Requirements for flashing a custom ROM on a locked VzW Moto X - Moto X Q&A

Hi, I an debating buying a consumer Moto X on Verizon.
My question is this:
Is it possible to flash a custom ROM with a locked Moto X?
If so, what is required/which ROMs are compatible?
I am familiar with safestrap (coming from the droid RAZR), as well as flashing ROMs in general.
Thanks!

dfryer1193 said:
Hi, I an debating buying a consumer Moto X on Verizon.
My question is this:
Is it possible to flash a custom ROM with a locked Moto X?
If so, what is required/which ROMs are compatible?
I am familiar with safestrap (coming from the droid RAZR), as well as flashing ROMs in general.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't buy a consumer version , there's no safestrap ROMs , also gaining root on 4.4.2 may never happen. I suggest you buy a developer edition and unlock the bootloader.
Unlocking the DE will not void the warranty.
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X

flashallthetime said:
Don't buy a consumer version , there's no safestrap ROMs , also gaining root on 4.4.2 may never happen. I suggest you buy a developer edition and unlock the bootloader.
Unlocking the DE will not void the warranty.
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, that is not within my budget. Is it possible to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.2.2 and go from there?
Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk

dfryer1193 said:
Unfortunately, that is not within my budget. Is it possible to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.2.2 and go from there?
Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't downgrade from 4.4.2 to any earlier firmware, try swapa for a slightly used one . if root and flashing ROMs and your budget won't allow you to pick up a DE , then maybe the moto x is not for you
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X

Related

To buy or not

Looking to get a moto x, I have a gs4 but I got a warranty replacement and can't unlock boot loader to install a custom ROM. So was looking into a Vzw moto x, my only concern is how long is it gonna take Vzw to get 4.4 on the moto x if it never gets an unlocked boot loader so that we can install custom roms. Any input?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
kregstrong said:
Looking to get a moto x, I have a gs4 but I got a warranty replacement and can't unlock boot loader to install a custom ROM. So was looking into a Vzw moto x, my only concern is how long is it gonna take Vzw to get 4.4 on the moto x if it never gets an unlocked boot loader so that we can install custom roms. Any input?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand the chances of unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon Moto X will not be likely. There is root available for all variants of the Moto X and we are supposed to be getting some sort of bootstrap that will bypass the bootloader and allow us to flash custom roms kind of like Loki on the S4. Also from what I understand rooting and flashing roms on Verizon/ATT devices will become harder as we progress to newer versions of Android due to security and such. As far as when Verizon will release 4.4 for the X, your guess is as good as anyone else's. I would bet it will be before the Verizon S4 gets it though.
All of that aside, I think you would be happy with the Moto X. I know several S4 converts who haven't regretted it for a minute.

[Q] What are the advantages of Dev Edition?

