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Hi all,
I am new to Android device. So sorry in advance if this question appeared to be too stupid...
I understand that I need to unlock the bootloader if I want to install custom ROM.
My questions, do I need to unlock bootloader if I want to flash my device from one official ROM to another region's ROM? Say my device has UK Stock ROM, do I need to unlock the bootloader if I want to install HK stock ROM instead?
Also, I believe there is no hardware difference among different area releases (e.g. UK vs HK). So can I assume it is safe to flash the ROM to another area release?
Thanks!
I'd NOT recommend you to unlock bootloader on your Arc as there are no custom ROMs made for it yet, and maybe developers here could make ROMs that'd not require you to have unlocked bootloader. So you should really wait because if you unlock bootloader -- there's no going back -- you can't re-lock 'em. And you void your warranty too.
You don't have to unlock bootloader for flashing another region's ROM. You can flash other firmwares using "flashtool" (a program originally developed for Xperia X10 by Bin4ry for flashing original firmwares, but updated to work on Xperia Arc also) You can get it here.
And as you're new you should first read this thread.
Also for newbie step-by-step guides [with videos] for flashing ROMs, unlocking bootloader, etc. visit the link below:
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/tag/xperia-arc-hacks/
Brilliant,
Thanks for he information.
Can anyone confirm that there's no hardware difference between different region's release? (LT15i, LT15a are only different model numbers due to region?)
itskapil said:
And you void your warranty too.
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That's simply not true.
There mere act of unlocking your bootloader does not void your warranty.
There is potential for you to void you warranty if you then were to flash a custom ROM but simply unlocking the bootloader won't void it.
Wrong section
It is possible to relock bootloader - if you have taken TA backup before unlocking, if you restore it bootloader will be relocked. I'm investigating TA Misc area to find out how to relock bootloader on already unlocked devices without TA backup.
Step666 said:
That's simply not true.
There mere act of unlocking your bootloader does not void your warranty.
There is potential for you to void you warranty if you then were to flash a custom ROM but simply unlocking the bootloader won't void it.
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Click to collapse
Actually SE asks you to insert your IMEI No. to get the secret key for unlocking the bootloader, and since unlocking bootloader is obviously meant for flashing custom ROMs, SE will put fingers on you only if you damage your phone -- as they have your IMEI registered under their systems as bootloader unlocked. Below are the warnings they've stated on their blog:
Please note that you may void the warranty of your phone if you unlock the boot loader. Sony Ericsson can then no longer guarantee the full functionality of your phone, and will not be responsible for any unsigned custom software being flashed to the phone after the boot loader is unlocked. Certain functions in your phone might cease to work, and performance might not be ideal. You might also damage your phone permanently. In the worst case, unlocking the boot loader will cause physical injuries or material damage, for example, due to the phone overheating.
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and
Please note that there is no turning back when unlocking the boot loader. You will not be able to revert the phone to a locked or original state if you unlock it. Also, if you brick the phone, it is your own responsibility.
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And @blagus man that'd really cool
itskapil said:
Actually SE asks you to insert your IMEI No. to get the secret key for unlocking the bootloader, and since unlocking bootloader is obviously meant for flashing custom ROMs, SE will put fingers on you only if you damage your phone -- as they have your IMEI registered under their systems as bootloader unlocked.
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Click to collapse
Just because someone has retrieved their unlocking key, that does not mean they have unlocked their bootloader, so there's no way SE will refuse to honour a warranties purely on that basis.
This is further evidenced by the fact that it is possible to retrieve unlocking keys for network-locked handsets which, as things stand, cannot have their bootloaders unlocked.
Also, you may want to re-read what SE have actually said:
Please note that you may void the warranty of your phone if you unlock the boot loader.
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Click to collapse
To further support Step666 - unlocking the bootloader in itself does NOT void the warranty.. LEGALLY SE cannot waive their obligations to warranty because someone unlocked the BL... it's the installation of custom ROM/ Kernals/ bootloader changes that gives them the right to refuse support...
no it's not possible see here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14019729&postcount=16
Step666 said:
Just because someone has retrieved their unlocking key, that does not mean they have unlocked their bootloader, so there's no way SE will refuse to honour a warranties purely on that basis.
