Recovering from Idiocy - Relocked Bootloader with TWRP Recovery and Custom Rom in Pla - HTC U11 Guides, News, & Discussion

I'm posting this here half for help and half as a warning to others. Got burnt tinkering a bit to carelessly.
The story in short: unlocked bootloader, TWRP and Leedroid. Wanted to remove the start up "Unlocked Bootloader" message + possibly gain use of GPay. Googling around XDA stories of both bricked devices and people who had no problems. I figured I'd see what happened if I locked the boot loader and if I had problems I could just unlock it again, right? Wrong. After flashing Leedroid developer options, of course, had defaulted to disabled as well as 'Allow OEM unlock'. So after my device refused to boot, as I half expected it would, it also wouldn't let me un-lock it again, which I didn't expect.
So here I am stuck with a bricked device that has S-On and won't boot (corrupted device message). Only way out is Stock RUU from the original carrier of my device (Telstra, Australia). Unfortunately that seemingly doesn't exist on the internet for gods knows why and because S-ON can't change CID (TELST001) to flash something else.
I do have one half-baked idea that I don't see robustly covered already. I happen to have a second Telstra U11. My thought was to perhaps take that, image it using nandroid and then flash that image onto the bricked device via fastboot. Is that an option, or is that a no-go for some other reason?
Moral of the story: Don't play with fire unless your sure you have a fire extinguisher. And don't try and re-lock your bootloader no matter how much that warning bugs you.
Neil

Does anyone know whether I could nandroid image the stock U11 and use fastboot to flash that image to the soft bricked device?

You may try that, as in theory you can boot into system with original system IMAGE (bit-perfect) and boot image(kernel). And you may also want to s-off your device after successful boot.

TeroZ said:
You may try that, as in theory you can boot into system with original system IMAGE (bit-perfect) and boot image(kernel). And you may also want to s-off your device after successful boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No permanent S-OFF available, so no point in performing S-OFF as it doesn't save you of such a problem...
Sent from my HTC U12+ using XDA Labs

@TeroZ seems that with the bootloader re-locked any fastboot flash x.img command is rejected by default. Seems you can only flash in RUU mode. Does that make sense to you? That closes the only other alternative to sending it back to the official repairer just to have them rather than me flash the official RUU. What a scam.

5m4r7ph0n36uru said:
No permanent S-OFF available, so no point in performing S-OFF as it doesn't save you of such a problem...
Sent from my HTC U12+ using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean you could temporarily soff and change the cid and mid to debrand the phone and have access to usable RUU.

TeroZ said:
I mean you could temporarily soff and change the cid and mid to debrand the phone and have access to usable RUU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted the Sunshine guys and the s-off can only be done from within android (ie not download mode etc) so kills that as an option as well.
HTC won't provide Telstra RUU and also won't allow me to send it to repair center as it was apparently originally a demo device (to my suprise). So short of the Telstra RUU its officially soft bricked. Can't say I've ever been quite this burnt before flashing on ROM's etc. I'm more familiar with computer land and am just not used to the possibility of actually killing your computer via messing around in software (OC'ing is another kettle of fish of course). As long as it boots your fine.
Not so in the android world!
I'm open to trying anything at this point. There really is nothing left to lose.
N

Try contacting Telstra customer service instead and see if they provides ruu.

ngodber said:
I contacted the Sunshine guys and the s-off can only be done from within android (ie not download mode etc) so kills that as an option as well.
HTC won't provide Telstra RUU and also won't allow me to send it to repair center as it was apparently originally a demo device (to my suprise). So short of the Telstra RUU its officially soft bricked. Can't say I've ever been quite this burnt before flashing on ROM's etc. I'm more familiar with computer land and am just not used to the possibility of actually killing your computer via messing around in software (OC'ing is another kettle of fish of course). As long as it boots your fine.
Not so in the android world!
I'm open to trying anything at this point. There really is nothing left to lose.
N
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this thread. Similar sort of issue with bricking. HTC 10 Batch tool was used
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u11/help/help-ruu-firmware-t3716144/post77822986#post77822986

Related

How can I unbrick nexus 6p if I didn't unlock bootloader or OEM?

