Database Develop

[Q] Developer Edition and Updates

Hey all,
Sorry for the extremely basic question, I have just been away from Android and flashing ROMs for so long I forgot some really basic stuff. I have a Verizon developer edition with the bootloader unlocked and am currently on Eclipse 3.1.2. I kept getting a Verizon OTA notification and ignoring it, but the other night I accidentally pressed the update button. Now my device keeps rebooting into TWRP. I am kinda glad because I was putting off updating for way too long. So I have a few options as I understand it.
1) Use fastboot files to update to the latest version (4.4.4). I can't find developer edition SBFs (http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0), do I just use the standard Verizon version?
2) Restore the stock ROM backup I made with TWRP and just use the Verizon OTA.
Is there a downside to either one? Is either one inherently better?
Thanks in advance guys, my life has been pretty heavy recently and I can't believe I lost this basic knowledge.

I_EAT_BABIES said:
Hey all,
Sorry for the extremely basic question, I have just been away from Android and flashing ROMs for so long I forgot some really basic stuff. I have a Verizon developer edition with the bootloader unlocked and am currently on Eclipse 3.1.2. I kept getting a Verizon OTA notification and ignoring it, but the other night I accidentally pressed the update button. Now my device keeps rebooting into TWRP. I am kinda glad because I was putting off updating for way too long. So I have a few options as I understand it.
1) Use fastboot files to update to the latest version (4.4.4). I can't find developer edition SBFs (http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0), do I just use the standard Verizon version?
2) Restore the stock ROM backup I made with TWRP and just use the Verizon OTA.
Is there a downside to either one? Is either one inherently better?
Thanks in advance guys, my life has been pretty heavy recently and I can't believe I lost this basic knowledge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is nothing different about the Dev edition SBF vs. the regular XT1060 SBF. Use the standard Verizon version.
Definitely use Option 1. You are at risk of bricking if you choose option 2.
Normally, I would say just SKIP the command "fastboot erase userdata" (to preserve all of your data and apps), but since you are on a custom ROM, you may have issues. You can try it anyways -- if anything goes wrong, just flash the entire SBF again, INCLUDING the fastboot erase userdata command (which will erase everything) and all well be well.
Make sure you use mfastboot instead of regular fastboot.

samwathegreat said:
There is nothing different about the Dev edition SBF vs. the regular XT1060 SBF. Use the standard Verizon version.
Definitely use Option 1. You are at risk of bricking if you choose option 2.
Normally, I would say just SKIP the command "fastboot erase userdata" (to preserve all of your data and apps), but since you are on a custom ROM, you may have issues. You can try it anyways -- if anything goes wrong, just flash the entire SBF again, INCLUDING the fastboot erase userdata command (which will erase everything) and all well be well.
Make sure you use mfastboot instead of regular fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! I was going to use RSD for the SBF files, is that not a good idea?

I_EAT_BABIES said:
Thanks man! I was going to use RSD for the SBF files, is that not a good idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfectly fine...but it will erase everything.
Unless, of course you unzip the SBF, edit the XML file with notepad (or similar) and remove the entire line that says "erase userdata".

samwathegreat said:
Perfectly fine...but it will erase everything.
Unless, of course you unzip the SBF, edit the XML file with notepad (or similar) and remove the entire line that says "erase userdata".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I think I'll just leave it in there and get a perfectly clean install. Thanks for the help man, I cam back in to my room to restore to my old backup and read your response. You potentially saved me from bricking my advice. Thanks!

I_EAT_BABIES said:
Hmm, I think I'll just leave it in there and get a perfectly clean install. Thanks for the help man, I cam back in to my room to restore to my old backup and read your response. You potentially saved me from bricking my advice. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome. A few other thoughts: the potential to brick only comes if either the bootloader or partition table are mismatched. This can happen during a failed OTA install.
In addition to that, even if you DID restore the twrp backup successfully, you still couldn't take the OTA. Remember: STOCK recovery is required to accept any OTAs. It would have continued to boot-loop.
Once you finish with RSD Lite, just use fastboot to flash custom recovery back on. Use the latest version of TWRP, find it here: http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/ghost
Just: fastboot flash recovery twrp_file_name.img
Then, IMMEDIATELY afterwards, type: fastboot reboot-bootloader
Next, VOL DOWN to highlight recovery, and VOL UP to boot into it.
If you don't immediately boot into TWRP after flashing it, it won't "stick" (we don't know why...but as long as you do this, it will stick permanently, or until you flash something else to recovery).
As you probably already know, as soon as you go to exit TWRP it will offer to root for you.
Good Luck! Update us to success.
P.S. -- Sent you a PM.

I tried this with the VZW imgs and now I get the unlocked bootloader warning. I don't recall getting that before, thoughts?
I assume it's because the imgs are not developer edition ones.

onepoint said:
I tried this with the VZW imgs and now I get the unlocked bootloader warning. I don't recall getting that before, thoughts?
I assume it's because the imgs are not developer edition ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked warning is no big deal I get it on my 4.4.3 GSM Developer Edition.

onepoint said:
I tried this with the VZW imgs and now I get the unlocked bootloader warning. I don't recall getting that before, thoughts?
I assume it's because the imgs are not developer edition ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it's not. Likely, you had flashed a new logo.bin that "masked" the unlocked bootloader warning. Once again, the images are no different. Not one single byte different. None.
If you dislike (I like it, personally) the unlocked BL message, simply flash a replacement logo.bin.
See here for details: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/4-4-3-remove-unlocked-bootloader-message-t2548566
I realize that it says it is for 4.4.3, but it should be fully compatible with 4.4.4 as well.
And one more time: EVEN THE DEV EDITION shows the "unlocked bootloader message" when unlocked. Completely normal. Only flashing a replacement logo.bin will prevent it from showing up.

