Do google know that we've unlocked the bootloader? - Pixel C Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Do google know that we've unlocked the bootloader? (as Sony do as they ask for email adresses etc and confirm the ulock)
Wondering about warranty.

there is a notice about unlocking of bootloader may violate warranty . thing is it is stated in a somewhat vague manner, it is not like CAUTION YOU ARE ABOUT TO VIOLATE WARRANTY but rather worded like you may be in violation of warranty. anyway, i think it does violate and yes there is most likely a software switch that sets a value in hardware register which can be recovered to determine that the bootloader was unlocked. if you have the least bit of concern do not unlock.

dkryder said:
there is a notice about unlocking of bootloader may violate warranty . thing is it is stated in a somewhat vague manner, it is not like CAUTION YOU ARE ABOUT TO VIOLATE WARRANTY but rather worded like you may be in violation of warranty. anyway, i think it does violate and yes there is most likely a software switch that sets a value in hardware register which can be recovered to determine that the bootloader was unlocked. if you have the least bit of concern do not unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks.
One last google noob question; does rooting usually need an unlocked bootloader?
On xperia root is more difficult to achieve with a locked bootloader, but can be done, thanks to the devs.
I guess I will read the 6P thread to get a feel for the situation.
Cheers again.

i do not know if it is possible, in practice as far as i know it is necessary to unlock if any modification is wanted. recently it is popular to gain root without mod of /system partition. hopefully that is what is achieved with the pixel c.
edit: never done this but, fastboot boot recovery recovery.img then flash a superuser from temp recovery. however it seems you would still be restricted from mod of /system
in future.

dkryder said:
i do not know if it is possible, in practice as far as i know it is necessary to unlock if any modification is wanted. recently it is popular to gain root without mod of /system partition. hopefully that is what is achieved with the pixel c.
edit: never done this but, fastboot boot recovery recovery.img then flash a superuser from temp recovery. however it seems you would still be restricted from mod of /system
in future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use fastboot boot then you do not need to specify a partition (only if using fasboot flash *partition* image.img).
The device is still very new but im sure a custom recovery will be released soon so an easy root can be achieved.
MArk.

mskip said:
If you use fastboot boot then you do not need to specify a partition (only if using fasboot flash *partition* image.img).
The device is still very new but im sure a custom recovery will be released soon so an easy root can be achieved.
MArk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sure hope so. That's one of the only things keeping me from buying it already. It's kind of worrisome that the development forums are almost completely dead (save for the one thread trying to get root without a custom recovery, of course). I guess I'm just spoiled by using only Nexus devices, so having very active development is usually the norm.

well, the thing was only a rumor about sales start up until a report in a german site on 12/5 or so that sales would start 12/8 and then on 12/8 a confirm that at 1pm eastern u.s.a. sales would begin. talk about giving people a decent notice about a device this pixel c was a new low for google. it's almost they decided to sell them as android tablet at last moment instead of tossing in trash as a complete failure as chrome os tablet so, yeah, it will take a while for anyone that has skill to develop this device to ante up the funds and take delivery. if bootloader remains locked and boot temp recovery to flash supersu does that restrict the root in any way? i am just curious about this as my bootloader is unlocked.

