Moto G6 [ALI] - Replacing firmware to unlock phone questions - Moto G6 Questions & Answers

Hi folks, I'm looking at getting a Simple Mobile brand Moto G6 (specs line up with the ALI version, not the Play or Plus) through Best Buy for my wife since it is quite a bit cheaper than the normal price ($130 right now), and I'm expecting it to be preloaded with Simple Mobile's crapware which is part of why I'm looking at firmware for replacement.
It doesn't say what the exact model of the Simple Mobile phone is, but it's labeled "SMMTXT1925DG3P5P" and since it is being marketed in the USA, I would assume that it's the XT-1925-6. I could be wrong about that.
After speaking with a Best Buy rep at the store, it seems that the SIMple Mobile version of phones are locked to their service for the first 6 months, after which they give you a code to unlock the phone to be used as normal (quite the annoyance).
This leads me to a few questions:
Is the G6 ALI firmware listed here on XDA the unlocked version of the firmware?
I don't see any explicit version list that the 'stock' firmware is for. Does it work with the XT-1925-6?
If so, would using that firmware be the correct course of action for replacing the Simple Mobile brand firmware, or would there be a better solution?
Any input is appreciated.
Just FYI, I have experience with other (older, circa 2012 - 2015) android phones and devices rooting and flashing replacement ROMs, so not a complete novice at this kind of thing but out of the loop for a while.
Also - I had posted this a few days ago in the firmware thread, but lacking any response I thought this might be a better place to ask about it.
Best buy deal:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/simple-...?skuId=6288014
Previous post:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...&postcount=185
Forum admins: Please remove my previous post "SIMple Mobile Moto G6 [ALI] questions", as the title was not descriptive of what I'm trying to do and I didn't see any way to delete it myself.

BA20020 said:
Hi folks, I'm looking at getting a Simple Mobile brand Moto G6 (specs line up with the ALI version, not the Play or Plus) through Best Buy for my wife since it is quite a bit cheaper than the normal price ($130 right now), and I'm expecting it to be preloaded with Simple Mobile's crapware which is part of why I'm looking at firmware for replacement.
It doesn't say what the exact model of the Simple Mobile phone is, but it's labeled "SMMTXT1925DG3P5P" and since it is being marketed in the USA, I would assume that it's the XT-1925-6. I could be wrong about that.
After speaking with a Best Buy rep at the store, it seems that the SIMple Mobile version of phones are locked to their service for the first 6 months, after which they give you a code to unlock the phone to be used as normal (quite the annoyance).
This leads me to a few questions:
Is the G6 ALI firmware listed here on XDA the unlocked version of the firmware?
I don't see any explicit version list that the 'stock' firmware is for. Does it work with the XT-1925-6?
If so, would using that firmware be the correct course of action for replacing the Simple Mobile brand firmware, or would there be a better solution?
Any input is appreciated.
Just FYI, I have experience with other (older, circa 2012 - 2015) android phones and devices rooting and flashing replacement ROMs, so not a complete novice at this kind of thing but out of the loop for a while.
Also - I had posted this a few days ago in the firmware thread, but lacking any response I thought this might be a better place to ask about it.
Best buy deal:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/simple-...?skuId=6288014
Previous post:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...&postcount=185
Forum admins: Please remove my previous post "SIMple Mobile Moto G6 [ALI] questions", as the title was not descriptive of what I'm trying to do and I didn't see any way to delete it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.to be brutally honest with you Don't come on here thinking because you have rooted a few phones from 3-5 years ago you get what's going on. Root methods have changed since then especially for these phones the root for any g6 model is a little Advanced and there alot of junior members come on here thinking because they rooted a phone once they don't have to read anything in the guide then they wind up bricking there phone. 2. As long as it can be bootloader unlocked you should be able to flash the firmware for your device as long as you can 100% confirm it is the ali device but also if your flashing a firmware not made specifically for your phone you run into the risk of bugs and possible bootloop. 3. There different variants of the xt1925 some are like xt1925-1 or the Verizon model is xt1925-12 the tracphone version however is just plain xt1925. 4. Your best bet is either buying the g6 unlocked or wait 6 months to have it sim unlocked tbh

ninjakira said:
1.to be brutally honest with you Don't come on here thinking because you have rooted a few phones from 3-5 years ago you get what's going on. Root methods have changed since then especially for these phones the root for any g6 model is a little Advanced and there alot of junior members come on here thinking because they rooted a phone once they don't have to read anything in the guide then they wind up bricking there phone. 2. As long as it can be bootloader unlocked you should be able to flash the firmware for your device as long as you can 100% confirm it is the ali device but also if your flashing a firmware not made specifically for your phone you run into the risk of bugs and possible bootloop. 3. There different variants of the xt1925 some are like xt1925-1 or the Verizon model is xt1925-12 the tracphone version however is just plain xt1925. 4. Your best bet is either buying the g6 unlocked or wait 6 months to have it sim unlocked tbh
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the words of caution. I am extremely careful when it comes to modding my devices, and there have been a couple times when I decided against it for no other reason than I couldn't get thorough enough information and details about what I would be trying to do.
I will be purchasing this G6, I will check what model it is when I get it, and I will consider just keeping it on the Simple Mobile plan for 6 months if I think there's any likelihood of having issues with the replacement firmware. I've also been reading a bit about issues that people have been having with modding the bootloader just to get TWRP installed or bricking their phones, so I'm getting the picture that these aren't the easiest to work with. I will continue reading and try to be as prepared as possible if and when I decide to start in on the G6.