What are the advantages, if any, of the Moto X Developer Edition? Right now it is a $50 premium for the dev edition, but if I can accomplish the same thing on my own with a regular Moto X, is it really worth the extra $50?
coreno said:
What are the advantages, if any, of the Moto X Developer Edition? Right now it is a $50 premium for the dev edition, but if I can accomplish the same thing on my own with a regular Moto X, is it really worth the extra $50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only thing you will see is it allows you to unlock the bootloader which makes rooting possible on all OTA's because you can just flash a customer recovery.
also when you unlock the bootloader on a consumer Moto X you void warranty when you do it on a DE Moto X it dose not.
dray_jr said:
the only thing you will see is it allows you to unlock the bootloader which makes rooting possible on all OTA's because you can just flash a customer recovery.
also when you unlock the bootloader on a consumer Moto X you void warranty when you do it on a DE Moto X it dose not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, you get 32gb vs 16gb of storage.
The Dev Edition is also 32 GB, so it's actually the same price as the 32 GB carrier edition.
Can you do a full nandroid on the regular edition?
Also, I've read on twitter the non-dev edition may be locked down for good on 4.4.2.
If you want root, you may as well get the Dev edition to guarantee it.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
coreno said:
What are the advantages, if any, of the Moto X Developer Edition? Right now it is a $50 premium for the dev edition, but if I can accomplish the same thing on my own with a regular Moto X, is it really worth the extra $50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't care about the astheitcs then yes it's worth it!! You get an unlocked bootloader ANd Motorola will still backup up the warranty. As to what extent they will back the warranty you would have to ask customer service.
Hope that helps
Schaweet said:
Can you do a full nandroid on the regular edition?
Also, I've read on twitter the non-dev edition may be locked down for good on 4.4.2.
If you want root, you may as well get the Dev edition to guarantee it.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can do a nandroid on any moto with a unlocked boot loader
No we are not locked in anymore than you are , the new bootloader 30.b4 can not be downgrade , that goes also for developer editions
There's no differences between de and regular editions with a unlocked booloader. The differences are the warranty, our warranty is void as soon as we unlock as yours is still valid
Firmware is exactly the same
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Schaweet said:
Can you do a full nandroid on the regular edition?
Also, I've read on twitter the non-dev edition may be locked down for good on 4.4.2.
If you want root, you may as well get the Dev edition to guarantee it.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread linking to Moto's site where you can unlock bootloader's on non DE devices but it removes your warranty.
drago10029 said:
There is a thread linking to Moto's site where you can unlock bootloader's on non DE devices but it removes your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish they allowed the Verizon version to be unlocked
flashallthetime said:
Yes you can do a nandroid on any moto with a unlocked boot loader
No we are not locked in anymore than you are , the new bootloader 30.b4 can not be downgrade , that goes also for developer editions
There's no differences between de and regular editions with a unlocked booloader. The differences are the warranty, our warranty is void as soon as we unlock as yours is still valid
Firmware is exactly the same
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha....thats not what I meant. I meant a regular AT&T and Verizon Edition.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
---------- Post added at 06:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 AM ----------
Mayze23 said:
I wish they allowed the Verizon version to be unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should have purchased the the Dev Edition. It's not like it was a secret that VZW would lock down their bootloader. They always do.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
flashallthetime said:
Yes you can do a nandroid on any moto with a unlocked boot loader
No we are not locked in anymore than you are , the new bootloader 30.b4 can not be downgrade , that goes also for developer editions
There's no differences between de and regular editions with a unlocked booloader. The differences are the warranty, our warranty is void as soon as we unlock as yours is still valid
Firmware is exactly the same
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would someone want to downgrade the bootloader?
Schaweet said:
Hahaha....thats not what I meant. I meant a regular AT&T and Verizon Edition.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
---------- Post added at 06:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 AM ----------
Maybe you should have purchased the the Dev Edition. It's not like it was a secret that VZW would lock down their bootloader. They always do.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon regular edition can't be unlocked?
coreno said:
Why would someone want to downgrade the bootloader?
The Verizon regular edition can't be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it cannot be unlocked. Neither can the AT&T version. You have to get the Dev Edition.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
coreno said:
Why would someone want to downgrade the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bigger question would be why would someone want to downgrade the firmware as each new firmware release "upgrades" the bootloader. So it appears that once you accept a firmware update on your phone there's no going back. If there is something about the update you can't tolerate you appeared to be screwed, even with a dev ed. At least that's what I'm piecing together. I have a VZ dev ed and will try to flash the modem and system files to see what happens when 4.4.2 comes out as I'd like to keep my options open if for some reason I want to downgrade. FWIW, I've been on android since the original droid and never felt compelled to downgrade but like the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing that I can if I want.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