Related

Difference between rooting and unlocking bootloader

I just want to know the difference
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
SanderTheNinja said:
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
with an unlocked bootloader, then you are able to root your phone and install custom roms and overclock and root stuff.
an unlocked bootloader is something you must do before having full access to your phone
scott_doyland said:
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, you can only get root if you unlock your bootloader.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Root
Rooting a device is a method to gain full access to the operating system. With root you can do all the administrative stuff, write to locations normally restricted to the system and customize your device deeper.
Root enhances your privileges and you are able to change almost anything inside of your rom.
The rooting, however, affects ONLY your operating system (Android)
Unlocked Bootloader
In most devices, the Bootloader is the instance that calls the operating system (Android) and manages direct access to the device's partitions. Having an unlocked bootloader enables you to flash custom roms, custom kernels, recoveries and so on.
Bootloader and Rooting Teamplay
Often it is the case, and so, too in our devices, that a locked bootloader also locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader. Rooting needs write access to the system partition (for storing the superuser binary and the superuser app)
Without unlocked bootloader, only a temporary half-root can be achieved.
Thanks alot guys
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
prdonja said:
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do some research. There are hundreds of posts on this topic.
scott_doyland said:
Of course there is a difference. Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps.
Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
OP - There is plenty of info elsewhere, don't be lazy, just do some reading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
19 months after the question was asked, i just happened to be wanting to answer the same question for myself, so I searched and found this thread...
I am happy he asked the question, as it was the first answer I saw in google search... so maybe he could also have done a search 19 months ago, but his question was useful to me, and your response seemed rude and unnecessary. You never know who may benefit from a little generosity.
Mark.
scott_doyland said:
Do some research. There are hundreds of posts on this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that you're not rude (even though you sounded so). You replied what was correct and appropriate.
But my research for the question in question (pun unintended) on google pointed me straight to this very thread.
So, it would be greater if someone had posted some more good links besides their rude looking remark (again, not rude, but just looking so).
theq86 said:
Root
Rooting a device is a method to gain full access to the operating system. With root you can do all the administrative stuff, write to locations normally restricted to the system and customize your device deeper.
Root enhances your privileges and you are able to change almost anything inside of your rom.
The rooting, however, affects ONLY your operating system (Android)
Unlocked Bootloader
In most devices, the Bootloader is the instance that calls the operating system (Android) and manages direct access to the device's partitions. Having an unlocked bootloader enables you to flash custom roms, custom kernels, recoveries and so on.
Bootloader and Rooting Teamplay
Often it is the case, and so, too in our devices, that a locked bootloader also locks write access to several partitions like the system partition. This is the reason why rooting is not able without unlocked bootloader. Rooting needs write access to the system partition (for storing the superuser binary and the superuser app)
Without unlocked bootloader, only a temporary half-root can be achieved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this useful info
I agree. It is the autumn of 2014, and I've been reading webpages until my eyes are bleary. This is the 1st thread that actually explains how the two concepts relate rather than descending into buttonology. I think the OP's question hits the nail on the head (well, one of them at least) and he doesn't need to be treated in a demeaning manner.
Wow, 1 year after last post, I thanked he asked this question! Was thinking as same as u, loll
fredphoesh said:
19 months after the question was asked, i just happened to be wanting to answer the same question for myself, so I searched and found this thread...
I am happy he asked the question, as it was the first answer I saw in google search... so maybe he could also have done a search 19 months ago, but his question was useful to me, and your response seemed rude and unnecessary. You never know who may benefit from a little generosity.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root vs bootloader
If i have an unlocked bootloader can i install apps that require root. Will they still work even though im not rooted?
Deogracias said:
If i have an unlocked bootloader can i install apps that require root. Will they still work even though im not rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert, but here's my understanding from months of reading up on this: Unlocking the bootloader lets you install a program known as Recovery, which is another program that lets you install operating systems, e.g., stock Android, CyanogenMod. Whether you have root or not is determined by settings made after the operating system is installed. So unlocking a bootloader is different from root. You can have either one without the other. However, I am also left with the impression that software that helps you unlock the bootloader also give you root (and perhaps vice-versa). This dual functionality is designed into the software, but they are separate things which don't have to both happen.
I just reviewed my answer and realized that it doesn't really address the quoted question very directly. Unfortunately, there is no "delete" function. So hopefully, it helps a bit. As further info, I unlocked bootloader, changed the Recovery, and replaced the native Android OS from Koodo with CyanogenMode. However, I did not root. Hopefully, someone else can chime in with further experience.
I've been wondering about this for years, as well. I don't feel confident doing things to my phone that I don't understand. I'm sure I'll never have a thorough understanding, as I'm not a programmer, but even a rough one would suffice. This is the same reason why I will only attempt certain operations on my car -- if I muck it up, I'm boned.
I rooted my phone (or maybe unlocked the bootloader?) a couple years ago, and never got around to doing anything else with it, because I couldn't figure out how to "do a recovery" (still don't know what that means, exactly). Or maybe I unlocked the bootloader, and never rooted it? I'm still confused. I see LOADS of folks who throw the terms around, whom I suspect, actually have no clue. I have a Verizon S4 MDK 4.2.2, and I just now finished the process -_- Better late than never? Now, I'm trying to decide if it's worth the headache, and possible risk, of installing custom ROMs, etc. Also, I know my phone is "SO old!!' and blah-blah-blah. At least if I screw things up now, I can get a new phone with a new contract, etc.
I really wish Verizon weren't such dirtbags about the locked bootloader thing.
No
SanderTheNinja said:
There is no difference. If you unlock bootloader you can gain root.
Sent from my Wildfire S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heee is full difference between rooting and unlocking bootloader
Rooting - Administrative access to the entire file system including the ability to change system files such as installing system-wide ad-blocker by modifying the host file on your device, or uninstalling system apps, such as bloatware that comes pre-installed on your device. Without root, one can only see files in root directory instead of editing them. Some alps and mods only work with root.
Unlocking bootloader- To understand this term, one need to know the meaning of bootloader first. In simple terms, bootloader is like a person which checks many functions at the time of boot. It's on of the most important part and boots the first. Unlocking bootloader means asking that person to give us rights to do some modifications in our device like flashing custom recovery, rom etc.
prdonja said:
How to unlock bootloader ,but the way that I can lock it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB

Question on root and unlock bootloader

I am new to the nexus 7.
Can I root without unlocking the broader?
What is the side effect of unlocking the boot loader?
Is there existing method to root without installing customer recovery?
Thanks
macaumen said:
I am new to the nexus 7.
Can I root without unlocking the broader?
What is the side effect of unlocking the boot loader?
Is there existing method to root without installing customer recovery?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is currently no known way to root without unlocking the bootloader and using a custom recovery.
Unlocking the bootloader allows you more control over the tablet. Specifically to install custom recovery, ROMs, etc. Most of the benefits from an unlocked bootloader are things you do from a custom recovery, not through the bootloader itself. The only real negative 'side effects' are that you lose some of the safety benefits, since you can do dangerous things if you don't know what you are doing, and that it may void your warranty.
So, if want to root, I must unlock bootloader?
Well I still get ota with bootloader unlocked?
macaumen said:
So, if want to root, I must unlock bootloader?
Well I still get ota with bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes
2. Technically you can, but not recommend; just wait for the rooted stock and flash that.
teh roxxorz said:
1. Yes
2. Technically you can, but not recommend; just wait for the rooted stock and flash that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding your #2, there is no reason not to unlock the bootloader to get OTA updates. The only thing that breaks OTA is custom recovery.
phonic said:
Regarding your #2, there is no reason not to unlock the bootloader to get OTA updates. The only thing that breaks OTA is custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely correct. I just said not to do it, cause he seems less experienced, and from my experience, they get freaked out afterwards trying to put it back on. So trying to save him a headache, lol.
I recommend staying stock unless you absolutely need a specific root required app.
Right now there isn't a reason for root access except titanium backup.
I do recommend, however, to go ahead and unlock. It will wipe your device including personal data, so might as well get that out of the way now before you risk losing something important.
You can easily flash a custom recovery and root anytime after that, but I would wait until knowledgeable devs figure out the device a little more first.
Sent from Nexus 7 FHD from XDA Premium HD
player911 said:
I recommend staying stock unless you absolutely need a specific root required app.
Right now there isn't a reason for root access except titanium backup.
I do recommend, however, to go ahead and unlock. It will wipe your device including personal data, so might as well get that out of the way now before you risk losing something important.
You can easily flash a custom recovery and root anytime after that, but I would wait until knowledgeable devs figure out the device a little more first.
Sent from Nexus 7 FHD from XDA Premium HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure why you would suggest people not to root now. You mentioned a very good reason to do so - Titanium Backup. Not only is it useful for backups in general, but it's also a lifesaver for copying apps and their data from one device, like someone's old N7, to their new N7.
While I would certainly agree that people should wait before flashing custom ROMs, kernels, hacks, etc., nothing is going to change with rooting your N7 today versus a week or month from now. All the pros and cons will still be the same.
phonic said:
I'm not sure why you would suggest people not to root now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They guy doesn't need root. He also doesn't understand root. So his chances of softbricking are good, and then, instead of us trying to talk him out of rooting, we now have to talk him through how to fix it.... .. Can we count on you to provide this support since your are so OK with him rooting now?
tweaked said:
They guy doesn't need root. He also doesn't understand root. So his chances of softbricking are good, and then, instead of us trying to talk him out of rooting, we now have to talk him through how to fix it.... .. Can we count on your to provide this support since your are so OK with him rooting now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither you nor I have any idea what he needs or doesn't. He hasn't said anything other than asking some basic questions about the process. There are numerous guides on here that walk people through rooting step by step. There are also a handful of people who have soft bricked their device and asked for and received help. And yes, I have assisted people with similar issues in the past. Everyone on this board has at one point in their lives screwed something up - that's how we learn.
In any case, my point was that there is no clear reason for him not to do it if he wants to. The device is pretty forgiving unless he kills the bootloader.

