[GUIDE]How to root Moto G4 (Moto G 2016) the right way or fix a bad attempted root - Moto G4 Guides, News, & Discussion

Trying to root Nougat (Android 7)? Then read the comments at the bottom please...
I will first state I do NOT own a Moto G4, I own the G3 and the X Pure which are both 3rd Gen devices, but I was requested to write this tutorial by a few users here due to lots of failed root attempts using older "standard" methods that do not work on this device. I also do not like the "one click" root methods, because they can and do fail (KingoRoot will brick a Moto G3/4, regardless of what it's web page says), and when they do people have no idea how to fix it. The manual way is not difficult, and it teaches you how to work on, fix, and use your device on a level above that of the average smartphone user.
I will only cover rooting, the prerequisites are covered elsewhere in detail and I will link to reliable sources for the information. Specifics of the prerequisites are outside of the scope of this tutorial, but are open for discussion in this thread. Remember, I do not own this device although the methods used are the same as similar devices.
Prerequisites:
0) Be running Marshmallow (Android 6.x) stock ROM, at this time Nougat (Android 7.x) is not working via any method.
1) Device must have an unlocked bootloader. See Moto - Unlocking the Bootloader for more info.
NOTE: As of 7/18/2016, Amazon ad-subsidised Moto G 4th Gen devices cannot be bootloader unlocked, therefore they cannot be rooted. Sorry, Lollipop and newer Android security changes pretty much put an end to that.
2) You need to have TWRP installed or one-time booted via fastboot. CWM and other recoveries will NOT work at this time. See TWRP's Moto G 2016 page
3) You need a copy of the latest stable SuperSU ZIP from Chainfire's site on the internal storage or SD card of your device. SR1-SuperSU-v2.78-SR1-20160915123031.zip is the lastest version verified to work with this method.
Note: Do NOT use any 2.77 version, it was a beta intended specifically for the SG Note 7 and will not work, it does not harm but fails to root.
4) Reboot and start TWRP recovery, and PERFORM A COMPLETE BACKUP IN TWRP (Nandroid)!!!
How to do it:
Now, the procedure is the same whether you are trying to root the first time, or you did it the old way just flashing SuperSU and are now not able to boot...
In TWRP, go to Advanced and open the Terminal, in the terminal type this EXACTLY as shown:
Code:
echo SYSTEMLESS=true>>/data/.supersu
Now press enter (there is no confirmation returned), then exit and press the Home key. Go to Install and select the SuperSU zip file you downloaded from Prerequisite #3 and swipe to flash it and reboot. No need to clear caches or anything else but you are welcome to if you wish. You can install SuperSU updates normally through the app going forward (as of this posting).
Why do I have to do this???
For whatever reason, the install script for SuperSU does not recognize that this device (like many others) requires a systemless root installation. By creating /data/.supersu in the TWRP recovery environment, the SuperSU install script parses the file and sees "SYSTEMLESS=true" and ignores what it auto-detects and forces a systemless root installation.
Hope this is helpful to someone!
As always, if this is the first time you have booted TWRP or attempted root... BACKUP IN TWRP FIRST!!! Once the system is modified, it cannot be undone (easily) and you will always have a known good starting place if the worst happens.
EDIT: Photos added showing what a proper command and flash should look like. Note that in picture 1 the exit command is not needed, you can just back out. In pictures 2 and 3 a proper flash of SuperSU is shown, note that system-less mode is specified and the boot image is patched, this is what should occur. It is normal for it to loop once or twice, but that is it, first boot could take 10 minutes plus.
Notes on Nougat/Android 7... At this time this method of rooting does not work properly on the official Nougat ROM for this device, it causes WiFi issues and interface problems (settings crashes, etc) and with no complete factory image there is no work fix other than to restore your Nandroid backup to pre-root status. If you wish to play with this method and try it, your on your own, I will try to assist but as I stated earlier I do not own this device. To my knowledge as of this posting, there is no working root on stock Android 7 on this device.

I can confirm this worked on my formerly-amazon XT1625 16GB G4. You will get an error about not being able to mount /data, but it proceeds and works anyway.

This is exactly what was missing! I rooted as normal with the latest SuperSU expecting it to just work like on other phones/tablets, but yeah. Before specifying systemless, it hung on boot. After following your instructions it booted right up. Thanks!

Also if you setup adaptable storage with your SDcard, so it works like internal storage, TWRP can't find any files on the SDcard. You will need to revert to non-adaptable storage for TWRP to find the supersu ZIP file.
And make sure you're using the latest SuperSU-- I accidentally tried a very old version which did not work!

Scared Noobie
I should probably be posting this on some noobie forum, but I read Motorola's "Unlock Your Bootloader" and it scared the **** out of me. Can someone give me a ballpark figure of the chances of bricking the phone? (I know this particular phone is new, but I'm just looking for a rough estimate. How common is it generally to brick a phone just from unlocking the bootloader?)

Appreciate this. I miss the old days where it was all simple. Everything was flashable. Never had to flash back to something or re flash.

cuvtixo said:
I should probably be posting this on some noobie forum, but I read Motorola's "Unlock Your Bootloader" and it scared the **** out of me. Can someone give me a ballpark figure of the chances of bricking the phone? (I know this particular phone is new, but I'm just looking for a rough estimate. How common is it generally to brick a phone just from unlocking the bootloader?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's about as common as bring bricked from performing a factory reset, because that is the only part that really does much... So extremely rare, but the possibility is always there. Remember to have patience, the resets and wipes can take what seems like forever.
The dangerous part is what you do after the bootloader is unlocked.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

cuvtixo said:
I should probably be posting this on some noobie forum, but I read Motorola's "Unlock Your Bootloader" and it scared the **** out of me. Can someone give me a ballpark figure of the chances of bricking the phone? (I know this particular phone is new, but I'm just looking for a rough estimate. How common is it generally to brick a phone just from unlocking the bootloader?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very rare...all you need is read, read, read and follow the instructions. Good luck

Very nice and just what I needed. Worked perfectly on my Amazon Moto G4 with ads. I got no errors or messages but booted fine-got caught in a boot loop once as the SuperSU file explains after it installs. Boots in less then a minute first time.
Marty

acejavelin said:
It's about as common as bring bricked from performing a factory reset, because that is the only part that really does much... So extremely rare, but the possibility is always there. Remember to have patience, the resets and wipes can take what seems like forever.
The dangerous part is what you do after the bootloader is unlocked.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey i wiped this up based on your post it should really help. it completely automates the process check it out if you want to and you can also ad it to the OP if you want to.
DOWNLOAD TOOL HERE Root-moto-g-4th-gen

Tomsgt said:
Hey i wiped this up based on your post it should really help. it completely automates the process check it out if you want to and you can also ad it to the OP if you want to.
DOWNLOAD TOOL HERE Root-moto-g-4th-gen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cheers mate

I signed up for xda just to give you props! I rooted my phone using instructions not from here and i was suck in a boot loop. your little command there fixed it! I freakin love you.. wish i could buy you dinner! Thanks a million

zipjay said:
I signed up for xda just to give you props! I rooted my phone using instructions not from here and i was suck in a boot loop. your little command there fixed it! I freakin love you.. wish i could buy you dinner! Thanks a million
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome... Just give click thanks on the first post, but if you feel absolutely compelled to buy me dinner, there is the Donate button.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

I rooted my G4 in the normal way using supersu 2.46, and now boot hangs on the white Moto screen. (advice from another site)
I am waiting for a SD card to update to 2.76 with the systemless command.
Is there anything else I can do in the interim, I tried deleting the contents of /supersu from Twrp and that hasnt made any difference. I have also wiped data and caches.
thanks .. Mike

mikeruss said:
I rooted my G4 in the normal way using supersu 2.46, and now boot hangs on the white Moto screen. (advice from another site)
I am waiting for a SD card to update to 2.76 with the systemless command.
Is there anything else I can do in the interim, I tried deleting the contents of /supersu from Twrp and that hasnt made any difference. I have also wiped data and caches.
thanks .. Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't you just use MTP mode of TWRP to copy the latest SuperSU to internal storage then flash after creating the config file?
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

thank you, worked fine.
would I be right in thinking I need the sdk23, arm, 64 bit version of xposed ?

mikeruss said:
thank you, worked fine.
would I be right in thinking I need the sdk23, arm, 64 bit version of xposed ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know... I don't own the G4 *yet* but possibly in the near future now that I know the Amazon version can have the ads striped out easily enough... I would do a nandorid and try it, if it fails, restore and use the 32-bit version.
Someone else may have a better answer for you.

acejavelin said:
I don't know... I don't own the G4 *yet* but possibly in the near future now that I know the Amazon version can have the ads striped out easily enough... I would do a nandorid and try it, if it fails, restore and use the 32-bit version.
Someone else may have a better answer for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
32 bit
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

thanks, xposed works fine

Well, I was planning on joining all of you with your Moto G4's soon, or possibly the G4 Plus... but since the Amazon version can't be unlocked anymore I got cold feet, and today Best Buy was running a special on the Moto X Pure 32GB edition for $249 (My Best Buy Elite members only), I pulled the trigger on that one instead. No change in helping though, I didn't have the device to begin with so I will continue to assist with this thread as I can.