[Q] Return to stock

Hi,
I have a Moto X xt1058, with 4.2.2 post camera update, locked bootloader but rooted. I've been postponing the OTA to 4.4 for a while now. I now i can't just install it, because of the modifications i've been doing while rooted, and i'm pretty sure i can't restore everything i've done.
It seems that is pretty easy to brick this phone while changing versions. I would like to return it to stock, so that i can accept all OTAs. I don't care losing any data or root permissions. I've found this method to return to stock here in XDA:
Returning to Stock
Step one
Downloading the required drivers and software
Motorola Device Drivers
(cant post urls)
Android SDK
(cant post urls)
MFastboot(Used for manually downgrading to 4.2.2)
(cant post urls)
For firmware Download pick what firmware you want from the link below
(cant post urls)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step Two
Returning device Stock and Locking Bootloader
1. Open your firmware and extract the files to the same folder as adb/fastboot and mfastboot.
2. open a CMD window and CD into the directory that we just extracted all the files too
3. type below commands one by one
Code:
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash motoboot motoboot.img
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
mfastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot oem lock
i recommend wiping your device also but that is up to you if you dont want
to then skip the next two commands and just type the reboot command
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot
after your phone is done rebooting you will be completely stock firmware of your choice
I would like to know if there's any risk in doing this, or which would be the better way to get to android 4.4.
Thanks!

You can flash the same or higher versions . It's downgrading that bricks. On 4.4.2 and higher. ?

KJ said:
You can flash the same or higher versions . It's downgrading that bricks. On 4.4.2 and higher. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean if my carrier give me an update from 4.4.2 to 4.4.4 i can take it and not worry. Also, with an unlocked boot loader will it re lock it?
Thanks

vagh_nagas said:
So does that mean if my carrier give me an update from 4.4.2 to 4.4.4 i can take it and not worry. Also, with an unlocked boot loader will it re lock it?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it won't relock it. But, you can't take an ota if you have a custom recovery or have made many system changes....like Xposed. It needs to be uninstalled, properly.

KJ said:
No, it won't relock it. But, you can't take an ota if you have a custom recovery or have made many system changes....like Xposed. It needs to be uninstalled, properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so that means that as long as I leave the recovery alone, and uninstall xposed before i take the update I can keep the boot loader. that is good. but does that mean that I can easily re root it? also thanks for the help, I have never rooted a phone that still gets updates and that is activated.

vagh_nagas said:
Okay, so that means that as long as I leave the recovery alone, and uninstall xposed before i take the update I can keep the boot loader. that is good. but does that mean that I can easily re root it? also thanks for the help, I have never rooted a phone that still gets updates and that is activated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the stock recovery, yes....that's good. As long as Xposed is the only system changes you've done....You should be good.
Root is the same as any version with an unlocked bootloader.
But how did you root without a custom recovery?

OP, you can just use RSDlite to update directly to 4.4.4. Just download RSDlite, as well as the 4.4.4 firmware for your phone. Boot to fastboot while keeping your phone plugged in to your PC with USB debugging on, and RSDlite will detect your phone on fastboot mode. Select the firmware zip and flash it.

KJ said:
If you have the stock recovery, yes....that's good. As long as Xposed is the only system changes you've done....You should be good.
Root is the same as any version with an unlocked bootloader.
But how did you root without a custom recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first tried to use xposed, I Soft bricked my phone. That was just using towel pie's method of root. So I decided that it was not a good idea to do any modifications to my phone that I did not feel I had much control over. That is why I used the 4.4.2 boot loader unlocker (I forgot who made it already, sorry) . After that I re-installed a newer version of towel pie, and super SU (I have better luck keeping root with this app), and towel pie asked if I was going to install xposed and i said yes. then I attempted the xposed and reboot. at first it had said that it did not install correctly. then after the third time of me attempting it it and after soft rebooting the phone after using towel pie's software it let me keep xposed. I believe it was the soft restart that did it but I am not quite sure.
I have pics if you want to see my recovery.
Just to let people know i am using a Republic Wireless Moto X, That is why I must leave the recovery alone. Yes all features still work as if I had done nothing to it, Just in case some people were wondering that have this service.
---------- Post added at 11:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:10 PM ----------
Another question I have for somebody that has republic wireless. if I unlocked my boot loader can I go back to jelly bean or is that just an impossibility?

mauri6870 said:
OP, you can just use RSDlite to update directly to 4.4.4. Just download RSDlite, as well as the 4.4.4 firmware for your phone. Boot to fastboot while keeping your phone plugged in to your PC with USB debugging on, and RSDlite will detect your phone on fastboot mode. Select the firmware zip and flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so in my case i can flash my careers firmware (4.4.4) while on 4.2.2? there's no risk bricking it that way? or if i get the same firmware (4.2.2 post cam) right?