edthesped said:
The bigger question would be why would someone want to downgrade the firmware as each new firmware release "upgrades" the bootloader. So it appears that once you accept a firmware update on your phone there's no going back. If there is something about the update you can't tolerate you appeared to be screwed, even with a dev ed. At least that's what I'm piecing together. I have a VZ dev ed and will try to flash the modem and system files to see what happens when 4.4.2 comes out as I'd like to keep my options open if for some reason I want to downgrade. FWIW, I've been on android since the original droid and never felt compelled to downgrade but like the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing that I can if I want.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.4.2 isn't out on vzw yet? When it does come out, it sounds like it should be possible to flash it without flashing the bootloader? What effect does the bootloader have on custom roms?
Sorry for some of the newb questions, but my Galaxy Nexus didn't have any issues/concerns with the bootloader that I'm aware of. It was just flash whatever and go.
coreno said:
4.4.2 isn't out on vzw yet? When it does come out, it sounds like it should be possible to flash it without flashing the bootloader? What effect does the bootloader have on custom roms?
Sorry for some of the newb questions, but my Galaxy Nexus didn't have any issues/concerns with the bootloader that I'm aware of. It was just flash whatever and go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok forget about any former product you've had previously.
Moto is completely different when it comes to boot loaders.
Pm me please, I do not want to explain Why on a open thread as someone will hard brick their device. I gave a thread that's stickied regarding boot loaders and there's an example of why you should not run the 4.4 system while on the 4.4.2 bootloader
Here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2635366
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
flashallthetime said:
Ok forget about any former product you've had previously.
Moto is completely different when it comes to boot loaders.
Pm me please, I do not want to explain Why on a open thread as someone will hard brick their device. I gave a thread that's stickied regarding boot loaders and there's an example of why you should not run the 4.4 system while on the 4.4.2 bootloader
Here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2635366
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, what about running 4.4.2 system on 4.4 boot loader? When 4.4.2 hits BMW I plan on flashing system and modem files only. I figure worst case I'll bout loop and will have to reinstall 4.4 then decide if it's worth moving forward. I have a custom recovery so I can't accept an ota.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 11:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 PM ----------
edthesped said:
Okay, what about running 4.4.2 system on 4.4 boot loader? When 4.4.2 hits VZW I plan on flashing system and modem files only. I figure worst case I'll bout loop and will have to reinstall 4.4 then decide if it's worth moving forward. I have a custom recovery so I can't accept an ota.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the double post i was trying to fix auto correct. I swear i turned it off.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
edthesped said:
Okay, what about running 4.4.2 system on 4.4 boot loader? When 4.4.2 hits BMW I plan on flashing system and modem files only. I figure worst case I'll bout loop and will have to reinstall 4.4 then decide if it's worth moving forward. I have a custom recovery so I can't accept an ota.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 11:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 PM ----------
Sorry for the double post i was trying to fix auto correct. I swear i turned it off.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent on my Lenoto A2109 tablet
flashallthetime said:
there's an example of why you should not run the 4.4 system while on the 4.4.2 bootloader
Here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2635366
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That is an example of why you shouldn't try to downgrade your bootloader. That person's problem was NOT that he was running an old system. It was that he was running a two-versions-old system and then tried to take an OTA meant to upgrade a bootloader from two-versions-old to one-version-old (i.e. 4.2.2 bootloader to 4.4 bootloader but he was already running 4.4.2 bootloader) -- which all translates into he was (however inadvertently) trying to downgrade his bootloader from 4.4.2 version to 4.4
piccit said:
No. That is an example of why you shouldn't try to downgrade your bootloader. That person's problem was NOT that he was running an old system. It was that he was running a two-versions-old system and then tried to take an OTA meant to upgrade a bootloader from two-versions-old to one-version-old (i.e. 4.2.2 bootloader to 4.4 bootloader but he was already running 4.4.2 bootloader) -- which all translates into he was (however inadvertently) trying to downgrade his bootloader from 4.4.2 version to 4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was trying to do something that should be done, my point was to give people a example of what happens if your boot loaders is 4.4.2 and your system file is on 4.4 and you accept the ota, that simple.
Sent on my Lenoto A2109 tablet
flashallthetime said:
...to give people a example of what happens if your boot loaders is 4.4.2 and your system file is on 4.4 and you accept the ota, that simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it was running on 4.4.2 software, then i downgrade to 4.2.2. all was fine, but OTA killed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, no. His problem was from running 4.2.2.
I don't feel like finding the posts, but others have reported success being on 4.4.2, reflashing 4.4 system + recovery, and taking the 4.4->4.4.2 OTA without problems

