Database Develop

[Q] Can I update? Confused by so many unclear posts.

Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks

Icon000 said:
Background information:
Bought the AT&T version when it came out right away
Got root the first time it was released
Updated root when next update came out ( Didn't know if I need to )
OTA has been Frozen since I got the phone
Is it safe for me? Should I go back to the first version and then update?
Trust me I've read the posts and since I know there have been some issues on the Verizon side I wasn't sure if that was something that was effecting AT&T too. If some one could please give me an explain of that to it would be extremely helpful as I like to know my **** so I can help others.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(

I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
matt99017d said:
Flash back to stock via RSDLite. Let it boot up. Get your gmail setup.
When the prompt comes up, DL the .54 update. Install.
Root with jcase's new root method.
Or you could just install safestrap. Install a ROM with the camera update and not worry about it until kitkat comes around.
Sent from non rooted motoX :'(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Icon000 said:
I'm not really interested in updating to another Rom unless it has the touchless controls or something really interesting. Touchless Controls is one of the main reasons I got this phone next to battery life.
Is Safestrap finally settled down? I feel like last time I check there were still messages about bugs and other issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only rom out for SS that i am aware of is just a ported tmobile rom for vzw phones that has the update built in. Basically it is just the OTA stock rom running on SS. This is what I am using currently. Not sure if it flashable for ATT phones, but I'm sure there is some workaround there. Or maybe the OP on that thread can make a ATT one if you asked him. SS is stable as of now. Haven't had any new updates to it because no one is having any problems currently (at least with moto x devices).
For your question pertaining to options for taking the OTA. There are 4 methods now.
1. SS method described above
2. use the thread called something like "keep root through the OTA." It basically takes the ota without updating the BL so you can still downgrade to your stock original FW that you are on now. It's the same thing as the SS method because SS also does not udpate the BL, but you won't be using SS for this method obviously.
3. you can flash recovery.img (and system.img if you need to) or just RSD, then install pwnmymoto without running it, then take the ota and pwnmymoto will root the phone automatically after the ota is taken. you won't be able to downgrade your FW anymore with this method.
4. you can just take the ota (also must flash or use rsd to take it obviously) and then use jcase's rockmymoto root exploit. This uses adb commands and telnet stuff. Not too difficult but if you are unfamiliar with all of that then it will take at least some reading. There is also a thread out there for windows users that simplifies it pretty well.
For future Kit kat root. it is still up in the air what will happen with that. I chose to use SS because it was easy. quick. and allows me to make nandroids. I also like knowing that I can still flash to original stock FW in case that might be necessarry for getting root on kit kat. This seems less likely now that jcase created a root method for the OTA that is out, but I'm still just playing it safe personally, even if it might be pointless now.

Receiving Moto X DE (GSM) soon, should I stay with JB?

Does new phone come with JB? If so should I stay with it and not to accept OTA?
It seems that Kitkat update introduced several issues (problem with email syncing, bluetooth incompatibility wit some cars, etc). Is there anything else? I am fine with not having the latest and greatest.
Also: is it possible to downgrade Moto X DE (GSM) back to JB? I am not 100% sure from reading this forum.

The kit Kat update had issues but nothing on the scale of the Samsung galaxy family's 4.3 update. I haven't noticed any issue on mine nor any on customers. Totally worth upgrading it.
Sent from my Lumia 928

The only issue I am having with mine is that while it says its connected to web (either lte or wifi) it won't actually connect. A reboot fixes the issue until it comes back.

texanman said:
The only issue I am having with mine is that while it says its connected to web (either lte or wifi) it won't actually connect. A reboot fixes the issue until it comes back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have this issue while on JB?

Dont know as mine came with 4.4 which did not have this weird issue. It may be something I installed so a wipe may be in order.

Go to KK, no question
tapped out via XT1053 DE

The only issue I had was Google maps not showing my direct location with high accuracy on. It was hard for me to distinguish if I needed to go right or left then it has a hard time rerouting. Which pissed my wife off lol.
MOTO X Slapped

It will come with KitKat, and good luck not bricking the phone trying to downgrade it.
sent via tapatalk

Don't forget text reflow has been deprecated. Major loss in browsers and reading apps.
Sent from my XT1053 using HoFo mobile app.
---------- Post added at 07:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:36 AM ----------
@rbiter said:
Don't forget text reflow has been deprecated. Major loss in browsers and reading apps. Blink is in web view. Also means invert lost.
Sent from my XT1053 using HoFo mobile app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my XT1053 using HoFo mobile app.

eksasol said:
It will come with KitKat, and good luck not bricking the phone trying to downgrade it.
sent via tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine arrived with 4.2.2 installed, (2 weeks ago) and it took two updates to get to 4.4, 1'st 4.2.2 then 4.4. No regrets on the update for me, but then again I let the updates fly when I turned on the phone.

eksasol said:
It will come with KitKat, and good luck not bricking the phone trying to downgrade it.
sent via tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got my vzw DE wednesday, 2/12/2014. Came with 4.2.2 pre-camera update. soon as it booted it took the 4.2.2 camera update, then shortly after that came 4.4. did all the updates then unlocked the bootloader, installed twrp and rooted. happy as a clam!