jisola said:
so in my case i can flash my careers firmware (4.4.4) while on 4.2.2? there's no risk bricking it that way? or if i get the same firmware (4.2.2 post cam) right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right.
Tho, let it be said....everything we do on XDA, everything , comes with risk.
Anything can go wrong, anytime.
Just wanted to remind of that. No one will, or at least should, guarentee anything on XDA. We all take the responsibility ourselves if something goes very wrong.
?
So in theory , yes, you should be absolutely fine. But again....stuff happens. Proceed at your own risk.

jisola said:
Hi,
I have a Moto X xt1058, with 4.2.2 post camera update, locked bootloader but rooted. I've been postponing the OTA to 4.4 for a while now. I now i can't just install it, because of the modifications i've been doing while rooted, and i'm pretty sure i can't restore everything i've done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you upgrade, do you want to root after you've upgraded?
If so, you need to be aware of what can/can't be done BEFORE you update.

well, like things usually happen, if there's risk it will go wrong.
i flashed my careers 4.4.2 and kind of brick it. when it powers up the motorola logo shows up and instantly enters ap fastboot mode with the security downgrade failure.
i'll try flashing a 4.2.2 firmware (same career) to see if that fixes it, if not, i dont know what else could i try.
thanks everyone for your comments!

jisola said:
well, like things usually happen, if there's risk it will go wrong.
i flashed my careers 4.4.2 and kind of brick it. when it powers up the motorola logo shows up and instantly enters ap fastboot mode with the security downgrade failure.
i'll try flashing a 4.2.2 firmware (same career) to see if that fixes it, if not, i dont know what else could i try.
thanks everyone for your comments!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is unlocked and you can get to a functioning bootloader mode you are not bricked.

Wansanta said:
If your bootloader is unlocked and you can get to a functioning bootloader mode you are not bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a locked bootloader...
i've tried flashing 4.2.2 and there were a lot of errors during installation that werent there when i tried to go to 4.4, after flashing was complete i got the same boot error, is there anything else to try?

jisola said:
great to hear that, i have a locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locked is above my paygrade.
But by functioning bootloader I mean you can use fastboot commands to flash.

lanemst curr
Wansanta said:
Locked or unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i edited... i misread when u said unlocked...

jisola said:
i edited... i misread when u said unlocked...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried sunshine to see if you can unlock? I don't know if it would work in the state your phone is in but it is worth the $25 if it would work.
---------- Post added at 06:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:40 PM ----------
Also, this site has resources on it for the XT1058 but make sure you read them thoroughly and understand what you are doing b/f you proceed with any of these methods.
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/?s=xt1058
Of the utmost importance is that you know what version of the bootloader your device is on. You MUST know this b/f you do anything. What version is it?

Wansanta said:
Have you tried sunshine to see if you can unlock? I don't know if it would work in the state your phone is in but it is worth the $25 if it would work.
---------- Post added at 06:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:40 PM ----------
Also, this site has resources on it for the XT1058 but make sure you read them thoroughly and understand what you are doing b/f you proceed with any of these methods.
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/?s=xt1058
Of the utmost importance is that you know what version of the bootloader your device is on. You MUST know this b/f you do anything. What version is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for all this help.
never heard of sunshine before, i assume is way to unlock your bootloader right?
im kind of new with bootloaders phones, how could i check my bootloader version, doesn't seem to appear in the fastboot menu

jisola said:
how could i check my bootloader version, doesn't seem to appear in the fastboot menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the second line. Mine is 30:B7 b/c I am on 4.4.4.

Wansanta said:
It is the second line. Mine is 30:B7 b/c I am on 4.4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks again
mine is: 30.B4

Unable to downgrade bootloader to get LMY47M OTA

I am ever impatient. So when I saw new factory images up on the Google page, I just had to try them out. I upgraded to LMY47E, then naturally the next day I saw the news about LMY47M. Being that I'm a T-Mobile customer, I want the M version (reported the T-Mobile version) of the new 5.1. Unfortunately, as part of the LMY47E upgrade, the bootloader was moved from 71.05 to 71.08.
Now, trying to flash factory images from LRX22C results in a bootloader mismatch error. I got around this by manually flashing radio, system, boot, etc. images on the phone, and I do in fact now have the 5.01 build showing. However, when I try to sideload the LMY47M build, I'm receiving an error from this line in the updater script:
Code:
#getprop("ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/shamu/shamu:5.0.1/LRX22C/1602158:user/release-keys" ||
abort("Package expects build fingerprint of google/shamu/shamu:5.0.1/LRX22C/1602158:user/release-keys; this device has " + getprop("ro.build.fingerprint") + ".");
It's stating that I have 5.0.2 LRX22G signed with test keys. I don't know how I would have got an engineering build installed from flashing factory firmware from the Google page, but apparently something is confused somewhere along the way. The best I can guess is that perhaps that's some leftover remnants from when I had installed a CM12 nightly build (which I believe is based on 5.0.2).
I don't know what I need to flash with what to get that cleared so I can sideload the LMY47M OTA, and I'm concerned that I may be unable to properly upgrade to additional OTA upgrades if there's a missmatch along the way. There was a confirmed update coming to move from LMY47E to LMY47M per T-Mo support , also confirmed by @askdes) but again, if I have some funky mismatched stuff, unsure if I can upgrade to LMY47E again and still expect to receive the OTA.
I'd love to have someone with more knowledge of these wonderful things weigh in on this. Educated opinions are always welcome, but someone with actual first-hand knowledge would be incredibly helpful to my sanity as well.
Thanks!