Related

lg l9 p769 - droid 4.0.4 - i'm lost, could use help, linux user

i have been seeing a lot of threads about rooting this phone, but, they all have windows scripts, even the thread that is said to have a runme.sh does not have it in any of the links that i unzipped - only a runme.bat, but yet, people keep mentioning a runme.sh in it... also, i really don't see any one lying out the steps for doing this with linux.
i'm a noob, and dont really know much about this stuff, but i've done this ONCE before with a galxy exhibit, but it was very easy, i just copied a file to the phone (stock rom?), rebooted into recovery, told it to recover from that file, and i was done.
i have no idea how to do it with my new phone, and so i'm wondering:
1: where can i find the files i need to do this with linux - i just want root, nothing special
2: where can i find the steps necessary to do it - in the easiest manner possible?
3: it says i have droid 4.0.4, ICS, but every one who talks about lg l9 p769 says its JB, so, thats a bit odd...
any help is appreciated.
sentientsystem said:
3: it says i have droid 4.0.4, ICS, but every one who talks about lg l9 p769 says its JB, so, thats a bit odd...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is running ICS 4.0, that is the version which it shipped with. Pretty much everyone on here has upgraded to JB either with software update on the phone or they have manually updated with the offline KDZ flash method.
I dont have any experience in linux so I cant help. I hope you can get your phone rooted!
Sent from my LG-P768 using xda app-developers app
i just started to restart my phone into recovery mode to see if i could put cyenogenmod on it without having to root it first, and it's saying "software upgrade ... please wait while upgrading...", so, i guess it's upgrading to JB right now... i'll see shortly.
but even if it does upgrade to JB, i still wouldn't know how to do it on linux. i figured there would just be some files to download, and a sequence of adb commands that i could type into bash, but, i'm kinda lost. i guess i'll wait and see if it upgrades to JB before asking more questions.
thanks.
sentientsystem said:
i just started to restart my phone into recovery mode to see if i could put cyenogenmod on it without having to root it first, and it's saying "software upgrade ... please wait while upgrading...", so, i guess it's upgrading to JB right now... i'll see shortly.
but even if it does upgrade to JB, i still wouldn't know how to do it on linux. i figured there would just be some files to download, and a sequence of adb commands that i could type into bash, but, i'm kinda lost. i guess i'll wait and see if it upgrades to JB before asking more questions.
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need wine and then set it up...
Sent From My Xperia Themed P769
well, i tried that "LGpwn" and it didn't work, as well as a fake lg-recovery app. i figured out that i've got a "10g" phone (P769 V10G ICS). i'm not sure what the next step is. some one mentioned downgrading to JB... is there some where you can point me to for that???
i've GOT to get this t-mobile junk off my damned phone... i've even TRIED to install cyenogenmod, but i can't figure out how to get my phone to go into recovery mode (NOT factory rest) - i've tried volup+power+home and volup+power, and neither seem to be working.
Setup a sandbox, windows xp. LG uses windows, no other way to root as of right now for the t-mobile version.
Sent from my LGMS769 using xda app-developers app
yeah, it's starting to look like i'm gonna have to try this with a virtual machine, or, pay some one else to do it, or, go get my money back and downgrade to a samsung galaxy exihibit (not sure if the new model of that phone is just as easy as the exhibit 4g, but, it's screen is about an inch smaller than the lg, and they're all 3 the same price, so i'd rather keep the lg).
just out of curiosity, how do you get this phone to boot into recovery mode? you don't have to root it for that, or have windows, right? you just hit the right keys on the phone, right? i couldn't get it to work, but, maybe i was doing it wrong. and, if you can go into recovery, does it have to be rooted to use a cyenogenmod image, or will it not really know the difference?
thanks again. i'm sure this thread may help other noobs as well.
sentientsystem said:
yeah, it's starting to look like i'm gonna have to try this with a virtual machine, or, pay some one else to do it, or, go get my money back and downgrad to an samsung galaxy exihibit (not sure if the new model of that phone is just as easy as the exhibit 4g, but, it's screen is about an inch smaller than the lg, and they're all 3 the same price, so i'd rather keep the lg).
just out of curiosity, how do you get this phone to boot into recovery mode? you don't have to root it for that, or have windows, right? you just hit the right keys on the phone, right? i couldn't get it to work, but, maybe i was doing it wrong. and, if you can go into recovery, does it have to be rooted to use a cyenogenmod image, or will it not really know the difference?
thanks again. i'm sure this thread may help other noobs as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option #1
If you are rooted on stock T-Mobile 10e or 10g ROM and have the CWM installed from this thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2095825 follow my instructions.
Place one of these CWM ROM images on your SD-Card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2136204
Place this JB radio firmware from T-Mobile 20d ROM on your SD-Card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256350
Power off the device.
After power on the back/menu capacitive buttons will flash repetedly. Press Volume down while the lights are flashing and the phone should go into recovery.
Flash the ROM first.
Flash the radio second.
Reboot.
***Notes***
1.) 20d is the latest T-Mobile, 21b is the latest Wind Mobile. Both work.
2.) 21b is lighter/faster but has no wifi-calling.
3.) 21b will require you to manually enter your APN settings for cellular data and MMS. Be sure to write down your APN settings before flashing this ROM.
4.) Some users say battery life sucks on JB. I notice that 21b is better on battery life than 20d.
Option #2.
In Linux install a Windows VM and follow the standard instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173465
Use KVM with a GUI or even easier use VirtualBox.
I'm a die hard linux geek too. I even run linux at work while all of our msp software was written for windows. You are better off just running an old copy of xp inside virtualbox trust me its just easier that way. You can use adb if you like (its the same thing the windows users use in their batch files and just rewrite the bash script, but you will save yourself lots of headaches just using virtualbox. -- my .02
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda premium
i'm not exactly sure what the end result of your instructions are, as i assumed it was to BE rooted, but the first line of your post says "if you are rooted ...", so, i'm guessing you're telling us how to ... unlock the boot loader?
by the way, that reminds me, i still haven't come across any posts on this site that tell noobs:
# what's the unlocked boot loader FOR - why do you need this - what does it do?
# what's the difference between unlocked boot loaders and being rooted?
# do you have to unlock the bootloader to get root access?
all some one like ME needs, is root access, so that i can edit the /etc/hosts file and test mobile compatibility of web apps on the development server before making them live - and to remove t-mobile damned bloat-ware. i hope this helps others who are trying to understand the basic concepts of getting control over the phone they paid money for.
thanks again. now to find a winxp image to load into a virtual machine...
My bad. I should have read through your original question all the way before posting. I see that you are not rooted.
If you are on 10e ROM you can root in Linux:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1990705
It will require rewriting the batch script as a Linux shell script. It is possible but nobody has done it yet.
If you are on 10g you will need Windows. I have also answered your questions below.
sentientsystem said:
i'm not exactly sure what the end result of your instructions are, as i assumed it was to BE rooted, but the first line of your post says "if you are rooted ...", so, i'm guessing you're telling us how to ... unlock the boot loader?
by the way, that reminds me, i still haven't come across any posts on this site that tell noobs:
# what's the unlocked boot loader FOR - why do you need this - what does it do?
It allows you to boot an un-signed kernel. You can boot custom ROMs basically.
# what's the difference between unlocked boot loaders and being rooted?
Root allows you to `su -` to the root user and own the whole system.
# do you have to unlock the bootloader to get root access?
No.
all some one like ME needs, is root access, so that i can edit the /etc/hosts file and test mobile compatibility of web apps on the development server before making them live - and to remove t-mobile damned bloat-ware. i hope this helps others who are trying to understand the basic concepts of getting control over the phone they paid money for.
thanks again. now to find a winxp image to load into a virtual machine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, the one t-mobile is selling now is a v10g - so, it's time to play with virtual machine, and hope that usb-access is passed through from ubuntu to the VM.
thanks for answering the other questions. i think this essentially sets things straight.
peace! \m/ (>_<) \m/
sentientsystem said:
yeah, the one t-mobile is selling now is a v10g - so, it's time to play with virtual machine, and hope that usb-access is passed through from ubuntu to the VM.
thanks for answering the other questions. i think this essentially sets things straight.
peace! \m/ (>_<) \m/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome!
I know that a long time ago when I ran VirtualBox in Ubuntu there was something I had to do to allow USB access to the VM.