Teksu said:
Just got my vzw DE wednesday, 2/12/2014. Came with 4.2.2 pre-camera update. soon as it booted it took the 4.2.2 camera update, then shortly after that came 4.4. did all the updates then unlocked the bootloader, installed twrp and rooted. happy as a clam!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
let me make this blunt before you even get your phone
your phone is a DE so you can root any version
is you come with 4.2.2 camera update or 4.4 you can upgrade and downgrade between thouse two versions only
if your phone comes with 4.4.2 you can not downgrade at all so just root it and enjoy because most people are trying to get there and bricking there phones half the time.
if you have any other question please post or PM me

dray_jr said:
let me make this blunt before you even get your phone
your phone is a DE so you can root any version
is you come with 4.2.2 camera update or 4.4 you can upgrade and downgrade between thouse two versions only
if your phone comes with 4.4.2 you can not downgrade at all so just root it and enjoy because most people are trying to get there and bricking there phones half the time.
if you have any other question please post or PM me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes it very clear. But can you elaborate on why downgrade from 4.4.2 is not possible? I currently use rooted Droid Incredible on Verizon with CM 7.1 and if I am not mistaken I can flash pretty much any previous ROM I want (I really haven't tinkered with it for last couple of years, so I may be wrong).

JoeSchmoe007 said:
That makes it very clear. But can you elaborate on why downgrade from 4.4.2 is not possible? I currently use rooted Droid Incredible on Verizon with CM 7.1 and if I am not mistaken I can flash pretty much any previous ROM I want (I really haven't tinkered with it for last couple of years, so I may be wrong).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto changed the bootloader in 4.4.2 and they dont allow you to downgrade

Moto X DE - mine coming soon as well - some questions
dray_jr said:
Moto changed the bootloader in 4.4.2 and they dont allow you to downgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My VZW Moto X DE is on its way to me, and I've spent a bunch of time on the forums yet still have the following questions and hope you can help. My current phone is an original Droid Incredible, which I rooted, mostly for recovery, backups, tethering, and system monitoring. This site was a great resource back when I did that and I greatly appreciated the information.
RE: the Moto X, I've read the steps for unlocking the bootloader and which paths for upgrading/downgrading are safe given the release shipped with the phone. That information was for the standard Moto X. If the DE is unlocked, can I just go straight to rooting the phone? If the OTA updates won't work with root, is it best to accept the latest OTA pushes once my phone is online and then root? I want to be clear about what I've gained by getting the DE edition. Why go back to 4.4.2 if it ships with a later release?
I have no plans in the near future for changing ROM's. I'd just like to initially install what I am using on the Incredible - the clockworkmod recovery app (or current equivalent), titanium backuip, and a good tethering program. I currently use android wifi tether.
Thanks for any help.