They aren't the hardest device to mod. @ninjakira has a great guide but I forget if it is for the G6 or 6 Play. Since he didn't reference it, I'm assuming it's for the G6 Play. When you get the device, feel free to post back for help on deciphering whether or not the device is truly an Ali. I suspect it is, but you will be helping out the community so that we can help future members that might get the SimpleMobile variant.
Now on to Simple Mobile, I hate tracphone with a passion. More so Simple Mobile then all the others. I will say I used Straight Talk for many years without any major problems. SimpleMobile was a nightmare. They lied to me multiple times about issuing a refund. They blocked the device, initially, from being used on another Tracphone service, and it wasn't even due to the 6 Month policy. I don't know their exact policy but the 6-month rule was never even brought up. Eventually, I had to go through Tracphone Corporate to get my refund. I also had issues with reception, but maybe it was device related. I didn't use the device long. It was a cheap ZTE prepaid just to get me by until I had the funds for a proper upgrade. I will never ever use Simple Mobile in anyway shape or form. The only reason I used them was because of the prepaid devices I looked at, it had the best specs.
Side note: Your links don't work. I guess you copy and paste the links from somewhere other than your address bar. Wherever you copied the links from, they were truncated (the ...) already. So you pasted the truncate url instead of the full url.

My guide is more or less a cleaned up and somewhat simplied one for the Moto g6 play, but from what I've read from the regular g6 thread it was similar to how we needed a patched boot.img and fstab file to turn off for encryption and dm verity but since magisk 16.7 all that's needed anymore is a patched twrp and then installing magisk which patches the boot.img and everything else needed to turn off force encryption and dm verity. As long as you take the time to fully read the guides you should be successful in achieving root on any of the Moto g6 variants though. Android 8 really is the game changer on all this and partly the reason it's harder to get custom roms going though because of all the new security updates. So once the devs become more well acquainted with Android 8 as well as gsi ( generic system images) and a/b partitions we should see a general improvement on custom rom development for all phones including ours like we have seen with Android 7 and below.

Xplorer4x4 said:
Now on to Simple Mobile, I hate tracphone with a passion. More so Simple Mobile then all the others. I will say I used Straight Talk for many years without any major problems. SimpleMobile was a nightmare. They lied to me multiple times about issuing a refund. They blocked the device, initially, from being used on another Tracphone service, and it wasn't even due to the 6 Month policy. I don't know their exact policy but the 6-month rule was never even brought up. Eventually, I had to go through Tracphone Corporate to get my refund. I also had issues with reception, but maybe it was device related. I didn't use the device long. It was a cheap ZTE prepaid just to get me by until I had the funds for a proper upgrade. I will never ever use Simple Mobile in anyway shape or form. The only reason I used them was because of the prepaid devices I looked at, it had the best specs.
Side note: Your links don't work. I guess you copy and paste the links from somewhere other than your address bar. Wherever you copied the links from, they were truncated (the ...) already. So you pasted the truncate url instead of the full url.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the warning about Simple Mobile. I will avoid them if at all possible, but first I would like to see what I can do with this phone when it arrives.
As for the links, I had copied and pasted a large portion of the original post to this one, and looks like it messed up the links. Let me try that again:
Best Buy - Simple Mobile - Moto G6 (not play or plus) Blue - 3GB RAM / 32GB Storage, new for $130:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/simple-mobile-moto-g6-blue/6288014.p?skuId=6288014
And for my other post that I linked to, it appears to have been deleted as this discussion superseded it.

I have received the phone, and it appears to be a XT-1925DL. This obviously complicates things.
This website seems to equate the 'DL' version to XT-1925-10 and gives an outline for getting TWRP setup on it:
http://androidbiits.com/root-motorola-moto-g6-xt1925-10-xt1925dl-blaine-easily/
Most of the stuff I'm seeing here on XDA is for 1925's 2 - 6.
Advice?

What did you end up doing with the phone? Did you get it unlocked?

DL is bootloader locked, for TracFone, Straight Talk, and other postpaid services

Related

[Q] Droid 4 in Canada (Rogers?)

