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My setup: 4.4 ATT Moto X, Rooted (by way of latest jcase method), Locked bootloader, and I'm pretty sure write protection is off (though I don't remember how to check)
What I am wanting to know is how would and should I be able to get to 4.4.2, and get my root back (as I'm not confident any method will be able to "keep" my root safely without screwing something else up)? What's the best way based on my setup, and what files or tools would I need(stock 4.4 or 4.4.2 ROM, a new recovery image, etc)?
Since the root method I used hijacks the recovery, I suppose I technically don't have a functional one (other than it maintaining my root). Do I even need a custom recovery? I don't ever plan to flash anything other than basic stock firmware, though I may toy around with Xposed in the future. Also as a sidenote, im currently using ART instead of Dalvik. If any method or technique might conflict with that (other than Xposed), then let me know to the best of your knowledge.
Write protection will be enabled on 4.4.2. You can have root, but a shutdown or hard reboot will erase the changes you make that are root oriented.
As far as getting to 4.4.2.....tonnes of info already here...multiple threads.
Here's a basic guide...and Google can help too. Read any thread related to 4.4.2 and locked bootloaders.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
I am using safestrap on my locked AT&T moto to get 4.4.2 + root + r/w on system - works perfectly.
(I modified the OTA to create a flashable zip that patches stock 4.4 up to 4.4.2, without updating the bootloader. I have an untested 4.4.2 flashable zip, and when the official SBF is released, I'll make another and test it myself.)
...
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
kj2112 said:
Write protection will be enabled on 4.4.2. You can have root, but a shutdown or hard reboot will erase the changes you make that are root oriented.
As far as getting to 4.4.2.....tonnes of info already here...multiple threads.
Here's a basic guide...and Google can help too. Read any thread related to 4.4.2 and locked bootloaders.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603358
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly i dont even care to have an unlocked bootloader. I just realy need root after I update. Write protection, so far i think, i've only needed for AdAway to work on my phone, though Im sure I have used or applied it else on my device. And thanks for the thread, but I was already subscribed .
Ctrl-Freak said:
I am using safestrap on my locked AT&T moto to get 4.4.2 + root + r/w on system - works perfectly.
(I modified the OTA to create a flashable zip that patches stock 4.4 up to 4.4.2, without updating the bootloader. I have an untested 4.4.2 flashable zip, and when the official SBF is released, I'll make another and test it myself.)
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Click to collapse
While I would like to test that out further for you, I have only one phone lol. I very lightly looked in safestrap sometime ago when I was trying to find how to root previous versions of my phones software. Back then I didn't feel I needed it, as I was and still am trying to keep things simple this time around with my Android device. I'll look into it again and see if needs have changed, but would reeeeeally like to just find a way to get root after updating. Your way does actually sound enticing however.
NameLessThugZero said:
While I would like to test that out further for you, I have only one phone lol. I very lightly looked in safestrap sometime ago when I was trying to find how to root previous versions of my phones software. Back then I didn't feel I needed it, as I was and still am trying to keep things simple this time around with my Android device. I'll look into it again and see if needs have changed, but would reeeeeally like to just find a way to get root after updating. Your way does actually sound enticing however.
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Click to collapse
The only ways to use 4.4.2 Rooted with Write Protection DISABLED is the Safestrap way, or to unlock your bootloader.
Since you have AT&T, Moto doesn't give out the code to unlock your bootloader (Non-Developer Edition Verizon phones are the same way.) so if you really want to unlock your bootloader, see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/verizon-moto-maker-bootloader-unlock-t2680651 I know the thread title says VERIZON but it works for ATT users too.
I see, thanks for the explanation, because I certainly wouldn't have know it was for AT&T users too! I'll check them out.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Ctrl-Freak said:
I am using safestrap on my locked AT&T moto to get 4.4.2 + root + r/w on system - works perfectly.
(I modified the OTA to create a flashable zip that patches stock 4.4 up to 4.4.2, without updating the bootloader. I have an untested 4.4.2 flashable zip, and when the official SBF is released, I'll make another and test it myself.)[/QUOTE
So essentially, I cant just install Safestrap, then update to 4.4.2, correct? I'd need to do what you did, which is to modify the OTA?
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NameLessThugZero said:
So essentially, I cant just install Safestrap, then update to 4.4.2, correct? I'd need to do what you did, which is to modify the OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. You want a modified version of the OTA that does not modify your bootloader and will patch /system from 4.4 to 4.4.2. I also manually patched the kernel up to 4.4.2.