dmm108 said:
My VZW Moto X DE is on its way to me, and I've spent a bunch of time on the forums yet still have the following questions and hope you can help. My current phone is an original Droid Incredible, which I rooted, mostly for recovery, backups, tethering, and system monitoring. This site was a great resource back when I did that and I greatly appreciated the information.
RE: the Moto X, I've read the steps for unlocking the bootloader and which paths for upgrading/downgrading are safe given the release shipped with the phone. That information was for the standard Moto X. If the DE is unlocked, can I just go straight to rooting the phone? If the OTA updates won't work with root, is it best to accept the latest OTA pushes once my phone is online and then root? I want to be clear about what I've gained by getting the DE edition.
I have no plans in the near future for changing ROM's. I'd just like to initially install what I am using on the Incredible - the clockworkmod recovery app (or current equivalent), titanium backuip, and a good tethering program. I currently use android wifi tether.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a dev ed and keep mine the same way you intend... What I've gleaned so far is that the each update includes a new bootloader version that cannot be downgraded, i.e. if you take 4.4.2 you cannot downgrade to 4.4. At this point the VZW version only has 4.4.
As far as getting the phone to how you want it after you take the upgrades the material in the following two links should get you right where you want to be...
Custom recovery...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2424110
Verizon boot animation and tether hack...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2645343
He kind of muddied it up by adding other cleanup tools that I'm not interested in, if you're like me and only want the tether hack you will need to go to the 140.45.5 folder in his link and download xt1060-140.45.5-vzw-removal-s.zip He also has an undo zip that you might want to download and stash away just in case.
This part is speculative and potentially dangerous so take with a grain of salt and correct me if I'm wrong.
My understanding is that the big issue from the downgrade is that there will be a partition table mismatch if one takes an OTA upgrade and the phone will be bricked, though I can find nothing solid on this. Being that I plan on keeping a custom recovery I don't have to worry about accidentally taking an OTA and for some reason prefer to have the ability to downgrade, when 4.4.2 comes out I'm going to try to flash everything but the bootloader and I believe the partition table, (I need to read more and understand more before I speak with authority) to see if I can get away with it.
Also, on a side note, I found that freezing pre installed apps/bloat destroyed the wonderful battery life I was getting so I would suggest you keep your phone stock for a few days to get a feel for how the phone behaves before you begin freezing bloat.
Enjoy your new toy!

edthesped said:
I have a dev ed and keep mine the same way you intend... What I've gleaned so far is that the each update includes a new bootloader version that cannot be downgraded, i.e. if you take 4.4.2 you cannot downgrade to 4.4. At this point the VZW version only has 4.4.
As far as getting the phone to how you want it after you take the upgrades the material in the following two links should get you right where you want to be...
Custom recovery...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2424110
Verizon boot animation and tether hack...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2645343
He kind of muddied it up by adding other cleanup tools that I'm not interested in, if you're like me and only want the tether hack you will need to go to the 140.45.5 folder in his link and download xt1060-140.45.5-vzw-removal-s.zip He also has an undo zip that you might want to download and stash away just in case.
This part is speculative and potentially dangerous so take with a grain of salt and correct me if I'm wrong.
My understanding is that the big issue from the downgrade is that there will be a partition table mismatch if one takes an OTA upgrade and the phone will be bricked, though I can find nothing solid on this. Being that I plan on keeping a custom recovery I don't have to worry about accidentally taking an OTA and for some reason prefer to have the ability to downgrade, when 4.4.2 comes out I'm going to try to flash everything but the bootloader and I believe the partition table, (I need to read more and understand more before I speak with authority) to see if I can get away with it.
Also, on a side note, I found that freezing pre installed apps/bloat destroyed the wonderful battery life I was getting so I would suggest you keep your phone stock for a few days to get a feel for how the phone behaves before you begin freezing bloat.
Enjoy your new toy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that information. The last paragrapht seems counter-intuitive. I froze apps on the incredible so that it would reduce battery drain, why would freezing apps increase battery drain?

dmm108 said:
Thanks for that information. The last paragrapht seems counter-intuitive. I froze apps on the incredible so that it would reduce battery drain, why would freezing apps increase battery drain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea, but freezing moto apps killed the battery. I haven't figured out what the culprit is yet as I'll be travelling this week and I don't want to jack up the phone while I'm on the road. I suspect another system app was spending effort looking for a missing app. Had I not ran my phone stock for a week I may have assumed that was just the phone as the high battery use was about the same as what I typically got on my S3. However, once I started freezing apps battery life went way down. Battery is good again after defrosting all Moto stuff that I assumed to be garbage. Once I get off the road I'll start freezing apps one at a time to see if I can isolate the culprit.
My thought is if you run it stock for a week you'll have a pretty good feel as to how the phone performs so you'll know whether your tweaks are helping or hurting you.

edthesped said:
Verizon boot animation and tether hack...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2645343
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that I'm looking at a full size computer I see that you are not getting a VZW version, The link above is not good! Sorry

edthesped said:
Now that I'm looking at a full size computer I see that you are not getting a VZW version, The link above is not good! Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I am getting the Verizon DE. (VZW, 1st post).

