there a way to know if the bootloader is locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
id like to know as well, id like to know through a app or adb or something in that nature let me know if you find out anything TY!
(i just bought a Galaxy Note 3 sim unlocked at&t 4.4.2 sm-n900a)
which i already rooted!
mrdreamers said:
id like to know as well, id like to know through a app or adb or something in that nature let me know if you find out anything TY!
(i just bought a Galaxy Note 3 sim unlocked at&t 4.4.2 sm-n900a)
which i already rooted!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use your phones forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att
JJEgan said:
Use your phones forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have its gotten me nothing so far
in retrospect
I just got my hands on one of these and I'm not sure if the bootloader is locked or not I did a procedure that leads me to believe it is. I am not 100% sure though, and since I am not really a noob, nor of a minor tech, I understand the importance of being 100% certain.
What is the model of the phone according to the phone's screen in download mode? What is the boot loader version?
These two items will help you determine whether the boot loader is locked.
All Canadian Note 3
jisoo said:
It's only "locked" on 900V and 900A (Verizon and AT&T) variants. Other variants are not locked nor lockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this "Unlocked bootloader" apply to all Canada versions of the SG Note 3 N900W8 as well? Thanks in advance.

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