Theres nothing you can do to receive the OTA now.
Maybe the M factory image will become available. If so, you'll be able to flash that. Well at least the system and boot image. If the bootloader is newer, that too.
I suppose the other options are that if someone could install TWRP with an unmodified, unrooted M on, they could take a backup of system and boot and give you them to do a Nandroid restore via TWRP... Or maybe someone can take a system dump for you. But you cannot downgrade the bootloader.

mikecole79 said:
I am ever impatient. So when I saw new factory images up on the Google page, I just had to try them out. I upgraded to LMY47E, then naturally the next day I saw the news about LMY47M. Being that I'm a T-Mobile customer, I want the M version (reported the T-Mobile version) of the new 5.1. Unfortunately, as part of the LMY47E upgrade, the bootloader was moved from 71.05 to 71.08.
Now, trying to flash factory images from LRX22C results in a bootloader mismatch error. I got around this by manually flashing radio, system, boot, etc. images on the phone, and I do in fact now have the 5.01 build showing. However, when I try to sideload the LMY47M build, I'm receiving an error from this line in the updater script:
Code:
#getprop("ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/shamu/shamu:5.0.1/LRX22C/1602158:user/release-keys" ||
abort("Package expects build fingerprint of google/shamu/shamu:5.0.1/LRX22C/1602158:user/release-keys; this device has " + getprop("ro.build.fingerprint") + ".");
It's stating that I have 5.0.2 LRX22G signed with test keys. I don't know how I would have got an engineering build installed from flashing factory firmware from the Google page, but apparently something is confused somewhere along the way. The best I can guess is that perhaps that's some leftover remnants from when I had installed a CM12 nightly build (which I believe is based on 5.0.2).
I don't know what I need to flash with what to get that cleared so I can sideload the LMY47M OTA, and I'm concerned that I may be unable to properly upgrade to additional OTA upgrades if there's a missmatch along the way. There was a confirmed update coming to move from LMY47E to LMY47M per T-Mo support , also confirmed by @askdes) but again, if I have some funky mismatched stuff, unsure if I can upgrade to LMY47E again and still expect to receive the OTA.
I'd love to have someone with more knowledge of these wonderful things weigh in on this. Educated opinions are always welcome, but someone with actual first-hand knowledge would be incredibly helpful to my sanity as well.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about relashing the factory image? Of course, this would wipe all data, config, apps, etc.

clairez said:
What about relashing the factory image? Of course, this would wipe all data, config, apps, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both for the replies. My course at this point seems to be "wait until M is up on the factory images page", which is what I suspected.
I have done a full factory flash of the LRX22C image, manually (since the script fails because of the newer bootloader) and it has still left me with the engineering build stamp showing. Any idea where that information is coming from? The image I used to flash back was the LRX22C for Shamu from developers <dot> google <dot> com/android/nexus/images. I would think that would have wiped the world (exception of the bootloader that doesn't know how to travel back in time; should really introduce that thing to Doc....). I'm not sure if it's because of the bootloader itself, or because of some other thing that just didn't get wiped properly. I flashed the radio, boot, cache, recovery, userdata, and system images initially, then re-flashed recovery to TWRP 2.8 after. Where does ro.build.fingerprint get it's information from? Is that all from the bootloader?

clairez said:
What about relashing the factory image? Of course, this would wipe all data, config, apps, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you can not flash an older bootloader So far for the developer phone At least HTC has S-Off.

gee2012 said:
But you can not flash an older bootloader So far for the developer phone At least HTC has S-Off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong (often am), but I thought several folks tried and succeeded with a factory image flash, by using the following methodology:
1. If your phone is showing OEM Unlock in the developer options and you can boot into recovery, then
2. Boot into android and remove all security
3. Set OEM Unlock and USB debugging
4. Perform several reboots to ensure OEM Unlock is persistent (if not, do not proceed)
5. Perform a factory reset/data wipe in recovery
6. Reflash the 5.01 factory image (or wait for 5.1 M version) using the manual method located here:
[TUTORIAL][GUIDE][HOW TO] Flash Factory Images || Unroot || Relock bootloader
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexu...shamu-t2954008
* Use Method 2 from this tutorial, Method 1 does not work
7. You can relock the bootloader as outlined in the tutorial.
8. At this point if all went as expected, the N6 is factory fresh and eligible for the OTA.
But before you proceed check out some of the other posts to ensure that others have succeeded. So many reports of bricked phones it is hard to tell what caused the problem.
I have used the above method several times, but only reflashing to a newer version.
Hope this helps ....
PS: I missed the mention of CM12! There are so many variables in your situation, I am unsure now that there is a way back. So many of the hard bricked cases involved CM12. Good luck, I hope you come out of this right side up!