Here are the current instructions directly from Ubuntu:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VirtualBox/USB
Good luck.
hey, i've got 1 more quick question: is there a way to simply load a pre-rooted ROM onto it, like i did with my samsung? where you put it onto the device, the go into recovery mode and choose the pre-rooted ROM? i haven't seen any mention of that, so i'm not sure if that's an option...
also, how the hell do you make this boot into recovery mode? i still haven't been able to get it to do that?
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
sentientsystem said:
hey, i've got 1 more quick question: is there a way to simply load a pre-rooted ROM onto it, like i did with my samsung? where you put it onto the device, the go into recovery mode and choose the pre-rooted ROM? i haven't seen any mention of that, so i'm not sure if that's an option...
also, how the hell do you make this boot into recovery mode? i still haven't been able to get it to do that?
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can flash a pre-rooted image. They are available. Use the search?
I posted instructions on the first page showing how to boot recovery.
that's great news - that's all i really needed - i didn't see them before, at least, not conspicuously, but i'll search around again.
and, i must have some how missed your instructions, i'll look again.
thanks!
kevev said:
I posted instructions on the first page showing how to boot recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
those steps assume i have CWM installed, and i don't. i looked at installing CWM, and it doesn't have an official recovery app for the p769, and when i went to look at that thread you linked to, it says you must be rooted already. this is the aggravating part of us ignorant people dealing with people who know many things: it appears to us that you have to do some thing that requires that it is already done before you can do it. it doesn't make any sense - just a bunch of circualar requirements, with no beginning.
so, let me ask this a different way: how do i reboot into recovery mode, on a STOCK LG P769 v10g? the lights do not flash, and i'm assuming that is a CWM feature - but CWM is not installed - this is COMPLETELY STOCK - fresh out of the box. so, what do you press, when turning it on, to make it go into recovery mode, so that you can recover from a pre-rooted rom (which i am still looking for)?
i just want to "recover" to a pre-rooted rom, that's it, so that i can delete bloatware and edit the /etc/hosts file (for web app testing). this thread says you cant do this for LG phones http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2174767 - i got the same result the last guy got . trying to borrow a windows computer now...
also, does any one know if it is safe to put a jelly bean rom onto a device that was using ice cream sandwich? is there a difference between the versions that would brick the device? is it not recommended, or is it highly recommended?
thanks again. sorry for all the confusion.
you know, as a side note: it may help more noobs understand this stuff if there was a sort of simplified glossary, perhaps as an official site thread, for the orientation of noobs, that would give an outline of the basic concepts, AND their order of operation. exmaple: "rooting is when you... bootloader unlocking is when you... CWM is for people who want to... you MUST do A before you can do B and then you can optionally do C if so desired...". that would help them understand where to START, then, where to GO next.
well, borrowed a windows computer and i got it rooted, but, i found out a few things about this exact model: it has no "boot to recovery" option, by default - it's locked down pretty good. you can not use any of the other root methods on this model, and you can not do it from linux (f*ck me).
so, that long-winded fake-software-update-while-switched-out-a-hex-edited-binary-file is the ONLY way for this exact model, it seems...
but, at least i can confirm that this exact model CAN be rooted at all
now to remove alllllllll the bloatware... and look into this CWM more and learn more about what is actually IS and WHY so many people install/use/flash it...
hey, does any one know if cyenogenmod ever got themselve's an "app/marketplace"??? that was one of the draw-backs to installing it, last i checked.
thanks @everyone for your help.
sentientsystem said:
those steps assume i have CWM installed, and i don't. i looked at installing CWM, and it doesn't have an official recovery app for the p769, and when i went to look at that thread you linked to, it says you must be rooted already. this is the aggravating part of us ignorant people dealing with people who know many things: it appears to us that you have to do some thing that requires that it is already done before you can do it. it doesn't make any sense - just a bunch of circualar requirements, with no beginning.
so, let me ask this a different way: how do i reboot into recovery mode, on a STOCK LG P769 v10g? the lights do not flash, and i'm assuming that is a CWM feature - but CWM is not installed - this is COMPLETELY STOCK - fresh out of the box. so, what do you press, when turning it on, to make it go into recovery mode, so that you can recover from a pre-rooted rom (which i am still looking for)?
i just want to "recover" to a pre-rooted rom, that's it, so that i can delete bloatware and edit the /etc/hosts file (for web app testing). this thread says you cant do this for LG phones http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2174767 - i got the same result the last guy got . trying to borrow a windows computer now...
also, does any one know if it is safe to put a jelly bean rom onto a device that was using ice cream sandwich? is there a difference between the versions that would brick the device? is it not recommended, or is it highly recommended?
thanks again. sorry for all the confusion.
you know, as a side note: it may help more noobs understand this stuff if there was a sort of simplified glossary, perhaps as an official site thread, for the orientation of noobs, that would give an outline of the basic concepts, AND their order of operation. exmaple: "rooting is when you... bootloader unlocking is when you... CWM is for people who want to... you MUST do A before you can do B and then you can optionally do C if so desired...". that would help them understand where to START, then, where to GO next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've decided to help you out This page will give you some more info on the P769 and several kdz (roms) for the P769
The fastest way to root is to flash the V21B kdz (this is the Jelly Bean version for Canada) using this guide, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36351786
The reason why you want this rom is because it has a vulnerability that is easy to exploit with Jcase apk
Once your followed everything (and rooted), install Super Su and Busybox
Next install artas182x second init CWM (in case you can't find it on his page, the link is here )
Note: you will see blinking led lights when you see the LG logo (booting up) appear after a couple of seconds. To enter the CWM press the vol (-) when the lights start flashing.
After you installed Artas182x CWM you can recover from someones clockworkmod backup.
following info from Cmahendra's thread
Note: only restore CWM backups from P769 versions or MS769!!!!
Or check out the V10B (MetroPCS "JellyBean") CWM backup
Now the only 2 reasons to unlock the bootloader are:
1. Install a safer and better CWM
The reason why is because Artas182x CWM is a second init (bootstrap), so if you mess around with a busybox apk and something goes wrong or you remove a file that is required (for CWM), it will stop operating. You will have to reflash the kdz or fix what you changed to get it working again.) I've had this problem several times while messing around with different busybox apps and etc.
2. Custom roms
(which you stated you are not looking for) not worth talking about right now.
Answer to questions
The only pre rooted roms are clockworkmod backups, lol
The default recovery is useless to us (unless you feel like solving the problem)
Flashing back and forth (ice to jelly) comes with risk, the program used on Windows to flash is buggy at times. The best way (in my opinion) is to flash only when really required and mostly restore from clockwormod backups. The device is actually hard to hard brick, but it will require at lot more knowledge to get your device running again.
---------- Post added at 07:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 PM ----------
sentientsystem said:
well, borrowed a windows computer and i got it rooted, but, i found out a few things about this exact model: it has no "boot to recovery" option, by default - it's locked down pretty good. you can not use any of the other root methods on this model, and you can not do it from linux (f*ck me).
so, that long-winded fake-software-update-while-switched-out-a-hex-edited-binary-file is the ONLY way for this exact model, it seems...
but, at least i can confirm that this exact model CAN be rooted at all
now to remove alllllllll the bloatware... and look into this CWM more and learn more about what is actually IS and WHY so many people install/use/flash it...
hey, does any one know if cyenogenmod ever got themselve's an "app/marketplace"??? that was one of the draw-backs to installing it, last i checked.
thanks @all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what version are you on right now
Ice? Jelly?
i'm still on ICS for the moment. still trying to understand what i need to do next. re-reading your post for the 2nd time, and all the threads it references. making sure i don't screw any thing up. thinking about upgrading to JB, and trying this CWM. and looking into this "cyanogenmod" some more, to understand why i never see any one on this site mention it, and what all these "other roms" are about. lmao, like i said, i'm way new to this . it's a lot to take in, even for a web developer .
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/