I'm new to Android. Recently I got a new nexus 6p. I was so confused that whether I have to unlock bootloader or not. Currently I just want to experience the pure Android simply without rooting or changing anything. But I heard a lot about bricked nexus 6 that the device would not be manually fixed if it was not bootloader unlocked before. As I am in China where I have no warranty for my nexus 6p, I have to keep my device safe as possible as I can.
So my question is under the circumstance that I haven't unlocked bootloader or OEM:
How much probability could it be I do nothing but unexpectedly brick the device?
If it is bricked, is it possible to recover it?
Do common nexus 6p users have to unlock bootloader?
Another important thing should be mentioned. Generally I can't access to any service by google in China, so I utilize a proxy tool to get over the great firewall to use google. Is there any experience about the situation like me? I also heard a saying that upgrading nexus 6 firmware by OTA through a proxy tool in China may brick the device, because google can not save the upgrading information of the device for the reason that the proxy IP is not static, then google will push update again, and once you click it, brick.
Puzzled enough...Thanks in advance.
I am not 100% certain what you are asking... If you do not unlock the bootloader, you should not be able to brick your device. The only reason to unlock it is to flash a custom ROM (not official from Google) or to flash Google factory images, which it sounds like might be necessary for you being that you are in China and may not receive OTAs properly. This is a process of downloading a file from Google and flashing to your device after unlocking the bootloader.
Your post was not exactly clear partially, but is your phone already bricked and you are trying to recover, or simply asking for your own reference?
fury683 said:
I am not 100% certain what you are asking... If you do not unlock the bootloader, you should not be able to brick your device. The only reason to unlock it is to flash a custom ROM (not official from Google) or to flash Google factory images, which it sounds like might be necessary for you being that you are in China and may not receive OTAs properly. This is a process of downloading a file from Google and flashing to your device after unlocking the bootloader.
Your post was not exactly clear partially, but is your phone already bricked and you are trying to recover, or simply asking for your own reference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. Could you please point out the unclear expressions? And I could edit them.
I have only unlocked nexus 6p bootloader, and the device is running well. I do not understand exactly why I have to do this, I just do it in case the situation described by other nexus 6 users happen to my nexus 6p. So I want to figure out the logic.
If you have no reason to unlock it, then you can relock it. Unlocking will always cause a full wipe (factory reset) of the device. Some users have stated that relocking the bootloader will also induce a wipe. If you want to leave it unlocked, this will allow you to flash factory images (such as updates from Google) as often as you'd like. It is possible to flash a factory image without losing any data by modifying the batch file used to flash the firmware.
Simply having the bootloader unlocked should not pose any threat to your device. You have to try very intentionally to flash firmware and risk bricking the device, it's not really something you can do by accident. The one thing I will mention is that with the bootloader unlocked, someone with the correct knowledge could flash a new image on your phone without needing your password or other security information. They would only need to power off the device, enter bootloader mode and plug into a PC to begin flashing. This would remove every trace of you and your data from the device and make it like it was brand new from the factory.
By keeping the bootloader locked and the "Allow OEM unlocking" option turned OFF, a person would need to have your password (or fingerprint) to gain access to this option in the settings, thus not allowing them to flash over the device as it is today.
Hope this helps.
fury683 said:
If you have no reason to unlock it, then you can relock it. Unlocking will always cause a full wipe (factory reset) of the device. Some users have stated that relocking the bootloader will also induce a wipe. If you want to leave it unlocked, this will allow you to flash factory images (such as updates from Google) as often as you'd like. It is possible to flash a factory image without losing any data by modifying the batch file used to flash the firmware.
Simply having the bootloader unlocked should not pose any threat to your device. You have to try very intentionally to flash firmware and risk bricking the device, it's not really something you can do by accident. The one thing I will mention is that with the bootloader unlocked, someone with the correct knowledge could flash a new image on your phone without needing your password or other security information. They would only need to power off the device, enter bootloader mode and plug into a PC to begin flashing. This would remove every trace of you and your data from the device and make it like it was brand new from the factory.
By keeping the bootloader locked and the "Allow OEM unlocking" option turned OFF, a person would need to have your password (or fingerprint) to gain access to this option in the settings, thus not allowing them to flash over the device as it is today.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to you, I should not be able to brick my device if I did not unlock the device. I can understand this. But the problem is I am in China...By using proxy, I could receive OTAs correctly. But some nexus 6 users in China still encountered with device bricked after upgrading firmware by OTAs even they didn't unlock bootloader. One possible reason is like what I mentioned in last paragraph #1.
I don't like the prompt each time when I reboot the device after unlocking bootloader. Let's make the problem simpler. Can I unbrick the device if it is bricked and bootloader locked?
I can't really speak to your concern regarding bricking from OTA. This should nearly never happen, but I would suspect that the proxy is the issue. If you are concerned about that particular instance being an issue, I would simply not accept the OTA and don't install it. The file will download to your device and you will see a notification very similar to this: http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/12/1c244e92c6a0cd69ca6e1a3037a05d62.jpg If you do not click Install, it will not install itself. You can click Later but usually cannot dismiss the notification. I have had the update pending on my Nexus 7 tablet that I don't often for months, but simply have not upgraded because I don't use it often enough to justify it.
If you want to be on the latest firmware for security reasons (Android 6/M will have monthly security patch releases from Google), you can download the factory images and flash yourself. However, if you believe there may be an issue because of the proxy you are using, the factory image could face the same issue as the OTA as you described. As I said, because I am not in China and do not use a proxy as you do, I cannot comment on how or why other users may have faced a hard brick scenario.