I need a new phone with a physical keyboard. Was looking at the Droid4, which appears to have the best physical keyboard around, but am a bit of a newb at this stuff. My old HTC Dream (G1) is dying, and I need to figure this out sooner then later. Haha
Can it be unlocked to work on Rogers Wireless in Canada?
As of right now, no.
Dave Lister said:
As of right now, no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnx. Is it a case of no unlock? Or (lack of knowledge here) no GSM support?
Also, once an android device is rooted, is there an unlock app of some kind? Or?
demungtoe said:
Thnx. Is it a case of no unlock? Or (lack of knowledge here) no GSM support?
Also, once an android device is rooted, is there an unlock app of some kind? Or?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently GSM support is disabled in the firmware and AFAIK it will stay that way until Verizon releases an update to enable it.
Was a bit disappointing they do not have the global services available on the Droid 4. If your looking for a device with keyboard right now you may be able to pick up a used Droid 2 Global. I know those work up there as I had one when I was in Canada last year.
All I can say is, damn. I can't believe how messed up the mobile phone industry is. There is a device, I want to use it, so much so that I'm willing to pay the crazy $549.99 pricetag for it. However, they've decided that I'm not allowed to use it on my network. I hope chinese clones step up their game! Heh.
I was contemplating a droid3, however don't want to spend too much since I may want the droid4 once its actually usable.
I was contemplating picking up a motorola flipout for the meantime, cheap and weird looking!
Also, this probably isn't the right place for a question about this, but I'm at a loss as to what the heck unlock codes actually are (are they issued by the carrier? or hardware manufacturer?) and why there are numerous scammy websites selling them. Can anyone recommend a site I can do some reading about this on? About why I'll probably have to pay for one? I may need to know this if I pickup a different used phone.
The SIM Unlock codes are usually given by the carrier to their paid customers. Verizon will give them out if you have had an account in good standing for 6 months if I recall right.
As for sites to get the unlock codes, I cannot make any recommendations due to I have never paid for them. I have however seen on sites like deals extreme unlocker SIMs that go between the phone and the SIM but have no idea if or how well those work.
Also if you buy a used device you may be able to get one that has been SIM unlocked already. The SIM unlock is a one time task, even if the phone gets wiped or reset it will remain SIM unlocked.
I still keep my G1 as a spare. My next step from that was a TouchPro2 - it comes with WindowsMobile, but I'm running XDAndroid on it. It has an excellent keyboard. I think I still like the TP2 keyboard better than my D4's keyboard.
But, the TP2 has the exact same processor as the G1, and only a tiny bit more RAM. It has a much higher screen rez (800x480) but no faster hardware, so it is noticeably slow.
If I were you I'd look at picking up a used Droid3. I was considering the D3 as my next phone from the TP2, but waited instead for the D4 to come out. As it is, I'm finding that Verizon's 4G service is cutting out all the time on me, so it's still better as a 3G phone. And I'm heading off to Europe in a couple weeks, and will have to bring my G1 or my TP2 on the trip anyway.
Curses to Qualcomm, Motorola, and Verizon. Verizon for their stupid policies and selling a phone with full-featured hardware and intentionally crippled software. Motorola for their locked firmware that prevents end-users, who have legitimately paid for and *own* the damn hardware, from installing software on it as they see fit. Qualcomm for preventing end-users (again, who have legitimately paid for and *own* the hardware) from even seeing the specifications so that they can provide their own software.
demungtoe said:
All I can say is, damn. I can't believe how messed up the mobile phone industry is. There is a device, I want to use it, so much so that I'm willing to pay the crazy $549.99 pricetag for it. However, they've decided that I'm not allowed to use it on my network. I hope chinese clones step up their game! Heh.
I was contemplating a droid3, however don't want to spend too much since I may want the droid4 once its actually usable.
I was contemplating picking up a motorola flipout for the meantime, cheap and weird looking!
Also, this probably isn't the right place for a question about this, but I'm at a loss as to what the heck unlock codes actually are (are they issued by the carrier? or hardware manufacturer?) and why there are numerous scammy websites selling them. Can anyone recommend a site I can do some reading about this on? About why I'll probably have to pay for one? I may need to know this if I pickup a different used phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bell sells the Motorola XT860, I'm currently using it unlocked on Rogers without a hitch. The only issue, I'm not sure if this phone will get official ICS support... The devs are hacking away at getting all of the cool ICS features up and running though
You can probably find an XT860 on Kijiji, Craigslist or even eBay for a lot cheaper than the full Bell price... heck they were giving them away on 3 year contracts during xmas. You might want to check out the Droid3 forums in the meantime to get some more info on XT860
Fwiw, i'm in Ireland now and popped an Irish SIM into the phone. Interestingly enough, you can swap the SIM while the phone is powered on, in Airplane mode. It still didn't work, but the phone didn't complain about any SIM lock. But when I rebooted the phone, it complained then.
There are properties in /system/build.prop for enabling world-mode. I turned these on, but looking at the radio logcat, it seems that our current libril-xxx.so just doesn't support any GSM commands.