And, my experience is that you also have to downgrade to 4.2.2. I don't quite understand why, but I have never been able to upgrade to 4.4.x (neither from the 4.4 leak or the official 4.4 version) without going back to 4.2.2 first. The eclipse ROM instructions, on the other hand, suggest that a safestrap:twrp factory wipe might be enough, but I remember trying that once, and it didn't work. YMMV
I already made a zip to flash a full copy of 4.4.2 (not a patch) that I made from my system dump, but it hasn't been tested. (I'm waiting for the SBF.)
Alright. Well I guess I'll have to wait a bit for someone to come out or prove there's a safer, surer method to update. Moto always did like to make thing like this difficult, heh.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
if i update my moto x dev edition will it break foxfi. i see they just updated to 4.4 but im scared to do it hate having to use the bluetooth connection.
trinniboy68 said:
if i update my moto x dev edition will it break foxfi. i see they just updated to 4.4 but im scared to do it hate having to use the bluetooth connection.
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Click to collapse
Since you have the developer edition, are you rooted? If so, why not use the stock framework tether? You can use the Xposed module, or the Entitlement Check remover.
Also, if you are rooted, you can use the latest experimental build of WiFi Tether for Root Users.
Is there a specific reason you are wanting to use FoxFi? The only reason I can imagine is that you are not rooted.....but if you aren't rooted, why did you get the Developer Edition?
@trinniboy68,
I agree with @samwathegreat. If you have a Dev Edition, why not unlock your bootloader and root? It doesn't void your warranty on the Dev Edition. And its pretty easy on the Dev Edition.
If you root, and all you want to do is Tether, then to make taking future OTA's easier, I suggest using Wifi Tether For Root app (See my notes about setup at the bootom of THIS PAGE. )
Another option is [APP][MOD][Root]Hotspot Entitlement Bypass v1.1 5/9/2014, but it does make changes to the build.prop, and while it undoes them, I haven't tested to see if it changes the checksum of the build.prop when it reverts its changes(if it does, that would get in the way of future OTA's)
moto x
KidJoe said:
@trinniboy68,
I agree with @samwathegreat. If you have a Dev Edition, why not unlock your bootloader and root? It doesn't void your warranty on the Dev Edition. And its pretty easy on the Dev Edition.
If you root, and all you want to do is Tether, then to make taking future OTA's easier, I suggest using Wifi Tether For Root app (See my notes about setup at the bootom of THIS PAGE. )
Another option is [APP][MOD][Root]Hotspot Entitlement Bypass v1.1 5/9/2014, but it does make changes to the build.prop, and while it undoes them, I haven't tested to see if it changes the checksum of the build.prop when it reverts its changes(if it does, that would get in the way of future OTA's)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have an unlocked bootloader. havent rooted yet cause i like the features of the moto are there roms that will dupl. the stock moto. i have verizon unlimited internet so need the ability to wifi link to my computer. as i am on the road a lot and its more secure to use my own wifi than someone elses. having a mac there arent any hacks for my phone, the one i did find the dev. isnt supporting it yet and bricking my phone i cant take right now as im fairly new to this. i rooted my s3
trinniboy68 said:
i have an unlocked bootloader. havent rooted yet cause i like the features of the moto are there roms that will dupl. the stock moto. i have verizon unlimited internet so need the ability to wifi link to my computer. as i am on the road a lot and its more secure to use my own wifi than someone elses. having a mac there arent any hacks for my phone, the one i did find the dev. isnt supporting it yet and bricking my phone i cant take right now as im fairly new to this. i rooted my s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No 'hacks' for your phone? The entire android SDK is available for MAC. We have several users here who have flashed their phones 100% with MAC.
If you download the MAC Toolkit, it includes everything you need, even though it isn't supported by its devs anymore. You just won't use any of the scripts (that's all that no longer supported). Also, since you have the DEV edition, you WON'T lose your warranty by rooting it. It's HIGHLY unlikely you will brick your phone unless you do something totally stupid that is well documented here (like: you NEVER downgrade or flash older firmwares/versions on your Moto X - this is one of the few ways you can brick it).
Since you have already unlocked the BL, all you would do is fastboot flash TWRP recovery, and it will root for you. Then you can use either method that @KidJoe and I have suggested for you. There honestly isn't much at all you can mess up.
Additionally, once you install TWRP, you can take a full backup that you could restore in the event of a problem. PLUS the SBF images are available, so even without a backup your phone could still be restored back to stock.
trinniboy68 said:
i have an unlocked bootloader. havent rooted yet cause i like the features of the moto are there roms that will dupl. the stock moto. i have verizon unlimited internet so need the ability to wifi link to my computer. as i am on the road a lot and its more secure to use my own wifi than someone elses. having a mac there arent any hacks for my phone, the one i did find the dev. isnt supporting it yet and bricking my phone i cant take right now as im fairly new to this. i rooted my s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of these sentences run together, so If I miss anything, I'm sorry.