[Q] New to tablets and ROM

Hello ya'll, I'm new to the forum, I joined because of the wealth of information here.
So I'm not new to Android, had one ever since I was 16. I rooted both my droid phones(droid X with that awesome slider keyboard, and RAZR MAXX) to remove those pesky bloatware apps, but didn't ROM them, as it just wasn't something I wasn't aware of when I did it. So rooting was as far as I got.
But rooting and ROM-ing a tablet seems like it could be a daunting job, I'm new to the tablet world But I already have most of the tools, from previous roots, minus a few that are platform specific that I'm currently downloading to support the new CROMBi-X
I figure I'll go about getting everything I need, so when I get my tablet back from the shop, I'll be able to dive right into the CROMBi ROM.
//
I don't want to brick my tablet so hence the questions I am unclear on.
//
Question 1: Asus doesn't have the standalone unlock tool on their website. How do I go about getting that tool to unlock the tablet? Was it done OTA or downloaded and installed onto the tablet?
I have searched a few places, and browsed the developer forums, but haven't come up with a surefire way yet. I've seen everything from asking ASUS to unlock the tablet, to flashing CWM recovery, and than flashing a rooted version of the stock ROM, 've read several of the forums, but I need a little bit of "English" on the topic, as this is something new to me. I did come across a root.zip link but I'm not entirely sure that is what I am looking for, or if it is version/BLoader specific. If it is, then that pretty much covers that question.
Question 2: Are all the drivers on the ROM? Or do I need to use something like [ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.7?
Question 3: Mods. Are they downloaded OTA from the play store, or is there a list of compatible mods for the ROM? I realize that most of them are probably cosmetic right? I'm probably asking in the wrong forum, but since this is LINUX based, once rooted, if I put Ubuntu on the tablet, and then run a ROM on top of it? or Do I have to choose between one or the other?
I'm only asking because I run a few programs that aren't able to run on the android platform that I use for recreational purposes.
Anyway, that about covers a few of the base questions I have for now. Time to get ready for work. Thanks for any help in advance!

For 1:
It's on ASUS website
www.service.asus.com/#!downloads/c1wax
Version V1.0
Unlock Device App: Unlock boot loader of TF701T.(Only works with 4.2 JB and later OS)
For 2:
It's been a while since I rooted however I think you only need fastboot to be able to put the custom recovery on the tablet. If you have ADB/FB drivers already installed your pc should see your tablet without an issue. I don't know what APX is.
For 3:
Not sure what you mean by Mods. And last I checked I don't think that you can and Linux to this tablet yet however even if you could you only get one or the other.
Oh and make sure you read through all of the instructions for rooting and roming

Gone_phishing said:
Hello ya'll, I'm new to the forum, I joined because of the wealth of information here.
So I'm not new to Android, had one ever since I was 16. I rooted both my droid phones(droid X with that awesome slider keyboard, and RAZR MAXX) to remove those pesky bloatware apps, but didn't ROM them, as it just wasn't something I wasn't aware of when I did it. So rooting was as far as I got.
But rooting and ROM-ing a tablet seems like it could be a daunting job, I'm new to the tablet world But I already have most of the tools, from previous roots, minus a few that are platform specific that I'm currently downloading to support the new CROMBi-X
I figure I'll go about getting everything I need, so when I get my tablet back from the shop, I'll be able to dive right into the CROMBi ROM.
//
I don't want to brick my tablet so hence the questions I am unclear on.
//
Question 1: Asus doesn't have the standalone unlock tool on their website. How do I go about getting that tool to unlock the tablet? Was it done OTA or downloaded and installed onto the tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sleepy2 gave you the link. You find the Unlock Tool under "Utilites" on the TF701 downloads page
I have searched a few places, and browsed the developer forums, but haven't come up with a surefire way yet. I've seen everything from asking ASUS to unlock the tablet, to flashing CWM recovery, and than flashing a rooted version of the stock ROM, 've read several of the forums, but I need a little bit of "English" on the topic, as this is something new to me. I did come across a root.zip link but I'm not entirely sure that is what I am looking for, or if it is version/BLoader specific. If it is, then that pretty much covers that question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
First you need to determine what firmware you are running now and decide which JB version you want to run.
Check under Settings > About Tablet > Software version. On stock your firmware version and bootloader version are identical.
If you are on JB 4.3 you have either 10.26.1.7 or 10.26.1.18 (if you have the former, update to .18)
If you are on JB 4.4.2 you have 11.4.1.17
On JB 4.3
a) You can root the tablet without unlocking the bootloader with Towelroot v1.
b) You can unlock, flash CWM and then flash sbdag's stock rooted rom, one of several custom roms or just the root.zip
On JB 4.4.2
Right now there is no way to root without unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom recovery first.
Once unlocked and with CWM installed, you can flash sbdag's rooted stock rom or flash the root.zip.
CROMi-X 7.0 for 4.4.2 is in the works. I do not know if the other custom roms (CM, CROMi-X 6, CROMbi-KK) are compatible with the 11.4.1.17 bootloader yet, but that's just a matter of time.
To install CWM follow the insructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2604462
Question 2: Are all the drivers on the ROM? Or do I need to use something like [ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it. I did not have to install new adb/fastboot drivers and the device drivers installed on my PC automativcally. YMMV
Open Device Manager, then connect the tablet. Let the drivers install and see if it shows up in Device Manager.
Then boot the tablet into fastboot, connect it to PC and see if it shows up as a fastboot device.
Enable USB debugging in Developer Options, then connect the tablet booted into Android and see if it shows up as ADB interface in Device Manager.
If you need drivers you can use the ones you mentioned.
Question 3: Mods. Are they downloaded OTA from the play store, or is there a list of compatible mods for the ROM? I realize that most of them are probably cosmetic right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll find mods in the rom thread or at least the links for those that work with that rom.. No OTA updates
I'm probably asking in the wrong forum, but since this is LINUX based, once rooted, if I put Ubuntu on the tablet, and then run a ROM on top of it? or Do I have to choose between one or the other?
I'm only asking because I run a few programs that aren't able to run on the android platform that I use for recreational purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread in the TF700 dev section on dual booting Android and Ubuntu. Not aware that anybody has tried it on the TF701.