The interesting thing is that the Motorola Atrix has the same Qualcomm MDM6600 radio modem as this phone. I'm going to look for an Atrix ROM and see if I can kang some libril files from there to see if I can get any further. (Btw, I wrote the multimode RIL for the XDAndroid ROM; this sort of investigation is my specialty...)
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk
I hope they hurry with this. I want this phone now. Its ridiculous that users outside USA cannot use this phone.
Bump, any development?
HerrDarkShadow said:
Bump, any development?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the thread titled "Droid 4 for Hong Konger" in this forum for instructions on how to unlock GSM capability. This only came about a few days ago.
Dave Lister said:
Look at the thread titled "Droid 4 for Hong Konger" in this forum for instructions on how to unlock GSM capability. This only came about a few days ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it's still not stable from what I've read...
This phone is too early to jump into for me. I'll stick to my 4G Slide for now and check back on this device in a few months. Maybe development will pick up by then and they'll have the GSM thing sorted out
Bumping this again. Any news?
I'm in the same situation as OP. Need to upgrade phone (from a Desire Z) and want something with physical keyboard. Droid 4 seems like the best bet.
eksobr said:
Bumping this again. Any news?
I'm in the same situation as OP. Need to upgrade phone (from a Desire Z) and want something with physical keyboard. Droid 4 seems like the best bet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone worked fine for me on Rogers when I had it. I did a bunch of tweaking in order to get all of the functions working, but this was back in ICS. Also, no LTE is available...
But you're much better off going full touchscreen, just get used to it... I think keyboard phones are going the way of the dinosaur
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
eksobr said:
Bumping this again. Any news?
I'm in the same situation as OP. Need to upgrade phone (from a Desire Z) and want something with physical keyboard. Droid 4 seems like the best bet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
danifunker said:
The phone worked fine for me on Rogers when I had it. I did a bunch of tweaking in order to get all of the functions working, but this was back in ICS. Also, no LTE is available...
But you're much better off going full touchscreen, just get used to it... I think keyboard phones are going the way of the dinosaur
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK guys this is perfect timing.. and i dont have much support for th eextra tweaking issues we have in Canada, with some of these phones and roms..
Anyhow. Heres my story.. You will like the ending!!
Ive owned a Droid 3 (XT860-BELLMOBILITY) for over a year now.. I came from the original Milestone 1 from Telus Mobililty.
4 weeks ago I had my Droid 3 stolen from me in the laundry room of my condo.. Well it was more.. forgotten by me (i think it was lost there.. for sure!!) and some lucky sole got their hands on it.. I can now use google and its cached pages of kijiji to see that it wass posted the day of.. lol ive got the kid selling other goods so its only a matter of time before i force karma upon him
I took a risk, but being desperate QWERTYDROID junkies like we are, and bought an American Verizon Droid 3 (XT862)
--Keep in mind that i knew nothing about unlocking, rooting, restoring, and doing the whole ROM/Bootstrap/TWRP/SAFEBOOT etc.. Im 35, been into pc's since i was 15, but never into MAC or LINUX.
At this point ive bricked these phones and the next one i speak about dozens of times, while attempting to do the practice makes perfect sort of journey to see what works, what doesnt, what sometimes does, etc.. Its always ended up being able to use the original stock rom's with no problems. (sometimes bloatwear was anoying) but not much support for our radios and etc.
So i had a bit of trouble getting this verizon droid 3 up and running as verizon themselves gives us extra work by trying to secure the load up of the activation process. Either way.. it worked, and still does, and ive gotten a few roms working on it like all SteelDroid, CM10.1, MiniMoto, and possibly a couple others. but these were the ones that can and will work, with a bit of trial and error.
shoot gotta run for a few minutes. so i wanna post this so i dont lose it all.
PART 2 of this story to follow within an hour!! But ill give you a bit of a spoiler.
I am using a Droid 4 now.. as a poster said justr before me, he had many issues to get past, well so did I, but them came the huge hurdles to get over also..
Still have my droid 3 xt862 that was wanting to sell. though,, im still not for certain ready to part with it..
be back shortly sorry about this..
next part in next post
What happened????
Sent from my Galaxy S Relay
eksobr said:
Bumping this again. Any news?
I'm in the same situation as OP. Need to upgrade phone (from a Desire Z) and want something with physical keyboard. Droid 4 seems like the best bet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I'm aware, there shouldn't be any problem getting this to run on a GSM network outside the United States. If the phone is on ICS or JB the GSM is unlocked already. If you use any of the ROM's, there's a thread in the "Droid 4 Android Development" called "Enable GSM on any ROM Patch" which should fully enable it.
Sent from my XT894 using xda app-developers app
demungtoe said:
I need a new phone with a physical keyboard. Was looking at the Droid4, which appears to have the best physical keyboard around, but am a bit of a newb at this stuff. My old HTC Dream (G1) is dying, and I need to figure this out sooner then later. Haha
Can it be unlocked to work on Rogers Wireless in Canada?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Droid4, updated with android 4.1, and I can confirm you that it works with Rogers