Rooting wont remove any features of the stock Moto roms. As far as "other roms" duplicating stock, I haven't run anything but the stock rom. While there are "alternates" (like CM) if they are NOT based on stock, they will not have the Moto specific features like active display, always on listening (OK google now....), etc.
I have unlimited data too. I purchased the Dev X since I was going to have to buy an X at full retail because I wanted to keep my Unlimited (and be able to root without waiting on vulnerabilities/exploits).
All I've done is unlocked the bootloader, to root I just flashed TWRP recovery, and installed SuperSU (see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738 although the TWRP and SuperSU versions linked are a little out of date now, they still work on 4.4 and 4.4.2). Then I use Wifi Tether for Root as mentioned earlier, greenify, Root Explorer, Quick Boot (reboot), Adree and not really much else that needs root, and no extra tweaks/hacks. In other words, I run stock, but rooted, with a few apps that need ROOT access, and nothing else modified on my phone.
The tools to flash the stock SBF files are RSDLite and mFastboot. Rsdlite is a GUI tool that flashes the full SBF/XML file, all commands, in like a batch mode. mFastboot is a command line tool that allows you to flash parts/pieces one at a time. I don't know if there is an RSDlite for Mac OS, but there is an mFastboot. So if you mess your phone up badly enough, you can usually recover with the stock images. (the only note being DO NOT DOWNGRADE your ROM!! for more see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Downgrade.htm )
thanks
KidJoe said:
Some of these sentences run together, so If I miss anything, I'm sorry.
Rooting wont remove any features of the stock Moto roms. As far as "other roms" duplicating stock, I haven't run anything but the stock rom. While there are "alternates" (like CM) if they are NOT based on stock, they will not have the Moto specific features like active display, always on listening (OK google now....), etc.
I have unlimited data too. I purchased the Dev X since I was going to have to buy an X at full retail because I wanted to keep my Unlimited (and be able to root without waiting on vulnerabilities/exploits).
All I've done is unlocked the bootloader, to root I just flashed TWRP recovery, and installed SuperSU (see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/step-step-instructions-unlocking-t2649738 although the TWRP and SuperSU versions linked are a little out of date now, they still work on 4.4 and 4.4.2). Then I use Wifi Tether for Root as mentioned earlier, greenify, Root Explorer, Quick Boot (reboot), Adree and not really much else that needs root, and no extra tweaks/hacks. In other words, I run stock, but rooted, with a few apps that need ROOT access, and nothing else modified on my phone.
The tools to flash the stock SBF files are RSDLite and mFastboot. Rsdlite is a GUI tool that flashes the full SBF/XML file, all commands, in like a batch mode. mFastboot is a command line tool that allows you to flash parts/pieces one at a time. I don't know if there is an RSDlite for Mac OS, but there is an mFastboot. So if you mess your phone up badly enough, you can usually recover with the stock images. (the only note being DO NOT DOWNGRADE your ROM!! for more see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Downgrade.htm )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for the info
I am getting of very good price on a Moto X from AT&T. I plan to unlock it for use in Canada.
I am wondering if tethering / wifi hotspot will be available ? since the bootloader is not unlockable and even rooting might be impossible depending on what android version it comes with, i'm worried i might be stuck with it. and the wifi hotspot is a must for me.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks,
armrob said:
I am getting of very good price on a Moto X from AT&T. I plan to unlock it for use in Canada.
I am wondering if tethering / wifi hotspot will be available ? since the bootloader is not unlockable and even rooting might be impossible depending on what android version it comes with, i'm worried i might be stuck with it. and the wifi hotspot is a must for me.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't know what ATT's policy is but if you're on a tiered data plan through VZW, tethering is enabled by default.
If you're running 4.4 you're golden can permanent root and disable write protection using slapmymoto, I did it with the toolkit, you can find it here, send me a pm if you need help. If you're on 4.4.2 you can use towelPie to root and the entitlement hack linked below the towelPie root link. I have a moto x verizon locked boot on 4.4.2 and have towelPie set to root at reboot and works flawlessly, but beware verizon is sending 4.4.4 to phones starting today, I got the update downloaded it just to see which update it was and than quickly opened FX explorer and went to the root cache folder and sent it to outerspace LOL and than went to the root/system/pri-apps folder and deleted the 3c_OTA.apk and 3c_OTA.odex files so it wouldn't ever download it again.. beware each time you rebooot you must redelete those two files since towelPie is only good til the next reboot.