SBF from 4.4 sprint rom to 4.2.2 RW stock

Ok i am well aware that some things will not work on my phone, but would like to test some things and possibly see about getting 4.4 working on my Republic Wireless phone. My question is if i flash a Rom can i just SBF back using the RW.sbf file? Also yes i unlocked my Bootloader using the $43 method. So i don't think there should be an issue. Some have mentioned that there was a Bootloader change and that you can't Downgrade...can anyone Confirm this or have a link to the info? Thanks Guys
Its downgrading from 4.4.2 that can cause big issues....if not done a certain way.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
kj2112 said:
Its downgrading from 4.4.2 that can cause big issues....if not done a certain way.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he is correct you can flash what ever android version you want expect for 4.4.2 and the very first 4.2.2 before the camera update.

Need A Few Questions Answered.

Okay I am wanting get a Moto X soon with my contact expiring, and I am in to custom ROMs, rooting etc, but when I search the Moto X there's information i'm confused on.
First can non developer editions be unlocked? I am with Alltel atm which is a CDMA carrier who have the regular Moto X, can that be unlocked?
They are being slowly taken over and transitioned to GSM by AT&T, I like the idea of the Moto X but if I can't both root it and unlock the boot loader I am going to skip it.
I don't have the kind of money to buy the developer edition just to use it on my current carrier.
Thank you in advanced!
The moto x DE isn't much more than the regular one. What carrier? Verizon and at&t can't be unlocked. Or rooted if they come with 4.4.2.
Honestly, if your into flashing And whatnot....you want the N5. No question.
As much as I love the X....its not a flashers phone.
If you want to unlock the bootloader, you need to get an GSM version. Get the Dev Edition version so you won't lose your warranty from unlock it.
If you want to flash rom there is no point of getting the Moto X for two reason;
1. There is almost no roms for it.
2. You lose all the features of the Moto X. If you don't want the Moto X features, there is no point of getting it, there are other phones with better specs.
kj2112 said:
As much as I love the X....its not a flashers phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which I love because now I spend much more time actually using the phone and it's practical features rather than flashing.
eksasol said:
If you want to unlock the bootloader, you need to get an GSM version. Get the Dev Edition version so you won't lose your warranty from unlock it.
If you want to flash rom there is no point of getting the Moto X for two reason;
1. There is almost no roms for it.
2. You lose all the features of the Moto X. If you don't want the Moto X features, there is no point of getting it, there are other phones with better specs.
Which I love because now I spend much more time actually using the phone and it's practical features rather than flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Moto X can at least be rooted without the boot loader unlocked correct?
FreakyFreakGA said:
The Moto X can at least be rooted without the boot loader unlocked correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but I heard with ATT and Verizon not yet for ver 4.4.2, I could be wrong. But as long as you buy unlocked version getting bootloader unlocked is very easy.
sent via tapatalk
FreakyFreakGA said:
The Moto X can at least be rooted without the boot loader unlocked correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the moment, if you're already on 4.4.2 with a Verizon or at&t retail phone....there's no way to root.

Need help

Hello All! I Have Moto X
Model: XT1060
Carrier: Verizon Wireless,
As My Phone Is out Of Warranty Now Can I ask Moto/VZW For An Unlock Code For Unlocking My Moto X's Bootloader ?
Any Help Would Be Appreciated.
David Neon said:
Hello All! I Have Moto X
Model: XT1060
Carrier: Verizon Wireless,
As My Phone Is out Of Warranty Now Can I ask Moto/VZW For An Unlock Code For Unlocking My Moto X's Bootloader ?
Any Help Would Be Appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if vzw provides unlock codes.
But what I can say is warranty won't affect your chance of getting an unlock code.
You should check on moto website.
If you enter the imei number they'll tell you whether it can be unlocked
adity said:
I don't know if vzw provides unlock codes.
But what I can say is warranty won't affect your chance of getting an unlock code.
You should check on moto website.
If you enter the imei number they'll tell you whether it can be unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, thanks I was hoping to get it from motorola cause sunshine isn't working either cause it requires root, link of a working root method for locked boot loader would be much appreciated.
Sent From My Moto X Using Tapatalk
David Neon said:
Hello All! I Have Moto X
Model: XT1060
Carrier: Verizon Wireless,
As My Phone Is out Of Warranty Now Can I ask Moto/VZW For An Unlock Code For Unlocking My Moto X's Bootloader ?
Any Help Would Be Appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Moto will never give out the bootloader unlock code on the Non-Developer Edition XT1060 (likely due to their contract with Verizon), and Verizon does not give them out (for dev edition either).
And with the locked bootloader, once 4.4.4 is on your phone, you can't root it.
KidJoe said:
No. Moto will never give out the bootloader unlock code on the Non-Developer Edition XT1060 (likely due to their contract with Verizon), and Verizon does not give them out (for dev edition either).
And with the locked bootloader, once 4.4.4 is on your phone, you can't root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's sad.. , BTW I found a root method for locked boot loader for vz's moto x on rootzwiki, Will that work ?
Sent From My Moto X Using Tapatalk
David Neon said:
Well that's sad.. , BTW I found a root method for locked boot loader for vz's moto x on rootzwiki, Will that work ?
Sent From My Moto X Using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its likely for an OLDER ROM.
There were about 3 or 4 different processes for X with a locked bootloader, but it was based on ROM version on the phone (i.e. 4.2.2 w/camera update, 4.4, 4.42). Once 4.4.4 is on there, all past vulnerabilities that were exploited on phones with locked bootloaders have been patched/closed, so if you have 4.4.4 on the phone and can't unlock the bootloader, you can't root.
See also -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...w-root-moto-x-confusion-t2826159/post54671918
KidJoe said:
Its likely for an OLDER ROM.
There were about 3 or 4 different processes for X with a locked bootloader, but it was based on ROM version on the phone (i.e. 4.2.2 w/camera update, 4.4, 4.42). Once 4.4.4 is on there, all past vulnerabilities that were exploited on phones with locked bootloaders have been patched/closed, so if you have 4.4.4 on the phone and can't unlock the bootloader, you can't root.
See also -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...w-root-moto-x-confusion-t2826159/post54671918
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro, guess I am stuck with a chained phone
Sent From My Moto X Using Tapatalk
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