I want custom rom, root and exposed,
But there is the warning of the unlocked bootloader on every boot.
What is the most I can get without this warning?
Thanks a lot.
Nothing wrong.. Tbh I really like that warning since you can easily navigate to recovery, Fastboot etc. Just ignore that warning.
yossi787 said:
I want custom rom, root and exposed,
But there is the warning of the unlocked bootloader on every boot.
What is the most I can get without this warning?
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DON'T relock the bootloader as long as your system is modified in any way (custom rom, root ...).
Don't care about the warning, without it you can get absolutely nothing, but using the unrooted stock firmware.
This warning is shown on every thread describing how to unlock the bootloader - if you lock the bootloader with anything that isn't the stock ROM/recovery, then you will brick your device
I personally, have never had any problems with the adb command to lock and unlock the bootloader. The bootloader actually operates independently of the software running. However, why would you want to relock the bootloader, particularly if you intend to flash other ROMs.
jim262 said:
I personally, have never had any problems with the adb command to lock and unlock the bootloader. The bootloader actually operates independently of the software running. However, why would you want to relock the bootloader, particularly if you intend to flash other ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like the idea that everyone can wipe my device. I have little brothers and they can do that by accident...
yossi787 said:
I don't like the idea that everyone can wipe my device. I have little brothers and they can do that by accident...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't depend on a locked bootloader. You CAN'T protect android phones from beeing wiped.
LS.xD said:
That doesn't depend on a locked bootloader. You CAN'T protect android phones from beeing wiped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, but from this warning that can happen by accident...
Hello, I purchased a Pixel 3 XL off craigslist and it is working fine, but the bootloader is unlocked therefore I am receiving a warning when restarting the phone and Google Pay does not work. How can I re-lock the bootloader? Do I need to flash the latest standard google image? The build number is: "crosshatch-userdebug 9 PQ1A.181105.013 5027108 dev-keys". When in bootloader the bootloader version is: b1c1-0.1-5004167. Obviously a n00b here, please be gentle. Thank you for any help.
Do you have a computer? If so what OS do you use?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
superchilpil said:
Do you have a computer? If so what OS do you use?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have a computer, a Windows 10 Pro
Are you planning on rooting? If so, you can use Magisk Hide (after using Magisk to root of course) to get Google Pay to work. I would be hesitant to re-lock the BL unless you are certain that it is completely stock otherwise. Re-locking a modified phone can brick the device. Better to just learn how to root, etc and keep it unlocked. You have come to the right place to learn.
sliding_billy said:
Are you planning on rooting? If so, you can use Magisk Hide (after using Magisk to root of course) to get Google Pay to work. I would be hesitant to re-lock the BL unless you are certain that it is completely stock otherwise. Re-locking a modified phone can brick the device. Better to just learn how to root, etc and keep it unlocked. You have come to the right place to learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
eec007 said:
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in Denver I'll trade you my Verizon one for yours. It has a locked bootloader.
eec007 said:
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two obvious things you can check are that you have stock recovery and that the phone is not rooted. Manually power on to bootloader (hold volume down and press power then use the volume keys to select recovery and press power. you should get a no command android screen if in stock recovery. assuming you don't have a Magisk icon, you are probably not rooted but you can confirm by installing and running a root app like root checker. likely, the previous owner did nothing but unlock the BL given how recently it came out, but if someone where really creative they could have done work in the other partition. there are no exploites, so doing it normally (running fastboot flashing unlock from a prompt) is pretty much all that would have been done other than enabling developer options and OEM unlocking in settings.
Personally, I think you have a good chance to learn your device, root (you need to be rooted for Magisk hide) and keep the bootloader unlocked. Besides rooting, being able to install a full factory image instead of an OTA is so much better in my opinion. The amount of work it would take to be 100% confident that the only thing done was the BL unlock would take as much work as at least getting a working knowledge of rooting and reinstalling the OS.