COMPLETE guide to BRICK your Truesmart! --{SOLVED!! Unbricked!!}

[update 2] I just summarized a way to backup and restore (all based on other great DEV's work, just put in one place) your TS before your play with your TS here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=52820278#post52820278
Go check it if you plan to root your TS!
[update] With the help of cheahcl, I got the latest F/W for 4th List 1/8/2100. With the MTK SP_Flash_Tool, I was able to upload a corrected F/W for my TS and everything goes back to normal!
Thanks for cheahcl for his dump and Lokifish Marz for his All in one tools! You guys really saved my day! (and my TS).
A Quick summary: Do NOT use any method on XDA yet to root or change TWRP recovery! It seems the TS of 4th list is different in some way than the ones before which render most of stuffs here invalid. However, fear not to play around since now we have a way to go back to stock!
In my experience, I found that it's really difficult to truly brick a MTK based system. The system will just reject flashing at slightest sign that a F/W is not compatible. The only cache is you need to have the "correct" F/W specifically for your TS!
In my observation, OMate made changes between each delivery. For Example, the 4th list of 1/8/2100 is different in (At least F/W configuration) of the 3rd or earlier 1/8/2100.
------------------------below is my original story of what I tried and failed--------------------------
Just got mine (1/8/2100) 5 hrs ago! I am on the 4th list. The delivery in FAST!
The watch starts normally. I played with it for a while, than decided to root it, install TWRP and apply the security hack made by +Lokifish Marz
Now I have a brick! Just after 30 min I receive the watch!
<<Can anyone help me here?>>
First of all, in respecting to all great DEVs, I have NO intention to blame anyone else but myself. (I did this to my own watch!)
Second, I have been rooting Android since Cupcake day, so I am not a Noob... (or so I think...) I am very familiar with ADB/fastboot... and use almost daily.
So here is the guide to brick. If Anyone have any idea please help me out!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st, I tried to use this tool to root+TWRP+scurity patch http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713183&page=2 knowing it's NOT tested against 1/8/2100. I just tried anyway... The script went with a lot of errors, it seems the script cannot locate correct files but still push the security patched files into the /system/app (and other places).
I turn on the watch, but it just stuck at boot logo (the orange "Truesmart" logo without animation)
Also, the Recovery is still stock, TWRP is no where to be seen.
Since ADB still works, I adb reboot couple times, pull the battery, let the watch run for 2hrs, etc... Nothing works. The watch just stuck at the boot logo.
Than I follow this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2641261 and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2641261 with Stock firmware downloaded from http://d-h.st/users/Lokifish Marz/?fld_id=30814#files (Omate_1-8_2100_TrueSmart_20140328.zip)
I installed all drivers, restarts my Win 7 (x86) pc (several times), and after several attempts the Flashtool just flash in the Firmware.
The Tools flash with a green Check mark, indicating everything is ok!
However the watch just become a brick after this....
Than this completed the brick process! Now the watch won't even turn on, when I try to use Flash tool again, it always say S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL. Google this and you find it's due to flashing wrong F/W, but I don't know where went wrong!
Anyone else have same problem or it's just me? Anyone have solution?
You said everything...
You made mistake but that shouldn't be problem.
You soft brick it using wrong recovery image and root tool but as you said, you had adb and fastboot on - so if you know what are you doing and I see you know (except of that pary of flashing something that's not for your device .) you should be able to flash stock firmware back.
If you can flash another firmware, try with other firmware...
Don't know what else to say....
Omate build piece of sh*t and we'll all have problems with it...
It's very hard to differentiate devices.
All of them has same nr on mother boards and, as I said, we will all have problems with Omate and their TrueSh*t...
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
funky0308 said:
You said everything...
You made mistake but that shouldn't be problem.
You soft brick it using wrong recovery image and root tool but as you said, you had adb and fastboot on - so if you know what are you doing and I see you know (except of that pary of flashing something that's not for your device .) you should be able to flash stock firmware back.
If you can flash another firmware, try with other firmware...
Don't know what else to say....
Omate build piece of sh*t and we'll all have problems with it...
It's very hard to differentiate devices.
All of them has same nr on mother boards and, as I said, we will all have problems with Omate and their TrueSh*t...
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha! Very true! I think you are right! I believe Omate have many segmentation on their HW/SW, even with same model number.... A lot of things changes between versions which makes the "factory image" not compatible....
Anyone has the latest (4th list) 1/8/2100 TS who could dump their whole image for me would be helpful...
I would like to help you but mine is 2nd list and it's still on customs office...
Omate shipment experts, you just gotta love them....
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Not sure what to tell you on this. A board revision change is possible as the Omate_1-8_2100_TrueSmart_20140328.zip was from a 1/8 2100. I can't even test stuff anymore as I gave one to a tech student that's studying network and system security and the other four were stripped down, reworked into data gathering modules and then donated to near space projects.
Lokifish Marz said:
Not sure what to tell you on this. A board revision change is possible as the Omate_1-8_2100_TrueSmart_20140328.zip was from a 1/8 2100. I can't even test stuff anymore as I gave one to a tech student that's studying network and system security and the other four were stripped down, reworked into data gathering modules and then donated to near space projects.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Lokifish for your comment... Is there anyway to get a latest F/W? If you know anyone I could contact, please PM me... Thanks!
Anyone have yet received a 1/8/2100 on 4th list could PM me a Factory F/W dump?
I tried another XP PC with all steps checked and rechecked but still... No luck...
Teach me how to do a dump and I'll dump it for you. I was also looking how to backup my stock firmware before playing around, seeing as no one has our version of firmware uploaded for restore yet.
Also received mine yesterday and firmware version is 20140513, pretty damn recent.
You guys are going to have to help each other out on this one. I've already deleted 90% of any and all Android dev stuff from my personal file server and computer. This includes tools, guides and work going as far back as the original HTC Evo.
cheahcl said:
Teach me how to do a dump and I'll dump it for you. I was also looking how to backup my stock firmware before playing around, seeing as no one has our version of firmware uploaded for restore yet.
Also received mine yesterday and firmware version is 20140513, pretty damn recent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! First of all, Currently don't do anything posted on XDA yet since most of them will not work with this version of TS... (This is where I am now...)
First of all, please get all necessary tools directly from this post "All Tools" http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2734687 (Do NOT download or install any other things there!)
Follow those steps: (modified from link above)
1. Download "All Tools"
2. Install Universal ADB Drivers (included in All Tools) <--If you already have ADB up and running, it's not necessarily, then.
3. Enable USB Debugging on watch
4. Launch MTKDroid Tools
5. Connect watch to PC
6. Please follow the instruction from here: http://www.chinaphonearena.com/foru...up-MTK6592-MTK6589-MTK6577-and-all-MTK-Phones
   a. Skip everything above and just starts from "B) Open ADB prompt to begin communication with the phone" .
   b. Don't worry about the recovery thing... TS comes with a recovery which is not locked and you can do everything this article said with only stock recovery. (also no busy box is needed, nor su since TS run everything in root!)
   c. You could also refer to the video guide below for details
7. it's okay to just provide the file you got after finishing the step "C) Read back the ROM with MTK Droid Tools" I should be able to do the Step D) and after myself.
Thanks a lot for your help!
Lokifish Marz said:
You guys are going to have to help each other out on this one. I've already deleted 90% of any and all Android dev stuff from my personal file server and computer. This includes tools, guides and work going as far back as the original HTC Evo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Lokifish,
Could you please still keep those tools on the host servers so people can still access them? (Like "All tools", etc.) Please...... (I need a emoticon of a small kitten with big eyes here...)
Thanks!
ok will get it to tonight. about 6 hours time. cheers
lssong99 said:
Dear Lokifish,
Could you please still keep those tools on the host servers so people can still access them? (Like "All tools", etc.) Please...... (I need a emoticon of a small kitten with big eyes here...)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The space was given to me for free as a recognized developer and contributor. Seeing that I have left development completely, it is not right that I continue to use the services. So at the end of the week the files will be purged and I will ask the xda remove my developer and contributor status.
Lokifish Marz said:
The space was given to me for free as a recognized developer and contributor. Seeing that I have left development completely, it is not right that I continue to use the services. So at the end of the week the files will be purged and I will ask the xda remove my developer and contributor status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I see the situation... In this case, may I have your permission to host those files somewhere (maybe by XDA moderator, or ...me?) so they could still be accessible?
I could feel your feeling on this fiasco. Must be quite frustrate experiences for you...
lssong99 said:
Oh! I see the situation... In this case, may I have your permission to host those files somewhere (maybe by XDA moderator, or ...me?) so they could still be accessible?
I could feel your feeling on this fiasco. Must be quite frustrate experiences for you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25414599/!Files_to_FlashTool.rar
I've done step D as well, good to just flash it I guess.
Let me know if it worked, before I start messing about. I'm not good in all these stuff. Been flashing since HD2 days but still, just a tutorial follower, can probably count Linux commands I know with 1 hand.
cheahcl said:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25414599/!Files_to_FlashTool.rar
I've done step D as well, good to just flash it I guess.
Let me know if it worked, before I start messing about. I'm not good in all these stuff. Been flashing since HD2 days but still, just a tutorial follower, can probably count Linux commands I know with 1 hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear cheahcl,
Thank you soooo much for the image! I successfully restored my TS and now EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL!
If you want to play around, please don't forge to back up your IMEI! since the MTK SP_Flash_Tool will wipe your IMEI!
Please follow this guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2631953 under "IMEI Backup Procedure" before proceed anything dangerous!
After this, you are good to go! MTK is non-brickable (from what I learned for the past day... All you need is a corrected factory F/W!)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
lssong99 said:
Dear cheahcl,
Thank you soooo much for the image! I successfully restored my TS and now EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL!
If you want to play around, please don't forge to back up your IMEI! since the MTK SP_Flash_Tool will wipe your IMEI!
Please follow this guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2631953 under "IMEI Backup Procedure" before proceed anything dangerous!
After this, you are good to go! MTK is non-brickable (from what I learned for the past day... All you need is a corrected factory F/W!)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't sweat it, haha i needed to backup my original firmware as well anyways, seeing how scarce it is around here and all the weird discrepancies in HW/SW versions. good to know i can always fall back on this file. haha yeah i've also backed up my imei. time to play around and see.
cheers
Ive managed to get my brand new watch stuck in a bootloop after using framaRoot to root it. (I know, I know)
Now, I am able to boot into recovery mode or factory, and tried a factory reset. No luck, so i'm pretty sure the issue is in the /system partition.
Does anyone know if there are zip files somewhere that i can flash from recovery, to restore the system partition?
Device:
- 1GB / 8GB / 2100MHz Version
- Originally unrooted
- OUI 2.1
- Modem Ver: MOLY.WR8.W1315.MD.WG.MP.V4, 2013/08/14 18:16
- No other modifications besides the rooting (which did work already before I rebooted)
Spoetnicus said:
Ive managed to get my brand new watch stuck in a bootloop after using framaRoot to root it. (I know, I know)
Now, I am able to boot into recovery mode or factory, and tried a factory reset. No luck, so i'm pretty sure the issue is in the /system partition.
Does anyone know if there are zip files somewhere that i can flash from recovery, to restore the system partition?
Device:
- 1GB / 8GB / 2100MHz Version
- Originally unrooted
- OUI 2.1
- Modem Ver: MOLY.WR8.W1315.MD.WG.MP.V4, 2013/08/14 18:16
- No other modifications besides the rooting (which did work already before I rebooted)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The TS (or any MTK based system) does not use the usually "recovery backup/restore" way we familiar of, instead it goes the "special tool on PC backup/restore" method. You need ask people who receive their watch in around the same time as yours with same configuration to backup their watch FW with MTK tools than restore with said FW.
Basically what I had done in this thread!
Please follow my another guild to see how to do this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2758733
Sent from my HTC_One_max using XDA Premium HD app
lssong99 said:
The TS (or any MTK based system) does not use the usually "recovery backup/restore" way we familiar of, instead it goes the "special tool on PC backup/restore" method. You need ask people who receive their watch in around the same time as yours with same configuration to backup their watch FW with MTK tools than restore with said FW.
Basically what I had done in this thread!
Please follow my another guild to see how to do this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2758733
Sent from my HTC_One_max using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Im pretty sure that I was on 'Omate_TrueSmart_20140513.103530_V2.0' before I bricked it, so that gives hope
I dont have it with me right now, but Ill try it as soon as I get back home on monday
Thanks again for the tutorials and reply
lssong99 said:
Please follow my another guild to see how to do this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2758733
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HEY! It worked
I'm back at a functional Truesmart
Thank you soo much
And in case three smiley's aren't enough:
Also, quick note for other people bricking their phone, my issue (after I bricked it again), was that I used an app to change the density property, which broke the boot of the watch.
The app that broke my watch was: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.birdapi.android.dpi

[Q] I think I've got it? (from root to rom)