Ultimately, having the bootloader unlocked will allow you to flash the factory image over a bricked firmware caused by a corrupt (or otherwise unusable) OTA. If the phone can enter bootloader mode, you can flash the firmware and restore it to like new state. The warning message you see when booting is not able to be disabled without locking the bootloader again, but it only appears for a few moments. It was previously hidden on the Nexus 6 (not the 6p) so it might be possible in the future, but that is just a guess.
fury683 said:
I can't really speak to your concern regarding bricking from OTA. This should nearly never happen, but I would suspect that the proxy is the issue. If you are concerned about that particular instance being an issue, I would simply not accept the OTA and don't install it. The file will download to your device and you will see a notification very similar to this: If you do not click Install, it will not install itself. You can click Later but usually cannot dismiss the notification. I have had the update pending on my Nexus 7 tablet that I don't often for months, but simply have not upgraded because I don't use it often enough to justify it.
If you want to be on the latest firmware for security reasons (Android 6/M will have monthly security patch releases from Google), you can download the factory images and flash yourself. However, if you believe there may be an issue because of the proxy you are using, the factory image could face the same issue as the OTA as you described. As I said, because I am not in China and do not use a proxy as you do, I cannot comment on how or why other users may have faced a hard brick scenario.
Ultimately, having the bootloader unlocked will allow you to flash the factory image over a bricked firmware caused by a corrupt (or otherwise unusable) OTA. If the phone can enter bootloader mode, you can flash the firmware and restore it to like new state. The warning message you see when booting is not able to be disabled without locking the bootloader again, but it only appears for a few moments. It was previously hidden on the Nexus 6 (not the 6p) so it might be possible in the future, but that is just a guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I choose to give in...leave it unlocked there.
Thank you very much!
gnange said:
OK I choose to give in...leave it unlocked there.
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The decision to leave it unlocked is the right decision. The other person replying in this thread is completely wrong when he says you can't brick a phone if you don't unlock it, that's completely and utterly incorrect. Sometimes things happen, unforeseen spontaneous problems happen all the time with smartphones. If this happens to you and your bootloader is locked there's absolutely nothing you can do to fix it. So yes, leave your bootloader unlocked as an insurance policy against the unforeseen.
@fury683, I'd think twice before telling someone that nothing bad can happen to their phone as long as it's locked, this is false information, and could potentially lead to someone being unable to repair a soft-bricked device due to following your advice.
Heisenberg said:
The decision to leave it unlocked is the right decision. The other person replying in this thread is completely wrong when he says you can't brick a phone if you don't unlock it, that's completely and utterly incorrect. Sometimes things happen, unforeseen spontaneous problems happen all the time with smartphones. If this happens to you and your bootloader is locked there's absolutely nothing you can do to fix it. So yes, leave your bootloader unlocked as an insurance policy against the unforeseen.
@fury683, I'd think twice before telling someone that nothing bad can happen to their phone as long as it's locked, this is false information, and could potentially lead to someone being unable to repair a soft-bricked device due to following your advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be fair, I said should not. I've never bricked a device from normal use.
I offered my opinion, and the reasons why. I've been burned by comments and advice from people plenty of times and try my best to help out where I can. I don't think my post was misleading, and I appreciate your comments on the matter as well.
Heisenberg said:
The decision to leave it unlocked is the right decision. The other person replying in this thread is completely wrong when he says you can't brick a phone if you don't unlock it, that's completely and utterly incorrect. Sometimes things happen, unforeseen spontaneous problems happen all the time with smartphones. If this happens to you and your bootloader is locked there's absolutely nothing you can do to fix it. So yes, leave your bootloader unlocked as an insurance policy against the unforeseen.
@fury683, I'd think twice before telling someone that nothing bad can happen to their phone as long as it's locked, this is false information, and could potentially lead to someone being unable to repair a soft-bricked device due to following your advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice. So, I can make the conclusion that we should unlock nexus bootloader no matter where we are, when it is and whether we will root or not, right ?
gnange said:
Thanks for your advice. So, I can make the conclusion that we should unlock nexus bootloader no matter where we are, when it is and whether we will root or not, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The choice is ultimately yours, but my advice is always to have it unlocked, that way you're able to access and use fastboot in the event that something goes wrong.
fury683 said:
To be fair, I said should not. I've never bricked a device from normal use.
I offered my opinion, and the reasons why. I've been burned by comments and advice from people plenty of times and try my best to help out where I can. I don't think my post was misleading, and I appreciate your comments on the matter as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I am new to android, your reply benefits me a lot. I notice you replied me before dawn while it was afternoon in China, thanks for your kindness but you should pay more attention to getting enough sleep, don't burn yourself out. : )
Heisenberg said:
The choice is ultimately yours, but my advice is always to have it unlocked, that way you're able to access and use fastboot in the event that something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I used to suppose one has to unlock bootloader only if in China. Now I get it. Thank you !
Heisenberg said:
The choice is ultimately yours, but my advice is always to have it unlocked, that way you're able to access and use fastboot in the event that something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep what Heisenberg said is 100% true. My phone got bricked after the OTA update resulted in an error. I hadn't enabled the OEM Unlock setting, so couldn't unlock the phone. Have to wait for a replacement now