Why should verizon/moto unlock our bootloaders?

It appears that there is a guy who is interning at Motorola that wants to get ahold of some bigwigs and help voice our frustration. Here is a link if you have any ideas, please share them!
http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/xty65/i_am_interning_at_a_major_fortune_500_company_who/
Why wouldn't they? They'll only lose the majority of the tech-geek community to other brands
DoubleYouPee said:
Why wouldn't they? They'll only lose the majority of the tech-geek community to other brands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some speculate that they hold a special contract with Verizon. This contract basically says: keep your bootloaders unlocked and you will be our flagship phone company. You will be in all our ads.
I just hope someone could post a convincing argument for that intern to use to further our cause.
jesusishere said:
Some speculate that they hold a special contract with Verizon. This contract basically says: keep your bootloaders unlocked and you will be our flagship phone company. You will be in all our ads.
I just hope someone could post a convincing argument for that intern to use to further our cause.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would they need to have a locked bootloader to have that contract?
VZW always said it ws for the "health" of the network. That rooted devices would cause it harm.
Well, one, the Nexus is unlocked so where is the concern there? and 2. I haven't heard of any gnex causing harm to the network.
I'm guessing its because when we all found wifi tether on the OG, the network suffered. lol
Here is the reason boot loaders are locked...
...and are likely to remain locked. It's because they don't want you messing with it. Read throughout the various Android forums and you will find over and over again people talking about how they screwed up their phone and got the carrier to replace it for them. I've seen some practically bragging about how they've screwed Verizon and got them to replace the phone 3 and 4 and more times. As long as this keeps happening, they will resist allowing unlocked boot loaders.
About the only way it will ever happen is if they went to a scheme like Asus has with it's transformer series tablets. Basically they lock it. But they also provide an unlocking tool. This unlocking tool basically has warnings all over it that say that if you do it, your warranty and any claim to support are void...and we do not want to hear from you. But even then on the Transformer Prime forum on XDA you hear people complaining about problems with their unlocked device and seeking advice on how to re-lock it so they can screw the company into taking it back (Asus also made unlocking an irreversible process).
For the manufacturers and carriers there is just no incentive to unlock them. By locking them they cede the enthusiast market to a large extent but that market is a drop in the bucket compared to the market as a whole.
vbhokiefan said:
VZW always said it ws for the "health" of the network. That rooted devices would cause it harm.
Well, one, the Nexus is unlocked so where is the concern there? and 2. I haven't heard of any gnex causing harm to the network.
I'm guessing its because when we all found wifi tether on the OG, the network suffered. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well nowadays all data plans are being metered anyways. If I buy 2GB per month why does Verizon care if its used on my laptop instead of my phone for example. There was a recent FCC lawsuit against Verizon for separate tethering charges because it went against some agreement they had when they bought the 4G spectrum.
ratman6161 said:
...and are likely to remain locked. It's because they don't want you messing with it. Read throughout the various Android forums and you will find over and over again people talking about how they screwed up their phone and got the carrier to replace it for them. I've seen some practically bragging about how they've screwed Verizon and got them to replace the phone 3 and 4 and more times. As long as this keeps happening, they will resist allowing unlocked boot loaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple, unlocking your bootloader voids the warranty and the user would agree to this before running the factory bootloader unlock program. There would also have to be an easy way to tell if the bootloader had been unlocked on a bricked phone.
spunker88 said:
Simple, unlocking your bootloader voids the warranty and the user would agree to this before running the factory bootloader unlock program. There would also have to be an easy way to tell if the bootloader had been unlocked on a bricked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a Verizon point of view, this remains problematic. The issue is that a user with a hardware problem that lost warranty support is likely to still be angry at Verizon for not supporting the phone; even somebody with a software issue who gets no help could express anger at Verizon and decide to leave the network for another carrier (where the cycle start again, probably.) It's a matter of control - it's hard enough supporting a ton of phones, it makes it even harder when you cannot even predict what's on the phone. And from Verizon's point of view, their brand is strong enough that they feel that they can exert this control without angering enough users to matter.
(Still, the reasons I listed above are easily solved if the OEMs provide all of the tools required to bring a phone back to stock...)
doogald said:
From a Verizon point of view, this remains problematic. The issue is that a user with a hardware problem that lost warranty support is likely to still be angry at Verizon for not supporting the phone; even somebody with a software issue who gets no help could express anger at Verizon and decide to leave the network for another carrier (where the cycle start again, probably.) It's a matter of control - it's hard enough supporting a ton of phones, it makes it even harder when you cannot even predict what's on the phone. And from Verizon's point of view, their brand is strong enough that they feel that they can exert this control without angering enough users to matter.
(Still, the reasons I listed above are easily solved if the OEMs provide all of the tools required to bring a phone back to stock...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
ratman6161 said:
...and are likely to remain locked. It's because they don't want you messing with it. Read throughout the various Android forums and you will find over and over again people talking about how they screwed up their phone and got the carrier to replace it for them. I've seen some practically bragging about how they've screwed Verizon and got them to replace the phone 3 and 4 and more times. As long as this keeps happening, they will resist allowing unlocked boot loaders.
About the only way it will ever happen is if they went to a scheme like Asus has with it's transformer series tablets. Basically they lock it. But they also provide an unlocking tool. This unlocking tool basically has warnings all over it that say that if you do it, your warranty and any claim to support are void...and we do not want to hear from you. But even then on the Transformer Prime forum on XDA you hear people complaining about problems with their unlocked device and seeking advice on how to re-lock it so they can screw the company into taking it back (Asus also made unlocking an irreversible process).
For the manufacturers and carriers there is just no incentive to unlock them. By locking them they cede the enthusiast market to a large extent but that market is a drop in the bucket compared to the market as a whole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really like this argument though, because most of those bricks are CAUSED by the locked bootloaders and other "security" put into place. These phones are just computers with radios inside. I've never bricked my (desktop or laptop) computer, and neither have most people, because computers have been designed such that the process that brings the computer up (the BIOS) is simple, reliable, and will load anything you tell it to, negating the need to mess with it.
The OG Droid was borderline software unbrickable, because you could leave the stock bootloader in place, and the stock bootloader was able to get you back home (SBF) by itself. If all phones were built like this today, and manufacturer's had a utility to restore the phone back to stock available on their website, the people returning devices due to softbricking would probably go way down, because a softbrick would be no big deal.