Thanks for the link Sleepy! I had searched the website a couple times before, but I must have missed that part of it. Every other time I went somewhere to find it, it came back page unavailable. I'm really disliking this Kuwaiti right now! Well I won't know until I get the tablet back what JB is on it, but I imagine it would be sent back to a factory setting because of the issues I was having, or just get a whole new tablet all together depending on what was causing it not to charge.
I appreciate the clarification on everything guys, without the tablet in my hands I'm pretty much downloading everything I can that might help me out. I already have CWM, and several versions of it to be on the safe side.
I have been doing nothing but non-stop research, but it's daunting to try and go through 115 pages of information and tools, and version changes and what's compatible and how to use them. Watching videos has simplified it a little bit.
The reason I asked about Ubuntu, was I saw it dual booted to an older CROMi 2.X on the 700T
I used to run XP pro/Ubuntu on my laptop. Which was really nice when I needed a lightweight OS to free up processing power. Well before I had to format due to a near catastrophic drive failure and unrepairable data corruption. Anyway, that is a project for another time, one thing at a time!
I'll be around, busy with work 6 days a week!
Thanks again!

berndblb said:
First you need to determine what firmware you are running now and decide which JB version you want to run.
Check under Settings > About Tablet > Software version. On stock your firmware version and bootloader version are identical.
If you are on JB 4.3 you have either 10.26.1.7 or 10.26.1.18 (if you have the former, update to .18)
If you are on JB 4.4.2 you have 11.4.1.17
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.4.x is KitKat, not Jelly Bean, isn't it?

pelago said:
4.4.x is KitKat, not Jelly Bean, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.

List of repairs done
So what I thought was a simple battery not charging issue turned out to be a host of things. I had to have the LCD, Touchpadboard, Docking cable and LCD cable replaced, luckily I was under warranty. I imagine that would have been expensive!

lollipop root on G900A discussion

On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.

wmunn said:
On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you update to lollipop then your ability to have a rooted phone will be lost. The bootloader hasnt changed since the phone was released which is the reason we have been able to rollback the rom. This was a loophole in the original firmware of the s5. When lollipop comes out then it will be a completely different bootloader and will be locked and you will not be able to roll back to kk bootloader. The loophole for this has been patched and there probably wont be another way to root the phone after lollipop considering the guy that found the loophole is now working for googles security team. Bottom line is if you want root then you cant have lollipop.
Sent from my SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

miller1821 said:
No, if you update to lollipop then your ability to have a rooted phone will be lost. The bootloader hasnt changed since the phone was released which is the reason we have been able to rollback the rom. This was a loophole in the original firmware of the s5. When lollipop comes out then it will be a completely different bootloader and will be locked and you will not be able to roll back to kk bootloader. The loophole for this has been patched and there probably wont be another way to root the phone after lollipop considering the guy that found the loophole is now working for googles security team. Bottom line is if you want root then you cant have lollipop.
Sent from my SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does this affect our device when it gets the lollipop update?
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/supersu-beta-lollipop-root-stock-kernel/

wmunn said:
On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to chainfire the chances of updating to 5.0 while keeping root seems more doable at this point.
However, based on recent samsung updates for other devices, safestrap may stop functioning after the update as it continues its slow death.
Once again, if having root access is important to you, do no not take the 5.0 update when released until some of us have a chance to evaluate it.