Nexus 6P on boot loop after an OTA update

Hi There,
My colleague complained that he had an OTA update on his Nexus 6P and the after the update it was stuck in a boot loop where the Google logo keep on displaying.
When he bought back, he had showed it a shop already which they said they couldn't fix. However, the phone was later given to me for help and I have somehow manage to connect the device on fastboot and adb. Tried all the possible options such as unlocking the bootloader, loading .img's one by one... sideloading... etc.
No matter what I do, it keeps on doing the same boot loop. And when I leave the bootloader unlocked, it gives an error at first, then again goes back to the same.
Not sure whether what I am doing wrong or whether am I choosing the wrong build or so... would anyone care to advise?
.G33K said:
Hi There,
My colleague complained that he had an OTA update on his Nexus 6P and the after the update it was stuck in a boot loop where the Google logo keep on displaying.
When he bought back, he had showed it a shop already which they said they couldn't fix. However, the phone was later given to me for help and I have somehow manage to connect the device on fastboot and adb. Tried all the possible options such as unlocking the bootloader, loading .img's one by one... sideloading... etc.
No matter what I do, it keeps on doing the same boot loop. And when I leave the bootloader unlocked, it gives an error at first, then again goes back to the same.
Not sure whether what I am doing wrong or whether am I choosing the wrong build or so... would anyone care to advise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the bootloader is unlocked? Exactly which build have you attempted to flash with fastboot? Have you tried flashing one of the full OTA zips with the stock recovery?
PS. Whatever you do don't lock the bootloader. And don't worry about the warning you get with the bootloader unlocked, that's normal.
Heisenberg said:
So the bootloader is unlocked? Exactly which build have you attempted to flash with fastboot? Have you tried flashing one of the full OTA zips with the stock recovery?
PS. Whatever you do don't lock the bootloader. And don't worry about the warning you get with the bootloader unlocked, that's normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply.. I have only locked the bootloader when I'm done with flashing... etc as it was giving me error. Regardless of the bootloader state, it kept on going through the bootloop like it didn't care.
I tried to flashing the factory image which is MTC19T and also tried the OTA which is MTC19V as said in here.
Still there's not luck!
.G33K said:
Thank you for the reply.. I have only locked the bootloader when I'm done with flashing... etc as it was giving me error. Regardless of the bootloader state, it kept on going through the bootloop like it didn't care.
I tried to flashing the factory image which is MTC19T and also tried the OTA which is MTC19V as said in here.
Still there's not luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry about the warning and definitely don't lock the bootloader because if it gets stuck locked you'll really be screwed. Go to my guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
Follow the instructions in section 10 (use the latest MTC19X build). Skip the part at the beginning about performing a factory reset because you can't actually get the phone to boot to do that. Make sure you include the "fastboot format userdata" command at the end (this will erase all data on the device). Leave the bootloader unlocked.
Heisenberg said:
Don't worry about the warning and definitely don't lock the bootloader because if it gets stuck locked you'll really be screwed. Go to my guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
Follow the instructions in section 10 (use the latest MTC19X build). Skip the part at the beginning about performing a factory reset because you can't actually get the phone to boot to do that. Make sure you include the "fastboot format userdata" command at the end (this will erase all data on the device). Leave the bootloader unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have actually tried doing what section 10 says but with a different stock build.. Does that effect as well? However, let me give another shot with your said build and post back.
.G33K said:
I have actually tried doing what section 10 says but with a different stock build.. Does that effect as well? However, let me give another shot with your said build and post back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you format userdata? It's worth a try.
Heisenberg said:
Did you format userdata? It's worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sire! I did all the possible things I could do without harming or bricking the device... Read each and every instruction carefully to do... but turned with no luck... however, I'm due to try the method and build you have suggested, I shall try that and get back to you!
.G33K said:
Yes, sire! I did all the possible things I could do without harming or bricking the device... Read each and every instruction carefully to do... but turned with no luck... however, I'm due to try the method and build you have suggested, I shall try that and get back to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It probably won't work, any build should work, but it's worth a try. If that fails I can only suggest flashing TWRP recovery and trying to flash a custom ROM to see if that works.
So long as you have the bootloader.img and radio.img files, you can try to format boot as well, however Heisenberg may yell at me for even typing that
I had a similar issue - bootloop, but it was getting to the boot animation for about 3 seconds, then rebooting. When I formatted all the areas before flashing them from the stock image, it allowed me to boot up as normal. Stable ever since.
Hi There,
Coming back to the issue, I have just downloaded the build that was suggested by "Heisenberg" and tried it. It was still the same, as in the Google logo keep on flashing but the android bot just appeared once with the logo. But still there not luck as the device stays with Google logo but does nothing.
However, I'm able to see the device on fastboot. Nevertheless, I cannot seem to use adb command.. it doesn't even list on devices. Does that mean the adb isn't working?
Meanwhile, all my fastboot commands are working with no issues at all.
EDIT: When I tried the TWRP recovery, I can flash the recover, but I can seem to go to the recovery window at all as the device keep on showing "The device software can't be checked for corruption". When I pass that also the same boot loop.
I too am having the bootloop issue on my stock Nexus 6P. Is there a way to unlock the device from the bootloader? I'm unable to carry out step one on Heisenberg's guide because I'm unable to actually boot up my phone past the Google logo. Am I pretty much screwed?
bcjk8210 said:
I too am having the bootloop issue on my stock Nexus 6P. Is there a way to unlock the device from the bootloader? I'm unable to carry out step one on Heisenberg's guide because I'm unable to actually boot up my phone past the Google logo. Am I pretty much screwed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately yes. Unless you enabled OEM Unlocking in the developers menu before your phone went sideways you probably have a hard bricked phone. Is it under warranty?
I went through this in November with a completely stock Nexus 6P. I was 3 days past my one year warranty! Google would not send me a new phone. It was completely bricked by the OTA update I received! I was put in touch with Huawei. I had to send the bricked phone to them. 10 days later I received a working model back. Unacceptable that an OTA update trashes a one year old $650 phone. Luckily I had my OnePlus One still, and was able to use that while I waited. I was even able to update that to 7.1.1 since it was rooted. Obviously there is some sort of issue that we are not being told of regarding the dangers of accepting OTA updates on a stock/bootlocked phone.
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
I went through this in November with a completely stock Nexus 6P. I was 3 days past my one year warranty! Google would not send me a new phone. It was completely bricked by the OTA update I received! I was put in touch with Huawei. I had to send the bricked phone to them. 10 days later I received a working model back. Unacceptable that an OTA update trashes a one year old $650 phone. Luckily I had my OnePlus One still, and was able to use that while I waited. I was even able to update that to 7.1.1 since it was rooted. Obviously there is some sort of issue that we are not being told of regarding the dangers of accepting OTA updates on a stock/bootlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloop issues are common on the 6P even with custom ROMs--it just happens to be much more likely you can recover with the custom ROMs installed since the bootloader is unlocked. I think it's a hardware issue with the 6P rather than an OTA issue. It's probably not an accident that Huawei didn't make the Pixels.
Doesn't seem right that I have to "void" my warranty and install a custom ROM on an unlocked, rooted phone in order to recover from a hardware defect. That's BS pure and simple. I want to use the latest software, that's why I bought a Nexus. I want to use all the conveniences like Android Pay. That's why I don't unlock or root anymore. I rooted every Android phone I ever had until now, starting with the original Motorola Droid. Now that security is so important to Google, and you can't use all the Android features with an unlocked bootloader, they need to step up to fix these problems.
This happened to my wife's phone, sent back to Bell. Will see what happens.
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
Doesn't seem right that I have to "void" my warranty and install a custom ROM on an unlocked, rooted phone in order to recover from a hardware defect. That's BS pure and simple. I want to use the latest software, that's why I bought a Nexus. I want to use all the conveniences like Android Pay. That's why I don't unlock or root anymore. I rooted every Android phone I ever had until now, starting with the original Motorola Droid. Now that security is so important to Google, and you can't use all the Android features with an unlocked bootloader, they need to step up to fix these problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader doesn't void the warranty on the Nexus 6P. If you are under warranty then just RMA the phone if an OTA bootloops your phone. It's your choice whether to keep the bootloader locked or not but if you keep the bootloader locked it's probably impossible to recover from a bootloop. Google keeps factory images for Nexus and Pixel phones on its website but you can't flash those images with a locked bootloader. Why would they provide the images if using them voided your warranty?
You are missing my point. If I unlock my bootloader so I can recover from a boot loop that may happen, I will no longer be able to use a huge feature of the phone. Android Pay will no longer function. In days passed the rumour was your warranty was void if you unlock. I assume that was started to keep people from doing it. All I know is I paid good money for a phone that is a disaster waiting to happen it seems.
If having an unlocked bootloader is so important to recover from a bricked phone, why do they lock it in the first place? And why won't Android Pay work with it unlocked? The answer is that you no longer have a secure phone if you unlock the bootloader.
bcjk8210 said:
I too am having the bootloop issue on my stock Nexus 6P. Is there a way to unlock the device from the bootloader? I'm unable to carry out step one on Heisenberg's guide because I'm unable to actually boot up my phone past the Google logo. Am I pretty much screwed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Android version you had on your phone? What's your emmc name and ram name in bootloader? What's the manufacturing date in bootloader?
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
You are missing my point. If I unlock my bootloader so I can recover from a boot loop that may happen, I will no longer be able to use a huge feature of the phone. Android Pay will no longer function. In days passed the rumour was your warranty was void if you unlock. I assume that was started to keep people from doing it. All I know is I paid good money for a phone that is a disaster waiting to happen it seems.
If having an unlocked bootloader is so important to recover from a bricked phone, why do they lock it in the first place? And why won't Android Pay work with it unlocked? The answer is that you no longer have a secure phone if you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you bought the wrong phone. Nexus devices were never available commercially through carriers and were made for developers and people who like to flash things with their phones. There are ways to use Android Pay with an unlocked bootloader if you are so inclined. You are right that an unlocked bootloader is considered less secure but if you only install apps from Google Play or another trusted source you shouldn't have problems. You can also simply enable allow Oem Unlock in the developer menu. This doesn't actually unlock your bootloader but makes it possible for you to unlock it via fastboot if you get bootlooped and need to flash a factory image to restore. This way you can unlock the bootloader in an emergency but your phone is still secure. I think this should be enabled by default when the phones are shipped. Too many people with locked bootloaders end up with hard bricked phones where the Nexus 6P is concerned. Honestly, you would probably be better off selling your Nexus and getting something else that's more stable and made for people who have no Interest in flashing anything.