Why HTC S-Oning when they allow us to unlock bootloader ?

The question is pretty much straight
Why does HTC S-On the devices when they allow us to unlock bootloader?
HTC says that the main idea of unlocking bootloader is that you can unleash our own phone.
Why can't they just S-OFF the devices when unlocking the bootloader ?
Can anyone fill me in
Thanks
MJ999 said:
The question is pretty much straight
Why does HTC S-On the devices when they allow us to unlock bootloader?
HTC says that the main idea of unlocking bootloader is that you can unleash our own phone.
Why can't they just S-OFF the devices when unlocking the bootloader ?
Can anyone fill me in
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-off opens up access to pretty much everything and so allows more control. With that are the risks of totally bricking your device. Staying S-on still gives you some protection from mucking things up and the freedom to flash roms/recoveries/kernels.
I agree though, as people are responsible for their actions and so must know the consequences of modding their devices, they should just give another level of access to remove s-off. The warranty is void once you unlock the bootloader anyway.
More info around s-off/NAND/partitions etc:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2619392
gsmyth said:
S-off opens up access to pretty much everything and so allows more control. With that are the risks of totally bricking your device. Staying S-on still gives you some protection from mucking things up and the freedom to flash roms/recoveries/kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I simply voided my phone's warranty without any use.
Damn it HTC.
MJ999 said:
Now I simply voided my phone's warranty without any use.
Damn it HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock it? Do you have s-off?
MJ999 said:
Now I simply voided my phone's warranty without any use.
Damn it HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use sunshine to get s-off.
MJ999 said:
The question is pretty much straight
Why does HTC S-On the devices when they allow us to unlock bootloader?
HTC says that the main idea of unlocking bootloader is that you can unleash our own phone.
Why can't they just S-OFF the devices when unlocking the bootloader ?
Can anyone fill me in
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still unleash some of your phone by just unlocking, which is probably why they gave the option. You can still flash a custom recovery, you can still root, you can still flash custom ROMs.
S-OFF you can flash different firmwares, you can resize partitions, you can convert to other models. Why would the majority want these? And by the looks of some of these threads, why would even some of the majority of "flashers" need it? Root + Custom Recovery + Custom ROM should be enough to satisfy most.
S-ON then just protects the phone from more serious changes that might lead to more serious damage if *you* don't know what *you're* doing.
BerndM14 said:
You can still unleash some of your phone by just unlocking, which is probably why they gave the option. You can still flash a custom recovery, you can still root, you can still flash custom ROMs.
S-OFF you can flash different firmwares, you can resize partitions, you can convert to other models. Why would the majority want these? And by the looks of some of these threads, why would even some of the majority of "flashers" need it? Root + Custom Recovery + Custom ROM should be enough to satisfy most.
S-ON then just protects the phone from more serious changes that might lead to more serious damage if *you* don't know what *you're* doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This
When you are S-on/BL locked, your carrier (or HTC/Google) is your system administrator. The carriers take this a bit further, and even manage some of your apps. In a lot of ways, you are a guest on the system, even though you "own" it. However, assuming you just want to use it to make phone calls and post to facebook, for most people this is fine. (my wife's phone isn't even rooted)
When you are BL unlocked, you take over some parts of that sysadmin job, and can now replace parts of the operating system and manage your own apps. You can also disable external control of your device by rooting and turning off certain services. However, the truly critical stuff, the stuff that could keep your phone from booting, are outside of your control. You are now no longer a guest, but you aren't exactly an owner either.