Since I am running dynamic Kat on stock slot right now, I should be safe from updates for now right?
Waiting to see what happens with all this. I did back up my stock rom to an SD card, so I can restore and unroot etc... to get an update if I choose to later.

muniz_ri said:
Thanks to chainfire the chances of updating to 5.0 while keeping root seems more doable at this point.
However, based on recent samsung updates for other devices, safestrap may stop functioning after the update as it continues its slow death.
Once again, if having root access is important to you, do no not take the 5.0 update when released until some of us have a chance to evaluate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was looking for a post like this. well maybe we might get 5.1 in the next few weeks or sooner so i am sure you will give it a try and a good look and hopefully you will have success in attaining root and a good SS. seems like u da man for this...:good::good:
as for 5.1 or a custom rom...well whose to say what that will bring...
will be waiting to see what happens. will check back here when it comes out. i watch for it everyday and as usual, thank you for all your great work!

miller1821 said:
No, if you update to lollipop then your ability to have a rooted phone will be lost. The bootloader hasnt changed since the phone was released which is the reason we have been able to rollback the rom. This was a loophole in the original firmware of the s5. When lollipop comes out then it will be a completely different bootloader and will be locked and you will not be able to roll back to kk bootloader. The loophole for this has been patched and there probably wont be another way to root the phone after lollipop considering the guy that found the loophole is now working for googles security team. Bottom line is if you want root then you cant have lollipop.
Sent from my SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Not necessarily, just because (if) the S5 gets 5.0 does not mean the ability to root will be lost just go check out the Verizon S5 forums you'll see they have a method for rooting with 5.0 that in theory should work for us as well. again it is recomended to remain on a 4.4.x rom until this has been fully evaluated.
wmunn said:
On the G900A shipped from AT&T we have a locked bootloader, and there is no known existing workaround to unlock it correct?
So given that, root was achieved , then safestrap was developed so we can currently flash roms that use the stock bootloader and kernel image, however we can customize the OS as long as the kernel and loader are untouched.
If the bootloader stays locked, what is known regarding safestrap and lollipop?
Can we still rollback the stock kernel to achieve root, then roll forward and keep it?
If that is the case, then when the stock AT&T lollipop is released, some level of ROM development can occur?
I am confused somewhat by all the discussions surrounding this, and didn't see any threads to discuss it specifically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion would be not to take any updates until the root capabilities have been evaluated.
As always, research goes a long way towards alleviating fears and stopping panic attacks before they happen. be patient there are great devs here give them time to work

Well, I stopped using the S5 and switched to a oneplus one, happily running CM12 nightlies now

the att gs5 doesn't seem like it's getting any updates..

wmunn said:
Well, I stopped using the S5 and switched to a oneplus one, happily running CM12 nightlies now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you liking it? I'm seriously thinking about doing the same thing.

I have a coworker that just got the Lollipop update for his Note 3 so that means it will be coming to the S5 very soon!

There is a pre-rooted lollipop update on droid views "http://www.droidviews.com/install-rooted-lollipop-on-att-galaxy-s5-sm-g900a/" . I have updated already and it runs smoothly. The only thing is after you run the update it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to reboot so just hang tight.

silentscreamz said:
There is a pre-rooted lollipop update on droid views "http://www.droidviews.com/install-rooted-lollipop-on-att-galaxy-s5-sm-g900a/" . I have updated already and it runs smoothly. The only thing is after you run the update it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to reboot so just hang tight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that method as well. Sure, it worked for me, but I came from Dynamic Kat, a well debloated stock rom. Due to this, after installing the update using this method, the built-in apps restore function could not complete due to having all of the useless bloatware back, taking up the extra space I was free to use in Dynamic Kat. Even removing the apps that are safe to remove via Titanium Backup doesn't help because the space is reserved for them. I've also already moved every app that it will allow to move to SD card. I've removed unneeded apps. I've gone through my internal storage to remove any unneeded files.
I've removed most of the apps listed here
This doesn't give me the Bluetooth tether that I used to us for my Gear 1(Running Null Rom). I'd look for an app to cover this but... I can't install anything because I've got no space to do so... I hope a good debloat method comes along soon. I still have root, so I'm hopeful.

Yea, bloatware is ridiculous for this phone. Have you tried the Alliance rom, that is what I run and it's not to bad for bloatware but I have only managed to get 5.6 running. Going to try version 8 today sometime. If you like to customize that is an awesome rom.

Hi folks, new to the S5 forums on here as I just upgraded from my trusty S3 on AT&T. I'm still on the stock 4.4.2 firmware, NG3 build, and I'm wondering if I should just root from here using TowelRoot method or take the 4.4.4 OTA and root from there.