[Q] Root-unlock bootloader-warranty : some questions before buying

Hi there! I've always been a Samsung user and I'm familiar with chainfire rooting method, Odin, the damn knox and all the tools that people need to achieve the beloved full control of our phones.
Let's go straight to the point: I need to buy a new phone for a friend of mine and the P9 Lite seems the most complete and suitable but I've read that if you unlock the bootloader and root it you obviously loose your warranty. The phone is unrootable by flashing a fresh OS image, but the bootloader will stay unlocked, tripping the useful warraty.
Is there any damn way to revert everything to stock in case there should be the need to send the phone to the customer service?
Thanks for the infos!
exnokiafan said:
Hi there! I've always been a Samsung user and I'm familiar with chainfire rooting method, Odin, the damn knox and all the tools that people need to achieve the beloved full control of our phones.
Let's go straight to the point: I need to buy a new phone for a friend of mine and the P9 Lite seems the most complete and suitable but I've read that if you unlock the bootloader and root it you obviously loose your warranty. The phone is unrootable by flashing a fresh OS image, but the bootloader will stay unlocked, tripping the useful warraty.
Is there any damn way to revert everything to stock in case there should be the need to send the phone to the customer service?
Thanks for the infos!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can relock the bootloader if you reinstall a stock rom and revert to stock recovery, just fyi... Also there have been reports that the warranty is not void if the issue was not caused by a faulty software. Also if you are new to Huawei, be careful. And READ! A lot of people don't read, and mess up their phone...
Instead of making a new thread about the same issues I'll pitch in here too. What is the safest way to root and unroot in case of warranty? LIke the OP I came from the Samsung ecosystem too but I get the feeling if I don't at least ask about Huawei's one I'll probably **** something up.
dariomrk said:
You can relock the bootloader if you reinstall a stock rom and revert to stock recovery, just fyi... Also there have been reports that the warranty is not void if the issue was not caused by a faulty software. Also if you are new to Huawei, be careful. And READ! A lot of people don't read, and mess up their phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply flashing stock rom will lock bootloader but Huawei have your data of unlocking bootloader.
undercontr said:
Simply flashing stock rom will lock bootloader but Huawei have your data of unlocking bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That way you could say that when i get the code, i void my warranty without actually unlocking the bootloader...
dariomrk said:
That way you could say that when i get the code, i void my warranty without actually unlocking the bootloader...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei says they "could" apply fee on unlocked phones. Maybe relocking it restores warranty? I tried to ask them but damn Chinese they don't reply.
They could, but the chance of that happening is really low, especially if your device is 100% bricked, and it needs a motherboard swap
dariomrk said:
They could, but the chance of that happening is really low, especially if your device is 100% bricked, and it needs a motherboard swap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's hardbricked and bootloader is unlocked and the problem is not related to bootloader or a process you made that requires unlocked bootloader, I think they won't fee you because it has nothing to do with bootloader. But of course a company will always choose cheaper way. If a phone goes download mode or fastboot mode it's already saved anyway.
undercontr said:
If it's hardbricked and bootloader is unlocked and the problem is not related to bootloader or a process you made that requires unlocked bootloader, I think they won't charge you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly
undercontr said:
If a phone goes download mode or fastboot mode it's already saved anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish... I can't seem to be able to save mine, even though it shows up on fastboot on the pc. The phone itself won't turn on at all. I can't seem to lock the bootloader either, anything I flash now seems to have no effect. I just hope the Huawei service fixes it.
Makishima said:
I wish... I can't seem to be able to save mine, even though it shows up on fastboot on the pc. The phone itself won't turn on at all. I can't seem to lock the bootloader either, anything I flash now seems to have no effect. I just hope the Huawei service fixes it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have access to fastboot mode, you can flash anything. You dont have to flash an img permenantly if you want to save your phone. Use
Code:
fastboot boot boot.img
you can boot your recovery without rooting your phone. You can even open your custom recovery and flash your system.img or stock boot.img.
undercontr said:
If you have access to fastboot mode, you can flash anything. You dont have to flash an img permenantly if you want to save your phone. Use
Code:
fastboot boot boot.img
you can boot your recovery without rooting your phone. You can even open your custom recovery and flash your system.img or stock boot.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried fastboot flash boot boot.img (and similarly, recovery.img, system.img, any partition I could flash, multiple times with multiple files) but the phone did not boot at all. Not even into the bootloader nor recovery. It was completely unresponsive. Now the phone is not in my hands so any suggestion is too late...