From many many different threads and frankly confusing instructions I think I have puzzled together the following solid guideline for my kindle fire hdx from basic root to custom rom. Currently my firmware is 13.3.1.0.
Could someone take a look at this and tell me if I got this right or if I need to do stuff differently (or could do them better)? Don't assume that something is obvious, if it isn't written down, don't be shy to mention it. I would be ever so grateful .
Edit: I'm updating my experience as I move along the list and get more info just in case this might be useful to someone who is just as lost as I was in the beginning
Obligatory disclaimer: this is just a step-by-step guideline that worked for me. I'm not responsible if you chose to follow any of these steps and damage or brick your device.
Guideline:
-Download firmware version 3.2.3.2 and upgrade directly from any of the previous version by putting the file into the internal storage of the kindle, going to settings>device>system update on the kindle and installing the update from there.
-Root with Towelroot in the HDX toolkit downloaded from here (Edit: I got various error messages at this step but got it to work in the end. The 3rd post here shows what I did to get it working after getting error message 2 and 3 at various times)
-block OTA also with the tool in the HDX toolkit (is there a way to safely check that this worked? Edit: It worked )
-connect to wifi and install Flashify from the playstore (Edit: I ended up installing File Expert and flashify on another android device, backing up the flashify apk and sideloading it with ES File Explorer from the amazon app store to the kindle, I guess I could have also download the apk somewhere but I have trust issues.)
-download the img of TWRP 2.8.5.0. and put it in internal storage of kindle (had no problems)
-use flashify to save original stock recovery (had no problems)
-Use flashify to flash TWRP (had no problems)
- Boot into recovery mode via flashify to see if it worked (had no problems)
Now either A)
-download CM11 image and gapps and put the zip files on internal storage
-Edit: disconnect Kindle from USB afterwards
- go into TWRP recovery mode (by powering off kindle and then pressing power and volume at the same time)
- make backup of original stockrom under backups and save copy on your Computer
- wipe system, data, cache and dalvik cache under wipe/advanced (all except internal)
- flash cm11 image and gapps (under install and then find them in the files)
- reboot
-Edit: I had the wifi not connecting problem that some people have with CM11 but a reboot took care of it.
-Edit 2: I couldn't get the kindle app to work on CM11 (it wouldn't synch my books, the device wasn't recognized by amazon and it would crash every time I logged in.) so I ended up replacing it with the Nexus rom. If the chance of this happening doesn't bother you then CM11 seems to still be a good choice.
or B)
- download HDX thor nexus rom and gapps and put the zip files on internal storage
- go into TWRP recovery mode (by powering off kindle and then pressing power and volume at the same time)
- make backup of original stockrom under backups and save copy on your Computer
- wipe system, data, cache and dalvik cache under wipe/advanced (all except internal)
- Edit: disconnect Kindle from USB afterwards
- flash nexus rom and gapps (under install and then find them in the files)
- reboot
- Edit: I'm very happy with it, it works flawlessly. Since it's based on Jelly Bean I may try replacing it with another rom sometime in the future, but I'm in no hurry
Mostly correct, you can update directly to 3.2.3.2 no need for incremental steps. The only way to know if ota blocker worked is to check for update but there's really no need, as soon as you've run towel root just disable WiFi as it won't be needed anymore.
Where is unlock bootloader? As I know, you cannot flash TWRP without unlocking bootloader?!
uhraman said:
Where is unlock bootloader? As I know, you cannot flash TWRP without unlocking bootloader?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a cuber signed TWRP on a locked bootloader, as long as you're below 3.2.4.
derpadoodle said:
You can flash a cuber signed TWRP on a locked bootloader, as long as you're below 3.2.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your replies! Is the method uhraman hinted at the better one?
snorklm said:
Thanks for your replies! Is the method uhraman hinted at the better one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fully unlocking your bootloader is definitely worthwhile but it's quite a complicated endeavour and not required for running the current custom recoveries and ROMs. I'd recommend you stick with your current method and read up on the unlocking process once you're more conformable working with this device.
derpadoodle said:
Fully unlocking your bootloader is definitely worthwhile but it's quite a complicated endeavour and not required for running the current custom recoveries and ROMs. I'd recommend you stick with your current method and read up on the unlocking process once you're more conformable working with this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could I bother you to give me a few examples on *why* it is worthwhile? Thanks!
snorklm said:
Could I bother you to give me a few examples on *why* it is worthwhile? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- more robust recovery options when recovery (TWRP) is damaged/inaccessible; better chance of reviving a bricked device
- some custom roms install/operate better with unlocked BL (technically should not be needed but sometimes seen in early builds)
- some DRM aware apps on custom roms work better with unlocked BL(eg: playstore, prime)
Guidance form derpadoodle is sound. Enjoy what you have achieved thus far; revisit BL unlock when you are more comfortable with device/technique.
Davey126 said:
- more robust recovery options when recovery (TWRP) is damaged/inaccessible; better chance of reviving a bricked device
- some custom roms install/operate better with unlocked BL (technically should not be needed but sometimes seen in early builds)
- some DRM aware apps on custom roms work better with unlocked BL(eg: playstore, prime)
Guidance form derpadoodle is sound. Enjoy what you have achieved thus far; revisit BL unlock when you are more comfortable with device/technique.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the sound advice, I will probably never feel comfortable enough for that , especially because I haven't achieved much at all yet. I haven't even flashed TWPR yet.
Yay, I did it. CM11 seems to be working as intended! Thanks again for everyone who replied and also to everyone who put so much work into making and improving all the tools and software necessary to make this kind of thing even possible, I appreciate it!
What firmware were you on to begin your process mate... ?
B3NJY said:
What firmware were you on to begin your process mate... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on 3.0.5 when I got the device. Amazon didn't upgrade the firmware at all before sending it out, then I upgraded to 13.3.2.3. Why do you ask?
Hmm, I have now noticed that the kindle app is not working properly. I can sign in (though every time I sign in or deregister my account the app crashes) but it's not synching any of my books. They don't show up at all. The device (named android device 2 in the kindle app settings) does also not show up under my devices on amazon. Anyone know what the problem could be because this is a bit frustrating. Is this a bug with CM11 or with the amazon app?
snorklm said:
Hmm, I have now noticed that the kindle app is not working properly. I can sign in (though every time I sign in or deregister my account the app crashes) but it's not synching any of my books. They don't show up at all. The device (named android device 2 in the kindle app settings) does also not show up under my devices on amazon. Anyone know what the problem could be because this is a bit frustrating. Is this a bug with CM11 or with the amazon app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't say definitively but I would lean towards CM11 as all Amazon apps (kindle/prime/shopping/video) work fine with the Nexus ROM (v2.0.5) which is layered on the same hw/fw base as CM11. Don't get me wrong; CM11 (and the devs who adapted to the HDX) are great! But there may still be a few hiccups with native Amazon apps.
Davey126 said:
Can't say definitively but I would lean towards CM11 as all Amazon apps (kindle/prime/shopping/video) work fine with the Nexus ROM (v2.0.5) which is layered on the same hw/fw base as CM11. Don't get me wrong; CM11 (and the devs who adapted to the HDX) are great! But there may still be a few hiccups with native Amazon apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the opinion! I couldn't find any solution to the problem anywhere online and therefore just finished replacing CM11 with the Nexus rom, now the kindle app works perfectly fine and I'm very satisfied with what I've got. I will keep an eye out on rom development but for now I'm resting on my laurels :victory:. Considering that I was helplessly lost when I first came to the board I'm very happy with how smoothly everything went. But I really needed that step-by-step list I made and the assurance from the pros that it was correct, otherwise I would have probably made a careless mistake :silly:. Maybe it will be useful to a few other newbies as well. Not sure I will ever dare to fully unlock the bootloader like some suggested I might want to do at a later point in time, but we will see . Thanks again for the help!
snorklm said:
Thanks for the opinion! I couldn't find any solution to the problem anywhere online and therefore just finished replacing CM11 with the Nexus rom, now the kindle app works perfectly fine and I'm very satisfied with what I've got. I will keep an eye out on rom development but for now I'm resting on my laurels :victory:. Considering that I was helplessly lost when I first came to the board I'm very happy with how smoothly everything went. But I really needed that step-by-step list I made and the assurance from the pros that it was correct, otherwise I would have probably made a careless mistake :silly:. Maybe it will be useful to a few other newbies as well. Not sure I will ever dare to fully unlock the bootloader like some suggested I might want to do at a later point in time, but we will see . Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear everything is working well! My daily driver is on Nexus and I could not be happier. Everything works as it should. No need to unlock the bootloader unless you plan to do more modding. Enjoy your device!
Nice. I think everybody needs this kind of guide. Whenever a question is asked it just kind of trails off most of the time.
I'm still working on the downgrade piece.
johnwaters said:
Nice. I think everybody needs this kind of guide. Whenever a question is asked it just kind of trails off most of the time.
I'm still working on the downgrade piece.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, I was overwhelmed by all the different threads and possibilities at first. I ended up approaching it like any other research project for a paper or presentation and dumped every solid (and recent) piece of good advice into Evernote and sorting it out there. But writing and updating guides (especially with the fast development I have observed) would be a lot of work, I understand completely why no one would volunteer to do it and everybody would rather answer questions on a case by case basis.
First of all thank you very much! I was looking for something like this, since i am also new to rooting devices and this stuff...
I got a new fire hdx 7 with 13.3.02
I haven't tried anything yet, I am still reading threads and i got some questions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/update-1314-4-1-1-probably-sangria-t2901813
-> I can only find 3.2.3.2 here, which is the firmware u used? Or did you mean another one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2665683
-> the second link for hdx toolkit isnt working
How do i get the playstore on my device?
are there anywhere more informations regarding flashify? since i have no idea what this is...
thank you!
dynein said:
First of all thank you very much! I was looking for something like this, since i am also new to rooting devices and this stuff...
I got a new fire hdx 7 with 13.3.02
I haven't tried anything yet, I am still reading threads and i got some questions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/update-1314-4-1-1-probably-sangria-t2901813
-> I can only find 3.2.3.2 here, which is the firmware u used? Or did you mean another one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2665683
-> the second link for hdx toolkit isnt working
How do i get the playstore on my device?
are there anywhere more informations regarding flashify? since i have no idea what this is...
thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing you want to do is block OTA (over the air updates) or your device may be upgraded by Amazon to a level that gives you less options. Suggest using HDX Toolkit (here) to both root and block OTA. Then install twrp (here). From there you can opt to replace Fire OS will several different roms including Nexus, CM11 or CM12.
Flashify is an app that allows flashing recovery and roms from from within Android vs adb or a recovery environment. You can grab it from the Play store or another market. It's a dangerous tool; use with extreme caution.
Be aware that any of the above actions, if executed incorrectly, can permanently brick your device with little/no hope of recovery (guess that's the definition of permanent). Read, read and read some more before taking any action. Be sure to keep WiFi off on your device until OTA is blocked to prevent auto-updates.

