Motorola Relock Bootloader

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Eberardo Topher

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Aug 3, 2024, 5:58:08 PM8/3/24

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tl;dr: had a problem rooting on Android N, flashed stock M image. Now running unrooted M, but attempts to OTA upgrade to N fail. I'm unable to relock bootloader by reflashing stock. I think this is because Motorola doesn't want users to downgrade. How can I get back up to N?

I made backups of my phone using FlashFire (standard and fastboot), then followed this guide to return my phone to stock and relock the bootloader. It worked, and I was able to OTA update to Android N and install the latest security updates.

Here's where I screwed up. I figured I could just start again, and tried to flash the same 6.0.1 stock image. It worked, and the phone is now running 6.0.1, but is unable to install OTA updates. Further, when I try to flash stock and relock the bootloader, fastboot warns me(bootloader) Invalid signed image(bootloader) Preflash validation failedfor most steps, and (bootloader) Still require signed boot.img when I attempt to fastboot oem lock. The same happens when I try to restore my FlashFire backup. I believe this is functionality to prevent users from downgrading, although I was able to revert to 6.0.1.

I can't find a stock Android N rom for XT1644, just an OTA udpate I'm unable to install. What steps can I take to get back to Android N, or to completely revert my phone to stock so I can upgrade again.

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Exploits like these rely on vulnerabilities in outdated versions of Android. As such, they often cease functioning after Motorola issues security patches. If your device no longer has any lock screen exploits, try more advanced unlock techniques.

This recovery mode process resets the password without damaging personal data elsewhere in internal storage. However, app data and settings configured since that lock screen was set will revert. It essentially restores the OS to that previous point in time.

The bootloader unlock completely factory resets the OS and firmware. But once entering your new password during device initialization, all your original data stores will remain untouched. So you regain access protected behind a preferred PIN or password!

Resetting a lock screen PIN or password works somewhat differently across the vast array of Motorola devices and Android versions. If you have an unfamiliar model, or one using an esoteric version of the OS, consider engaging outside help.

For newer Motorola devices still under warranty, contact Motorola support directly. Their technicians have extensive experience overcoming forgotten lock screens across all device models they sell. Support agents can also access other options unavailable to consumers for unlocking screen passwords without factory resets or bootloader unlocks.

The Moto E7 presents a forgotten password question after several failed sign-in attempts. If you can recall the answer you selected during initial setup, replying accurately resets lock screen password to allow regain access.

Writing down the password to access your Motorola device seems counterintuitive. But doing so ensures you never lose access to personal data due to forgotten login credentials. Just store that written record somewhere discreet yet accessible if that information ever slips your mind.

Use lock screen exploit providing access from the verification prompt.
Reset password protection from Android recovery mode menus.
Manually delete the password enforcement key file via Motorola Device Manager.
Unlock then relock bootloader to disable existing password.
Employ Rescue and Smart Reset modes on certain Moto E devices
Use unlock codes if available for given model and OS version.
Answer forgotten password question to remove lock screen.

Bootloader unlocking is the process of disabling the bootloader security that makes secure boot possible. It can make advanced customizations possible, such as installing a custom firmware. On smartphones this can be a custom Android distribution or another mobile operating system. Some bootloaders are not locked at all, others can be unlocked using a standard command, others need assistance from the manufacturer. Some do not include an unlocking method and can only be unlocked through a software exploit.

Unlocking the bootloader usually voids any warranties and may make the device susceptible to data theft.[1] On Chromebooks, enabling developer mode makes the system less secure than a standard laptop running Linux.[2] Unlocking the bootloader may lead to data loss on Android and ChromeOS devices, as some data is impossible to back up without root permission. This will also lead to certain security apps not working, such as Samsung Knox which the counter would be stuck at "0x1."

If you are getting "Handshake failed" on MTKCilent, then SLA/DAA need to be disabled, or it is probably that's sign of preloader being patched, not only happened to OPPO devices, it is also happened to other phone brand.