S-Off Achieved by Firewater Devs

https://www.xda-developers.com/firewater-devs-htc-u11-s-off/
https://twitter.com/firewaterdevs/status/889118758865960961
Exciting.:good:
don't bug them, but this is good news.
riggsandroid said:
https://www.xda-developers.com/firewater-devs-htc-u11-s-off/
https://twitter.com/firewaterdevs/status/889118758865960961
Exciting.:good:
don't bug them, but this is good news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We will need to learn how to work around having temporary S-Off, so paying attention to the new flashing instructions is going to be important.
nice! :good:
no we can install AOSP to replace the factory version, and or install Lineage OS
Kisakuku said:
We will need to learn how to work around having temporary S-Off, so paying attention to the new flashing instructions is going to be important.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well they'll for sure dig a little bit further until they release it. So let's see if temporary may become permanent on the initial, or any follow up, release. First of I'm glad to see that they found out how to do it. Those are the great news many have been waiting for.
Sent from my htc_pmeuhl using XDA Labs
5m4r7ph0n36uru said:
Well they'll for sure dig a little bit further until they release it. So let's see if temporary may become permanent on the initial, or any follow up, release. First of I'm glad to see that they found out how to do it. Those are the great news many have been waiting for.
Sent from my htc_pmeuhl using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the only way to get permanent S-OFF is an updated firmware that supports it. I was reading about it in the XTC2Clip forums. The product manager said that HTC may backtrack on it though because it's causing problems but didnt go into any further details. Also, it's impossible to set the phone back to factory right now. If you unlock the bootloader, the only thing that you can do is set the relocked flag thanks to temporary S-OFF which sucks considering HTC went back on their "U11 warranty even with unlocked bootloader" selling point. They say they are working on fixing that problem as well as adding SIM unlock in a future software update for the clip.
Things that the XTC2Clip can do right now with all the modules on the U11 (a 175 USD investment) - change CID, MID, downgrade firmware with temp S-OFF, unlock bootloader, etc.
If we don't get an engineering leak or HTC doesn't change course and put S-OFF back in, I doubt we will see it for awhile from the SunShine devs. Just because they got temp S-OFF doesn't mean they can make a nice easy to use tool. The phone now not only checks when the command is issued, it checks at boot and resets the flag. Trusted Reboot only works on that boot. It's going to be very easy to brick since the device goes right back to S-ON. If something wasn't successful, you've got a brick as soon as it reboots just like when people forgot to flash a RUU to go back to stock before going back to S-ON after modifying the firmware.
HTC engineering leaks have happened in the past when S-OFF couldn't be achieved so we will have to wait and see.
EtherealRemnant said:
Unfortunately the only way to get permanent S-OFF is an updated firmware that supports it. I was reading about it in the XTC2Clip forums. The product manager said that HTC may backtrack on it though because it's causing problems but didnt go into any further details. Also, it's impossible to set the phone back to factory right now. If you unlock the bootloader, the only thing that you can do is set the relocked flag thanks to temporary S-OFF which sucks considering HTC went back on their "U11 warranty even with unlocked bootloader" selling point. They say they are working on fixing that problem as well as adding SIM unlock in a future software update for the clip.
Things that the XTC2Clip can do right now with all the modules on the U11 (a 175 USD investment) - change CID, MID, downgrade firmware with temp S-OFF, unlock bootloader, etc.
If we don't get an engineering leak or HTC doesn't change course and put S-OFF back in, I doubt we will see it for awhile from the SunShine devs. Just because they got temp S-OFF doesn't mean they can make a nice easy to use tool. The phone now not only checks when the command is issued, it checks at boot and resets the flag. Trusted Reboot only works on that boot. It's going to be very easy to brick since the device goes right back to S-ON. If something wasn't successful, you've got a brick as soon as it reboots just like when people forgot to flash a RUU to go back to stock before going back to S-ON after modifying the firmware.
HTC engineering leaks have happened in the past when S-OFF couldn't be achieved so we will have to wait and see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's exactly what I thought but didn't explicitly state in my post above.
Sent from my htc_pmeuhl using XDA Labs
EtherealRemnant said:
Unfortunately the only way to get permanent S-OFF is an updated firmware that supports it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless the development fuse isn't blown.
Patiently waiting
Kisakuku said:
Unless the development fuse isn't blown.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which helps practically nobody. So again, it's back to the drawing board.
If testers are needed I am willing to have a crack at it. I have Australian Telstra firmware if that's of any use
Here you go.