Have TWRP but not root HDX 8.9 3rd gen

I got a new Motherboard and daughterboard in my HDX Apollo. I was able to get TWRP on it, but it keeps saying i dont appear to have root. I tried installing the latest supersu but it apparently didnt work. Anyway, i have realized that i just keep getting myself into trouble playing with root. All i want is to get my 3rd gen back to 4.5.5.1 fire os and wait for the fire os 5 update for it(hopefully) Any help on how i can do that? Ive tried downloading the latest Kindle update for apollo, renaming the .bin to update.zip and transferring it over and installing it but it never boots further than the 'kindle' screen.
Thanks for your help, sorry to be a pain
If you're on Fire OS 4.x you don't have TWRP, but Safestrap v4. After what you've done, do you still have access to Safestrap? Installing an amazon update with Safestrap installed, or even just rooted could easily mess up the device, i.e. brick it.
I don't think it's fire os 4x then. It does boot into the twrp interface and is fully functional but when you go to reboot into a different recovery it says something like "it appears you do not have root. Would you like to install supersu?" Even if I say yes it acts like it installs but apparently doesn't. I can post pics later
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Cl4ncy said:
If you're on Fire OS 4.x you don't have TWRP, but Safestrap v4. After what you've done, do you still have access to Safestrap? Installing an amazon update with Safestrap installed, or even just rooted could easily mess up the device, i.e. brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh and I'm not sure what the new board had on it. It never fully booted. That's why I installed twrp. Thanks for the reply though!
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
mhuck0625 said:
I don't think it's fire os 4x then. It does boot into the twrp interface and is fully functional but when you go to reboot into a different recovery it says something like "it appears you do not have root. Would you like to install supersu?" Even if I say yes it acts like it installs but apparently doesn't. I can post pics later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mhuck0625 said:
Oh and I'm not sure what the new board had on it. It never fully booted. That's why I installed twrp. Thanks for the reply though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- how did you "install" TWRP (method)?
- how are you accessing TWRP - just pressing the power button or some key combination (yes, it's important)?
- does a graphic vaguely resembling Frankenstein appear when you power up the device?
Davey126 said:
- how did you "install" TWRP (method)?
- how are you accessing TWRP - just pressing the power button or some key combination (yes, it's important)?
- does a graphic vaguely resembling Frankenstein appear when you power up the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed TWRP using the method instructed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/kin...-to-unbrick-kindle-fire-hdx-firmware-t3277197
When i want to get to TWRP i press and hold Power + Vol UP until it rebootes into the Teamwin screen and TWRP. It is version 2.8.7.0 now(the instructions got 2.8.5.0 installed then i upgraded)
I dont remember what the graphic looked like when booting into TWRP but i know it said TeamWin. I can check when i get it charged back up enough to turn on. Ive had it sitting unplugged for days and the battery ran dead. I hope this is enough info to help get me pointed in the right direction. Thanks!
Ok, if it's the real TWRP which it seems to be, Safestrap has no TeamWin logo at boot, I'd suggest you leave it be. Currently you can use all available ROMs, so if there'll be a future version of Fire OS you could use a TWRP flashable version of it. I doubt there will be a Fire OS 5 update for the "old" Thor/Apollo line though.
You would destroy the possibilities you currently have by updating to Fire OS 4.5.5.1.
Meanwhile you can unlock your bootloader (if you haven't already), and update TWRP to 3.0.0-1 (requires unlocked bootloader).
Don't I need root though? How can I unlock my bootloader from the stage I'm at now? I'm just a bit afraid of proceeding in case I brick it again
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Cl4ncy said:
Ok, if it's the real TWRP which it seems to be, Safestrap has no TeamWin logo at boot, I'd suggest you leave it be. Currently you can use all available ROMs, so if there'll be a future version of Fire OS you could use a TWRP flashable version of it. I doubt there will be a Fire OS 5 update for the "old" Thor/Apollo line though.
You would destroy the possibilities you currently have by updating to Fire OS 4.5.5.1.
Meanwhile you can unlock your bootloader (if you haven't already), and update TWRP to 3.0.0-1 (requires unlocked bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't I need root though? How can I unlock my bootloader from the stage I'm at now? I'm just a bit afraid of proceeding in case I brick it again
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
There's no risk in unlocking, the bootloader either unlocks or it errors/fails. Try the one-click-solution first (might require the PDANet drivers). It's recommended to update the bootloader to 3.2.3.2 (do it only, if the unlock worked ok).
TWRP can be updated from TWRP itself, so I'd recommend doing it that way. Just be sure to flash the TWRP image to the recovery partition.
Cl4ncy said:
There's no risk in unlocking, the bootloader either unlocks or it errors/fails. Try the one-click-solution first (might require the PDANet drivers). It's recommended to update the bootloader to 3.2.3.2 (do it only, if the unlock worked ok).
TWRP can be updated from TWRP itself, so I'd recommend doing it that way. Just be sure to flash the TWRP image to the recovery partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried 1-Click. In both Linux(Ubuntu 16.04) and Windows(10.1 x64) i get an error saying ADB is not enabled on the device. Ive tried booting into fastboot(with fastboot cable) tried using the regular cable and booting into TWRP. Any combination of boot modes and cables i can think of wont work. Where should i go from here?
Thanks
mhuck0625 said:
Don't I need root though? How can I unlock my bootloader from the stage I'm at now? I'm just a bit afraid of proceeding in case I brick it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is irrelevant at this stage as nothing has been flashed to the system partition (where ROMs live).
Davey126 said:
Root is irrelevant at this stage as nothing has been flashed to the system partition (where ROMs live).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so i will need root to install ROMs then? How do i solve my problem unlocking the bootloader?
mhuck0625 said:
Tried 1-Click. In both Linux(Ubuntu 16.04) and Windows(10.1 x64) i get an error saying ADB is not enabled on the device. Ive tried booting into fastboot(with fastboot cable) tried using the regular cable and booting into TWRP. Any combination of boot modes and cables i can think of wont work. Where should i go from here?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lack of a functioning ROM could prove problematic if ADB is not enabled. I do not recall if the version of TWRP you installed provides native support for MTP which is essential for moving files onto the device. You may need to go the manual route to unlock bootloader which still requires tethered access but only at the fastboot level.
Nearing the edge of my pay grade on this topic; looking for others with more recent experience to jump in...
Davey126 said:
Lack of a functioning ROM could prove problematic if ADB is not enabled. I do not recall if the version of TWRP you installed provides native support for MTP which is essential for moving files onto the device. You may need to go the manual route to unlock bootloader which still requires tethered access but only at the fastboot level.
Nearing the edge of my pay grade on this topic; looking for others with more recent experience to jump in...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have mtp access and can transfer files easily. Should I try installing a Rom to see if I get adb access? What's a good Rom to try
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Davey126 said:
Lack of a functioning ROM could prove problematic if ADB is not enabled. I do not recall if the version of TWRP you installed provides native support for MTP which is essential for moving files onto the device. You may need to go the manual route to unlock bootloader which still requires tethered access but only at the fastboot level.
Nearing the edge of my pay grade on this topic; looking for others with more recent experience to jump in...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious on one thing. Whenever i see a ROM to download it says i need to unlock the bootloader and have root before i can do that. In MY case i do NOT have either, yet i was able to flash a new recovery(TWRP) How is this possible? How would i go about installing a new ROM or unlocking the bootloader?
Is there a way to flash the stock recovery back so i can reinstall fireOS and start from scratch?
Is there a way to tell what bootloader i have from within TWRP?
I realize i probably should have done a little more reading before i started messing with it :/ I do appreciate all the help you have been able to provide so far!
mhuck0625 said:
I do have mtp access and can transfer files easily. Should I try installing a Rom to see if I get adb access? What's a good Rom to try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mhuck0625 said:
Just curious on one thing. Whenever i see a ROM to download it says i need to unlock the bootloader and have root before i can do that. In MY case i do NOT have either, yet i was able to flash a new recovery(TWRP) How is this possible? How would i go about installing a new ROM or unlocking the bootloader?
Is there a way to flash the stock recovery back so i can reinstall fireOS and start from scratch?
Is there a way to tell what bootloader i have from within TWRP?
I realize i probably should have done a little more reading before i started messing with it :/ I do appreciate all the help you have been able to provide so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- traveling; response will be brief
- suggest flashing cm11 as it does not require an unlocked bootloader nor GAaps for basic functionality
- include SuperSU in flash package to secure root
- follow flashing directions in cm11 OP
- report back results; will go from there
Davey126 said:
- traveling; response will be brief
- suggest flashing cm11 as it does not require an unlocked bootloader nor GAaps for basic functionality
- include SuperSU in flash package to secure root
- follow flashing directions in cm11 OP
- report back results; will go from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded CM11 and installed via this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kin...-cm-11-safestrap-20150628-unofficial-t3145547
Copied it as well as the latest SuperSu(v2.65) to the Kindle Fire
Went to Install, saw both Zip files. Selected them(CM11 first, then Supersu second) Swipe to install, rebooted and nothing came up. Rebooted into TWRP and repeated the process after wiping dalvik/cache. Still nothing
mhuck0625 said:
Downloaded CM11 and installed via this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kin...-cm-11-safestrap-20150628-unofficial-t3145547
Copied it as well as the latest SuperSu(v2.65) to the Kindle Fire
Went to Install, saw both Zip files. Selected them(CM11 first, then Supersu second) Swipe to install, rebooted and nothing came up. Rebooted into TWRP and repeated the process after wiping dalvik/cache. Still nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense. Likely no kernel. Will probably need to install a full version of FireOS for underlying components. Need to have a think about which build to maximize results, minimize rework. More later....
Davey126 said:
Makes sense. Likely no kernel. Will probably need to install a full version of FireOS for underlying components. Need to have a think about which build to maximize results, minimize rework. More later....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have no idea how much i appreciate the help!
I look forward to hearing what you come up with!!
I would be happy just going straight back to full fire os - Stock EVERYTHING and not even worrying about running another OS. I just want to have a usable tablet again!