[Q] So I got a Moto X for free today... (AT&T XT1058)

And I've spent the past 1-2 hours reading around 50-ish threads and several hundred posts, and while I'm sure I already know the answer to this question I'm still going to ask it outright.
The specifics:
AT&T XT1058 pure stock Moto X running Android KitKat 4.4.4 as up to date as possible.
Is it rooted? NO
Is the bootloader unlocked? NO
Now, based on those two facts, and after reading all about SunShine (which is pretty awesome so thanks for that one, jcase and the crew that developed it), it seems if I want root then my only potential option at this point in time is "The Chinese Guy" if he's still in business to get a proper bootloader unlock which of course opens this device up entirely to whatever I might care to do.
Honestly the only reasons I care about root access would be for Titanium Backup (since I did purchase that in the past so it's like if I can't make full use of the app itself (because it requires root access to really do everything it's capable of doing) the money was more or less just given away for nothing, and a few other apps that require root level privilege (ES File Explorer root access, a few Wi-Fi tools, that's about it).
Of course, having the fully unlocked bootloader would let me play around with ROMs, kernels, and whatever I damned well please.
So the actual question I hinted at with the beginning of this post is:
For the moment, am I correct in the belief that my only option at all at this time meaning today and into the immediate foreseeable future to do anything with this device is "The Chinese Guy" ... if I want to be able to do more things with the device?
This is my second Moto X, the first one was the trial offer I took advantage of for a penny and I did enjoy the device while I had it, so when I got the chance to get one for free earlier today (traded a laptop for it that was also given to me) I jumped at it.
I understand that with 4.4.4 on it I can't roll back to any previous version, sadly, and that since SunShine requires root to even test the device (the temp root thing, ain't happening) that's a dead end leaving "The Chinese Guy" again as the only potential.
Just looking for a confirmation, that's all.
Thanks...
Yes, on the XT1058 from ATT with 4.4.4 on it, that is the latest rom/update, you can't downgrade (without risk of bricking the phone) and the China Middleman is the only hope of unlocking your bootloader and/or rooting. (to be clear, I mean the China Middleman doesn't actually root your phone, but once bootloader unlocked you will be able to root)
And yes, having an unlocked bootloader is the only way to flash any rom that isn't the stock Moto rom for the ATT XT1058.
And yes, Sunshine wont work since you can't even temp root 4.4.4.
I am not aware of any new root processes for 4.4.4 with locked bootloader coming, or ways to make Sunshine work on 4.4.4. If something newer is coming, it either wasn't announced yet, or I missed the announcement.
That being said, since it sounds like you got this phone used, rather than new.. who knows what the original owner did to it.. If it was someone who followed these boards, there is a SLIGHT chance they were trying to be tricky, and upgraded only parts of your phone to 4.4.4. Boot into FastbootAp/Bootloader mode, and check the version (second line from the top). If it is 30.B7, you're fully on 4.4.4 and you are stuck. If your bootloader is not 30.B7, then you might have a chance to downgrade your rom safely, and then use sunshine (post the version if its not 30.B7)
Thanks for the info, and yes the bootloader is 30.B7 (2014-06-23). Oh well... it is most definitely used but still in excellent condition (just some cosmetic scrapes and scuffs on the rubberized corners of the back cover). It's a good phone, a solid one, so I'll hang on to it for the time being, just need to get the carrier unlocked for use with T-Mobile but that'll be after the first of November.
It's a Moto X for free, I suppose I really shouldn't complain.
Just hit up jcase on IRC, who makes Sunshine. He's currently working on supporting XT1058 with 4.4.4 -- I have the same one, with the same bootloader. Wait a bit. Looks like he usually publishes stuff every few months. I think we may have an early Christmas gift. Well, it will cost us $25, though.
If he's able to do it then I'll look into it at that time, I may just offload this for a profit, not really sure at the moment. The camera is really depressing, was just outside taking some images here in downtown Las Vegas because we have this huge music festival this weekend (www.lifeisbeautiful.com) and the picture quality is just utterly abysmal - I tried the latest updated Motorola Camera app, Focal, Google Camera, and several others and they all just can't make the actual physical camera do anything decent. Exposures are always wrong, focus is seemingly permanently soft, there's no sharpness at all to most anything regardless of the lighting conditions, etc.
I could ramble on forever but, again it was free so I guess I'll shut up.
I had no idea that I posted something illegal my bad
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
I used the Chinese guy to unlock, and haven't looked back. I still run Stock w/ Root, and was worth the $45 to not worry about it anymore. If your gonna keep it, get the unlock code.
Well that Chinese middleman isn't responding to contacts by anyone at the moment so that's a dead end and this one was built on 11-11-2013 so he'd probably not be able to get me one anyway. I just got the carrier unlock code last night and used it without issues. I put it on craigslist along with the Motorola Skip I had and never used, maybe someone will want it. It's still a great phone, but for me, the lack of being able to root it or most anything else makes it basically not something I really need these days. I have a "dumbphone" that works fine and has done so for many years.
Thanks for the info and suggestions, peeps...