mikecole79 said:
Thank you both for the replies. My course at this point seems to be "wait until M is up on the factory images page", which is what I suspected.
I have done a full factory flash of the LRX22C image, manually (since the script fails because of the newer bootloader) and it has still left me with the engineering build stamp showing. Any idea where that information is coming from? The image I used to flash back was the LRX22C for Shamu from developers <dot> google <dot> com/android/nexus/images. I would think that would have wiped the world (exception of the bootloader that doesn't know how to travel back in time; should really introduce that thing to Doc....). I'm not sure if it's because of the bootloader itself, or because of some other thing that just didn't get wiped properly. I flashed the radio, boot, cache, recovery, userdata, and system images initially, then re-flashed recovery to TWRP 2.8 after. Where does ro.build.fingerprint get it's information from? Is that all from the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same situation as you are, mine shows my build fingerprint as "google/omni_shamu/shamu:5.0.2/LRX22G/dees_troy020120939:eng/test-keys" I have gone through the same steps as you have and tried to reflash LRX22C. I guess we wait until the factory image!

wadsface said:
I am in the same situation as you are, mine shows my build fingerprint as "google/omni_shamu/shamu:5.0.2/LRX22G/dees_troy020120939:eng/test-keys" I have gone through the same steps as you have and tried to reflash LRX22C. I guess we wait until the factory image!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you flashed a custom kernel? Sounds like a non-google boot.IMG or something is on the device.

clairez said:
4. Perform several reboots to ensure OEM Unlock is persistent (if not, do not proceed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is absurd.
Unlocked is unlocked is unlocked.
The only thing that may not be persistent is the flag in the dev settings menu, ENABLE oem unlock.
Once you enable the unlock, you may *immediately* try to unlock it. If the enable setting isn't persistent, then it just won't unlock.
ONCE IT IS UNLOCKED, IT IS UNLOCKED. DON'T EVER LOCK IT AGAIN.

I also received that error when trying to sideload the OTA. The only modification I made was using a custom kernel, but I flashed the stock boot.img before attempting to sideload. So I'm not sure what could have caused the error?
I just read somewhere that we can get the sideload to work if a line in the updater script is deleted or modified. Has anyone else read this?

To sideload an OTA you need a stock recovery. I have been unable to sideload an OTA with a custom recovery installed since 5.0. The Dees Troy (guessing TWRP recovery) in the path is a dead giveaway that it is from the recovery. I don't think it is checking bootloader version when sideloading OTA.

android_mp99 said:
TI don't think it is checking bootloader version when sideloading OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is. OTA doesn't replace the bootloader. It patches the existing BL with the deltas - I.e. the code that have changed. Obviously the bootloader must be the exact expected version for a patch to work, so it is definitely being checked when you install an OTA, no matter what method you use..
If you patched the BL with an incorrect patch, you could very easily be facing a brick.

Then I'm guessing the people that were able to sideload the OTA with the new bootloader got lucky or are talking a bunch of BS (totally possible). I haven't tried it myself but I know for sure that the stock recovery is needed to sideload the OTA since 5.0 and the error reported earlier by some could be because of the recovery installed.

You definitely need stock recovery, yes

Since I have never updated my bootloader, I'm inclined to think it must be recovery. I was trying to sideload via TWRP.

doitright said:
[snip]
ONCE IT IS UNLOCKED, IT IS UNLOCKED. DON'T EVER LOCK IT AGAIN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many reasons that people want to have a locked bootloader, such as, among many other reasons, your employer requires it, for example.
rootSU said:
It is. OTA doesn't replace the bootloader. It patches the existing BL with the deltas - I.e. the code that have changed. Obviously the bootloader must be the exact expected version for a patch to work, so it is definitely being checked when you install an OTA, no matter what method you use..
If you patched the BL with an incorrect patch, you could very easily be facing a brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, OTA updates do not verify which bootloader your device is running, and they do NOT patch the bootloader -- they fully replace it.

android_mp99 said:
Then I'm guessing the people that were able to sideload the OTA with the new bootloader got lucky or are talking a bunch of BS (totally possible). I haven't tried it myself but I know for sure that the stock recovery is needed to sideload the OTA since 5.0 and the error reported earlier by some could be because of the recovery installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rootSU said:
You definitely need stock recovery, yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use TWRP as well. It just requires an edit to one line in the updater-script file.

efrant said:
There are many reasons that people want to have a locked bootloader, such as, among many other reasons, your employer requires it, for example.
No, OTA updates do not verify which bootloader your device is running, and they do NOT patch the bootloader -- they fully replace it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you're right, my mistake.
efrant said:
You can use TWRP as well. It just requires an edit to one line in the updater-script file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to have stock recovery to apply a stock ota. You could edit the updater-script for any amount of purposes, but that isn't really the point. The people who simply want to "check for updates" and use the standard mechanism to apply it, it will not work with twrp.

rootSU said:
You need to have stock recovery to apply a stock ota. You could edit the updater-script for any amount of purposes, but that isn't really the point. The people who simply want to "check for updates" and use the standard mechanism to apply it, it will not work with twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, ok, but we were talking about sideloading the OTA, no? You can sideload an OTA update file (or even flash it directly from your device) using TWRP just by editing one line. But yes, as far as clicking on "check for updates" and having it install that way requires the stock recovery.

efrant said:
Yeah, ok, but we were talking about sideloading the OTA, no? You can sideload an OTA update file (or even flash it directly from your device) using TWRP just by editing one line. But yes, as far as clicking on "check for updates" and having it install that way requires the stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You technically can. But then you edit the line, side load the ota via twrp, and immediately flash SuperSU to stop the updated system image from replacing the recovery.. It all seems a little pointless to me. If you're going to modify an ota (or download a modified ota) to side load from custom recovery rather than use a pre-rooted ROM.zip, it seems to add unnecessary steps.