When you S-off, you are taking on the job of being the system administrator entirely. You are 100% responsible for what happens to your phone. Your '44, your Magnum rounds, your foot. Be careful.
gsmyth said:
How did you unlock it? Do you have s-off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my bootloader.
No, I don't have S-OFF
KJ said:
Use sunshine to get s-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BerndM14 said:
You can still unleash some of your phone by just unlocking, which is probably why they gave the option. You can still flash a custom recovery, you can still root, you can still flash custom ROMs.
S-OFF you can flash different firmwares, you can resize partitions, you can convert to other models. Why would the majority want these? And by the looks of some of these threads, why would even some of the majority of "flashers" need it? Root + Custom Recovery + Custom ROM should be enough to satisfy most.
S-ON then just protects the phone from more serious changes that might lead to more serious damage if *you* don't know what *you're* doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about it, but I just want the H/K Mod, I don't think I need to spend 25 bucks for just the mod.
If anything better comes up, I will try sunshine
and during the meantime some devs might also find another way to S-Off hopefully.
But @BerndM14 don't you think HTC should have asked to you choose S-On or S-OFF when unlocking the bootloader or so ?
MJ999 said:
I unlocked my bootloader.
No, I don't have S-OFF
I know about it, but I just want the H/K Mod, I don't think I need to spend 25 bucks for just the mod.
If anything better comes up, I will try sunshine
and during the meantime some devs might also find another way to S-Off hopefully.
But @BerndM14 don't you think HTC should have asked to you choose S-On or S-OFF when unlocking the bootloader or so ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wont' hear any arguments from me about that, I've made a post about that ages ago in which I stated that manufacturers should give you the option to have your phone rooted, unlocked and in HTC's case S-OFF, if it's a warranty issue then why not just a bit more for warranty purposes, but we still need the choice. Will they ever do something like that? I doubt they'll do anything like that any time soon but it would be nice and I've said so a long time ago already.
Especially as far as development on the devices are concerned. I don't see why they would share the Kernel source to allow developers to develop for the phone while at the same time expecting the developer to just hack away at the device in order to get the necessary permissions to develop for the device!
BerndM14 said:
You wont' hear any arguments from me about that, I've made a post about that ages ago in which I stated that manufacturers should give you the option to have your phone rooted, unlocked and in HTC's case S-OFF, if it's a warranty issue then why not just a bit more for warranty purposes, but we still need the choice. Will they ever do something like that? I doubt they'll do anything like that any time soon but it would be nice and I've said so a long time ago already.
Especially as far as development on the devices are concerned. I don't see why they would share the Kernel source to allow developers to develop for the phone while at the same time expecting the developer to just hack away at the device in order to get the necessary permissions to develop for the device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank the GPL for that last one. Android is essentially a very custom distro of Linux, and the Linux community has already shown that they will go after violators. It's how the Linksys WRT54G became the WIFI router to own. IOW, they release it because they have to, but they don't have to make it easy, or usable.
We have seen with the Samsung and LG devices that it is possible to lock down a device fully such that it won't boot anything that isn't cryptographically signed. They will do as little as necessary to comply with the license, without giving us the ability to actually use that knowledge. After all, what good is kernel source if you don't have a signing key the CPU will accept?
That is the primary reason I chose the M8. It was one of the few flagship phones that is still able to be fully owned.