Question Moto G Pure - XT2163-4 vs XT2163-2 - LTE bands

New here. Didn't see a forum for the Moto G Pure XT2163. Mods - I am sorry. Please move wherever's best.
Discovered that the version Verizon is selling (notably the slickdeals thread on the one from Visible) is different. It's -2 vs. -4.
Looks like VZW disabled most of the bands that T-Mobile/Sprint use - 25, 41, 71, for example.
Looking to see if it's possible to enable those bands. One report on SD thread says they bricked their device trying RETUS version but IDK if the bootloader needs to be unlocked first, or if it would even help. Probably more work to unlock these bands if it's even possible.
Downloads look available here https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/ellis/official/
Haven't messed with flashing a phone in years. May be able to try later but hoping anyone else here can look into this.
I'm going to guess as is the case with most other Android devices branded by Verizon that the bootloader will be restricted from being unlocked. There is really no way around this as it's an OEM based policy. If you want to play with custom ROMs or root based modding, I would highly recommend ditching the Verizon or any other carrier branded variant with the exception of T-Mobile/Metro and Google Fi (there are others) that actually allow OEM unlock. Not only that, but if you're looking for certain connectivity bands, you don't want to settle for a carrier device variant designed to use a particular set of bands which don't include the ones you need. No sense getting a Verizon variant to run on T-Mobile/Sprint bands when you can, you know, get the T-Mobile variant in the first place. Get the global unlocked variant model if you can and start from there. Far easier than the headaches you'll get trying to transform VZW to TMUS.
Cross-flashing is not going to unlock bands, you need to change modem configuration. Throw your SoC(Mediatek) followed by "unlock bands" into Google and see if you have any luck.
I also didn't see a forum for the Moto G Pure and was wondering if anyone knows of a custom bootloader like TWRP or CWM for it? I think I have enough understanding of how to sideload the app, I just need something to send the phone. I tried using a random TWRP mod on it but it fails, invalid signature. I haven't tried doing the phone rooting thing in years now, but I have this Moto G Pure phone without any service on it that I'm willing to experiment on. It can be used as a test bed or data extraction device to put code from it on the internet if someone needs it to help custom rom makers for example by testing stuff on it. Perhaps that's why no one has a custom recovery for it yet.
I don't know exactly how to extract the phones current ROM data so all I've done so far is unlock the bootloader. The phone's carrier based on the unactivated sim card shows it's a T-Mobile branded device, but the T-Mobile and other carrier software is inactive other than the few Moto apps. An article on XDA say's the phone's suck, but that's just not true at least not to me. It's a fine phone like it is, but if I can format it's SSD and only install what I want it to have on it that would be great. It's just a spare sim locked phone that I can't use my active sim card in. So with that it's now a project phone. I would like to mainly just unbloat it and free up all that used space occupied by the recovery partition. I don't necessarily need a whole new ROM, just want to root it. That's the only way to erase those factory files that I know of.
For me unlocking the bootloader wasn't to hard to do. You have to make sure the drivers from Motorola are installed and have a current version of ADB available on a computer. I still had a version of ADB tools that was almost a decade old now so I had to update that for the fastboot oem_unlock_unlockcode (automated code from Motorola support) command to work. To find out if it can be unlocked or not go here:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone%2Fbootloader%2Funlock-your-device-b
At the Moto site they will guide you on how to generate the code they want you to send them. You have to sign in to their site to use that function though. After I finally figured out what to type in the CMD window it generated that code and I edited it down to one long line of numbers and give it to the page. In seconds I had an email with the unlock code inside.
Unlocking it seems to help with uninstalling some of the built in stuff, before I could only disable most of the apps that come with it. The apps are still probably on there I just have to factory reset it and they'll come back. Now however the removed apps don't show as using any internal storage, all the apps info numbers go to 0 bytes, but still even doing that it's still over 10GB of unmovable data. When it should really be more like 2-3 GB for the entire system. I hate how Google just inserts itself in your life even when you don't want it at all.
I anyone passing by reading this post needs more details please let me know and I'll try to get the information or even data files from the phone. Would a copy of it's stock firmware be of any help? If so let me know how I would go about saving a copy of it. I'll keep looking for answers but it seems this phone is not high on the priority list or is new or something. So there is only scam guides trying to tell you "How to unlock your phone" or "Install TWRP on Motorola devices" and other clearly click bait sites. I can't even find the stock rom for it on Motorola's site, just outdated versions from 2016, with different build numbers, that can't be right.
All I know is unlocking the bootloader was the first step on all the guides and I've done that. Got a warranty voided notice and everything. There currently isn't a custom recovery mod for this model as far I can tell. If I can ever find that then I can try Linage or just debloat Android 11 which is probably the safer and easier option provided I can find that Custom Covery'.
When it boots up now, it has to tell me it's unlocked and all the dangers it poses. Dangerous if you cared about what was on it I suppose. There is nothing on it I can't just copy back over to it, other than the stock operating system.
Oh yeah, it's model number and other side of the box information is:
Model Name: Moto G PURE
SKU: MO-XT21634-AJB (MOXT21634AJB)
Software Version RRH31.Q3-46-20
Production date was 12/15/2021
I'm not sure what other information to include.
BrittonCBurton said:
I also didn't see a forum for the Moto G Pure and was wondering if anyone knows of a custom bootloader like TWRP or CWM for it? I think I have enough understanding of how to sideload the app, I just need something to send the phone. I tried using a random TWRP mod on it but it fails, invalid signature. I haven't tried doing the phone rooting thing in years now, but I have this Moto G Pure phone without any service on it that I'm willing to experiment on. It can be used as a test bed or data extraction device to put code from it on the internet if someone needs it to help custom rom makers for example by testing stuff on it. Perhaps that's why no one has a custom recovery for it yet.
I don't know exactly how to extract the phones current ROM data so all I've done so far is unlock the bootloader. The phone's carrier based on the unactivated sim card shows it's a T-Mobile branded device, but the T-Mobile and other carrier software is inactive other than the few Moto apps. An article on XDA say's the phone's suck, but that's just not true at least not to me. It's a fine phone like it is, but if I can format it's SSD and only install what I want it to have on it that would be great. It's just a spare sim locked phone that I can't use my active sim card in. So with that it's now a project phone. I would like to mainly just unbloat it and free up all that used space occupied by the recovery partition. I don't necessarily need a whole new ROM, just want to root it. That's the only way to erase those factory files that I know of.
For me unlocking the bootloader wasn't to hard to do. You have to make sure the drivers from Motorola are installed and have a current version of ADB available on a computer. I still had a version of ADB tools that was almost a decade old now so I had to update that for the fastboot oem_unlock_unlockcode (automated code from Motorola support) command to work. To find out if it can be unlocked or not go here:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone%2Fbootloader%2Funlock-your-device-b
At the Moto site they will guide you on how to generate the code they want you to send them. You have to sign in to their site to use that function though. After I finally figured out what to type in the CMD window it generated that code and I edited it down to one long line of numbers and give it to the page. In seconds I had an email with the unlock code inside.
Unlocking it seems to help with uninstalling some of the built in stuff, before I could only disable most of the apps that come with it. The apps are still probably on there I just have to factory reset it and they'll come back. Now however the removed apps don't show as using any internal storage, all the apps info numbers go to 0 bytes, but still even doing that it's still over 10GB of unmovable data. When it should really be more like 2-3 GB for the entire system. I hate how Google just inserts itself in your life even when you don't want it at all.
I anyone passing by reading this post needs more details please let me know and I'll try to get the information or even data files from the phone. Would a copy of it's stock firmware be of any help? If so let me know how I would go about saving a copy of it. I'll keep looking for answers but it seems this phone is not high on the priority list or is new or something. So there is only scam guides trying to tell you "How to unlock your phone" or "Install TWRP on Motorola devices" and other clearly click bait sites. I can't even find the stock rom for it on Motorola's site, just outdated versions from 2016, with different build numbers, that can't be right.
All I know is unlocking the bootloader was the first step on all the guides and I've done that. Got a warranty voided notice and everything. There currently isn't a custom recovery mod for this model as far I can tell. If I can ever find that then I can try Linage or just debloat Android 11 which is probably the safer and easier option provided I can find that Custom Covery'.
When it boots up now, it has to tell me it's unlocked and all the dangers it poses. Dangerous if you cared about what was on it I suppose. There is nothing on it I can't just copy back over to it, other than the stock operating system.
Oh yeah, it's model number and other side of the box information is:
Model Name: Moto G PURE
SKU: MO-XT21634-AJB (MOXT21634AJB)
Software Version RRH31.Q3-46-20
Production date was 12/15/2021
I'm not sure what other information to include.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey i just came up on one of these today, nice phone considering... Any luck with trying to find a custom recovery? I have been looking as well but development seems pretty sparse right now. I am in the same boat as you, unlocked bootloader, locked everything else lol. I cant even find a way to root it without TWRP! I am curious if one of the other moto G series phones would have the same TWRP? Also check this out. It sounds legit but IDK...https://www.getdroidtips.com/root-motorola-g-pure-xt2163/
Agent_Orange1488 said:
hey i just came up on one of these today, nice phone considering... Any luck with trying to find a custom recovery? I have been looking as well but development seems pretty sparse right now. I am in the same boat as you, unlocked bootloader, locked everything else lol. I cant even find a way to root it without TWRP! I am curious if one of the other moto G series phones would have the same TWRP? Also check this out. It sounds legit but IDK...https://www.getdroidtips.com/root-motorola-g-pure-xt2163/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I was able to use Magisk to "root" it with the patched boot file trick, but still that's not the same thing as I did before with a Samsung phone and the CWM recovery deal. That gave the user all the control they wanted. Even though the phone claims I have root access, I'm not sure what to do with Magisk's root trick. I still don't see a way to backup or install a different operating system or just a blank Android 11 OS. My knowledge there is limited and there isn't a custom recovery for this model as far as I can tell.