[Q] rooted, unlocked, TWRP recovery, stock, Verizon OTA help

I have a Verizon Nexus 6 that is rooted, unlocked, custom TWRP recovery and stock running 5.1 build LMY47E and I am getting the OTA notification for the 5.1.1 update. I have searched a good deal of places and haven't found the answer to how I might go about getting the update. I have been out of the rooting game for several years, so I am rusty and need a little help. I wasn't sure if there was a way to take the update and stay rooted or if I have to completely undo everything back to stock. Any info would be a great help and appreciated.

I could be mistaken, but I don't think that you can take an OTA amd remain rooted. I think it will break root, and you will have to re-root.
What I would suggest is to just flash a custom ROM that is build on 5.1.1 like Beans' PureNexus. That is what I am running, and it is great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/rom-pure-nexus-project-t3148214

evolefty said:
I have a Verizon Nexus 6 that is rooted, unlocked, custom TWRP recovery and stock running 5.1 build LMY47E and I am getting the OTA notification for the 5.1.1 update. I have searched a good deal of places and haven't found the answer to how I might go about getting the update. I have been out of the rooting game for several years, so I am rusty and need a little help. I wasn't sure if there was a way to take the update and stay rooted or if I have to completely undo everything back to stock. Any info would be a great help and appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a.demarco said:
I could be mistaken, but I don't think that you can take an OTA amd remain rooted. I think it will break root, and you will have to re-root.
What I would suggest is to just flash a custom ROM that is build on 5.1.1 like Beans' PureNexus. That is what I am running, and it is great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/rom-pure-nexus-project-t3148214
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When installing a recovery, the updater script looks at system and boot. This means that you can not be rooted and and have the stock, encrypted kernel. You also need to have stock recovery to install the OTA.
You can download the 5.1.1 factory image from Google and flash the boot.img, system.img, bootloader.img, and radio.img. Then, while still in bootloader, select "recovery" and you will boot to TWRP where you can flash the SuperSU.zip.

a.demarco said:
I could be mistaken, but I don't think that you can take an OTA amd remain rooted. I think it will break root, and you will have to re-root.
What I would suggest is to just flash a custom ROM that is build on 5.1.1 like Beans' PureNexus. That is what I am running, and it is great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/rom-pure-nexus-project-t3148214
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA will not install when the device is rooted

cam30era said:
When installing a recovery, the updater script looks at system and boot. This means that you can not be rooted and and have the stock, encrypted kernel. You also need to have stock recovery to install the OTA.
You can download the 5.1.1 factory image from Google and flash the boot.img, system.img, bootloader.img, and radio.img. Then, while still in bootloader, select "recovery" and you will boot to TWRP where you can flash the SuperSU.zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just checked again and yes I am rooted, with TWRP and I also checked and the device is not encrypted, so maybe that is why I am getting the notification. I really appreciate your input on getting the update installed.

evolefty said:
Just checked again and yes I am rooted, with TWRP and I also checked and the device is not encrypted, so maybe that is why I am getting the notification. I really appreciate your input on getting the update installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get the notification. You just can't flash it.

I'm not sure there's been a full, satisfactory answer to this thread (or a few others). Would using something like Nexus Root Toolkit to 1) unroot 2) restore stock recovery, 3) accept the OTA. Will this work?
- Does this relock the bootloader? (Would we then have to unlock, thus wiping the device?)
- Can we successfully re-root and flash recovery? (Or will new 5.1.1 versions be needed?)
At some point, to get 5.1.1 going, should I just backup and flash the whole bloody image from Google?

DogzOfWar said:
I'm not sure there's been a full, satisfactory answer to this thread (or a few others). Would using something like Nexus Root Toolkit to 1) unroot 2) restore stock recovery, 3) accept the OTA. Will this work?
- Does this relock the bootloader? (Would we then have to unlock, thus wiping the device?)
- Can we successfully re-root and flash recovery? (Or will new 5.1.1 versions be needed?)
At some point, to get 5.1.1 going, should I just backup and flash the whole bloody image from Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- OTA`s will not install if the sytem, boot and recovery are modified in any way.
- Reflashing the stock image will NOT lock the bootloader
- And yes you can flash a custom recovery and reroot after updating.
Or flash the latest stock rom with TWRP from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/fxz-nexus-6-recovery-flashable-fastboot-t3066052.

gee2012 said:
- OTA`s will not install if the sytem, boot and recovery are modified in any way.
- Reflashing the stock image will NOT lock the bootloader
- And yes you can flash a custom recovery and reroot after updating.
Or flash the latest stock rom with TWRP from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/fxz-nexus-6-recovery-flashable-fastboot-t3066052.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the question that started this thread: My system is technically modified. Can I unroot and replace recovery, and now be in a sufficiently "unmodified" state? OR, do I have to lock the bootloader in order for the OTA to continue?
I think the OP and myself are trying to do the same thing: We're lazy, we don't want to wipe, we don't want to lose data, we just want the OTA without having to reflash the whole thing. Does anyone know if this is possible?