Should I return it?

Greets!
I lept before I looked and bought a G4 to replace my iPhone 6 and after some research, LG has a stick up their arse and is claiming they will never support unlocking the bootloader on the H811:
"Unfortunately, we have no plan to support bootloader unlock in previously launched models including H811 (T-Mobile) and H815 USA version."
http://goo.gl/ZpnLW5
**EDIT** I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. Please consider this before you make a return/exchange decision.
I WAS going to get a Nexus 6 to skip the noise (as a long time Nexus 4 user previously) but.. but.. the G4 seems so much sexier in a way.
I'm not the biggest fan of iOS myself however, I've learned to live with it after working at Applecare for some years.. At least there is a 8.4 jailbreak.
Thankfully, I have a perfect excuse to return the G4 without a restocking fee (their cash register locked up and they couldn't provide a receipt NOR could phone support OR EVEN retail support), I'll simply state that without a receipt - I could not participate in the G4 promotion for free batteries, SD card, etc. (Watch next they won't be able to process a return at all or something, my luck).
Regardless of reason, It'll be a huge regret to hang on to the G4 if I have to put up with T-Mo's Bloatware long term - rootability was the only reason I switched back from the dark side. No one can see the future - but dear XDA fellows, is there any hope for a workaround without LG's grace to unlock the bootloader or should I simply return it and keep using my perfectly working iPhone for now?
rockerrock said:
Greets!
I lept before I looked and bought a G4 to replace my iPhone 6 and after some research, LG has a stick up their arse and is claiming they will never support unlocking the bootloader on the H811:
"Unfortunately, we have no plan to support bootloader unlock in previously launched models including H811 (T-Mobile) and H815 USA version."
http://goo.gl/ZpnLW5
I WAS going to get a Nexus 6 to skip the noise (as a long time Nexus 4 user previously) but.. but.. the G4 seems so much sexier in a way.
I'm not the biggest fan of iOS myself however, I've learned to live with it after working at Applecare for some years.. At least there is a 8.4 jailbreak.
Thankfully, I have a perfect excuse to return the G4 without a restocking fee (their cash register locked up and they couldn't provide a receipt NOR could phone support OR EVEN retail support), I'll simply state that without a receipt - I could not participate in the G4 promotion for free batteries, SD card, etc. (Watch next they won't be able to process a return at all or something, my luck).
Regardless of reason, It'll be a huge regret to hang on to the G4 if I have to put up with T-Mo's Bloatware long term - rootability was the only reason I switched back from the dark side. No one can see the future - but dear XDA fellows, is there any hope for a workaround without LG's grace to unlock the bootloader or should I simply return it and keep using my perfectly working iPhone for now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got mine today and will be very disappointed if there is no way to unlock bootloader. I took for granted that it would be able to be done. May return now....
Really considering returning for this issue as well. I jumped from the S6, and may jump back. Still undecided.
Just because LG does not officially support an unlocked bootloader does not mean anything. Of all the devices that have bootloaders that are unlocked on this site, do you know how many of them came right from the device manufacturer?
I mean, you can do what you want as it is your device and your life, but ALL of our devs ALREADY have Root Access (just working on a safe method before it is released to the rest of the G4 community) and I am pretty sure bootloader will follow pretty close behind that, and even if not with just Root Access you can still do SO many great things that at that point the locked bootloader kind of ceases to be a big deal anyway.
......But again, do what you want and all that.
Z3ldaFan88 said:
Just because LG does not officially support an unlocked bootloader does not mean anything. Of all the devices that have bootloaders that are unlocked on this site, do you know how many of them came right from the device manufacturer?
I mean, you can do what you want as it is your device and your life, but ALL of our devs ALREADY have Root Access (just working on a safe method before it is released to the rest of the G4 community) and I am pretty sure bootloader will follow pretty close behind that, and even if not with just Root Access you can still do SO many great things that at that point the locked bootloader kind of ceases to be a big deal anyway.
......But again, do what you want and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
You have assuaged my concerns........for now
I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.
I'm going to get the nexus 6... S6 is to small for me.... This phone will take months to see an unlock bootloader and than months to see aosp.... G3 was different cause it came unlocked
I will say that it always amazes me how people expect unlock and root and AOSP to be out within a few days of a device release. Seriously...these devices are much more difficult to root and unlock than those from a year or two or three ago. Processor tech as well as addition of selinux has made this both more tricky and time consuming to develop. On top of that, they have SOO many more added hardware sensors and gadgets that AOSP takes more time to debug to get a proper build out.
Root/Unlock is in the works...as is AOSP....I know of one AOSP based dev working on the device tree now.
Personally, I think it is always a mistake to buy something if you don't at least love it as it comes out of the box.
*Edit: Regarding OP's issues with the sales process, that just sucks bro. I'd be royally P***ed at that.
rockerrock said:
I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries buddy. I completely understand your frustration based on the entirety of your situation and I do not fault you for being upset/aggravated in the least.
I also did not take your post as you being "whiny" or anything of the sort either, Your concerns are essentially the same ones all of us had the first couple of days (or at least a lot of us did, myself included). I just happened to have already put in enough time with the G4 to be able to know that it is still a rock solid device even in its stock form.....and since we are all but guaranteed to have a public Root method at this point, one day it is just going to end up being that much better.
So rest assured you made a great decision by keeping the G4 (especially over an iPhone) and it will not disappoint.
.......If you have any other questions or concerns about our device I am only a couple clicks away and would be more than happy to answer any questions that I can for ya......Now stop reading this and go play with that damn phone, lol.
Th3Bill said:
I will say that it always amazes me how people expect unlock and root and AOSP to be out within a few days of a device release. Seriously...these devices are much more difficult to root and unlock than those from a year or two or three ago. Processor tech as well as addition of selinux has made this both more tricky and time consuming to develop. On top of that, they have SOO many more added hardware sensors and gadgets that AOSP takes more time to debug to get a proper build out.
Root/Unlock is in the works...as is AOSP....I know of one AOSP based dev working on the device tree now.
Personally, I think it is always a mistake to buy something if you don't at least love it as it comes out of the box.
*Edit: Regarding OP's issues with the sales process, that just sucks bro. I'd be royally P***ed at that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones by this time should have already developers tweeting about the root of the g4.... Not one of them has announced that they are working on a root or unlock method.....
Upstreammiami said:
Phones by this time should have already developers tweeting about the root of the g4.... Not one of them has announced that they are working on a root or unlock method.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't done much searching, have you? jcase has posted MANY times on xda about it and has released a number of videos on youtube proving he has his phones rooted. autoprime has as well. Then, 2 days ago, thecubed announced they're working on it and are making progress.
Funny how you feel there should be a "timeframe" where thing should/must be done on a phone. Nothing like having some patience.
So, let me ask you this...would you rather they work on it and make a proper, safe release of unlock and root, or hurry it and potentially leave you with a brick?
Th3Bill said:
Haven't done much searching, have you? jcase has posted MANY times on xda about it and has released a number of videos on youtube proving he has his phones rooted. autoprime has as well. Then, 2 days ago, thecubed announced they're working on it and are making progress.
Funny how you feel there should be a "timeframe" where thing should/must be done on a phone. Nothing like having some patience.
So, let me ask you this...would you rather they work on it and make a proper, safe release of unlock and root, or hurry it and potentially leave you with a brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing like wanting someone to do you a favor and trying to tell them they are not doing it fast enough, eh.
.....I understand people be excited (as I am sure this guy is/was) but NEVER should you put the safety of your device (or EVERYONE on XDA for that matter) as a second class priority just because you want your Root Access now.
Also unless you are posted up in the Root Bounty thread (and actually pay out) then you really have no right to complain about anything as you are just basically trying to ride someone else's coat-tails and benefit from other people putting their devices and hard earned money up to show their respect and appreciation to our devs.
Also unless you are posted up in the Root Bounty thread (and actually pay out) then you really have no right to complain about anything as you are just basically trying to ride someone else's coat-tails and benefit from other people putting their devices and hard earned money up to show their respect and appreciation to our devs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Count me in for $20 via PayPal. I'll post on the bounty thread soon as I have the money available
Now that I have actually used the G4 for awhile, I'm satisfied with it. The most apparent annoyance so far is some noticeable lag when carrying out tasks/app switching. I'm happy my generic OBD scanner pairs just fine (dtto on iOS) and I'm back to using aCar and other apps I've been missing.
rockerrock said:
I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you called your card company and disputed the charge, if a receipt would magically appear?
Patience young turd burglar. G3 seemed to be hopeless until the TWRP exploit was found. Next time do some research before purchasing if you want instant gratification (oooohhhh myy). Otherwise be patient for the other developers to releases a safe method
Its kinda weird hearing about all these situations where the store computer locked up and cant give receipts. Funny cus when i went to get my nexus 6 for 0 down, the rep said "oh darn, i closed the transaction window and i cant print a receipt now, sorry" hmmm. I smell a whole sea of fish here....