P.S. Keeping a phone "stock and rooted" has advantages. That is how I run my 3 XL and how I ran my OG XL. No custom OS. Not even a kernel.
coolhandz said:
If you live in Denver I'll trade you my Verizon one for yours. It has a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, what I don't get is that I thought the google edition could have the bootloader unlocked in the developer options. So why go to this hassle of unlocking the bootloader from fastboot? FYI, in the Developer options the OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Bootloader is already unlocked".
sliding_billy said:
The two obvious things you can check are that you have stock recovery and that the phone is not rooted. Manually power on to bootloader (hold volume down and press power then use the volume keys to select recovery and press power. you should get a no command android screen if in stock recovery. assuming you don't have a Magisk icon, you are probably not rooted but you can confirm by installing and running a root app like root checker. likely, the previous owner did nothing but unlock the BL given how recently it came out, but if someone where really creative they could have done work in the other partition. there are no exploites, so doing it normally (running fastboot flashing unlock from a prompt) is pretty much all that would have been done other than enabling developer options and OEM unlocking in settings.
Personally, I think you have a good chance to learn your device, root (you need to be rooted for Magisk hide) and keep the bootloader unlocked. Besides rooting, being able to install a full factory image instead of an OTA is so much better in my opinion. The amount of work it would take to be 100% confident that the only thing done was the BL unlock would take as much work as at least getting a working knowledge of rooting and reinstalling the OS.
P.S. Keeping a phone "stock and rooted" has advantages. That is how I run my 3 XL and how I ran my OG XL. No custom OS. Not even a kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Root Checker says that "root access is not properly installed on this device". The recovery mode screen just has a warning about the bootloader is unlocked and a link to a google help page. I figure that I can always unlock the bootloader again if I need to later, but for now I just want everything to work (bank and pay app) and not worry about updating anything myself. I think I may try fastboot to lock the bootloader for now. Thanks for all the help.
Hope it all works out for you. I assume you did a factory reset on the device since you got it used. Re-locking will do another factory reset.
sliding_billy said:
Hope it all works out for you. I assume you did a factory reset on the device since you got it used. Re-locking will do another factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, so I locked using "fastboot flashing lock" but then it doesn't start, saying that there is no operating system or something like that. I freaked out and was able to unlock again using "fastboot flashing unlock". Now all is wiped. I guess I need to flash the oem rom first, then lock. I'll have to do this all later tonight. Just glad that I didn't brick it yet.
eec007 said:
Thank you! Root Checker says that "root access is not properly installed on this device". The recovery mode screen just has a warning about the bootloader is unlocked and a link to a google help page. I figure that I can always unlock the bootloader again if I need to later, but for now I just want everything to work (bank and pay app) and not worry about updating anything myself. I think I may try fastboot to lock the bootloader for now. Thanks for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted or bl unlocked in some time now so if I make a mistake someone please correct me. After buying it from a 3rd party I'd wipe the device entirely. Download the correct image and install the latest platform tools for Windows (here) https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools and make sure you can connect with adb devices and fastboot devices commands. Then extract the latest full image from here https://developers.google.com/android/images to your platform-tools directory and run the flashall.bat command if you wish to wipe the entire device and get rid of anything the previous owner might have "inadvertently" installed. (this is what I would do but not necessarily what you should do if you want to keep the current apps and system intact) This will reset your device and then you can lock the bootloader with no worry and you'll have a stock system.
I agree that since you can unlock it at any time and you don't need it now then relock it. But there are those here that disagree with me and fight with Magisk and OTAs constantly. But they are not noobs and know what they're doing. If you want to learn there is a wealth of information here so it's your call. Just my 2 cents. But please check my steps before you do anything that might cause issues.
edit: darn, sorry I just saw above that you already tried to lock it. I hope what I said to do will get you out of the predicament.
bobby janow said:
I haven't rooted or bl unlocked in some time now so if I make a mistake someone please correct me. After buying it from a 3rd party I'd wipe the device entirely. Download the correct image and install the latest platform tools for Windows (here) https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools and make sure you can connect with adb devices and fastboot devices commands. Then extract the latest full image from here https://developers.google.com/android/images to your platform-tools directory and run the flashall.bat command if you wish to wipe the entire device and get rid of anything the previous owner might have "inadvertently" installed. (this is what I would do but not necessarily what you should do if you want to keep the current apps and system intact) This will reset your device and then you can lock the bootloader with no worry and you'll have a stock system.