DogzOfWar said:
So the question that started this thread: My system is technically modified. Can I unroot and replace recovery, and now be in a sufficiently "unmodified" state? OR, do I have to lock the bootloader in order for the OTA to continue?
I think the OP and myself are trying to do the same thing: We're lazy, we don't want to wipe, we don't want to lose data, we just want the OTA without having to reflash the whole thing. Does anyone know if this is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best/easiest is to:
- fastboot erase system
- fastboot flash system system.img
- flash the stock boot and recovery.img if needed
- adb sideload the OTA in stock recovery
This will not wipe your device
And you don`t have to lock the bootloader ever unless you have too RMA it or send it in for service, OTA`s will even install with a unlocked bootloader.

DogzOfWar said:
So the question that started this thread: My system is technically modified. Can I unroot and replace recovery, and now be in a sufficiently "unmodified" state? OR, do I have to lock the bootloader in order for the OTA to continue?
I think the OP and myself are trying to do the same thing: We're lazy, we don't want to wipe, we don't want to lose data, we just want the OTA without having to reflash the whole thing. Does anyone know if this is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supplementing that: using the "unroot" function in SuperSU is not sufficient with Lollipop. It still leaves the vestiges of a few modified files that will cause an OTA to fail.
gee2012 said:
Best/easiest is to:
- fastboot erase system
- fastboot flash system system.img
- flash the stock boot and recovery.img if needed
- adb sideload the OTA in stock recovery
This will not wipe your device
And you don`t have to lock the bootloader ever unless you have too RMA it or send it in for service, OTA`s will even install with a unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gee2012 said:
Best/easiest is to:
- fastboot erase system
- fastboot flash system system.img
- flash the stock boot and recovery.img if needed
- adb sideload the OTA in stock recovery
This will not wipe your device
And you don`t have to lock the bootloader ever unless you have too RMA it or send it in for service, OTA`s will even install with a unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info and I really appreciate your input. What are your feelings on using Wug's toolkit to unroot and go back stock, take the update, then re-root and flash the custom recovery. I have never used a toolkit before, but that seems to be the popular method. Like I said at the beginning I am new to all of this, the last device I rooted and really messed around with was the droid x so bear with me as I am learning. I am currently reading about Wug's and will look at the method you just spoke of, but any info would be great.

evolefty said:
Thanks for the info and I really appreciate your input. What are your feelings on using Wug's toolkit to unroot and go back stock, take the update, then re-root and flash the custom recovery. I have never used a toolkit before, but that seems to be the popular method. Like I said at the beginning I am new to all of this, the last device I rooted and really messed around with was the droid x so bear with me as I am learning. I am currently reading about Wug's and will look at the method you just spoke of, but any info would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don`t like Toolkits tbh because like with all automated applications the unexperienced user has no idea whats going/has zero control over whats happening and if something goes wrong they can`t fix the issue. Imo its best to learn adb/fastboot/sideload.

gee2012 said:
I don`t like Toolkits tbh because like with all automated applications the unexperienced user has no idea whats going/has zero control over whats happening and if something goes wrong they can`t fix the issue. Imo its best to learn adb/fastboot/sideload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, and completely understand. I will do some reading on that method and again thanks for your help.

evolefty said:
Gotcha, and completely understand. I will do some reading on that method and again thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the sticky threads http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/nexus-6-sticky-roll-thread-t3061066, this is a good start. Adb and fastboot isn`t that hard but its very safe and effective

gee2012 said:
Read the sticky threads http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/nexus-6-sticky-roll-thread-t3061066, this is a good start. Adb and fastboot isn`t that hard but its very safe and effective
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do, and that is the method I used to root for the simple fact to learn.

evolefty said:
Will do, and that is the method I used to root for the simple fact to learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck

gee2012 said:
- OTA`s will not install if the sytem, boot and recovery are modified in any way.
- Reflashing the stock image will NOT lock the bootloader
- And yes you can flash a custom recovery and reroot after updating.
Or flash the latest stock rom with TWRP from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/fxz-nexus-6-recovery-flashable-fastboot-t3066052.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that link you sent I am not seeing the VZW version of 5.1.1. Can we use the "International" version?
Thank you.

needoZ said:
In that link you sent I am not seeing the VZW version of 5.1.1. Can we use the "International" version?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, use the LMY47Z build.

DogzOfWar said:
So the question that started this thread: My system is technically modified. Can I unroot and replace recovery, and now be in a sufficiently "unmodified" state? OR, do I have to lock the bootloader in order for the OTA to continue?
I think the OP and myself are trying to do the same thing: We're lazy, we don't want to wipe, we don't want to lose data, we just want the OTA without having to reflash the whole thing. Does anyone know if this is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader does not have to be locked to take an OTA. You can not be rooted or modified in any way however.
gee2012 said:
I don`t like Toolkits tbh because like with all automated applications the unexperienced user has no idea whats going/has zero control over whats happening and if something goes wrong they can`t fix the issue. Imo its best to learn adb/fastboot/sideload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I agree, once you have "paid your dues" and flashed without automation then the NRT is a great tool, so long as you have an understanding of what it is doing.

First timer XT1096 Root Help

So I've tried to do my due diligence researching but as a noob a lot of this is very confusing. My main goal is to have verizon unlimited tethering (currently ota 5.0) I installed and ran Kingroot thinking I could just edit the system/build.prop file and be on my way, that doesn't appear to work. So anyways I was wondering if I buy sunshine unlock my bootloader would I need to buy mofo to enable use of TWRP or would the KingRoot temp root work for that? Don't have much money at the moment and am trying to see if I can just pay for the Sunshine. Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated?