Root for AT&T N920A.

I know this is not the right place to ask. I need to know. Do we have developers working on root for this model?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Yes and No...still having booloader issues!
And yes wrong place...this post belongs in Q&A!
We need firmware release so we can restore after. Tell then no one really wants to try because just messing with options in recovery disables the phone.
http://opensource.samsung.com/reception/receptionSub.do?method=sub&sub=F&searchValue=N920
Will firmware release happen for our model?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
amwbt said:
Will firmware release happen for our model?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T has to because it's open source. They however can keep it for like 6 months to a year or something. With the cracks down on root AT&T and Verizon it might be a long wait with the locked bootloader saidly and we need a custom kernel to get root and we can't flash kernels with locked bootloader. Just watch the website I linked and when we get our firmware then we can possibly expect root and someone to try and unlock the bootloader. I'm not sure if there is a "anti root" in the AT&T phone because I'm not going to lose my phone. I already had to return for warranty due to defective screen and spen. Look at how long it takes the new iPhone software to get jailbroken.
TechNyne66 said:
AT&T has to because it's open source. They however can keep it for like 6 months to a year or something. With the cracks down on root AT&T and Verizon it might be a long wait with the locked bootloader saidly and we need a custom kernel to get root and we can't flash kernels with locked bootloader. Just watch the website I linked and when we get our firmware then we can possibly expect root and someone to try and unlock the bootloader. I'm not sure if there is a "anti root" in the AT&T phone because I'm not going to lose my phone. I already had to return for warranty due to defective screen and spen. Look at how long it takes the new iPhone software to get jailbroken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Needing a custom kernel for root is actually a false statement. A custom kernel is not needed to get root for this device. The AT&T S6 for example got root without the bootloader being unlocked or a custom kernel.
Which leads me to the bootloader being unlocked. There is probably a 100% chance that we don't get an unlocked bootloader for this device. It's extremely difficult and there hasn't been an AT&T device in a very long time that has had it unlocked.
And since we would need that for a custom kernel and aosp roms, those things will probably never happen unfortunately.
The very best we can hope for is root and a recovery like FlashFire like the S6 got. And even then we would be limited to only Touchwiz roms.
We will more then likely need custom kernel with permissive set. AT&T and Verizon are saying there's anti root and that would be in the kernel and would need to be killed. If we do obtain root with stock kernel the phone is said to not boot.
http://www.idigitaltimes.com/samsun...d-features-att-and-verizon-models-wont-468357
It is one of those things where they're will be zero development until some Uber-geek cracks the bootloader issue. Then there will be 20 devices or more that will be released from developer quarantine...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
AOSP will never happen without unlocked bootloader.
I do have hope for a root such as Ping Pong. Honestly, with how clean these phones ship nowadays, all I want root for is to replace emojis with iOS style throughout the system so I can grasp more context from my text messages lol. Also, LCD Density change would be nice too.
Is there anybody working on root for this phone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
Have no need for root either except for xposed. Only want root for like 4 xposed modules.. Otherwise this device is nearly perfect
I need to change muy dpis
Enviado desde mi GT-N7100 usando Tapatalk 2
Planning on getting this phone today..
I have rooted and installed ROMs on almost every phone I have owned and really hope that eventually a safe way of rooting is obtained.
jellybear456 said:
a safe way of rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heh. I know what you mean, but I'm grumpy this morning so I'm going to pick this apart anyway.
If root is found on a boot loader locked device, it's usually via an exploit... Basically, most rooting mechanisms are similar to computer viruses. Sure, most of them are controlled viruses, but they exploit and expose security holes that something malicious could use just as easily. Instead of copying a "su" binary, that same exploit could install something that uploads your private data somewhere, or monitors the android keypad entry when you type credit card numbers, etc.
Don't get me wrong... I don't think that most of the root exploits here on XDA are doing that... but any time you use one, you should seriously consider that it might be. It would only take a single mishap to completely destroy your life outside of XDA.