This is further evidenced by the fact that it is possible to retrieve unlocking keys for network-locked handsets which, as things stand, cannot have their bootloaders unlocked.
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Click to collapse
Buddy my point was NOT just "retrieving unlocking key" -- this is very obvious that SE won't blame a customer just for retrieving an unlocking key, but if you unlock bootloader too -- that explains your interest in using a custom ROM on your phone.
Now if you're thinking that someone would just unlock his phone's bootloader, and never use a custom ROM over it, then simply that kind of effort is not worth it as there won't be any fun in that. Right?
See I understand your point, and you're right, but it just doesn't looks practical to me.
[Tried posting this in Q&A forum but received no answers]
I am coming from Droid Incredible running CM 7.1 on PagePlus for 3 years (Verizon MVNO for those who don't know). So I am familiar with Android ecosystem and rooting.
I am looking to buy Moto X to be used in USA on H2O (AT&T MVNO) because on Pageplus the speed are limited to 3G and most new phones cannot be activated without flashing which I don't want to do.
1) Is there any reason NOT to buy Developer Edition (GSM Networks)? Current price is now the same as AT&T branded version and I am OK with just one color being available.
2) Am I correct in understanding that this version of the phone supports all LTE and HSPA frequencies both for AT&T and TMobile? Quote from the spec:
Networks
GSM/GPRS/EDGE - UMTS/HSPA + up to 42 Mbps - 4G LTE
2G/2.5G GSM/GPRS/EDGE bands
850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS bands
850/900/ AWS/1900/2100 MHz with HSPA+ up to 42 Mbps (B5/B8/B4/B2/B1)
4G LTE bands
700/AWS/1900MHz (B17/B4/B2)
3) Are there any known issues with Moto X that has not been fixed with software updates yet? I am also considering Moto G which would be good enough for me but it has battery issues ("instant" drops from full charge to 1%) that are now investigated by Motorola but no solution yet. For Moto X so far I only found that some people have small cracks on their cases that are fixed by mailing it for warranty work.
1) I too considered the GSM Dev Edition of the Moto X but decided not to get it based on looks. I don't like white phones. The Dev Moto X has a woven white back and I didn't like that. I also have not use for 32GB of internal storage. I didn't even fill the 8GB that was on my RAZR M (previous phone). This was my reasoning, so I went with the MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X (also referred to as the T-Mobile version).
2)I don't know about the Dev version but if I had to guess I'd say it's like my phone, so yes. I have an AT&T SIM in my Moto X and I get 4G LTE when I'm in town.
3)The only issues I know of are the cracks as you mentioned and the some of the wood backs having a poor finish applied. There may be another that I've yet to read here but I've not had any problem with the phone.
Hikikomori-Otaku said:
1) I too considered the GSM Dev Edition of the Moto X but decided not to get it based on looks. I don't like white phones. The Dev Moto X has a woven white back and I didn't like that. I also have not use for 32GB of internal storage. I didn't even fill the 8GB that was on my RAZR M (previous phone). This was my reasoning, so I went with the MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X (also referred to as the T-Mobile version).
2)I don't know about the Dev version but if I had to guess I'd say it's like my phone, so yes. I have an AT&T SIM in my Moto X and I get 4G LTE when I'm in town.
3)The only issues I know of are the cracks as you mentioned and the some of the wood backs having a poor finish applied. There may be another that I've yet to read here but I've not had any problem with the phone.
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I don't like white phones either but I want to be able to root. Is what you went with (MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X) essentially the same as Dev Edition other than color? Or is it only carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked?
JoeSchmoe007 said:
I don't like white phones either but I want to be able to root. Is what you went with (MotoMaker GSM unlocked retail Moto X) essentially the same as Dev Edition other than color? Or is it only carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked?
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The main differences between the two would be the retail version can be customs made in MotoMaker and when the bootloader is unlocked you loose your warranty. The Dev version only comes in one style but your warranty will still be intact after unlocking the bootloader.
Hikikomori-Otaku said:
The main differences between the two would be the retail version can be customs made in MotoMaker and when the bootloader is unlocked you loose your warranty. The Dev version only comes in one style but your warranty will still be intact after unlocking the bootloader.