So I still can't wipe the drive or remove the OEM partition that contains the installers for the bundled stuff. I'd still need some form of interface that has more features than the stock Fastboot and Bootloader modes offer I guess, or I just don't know how to use the software tools correctly. It's still locked even with root as far as I can tell but if there is something more I'm missing or an additional app to install for example, like SU. Is that still a thing? If I'm on the right track let me know.
BrittonCBurton said:
Well I was able to use Magisk to "root" it with the patched boot file trick, but still that's not the same thing as I did before with a Samsung phone and the CWM recovery deal. That gave the user all the control they wanted. Even though the phone claims I have root access, I'm not sure what to do with Magisk's root trick. I still don't see a way to backup or install a different operating system or just a blank Android 11 OS. My knowledge there is limited and there isn't a custom recovery for this model as far as I can tell.
So I still can't wipe the drive or remove the OEM partition that contains the installers for the bundled stuff. I'd still need some form of interface that has more features than the stock Fastboot and Bootloader modes offer I guess, or I just don't know how to use the software tools correctly. It's still locked even with root as far as I can tell but if there is something more I'm missing or an additional app to install for example, like SU. Is that still a thing? If I'm on the right track let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply!!! I am speaking from a place of semi-ignorance here but I would thing that you could install SuperSU from inside the system, right? As long as the root binary is there...idk though and from what I hear, chainfire is not responsible for SuperSU anymore so it has become somewhat sketchy. I saw a post (about this phone, I think) that mentioned having to install terminal emulator and running root command from there to achieve legit root after flashing the patched boot.img. I will see if I can find the post again and update you. Is there anyway you could post the boot.img? Or give me a link for it?
Agent_Orange1488 said:
Thanks for the reply!!! I am speaking from a place of semi-ignorance here but I would thing that you could install SuperSU from inside the system, right? As long as the root binary is there...idk though and from what I hear, chainfire is not responsible for SuperSU anymore so it has become somewhat sketchy. I saw a post (about this phone, I think) that mentioned having to install terminal emulator and running root command from there to achieve legit root after flashing the patched boot.img. I will see if I can find the post again and update you. Is there anyway you could post the boot.img? Or give me a link for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I can try and learn how to extract the phones information to my computer. I don't know how to do that exactly. The way I was able to get a hold of the phones stock firmware data was by using Lenovo's Smart Rescue and Recovery software.
You have to enable usb debugging mode, attach the phone to the computer with the software running and make sure that you didn't disable/delete Device Help. That app is what makes the Lenovo software work, otherwise the Recovery software fails to see the phone. If it sees the phone correctly then you can see the preselected target firmware it wants you to download under the Rescue tab along the top.
So I did that and grabbed the files it created without actually applying them to the device. The whole thing is a little over 2GB and difficult to host but I put the stock boot.img file here for anyone who needs it. If anyone wants all the files I can try to upload the whole thing one file at at time. That's the way it was sent to me, an uncompressed folder. If I zip it all up and try to upload it most sites will say file size exceeded. Anyway here's the link...
boot
MediaFire is a simple to use free service that lets you put all your photos, documents, music, and video in a single place so you can access them anywhere and share them everywhere.
www.mediafire.com
Thanks I was able to patch it with Magisk and achieve root. It looks like Magisk is an SU manager anyway. I have never used it before so this is a first for me. The root and bootloader unlock seem a little pointless without any recovery or ROM though....I guess it's time to learn how to compile one lol
I just picked up the Moto G Pure (XT2163-4) Android 11 aka Red Velvet Cake *sounds yummy lol*....I've been searching around and not seen any info about any rooting method for this device....besides the "Root All Motorola Phones" crap...and I don't feel like risking making a paper weight with it. Even on here it doesn't show up in the...add device list....was going to add to my profile...but can't.
Agent_Orange1488 said:
Thanks I was able to patch it with Magisk and achieve root. It looks like Magisk is an SU manager anyway. I have never used it before so this is a first for me. The root and bootloader unlock seem a little pointless without any recovery or ROM though....I guess it's time to learn how to compile one lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah now we're on the same page then. I thought the same thing, not much use to have an unlocked boot loader and root access without software to make use of it. I gave the phone to my nieces to play with for now, but it's with in arms reach if I need it for instructions yet to be defined. I should receive updates to this post if anyone else responds.
Gamekeeper408 said:
I just picked up the Moto G Pure (XT2163-4) Android 11 aka Red Velvet Cake *sounds yummy lol*....I've been searching around and not seen any info about any rooting method for this device....besides the "Root All Motorola Phones" crap...and I don't feel like risking making a paper weight with it. Even on here it doesn't show up in the...add device list....was going to add to my profile...but can't.
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Click to collapse
Yeah appears it was produced in late 2021 or sold at that time so it's new and no one has made any custom firmware's or recoveries for it as far as I know. I don't know how to do that, requires computer programming skills. I don't have any of those.
Gamekeeper408 said:
I just picked up the Moto G Pure (XT2163-4) Android 11 aka Red Velvet Cake *sounds yummy lol*....I've been searching around and not seen any info about any rooting method for this device....besides the "Root All Motorola Phones" crap...and I don't feel like risking making a paper weight with it. Even on here it doesn't show up in the...add device list....was going to add to my profile...but can't.
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I feel your pain! Had mine a few days and of course came to XDA immediately to find the DL on this joint but no luck... Ya I definitely don't recommend one click root method for this. If you want, I can post/link the patched boot.img i made with magisk. Mine boots with it and have confirmed root.
BrittonCBurton said:
Yeah now we're on the same page then. I thought the same thing, not much use to have an unlocked boot loader and root access without software to make use of it. I gave the phone to my nieces to play with for now, but it's with in arms reach if I need it for instructions yet to be defined. I should receive updates to this post if anyone else responds.
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Excellent, it's nice to be caught up with everyone else haha!! I am going to do some digging and posting and whatnot to try to find some info on porting a recovery for this model. I feel like it can't be too different from at least one or two of the other G series phones. I will see updates as well so please post if you come up with anything!!
BTW does anyone know the process of creating a device page for this joint?! I think this phone is definitely worth some development...
Agent_Orange1488 said:
Excellent, it's nice to be caught up with everyone else haha!! I am going to do some digging and posting and whatnot to try to find some info on porting a recovery for this model. I feel like it can't be too different from at least one or two of the other G series phones. I will see updates as well so please post if you come up with anything!!
BTW does anyone know the process of creating a device page for this joint?! I think this phone is definitely worth some development...
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Good luck finding anything that will load onto the phone. Seems like it would be possible to install LineageOS on it if nothing else. You'd think by now installing a phone's operating system would be similar to how operating systems are installed on other computers. All I get is invalid signature, way to much security (for them) on phone OS'es. With phones and PDA's apparently you can't just find the OS you want to use and install it. Where's the generic and bloat free Andriod 11 stock OS/firmware at? No such thing? It's either "Gaggles" way or nothing apparently. (It's ok if you don't know either, maybe someone else has more information about that.)
BrittonCBurton said:
Good luck finding anything that will load onto the phone. Seems like it would be possible to install LineageOS on it if nothing else. You'd think by now installing a phone's operating system would be similar to how operating systems are installed on other computers. All I get is invalid signature, way to much security (for them) on phone OS'es. With phones and PDA's apparently you can't just find the OS you want to use and install it. Where's the generic and bloat free Andriod 11 stock OS/firmware at? No such thing? It's either "Gaggles" way or nothing apparently. (It's ok if you don't know either, maybe someone else has more information about that.)
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Ya I'm definitely not going to try anything on the actual device, (ESPECIALLY if I am trying to put it together myself) but I am pretty sure you can test that stuff on a virtual system. Some kind of android emulator or whatever. As for a stock/debloated/de-odexed ROM, I haven't seen one but that couldn't be all that difficult to put together, right? I mean as long as the patched boot.img is included anyway. I feel like a recovery would be a higher priority though...? BTW, I have never used Lineage before, how is it?
Agent_Orange1488 said:
I feel your pain! Had mine a few days and of course came to XDA immediately to find the DL on this joint but no luck... Ya I definitely don't recommend one click root method for this. If you want, I can post/link the patched boot.img i made with magisk. Mine boots with it and have confirmed root.
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That would be great if you could share that patched boot.img......it is for the XT2163-4 MOTO G PURE correct?
Gamekeeper408 said:
That would be great if you could share that patched boot.img......it is for the XT2163-4 MOTO G PURE correct?
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Agent_Orange1488 said:
I feel your pain! Had mine a few days and of course came to XDA immediately to find the DL on this joint but no luck... Ya I definitely don't recommend one click root method for this. If you want, I can post/link the patched boot.img i made with magisk. Mine boots with it and have confirmed root.
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I would also like the patched boot.img if it is for the XT2163-4. Thanks
Hey boys I actually got rid of the moto g pure...for now at least lol! GREAT phone and I would be willing to get it back once there is some dev work done on it...will definitely be watching the threads on it. Good luck boys!!!
Hi
I read the above posts, and it seems like even if I am able to root it using Magisk, I won't be able to flash it with custom rom?
Thank you Agent_Orange1488 for the posts.

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