I agree that since you can unlock it at any time and you don't need it now then relock it. But there are those here that disagree with me and fight with Magisk and OTAs constantly. But they are not noobs and know what they're doing. If you want to learn there is a wealth of information here so it's your call. Just my 2 cents. But please check my steps before you do anything that might cause issues.
edit: darn, sorry I just saw above that you already tried to lock it. I hope what I said to do will get you out of the predicament.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your steps are basically what I will try tonight. Currently the phone is working again, so there was no harm done yet (just the restore of all apps and such). But I'm going to flash the oem image tonight and start all over again.
eec007 said:
Your steps are basically what I will try tonight. Currently the phone is working again, so there was no harm done yet (just the restore of all apps and such). But I'm going to flash the oem image tonight and start all over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing I would do before I relocked the bl would be to do the full login procedure, email everything other than apps. Then make sure you're on the Nov update in about phone, I'm sure you will be, and then fastboot relock the bl with the proper command. It will wipe the device again but it's a small price to pay for about 10 minutes of work. Then once it reboots and there is no more error message you'll be fully stock. Enable dev options again and make sure the oem switch is active allowing bl unlock. Then you're done. I've gotten to the point on my 5X where I even flip the oem switch so it can't be bl unlocked until I go in and flip it back. Dangerous if you're flashing stuff but not so much if you're just taking OTAs. That's of course your call entirely. Good luck.
eec007 said:
lol, what I don't get is that I thought the google edition could have the bootloader unlocked in the developer options. So why go to this hassle of unlocking the bootloader from fastboot? FYI, in the Developer options the OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Bootloader is already unlocked".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
eec007 said:
Hello, I purchased a Pixel 3 XL off craigslist and it is working fine, but the bootloader is unlocked therefore I am receiving a warning when restarting the phone and Google Pay does not work. How can I re-lock the bootloader? Do I need to flash the latest standard google image? The build number is: "crosshatch-userdebug 9 PQ1A.181105.013 5027108 dev-keys". When in bootloader the bootloader version is: b1c1-0.1-5004167. Obviously a n00b here, please be gentle. Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're right to mention that relocking a modified device can result in a brick.
Your best bet is to go to https://developers.google.com/android/images#taimen
Follow the directions to the "T", then relock it if you are really really sure that the unlock screen bothers you.
Would suggest to do this anyway, no matter future unlock status.
TonikJDK said:
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with most of your post other than waiting for the next OTA before you lock the bootloader. Why would he need to do that? If he's stock, and he'll see that immediately, then relock it. He doesn't want root or Magisk but only wants banking and Pay. With the slider allowing bl unlock he's in no danger whatsoever. Lock and relock whenever he wants. OTA will not disallow the slider once it's set.
TonikJDK said:
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for explaining this. I had thought that the Developer Option slider was to unlock the bootloader, but your explanation clarifies it, the slider is to allow the bootloader to be unlocked...
Ok, so I tried to flash the factory image using adb flash-all and it keeps getting the error:
Sending sparse 'vendor_a' 2/2 (193888 KB) FAILED (Error reading sparse file)
Now the phone is not working at all and says that "device is corrupt" and will not boot past the white google screen. I can try again using adb, but it is the same error each time. I tried to download the image again and same sparse error. I can also fastboot in TWRP, but not sure what to do in there. What am I doing wrong? I guess I should've rooted and used Magisk like others have said.
turns out changing to a different cable resolved my sparse error and I was then successfully able to apply the factory image and lock the device. Thanks everyone for the help.
Hi,
Long story short:
is it possible to install customROM without root and to (re)lock the bootloader, and are there experiences with a similar situation where Apps check for closed bootloader and root (and stop working if detected)?
=> Goal: activate WiFi-Calling as my provider tuned down 2G-transmitpower due to the 5G-advances (without having enough 3G-coverage to make calls on UMTS-net)... BUT: I'm using two banks; one uses a PhotoTAN-App, that stops working if it detects an open Bootloader, the other Bank-App checks for Root & open Bootloader, and likewise stops working if detected. I have no idea about the PhotoTAN and Magisk, but the 2nd bank confirmed they checked rooted devices with Magisk, and that it does not work with it....
Thus, if I go for a CustomROM, I need to be sure that I can run it unrooted and with a locked bootloader....
Is there a way to install a CustomROM on the 5X with (re)locked bootloader and without root?
(or, if not possible: is there a way I can activate WiFi-Calling on StockROM if said one does not have the Carrier-Entitlements?)
Thanks for the help
@theunlucky: you don't need root to flash a custom ROM, only an unlocked bootloader. IMO you can lock it after flashing ROM.
rp158 said:
@theunlucky: you don't need root to flash a custom ROM, only an unlocked bootloader. IMO you can lock it after flashing ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about locking the bootloader after flashing a CustomROM? I've read several threads now, and it seems a locked BL only works with StockROM?