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Thank you for responding. So the warranty will be void completely, even for the hardware issues completely unrelated to unlocking bootloader?
Can bootloader on retail version be re-locked to send it in for warranty?
I think I read that each time OS updates are released for Moto X new exploit may need to be found to root/unlock bootloader. Did I get it right or am I confusing something?
Can root be achieved without unlocking bootloader? If I understand correctly unlocking bootloader is really only needed if one wants to try different ROM-s and root can sometimes be achieved without unlocking bootloader. But Moto X is almost stock Android, so I see no point in trying other ROM-s but I do want to have root.
JoeSchmoe007 said:
Thank you for responding. So the warranty will be void completely, even for the hardware issues completely unrelated to unlocking bootloader?
Can bootloader on retail version be re-locked to send it in for warranty?
I think I read that each time OS updates are released for Moto X new exploit may need to be found to root/unlock bootloader. Did I get it right or am I confusing something?
Can root be achieved without unlocking bootloader? If I understand correctly unlocking bootloader is really only needed if one wants to try different ROM-s and root can sometimes be achieved without unlocking bootloader. But Moto X is almost stock Android, so I see no point in trying other ROM-s but I do want to have root.
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Click to collapse
Yes, your warranty will be completly void if you unlock the bootloader on any Moto X except the Dev version.
You can relock (and reunlock) the bootloader but because you have to get the unlock key from Motorola, they will know even if you relock it. I believe there is also a line in fastboot that will will indicate if the warrently is void (as a result of the first unlock).
This is true. With any update there is the potential for an exploit being 'removed'. The same is true for most bootloaders but not necessarily for this phone. Even if the bootloader is updated, the unlock code for your phone will still work.
Yes, root can be achieved without unlocking the bootloader but it's a complex method for this phone. It's much easier to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery, and flash the SU binary. This is also the preferred method if it's avalible for your Moto X.
Unlocking your bootloader let's you do a few things. The most common it to flash another recovery image and thus a new ROM. You can also flash kernals, binaries, apps, and a few other things with the bootloader unlocked.
Hikikomori-Otaku said:
....
This is true. With any update there is the potential for an exploit being 'removed'. The same is true for most bootloaders but not necessarily for this phone. Even if the bootloader is updated, the unlock code for your phone will still work.
Yes, root can be achieved without unlocking the bootloader but it's a complex method for this phone. It's much easier to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery, and flash the SU binary. This is also the preferred method if it's avalible for your Moto X.
Unlocking your bootloader let's you do a few things. The most common it to flash another recovery image and thus a new ROM. You can also flash kernals, binaries, apps, and a few other things with the bootloader unlocked.
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So what specific exploit can be removed? For rooting? Or for unlocking bootloader? The way I understand one can always unlock bootloader using code from Motorola no matter if your phone is retail or Dev. Edition, however then root may or may not work? But this contradicts with what you said about if bootloader is unlocked then you can flash custom recovery and SU, so you can still always achieve root. Is there an FAQ or thread on this forum where this is described in details?
JoeSchmoe007 said:
So what specific exploit can be removed? For rooting? Or for unlocking bootloader? The way I understand one can always unlock bootloader using code from Motorola no matter if your phone is retail or Dev. Edition, however then root may or may not work? But this contradicts with what you said about if bootloader is unlocked then you can flash custom recovery and SU, so you can still always achieve root. Is there an FAQ or thread on this forum where this is described in details?
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Click to collapse
Any exploit can be removed, so long as they're found and will not inhibit the use of the device. I guess I should clarify a bit. Your bootloader and root access have different ways to get them. The bootloader basically protects the partitions of the phone. The only way to unlock the bootloader of the Moto X is to go to Motorola and get the unique unlock code for your Moto X. The Verizon retail and AT&T retail versions are the only two models of my knowledge that can't be unlocked by Motorola and no exploit has been found for them. How root is achieved by having an unlocked bootloader is as followed; The bootloader is unlocked giving the user access to the partitions of the phone > a custom recovery is flashed > using the new recovery SU binary is added (flashed) to the dormant Android OS. Without an unlocked bootloader, this method is impossible as you can't complete the first step. This is when an exploit in the Android OS is needed. The current SlapMyMoto exploit takes advantage that Motorola lets Moto X users downgrade. Once on a lower version of Android, we can root that and basically 'tunnel' up a path to give ourselves root in they newer version of Android. The unlocked bootloader method is preferred because it's easier and will almost always work (unless Android is given a huge remake). While in recovery, the Android OS is not loaded and thus can't protect itself. This makes adding stuff to it much simpler. When the Android OS is booted though, there are security measures in place that we unrooted can't get past without an exploit.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
This thread has a lot of good info from rooting on both locked and unlocked bootloaders, downgrading, and much more.