How to get a fastboot console in bootloader

Hey guys, I found this quick and tidy way to get a fastboot console inside the bootloader. You can use it to do stuff like "fastboot format (partition)", etc.
GUIDE:
Go to fastboot mode on your Pixel XL
Open a CMD on the computer in fastboot directory and write in "fastboot flash bootloader pixelcustombootloader.img" (make sure the bootloader is in the directory or else it will not flash!)
Download: s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=44700284262726497364
Note: I am NOT responsible if this screws up anything.
Also I do NOT know if theres and copyright trouble with this, if there is, Mods go take this down.
I wonder if this is the bootloader that was seen in screenshots that was used to downgrade a Verizon pixel to unlock it?
DR3W5K1 said:
I wonder if this is the bootloader that was seen in screenshots that was used to downgrade a Verizon pixel to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the bootloader is locked you can't flash anything or boot anything that isn't signed by Verizon/Google/whoever.
As far as I know there's never been a downgrade workaround available where pixel8 wasn't patched, but could be wrong.
bobbarker2 said:
If the bootloader is locked you can't flash anything or boot anything that isn't signed by Verizon/Google/whoever.
As far as I know there's never been a downgrade workaround available where pixel8 wasn't patched, but could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a guy positing pictures of someone from a cell phone shop where he was recording the procedure that they did to his phone it was a signed bootloader that allowed him to downgrade for an unlock. It was labeled HTC which people thought was weird.
DR3W5K1 said:
There was a guy positing pictures of someone from a cell phone shop where he was recording the procedure that they did to his phone it was a signed bootloader that allowed him to downgrade for an unlock. It was labeled HTC which people thought was weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh.. 3rd party pictures that don't come with a detailed "how to" are 99% BS or marketing.
Like I said I'm not all knowing but I'm pretty in touch with the goings-ons of the pixel and have never heard of a downgrade method for a locked bootloader.
If this shop has a private method of doing so then they sure as hell wouldn't let someone take pictures of the process.
Yea like u said the guy said they were spy shots that he snuck in. Probably bs like you said. I could careless for myself my Verizon pixel is unlocked. Feel bad for those stuck locked though. Wishful thinking I suppose.
Yeah, don't flash your bootloader with anything other than stock google imgs. If your bootloader is messed up, how do you get into fastboot to fix it? Can't change slots either afaik.
Thanks for sharing, this has loads of potential - could be used on-the-go to temporarily recover from the freeze/reboot glitch (flashing stock images tends to lower the probability of the glitch for a day or two), plus we could actually have tetherless TWRP support for Oreo with this as you could use it to fastboot boot the TWRP boot img.
That being said, I'm reluctant to flash a random bootloader on my phone with no info on where it came from. Did you make this? If so is it a patched version of the most recent bootloader? If not, where'd you find it? We need more info.

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