After rooting with towelPie than run the entitlement hack linked below.. the dev has set it up to run at reboot, but it doesn't work currently with the 4.4.2 combo using towelPie, towelPie does run and root automatically at each reboot but the entitlement hack is running at the same time during boot and it tries to do its thing before towelPie has done its thing LOL and fails. the solution is easy just run it manually after each boot. works like a charm.
Edit: I have wrote the developer and he has informed me he is going to fix the entitlement hack by placing a time delay in the app so it gives towelPie time to finish root first, so just keep a lookout for his vers. 1.3 in the entitlement hack thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/themes-apps/root-towelpieroot-motorola-devices-t2825059
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/themes-apps/app-hotspot-entitlement-bypass-v1-1-5-9-t2705152
doitinthedirt said:
If you're running 4.4 you're golden can permanent root and disable write protection using slapmymoto, I did it with the toolkit, you can find it here, send me a pm if you need help. If you're on 4.4.2 you can use towelPie to root and the entitlement hack linked below the towelPie root link. I have a moto x verizon locked boot on 4.4.2 and have towelPie set to root at reboot and works flawlessly, but beware verizon is sending 4.4.4 to phones starting today, I got the update downloaded it just to see which update it was and than quickly opened FX explorer and went to the root cache folder and sent it to outerspace LOL and than went to the root/system/pri-apps folder and deleted the 3c_OTA.apk and 3c_OTA.odex files so it wouldn't ever download it again.. beware each time you rebooot you must redelete those two files since towelPie is only good til the next reboot.
After rooting with towelPie than run the entitlement hack linked below.. the dev has set it up to run at reboot, but it doesn't work currently with the 4.4.2 combo using towelPie, towelPie does run and root automatically at each reboot but the entitlement hack is running at the same time during boot and it tries to do its thing before towelPie has done its thing LOL and fails. the solution is easy just run it manually after each boot. works like a charm.
Edit: I have wrote the developer and he has informed me he is going to fix the entitlement hack by placing a time delay in the app so it gives towelPie time to finish root first, so just keep a lookout for his vers. 1.3 in the entitlement hack thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/themes-apps/root-towelpieroot-motorola-devices-t2825059
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/themes-apps/app-hotspot-entitlement-bypass-v1-1-5-9-t2705152
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, perfet. I will try that.
thanks,
armrob said:
OK, perfet. I will try that.
thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and by the way you have to check the option to run those apps at reboot they're not automatically set to do it.
Before I update my DevEd to 4.4.4, I want to ensure that I will still be able to root (use recovery tool or something else?) and that there is some way to use tether.
On 4.4.3, I've been happy using WiFi Tether for Root users - would be nice if this continued to work, but am okay using a different method if need be.
Can someone confirm that both root & tether are functional, and if so, what method(s) are working?
With an Unlocked Bootloader, Yes, you can root by flashing TWRP and SuperSU, the same process. Just make sure you have the latest TWRP and SuperSU from their source web sites. That will be true for ALL updates so long as you have an unlocked bootloader. And it can be dev edition or carrier edition, as long as the bootloader is unlocked.
Wifi tether for root still works on my VZW Dev X with 4.4.4 update.
Mercutio5 said:
Before I update my DevEd to 4.4.4, I want to ensure that I will still be able to root (use recovery tool or something else?) and that there is some way to use tether.
On 4.4.3, I've been happy using WiFi Tether for Root users - would be nice if this continued to work, but am okay using a different method if need be.
Can someone confirm that both root & tether are functional, and if so, what method(s) are working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course...you're unlocked. Same method - flash TWRP and it will root for you. Since you don't seem to be aware -- you can NOT update unless you flash back stock recovery and un-do any changes you made to /system including installing Xposed (if you did). If all you are using root for is WiFi Tether, nothing to worry about as you probably haven't modified /system. You WILL have to flash back the stock recovery.img before you can accept any OTA. Its always been like this.
WiFi tether should work on 4.4.4, as should the entitlement 'hack'. (I believe both have been confirmed, but check the entitlement hack threads to be sure about it)
And finally......since you mention being on 4.4.3 now, I'm assuming you are using the XT1053 GSM Dev edition (since 4.4.3 was never released for VZW). If so...you do realize that 4.4.4 isn't out yet for the XT1053, right?
It's only out for the VZW XT1060 and soak-tests are just now happening for the AT&T XT1058.
samwathegreat said:
Of course...you're unlocked. Same method - flash TWRP and it will root for you. Since you don't seem to be aware -- you can NOT update unless you flash back stock recovery and un-do any changes you made to /system including installing Xposed (if you did). If all you are using root for is WiFi Tether, nothing to worry about as you probably haven't modified /system. You WILL have to flash back the stock recovery.img before you can accept any OTA. Its always been like this.