Honestly I think you answered your own question. If rooting is your number one priority and you don't mind the white back (which I like actually), then I think the Developer Edition is a no brainer for you.
If you want a custom phone and rooting isn't that important, or you don't care about the warranty, then I'd say get the MotoMaker version.
As far as bugs, the only bug I know of is an exchange bug (which I don't use exchange so I don't even know what the bug is/was), but it was fixed in 4.4.2.
You can root the carrier version ie motomaker. That's all you really need is root along with greenify, xposed, gravity box, and viper4android.
MOTO X Slapped
[email protected] said:
You can root the carrier version ie motomaker. That's all you really need is root along with greenify, xposed, gravity box, and viper4android.
MOTO X Slapped
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Click to collapse
Currently there is NO root method for 4.4.2 without unlocking the bootloader.
Hello XDA,
I'm a big fan of flashing custom roms. But when i want to unlock my bootloader. Motorola says that it will void my warranty. But the rule in Europe, is that if you flash or root your device you will not lose warranty. What should i do?
Thanks in advance.
ha966 said:
Hello XDA,
I'm a big fan of flashing custom roms. But when i want to unlock my bootloader. Motorola says that it will void my warranty. But the rule in Europe, is that if you flash or root your device you will not lose warranty. What should i do?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Europe, if you root a device or you unlock the bl/flash a custom rom the warranty is void. I'm italian, these are the rules.
ha966 said:
Hello XDA,
I'm a big fan of flashing custom roms. But when i want to unlock my bootloader. Motorola says that it will void my warranty. But the rule in Europe, is that if you flash or root your device you will not lose warranty. What should i do?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For rooting, unlocked bootloader is required and for unlocking the bootloader, the unlock key is required which has to be asked from Motorola. The moment you ask for this key from Motorola, your warranty us void.
Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk
The rule is actually if you send in your device because it broke of overclocking or any root feature, then they won't issue warranty.
If they can't prove the bootloader unlock broke your device they still have to repair under the warranty of your device.
TommyDN said:
The rule is actually if you send in your device because it broke of overclocking or any root feature, then they won't issue warranty.
If they can't prove the bootloader unlock broke your device they still have to repair under the warranty of your device.
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Click to collapse
During unlocking bootloader, we ask for unlock code from them.
And it's written in the rules that the moment you ask for unlock code, the warranty is void.
Read this post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62843640
Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk
Don't do it
Do it Do it...
I unlocked on first day and ruined my partition table-- formatted system in fat32 or so then flashed back IND firmware to fix it.
It is fun and fun only comes when u wanna take the risk.
I'm going to unlock and root mine eventually, I miss too many of the bells and whistles of a custom ROM. However, I'm going to leave it a bit as I've only just bought the phone and I want any issues to present themselves before I lose my warranty.
Dont do it because then he have no warranty then
In Holland and Germany (and i believe most countries in Europe) the first 6 months the retailer have to prove you bricked your device by unlocking/rooting your smartphone.After 6 months you must prove your device is not bricked by unlocking/rooting your smartphone. Htc and Samsung already changed their warranty policy because of this EU rule after losing a few cases from customers claiming their warranty back.
Hi i am using moto g5 plus indian version. Is it possible to unlock bootloader unofficially without getting unlock code from Motorola.
Also can we relock bootloader to prevent/use warranty?
Thanks
I recently ordered a OP8P and I am upgrading from Oneplus 3. At that time rooting or unlocking bootloader didn't void it's warranty. Is it the same now or the rules have changed?
For reference I am from India but I am also open to know what are the rules in your country?
No