Root your 4.4.2, then use the update while saving root to lollipop and skip 4.4.4 all together.

SoCalHTCFuze said:
Root your 4.4.2, then use the update while saving root to lollipop and skip 4.4.4 all together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to root using TowelRoot but it said device not supported. I'll do some research though. Havent even had the phone 5 hours yet.

MetalHead66 said:
I tried to root using TowelRoot but it said device not supported. I'll do some research though. Havent even had the phone 5 hours yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You gotta downgrade theres a post on here just type it in the search bar. Pretty easy process

Yes. Follow the 4.4.2 how to root thread, it says that bit still works.

OK thanks a bunch. Getting ready to do that now.
---------- Post added at 03:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 AM ----------
Well that was quite easy and I'm a happy camper now! Just had to flash nd3 kernel with odin in order for TR to work then flash my ng3 kernel. So nice to be able to use TiBu. Helium wouldnt install all my apps. Now I can start freezing and uninstalling all the bloatware!

Just picked up this device, any tips?

So I've been out of the Android Phone loop for a while and was just wondering if there were any general tips or things to know about the Z3C? Any essential apps or features?
I've not updated to Marshmallow yet (running 5.1.1) and I don't really feel the need to, If I'm not mistaken it makes the root process a bit more fiddly, though the non-removable notification is somewhat annoying. Can it be turned off?
Quick question on root too, which I assume can only be achieved through unlocking the bootloader. Will it void my warranty with Sony? Given the issues with cracked screens and phones not really being waterproof, I'm not sure if it's actually worth doing.
I've got the Phone through Vodafone, is there anyway to remove the SIM lock myself?
I've been through the Stickies and whilst they contain useful information that'll surely come in handy later, the FAQ section is pretty limited, so I figured I'd ask here
Thanks in advance

UndisputedGuy said:
So I've been out of the Android Phone loop for a while and was just wondering if there were any general tips or things to know about the Z3C? Any essential apps or features?
I've not updated to Marshmallow yet (running 5.1.1) and I don't really feel the need to, If I'm not mistaken it makes the root process a bit more fiddly, though the non-removable notification is somewhat annoying. Can it be turned off?
Quick question on root too, which I assume can only be achieved through unlocking the bootloader. Will it void my warranty with Sony? Given the issues with cracked screens and phones not really being waterproof, I'm not sure if it's actually worth doing.
I've got the Phone through Vodafone, is there anyway to remove the SIM lock myself?
I've been through the Stickies and whilst they contain useful information that'll surely come in handy later, the FAQ section is pretty limited, so I figured I'd ask here
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to be able to root your phone. A good place to start is the thread on how to back up your TA partition and rooting (don't be tempted by Kingroot)
Unless you want a custom CM rom I wouldn't bother trying to unlock your bootloader, it disables features on the phone, starting with breaking the camera.
This thread about going from a rooted phone back to stock is interesting. I'd say you don't need to root your phone, but it gets a lot more interesting when you do.
The top app for if you get root is Titanium Backup, it lets you control individual apps, 'freezing' them so they stop working, but not actually uninstalling them. Great for getting rid of all the bloatware that comes with phone providers (like Sim Lock), or even manufacturers. It also lets you back up an app and all the associated data that goes with it, so if you wipe you phone to change the rom, you can put all the apps back and the state they were in at the touch of a button. There's lots of other cool root apps, but TA is my favourite.
As long as you stick to stock then you can't go wrong, don't be afraid to play, there's plenty of people on the thread here to give you a hand.
SLIM 5 is a good stock 5.1.1 rom with lots of cool tweeks and doesn't mean you have to unlock your bootloader.
Edit: Rooting your phone doesn't void your warranty. But if you face any problems with your phone that means it's going back to the service centre, just put a stock build back on (no root) and do a factory reset. That way they cannot complain about the software config. They will do a factory reset anyway, before they send it back, along with an update to the latest rom. So be prepared and take everything off your phone beforehand.