Root with Kingroot and unlock with Sunshine. Mofo not needed. Install a recovery to your liking.

Sorry if this is really basic but I'm just really nervous about missing something. So I ran sunshine unlocked my bootloader and have root, installed busybox and TWRP. I'm currently on 5.0 verizon OTA and want to flash this stock rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62785699&postcount=781 with G-apps. Don't I need to update my bootloader to 5.1? I'm assuming I do but most of the directions I've found are for doing that through mofo. Do you know where there is a bootloader img for 5.1 that I can flash through TWRP? Again sorry if this is really basic and thanks for any help. Also is there anything else I'm missing/forgetting that I would need to flash?

bengeo31 said:
Sorry if this is really basic but I'm just really nervous about missing something. So I ran sunshine unlocked my bootloader and have root, installed busybox and TWRP. I'm currently on 5.0 verizon OTA and want to flash this stock rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62785699&postcount=781 with G-apps. Don't I need to update my bootloader to 5.1? I'm assuming I do but most of the directions I've found are for doing that through mofo. Do you know where there is a bootloader img for 5.1 that I can flash through TWRP? Again sorry if this is really basic and thanks for any help. Also is there anything else I'm missing/forgetting that I would need to flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You absolutely do not want to upload your partition table (the gpt.bin file). Your Sunshine unlock is based in part on the original partition table in your phone and you may/will lose root if you update to the 5.1 gpt.bin. The post you are referencing is to upgrade the first release of 5.1 to 5.1 with the stagefright patch. You need to follow the upgrade instructions in the first post of that thread to be on 5.1 v23.32-25-3 before using the info in post 781 to patch that version to 23.32-25-5.
The short version of the process is to download this file: 5.1bins.7z Extract the files from the archive and then use these commands:
Code:
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
You will not flash the recovery.img file because you already have TWRP as your recovery.
After you do the above steps then select the option to go into recovery, when TWRP launches flash this file: xt1096-5.1-stock-20150820.zip After it flashes use the clear cache/dalvik button and then reboot the phone into 5.1 v23.32-25-3
Then you can use the instructions in post 781 to upgrade to 23.32-25-5, the current version. You have to do the first one, because the files in post 781 are patch files that only work with the -3 version. Clear as mud?

mikeoswego said:
You absolutely do not want to upload your bootloader (the gpt.bin file). Your Sunshine unlock is based in part on the original bootloader file in your phone and you will lose root if you update to the 5.1 bootloader. All the bootloader does is start up the phone, tell it to load the kernel and then it exits. It also handles fastboot flashing but there is no functional difference in the newer bootloader except to stop you from having root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you absolutely certain about this? I'm under the impression that once your bootloader is unlocked root is a simple matter of installing TWRP and SUPERSU.

mbkintner said:
Are you absolutely certain about this? I'm under the impression that once your bootloader is unlocked root is a simple matter of installing TWRP and SUPERSU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct that your bootloader must be unlocked to install TWRP and SuperSU which is all that is needed for root.
Unless you've gotten an unlock code from Motorola, you paid money to get your bootloader unlocked. If you flash a new bootloader, the verification bypass that allows you to run TWRP will no longer work. If you fastboot flash the new bootloader before upgrading the rom you would lose root because you would no longer be able to use TWRP to flash SuperSU for the new ROM. If you waited to flash the bootloader after flashing the new ROM, you could keep root but still not have TWRP to flash future updates. IF there becomes a way to unlock the new bootloader, then you can pay again to unlock that one to regain the ability to run TWRP. I've never tried to go backward on bootloader versions, there seem to be a lot of warnings about bricking phones by doing that.
If you have an unlock code from Motorola, lucky you, don't worry about any of this.

bengeo31 said:
Don't I need to update my bootloader to 5.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run 5.1 ROMs and kernels while staying on the 5.0 bootloader and partition table.

mikeoswego said:
You're correct that your bootloader must be unlocked to install TWRP and SuperSU which is all that is needed for root.
Unless you've gotten an unlock code from Motorola, you paid money to get your bootloader unlocked. If you flash a new bootloader, the verification bypass that allows you to run TWRP will no longer work. If you fastboot flash the new bootloader before upgrading the rom you would lose root because you would no longer be able to use TWRP to flash SuperSU for the new ROM. If you waited to flash the bootloader after flashing the new ROM, you could keep root but still not have TWRP to flash future updates. IF there becomes a way to unlock the new bootloader, then you can pay again to unlock that one to regain the ability to run TWRP. I've never tried to go backward on bootloader versions, there seem to be a lot of warnings about bricking phones by doing that.
If you have an unlock code from Motorola, lucky you, don't worry about any of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I double checked with jcase and others in the official Sunshine thread and can confirm that upgrading to the latest release, to include your bootloader, will not cause your bootloader to relock. Sunshine is not a bootloader bypass, it is a permanent unlock. You will lose root but as stated, simply install TWRP and SuperSu to regain it.
Start reading here to see the discussion. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62893130

mbkintner said:
I double checked with jcase and others in the official Sunshine thread and can confirm that upgrading to the latest release, to include your bootloader, will not cause your bootloader to relock. Sunshine is not a bootloader bypass, it is a permanent unlock. You will lose root but as stated, simply install TWRP and SuperSu to regain it.
Start reading here to see the discussion. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62893130
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another bit of internet lore shot down. Thanks for the info!