Not sure, therefore IMO IMO a locked BL prevents flashing CustomROM, not running. Try. If it doesn't work, you unlock BL again (triggers factory reset). In the worst case you've to flash latest firmware for a clean base..
Hello everyone, so my phone is rooted with stock recovery.
After searching here and on other forums about how to relock bootloader I still haven't seen a clear step by step guide.
So here are my questions:
1- Does trying to lock bootloader while rooted will break the device ?
2- Do I have to flash the factory image then run both lock and lock_critical ?
3- If yes, do I have to flash the factory image on both slots or is it done automatically while running the flash-all command?
If you were rooted and got back to stock with locked bootloader please share the exact steps you took .
Thanks a lot.
youssefkr said:
Hello everyone, so my phone is rooted with stock recovery.
After searching here and on other forums about how to relock bootloader I still haven't seen a clear step by step guide.
So here are my questions:
1- Does trying to lock bootloader while rooted will break the device ?
2- Do I have to flash the factory image then run both lock and lock_critical ?
3- If yes, do I have to flash the factory image on both slots or is it done automatically while running the flash-all command?
If you were rooted and got back to stock with locked bootloader please share the exact steps you took .
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes. Locking the bootloader while rooted usually will brick your device.
2. You only need to the locking command. No need for critical.
3. The flash-all with the -w intact will flash to both slots.
While I have not locked the bootloader, the procedure by several others has been....
Remove all things root, including modules and magisk manager.
Do a factory reset.
Flash the factory image with fastboot.
Leave the OEM unlocking and USB debugging turned on.
Lock your bootloader.
Be advised, many of us usually don't recommend locking the bootloader because we've seen a few bricks come out of this procedure. However, it is your call. Just make sure your device is full stock before fastbooting the locking command :good:
Badger50 said:
1. Yes. Locking the bootloader while rooted usually will brick your device.
2. You only need to the locking command. No need for critical.
3. The flash-all with the -w intact will flash to both slots.
While I have not locked the bootloader, the procedure by several others has been....
Remove all things root, including modules and magisk manager.
Do a factory reset.
Flash the factory image with fastboot.
Leave the OEM unlocking and USB debugging turned on.
Lock your bootloader.
Be advised, many of us usually don't recommend locking the bootloader because we've seen a few bricks come out of this procedure. However, it is your call. Just make sure your device is full stock before fastbooting the locking command :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it.
thanks a lot for a thorough answer.
Just wanted to update:
So here are the steps I took to re lock the bootloader on a rooted Pixel 2 XL:
1- Flashed the latest android 10 image; just executed the flash-all bat file (that will take care of flashing everything in both slots)
2- Booted the phone and enabled USB debugging in the developer settings.
3- Booted again in download mode and typed only this command : fastboot flashing lock.
4- And that's it.
Hope this helps anyone in the future.
Hi everyone,
Well my doubt it's really simple as you can see.
I tried to search on forum and internet, but I didn't found nothing solid.
Only achism (Incluing Mi official Forum)
It's really simple to Lock/Unlock the bootloader on Mi 5s, a simple command on promt and it's DONE. You lose nothing, no need to flash NOTHING.
I heard about bootloop, but does it real? Anyone here already tried it?
Why Am I asking it?
Well, if my bootloader is unlocked, I dunno why, but even with magisk Applications can detect some incoherence in my smartphone.
Even passing all steps of SafetyNet, the apps detect.
I think it's some flag on build.prop or another option available on MIUI Rom (and ofc they will read it to check everything).
My GF has magisk and custom recovery (Unlock Boot) and the same apps don't detect on her phone and works normally. (I configured both)
So I would like to know if it's really possible use a Custom Recovery and Magisk and just block the Bootloader again...
If you have the original bootloader from the original rom you can lock it. If you don't, the phone will stop booting with lock and custom bootloader.
patoberli said:
If you have the original bootloader from the original rom you can lock it. If you don't, the phone will stop booting with lock and custom bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Even using stock ROM after unlock bootloader and Install TWRP and lock again we got a message "the system has been destroyed" on Mi 5/5s/5x.
It's a Soft Brick, but if anyone on future want to try it and before do it, found this post so, stay away.
TWRP = different bootloader.
patoberli said:
TWRP = different bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the post again and if you don't understand, read again.
Thank you.