To that end, you should REALLY pay attention to the entire filesystem both before and after an exploit is applied. See what files, if any, are modified and/or added. If an exploit adds a "su" binary (which most of them do), try to replace that "su" binary with one from a trusted source BEFORE you put personal data on your phone. Never "root" a device that has any data on it.
Remember that no matter what precautions you might be taking, a rooted device has a lower level of security than one that isn't. Not only have you added a "simple" root mechanism, but you likely had to defeat the security mechanisms that are part of the security enhanced linux kernel. (There are exceptions to this, of course, but I've never seen the exceptions here on XDA or any other sites that aren't focused on security.)
If this message made you a bit more paranoid, that's a good thing. You should be paranoid about it. I'm not saying not to do it, and I'm certainly not saying that XDA is overflowing with malicious code...
garyd9 said:
heh. I know what you mean, but I'm grumpy this morning so I'm going to pick this apart anyway.
If root is found on a boot loader locked device, it's usually via an exploit... Basically, most rooting mechanisms are similar to computer viruses. Sure, most of them are controlled viruses, but they exploit and expose security holes that something malicious could use just as easily. Instead of copying a "su" binary, that same exploit could install something that uploads your private data somewhere, or monitors the android keypad entry when you type credit card numbers, etc.
Don't get me wrong... I don't think that most of the root exploits here on XDA are doing that... but any time you use one, you should seriously consider that it might be. It would only take a single mishap to completely destroy your life outside of XDA.
To that end, you should REALLY pay attention to the entire filesystem both before and after an exploit is applied. See what files, if any, are modified and/or added. If an exploit adds a "su" binary (which most of them do), try to replace that "su" binary with one from a trusted source BEFORE you put personal data on your phone. Never "root" a device that has any data on it.
Remember that no matter what precautions you might be taking, a rooted device has a lower level of security than one that isn't. Not only have you added a "simple" root mechanism, but you likely had to defeat the security mechanisms that are part of the security enhanced linux kernel. (There are exceptions to this, of course, but I've never seen the exceptions here on XDA or any other sites that aren't focused on security.)
If this message made you a bit more paranoid, that's a good thing. You should be paranoid about it. I'm not saying not to do it, and I'm certainly not saying that XDA is overflowing with malicious code...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do realize that rooting a device often does take advantage of any security holes found, and I also realize that there is no, in the literal sense, "safe" way to root a phone considering it is exploiting security flaws. Personally, I have never had such an issue of having something malicious on my phone after rooting(at least not to my knowledge)
By "safe" I meant a way to root without having the phone locked down and unable to boot. I am not worried about AOSP ROMs as I am completely content with using an AOSP themed launcher. But I would love to be able to uninstall bloat, ad block, greenify/amplify etc.
But I do appreciate your input on the subject as I have never put much thought into the security of the phone before and after root, or replacing the su binary with one from a trusted source or checking if it is from a trusted source.
It is also great to see someone else on the forums from Pittsburgh:highfive:
I have n920a. Please share the path to rooting this phone.
Cuando se podra rootear el dispositivo Samsung Galaxy Note 5 N920A?
Possible way to root?
I don't know if this would work. But what about flashing one of those new root.tar eng kernal then manually pushing the survey binary and super apk into phone then reflash stock kernal. I'm just intermediate at all this stuff. So idk if it would work or if this is stupid.
vahalaru said:
I don't know if this would work. But what about flashing one of those new root.tar eng kernal then manually pushing the survey binary and super apk into phone then reflash stock kernal. I'm just intermediate at all this stuff. So idk if it would work or if this is stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible, after flashing the eng-boot do this:
adb shell mount -o rw,remount /system
Then manually push SuperSU to system, or install King/Kingo Root
Just be careful this is still a tethered root.
I have posted a teathered root process that Michael31 found from the AT&T s6 section. It works and you can get reboots with hoot booting. The locked bootloader causing issues with the kernel needed add commands on hard boot to change to permissive mode. Few of us have tried to fix this issue and haven't found anyway yet.