In 2011, Sony Ericsson released an online bootloader unlocking tool.[10] Sony requires the IMEI number to be filled in on their website.[11] For the Asus Transformer Prime TF201, Asus has released a special bootloader unlock tool.[12]

In 2012, Motorola released a limited tool for unlocking bootloaders.[13] They require accepting terms and conditions and creating an account before the bootloader can be unlocked for your Motorola device.[14]

Bootloaders can be unlocked using an exploit or using a way that the vendor supplied. The latter method usually requires wiping all data on the device.[15] In addition, some manufacturers prohibit unlocking on carrier locked phones. Although Samsung phones and cellular tablets sold in the US and Canada do not allow bootloader unlocks regardless of carrier status, a service has allowed users on an earlier version to unlock their US/Canadian Samsung phone(s) and/or tablet(s)[16][17]

In 2018, a developer from XDA Developers launched a service which allowed users to unlock the bootloader of some Nokia smartphone models.[18] Similarly, another developer from XDA Developers launched a service to allow users to unlock the bootloaders of Samsung Galaxy S20 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Phones.

Huawei announced plans to allow users to unlock the bootloader of the Mate 30 series, but later retracted that.[19] Huawei has stopped providing bootloader unlock codes since 2018.[20] A bootloader exploit named checkm30 has been developed for HiSilicon based Huawei phones.[21][non-primary source needed]

When the bootloader of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 was unlocked, the camera became less functional. This could be restored by re-locking the bootloader.[22] This issue was later fixed by Samsung.[23] For the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, unlocking the bootloader has no effect on the camera.[24]

The WPInternals tool is able to unlock bootloaders of all Nokia Lumia phones running Windows Phone, but not phones like the Alcatel Idol 4 or HP Elite x3.[25][26] Version 1.0 was released in November 2015.[27] In October 2018, the tool was released as open source software when the main developer Ren Lergner (also known as HeathCliff74) stepped down.[28]

The boot ROM protection on iOS devices with an A11 processor or older can be bypassed with a hardware exploit known as checkm8, which makes it possible to run other operating systems including Linux.[30]

The equivalent of bootloader unlocking is called developer mode in Chromebooks.[32] Chromebooks use custom bootloaders that can be modified or overwritten by removing a Write-protect screw.[33] Some models lack a screw and instead may or may not require disabling the onboard Cr50 chip.[1]

Asus used to provide an Unlocking tool for both of their smartphone lines, the Zenfone and ROG Phone. This worked as an installable .apk file that the user could install on their phone, then unlock the bootloader. The app worked by contacting Asus unlocking servers, then prompting the user to perform a factory reset.

In 2023 Asus removed the tool from their website and closed the unlocking servers, so even phones with the .apk file installed couldn't unlock their bootloaders. Representatives on the Asus forums claimed the tool would be available again, but as of March 2024 no additional information has been provided, even after the release of their latest device the ROG Phone 8 and the upcoming release of the Zenfone 11 Ultra.

A user on the popular fourm XDA (website) filed a court claim application against Asus due to the unlock tool never being released and alleged that Asus censored comments about the unlock tool on their form.[36]

According to information from technology groups in Vietnam, after updating version 2.1.6 of the VNeID application released on May 30, 2024, some Android phone users have received warnings : "Your device is not safe, there is a risk of containing malicious code...". As a result, users are thrown to the main screen and cannot use the VNeID application, even though before the update they could still log in and use it normally.

This is because VNeID 2.1.6 update has added new security measures to stop working on Android devices with root access, unlocked bootloader and developer mode enabled. To use, users must disable root access to the device, relock bootloader and turn off developer options.[39]

In 2018, Huawei stopped providing bootloader unlock codes.[40] On 31 December 2021, LG shut down their website which provided bootloader unlock codes.[41] In August 2023, ASUS removed the unlocking tool from their website and shut down the servers used to unlock the bootloader.[42]