Man, that's pretty much all the information I need in one post. Thanks a bunch man, I'll read through the links in some more detail.
I did see that Rooting guide earlier, but given how it mentioned using Flashtool and DRM Keys, I thought it'd surely void my warranty so didn't have a proper look.
SLIM also seems like a good shout, though I'm assuming I'd lose access to Sony's OTA updates if I were to flash it and there doesn't seem to be a Marshmallow version yet. Actually, that said, would I even have access to OTA updates if I stay stock but rooted?
Thanks again

UndisputedGuy said:
Man, that's pretty much all the information I need in one post. Thanks a bunch man, I'll read through the links in some more detail.
I did see that Rooting guide earlier, but given how it mentioned using Flashtool and DRM Keys, I thought it'd surely void my warranty so didn't have a proper look.
SLIM also seems like a good shout, though I'm assuming I'd lose access to Sony's OTA updates if I were to flash it and there doesn't seem to be a Marshmallow version yet. Actually, that said, would I even have access to OTA updates if I stay stock but rooted?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marshmallow has only been out a few weeks, so it's still full of bugs and problems at the moment. I would stick to 5.1.1. for at least another month, or until 6.1 reaches the Z3c.
No, if you install a custom rom then you wont get Sony OTA updates, but most rom developers base their builds on the latest firmware releases anyway, usually adopting a new release within one or two weeks.
Slim 5 is possibly the best stock Lollipop build there is and there will be no more updates for Lollopop now. There is a Slim MM build, but even though Wajk has been working his magic, it still has several bugs that need to be ironed out. If you are going down the MM route, don't be tempted by Concept or Beta, that need you to unlock your bootloader to root. Stick with a pre-rooted stock or a customised stock with root built in.

Appreciate the assistance, going to go ahead and root now and then perhaps try out SLIM 5. Some of the MEGA links seemed to be down so I just grabbed a Global FTF, couldn't seem to find an unbranded UK one.
I shouldn't have updated immediately once I got the phone

UndisputedGuy said:
Appreciate the assistance, going to go ahead and root now and then perhaps try out SLIM 5. Some of the MEGA links seemed to be down so I just grabbed a Global FTF, couldn't seem to find an unbranded UK one.
I shouldn't have updated immediately once I got the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the purposes of downgrading so you can root, it really doesn't matter which build you choose.

Didgesteve said:
For the purposes of downgrading so you can root, it really doesn't matter which build you choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a quick question, at Step 26 could I just use SLIM 5? Seems much more convenient if that's the case.
Oh, and using OTA updates is going to lose me my root now, right?

UndisputedGuy said:
Just a quick question, at Step 26 could I just use SLIM 5? Seems much more convenient if that's the case.
Oh, and using OTA updates is going to lose me my root now, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, once you have recovery you can download Slim onto your phone and flash that. Don't forget to update SuperSU from the playstore.
No, you wont get any OTA updates with a custom stock, but Slim is up to date with the most recent Lollipop build.
Sony PC Companion will not update your phone either once you have a custom rom on. If you flash stock and then connect it, it will push MM onto it. But you will loose root and there's no easy way to get it working.
Stick with 5.1.1. for another month, wait for 6.1 to come out, and then possibly a couple of weeks after that Wajik will have made an incredible MM rom to flash, that will be as up to date as they come, then just flash that in exactly the same way.
Edit: Once you start to follow a developers thread, they announce updates to roms almost as quick as the Sony release, so don't worry that it will get out of date, just make sure to subscribe to the thread where your rom comes from. Slim 5 for example releases an OTA update, to move from 4.9 to 5, it's a lot smaller than the entire rom and only has updates, but flashes the same way.

Can only thank you again, successfully rooted and got recovery. Not sure how much I'm really fond of SLIM, just had a very brief mess around but something felt a bit off about the Launcher and the icons even after messing with the settings. It was only very brief though, perhaps there's more useful stuff there.
Might go simply stock/rooted but given there isn't a simple .zip for it it's a bit long winded
Thanks for all your help here, this is pretty much the ideal state I wanted my phone to be in upon receiving it, had no idea unlocking the bootloader wouldn't be necessary. Guys like you help make this site in my opinion, I half just expected a couple of snide answers telling me to just read the forum

Think I will be moving back to stock, just a question on the front though
Am I going to have to build my own pre rooted image (steps 27-32) each time there's an OTA update and I want rooted stock?
Sorry, hopefully that's the last thing from me
Sent from my D5803 using XDA-Developers mobile app

UndisputedGuy said:
Think I will be moving back to stock, just a question on the front though
Am I going to have to build my own pre rooted image (steps 27-32) each time there's an OTA update and I want rooted stock?
Sorry, hopefully that's the last thing from me
Sent from my D5803 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several 'stock' options, that are flashable zips
Pre-Rooted Firmwares-Recovery-SuperSU, although you need to click on 'older files'
Or another stock thread here
But by now you should be able to start finding these threads on your own

Yeah, I've time to have a proper look through now so will do that. I saw the thread earlier, but didn't seem to notice a pre rooted .zip for the latest 5.1.1 firmware in the OP. There was one in the comments though, thanks once again