Help - Bricked HTC m9 - Not rooted - Advice needed -

Hi,
My wife HTC m9(UK, Vodaphone, latest stock ROM, No root) was turned off last night to charge.
When booted up it does the below. It does not load into the OS. Every boot loops into the below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n21CQX7535cjF4MnZqV2E1dGM/view?usp=sharing
It says the software has been modified?
My wife was very insistent that I never root or change ROMS on her phone.
Does anyone have a fix or is this send off for replacement?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ca1v
ca1v said:
Hi,
My wife HTC m9(UK, Vodaphone, latest stock ROM, No root) was turned off last night to charge.
When booted up it does the below. It does not load into the OS. Every boot loops into the below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n21CQX7535cjF4MnZqV2E1dGM/view?usp=sharing
It says the software has been modified?
My wife was very insistent that I never root or change ROMS on her phone.
Does anyone have a fix or is this send off for replacement?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ca1v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens if you try to boot to Download Mode? I guess you see the black screen that is mentioned in Q7, right? If that's the case there isn't much you can do...
Download mode seems to be working (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n21CQX7535cEFhTlpnajF5anM/view?usp=sharing)
If this is the case, can you point me in the right direction to get resolved?
Many thanks for the help
Flippy498 said:
What happens if you try to boot to Download Mode? I guess you see the black screen that is mentioned in Q7, right? If that's the case there isn't much you can do...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download mode seems to be working (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n...ew?usp=sharing)
If this is the case, can you point me in the right direction to get resolved?
Many thanks for the help
Interesting. Your video in post 1 shows a security warning. That means that the OS got deleted. This is only possible if you unlock the bootloader and delete it manually via TWRP or if the EMMC gets broken. Since the phone's S-ON and its bootloader is locked and not unlocked or relocked I assumed that the latter happened*.
As long as the download mode is working you can restore the system with the help of a RUU. Instructions can be found in the thread I linked in my last post. Be aware that all data on the phone is going to get erased.
* Well, it is possible to get the phone's status back to S-ON and locked with S-OFF but you said you never tinkered with that phone...
Flippy498 said:
Interesting. Your video in post 1 shows a security warning. That means that the OS got deleted. This is only possible if you unlock the bootloader and delete it manually via TWRP or if the EMMC gets broken. Since the phone's S-ON and its bootloader is locked and not unlocked or relocked I assumed that the latter happened*.
As long as the download mode is working you can restore the system with the help of a RUU. Instructions can be found in the thread I linked in my last post. Be aware that all data on the phone is going to get erased.
* Well, it is possible to get the phone's status back to S-ON and locked with S-OFF but you said you never tinkered with that phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just thought I'd bring to your attention that apps are now being written that will try to obtain root without you knowing. The reason is that they can steal any information they want and sell it to corporations for as little as 4 pence/6c a record.
It is possible that it is a failed root by an app.
"I'm safe, I only download my apps from google playstore" - nope, you're not.
"I only use signed apps and the checksum is always correct" - nope, checksum can be matched with padding.
"I only use external sources to update genuine apps" - nope, see the Google playstore comment above.
"I have all my security and privacy set to super strict, I have my apps verified by google" - nope, still not secure because alerts are only written when the malicious/bad code is found.
Be warned, my fellow xda'ers. There is a whole new breed of security breach and it is terminal to root as a whole. Apps like kingoroot etc are issuing the wrong type of people with the wrong type of information and they are using it for the wrong purposes.
Google will stuggle to put a lid on these types of apps because they attack the hardware for access to software (a simple memory buffer overflow attack), inject a few lines of code and you're in, permanently. It will eventually result in a total lockdown at the manufacturer and bye bye root access, roms, mods etc, you'll get what you're given.
How do we prevent this?. We don't and we can't. We just have to sit back and watch as the world takes our privacy while bricking our devices one by one just to "try" to earn a poxy 4p.
Beamed in by telepathy.
@shivadow: I'm actually not sure what you're trying to achieve with your post. Malicious apps that can root your device without letting the user know about that exist since several years now. (Click here for a random example from 2011) Smartphones aren't completely safe and they never were. Everyone who's claiming the opposite either doesn't know what he/she is talking about or is simply lying.
To name just a few more android security flaws/exploits that emerged in the past: rageagainstthecage, gingerbreak, heartbleed, stagefright, the master key vulnerability, the futex bug, rootnik...
All of these have more or less been used for manipulating android phones. There is no absolute security. Android is still as secure/insecure as it's always been.
In addition, several OEMs are already trying to prevent their customers from rooting their phones since several years. Samsung's KNOX is a perfect example. (I don't want to discuss whether they're successful. That's a whole different topic.)
But let's get back to the deleted OS of the OP's phone: I've never heard about failed root attempts that erase a complete system partition. Therefore, I highly doubt that a malicious app caused all the trouble. Failed root attempts may cause a bootloop but they don't wipe your phone. Just think about the following: How should the dev of such app gain money if the app deletes OSes? Without OS there is no information you can steel and if you have no information you could sell/abuse/whatsoever you don't gain any money. Oh and not to forget that most apps on the play store already collect more than enough data from your phone they can sell afterwards without having to root it.
I meant failed root could be the cause, if the op didn't then who did?. If no-one modded it then dead nand is the only player..
I agree with every thing else but I don't trust those apps that try to gain root in the background to steal data and I think it's too easy for them to bugger your phone just for the sake of making a few coins. Face it, if I was doing it, once I had what I wanted I wouldn't care about the device. Sod the gracious exit and all that jazz.. No evidence, no conviction.
Maybe I'm being ott but my questions and points are still valid.
This is a proper "who dunnit" because I doubt it died of its own accord.
Knox is for businesses btw. If knox is triggered, which is very easy to do, the business is advised not to buy the device as it "may" have been compromised. But if no company secrets are being held on the device then it's still good to use. Knox protection was counteracted by supersu. In a nutshell, unless you run a company knox is of no concern to the everyday user.
Just thought I'd chuck that in there, I'm versed in the arts of the s3 i9300. I moved from that phone to this m9.
Beamed in by telepathy.

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