Verizon Z3 - LTE Bands?

Hello,
I am looking to purchase a Verizon Z3 (not the Play version that's available on amazon) and I was wondering if anyone knew which LTE bands are available? I will be using AT&T and I need Band 4 and Band 17 in my area. Can anyone confirm that the Verizon version of the Z3 has these? Thanks in advance.
MrBaltazar said:
Hello,
I am looking to purchase a Verizon Z3 (not the Play version that's available on amazon) and I was wondering if anyone knew which LTE bands are available? I will be using AT&T and I need Band 4 and Band 17 in my area. Can anyone confirm that the Verizon version of the Z3 has these? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure of the answer to your actual question, but wanted to point out that based on the past moto devices and Verizon, that you'll be guaranteeing yourself a device who's bootloader you will never be able to unlock.
Just wanted to mention that, not sure if it matters to you. And possibly you're aware of this already too.
Hi,
you´ll find the specs here.
I think the phone will be locked to verizon inside the US and is only "Internationally unlocked".
you can use it outside the US with any carrier.
Sam_11 said:
Hi,
you´ll find the specs here.
I think the phone will be locked to verizon inside the US and is only "Internationally unlocked".
you can use it outside the US with any carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Buy from Motorola directly, unlocked for global use.
Don't install sim untill you unlock bootloader & Root is done. If the bands you are interested in using are not engaged then use qcom tool software to turn them on.
Maheshwara said:
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you in 2 weeks, i've bought one today.
Gesendet von meinem Moto Z (2) mit Tapatalk
Maheshwara said:
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
Mental1 said:
Buy from Motorola directly, unlocked for global use.
Don't install sim untill you unlock bootloader & Root is done. If the bands you are interested in using are not engaged then use qcom tool software to turn them on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
If you bought it directly from Motorola and it was shipped from China, so it's the 6GB RAM Version with ZUI Firmware?
wanb1i said:
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
Maheshwara said:
If you bought it directly from Motorola and it was shipped from China, so it's the 6GB RAM Version with ZUI Firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, 4gb ram/64gb storage, Verizon Bloatware.
---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:09 PM ----------
Mental1 said:
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's because it's a Z3 "PLAY", not a Z3 which is "LOCKED" to Verizon from the factory. :crying: Mine's on eBay if anyone want's to buy it.
Verizon bloatware is easily disabled. I've had no trouble with ads. Anyone who buys a Verizon phone should know they're usually not bootloader unlockable if you're sophisticated enough to consider unlocking it. My phone's working great so ymmv.
Mines from Verizon but it's unlocked out of the box. Yes the bootloader is locked, but I can use the phone with T-Mobile etc...
wanb1i said:
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, not sure where you're getting this all from?
I bought a Z3 from the Verizon store at $480 it is a steal for this caliber of phone. It is NOT LOCKED, I was able to use it on AT&T and T-Mobile with no issue. Only thing that happens is when you reboot the phone it says "Sim card not from Verizon". Just swipe on the notification and it disappears and does not come back unless you reboot. Any of the Verizon apps are easily disabled and I do not have any ads of any sort, a pretty close to pure android experience. If you have ads, maybe you have a Z3 play Amazon version? not sure if they even made one for z3. I'm so confused on where you're getting ads from?
Also the screen is definitely glass...also don't know where you're getting this from. I also dropped my phone, no cracks, but display has a big blue spot on it. Was told that if there is no crack, it will be fixed for free. Even if they do find that there is physical damage, they will replace it for $150, which I think is more than reasonable. Just sent it off on the weekend so I'll find out soon. I wish there was a z3 force, would gladly deal with the plastic screen in order not to have to worry about it cracking. My Droid Turbo 2 was wonderful because of that.
Overall the z3 has been a great phone, the side fingerprint reader is awesome too. Was a bit worried about it, but got used to it pretty quick. Now that I sent mine in, I'm having to use my old Z droid, and realizing how a front fingerprint reader is not as convenient as a side one.
So I'm very curious, where did you find a Z3, that is locked, with ads and with a plastic screen? you sure you have a z3?
I have owned Verizon only version phones, from the Droid Turbo, Droid Turbo 2 and now the Z3, all of them have been able to work on any network as long as the bands match up, and I've been able to use them in many countries and in the US with no issue.
gbhsaturn said:
So I'm very curious, where did you find a Z3, that is locked, with ads and with a plastic screen? you sure you have a z3?.
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In the event you are unaware, there are malicious apps capable of displaying apps on a user's device. Being that Amazon only offers the Z3 Play, which is impossible to confuse with a VZ branded device, this leads credibility to this being the problem.
Reviewers seem to like the screen, so pethaps they have a different Moto phone altogether? Who knows. VZ carries other Moto devices.
Mental1 said:
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
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I need this info!!!!! Where did you get it done? I don't mind having to pay $$ for it... As long as it's not $$$$$$$$$$ lol
Lord_Worm said:
I need this info!!!!! Where did you get it done? I don't mind having to pay $$ for it... As long as it's not $$$$$$$$$$ lol
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One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
Mental1 said:
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
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Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. I'm wondering where to find a little guiding on this: I posted elsewhere in the forum, but I spoke directly with a Motorola rep and they confirmed I was shipped a factory firmware test model. I'm not even sure what that means exactly. I know that I have modified several system files and actually had them stick, and now I'm wondering if I can flash a different firmware, and be on a different software channel altogether without bricking my device. My ultimate goal is bootloader unlock and root, but alas, every thing I read online says otherwise. I still would like to humor the thought of a possibility @ unlocking my bootloader without any crazy bootstomp vulnerability exploit
Mental1 said:
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
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Yeah, I find it terribly odd that it says that the Moto Z3 Play isn't a supported device. Are you sure you're telling the truth over there? Sounds almost gimmicky to me. No offense sir, but I literally just went through the process with them.
Lord_Worm said:
Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. I'm wondering where to find a little guiding on this: I posted elsewhere in the forum, but I spoke directly with a Motorola rep and they confirmed I was shipped a factory firmware test model. I'm not even sure what that means exactly. I know that I have modified several system files and actually had them stick, and now I'm wondering if I can flash a different firmware, and be on a different software channel altogether without bricking my device. My ultimate goal is bootloader unlock and root, but alas, every thing I read online says otherwise. I still would like to humor the thought of a possibility @ unlocking my bootloader without any crazy bootstomp vulnerability exploit
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Normally I do all my devices, cells, tabs and tv but I've been so busy I couldn't do any major research before attempting mental melt down. The one thing I can say is while watching it be done, they went directly through Moto site for the unlocking of the BL. After that the process from there was your standard adb & fb commands. Now they did download a "Official Firmware" file, flashed it, used Magisk, reflashed again and done. I read the same good & bad crap online as you and basically once you get it done , redo it your own way. The hard part is done, lol. It has been running great since done months ago. I made a change or two since then and still no issues. If I get a chance, I'll post the zip file they used and firmware pkg if it helps you.
Mental1 said:
Normally I do all my devices, cells, tabs and tv but I've been so busy I couldn't do any major research before attempting mental melt down. The one thing I can say is while watching it be done, they went directly through Moto site for the unlocking of the BL. After that the process from there was your standard adb & fb commands. Now they did download a "Official Firmware" file, flashed it, used Magisk, reflashed again and done. I read the same good & bad crap online as you and basically once you get it done , redo it your own way. The hard part is done, lol. It has been running great since done months ago. I made a change or two since then and still no issues. If I get a chance, I'll post the zip file they used and firmware pkg if it helps you.
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I'll take a picture of the boot up screens showing the unlocked bootloader and post them.

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