WiFi tether should work on 4.4.4, as should the entitlement 'hack'. (I believe both have been confirmed, but check the entitlement hack threads to be sure about it)
And finally......since you mention being on 4.4.3 now, I'm assuming you are using the XT1053 GSM Dev edition (since 4.4.3 was never released for VZW). If so...you do realize that 4.4.4 isn't out yet for the XT1053, right?
It's only out for the VZW XT1060 and soak-tests are just now happening for the AT&T XT1058.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd just assumed to be on 4.4.3 since it's previous to 4.4.4 - but you're correct, I'm on 4.4.2 VZW. After reading through some update methods discussed on XDA, it seems that using RSDLite w/FXZ is the easiest - no need to undo any changes made to /system (I'm sure I've made some, but have no idea what they might have been) and no need to remove TWRP. Plus it supposedly preserves all the data.
And thank you for assuaging my concerns re: root & tether
Mercutio5 said:
I'd just assumed to be on 4.4.3 since it's previous to 4.4.4 - but you're correct, I'm on 4.4.2 VZW. After reading through some update methods discussed on XDA, it seems that using RSDLite w/FXZ is the easiest - no need to undo any changes made to /system (I'm sure I've made some, but have no idea what they might have been) and no need to remove TWRP. Plus it supposedly preserves all the data.
And thank you for assuaging my concerns re: root & tether
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take caution!! The original leaked fxz was indeed a keep data fxz. It's now gone. The new official leaked fxz is NOT a keep data fxz.
All you have to do is edit the XML file and remove the line containing 'erase userdata' and it will preserve your data.
If you don't do this all your data WILL be erased.
Keep that in mind...
Good luck
samwathegreat said:
Take caution!! The original leaked fxz was indeed a keep data fxz. It's now gone. The new official leaked fxz is NOT a keep data fxz.
All you have to do is edit the XML file and remove the line containing 'erase userdata' and it will preserve your data.
If you don't do this all your data WILL be erased.
Keep that in mind...
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yikes!! Thank you for the heads up.
How did the leaked FXZ disappear? Surely someone's still got it somewhere?
Mercutio5 said:
Yikes!! Thank you for the heads up.
How did the leaked FXZ disappear? Surely someone's still got it somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its all the same "inside" except the included XML file now contains the "Erase USERDATA" statement. Just remove that line from the XML before flashing with RSDLite and you're good.
No reason for the original leak to stick around.
Hi all,
I'm on XT1058 4.4.4 Rogers, rooted and I flashed the SBF myself. I have Xposed framework, TWRP recovery, as well as a custom kernel (Faux123) installed.
My question is that how can I prepare for a future Lollipop OTA?
Flash system partition, stock kernel, stock recovery and uninstall Xposed? What about root access? I also have a modified hosts file for blocking ads.
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Free mobile app
Hi !
How about something like this : http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-complete-moto-x-guides-information-t2603358 (in the "returning to stock" part of the first post)
except without erasing data (if you wanna keep it) like in this (caution, moto g thread) : http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...osing-apps-t2979971/post57658072#post57658072
It worked perfectly for my gf's moto g, I'll try this on my moto x as soon as I get a lollipop ota notification. It takes about 15 minutes + time to do the backup before that, so I guess there's no need to anticipate too much
I didn't even sideload anything, I just restored to a clean version of the firmware I was using without losing any data, then updates with the ota, it went smooooothly.
RafaySid said:
Hi all,
I'm on XT1058 4.4.4 Rogers, rooted and I flashed the SBF myself. I have Xposed framework, TWRP recovery, as well as a custom kernel (Faux123) installed.
My question is that how can I prepare for a future Lollipop OTA?
Flash system partition, stock kernel, stock recovery and uninstall Xposed? What about root access? I also have a modified hosts file for blocking ads.
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This old post -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-OTA.html still applies.
Disable/remove) Xposed. You need Stock Recovery. You also need Stock Kernel, and undo any changes to /system (like put all stock apps, undo tweaks) which could cause the Preflash Validation check to fail.
For Xposed, you could just boot to TWRP and install /SDcard/Android/data/de.robv.android.xposed.installer/files/Xposed-Disable-Recovery.zip After doing that, uninstall Xposed, since the version you have now likely wont work with Lollipop.
If you made too many changes to /system, you might need to just flash recovery, boot and system as the final step.
Excellent, thanks!
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Free mobile app